"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise."
Psalm 111:10
"Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?"
Romans 2:4
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Galatians 5:1
"Take me away with you--let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers. We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. How right they are to adore you!"
Song of Songs 1:4
What motivates a person to obey and follow the Lord? Is it the fear factor- that God is viewed as a cruel and impartial being who metes out punishment without regard to grace and mercy? Or is it because of a revelation of God's lovingkindness and how he cherishes us that makes us fall so in love with God-the-Father/our Bridegroom, that we desire nothing more than to do his will, as the revelations sweep over us? Obedience that is fear driven, like a beaten down dog that fears his master's next punishment, does not allow a person to go deep with God. They never really are able to run after, seek to intimately know more of, the eternal Lover of their souls because their Christian lives are performance based and driven by fear and shame- using formulas and checklists to do what they feel will avoid the next punishment/ reprisal from an impersonal taskmaster. Sadly, I would say this is all that many know about God.
Beloved, God wants to draw each of us- with lovingkindness, love,mercy, hope, and grace are in His hands, and are available to us- for the asking. He is always close by, up close and very personal. The scriptures read, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13
This is love "that is better than wine"- this is love that drives the beloved to please the Lover. This love brings freedom, real freedom, to worship The Uncreated Everlasting God, in spirit and truth, like David worshipped with total abandon.
Seek God today, love Him with all your heart, draw near. He is waiting for you!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Control
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."
Psalm 32:7
3 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in."
2 Cor.1:3-7
"Nothing that is happening is escaping His watchful eye. "He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?"
Psalm 94:9
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j]
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39
The events of the first four months of 2011 have been tumultuous! I have observed the fall of governments, unprecedented natural disasters, otherwise healthy friends battling cancer or other serious illnesses, tremendous financial upheaval, and more. Many of our brothers and sisters around the world are being martyred, killed for their faith in Jesus, most of us haven't yet resisted to the point of having our own blood spilled.
When terrible trials and troubles happen, it's natural to ask questions like, "How could this happen?", or "Where is God, why would he allow this?" When things like this happen we realize just how little control we actually have over so many things in life.
The great news is that we have a loving Lord/Master/Abba, who is more than able, and He IS in control of everything! From every sub-atomic particle to the far reaches of every galaxy, nothing lives, moves, or has its being apart from Him. Our names are graven on His hands, our faces are always before Him, beloved, take comfort, especially in the storms of life- we are always on His mind.
Spend time with Him today, don't delay- enter into the Holy of Holies, take a deep breath, be still and know -HE IS GOD.
Romans 8:18
"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."
Psalm 32:7
3 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in."
2 Cor.1:3-7
"Nothing that is happening is escaping His watchful eye. "He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?"
Psalm 94:9
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j]
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39
The events of the first four months of 2011 have been tumultuous! I have observed the fall of governments, unprecedented natural disasters, otherwise healthy friends battling cancer or other serious illnesses, tremendous financial upheaval, and more. Many of our brothers and sisters around the world are being martyred, killed for their faith in Jesus, most of us haven't yet resisted to the point of having our own blood spilled.
When terrible trials and troubles happen, it's natural to ask questions like, "How could this happen?", or "Where is God, why would he allow this?" When things like this happen we realize just how little control we actually have over so many things in life.
The great news is that we have a loving Lord/Master/Abba, who is more than able, and He IS in control of everything! From every sub-atomic particle to the far reaches of every galaxy, nothing lives, moves, or has its being apart from Him. Our names are graven on His hands, our faces are always before Him, beloved, take comfort, especially in the storms of life- we are always on His mind.
Spend time with Him today, don't delay- enter into the Holy of Holies, take a deep breath, be still and know -HE IS GOD.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Need For Intimacy 263
"His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me."
Song of Songs 2:6
"I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things."
Philippians 3:8
God's greatest desire is for us to know Him intimately.
Not just accumulating facts about a distant and nebulous Diety concept, but deep intimacy!
God sees us as precious treasures, and He longs to have a close relationship with each of us.
More than anything, He wants us to have an intimate love relationship and friendship with Him.
God wants us to spend time with Him and intimately communicate with Him, to enjoy fellowship with Him, to trust and follow Him, to give our lives meaning and purpose by giving us the privilege of equipping us to join Him in His work. God desires us to love Him, as a bride loves her Bridegroom, who would go to any length to please Him, to do his will. This bridal paradigm is why the disciples and apostles counted everything else as loss, of no value compared to this intimacy.
This is what is meant by "His love is better than wine", and "only You can satisfy".
Jesus said, "whatever you shall ask in my name shall be given to you"... This intimacy is at the top of our Master's list. Peace and joy come from the streams of living water that we tap when we finally understand this real intimacy, not from chasing other lovers that only take us away from what we were created for.
Drink of this living water today, you will never thirst again!
"O, the fullness, the pleasure, the sheer excitement of knowing God here on earth."
-Jim Elliott, martyred
Song of Songs 2:6
"I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things."
Philippians 3:8
God's greatest desire is for us to know Him intimately.
Not just accumulating facts about a distant and nebulous Diety concept, but deep intimacy!
God sees us as precious treasures, and He longs to have a close relationship with each of us.
More than anything, He wants us to have an intimate love relationship and friendship with Him.
God wants us to spend time with Him and intimately communicate with Him, to enjoy fellowship with Him, to trust and follow Him, to give our lives meaning and purpose by giving us the privilege of equipping us to join Him in His work. God desires us to love Him, as a bride loves her Bridegroom, who would go to any length to please Him, to do his will. This bridal paradigm is why the disciples and apostles counted everything else as loss, of no value compared to this intimacy.
This is what is meant by "His love is better than wine", and "only You can satisfy".
Jesus said, "whatever you shall ask in my name shall be given to you"... This intimacy is at the top of our Master's list. Peace and joy come from the streams of living water that we tap when we finally understand this real intimacy, not from chasing other lovers that only take us away from what we were created for.
Drink of this living water today, you will never thirst again!
"O, the fullness, the pleasure, the sheer excitement of knowing God here on earth."
-Jim Elliott, martyred
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
No Storm He Can't Calm 266
"That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” "
Mark 4:35-41
The disciples were among the very first to follow Jesus, but prior to this they had not yet believed or grasped fully that He had power and dominion over everything! Most of these men were fisherman, accustomed to storms, but the severity of this one had them really frightened! Jesus is more than able to quell every storm... There is no unrest, no disturbance, no upheaval, no uproar in our own lives, that The King of Kings cannot overcome.
He is the Prince of Peace!
The Lord asks the questions;" Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?".
Beloved, He is the anchor that will hold us, even as everything else crumbles, and we can trust Him! We must trust Him- "without faith it is impossible to please God", and "because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."
James 1:6
Jesus brings peace in the midst of every storm- weather borne, financial, emotional, health/sickness, and all others. As the storms of life pop up cling to Jesus; there is no other name under Heaven by which we can be saved...and no other name by which we need to!
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” "
Mark 4:35-41
The disciples were among the very first to follow Jesus, but prior to this they had not yet believed or grasped fully that He had power and dominion over everything! Most of these men were fisherman, accustomed to storms, but the severity of this one had them really frightened! Jesus is more than able to quell every storm... There is no unrest, no disturbance, no upheaval, no uproar in our own lives, that The King of Kings cannot overcome.
He is the Prince of Peace!
The Lord asks the questions;" Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?".
Beloved, He is the anchor that will hold us, even as everything else crumbles, and we can trust Him! We must trust Him- "without faith it is impossible to please God", and "because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."
James 1:6
Jesus brings peace in the midst of every storm- weather borne, financial, emotional, health/sickness, and all others. As the storms of life pop up cling to Jesus; there is no other name under Heaven by which we can be saved...and no other name by which we need to!
Monday, April 25, 2011
In Him Alone
Psalm 16
1 Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.
5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
David's words in this psalm re-enforce what our hearts know: that God alone is our Lord, God alone, there is no other that we will worship or adore. Apart from Him I have no good thing, and no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. To take up idols or serve other gods, knowingly or unwittingly, will increase sorrow! I will keep my eyes focused on Him alone- my Abba is at my right right, always with me, I will not be shaken. Gladness and joy comes from relationship with Him alone. Right counsel always comes from the Lord, and in His presence is fullness of joy! Cast your cares on Him, and draw near to Him... All of the longings of our hearts are fulfilled in our Father/ Bridegroom/ Master/ Lord alone.
1 Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.
5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
David's words in this psalm re-enforce what our hearts know: that God alone is our Lord, God alone, there is no other that we will worship or adore. Apart from Him I have no good thing, and no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. To take up idols or serve other gods, knowingly or unwittingly, will increase sorrow! I will keep my eyes focused on Him alone- my Abba is at my right right, always with me, I will not be shaken. Gladness and joy comes from relationship with Him alone. Right counsel always comes from the Lord, and in His presence is fullness of joy! Cast your cares on Him, and draw near to Him... All of the longings of our hearts are fulfilled in our Father/ Bridegroom/ Master/ Lord alone.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
An Amazing Morning
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
HE IS RISEN!!!!
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
HE IS RISEN!!!!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Jesus = Abundant Life
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies"
John 11:25
"In him was life, and that life was the light of men."
John 1:4
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
You shall also say to this people, 'Thus says the LORD, "Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.
Jer.21:8
"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
John 10:10b
I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Mark 10:15, Luke 18:17
The purpose of Jesus' mission here in the flesh is to give life abundantly! As the scriptures read: in Him was/is life. There is no "real life" apart from Him. Only indescribable longings that cannot be filled or satisfied! Without Him there is simply no way to the Father. But because his thoughts and ways are higher than our thoughts and ways, we can over analyze the simplicity of receiving salvation... We must come to him as little children, having released vain and empty philosophies, doubting mindsets, and just take Him at His Word. God is not a man that He should lie, He is trustworthy and true. Today is about abundant life, receive Jesus and all that He is.
John 11:25
"In him was life, and that life was the light of men."
John 1:4
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
You shall also say to this people, 'Thus says the LORD, "Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.
Jer.21:8
"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
John 10:10b
I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Mark 10:15, Luke 18:17
The purpose of Jesus' mission here in the flesh is to give life abundantly! As the scriptures read: in Him was/is life. There is no "real life" apart from Him. Only indescribable longings that cannot be filled or satisfied! Without Him there is simply no way to the Father. But because his thoughts and ways are higher than our thoughts and ways, we can over analyze the simplicity of receiving salvation... We must come to him as little children, having released vain and empty philosophies, doubting mindsets, and just take Him at His Word. God is not a man that He should lie, He is trustworthy and true. Today is about abundant life, receive Jesus and all that He is.
Friday, April 22, 2011
This Blood's for You
45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[c] lama asavtani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).[d]
47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[e] went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
Matt.27:45-54
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Heb.12:2b-3
"Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me. The LORD will command His loving kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me--a prayer to the God of my life." Psalms 42:7,8
Today is Good Friday, a day of reflection for me. A day of pain, anguish, torment, and death by crucifixion for Jesus. The Word says, though, "for the joy set before Him endured the cross"- the joy is our salvation- yours, mine, all who receive Him- that we are on His mind, that He would've endured this awful day for the sake of one soul. That He paid the full price for me ...He is our Saviour, Redeemer, Deliverer, Messiah. I want to really dwell on these words today, on some of the titles we use for the One we also call Immanuel (God with us). We hear them frequently as believers, Christians, but today I want to slow down, meditate, chewing on these amazing facts: MY SAVIOUR, MY REDEEMER, MY DELIVERER, MY MESSIAH. I find myself at the foot of the cross looking up at Him, and see Him looking down at me...although he is battered and splattered with blood, his eyes are peaceful, reassuring, joyful, loving. His love sweeps over me like billows...
I was a condemned man, awaiting execution, stretched out on the cross, as the nails were about to be driven into my hands and feet, when Jesus took my place, releasing me...He is always on my mind, and it is no longer I who live, but Jesus in me...
One of my prayers today is that I would not do the things that put Jesus on the cross, that He redeemed me from, there is no cheap grace. I desire to walk in a manner worthy of His calling, to keep the Commandments and His commands, that others would see a reflection of my Master in me.
Make every day a Good Friday, dwell on Him today- and everyday.
47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[e] went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
Matt.27:45-54
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Heb.12:2b-3
"Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me. The LORD will command His loving kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me--a prayer to the God of my life." Psalms 42:7,8
Today is Good Friday, a day of reflection for me. A day of pain, anguish, torment, and death by crucifixion for Jesus. The Word says, though, "for the joy set before Him endured the cross"- the joy is our salvation- yours, mine, all who receive Him- that we are on His mind, that He would've endured this awful day for the sake of one soul. That He paid the full price for me ...He is our Saviour, Redeemer, Deliverer, Messiah. I want to really dwell on these words today, on some of the titles we use for the One we also call Immanuel (God with us). We hear them frequently as believers, Christians, but today I want to slow down, meditate, chewing on these amazing facts: MY SAVIOUR, MY REDEEMER, MY DELIVERER, MY MESSIAH. I find myself at the foot of the cross looking up at Him, and see Him looking down at me...although he is battered and splattered with blood, his eyes are peaceful, reassuring, joyful, loving. His love sweeps over me like billows...
I was a condemned man, awaiting execution, stretched out on the cross, as the nails were about to be driven into my hands and feet, when Jesus took my place, releasing me...He is always on my mind, and it is no longer I who live, but Jesus in me...
One of my prayers today is that I would not do the things that put Jesus on the cross, that He redeemed me from, there is no cheap grace. I desire to walk in a manner worthy of His calling, to keep the Commandments and His commands, that others would see a reflection of my Master in me.
Make every day a Good Friday, dwell on Him today- and everyday.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Disturbing News
1 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
Matthew 26:1
31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’[c]
32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”
34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.
Matthew26:31-35
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for your hope and a future"
Jer.29:11
In the midst of Jesus' last week before being crucified, as He poured into His disciples, He shared some disturbing news: not only would He be handed over to be crucified, betrayed by one close to Him, but the disciples would all flee in the moment of adversity, despite their own grand proclamations. This must've really thrown the men for a loop, and in fact Peter and the rest stated that they would never disown the Lord... Their proclamations would be blown apart that very night. At the moment of truth, in the face of adversity and evil, they caved in and ran away...how their hearts must've been broken, I'm sure that Peter was not the only one who wept bitterly at their failures.
But after Jesus' death, these broken men remembered Jesus' promise to be ahead of them in Galilee. He told them because although it went right over their heads at the moment they remembered later on... They understood that the Lord had plans for them, even scheduling a meeting in advance!
Beloved, even after setbacks, when situations arise when our love and resolve may be weak, when we are struck down and stumble, when we are broken and weep bitterly because of our failures, Jesus promises to go ahead of us, and meet us right we are at! He will never leave us or forsake us. His lovingkindness endures forever, broken and contrite hearts He will not despise,
Matthew 26:1
31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’[c]
32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”
34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.
Matthew26:31-35
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for your hope and a future"
Jer.29:11
In the midst of Jesus' last week before being crucified, as He poured into His disciples, He shared some disturbing news: not only would He be handed over to be crucified, betrayed by one close to Him, but the disciples would all flee in the moment of adversity, despite their own grand proclamations. This must've really thrown the men for a loop, and in fact Peter and the rest stated that they would never disown the Lord... Their proclamations would be blown apart that very night. At the moment of truth, in the face of adversity and evil, they caved in and ran away...how their hearts must've been broken, I'm sure that Peter was not the only one who wept bitterly at their failures.
But after Jesus' death, these broken men remembered Jesus' promise to be ahead of them in Galilee. He told them because although it went right over their heads at the moment they remembered later on... They understood that the Lord had plans for them, even scheduling a meeting in advance!
Beloved, even after setbacks, when situations arise when our love and resolve may be weak, when we are struck down and stumble, when we are broken and weep bitterly because of our failures, Jesus promises to go ahead of us, and meet us right we are at! He will never leave us or forsake us. His lovingkindness endures forever, broken and contrite hearts He will not despise,
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Cram Week
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:1-17
Since Passover, I have been reading from John 12-17, as the Lord Jesus, in the last week before His suffering,death, and resurrection, poured into his disciples preparing them for their "final exams". Everything that they had observed and experienced with Him during His ministry was being summed up by Him, as he told them the secrets to the kingdom life using the various parables. I am amazed at how dull (daft, as the English would say) the disciples were at this time, prior to the baptism of the Holy Spirit(like I was any different!).
But in reading these words of life, the Vine and the Branches leapt out at me! The essence of my Christian life- to abide in Him so I can bear much fruit, that my prayers will be heard- and answered, that Jesus CHOSE me (I didn't choose Him), that Jesus knows me and calls me FRIEND...that He shows me extravagant love and teaches me to love extravagantly...not just a love for God, but for my brothers and sisters, and a burden for the lost/ /wandering hearts. Remain in His love, keep His commands, watch and experience the refreshing of the Lord's unspeakable joy made complete.
He is our shelter and dwelling place, in this life and the life to come...abide in Him.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:1-17
Since Passover, I have been reading from John 12-17, as the Lord Jesus, in the last week before His suffering,death, and resurrection, poured into his disciples preparing them for their "final exams". Everything that they had observed and experienced with Him during His ministry was being summed up by Him, as he told them the secrets to the kingdom life using the various parables. I am amazed at how dull (daft, as the English would say) the disciples were at this time, prior to the baptism of the Holy Spirit(like I was any different!).
But in reading these words of life, the Vine and the Branches leapt out at me! The essence of my Christian life- to abide in Him so I can bear much fruit, that my prayers will be heard- and answered, that Jesus CHOSE me (I didn't choose Him), that Jesus knows me and calls me FRIEND...that He shows me extravagant love and teaches me to love extravagantly...not just a love for God, but for my brothers and sisters, and a burden for the lost/ /wandering hearts. Remain in His love, keep His commands, watch and experience the refreshing of the Lord's unspeakable joy made complete.
He is our shelter and dwelling place, in this life and the life to come...abide in Him.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Dining at Passover
"With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm..."
At the Passover Seder, there is usually a frenzy of activity in the vast majority of Jewish households, quickly reading through the Hagaddah, (which means literally "The Telling", reading the "Magid" -the Story)from the Torah book, B'Midbar (meaning "In the desert"-what we know as Exodus) and rushing through what is viewed as the perfunctory ceremony, drudgery to most, let's get it over with mentality, in order to get to the meal.
But this story is richer and more nourishing than any culinary delight, if you have ears to hear! The actual dinner is dessert to me, after meditating and devouring every word of this incredible story of deliverance and redemption- 430 years to the very day, God Himself-not a seraph-delivered His people, performing miracles never before witnessed by humans, the sheer logistics of moving 600,000 men, plus women, children, livestock, possessions, ahead of a really angry Pharoah!
God's Word is the meal- Jesus said, "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God"...it is no coincidence, of course, that the Last Supper, was the last Passover for Yeshua in that body- the topic of which I'm sure was about God's deliverance and redemption. (I have read between the lines with God's holy spirit assistance!) Today, read Exodus 1-15, if you are not celebrating Passover at an actual Seder, dine tonight, relish every word, topped with a deeper understanding of what a might, awesome, loving and engaged Abba/Master/ Bridegroom we serve.
At the Passover Seder, there is usually a frenzy of activity in the vast majority of Jewish households, quickly reading through the Hagaddah, (which means literally "The Telling", reading the "Magid" -the Story)from the Torah book, B'Midbar (meaning "In the desert"-what we know as Exodus) and rushing through what is viewed as the perfunctory ceremony, drudgery to most, let's get it over with mentality, in order to get to the meal.
But this story is richer and more nourishing than any culinary delight, if you have ears to hear! The actual dinner is dessert to me, after meditating and devouring every word of this incredible story of deliverance and redemption- 430 years to the very day, God Himself-not a seraph-delivered His people, performing miracles never before witnessed by humans, the sheer logistics of moving 600,000 men, plus women, children, livestock, possessions, ahead of a really angry Pharoah!
God's Word is the meal- Jesus said, "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God"...it is no coincidence, of course, that the Last Supper, was the last Passover for Yeshua in that body- the topic of which I'm sure was about God's deliverance and redemption. (I have read between the lines with God's holy spirit assistance!) Today, read Exodus 1-15, if you are not celebrating Passover at an actual Seder, dine tonight, relish every word, topped with a deeper understanding of what a might, awesome, loving and engaged Abba/Master/ Bridegroom we serve.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Trials, Joy, Strength
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."
Psalm 28:7
Today another giant squared off in front of my wife and I; a certified letter from the landlord of a failed attempted business, making demands for a huge sum of money which there is no hope (in the natural) of resolving. Another giant, another trial. What should we do, how should we respond? As we talked and prayed, the scriptures and the Holy Spirit provided the answers ...Jesus told us, braced us for the truth- in this life we will have trials and troubles. But he has told us to TAKE HEART, He has overcome the world, overcome our circumstances, financial problems, health issues, given us joy unspeakable. The kind of joy that is what the Word calls the JOY OF THE LORD, that makes it possible to keep going, that strengthens us, not becoming miserable, depressed, or embittered.
This giant will fall. I don't know how, and that's not my concern or worry. My heart trusts in the Lord, and I am helped, in this trial and all that this life brings, be it trouble, tribulation, or victory. I will praise Him and continue to keep on thanking my Conqueror.
John 16:33
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."
Psalm 28:7
Today another giant squared off in front of my wife and I; a certified letter from the landlord of a failed attempted business, making demands for a huge sum of money which there is no hope (in the natural) of resolving. Another giant, another trial. What should we do, how should we respond? As we talked and prayed, the scriptures and the Holy Spirit provided the answers ...Jesus told us, braced us for the truth- in this life we will have trials and troubles. But he has told us to TAKE HEART, He has overcome the world, overcome our circumstances, financial problems, health issues, given us joy unspeakable. The kind of joy that is what the Word calls the JOY OF THE LORD, that makes it possible to keep going, that strengthens us, not becoming miserable, depressed, or embittered.
This giant will fall. I don't know how, and that's not my concern or worry. My heart trusts in the Lord, and I am helped, in this trial and all that this life brings, be it trouble, tribulation, or victory. I will praise Him and continue to keep on thanking my Conqueror.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
The Only Safe Place
66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
John 6:66-69
From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:2
When things get dicey, and the world as we know it (TEOTWAKI) crumbles, when health, finances, people, relationships, government- everything - fails us, where else should we go but to the Rock? There is nothing else, no one else, that can-or should-be counted on. The only peace, the only security, in this world and the life to come, the only Foundation, all else is sinking sand. If you are fearful, sick, wondering about the days ahead, cast all your cares on Him.
In Him is the only place to be.
67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
John 6:66-69
From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:2
When things get dicey, and the world as we know it (TEOTWAKI) crumbles, when health, finances, people, relationships, government- everything - fails us, where else should we go but to the Rock? There is nothing else, no one else, that can-or should-be counted on. The only peace, the only security, in this world and the life to come, the only Foundation, all else is sinking sand. If you are fearful, sick, wondering about the days ahead, cast all your cares on Him.
In Him is the only place to be.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Selling Out
29 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. 30 He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.[f])
31 Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”
32 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”
33 But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.
34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left.
So Esau despised his birthright.
Today my daughter, Peri, and I were talking about the escalating price of oil and fuels, and how there is a tremendous transfer of wealth that has been taking place, as the west continues to buy oil from middle East oil producing nations, and as greedy corporations have closed American factories outsourcing millions of jobs, etc. Although we ourselves are sitting on vast natural resources-iron, minerals, petroleum, natural gas, & coal resources and have pioneered new forms of energy, we have allowed ourselves to be put in the place of selling our birthrights, for something that cost the sellers next to nothing. America was once the world's industrial leader, a Judeo-Christian nation seeking and trusting God, producers, lending to other countries, with no trade deficits, budget deficits- because we did not have moral deficits. Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren in 1954 wrote, " I like to believe we are living today in the spirit of the Christian religion. I like also to believe that as long as we do so, no great harm can come to our country." ... but no longer. So many have gone their own ways ("there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death"), this country mirrors biblical Israel, as God's chosen people turned away from him, chasing idols and forsaking the Lord. Esau traded his God-given birthrights, and all that it implied and its promise, for next to nothing, a moment of satisfying a hunger craving, feeding his belly and instant self gratification. Esau had the power and the resources, but he failed to use his knowledge (My people perish for a lack of knowledge), he chose to do things his way. Ya'acov (Jacob), the "trickster", did not just happen to be making this delicious aromatic stew coincidentally, it was purposeful, he had premeditated this plan, layed a trap of sorts for Esau, he desired to gain the birthright...he understood it's power, privilege, and he wanted it.
As born again awakened followers we have a birthright, we are the sons and daughters of the living God, and it is not for sale!
Remember who you are in the Lord, and remember to use the resources and gifts you have according to the purposes of the One who gave them to us. Let's not sell out to the world, but instead be SOLD OUT for God alone.
One thing I ask from the lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the lord and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4
31 Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”
32 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”
33 But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.
34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left.
So Esau despised his birthright.
Today my daughter, Peri, and I were talking about the escalating price of oil and fuels, and how there is a tremendous transfer of wealth that has been taking place, as the west continues to buy oil from middle East oil producing nations, and as greedy corporations have closed American factories outsourcing millions of jobs, etc. Although we ourselves are sitting on vast natural resources-iron, minerals, petroleum, natural gas, & coal resources and have pioneered new forms of energy, we have allowed ourselves to be put in the place of selling our birthrights, for something that cost the sellers next to nothing. America was once the world's industrial leader, a Judeo-Christian nation seeking and trusting God, producers, lending to other countries, with no trade deficits, budget deficits- because we did not have moral deficits. Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren in 1954 wrote, " I like to believe we are living today in the spirit of the Christian religion. I like also to believe that as long as we do so, no great harm can come to our country." ... but no longer. So many have gone their own ways ("there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death"), this country mirrors biblical Israel, as God's chosen people turned away from him, chasing idols and forsaking the Lord. Esau traded his God-given birthrights, and all that it implied and its promise, for next to nothing, a moment of satisfying a hunger craving, feeding his belly and instant self gratification. Esau had the power and the resources, but he failed to use his knowledge (My people perish for a lack of knowledge), he chose to do things his way. Ya'acov (Jacob), the "trickster", did not just happen to be making this delicious aromatic stew coincidentally, it was purposeful, he had premeditated this plan, layed a trap of sorts for Esau, he desired to gain the birthright...he understood it's power, privilege, and he wanted it.
As born again awakened followers we have a birthright, we are the sons and daughters of the living God, and it is not for sale!
Remember who you are in the Lord, and remember to use the resources and gifts you have according to the purposes of the One who gave them to us. Let's not sell out to the world, but instead be SOLD OUT for God alone.
One thing I ask from the lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the lord and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Importance of Reconciliation
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:23-24
rec·on·cil·i·a·tion [rek-uh n-sil-ee-ey-shuh n]
-noun
1. an act of reconciling or the state of being reconciled.
2. the process of making consistent or compatible.
com·pat·i·ble [kuh m-pat-uh-buh l]
-adjective
1. capable of existing or living together in harmony
Cain's sacrifices were not accepted for a number of reasons, and amongst them was that the enmity that had developed between Abel and him that was never resolved. Sometimes in our lives there are situations that happen where a brother or sister becomes offended. How we interpret the cause as to whether or not we share the blame is not the point, or justification. Jesus makes no mention here of who caused the offense. This is a heart issue, and a prideful heart (when we are selfish and egocentric) will keep us from receiving the blessing that our Abba wants to bestow on us. Pride causes unforgiveness & disharmony to be cultivated, and with that, incompatibility - the inability of brothers and sisters to dwell together, which to say the least is "unpleasant". Psalm 133.
Jesus said "blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God..."Matt 5:9
To be called sons and daughters of the Living God is to dwell in harmony, and worth swallowing and squashing prideful fleshly instincts. These are days, today is the time for the rebuilding and mending of things torn down and damaged, starting with relationships, earthly and spiritual. If you have some that need fixing, step forward, be the fixer.
You'll be blessed!
Matthew 5:23-24
rec·on·cil·i·a·tion [rek-uh n-sil-ee-ey-shuh n]
-noun
1. an act of reconciling or the state of being reconciled.
2. the process of making consistent or compatible.
com·pat·i·ble [kuh m-pat-uh-buh l]
-adjective
1. capable of existing or living together in harmony
Cain's sacrifices were not accepted for a number of reasons, and amongst them was that the enmity that had developed between Abel and him that was never resolved. Sometimes in our lives there are situations that happen where a brother or sister becomes offended. How we interpret the cause as to whether or not we share the blame is not the point, or justification. Jesus makes no mention here of who caused the offense. This is a heart issue, and a prideful heart (when we are selfish and egocentric) will keep us from receiving the blessing that our Abba wants to bestow on us. Pride causes unforgiveness & disharmony to be cultivated, and with that, incompatibility - the inability of brothers and sisters to dwell together, which to say the least is "unpleasant". Psalm 133.
Jesus said "blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God..."Matt 5:9
To be called sons and daughters of the Living God is to dwell in harmony, and worth swallowing and squashing prideful fleshly instincts. These are days, today is the time for the rebuilding and mending of things torn down and damaged, starting with relationships, earthly and spiritual. If you have some that need fixing, step forward, be the fixer.
You'll be blessed!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Not Too Difficult
11 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
Deuteronomy 30:11-14
Every time the children of Israel faced trials they would inevitably become discouraged and either shrink back or want to shrink back. I certainly understand that, not because I am a son of Israel, but because I'm human. Setbacks, hardship, "swimming against the tide", the seemingly daily struggles of life and the demands put upon us can just grind us down.
God commands us to love, obey, and follow Him with all our heart, mind, strength, soul. It is not too hard, and we don't have to go on a transcontinental "vision-quest" to find "it". God have given us the Word and the keys to the revelation of the knowledge of Him in personal and powerful ways. His yoke is easy, His burden is light. The Word is very near to us, it's in our mouths and He has written it on the tablets of our hearts. Our Abba is near to us, and is always a very present help in difficult and troublesome times. Cast your cares on Him today-and every day.
Deuteronomy 30:11-14
Every time the children of Israel faced trials they would inevitably become discouraged and either shrink back or want to shrink back. I certainly understand that, not because I am a son of Israel, but because I'm human. Setbacks, hardship, "swimming against the tide", the seemingly daily struggles of life and the demands put upon us can just grind us down.
God commands us to love, obey, and follow Him with all our heart, mind, strength, soul. It is not too hard, and we don't have to go on a transcontinental "vision-quest" to find "it". God have given us the Word and the keys to the revelation of the knowledge of Him in personal and powerful ways. His yoke is easy, His burden is light. The Word is very near to us, it's in our mouths and He has written it on the tablets of our hearts. Our Abba is near to us, and is always a very present help in difficult and troublesome times. Cast your cares on Him today-and every day.
Remembrance
"Remember Him before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed, and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it."
Ecc. 12:6-7
God has given each of us life, the balance of which is uncertain. There is no one who knows the number of his/her days ; if you had just been told that you have only 6 months, perhaps a year to live, how would you spend it? Would you seek the pleasures of this world, eating, drinking, partying "like it's 1999"? Perhaps as Christians, assured of our eternal address and destiny, we would do all we could to be vessels of God's purpose, maybe make up for lost time... feeling the weight of mortality here, and seeing the fields as they are, white with the harvest"-...perhaps we would do all we could to make sure those we love know that we feel about them, more importantly, making sure that they know how the Father feels about them- lavishing them with affection and more, leaving nothing undone. When we close our eyes for the last time in this world, and open them to behold the Father/Bridegroom, will he be able to say , "Well done"?
Dwell on the Lord, make sure that He is indwelling you, and remember your Creator all the days of your life, whatever span that is.
Ecc. 12:6-7
God has given each of us life, the balance of which is uncertain. There is no one who knows the number of his/her days ; if you had just been told that you have only 6 months, perhaps a year to live, how would you spend it? Would you seek the pleasures of this world, eating, drinking, partying "like it's 1999"? Perhaps as Christians, assured of our eternal address and destiny, we would do all we could to be vessels of God's purpose, maybe make up for lost time... feeling the weight of mortality here, and seeing the fields as they are, white with the harvest"-...perhaps we would do all we could to make sure those we love know that we feel about them, more importantly, making sure that they know how the Father feels about them- lavishing them with affection and more, leaving nothing undone. When we close our eyes for the last time in this world, and open them to behold the Father/Bridegroom, will he be able to say , "Well done"?
Dwell on the Lord, make sure that He is indwelling you, and remember your Creator all the days of your life, whatever span that is.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Golden Calves
1 When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods[a] who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.”
2 Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods,[b] Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”
5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to the LORD.” 6 So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.
Ex.32:1-5
Every time I read this, I am always amazed and disturbed. Moses was up on Mt. Sinai for only 40 days ... and in just this brief time these people totally turned their backs on the Lord God Almighty, fashioning an idol in the shape of a calf of gold to worship instead! God Himself had delivered them with a mighty arm and outstretched right hand, led them in the desert by pillars of cloud by day and pillars of fire by night, fed them supernaturally day by day, but yet in just a few days without Moses these people were clamoring for Aaron to make an idol for them to worship, and he complied, later lying to his brother about where the calf came from. Just a few days...and these were the actual folks that crossed the parted Red Sea! How could this have happened to these people, and so quickly? If it happened to them it can also happen to others...
The scriptures read " draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8), "a broken and contrite heart God will not despise" (Psalm 51:17). But if our eyes and our hearts are not fixed on God, we too will find ourselves worshipping idols, maybe not a golden calf, but maybe other forms of gold, perhaps a career, perhaps another person we are obsessing about or a thousand other idols...no, maybe not the calf, but not less harmful and dangerous.
Moses utterly destroyed that calf. He didn't melt it back down and turn it into earrings again, he burned it in the fire and ground it to dust, making the faithless drink the remains.
But I encourage you, fix your eyes on Jesus, destroy the idols...worship God only.
Remember, there is nothing we desire that compares to Him.
2 Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods,[b] Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”
5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to the LORD.” 6 So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.
Ex.32:1-5
Every time I read this, I am always amazed and disturbed. Moses was up on Mt. Sinai for only 40 days ... and in just this brief time these people totally turned their backs on the Lord God Almighty, fashioning an idol in the shape of a calf of gold to worship instead! God Himself had delivered them with a mighty arm and outstretched right hand, led them in the desert by pillars of cloud by day and pillars of fire by night, fed them supernaturally day by day, but yet in just a few days without Moses these people were clamoring for Aaron to make an idol for them to worship, and he complied, later lying to his brother about where the calf came from. Just a few days...and these were the actual folks that crossed the parted Red Sea! How could this have happened to these people, and so quickly? If it happened to them it can also happen to others...
The scriptures read " draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8), "a broken and contrite heart God will not despise" (Psalm 51:17). But if our eyes and our hearts are not fixed on God, we too will find ourselves worshipping idols, maybe not a golden calf, but maybe other forms of gold, perhaps a career, perhaps another person we are obsessing about or a thousand other idols...no, maybe not the calf, but not less harmful and dangerous.
Moses utterly destroyed that calf. He didn't melt it back down and turn it into earrings again, he burned it in the fire and ground it to dust, making the faithless drink the remains.
But I encourage you, fix your eyes on Jesus, destroy the idols...worship God only.
Remember, there is nothing we desire that compares to Him.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Keep Going
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Gal.6:9
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
PSALM 27:14
It has been said, "When the going gets tough, the tough keep going." I have blogged before on perseverance, the need to push forward and the supernatural encouragement that the Lord gives us through His word when we face giants, when there are minefields in our paths, and when promises made to us by others turn out to be lies (thank you Michael W. Smith). We have not finished the race yet, we serve a mighty God, and even when we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel hope is never lost. So don't give up or give in...God's strength and power is perfected in our weakness, and our Father/Master/King will never, not ever, leave us or forsake us. Rejoice in the Lord, and remember : THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH!
Isaiah 40:31
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Gal.6:9
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
PSALM 27:14
It has been said, "When the going gets tough, the tough keep going." I have blogged before on perseverance, the need to push forward and the supernatural encouragement that the Lord gives us through His word when we face giants, when there are minefields in our paths, and when promises made to us by others turn out to be lies (thank you Michael W. Smith). We have not finished the race yet, we serve a mighty God, and even when we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel hope is never lost. So don't give up or give in...God's strength and power is perfected in our weakness, and our Father/Master/King will never, not ever, leave us or forsake us. Rejoice in the Lord, and remember : THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Patching Gaping Holes
I had Nehemiah and Jesus on my mind all night...as I slept, awakened, slept, dreamed, I could see Nehemiah and his brethren working shoulder to shoulder, tools in one hand, sword in the other, and then fading to Yeshua, both rending the veil and simultaneously "making the two one". Ephesians 2:15
Nehemiah, with the King's permission and authority, came to repair Jerusalem, city of his ancestors, that had been assailed and destroyed, burnt by fire and walls broken down with huge gaps in them, with no protection from her enemies. The destruction was a result of God's chosen people turning their backs on Him, taking up idols and going astray. He was a forerunner.
Jesus with the King's authority and power, came to repair and fill the gaping holes in our hearts and lives, remove the wreckage, restore our sin scorched consciences, renew everything that was ruined. We are called and equipped to work alongside Him- with a sword in one hand(the Word), his gifts in the other.
Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in just 52 amazing days, with the Lord's help and guidance, even as numerous adversaries, accused, lied, and tried to attack, and Jesus does the same, only supremely better, even as the accuser tries to lie and use every trick to keep us from finishing the work. He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it!
Nehemiah, with the King's permission and authority, came to repair Jerusalem, city of his ancestors, that had been assailed and destroyed, burnt by fire and walls broken down with huge gaps in them, with no protection from her enemies. The destruction was a result of God's chosen people turning their backs on Him, taking up idols and going astray. He was a forerunner.
Jesus with the King's authority and power, came to repair and fill the gaping holes in our hearts and lives, remove the wreckage, restore our sin scorched consciences, renew everything that was ruined. We are called and equipped to work alongside Him- with a sword in one hand(the Word), his gifts in the other.
Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in just 52 amazing days, with the Lord's help and guidance, even as numerous adversaries, accused, lied, and tried to attack, and Jesus does the same, only supremely better, even as the accuser tries to lie and use every trick to keep us from finishing the work. He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
My Desire
"Zeal for my Father's house has consumed me"
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,"
Phil.3:10
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ"
Philippians 3:8
These scriptures succinctly sum up my desires...to know Him, commune with Him, hear his voice, climb into His lap, lock gazes with Him. My life is hidden in Him, I want to be consumed by His all consuming fire, and nothing I desire compares to my longing for my Bridegroom. Truly there is nothing that can compare. In His presence is fullness of joy.
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,"
Phil.3:10
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ"
Philippians 3:8
These scriptures succinctly sum up my desires...to know Him, commune with Him, hear his voice, climb into His lap, lock gazes with Him. My life is hidden in Him, I want to be consumed by His all consuming fire, and nothing I desire compares to my longing for my Bridegroom. Truly there is nothing that can compare. In His presence is fullness of joy.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
No Box Will Hold Him/Misconceptions
12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
or weighed the mountains on the scales
and the hills in a balance?
13 Who can fathom the Spirit[d] of the LORD,
or instruct the LORD as his counselor?
14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him,
and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge,
or showed him the path of understanding?
15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
they are regarded as dust on the scales;
he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.
16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires,
nor its animals enough for burnt offerings.
17 Before him all the nations are as nothing;
they are regarded by him as worthless
and less than nothing.
18 With whom, then, will you compare God?
To what image will you liken him?
19 As for an idol, a metalworker casts it,
and a goldsmith overlays it with gold
and fashions silver chains for it.
20 A person too poor to present such an offering
selects wood that will not rot;
they look for a skilled worker
to set up an idol that will not topple.
21 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,
and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,
and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
23 He brings princes to naught
and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
24 No sooner are they planted,
no sooner are they sown,
no sooner do they take root in the ground,
than he blows on them and they wither,
and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
25 “To whom will you compare me?
Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.
Isaiah 40:12-26
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Jer.55:8-9
Many doctrines in church denominations and other religions swirl around their ideas of who God is, and since we have human minds, putting limits on what the Uncreated, Shoreless Ocean, father/Master/Creator/Bridegroom can or cannot do. People often do in their minds exactly what the Lord spoke through Isaiah here- making God into cute little figurines, a genie in a bottle, or in their minds putting a box around God to keep up their "shelf"- putting it away if they don't need Him or taking it down when they do need Him, when there is trouble or difficulty , to fill their shopping list, as they see fit. What is your concept of God? Whatever it is, it is too narrow, too small...He is boundless, endless, the Alpha & the Omega, He began everything, and everything He will bring to it's conclusion. As a new believer, I was told that if I wanted to understand how big God really is, go stand at the bottom of the biggest skyscraper I could find -and look up - then imagine that expanded by 10 to the infinity! Everyday I am blown away by this amazing God who hung all the stars, positions this planet exactly for life , surrounded us with such beautiful creation, and created us in His image, loved us first so that we can love Him and have real relationship with Him, gave us free will to come to Him compelled by His love, not by His wrath or fear of impending judgement, and sent His Son, JESUS, who paid for each of our death sentences and redeemed us with His own blood.
Today, think on these things, His thoughts and ways are much higher than ours.
or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
or weighed the mountains on the scales
and the hills in a balance?
13 Who can fathom the Spirit[d] of the LORD,
or instruct the LORD as his counselor?
14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him,
and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge,
or showed him the path of understanding?
15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
they are regarded as dust on the scales;
he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.
16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires,
nor its animals enough for burnt offerings.
17 Before him all the nations are as nothing;
they are regarded by him as worthless
and less than nothing.
18 With whom, then, will you compare God?
To what image will you liken him?
19 As for an idol, a metalworker casts it,
and a goldsmith overlays it with gold
and fashions silver chains for it.
20 A person too poor to present such an offering
selects wood that will not rot;
they look for a skilled worker
to set up an idol that will not topple.
21 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,
and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,
and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
23 He brings princes to naught
and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
24 No sooner are they planted,
no sooner are they sown,
no sooner do they take root in the ground,
than he blows on them and they wither,
and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
25 “To whom will you compare me?
Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.
Isaiah 40:12-26
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Jer.55:8-9
Many doctrines in church denominations and other religions swirl around their ideas of who God is, and since we have human minds, putting limits on what the Uncreated, Shoreless Ocean, father/Master/Creator/Bridegroom can or cannot do. People often do in their minds exactly what the Lord spoke through Isaiah here- making God into cute little figurines, a genie in a bottle, or in their minds putting a box around God to keep up their "shelf"- putting it away if they don't need Him or taking it down when they do need Him, when there is trouble or difficulty , to fill their shopping list, as they see fit. What is your concept of God? Whatever it is, it is too narrow, too small...He is boundless, endless, the Alpha & the Omega, He began everything, and everything He will bring to it's conclusion. As a new believer, I was told that if I wanted to understand how big God really is, go stand at the bottom of the biggest skyscraper I could find -and look up - then imagine that expanded by 10 to the infinity! Everyday I am blown away by this amazing God who hung all the stars, positions this planet exactly for life , surrounded us with such beautiful creation, and created us in His image, loved us first so that we can love Him and have real relationship with Him, gave us free will to come to Him compelled by His love, not by His wrath or fear of impending judgement, and sent His Son, JESUS, who paid for each of our death sentences and redeemed us with His own blood.
Today, think on these things, His thoughts and ways are much higher than ours.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Wielding
1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
3The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone.
5The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7So if you worship me, it will all be yours.”
8Jesus answered, “It is written: "Worship the Lord your God and serve him only."
9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;
11they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
12Jesus answered, “It says: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’
13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time."
Luke 4:1-13
Notice how the King of Kings refutes the devil here! He does not use the innate power bestowed to Immanuel- he uses the power contained in the Scriptures, the very same Scriptures, with all the power Jesus utilized. All He had to do is to utter IT IS WRITTEN. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
The Word is our Sword, crafted by the Lord in holiness, to be wielded by His soldiers(that's us, Beloved!), but you must take the sword out of the scabbard and use it!
GOD'S Word goes out and never returns void, without accomplishing its purpose! Is.55:11.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Today in the face of any and every situation declare: IT IS WRITTEN.
3The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone.
5The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7So if you worship me, it will all be yours.”
8Jesus answered, “It is written: "Worship the Lord your God and serve him only."
9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;
11they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
12Jesus answered, “It says: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’
13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time."
Luke 4:1-13
Notice how the King of Kings refutes the devil here! He does not use the innate power bestowed to Immanuel- he uses the power contained in the Scriptures, the very same Scriptures, with all the power Jesus utilized. All He had to do is to utter IT IS WRITTEN. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
The Word is our Sword, crafted by the Lord in holiness, to be wielded by His soldiers(that's us, Beloved!), but you must take the sword out of the scabbard and use it!
GOD'S Word goes out and never returns void, without accomplishing its purpose! Is.55:11.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Today in the face of any and every situation declare: IT IS WRITTEN.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Jesus 101
Jesus did many amazing things during His ministry including:
made the blind see,
the lame walk,
the deaf hear,
lepers were made clean,
The dead revived to life
As I thought about these miracles, the Holy Spirit was showing me how many more miracles Jesus is doing even now-in our our lives, we were blinded, stumbling, deaf, unclean and filthy, and even dead spiritually in our sinful lives. But Jesus ! He opens the eyes of our hearts, clears the paths in front of us so we can walk uprightly, cleans the junk from our ears that makes it hard to hear the Voice of the Beloved, cleans and heals, and makes us alive, even when we were dead. All spiritual reflections of physical examples- as the Lord often uses the Word to illuminate such things.
Now, I know that these principles are basic "Jesus 101" but for me these are not days of fancy theological exegesis, but a time for getting back to the basics: who we are, what our gifts and callings are, His purposes for my life, having the revelation of the knowledge of God. I want only to know God and His ways, and be known by Him. I know that I can weather the storms of life as He strengthens me when I am able to see, walk, hear, run the Race ... I live because of Him.
made the blind see,
the lame walk,
the deaf hear,
lepers were made clean,
The dead revived to life
As I thought about these miracles, the Holy Spirit was showing me how many more miracles Jesus is doing even now-in our our lives, we were blinded, stumbling, deaf, unclean and filthy, and even dead spiritually in our sinful lives. But Jesus ! He opens the eyes of our hearts, clears the paths in front of us so we can walk uprightly, cleans the junk from our ears that makes it hard to hear the Voice of the Beloved, cleans and heals, and makes us alive, even when we were dead. All spiritual reflections of physical examples- as the Lord often uses the Word to illuminate such things.
Now, I know that these principles are basic "Jesus 101" but for me these are not days of fancy theological exegesis, but a time for getting back to the basics: who we are, what our gifts and callings are, His purposes for my life, having the revelation of the knowledge of God. I want only to know God and His ways, and be known by Him. I know that I can weather the storms of life as He strengthens me when I am able to see, walk, hear, run the Race ... I live because of Him.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Getting Together
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Hebrew 10:25
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place."
Acts 2:1
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2
They overcame by the word of their testimony and the Blood of the Lamb"
Rev. 12:11
"Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"
Luke 4:8
"See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess."
Deut.30:15-16
Have you ever heard these statements- or maybe even said them?:
A) " I'm so tired today, I never get to do what I want Sunday morning, I think I will go to brunch and hang out instead of church" ...
B) "I don't think I need to go to church to worship God because God is everywhere, so I can worship Him anywhere."
There are many others, and I'm sure that I have used them all! Having used them, I can admit the obvious: I knew that I was wrong, and disobedient, I knew I belonged in church, in fellowship, but I was being self indulgent, and giving into the flesh, and once I started missing it became easier because I wasn't feeding my soul...
Beloved, the scriptures encourage believers to assemble to worship Him, bearing each other's burdens, sharing each other's testimonies which also strengthen the body of believers (the Church), prophesying for the edification of our brothers and sisters, there is strength in numbers, how good it is for brothers to dwell together ... but, when a person is out of fellowship, the probability is that they are also not hearing the Word, and therefore prone to have their faith shipwrecked (Faith comes from hearing and hearing from the word of God). Without fellowship the Christian is weakened.
In nature predators do not attack herds, where the numbers are strong and all members are operating for the good of each other, nurturing, feeding, and protecting one another, no, they go after the strays, the wayward, weakened ones, and quickly overcome and devour.
God gives us the gift of free will, and He will not drag us kicking and screaming to anything, but there will be consequences for our decisions.
Hebrew 10:25
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place."
Acts 2:1
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2
They overcame by the word of their testimony and the Blood of the Lamb"
Rev. 12:11
"Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"
Luke 4:8
"See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess."
Deut.30:15-16
Have you ever heard these statements- or maybe even said them?:
A) " I'm so tired today, I never get to do what I want Sunday morning, I think I will go to brunch and hang out instead of church" ...
B) "I don't think I need to go to church to worship God because God is everywhere, so I can worship Him anywhere."
There are many others, and I'm sure that I have used them all! Having used them, I can admit the obvious: I knew that I was wrong, and disobedient, I knew I belonged in church, in fellowship, but I was being self indulgent, and giving into the flesh, and once I started missing it became easier because I wasn't feeding my soul...
Beloved, the scriptures encourage believers to assemble to worship Him, bearing each other's burdens, sharing each other's testimonies which also strengthen the body of believers (the Church), prophesying for the edification of our brothers and sisters, there is strength in numbers, how good it is for brothers to dwell together ... but, when a person is out of fellowship, the probability is that they are also not hearing the Word, and therefore prone to have their faith shipwrecked (Faith comes from hearing and hearing from the word of God). Without fellowship the Christian is weakened.
In nature predators do not attack herds, where the numbers are strong and all members are operating for the good of each other, nurturing, feeding, and protecting one another, no, they go after the strays, the wayward, weakened ones, and quickly overcome and devour.
God gives us the gift of free will, and He will not drag us kicking and screaming to anything, but there will be consequences for our decisions.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Returned/Redeemed
1When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion,
we were like men who dreamed.
2Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
4Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.
5Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.
Psalm 126
As I read this psalm ( one of my favorites) I had this revelation of the successive verses: I was a captive... So were you, and some of us still are. We hold our arms right out, and the shackles and chains are slipped onto us, while we lean over willingly to have the stock slipped around our necks! Ah, but Jesus...he is the Great Liberator! Even at the darkest moment, He is always right there. The key to our redemption lies in the paradigm shift from surrendering to the flesh and the evil wrought by the enemy, to total surrender to the true Master, seeking His face, with the ongoing help on the Spirit, and bathing in the Word.
The Lord has done great things for us! Let us not forget for a second, who He is, that His desires are for us, to restore, bring joy (The Joy of the Lord is our strength, and actually helps sustains us, bringing ongoing health and vigor). Why did the Lord give us tears as a physiologic function? I believe tears (rain) are part of the process of washing away impurities, physical, emotional, and spiritual, what is left , and helps impart and plant that which is will become fruitful. Sheaves are the harvest...the bounty God pours out on us, in every realm, "after the rain". He is so good to us, we are children of the King! We have all hit the lottery, we are the recipients are exceedingly rich treasures, but we often forget. We have the promises of a heavenly Father/Bridegroom who does not change or lie!
Praise the Lord!
we were like men who dreamed.
2Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
4Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.
5Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.
Psalm 126
As I read this psalm ( one of my favorites) I had this revelation of the successive verses: I was a captive... So were you, and some of us still are. We hold our arms right out, and the shackles and chains are slipped onto us, while we lean over willingly to have the stock slipped around our necks! Ah, but Jesus...he is the Great Liberator! Even at the darkest moment, He is always right there. The key to our redemption lies in the paradigm shift from surrendering to the flesh and the evil wrought by the enemy, to total surrender to the true Master, seeking His face, with the ongoing help on the Spirit, and bathing in the Word.
The Lord has done great things for us! Let us not forget for a second, who He is, that His desires are for us, to restore, bring joy (The Joy of the Lord is our strength, and actually helps sustains us, bringing ongoing health and vigor). Why did the Lord give us tears as a physiologic function? I believe tears (rain) are part of the process of washing away impurities, physical, emotional, and spiritual, what is left , and helps impart and plant that which is will become fruitful. Sheaves are the harvest...the bounty God pours out on us, in every realm, "after the rain". He is so good to us, we are children of the King! We have all hit the lottery, we are the recipients are exceedingly rich treasures, but we often forget. We have the promises of a heavenly Father/Bridegroom who does not change or lie!
Praise the Lord!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Immoveable Unshakeable
25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”[e] 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12:25-28
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10
Those who trust in the lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
Psalm 125:1
I have blogged about these things before, but I feel led to again...
There are a lot of frightened and confused people out there. We talked to a relative recently, who knows someone who confided in her that she and many friends are really frightened, as the Middle East really starts to churn, Islam threatens , earthquakes shake countries literally apart, the governments and systems we have trusted in become weakened and many fear inevitable collapses. Now these people are not Christians, they know not the Lord or His Word-yet.
Beloved, I haven't done a word study on how many times shaking appears in scripture, but it is MANY. It's there because we have a bad habit of taking our eyes off the Uncreated Creator, the One who is immoveable, steady, controls everything, and loves ...US. Family, it is actually a sin to worry! It means that we don't trust Him, that we think His Arm is too short, that He is not mighty enough. Guess what? All lies from the pit of hell, from an adversary who wants to plant seeds of doubt, just as when Peter was strolling on the water - until He entertained those thoughts that came from the accuser, and went down.
The Lord, our Father/Master/Bridegroom/Redeemer, is mighty to save. He is never early or late, He is always right on time. We only see dimly now, but soon we will know His perfect plans and how He worked everything for good, always, even in times that seemed dark and difficult.
Hebrews 12:25-28
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10
Those who trust in the lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
Psalm 125:1
I have blogged about these things before, but I feel led to again...
There are a lot of frightened and confused people out there. We talked to a relative recently, who knows someone who confided in her that she and many friends are really frightened, as the Middle East really starts to churn, Islam threatens , earthquakes shake countries literally apart, the governments and systems we have trusted in become weakened and many fear inevitable collapses. Now these people are not Christians, they know not the Lord or His Word-yet.
Beloved, I haven't done a word study on how many times shaking appears in scripture, but it is MANY. It's there because we have a bad habit of taking our eyes off the Uncreated Creator, the One who is immoveable, steady, controls everything, and loves ...US. Family, it is actually a sin to worry! It means that we don't trust Him, that we think His Arm is too short, that He is not mighty enough. Guess what? All lies from the pit of hell, from an adversary who wants to plant seeds of doubt, just as when Peter was strolling on the water - until He entertained those thoughts that came from the accuser, and went down.
The Lord, our Father/Master/Bridegroom/Redeemer, is mighty to save. He is never early or late, He is always right on time. We only see dimly now, but soon we will know His perfect plans and how He worked everything for good, always, even in times that seemed dark and difficult.
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