Though.. That’s a word we use to introduce a new condition…sometimes it connects and combines two…it means nevertheless…even if…even when…
“…though I walk through…” . Many of us learned to recite the scripture containing these words. As a child, I didn’t really grasp the meaning of ‘the valley of the shadow of death…’ nor understand the concept of the complete helplessness in the face of suffering and death. Death has the final say. Except over Jesus Christ.
Death is something that no other person in this world can help us do. Nobody can do it for me, or for you. Except Jesus Christ.
We struggle against cancers and disease. We make dreadful mistakes that cause accidents of horrific consequence. Death’s shadow looms over those situations and circumstances, and we are helpless in its presence. Except through Jesus Christ.
Life is uncertain, though we forget that. Every one of us will go thru the experience of our bodies death, though we don’t like to think about it, and certainly don’t expect it today.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.”(Ps. 23:4)
“Oh death, where is your sting? Oh grave, where is your victory?…thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ( 1 Cor. 15:55, 57)
“When I walk into the thick of trouble, …..with Your Hand…save me.” (Ps. 138:7 The Message )
Even when I don’t see how..,,,Jesus does. Even if I can not…..Jesus can. Though the weight of sorrow settles in, when the stress of life heaps up…nevertheless, He is God, and He is my Caregiver, my Friend, My Rescuer, My Comforter…and He lives. Death has no power over Him. Hallelujah.
“finish what you started in me, God…Your love is eternal…” (Ps. 138:8 The Message )
“do not abandon the works of Your Hands…” (Ps. 138:8 NIV )
Many walk the path of death today...may God be so very near, they feel His Breath....
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Judgment
Judgment… Long black robes…the stern face of the person who has the final say. No…that’s the judge. What about judgeMENT? Never mind the WHO of it (God is The Who)….what about the IT…judgement….
Scripture tells the story of how the nation of Israel, who had been called out as a special people for a special purpose, got so settled into their cushy life that judgment fell on them. God had warned… “…when The Lord your God brings you into the land…..to give you ..houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide….when you eat and are satisfied…be careful that you do not forget the Lord Who brought you out….do not follow ..the gods of the peoples around you…the Lord commanded us …so that we might always prosper…’ (Deut. 6 scattered verses )
God is still the same God. His character has not changed. His mind has not changed. He is still holy and just. And He still metes out judgment in order to accomplish His purposes. He still warns us from the pages of scripture and the circumstances of our life.
“My soul yearns for You in the night, in the morning my spirit longs for You. When Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.” (Isa. 26:9) WHEN Your judgments come, not if….
The Babylonian army came. Life was dramatically changed. They were no longer free, but under tyranny and slavery. They lost their homes, everything they called ‘mine’ …was no longer.
“Lord, they came to You in their distress…when you disciplined them..” (Isa. 26:16) When disaster strikes and tragedy unfolds, we seem always to call Him then.
“Oh, God !!” we cry. And because He is The God of perfect Love, He still hears…
The judgment comes often BECAUSE of His love. The final judgment will also come. And because He is the perfect Holy God…when time is no more, it will be too late to cry out to Him. People…let’s look for His judgment now. Let’s see His Hand at work in the world around us. Let’s look hard to see His Fingerprints on our life and on our circumstances. He is God. And we are not. He is all powerful. We have only what He gives.
I have no fear for my eternal destiny. But I am fearful of the hardships that may lay ahead for us and for our children’s children if we do not return to Him. “IF my people, who are called by My Name…” That is me. And you, if you call yourself a follower of Christ. I don’t care about your ‘church’ label. If you belong to Christ….we must ‘humble ourselves”…lest He humble us ! We must ‘seek His Face’….and stop seeking only His Hand’s blessing ! We must examine ourselves and not just others….we must ‘turn from OUR wicked ways’ …
“Have mercy upon us, O God…” (Ps. 51:5)
Scripture tells the story of how the nation of Israel, who had been called out as a special people for a special purpose, got so settled into their cushy life that judgment fell on them. God had warned… “…when The Lord your God brings you into the land…..to give you ..houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide….when you eat and are satisfied…be careful that you do not forget the Lord Who brought you out….do not follow ..the gods of the peoples around you…the Lord commanded us …so that we might always prosper…’ (Deut. 6 scattered verses )
God is still the same God. His character has not changed. His mind has not changed. He is still holy and just. And He still metes out judgment in order to accomplish His purposes. He still warns us from the pages of scripture and the circumstances of our life.
“My soul yearns for You in the night, in the morning my spirit longs for You. When Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.” (Isa. 26:9) WHEN Your judgments come, not if….
The Babylonian army came. Life was dramatically changed. They were no longer free, but under tyranny and slavery. They lost their homes, everything they called ‘mine’ …was no longer.
“Lord, they came to You in their distress…when you disciplined them..” (Isa. 26:16) When disaster strikes and tragedy unfolds, we seem always to call Him then.
“Oh, God !!” we cry. And because He is The God of perfect Love, He still hears…
The judgment comes often BECAUSE of His love. The final judgment will also come. And because He is the perfect Holy God…when time is no more, it will be too late to cry out to Him. People…let’s look for His judgment now. Let’s see His Hand at work in the world around us. Let’s look hard to see His Fingerprints on our life and on our circumstances. He is God. And we are not. He is all powerful. We have only what He gives.
I have no fear for my eternal destiny. But I am fearful of the hardships that may lay ahead for us and for our children’s children if we do not return to Him. “IF my people, who are called by My Name…” That is me. And you, if you call yourself a follower of Christ. I don’t care about your ‘church’ label. If you belong to Christ….we must ‘humble ourselves”…lest He humble us ! We must ‘seek His Face’….and stop seeking only His Hand’s blessing ! We must examine ourselves and not just others….we must ‘turn from OUR wicked ways’ …
“Have mercy upon us, O God…” (Ps. 51:5)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Enter
Enter… Do you pay attention to the arrows that tell you where to enter at the bank drive thru? Ever try to get in the another way? Doesn’t make drive-thru banking very convenient…
Wal-Mart and some other places now have doors that will open for you from both directions…but a lot of times, you have to pay attention…you can’t enter thru the exit door. There is a specific way to come into the building.
There is one specific way to enter into The Presence of God. We’re blessed in this age to have that privilege…it hasn’t always been so. There was a time when only the high priest of that year could enter into that Holy Place, the Place Where He was….and only then after a lengthy set of rituals, rituals rich in meaning for us when we study them…with the knowledge available to us…we can know the ‘rest of the story’, as Paul Harvey would say.
“No one may enter The Temple of God except the priests and designated Levites..they are permitted in because they have been consecrated…’ (2Ch. 23:6 The Message) (That consecration process was something I am SO thankful to not be bound by!!)
The consecration process involved way too much to address in this short writing…it involved much time and detail, not to mention the animal sacrifices etc. To ‘consecrate’ pictures the actions of making something that is empty of a particular content…no longer so. The reason for consecration was to ‘sanctify’…to prepare and purify, to withdraw someone/something from ordinary use, and set them/it apart for a holy work. And it didn’t make them/it so for all time…
There is now a different way to enter…one way. But you don’t have to be a certain nationality, or of a certain family line..( as it once was..) There is no need to kill a bull or a goat. (Heb. 9:12) No sprinkling blood on specific places… No need for particular garments. (there was then..) No waiting on a certain day…not a temporary thing that has to be re-done next year.
Jesus fleshed out ALL that this whole thing pictured. He needed no ritual cleansing, He was pure, perfect, and holy. “..we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the Body of Jesus Christ, once for all..” (Heb. 10:10) His sacrificial blood is on the altar of heaven…and He extends the privilege of entrance to the Holiest of Holy Places to us……to me. And you.
I can enter in to that Holy Place. One Way. “Nothing impure will ever enter it…only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Rev. 21:27) “I AM the Way, The Truth, and The Life…No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
Praise God for the privilege of coming into His Presence on the merit of Messiah, thank You Lord Jesus…help us to grasp the magnitude of this blessing.
Wal-Mart and some other places now have doors that will open for you from both directions…but a lot of times, you have to pay attention…you can’t enter thru the exit door. There is a specific way to come into the building.
There is one specific way to enter into The Presence of God. We’re blessed in this age to have that privilege…it hasn’t always been so. There was a time when only the high priest of that year could enter into that Holy Place, the Place Where He was….and only then after a lengthy set of rituals, rituals rich in meaning for us when we study them…with the knowledge available to us…we can know the ‘rest of the story’, as Paul Harvey would say.
“No one may enter The Temple of God except the priests and designated Levites..they are permitted in because they have been consecrated…’ (2Ch. 23:6 The Message) (That consecration process was something I am SO thankful to not be bound by!!)
The consecration process involved way too much to address in this short writing…it involved much time and detail, not to mention the animal sacrifices etc. To ‘consecrate’ pictures the actions of making something that is empty of a particular content…no longer so. The reason for consecration was to ‘sanctify’…to prepare and purify, to withdraw someone/something from ordinary use, and set them/it apart for a holy work. And it didn’t make them/it so for all time…
There is now a different way to enter…one way. But you don’t have to be a certain nationality, or of a certain family line..( as it once was..) There is no need to kill a bull or a goat. (Heb. 9:12) No sprinkling blood on specific places… No need for particular garments. (there was then..) No waiting on a certain day…not a temporary thing that has to be re-done next year.
Jesus fleshed out ALL that this whole thing pictured. He needed no ritual cleansing, He was pure, perfect, and holy. “..we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the Body of Jesus Christ, once for all..” (Heb. 10:10) His sacrificial blood is on the altar of heaven…and He extends the privilege of entrance to the Holiest of Holy Places to us……to me. And you.
I can enter in to that Holy Place. One Way. “Nothing impure will ever enter it…only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Rev. 21:27) “I AM the Way, The Truth, and The Life…No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
Praise God for the privilege of coming into His Presence on the merit of Messiah, thank You Lord Jesus…help us to grasp the magnitude of this blessing.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Mercy
Mercy… That is my by-word. Perhaps I should break that habit, after looking closer at the word, I may be using it ‘in vain’….
In vain…what is that ? A quick word study shows me that it’s ‘worthless’or ‘useless’. I certain do not want to use the word ‘mercy’ in such a way that it diminishes the concept of mercy in any way…I don’t want mercy to ever be portrayed ‘in vain’.
‘chanan’ is a word that is used 75 times in the Bible. In the King James Version of our Bible, sixteen of those times, it is translated ‘mercy’, twelve times it is translated ‘merciful’ It means to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, to have pity on…
Mercy is important…profoundly important. There are many times when I am faced with situations and circumstances that are beyond my ability to understand.
I don’t know why young women suffer cancer…or ANYone….and why do they enjoy renewed health, and suffer yet again. Why do children suffer disease? Why do babies have to suffer and die? Worse still, why do they have to live suffering?
Why do people who love and cherish children have inability to have children of their own, while others have child after child only to neglect and ignore them?
Why do good people die in tragic accidents, absolutely no fault of their own?
Why do spouses decide to reject their vows and turn their backs on commitments? Why do parents reject their own offspring, or even worse….mistreat and abuse them?
I don’t know. And often, I don’t know how to even pray about it. I wouldn’t know how to give my orders to God even if that were the way to approach Him. But I KNOW that He sees, that He cares, and that He can bring blessing from ALL suffering when we put both the suffering and ourselves in His capable Hand. “..ALL things word for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans8:28NIV)
“….we do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” (Romans 8:26,27 NIV)
Praise God we who love Him and have been called are not left alone and to our own devices. ‘I’m absolutely convinced that nothing…nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable…absolutely nothing can get between me and God’s love because of the way that Jesus my Master has embraced me.’ (Rom. 8:38,39 The Message personalized by me)
Lord God open the floodgates of Your mercy to those who need You so desperately right now.... Hallelujah…
In vain…what is that ? A quick word study shows me that it’s ‘worthless’or ‘useless’. I certain do not want to use the word ‘mercy’ in such a way that it diminishes the concept of mercy in any way…I don’t want mercy to ever be portrayed ‘in vain’.
‘chanan’ is a word that is used 75 times in the Bible. In the King James Version of our Bible, sixteen of those times, it is translated ‘mercy’, twelve times it is translated ‘merciful’ It means to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, to have pity on…
Mercy is important…profoundly important. There are many times when I am faced with situations and circumstances that are beyond my ability to understand.
I don’t know why young women suffer cancer…or ANYone….and why do they enjoy renewed health, and suffer yet again. Why do children suffer disease? Why do babies have to suffer and die? Worse still, why do they have to live suffering?
Why do people who love and cherish children have inability to have children of their own, while others have child after child only to neglect and ignore them?
Why do good people die in tragic accidents, absolutely no fault of their own?
Why do spouses decide to reject their vows and turn their backs on commitments? Why do parents reject their own offspring, or even worse….mistreat and abuse them?
I don’t know. And often, I don’t know how to even pray about it. I wouldn’t know how to give my orders to God even if that were the way to approach Him. But I KNOW that He sees, that He cares, and that He can bring blessing from ALL suffering when we put both the suffering and ourselves in His capable Hand. “..ALL things word for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans8:28NIV)
“….we do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” (Romans 8:26,27 NIV)
Praise God we who love Him and have been called are not left alone and to our own devices. ‘I’m absolutely convinced that nothing…nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable…absolutely nothing can get between me and God’s love because of the way that Jesus my Master has embraced me.’ (Rom. 8:38,39 The Message personalized by me)
Lord God open the floodgates of Your mercy to those who need You so desperately right now.... Hallelujah…
Friday, March 19, 2010
Wrath
Wrath… The Bible mentions ‘the wrath of God’ often. I don’t often use the word ‘wrath’. When I do, I have in mind uncontrolled anger….What is wrath in your mind?
“He that believeth on the Son has everlasting life, and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.’ (John 3:36 KJV )
After reading that verse, what image do you have of our God? An angry, out-of-control, fit-throwing Deity, lashing out at the very man He created because of their disobeying His directions?
I confess, that was once my image. And it was idolatry, for that is indeed another god…it is not the one and only true God.
God has no problem with self-control. In The Person of Jesus Christ, He allowed much ridicule and suffering, even to innocent death on a Roman cross. I would have lost my self-control long before Calvary’s hill.
In this passage, the word that is translated ‘wrath’ is ‘orge’. As with all words, it has a wide meaning, some that broadened my view as to what is involved other than anger.
Desire
Movement or agitation of the soul
Impulse
Indignation
Violent passion
I believe with no doubt, that there will be consequences of rejecting God’s Son. But it won’t be because God is angry and wants revenge. It will be because that has been our choice. Even in our disbelief, God’s desire and agitation of His heart is still that we would believe and accept Him in obedient faith. ‘The Lord ….is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.’(2 Peter 3:9 KJV)
I also believe with no doubt that He will eternally reject those who have rejected Him. And it will be without the life that He offers….the everlasting life that is ours when we believe on the Son….(believe…another word to consider, ‘the devils believe, and tremble’ James 2:19 it must mean more than accepting as fact… )
To enter into the next realm without the life God provides….that is an option. But I’ll choose life. I choose Jesus. I think those who reject Him have no idea what they are choosing…death instead of life. Eternally….. .
“He that believeth on the Son has everlasting life, and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.’ (John 3:36 KJV )
After reading that verse, what image do you have of our God? An angry, out-of-control, fit-throwing Deity, lashing out at the very man He created because of their disobeying His directions?
I confess, that was once my image. And it was idolatry, for that is indeed another god…it is not the one and only true God.
God has no problem with self-control. In The Person of Jesus Christ, He allowed much ridicule and suffering, even to innocent death on a Roman cross. I would have lost my self-control long before Calvary’s hill.
In this passage, the word that is translated ‘wrath’ is ‘orge’. As with all words, it has a wide meaning, some that broadened my view as to what is involved other than anger.
Desire
Movement or agitation of the soul
Impulse
Indignation
Violent passion
I believe with no doubt, that there will be consequences of rejecting God’s Son. But it won’t be because God is angry and wants revenge. It will be because that has been our choice. Even in our disbelief, God’s desire and agitation of His heart is still that we would believe and accept Him in obedient faith. ‘The Lord ….is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.’(2 Peter 3:9 KJV)
I also believe with no doubt that He will eternally reject those who have rejected Him. And it will be without the life that He offers….the everlasting life that is ours when we believe on the Son….(believe…another word to consider, ‘the devils believe, and tremble’ James 2:19 it must mean more than accepting as fact… )
To enter into the next realm without the life God provides….that is an option. But I’ll choose life. I choose Jesus. I think those who reject Him have no idea what they are choosing…death instead of life. Eternally….. .
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Diet
Diet.. Everyone is on a diet. You probably are thinking about the ‘don’t eat anything you really want’ diet…..the ‘lose weight’ kind. Trouble is, a lot of us are on a ‘gain weight’ diet, or perhaps a ‘be unhealthy’ diet….
If you eat, you are on a diet. Maybe not a specific, conscious, on purpose diet, but you have one. We eat or we don’t live long….and sometimes we don’t live long because of our eating.
It’ a complicated subject, one I am led back to time and time again. My mouth. What I put in it, and what comes out of it.
Jesus said this, ‘Don’t you know that anything that is swallowed works its way through the intestines and is finally defecated?’ (Matt. 15:17 The Message) There is purpose in our eating, and I believe we are to enjoy our meals…Jesus Himself feasted... but the ultimate purpose of food is to fuel the engines of this body we reside in. The nutrients are extracted and the rest is eliminated. It’s gross, but that’s the truth of it.
There is another diet that is critical to our health, the spiritual diet of feeding on God’s Word. ‘It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s Mouth.’ (Matt. 4:4 The Message)
What is this ‘staying alive’ thing in the Matthew 4 passage?…just keeping the motor running? I think not.
‘The one who brings a hearty appetite to this eating and drinking has eternal life and will be fit and ready for the final day….whoever eats this Bread will live always.’ (John 6: 54,58 The Message )
I have a candy jar on my workstation. People comment on how pretty it is. But when they put their hand in and taste what it holds…they want more. (chocolate easter eggs are gooooood !! )
‘Taste and see that the Lord is good..’ (Ps. 34:8NIV)
I have tasted…and now I crave Him more and more. It has a much more powerful draw than candy eggs….I can’t sustain a healthy life on candy eggs, but I will have a long life…eternal life. I intentionally feed on The Bread of heaven. He sustains my spirit. He will sustain my life eternally.
‘…If anyone eats of this bread, she will live forever….’ (John 6:51 NIV personalized by me ) Hallelujah.
If you eat, you are on a diet. Maybe not a specific, conscious, on purpose diet, but you have one. We eat or we don’t live long….and sometimes we don’t live long because of our eating.
It’ a complicated subject, one I am led back to time and time again. My mouth. What I put in it, and what comes out of it.
Jesus said this, ‘Don’t you know that anything that is swallowed works its way through the intestines and is finally defecated?’ (Matt. 15:17 The Message) There is purpose in our eating, and I believe we are to enjoy our meals…Jesus Himself feasted... but the ultimate purpose of food is to fuel the engines of this body we reside in. The nutrients are extracted and the rest is eliminated. It’s gross, but that’s the truth of it.
There is another diet that is critical to our health, the spiritual diet of feeding on God’s Word. ‘It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s Mouth.’ (Matt. 4:4 The Message)
What is this ‘staying alive’ thing in the Matthew 4 passage?…just keeping the motor running? I think not.
‘The one who brings a hearty appetite to this eating and drinking has eternal life and will be fit and ready for the final day….whoever eats this Bread will live always.’ (John 6: 54,58 The Message )
I have a candy jar on my workstation. People comment on how pretty it is. But when they put their hand in and taste what it holds…they want more. (chocolate easter eggs are gooooood !! )
‘Taste and see that the Lord is good..’ (Ps. 34:8NIV)
I have tasted…and now I crave Him more and more. It has a much more powerful draw than candy eggs….I can’t sustain a healthy life on candy eggs, but I will have a long life…eternal life. I intentionally feed on The Bread of heaven. He sustains my spirit. He will sustain my life eternally.
‘…If anyone eats of this bread, she will live forever….’ (John 6:51 NIV personalized by me ) Hallelujah.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Ask
Ask.. I remember when my sons were small, they would point and grunt. In order for them to learn language, I insisted that they speak. I made them say what it was they wanted. I made them ask, and they learned to communicate…
I wonder if we don’t point and grunt to God. Two times this morning in my reading, I have come to the issue of articulating our desires to God in prayer. Why should it matter if we actually articulate into words, whether spoken, written, or mental? Why go to that extent, when God knows everything already? Why make my child say the word ‘water’…when it was obvious to me he was thirsty?
I am convinced that God wants me to tell Him specifically what my issue is. When I name it, I then go on to ask Him to ‘fix’ it. In my asking, it is ME who learns what the issue really and truly is. ALL of the issue…the deep dark places of it…and sometimes it’s not pretty
So often when (and IF) I honestly and openly go to God with things, going thru this proceess…I discover things in my own heart that I didn’t realize were there…and should NOT be there. Often, I end up with an entirely different agenda in prayer ! Because He instructed me to say what it was I wanted… I learned to communicate TO Him…and in turn, and because of that, I am blessed to have communication WITH Him.
My sons would point to soda. They needed water or milk. I often point to things when in fact, those things are not best. I ask that God use me…then I complain about the difficult situation I’m in, and want an escape. My sons pointed to cookies, and they needed food that would provide nutrients for their growing bodies and sustain longer than a sugar rush. I point to a feel good place of ministry, and He hands me an assignment that makes me grow faith muscles.
“I cry out loudly to God…I spill out all my complaints before Him, and spell out my troubles in detail…” ( Ps. 142:2 The Message)
“Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jer. 33:3 NIV)
It’s not a drive thru window…we don’t place our order with God. There’s no ‘have it your way’ slogan. But I can trust Him enough to spill out the entire truth of my heart to Him, revealing it to Him AND to myself….knowing it is safe to do so. He loves me enough to look at all the ugly with me, and He is mighty enough to make it into something beautiful. I didn’t even know some of that stuff was there…even though it was no surprise to Him.
Yes indeed…God did know, always knows. But I do not. It is in communication with Him that I learn.
I wonder if we don’t point and grunt to God. Two times this morning in my reading, I have come to the issue of articulating our desires to God in prayer. Why should it matter if we actually articulate into words, whether spoken, written, or mental? Why go to that extent, when God knows everything already? Why make my child say the word ‘water’…when it was obvious to me he was thirsty?
I am convinced that God wants me to tell Him specifically what my issue is. When I name it, I then go on to ask Him to ‘fix’ it. In my asking, it is ME who learns what the issue really and truly is. ALL of the issue…the deep dark places of it…and sometimes it’s not pretty
So often when (and IF) I honestly and openly go to God with things, going thru this proceess…I discover things in my own heart that I didn’t realize were there…and should NOT be there. Often, I end up with an entirely different agenda in prayer ! Because He instructed me to say what it was I wanted… I learned to communicate TO Him…and in turn, and because of that, I am blessed to have communication WITH Him.
My sons would point to soda. They needed water or milk. I often point to things when in fact, those things are not best. I ask that God use me…then I complain about the difficult situation I’m in, and want an escape. My sons pointed to cookies, and they needed food that would provide nutrients for their growing bodies and sustain longer than a sugar rush. I point to a feel good place of ministry, and He hands me an assignment that makes me grow faith muscles.
“I cry out loudly to God…I spill out all my complaints before Him, and spell out my troubles in detail…” ( Ps. 142:2 The Message)
“Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jer. 33:3 NIV)
It’s not a drive thru window…we don’t place our order with God. There’s no ‘have it your way’ slogan. But I can trust Him enough to spill out the entire truth of my heart to Him, revealing it to Him AND to myself….knowing it is safe to do so. He loves me enough to look at all the ugly with me, and He is mighty enough to make it into something beautiful. I didn’t even know some of that stuff was there…even though it was no surprise to Him.
Yes indeed…God did know, always knows. But I do not. It is in communication with Him that I learn.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
New
New….. I woke this morning to find something new…well, a picture of the something new….a baby boy.
I knew the process had begun. The waiting has been ongoing…nine months of waiting. The entire family waiting in anticipation for the something new to finally be reality. But in fact, it has been reality for the entire nine months. Preparations were made and a name chosen. Identity. This child was real and greatly loved long before arrival.
You may disagree, but I believe (strongly) that life begins the instant the sperm meets the egg, the process set in motion, new life growing until the time comes to leave the nurturing place and enter the world, ready to grow and develop even further, eventually repeating the process of reproducing life.
“For You created my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Ps. 139:13)
“this is what the Lord says- He Who made you, Who formed you in the womb, and Who will help you….” (Isa. 44:2)
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you...before you were born I set you apart…”(Jer. 1:5)
Babies. New life…God’s gift. Welcome to our world child….you are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Ps. 139:14)
I knew the process had begun. The waiting has been ongoing…nine months of waiting. The entire family waiting in anticipation for the something new to finally be reality. But in fact, it has been reality for the entire nine months. Preparations were made and a name chosen. Identity. This child was real and greatly loved long before arrival.
You may disagree, but I believe (strongly) that life begins the instant the sperm meets the egg, the process set in motion, new life growing until the time comes to leave the nurturing place and enter the world, ready to grow and develop even further, eventually repeating the process of reproducing life.
“For You created my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Ps. 139:13)
“this is what the Lord says- He Who made you, Who formed you in the womb, and Who will help you….” (Isa. 44:2)
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you...before you were born I set you apart…”(Jer. 1:5)
Babies. New life…God’s gift. Welcome to our world child….you are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Ps. 139:14)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Planting
Planting.. My husband and I don’t always agree on how things are best done. We don’t agree on planting techniques. I like to plant seeds close to each other. I like the plants to be thick enough to cover the ground and help shade the soil from sunlight…he thinks each plant needs more space so they don’t compete for nutrients…he says they need room to grow and bush out.
Regardless of whose method is best, both of us have purpose in our planting. We don’t go with seed and just toss it out. ‘When a farmer plows in order to plant, does he plow without stopping? Does he keep on breaking up the soil and making the field level? When he’s made the surface even, doesn’t he plant caraway seeds…doesn’t he scatter cumin? Doesn’t he plant wheat in its proper place? Doesn’t he plant barley where it belongs….’ (Isa. 28:24) The ‘how’ is important.
As a disciple of Christ, I am called to tend the garden. Jesus said ‘Go into the world….go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all.’ (Mark 16:15 The Message)
I don’t live in Eden, but I live in God’s world, (Mt. 13:38)and there is soil to plow, fields to level, and seed to plant. There is a time to water. Paul planted seed, Apollos watered the fresh young plants.(1 Cor. 3:6) There is a time to remove weeds that threaten to strangle out the life of fruit bearing plants, but the ‘how’ of that is even another matter. (Matt. 13:29) Tending the garden is necessary, and the ‘how’ is vitally important.
I heard it said once that it is possible to beat somebody up with Jesus. I think there is much truth to that. Our mission is planting a seed successfully, and seeing that seed germinate into new life. I can shove a seed into a hole in hard ground and never see new life. I can toss seeds over sod so rooted with other things that the seed has very little chance of germinating. The technique (attitude), the ‘how’, …. is important.
Don’t misunderstand…a seed’s germinating is not because of me nor anything I ‘do’. God brings new life…not me. “It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at the minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving..” (1Cor. 3:7-9 The Message)
“We are God’s fellow workers…” (1Cor. 3:9) It’s time to put on the gloves, get the how…I mean hoe….and get to gardening. The Son is shining !
Regardless of whose method is best, both of us have purpose in our planting. We don’t go with seed and just toss it out. ‘When a farmer plows in order to plant, does he plow without stopping? Does he keep on breaking up the soil and making the field level? When he’s made the surface even, doesn’t he plant caraway seeds…doesn’t he scatter cumin? Doesn’t he plant wheat in its proper place? Doesn’t he plant barley where it belongs….’ (Isa. 28:24) The ‘how’ is important.
As a disciple of Christ, I am called to tend the garden. Jesus said ‘Go into the world….go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all.’ (Mark 16:15 The Message)
I don’t live in Eden, but I live in God’s world, (Mt. 13:38)and there is soil to plow, fields to level, and seed to plant. There is a time to water. Paul planted seed, Apollos watered the fresh young plants.(1 Cor. 3:6) There is a time to remove weeds that threaten to strangle out the life of fruit bearing plants, but the ‘how’ of that is even another matter. (Matt. 13:29) Tending the garden is necessary, and the ‘how’ is vitally important.
I heard it said once that it is possible to beat somebody up with Jesus. I think there is much truth to that. Our mission is planting a seed successfully, and seeing that seed germinate into new life. I can shove a seed into a hole in hard ground and never see new life. I can toss seeds over sod so rooted with other things that the seed has very little chance of germinating. The technique (attitude), the ‘how’, …. is important.
Don’t misunderstand…a seed’s germinating is not because of me nor anything I ‘do’. God brings new life…not me. “It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at the minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving..” (1Cor. 3:7-9 The Message)
“We are God’s fellow workers…” (1Cor. 3:9) It’s time to put on the gloves, get the how…I mean hoe….and get to gardening. The Son is shining !
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Fellowship
Fellowship.. Today is potluck day. There will be more food than we can possibly eat, and we’ll all probably eat more than we should.
Our culture seems to build everything around a table full of food. ‘Going out to eat’ has become entertainment, and even replaced the home cooked meals for some people, opting instead to ‘drive thru’ and purchase food already prepared.
I wonder that we haven’t lost a great deal more than we realize because of our lack of table fellowship these days. My family gathers at the table together at the same time only on very special occasions now, holidays mostly. And even then it is more about the food than the fellowship. We talk about the food way more than we talk TO each other ABOUT each other.
‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.’ (Acts 2:42 NIV) There was about three thousand newly baptized believers in this ‘they’ of scripture. I don’t doubt that jobs and family life continued with business as usual. But I think conversation topics changed, priorities changed and when free time did come…there was fellowship to be had with people who’d had the same experiences and knew the same Jesus. Seems to me they used the simple fact that they HAD to eat as an excuse to spend time together to study and pray. Killing two birds with one stone you might say.
‘koinonia’ = fellowship in this passage in Acts 2. The word in the original language means partnership, literally a participation. It means to commune or communicate. The same word is used in 1 Cor. 10:16 and is translated as communion in the KJV. ‘The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, it is not the communion of the body of Christ?’( the NIV uses the word participation)
Hebrews 13:16 uses the word koinonia also. The KJV translated it communicate. ‘But to do good and to communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.’ the NIV translates it ‘to share with others’.
Fellowship….it’s about communication….communing with our spiritual siblings, filling our hearts from the overflowing joy and love of others…
It’s not about filling our stomachs.
If you are getting this in an email, will you please notify me ?
Our culture seems to build everything around a table full of food. ‘Going out to eat’ has become entertainment, and even replaced the home cooked meals for some people, opting instead to ‘drive thru’ and purchase food already prepared.
I wonder that we haven’t lost a great deal more than we realize because of our lack of table fellowship these days. My family gathers at the table together at the same time only on very special occasions now, holidays mostly. And even then it is more about the food than the fellowship. We talk about the food way more than we talk TO each other ABOUT each other.
‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.’ (Acts 2:42 NIV) There was about three thousand newly baptized believers in this ‘they’ of scripture. I don’t doubt that jobs and family life continued with business as usual. But I think conversation topics changed, priorities changed and when free time did come…there was fellowship to be had with people who’d had the same experiences and knew the same Jesus. Seems to me they used the simple fact that they HAD to eat as an excuse to spend time together to study and pray. Killing two birds with one stone you might say.
‘koinonia’ = fellowship in this passage in Acts 2. The word in the original language means partnership, literally a participation. It means to commune or communicate. The same word is used in 1 Cor. 10:16 and is translated as communion in the KJV. ‘The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, it is not the communion of the body of Christ?’( the NIV uses the word participation)
Hebrews 13:16 uses the word koinonia also. The KJV translated it communicate. ‘But to do good and to communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.’ the NIV translates it ‘to share with others’.
Fellowship….it’s about communication….communing with our spiritual siblings, filling our hearts from the overflowing joy and love of others…
It’s not about filling our stomachs.
If you are getting this in an email, will you please notify me ?
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Gardening
Gardenening… Last year I didn’t get the exact kind of seed I wanted to plant in our garden. I waited too long, and the store was all sold out. I’ve fussed at myself all year, determined that I wouldn’t make that mistake this year. We tried to buy them last week..they didn’t have them yet. Maybe today…
Gardening is a lot of work. The ground has to be properly prepared. It can’t be too wet, or too dry…it must be tilled, not hard and compacted. The soil must be ready, or else the chances of a seed germinating are slim.
Paul speaks in gardening language in 1 Corinthians 3. He talks about the planting and the watering. He uses carpenter language in referring to the preparation time and how important the foundation is. In gardening, the foundation is the soil and it’s preparation.
If you call yourself by the Name of Christ, you’re a gardener. You are either tilling soil or packing it down. You’re either making a heart softer and preparing it for seed, or you’re packing it down, making it harder so that it will reject seed.
You may not be a sower, your gifting may not be as an evangelist… ( and don’t get that confused with a job description that comes with a paycheck). ‘Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy….or ministry….or teaching…’ (Romans 12:6,7)
Make no mistake, Adam was created a gardener…‘ The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Even to work it and take care of it. ’ (Gen. 2:15) ….and in the New Adam, Jesus Christ, we too are gardeners. The soil of our garden plot is under our feet every moment of our life. ‘Go into all the world….and preach…’ (Mark 16: 15)
This soil issue is as important as the seed. I can buy the seed store out…throw it on the ground, and see no harvest…no peas on my table. I could plow and till the ground until I drop in my tracks…but if somebody comes behind me with a steam roller, pressing the soil down, the ground will be packed and need yet more attention.
I want to be a good gardener. I want always to be making the soil of hearts ready to receive the Seed, whether it is me that sows it or someone else. The Seed will germinate only when the heart is ready.
God forgive us when we pack down soil with our bad attitudes and self-righteousness, hindering the soil of that heart to receive and sprout the Life of God.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Decide
Decide.. Whether we think about it or not, we make decisions every moment of every day. A lot of them make no big impact…but a lot of the choices we make will change the course of our lives and the lives of others. It is important that we make those choices with our mind in gear and our hearts open to what the Spirit speaks before we decide…
My decision to allow the other car to have the parking space might alter that person’s attitude just enough to stop them from lashing out in frustration at a poor clerk, or worse …an innocent child .
My decision to tough it out in a difficult relationship may end up being a key element in the work that God is doing in that life.
My decision to take a firm stand and speak truth when it isn’t easy or comfortable may be a necessary element in waking someone up to the absolute truth of God’s Word being THE measure of all behavior.
How we decide is important, and even more important is the ‘how’ we follow thru as we act on our decision. ‘God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love…’ (Eph. 4:15 The Message) ‘..conduct yourselves in love’ (2John 1:6 The Message)
I am instructed to do ALL that I do… in love. I have found that the hard decisions I make are easier carried out in anger and frustration, or even worse…in judgment. I have a clear revelation of truth in scripture, and I can make decisions accordingly, yet I am not the one to carry out the sentence. ‘..for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.’ (James 1:20 NIV)
God sets the standard that I endeavor to live by…and God is the one to issue punishment….not me. Don’t let’s get punishment and discipline confused…nor the elements of right and wrong, nor love and hate.
All of us need discipline, and God, being our Perfect Father, disciplines us….punishment will come, but only to those who refuse Him, His love, and His Son. And even then…not because of hate, but because He gave us our will and honors our choice, and all of us bear consequences of our poor choices.
He has gone to such great measure to help us really understand the options before we decide…. Life or death. Good or evil. ‘….choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve….as for me….I will serve the Lord.’ (Joshua 24:15)
How very tragic that so many do not know what they are really choosing when the moment comes to decide….
My decision to allow the other car to have the parking space might alter that person’s attitude just enough to stop them from lashing out in frustration at a poor clerk, or worse …an innocent child .
My decision to tough it out in a difficult relationship may end up being a key element in the work that God is doing in that life.
My decision to take a firm stand and speak truth when it isn’t easy or comfortable may be a necessary element in waking someone up to the absolute truth of God’s Word being THE measure of all behavior.
How we decide is important, and even more important is the ‘how’ we follow thru as we act on our decision. ‘God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love…’ (Eph. 4:15 The Message) ‘..conduct yourselves in love’ (2John 1:6 The Message)
I am instructed to do ALL that I do… in love. I have found that the hard decisions I make are easier carried out in anger and frustration, or even worse…in judgment. I have a clear revelation of truth in scripture, and I can make decisions accordingly, yet I am not the one to carry out the sentence. ‘..for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.’ (James 1:20 NIV)
God sets the standard that I endeavor to live by…and God is the one to issue punishment….not me. Don’t let’s get punishment and discipline confused…nor the elements of right and wrong, nor love and hate.
All of us need discipline, and God, being our Perfect Father, disciplines us….punishment will come, but only to those who refuse Him, His love, and His Son. And even then…not because of hate, but because He gave us our will and honors our choice, and all of us bear consequences of our poor choices.
He has gone to such great measure to help us really understand the options before we decide…. Life or death. Good or evil. ‘….choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve….as for me….I will serve the Lord.’ (Joshua 24:15)
How very tragic that so many do not know what they are really choosing when the moment comes to decide….
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Familiar
Familiar… I find security in ‘the same ole’ same ole’…I like to move my furniture around, but I don’t want to move it to another house. I like my nest. I like the memories attached to it. I like remembering when my grand-daughters and I planted the bulbs that are blooming bright yellow all over my yard this morning…
But…some of ‘the same ole’ stuff sure gets old….the tedious daily tasks that are not ‘fun’….the stress of days filled with problems to solve, issues to resolve, people to deal with.
As I ready to meet another day, I was seeking God about some of those things, asking Him things like, ‘Where do I ________? What does_______? How should I _____ __________? Who will _________?’
‘By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God’s call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going….Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations…the city designed and built by God.’ (Hebrews 11:8.10The Message)
I can only guess at how I’d have reacted to such a call. Something along the lines of .. “WHAT?!!” “WHERE?!!” and “WHY?!??” Leaving everything familiar is beyond my grasp of thought. No walking in the dark to the bathroom…no knowing the dry path to walk across the wet yard…not having ‘my own bed’ to sleep in at night…no favorite place to sit and meditate….I could name hundreds. What would you miss the most?
The past is familiar…I’ve been there. The present is familiar…I am here. The future is far from familiar….as yet…. but it is secure. I will be safe there. “I have been with you wherever you have gone…” (1Ch. 17:8) “ ..surely I am with you always…”(Matt.28:20)
God does not ask great things of me….I’m not called to Africa or China. He calls me to the familiar places and familiar things of my ‘same ole’ life. And even though I am guilty of grumbling about it…I am thankful.
But…some of ‘the same ole’ stuff sure gets old….the tedious daily tasks that are not ‘fun’….the stress of days filled with problems to solve, issues to resolve, people to deal with.
As I ready to meet another day, I was seeking God about some of those things, asking Him things like, ‘Where do I ________? What does_______? How should I _____ __________? Who will _________?’
‘By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God’s call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going….Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations…the city designed and built by God.’ (Hebrews 11:8.10The Message)
I can only guess at how I’d have reacted to such a call. Something along the lines of .. “WHAT?!!” “WHERE?!!” and “WHY?!??” Leaving everything familiar is beyond my grasp of thought. No walking in the dark to the bathroom…no knowing the dry path to walk across the wet yard…not having ‘my own bed’ to sleep in at night…no favorite place to sit and meditate….I could name hundreds. What would you miss the most?
The past is familiar…I’ve been there. The present is familiar…I am here. The future is far from familiar….as yet…. but it is secure. I will be safe there. “I have been with you wherever you have gone…” (1Ch. 17:8) “ ..surely I am with you always…”(Matt.28:20)
God does not ask great things of me….I’m not called to Africa or China. He calls me to the familiar places and familiar things of my ‘same ole’ life. And even though I am guilty of grumbling about it…I am thankful.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Shame
Shame… Ever been told ‘Shame on you!’ ?? Guess who I believe started that?
Until evil came onto the scene in the garden, when there was no knowledge of evil brought on the Adam and Eve’s choice, there was no shame.
‘They were both naked ..and were not ashamed.’ (Gen. 2:25) As I’ve heard it said, ‘it is what it is’….they were just as they were. Then the wrong choice was made…and shame began. ‘…because I was naked, I was afraid and I hid myself.’ I love God’s reply… ‘Who said?’ (Genesis 3:10-11 my paraphrase)
Shame was introduced by the realm of evil. It’s a dreadful weapon that is used against us still. God had walked with them in the garden, just as they were…. He had never shamed them.
Don’t lets get shame and remorse, repentance, regret, disappointment, sorrow, or guilt confused. Shame carries with it a desire to hide or cover up. In fact, I believe it is an enemy of repentance. We may have remorse for something, regret it…be sorry about it…be guilty of it….but hiding or trying to excuse it is only a devil’s lie. God knows it anyway. Our hiding only keeps us in our shameful state.
‘The Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ (Gen. 3:9) He still calls. I believe without a doubt that God knew where Adam was and why he was there. I think God calls us to answer Him so that we must face our circumstance, own our poor choices, and confess them to Him. Only then can He restore us and remove our guilt. ‘Wash me and I will be whiter than snow..’ (Ps. 51:7)
It’s a whole other issue to accept that cleansing. There again the enemy will lie.. ‘you don’t deserve…’ ‘God won’t do that for YOU…’ ‘you aren’t _____________ enough’ (you fill in the blank with whatever that demon uses against you…smart, pretty, handsome, worthy, brave, good, kind, patient, healthy, strong, or a million other things….)
As long as we hide and make excuses…well, de-Nile (denial) ain’t just a river… You may be hiding, but you’re not hiding from God, and you’re hiding WITH what you are ashamed OF.
What thing is in that blank? What is it you are hiding with?
Until evil came onto the scene in the garden, when there was no knowledge of evil brought on the Adam and Eve’s choice, there was no shame.
‘They were both naked ..and were not ashamed.’ (Gen. 2:25) As I’ve heard it said, ‘it is what it is’….they were just as they were. Then the wrong choice was made…and shame began. ‘…because I was naked, I was afraid and I hid myself.’ I love God’s reply… ‘Who said?’ (Genesis 3:10-11 my paraphrase)
Shame was introduced by the realm of evil. It’s a dreadful weapon that is used against us still. God had walked with them in the garden, just as they were…. He had never shamed them.
Don’t lets get shame and remorse, repentance, regret, disappointment, sorrow, or guilt confused. Shame carries with it a desire to hide or cover up. In fact, I believe it is an enemy of repentance. We may have remorse for something, regret it…be sorry about it…be guilty of it….but hiding or trying to excuse it is only a devil’s lie. God knows it anyway. Our hiding only keeps us in our shameful state.
‘The Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ (Gen. 3:9) He still calls. I believe without a doubt that God knew where Adam was and why he was there. I think God calls us to answer Him so that we must face our circumstance, own our poor choices, and confess them to Him. Only then can He restore us and remove our guilt. ‘Wash me and I will be whiter than snow..’ (Ps. 51:7)
It’s a whole other issue to accept that cleansing. There again the enemy will lie.. ‘you don’t deserve…’ ‘God won’t do that for YOU…’ ‘you aren’t _____________ enough’ (you fill in the blank with whatever that demon uses against you…smart, pretty, handsome, worthy, brave, good, kind, patient, healthy, strong, or a million other things….)
As long as we hide and make excuses…well, de-Nile (denial) ain’t just a river… You may be hiding, but you’re not hiding from God, and you’re hiding WITH what you are ashamed OF.
What thing is in that blank? What is it you are hiding with?
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Vision...
Vision… Mine is going. I’ve never had good eyesight. Began wearing glasses in the 5th grade. Got that surgical procedure a few years ago to improve my distance vision, and it is wonderful !! Then my close-up vision went …sigh…
I remember as a kid, walking home from the post office where my daddy worked, wearing the new glasses that had come in the mail. I marveled at the masses of individual leaves on the trees….I could SEE them. I could read the signs on the buildings across the street ! This new improved eyesight was amazing ! Vision-improved.
Last night I saw a person across the room, saw a wave to my direction, thought she looked familiar…but my eyes couldn’t confirm that I knew her and that the wave was in fact intended for me. Yep….it was her. Vision-impaired.
I don’t enjoy looking at the news broadcasts or reading the newspapers proclaiming the events that are happening in the world…either locally or globally. Yet what I do learn about current events is that God has foretold it…and it either has already been, it is right now, or the signs of it’s coming are there. Vision-selective.
‘So what?’ you ask? “… Where is this ‘coming’ He promised? …everything goes on as it has since the beginning…”(2 Peter 3:4)
Vision. We lose sight of the kingdom calendar and fail to see the activities of God. We buy into the enemy lie that because the eastern sky hasn’t burst forth with the return of Jesus, we can assume that neither will we see it any time soon.
Whether He had returned before my birth, or if it is after the birth of my great-great-great grandchildren, or even beyond that…He will return, on His schedule…not mine.
My time is limited. My opportunities are bound within the time frame of MY life, not on God’s. He knows no limitations of time and space, and I can’t fathom what that even means. Vision-non-existant. I choose to believe in faith …from the witness offered in scripture…thru the help and power of His Holy Spirit.
“The Lord gives sight to the blind..He lifts up those who are bowed down…” ( Ps. 146:8)
“What do you want me to do for you?” He asked. “Lord,” I answer…I want my sight.” (Matt. 20:33 personalized by me)
Father open our eyes and give us vision. ‘Nothing in all creation is hidden’ from You. ‘Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to Whom we must give account.’ (Heb. 4:13) As You did with Saul of Tarsus, remove the scales so that we have a changed life and a clear vision of Your purposes and will for us. (Acts 9)
I remember as a kid, walking home from the post office where my daddy worked, wearing the new glasses that had come in the mail. I marveled at the masses of individual leaves on the trees….I could SEE them. I could read the signs on the buildings across the street ! This new improved eyesight was amazing ! Vision-improved.
Last night I saw a person across the room, saw a wave to my direction, thought she looked familiar…but my eyes couldn’t confirm that I knew her and that the wave was in fact intended for me. Yep….it was her. Vision-impaired.
I don’t enjoy looking at the news broadcasts or reading the newspapers proclaiming the events that are happening in the world…either locally or globally. Yet what I do learn about current events is that God has foretold it…and it either has already been, it is right now, or the signs of it’s coming are there. Vision-selective.
‘So what?’ you ask? “… Where is this ‘coming’ He promised? …everything goes on as it has since the beginning…”(2 Peter 3:4)
Vision. We lose sight of the kingdom calendar and fail to see the activities of God. We buy into the enemy lie that because the eastern sky hasn’t burst forth with the return of Jesus, we can assume that neither will we see it any time soon.
Whether He had returned before my birth, or if it is after the birth of my great-great-great grandchildren, or even beyond that…He will return, on His schedule…not mine.
My time is limited. My opportunities are bound within the time frame of MY life, not on God’s. He knows no limitations of time and space, and I can’t fathom what that even means. Vision-non-existant. I choose to believe in faith …from the witness offered in scripture…thru the help and power of His Holy Spirit.
“The Lord gives sight to the blind..He lifts up those who are bowed down…” ( Ps. 146:8)
“What do you want me to do for you?” He asked. “Lord,” I answer…I want my sight.” (Matt. 20:33 personalized by me)
Father open our eyes and give us vision. ‘Nothing in all creation is hidden’ from You. ‘Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to Whom we must give account.’ (Heb. 4:13) As You did with Saul of Tarsus, remove the scales so that we have a changed life and a clear vision of Your purposes and will for us. (Acts 9)
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Striving...
Striving.. My definition without study… ‘trying really hard’. What think ye?
Yesterday, strife was revealed to me in both positive and negative ways. Now don’t misunderstand…I’m not one to stir up a conflict and battle with words. If anything, I’m prone to do the opposite…shut down and shut up. Not a good choice either sometimes, communication is vital in relationships. But there is strife within me, all of it not bad.
I think there is a spiritual striving that is vital in the heart of every Christian. The battle against the enemy is ongoing. He is defeated, for Jesus DID die, and DID come out of the tomb alive and DOES live still….and because of that truth, there is no ultimate victory to be had for the enemy of those in Christ. But the skirmishes go on and the enemy can inflict some pain and injury to us while here and in this flesh. He is the cause of much strife.
“In your striving against sin…” (Hebrews 12:4)
So…!!!!….there IS a striving against it, … else we may very well be surrendered TO it. Whether it is sin of any sort, or whether it is the Holy Spirit of God, the decision is mine to make.
I am either surrendered to God and His agenda for my life (not my own selfish scheme to position myself like I desire) ….or I am striving against Him in His will for my life and the purposes for which I am created.
I want to be co-operating With Him, thru the power of His Holy Spirit, (….not my own will-power and ability to perform). And I want to always be in a spiritual striving against the very real ‘spiritual forces of evil’ (Eph. 6:12) ….or I’m buying into the lies of the enemy. ‘…the devil…was a murderer from the beginning…he is a liar and the father of lies.’ (John 8:44)
‘….they……going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.’ (Romans 10:3)
‘…‘Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness..’(Matt. 6:33)
It’s the same story ….choosing. And there will always be times of spiritual strife…thank You Father for Your Help, Your Presence, and Your Power thru Your Holy Spirit.
And thank You Lord, that you never give up on me…
Yesterday, strife was revealed to me in both positive and negative ways. Now don’t misunderstand…I’m not one to stir up a conflict and battle with words. If anything, I’m prone to do the opposite…shut down and shut up. Not a good choice either sometimes, communication is vital in relationships. But there is strife within me, all of it not bad.
I think there is a spiritual striving that is vital in the heart of every Christian. The battle against the enemy is ongoing. He is defeated, for Jesus DID die, and DID come out of the tomb alive and DOES live still….and because of that truth, there is no ultimate victory to be had for the enemy of those in Christ. But the skirmishes go on and the enemy can inflict some pain and injury to us while here and in this flesh. He is the cause of much strife.
“In your striving against sin…” (Hebrews 12:4)
So…!!!!….there IS a striving against it, … else we may very well be surrendered TO it. Whether it is sin of any sort, or whether it is the Holy Spirit of God, the decision is mine to make.
I am either surrendered to God and His agenda for my life (not my own selfish scheme to position myself like I desire) ….or I am striving against Him in His will for my life and the purposes for which I am created.
I want to be co-operating With Him, thru the power of His Holy Spirit, (….not my own will-power and ability to perform). And I want to always be in a spiritual striving against the very real ‘spiritual forces of evil’ (Eph. 6:12) ….or I’m buying into the lies of the enemy. ‘…the devil…was a murderer from the beginning…he is a liar and the father of lies.’ (John 8:44)
‘….they……going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.’ (Romans 10:3)
‘…‘Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness..’(Matt. 6:33)
It’s the same story ….choosing. And there will always be times of spiritual strife…thank You Father for Your Help, Your Presence, and Your Power thru Your Holy Spirit.
And thank You Lord, that you never give up on me…
Friday, March 5, 2010
Strife
Strife.. It would be interesting to know what you think strife is. Stop a few seconds and define it in your mind, or share it in comment if you like…
It’s some pretty bad stuff evidently…it’s listed in Gal. 5:20 with idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, and a few other words I need to study and define. But idolatry and witchcraft??…I never want included in that listing!
Paul says ‘Let us walk honestly, as in the day..not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.’ (Romans 13:13) Again, I don’t know what a couple of those things are really…but I am pretty sure I don’t want in that list either.
So…what is this thing called strife? My definition before study was: arguments, bickering, dis-harmony..etc.
The Greek word translated ‘strife’ in the Galatians passage is ‘eritheia’. Thayer’s Greek dictionary defines it like this.. ‘electioneering or intriguing for office’.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God is something’ else. After my days of reflecting on ‘votes’ and ‘terms’ …then the issue with my mouth…now He brings me to this thing called strife…and up pops this election language again! Maybe that doesn’t blow you away..after all, these reflections are about my issues not yours…but it does blow me away, and I just share it with youJ
A further word study brings me to phrases like “those who seek only their own” “a motive of self-interest” “scheming for public office or position” “sharpening of feeling of action”
So…I prayerfully examine my heart and find strife there. Looking out for number one, ….that would be ME. Scripture defines it ‘strife’ when I scheme to keep myself on top shelf.
The world’s answer to that is “look out for #1, if you don’t do it, nobody will.” Isn’t that what you’ve been told? Well…this morning, (again)…I’ve been reminded “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘……whoever touches you touches the apple of My eye’…” (Zec. 2:8)
It’s not my mission to electioneer for office. It is not up to me to stir up the feelings of others in my favor. I am called to RE-present Christ to everyone I relate to. If I am truly His servant, I need not be out electioneering…manipulating public opinion of myself….trying to keep positioned like I want. His agenda must always come before mine. Trying to keep my agenda and His..?
Well……He’s not done with me on this topic….
It’s some pretty bad stuff evidently…it’s listed in Gal. 5:20 with idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, and a few other words I need to study and define. But idolatry and witchcraft??…I never want included in that listing!
Paul says ‘Let us walk honestly, as in the day..not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.’ (Romans 13:13) Again, I don’t know what a couple of those things are really…but I am pretty sure I don’t want in that list either.
So…what is this thing called strife? My definition before study was: arguments, bickering, dis-harmony..etc.
The Greek word translated ‘strife’ in the Galatians passage is ‘eritheia’. Thayer’s Greek dictionary defines it like this.. ‘electioneering or intriguing for office’.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God is something’ else. After my days of reflecting on ‘votes’ and ‘terms’ …then the issue with my mouth…now He brings me to this thing called strife…and up pops this election language again! Maybe that doesn’t blow you away..after all, these reflections are about my issues not yours…but it does blow me away, and I just share it with youJ
A further word study brings me to phrases like “those who seek only their own” “a motive of self-interest” “scheming for public office or position” “sharpening of feeling of action”
So…I prayerfully examine my heart and find strife there. Looking out for number one, ….that would be ME. Scripture defines it ‘strife’ when I scheme to keep myself on top shelf.
The world’s answer to that is “look out for #1, if you don’t do it, nobody will.” Isn’t that what you’ve been told? Well…this morning, (again)…I’ve been reminded “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘……whoever touches you touches the apple of My eye’…” (Zec. 2:8)
It’s not my mission to electioneer for office. It is not up to me to stir up the feelings of others in my favor. I am called to RE-present Christ to everyone I relate to. If I am truly His servant, I need not be out electioneering…manipulating public opinion of myself….trying to keep positioned like I want. His agenda must always come before mine. Trying to keep my agenda and His..?
Well……He’s not done with me on this topic….
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Arson...
Arson… I seem to be an arsonist. I’ve learned some lessons about setting fires, been burned by a few that I’ve set…still, I seem to forget the lessons, and mindlessly set another fire.
‘..think about how a small spark can set a big forest on fire.’ (James 3:5)
I don’t play with matches. I have a problem with my mouth. It gets big sometimes, and overactive, spurting out stuff that is better left unsaid. Yes…you’ve heard this before from me. And yes….I’m still battling it.
I saw myself in a log a few nights ago. My husband put a log on our fire that was not an ordinary log. This log had at one time had a limb attached to the side of it, and the center of the log all the way to where the little stump of a limb stuck out on the side, was hollow. When he put it on the fire, the flames went crazy. The hollow place created a draft, perfect for fire to really ignite.
I have been in situations like that…seeing little glowing embers…and I set my mouth in motion, putting that log on the fire, and just the perfect one to cause a draft …then the situation turns into a dancing fire. “..wickedness burns like a fire…sets the forest thickets ablaze so that it rolls upward in a column of smoke.’ (Isa. 9:18)
The wisdom writer wrote “ As charcoal to embers, and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.” (Proverbs 26:21) And this… “ without wood, a fire goes out…without gossip a quarrel dies down.” (vs. 20)
Seems I have a tendency to be quarrelsome…for I’m guilty of kindling strife on occasion. God forgive me and ‘set a guard over my mouth O Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips.’ (Ps. 141:3)
Whether it’s ‘big’ fire or ‘little’ fire…or ‘big’ strife or ‘little’ strife…it’s all the same in the eyes of God. “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness….out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, (and sisters)..this should not be.” (James 3:9,10) I want ‘the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) They are not always so…
If you think I’m writing this for you…I’m not. It’s for me….yet again. Sigh…
But if it spills out on you…talk to God about it. He’s heard it before…
‘..think about how a small spark can set a big forest on fire.’ (James 3:5)
I don’t play with matches. I have a problem with my mouth. It gets big sometimes, and overactive, spurting out stuff that is better left unsaid. Yes…you’ve heard this before from me. And yes….I’m still battling it.
I saw myself in a log a few nights ago. My husband put a log on our fire that was not an ordinary log. This log had at one time had a limb attached to the side of it, and the center of the log all the way to where the little stump of a limb stuck out on the side, was hollow. When he put it on the fire, the flames went crazy. The hollow place created a draft, perfect for fire to really ignite.
I have been in situations like that…seeing little glowing embers…and I set my mouth in motion, putting that log on the fire, and just the perfect one to cause a draft …then the situation turns into a dancing fire. “..wickedness burns like a fire…sets the forest thickets ablaze so that it rolls upward in a column of smoke.’ (Isa. 9:18)
The wisdom writer wrote “ As charcoal to embers, and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.” (Proverbs 26:21) And this… “ without wood, a fire goes out…without gossip a quarrel dies down.” (vs. 20)
Seems I have a tendency to be quarrelsome…for I’m guilty of kindling strife on occasion. God forgive me and ‘set a guard over my mouth O Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips.’ (Ps. 141:3)
Whether it’s ‘big’ fire or ‘little’ fire…or ‘big’ strife or ‘little’ strife…it’s all the same in the eyes of God. “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness….out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, (and sisters)..this should not be.” (James 3:9,10) I want ‘the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) They are not always so…
If you think I’m writing this for you…I’m not. It’s for me….yet again. Sigh…
But if it spills out on you…talk to God about it. He’s heard it before…
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Term
Term.. Our elected officials serve terms. We put them in office for these designated periods of time, knowing that at the end of that term they will no longer have the authority of the office unless we give it to them again by re-election.
I’m glad my stay in heaven won’t be a limited term. (1Thes.4:17) I’m thankful my home there will not depend on my job performance but His. It is a matter of ‘…the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God…..’ (Heb. 9:14) I’m rejoicing about the benefits of this new authority…this King Jesus, who now reigns and rules.
I’m thankful it is not I who pays the penalty of death, the result of the curse of sin…I don’t make those sacrifices for sin, over and over and over…as those under the previous covenant were required to do. I’m thankful all of THAT was only for a term!! I’m glad that period of time has now lapsed… a new authority is in place…and this Authority is an Eternal One. (Heb.7:24) Not a term.
I’m thankful my position in His kingdom is not a matter of public opinion, but a matter of God’s grace, His love and mercy, and my accepting His sacrificial death in my stead.
‘All you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ, you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus’ (Gal.3:27,26) I now have an eternal position. Given, not earned.
I honor and respect Him so very much, but I am not afraid of Him, and I have access to His private chambers at any time. I do not hesitate to approach Him, but instead, I can ‘draw near….with a sincere heart, in full assurance of faith,’ and He ‘sprinkles my heart to cleanse me from a guilty conscience.’ (Heb. 10:22)
He’s the King. He is the Eternal One. We didn’t put Him on the throne. His throne has been perpetual throughout the ages, beyond the concept of our limitations of time. Yet He ‘chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all He created.’ His vote is cast. He is for us…but we make the ultimate decision. He does not force His will. How do you choose?
I’m thankful the election is over, the vote has been cast, and my position in the kingdom of God is secure. “He chose us in Him before the creation of the world….In love He determined beforehand to adopt us as His sons and daughters through Jesus Christ.’ (Eph. 1:4-5 my paraphrase)
And I’m His. Not for a term, but for eternity. Hallelujah.
I’m glad my stay in heaven won’t be a limited term. (1Thes.4:17) I’m thankful my home there will not depend on my job performance but His. It is a matter of ‘…the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God…..’ (Heb. 9:14) I’m rejoicing about the benefits of this new authority…this King Jesus, who now reigns and rules.
I’m thankful it is not I who pays the penalty of death, the result of the curse of sin…I don’t make those sacrifices for sin, over and over and over…as those under the previous covenant were required to do. I’m thankful all of THAT was only for a term!! I’m glad that period of time has now lapsed… a new authority is in place…and this Authority is an Eternal One. (Heb.7:24) Not a term.
I’m thankful my position in His kingdom is not a matter of public opinion, but a matter of God’s grace, His love and mercy, and my accepting His sacrificial death in my stead.
‘All you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ, you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus’ (Gal.3:27,26) I now have an eternal position. Given, not earned.
I honor and respect Him so very much, but I am not afraid of Him, and I have access to His private chambers at any time. I do not hesitate to approach Him, but instead, I can ‘draw near….with a sincere heart, in full assurance of faith,’ and He ‘sprinkles my heart to cleanse me from a guilty conscience.’ (Heb. 10:22)
He’s the King. He is the Eternal One. We didn’t put Him on the throne. His throne has been perpetual throughout the ages, beyond the concept of our limitations of time. Yet He ‘chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all He created.’ His vote is cast. He is for us…but we make the ultimate decision. He does not force His will. How do you choose?
I’m thankful the election is over, the vote has been cast, and my position in the kingdom of God is secure. “He chose us in Him before the creation of the world….In love He determined beforehand to adopt us as His sons and daughters through Jesus Christ.’ (Eph. 1:4-5 my paraphrase)
And I’m His. Not for a term, but for eternity. Hallelujah.
Vote
Vote… Today is an election day. We have the opportunity to have our opinion considered about some issues. It matters. Amidst all the many opinions, yes…just one person’s opinion matters.
Jacob had twelve boys. The young Joseph was the golden child, the apple of his father’s eye, the child of his most loved wife. Jacob was getting old when this boy Joseph was born, (Gen.37:3)…he doted on him, perhaps realizing as we parents do, how quickly they grow up. Maybe he looked like his mother..or had a way with a smile. I wonder at what a brat he might have been. His brothers ‘could not speak a kind word to him.’ (Gen. 37:4)
His father gave him a lavish gift of a robe that was not in any way the common garment of the day…(Gen.37:3)...it had what we’d call a designer label… everyone would recognize it. It would be like sending our children to school with a Louis Vuitton backpack. (Jacob might have been wiser, knowing this was just asking for trouble, and inciting jealousy.)
God has a plan for every life, and He had a plan for Joseph’s life. I don’t think God ‘made’ the brothers do the bad things they did…..that does not fit the Character of my God. But when Joseph’s brothers came up with their scheme, true to God’s nature, He brought about His purposes in spite of it, and He even brought blessing out of it. Years later, to his long lost brothers, “ Joseph said, ‘…you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.’ ”(Gen. 50:20)
The plan was to be rid of a bratty brother who dreamed dreams of being great…greater than his older siblings. But the voice of one of them had changed the course of events, (Gen. 37:21), saved Joseph’s life, and would eventually rescue the entire clan from famine.
Judah was in on the plot, but for whatever reason, he ‘said to his brother, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him, after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood,” His brothers agreed.’ (Gen. 37: 26,27)
So it was decided…they wouldn’t kill him, or leave him trapped in a pit for the wild beasts to kill. He would be alive…just as a slave in a foreign land, and out of their hair.
One voice was heard, and it made a difference. It’s an intriguing story. The people involved had no idea of the eternal repercussions.
We too, have no idea of the eternal results of how we use our voice and influence.,,,,whether for bad, or for good. Choose and act… prayerfully.
It matters.
Jacob had twelve boys. The young Joseph was the golden child, the apple of his father’s eye, the child of his most loved wife. Jacob was getting old when this boy Joseph was born, (Gen.37:3)…he doted on him, perhaps realizing as we parents do, how quickly they grow up. Maybe he looked like his mother..or had a way with a smile. I wonder at what a brat he might have been. His brothers ‘could not speak a kind word to him.’ (Gen. 37:4)
His father gave him a lavish gift of a robe that was not in any way the common garment of the day…(Gen.37:3)...it had what we’d call a designer label… everyone would recognize it. It would be like sending our children to school with a Louis Vuitton backpack. (Jacob might have been wiser, knowing this was just asking for trouble, and inciting jealousy.)
God has a plan for every life, and He had a plan for Joseph’s life. I don’t think God ‘made’ the brothers do the bad things they did…..that does not fit the Character of my God. But when Joseph’s brothers came up with their scheme, true to God’s nature, He brought about His purposes in spite of it, and He even brought blessing out of it. Years later, to his long lost brothers, “ Joseph said, ‘…you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.’ ”(Gen. 50:20)
The plan was to be rid of a bratty brother who dreamed dreams of being great…greater than his older siblings. But the voice of one of them had changed the course of events, (Gen. 37:21), saved Joseph’s life, and would eventually rescue the entire clan from famine.
Judah was in on the plot, but for whatever reason, he ‘said to his brother, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him, after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood,” His brothers agreed.’ (Gen. 37: 26,27)
So it was decided…they wouldn’t kill him, or leave him trapped in a pit for the wild beasts to kill. He would be alive…just as a slave in a foreign land, and out of their hair.
One voice was heard, and it made a difference. It’s an intriguing story. The people involved had no idea of the eternal repercussions.
We too, have no idea of the eternal results of how we use our voice and influence.,,,,whether for bad, or for good. Choose and act… prayerfully.
It matters.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Power
Power.. Ours goes off a lot, especially when it rains. It was off for 13 days in 2000 when we had “The Ice Storm” . We miss the power when it goes off. We have learned to depend on it.
You can’t miss what you never know, but we all ‘know’ electricity. All our ‘stuff’ works by its power. There are more and more ways, every year, to make it useful, helping us in so many ways to get done what needs to be done….quicker and easier, more efficiently.
There are very few people who refuse the electrical power available to them. I can think of only the Amish religious groups who don’t use it. Most people think of it as an absolute necessity.
The power of God available to me thru the Holy Spirit is my absolute necessity. (He never goes off by the way….) His power in my life helps me in many ways, and I’ve learned to depend on Him. I’ve only begun to realize the power available thru His Presence within me. I know what it is to live without His power….I experienced that much longer than 13 days!
“….having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof…”(2 Tim. 3:5)
That was me. I had the form. You would find me in the church building at every service, I followed all the traditions, I suppose I looked pretty good from the outside, at least part of the time anyway. Thank God, because of my heritage, I had knowledge of the truth. (vs.7) I never have led a perfect life, but neither have I been too badly ‘led away with divers lusts.’(vs.6) …..(mostly because of fear, but hey…‘fear is the beginning of wisdom’ !!) My power, however, was only my willpower…and it went off a LOT!!
Not only is the Holy Spirit now the power-source for my life, He is The Holy Reminder. ‘…the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send … will remind you of everything I have said to you.’ (John 14:26)
Please don’t miss this…you can’t be reminded of what you never heard in the first place. Make it your business to know what He has said. You can’t fight the enemy with The Spirit’s Sword, if you don’t have it.
Jesus Himself fought with ‘it is written..’. How arrogant are we to think we can defeat the enemy otherwise. Don’t be deceived, we are powerless against the enemy. And he is vicious… he ‘prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.’ (1Peter 5:8)
What God has said to His people down thru the ages…what He has said thru the Person of Jesus Christ…it’s recorded. It’s available to you. We call it a Bible. It’s not just paper and ink…it is communication ‘..the Word of God, living and active….it will judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.’ (Heb. 4:12)
And from your heart of hearts…if you are truly open to Him, listening for what HE says and not for what you WANT Him to say…He ‘will teach you all things…’ (John 14:26)
He continues to teach me better listening skills…and how to plug in to The Power ~~!!
You can’t miss what you never know, but we all ‘know’ electricity. All our ‘stuff’ works by its power. There are more and more ways, every year, to make it useful, helping us in so many ways to get done what needs to be done….quicker and easier, more efficiently.
There are very few people who refuse the electrical power available to them. I can think of only the Amish religious groups who don’t use it. Most people think of it as an absolute necessity.
The power of God available to me thru the Holy Spirit is my absolute necessity. (He never goes off by the way….) His power in my life helps me in many ways, and I’ve learned to depend on Him. I’ve only begun to realize the power available thru His Presence within me. I know what it is to live without His power….I experienced that much longer than 13 days!
“….having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof…”(2 Tim. 3:5)
That was me. I had the form. You would find me in the church building at every service, I followed all the traditions, I suppose I looked pretty good from the outside, at least part of the time anyway. Thank God, because of my heritage, I had knowledge of the truth. (vs.7) I never have led a perfect life, but neither have I been too badly ‘led away with divers lusts.’(vs.6) …..(mostly because of fear, but hey…‘fear is the beginning of wisdom’ !!) My power, however, was only my willpower…and it went off a LOT!!
Not only is the Holy Spirit now the power-source for my life, He is The Holy Reminder. ‘…the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send … will remind you of everything I have said to you.’ (John 14:26)
Please don’t miss this…you can’t be reminded of what you never heard in the first place. Make it your business to know what He has said. You can’t fight the enemy with The Spirit’s Sword, if you don’t have it.
Jesus Himself fought with ‘it is written..’. How arrogant are we to think we can defeat the enemy otherwise. Don’t be deceived, we are powerless against the enemy. And he is vicious… he ‘prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.’ (1Peter 5:8)
What God has said to His people down thru the ages…what He has said thru the Person of Jesus Christ…it’s recorded. It’s available to you. We call it a Bible. It’s not just paper and ink…it is communication ‘..the Word of God, living and active….it will judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.’ (Heb. 4:12)
And from your heart of hearts…if you are truly open to Him, listening for what HE says and not for what you WANT Him to say…He ‘will teach you all things…’ (John 14:26)
He continues to teach me better listening skills…and how to plug in to The Power ~~!!
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