“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one…and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Eph 6:16.
I just adore the brilliant commentaries of our scholars who are dedicated to give wisdom and knowledge to the Word. In the time that Paul wrote this, he was referring to a Roman shield which was covered in leather. This shield would be soaked in water and used to put out flame-tipped arrows. ‘The shield was a large, oblong piece the Roman soldier used as a protective weapon that consisted of two layers of wood glued together, covered with linen and hide, bound with iron.’ Duty or Delight? p. 143.
This imagery is saturated with symbolism for me in picturing this shield and how it relates to our faith. First and foremost, its foundation and supporting structure was wood glued together. The work done at Calvary is the foundation of our faith. The body of Jesus Christ was layered and attached to the wood of the cross creating the inner structure of our faith. All else builds from this foundation, and layers of power, strength and protection are built on top.
In the Bible, linen always represented righteous acts of the saints. Linen strips were layered upon Jesus after His death. They covered the body of the One who was the foundation of our faith just as the linen covered the wood in the shield. We move on to the leather which was layered on top of the linen. This leather was only effective when drenched in water, and the same is with our shield of faith as we become drenched in His word. Atop the leather was the iron. The definition for iron is strong, robust and unyielding. Through our prayers and the work of the Holy Spirit our faith is bonded with Christ giving us the power to ask for all things in all circumstances according to God’s will.
We cannot battle against evil unless we continuously drench ourselves in the Living Water through the binding of the Holy Spirit. It is when our faith is drenched with truth, promises and wisdom from God that we are equipped to fight the battle. We cannot beat Satan with our leather dried out and cracked. When Satan shoots those fiery arrows at our lives we must raise our water-drenched shields rooted in Christ and bound by the work of the Holy Spirit.
Raise that shield and fight the battle that is already won in Christ!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Beast of Burden
“What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless…What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men…He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;” Ecc. 2:22-23; Ecc. 3:9-11.
King Solomon had whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, however he wanted it, and yet he was miserable. Why? It is clear in Scripture that the reason we will never be satisfied and completely content in anything we do is because it is not how we were created. God created us to long for eternity. He placed in our hearts a hunger that would never be satisfied on earth, ultimately creating a desire for Him alone. I love the writing of Ralph Burton, a top cartoonist, who was also bored with life.
‘The failure of pleasure and possessions to fill the heart of man was illustrated by a fictional character who only had to wish for something and he got it instantly:
He wanted a house and there it was with servants at the door; he wanted a Cadillac, and there it was with chauffeur. He was elated at the beginning, but it soon began to pull on him. He said to the attendant, ‘I want to get out of this. I want to create something, to suffer something. I would rather be in hell than here.’ And the attendant answered, ‘Where do you think you are?’ That is where our contemporary society is – in a hell of materialism, trying to satisfy the human heart with things that cannot bring lasting enjoyment.” Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 887.
Many times God will give us what we desire in our hearts even if it may harm us. The most recent example of this is the senseless death of Amy Winehouse, a singer in her twenties with a gift of song. In the International Herald Tribune they labeled their article, Amy Winehouse, Bad Girl With A Touch Of Genius. Her longing for satisfaction apart from God led her into a life of drugs and sin. All talent is given by God designed to be used for His glory and advancing His message. This title says it all: God, the Genius, touches us with a gift and the outcome will be the manner in which we use that gift. When our talents or toils are used to the good of ourselves instead of our God the power of that gift from God is diluted and unproductive. King Solomon understood this as he pondered life as he knew it.
My commentary states, ‘Solomon concludes that man has nothing of enduring value as a result of all his labor and heartache under the sun. He strives, he plods, he frets and fumes – but for what? What difference does it all make five minutes after he dies? Apart from revelation, we would come to the same conclusion. But we know from God’s Word that our lives can be lived for God and for eternity. We know that all that is done for Him will be rewarded. Our labor is not in vain in the Lord.’ p. 887
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Co. 15:58.
King Solomon had whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, however he wanted it, and yet he was miserable. Why? It is clear in Scripture that the reason we will never be satisfied and completely content in anything we do is because it is not how we were created. God created us to long for eternity. He placed in our hearts a hunger that would never be satisfied on earth, ultimately creating a desire for Him alone. I love the writing of Ralph Burton, a top cartoonist, who was also bored with life.
‘The failure of pleasure and possessions to fill the heart of man was illustrated by a fictional character who only had to wish for something and he got it instantly:
He wanted a house and there it was with servants at the door; he wanted a Cadillac, and there it was with chauffeur. He was elated at the beginning, but it soon began to pull on him. He said to the attendant, ‘I want to get out of this. I want to create something, to suffer something. I would rather be in hell than here.’ And the attendant answered, ‘Where do you think you are?’ That is where our contemporary society is – in a hell of materialism, trying to satisfy the human heart with things that cannot bring lasting enjoyment.” Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 887.
Many times God will give us what we desire in our hearts even if it may harm us. The most recent example of this is the senseless death of Amy Winehouse, a singer in her twenties with a gift of song. In the International Herald Tribune they labeled their article, Amy Winehouse, Bad Girl With A Touch Of Genius. Her longing for satisfaction apart from God led her into a life of drugs and sin. All talent is given by God designed to be used for His glory and advancing His message. This title says it all: God, the Genius, touches us with a gift and the outcome will be the manner in which we use that gift. When our talents or toils are used to the good of ourselves instead of our God the power of that gift from God is diluted and unproductive. King Solomon understood this as he pondered life as he knew it.
My commentary states, ‘Solomon concludes that man has nothing of enduring value as a result of all his labor and heartache under the sun. He strives, he plods, he frets and fumes – but for what? What difference does it all make five minutes after he dies? Apart from revelation, we would come to the same conclusion. But we know from God’s Word that our lives can be lived for God and for eternity. We know that all that is done for Him will be rewarded. Our labor is not in vain in the Lord.’ p. 887
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Co. 15:58.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
In Increasing Measure...
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness…For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness – knowledge – self-control – perseverance – godliness – brotherly kindness – love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:3-8.
Through the divine power of the good and glorious Creator He called each of us into existence in His ultimate wisdom. He didn’t leave us empty handed with only one foot to balance on in life but promised to guide and lead us through our knowledge of Him. So how can we attain this knowledge without knowing Him? Apart from Him it is impossible to know the love, the will and the knowledge of our future walk.
My grandmother was a perfect example of ‘making every effort to add’ all of these things. Her last year of life was burdened with cognitive decline in addition to the physical challenges for which she suffered. When Mother and Daddy moved her to the nursing home for better medical care she was still witnessing about God to the caregivers and nurses. Her ministry was not a building from which she served but her body was the temple where she testified about her Lord. She had every reason to become comfortable and satisfied in the faith she had developed over the years but she understood those three beautiful words in this passage – ‘in increasing measure.’
All the things of God and His knowledge will always begin and end in love. True love of which God’s word speaks is the out-going selfless attitude that leads one to sacrifice for the good of others. This attitude was my grandmother for sure as she laid there in her final days. She was neither complacent with her responsibilities to God nor her standing with God. Through those godly qualities she remained effective and productive in her knowledge of Jesus Christ and continued to make eternal significance in the kingdom up until her departure.
We cannot ever esteem ourselves as achieving finished faith on earth. Our life must be lived each day with emerging spiritual growth perpetuating the kingdom significance for which we were created. All efforts should be made towards knowing our God better and tapping into that power and knowledge for which He promises. God has no favorites – He just responds to and rewards those who take Him at His word and live their life for His purposes. Then we come in for the promise of accessing His power and using it for His glory in all circumstances.
God lays out the road - we simply must choose to walk.
Through the divine power of the good and glorious Creator He called each of us into existence in His ultimate wisdom. He didn’t leave us empty handed with only one foot to balance on in life but promised to guide and lead us through our knowledge of Him. So how can we attain this knowledge without knowing Him? Apart from Him it is impossible to know the love, the will and the knowledge of our future walk.
My grandmother was a perfect example of ‘making every effort to add’ all of these things. Her last year of life was burdened with cognitive decline in addition to the physical challenges for which she suffered. When Mother and Daddy moved her to the nursing home for better medical care she was still witnessing about God to the caregivers and nurses. Her ministry was not a building from which she served but her body was the temple where she testified about her Lord. She had every reason to become comfortable and satisfied in the faith she had developed over the years but she understood those three beautiful words in this passage – ‘in increasing measure.’
All the things of God and His knowledge will always begin and end in love. True love of which God’s word speaks is the out-going selfless attitude that leads one to sacrifice for the good of others. This attitude was my grandmother for sure as she laid there in her final days. She was neither complacent with her responsibilities to God nor her standing with God. Through those godly qualities she remained effective and productive in her knowledge of Jesus Christ and continued to make eternal significance in the kingdom up until her departure.
We cannot ever esteem ourselves as achieving finished faith on earth. Our life must be lived each day with emerging spiritual growth perpetuating the kingdom significance for which we were created. All efforts should be made towards knowing our God better and tapping into that power and knowledge for which He promises. God has no favorites – He just responds to and rewards those who take Him at His word and live their life for His purposes. Then we come in for the promise of accessing His power and using it for His glory in all circumstances.
God lays out the road - we simply must choose to walk.
Monday, July 25, 2011
One Without The Other...
“Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40.
This two part answer was given by Jesus when a young man asked Him which one commandment was the greatest. Jesus showed the dependence of one on the other. His message was clear in His reply: ‘You cannot truly love God without loving others.’ They are interdependent and one will affect the other. To love God is to choose to love His people – apart from their actions. The commandment does not state ‘Love others based on how they treat you.’
‘The Great Commandment is one of the fullest expressions of what it means to truly walk in the presence of God.’ Duty or Delight? p, 118. Love always works to the benefit of another. ‘The Greek definition clearly states that loving not only indicates “a direction of the will” but also consists of “finding one’s joy in something or someone.” p. 120. Perhaps the joy we feel is the holy nod of God telling us that we have done a good job loving that person, especially when that person is difficult to love.
Our model is Jesus Christ who chose to love and honor God by loving those who wronged Him. He did not withhold love but interceded for them in prayer as a way of showing love to God. He constantly surrounded Himself with people who did not love Him. With all of this being said it is important to state that some relationships require healthy boundaries which may involve our stepping back and loving at a distance. We may still be called upon to serve them, help them and be involved periodically with them but to maintain our health in the relationship we love from a distance. If there is someone like this in your life, take the relationship to God and allow Him to determine your involvement with this person. Also, in extreme cases of abuse, we must remove ourselves from this unhealthy and addictive behavior.
For the most part, the majority of neighbors (anyone attached to you in life, ie, work, family, children, spouse) are not abusive and must be treated by us with the same love that we receive from God.
‘The love of God is most perfected in us when it is reproduced through us and among us…’ Duty or Delight? p. 118.
This two part answer was given by Jesus when a young man asked Him which one commandment was the greatest. Jesus showed the dependence of one on the other. His message was clear in His reply: ‘You cannot truly love God without loving others.’ They are interdependent and one will affect the other. To love God is to choose to love His people – apart from their actions. The commandment does not state ‘Love others based on how they treat you.’
‘The Great Commandment is one of the fullest expressions of what it means to truly walk in the presence of God.’ Duty or Delight? p, 118. Love always works to the benefit of another. ‘The Greek definition clearly states that loving not only indicates “a direction of the will” but also consists of “finding one’s joy in something or someone.” p. 120. Perhaps the joy we feel is the holy nod of God telling us that we have done a good job loving that person, especially when that person is difficult to love.
Our model is Jesus Christ who chose to love and honor God by loving those who wronged Him. He did not withhold love but interceded for them in prayer as a way of showing love to God. He constantly surrounded Himself with people who did not love Him. With all of this being said it is important to state that some relationships require healthy boundaries which may involve our stepping back and loving at a distance. We may still be called upon to serve them, help them and be involved periodically with them but to maintain our health in the relationship we love from a distance. If there is someone like this in your life, take the relationship to God and allow Him to determine your involvement with this person. Also, in extreme cases of abuse, we must remove ourselves from this unhealthy and addictive behavior.
For the most part, the majority of neighbors (anyone attached to you in life, ie, work, family, children, spouse) are not abusive and must be treated by us with the same love that we receive from God.
‘The love of God is most perfected in us when it is reproduced through us and among us…’ Duty or Delight? p. 118.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Duty or Delight?
“‘The multitude of your sacrifices – what are they to me?’ says the LORD. ‘I have more than enough of burnt offerings.’” Isaiah 1:11. “To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt sacrifices.” Mark 12:33.
I love what God is revealing through my Bible Study, Duty or Delight? I didn’t even realize that in some areas of my life I was approaching Him out of duty. This morning ‘burnt offerings and sacrifices’ really stood out in my reading. It referred to the rituals and habitual exercises God’s chosen people performed out of duty. This could have been the slaying of animals for sacrifice, the tithing of their income, or a litany of numerous practices. The Jewish law back then was made up of 613 commandments. In an effort to make these laws doable they ‘cluttered up their faith with hundreds of rules derived from individual interpretations.’ p. 111 – Duty or Delight?
Fast forward 1000 years in the second verse and we see a scribe who is repeating what Jesus has just taught regarding the importance of rules verses relationship. When we pigeon-hole ourselves into certain rituals, self-expectations and duties for God we limit the pleasure and joy factor which can come through merely loving Him and others and receiving love from Him.
For 5 ½ years it has been my burnt offering (the ritual for which I created) to awake, arise and get right to it (devotional) so I can post first thing and be on my way. I had a job in the secular world when I implemented that schedule for I had to get to work by 7:00 am. I am now in a season in which I have the entire day for Him, yet I still cram that time in the first few hours. I have begun to feel that it is a duty instead of a delight. He knows my heart and wants freedom for our love to grow. He wants me to delight in Him and take pleasure in His love like He does me.
Thankfully I will shake it up a bit and just relax, move in and out of Him allowing the freedom of the Holy Spirit to command my day in delight. If you have an identified ministry such as morning devotionals, serving someone else, financial gifting, etc… measure the delight of your heart. Are you offering something ‘that God has more than enough of' through duty or are you offering what is most important to Him – your love and delight in Him?
I love what God is revealing through my Bible Study, Duty or Delight? I didn’t even realize that in some areas of my life I was approaching Him out of duty. This morning ‘burnt offerings and sacrifices’ really stood out in my reading. It referred to the rituals and habitual exercises God’s chosen people performed out of duty. This could have been the slaying of animals for sacrifice, the tithing of their income, or a litany of numerous practices. The Jewish law back then was made up of 613 commandments. In an effort to make these laws doable they ‘cluttered up their faith with hundreds of rules derived from individual interpretations.’ p. 111 – Duty or Delight?
Fast forward 1000 years in the second verse and we see a scribe who is repeating what Jesus has just taught regarding the importance of rules verses relationship. When we pigeon-hole ourselves into certain rituals, self-expectations and duties for God we limit the pleasure and joy factor which can come through merely loving Him and others and receiving love from Him.
For 5 ½ years it has been my burnt offering (the ritual for which I created) to awake, arise and get right to it (devotional) so I can post first thing and be on my way. I had a job in the secular world when I implemented that schedule for I had to get to work by 7:00 am. I am now in a season in which I have the entire day for Him, yet I still cram that time in the first few hours. I have begun to feel that it is a duty instead of a delight. He knows my heart and wants freedom for our love to grow. He wants me to delight in Him and take pleasure in His love like He does me.
Thankfully I will shake it up a bit and just relax, move in and out of Him allowing the freedom of the Holy Spirit to command my day in delight. If you have an identified ministry such as morning devotionals, serving someone else, financial gifting, etc… measure the delight of your heart. Are you offering something ‘that God has more than enough of' through duty or are you offering what is most important to Him – your love and delight in Him?
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Race
“Endure hardship as discipline…but God disciplines us…that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on…it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Heb 12:7, 11
Have you ever dropped something only to search the area without any success? You know you dropped it, you know where it landed but you see nothing. After walking away and returning you glance down at the same spot to see it lying there. The same happens to me with Scripture. I have seen a word, a verse or a passage a hundred times before but all of a sudden the Light hits it just right and a new discovery is found such as this morning.
I have never noticed how similar the words discipline and disciple is in meaning. The word disciple means student or somebody who believes in and follows the teachings of a leader. The word discipline in the Bible refers to training a child. I have always associated discipline with punishment which now seem worlds apart to me. Punishment correlates to sin and disobedience while discipline seems to indicate a classroom of learning or training that prepares us for something crucial in the future. The disciples certainly were in training while following Jesus as they faced many hardships. He was training them in righteousness so that when the work of faith had been complete (the cross and resurrection) the harvest of souls that would be brought in would be numerous and multi-generational.
The purpose for our training both in the valleys and mountaintops will also produce stronger faith and a deeper holiness in our walk. At some point the student becomes the teacher through this discipline and produces the faith required to lead others to Christ.
'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses, (those who were trained before us) let us throw off everything that hinders (despair, discouragement and weariness)...and let us run with perseverence the race marked out for us (God's unique plan for each of His children.)' Heb 12:1
Have you ever dropped something only to search the area without any success? You know you dropped it, you know where it landed but you see nothing. After walking away and returning you glance down at the same spot to see it lying there. The same happens to me with Scripture. I have seen a word, a verse or a passage a hundred times before but all of a sudden the Light hits it just right and a new discovery is found such as this morning.
I have never noticed how similar the words discipline and disciple is in meaning. The word disciple means student or somebody who believes in and follows the teachings of a leader. The word discipline in the Bible refers to training a child. I have always associated discipline with punishment which now seem worlds apart to me. Punishment correlates to sin and disobedience while discipline seems to indicate a classroom of learning or training that prepares us for something crucial in the future. The disciples certainly were in training while following Jesus as they faced many hardships. He was training them in righteousness so that when the work of faith had been complete (the cross and resurrection) the harvest of souls that would be brought in would be numerous and multi-generational.
The purpose for our training both in the valleys and mountaintops will also produce stronger faith and a deeper holiness in our walk. At some point the student becomes the teacher through this discipline and produces the faith required to lead others to Christ.
'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses, (those who were trained before us) let us throw off everything that hinders (despair, discouragement and weariness)...and let us run with perseverence the race marked out for us (God's unique plan for each of His children.)' Heb 12:1
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
In Him
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
It never ceases to amaze me how we can read the same verse over and over and get new revelations. As the Bible states (and Grandmother would repeat), the Word is active and alive.
For a gal who is achievement oriented and has a tendency to attach God’s love with performance, my Father continues to plead His case to me. God has been working with me in this area as I try to become comfortable that God is love – period! My former way of thinking has been to do everything and anything if it relates to God’s work. Toiling, calculating, pursuing, searching for duties…it makes my head spin.
But this morning, seeing this verse in print gave me new revelation. I have always read this verse as the strength will come to perform whatever duties I so choose relating to Christ. Tenderly, and with divine simplicity, God impressed upon me that this verse doesn’t mean so much that we are called to do everything calling on Him for strength, but rather in Christ we can do all things He calls us to do…Big difference!
When I think back I am reminded of times when I had spread myself so thin ‘doing the work of the Lord’ only to be exhausted and burned out. I have also known many wonderful and hard working people who experience this same spiritual trap. If we are moving in and out of the flow of the Spirit we will enjoy the guidance and discernment of Him. He will reveal the work for which we are to accomplish in Christ.
We are not called to do all things in Christ but are encouraged to call on Christ for all things He has purposed for our lives…the strength comes as a blessing.
It never ceases to amaze me how we can read the same verse over and over and get new revelations. As the Bible states (and Grandmother would repeat), the Word is active and alive.
For a gal who is achievement oriented and has a tendency to attach God’s love with performance, my Father continues to plead His case to me. God has been working with me in this area as I try to become comfortable that God is love – period! My former way of thinking has been to do everything and anything if it relates to God’s work. Toiling, calculating, pursuing, searching for duties…it makes my head spin.
But this morning, seeing this verse in print gave me new revelation. I have always read this verse as the strength will come to perform whatever duties I so choose relating to Christ. Tenderly, and with divine simplicity, God impressed upon me that this verse doesn’t mean so much that we are called to do everything calling on Him for strength, but rather in Christ we can do all things He calls us to do…Big difference!
When I think back I am reminded of times when I had spread myself so thin ‘doing the work of the Lord’ only to be exhausted and burned out. I have also known many wonderful and hard working people who experience this same spiritual trap. If we are moving in and out of the flow of the Spirit we will enjoy the guidance and discernment of Him. He will reveal the work for which we are to accomplish in Christ.
We are not called to do all things in Christ but are encouraged to call on Christ for all things He has purposed for our lives…the strength comes as a blessing.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Beauty In The Bloom
“I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener…I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:1, 5
When I think back on 2010 I will always think of that year as the year I received God’s severe pruning in my spiritual life. There is nothing like a season of crisis to reveal if what you claim you believe is in reality what you believe. It is seasons like this that prove what happens when the rubber meets the road. They are not seasons of punishment but rather seasons of ‘cutting back’ the dead growth for future beauty to have room to flourish and bear fruit.
When my father-in-law came to live with us my responsibilities became so extreme and all consuming I knew within a week or two I was totally unequipped for this season. When I tried to handle things apart from my Father I fell flat on my face in both success and confidence. It was a year when I lost all self-confidence in being a Christian as I struggled with unlovely thoughts and exhausting self analysis. The Christian image for which I believed I displayed was shattered as the Gardener revealed some growth that was far from beautiful. Through this past year He lovingly cut back some areas of motivation and pride that required the severe pruning. Thankfully He doesn’t leave us pruned back without protection from the elements, and a plan of future growth and beauty.
‘Pruning narrows our focus and strengthens the quality of our fruit. It trains and maintains us by breaking our rebellion, insecurity, and ever-so-independent spirits. But cutting us back God shapes us into the image of Christ. It keeps us alive and growing in the fellowship of His Spirit. Pruning weans us from distractions, time wasters, addictions, and selfish habits. It separates us from dead works that God never called us to do. In pruning, the enslaving need for constant affirmation of our flesh is finally hacked.’ Duty or Delight, p. 90. (OUCH!)
It is only when we lay down our dependence upon ourselves and rest in the dependence of God that we allow Him to develop our growth and display beauty in the bloom.
When I think back on 2010 I will always think of that year as the year I received God’s severe pruning in my spiritual life. There is nothing like a season of crisis to reveal if what you claim you believe is in reality what you believe. It is seasons like this that prove what happens when the rubber meets the road. They are not seasons of punishment but rather seasons of ‘cutting back’ the dead growth for future beauty to have room to flourish and bear fruit.
When my father-in-law came to live with us my responsibilities became so extreme and all consuming I knew within a week or two I was totally unequipped for this season. When I tried to handle things apart from my Father I fell flat on my face in both success and confidence. It was a year when I lost all self-confidence in being a Christian as I struggled with unlovely thoughts and exhausting self analysis. The Christian image for which I believed I displayed was shattered as the Gardener revealed some growth that was far from beautiful. Through this past year He lovingly cut back some areas of motivation and pride that required the severe pruning. Thankfully He doesn’t leave us pruned back without protection from the elements, and a plan of future growth and beauty.
‘Pruning narrows our focus and strengthens the quality of our fruit. It trains and maintains us by breaking our rebellion, insecurity, and ever-so-independent spirits. But cutting us back God shapes us into the image of Christ. It keeps us alive and growing in the fellowship of His Spirit. Pruning weans us from distractions, time wasters, addictions, and selfish habits. It separates us from dead works that God never called us to do. In pruning, the enslaving need for constant affirmation of our flesh is finally hacked.’ Duty or Delight, p. 90. (OUCH!)
It is only when we lay down our dependence upon ourselves and rest in the dependence of God that we allow Him to develop our growth and display beauty in the bloom.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Our Holy Proxy
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26
When our children were little life was very busy and chaotic – I know you all can relate. On occasion Bruce and I would plan getaways to reconnect and reenergize thanks to my parents. They were always willing to step in so we were able to get away. We took great comfort in the knowledge that everything we had taught to our children would be upheld and continued by Mother and Daddy in our absence. They would stand in place for us reminding our children of right and wrong.
When Jesus Christ left the earth God did the same for us in a much grander way. He sent His very Spirit to dwell within our hearts giving us a fount of wisdom and revelation. ‘…the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father...give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.’ Eph. 1:17. The word fount means ‘source, well, origin.’ All wisdom and revelation originates from God and flows into us through the Holy Spirit, the one who stands in for Christ in His physical absence from us. Revelation means ‘to reveal, uncover, unveil’ while wisdom indicates ‘the ability to apply skillfully what one knows.’ Simply put revelation is knowledge obtained and wisdom is the ability to apply in action.
The promise of revelation and wisdom can only become our reality while operating in the Spirit. If we are operating in the flesh we cannot claim this promise – the flesh cannot provide what the Spirit promises.
Through walking in the Spirit, I am guaranteed to be taught the things I lack and be reminded of the things I know.
When our children were little life was very busy and chaotic – I know you all can relate. On occasion Bruce and I would plan getaways to reconnect and reenergize thanks to my parents. They were always willing to step in so we were able to get away. We took great comfort in the knowledge that everything we had taught to our children would be upheld and continued by Mother and Daddy in our absence. They would stand in place for us reminding our children of right and wrong.
When Jesus Christ left the earth God did the same for us in a much grander way. He sent His very Spirit to dwell within our hearts giving us a fount of wisdom and revelation. ‘…the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father...give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.’ Eph. 1:17. The word fount means ‘source, well, origin.’ All wisdom and revelation originates from God and flows into us through the Holy Spirit, the one who stands in for Christ in His physical absence from us. Revelation means ‘to reveal, uncover, unveil’ while wisdom indicates ‘the ability to apply skillfully what one knows.’ Simply put revelation is knowledge obtained and wisdom is the ability to apply in action.
The promise of revelation and wisdom can only become our reality while operating in the Spirit. If we are operating in the flesh we cannot claim this promise – the flesh cannot provide what the Spirit promises.
Through walking in the Spirit, I am guaranteed to be taught the things I lack and be reminded of the things I know.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Connecting the Dots
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.” Jer 17:9
When I was a little girl we lived on a street where there had not been many houses built. I was always excited to see a home being built because it meant that at some point a family would move in and I could meet them. On one occasion I remember putting some saltine crackers on a plate and walking to their house when I saw the moving truck being unloaded. I distinctly remember thinking that there may be children, and if I brought something to them they may want to play with me. What was my heart telling me as early as five years old?
I am not worthy enough on my own. I need to give in order to receive. I cannot be accepted, approved and liked unless I am willing to give something. Somewhere along the line in my early childhood I connected the dots that performance and deeds guaranteed love and acceptance. So why is it any wonder that this lie of my heart translates to my relationship with God? I was constantly conducting a performance driven appraisal regarding my relationship with God. I would measure God's love for me to how well I had performed for Him that hour, day, week or month. My heart was sick and without cure on my own. But God did major heart surgery within the past year. He didn’t fix my heart but He gave me a new one just like He promised. ‘I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you…And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow…’ Ez. 36:26-27.
I know that God is exposing the lies of my heart to set me free and receive the free love He has to offer. ‘He never uncovers an area without having a gracious plan to do something about it. He does not expose for exposure’s sake alone. God’s intent for uncovering any areas where we need some help and healing will always be for applying the medicine of who He is to that place.’ Duty or Delight? Knowing Where You Stand With God, p. 68.
We all will struggle relationally with God as a direct result of needs not met in earthly relationships or incorrect self-taught beliefs as in my case. We must be open to tear down those walls of lies within our heart and come to Him with the only thing He ever really wanted – our love alone.
The phrase ‘Just As I Am’ brings a whole new meaning to me this morning!
When I was a little girl we lived on a street where there had not been many houses built. I was always excited to see a home being built because it meant that at some point a family would move in and I could meet them. On one occasion I remember putting some saltine crackers on a plate and walking to their house when I saw the moving truck being unloaded. I distinctly remember thinking that there may be children, and if I brought something to them they may want to play with me. What was my heart telling me as early as five years old?
I am not worthy enough on my own. I need to give in order to receive. I cannot be accepted, approved and liked unless I am willing to give something. Somewhere along the line in my early childhood I connected the dots that performance and deeds guaranteed love and acceptance. So why is it any wonder that this lie of my heart translates to my relationship with God? I was constantly conducting a performance driven appraisal regarding my relationship with God. I would measure God's love for me to how well I had performed for Him that hour, day, week or month. My heart was sick and without cure on my own. But God did major heart surgery within the past year. He didn’t fix my heart but He gave me a new one just like He promised. ‘I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you…And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow…’ Ez. 36:26-27.
I know that God is exposing the lies of my heart to set me free and receive the free love He has to offer. ‘He never uncovers an area without having a gracious plan to do something about it. He does not expose for exposure’s sake alone. God’s intent for uncovering any areas where we need some help and healing will always be for applying the medicine of who He is to that place.’ Duty or Delight? Knowing Where You Stand With God, p. 68.
We all will struggle relationally with God as a direct result of needs not met in earthly relationships or incorrect self-taught beliefs as in my case. We must be open to tear down those walls of lies within our heart and come to Him with the only thing He ever really wanted – our love alone.
The phrase ‘Just As I Am’ brings a whole new meaning to me this morning!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
We Are Chosen
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Jer. 1:5.
This is one of my favorite verses in the entire Bible because of the comfort it provides. All I have to do is look at my own life as a parent in relation to my children. Before each one was born, they were first considered, thought upon, prayed for and chosen. That is where God stepped in and made our thoughts and dreams a reality.
The Hebrew phrase ‘I knew you’ in the verse above translates as ‘the object of God’s choice.’ For Him to know us was for Him to choose to make each of us the object of His affection. Once a chosen child of God, He formed us creating a unique fellowship that only we could personally understand. “I will put my law in their minds and write it upon their hearts.” Jer. 31:33. We all possess a spiritual head and heart language shared between each of us and God. This language cannot be learned through any means other than time spent with God.
He then set us apart before we were even born by determining our destiny in Christ once we were sent to earth. This phrase is the comfort food I need to feast on every day of my life. It is a promise (a covenant) between the Creator and His creation. I was not born to wonder, to calculate, to manipulate but rather to learn, to serve and to soar. Through this verse God teaches essential principles:
He chose us…
He formed us…
He destined us…
He redeemed us…
He promised us…
He provided for us…
What better promise than this can be found on earth? ‘I will be their God and they will be my people.’ Jer. 31:33.
This is one of my favorite verses in the entire Bible because of the comfort it provides. All I have to do is look at my own life as a parent in relation to my children. Before each one was born, they were first considered, thought upon, prayed for and chosen. That is where God stepped in and made our thoughts and dreams a reality.
The Hebrew phrase ‘I knew you’ in the verse above translates as ‘the object of God’s choice.’ For Him to know us was for Him to choose to make each of us the object of His affection. Once a chosen child of God, He formed us creating a unique fellowship that only we could personally understand. “I will put my law in their minds and write it upon their hearts.” Jer. 31:33. We all possess a spiritual head and heart language shared between each of us and God. This language cannot be learned through any means other than time spent with God.
He then set us apart before we were even born by determining our destiny in Christ once we were sent to earth. This phrase is the comfort food I need to feast on every day of my life. It is a promise (a covenant) between the Creator and His creation. I was not born to wonder, to calculate, to manipulate but rather to learn, to serve and to soar. Through this verse God teaches essential principles:
He chose us…
He formed us…
He destined us…
He redeemed us…
He promised us…
He provided for us…
What better promise than this can be found on earth? ‘I will be their God and they will be my people.’ Jer. 31:33.
Monday, July 11, 2011
...And They Grumbled
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” Luke 4:1. “Then Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit…” Luke 4:14.
The Jordan River is where Jesus was baptized and received the Holy Spirit beginning His formal ministry. He didn’t even get a break before being led into the desert, having to enter a season of testing. Satan was His greeter and failure was Satan’s goal. Jesus was victorious in His response although He was hungry, lonely and tired. When God led the Israelite’s out of slavery to set them apart as His chosen they were also delivered into the desert for a season of testing. Their testing spanned to forty years however due to their response in the desert. In both instances God’s desire was to establish fellowship, holiness and ministry in His chosen.
His chosen Israelites called out for freedom…“The LORD said, ‘I have heard them cry out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.” Ex 3:7. God gave them freedom… “So I have come down to rescue them…” Ex 3:8.
…and they grumbled. “What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt…It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert.” Ex 14:11-12.
They cried out for food… ‘…but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.’ Ex 16:3. God gave them food… ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you.’ Ex 16:4.
…and they grumbled. ‘…and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat!”’ Nu 11:4. God gave them meat… ‘Now the LORD heard you when you wailed…Now the LORD will give you meat…but for a whole month – until…you loathe it – because you have rejected the LORD.’ Nu 11:18-20.
...and they grumbled. They cried out for water… ‘But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses.’ Ex 17:3. God gave them water… ‘Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.’ Ex 17:6.
…and they grumbled. ‘Now the people complained of their hardships.’ Nu 11:1. God gave them a home… ‘Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites.’ Nu 11:2.
…and they grumbled. ‘…and they spread a bad report about the land.’ Nu 13:32.
God HAD ENOUGH … ‘How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites….I will do to you the very things I heard you say…not one of you will enter the land I swore to make your home…’ Nu 14:28-30.
God is still rescuing His chosen and trying to set them apart for fellowship, holiness and ministries. Are we walking through our lives like Christ or are we grumbling through life focusing on our own earthly discomforts. God is slow in anger and abounding in love as the Bible states but in our verses you can see God's patience wearing thin. God will get to a point where our grumbling will trigger action on His part due to our ungrateful and selfish hearts. We must all pray for a deeper heart of gratitude and keener focus on the spiritual things of this world.
The Jordan River is where Jesus was baptized and received the Holy Spirit beginning His formal ministry. He didn’t even get a break before being led into the desert, having to enter a season of testing. Satan was His greeter and failure was Satan’s goal. Jesus was victorious in His response although He was hungry, lonely and tired. When God led the Israelite’s out of slavery to set them apart as His chosen they were also delivered into the desert for a season of testing. Their testing spanned to forty years however due to their response in the desert. In both instances God’s desire was to establish fellowship, holiness and ministry in His chosen.
His chosen Israelites called out for freedom…“The LORD said, ‘I have heard them cry out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.” Ex 3:7. God gave them freedom… “So I have come down to rescue them…” Ex 3:8.
…and they grumbled. “What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt…It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert.” Ex 14:11-12.
They cried out for food… ‘…but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.’ Ex 16:3. God gave them food… ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you.’ Ex 16:4.
…and they grumbled. ‘…and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat!”’ Nu 11:4. God gave them meat… ‘Now the LORD heard you when you wailed…Now the LORD will give you meat…but for a whole month – until…you loathe it – because you have rejected the LORD.’ Nu 11:18-20.
...and they grumbled. They cried out for water… ‘But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses.’ Ex 17:3. God gave them water… ‘Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.’ Ex 17:6.
…and they grumbled. ‘Now the people complained of their hardships.’ Nu 11:1. God gave them a home… ‘Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites.’ Nu 11:2.
…and they grumbled. ‘…and they spread a bad report about the land.’ Nu 13:32.
God HAD ENOUGH … ‘How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites….I will do to you the very things I heard you say…not one of you will enter the land I swore to make your home…’ Nu 14:28-30.
God is still rescuing His chosen and trying to set them apart for fellowship, holiness and ministries. Are we walking through our lives like Christ or are we grumbling through life focusing on our own earthly discomforts. God is slow in anger and abounding in love as the Bible states but in our verses you can see God's patience wearing thin. God will get to a point where our grumbling will trigger action on His part due to our ungrateful and selfish hearts. We must all pray for a deeper heart of gratitude and keener focus on the spiritual things of this world.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Tender Regard
“Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.” Hebrews 4:16
Boldness or confidence is ‘parresia’ and means ‘Freedom in speaking ALL one thinks…’ This is the manner in which God intends us to approach Him. He has authorized us through Christ Jesus to draw near to the King of grace and mercy. Whatever message we have in our hearts in all circumstances – love, gratitude, anxiety, bitterness, anger, blame etc. – is expected by God to be voiced and petitioned to Him. There is nothing He can do with our emotions until we release them to Him. “I am truly grateful that our faith enables us to move past this question of Why? We need to understand that at the time of intense pain … it is natural for seeds of doubt about our faith to creep into our minds and hearts. God understands this need. God also desires for you to bring any doubts and fears to Him. Until you face these emotions in God’s presence, you will not be able to reaffirm your faith completely and accept His grace…” Confessions of a Grieving Christian, Zig Ziglar.
Children of God have been angry at and blaming God for everything since the beginning of time. “The man said, ‘The woman YOU (capital mine) put here with me…she made me eat it.’ Gen. 3:12. Then Jonah was very clear about his suffering allowed by God. “But God said to Jonah, ‘Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?’ ‘I do,’ he said. ‘I am angry enough to die.’ But the LORD said…’” Jonah 4:9. In both instances God continued the conversation with both of His chosen children. Once we allow God to do something with our uncontrolled emotions we will find mercy.
The Greek translation for mercy is beautiful. ‘Mercy – most often involves the action taken out of compassion for others in which one undertakes to alleviate their misery and relieve their suffering. Mercy is any act which attempts to address compassionately the plight and wretchedness of others…it is God’s tender regard for the misery of man.’ Duty or Delight – Knowing Where You Stand with God, p. 30
So let us take our emotions, good and bad, and approach His throne with authority in Christ and trust God to love how only God can love.
Boldness or confidence is ‘parresia’ and means ‘Freedom in speaking ALL one thinks…’ This is the manner in which God intends us to approach Him. He has authorized us through Christ Jesus to draw near to the King of grace and mercy. Whatever message we have in our hearts in all circumstances – love, gratitude, anxiety, bitterness, anger, blame etc. – is expected by God to be voiced and petitioned to Him. There is nothing He can do with our emotions until we release them to Him. “I am truly grateful that our faith enables us to move past this question of Why? We need to understand that at the time of intense pain … it is natural for seeds of doubt about our faith to creep into our minds and hearts. God understands this need. God also desires for you to bring any doubts and fears to Him. Until you face these emotions in God’s presence, you will not be able to reaffirm your faith completely and accept His grace…” Confessions of a Grieving Christian, Zig Ziglar.
Children of God have been angry at and blaming God for everything since the beginning of time. “The man said, ‘The woman YOU (capital mine) put here with me…she made me eat it.’ Gen. 3:12. Then Jonah was very clear about his suffering allowed by God. “But God said to Jonah, ‘Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?’ ‘I do,’ he said. ‘I am angry enough to die.’ But the LORD said…’” Jonah 4:9. In both instances God continued the conversation with both of His chosen children. Once we allow God to do something with our uncontrolled emotions we will find mercy.
The Greek translation for mercy is beautiful. ‘Mercy – most often involves the action taken out of compassion for others in which one undertakes to alleviate their misery and relieve their suffering. Mercy is any act which attempts to address compassionately the plight and wretchedness of others…it is God’s tender regard for the misery of man.’ Duty or Delight – Knowing Where You Stand with God, p. 30
So let us take our emotions, good and bad, and approach His throne with authority in Christ and trust God to love how only God can love.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Then...
“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden…they hid from the LORD God…but the LORD God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid… so I hid.’ And he said, ‘…Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?’ The man said…Then the LORD God said to the woman…The woman said…The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them…he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.” Gen. 8-24
The worse ‘Then’ in the history of the earth – the day sin in a perfect world was conceived and born. I am led to Genesis this morning with a heavy heart for the birth of sin but was blessed in the message regarding God’s response to the fall of man. It never dawned on me until this morning how awesome God’s response was to His children falling from grace.
God did not leave them nor did he forsake them by standing on the other side of the Garden. He didn’t let them wallow in their guilt and shame but came looking for them in their sin. He pursued and approached them where they were – hiding from God in the trees hoping their quick fix of fig leaves would cover their sin. God confronted their sin with questions, fellowship and personal involvement. He didn’t leave them alone in their transgressions but became intimately involved in the situation.
He not only was with them immediately after sinning but He provided them true cover for their shame – permanent garments of skin instead of temporary fig leaves. He didn’t lead them in temptation again by giving them additional opportunities to eat from the forbidden fruit but rather placed a guard around the tree. He placed boundaries for their appetite of sin and began a plan of redemption for the future – Christ Jesus. The very concept of hiding their sin within the trees of the Garden would be matched by the Tree of Calvary, not only hiding all sins but removing all sins from our lives.
When we sin we cannot expect God to look the other way but can expect His involvement and discipline but continued fellowship. He is with us in our righteousness and with us in our transgressions. He will never leave our side as we walk in His garden and will come to whatever tree of transgression for which we may be hiding.
The good news in this message is that our performance does not mandate God’s presence or acceptance once we are His children!
The worse ‘Then’ in the history of the earth – the day sin in a perfect world was conceived and born. I am led to Genesis this morning with a heavy heart for the birth of sin but was blessed in the message regarding God’s response to the fall of man. It never dawned on me until this morning how awesome God’s response was to His children falling from grace.
God did not leave them nor did he forsake them by standing on the other side of the Garden. He didn’t let them wallow in their guilt and shame but came looking for them in their sin. He pursued and approached them where they were – hiding from God in the trees hoping their quick fix of fig leaves would cover their sin. God confronted their sin with questions, fellowship and personal involvement. He didn’t leave them alone in their transgressions but became intimately involved in the situation.
He not only was with them immediately after sinning but He provided them true cover for their shame – permanent garments of skin instead of temporary fig leaves. He didn’t lead them in temptation again by giving them additional opportunities to eat from the forbidden fruit but rather placed a guard around the tree. He placed boundaries for their appetite of sin and began a plan of redemption for the future – Christ Jesus. The very concept of hiding their sin within the trees of the Garden would be matched by the Tree of Calvary, not only hiding all sins but removing all sins from our lives.
When we sin we cannot expect God to look the other way but can expect His involvement and discipline but continued fellowship. He is with us in our righteousness and with us in our transgressions. He will never leave our side as we walk in His garden and will come to whatever tree of transgression for which we may be hiding.
The good news in this message is that our performance does not mandate God’s presence or acceptance once we are His children!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Adoption is Final!
“Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. He wanted us to enter into … his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.” Eph. 1:5-6 (The Message). “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Co. 5:21
Does our spiritual attitude match our spiritual belief? In studying this morning I realized that my pursuit of spiritual perfection reveals my spiritual insecurity of being chosen by God. We are boldly and clearly told in Scripture that God had us in mind before we were ever formed. He pursued us for adoption knowing the blessings and love He intended to lavish upon us.
He knew ahead of time that we would not be righteous enough to stand in His presence due to sin in a fallen world. He sent a substitution in His Son to bear our sins so that we may enjoy and delight in Him every day. So why do I strive to be perfect on my own when the work has been done in completion on the cross? Why is the energy of trying to be spiritually perfect not placed in the things of God and the advancement of His kingdom? He has done the work and the adoption is final! He thought of everything in preparing for our fellowship with Him.
To adopt is ‘to accept, take on, embrace, approve, agree and assume the responsibility of.’ We are told in the Bible we are adopted sons and daughters so why do we punish ourselves for every little spiritual infraction once we have repented. As Charles Stanley states, ‘we are self-defeaters.’ He is our Father and forgives us instantly when we approach Him with true repentance and humility for any wrongdoing. Once He forgives, it is done. He knew we would be unable to live life sinless so He provided for us to walk to Him over the Bridge of the Sinless. Christ is our righteous Bridge that crosses the divide between the sinner and the God of creation.
The struggle for me has not been the belief that God has chosen me – it was the belief that God continues to choose me. God’s choice in us is in the past. Living in the joy and delight of His choice is our present and future legacy.
Does our spiritual attitude match our spiritual belief? In studying this morning I realized that my pursuit of spiritual perfection reveals my spiritual insecurity of being chosen by God. We are boldly and clearly told in Scripture that God had us in mind before we were ever formed. He pursued us for adoption knowing the blessings and love He intended to lavish upon us.
He knew ahead of time that we would not be righteous enough to stand in His presence due to sin in a fallen world. He sent a substitution in His Son to bear our sins so that we may enjoy and delight in Him every day. So why do I strive to be perfect on my own when the work has been done in completion on the cross? Why is the energy of trying to be spiritually perfect not placed in the things of God and the advancement of His kingdom? He has done the work and the adoption is final! He thought of everything in preparing for our fellowship with Him.
To adopt is ‘to accept, take on, embrace, approve, agree and assume the responsibility of.’ We are told in the Bible we are adopted sons and daughters so why do we punish ourselves for every little spiritual infraction once we have repented. As Charles Stanley states, ‘we are self-defeaters.’ He is our Father and forgives us instantly when we approach Him with true repentance and humility for any wrongdoing. Once He forgives, it is done. He knew we would be unable to live life sinless so He provided for us to walk to Him over the Bridge of the Sinless. Christ is our righteous Bridge that crosses the divide between the sinner and the God of creation.
The struggle for me has not been the belief that God has chosen me – it was the belief that God continues to choose me. God’s choice in us is in the past. Living in the joy and delight of His choice is our present and future legacy.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Gathering Manna
“Give us this day our daily bread…” Matthew 6:11
When the children of Israel became hungry in the wilderness they grumbled to Moses who went before God on their behalf. The Lord sent His manna from heaven each and every morning in response to their needs. Each morning they would awake, come out of their tents and find wafer like food for their consumption on the ground. There was enough for that day alone.
God’s instructions for the Israelites were to gather the manna each morning to fill a certain measurement according to God. Each person’s measurement was perfect for their individual need. If they gathered more than what was needed, by the next morning it was ruined. If they did not gather their manna for the day it would be spoiled by the following morning. He only allowed them to enjoy what was a sufficient amount for that day.
How true is this for us today when we are traveling through adversity. I take great comfort in knowing that God provides a certain amount of mercy and grace for me which He sets aside every day of my life. It matches my need and provision for that day alone. As Matthew 6:34 states, ‘I do not have to worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough challenges of its own.’ God only considers today so why shouldn’t we follow.
When you are going through adversity and looking at tomorrow you are most likely looking through the eyes of fear. Ask God to keep your sights on today and rest on His promise that His provisions are sufficient for your needs. God’s mercy and grace is always lying on the ground each morning for us to gather. When we do not claim the daily provision from God, we have allowed God’s mercy to ‘spoil upon the ground.’
Are you gathering your morning manna?
When the children of Israel became hungry in the wilderness they grumbled to Moses who went before God on their behalf. The Lord sent His manna from heaven each and every morning in response to their needs. Each morning they would awake, come out of their tents and find wafer like food for their consumption on the ground. There was enough for that day alone.
God’s instructions for the Israelites were to gather the manna each morning to fill a certain measurement according to God. Each person’s measurement was perfect for their individual need. If they gathered more than what was needed, by the next morning it was ruined. If they did not gather their manna for the day it would be spoiled by the following morning. He only allowed them to enjoy what was a sufficient amount for that day.
How true is this for us today when we are traveling through adversity. I take great comfort in knowing that God provides a certain amount of mercy and grace for me which He sets aside every day of my life. It matches my need and provision for that day alone. As Matthew 6:34 states, ‘I do not have to worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough challenges of its own.’ God only considers today so why shouldn’t we follow.
When you are going through adversity and looking at tomorrow you are most likely looking through the eyes of fear. Ask God to keep your sights on today and rest on His promise that His provisions are sufficient for your needs. God’s mercy and grace is always lying on the ground each morning for us to gather. When we do not claim the daily provision from God, we have allowed God’s mercy to ‘spoil upon the ground.’
Are you gathering your morning manna?
Friday, July 1, 2011
His Will, Not Ours
“…taking the very nature of a servant…”…Ph. 2:7 “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Thy will be done” Matt.26:42 “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Ph. 2:13
Willingness is an important characteristic in the mind of a servant. Everything else hinges on our willingness to walk in the opportunities which God has laid before us (His will). There are three different types of will: weak-willed, strong-willed and God-willed. The weak-willed submits to their weaknesses and to others in making decisions for their own lives, wherein strong-willed people pridefully submit to themselves in making decisions. Only the God-willed person will be able to master over their weaknesses and be willing to accomplish God's will. Walking in the will of God is never easy for it usually involves a sacrifice.
Jesus came to do the work of His Father laying His will and comfort aside. He asked for God to remove His suffering and pain but with the caveat of God’s will being accomplished first and foremost. When we lay our willingness out for God removing our own agenda, we allow God’s will to be supreme in and through us. Our will must be single-minded towards Christ and override our desires and feelings.
We must develop wholeheartedness to God in every area of our lives, including the one for which we know the Holy Spirit gently tugs for our submission. ‘Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does…’ Eph. 6:7
God’s work will be accomplished through those who have a willing heart. The will of the Master must be the will of the servant or the Master’s work will not get done through that servant. What rewards will we leave on the table when we face our Master? What is that one area in your life that you know God’s complete will is not being obeyed? We all have a trouble spot in our lives which God will eventually work out in His way.His will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven…
Lord, help us release any stubborn will tucked away in our hearts so that we may do the work you intended in our lives. Amen.
Willingness is an important characteristic in the mind of a servant. Everything else hinges on our willingness to walk in the opportunities which God has laid before us (His will). There are three different types of will: weak-willed, strong-willed and God-willed. The weak-willed submits to their weaknesses and to others in making decisions for their own lives, wherein strong-willed people pridefully submit to themselves in making decisions. Only the God-willed person will be able to master over their weaknesses and be willing to accomplish God's will. Walking in the will of God is never easy for it usually involves a sacrifice.
Jesus came to do the work of His Father laying His will and comfort aside. He asked for God to remove His suffering and pain but with the caveat of God’s will being accomplished first and foremost. When we lay our willingness out for God removing our own agenda, we allow God’s will to be supreme in and through us. Our will must be single-minded towards Christ and override our desires and feelings.
We must develop wholeheartedness to God in every area of our lives, including the one for which we know the Holy Spirit gently tugs for our submission. ‘Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does…’ Eph. 6:7
God’s work will be accomplished through those who have a willing heart. The will of the Master must be the will of the servant or the Master’s work will not get done through that servant. What rewards will we leave on the table when we face our Master? What is that one area in your life that you know God’s complete will is not being obeyed? We all have a trouble spot in our lives which God will eventually work out in His way.His will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven…
Lord, help us release any stubborn will tucked away in our hearts so that we may do the work you intended in our lives. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
