Recently I've been more aware of my feet. I think of the many miles that have I traveled in this lifetime. Places my feet have taken me in Africa, Brazil and Europe. The many towns, villages and cities and the various landscapes of valleys, oceansides and hills that I have trodden.
Perhaps thinking of my feet is a result of the upcoming medical procedure to stop a leaking valve in my left leg. Or it could be the bone weariness of getting up and going through a day where stress and pressure of work greets you at the first ring of the phone. And even on the best days like Saturday when my wife and I travel to visit small New England towns that same tiredness seems to follow.
At 47 I'd think that my energy level should not be diminishing. After all I exercise at least twice a day and have a regular devotional time with God in the morning. So why does it feel like any measure of strength seems to bleed out?
The Scripture tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10) and joy comes in the morning (Psalms 30:5). At times I've awaken with a sense of gladness and a smile brightens my face - usually at the sound of birds singing on a warm spring day. Life outside my window is stirring and the energy of that alones brings joy to my heart. Yes, I'm still breathing and alive and assuredly as His mercy is new every morning so too can I experience His unfolding joy.
But the strength of joy in this life's journey must be sustainable. There will be a day when the birds don't sing and winter season brings a death grip. When life's unexpected twist and turns steal any joy and tempt one to be bitter and angry.
Then I read Hebrews 12:2 that says, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (KJV). The ugliness and shame of the cross did not take the joy from the Son of God rather He looked past it - to see us today - and that is what filled His heart with unspeakable joy.
We can go through anything and endure everything when the source of our joy is Christ. It requires us to fix our eyes on Him and not on earthly things. Joy should not be a weary work but a light and satisfying experience of which I'm learning in this life's journey this Scripture: Cast your cares upon Him for He cares for you! (I Peter 5:7).
I know there will be a day when I see Him face to face and fullness of joy will be mine. Until then I must learn joy is a choice despite the weariness because I must learn to look past what I see to whom I must see - and that makes a difference in a lighter step in the journey.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Overcoming A Perceived Fear Of Failure
Of the many fears we face in a lifetime, the fear of failure - real or perceived - seems to be the strongest fear we encounter.
It can cause some to retreat and avoid risks. But sadly these individuals miss out on the rewards that others discover when pushing past a fear full of anxious questions about the unknown. Think of how the world changed when Leif Ericson followed by Christopher Columbus sailed to the Americas against the popular belief the world was flat. Go too far and you will fall off the earth!
For believers, the fear of failure is a weapon the Enemy often uses to prevent us from talking about Christ to our co-workers or neighbors. What will they think? Will they react badly? What happens when I have a bad day and don't act much like a Christian?
This same fear of failure is used to keep us from pressing into Him. We say and do things (more often in private) that make us feel like failures. Especially when we have done well for a while but then something happens and we find ourselves in a familiar pit of self recrimination.
We have the example of Peter who denied Christ not just once but three times. What is interesting is Jesus never talks about it when meeting Peter after the resurrection. He simply asked Peter (note three times) if he loved Him (John 21:15).
I believe this is key to overcoming any fear especially perceived fears. Perceived fears are not so much evident but are more felt like dark, thick shadows clouding out the light in our minds to see and understand accurately. It's that "what if" question that causes us to fear what may not be true or known.
The key to overcoming this fear is not running through endless questions but asking ourselves do we love Him more especially when we fail?
The Scriptures tells us that perfect (mature) love cast out fear (1 John 4:18). The true test to overcoming the fear of failure and when we actually do fail is that we respond to Him in love. Quite the opposite of what we normally do when we sink low. We often work harder, make promises and do all sorts of religious exercises to be right with God.
That is why we must not only confess our sins but confess that we love Him - not based on what we did or did not do - but because he first loved us.
Returning to Him our love and devotion will displace perceived fears that disfigure and disgrace our relationship with Him. Love matures and grows. It becomes bolder to push past whispers of perceived fears to see the reality of Christ who is for us and not against us. So we can say together: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
It can cause some to retreat and avoid risks. But sadly these individuals miss out on the rewards that others discover when pushing past a fear full of anxious questions about the unknown. Think of how the world changed when Leif Ericson followed by Christopher Columbus sailed to the Americas against the popular belief the world was flat. Go too far and you will fall off the earth!
For believers, the fear of failure is a weapon the Enemy often uses to prevent us from talking about Christ to our co-workers or neighbors. What will they think? Will they react badly? What happens when I have a bad day and don't act much like a Christian?
This same fear of failure is used to keep us from pressing into Him. We say and do things (more often in private) that make us feel like failures. Especially when we have done well for a while but then something happens and we find ourselves in a familiar pit of self recrimination.
We have the example of Peter who denied Christ not just once but three times. What is interesting is Jesus never talks about it when meeting Peter after the resurrection. He simply asked Peter (note three times) if he loved Him (John 21:15).
I believe this is key to overcoming any fear especially perceived fears. Perceived fears are not so much evident but are more felt like dark, thick shadows clouding out the light in our minds to see and understand accurately. It's that "what if" question that causes us to fear what may not be true or known.
The key to overcoming this fear is not running through endless questions but asking ourselves do we love Him more especially when we fail?
The Scriptures tells us that perfect (mature) love cast out fear (1 John 4:18). The true test to overcoming the fear of failure and when we actually do fail is that we respond to Him in love. Quite the opposite of what we normally do when we sink low. We often work harder, make promises and do all sorts of religious exercises to be right with God.
That is why we must not only confess our sins but confess that we love Him - not based on what we did or did not do - but because he first loved us.
Returning to Him our love and devotion will displace perceived fears that disfigure and disgrace our relationship with Him. Love matures and grows. It becomes bolder to push past whispers of perceived fears to see the reality of Christ who is for us and not against us. So we can say together: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
Saturday, April 16, 2016
How Can It Be?
Most of our prayers are rebuttals.
Vocabulary.com states a rebutal is "When two people debate, one of them makes an argument, and the other follows with a rebuttal, which, plainly put, is the "no, you're wrong and this is why" argument." Also, in law, rebuttal is a form of evidence that is presented to contradict or nullify other evidence that has been presented by an adverse party (Wikipedia).
Some of us are not that bold to tell God no but rather we offer a litany of excuses and dismissals to what He had already promised us.
Take the example of Zechariah who questioned the angel when hearing the news his wife will have a child (Luke 1:18). He reasoned that they were past their prime. How can it be? In turn, the angel's rebuttal was Zechariah would be mute until the child was born because he refused to believe the good news (verse 20).
On the other hand we have the example of Mary who is told that though she is a virgin and unmarried will bear a Child. There was a remarkable difference in her response than that of Zechariah. When she asked how can this be (Luke 1:34) she was asking by what means will this be made possible. Again, she was not arguing that it wasn't impossible but through what means will it be made possible? To which the angel responded through the Holy Ghost (verse 35).
When we are fixed and rooted by our human reasoning like Zechariah then we are rebutting God's ability to act on our behalf. In contrast, remember Abraham who believed God that he would have a heir and be a father of many nations to which he was credited as being righteous (Genesis 15:6).
How often do we argue with God to why something isn't the way we see it or want it to be but He patiently in turns provides evidence (rebuttal) to the contrary - not that God is compelled to answer our fleshly desires - but according to His own desire and design.
At times we can state so firmly the reasons to why we struggle - it's in our family history or personal experience with a trail of bad choices as evidence - but still such arguments are root in a spirit of unbelief. Always at the core of unbelief is selfishness the very substance of what makes sin so insidious.
Beloved, yes the Lord wants us to engage in meaningful and purposeful prayer where we may present questions but it should lead us to a place of trust and rest in His ways. We must believe The Lord knows how to satisfy us with an answer we never expected or a response that is beyond our comprehension.
Questions tend to circle back to more questions in an endless and weary cycle but if we release those questions to Him then we will find rest and peace for our troubled minds.
Then we can be open to impossibilities becoming reality just as Mary did - she asked only one question and received a single response. So the matter was settled.
Let us respond as Mary to the angel. "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38 NIV).
Vocabulary.com states a rebutal is "When two people debate, one of them makes an argument, and the other follows with a rebuttal, which, plainly put, is the "no, you're wrong and this is why" argument." Also, in law, rebuttal is a form of evidence that is presented to contradict or nullify other evidence that has been presented by an adverse party (Wikipedia).
Some of us are not that bold to tell God no but rather we offer a litany of excuses and dismissals to what He had already promised us.
Take the example of Zechariah who questioned the angel when hearing the news his wife will have a child (Luke 1:18). He reasoned that they were past their prime. How can it be? In turn, the angel's rebuttal was Zechariah would be mute until the child was born because he refused to believe the good news (verse 20).
On the other hand we have the example of Mary who is told that though she is a virgin and unmarried will bear a Child. There was a remarkable difference in her response than that of Zechariah. When she asked how can this be (Luke 1:34) she was asking by what means will this be made possible. Again, she was not arguing that it wasn't impossible but through what means will it be made possible? To which the angel responded through the Holy Ghost (verse 35).
When we are fixed and rooted by our human reasoning like Zechariah then we are rebutting God's ability to act on our behalf. In contrast, remember Abraham who believed God that he would have a heir and be a father of many nations to which he was credited as being righteous (Genesis 15:6).
How often do we argue with God to why something isn't the way we see it or want it to be but He patiently in turns provides evidence (rebuttal) to the contrary - not that God is compelled to answer our fleshly desires - but according to His own desire and design.
At times we can state so firmly the reasons to why we struggle - it's in our family history or personal experience with a trail of bad choices as evidence - but still such arguments are root in a spirit of unbelief. Always at the core of unbelief is selfishness the very substance of what makes sin so insidious.
Beloved, yes the Lord wants us to engage in meaningful and purposeful prayer where we may present questions but it should lead us to a place of trust and rest in His ways. We must believe The Lord knows how to satisfy us with an answer we never expected or a response that is beyond our comprehension.
Questions tend to circle back to more questions in an endless and weary cycle but if we release those questions to Him then we will find rest and peace for our troubled minds.
Then we can be open to impossibilities becoming reality just as Mary did - she asked only one question and received a single response. So the matter was settled.
Let us respond as Mary to the angel. "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38 NIV).
Saturday, April 9, 2016
No More Diminished Life Part 2
There is a well known American pastor whose messages and writings speak much about prosperity and well being. I've listened and read a few words from his books which made me feel an undercurrent of discontentment. Why don't I have more money? Stronger health? A bright and optimistic future? Don't I have faith to believe God for bigger and greater things?
Yes, believers should experience blessings to the measure the Lord determines.
However, such experiences of bliss in the natural are never to be compared to the higher and greater spiritual blessings God promises us.
Beloved, needs and desires are temporal but the dealings of God in our lives is eternal. An automobile will need maintenance and fuel to run. Housing requires paying monthly rent or a mortgage. The body ages and as such it grows tired, ill and is subject to death. Whatever relief or blessing we receive from His hand should be enough for the hour.
Teachings of an abundant Christian life should not cause us to be discontent or greedy but rather humble and grateful, especially when we consider the deep poverty and horrific suffering felt around the world.
Ephesians 1:3 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:" (KJV). The word blessing in the original is eulogeó which means "good word". We must hold to the truth that God is good - both when we are well and when we are sick. Life can be unkind and harsh but His word to us is always good. So too is His report over our lives as Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." NIV).
True abundant life is a life filled with the presence of God not material things. It's understanding the truth of who and what we are in relationship to Christ as Ephesians chapter 1 describes. We are chosen (verse 4) and adopted (verse 5). We are redeemed and forgiven (verse 7) as a result of God's rich grace. These truths enrich our lives no matter the condition or state we find ourselves.
Beloved, we do well if we don't compare to those who have more goods and blessings. It does not mean our lives are diminished or impoverished. Often God blesses to illustrate His mercy and kindness to lead us to repentance. Sadly, some mistaken such prosperity and abundance as God's approval to remain unchanged and unchallenged in areas of their hearts given to sinful behaviors. They don't fully understand the moment of blessing will cease with a swift judgment to follow.
Better to be lean and hungry for Christ then full and deceived from the passing pleasures of this earthly life. Trust in His goodness my dear sister and brother. God will not leave us without provision or protection because He is a good Father. A satisfied and full life is not found in material possession but possessing the Spirit of Christ as our one true reward.
Let us say with Paul, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Philippians 3:12 NIV).
When God takes hold of us...we learn to release the things we hold so tightly...only to find a greater life. Full and enriched.
Yes, believers should experience blessings to the measure the Lord determines.
However, such experiences of bliss in the natural are never to be compared to the higher and greater spiritual blessings God promises us.
Beloved, needs and desires are temporal but the dealings of God in our lives is eternal. An automobile will need maintenance and fuel to run. Housing requires paying monthly rent or a mortgage. The body ages and as such it grows tired, ill and is subject to death. Whatever relief or blessing we receive from His hand should be enough for the hour.
Teachings of an abundant Christian life should not cause us to be discontent or greedy but rather humble and grateful, especially when we consider the deep poverty and horrific suffering felt around the world.
Ephesians 1:3 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:" (KJV). The word blessing in the original is eulogeó which means "good word". We must hold to the truth that God is good - both when we are well and when we are sick. Life can be unkind and harsh but His word to us is always good. So too is His report over our lives as Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." NIV).
True abundant life is a life filled with the presence of God not material things. It's understanding the truth of who and what we are in relationship to Christ as Ephesians chapter 1 describes. We are chosen (verse 4) and adopted (verse 5). We are redeemed and forgiven (verse 7) as a result of God's rich grace. These truths enrich our lives no matter the condition or state we find ourselves.
Beloved, we do well if we don't compare to those who have more goods and blessings. It does not mean our lives are diminished or impoverished. Often God blesses to illustrate His mercy and kindness to lead us to repentance. Sadly, some mistaken such prosperity and abundance as God's approval to remain unchanged and unchallenged in areas of their hearts given to sinful behaviors. They don't fully understand the moment of blessing will cease with a swift judgment to follow.
Better to be lean and hungry for Christ then full and deceived from the passing pleasures of this earthly life. Trust in His goodness my dear sister and brother. God will not leave us without provision or protection because He is a good Father. A satisfied and full life is not found in material possession but possessing the Spirit of Christ as our one true reward.
Let us say with Paul, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Philippians 3:12 NIV).
When God takes hold of us...we learn to release the things we hold so tightly...only to find a greater life. Full and enriched.
Saturday, April 2, 2016
No More Diminished Life
Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (KJV). Imagine a life that exceeds our expectations! A life overflowing and abundant!
But a single glance in the mirror is telling. Our aging face shows lines of worry and distress. We can't help but to notice our lips slightly turn downward in an expression of sorrow or sadness. And those eyes that once danced and sparkled with youthful vigor are dimmed by a life we would never imagined or wanted. We turn away to face the walls where we live and how we live and it feels anything but abundant but rather confining and diminishing.
Yesterday's bright hopes and dreams have long disappeared under the layers of dismissal and denial. So why bother resurrecting bone-dried desires? It will be too painful to stir passions into a warm flame.
At least that is how Martha and Mary must have felt when their brother Lazarus died. Leave him alone. He's at rest. And after four days of being dead any chance of life was long gone.
Perhaps the verse in John 11:25 is a greater comfort for those who feel dead inside though functionally living. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead (emphasis mine), yet shall he live (John 11:25 KJV). Moments later Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
So too I believe the Lord desires to bring us out of our self imposed tombs. Namely, unbelief that simply does not trust God with the most fragile and intimate places in our hearts. There is a risk in trusting but with God we can never be disappointed. All that He does in our lives is good and for our good.
And so we come to the question Jesus asked Martha. "...and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:26 NIV)
Do we believe He cares?
Do we believe He loves us?
Do we believe He can speak to our deaden hearts to come to life again?
If we believe...we live.
But a single glance in the mirror is telling. Our aging face shows lines of worry and distress. We can't help but to notice our lips slightly turn downward in an expression of sorrow or sadness. And those eyes that once danced and sparkled with youthful vigor are dimmed by a life we would never imagined or wanted. We turn away to face the walls where we live and how we live and it feels anything but abundant but rather confining and diminishing.
Yesterday's bright hopes and dreams have long disappeared under the layers of dismissal and denial. So why bother resurrecting bone-dried desires? It will be too painful to stir passions into a warm flame.
At least that is how Martha and Mary must have felt when their brother Lazarus died. Leave him alone. He's at rest. And after four days of being dead any chance of life was long gone.
Perhaps the verse in John 11:25 is a greater comfort for those who feel dead inside though functionally living. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead (emphasis mine), yet shall he live (John 11:25 KJV). Moments later Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
So too I believe the Lord desires to bring us out of our self imposed tombs. Namely, unbelief that simply does not trust God with the most fragile and intimate places in our hearts. There is a risk in trusting but with God we can never be disappointed. All that He does in our lives is good and for our good.
And so we come to the question Jesus asked Martha. "...and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:26 NIV)
Do we believe He cares?
Do we believe He loves us?
Do we believe He can speak to our deaden hearts to come to life again?
If we believe...we live.