It's not when we are surrounded by a warm circle of friends or engaged in the busy activities of the day that we know what is really going wrong in our hearts. So often these things serve as a distraction to the evident signs and symptoms that we know our heart is not close to the Lord as it should.
Likewise, many in ministry believe it's possible to serve God out of form and function but they have long since lost the passion and heart for the things of God. Almost by spiritual osmosis, since they minister in the church somehow makes them spiritual and live.
Until God puts you aside to speak about something very deeply embedded in your heart.
King Hezekiah was miraculously healed but made a fatal choice. 2 Chronicles 32:31 says, "But when envoys were sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask him about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart. (NIV). God was not on tour that day along with the envoys that swept into the city to see things they should have not seen. He left Hezekiah alone.
It says, "Hezekiah received the envoys and showed them all that was in his storehouses--the silver, the gold, the spices and the fine olive oil--his armory and everything found among his treasures. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them. (2 Kings 20:13, NIV).
Centuries later Babylon destroyed Jerusalem. Though it's not recorded in the Bible, I'm certain they recorded vulnerable places in the city and surveyed the wealth that one day they would seize.
God used this opportunity to try or test Hezekiah's heart. He wanted to teach Hezekiah a lesson. Evidently, there was a deep root of pride in this man who was impressed by another nation to take interest in his well-being and kingly status.
But what was more troubling is Hezekiah's response to the prophet who warned that this nation would be overtaken by them one day. Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "This message you have given me from the LORD is good." For the king was thinking, "At least there will be peace and security during my lifetime.' (2 Kings 20:19, NLT).
Hezekiah's attitude was careless, unconcerned and selfish. And this is why God has to put aside some of us to show what is really at the heart of the matter.
And He uses silence to put some of us aside. He just gets up and walks into another room of our lives.
But if you still your soul long enough, I'm sure you will hear those quiet admonishing whispers.
Will you heed?
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Saturday, September 23, 2017
All Is Not Wasted
After miraculously feeding thousands Jesus said, "When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." (John 6:12 NIV).
The broken pieces of bread and fish though small still had nutritional value. The smallest things matter to God and nothing is overlooked. His power is enough to regenerate all the broken pieces of our lives so nothing is wasted or lost.
And we have an example of a woman who from the eyes of the Jewish world view was considered a dog because she was a gentile. Outside of God's covenant promises and blessings. But in a Holy Ghost inspired moment, she seizes on her status and claims Jesus as her master. "Yes it is, Lord," she said. "Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." (Matthew 15:27 NIV). Jesus was astounded by her faith and the request for her daughter was answered.
Even the disciples were needing a lesson that from God's perspective nothing is wasted. Think of the woman who poured the costly perfume on the head of Jesus and wept at his feet. It says, "When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked." (Matthew 26:8, NIV).
All was not lost.
The Lord declared that she did this in preparation of His burial and she will be remembered for all time.
Are there things in your life too hard to talk about? Too many wasted years from addiction, broken relationships, hardships and difficulties? You tell yourself it's all lost so why hope? It hurts too much to even believe God can do anything with my life.
But with God all things are possible. The same God who spoke light into the void and darkness (Genesis 1:2) can speak light and truth to our lives. He gives a fresh perspective and understanding to see things different - and to believe differently.
Once we see through His eyes the value of our lives and all the pieces that it makes up - His love for us will change us.
The broken pieces of bread and fish though small still had nutritional value. The smallest things matter to God and nothing is overlooked. His power is enough to regenerate all the broken pieces of our lives so nothing is wasted or lost.
And we have an example of a woman who from the eyes of the Jewish world view was considered a dog because she was a gentile. Outside of God's covenant promises and blessings. But in a Holy Ghost inspired moment, she seizes on her status and claims Jesus as her master. "Yes it is, Lord," she said. "Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." (Matthew 15:27 NIV). Jesus was astounded by her faith and the request for her daughter was answered.
Even the disciples were needing a lesson that from God's perspective nothing is wasted. Think of the woman who poured the costly perfume on the head of Jesus and wept at his feet. It says, "When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked." (Matthew 26:8, NIV).
All was not lost.
The Lord declared that she did this in preparation of His burial and she will be remembered for all time.
Are there things in your life too hard to talk about? Too many wasted years from addiction, broken relationships, hardships and difficulties? You tell yourself it's all lost so why hope? It hurts too much to even believe God can do anything with my life.
But with God all things are possible. The same God who spoke light into the void and darkness (Genesis 1:2) can speak light and truth to our lives. He gives a fresh perspective and understanding to see things different - and to believe differently.
Once we see through His eyes the value of our lives and all the pieces that it makes up - His love for us will change us.
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Nearer To My God
The lyrics of a majestic 19th century hymn, Nearer My God, To Thee by Sarah Flower Adams so aptly describes the life of Jacob and some of us today.
Then with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs Bethel I'll raise;
So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee,
Jacob while fleeing from his older brother whom he deceived out of the birthright found himself in a place he called Bethel (Genesis 28:19). Here in this place he had a dream of angels ascending and descending on a ladder leading heavenward. Here God reminded Jacob of the promise given to his forefathers of possessing the land and that his descendants will be many like the dust of the earth.
Are you in such a place of fear or intimidation because of the Enemy's threats? Are you running from the shadows of the past and uncertain of a future? Do you find yourself so weary like Jacob who didn't mind the rock for a pillow.
But when he awoke something had changed - it was not the geography or even his condition - rather he found himself nearer to God than he'd first believed. The presence of God transforms us!
It seems like the further you run God has a way of meeting you right at the place where's no more strength to take another step. The only step is to draw near to God. So, we are reminded of the promise to draw near to God and He will come closer to us (James 4:8).
When you find yourself in hard and difficult place the only thing you can do is by faith declare you'll move toward Him. And that is what repentance is all about - the Greek word is metanoi - a change of heart. Drawing near to God is a direction with a singular purpose of giving God the opportunity to change us from the inside out.
And if we seem dead inside with no feeling or desire to draw close to Him - we have the example of Christ calling out a dead Lazarus who heard his name from within the grave.
As we mature in Christ, lesser is the griefs, sorrows and pains of life that compel us toward Him but just simply for the love of Him.
Then with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs Bethel I'll raise;
So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee,
Jacob while fleeing from his older brother whom he deceived out of the birthright found himself in a place he called Bethel (Genesis 28:19). Here in this place he had a dream of angels ascending and descending on a ladder leading heavenward. Here God reminded Jacob of the promise given to his forefathers of possessing the land and that his descendants will be many like the dust of the earth.
Are you in such a place of fear or intimidation because of the Enemy's threats? Are you running from the shadows of the past and uncertain of a future? Do you find yourself so weary like Jacob who didn't mind the rock for a pillow.
But when he awoke something had changed - it was not the geography or even his condition - rather he found himself nearer to God than he'd first believed. The presence of God transforms us!
It seems like the further you run God has a way of meeting you right at the place where's no more strength to take another step. The only step is to draw near to God. So, we are reminded of the promise to draw near to God and He will come closer to us (James 4:8).
When you find yourself in hard and difficult place the only thing you can do is by faith declare you'll move toward Him. And that is what repentance is all about - the Greek word is metanoi - a change of heart. Drawing near to God is a direction with a singular purpose of giving God the opportunity to change us from the inside out.
And if we seem dead inside with no feeling or desire to draw close to Him - we have the example of Christ calling out a dead Lazarus who heard his name from within the grave.
As we mature in Christ, lesser is the griefs, sorrows and pains of life that compel us toward Him but just simply for the love of Him.
Saturday, September 9, 2017
No More Dismissed
Dismissal is a form of rejection.
It can be a subtle smile in a business meeting when your idea is somehow laughable and unreasonable. Only to learn later that someone takes that same idea and makes it a profitable reality with no thought to acknowledge you.
Another example is when the eyes of the one you love are fixed on someone or something else. It diminishes the importance of your contribution to the relationship. You become invisible. If you left the room you wouldn't even be missed.
Yes, dismissal is just as painful like hurtful words or some other bitter experience that leaves no question you have been ignored, overlooked and marginalized.
But we can take comfort that God does see us regardless to our condition. The Bible says, "For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." (2 Chronicles 16:9a NIV). And, "The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good." (Proverbs 15:3 NIV).
Some believers appear to be graced with moving into high profile ministries or holding a platform of sorts while a good number of experienced and qualified individuals remain largely overlooked. The janitor who faithfully keeps the building cleaned is not given the accolades given to the choir or a charismatic guest speaker.
And so we have the example of David who was out in the pasture taking care of dumb and smelly sheep. Prophet Samuel had looked at the appearance of David's brothers and thought that the eldest was God's anointed. But God said to Samuel, "...Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7, KJV).
In that moment, David became visible and would be known for centuries as the man after God's heart.
Just once glance of God's eyes meeting our own and we are seen, heard and identified - not forgotten or dismissed.
It can be a subtle smile in a business meeting when your idea is somehow laughable and unreasonable. Only to learn later that someone takes that same idea and makes it a profitable reality with no thought to acknowledge you.
Another example is when the eyes of the one you love are fixed on someone or something else. It diminishes the importance of your contribution to the relationship. You become invisible. If you left the room you wouldn't even be missed.
Yes, dismissal is just as painful like hurtful words or some other bitter experience that leaves no question you have been ignored, overlooked and marginalized.
But we can take comfort that God does see us regardless to our condition. The Bible says, "For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." (2 Chronicles 16:9a NIV). And, "The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good." (Proverbs 15:3 NIV).
Some believers appear to be graced with moving into high profile ministries or holding a platform of sorts while a good number of experienced and qualified individuals remain largely overlooked. The janitor who faithfully keeps the building cleaned is not given the accolades given to the choir or a charismatic guest speaker.
And so we have the example of David who was out in the pasture taking care of dumb and smelly sheep. Prophet Samuel had looked at the appearance of David's brothers and thought that the eldest was God's anointed. But God said to Samuel, "...Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7, KJV).
In that moment, David became visible and would be known for centuries as the man after God's heart.
Just once glance of God's eyes meeting our own and we are seen, heard and identified - not forgotten or dismissed.
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Mercy Endures Forever
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalms 136:1 (KJV).
The quality and characteristic of God's mercy is that it outlasts time and is not constricted by human failure or sin.
The same God who was merciful to Noah and his family to remember His promise (Genesis 8:1) is the same God today. Psalms 136:23 says, "Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:" (KJV).
Grace may be God's enabling favor to help us live a holy life but it's His mercy that deals with our frailties - where we are and how we live - so that we can be changed. Jesus tells of a tax collector "...standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner." (Luke 18:13, KJV). This man went home changed! Jesus declared him righteous because he had humbled himself before God.
And perhaps this may be the one restriction to receiving God's mercy: pride.
If we remain arrogant, self-assured and unyielding we will know little of His mercy. Mercy finds the one who in the lowest estate and lifts them up because an inner work of humility has destroyed the works of pride. When we come to the end of ourselves, God can start to deliver and restore us.
And for some who are waiting on God's mercy to help them through some of life's difficulties, begin to praise Him for His mercy. Read Psalms 136. It recounts His mercy time and time again through Israel's history. Rather than recite our failures and shortcomings recall all the good things God has and is doing.
Learning to live in His mercy when our hearts and minds feel the least deserving takes faith. The enemy would rather keep us in a low state of condemnation and guilt but God wants to lift us up and out of that pit. His mercy is transformative making us completely different when we rise to our feet - just like the tax collector.
For some, it's time to confess you can't live this Christian life without Him.
And it's time to ask for fresh mercy.
The quality and characteristic of God's mercy is that it outlasts time and is not constricted by human failure or sin.
The same God who was merciful to Noah and his family to remember His promise (Genesis 8:1) is the same God today. Psalms 136:23 says, "Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:" (KJV).
Grace may be God's enabling favor to help us live a holy life but it's His mercy that deals with our frailties - where we are and how we live - so that we can be changed. Jesus tells of a tax collector "...standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner." (Luke 18:13, KJV). This man went home changed! Jesus declared him righteous because he had humbled himself before God.
And perhaps this may be the one restriction to receiving God's mercy: pride.
If we remain arrogant, self-assured and unyielding we will know little of His mercy. Mercy finds the one who in the lowest estate and lifts them up because an inner work of humility has destroyed the works of pride. When we come to the end of ourselves, God can start to deliver and restore us.
And for some who are waiting on God's mercy to help them through some of life's difficulties, begin to praise Him for His mercy. Read Psalms 136. It recounts His mercy time and time again through Israel's history. Rather than recite our failures and shortcomings recall all the good things God has and is doing.
Learning to live in His mercy when our hearts and minds feel the least deserving takes faith. The enemy would rather keep us in a low state of condemnation and guilt but God wants to lift us up and out of that pit. His mercy is transformative making us completely different when we rise to our feet - just like the tax collector.
For some, it's time to confess you can't live this Christian life without Him.
And it's time to ask for fresh mercy.