“Let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25, AMP.
Yesterday I saw a posting on Facebook that made me laugh but also made me squirm because it hit a little too close to home. The post had two pictures of the same cat. The first picture was labeled ‘Facebook You’ and was a cute picture of the face of a sweet little cat. The picture beside it was labeled ‘Real You’ with the entire picture of the cat shown – that was one big fat cat!
We have all been guilty of this…choosing to post a picture based on how we wish to be seen. We crop out the least attractive parts of the picture and display our favorite parts. So I pose several questions this morning: Do we crop out certain facets of our lives when displaying our spiritual snapshots of ourselves? What kind of Christian image do we project when living within the frames of our lives? Do we choose mental settings that allow certain people to see certain sides of us while others see different sides?
If we are to be protected against the ever-increasingly worldly temptations, we must live totally transparent lives. We cannot live life with alternating masks in our spiritual life. We must consider giving attention to pure and noble activities in our own lives while we encourage and lovingly guide others in their lives to be transparent. ‘This Scripture is talking about deliberately involving ourselves with one another for the specified purpose of aiding and abetting each other’s victories…those who isolate themselves from the involvement of the body of Christ will be at greater risk for personal disaster.’ When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, p. 96.
It is a full time job cropping the ‘unlovelies’ out of our lives when it is much easier to admit to our weaknesses and flaws. Our willingness to be transparent makes us more approachable and relatable to those who are searching for a more meaningful walk with God.
By displaying our entire picture we are posting the reality of our belief in a Father who loves unconditionally and a Savior who accepts our every flaw. He never wants us to crop out any part of who we are for those are the areas He wishes to display and transform into His image.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The Alley of Darkness
“I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. He was going down the street near her corner, walking in the direction of her house…Then out came the woman to meet him…now in the square, at every corner she lurks. She took hold of him…All at once he followed her…to the slaughter…into a noose…darting into a snare…cost him his life.” Prov. 7.
Who is this woman? She is the temptress of extramarital affairs. She is around every corner in her world just waiting for someone to turn down her street. She does not have the freedom to move out into our light but rather lurks in the darkness of our hearts and minds. She preys on the vulnerable who have lost their way, their judgment and their devotion to self and God. She answers to the highest power of the lowest spirit – Satan.
He uses her to the best of his ability in seducing God’s children into the dark alley. Together, they set up circumstances that will target the weak, the lonely and the vulnerable. They send out dizzying sirens that woo the wounded in spirit by providing comfort in appropriate relationships. They do not make it obvious at first but through the subtle and enticing hints of flirting, off-color teasing and inappropriate affection, the breeding ground is fertile. ‘Satan knows full well that God wants to present His Son with a pure, spotless, virgin bride, so he’s doing everything he can to defile her.’ Why Godly People Do Ungodly Things.’ P. 86.
Many of these things occur and are stored in the secret places of our hearts and minds. Satan will always drop anchor in our secret places. Christians cannot give Satan any stronghold in this subject. We must live 1 Co. 6:18 lives out loud! ‘Flee from sexual immortality.’ King David was known to be a man after God’s own heart and deemed unparalleled in his love and devotion to God, and yet he was caught in this seduction. God will forgive all sins but He also gives us a way out prior to our sin. ‘No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.’ 1 Co. 10:13. This does not mean we will never yield to temptation but rather through repentance to God and turning away from continuing in those actions we will be able to stand up instead of being under it.
Safeguard yourselves by establishing and paying attention to the kinds of boundaries that provide protection against the seducer and his agents. Always confide in a Christian confidante the instant you experience any emotion that you are tempted to hide. Read the Word of God on this subject the moment inappropriate feelings emerge. If you have turned down her street, do not feel alone because God is still right by your side. Look to Him, grab His hand and let Him lead you back out into the Light – remember, she cannot follow you there.
We are in a battle and nothing is off limits to Satan. His greatest goal is to defile the bride of Christ – the church and the people who make up the church.
Who is this woman? She is the temptress of extramarital affairs. She is around every corner in her world just waiting for someone to turn down her street. She does not have the freedom to move out into our light but rather lurks in the darkness of our hearts and minds. She preys on the vulnerable who have lost their way, their judgment and their devotion to self and God. She answers to the highest power of the lowest spirit – Satan.
He uses her to the best of his ability in seducing God’s children into the dark alley. Together, they set up circumstances that will target the weak, the lonely and the vulnerable. They send out dizzying sirens that woo the wounded in spirit by providing comfort in appropriate relationships. They do not make it obvious at first but through the subtle and enticing hints of flirting, off-color teasing and inappropriate affection, the breeding ground is fertile. ‘Satan knows full well that God wants to present His Son with a pure, spotless, virgin bride, so he’s doing everything he can to defile her.’ Why Godly People Do Ungodly Things.’ P. 86.
Many of these things occur and are stored in the secret places of our hearts and minds. Satan will always drop anchor in our secret places. Christians cannot give Satan any stronghold in this subject. We must live 1 Co. 6:18 lives out loud! ‘Flee from sexual immortality.’ King David was known to be a man after God’s own heart and deemed unparalleled in his love and devotion to God, and yet he was caught in this seduction. God will forgive all sins but He also gives us a way out prior to our sin. ‘No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.’ 1 Co. 10:13. This does not mean we will never yield to temptation but rather through repentance to God and turning away from continuing in those actions we will be able to stand up instead of being under it.
Safeguard yourselves by establishing and paying attention to the kinds of boundaries that provide protection against the seducer and his agents. Always confide in a Christian confidante the instant you experience any emotion that you are tempted to hide. Read the Word of God on this subject the moment inappropriate feelings emerge. If you have turned down her street, do not feel alone because God is still right by your side. Look to Him, grab His hand and let Him lead you back out into the Light – remember, she cannot follow you there.
We are in a battle and nothing is off limits to Satan. His greatest goal is to defile the bride of Christ – the church and the people who make up the church.
The Alley of Darkness
“I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. He was going down the street near her corner, walking in the direction of her house…Then out came the woman to meet him…now in the square, at every corner she lurks. She took hold of him…All at once he followed her…to the slaughter…into a noose…darting into a snare…cost him his life.” Prov. 7.
Who is this woman? She is the temptress of extramarital affairs. She is around every corner in her world just waiting for someone to turn down her street. She does not have the freedom to move out into our light but rather lurks in the darkness of our hearts and minds. She preys on the vulnerable who have lost their way, their judgment and their devotion to self and God. She answers to the highest power of the lowest spirit – Satan.
He uses her to the best of his ability in seducing God’s children into the dark alley. Together, they set up circumstances that will target the weak, the lonely and the vulnerable. They send out dizzying sirens that woo the wounded in spirit by providing comfort in appropriate relationships. They do not make it obvious at first but through the subtle and enticing hints of flirting, off-color teasing and inappropriate affection, the breeding ground is fertile. ‘Satan knows full well that God wants to present His Son with a pure, spotless, virgin bride, so he’s doing everything he can to defile her.’ Why Godly People Do Ungodly Things.’ P. 86.
Many of these things occur and are stored in the secret places of our hearts and minds. Satan will always drop anchor in our secret places. Christians cannot give Satan any stronghold in this subject. We must live 1 Co. 6:18 lives out loud! ‘Flee from sexual immortality.’ King David was known to be a man after God’s own heart and deemed unparalleled in his love and devotion to God, and yet he was caught in this seduction. God will forgive all sins but He also gives us a way out prior to our sin. ‘No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.’ 1 Co. 10:13. This does not mean we will never yield to temptation but rather through repentance to God and turning away from continuing in those actions we will be able to stand up instead of being under it.
Safeguard yourselves by establishing and paying attention to the kinds of boundaries that provide protection against the seducer and his agents. Always confide in a Christian confidante the instant you experience any emotion that you are tempted to hide. Read the Word of God on this subject the moment inappropriate feelings emerge. If you have turned down her street, do not feel alone because God is still right by your side. Look to Him, grab His hand and let Him lead you back out into the Light – remember, she cannot follow you there.
We are in a battle and nothing is off limits to Satan. His greatest goal is to defile the bride of Christ – the church and the people who make up the church.
Who is this woman? She is the temptress of extramarital affairs. She is around every corner in her world just waiting for someone to turn down her street. She does not have the freedom to move out into our light but rather lurks in the darkness of our hearts and minds. She preys on the vulnerable who have lost their way, their judgment and their devotion to self and God. She answers to the highest power of the lowest spirit – Satan.
He uses her to the best of his ability in seducing God’s children into the dark alley. Together, they set up circumstances that will target the weak, the lonely and the vulnerable. They send out dizzying sirens that woo the wounded in spirit by providing comfort in appropriate relationships. They do not make it obvious at first but through the subtle and enticing hints of flirting, off-color teasing and inappropriate affection, the breeding ground is fertile. ‘Satan knows full well that God wants to present His Son with a pure, spotless, virgin bride, so he’s doing everything he can to defile her.’ Why Godly People Do Ungodly Things.’ P. 86.
Many of these things occur and are stored in the secret places of our hearts and minds. Satan will always drop anchor in our secret places. Christians cannot give Satan any stronghold in this subject. We must live 1 Co. 6:18 lives out loud! ‘Flee from sexual immortality.’ King David was known to be a man after God’s own heart and deemed unparalleled in his love and devotion to God, and yet he was caught in this seduction. God will forgive all sins but He also gives us a way out prior to our sin. ‘No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.’ 1 Co. 10:13. This does not mean we will never yield to temptation but rather through repentance to God and turning away from continuing in those actions we will be able to stand up instead of being under it.
Safeguard yourselves by establishing and paying attention to the kinds of boundaries that provide protection against the seducer and his agents. Always confide in a Christian confidante the instant you experience any emotion that you are tempted to hide. Read the Word of God on this subject the moment inappropriate feelings emerge. If you have turned down her street, do not feel alone because God is still right by your side. Look to Him, grab His hand and let Him lead you back out into the Light – remember, she cannot follow you there.
We are in a battle and nothing is off limits to Satan. His greatest goal is to defile the bride of Christ – the church and the people who make up the church.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Masquerade Balls
“…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” 2 Co. 11:14-15.
I absolutely adore the story of Phantom of the Opera. One of my favorite scenes is the masquerade ball wherein there is a swell of excitement, happiness and security only to be usurped by the dark appearance of the Phantom. He looked no different from the rest except for having his own version of the mask, but possessed an eerie presence of darkness that fell upon the room. Some of the lines from that song disturbingly resonate in describing our walks as Christians if we follow the world's lead.
Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade...
Masquerade!
Hide your face,
so the world will
never find you!
Faces...
Drink it in, drink it up,
till you've drowned
in the light...
in the sound...
Masquerade!
Seething shadows,
breathing lies...
Masquerade!
You can fool
any friend who
ever knew you!
We cannot live our lives behind masks if we are to live a life of transparency in Christ. When Christ died upon the cross we are told that the veil was ripped from top to bottom. No more coverings to hide our face or our faith – Christ removed the veil. ‘But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces, all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.’ 2 Co. 3:16-18.
If we allow Satan to lull us into believing we are to all look alike with little variation, we will walk through life dancing the same steps in his masquerade ball. We were called to be courageous and set apart as the light of God, not a version of a world full of masks in the same dance.
Let us all take off our masks and dance individually in the garden with Christ.
I absolutely adore the story of Phantom of the Opera. One of my favorite scenes is the masquerade ball wherein there is a swell of excitement, happiness and security only to be usurped by the dark appearance of the Phantom. He looked no different from the rest except for having his own version of the mask, but possessed an eerie presence of darkness that fell upon the room. Some of the lines from that song disturbingly resonate in describing our walks as Christians if we follow the world's lead.
Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade...
Masquerade!
Hide your face,
so the world will
never find you!
Faces...
Drink it in, drink it up,
till you've drowned
in the light...
in the sound...
Masquerade!
Seething shadows,
breathing lies...
Masquerade!
You can fool
any friend who
ever knew you!
We cannot live our lives behind masks if we are to live a life of transparency in Christ. When Christ died upon the cross we are told that the veil was ripped from top to bottom. No more coverings to hide our face or our faith – Christ removed the veil. ‘But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces, all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.’ 2 Co. 3:16-18.
If we allow Satan to lull us into believing we are to all look alike with little variation, we will walk through life dancing the same steps in his masquerade ball. We were called to be courageous and set apart as the light of God, not a version of a world full of masks in the same dance.
Let us all take off our masks and dance individually in the garden with Christ.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sitting on Ledges
“Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and put his arms around him. ‘He’s alive!’ The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.” Acts 20:9-12.
I can both relate to this story and laugh at it due to the wonderful ending. We have all been there before…sitting at a religious gathering, our minds wandering, our eyelids heavy and suddenly our heads snap as we realize we have fallen asleep. We look around mortified that someone would notice our lack of interest and our lack of engagement into the message. (Now hopefully we are not sitting on a window ledge when this happens.)
Spiritually speaking, how many of us are sitting on that ledge peering out of the window totally distracted by life. We are neither engaged in the message of God nor interested. We tell ourselves ‘It’s boring in here and look at everything I am missing out on by being here.’ God never intended for us to sit on the window’s ledge like some distant acquaintance invited to some distant and boring speech. He created us to engage, passionately pursue and be His messenger. His word was meant to be thrown around our lives and the love of His arms to be wrapped around every part of every day.
When we are lulled to sleep by life we miss out on the message and the excitement of His delight. We conclude that the excitement outside the window is greater than the stagnant air inside the walls. We have bought into the world’s lies and it is only a matter of time before we fall to our death…death of fellowship with God…death of fellowship with the Body of Christ.
If we are going to fall to our death, let us hope and pray that it is the death of our old self. Then God will run to our dead bodies, throw Himself upon us, put His arms around us and proclaim, ‘She’s alive!’
I can both relate to this story and laugh at it due to the wonderful ending. We have all been there before…sitting at a religious gathering, our minds wandering, our eyelids heavy and suddenly our heads snap as we realize we have fallen asleep. We look around mortified that someone would notice our lack of interest and our lack of engagement into the message. (Now hopefully we are not sitting on a window ledge when this happens.)
Spiritually speaking, how many of us are sitting on that ledge peering out of the window totally distracted by life. We are neither engaged in the message of God nor interested. We tell ourselves ‘It’s boring in here and look at everything I am missing out on by being here.’ God never intended for us to sit on the window’s ledge like some distant acquaintance invited to some distant and boring speech. He created us to engage, passionately pursue and be His messenger. His word was meant to be thrown around our lives and the love of His arms to be wrapped around every part of every day.
When we are lulled to sleep by life we miss out on the message and the excitement of His delight. We conclude that the excitement outside the window is greater than the stagnant air inside the walls. We have bought into the world’s lies and it is only a matter of time before we fall to our death…death of fellowship with God…death of fellowship with the Body of Christ.
If we are going to fall to our death, let us hope and pray that it is the death of our old self. Then God will run to our dead bodies, throw Himself upon us, put His arms around us and proclaim, ‘She’s alive!’
Friday, September 23, 2011
RSVP
“Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgressions.” Psalm 19:12-13. “May your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless.” 1 Thess. 5:23. “He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall.” Prov. 28:18.
Allow me to begin with the definition of blameless. Living a blameless life is not living a perfect life which is humanly impossible. Living a blameless life is living a life where sin does not rule over us. We all will sin on occasion through our hidden flaws or mistakes made through uncontrolled emotions such as impatience, anger, jealously, etc...
In Psalm David asked the Lord to help him understand these hidden faults. He also asked God to keep him from intentionally sinning which we all need God’s help in accomplishing. Blatant and willful sin is all around us and beckons our attention and participation. These sins that can easily rule over us involve a choice we make such as unforgiveness, lies and slander involving someone else.
In order to accomplish being kept sound and blameless, we must invite God to be in every part of our lives. We have all felt the sting of being left out of an event or group. I personally have felt the hurt of not being accepted in a group or a community. Some have been passed over or neglected in their work environment. Some have even felt excluded or ignored in their own family. We cannot do the same to God. He must be invited into all areas of our lives if we are to ask for His protection against perverse ways and live a blameless life. Do we invite God into our hobbies, our viewing of movies or television shows? Is He invited on vacation and during our times of relaxation?
If we are to be kept safe by God we must allow Him access into every part of our mind, heart and body. This involves our relationships and our activities. Any area of our lives that excludes God invites Satan in.
Allow me to begin with the definition of blameless. Living a blameless life is not living a perfect life which is humanly impossible. Living a blameless life is living a life where sin does not rule over us. We all will sin on occasion through our hidden flaws or mistakes made through uncontrolled emotions such as impatience, anger, jealously, etc...
In Psalm David asked the Lord to help him understand these hidden faults. He also asked God to keep him from intentionally sinning which we all need God’s help in accomplishing. Blatant and willful sin is all around us and beckons our attention and participation. These sins that can easily rule over us involve a choice we make such as unforgiveness, lies and slander involving someone else.
In order to accomplish being kept sound and blameless, we must invite God to be in every part of our lives. We have all felt the sting of being left out of an event or group. I personally have felt the hurt of not being accepted in a group or a community. Some have been passed over or neglected in their work environment. Some have even felt excluded or ignored in their own family. We cannot do the same to God. He must be invited into all areas of our lives if we are to ask for His protection against perverse ways and live a blameless life. Do we invite God into our hobbies, our viewing of movies or television shows? Is He invited on vacation and during our times of relaxation?
If we are to be kept safe by God we must allow Him access into every part of our mind, heart and body. This involves our relationships and our activities. Any area of our lives that excludes God invites Satan in.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Permission Granted!
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32.
This is a chilling exchange between Jesus and Peter for sure. This passage confirms two basic truths that can be both disheartening and disturbing. Satan must ask permission to attack us and God allows some attacks. Jesus knew that the plan for Peter was important as the church was going to be built upon Peter’s ministry. He also knew that the stakes were high so the flaws of Simon had to be removed. Simon came with spiritual flaws just like the rest of us. They would never work in the ministry for which he was being called at a later time. Leading up to this passage, Peter was involved in a debate about who among them was the greatest. There was and is no room in any ministry for spiritual pride.
God does not allow Satan to invade unless there is something that needs to be removed from our character. He will use Satan like a puppet allowing Satan to use us as puppets through our weaknesses. It is the spiritual warfare that has existed since the beginning of the relationship between man and God. God could have easily kept Satan out of the Garden of Eden. He allowed Satan entry into the Garden just as He allows Satan entry into our lives. God sets the boundaries around us and determines in what ways Satan can intersect our lives.
I am so humbled this morning when I consider the boundaries that were set around me during the past 5 years. There is no doubt that Satan was chomping at the bit to get to me, but God did not allow this until last year. He waited until I had been through certain experiences and had experienced Him in faithfulness. While God loosened up some boundaries for Satan to attack, He tightened up other areas in my life. He fortified all that was solid in my life and provided entry only into my character that needed sifting. ‘God will never allow the enemy to sift any believer that does not need something sifted.’ When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, p. 53.
2010 was one of the worst years of my life as Satan relentlessly assaulted my character. Satan was determined to reveal and expose anything that wasn’t authentic in my life. He was the tweezers that God used to lift out many thorns. God did not leave me in that season of sifting any longer than necessary. What Satan thought would be used against me God removed as it surfaced. I know the day that God decided the season of sifting was over and that enough was enough! Praise God that the season is over! It was brutal and suffocating but God breathed fresh life into me.
I still have a long way to go but I am closer than I was.
This is a chilling exchange between Jesus and Peter for sure. This passage confirms two basic truths that can be both disheartening and disturbing. Satan must ask permission to attack us and God allows some attacks. Jesus knew that the plan for Peter was important as the church was going to be built upon Peter’s ministry. He also knew that the stakes were high so the flaws of Simon had to be removed. Simon came with spiritual flaws just like the rest of us. They would never work in the ministry for which he was being called at a later time. Leading up to this passage, Peter was involved in a debate about who among them was the greatest. There was and is no room in any ministry for spiritual pride.
God does not allow Satan to invade unless there is something that needs to be removed from our character. He will use Satan like a puppet allowing Satan to use us as puppets through our weaknesses. It is the spiritual warfare that has existed since the beginning of the relationship between man and God. God could have easily kept Satan out of the Garden of Eden. He allowed Satan entry into the Garden just as He allows Satan entry into our lives. God sets the boundaries around us and determines in what ways Satan can intersect our lives.
I am so humbled this morning when I consider the boundaries that were set around me during the past 5 years. There is no doubt that Satan was chomping at the bit to get to me, but God did not allow this until last year. He waited until I had been through certain experiences and had experienced Him in faithfulness. While God loosened up some boundaries for Satan to attack, He tightened up other areas in my life. He fortified all that was solid in my life and provided entry only into my character that needed sifting. ‘God will never allow the enemy to sift any believer that does not need something sifted.’ When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, p. 53.
2010 was one of the worst years of my life as Satan relentlessly assaulted my character. Satan was determined to reveal and expose anything that wasn’t authentic in my life. He was the tweezers that God used to lift out many thorns. God did not leave me in that season of sifting any longer than necessary. What Satan thought would be used against me God removed as it surfaced. I know the day that God decided the season of sifting was over and that enough was enough! Praise God that the season is over! It was brutal and suffocating but God breathed fresh life into me.
I still have a long way to go but I am closer than I was.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Sifting - Battleground of Emotions
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there..." Psalm 139:7-10. "But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to this way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." Job 51:8-12.
I love how the Bible shows the extreme of human emotions. The first passage is David's exhortation to God that David cannot hide from God anywhere. He recites this beautiful poetry of the presence of God in all things and in all times. On the other hand, we have poor Job, who was presently being attacked by Satan, desperately seeking God but not finding Him in any direction for which he sought. Job sorrowfully recites the findings of his pursuit of God which is nowhere. Job then recites his faithfulness to God and how he treasured the words of God's mouth. I believe that Job is basically saying that because I cannot hear you or find you in this season I have to remind myself of previous times of fellowship.
One of the differences between Job and David is that Job was in a season of satanic sifting (much like Peter in the New Testament). My commentary states that God needed to move Job to the next level of faith so He used Satan as a means for that growth. When we are in a season of sifting with evil all around us it is difficult to hear God. He may allow a temporary distance to accomplish a permanent purpose in this life of His children. As David recited his emotions at the time he spoke to the Lord in first person - directly to Him. As Job recited his emotions he spoke about God in third person as if God wasn't around.
God allows suffering to bring us around to match His purpose for which He calls us. To accomplish His purpose we must be brought from point A (our flesh) to point B (our new self in Him). We all have flesh attitudes that are non-negotiables in the purposes of God. The journey of removing these attitudes between the 'call and the send' is up to God. 'Satan had a sieve. Christ had a purpose. The two collided. Satan got used. Peter (insert any of our names) got sifted. He had to get the Simon out of Peter and used a sifting of Satan. The One who calls us is faithful, and He will do whatever it takes to sanctify to fulfill our callings." Why Godly People Do Ungodly Things, p. 52.
While our emotions may be everchanging in our circumstances and seasons, God's faithfulness will never change. Through the Initiator comes the victory...and the faith of His children will be refined.
I love how the Bible shows the extreme of human emotions. The first passage is David's exhortation to God that David cannot hide from God anywhere. He recites this beautiful poetry of the presence of God in all things and in all times. On the other hand, we have poor Job, who was presently being attacked by Satan, desperately seeking God but not finding Him in any direction for which he sought. Job sorrowfully recites the findings of his pursuit of God which is nowhere. Job then recites his faithfulness to God and how he treasured the words of God's mouth. I believe that Job is basically saying that because I cannot hear you or find you in this season I have to remind myself of previous times of fellowship.
One of the differences between Job and David is that Job was in a season of satanic sifting (much like Peter in the New Testament). My commentary states that God needed to move Job to the next level of faith so He used Satan as a means for that growth. When we are in a season of sifting with evil all around us it is difficult to hear God. He may allow a temporary distance to accomplish a permanent purpose in this life of His children. As David recited his emotions at the time he spoke to the Lord in first person - directly to Him. As Job recited his emotions he spoke about God in third person as if God wasn't around.
God allows suffering to bring us around to match His purpose for which He calls us. To accomplish His purpose we must be brought from point A (our flesh) to point B (our new self in Him). We all have flesh attitudes that are non-negotiables in the purposes of God. The journey of removing these attitudes between the 'call and the send' is up to God. 'Satan had a sieve. Christ had a purpose. The two collided. Satan got used. Peter (insert any of our names) got sifted. He had to get the Simon out of Peter and used a sifting of Satan. The One who calls us is faithful, and He will do whatever it takes to sanctify to fulfill our callings." Why Godly People Do Ungodly Things, p. 52.
While our emotions may be everchanging in our circumstances and seasons, God's faithfulness will never change. Through the Initiator comes the victory...and the faith of His children will be refined.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Cooking With Evil
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes...Take the helmet of salvation...the breastplate of righteousness...feet fitted with readiness...with this in mind be alert and always keep on praying..." Eph 6:11-18. "I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands.." 1 Ti 2:8.
I love to cook! There is something both relaxing and satisfying about creating a dish from many different ingredients. In the end this creation satisfies my senses -smell, taste and sight. There are certain ingredients that I never allow my kitchen to be without such as garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, etc... Many times these are the ingredients for which I build upon to create a successful dish.
Satan does the same thing as he reaches for us to create a mess in our lives. He scans our spiritual kitchens and sees what attitudes we have on the shelf that he can use to tempt us. He moves aside our spice of compassion to get to our hidden can of pride. He removes the pan treated with faith and replaces it with the skillet of fear which always burns. He builds the recipe with stuff he finds in the kitchen of our hearts...he can come empty handed because he is a masterchef. He knows we will provide the ingredients...
We must protect our kitchens! We must keep spiritual ingredients on hand if we are to create a satisfying dish to offer God. A dish of a single mind for Christ, and a heart devoted to Him so that when Satan enters our kitchen and turns up the heat we will be prepared. Our minds must be renewed daily on Christ and our hearts pure in motivation and love. Our feet must not take us into areas of temptation and our hands must be praising and worshipping God.
Let us keep our hands lifted in praise and worship continuously so Satan may not use our hands to stir up our lives and satisfy his taste.
I love to cook! There is something both relaxing and satisfying about creating a dish from many different ingredients. In the end this creation satisfies my senses -smell, taste and sight. There are certain ingredients that I never allow my kitchen to be without such as garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, etc... Many times these are the ingredients for which I build upon to create a successful dish.
Satan does the same thing as he reaches for us to create a mess in our lives. He scans our spiritual kitchens and sees what attitudes we have on the shelf that he can use to tempt us. He moves aside our spice of compassion to get to our hidden can of pride. He removes the pan treated with faith and replaces it with the skillet of fear which always burns. He builds the recipe with stuff he finds in the kitchen of our hearts...he can come empty handed because he is a masterchef. He knows we will provide the ingredients...
We must protect our kitchens! We must keep spiritual ingredients on hand if we are to create a satisfying dish to offer God. A dish of a single mind for Christ, and a heart devoted to Him so that when Satan enters our kitchen and turns up the heat we will be prepared. Our minds must be renewed daily on Christ and our hearts pure in motivation and love. Our feet must not take us into areas of temptation and our hands must be praising and worshipping God.
Let us keep our hands lifted in praise and worship continuously so Satan may not use our hands to stir up our lives and satisfy his taste.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Who Could Stand?
"If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness..." Psalm 130:3-4
In a world full of finger pointing and blame games it is so easy to forget our own record of sins over the course of our own lives. We see the actions of others through the eyes of our own interpretation and become jury, judge and executioner. We approach certain people and situations looking down our noses rehearsing how we would do if differently, make better decisions, choose to hold onto bitterness, etc... Sometimes the ones we love most get our worst treatment. What right do we have to keep a record of the sins of others? When the God of the universe throws out His list of our wrongdoings once we repent who are we to keep a list of the sins of others? '..he doesn't treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our inequities...so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.' Psalm 103:10-12. By keeping a mental list of those who we refuse to forgive, we enter into a partnership with Satan. He will use any bitterness and judgmentalness to weaken and dilute our testimonies.
By the same token, he will use any past sin in our own lives to control and shame us. Satan is relentless with all sins...past, present and future. He knows our tendencies of sin and weakness and will use all of our circumstances to arrange a blueprint of temptation. We cannot give Satan an inch in our miles of past sins. We must choose to believe God when He says our sins, once repented, are cleansed at the base of the cross because of His Son.
Satan will resurrect and exploit the sins of our past. When our lives show a desire and passion to walk in righteousness through Christ, Satan's temptation may dwell more on our past sins. I am sure that all of us at some point have felt the cleansing of the Holy Spirit once we have humbly come to God for His forgivenss, only to be taunted, teased and reminded by Satan at a later date. He keeps meticulous records of our wrongdoing and brings them to our mind when we are at our lowest.
Give Satan an inch and he will take a mile! Choose to believe God for His complete forgiveness.
In a world full of finger pointing and blame games it is so easy to forget our own record of sins over the course of our own lives. We see the actions of others through the eyes of our own interpretation and become jury, judge and executioner. We approach certain people and situations looking down our noses rehearsing how we would do if differently, make better decisions, choose to hold onto bitterness, etc... Sometimes the ones we love most get our worst treatment. What right do we have to keep a record of the sins of others? When the God of the universe throws out His list of our wrongdoings once we repent who are we to keep a list of the sins of others? '..he doesn't treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our inequities...so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.' Psalm 103:10-12. By keeping a mental list of those who we refuse to forgive, we enter into a partnership with Satan. He will use any bitterness and judgmentalness to weaken and dilute our testimonies.
By the same token, he will use any past sin in our own lives to control and shame us. Satan is relentless with all sins...past, present and future. He knows our tendencies of sin and weakness and will use all of our circumstances to arrange a blueprint of temptation. We cannot give Satan an inch in our miles of past sins. We must choose to believe God when He says our sins, once repented, are cleansed at the base of the cross because of His Son.
Satan will resurrect and exploit the sins of our past. When our lives show a desire and passion to walk in righteousness through Christ, Satan's temptation may dwell more on our past sins. I am sure that all of us at some point have felt the cleansing of the Holy Spirit once we have humbly come to God for His forgivenss, only to be taunted, teased and reminded by Satan at a later date. He keeps meticulous records of our wrongdoing and brings them to our mind when we are at our lowest.
Give Satan an inch and he will take a mile! Choose to believe God for His complete forgiveness.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Fear's Stronghold
"Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Co 10:3-5
This verse reminds me of a powerful saying - 'We have nothing to fear but fear itself.' Fear is one of most powerful weapons Satan uses against many of us. It creates a wormhole for him to get inside our minds and do the work he has set out to accomplish. Remember, Satan knows us better than we know ourselves. He has much more time to plan against us than we have to focus on how we will fortify our walls against him. We have so many distractions within our work life and personal life it is easy to stay hypnotized to the in and outs of life. But for Satan, developing manipulative strongholds in the most devoted Christian is his work and his life. He knows that these people have the threat to make the most impact in the lives of others for God. You better believe Christians are always on his attack radar. I write all of this not to heighten the very thing I warn you against - fear - but to give you the good news of the One who is free from fear.
God gave us His power to topple fear - 'For God did not give us the spirit of timidity, {fear} but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.' 2 Timothy 1:7. When I consider today's verse I love how the writer exhorts us to lay down and lessen anything in our imaginations that is greater than what God has promised us. It is so easy in our struggles to imagine the very worse and build up tragedies that are opposite of what our Savior has promised us. Who of us live a Mark Twain life: 'I've suffered a great many catastrophies in my life. Most of them never happened.' - Mark Twain (1835-1910)
When God gives us a beautiful canvas of promise and hope for our future we cannot allow Satan to place a black crayon in our hands to mark all over it. God promises the canvas is the working place and the picture will be beautiful if we will keep our hands off of the work. Lay down that black crayon of fear and allow the beautiful paint stokes of the ultimate Artist to breathe colors into your life.
Satan may control you through fear for a season but He cannot sustain what God did not ordain.
This verse reminds me of a powerful saying - 'We have nothing to fear but fear itself.' Fear is one of most powerful weapons Satan uses against many of us. It creates a wormhole for him to get inside our minds and do the work he has set out to accomplish. Remember, Satan knows us better than we know ourselves. He has much more time to plan against us than we have to focus on how we will fortify our walls against him. We have so many distractions within our work life and personal life it is easy to stay hypnotized to the in and outs of life. But for Satan, developing manipulative strongholds in the most devoted Christian is his work and his life. He knows that these people have the threat to make the most impact in the lives of others for God. You better believe Christians are always on his attack radar. I write all of this not to heighten the very thing I warn you against - fear - but to give you the good news of the One who is free from fear.
God gave us His power to topple fear - 'For God did not give us the spirit of timidity, {fear} but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.' 2 Timothy 1:7. When I consider today's verse I love how the writer exhorts us to lay down and lessen anything in our imaginations that is greater than what God has promised us. It is so easy in our struggles to imagine the very worse and build up tragedies that are opposite of what our Savior has promised us. Who of us live a Mark Twain life: 'I've suffered a great many catastrophies in my life. Most of them never happened.' - Mark Twain (1835-1910)
When God gives us a beautiful canvas of promise and hope for our future we cannot allow Satan to place a black crayon in our hands to mark all over it. God promises the canvas is the working place and the picture will be beautiful if we will keep our hands off of the work. Lay down that black crayon of fear and allow the beautiful paint stokes of the ultimate Artist to breathe colors into your life.
Satan may control you through fear for a season but He cannot sustain what God did not ordain.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Our Captor
"I will ascend above the tops of clouds, I will make myself like the Most High." Isaiah 14:14
Years ago we all sat before the television amazed at the unfolding details of the Elizabeth Smart story. It seemed we couldn't get enough of the details of how a seemingly intelligent daughter of a father could be kidnapped, brainwashed and buy into such a different form of life. Elizabeth was very secure in who her father was as she was a member of a loving family. This was a solid relationship for which she never knew anything different, but evil intersected her life when she wasn't looking. That day would change both her life and freedom for many years. We were all astonished how this beautiful little girl, now a young woman, was so brainwashed as to who her father was and to which family she belonged. We were appalled by the ability of her captives to change her entire belief system and her perception of who she was.
Dear friends, our captor and his appointed ones are watching us every hour of every day. They wait until an opportunity arises when the window is left open in our minds and hearts. They know where we hide the key and wait for the time to use it, and in the right circumstance swoops in for the kidnap. He gets our attention and slowly, day by day, we become less protected, less focused and less aware of his schemes.
The parallel I draw this morning is our spiritual kidnapping opposed to Elizabeth's physical kidnapping. She held no responsibility in that captivity for her kidnapper was no match for that sweet little girl. Her kidnapper cleverly and masterfully spun a web of deceit breaking down many years of belief in who she was and would be in the future. We are different however as God gave us His spirit to live inside of us. He gives us the Word to tell us who we are, the Holy Spirit to remind us of what He has told us and the Son to die for us. No matter where we walk or lie, we are never unprotected or alone. Satan sees many of God's angels around us. 'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands..' Psalm 91:11-12. For some of us, we are dead ringers, easy targets due to our lack of focus on God. For others, he will have to work a little harder, be a little more conniving and beguiling. We cannot fall asleep and allow him to enter into the windows of our hearts. 'But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let this house be broken into.' Luke 12:39.
We must surround ourselves with the protection of God. Stay in the Word, meditate on the Word and speak to the Word in prayer. ('...and the Word became flesh...' Matthew 1:1) The Word of God is our sword and our truth.
Years ago we all sat before the television amazed at the unfolding details of the Elizabeth Smart story. It seemed we couldn't get enough of the details of how a seemingly intelligent daughter of a father could be kidnapped, brainwashed and buy into such a different form of life. Elizabeth was very secure in who her father was as she was a member of a loving family. This was a solid relationship for which she never knew anything different, but evil intersected her life when she wasn't looking. That day would change both her life and freedom for many years. We were all astonished how this beautiful little girl, now a young woman, was so brainwashed as to who her father was and to which family she belonged. We were appalled by the ability of her captives to change her entire belief system and her perception of who she was.
Dear friends, our captor and his appointed ones are watching us every hour of every day. They wait until an opportunity arises when the window is left open in our minds and hearts. They know where we hide the key and wait for the time to use it, and in the right circumstance swoops in for the kidnap. He gets our attention and slowly, day by day, we become less protected, less focused and less aware of his schemes.
The parallel I draw this morning is our spiritual kidnapping opposed to Elizabeth's physical kidnapping. She held no responsibility in that captivity for her kidnapper was no match for that sweet little girl. Her kidnapper cleverly and masterfully spun a web of deceit breaking down many years of belief in who she was and would be in the future. We are different however as God gave us His spirit to live inside of us. He gives us the Word to tell us who we are, the Holy Spirit to remind us of what He has told us and the Son to die for us. No matter where we walk or lie, we are never unprotected or alone. Satan sees many of God's angels around us. 'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands..' Psalm 91:11-12. For some of us, we are dead ringers, easy targets due to our lack of focus on God. For others, he will have to work a little harder, be a little more conniving and beguiling. We cannot fall asleep and allow him to enter into the windows of our hearts. 'But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let this house be broken into.' Luke 12:39.
We must surround ourselves with the protection of God. Stay in the Word, meditate on the Word and speak to the Word in prayer. ('...and the Word became flesh...' Matthew 1:1) The Word of God is our sword and our truth.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The Law of Seduction
“There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” Matthew 24:7
As I read this verse I consider when I went into labor with my first born. Circumstances developed which prevented me from having any pain controlling medicine. At first there was discomfort which swelled into pain which exploded into unbearable suffering. With the intensity of the pain came the frequency of the contractions. This is how I understand evil in our world today and how Satan works.
Satan’s attacks have moved from the discomfort of sin in the past to an all out explosion of unbearable suffering in our world today. Paul warned the Corinthians about this as well as did Peter in his exhortation. ‘I am fearful, lest that…your minds may be corrupted and seduced from wholehearted and sincere and pure devotion to Christ.’ 2 Co. 11:3; ‘Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…’ 1 Peter 5:8.
What is most disturbing to me is Satan’s target – the wholehearted devoted children of God. I don’t know about you but this makes the hairs on my neck stand straight up! Satan will attempt to derail and diminish our faith and our testimonies. The greater our impact has for the Great Commission of God the more intense Satan’s attacks will become in destroying our testimony. Satan is well aware of the ending of this story – God is triumphal and Satan is banished. Satan is frantic and furious that his time will be cut short. Satan, as compared to a prowling lion, paces back and forth, watching his prey, anticipating our vulnerability with an uncanny instinct of when to attack with success. But we have One who is greater than Satan who will prevail in the end. ‘You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.’ 1 John 4:4. Just as the precious breath of the Trinity spoke into existence the creation, Satan will be destroyed by this same mouth. ‘And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.’ 2 Thess 2:8.
Do not underestimate the devil. If you are in a state of loneliness, suffering, sadness or exhaustion, be alert and watchful for his schemes and temptations. You are to stay steady in the Word and cover yourself in prayer. Enlist the prayers of others to pray for protection from evil, a steadfast spirit and a continuing renewal of your mind in Christ…and please pray for me and for ELM.
As I read this verse I consider when I went into labor with my first born. Circumstances developed which prevented me from having any pain controlling medicine. At first there was discomfort which swelled into pain which exploded into unbearable suffering. With the intensity of the pain came the frequency of the contractions. This is how I understand evil in our world today and how Satan works.
Satan’s attacks have moved from the discomfort of sin in the past to an all out explosion of unbearable suffering in our world today. Paul warned the Corinthians about this as well as did Peter in his exhortation. ‘I am fearful, lest that…your minds may be corrupted and seduced from wholehearted and sincere and pure devotion to Christ.’ 2 Co. 11:3; ‘Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…’ 1 Peter 5:8.
What is most disturbing to me is Satan’s target – the wholehearted devoted children of God. I don’t know about you but this makes the hairs on my neck stand straight up! Satan will attempt to derail and diminish our faith and our testimonies. The greater our impact has for the Great Commission of God the more intense Satan’s attacks will become in destroying our testimony. Satan is well aware of the ending of this story – God is triumphal and Satan is banished. Satan is frantic and furious that his time will be cut short. Satan, as compared to a prowling lion, paces back and forth, watching his prey, anticipating our vulnerability with an uncanny instinct of when to attack with success. But we have One who is greater than Satan who will prevail in the end. ‘You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.’ 1 John 4:4. Just as the precious breath of the Trinity spoke into existence the creation, Satan will be destroyed by this same mouth. ‘And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.’ 2 Thess 2:8.
Do not underestimate the devil. If you are in a state of loneliness, suffering, sadness or exhaustion, be alert and watchful for his schemes and temptations. You are to stay steady in the Word and cover yourself in prayer. Enlist the prayers of others to pray for protection from evil, a steadfast spirit and a continuing renewal of your mind in Christ…and please pray for me and for ELM.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Love In The Trinity
“In the beginning, God…” Gen. 1:1; “God is love.” 1 John 4:16; “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image…’” Gen 1:26
When I met Bruce I fell head over heels in love with him. The beginning of that relationship marked fresh hope in sharing my love with someone and excitement for a life of fellowship and intimacy with him. In love, we created a life together as we walked out our relationship for a future. At some point, we looked at each other and decided from this love to bring into our lives a baby whom we could share that love. We ended up with three wonderful children with whom we have deep devotion, love and intimacy.
God, within the fellowship of the Trinity, said these same words about each of us. ‘Let us make man…’ Through the love that flowed from the Trinity we were each created in and from that love. That is why God’s love is perfect love and when we live in God we live in His perfect love. With every birth of every child that makes its way into this life, that baby was formed in the love of the Trinity. We are simply the vessels that God uses to bring the apples of His eye into this world, entrusting us with His treasured and beloved children.
As I recall tenderly unwrapping the little blanket in the hospital to see every part of my baby, I was so overwhelmed with my love for this vulnerable soul. I immediately wrapped the blanket back around so my sweet child wouldn’t be cold or feel insecure. I would draw that baby up into my warm neck and feel its breath upon my skin. God’s capacity to love is so much greater than our own so you can imagine how serious He takes anything that threatens His children. Just as we have been comforted by our mothers and have comforted as mothers, so does God as He draws us into Himself and pulls us into His warm neck. He holds us so close that He feels our breath and hears our cries. From this love we love, and from this comfort we comfort.
In the beginning…and every day since…we love because ‘they’ first loved us.
When I met Bruce I fell head over heels in love with him. The beginning of that relationship marked fresh hope in sharing my love with someone and excitement for a life of fellowship and intimacy with him. In love, we created a life together as we walked out our relationship for a future. At some point, we looked at each other and decided from this love to bring into our lives a baby whom we could share that love. We ended up with three wonderful children with whom we have deep devotion, love and intimacy.
God, within the fellowship of the Trinity, said these same words about each of us. ‘Let us make man…’ Through the love that flowed from the Trinity we were each created in and from that love. That is why God’s love is perfect love and when we live in God we live in His perfect love. With every birth of every child that makes its way into this life, that baby was formed in the love of the Trinity. We are simply the vessels that God uses to bring the apples of His eye into this world, entrusting us with His treasured and beloved children.
As I recall tenderly unwrapping the little blanket in the hospital to see every part of my baby, I was so overwhelmed with my love for this vulnerable soul. I immediately wrapped the blanket back around so my sweet child wouldn’t be cold or feel insecure. I would draw that baby up into my warm neck and feel its breath upon my skin. God’s capacity to love is so much greater than our own so you can imagine how serious He takes anything that threatens His children. Just as we have been comforted by our mothers and have comforted as mothers, so does God as He draws us into Himself and pulls us into His warm neck. He holds us so close that He feels our breath and hears our cries. From this love we love, and from this comfort we comfort.
In the beginning…and every day since…we love because ‘they’ first loved us.
Friday, September 9, 2011
'Talitha Koum!'
“ While Jesus was still speaking, some men came… ‘Your daughter is dead,’ they said. ‘Why bother the teacher anymore?’ ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’ When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, ‘Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.’ But they laughed at him…and (He) went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha Koum!’ (which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’) Immediately the girl stood up and walked around.” Mark 5:35-43
This passage has such a tender place in my heart for I have witnessed it in both the earthly and spiritual realm. As a teenager my daughter had become dead in her drug addiction. Her spirit in this life had left her but her physical body had remained. She was a dead girl walking as she walked the streets buried alive. We had prayed all of the prayers and had not received her healing. All of our friends and family saw her through tears and mourning as she was buried in her own self-afflicted despair. But God calls things that are dead to life through His spirit. We called on Jesus one more time for His healing touch and He 'followed us to the house.' On one marvelous day He showed us that she was not dead on this earth but would soon wake up. He said to her up in the mountains that day, ‘Talitha Koum!’ and she arose and is still walking around today on earth – Praise God!
The second experience I had with Jesus and His powerful healing was during the passing of my dear sister. She laid in the Hospice House with friends and family in despair around her. As we told her goodbye on earth through tears and grief, Jesus walked into that room of passage and told us, ‘Do not be afraid; just believe…This child is not dead but asleep.’ Then He turned to Beth, took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha Koum!’ and she immediately arose and is walking around in Heaven today with Him who grabbed her hand. She is experiencing in sight what we are experiencing in faith - Praise God!
The difference between the two experiences is a dividing line of passage from one realm to the other. Earth is the land of the dying but Heaven is the land of the living. Each one of us has that precious hand extended to us no matter which side of passage we experience. We are assured that if we are in Him what seems to be death will end in life.
I remember when my grandfather died and Grandmother was doing so well. I asked her how it was that she had so much peace so soon after his passing...I will never forget her response. She said, “Well, Brenda, it is like he just stood up from one side of our Lord’s table and moved to the other.”
‘Talitha Koum!’…and they arose…
This passage has such a tender place in my heart for I have witnessed it in both the earthly and spiritual realm. As a teenager my daughter had become dead in her drug addiction. Her spirit in this life had left her but her physical body had remained. She was a dead girl walking as she walked the streets buried alive. We had prayed all of the prayers and had not received her healing. All of our friends and family saw her through tears and mourning as she was buried in her own self-afflicted despair. But God calls things that are dead to life through His spirit. We called on Jesus one more time for His healing touch and He 'followed us to the house.' On one marvelous day He showed us that she was not dead on this earth but would soon wake up. He said to her up in the mountains that day, ‘Talitha Koum!’ and she arose and is still walking around today on earth – Praise God!
The second experience I had with Jesus and His powerful healing was during the passing of my dear sister. She laid in the Hospice House with friends and family in despair around her. As we told her goodbye on earth through tears and grief, Jesus walked into that room of passage and told us, ‘Do not be afraid; just believe…This child is not dead but asleep.’ Then He turned to Beth, took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha Koum!’ and she immediately arose and is walking around in Heaven today with Him who grabbed her hand. She is experiencing in sight what we are experiencing in faith - Praise God!
The difference between the two experiences is a dividing line of passage from one realm to the other. Earth is the land of the dying but Heaven is the land of the living. Each one of us has that precious hand extended to us no matter which side of passage we experience. We are assured that if we are in Him what seems to be death will end in life.
I remember when my grandfather died and Grandmother was doing so well. I asked her how it was that she had so much peace so soon after his passing...I will never forget her response. She said, “Well, Brenda, it is like he just stood up from one side of our Lord’s table and moved to the other.”
‘Talitha Koum!’…and they arose…
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Life Interrupted
“We who are strong are to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” Romans 15:1-2.
The first sentence reminds me of a powerful statement in a Christian song… ‘We are all one phone call from our knees.’ We can be strong in one season bearing up for another only to find ourselves devastated the next day due to life’s circumstances. I see this over and over again in Griefshare to name one example. The word ‘failings’ does not refer to sin in this verse but rather to the circumstances of life that has oppressed someone. The first night of Griefshare everyone comes broken, exhausted and devastated. Throughout the thirteen week sessions I see the hand of Christ reach out from one suffering heart to another. I see the feet of Christ walk over to pray with another.
God’s heart is always moved by the suffering of His children. If we are the hands and feet of God we are to reach out of our pain and healing to those who are weak and hurting. Anything short of sharing God’s love, comfort and strength blocks the blessings from God for that person. It would be easy to ‘please ourselves’ by never opening past wounds to minister to the present wounds of others. He never intended His strength to be contained within ourselves. In His strength that flows through us we are to give it away.
In the same way, we must realize and receive those who reach out to us during difficult times as His way of reaching out to comfort us. The hands and feet of others (their actions towards our comfort) are ways that God manifests His love, strength and comfort. To reject the comfort of others is to the reject the comfort of God. It would be like me trying to walk forward but telling my legs or feet ‘No thank you, I don’t need you – I can do this on my own.’ How far would I move ahead? The success of the complete function of our body is dependent upon how well the other members of our body function.
God’s children make up the Body of Christ, His Son. ‘Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.’ Romans 12:4. I have definitely learned through challenging circumstances that we are never to be an island in Christ. We are to give in some seasons and we are to receive in others.
Our strength today may turn to weakness tomorrow. Prepare yourself for a life of give and take in God’s economy so that His blessings will continue to flow without interruption.
The first sentence reminds me of a powerful statement in a Christian song… ‘We are all one phone call from our knees.’ We can be strong in one season bearing up for another only to find ourselves devastated the next day due to life’s circumstances. I see this over and over again in Griefshare to name one example. The word ‘failings’ does not refer to sin in this verse but rather to the circumstances of life that has oppressed someone. The first night of Griefshare everyone comes broken, exhausted and devastated. Throughout the thirteen week sessions I see the hand of Christ reach out from one suffering heart to another. I see the feet of Christ walk over to pray with another.
God’s heart is always moved by the suffering of His children. If we are the hands and feet of God we are to reach out of our pain and healing to those who are weak and hurting. Anything short of sharing God’s love, comfort and strength blocks the blessings from God for that person. It would be easy to ‘please ourselves’ by never opening past wounds to minister to the present wounds of others. He never intended His strength to be contained within ourselves. In His strength that flows through us we are to give it away.
In the same way, we must realize and receive those who reach out to us during difficult times as His way of reaching out to comfort us. The hands and feet of others (their actions towards our comfort) are ways that God manifests His love, strength and comfort. To reject the comfort of others is to the reject the comfort of God. It would be like me trying to walk forward but telling my legs or feet ‘No thank you, I don’t need you – I can do this on my own.’ How far would I move ahead? The success of the complete function of our body is dependent upon how well the other members of our body function.
God’s children make up the Body of Christ, His Son. ‘Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.’ Romans 12:4. I have definitely learned through challenging circumstances that we are never to be an island in Christ. We are to give in some seasons and we are to receive in others.
Our strength today may turn to weakness tomorrow. Prepare yourself for a life of give and take in God’s economy so that His blessings will continue to flow without interruption.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Work of Suffering
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
Paul understood that in order for him to minister to others he must first be ministered to by God. Because of Paul’s uncanny understanding of the fellowship of Christ in suffering, he not only expected suffering in life but embraced it knowing God’s power would be revealed in his weakness.
I only have to look as far as Griefshare to witness this attitude of Paul. If God had shown me ahead of time the grief ministry for which He has called me I would have known that first I must suffer. Ministries have to be authenticated with suffering for we cannot provide comfort to others in areas which we have never received. With Griefshare starting up again I know that suffering is the basis for our gathering. Every person will come with their own experience of grief but there will be one Anchor for each to grab hold of. It never ceases to amaze me how the work of the Holy Spirit moves, comforts and transforms no matter what emotion is brought on any given night. This is the glory revealed for which Paul describes that is revealed in us through our suffering. I have witnessed pain reaching out to pain, devastation finding hope in devastation and tears being replaced with laughter…all in the midst of suffering.
If we allow God complete control in our sufferings He will use them for future ministries. Our pain will never be in vain but will become a vessel to display His glory, His power and His healing. Service men and women go into battle and challenging situations every day in order that their sacrifice will be instrumental in our freedom. The same is with our suffering. We must not only be expectant in suffering but willing in our sacrifice for others in revealing God’s glory and strength in circumstances beyond our control.
‘When you think life is most difficult, God is merely getting you ready for a bigger job – to do something with you that you have not anticipated but that He has called you to do…Trials and tribulations toughen you spiritually so that you will persevere under difficult circumstances.’ On Mission With God, p.156
Paul understood that in order for him to minister to others he must first be ministered to by God. Because of Paul’s uncanny understanding of the fellowship of Christ in suffering, he not only expected suffering in life but embraced it knowing God’s power would be revealed in his weakness.
I only have to look as far as Griefshare to witness this attitude of Paul. If God had shown me ahead of time the grief ministry for which He has called me I would have known that first I must suffer. Ministries have to be authenticated with suffering for we cannot provide comfort to others in areas which we have never received. With Griefshare starting up again I know that suffering is the basis for our gathering. Every person will come with their own experience of grief but there will be one Anchor for each to grab hold of. It never ceases to amaze me how the work of the Holy Spirit moves, comforts and transforms no matter what emotion is brought on any given night. This is the glory revealed for which Paul describes that is revealed in us through our suffering. I have witnessed pain reaching out to pain, devastation finding hope in devastation and tears being replaced with laughter…all in the midst of suffering.
If we allow God complete control in our sufferings He will use them for future ministries. Our pain will never be in vain but will become a vessel to display His glory, His power and His healing. Service men and women go into battle and challenging situations every day in order that their sacrifice will be instrumental in our freedom. The same is with our suffering. We must not only be expectant in suffering but willing in our sacrifice for others in revealing God’s glory and strength in circumstances beyond our control.
‘When you think life is most difficult, God is merely getting you ready for a bigger job – to do something with you that you have not anticipated but that He has called you to do…Trials and tribulations toughen you spiritually so that you will persevere under difficult circumstances.’ On Mission With God, p.156
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Hearing God...or Not
“The Lord said… ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name…I will show him…’” Acts 9:15
Although Paul had experienced direct communication from God on the road to Damascus, God chose to use another man to confirm God’s plan for Paul’s future. For a period of time, Paul was blinded and only regained his sight through God’s chosen instrument, Ananias. God did not give either man the details of the call but rather a global glimpse of His plan.
God’s communication with us can be glorious when hearing from Him or frustrating during His silence. Paul had an experience wherein God was silent to Him but confirmed the end result with His chosen messenger. Then God went on to say to Ananias, ‘Go, confirm and leave the rest to me…I will take it from here.’
God may give us ‘global glimpses’ of where He is taking us but usually will not give us the detailed plan. He knows to reveal the details would end up frustrating His purposes and plans for us. In some cases it could even provide a foothold for Satan. Satan cannot read minds so to reveal too much could give Satan a tip into how God is moving. Consider Paul, if God had laid out the details of Paul’s suffering his human nature might have caused His message to be laced with fear and been less effective. If Satan had seen the details up front he would have known exactly how to present things to Paul that would have triggered the old self – Saul.
God reveals the details of His plan for each of us one step at a time. He knows that each revealing must match the condition of our heart and the devotion of our faith. God will frequently allow our circumstances to operate beyond our faith to grow us and build our testimonies. We will only see our global glimpses become reality when we have walked step by step in His details as they are revealed. No one can know God for you and you cannot know God for someone else.“The Lord said… ‘I will show him…’”
Although Paul had experienced direct communication from God on the road to Damascus, God chose to use another man to confirm God’s plan for Paul’s future. For a period of time, Paul was blinded and only regained his sight through God’s chosen instrument, Ananias. God did not give either man the details of the call but rather a global glimpse of His plan.
God’s communication with us can be glorious when hearing from Him or frustrating during His silence. Paul had an experience wherein God was silent to Him but confirmed the end result with His chosen messenger. Then God went on to say to Ananias, ‘Go, confirm and leave the rest to me…I will take it from here.’
God may give us ‘global glimpses’ of where He is taking us but usually will not give us the detailed plan. He knows to reveal the details would end up frustrating His purposes and plans for us. In some cases it could even provide a foothold for Satan. Satan cannot read minds so to reveal too much could give Satan a tip into how God is moving. Consider Paul, if God had laid out the details of Paul’s suffering his human nature might have caused His message to be laced with fear and been less effective. If Satan had seen the details up front he would have known exactly how to present things to Paul that would have triggered the old self – Saul.
God reveals the details of His plan for each of us one step at a time. He knows that each revealing must match the condition of our heart and the devotion of our faith. God will frequently allow our circumstances to operate beyond our faith to grow us and build our testimonies. We will only see our global glimpses become reality when we have walked step by step in His details as they are revealed. No one can know God for you and you cannot know God for someone else.“The Lord said… ‘I will show him…’”
Friday, September 2, 2011
Present Pain...Future Ministries
“Everything must be fulfilled that is written…’ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ‘I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’” Luke 24:44-49.
These powerful promises are given to us today just as they were given to Peter before his commission to go out and build His church. Peter was given a vision from Jesus before His death as to what his assignment would be. Several things had to happen before Peter put into action the ministry for which He was chosen.
Today, our assignments from God are no different. Before we can accomplish the mission for which we have been assigned God must do some work in our hearts.
Step 1 is for Him to fulfill in us the necessary adjustments in our character to match our assignments. This is important work and usually accompanies tough times. We learn more about God and ourselves in the deep valleys than on the mountaintops. ‘You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.’ 2 Co. 3:2-3. Once God has transformed our hearts to be used for His purpose we are ready for the next step.
Step 2 is His guidance through the Scriptures. He will open our minds to receive the guidance required in our assignment that match our hearts. There will be a synergy between the two preparing us further in accomplishing His will for our lives. Through prayer and the meditation of His word we will gain the step by step guidance revealing and understanding His plan for our lives.
Step 3 is sometimes the most difficult… ‘staying in the city until we have been clothed with the power.’ Waiting on God once He has given us His plan is sometimes the most difficult offering to Him. We cannot move ahead of God but must stay in His timing to accomplish His will. He has many details to work out and sees the ultimate picture in accomplishing the ultimate victory.
What is to be accomplished in our ministries must first be accomplished in our hearts.
These powerful promises are given to us today just as they were given to Peter before his commission to go out and build His church. Peter was given a vision from Jesus before His death as to what his assignment would be. Several things had to happen before Peter put into action the ministry for which He was chosen.
Today, our assignments from God are no different. Before we can accomplish the mission for which we have been assigned God must do some work in our hearts.
Step 1 is for Him to fulfill in us the necessary adjustments in our character to match our assignments. This is important work and usually accompanies tough times. We learn more about God and ourselves in the deep valleys than on the mountaintops. ‘You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.’ 2 Co. 3:2-3. Once God has transformed our hearts to be used for His purpose we are ready for the next step.
Step 2 is His guidance through the Scriptures. He will open our minds to receive the guidance required in our assignment that match our hearts. There will be a synergy between the two preparing us further in accomplishing His will for our lives. Through prayer and the meditation of His word we will gain the step by step guidance revealing and understanding His plan for our lives.
Step 3 is sometimes the most difficult… ‘staying in the city until we have been clothed with the power.’ Waiting on God once He has given us His plan is sometimes the most difficult offering to Him. We cannot move ahead of God but must stay in His timing to accomplish His will. He has many details to work out and sees the ultimate picture in accomplishing the ultimate victory.
What is to be accomplished in our ministries must first be accomplished in our hearts.
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