[I didn't have a chance to post this on Sunday, but I wanted to share what I got yesterday anyway].
And the costliest! It took the Israelites 40 years in the wilderness to get it! What is that asset? Humility! How rare is it? Just look around you. I look into my own heart and life, and I'm not even sure it's there. But one thing I do know, I've been through the wilderness (seems like 40 years anyway!), and now that it's time to enter the Promised Land. I'm hoping the wilderness experience did it's job, and I will be able to walk humble and not stumble.
"And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not." Deuteronomy 8:2
The blessings and requirements of the Promised Land demand the character of humility! We won't be able to stand, much less bring glory to God, if we are in pride. The Lord makes it clear that the temptations to pride will be great in our new territory. Just think: He has to remove seven mighty "nations" to make room for you! He will be so big in you that He's going to have to take down a lot of the works of the devil that you encounter in your new land to make room for you and His work! Seven - a completed number - He won't leave anything there to torment you if you will totally submit to Him and follow His directions! This is good promise here!! Grab it! Hold on!
In Luke we get a great picture of Jesus honoring humility: Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:44-48 NKJV
Worship Jesus in humility, and it's a sweet-smelling fragrance to Him and to others!
One key to humility is remembering the works of God in your life - staying thankful for His grace, salvation and forgiveness. One hindrance to humility is condemnation! This might sound contradictory, but it's not. Pharisees and other hypocrites join right in with the devil in seeing us in the sin of our present and past, and naming us with it. This does not help us stay humble, it gets our eyes on our self and lies to us - so don't join it, rebuke it! No matter what your past is, He's got a good plan for you. When Jesus calls us "Forgiven" we are forgiven. He called us that on the cross! It's up to us to believe that, grab a hold of it, thank Him for it, and walk in the freedom from our sin that He bought for us.
Humility in our heart will keep us in constant dependency on God, and impel us to remain current with our repentance. We may be maturing in the Lord, but we still need forgiveness - and we still need our feet washed. If Jesus could allow a woman with a "bad reputation" to wash His feet, we can certainly let Him wash ours!
Agreeing with God is the essence of true humility. Agree with Him about His promises to make you great in the heavenly Kingdom. Agree with Him about His lordship, your need for Him, and His "always rightness".
Walk humble, and you won't stumble.
Showing posts with label edification. Show all posts
Showing posts with label edification. Show all posts
Monday, March 28, 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
Friday, October 15, 2010
October 15, 2010 Don't Grow Weary?
A verse really grabbed my attention today: the apostle Paul saying "do not grow weary in doing good." Since I tend to do that on a somewhat regular basis, I wondered if there were any readily available answers as to how to avoid that. This is what I saw, just in the passages for today:
From Jeremiah:
Do and say what God tells you, no matter how strange and unexpected, and don't follow the crowd. For one thing, this is not boring enough to get weary of, and for another, He strengthens and protects those who obey Him.
From Paul's letter to the Thessalonians:
The Word of God runs swiftly, so if we let it live in us, it will empower us. We tend to get weary when we get opposition from those without faith, but here we are again assured that God will protect us and deliver us, because He is faithful. We're warned not to hang around lazy leeches (I suppose that doesn't mean don't minister to such). This was partly to be a warning to the "disorderly" people, but I think it's also an intelligent precaution on our own part, so it doesn't rub off on us. If we hang around God, and His people who allow Him to move through them, we'll get motivated by Him. Although His atmosphere and attitude is established and peaceful, His glory is not idle.
From the Psalms:
Since we all do get weary sometimes (and even burned-out), we can turn to the Lord for help. He will forgive us, restore us, and revive us. His peace is an important factor in maintaining a steady and faithful lifestyle of service. Over-stress, worry, and improper burden-bearing wear us down and steal our health and our joy, eventually leading us into sinful coping behaviors.
I especially love verses 10-13 of Psalm 85, It is such a great picture!
"Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ." 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NKJV
From Jeremiah:
Do and say what God tells you, no matter how strange and unexpected, and don't follow the crowd. For one thing, this is not boring enough to get weary of, and for another, He strengthens and protects those who obey Him.
From Paul's letter to the Thessalonians:
The Word of God runs swiftly, so if we let it live in us, it will empower us. We tend to get weary when we get opposition from those without faith, but here we are again assured that God will protect us and deliver us, because He is faithful. We're warned not to hang around lazy leeches (I suppose that doesn't mean don't minister to such). This was partly to be a warning to the "disorderly" people, but I think it's also an intelligent precaution on our own part, so it doesn't rub off on us. If we hang around God, and His people who allow Him to move through them, we'll get motivated by Him. Although His atmosphere and attitude is established and peaceful, His glory is not idle.
From the Psalms:
Since we all do get weary sometimes (and even burned-out), we can turn to the Lord for help. He will forgive us, restore us, and revive us. His peace is an important factor in maintaining a steady and faithful lifestyle of service. Over-stress, worry, and improper burden-bearing wear us down and steal our health and our joy, eventually leading us into sinful coping behaviors.
I especially love verses 10-13 of Psalm 85, It is such a great picture!
"Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ." 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NKJV
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?
Friday, August 6, 2010
August 6, 2010 God's Two-Part Plan For Establishing His Abiding Glory
I may have said this before, but it's hitting me like waves: Babylonian captivity is all about worship. We go into captivity and confusion because we worship other gods. When we come out, the first thing that happens is that the true worship of God is restored.
The things we're confronted with in captivity are all the things we've worshipped instead of God: What am I trusting in? Who do I fear? What do I desire most of all? Who or what am I molding myself to? Who am I trying to please? What am I filling myself with? Who am I following? How am I getting guidance? What do I think about all the time? What do I crave? Who or what intimidates me? What am I addicted to? What am I patterning my life after? Who or what do I run to for protection? What or who do I count on for provision? For fulfillment? For worth? For identity? What are my entanglements? Who or what do I actually worship?
Because there are so many things we worship as idols instead of, or along side of, God, we might have to go into captivity more than once. But every time we are released, we are back to getting true worship established once again. This is a life process for all of us, I think. The faster we're willing to relinquish our idols the quicker we are out of captivity and into freedom.
If we want God's abiding glory, we must first turn away from our idols (and this is why God identifies them to us and shows us His perspective on them). Then we must follow God's directions for establishing true worship. While this is happening, there will be opposition.
In these chapters today we see opposing ages and the spiritual rulers of these ages at work. There is this present age of the world (which is reaching its end), and the satanic spirits that rule over it. There is also the Kingdom age (which began with Christ's appearance in the world). That has been a mystery that has slowly been revealed since then, and is still being progressively revealed. The Spirit of Truth is the ruling spirit of the Kingdom Age.
Every person has to choose which age he or she will partake of. We are born, naturally, into this present worldly age. What could we call it? The age of rebellion? The age of lies? When we're born again, we begin to partake of the Kingdom age in some ways. But just because we're born again in the spirit doesn't mean we're able to understand or accept much of it-- it's so different than what we've gotten used to. We find ourselves in two opposing kingdoms and two opposing ages at once, and we are mighty confused!
From what Paul is saying about wisdom and spirit, I understand that the wisdom of this age comes from the heart of pride and rebellion that originated with satan. The wisdom of the Kingdom of Christ proceeds from the heart of God. Since it's written that it's the spirit of man that knows the "things of a man" and that the Spirit of God knows the deep things of God, I'm taking it that the wisdom of this age is also what comes from the heart of man separated from God. Satan is completely obsessed with man, however, so it takes discerning of spirits to sometimes be able to tell the difference between what's coming from man's spirit and what's coming from demonic spirits.
The spirit of man gravitates one way or the other. People are going to receive from demonic spirits or the Spirit of God, like it or not. If we've not put ourselves in subjection to the Kingdom of God, then we're subjected to the kingdom of rebellion (or lies, or darkness). The "rulers of this age," that Paul speaks of, can't logically be human, as he's talking about the fact that they crucified Christ, not knowing that He would be risen from the dead. Obviously, they worked through people. These spirits are still around, still working through people, trying to keep the Kingdom of God from prevailing. Too late! They've been defeated. They didn't stop it from coming and they didn't even see what was going to happen. They can't possibly stop it. The glorious reign of Christ on earth is inevitable.
Carnally minded people, even Christians, have a hard (or impossible) time seeing what's going on in the Kingdom of God. Until we reject the idols of this present age of rebellion, we can't be spiritually minded. Until we are spiritually minded, we can't receive the deep things of God revealed by the Spirit of God. When we are worshipping idols, we are still receiving only the wisdom of this age, the same "wisdom" that blindly crucified Christ.
Wrongly directed worship destroys the fruit of the Spirit in us and tears down the seed of the Word in us. It defiles and defames the temple. When we get disgusted with living in the age of rebellion, and reject its idols, we can then become cleansed from their influence and become a vessel for pure worship of God. We begin to have the fruit of the Spirit in abundance. Instead of ourselves usurping the throne of our hearts (being actually "puppet kings" of satan), then Christ is welcomed as King of kings, and we are holy participants in the Kingdom Age. We are now worshiping Him in whatever areas we are not rebelling against Him as King. He is working on getting all of us to absolute worship of Him! Give us an undivided heart to worship You! Glory!!
The Kingdom Age has glories in it we are only beginning to see as we come out from this putrid cloud of darkness. The Spirit of God delights to reveal these things to us; Jesus Christ knows all things of the Father's heart, and instructs the Spirit to reveal them to us when we are ready to receive them.
I hope this helps you to rise up and put off everything that hinders you from worshiping God purely from the heart. It certainly does motivate me!
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.
For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 2: 9-10 NKJV
Questions to ponder:
Has your concept of idol worship changed?
What idol or idols in your life has the Spirit of God identified to you today, or recently?
How is He motivating you to turn away from them?
What is He showing you to do that will replace the practices of idol worship?
What glimpse of His glory has He given you to keep you wanting the deep things of God?
The things we're confronted with in captivity are all the things we've worshipped instead of God: What am I trusting in? Who do I fear? What do I desire most of all? Who or what am I molding myself to? Who am I trying to please? What am I filling myself with? Who am I following? How am I getting guidance? What do I think about all the time? What do I crave? Who or what intimidates me? What am I addicted to? What am I patterning my life after? Who or what do I run to for protection? What or who do I count on for provision? For fulfillment? For worth? For identity? What are my entanglements? Who or what do I actually worship?
Because there are so many things we worship as idols instead of, or along side of, God, we might have to go into captivity more than once. But every time we are released, we are back to getting true worship established once again. This is a life process for all of us, I think. The faster we're willing to relinquish our idols the quicker we are out of captivity and into freedom.
If we want God's abiding glory, we must first turn away from our idols (and this is why God identifies them to us and shows us His perspective on them). Then we must follow God's directions for establishing true worship. While this is happening, there will be opposition.
In these chapters today we see opposing ages and the spiritual rulers of these ages at work. There is this present age of the world (which is reaching its end), and the satanic spirits that rule over it. There is also the Kingdom age (which began with Christ's appearance in the world). That has been a mystery that has slowly been revealed since then, and is still being progressively revealed. The Spirit of Truth is the ruling spirit of the Kingdom Age.
Every person has to choose which age he or she will partake of. We are born, naturally, into this present worldly age. What could we call it? The age of rebellion? The age of lies? When we're born again, we begin to partake of the Kingdom age in some ways. But just because we're born again in the spirit doesn't mean we're able to understand or accept much of it-- it's so different than what we've gotten used to. We find ourselves in two opposing kingdoms and two opposing ages at once, and we are mighty confused!
From what Paul is saying about wisdom and spirit, I understand that the wisdom of this age comes from the heart of pride and rebellion that originated with satan. The wisdom of the Kingdom of Christ proceeds from the heart of God. Since it's written that it's the spirit of man that knows the "things of a man" and that the Spirit of God knows the deep things of God, I'm taking it that the wisdom of this age is also what comes from the heart of man separated from God. Satan is completely obsessed with man, however, so it takes discerning of spirits to sometimes be able to tell the difference between what's coming from man's spirit and what's coming from demonic spirits.
The spirit of man gravitates one way or the other. People are going to receive from demonic spirits or the Spirit of God, like it or not. If we've not put ourselves in subjection to the Kingdom of God, then we're subjected to the kingdom of rebellion (or lies, or darkness). The "rulers of this age," that Paul speaks of, can't logically be human, as he's talking about the fact that they crucified Christ, not knowing that He would be risen from the dead. Obviously, they worked through people. These spirits are still around, still working through people, trying to keep the Kingdom of God from prevailing. Too late! They've been defeated. They didn't stop it from coming and they didn't even see what was going to happen. They can't possibly stop it. The glorious reign of Christ on earth is inevitable.
Carnally minded people, even Christians, have a hard (or impossible) time seeing what's going on in the Kingdom of God. Until we reject the idols of this present age of rebellion, we can't be spiritually minded. Until we are spiritually minded, we can't receive the deep things of God revealed by the Spirit of God. When we are worshipping idols, we are still receiving only the wisdom of this age, the same "wisdom" that blindly crucified Christ.
Wrongly directed worship destroys the fruit of the Spirit in us and tears down the seed of the Word in us. It defiles and defames the temple. When we get disgusted with living in the age of rebellion, and reject its idols, we can then become cleansed from their influence and become a vessel for pure worship of God. We begin to have the fruit of the Spirit in abundance. Instead of ourselves usurping the throne of our hearts (being actually "puppet kings" of satan), then Christ is welcomed as King of kings, and we are holy participants in the Kingdom Age. We are now worshiping Him in whatever areas we are not rebelling against Him as King. He is working on getting all of us to absolute worship of Him! Give us an undivided heart to worship You! Glory!!
The Kingdom Age has glories in it we are only beginning to see as we come out from this putrid cloud of darkness. The Spirit of God delights to reveal these things to us; Jesus Christ knows all things of the Father's heart, and instructs the Spirit to reveal them to us when we are ready to receive them.
I hope this helps you to rise up and put off everything that hinders you from worshiping God purely from the heart. It certainly does motivate me!
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.
For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 2: 9-10 NKJV
Questions to ponder:
Has your concept of idol worship changed?
What idol or idols in your life has the Spirit of God identified to you today, or recently?
How is He motivating you to turn away from them?
What is He showing you to do that will replace the practices of idol worship?
What glimpse of His glory has He given you to keep you wanting the deep things of God?
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.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
July 10, 2010 A Little Lower Than God
A big difference, you'll notice, between godly people and the ungodly, is the people of God honor people; the ungodly do not. Although people who don't fear God will idolize others, they'll just as soon tear them down with ridicule. God's people will honor others, whether they deserve it or not, even after they're dead. A key reason for this is that people were made by God in His image, and are His property. If we dishonor others, we dishonor God.
Psalm 8 is one of the most "incredibly" edifying Scripture passages I know. It really does seem incredible to us to think that God would think of us at all, much less visit us, speak to us, and crown us with honor and glory. It is so difficult for fallen humans to accept that He made us "a little lower than God," that the word elohim is often translated here as "angels," even though it's the same Hebrew word used in Genesis 1:1-- God created the heavens and the earth. Yes, we had fallen below the angels, but Jesus Christ has been raised up above all, and we are part of His body, even if we are only His feet.
God has always given honor to even the lowliest of positions in service to Him. I hadn't really taken notice of this verse before: "Mattithiah of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the trusted office over the things that were baked in the pans." 1 Chronicles 9:31 NKJV Whatever we do, God sees and rewards faithfulness when we're doing it as unto the Lord. Giving others appreciation and affirmation is a way of thanking and praising the Lord. When we consider that each of His children are part of His body, it is easier to honor and affirm them.
Even the ungodly carry the image of God in them, no matter how sullied and twisted, and they might still become part of God's kingdom. It is extremely unbecoming of God's people to put others down in a disgusted fashion, but I see this happening so much in the name of "righteousness." How are we ever to win the lost to Christ if we do not treat people with respect, even if they are sinners? Hating sin is not the same as despising people. God so loved the world. . .
The Apostle Paul was a faithful watcher, even on a tempest-tossed ship. He apparently interceded for everyone, not only to save his own skin. He was visited by an angel to bring the answer to his request-- everyone's life would be spared. There were sailors, soldiers, prisoners, a Roman centurion-- 276 people in all. Many of these must have given their lives to the Lord after that. To me, now, this number will always signify that God values life, even the life of unbelievers.
It is up to us, His people, to watch and pray. The world system is a sinking ship: but God already has a plan in place to save as many souls as will cling to His saving grace.
Psalm 8 is one of the most "incredibly" edifying Scripture passages I know. It really does seem incredible to us to think that God would think of us at all, much less visit us, speak to us, and crown us with honor and glory. It is so difficult for fallen humans to accept that He made us "a little lower than God," that the word elohim is often translated here as "angels," even though it's the same Hebrew word used in Genesis 1:1-- God created the heavens and the earth. Yes, we had fallen below the angels, but Jesus Christ has been raised up above all, and we are part of His body, even if we are only His feet.
God has always given honor to even the lowliest of positions in service to Him. I hadn't really taken notice of this verse before: "Mattithiah of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the trusted office over the things that were baked in the pans." 1 Chronicles 9:31 NKJV Whatever we do, God sees and rewards faithfulness when we're doing it as unto the Lord. Giving others appreciation and affirmation is a way of thanking and praising the Lord. When we consider that each of His children are part of His body, it is easier to honor and affirm them.
Even the ungodly carry the image of God in them, no matter how sullied and twisted, and they might still become part of God's kingdom. It is extremely unbecoming of God's people to put others down in a disgusted fashion, but I see this happening so much in the name of "righteousness." How are we ever to win the lost to Christ if we do not treat people with respect, even if they are sinners? Hating sin is not the same as despising people. God so loved the world. . .
The Apostle Paul was a faithful watcher, even on a tempest-tossed ship. He apparently interceded for everyone, not only to save his own skin. He was visited by an angel to bring the answer to his request-- everyone's life would be spared. There were sailors, soldiers, prisoners, a Roman centurion-- 276 people in all. Many of these must have given their lives to the Lord after that. To me, now, this number will always signify that God values life, even the life of unbelievers.
It is up to us, His people, to watch and pray. The world system is a sinking ship: but God already has a plan in place to save as many souls as will cling to His saving grace.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
July 7, 2010 Sticks, Stones and Word-Grenades
I remember learning a sort of proverb when I was a kid: "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me." Children try to believe what their elders tell them-- it's in their basic make-up to do so. But when their own sense of right and wrong contradicts what they've been told, it's very confusing. The old adage wasn't true, of course; it was a terrible type of denial, that instead of protecting me, left me very vulnerable to the injury of other people's words. Lying statements about a person, when undetected or undefused, go deep down into a person's psyche and erode like acid, or they can later go off like bombs, debilitating and even destroying them.
Today we came across the very short, and somewhat hidden statement about Jabez (if you don't at least skim the geneologies and other parts of the Bible you consider boring, you miss important nuggets, or even a best-selling book!). Here was an innocent kid being told over and over, simply by hearing his name, that he was a pain! (and possibly other words of a mother who had a bad attitude): "Come here, YouCausePain, and do these dishes for me. That's the least you can do to make up for the suffering you've caused!" Ouch!
As Christians, we tend to name our children truthful and empowering things, and for a good reason! God didn't change people's names for kicks-- He knew what names can do to people. Names, when well-chosen, can help a child reach his or her full potential in God. Parents should continue in that vein, speaking the truth in love over their children, as well as nurturing them in other ways. We're going to make mistakes, obviously, but if we discover we've said something hurtful or untrue, it is "best practice" to immediately ask a child's forgiveness and replace the untruth with the word of God. Children also need to be taught what to do when they are ridiculed and picked on, since everyone is at one time or another. Sensitive children, especially, can really be hurt by this and need reinforcement. The earlier we learn to receive God's comfort and allow Him to build us up with truth, the better.
We're not told how Jabez managed to become "more honorable than his brothers"-- God may have sent someone along to help him. Since we're told about his prayer, he must have early turned to God in his disappointment.
I wish this happened more often, but I have listened to the stories of many adults whose personalities were twisted and whose minds were warped by the things they were called as a child (along with other problems of their environment). We see, however, that if a person will call out to God in faith, He will take up their case, deliver them from evil, restore their personhood, and bless them in their life with His favor. Jabez even asked for a greater platform in which to testify of God's goodness. God was able to use for good what the enemy meant for evil. This is true for anyone who will turn to the Lord rather than remain in bitterness.
God was able to use the lying statements of the Jews about Paul to get him to an even higher platform. This could not have happened if Paul had buckled under the barrage of accusations being flung at him for years. It is extremely important that we learn to hear God's words over us, over our life and person. We have to believe Him and not the rest of the world, abusive or flattering as it may be. If there's ever a time of "tearing down" in our life, it probably has a lot to do with tearing down the ways we operate based on lies we've believed about ourselves. We can only reach our full potential if we are standing on the truth. God says of you:
"Rejoice, you who put your trust in Me;
You will shout for joy, because I defend you;
You will be joyful in Me, because you love My name.
I the LORD, will bless You, because you are the righteous in Christ;
I will surround you with My favor as with a shield." from Psalm 5: 11-12
Today we came across the very short, and somewhat hidden statement about Jabez (if you don't at least skim the geneologies and other parts of the Bible you consider boring, you miss important nuggets, or even a best-selling book!). Here was an innocent kid being told over and over, simply by hearing his name, that he was a pain! (and possibly other words of a mother who had a bad attitude): "Come here, YouCausePain, and do these dishes for me. That's the least you can do to make up for the suffering you've caused!" Ouch!
As Christians, we tend to name our children truthful and empowering things, and for a good reason! God didn't change people's names for kicks-- He knew what names can do to people. Names, when well-chosen, can help a child reach his or her full potential in God. Parents should continue in that vein, speaking the truth in love over their children, as well as nurturing them in other ways. We're going to make mistakes, obviously, but if we discover we've said something hurtful or untrue, it is "best practice" to immediately ask a child's forgiveness and replace the untruth with the word of God. Children also need to be taught what to do when they are ridiculed and picked on, since everyone is at one time or another. Sensitive children, especially, can really be hurt by this and need reinforcement. The earlier we learn to receive God's comfort and allow Him to build us up with truth, the better.
We're not told how Jabez managed to become "more honorable than his brothers"-- God may have sent someone along to help him. Since we're told about his prayer, he must have early turned to God in his disappointment.
I wish this happened more often, but I have listened to the stories of many adults whose personalities were twisted and whose minds were warped by the things they were called as a child (along with other problems of their environment). We see, however, that if a person will call out to God in faith, He will take up their case, deliver them from evil, restore their personhood, and bless them in their life with His favor. Jabez even asked for a greater platform in which to testify of God's goodness. God was able to use for good what the enemy meant for evil. This is true for anyone who will turn to the Lord rather than remain in bitterness.
God was able to use the lying statements of the Jews about Paul to get him to an even higher platform. This could not have happened if Paul had buckled under the barrage of accusations being flung at him for years. It is extremely important that we learn to hear God's words over us, over our life and person. We have to believe Him and not the rest of the world, abusive or flattering as it may be. If there's ever a time of "tearing down" in our life, it probably has a lot to do with tearing down the ways we operate based on lies we've believed about ourselves. We can only reach our full potential if we are standing on the truth. God says of you:
"Rejoice, you who put your trust in Me;
You will shout for joy, because I defend you;
You will be joyful in Me, because you love My name.
I the LORD, will bless You, because you are the righteous in Christ;
I will surround you with My favor as with a shield." from Psalm 5: 11-12
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
July 6, 2010 Reaching Your Highest Platform
Thinking about Paul today, pondering the events that led up to where he is now in our readings, made me think about how a person gains "a platform," or influence with a certain audience. The Proverb passage was, again, wonderfully relevant and light-shedding.
"A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men." Proverbs 18:16 NKJV This seems like a top-tier platform of influence, and the Apostle Paul certainly reached it. He had a gift for explaining God's message in a way that was life-changing and relevant to the people he was speaking to. He obviously had a calling from God to reach many people in many nations, and even powerful men in government.
Paul had to put his faith in action, however, or he never would have reached this platform. Not only did he have to work up to the envisioned platform, he had to take great risks to get there. He was willing to accept imprisonment and even death in order to reach the people he had seen himself speaking to. God gave him the vision, but he had to do what it took to reach it. He did it God's way, and not the world's way, and we're told of many instances of God's direct leading.
We are not all called to stand and speak to the president, or to sing and dance before a multitude. But I think we could interpret the above proverb to mean "a person's gift will make room for him or her and take them where they are meant to go." My understanding is that each of us has God-given gifts (spiritual and natural), that have a potential built into them that matches our God-given capacity to represent Him on a platform that is optimized for us.
We each have an area of influence of some kind. People are interdependent; we cannot help affecting or influencing someone at some time, even when we're children. Relationship and influence are part of God's nature and character, and He is growing us up to be influential in our world. What we do with our influence is, of course, greatly related to our growth and development. Influence and an actual "platform" are two different things, even though they are related.
We are prepared throughout life to use our influence on a platform of wider influence, when we are ready. I'll use myself as an example: as a child, I was practicing all the things I do now that have become platforms of a somewhat wider influence. I drew pictures, wrote poems, made up stories for my sisters and I to play (make-believe), and made up songs on the piano. I do the same things now, just with more skill and with more to "show and tell." There were training platforms, such as talent shows and school leadership, that taught me the need to rely on God's strength instead of my own (this is an ongoing lesson!). I've learned, over the years, that God moves through my spiritual gifts and shines through my natural ones.
Whatever I do now is also practice for the future. Only God knows completely what my potential and capacity really are, and to what platforms He is leading me to in the future. I can only be faithful on the platform He has given me now, and take the next steps towards the future vision He has given. What I see in the future motivates me to keep growing. He knows how much I need to see right now, and He gives me that and no more. He always seems to give me things to do that are right on the edge of what I am capable of at present. I enjoy the things I do, as long as I am leaning on Him and relating to Him constantly as I do them. Allowing Him to move and shine through my gifts, on the platforms He gives me, gives me a sense of purpose and a feeling of satisfaction in my daily life.
Think about your own life and see how you've developed into a person with greater influence. Do you feel satisfaction as well as a desire to grow into the next phase? Or do you feel disappointed at the loss of your dreams? Are you doing the things you are gifted in, or are you stuck doing things you dislike just to make ends meet?
I have been, more than once, stuck and disappointed with my life. But God has always been there for me and redeemed my darkest hours. He is faithful, and He has a plan to get you into a more hopeful, creative, fulfilling place in life. He is greater than any of your circumstances or problems, even ones you've created yourself. If you're lost, He's already found you. If you're floundering, He's already made a way. Call out to Him and listen for His reply. If you come to Him in humility, and you are willing to take risks at His direction, you will eventually find yourself in a place of joy and wider influence. Maybe you will even reach your greatest potential and your highest platform.
"A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men." Proverbs 18:16 NKJV This seems like a top-tier platform of influence, and the Apostle Paul certainly reached it. He had a gift for explaining God's message in a way that was life-changing and relevant to the people he was speaking to. He obviously had a calling from God to reach many people in many nations, and even powerful men in government.
Paul had to put his faith in action, however, or he never would have reached this platform. Not only did he have to work up to the envisioned platform, he had to take great risks to get there. He was willing to accept imprisonment and even death in order to reach the people he had seen himself speaking to. God gave him the vision, but he had to do what it took to reach it. He did it God's way, and not the world's way, and we're told of many instances of God's direct leading.
We are not all called to stand and speak to the president, or to sing and dance before a multitude. But I think we could interpret the above proverb to mean "a person's gift will make room for him or her and take them where they are meant to go." My understanding is that each of us has God-given gifts (spiritual and natural), that have a potential built into them that matches our God-given capacity to represent Him on a platform that is optimized for us.
We each have an area of influence of some kind. People are interdependent; we cannot help affecting or influencing someone at some time, even when we're children. Relationship and influence are part of God's nature and character, and He is growing us up to be influential in our world. What we do with our influence is, of course, greatly related to our growth and development. Influence and an actual "platform" are two different things, even though they are related.
We are prepared throughout life to use our influence on a platform of wider influence, when we are ready. I'll use myself as an example: as a child, I was practicing all the things I do now that have become platforms of a somewhat wider influence. I drew pictures, wrote poems, made up stories for my sisters and I to play (make-believe), and made up songs on the piano. I do the same things now, just with more skill and with more to "show and tell." There were training platforms, such as talent shows and school leadership, that taught me the need to rely on God's strength instead of my own (this is an ongoing lesson!). I've learned, over the years, that God moves through my spiritual gifts and shines through my natural ones.
Whatever I do now is also practice for the future. Only God knows completely what my potential and capacity really are, and to what platforms He is leading me to in the future. I can only be faithful on the platform He has given me now, and take the next steps towards the future vision He has given. What I see in the future motivates me to keep growing. He knows how much I need to see right now, and He gives me that and no more. He always seems to give me things to do that are right on the edge of what I am capable of at present. I enjoy the things I do, as long as I am leaning on Him and relating to Him constantly as I do them. Allowing Him to move and shine through my gifts, on the platforms He gives me, gives me a sense of purpose and a feeling of satisfaction in my daily life.
Think about your own life and see how you've developed into a person with greater influence. Do you feel satisfaction as well as a desire to grow into the next phase? Or do you feel disappointed at the loss of your dreams? Are you doing the things you are gifted in, or are you stuck doing things you dislike just to make ends meet?
I have been, more than once, stuck and disappointed with my life. But God has always been there for me and redeemed my darkest hours. He is faithful, and He has a plan to get you into a more hopeful, creative, fulfilling place in life. He is greater than any of your circumstances or problems, even ones you've created yourself. If you're lost, He's already found you. If you're floundering, He's already made a way. Call out to Him and listen for His reply. If you come to Him in humility, and you are willing to take risks at His direction, you will eventually find yourself in a place of joy and wider influence. Maybe you will even reach your greatest potential and your highest platform.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
July 1, 2010 Don't Listen To the Trash Talk
I don't know about you, but I've heard the same type of trash talk in my head that Sennacherib was laying on Hezekiah. Whatever voice it is, any words that lie about God are trash. You don't have to believe them, or even listen to them. God will put down the enemy that exalts itself above the knowledge of God, or He will give us the strength to do so. Remember David and Goliath? Same situation.
Todays readings all seemed to be about words! Words are powerful. Gossip's got hidden poison in it, as we saw in the Proverbs. Praise and the declaration of God's word are weapons that can take out Satanic control of nations, as we read in Psalms. We saw what the Assyrian king got for his efforts to defame God (crazy that he would go back after the decimation of his army and worship his loser god, isn't it?). We saw how the prophetic word annulled the evil pronouncement against God's people. We read about how people can truly see future events and declare them to you, but you have to hear God about your response to it, as did Paul about what would happen to him in Jerusalem (all prophesy needs to be interpreted and applied properly, which takes seeking God).
Knowing God's word and learning to know His voice, in whatever form it comes, are two of the greatest pursuits in life, and I am dedicated to them. I am grateful to every teacher, pastor and prophetic communicator that has ever helped me to recognize God's word, who has given me tools to help me walk in obedience to God and to overcome the devil's trash talk.
God's word is your defense. When you stand in the truth of Christ, nothing can ever defeat you.
Todays readings all seemed to be about words! Words are powerful. Gossip's got hidden poison in it, as we saw in the Proverbs. Praise and the declaration of God's word are weapons that can take out Satanic control of nations, as we read in Psalms. We saw what the Assyrian king got for his efforts to defame God (crazy that he would go back after the decimation of his army and worship his loser god, isn't it?). We saw how the prophetic word annulled the evil pronouncement against God's people. We read about how people can truly see future events and declare them to you, but you have to hear God about your response to it, as did Paul about what would happen to him in Jerusalem (all prophesy needs to be interpreted and applied properly, which takes seeking God).
Knowing God's word and learning to know His voice, in whatever form it comes, are two of the greatest pursuits in life, and I am dedicated to them. I am grateful to every teacher, pastor and prophetic communicator that has ever helped me to recognize God's word, who has given me tools to help me walk in obedience to God and to overcome the devil's trash talk.
God's word is your defense. When you stand in the truth of Christ, nothing can ever defeat you.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
June 3, 2010 Full Circle of Promise
It's like a heavenly "promise ring"-- as the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven, so He will return. The disciples were gazing up into the heavens as He ascended before their very eyes. We are now in the position of gazing upwards, looking for His return. "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." Luke 21: 28 Jesus keeps His promises: He is coming for His bride!
Jesus' prayer for oneness is still resonating in my mind and spirit. When I read the opening lines of Acts, I feel the connection with the disciples. We embrace the promise of His return, and we will at last be together with all the saints.
Jesus kept His promise to empower the disciples as well, sending the Holy Spirit and fire, just as John the Baptist had prophesied. John answered, saying to all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Luke 3:16 We accept the Great Commission as including us as well as the Twelve. Why not, then, accept the promise of empowerment from on high? John the Baptist was saying that "to all," not just the Twelve. We are one with them, just as Jesus prayed. And it is not in Christ's character to send us out as witnesses without empowering us first.
The Apostles went before us and paved the way of faith and works. The promises they received and the works they did were for us too. They went first, building a foundation, showing us how to walk in the Spirit and serve Christ in the world. They ran the race with patience, and they passed us the torch. Let's honor them and glorify God by holding the torch high and finishing the race in faith and love.
Jesus' prayer for oneness is still resonating in my mind and spirit. When I read the opening lines of Acts, I feel the connection with the disciples. We embrace the promise of His return, and we will at last be together with all the saints.
Jesus kept His promise to empower the disciples as well, sending the Holy Spirit and fire, just as John the Baptist had prophesied. John answered, saying to all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Luke 3:16 We accept the Great Commission as including us as well as the Twelve. Why not, then, accept the promise of empowerment from on high? John the Baptist was saying that "to all," not just the Twelve. We are one with them, just as Jesus prayed. And it is not in Christ's character to send us out as witnesses without empowering us first.
The Apostles went before us and paved the way of faith and works. The promises they received and the works they did were for us too. They went first, building a foundation, showing us how to walk in the Spirit and serve Christ in the world. They ran the race with patience, and they passed us the torch. Let's honor them and glorify God by holding the torch high and finishing the race in faith and love.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
June 1, 2010 How to Light Up the King's Face
"In the light of the king’s face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain." Proverbs 16:15 The promises in this proverb are great, and they induce me to want to "light up the king's face." So, how to do this?? I want God's life and favor. I'm getting a picture of the glory cloud in the day of the latter rain! I think I would like to walk in His glorious presence in this time. Don't you?
Jesus' response to Thomas, after His resurrection, gives us a wonderful clue as to how to excel in pleasing Him: Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20: 29 When we believe His Word, even when it comes through others, we please Him. He can work through faith. Jesus didn't condemn Thomas for needing to have proof, He just indicated that he wasn't going to be as blessed as those who believed without seeing.
The Apostle John was one of the disciples who believed Jesus had risen without first seeing Him in the body. Later on in his life, he was given heavenly visions that showed Christ in His kingly glory, as well as many things about the future. This is a kind of blessing that I would like to receive! When we only believe what we see with our eyes, we certainly limit our spiritual vision.
When we love Jesus enough to obey Him, this is when our faith can work (Gal. 5:6). We don't get proofs of His Word, most of the time, until after we have carried out His Word. We just have to obey. If our faith doesn't operate without signs or proofs, then our love is small and we will end up being disobedient. This, of course, is a way to NOT please the Lord, and then we don't have the flow of favor we are hoping for.
I realize that some of what I'm saying here could be taken as if God shows favoritism: but giving favor and practicing favoritism is not the same thing. God doesn't have "favorite children." He gives reward and disciplines us depending on what we need at any given time. Really, His discipline is favor, it just doesn't feel like it at the time it's happening. All His children have His favor (and this means His "born-again" children, not just His human creation). He still blesses everyone with His overflowing goodness, even unbelievers-- "He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good." (Matthew 5:45)
Here's a verse that makes it clear that there is a way to "light up the king's face": "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6 There's reward! Who doesn't like reward?
In order to diligently seek the Lord, we have to believe there is more than what we can see, and that God is desiring to give it. "Seeking" is looking for something we haven't found yet. If I were "seeking employment" or "seeking a soulmate," that means I believe there is a job out there that I could do, or a person with whom I could happily spend my life. I don't seek for things I don't believe exist.
The more I know God, the more I seek for Him, because He keeps telling me about things I haven't seen yet, things that are in Him. When I believe His Word-- whether I read it in the Bible, I hear it in a sermon, or the Holy Spirit whispers it in my heart-- I begin to "ask, seek and knock" for the thing I heard about. This is when I can receive. This is when I am blessed with that favor that was waiting right there in heaven with Christ.
The disciples were wonderfully blessed by having the opportunity to walk around with Jesus, see His miracles, and hear God's Word straight from His mouth. But we are even more blessed! Why? Since we don't have evidence of constant "seeing" and "touching," we have a greater opportunity to believe by pure faith (which is itself the "evidence of things not seen" Hebrews 11:1). Therefore, WE have the opportunity to "light up the king's face" with our faith in Him and His Word. This opens the door to greater blessings and favor than you or I can even imagine.
Jesus' response to Thomas, after His resurrection, gives us a wonderful clue as to how to excel in pleasing Him: Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20: 29 When we believe His Word, even when it comes through others, we please Him. He can work through faith. Jesus didn't condemn Thomas for needing to have proof, He just indicated that he wasn't going to be as blessed as those who believed without seeing.
The Apostle John was one of the disciples who believed Jesus had risen without first seeing Him in the body. Later on in his life, he was given heavenly visions that showed Christ in His kingly glory, as well as many things about the future. This is a kind of blessing that I would like to receive! When we only believe what we see with our eyes, we certainly limit our spiritual vision.
When we love Jesus enough to obey Him, this is when our faith can work (Gal. 5:6). We don't get proofs of His Word, most of the time, until after we have carried out His Word. We just have to obey. If our faith doesn't operate without signs or proofs, then our love is small and we will end up being disobedient. This, of course, is a way to NOT please the Lord, and then we don't have the flow of favor we are hoping for.
I realize that some of what I'm saying here could be taken as if God shows favoritism: but giving favor and practicing favoritism is not the same thing. God doesn't have "favorite children." He gives reward and disciplines us depending on what we need at any given time. Really, His discipline is favor, it just doesn't feel like it at the time it's happening. All His children have His favor (and this means His "born-again" children, not just His human creation). He still blesses everyone with His overflowing goodness, even unbelievers-- "He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good." (Matthew 5:45)
Here's a verse that makes it clear that there is a way to "light up the king's face": "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6 There's reward! Who doesn't like reward?
In order to diligently seek the Lord, we have to believe there is more than what we can see, and that God is desiring to give it. "Seeking" is looking for something we haven't found yet. If I were "seeking employment" or "seeking a soulmate," that means I believe there is a job out there that I could do, or a person with whom I could happily spend my life. I don't seek for things I don't believe exist.
The more I know God, the more I seek for Him, because He keeps telling me about things I haven't seen yet, things that are in Him. When I believe His Word-- whether I read it in the Bible, I hear it in a sermon, or the Holy Spirit whispers it in my heart-- I begin to "ask, seek and knock" for the thing I heard about. This is when I can receive. This is when I am blessed with that favor that was waiting right there in heaven with Christ.
The disciples were wonderfully blessed by having the opportunity to walk around with Jesus, see His miracles, and hear God's Word straight from His mouth. But we are even more blessed! Why? Since we don't have evidence of constant "seeing" and "touching," we have a greater opportunity to believe by pure faith (which is itself the "evidence of things not seen" Hebrews 11:1). Therefore, WE have the opportunity to "light up the king's face" with our faith in Him and His Word. This opens the door to greater blessings and favor than you or I can even imagine.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
May 27, 2010 The Overcomer's Cheer
Could there be a more impacting statement than Jesus' saying, "I have overcome the world"? The outcome of believing His statement is "good cheer." I had to look that word up in the Greek-- it's tharseo: the root is "courage, confidence." Tharseo can also be translated "be of good comfort."
So, the sense I get from this is not a "cheer" that ignores all what's going on (the end of that path is a drunken "ignorance is bliss" mentality), but a joy and comfort that comes from having courage. Our courage comes from our knowledge that He is in control, He wins, and He is with us, and in us, to help us and strengthen us. His goal is for us to be overcomers in Him, Who has already overcome. We can go through whatever we have to with this assurance, with peace, joy, and confidence.
So, the sense I get from this is not a "cheer" that ignores all what's going on (the end of that path is a drunken "ignorance is bliss" mentality), but a joy and comfort that comes from having courage. Our courage comes from our knowledge that He is in control, He wins, and He is with us, and in us, to help us and strengthen us. His goal is for us to be overcomers in Him, Who has already overcome. We can go through whatever we have to with this assurance, with peace, joy, and confidence.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
May 6, 2010 The Seed of Blessing
I've always loved the story of Ruth and Boaz. Besides being a great study of ancient Hebrew culture, it is a powerful vision of the redemptive power of love. In Ruth's story, I see the law of increase at work, as words of blessing and acts of kindness are planted, growing into a harvest of favor and blessing. Ruth's words of blessing and acts of kindness towards Naomi, her mother-in-law, brought a harvest of favor to her through Boaz. Boaz's words of blessing and acts of kindness to his own workers, family, and Ruth, a foreigner, brought him a harvest of favor and blessing from God. Together, these people who loved God, knew His goodness, and followed Him in word and deed, brought forth the Seed of blessing into the world. Through them came the earthly lineage of Jesus.
Then we see Jesus, walking through Cana of Galilee. He had already blessed them at the wedding, where He did his first miracle. Again He blessed them with His words, "Go your way; your son lives." Wherever He went, He sowed words of blessing and acts of kindness. Whoever believed Him reaped God's favor. Look how much increase had come down through Boaz and Ruth!
We are part of this lineage of blessing-- through Christ we have been grafted in. There has been no end to the increase of His Kingdom by His word and His power. His word is planted in us, and by faith, we can also receive the blessing and give it. As our character is established in Christ and our obedience is built by training and practice, we should see the same power of God's favor coming from the words of blessing and acts of kindness the Spirit prompts us to sow. If we could only get a hold of how overly-abundant-beyond-all-we-can-think-or-ask God's favor is through Christ, there would be no lack of provision, no lack of the power of God.
Then we see Jesus, walking through Cana of Galilee. He had already blessed them at the wedding, where He did his first miracle. Again He blessed them with His words, "Go your way; your son lives." Wherever He went, He sowed words of blessing and acts of kindness. Whoever believed Him reaped God's favor. Look how much increase had come down through Boaz and Ruth!
We are part of this lineage of blessing-- through Christ we have been grafted in. There has been no end to the increase of His Kingdom by His word and His power. His word is planted in us, and by faith, we can also receive the blessing and give it. As our character is established in Christ and our obedience is built by training and practice, we should see the same power of God's favor coming from the words of blessing and acts of kindness the Spirit prompts us to sow. If we could only get a hold of how overly-abundant-beyond-all-we-can-think-or-ask God's favor is through Christ, there would be no lack of provision, no lack of the power of God.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
May 4, 2010
What a good role-model is John the Baptist! He faithfully and passionately carried out his mission from God: to prepare the people for the Messiah. He was a great preacher, and got results. Lots of people followed him. But when the Messiah was indeed revealed to him, just as God had told him, John the Baptist gave way to him. "He must increase, but I must decrease." He had joy, not resentment when the fulfillment of his calling had brought his ministry to an end. His testimony about Christ is one of the most clearly articulated in Scripture: he left no doubt as to who Jesus was and what He was here to accomplish. It would be good for us to meditate on John the Baptist's words and get them deep into our hearts.
There is plenty of practical application of John the Baptist's gracious giving-way to Christ. Parents' ministry is to raise children to grow up and have their own life. Ministers are preparing the saints to mature and carry out their own callings. If we do our job well, we will come to an obvious place of having to release that which we birthed, for it has a life of its own.
I came to the Lord as a broken and dysfunctional person who had no idea who she was. My personhood had been stolen from me. The Lord Jesus, by His Spirit and Word, and through His godly ministers, nursed me back to health, restored me to healthy functioning, and gave me a sense of worth, identity and purpose. He gave me back myself! It was so awesome to finally feel good about myself and about being alive. Then I truly had the opportunity to "lay down my life" for Him. Before that, I had little to offer, only a "broken and contrite heart", which we know He does not despise. Now I'm in a different place of making way for Christ.
I think it is important to note that John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." The Lord certainly increased in me, building me up from the inside out, starting from a below-basement level of destruction. As I learned who I was, I discovered my weaknesses and how He could fill them. I discovered my empty places and how He could fill those too. He revealed my wrong thinking and replaced it with His truth. He showed me my strengths and how He could empower them for His glory. There's much, much more to do, (I'm far from being Christlike) but at least now, I know how to let Him live in me.
At a certain point in my life, however, I became aware that He was "letting go." He again gave me a choice to follow and serve Him. Now that He had restored me, He was setting me free! Is this amazing or what? Of course, it wasn't a difficult choice for me. I was like that Old Testament picture of the slave who didn't want to be set free because of love for the master, choosing to become a bondservant for life. My ear has been pierced! I totally belong to Him! He chose me first, but then He gave me a chance to choose Him back. I chose Him, and I have never regretted it.
Now, as I live for Him, study His Word and get more revelation of Him, He continues to grow in me; it gets very uncomfortable for my "self" and I have to make more room for Him by letting go of pride, an agenda, or anything else that doesn't fit with Him. I don't just try to get rid of something about myself or "kill myself off". Picking up your cross and following Him daily is not the same as trying to crucify yourself! That just doesn't work. It leaves holes in us that can be filled with something other than Him if we're not very careful. I think it's dangerous to try to decrease yourself so that He can increase. The Lord will expose deeper holes in you that need to be filled with Him (He's done this to me more than once lately, through some trials). He will also discipline us if we're resisting Him. Seek the Lord with as much of your heart as you can, being as pliable as you are able, and let Him increase. Present yourself to Him, obey Him, and He will take care of the rest.
Jesus Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith. I have total confidence in His ability to finish the work He started in me, and in you too. He knows what He's doing. He is the Author and Finisher of the Church too, and He is in charge (the Head). We should trust Him in forming us, and in forming the Church. He's going to present us to the Father without spot or blemish. What a glorious day that will be!
There is plenty of practical application of John the Baptist's gracious giving-way to Christ. Parents' ministry is to raise children to grow up and have their own life. Ministers are preparing the saints to mature and carry out their own callings. If we do our job well, we will come to an obvious place of having to release that which we birthed, for it has a life of its own.
I came to the Lord as a broken and dysfunctional person who had no idea who she was. My personhood had been stolen from me. The Lord Jesus, by His Spirit and Word, and through His godly ministers, nursed me back to health, restored me to healthy functioning, and gave me a sense of worth, identity and purpose. He gave me back myself! It was so awesome to finally feel good about myself and about being alive. Then I truly had the opportunity to "lay down my life" for Him. Before that, I had little to offer, only a "broken and contrite heart", which we know He does not despise. Now I'm in a different place of making way for Christ.
I think it is important to note that John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." The Lord certainly increased in me, building me up from the inside out, starting from a below-basement level of destruction. As I learned who I was, I discovered my weaknesses and how He could fill them. I discovered my empty places and how He could fill those too. He revealed my wrong thinking and replaced it with His truth. He showed me my strengths and how He could empower them for His glory. There's much, much more to do, (I'm far from being Christlike) but at least now, I know how to let Him live in me.
At a certain point in my life, however, I became aware that He was "letting go." He again gave me a choice to follow and serve Him. Now that He had restored me, He was setting me free! Is this amazing or what? Of course, it wasn't a difficult choice for me. I was like that Old Testament picture of the slave who didn't want to be set free because of love for the master, choosing to become a bondservant for life. My ear has been pierced! I totally belong to Him! He chose me first, but then He gave me a chance to choose Him back. I chose Him, and I have never regretted it.
Now, as I live for Him, study His Word and get more revelation of Him, He continues to grow in me; it gets very uncomfortable for my "self" and I have to make more room for Him by letting go of pride, an agenda, or anything else that doesn't fit with Him. I don't just try to get rid of something about myself or "kill myself off". Picking up your cross and following Him daily is not the same as trying to crucify yourself! That just doesn't work. It leaves holes in us that can be filled with something other than Him if we're not very careful. I think it's dangerous to try to decrease yourself so that He can increase. The Lord will expose deeper holes in you that need to be filled with Him (He's done this to me more than once lately, through some trials). He will also discipline us if we're resisting Him. Seek the Lord with as much of your heart as you can, being as pliable as you are able, and let Him increase. Present yourself to Him, obey Him, and He will take care of the rest.
Jesus Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith. I have total confidence in His ability to finish the work He started in me, and in you too. He knows what He's doing. He is the Author and Finisher of the Church too, and He is in charge (the Head). We should trust Him in forming us, and in forming the Church. He's going to present us to the Father without spot or blemish. What a glorious day that will be!
Monday, April 26, 2010
April 26, 2010
Empowerment: that is the word that comes to me through the readings today, and yesterday's too (I'm sure you've noticed, I'm not writing on Sundays). I see the theme of God rising up through His faithful people to come against evil and oppression. "For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with His truth." Psalm 96:13 Yes, Jesus is coming again as the Righteous Judge and King! Come quickly, Lord! In the meantime, He does call people to rise up and lead people to fight against wickedness, as we see in Gideon, and yesterday, in Deborah.
I often wonder how often the Church is responsible for what goes on in the world. How many times is it our turning away from God that allows evil to work, and how often is it our prayerlessness and lack of vigilance that allows evil to continue? Righteouness and judgment are part of God's nature. How does that affect us? Whenever the Israelites started serving other gods, they got overrun and oppressed by enemies. When they called out to God in repentance, they were given judges to help them overcome. You never know-- you might end up to be a Deborah or a Gideon whom the Lord might call and empower to fight evil. And like Jael, you might be a stay-at-home mom who the Lord uses to fight evil, right there in her own home!
It is so significant that Gideon's revelation of God was Jehovah-Shalom: The Lord is Peace. Did it ever occur to you that Jesus, always knowing what was in people's hearts and what would happen, told the disciples to bring swords so that He could teach them (even while He was being arrested) that God's battles are not fought with human strength, and that we must seek His strategies. Peter's lack of internal peace caused him to act impulsively out of fear and anger, cutting off a servant's ear. Without this on-the-field training, he could have become the next anti-Roman revolutionary. [A bonus spiritual insight: if we speak, even the Word of God, impulsively and without a love motivation and the leading of the Spirit, we can wound people and hinder them from being able to hear God's voice for themselves].
I've noticed two particular extremes of thought and behavior: 1) activists who want to take on every evil they see, and seem to do it passionately and with every means possible, righteous or not; and 2) "separatists" who want to think only of our future in heaven and who don't pay any attention to what is going on here. I really don't see the leading of the Spirit too much in either of these stances. The way I see it, if you're stuck in a "program", it's the program leading you, not the Lord. Our mindset needs to be: know the Lord and do what He says.
I'm not trying to get into a debate about war here, and I'm not answering questions about whether nations should go to war or not. What I'm talking about is individuals and their response to God. I'm talking about spiritual warfare, not natural. It should be clear, by now, that the Israel in the Old Testament was a living parable about spiritual things. God's not telling you to take a tent peg and hammer it through somebody's temple! He's not telling you to bomb an abortion clinic or to assassinate someone. But that doesn't mean we're supposed to sit around and do nothing. "And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" Luke 18: 7-8
Jesus went to the cross because mankind needed to be delivered from the power of darkness. He now sits on the right hand of God, in power and authority. Satan is defeated, and yet, he seems to be running rampant in the world. What to do? What to do?
I don't claim to have answers for everything. I know that there are end-time things that are happening, absolutes that have been prophesied and cannot be changed. Satan will be allowed to do things, and we won't be given power to stop him, not until the Lord comes back and we fight Satan together. However, one thing I know: we, each and every Christian, have been given authority to put an end to all demonic activity and oppression in our own life. If every Christian alive on earth never allowed Satan to do anything in their own areas of dominion, starting first and foremost in their own mind, what would this do on Earth?
This is one goal of mine, after being led at all times by the Spirit of Truth, and that is not to give the devil a single opportunity. If every Christian walked free, as Christ means for us to do, the level of freedom in each of our nations would rise as well. If we desire to fight spiritual wickedness in high places-- principalities and powers that have a hold over many areas of influence, people and nations-- we must first win on the personal front.
Gideon was not expecting the visitation he received. Gideon had never been to war as far as I know-- he was a farm-boy. Yet the angel of the Lord greeted him, "The Lord is with you, you mighty warrior." Gideon saw himself, in the natural, as a weak nobody. But he could apparently hear God, and maybe he was an intercessor. "Go in this might of yours and deliver Israel."
Do you think of yourself as weak, or a nobody? God sees you differently! If you have received Christ and are born-again, then you have the Spirit of God in you! You have the Word, the Sword of the Spirit! Jesus, the King, is mighty in you! Your next battlefield is whatever comes up in your life that fights against the Truth! God has called you to be an overcomer. And whatever you overcome in your own life will be what God can work through you in to deliver others. No need to use a fleece. You've got more than Gideon did: you've got a new nature, and the internal leading of the Spirit! Go in this might of yours and conquer!
I often wonder how often the Church is responsible for what goes on in the world. How many times is it our turning away from God that allows evil to work, and how often is it our prayerlessness and lack of vigilance that allows evil to continue? Righteouness and judgment are part of God's nature. How does that affect us? Whenever the Israelites started serving other gods, they got overrun and oppressed by enemies. When they called out to God in repentance, they were given judges to help them overcome. You never know-- you might end up to be a Deborah or a Gideon whom the Lord might call and empower to fight evil. And like Jael, you might be a stay-at-home mom who the Lord uses to fight evil, right there in her own home!
It is so significant that Gideon's revelation of God was Jehovah-Shalom: The Lord is Peace. Did it ever occur to you that Jesus, always knowing what was in people's hearts and what would happen, told the disciples to bring swords so that He could teach them (even while He was being arrested) that God's battles are not fought with human strength, and that we must seek His strategies. Peter's lack of internal peace caused him to act impulsively out of fear and anger, cutting off a servant's ear. Without this on-the-field training, he could have become the next anti-Roman revolutionary. [A bonus spiritual insight: if we speak, even the Word of God, impulsively and without a love motivation and the leading of the Spirit, we can wound people and hinder them from being able to hear God's voice for themselves].
I've noticed two particular extremes of thought and behavior: 1) activists who want to take on every evil they see, and seem to do it passionately and with every means possible, righteous or not; and 2) "separatists" who want to think only of our future in heaven and who don't pay any attention to what is going on here. I really don't see the leading of the Spirit too much in either of these stances. The way I see it, if you're stuck in a "program", it's the program leading you, not the Lord. Our mindset needs to be: know the Lord and do what He says.
I'm not trying to get into a debate about war here, and I'm not answering questions about whether nations should go to war or not. What I'm talking about is individuals and their response to God. I'm talking about spiritual warfare, not natural. It should be clear, by now, that the Israel in the Old Testament was a living parable about spiritual things. God's not telling you to take a tent peg and hammer it through somebody's temple! He's not telling you to bomb an abortion clinic or to assassinate someone. But that doesn't mean we're supposed to sit around and do nothing. "And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" Luke 18: 7-8
Jesus went to the cross because mankind needed to be delivered from the power of darkness. He now sits on the right hand of God, in power and authority. Satan is defeated, and yet, he seems to be running rampant in the world. What to do? What to do?
I don't claim to have answers for everything. I know that there are end-time things that are happening, absolutes that have been prophesied and cannot be changed. Satan will be allowed to do things, and we won't be given power to stop him, not until the Lord comes back and we fight Satan together. However, one thing I know: we, each and every Christian, have been given authority to put an end to all demonic activity and oppression in our own life. If every Christian alive on earth never allowed Satan to do anything in their own areas of dominion, starting first and foremost in their own mind, what would this do on Earth?
This is one goal of mine, after being led at all times by the Spirit of Truth, and that is not to give the devil a single opportunity. If every Christian walked free, as Christ means for us to do, the level of freedom in each of our nations would rise as well. If we desire to fight spiritual wickedness in high places-- principalities and powers that have a hold over many areas of influence, people and nations-- we must first win on the personal front.
Gideon was not expecting the visitation he received. Gideon had never been to war as far as I know-- he was a farm-boy. Yet the angel of the Lord greeted him, "The Lord is with you, you mighty warrior." Gideon saw himself, in the natural, as a weak nobody. But he could apparently hear God, and maybe he was an intercessor. "Go in this might of yours and deliver Israel."
Do you think of yourself as weak, or a nobody? God sees you differently! If you have received Christ and are born-again, then you have the Spirit of God in you! You have the Word, the Sword of the Spirit! Jesus, the King, is mighty in you! Your next battlefield is whatever comes up in your life that fights against the Truth! God has called you to be an overcomer. And whatever you overcome in your own life will be what God can work through you in to deliver others. No need to use a fleece. You've got more than Gideon did: you've got a new nature, and the internal leading of the Spirit! Go in this might of yours and conquer!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
April 22, 2010
The Scriptures in which Jesus talks about the end times are, to me, some of the most important ones we can study, and hear His voice in, for NOW. He tells us these things not to frighten us, but to prepare us and comfort us. All these "dreadful portents" are indications that the Kingdom of Heaven is soon to be Christ's reign on Earth! How could these things be our doom? They are only foreboding to those who reject Christ, and to the rebellious kingdoms of the earth. If we endure, we very well could be among the generation to see "the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" !
Jesus made it clear that these terrible signs and events should give us a sense of expectation, not the fear and confusion that would be characteristic of the nations of the earth. "Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:28 Our response should be to get ready and be watchful-- keeping our eyes on heavenly things and our focus on Jesus Christ. It is time to renew our commitment to serving the Lord, putting aside all the idols that distract us and take our attention away from Him. It is time to lay down all the things in the past that keep us focused on ourselves and that hinder us by causing us to have a victim mentality.
It is time to rise up and show the world that there is an unshakeable Kingdom, with a glorious King who reigns with love and wisdom, and to call people into it. We are in this Kingdom already, because we are in Christ who is the King. We will have righteousness, peace and joy if we will actually live in the Kingdom we are part of. We are, in truth, high above all that is happening on this earth.
I believe we have physicalized the concept of the "Rapture" because we took the things in Scripture and interpreted them the only way we knew how, naturally. But if we can see things according to the Spirit, we will realize that we are ALREADY "seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus". "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2: 4-7
Oh, how the Spirit of the Lord is singing over us right now, desiring with fervor for us to get a hold of this REALITY!
"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" Colossians 1:13 KJV
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love" NKJV
"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" NIV
"For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son" NLT
"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son" ESV
"el cual nos ha librado de la potestad de las tinieblas, y trasladado al reino de su amado Hijo" RVR
"He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son" RSV
"who did rescue us out of the authority of the darkness, and did translate us into the reign of the Son of His love" ASV
"who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love" HNV
It has already been done! Can you hear the music? Will you sing it with Him?
P.S.
The sudden switch of tone and perspective in the second half of Psalm 89 reminds me of the way we think and feel when we do not realize what God has already accomplished in Christ, for us.
P.P.S PLEASE READ THIS!
So you don't get the wrong idea from what I'm saying:
Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.
2 Thessalonians 2: 1-2
Jesus is still returning in person to reign on Earth, and we will reign with Him!
I suggest reading this chapter, as well as chapter 1. Paul is encouraging the brethren who are enduring persecutions and tribulations. Jesus said we would have these things, and that is why we must endure. But our endurance and patient perseverance is going to be dictated by our internal outlook and perspective.
"that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;
since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels. . . when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. " 2 Thessalonians 1: 5a-7,10
Jesus made it clear that these terrible signs and events should give us a sense of expectation, not the fear and confusion that would be characteristic of the nations of the earth. "Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:28 Our response should be to get ready and be watchful-- keeping our eyes on heavenly things and our focus on Jesus Christ. It is time to renew our commitment to serving the Lord, putting aside all the idols that distract us and take our attention away from Him. It is time to lay down all the things in the past that keep us focused on ourselves and that hinder us by causing us to have a victim mentality.
It is time to rise up and show the world that there is an unshakeable Kingdom, with a glorious King who reigns with love and wisdom, and to call people into it. We are in this Kingdom already, because we are in Christ who is the King. We will have righteousness, peace and joy if we will actually live in the Kingdom we are part of. We are, in truth, high above all that is happening on this earth.
I believe we have physicalized the concept of the "Rapture" because we took the things in Scripture and interpreted them the only way we knew how, naturally. But if we can see things according to the Spirit, we will realize that we are ALREADY "seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus". "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2: 4-7
Oh, how the Spirit of the Lord is singing over us right now, desiring with fervor for us to get a hold of this REALITY!
"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" Colossians 1:13 KJV
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love" NKJV
"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" NIV
"For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son" NLT
"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son" ESV
"el cual nos ha librado de la potestad de las tinieblas, y trasladado al reino de su amado Hijo" RVR
"He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son" RSV
"who did rescue us out of the authority of the darkness, and did translate us into the reign of the Son of His love" ASV
"who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love" HNV
It has already been done! Can you hear the music? Will you sing it with Him?
P.S.
The sudden switch of tone and perspective in the second half of Psalm 89 reminds me of the way we think and feel when we do not realize what God has already accomplished in Christ, for us.
P.P.S PLEASE READ THIS!
So you don't get the wrong idea from what I'm saying:
Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.
2 Thessalonians 2: 1-2
Jesus is still returning in person to reign on Earth, and we will reign with Him!
I suggest reading this chapter, as well as chapter 1. Paul is encouraging the brethren who are enduring persecutions and tribulations. Jesus said we would have these things, and that is why we must endure. But our endurance and patient perseverance is going to be dictated by our internal outlook and perspective.
"that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;
since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels. . . when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. " 2 Thessalonians 1: 5a-7,10
Friday, April 16, 2010
April 16, 2010
I woke up today feeling kind of old, wondering how I was going to ever be able to do all the things the Lord had put before me to do. I was wishing I had done them when I was young, thinner and much more energetic. I'm so glad I read the Scriptures today, for they really spoke to me about all this.
Even though I heard my call when I was 14, in an unmistakeable way (not an audible voice, but one that couldn't be missed), I wasn't in the place to walk it out. In fact, I outright rejected it, more intent on my own way of doing things than worrying about what God wanted. The next seven years was pitiful indeed! Since then, every seven years has brought a new fresh call, a renewal of the very first call, with an increase. God has never given up on His vision for my life. He has never given up on His vision for yours, either.
I was so impressed with Caleb, who went to Joshua and asked for the inheritance that the Lord had promised him. "I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart. 8 Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the LORD my God. 9 So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.’ 10 And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. 11 As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. 12 Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.” 13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance. Joshua 14: 6b-13
At first, I was reading that thinking, "That sure doesn't fit me!" But the Lord showed me otherwise, for two reasons. One, I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me-- it's Christ's righteousness and work in me, not my own, that makes me worthy and gives me the ability to carry out God's will. Only faith and obedience is necessary. That is all. I haven't always been so great on the obedience part, and that's the only reason I am still struggling to take my inheritance. But I see now that the faith part has always been there, although many times as good as dead from lack of corresponding action. But I am still believeing. In my spirit, I am more vigorous than ever, and because I know my God more than I did when I was 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 50, and 57 (everything gets refreshed at the 50th year, the Jubilee), I think I am able to say: Now, then, give me this mountain!
We saw Jesus teaching that men ought to pray and not give up. Yet, He wanted to know if, when He showed up, would He find enough faith so that we could receive the answer to our prayer.
Jesus has shown up over and over again to answer my prayers, and yet, I was still not ready enough to keep exercising my faith in His promises to stand firm when the giants came to try and steal it. I am determined to see it though this time, with His help. He's not going to do my life for me, or without me. But when I take my Sword up and my shield of faith, He's going to be right there strengthening me, and fighting for me. I think I even have enough faith in His creative power to get back my youthful vigor!
What about you? What's He promised you? What's your inheritance in Him? Are you just going to stand there and wait another 7 years? I don't think so! It's time to act out our faith and say: NOW, THEN, GIVE ME THIS MOUNTAIN!
Even though I heard my call when I was 14, in an unmistakeable way (not an audible voice, but one that couldn't be missed), I wasn't in the place to walk it out. In fact, I outright rejected it, more intent on my own way of doing things than worrying about what God wanted. The next seven years was pitiful indeed! Since then, every seven years has brought a new fresh call, a renewal of the very first call, with an increase. God has never given up on His vision for my life. He has never given up on His vision for yours, either.
I was so impressed with Caleb, who went to Joshua and asked for the inheritance that the Lord had promised him. "I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart. 8 Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the LORD my God. 9 So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.’ 10 And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. 11 As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. 12 Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.” 13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance. Joshua 14: 6b-13
At first, I was reading that thinking, "That sure doesn't fit me!" But the Lord showed me otherwise, for two reasons. One, I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me-- it's Christ's righteousness and work in me, not my own, that makes me worthy and gives me the ability to carry out God's will. Only faith and obedience is necessary. That is all. I haven't always been so great on the obedience part, and that's the only reason I am still struggling to take my inheritance. But I see now that the faith part has always been there, although many times as good as dead from lack of corresponding action. But I am still believeing. In my spirit, I am more vigorous than ever, and because I know my God more than I did when I was 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 50, and 57 (everything gets refreshed at the 50th year, the Jubilee), I think I am able to say: Now, then, give me this mountain!
We saw Jesus teaching that men ought to pray and not give up. Yet, He wanted to know if, when He showed up, would He find enough faith so that we could receive the answer to our prayer.
Jesus has shown up over and over again to answer my prayers, and yet, I was still not ready enough to keep exercising my faith in His promises to stand firm when the giants came to try and steal it. I am determined to see it though this time, with His help. He's not going to do my life for me, or without me. But when I take my Sword up and my shield of faith, He's going to be right there strengthening me, and fighting for me. I think I even have enough faith in His creative power to get back my youthful vigor!
What about you? What's He promised you? What's your inheritance in Him? Are you just going to stand there and wait another 7 years? I don't think so! It's time to act out our faith and say: NOW, THEN, GIVE ME THIS MOUNTAIN!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
April 10, 2010
The Bible says that the Lord knew Moses face to face! Deut. 34:10. I always thought of it the other way around (i.e., Moses knew God face to face), but I even checked out Exodus 33:11: So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.
It seems that Jesus expects this kind of open-faced knowing from us as well. What do you think? I saw it here in this Scripture:
Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ Luke 13:23-27
What does it take for the Lord to know us? He certainly put an emphasis on that here. And it wasn't just about being in the same vicinity and having the same nationality. Obviously, the Lord knows everything, and He of course know us inside and out, as He made us and is omniscient and omnipresent. So what does it take for the Lord to know us? I want to know! I want to make it through that narrow gate!
I try to stick with the Scripture reading of the day (there's so much in them!), but when I picked up my tea to go warm it up again, the Lord reminded me of these verses: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10
We might start out so afraid of God, like Moses (Exodus 3:6), that we won't even show our face. We're not going to get to know God like that! But the Lord's saying, "Where are you? Open up! Why are you hiding?" Like He did with Adam and Eve. If we allow fear, shame and the need to belong (thank you, Eldon, for that great teaching!) to keep us from showing our face to God, we'll remain foolish, because how will we overcome those issues if we will not receive instruction? If the Lord's saying "I do not know you," it's because we're too proud to let Him in. If we're going to go through His gate, He's going to first have to come in through ours.
Jesus said to those of His nation who would not believe in Him: "See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’” Luke 13: 35
I'll never forget the day I realized, with a huge shock, that God saw everything about me! I had spent my life deperately trying to hide from Him, in spite of the fact I'd called myself a Christian for most of it. I was in the middle of a rather wretched fight with my husband, and it was going nowhere. I felt so hopeless. Suddenly, the Lord revealed where I was at. I remember falling onto the floor and weeping uncontrollably when I realized that God saw through my defenses. I decided then that I had to stop hiding from the Lord behind the masks and walls I had built around myself to protect me from hurt, real or imagined.
Even though I had gotten revelation, it took years before I was willing to totally lay down the things that I used to shield myself from others and from God. I was so expert at creating defenses that most of them were hidden even from myself. I'm still not sure they're all gone, but at least now I am willing to be shown, either by the Lord or a person that He might speak through. The more I reveal myself to Him, the more He reveals Himself to me.
Have you ever seen a child, who, by covering her eyes, thinks she is hiding from her parent? I have! A child quickly figures it out, but it is funny when they first do it. We are like that with the Lord, and yet how slowly we come to the reality that we must not try to hide from Him. He can see us anyway. And the great truth is, that He loves us, so much more, than we love our own little children.
It is wisdom to uncover the face of our heart when we go to the written Word, for in it we will find Christ, if we will only open our eyes and let Him see us.
It seems that Jesus expects this kind of open-faced knowing from us as well. What do you think? I saw it here in this Scripture:
Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ Luke 13:23-27
What does it take for the Lord to know us? He certainly put an emphasis on that here. And it wasn't just about being in the same vicinity and having the same nationality. Obviously, the Lord knows everything, and He of course know us inside and out, as He made us and is omniscient and omnipresent. So what does it take for the Lord to know us? I want to know! I want to make it through that narrow gate!
I try to stick with the Scripture reading of the day (there's so much in them!), but when I picked up my tea to go warm it up again, the Lord reminded me of these verses: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10
We might start out so afraid of God, like Moses (Exodus 3:6), that we won't even show our face. We're not going to get to know God like that! But the Lord's saying, "Where are you? Open up! Why are you hiding?" Like He did with Adam and Eve. If we allow fear, shame and the need to belong (thank you, Eldon, for that great teaching!) to keep us from showing our face to God, we'll remain foolish, because how will we overcome those issues if we will not receive instruction? If the Lord's saying "I do not know you," it's because we're too proud to let Him in. If we're going to go through His gate, He's going to first have to come in through ours.
Jesus said to those of His nation who would not believe in Him: "See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’” Luke 13: 35
I'll never forget the day I realized, with a huge shock, that God saw everything about me! I had spent my life deperately trying to hide from Him, in spite of the fact I'd called myself a Christian for most of it. I was in the middle of a rather wretched fight with my husband, and it was going nowhere. I felt so hopeless. Suddenly, the Lord revealed where I was at. I remember falling onto the floor and weeping uncontrollably when I realized that God saw through my defenses. I decided then that I had to stop hiding from the Lord behind the masks and walls I had built around myself to protect me from hurt, real or imagined.
Even though I had gotten revelation, it took years before I was willing to totally lay down the things that I used to shield myself from others and from God. I was so expert at creating defenses that most of them were hidden even from myself. I'm still not sure they're all gone, but at least now I am willing to be shown, either by the Lord or a person that He might speak through. The more I reveal myself to Him, the more He reveals Himself to me.
Have you ever seen a child, who, by covering her eyes, thinks she is hiding from her parent? I have! A child quickly figures it out, but it is funny when they first do it. We are like that with the Lord, and yet how slowly we come to the reality that we must not try to hide from Him. He can see us anyway. And the great truth is, that He loves us, so much more, than we love our own little children.
It is wisdom to uncover the face of our heart when we go to the written Word, for in it we will find Christ, if we will only open our eyes and let Him see us.
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.
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