Today I saw two beautiful word pictures of marriage, one in the Old Testament and one in the New. It blessed me, so I thought I'd share them with you.
In the Old Testament, I saw a picture of the Bride and Groom at the moment of their wedding vows: "Today you have proclaimed the LORD to be your God, and that you will walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His judgments, and that you will obey His voice. Also today the LORD has proclaimed you to be His special people, just as He promised you, that you should keep all His commandments, and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, in praise, in name, and in honor, and that you may be a holy people to the LORD your God, just as He has spoken.” Deuteronomy 26: 16-19
We have an understanding that the Church is the Bride of Christ, but I don't think that takes away from Israel's special place in the Kingdom of God. At this moment though, I'm seeing a prophetic picture of Christ and His Bride, which I believe will include all those Jews who receive Him as Lord and Savior.
There was something so majestic and sweet about this picture, so full of love and expectation~ the beginning of a new life together. It shows Christ as the Head, honoring His Bride, and His Bride honoring Him as the Head. This mutual commitment encompasses the Promised Land and all its blessings.
In the New Testament, I saw a more intimate look at the Bride and Groom. This picture is applicable in the natural realm as well as in the spiritual realm. It also reminds us that the Bride is not just one person, but a whole group of people set apart to Him to be His own. I noticed two types of relating here: one so task oriented that intimacy is temporarily lost, and the other, so focused on intimacy that tasks at hand are temporarily forgotten. These are issues often dealt with in earthly marriages, as well as in our relationship with the Lord. Jesus didn't rebuke Martha for doing the tasks, just implied she'd be better off if she followed Mary's example and put intimacy first. It's not only a female problem, of course, as men can often be too task oriented as well. It is also more effective to pursue tasks when we have communed with the heart of God.
In human relationships, some people more easily show love by "doing things" for their beloved, and this is often greatly appreciated, as it should be. Jesus seemed to be more concerned about a fretful attitude, some resentment towards those not working, and maybe a feeling of not being appreciated. All these attitudes can accompany the service that people give to the Lord and to others. Unfortunately, these attitudes detract from the service given and show some selfish motivations for the serving. From this passage, and from my personal experience, it seems Jesus puts communication and intimacy above deeds of service. The person with a "helps" gift is in just as much need of intimacy with the Lord, and is just as desired by the Lord, as a person with a "prophetic" gift. It should be all about knowing Him and growing to be more like Him because we love Him. Jesus certainly worked hard while He was on earth, but it all came from what He saw and heard from His Father. And those of us who would rather just "be" with Him than do anything, will be empowered and motivated to work the works of God, His way, after soaking in His presence.
Men and women alike can, and must, learn to relate to Jesus according to His preferences. When we do, we will be more able to set aside our natural preferences, so we do things in a manner and priority that please the Lord and greatly benefit our earthly spouse, as well as the Kingdom of God. Not only will we grow in grace and gain preparation for the coming Marriage of the Lamb, we will be a blessing and a testimony of Christ in our earthly relationships.
Showing posts with label word pictures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label word pictures. Show all posts
Monday, April 4, 2011
Monday, October 18, 2010
October 18, 2010 Bubbles of Hope
God loves us so much! He is daily sending out His messages of love and hope, if we just had ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts to understand. Jeremiah received a message of hope in a mundane transaction of real estate. How often we miss these things because we're not expecting them.
Are you in the midst of disaster? Turn to God. He is the God of restoration.
Are you suffering from depression? I am your hope, says the Lord.
Are you being disciplined? "For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” Jeremiah 31:34
In Christ we have a new covenant, the promise of God's goodness forever. Even if you feel like you are at the bottom of the ocean. . . weighed down by impossible circumstances and crushed by unbearable heaviness. . . God is with you, and nothing is too hard for Him. Do you feel separated from God's love? There are bubbles all around you! Take these to your heart, for they contain the oxygen of hope that will sustain you until He comes and lifts you up.
"And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me. Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good" Jeremiah 31: 40-41a NKJV
Are you in the midst of disaster? Turn to God. He is the God of restoration.
Are you suffering from depression? I am your hope, says the Lord.
Are you being disciplined? "For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” Jeremiah 31:34
In Christ we have a new covenant, the promise of God's goodness forever. Even if you feel like you are at the bottom of the ocean. . . weighed down by impossible circumstances and crushed by unbearable heaviness. . . God is with you, and nothing is too hard for Him. Do you feel separated from God's love? There are bubbles all around you! Take these to your heart, for they contain the oxygen of hope that will sustain you until He comes and lifts you up.
"And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me. Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good" Jeremiah 31: 40-41a NKJV
Monday, September 13, 2010
September 13, 2010 Dissolved Into Strength
Every once in a while, I find myself in a place of absolute inability to function. Whether it's my own fault or it's something that God is doing is impossible for me to tell, but I always come to the same conclusion: I am nothing without Him. I could relate very much to this verse today: For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
2 Corinthians 13: 4
I decided a long time ago that there isn't any point in trying to do something in my own strength. What little natural strength I have is easily used up, and what meager things I can do on my own are nothing compared to what the Lord can do through me. I have learned (more than once) that the world goes on without me. This can come as a big shock to anyone who has finally believed that "I am the only one who can be me and do what I do." As true as this is, we still must accept that it is up to God to empower us. He is Life, and there is no substitute for waiting on Him.
I see myself as a sailboat. My gifts and talents are like sails. When the wind blows I will go somewhere as long as my sails are oriented to being filled with the wind. Just as in the natural world, sometimes the wind is just not blowing! A sailboat cannot control the wind. It cannot fake wind either. Why do we Christians think we have to fake the wind? Do we control the wind? No. We don't control the Holy Spirit, and we do not fake His activity. We just wait. We actively wait, for at the first sign of movement, we get our sails hoisted and ready to be filled.
It is the times that I am forced to rest that I see how very weak I am. I feel overwhelmed at the idea of doing any of the things I had previously been doing with ease. How much I need the Lord! There is no shame in this. If Jesus accepted this place of total dependency on God, then it good enough for me. In fact, it is the only safe place to be. I am reminded, with force, to be constantly dependent on Him and His strength alone so that I do not fall into pride and self-will. Stripped of all that makes me feel acceptable to Him, I discover once again that He loves and accepts me "just because." Everything gets distilled down to having a relationship with God and a more pure desire to please just Him. Of course, this is the place of inspiration, where exploits are born.
Questions to ponder:
Are you naturally a "be-er" or a "do-er"?
What word-picture would you use to describe the way God empowers your life?
Do you ever feel you are trying to "do" your life on your own? What do you do about that?
Have you ever felt a sudden shift in how the Holy Spirit was moving in your life? How did you feel about that? What was your response to this change?
2 Corinthians 13: 4
I decided a long time ago that there isn't any point in trying to do something in my own strength. What little natural strength I have is easily used up, and what meager things I can do on my own are nothing compared to what the Lord can do through me. I have learned (more than once) that the world goes on without me. This can come as a big shock to anyone who has finally believed that "I am the only one who can be me and do what I do." As true as this is, we still must accept that it is up to God to empower us. He is Life, and there is no substitute for waiting on Him.
I see myself as a sailboat. My gifts and talents are like sails. When the wind blows I will go somewhere as long as my sails are oriented to being filled with the wind. Just as in the natural world, sometimes the wind is just not blowing! A sailboat cannot control the wind. It cannot fake wind either. Why do we Christians think we have to fake the wind? Do we control the wind? No. We don't control the Holy Spirit, and we do not fake His activity. We just wait. We actively wait, for at the first sign of movement, we get our sails hoisted and ready to be filled.
It is the times that I am forced to rest that I see how very weak I am. I feel overwhelmed at the idea of doing any of the things I had previously been doing with ease. How much I need the Lord! There is no shame in this. If Jesus accepted this place of total dependency on God, then it good enough for me. In fact, it is the only safe place to be. I am reminded, with force, to be constantly dependent on Him and His strength alone so that I do not fall into pride and self-will. Stripped of all that makes me feel acceptable to Him, I discover once again that He loves and accepts me "just because." Everything gets distilled down to having a relationship with God and a more pure desire to please just Him. Of course, this is the place of inspiration, where exploits are born.
Questions to ponder:
Are you naturally a "be-er" or a "do-er"?
What word-picture would you use to describe the way God empowers your life?
Do you ever feel you are trying to "do" your life on your own? What do you do about that?
Have you ever felt a sudden shift in how the Holy Spirit was moving in your life? How did you feel about that? What was your response to this change?
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
August 11, 2010 The Secret Pavilion
I will share something about the book of Nehemiah that will revolutionize it for you, in case you've never seen it before. I learned it while doing my degree work in Christian Biblical Psychology. It's all about restoration, and it is pertinent to the rebuilding of a broken person, as well as the entire Church. As are all the histories of the Jewish people, they are all written for our instruction.
Today I saw something a little different that I hadn't noticed (maybe I was taught it before, but I don't remember). All the different people who worked on the wall are like all the different people we come in contact with when we are "under construction." The Lord will use various people to be His hands in our life when we need help. A great many people have been devastated emotionally and spiritually, and even physically (often as a result of those) and are in need of being healed and put back together. God doesn't use any one person (such as a counselor or pastor) to "fix" someone; otherwise I think we would take credit for "building" someone or for making them who they are to become. God uses teams, and He gets all the glory for it. The teams are organized by the Holy Spirit, and not necessarily in a way we can see. I can testify that while I was going through the greatest part of my restoration, that many people had a part to play in different areas in my life. Sometimes they didn't even realize that God was working through them for the purpose of healing and restoration. Others didn't realize they were getting in the way.
Notice that first Nehemiah assessed the damage, and then they began to work on the wall. Most people who have been through life traumas don't have anything in the way of proper defenses. This might be noticed in the lack of good boundaries, in behavior lacking in any kind of normal sense about what is healthy, and in the tendency to be overrun by harmful agents. The picture of a war-ravaged city, burned down and with the walls in ruins, is a powerful image to help us understand how damaged people can be. If you haven't been there yourself, I guarantee you know someone who is. Likely, you are one of the people who is working on your little section of the wall. When everyone does their part, a person is able to be restored to functioning more quickly. The deeper issues of healing then, are dealt with in a safer environment.
While all this work is going on, God nurtures us in the Secret Pavilion. It's the secret place of His presence, and it's there for all who fear God and trust Him. It's for the workers and well as those "under construction." Sometimes it takes a person a while to learn to trust God, as well as have the right kind of reverent awe of the Lord. When those around them are living in this place, it's a lot easier for them to be led to into it. No matter who's trying to do you in, or who's speaking evil against you, you're hidden from it in the Secret Pavilion. Even plaguing inner voices are shut down in this tent of peace, where the love of God surrounds you and protects you.
In the Secret Pavilion, you can also receive a vision of the Heavenly City, the New Jerusalem. "Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!" Psalm 31:21 This vision of the wholeness, holiness, and oneness of the finished product of God's people-- what Jesus is working on and will finish-- is what gives the workers and the people being restored, hope enough to continue. It's what gives us courage, strengthening our hearts. And Satan will be just as surprised about the results as he was when Jesus was resurrected!
Questions to ponder:
Have you ever noticed how many loud and opposing voices there are all around you all the time? Have you ever experienced the peace and quiet of God's secret pavilion?
Who do you know that is in a broken and ruined condition? How is God moving through you to help rebuild the wall?
What was your impression of how Nehemiah communicated with the king? What kind of instruction does this give you for your own life?
Today I saw something a little different that I hadn't noticed (maybe I was taught it before, but I don't remember). All the different people who worked on the wall are like all the different people we come in contact with when we are "under construction." The Lord will use various people to be His hands in our life when we need help. A great many people have been devastated emotionally and spiritually, and even physically (often as a result of those) and are in need of being healed and put back together. God doesn't use any one person (such as a counselor or pastor) to "fix" someone; otherwise I think we would take credit for "building" someone or for making them who they are to become. God uses teams, and He gets all the glory for it. The teams are organized by the Holy Spirit, and not necessarily in a way we can see. I can testify that while I was going through the greatest part of my restoration, that many people had a part to play in different areas in my life. Sometimes they didn't even realize that God was working through them for the purpose of healing and restoration. Others didn't realize they were getting in the way.
Notice that first Nehemiah assessed the damage, and then they began to work on the wall. Most people who have been through life traumas don't have anything in the way of proper defenses. This might be noticed in the lack of good boundaries, in behavior lacking in any kind of normal sense about what is healthy, and in the tendency to be overrun by harmful agents. The picture of a war-ravaged city, burned down and with the walls in ruins, is a powerful image to help us understand how damaged people can be. If you haven't been there yourself, I guarantee you know someone who is. Likely, you are one of the people who is working on your little section of the wall. When everyone does their part, a person is able to be restored to functioning more quickly. The deeper issues of healing then, are dealt with in a safer environment.
While all this work is going on, God nurtures us in the Secret Pavilion. It's the secret place of His presence, and it's there for all who fear God and trust Him. It's for the workers and well as those "under construction." Sometimes it takes a person a while to learn to trust God, as well as have the right kind of reverent awe of the Lord. When those around them are living in this place, it's a lot easier for them to be led to into it. No matter who's trying to do you in, or who's speaking evil against you, you're hidden from it in the Secret Pavilion. Even plaguing inner voices are shut down in this tent of peace, where the love of God surrounds you and protects you.
In the Secret Pavilion, you can also receive a vision of the Heavenly City, the New Jerusalem. "Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!" Psalm 31:21 This vision of the wholeness, holiness, and oneness of the finished product of God's people-- what Jesus is working on and will finish-- is what gives the workers and the people being restored, hope enough to continue. It's what gives us courage, strengthening our hearts. And Satan will be just as surprised about the results as he was when Jesus was resurrected!
Questions to ponder:
Have you ever noticed how many loud and opposing voices there are all around you all the time? Have you ever experienced the peace and quiet of God's secret pavilion?
Who do you know that is in a broken and ruined condition? How is God moving through you to help rebuild the wall?
What was your impression of how Nehemiah communicated with the king? What kind of instruction does this give you for your own life?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
July 29, 2010 The Rechargeable Sacrifice
Reading Paul's exhortations today was like getting a Christian checklist; on the top of the list to me was "get recharged." If we're to be effective witnesses in the world-- who overcome evil with good and don't conform to the world-- we have to function first as members of Christ's body. We won't be living sacrifices for long if we don't get recharged! This checklist is all about staying in proper connection with the body of Christ. Giving and receiving of all things in the Lord is what recharges us. A loner in the Kingdom won't make it for long. It's a joy to be a living sacrifice, as long as we are full of life, and that takes replenishment. Just as a cell phone will only be useful so long without getting plugged into its base, a Christian will only be an effective witness if he or she gets plugged into the body for recharge. We're made that way.
Monday, July 26, 2010
July 26, 2010 Bridge Over the Chasm of Doubt
I often have to be reminded of what I already know. Although I may feel ashamed for having "forgotten" something I had revelation on, and really felt I understood, I am grateful for the prodding I get from the Holy Spirit. He gently reminds me, and somehow gets across His desire that I do what He's saying.
Today He used this passage to do that kind of prodding with me:
But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10:8-11 NKJV
I'm not suggesting that I used to be saved but now I'm backslidden and need to be reinstated. No, there's more to salvation than becoming born-again. We tend to use the term "backslidden" to mean "become unsaved," and that's a debatable concept anyway. Just because I might get close to a slippery slope of sin doesn't mean I've lost my salvation! But that's not what I'm talking about here. What I mean is: I'm not walking in total salvation because I forget to cross the bridge from believing to overcoming. What is that bridge anyway? We see the chasm, if we're honest, but we can't see the bridge.
Perhaps we don't see the bridge because whenever we reach that chasm, there is no bridge. We are put in the position of having to build it. We build the bridge over the chasm of doubt by speaking the word of truth that we believe and walking on it until we reach the actuality of our faith.
I'll use myself as an example. Through faith in Christ, I've overcome many obstacles in my life. Depression is one of them. Even though I was a born-again child of God, I still had chronic depression and bouts of severe and debillitating depression-- as I had suffered throughout my life-- until the last several years, where it has diminshed to only an occasional temptation. Quite a process and lots of help from others helped me understand how to overcome the depression. But I had to overcome it myself by walking on the bridge over the chasm of doubt.
All the Word and faith about who I was in Christ, His love for me, His purposes in my life, knowledge of the fruit of the Spirit, etc., wasn't going to defeat the darkness of depression if that truth stayed locked inside my heart. Only by speaking out loud the truth I believed in my heart, and walking upon the bridge it created, would I be able to exit the gross darkness I lived in and into God's glorious light. Declaring what I believed inside my born-again heart was the only thing that could dispel the lying reality that colored my mental and physical existence. Every time I did this, I was able to take another step into freedom from depression. Believing alone could not do it; faith demands action, and speaking is the first action we take.
Sometimes our cultural adages steer us away from believing the word of God. All our life we hear "actions speak louder than words," and so we believe we don't have to speak, only act. This is like saying "the car engine revving is louder than the turn of the key." Well, of course it is, but try getting the engine to rev without turning the key in the ignition switch! And just because the engine is revving doesn't mean we're getting anywhere. We do have to shift gears, release the brake, and put our foot on the gas. Our declared words of faith are like the key that gets it all going.
I'm saying all this to help you, as well as myself, so we can get our heart beliefs out where they can activate our salvation. I'm believing God for healing and restructuring of some physical problems that are hindering my life progress. The things I'm wanting to receive from God are stated clearly in the Word-- they are not gray or cloudy. I have complete faith in their truth, and in God's will for me. So why am I not getting saved in those areas? Because I forget to declare the truth out of my mouth. I forget to put the key into the ignition and turn it. I forget to build the bridge and walk on it.
Understanding and practicing this concept can save us a lot of frustration, disappointment, shame and even anger with God. The above Scripture tips us off as to how to get saved, and keep on getting saved. We believed the truth, and we confessed our faith when we were born again. We have to keep practicing that to get to where we're walking in all that Christ bought for us by His death and resurrection. Christ is the Word, and He is the Salvation. We unveil Him once again in our lives at every point of decision whenever we speak the truth we heard and believed.
What hinders you from confessing your faith? Ask the Lord to show you the things that keep you from speaking the word that's in your heart, so that you can walk on the bridge of faith until you own salvation in that area of your life.
Today He used this passage to do that kind of prodding with me:
But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10:8-11 NKJV
I'm not suggesting that I used to be saved but now I'm backslidden and need to be reinstated. No, there's more to salvation than becoming born-again. We tend to use the term "backslidden" to mean "become unsaved," and that's a debatable concept anyway. Just because I might get close to a slippery slope of sin doesn't mean I've lost my salvation! But that's not what I'm talking about here. What I mean is: I'm not walking in total salvation because I forget to cross the bridge from believing to overcoming. What is that bridge anyway? We see the chasm, if we're honest, but we can't see the bridge.
Perhaps we don't see the bridge because whenever we reach that chasm, there is no bridge. We are put in the position of having to build it. We build the bridge over the chasm of doubt by speaking the word of truth that we believe and walking on it until we reach the actuality of our faith.
I'll use myself as an example. Through faith in Christ, I've overcome many obstacles in my life. Depression is one of them. Even though I was a born-again child of God, I still had chronic depression and bouts of severe and debillitating depression-- as I had suffered throughout my life-- until the last several years, where it has diminshed to only an occasional temptation. Quite a process and lots of help from others helped me understand how to overcome the depression. But I had to overcome it myself by walking on the bridge over the chasm of doubt.
All the Word and faith about who I was in Christ, His love for me, His purposes in my life, knowledge of the fruit of the Spirit, etc., wasn't going to defeat the darkness of depression if that truth stayed locked inside my heart. Only by speaking out loud the truth I believed in my heart, and walking upon the bridge it created, would I be able to exit the gross darkness I lived in and into God's glorious light. Declaring what I believed inside my born-again heart was the only thing that could dispel the lying reality that colored my mental and physical existence. Every time I did this, I was able to take another step into freedom from depression. Believing alone could not do it; faith demands action, and speaking is the first action we take.
Sometimes our cultural adages steer us away from believing the word of God. All our life we hear "actions speak louder than words," and so we believe we don't have to speak, only act. This is like saying "the car engine revving is louder than the turn of the key." Well, of course it is, but try getting the engine to rev without turning the key in the ignition switch! And just because the engine is revving doesn't mean we're getting anywhere. We do have to shift gears, release the brake, and put our foot on the gas. Our declared words of faith are like the key that gets it all going.
I'm saying all this to help you, as well as myself, so we can get our heart beliefs out where they can activate our salvation. I'm believing God for healing and restructuring of some physical problems that are hindering my life progress. The things I'm wanting to receive from God are stated clearly in the Word-- they are not gray or cloudy. I have complete faith in their truth, and in God's will for me. So why am I not getting saved in those areas? Because I forget to declare the truth out of my mouth. I forget to put the key into the ignition and turn it. I forget to build the bridge and walk on it.
Understanding and practicing this concept can save us a lot of frustration, disappointment, shame and even anger with God. The above Scripture tips us off as to how to get saved, and keep on getting saved. We believed the truth, and we confessed our faith when we were born again. We have to keep practicing that to get to where we're walking in all that Christ bought for us by His death and resurrection. Christ is the Word, and He is the Salvation. We unveil Him once again in our lives at every point of decision whenever we speak the truth we heard and believed.
What hinders you from confessing your faith? Ask the Lord to show you the things that keep you from speaking the word that's in your heart, so that you can walk on the bridge of faith until you own salvation in that area of your life.
Friday, July 16, 2010
July 16, 2010 The Prince of Peace Builds His House
There is a generation that does great warfare in the spirit and subdues their enemies all around. They gather the foundation stones and all the materials needed to build the temple-- a temple for God's name. These great stones are foundational truths from the Word of God. These they quarry and hew and dress with great labors. They gather the knowledge (trees) and the tested, pure testimony of God (gold tried in the fire). They dig deep for rubies and diamonds and sapphires and emeralds of revelation and bequeath these treasures to their children. All these things they prepare for the next generation, imparting to them a great love and value of the truth, until the children become the stones and the trees and the gold. The children become the jewels for the King's crown. The parents prepare all: they impart the vision: they lay down their lives so the children can be built into the house for God's name.
The Prince of Peace spares no expense in building His habitation, which must be glorious. He is a man of rest, for He has subdued His enemies all around. His name is Peaceful. His children rest in Him and are assured of peace, for they are secure in Him. There is no more intimidation or striving in war, for just a word and the enemies all around cower and flee. The house is built quietly and with a noble order so reverent that no voice is heard except that of the Prince. He places His stones with great care, for they are living, breathing beings who are equally at home in the heavenly realm as in the earthly realm. Nothing can shake them because they are being built together in peace.
The house for the name of God is exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries. There the name of God is revealed in all its facets, and the worship of Him creates such splendor that the nations are drawn to its boundless wisdom, beauty, holiness and power.
The Prince of Peace spares no expense in building His habitation, which must be glorious. He is a man of rest, for He has subdued His enemies all around. His name is Peaceful. His children rest in Him and are assured of peace, for they are secure in Him. There is no more intimidation or striving in war, for just a word and the enemies all around cower and flee. The house is built quietly and with a noble order so reverent that no voice is heard except that of the Prince. He places His stones with great care, for they are living, breathing beings who are equally at home in the heavenly realm as in the earthly realm. Nothing can shake them because they are being built together in peace.
The house for the name of God is exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries. There the name of God is revealed in all its facets, and the worship of Him creates such splendor that the nations are drawn to its boundless wisdom, beauty, holiness and power.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
July 15, 2010 When Kings Go Out To Battle
What jumped out at me today was a phrase I'd noticed before, but never thought to wonder about: in the spring of the year, at the time kings go out to battle.(1 Chronicles 20:1). I wondered what the spiritual significance of this was, and I asked the Lord about it. I was expecting to read about David's affair with Bathsheba, since the same phrase was used in that story. I looked it up: it is 2 Samuel 11:1, but this was a different account of David. In both accounts, it says that Joab went out against Ammon and besieged Rabbah, but that David stayed in Jerusalem in the spring of the year, at the time kings go out to battle. Whether both accounts are the same period of time, I do not know. It is not in the boundaries of this devotional that I do external research. I will leave this mystery for later, and you can go study it for yourself if you wish.
One thing is clear, there are seasons when we should be battling the enemy, and if we're not, then we'll surely end up devastated. Going from historical ignorance here, but not spiritual ignorance, I'd say it is quite possible that this was one particular time period in David's life. It seems, from the way he took and wore the defeated king's crown instead of dedicating the gold to the Lord-- as he had always done before-- that he was falling into pride. When we're prosperous and feel powerful and undefeatable, luxury and a feeling of complacency certainly have a way of leading us away from humility and hard work and into pride and laziness. "Let other people do it; this is my due."
In our reading, although there is great time-compression in this chronicle, it is revealing to see what happened over the census David decided to do. Pride again seems to be the open door here for the sinful choice he made. "Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel." 1 Chroncles 21:1 The consequences for this were devastating, and God's judgment brought David to a place of humility again. Pride and not fearing the Lord go hand in hand. Pride is iniquity of the spirit, and it was Satan's downfall, remember-- he is particularly attuned to it and empowered by it.
In our individual lives, pride opens the door for the devil to steal, kill and destroy. Resisting the devil requires submitting to God, and that requires humility. (James 4:7) Humility is one of the best of our weapons of warfare. In a nation's life, pride in the hearts of those in leadership (government) opens the door for satanic attack, and also God's judgment-- which falls on the people the government was supposed to bless and protect. Rather than lash out in anger, it is wise for the people in a nation to humble themselves and pray for their leadership. I've been convicted many times of not doing this seriously enough. What I read in the Word today gives me strong incentive.
I still want more revelation about the time kings go out to battle. It was in the spring. To me that says it's the time when things that have already been planted and established are beginning to bud (spiritual or natural, and it's a different time for everyone). That means that another harvest is on its way, and each harvest should be greater than the last (for a natural example-- a harvest from an apple orchard). Satan wants to keep us and our life efforts from bearing any fruit; if there's something established in our life that he hasn't been able to destoy, he's going to want to keep the harvest from happening: "nip it in the bud." Every spring, it's the same. The bully wants to create a famine for us if he can. If we're proud and lazy-- or simply don't have a clue -- we'll lose the fruit of our labors. This was to be our provision, our offering to the Lord, and a blessing to the poor.
You know spring is a reality, therefore you need to understand the season and go out to battle. The person who has the initiative can take the high ground, or choose the most strategic battlefront. Why wait for the devil to barge in and take what's yours (by the blessing of God and the work of your hands)? You know he's just going to keep doing the same thing until he realizes it's futile. So don't be proud, lazy or stupid! Pick up your Sword and go out against him.
One thing is clear, there are seasons when we should be battling the enemy, and if we're not, then we'll surely end up devastated. Going from historical ignorance here, but not spiritual ignorance, I'd say it is quite possible that this was one particular time period in David's life. It seems, from the way he took and wore the defeated king's crown instead of dedicating the gold to the Lord-- as he had always done before-- that he was falling into pride. When we're prosperous and feel powerful and undefeatable, luxury and a feeling of complacency certainly have a way of leading us away from humility and hard work and into pride and laziness. "Let other people do it; this is my due."
In our reading, although there is great time-compression in this chronicle, it is revealing to see what happened over the census David decided to do. Pride again seems to be the open door here for the sinful choice he made. "Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel." 1 Chroncles 21:1 The consequences for this were devastating, and God's judgment brought David to a place of humility again. Pride and not fearing the Lord go hand in hand. Pride is iniquity of the spirit, and it was Satan's downfall, remember-- he is particularly attuned to it and empowered by it.
In our individual lives, pride opens the door for the devil to steal, kill and destroy. Resisting the devil requires submitting to God, and that requires humility. (James 4:7) Humility is one of the best of our weapons of warfare. In a nation's life, pride in the hearts of those in leadership (government) opens the door for satanic attack, and also God's judgment-- which falls on the people the government was supposed to bless and protect. Rather than lash out in anger, it is wise for the people in a nation to humble themselves and pray for their leadership. I've been convicted many times of not doing this seriously enough. What I read in the Word today gives me strong incentive.
I still want more revelation about the time kings go out to battle. It was in the spring. To me that says it's the time when things that have already been planted and established are beginning to bud (spiritual or natural, and it's a different time for everyone). That means that another harvest is on its way, and each harvest should be greater than the last (for a natural example-- a harvest from an apple orchard). Satan wants to keep us and our life efforts from bearing any fruit; if there's something established in our life that he hasn't been able to destoy, he's going to want to keep the harvest from happening: "nip it in the bud." Every spring, it's the same. The bully wants to create a famine for us if he can. If we're proud and lazy-- or simply don't have a clue -- we'll lose the fruit of our labors. This was to be our provision, our offering to the Lord, and a blessing to the poor.
You know spring is a reality, therefore you need to understand the season and go out to battle. The person who has the initiative can take the high ground, or choose the most strategic battlefront. Why wait for the devil to barge in and take what's yours (by the blessing of God and the work of your hands)? You know he's just going to keep doing the same thing until he realizes it's futile. So don't be proud, lazy or stupid! Pick up your Sword and go out against him.
Friday, July 2, 2010
July 2, 2010 Life in the Strong Tower
Did you feel the refreshment in the Psalm today? After such dark histories of human failings and selfishness, idol worship, the shedding of innocent blood, the uproar of a sea of humanity fighting against God-- we're thrilled by the pure, brilliant excellence of a simple call to praise God instead of rail against Him! This is the atmosphere of heaven, which we can bring to earth through our faith: by words, songs, actions, attitudes. Light and life overcome darkness and death. They are in God.
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10 I've always loved this verse, and I like how it dovetails with the meaning of the Psalm. Since the name stands for His character, nature and authority, a great way to "run into" the name of God is to meditate on His goodness and His mighty acts, and to speak, sing or shout them out in praise and thanksgiving. This praise brings us into a strong tower of His presence--an awareness of who He is and that He is there all around us. It brings us into the place of remembering to love and trust Him, and in this place of remembrance, we enter into a deep place of worship. It is here we know that there is no place like God. Here we are safe. What evil could ever harm us in heaven?
Once we discover that we may live in this tower always-- we never have to leave it, that it goes with us everywhere when we are in communion with God-- we gain the courage to live a meaningful and selfless life.
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10 I've always loved this verse, and I like how it dovetails with the meaning of the Psalm. Since the name stands for His character, nature and authority, a great way to "run into" the name of God is to meditate on His goodness and His mighty acts, and to speak, sing or shout them out in praise and thanksgiving. This praise brings us into a strong tower of His presence--an awareness of who He is and that He is there all around us. It brings us into the place of remembering to love and trust Him, and in this place of remembrance, we enter into a deep place of worship. It is here we know that there is no place like God. Here we are safe. What evil could ever harm us in heaven?
Once we discover that we may live in this tower always-- we never have to leave it, that it goes with us everywhere when we are in communion with God-- we gain the courage to live a meaningful and selfless life.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
May 26, 2010 The Prayer Jesus Vouches For
We've talked a little bit about getting our prayers answered, and today there's more. I think that this might be something important to Jesus-- that we pray and receive a "yes" to our prayer! I've come to realize, though, that every prayer is not answered. And that's because every prayer doesn't fit His criteria.
Since I'm not doing a comprehensive study here, we'll just have to go with what we've got so far. On the 24th, we saw that one of the requirements for answered prayer is that it is "in My name." That's a big topic in itself. Let's just say, would Jesus sign on this one? Since prayer is asking God to do something beyond what we can do, wouldn't it be reasonable to ask Him to do something He would actually do? That takes knowing Him and what He has done: does this request fit His character? does it fit Who He is actually is? The only way to know this is to know Him.
I'm grateful that He knows us completely, and takes into consideration our small viewpoint! The Holy Spirit is here to guide us into all truth, so if we need a little guidance in our prayer, He's there to help. He hears us at all levels of our maturity and understanding. But the more mature we are, and the more of the knowledge of God we have, the more effective our prayers are going to be. And the older ones should be teaching the younger ones to pray.
Yesterday, Jesus was saying He wants to dwell in us. Now He's saying He wants us to dwell in Him. When you actually live with people, you really get to know them! We find out who snores and who doesn't close up the cracker box right. We find out who actually walks in love. If you've ever had people in your house for an extended stay, you know you know them better than you did before. And they know you. Jesus is all about knowing each other.
So, if you got up in the morning, got some orange juice and toast, and sat down at the table with Jesus (and of course, the Holy Spirit and the Father are there, too), and you got into this great conversation about something in the Word, I guess you'd have a little better knowledge of Him. That Word would start to really be real. It would start to live in your heart. You would feel pretty confident about asking Him to do that thing He just pointed out in the passage you read together. Plus, you got to see how He acted when little dipsy-doodle two-year-old pee'd on the floor right next to His sandals!
I think we'd get to know Jesus a little more if we realized He's there all the time with us. Holy Spirit is giving us this insider-knowledge of just how Jesus is acting all the time. The ultimate Twitter!
When we really know Him, we ask things we know He'll vouch for. That's when we get our prayers answered with a big, resounding "yes!" And that, my friends, is God's will. It makes us really fruitful. It glorifies Him and pleases Him at least as much as it blesses us.
Since I'm not doing a comprehensive study here, we'll just have to go with what we've got so far. On the 24th, we saw that one of the requirements for answered prayer is that it is "in My name." That's a big topic in itself. Let's just say, would Jesus sign on this one? Since prayer is asking God to do something beyond what we can do, wouldn't it be reasonable to ask Him to do something He would actually do? That takes knowing Him and what He has done: does this request fit His character? does it fit Who He is actually is? The only way to know this is to know Him.
I'm grateful that He knows us completely, and takes into consideration our small viewpoint! The Holy Spirit is here to guide us into all truth, so if we need a little guidance in our prayer, He's there to help. He hears us at all levels of our maturity and understanding. But the more mature we are, and the more of the knowledge of God we have, the more effective our prayers are going to be. And the older ones should be teaching the younger ones to pray.
Yesterday, Jesus was saying He wants to dwell in us. Now He's saying He wants us to dwell in Him. When you actually live with people, you really get to know them! We find out who snores and who doesn't close up the cracker box right. We find out who actually walks in love. If you've ever had people in your house for an extended stay, you know you know them better than you did before. And they know you. Jesus is all about knowing each other.
So, if you got up in the morning, got some orange juice and toast, and sat down at the table with Jesus (and of course, the Holy Spirit and the Father are there, too), and you got into this great conversation about something in the Word, I guess you'd have a little better knowledge of Him. That Word would start to really be real. It would start to live in your heart. You would feel pretty confident about asking Him to do that thing He just pointed out in the passage you read together. Plus, you got to see how He acted when little dipsy-doodle two-year-old pee'd on the floor right next to His sandals!
I think we'd get to know Jesus a little more if we realized He's there all the time with us. Holy Spirit is giving us this insider-knowledge of just how Jesus is acting all the time. The ultimate Twitter!
When we really know Him, we ask things we know He'll vouch for. That's when we get our prayers answered with a big, resounding "yes!" And that, my friends, is God's will. It makes us really fruitful. It glorifies Him and pleases Him at least as much as it blesses us.
Friday, May 21, 2010
May 21, 2010 Extravagant Love
I'm always so moved by the story of Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet. It was intuitive, it was humble, it was costly, it was intimate, it was symbolic, it was prophetic. It was an extravagant outpouring of love and gratitude, with no thought of herself. It could not be missed.
The fragrance permeated the house. It must have lingered for days! Not a soul there could have been unaware of it. Mary's action would have caused a reaction in everyone: some would have been touched, others angry. Jesus was so moved that He made sure that act of love was memorialized for all time. I would love to touch His heart that much-- wouldn't you?
When we live our life in loving surrender and worship of our Lord Jesus, holding nothing back, we give a gift more precious than a life savings. Each person has a different offering, but when given freely from the heart, it is precious to Him. To give oneself in extravagant worship is to touch the Lord's heart. It creates a mutual experience that lingers. The by-product is that the atmosphere of our life is a compelling fragrance that others, depending on their heart condition, are either drawn to or repelled by. One thing is certain. Jesus loves it!
Jesus loves us extravagantly, doesn't He? Let's return His love.
The fragrance permeated the house. It must have lingered for days! Not a soul there could have been unaware of it. Mary's action would have caused a reaction in everyone: some would have been touched, others angry. Jesus was so moved that He made sure that act of love was memorialized for all time. I would love to touch His heart that much-- wouldn't you?
When we live our life in loving surrender and worship of our Lord Jesus, holding nothing back, we give a gift more precious than a life savings. Each person has a different offering, but when given freely from the heart, it is precious to Him. To give oneself in extravagant worship is to touch the Lord's heart. It creates a mutual experience that lingers. The by-product is that the atmosphere of our life is a compelling fragrance that others, depending on their heart condition, are either drawn to or repelled by. One thing is certain. Jesus loves it!
Jesus loves us extravagantly, doesn't He? Let's return His love.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
May 15, 2010 Goliath Is Whatever Defies God
The concept of "safety in numbers" doesn't hold up when we're dealing with our own personal nemesis. The armies of Israel were terrified of this one giant. Perhaps that fear came down from the top, as King Saul was afraid too. The challenge was to fight this giant one-on-one, and nobody wanted to do that.
The truth is, we really stand alone against the world, the flesh and the devil. Are you thinking, "that's not right!" Did you ever think about the fact that Jesus Himself stood against Goliath in the wilderness-- alone? ("And the Philistine drew near and presented himself forty days, morning and evening." 1 Samuel 17:16) Goliath isn't just the devil, it's anything that defies God. Dares you to get past it. Intimidates you.
I say that David had already faced his nemesis, and found his Champion! The Scriptures call David a prophet, and I can see why. In some way or another, he saw Jesus in the wilderness defeating the very giant David faced in the Valley of Elah. Seeing himself covered by the Lord, he could easily stand in confidence to face each and every Goliath in his life, and become a champion himself.
This is your destiny! This is your champion mindset; this is what you say to your giant: “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world." John 8:23
You are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus! Find yourself in Him! He has already conquered your nemesis; therefore, there is nothing that can defeat you. You have the five stones of the grace of God. And all it takes is one.
The truth is, we really stand alone against the world, the flesh and the devil. Are you thinking, "that's not right!" Did you ever think about the fact that Jesus Himself stood against Goliath in the wilderness-- alone? ("And the Philistine drew near and presented himself forty days, morning and evening." 1 Samuel 17:16) Goliath isn't just the devil, it's anything that defies God. Dares you to get past it. Intimidates you.
I say that David had already faced his nemesis, and found his Champion! The Scriptures call David a prophet, and I can see why. In some way or another, he saw Jesus in the wilderness defeating the very giant David faced in the Valley of Elah. Seeing himself covered by the Lord, he could easily stand in confidence to face each and every Goliath in his life, and become a champion himself.
This is your destiny! This is your champion mindset; this is what you say to your giant: “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world." John 8:23
You are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus! Find yourself in Him! He has already conquered your nemesis; therefore, there is nothing that can defeat you. You have the five stones of the grace of God. And all it takes is one.
Friday, April 9, 2010
April 9, 2010
Today I received a personal word from the Lord from the daily reading, an encouragement and a greater understanding of what my purpose is for this particular blog. Here's the verse I read:
And again He said, "To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened." Luke 13:20-21
He said that I am to be like that woman, mixing the fresh word of God about the Kingdom into the One Year Bible daily devotional. It is, of course, up to Him to see that His Word ministers to people, but up to me to do my part of the work. I am reminded of the "leaven of the Pharisees" that Jesus warned His disciples not to have. Hypocrisy and unbelief come to mind when I think of that leaven, which would turn the good flour into poison bread. But the leaven of the Kingdom of God is much more effective, because it is motivated and nourished by God's love, and it will not puff anyone up, including myself, but will truly edify.
And again He said, "To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened." Luke 13:20-21
He said that I am to be like that woman, mixing the fresh word of God about the Kingdom into the One Year Bible daily devotional. It is, of course, up to Him to see that His Word ministers to people, but up to me to do my part of the work. I am reminded of the "leaven of the Pharisees" that Jesus warned His disciples not to have. Hypocrisy and unbelief come to mind when I think of that leaven, which would turn the good flour into poison bread. But the leaven of the Kingdom of God is much more effective, because it is motivated and nourished by God's love, and it will not puff anyone up, including myself, but will truly edify.
Friday, March 5, 2010
March 5, 2010
I come to the Scriptures to meet with Jesus and hear from Him! When I do this, I come away feeling enriched and strengthened. If I don't (meaning I just approached the Bible-reading as a religious habit or obligation), I tend to feel irritated, impatient, confused or bored-- especially when reading such Old Testament books as Leviticus and Numbers! And if I did not allow the Spirit of Truth to aid me in my studies, I would very often end up in error. I am glad the Spirit is always available to lead us into all truth, and to reveal Christ in His Word. I put my confidence in Him.
Even the Jews of Jesus' day had trouble understanding the Scriptures they were brought up with. In the Mark passage, Jesus said that the Sadducees (learned men of the Book) were wrong because "you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God." Mark 2:24 On the other hand, He commended the wisdom of the scribe and said, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." 12:34 Jesus distillation of the Commandments gives us a good template with which to begin studying the Scriptures: how does this passage help me love the Lord my God with my whole being, and what does it teach me about loving others? 12:29
When I see the Law books as a vivid and symbolic expression of God's heart, they become as revelatory to me as Revelations or the Prophets. Did you see, in the Numbers description of the "test for faithfulness," the holy jealousy of the Lord over His Bride? Have you ever experienced His written Word becoming a painful revelation of sin in your heart? I have! I am grateful that it doesn't stop there, and that Jesus took the curse Himself.
Jesus speaks prophetically over us: "you SHALL love the Lord your God with all your heart. . ." and He is bringing it to pass. He is drawing us to Himself, and His Word washes us clean. Although it often hurts, we are wise to keep coming back for more.
Even the Jews of Jesus' day had trouble understanding the Scriptures they were brought up with. In the Mark passage, Jesus said that the Sadducees (learned men of the Book) were wrong because "you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God." Mark 2:24 On the other hand, He commended the wisdom of the scribe and said, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." 12:34 Jesus distillation of the Commandments gives us a good template with which to begin studying the Scriptures: how does this passage help me love the Lord my God with my whole being, and what does it teach me about loving others? 12:29
When I see the Law books as a vivid and symbolic expression of God's heart, they become as revelatory to me as Revelations or the Prophets. Did you see, in the Numbers description of the "test for faithfulness," the holy jealousy of the Lord over His Bride? Have you ever experienced His written Word becoming a painful revelation of sin in your heart? I have! I am grateful that it doesn't stop there, and that Jesus took the curse Himself.
Jesus speaks prophetically over us: "you SHALL love the Lord your God with all your heart. . ." and He is bringing it to pass. He is drawing us to Himself, and His Word washes us clean. Although it often hurts, we are wise to keep coming back for more.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
February 6, 2010
What can I say? This is one of my favorite reading days in the One Year Bible! So much is packed in here (really all the days are that way, aren't they?)-- I feel so full, and so inspired. Maybe it's all the pictures. They make me want to do art!!
One thing I love is the picture of the "sapphire pavement" under God's feet. Another is the flowering almond lampstand all in one piece of gold. Exodus 24:10, 25:31-36. And what a glorious picture in Matthew 24:30-31-- the sign of the Son of Man appearing in the heavens, Jesus coming on the clouds of heaven in power and glory, and the angels sent out with a loud trumpet to gather his people wherever they are! Is that awesome or what? To top it all off, the Psalms 30:11 offers the picture of dancing with praise when He turns our mourning into joy.
I sure do love the Lord-- don't you?
One thing I love is the picture of the "sapphire pavement" under God's feet. Another is the flowering almond lampstand all in one piece of gold. Exodus 24:10, 25:31-36. And what a glorious picture in Matthew 24:30-31-- the sign of the Son of Man appearing in the heavens, Jesus coming on the clouds of heaven in power and glory, and the angels sent out with a loud trumpet to gather his people wherever they are! Is that awesome or what? To top it all off, the Psalms 30:11 offers the picture of dancing with praise when He turns our mourning into joy.
I sure do love the Lord-- don't you?
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