"You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God."
James 4:2
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."
Phil.2:3
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;"
Romans 12:10
Is selfishness the root of all evil? Perhaps, perhaps not...but there is no denying that nothing but trouble comes when we are "looking out for #1", as the world we live in would have us buy into. The scriptures tell us to be devoted to one another, placing a higher value on others than ourselves, honoring others, without selfish ambition or vain conceit. Jesus said that we should give...that it is better to give than to receive, freely we have received...freely give. To me, the richest part of being a giver and the most valuable things we can give is not mammon, although this can be a great blessing too...it's ourselves, part of valuing others higher than ourselves, not just in theory but in practical everyday life. Letting someone go in front of you in traffic, in a line, at a coffee machine, holding the door for someone, saying something nice or comforting, buying a meal for someone, paying a friend a compliment...slowing down enough in a busy home to say, "I love you" to your spouse or children...
We reap what we sow...today sow seeds of humility, love, kindness.
The harvest we will reap will be awesome.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Working It Out 248
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. "
Matthew 6:14-15
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
Phil.2:12-13
"Whoever disowns me before others I will disown before my Father in Heaven."
Matthew 10:33
Unforgiveness against others, and denying the Lord because
we are caving in to peer pressure are major stumbling blocks.
Jesus knows our hearts, our innermost thoughts.
He is omnipresent, He is always right with us, all the time.
Our private lives, how we act in different places, whether it be amongst friends, school, work, the marketplace, wherever we are...nothing about us is hidden, and we are accountable.
How can a person say, "Jesus, you are Lord of my life and I will follow you" - yet walk in unforgiveness and deny Him in the presence of others?
The answer is simple: You can't!
Is it clear to others by our actions as well as our words who we are?
Do we love much, forgive much, gladly acknowledge that we belong to Him?
Or are there frequent moments where we act as Peter did
when he was confronted after Jesus was arrested, denying that he knew the Savior?
"Working out our salvation with fear and trembling"- to me this means what I previously just wrote- love much, forgive much, just as we have been forgiven, never ever deny who we are and who we belong to-Jesus-even in the face of persecution, threats, even if we were to be threatened with death! I God help us not to deny that we are His, and to be shining examples of what it means to be disciples of the Most High God-Jesus.
But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. "
Matthew 6:14-15
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
Phil.2:12-13
"Whoever disowns me before others I will disown before my Father in Heaven."
Matthew 10:33
Unforgiveness against others, and denying the Lord because
we are caving in to peer pressure are major stumbling blocks.
Jesus knows our hearts, our innermost thoughts.
He is omnipresent, He is always right with us, all the time.
Our private lives, how we act in different places, whether it be amongst friends, school, work, the marketplace, wherever we are...nothing about us is hidden, and we are accountable.
How can a person say, "Jesus, you are Lord of my life and I will follow you" - yet walk in unforgiveness and deny Him in the presence of others?
The answer is simple: You can't!
Is it clear to others by our actions as well as our words who we are?
Do we love much, forgive much, gladly acknowledge that we belong to Him?
Or are there frequent moments where we act as Peter did
when he was confronted after Jesus was arrested, denying that he knew the Savior?
"Working out our salvation with fear and trembling"- to me this means what I previously just wrote- love much, forgive much, just as we have been forgiven, never ever deny who we are and who we belong to-Jesus-even in the face of persecution, threats, even if we were to be threatened with death! I God help us not to deny that we are His, and to be shining examples of what it means to be disciples of the Most High God-Jesus.
Monday, August 29, 2011
All Things Restored
"Therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
Genesis 3:23, 24
"Afterward he brought me to the gate, the gate that faces toward the east. And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory. It was like the appearance of the vision which I saw—like the vision which I saw when I came to destroy the city. The visions were like the vision which I saw by the River Chebar; and I fell on my face. And the glory of the Lord came into the temple by way of the gate which faces toward the east. The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple."
Ezekiel 43:1-5
"Then He brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary which faces toward the east, but it was shut. And the Lord said to me, “This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter by it, because the Lord God of Israel has entered by it; therefore it shall be shut. As for the prince, because he is the prince, he may sit in it to eat bread before the Lord; he shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gateway, and go out the same way.”" Ezekiel 44:1-3
Adam and Eve were expelled after the fall to the east of where their home, Eden, had been. The Lord directed me to the scriptures in Ezekiel 43 and 44, where the Lord reveals to Ezekiel, how and where, but not when, the Lord Jesus is returning! He could come back anywhere He chooses, but there is a connection, a continuity, between the direction of where the first Adam was ejected from God's presence,to the east and to where Jesus, the "second Adam" is returning,the Eastern(aka the Golden)Gate, when He will set everything right, restoring and renewing all things. The Eastern Gate of Jerusalem was rebuilt in the 6th or 7th century by the Byzantines, and was sealed up a thousand years later by the muslim conqueror, Sulieman, who was aware of the prophecy (and obviously believed it!). But Ezekiel has prophesied the sealing of the Gate and the return of the Lord to this place many centuries before this! The muslims of that day also knew about and believed this prophesy, which is why they put a cemetery outside the Gate, thinking that may deter His return.
But nothing will keep the Lord from His divine appointments, neither in this grand scenario which will been seen worldwide, or even the smallest things!
In God's heavenly/spiritual economy, there are no coincidences in how the Lord does things! His word is true, His timing perfect; beloved, trust every word ...we can count on it, without fail!
Genesis 3:23, 24
"Afterward he brought me to the gate, the gate that faces toward the east. And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory. It was like the appearance of the vision which I saw—like the vision which I saw when I came to destroy the city. The visions were like the vision which I saw by the River Chebar; and I fell on my face. And the glory of the Lord came into the temple by way of the gate which faces toward the east. The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple."
Ezekiel 43:1-5
"Then He brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary which faces toward the east, but it was shut. And the Lord said to me, “This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter by it, because the Lord God of Israel has entered by it; therefore it shall be shut. As for the prince, because he is the prince, he may sit in it to eat bread before the Lord; he shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gateway, and go out the same way.”" Ezekiel 44:1-3
Adam and Eve were expelled after the fall to the east of where their home, Eden, had been. The Lord directed me to the scriptures in Ezekiel 43 and 44, where the Lord reveals to Ezekiel, how and where, but not when, the Lord Jesus is returning! He could come back anywhere He chooses, but there is a connection, a continuity, between the direction of where the first Adam was ejected from God's presence,to the east and to where Jesus, the "second Adam" is returning,the Eastern(aka the Golden)Gate, when He will set everything right, restoring and renewing all things. The Eastern Gate of Jerusalem was rebuilt in the 6th or 7th century by the Byzantines, and was sealed up a thousand years later by the muslim conqueror, Sulieman, who was aware of the prophecy (and obviously believed it!). But Ezekiel has prophesied the sealing of the Gate and the return of the Lord to this place many centuries before this! The muslims of that day also knew about and believed this prophesy, which is why they put a cemetery outside the Gate, thinking that may deter His return.
But nothing will keep the Lord from His divine appointments, neither in this grand scenario which will been seen worldwide, or even the smallest things!
In God's heavenly/spiritual economy, there are no coincidences in how the Lord does things! His word is true, His timing perfect; beloved, trust every word ...we can count on it, without fail!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Longing for the Bridegroom 308
"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words."
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
How and when will we be joined with God?
Will we pass into eternity, going up to meet with Him, after we close our eyes for the last time,
or will He come first and take us up to be with Him?
I really don't care which way brings me to Him first,
I only want whichever way accomplishes our reunion quickest!
I want to be with Him, I long for Him...this world is not my home.
We are just visiting here, fulfilling the mission he gave us,
We're only sojourners, strangers in a strange land.
Are you lovesick for the Bridegroom, is every day that passes here another day closer to being face to face with the Lover of your soul? This is the reason why our troubles and trials here can be seen for what they are- just light and momentary compared to the weight of the eternal glory that awaits us.
If you struggle with the process of aging, illness, trials etc., look at the situation each day with this mindset. It brings a new excitement and joy!
Look up beloved, today we are one day closer to being in His courts than yesterday.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Love, Personified
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13
8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1John 4:8
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children"
Ephesians 5:1
We are called to be lovers! But what does this mean, who's ideas of love make sense? 1 Corinthians 13 is known as the "Love Chapter"- we get a good glimpse at some of the attributes of the Lord, and our highest directives are the first and second commandments...to love the Lord our God with everything we are, heart, soul, mind, spirit, being; and to love our neighbors as ourselves! The rest of the commandments, and all that is written in the Law and the Prophets, is summed up here. The Love Chapter, 1 Corinthians 13 gives us directives on what real love is, and how we are to live it out, not leaving the definition to our own flawed human thinking, or subject to twisted interpretations. Since God is love, and we are imitators of God, put your name in place of where the word Love is in 1 Corinthians 13, and live it out, doing what it says.
Jesus said, Greater things than these (in talking about Himself) shall you do..."
Feed on these words today ... love furiously.
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13
8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1John 4:8
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children"
Ephesians 5:1
We are called to be lovers! But what does this mean, who's ideas of love make sense? 1 Corinthians 13 is known as the "Love Chapter"- we get a good glimpse at some of the attributes of the Lord, and our highest directives are the first and second commandments...to love the Lord our God with everything we are, heart, soul, mind, spirit, being; and to love our neighbors as ourselves! The rest of the commandments, and all that is written in the Law and the Prophets, is summed up here. The Love Chapter, 1 Corinthians 13 gives us directives on what real love is, and how we are to live it out, not leaving the definition to our own flawed human thinking, or subject to twisted interpretations. Since God is love, and we are imitators of God, put your name in place of where the word Love is in 1 Corinthians 13, and live it out, doing what it says.
Jesus said, Greater things than these (in talking about Himself) shall you do..."
Feed on these words today ... love furiously.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Exclusive?( No One Left Behind)
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
John 1:12
Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.”
Isaiah 49:15-16a
"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."
John 14:2
What is the number of souls that can occupy heaven? Does it matter what race, gender, background, denomination a person came from? Is eternity with the Lord-heaven- an exclusive "club"? What does Jesus mean when he talks about the "narrow way"?
Lately I've talked with a number of people who, are not believers and have no knowledge of the Scriptures, who think the idea that salvation can only come through Jesus as narrow minded, bigoted, and exclusionary. I'm sure you know some also, perhaps you were one of those yourself. But what could be further than the truth? The scriptures tell us that all- everyone- who call on and believe in the name of Jesus will be saved and instantly are adopted as children of God, receiving sonship and the eternal inheritances promised! No one gets left behind except for one reason: they chose not to receive the most valuable gift of all the ages, since God gives us the ability to make our own choices. God will not force us, nor will He drag us to our knees to worship Him. I consider it a privilege to be able to adore the King of Kings. He rescued me, pulled me out of the miry pit, but I first had to look up, and reach out- "extending my hand", in a sense, so that He could take hold of me.
It wasn't fear of being left behind, though, that got to me, that caused me to reach towards my Father, it was a glimmer of the understanding of how desperately He loves me/us, and how He desires to dwell with us all together- b'yachad in Hebrew, where all the stuff that causes division and separation vanishes.
John 1:12
Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.”
Isaiah 49:15-16a
"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."
John 14:2
What is the number of souls that can occupy heaven? Does it matter what race, gender, background, denomination a person came from? Is eternity with the Lord-heaven- an exclusive "club"? What does Jesus mean when he talks about the "narrow way"?
Lately I've talked with a number of people who, are not believers and have no knowledge of the Scriptures, who think the idea that salvation can only come through Jesus as narrow minded, bigoted, and exclusionary. I'm sure you know some also, perhaps you were one of those yourself. But what could be further than the truth? The scriptures tell us that all- everyone- who call on and believe in the name of Jesus will be saved and instantly are adopted as children of God, receiving sonship and the eternal inheritances promised! No one gets left behind except for one reason: they chose not to receive the most valuable gift of all the ages, since God gives us the ability to make our own choices. God will not force us, nor will He drag us to our knees to worship Him. I consider it a privilege to be able to adore the King of Kings. He rescued me, pulled me out of the miry pit, but I first had to look up, and reach out- "extending my hand", in a sense, so that He could take hold of me.
It wasn't fear of being left behind, though, that got to me, that caused me to reach towards my Father, it was a glimmer of the understanding of how desperately He loves me/us, and how He desires to dwell with us all together- b'yachad in Hebrew, where all the stuff that causes division and separation vanishes.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Who's Right?/ Decisions 249
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.
Isaiah 55:8
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good."
Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53:1
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:2
I was talking with a colleague who was having an exchange on Facebook with a fellow who professed to be an atheist. The atheist posted a number of scriptures from Deuteronomy, where the Lord instructed the Children of Israel to kill their enemies, pagans, unbelievers, etc. He used the arguement that asked the question- "what kind of a God would direct his followers to kill others because they were different? what about diversity, what makes this god the right god, and what about when bad things happen to innocents, where is God? If He loves us why are these things allowed to happen, why does evil flourish on the earth?
I don't know everything, but this I do know. I am just a man, but God...He is God, and I know He exists for many reasons. Take a look around here...look under a microscope, or through a telescope...as Paul states -For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. To that athiest I would say I know his struggles, because I was also an athiest. I thought I was enlightened, but I knew nothing. I walked in darkness and utter hopelessness, clothed in a facade of academia. But there came a day when all that changed, when after exhausting every other path to futility I surrendered to Him. I know my Redeemer lives. I trust Him because I see Him everywhere. The blood of His only begotten Son has rescued me. Only the Holy Spirit and resurrection power can change a dark heart of stone into a heart of flesh. I have questions still, but until I see my Beloved face to face I always will, and then I will know fully, because His Holy Word tells me I will, and so will you.
His ways are not our ways, nor our thoughts His...and that is a very good thing.
Isaiah 55:8
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good."
Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53:1
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:2
I was talking with a colleague who was having an exchange on Facebook with a fellow who professed to be an atheist. The atheist posted a number of scriptures from Deuteronomy, where the Lord instructed the Children of Israel to kill their enemies, pagans, unbelievers, etc. He used the arguement that asked the question- "what kind of a God would direct his followers to kill others because they were different? what about diversity, what makes this god the right god, and what about when bad things happen to innocents, where is God? If He loves us why are these things allowed to happen, why does evil flourish on the earth?
I don't know everything, but this I do know. I am just a man, but God...He is God, and I know He exists for many reasons. Take a look around here...look under a microscope, or through a telescope...as Paul states -For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. To that athiest I would say I know his struggles, because I was also an athiest. I thought I was enlightened, but I knew nothing. I walked in darkness and utter hopelessness, clothed in a facade of academia. But there came a day when all that changed, when after exhausting every other path to futility I surrendered to Him. I know my Redeemer lives. I trust Him because I see Him everywhere. The blood of His only begotten Son has rescued me. Only the Holy Spirit and resurrection power can change a dark heart of stone into a heart of flesh. I have questions still, but until I see my Beloved face to face I always will, and then I will know fully, because His Holy Word tells me I will, and so will you.
His ways are not our ways, nor our thoughts His...and that is a very good thing.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Always on His Mind 309
"I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
John 17:26
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."
Ephesians 1:3-10
"What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"
Psalm 8:4
What does it mean to you when you hear the phrases: "Jesus loves you", or
"For God so loved the world..." how deeply have you considered this one-of-a-kind divine Love?
It's incredible to realize that we were created, molded in our Father's image for one reason only: to be loved by God, our Creator, Father, and Bridegroom, and to love Him in return, and be be intimately involved in relationship, with Him as Father and Bridegroom! It began this way in the Garden and it will end driven by the same motivation, the culmination being the coming Wedding Feast, when Jesus, the Bridegroom, receives His pure and spotless bride!
Who are we, really, that He should consider us deserving of a love that burns so jealously and furiously that we are warned over and over not to take idols? We are nothing, just "filthy rags"... but to Him, we are His prized possession, so valuable that He sent Jesus to ransom us! That He considers idolatry as the same as when a spouse commits adultery, breaking covenant? Can we begin to understand love and rage mixed together when we are guilty of idolatry- and yet the kind of love He has for us that is so great that He forgives us and takes us back- over and over again? This is so mind boggling to me. Oh, how He loves us....
When this understanding seeps in, what else is there room inside of us for?
I know what there is not room for: hatred, petty criticism, ugly behavior, gossip,
low self esteem, no room for baggage, no room left for unforgiveness, malice...
we become consumed by the All Consuming Fire, there is only room for Him.
Oh, how He loves us!
John 17:26
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."
Ephesians 1:3-10
"What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"
Psalm 8:4
What does it mean to you when you hear the phrases: "Jesus loves you", or
"For God so loved the world..." how deeply have you considered this one-of-a-kind divine Love?
It's incredible to realize that we were created, molded in our Father's image for one reason only: to be loved by God, our Creator, Father, and Bridegroom, and to love Him in return, and be be intimately involved in relationship, with Him as Father and Bridegroom! It began this way in the Garden and it will end driven by the same motivation, the culmination being the coming Wedding Feast, when Jesus, the Bridegroom, receives His pure and spotless bride!
Who are we, really, that He should consider us deserving of a love that burns so jealously and furiously that we are warned over and over not to take idols? We are nothing, just "filthy rags"... but to Him, we are His prized possession, so valuable that He sent Jesus to ransom us! That He considers idolatry as the same as when a spouse commits adultery, breaking covenant? Can we begin to understand love and rage mixed together when we are guilty of idolatry- and yet the kind of love He has for us that is so great that He forgives us and takes us back- over and over again? This is so mind boggling to me. Oh, how He loves us....
When this understanding seeps in, what else is there room inside of us for?
I know what there is not room for: hatred, petty criticism, ugly behavior, gossip,
low self esteem, no room for baggage, no room left for unforgiveness, malice...
we become consumed by the All Consuming Fire, there is only room for Him.
Oh, how He loves us!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Between The Rock and A Hard Place
"From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
Psalm 61:2
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “ He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.” For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
Psalm 91:1, 2, 11, 15
The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
Psalm 18:2, 3
But as it is written, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him."
1Cor.2:9
Do you know that old saying, "Between a rock and a hard place"?
I was discussing current trials in my life with a friend yesterday, and as I said the words- "between a rock and a hard place"- I heard the spirit say to me, " No, you are between THE ROCK and a hard place!"
It's no coincidence that so much of the environment the children of Israel (and other people of the Bible) went through was rocky, wilderness, desert. Real world for them, awesome allegorical examples for us. When facing a situation where we are between the Rock and a hard place, at the risk of being repetitive in my writing- we must go the the Rock, the only place to go...our deliverer, salvation, my strength, refuge, fortress, shield and buckler, our Hiding Place, Shelter...giving His angels charge over us, bearing us up...holding us up!
Today I'm going to choose the Rock; when I have questions but no answers, when I am weak, hungry, tired, thirsty ... I'm coming in from the wilderness, leaning on my Beloved.
Psalm 61:2
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “ He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.” For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
Psalm 91:1, 2, 11, 15
The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
Psalm 18:2, 3
But as it is written, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him."
1Cor.2:9
Do you know that old saying, "Between a rock and a hard place"?
I was discussing current trials in my life with a friend yesterday, and as I said the words- "between a rock and a hard place"- I heard the spirit say to me, " No, you are between THE ROCK and a hard place!"
It's no coincidence that so much of the environment the children of Israel (and other people of the Bible) went through was rocky, wilderness, desert. Real world for them, awesome allegorical examples for us. When facing a situation where we are between the Rock and a hard place, at the risk of being repetitive in my writing- we must go the the Rock, the only place to go...our deliverer, salvation, my strength, refuge, fortress, shield and buckler, our Hiding Place, Shelter...giving His angels charge over us, bearing us up...holding us up!
Today I'm going to choose the Rock; when I have questions but no answers, when I am weak, hungry, tired, thirsty ... I'm coming in from the wilderness, leaning on my Beloved.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Reasons to Praise
Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
Psalm 150:1-6
You, Lord, are enthroned on the praises of your People...
Psalm 22:2
Praise the Lord! Usually this phrase follows a good report on what God has done in a situation, but praise is not just something that is due to our great King when He performs as we expect Him to. We have breath in us, so as v.6 reads, we are to praise Him always and continually, with or without a good report, or any report at all for that matter!
He is worthy of our continual praise, and as we step out in continual praise our great Father inclines His ear to us, the sounds of our praise are as incense to Him, and He is pleased. He doesn't need our "pat on the back", no, He loves us furiously and extravagantly and wants to hear our voices lifted up in praise ... He has created us to worship Him-in Spirit and truth, so don't wait for more reasons today!
Praise the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me...
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
Psalm 150:1-6
You, Lord, are enthroned on the praises of your People...
Psalm 22:2
Praise the Lord! Usually this phrase follows a good report on what God has done in a situation, but praise is not just something that is due to our great King when He performs as we expect Him to. We have breath in us, so as v.6 reads, we are to praise Him always and continually, with or without a good report, or any report at all for that matter!
He is worthy of our continual praise, and as we step out in continual praise our great Father inclines His ear to us, the sounds of our praise are as incense to Him, and He is pleased. He doesn't need our "pat on the back", no, He loves us furiously and extravagantly and wants to hear our voices lifted up in praise ... He has created us to worship Him-in Spirit and truth, so don't wait for more reasons today!
Praise the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me...
Praise the Lord!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Picking Up and Laying Down
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
Matthew 16:24-27
"Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?
33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."
Luke 14:25-28,33
Jesus calls to us, beckoning us: "This is my way, walk in it...deny yourself, pick up your own cross, you must lay everything else down in order to pick it up, even your own life, at my feet...prepare yourself, if you are committed to following me then your crucifixion is inevitable... but I am coming in my Father's glory and will reward you personally, a great eternal reward."
Laying down everything doesn't just mean the stuff we enjoy and value, things that keep us in a comfort zone, but all of our emotional baggage, brokenness, shame, anxiety, unbelief, negative thoughts and energies, too.
We will find our crosses to be heavy, but tailor made for each of us. Not too heavy to bear, just enough to cause us to strain, as we follow this narrow way fraught with stumbling blocks and potholes, God's Word will illuminate our way, perseverance is the fruit born of trials, our crucified selves will be destroyed, replaced by resurrected, renewed lives rewarded by Jesus Himself!
We can trust Him because He promises.
Matthew 16:24-27
"Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?
33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."
Luke 14:25-28,33
Jesus calls to us, beckoning us: "This is my way, walk in it...deny yourself, pick up your own cross, you must lay everything else down in order to pick it up, even your own life, at my feet...prepare yourself, if you are committed to following me then your crucifixion is inevitable... but I am coming in my Father's glory and will reward you personally, a great eternal reward."
Laying down everything doesn't just mean the stuff we enjoy and value, things that keep us in a comfort zone, but all of our emotional baggage, brokenness, shame, anxiety, unbelief, negative thoughts and energies, too.
We will find our crosses to be heavy, but tailor made for each of us. Not too heavy to bear, just enough to cause us to strain, as we follow this narrow way fraught with stumbling blocks and potholes, God's Word will illuminate our way, perseverance is the fruit born of trials, our crucified selves will be destroyed, replaced by resurrected, renewed lives rewarded by Jesus Himself!
We can trust Him because He promises.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Clichés or Truths? 243
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"
Romans 8:35
12 "Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
Proverbs 13:12
If only for this life we have hope in Christ,
we are of all people most to be pitied.
1 Corinthians 15:19
The scriptures tell us many times that trouble will come. Its so easy to council others when we are spared! But how do we handle things when hardship hits us? Do we believe what the Scriptures say, or is the Bible full of a bunch of feel good axioms that help dull the pain, giving us false hopes?
No Christian will escape the pruning, refining process-trials, hardships, stormy times, sometimes maybe so devastating, that it's all we can do just to keep breathing, where we literally ask God to take us, to spare us any more pain. Have you ever had that big QUESTION MARK in your brain? So many questions swirling inside your mind when at that moment there seems like no answers for, situations where we frankly ask, "Where is God in all of this?" When the wicked seem to have the upper hand, when a spouse or loved one hurts us deeply, when children suffer and die, when we are faced with life threatening illness; when you work diligently, tithe and give generously, lend freely, and then one bad business decision strips everything away leaving you living paycheck to paycheck, or we have a million other possible difficulties slam into our lives?
During these times there is only one thing we can do, really. When the tears are exhausted, when we have expended our anger, grief, fear, sorrow, we have to lean on our Abba Daddy. Like Peter said to the Lord Jesus, "Where else should we go to? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)
When situations are hard, we must press in harder, pray and seek casting our cares on Him.
The Lord's shoulders are much bigger than ours, and we have every confidence, every assurance in how he cares for us and loves us.
He will never leave us or forsake us...He said it...we can believe it.
Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"
Romans 8:35
12 "Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
Proverbs 13:12
If only for this life we have hope in Christ,
we are of all people most to be pitied.
1 Corinthians 15:19
The scriptures tell us many times that trouble will come. Its so easy to council others when we are spared! But how do we handle things when hardship hits us? Do we believe what the Scriptures say, or is the Bible full of a bunch of feel good axioms that help dull the pain, giving us false hopes?
No Christian will escape the pruning, refining process-trials, hardships, stormy times, sometimes maybe so devastating, that it's all we can do just to keep breathing, where we literally ask God to take us, to spare us any more pain. Have you ever had that big QUESTION MARK in your brain? So many questions swirling inside your mind when at that moment there seems like no answers for, situations where we frankly ask, "Where is God in all of this?" When the wicked seem to have the upper hand, when a spouse or loved one hurts us deeply, when children suffer and die, when we are faced with life threatening illness; when you work diligently, tithe and give generously, lend freely, and then one bad business decision strips everything away leaving you living paycheck to paycheck, or we have a million other possible difficulties slam into our lives?
During these times there is only one thing we can do, really. When the tears are exhausted, when we have expended our anger, grief, fear, sorrow, we have to lean on our Abba Daddy. Like Peter said to the Lord Jesus, "Where else should we go to? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)
When situations are hard, we must press in harder, pray and seek casting our cares on Him.
The Lord's shoulders are much bigger than ours, and we have every confidence, every assurance in how he cares for us and loves us.
He will never leave us or forsake us...He said it...we can believe it.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The Pursuit of Happiness 250
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6
But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.
Psalm 68:3
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 15:13
“Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.”
John 16:20
“...and your joy no one will take from you.”
John 16:22
“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
Act 13:52
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness...”
Galatians 5:22
“For you are our glory and joy.”
1 Thessalonians 2:20
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,...”
James 1:2
“And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”
1 John 1:4
The Declaration of Independence mentions the right the pursue the concepts of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", but if you ask people what that means to them personally, what would the answer be? Would Scriptures like this be quoted, or would we hear that to so many they believe happiness is linked to wealth, vacations-stuff? I think the Founding Fathers, though, understood what has become so elusive today: like everything else that is real and lasting, our happiness and joy comes from the One who created us. It's not the stuff, but real relationship with the LORD, that brings joy, and it is the only thing that will last. In His presence is fullness of joy, and I'm not talking about just the weekly service we attend, there is so much more, He wants so much more for us. It has been said that the way to spell LOVE with dear ones is T-I-M-E, time we spend together. Not busy time spent doing things for the beloved, but actual time spent with Him... The Lord made us so that fulfillment, satisfaction, joy, true happiness can only be realized one way.
Jesus said, "Behold I stand at the door and knock...Whoever opens that door I will come in and dine with them..." To dine is to be satisfied, to commune with and relate to, to be nourished (and not just by food), think of joy and happiness as dessert!
Pursue Jesus today, beloved, He's easy to catch up to- He is running towards us, not away from us.
1 Timothy 6:6
But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.
Psalm 68:3
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 15:13
“Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.”
John 16:20
“...and your joy no one will take from you.”
John 16:22
“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
Act 13:52
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness...”
Galatians 5:22
“For you are our glory and joy.”
1 Thessalonians 2:20
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,...”
James 1:2
“And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”
1 John 1:4
The Declaration of Independence mentions the right the pursue the concepts of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", but if you ask people what that means to them personally, what would the answer be? Would Scriptures like this be quoted, or would we hear that to so many they believe happiness is linked to wealth, vacations-stuff? I think the Founding Fathers, though, understood what has become so elusive today: like everything else that is real and lasting, our happiness and joy comes from the One who created us. It's not the stuff, but real relationship with the LORD, that brings joy, and it is the only thing that will last. In His presence is fullness of joy, and I'm not talking about just the weekly service we attend, there is so much more, He wants so much more for us. It has been said that the way to spell LOVE with dear ones is T-I-M-E, time we spend together. Not busy time spent doing things for the beloved, but actual time spent with Him... The Lord made us so that fulfillment, satisfaction, joy, true happiness can only be realized one way.
Jesus said, "Behold I stand at the door and knock...Whoever opens that door I will come in and dine with them..." To dine is to be satisfied, to commune with and relate to, to be nourished (and not just by food), think of joy and happiness as dessert!
Pursue Jesus today, beloved, He's easy to catch up to- He is running towards us, not away from us.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Crossing Our Jordans
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"These are the decrees and laws you must be careful to follow in the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you to possess—as long as you live in the land. 2 Destroy completely all the places on the high mountains, on the hills and under every spreading tree, where the nations you are dispossessing worship their gods. 3 Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and burn their Asherah poles in the fire; cut down the idols of their gods and wipe out their names from those places.
4 You must not worship the LORD your God in their way. 5 But you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; 6 there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks. 7 There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.
8 You are not to do as we do here today, everyone doing as they see fit, 9 since you have not yet reached the resting place and the inheritance the LORD your God is giving you. 10 But you will cross the Jordan and settle in the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and he will give you rest from all your enemies around you so that you will live in safety.
Deut.12:1-10
Proverbs 14:12
"These are the decrees and laws you must be careful to follow in the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you to possess—as long as you live in the land. 2 Destroy completely all the places on the high mountains, on the hills and under every spreading tree, where the nations you are dispossessing worship their gods. 3 Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and burn their Asherah poles in the fire; cut down the idols of their gods and wipe out their names from those places.
4 You must not worship the LORD your God in their way. 5 But you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; 6 there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks. 7 There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.
8 You are not to do as we do here today, everyone doing as they see fit, 9 since you have not yet reached the resting place and the inheritance the LORD your God is giving you. 10 But you will cross the Jordan and settle in the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and he will give you rest from all your enemies around you so that you will live in safety.
Deut.12:1-10
Crossing the Jordan has great symbolism and meaning for the transition we experience when we are born again. John the Baptizer baptized Jesus in the Jordan River at the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry, and, in a sense, as the children of Israel waded through the Jordan, they likewise experienced a type of baptism. There was no intention of going back, no looking over their shoulder, as Lot's wife had done with devastating consequences! As children of God, and co-heirs right along with Jesus we have been grafted in, and likewise we are to move from the world's ways of doing things, to a much better and higher way-the Lord's ways- having moved from being natural, fleshly men & women to people born of the spirit, directed by the Holy Spirit.
We have an inheritance in the Lord that is far richer, that has eternal benefits far beyond what this world has to offer. We have only to seek after Him-and never look back.
Settle in the place God has for you today.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Overcoming Temptations/Resisting The Enemy
"Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?"
Proverbs 6:27
"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. "
1Corinthians 10:13
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
James 4:7
The forces of this present darkness are constantly at work! Our enemy, the devil, knows what makes men tick, and he and his foot soldiers are at work, looking for chinks in our defenses, probing our weaknesses. John Bunyan wrote the story of a fierce battle to take control of a city from its rightful ruler. This famous allegory, Bunyan's second most popular work, is entitled The Holy War. His depiction of the human soul is a city, Mansoul, with five gates: Ear Gate, Eye Gate, Nose Gate, Feel Gate, and Mouth Gate. The enemy of the city is Sin, who comes on a daily basis to attack at one of its five gates. Sin speaks to the Ear Gate; he presents vivid, alluring pictures to the Eye Gate; he tempts the other gates also. The thing about this battle is that Mansoul could never be defeated by outside attacks, and Sin could never win in his assaults against the five gates ... except in one way: someone on the inside had to open one of the gates and let Sin in.
We have but one option here; don't try to dance with the deceiver, he knows all the tricks! If you dabble or just dip your toe into that pool, crack that door, he will blow it wide open!
Proverbs 6:27
"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. "
1Corinthians 10:13
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
James 4:7
The forces of this present darkness are constantly at work! Our enemy, the devil, knows what makes men tick, and he and his foot soldiers are at work, looking for chinks in our defenses, probing our weaknesses. John Bunyan wrote the story of a fierce battle to take control of a city from its rightful ruler. This famous allegory, Bunyan's second most popular work, is entitled The Holy War. His depiction of the human soul is a city, Mansoul, with five gates: Ear Gate, Eye Gate, Nose Gate, Feel Gate, and Mouth Gate. The enemy of the city is Sin, who comes on a daily basis to attack at one of its five gates. Sin speaks to the Ear Gate; he presents vivid, alluring pictures to the Eye Gate; he tempts the other gates also. The thing about this battle is that Mansoul could never be defeated by outside attacks, and Sin could never win in his assaults against the five gates ... except in one way: someone on the inside had to open one of the gates and let Sin in.
We have but one option here; don't try to dance with the deceiver, he knows all the tricks! If you dabble or just dip your toe into that pool, crack that door, he will blow it wide open!
No beloved, resist the devil, and he will flee. When we are weak we need to run to our Father, who is supremely strong, and put on the armor daily, protect every gate, never underestimate our enemy.
Today submit yourself to God, pure surrender to the Lord means victory over the adversary!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Strength & Food/Coming Out The Other Side
"Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights."
Habakkuk 3:17-19
“Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith.”
Proverbs 25:4
"Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Matthew 4:4
Another pruning this past week in our lives, beloved, can anyone relate?
Habakkuk 3:19 reads : "Sovereign Lord"...this phrase appears multiple times in the prophets' writings; but have you ever given much thought to this adjective, this phrase describing the Lord? "Sovereign" means supreme, above all others, without equal,beyond reproach, the One who "calls all the shots", omniscient, omnipotent.
The second part of this verse reads - "IS MY STRENGTH" ... when life as we know it teeters on the edge and things get a bit dicey, or when it "hits the fan"- God alone is the source of our strength - we can trust Him. God alone is worthy of our trust, is He not? Crops fail, economies may wither, disappointments may come, but as believers we do not, we cannot, live by "bread" alone, but by every word that proceeds from His mouth, His Spirit that draws us, and His love that sustains us. We are being pruned, refined, and polished, being made ready for our Bridegroom, as we keep our eyes locked on Jesus. Our new growth brings deeper roots, and more beautiful fruit. More pruning may come, as our Sovereign God deems necessary for our
eternal benefit-and His glory.
He is enabling us to go on the heights.
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights."
Habakkuk 3:17-19
“Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith.”
Proverbs 25:4
"Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Matthew 4:4
Another pruning this past week in our lives, beloved, can anyone relate?
Habakkuk 3:19 reads : "Sovereign Lord"...this phrase appears multiple times in the prophets' writings; but have you ever given much thought to this adjective, this phrase describing the Lord? "Sovereign" means supreme, above all others, without equal,beyond reproach, the One who "calls all the shots", omniscient, omnipotent.
The second part of this verse reads - "IS MY STRENGTH" ... when life as we know it teeters on the edge and things get a bit dicey, or when it "hits the fan"- God alone is the source of our strength - we can trust Him. God alone is worthy of our trust, is He not? Crops fail, economies may wither, disappointments may come, but as believers we do not, we cannot, live by "bread" alone, but by every word that proceeds from His mouth, His Spirit that draws us, and His love that sustains us. We are being pruned, refined, and polished, being made ready for our Bridegroom, as we keep our eyes locked on Jesus. Our new growth brings deeper roots, and more beautiful fruit. More pruning may come, as our Sovereign God deems necessary for our
eternal benefit-and His glory.
He is enabling us to go on the heights.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Practical Application
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5,6
Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.
So, remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.
Ecclesiastes 11:5, 10
"Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the Lord,
And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God"? Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary."
Isaiah 40:27-31
Scholars often live in a purely academic world, where theories are hypothesized, taught, and expounded, and the theories/teaching never get to be put to the test of real-life practical application. As Christians we find ourselves in a living laboratory...the teachings and promises of the Lord Jesus, and the Words of life contained in our Owner's Manuals will be put to the test in each of our lives without exemption, and we will be heated, shaken, stirred-refined. We are often unprepared for these tests, so how do we respond when outcomes don't line up with what we were expecting? When healings don't come, when evil people prosper while the godly suffer, when our idea of justice differs from what the actual result of a situation? It can be difficult being the "clay" when we are being shaped and handled in uncomfortable ways.
It needs to be an act of our will to thank Him in the midst or various trial; He is no less worthy, whether in good circumstances or difficulties, no... He is always worthy and deserving of our praise. We have access to the oil of gladness and the balm of Gilead, and much more...they are in our spiritual medicine cabinet, we need only to take hold of them.
Today I choose to appropriate these things and more. Our Abba is no less mighty, no less capable, no less aware, but He is stretching us, purifying us, with the least amount of pain, but there will be pain, that's guaranteed.
The Maker's ways and thoughts are much higher than ours; in what will be like the blink of an eye we will be standing before Him and we will see the whole picture, not just looking into a mirror dimly.
Trust Him always, do not waver, beloved, lean not on your understanding, for the Lord is good.
All the time.
And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5,6
Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.
So, remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.
Ecclesiastes 11:5, 10
"Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the Lord,
And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God"? Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary."
Isaiah 40:27-31
Scholars often live in a purely academic world, where theories are hypothesized, taught, and expounded, and the theories/teaching never get to be put to the test of real-life practical application. As Christians we find ourselves in a living laboratory...the teachings and promises of the Lord Jesus, and the Words of life contained in our Owner's Manuals will be put to the test in each of our lives without exemption, and we will be heated, shaken, stirred-refined. We are often unprepared for these tests, so how do we respond when outcomes don't line up with what we were expecting? When healings don't come, when evil people prosper while the godly suffer, when our idea of justice differs from what the actual result of a situation? It can be difficult being the "clay" when we are being shaped and handled in uncomfortable ways.
It needs to be an act of our will to thank Him in the midst or various trial; He is no less worthy, whether in good circumstances or difficulties, no... He is always worthy and deserving of our praise. We have access to the oil of gladness and the balm of Gilead, and much more...they are in our spiritual medicine cabinet, we need only to take hold of them.
Today I choose to appropriate these things and more. Our Abba is no less mighty, no less capable, no less aware, but He is stretching us, purifying us, with the least amount of pain, but there will be pain, that's guaranteed.
The Maker's ways and thoughts are much higher than ours; in what will be like the blink of an eye we will be standing before Him and we will see the whole picture, not just looking into a mirror dimly.
Trust Him always, do not waver, beloved, lean not on your understanding, for the Lord is good.
All the time.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Potential (Seeing Through Jesus' Eyes) 251
While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Mark 2:15-17
Jesus hung out with people who needed help. Prostitutes, criminals, despised tax collectors, untouchables, and those whom our culture would call "losers", "low-life's ", maybe worse.
The culture saw failure and brokenness, but Jesus saw potential.
He looks past what current circumstances appear to be.
He knows the heart of every person;
where there is brokenness He sees restoration and repair;
where there is sickness He sees healing,
instead of darkness, light;
from death and destruction He calls forth life.
Out of the ashes He brings beauty, not seeing each of us as we are but instead as we can be at the finish line.
As imitators of Jesus, we need to view others like Jesus does, always hoping, seeing the qualities, over the flaws, strengths not weaknesses, not loving them based on position, popularity, or wealth, but because we are all in the same family, made in God's image, all flawed, all needing love, edification, and encouragement from each other.
Today, beloved, put on your "Jesus filtered glasses" and watch what happens when we do!
"and provide for those who grieve in Zion--to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
Isaiah 61:3
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Mark 2:15-17
Jesus hung out with people who needed help. Prostitutes, criminals, despised tax collectors, untouchables, and those whom our culture would call "losers", "low-life's ", maybe worse.
The culture saw failure and brokenness, but Jesus saw potential.
He looks past what current circumstances appear to be.
He knows the heart of every person;
where there is brokenness He sees restoration and repair;
where there is sickness He sees healing,
instead of darkness, light;
from death and destruction He calls forth life.
Out of the ashes He brings beauty, not seeing each of us as we are but instead as we can be at the finish line.
As imitators of Jesus, we need to view others like Jesus does, always hoping, seeing the qualities, over the flaws, strengths not weaknesses, not loving them based on position, popularity, or wealth, but because we are all in the same family, made in God's image, all flawed, all needing love, edification, and encouragement from each other.
Today, beloved, put on your "Jesus filtered glasses" and watch what happens when we do!
"and provide for those who grieve in Zion--to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
Isaiah 61:3
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Wallets and Purses
"And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on."
Mark 12:41-44
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Luke 6:38
"Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the LORD came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”
12 “As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”
13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the land.’” 15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.
1 Kings 17:7-16
"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver"
2 Corinthians 9:7
People often get really uncomfortable when discussions or teachings arise regarding tithing and giving. In the natural, people mentally, spiritually, and sometimes physically, clutch onto their wallets and purses tightly. There is often a convoluted concept involved - we actually believe that it's our money, we earned it, it's ours to do as we please. Sometimes there is rationalization that God owns everything, so He doesn't need our money...another is that we are in such a desperate place financially that we simply can't give.
Have you ever thought about why God loves a cheerful giver? If He owns everything anyway, and everything was made by His hand, so it can't be about the actual gift. Whatever the amount it's as nothing to Him. Actions speak louder than words, we are to truly trust Him, and not just give lip service, He's looking at how we think about our resources, and what place, what position do these things occupy in our hearts. The truth is that we can never really own anything, we are only stewards, and all that we have been entrusted with is from our heavenly Father. When we give joyfully, offering cheerfully from the first fruits, from our best, not throwing the King of the Universe leftovers and crumbs, the Lord sees that mammon is not an idol, and that we are acknowledging Him as our only master, not money.
We just can't outgive the One that has given us everything-including his only begotten Son.
Mark 12:41-44
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Luke 6:38
"Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the LORD came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”
12 “As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”
13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the land.’” 15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.
1 Kings 17:7-16
"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver"
2 Corinthians 9:7
People often get really uncomfortable when discussions or teachings arise regarding tithing and giving. In the natural, people mentally, spiritually, and sometimes physically, clutch onto their wallets and purses tightly. There is often a convoluted concept involved - we actually believe that it's our money, we earned it, it's ours to do as we please. Sometimes there is rationalization that God owns everything, so He doesn't need our money...another is that we are in such a desperate place financially that we simply can't give.
Have you ever thought about why God loves a cheerful giver? If He owns everything anyway, and everything was made by His hand, so it can't be about the actual gift. Whatever the amount it's as nothing to Him. Actions speak louder than words, we are to truly trust Him, and not just give lip service, He's looking at how we think about our resources, and what place, what position do these things occupy in our hearts. The truth is that we can never really own anything, we are only stewards, and all that we have been entrusted with is from our heavenly Father. When we give joyfully, offering cheerfully from the first fruits, from our best, not throwing the King of the Universe leftovers and crumbs, the Lord sees that mammon is not an idol, and that we are acknowledging Him as our only master, not money.
We just can't outgive the One that has given us everything-including his only begotten Son.
Monday, August 8, 2011
My Weaknesses
"For You are faithful, Oh God...
You never change
You are faithful God
My confidence is in your faithfulness,
Not in my own faithfulness
My confidence is in You, God
So here I am, Lord,
In my weakness here I am, and
I throw myself on your faithfulness, and
I ask you God,
To bring me to the end
Carry me with your faithfulness...
-Prelude, Misty Edwards
"Let us hold fast to the profession of our faith without wavering;(for He who promised is faithful)"
Hebrews 10:23
This morning, a Monday, awakening after a semi-sleepless night, and burdened with a number of big events looming that will affect my immediate circumstances and long term future, I was feeling helpless, uncertain, and weak. That's the truth. So I did the most important thing I could do: I pulled out our secret weapon and began to pray, and as I put on worship music, the Lord brought me exactly what I needed to hear, as my Father reaffirmed what I already knew, as He has so many times before: "do not fear, behold I am with you even to the end of the age, He who is faithful will complete what He has begun..."
He has a great plan for us, it will be a wild ride, but it will be full of Him and the evidence of His goodness will be undeniable and everywhere.
I take no confidence in the flesh, and even less in my own faithfulness, but as I throw
myself headlong at his faithfulness I am comforted, reassured, emboldened...strengthened.
Wherever you are today, whatever is in front of you, throw yourself at His faithfulness...
He is faithful and His lovingkindness endures forever.
You never change
You are faithful God
My confidence is in your faithfulness,
Not in my own faithfulness
My confidence is in You, God
So here I am, Lord,
In my weakness here I am, and
I throw myself on your faithfulness, and
I ask you God,
To bring me to the end
Carry me with your faithfulness...
-Prelude, Misty Edwards
"Let us hold fast to the profession of our faith without wavering;(for He who promised is faithful)"
Hebrews 10:23
This morning, a Monday, awakening after a semi-sleepless night, and burdened with a number of big events looming that will affect my immediate circumstances and long term future, I was feeling helpless, uncertain, and weak. That's the truth. So I did the most important thing I could do: I pulled out our secret weapon and began to pray, and as I put on worship music, the Lord brought me exactly what I needed to hear, as my Father reaffirmed what I already knew, as He has so many times before: "do not fear, behold I am with you even to the end of the age, He who is faithful will complete what He has begun..."
He has a great plan for us, it will be a wild ride, but it will be full of Him and the evidence of His goodness will be undeniable and everywhere.
I take no confidence in the flesh, and even less in my own faithfulness, but as I throw
myself headlong at his faithfulness I am comforted, reassured, emboldened...strengthened.
Wherever you are today, whatever is in front of you, throw yourself at His faithfulness...
He is faithful and His lovingkindness endures forever.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Secret Weapons 175
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
2 Cor.10:3-5
"Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thess.5:16-18
It's interesting to me that prayer is often a last resort for most people, even professing Christians. As long as there is any other possibility, plan of action, or resource other than prayer, we will often put off the last option that which is the ultimate secret weapon, and that which should've been our first option: our prayers. I say "secret" weapon because it is sometimes a secret even to ourselves.
Why is it so hard oftentimes to pray? Why is it that things seem to just "pop up", when our plans are to meet with others to pray, or even if you are about to start praying yourself and suddenly something happens to distract you and pull you away from praying? It's no accident-the ones whose demonic strongholds we would be about to demolish in prayer are actively and persistently at work to keep us from praying!
But we need to recognize the wiles of our enemy-pray we must.
It is the ultimate weapon.
When we use it, especially without ceasing as we are directed,
no weapon or stronghold will ultimately be able to stand against us.
It doesn't mean that things may change instantly; God's timing is perfect.
We are setting things in motion as we pray, and these prayers accomplish much.
Remember that Joshua and company marched around Jericho for 6 days and saw nothing happen,
and those on the wall were probably laughing it up!
But on that seventh day…
"We don't have to pray…we GET to pray!"
2 Cor.10:3-5
"Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thess.5:16-18
It's interesting to me that prayer is often a last resort for most people, even professing Christians. As long as there is any other possibility, plan of action, or resource other than prayer, we will often put off the last option that which is the ultimate secret weapon, and that which should've been our first option: our prayers. I say "secret" weapon because it is sometimes a secret even to ourselves.
Why is it so hard oftentimes to pray? Why is it that things seem to just "pop up", when our plans are to meet with others to pray, or even if you are about to start praying yourself and suddenly something happens to distract you and pull you away from praying? It's no accident-the ones whose demonic strongholds we would be about to demolish in prayer are actively and persistently at work to keep us from praying!
But we need to recognize the wiles of our enemy-pray we must.
It is the ultimate weapon.
When we use it, especially without ceasing as we are directed,
no weapon or stronghold will ultimately be able to stand against us.
It doesn't mean that things may change instantly; God's timing is perfect.
We are setting things in motion as we pray, and these prayers accomplish much.
Remember that Joshua and company marched around Jericho for 6 days and saw nothing happen,
and those on the wall were probably laughing it up!
But on that seventh day…
"We don't have to pray…we GET to pray!"
Saturday, August 6, 2011
On Our Faces
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14
"Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together."
Psalm 34:3
"A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."
Psalm 127:1
August 6. 2011: A prayer gathering with Christians from across the country at Reliant Stadium in Texas for the Lord to intervene for the fate of our nation. The desperate and precarious place we are in is because of one thing and one thing only, and it's way past time to admit what is so glaringly obvious: we like sheep have gone astray. Salvation and deliverance comes from God our Father and Bridegroom alone...it does not depend on a president, congress, political party, budget, stock market, or anything else but God and God alone. We need the Lord, He alone is God, and we need Him in every area of our lives- personal, national, corporate, all of it.
Let's seek Him while He can yet be found.
2 Chronicles 7:14
"Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together."
Psalm 34:3
"A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."
Psalm 127:1
August 6. 2011: A prayer gathering with Christians from across the country at Reliant Stadium in Texas for the Lord to intervene for the fate of our nation. The desperate and precarious place we are in is because of one thing and one thing only, and it's way past time to admit what is so glaringly obvious: we like sheep have gone astray. Salvation and deliverance comes from God our Father and Bridegroom alone...it does not depend on a president, congress, political party, budget, stock market, or anything else but God and God alone. We need the Lord, He alone is God, and we need Him in every area of our lives- personal, national, corporate, all of it.
Let's seek Him while He can yet be found.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Managing Expectations
" Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God."
Psalm 42:5,11
In the past I have found in my life that there was a direct correlation between my nebulous concept of "happiness" and my "expectations" being realized...of course, this also means that there was a direct correlation between unhappiness and unmet, unrealised expectations, and the term "downcast soul" used here by the Psalmist is a great description.
Expectations and desires can be, and often are, driven by the flesh, with very little thought as to what our Father's will might be for a given situation, and the truth is that I still often battle impulsive, flesh driven choices, when I should slow down, and really seek Him.
After all, He is omniscient, omnipotent, and the best part of all is that He loves us furiously.
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God."
Psalm 42:5,11
In the past I have found in my life that there was a direct correlation between my nebulous concept of "happiness" and my "expectations" being realized...of course, this also means that there was a direct correlation between unhappiness and unmet, unrealised expectations, and the term "downcast soul" used here by the Psalmist is a great description.
Expectations and desires can be, and often are, driven by the flesh, with very little thought as to what our Father's will might be for a given situation, and the truth is that I still often battle impulsive, flesh driven choices, when I should slow down, and really seek Him.
After all, He is omniscient, omnipotent, and the best part of all is that He loves us furiously.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Light Afflictions
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"
Romans 8:35
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28
Yesterday as I was walking through the lobby of the Marriott in Kansas City with my morning coffee and preparing to check out, I overheard a woman telling staff that her van, and a number of others in the parking lot had been broken into. I set down the coffee and quickly made my way to our vehicle and as I came around the driver's side my heart sank as I saw the window had been shattered, the contents of the glove compartment strewn about, my needed GPS gone, and the possibility of rain escalating from previous scorching hot days there. I was angry, really hopping mad, and wished I could've gotten my hands on the thief! How dare he/they do that to our vehicle? I felt violated and trespassed on.
But I heard the answers welling within me, as the Lord began showing me things, speaking into me. Above are the scriptures that resonated in me, and I took a deep breath, and I said "Thank you, Lord! It could have been so very much worse.
Within 2 hours we had a new window, even though the first few folks I talked to told me that I would not find glass till the next day. My auto insurance company is reimbursing us, including the GPS that was stolen (we got a bigger, better, brand new one), additionally we had a divine appointment with a family that we would not have otherwise met ... There are no coincidences, in the Lord's timing, He is perfect.
Now this was a very light and momentary affliction, but in life there are other trials and situations that are difficult, but the principles are the same... cast our cares on Him, these things produce the eternal weight of Glory, perseverance and endurance that we must attain to blossoms and thrives when fertilized in the fields of trials and hardship.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"
Romans 8:35
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28
Yesterday as I was walking through the lobby of the Marriott in Kansas City with my morning coffee and preparing to check out, I overheard a woman telling staff that her van, and a number of others in the parking lot had been broken into. I set down the coffee and quickly made my way to our vehicle and as I came around the driver's side my heart sank as I saw the window had been shattered, the contents of the glove compartment strewn about, my needed GPS gone, and the possibility of rain escalating from previous scorching hot days there. I was angry, really hopping mad, and wished I could've gotten my hands on the thief! How dare he/they do that to our vehicle? I felt violated and trespassed on.
But I heard the answers welling within me, as the Lord began showing me things, speaking into me. Above are the scriptures that resonated in me, and I took a deep breath, and I said "Thank you, Lord! It could have been so very much worse.
Within 2 hours we had a new window, even though the first few folks I talked to told me that I would not find glass till the next day. My auto insurance company is reimbursing us, including the GPS that was stolen (we got a bigger, better, brand new one), additionally we had a divine appointment with a family that we would not have otherwise met ... There are no coincidences, in the Lord's timing, He is perfect.
Now this was a very light and momentary affliction, but in life there are other trials and situations that are difficult, but the principles are the same... cast our cares on Him, these things produce the eternal weight of Glory, perseverance and endurance that we must attain to blossoms and thrives when fertilized in the fields of trials and hardship.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Peel Me A Grape
" For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.
20 For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ."
Phil.3:18-20
"O magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together."
Psalm 34:3
For it is written: "Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
Matthew 4:10b
We live in a culture where people live to be entertained, moving from one source of amusement to another. Media, theme parks, restaurants, sports events, concerts, malls, clubs...we lie back awaiting someone to "peel us a grape", our happiness inextricably wrapped up in a sense of fulfillment that comes from being catered to and having our fancies tickled.
But there is so much more, we exist for more than this! The "pursuit of happiness" is directly connected to our relationship to our Abba/Bridegroom/King ... Joy, actually the Scriptures read "fullness" of joy comes from being in His presence, and the gates that we enter through are worship and praise. The only real joy and attainment of true happiness comes when there is real communion between the Uncreated Creator and his prized creation. Today, take time with Him, be still and wait on the Lord, seek and serve Him, worship Him alone, instead of expecting the other way around.
19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.
20 For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ."
Phil.3:18-20
"O magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together."
Psalm 34:3
For it is written: "Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
Matthew 4:10b
We live in a culture where people live to be entertained, moving from one source of amusement to another. Media, theme parks, restaurants, sports events, concerts, malls, clubs...we lie back awaiting someone to "peel us a grape", our happiness inextricably wrapped up in a sense of fulfillment that comes from being catered to and having our fancies tickled.
But there is so much more, we exist for more than this! The "pursuit of happiness" is directly connected to our relationship to our Abba/Bridegroom/King ... Joy, actually the Scriptures read "fullness" of joy comes from being in His presence, and the gates that we enter through are worship and praise. The only real joy and attainment of true happiness comes when there is real communion between the Uncreated Creator and his prized creation. Today, take time with Him, be still and wait on the Lord, seek and serve Him, worship Him alone, instead of expecting the other way around.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Necessity of Prayer
"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."
Psalm 127:1
The Constitutional Convention had been meeting for five weeks, and had hit a perilous deadlock. The large states were insisting that congressional representation be based on population; the smaller states wanted a one-state-one-vote rule. The entire effort to create a stronger union was in jeopardy. Eighty-one-year-old Benjamin Franklin, quiet during most of the deliberations, then addressed the group. According to James Madison's notes, here is what happened next:
Mr. President,
The small progress we have made after 4 or five weeks close attendance & continual reasonings with each other-our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many noes as ays, is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the Human Understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom, since we have been running about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of Government, and examined the different forms of those Republics which having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution now no longer exist. And we have viewed Modern States all round Europe, but find none of their Constitutions suitable to our circumstances.
In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the Contest with G. Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the divine protection.- Our prayers, Sir, were heard, & they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? or do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth- that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest.
I therefore beg leave to move-that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that Service-
Benjamin Franklin, addressing the Constitutional Convention, July 28, 1787
"Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty."
Malachi 3:7
We have seen what governing a nation without the benefit of prayers and petitions to our Master brings! Look around us and you will observe a nation awash in debt, filth, and perversity, a culture of adultery and death so broken that only one thing can save it: the Lord answering the cries of a people hungering and thirsting for their God alone, a people who are finished with worthless idolatrous lifestyles, a people tired of chasing other lovers, that their prayers rise over above everything else. This is what the courageous Gov. Rick Perry has called for in The Response prayer event. May fervent and effectual prayer spread like wild fires...wherever you are, whoever you are, whatever plans you may have had...pray and pray hard that His spirit would be poured out on all flesh especially our government which has strayed so far from its place!
Make effectual, fervent, radical prayer that accomplishes much be part of your everyday.
Psalm 127:1
The Constitutional Convention had been meeting for five weeks, and had hit a perilous deadlock. The large states were insisting that congressional representation be based on population; the smaller states wanted a one-state-one-vote rule. The entire effort to create a stronger union was in jeopardy. Eighty-one-year-old Benjamin Franklin, quiet during most of the deliberations, then addressed the group. According to James Madison's notes, here is what happened next:
Mr. President,
The small progress we have made after 4 or five weeks close attendance & continual reasonings with each other-our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many noes as ays, is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the Human Understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom, since we have been running about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of Government, and examined the different forms of those Republics which having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution now no longer exist. And we have viewed Modern States all round Europe, but find none of their Constitutions suitable to our circumstances.
In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the Contest with G. Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the divine protection.- Our prayers, Sir, were heard, & they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? or do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth- that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest.
I therefore beg leave to move-that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that Service-
Benjamin Franklin, addressing the Constitutional Convention, July 28, 1787
"Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty."
Malachi 3:7
We have seen what governing a nation without the benefit of prayers and petitions to our Master brings! Look around us and you will observe a nation awash in debt, filth, and perversity, a culture of adultery and death so broken that only one thing can save it: the Lord answering the cries of a people hungering and thirsting for their God alone, a people who are finished with worthless idolatrous lifestyles, a people tired of chasing other lovers, that their prayers rise over above everything else. This is what the courageous Gov. Rick Perry has called for in The Response prayer event. May fervent and effectual prayer spread like wild fires...wherever you are, whoever you are, whatever plans you may have had...pray and pray hard that His spirit would be poured out on all flesh especially our government which has strayed so far from its place!
Make effectual, fervent, radical prayer that accomplishes much be part of your everyday.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Enduring Love/ Refuge
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
2 Let Israel say:
“His love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say:
“His love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the LORD say:
“His love endures forever.”
5 When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD;
he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high;
the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!”
17 I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done.
18 The LORD has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.
19 Open for me the gates of the righteous;
I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.
20 This is the gate of the LORD
through which the righteous may enter.
21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.
Psalm 118:1-9, 16-21
The Lord is my Light and My Salvation,
Whom shall I fear?
Psalm 27:1
I take refuge in the Lord, in Him alone I will trust. There is no security, no hope, no trust in governments, men, institutions, armies, money, doctors, fortresses, presidents, investments, no! Sooner or later everything will come tumbling down like the fortified walls of Jericho. The world we live in today is like a fragile house of cards teetering on the brink of disaster..but the Lord alone is my Light and my Salvation.... Refuge and shelter, He "stacks the decks", overcoming insurmountable odds that exist only so that His Glory and lovingkindness shine through, undeniable and irrefutable. Fear and doubt flee as the revelation of the knowledge of the God we serve washes over us.
He is right by our side, we are never alone.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, beloved, do not fear even as you walk through the valley...the Lord, He is God, and He does mighty things for us.
his love endures forever.
2 Let Israel say:
“His love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say:
“His love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the LORD say:
“His love endures forever.”
5 When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD;
he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high;
the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!”
17 I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done.
18 The LORD has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.
19 Open for me the gates of the righteous;
I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.
20 This is the gate of the LORD
through which the righteous may enter.
21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.
Psalm 118:1-9, 16-21
The Lord is my Light and My Salvation,
Whom shall I fear?
Psalm 27:1
I take refuge in the Lord, in Him alone I will trust. There is no security, no hope, no trust in governments, men, institutions, armies, money, doctors, fortresses, presidents, investments, no! Sooner or later everything will come tumbling down like the fortified walls of Jericho. The world we live in today is like a fragile house of cards teetering on the brink of disaster..but the Lord alone is my Light and my Salvation.... Refuge and shelter, He "stacks the decks", overcoming insurmountable odds that exist only so that His Glory and lovingkindness shine through, undeniable and irrefutable. Fear and doubt flee as the revelation of the knowledge of the God we serve washes over us.
He is right by our side, we are never alone.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, beloved, do not fear even as you walk through the valley...the Lord, He is God, and He does mighty things for us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)