“Remember that the LORD your God led you on the entire journey these 40 years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands.” Deut. 8:2
An essential element in waiting on God is the acceptance and expectation that we will be tested. Waiting on God during times of testing allows faith to do its work in our lives. Many times God will test us while we are waiting on an unfulfilled promise or need to come to pass. Certain attitudes arise from these times of waiting and testing which can derail God’s purpose.
Many times our circumstances unfold that seem illogical and irrational in God’s promise coming to pass. These circumstances seem to be moving us away from what we believe God has promised us instead of moving us closer. When we hear a word from God we cannot allow our circumstances to cause us to waiver in our faith.
Other times we begin to doubt whether we really heard the message from God or whether we will ever see it come to pass. Our doubt stems from not seeing things lining up on our manufactured timeline and in an expected manner. ‘Doubt separates you from a word from God. Believing what God says is foundational, and acting on what He says is essential.’ By Faith, p. 119.
Another hindrance in our time of testing is our impatience with God’s timing. Proverbs 28:26 states, ‘He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.’ When we become impatient taking matters into our own hands we are implying that our plan is superior to God’s plan. Another implication is that we really must not believe that God is capable enough, willing enough or loving enough.
Sometimes we allow our pain to determine how well we will perform in our testing time. We are instructed by the Bible to expect pain and suffering as ways to refine our faith and increase our righteousness in our faith walk. ‘Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering…but rejoice that you participate in … Christ.’ James 1:6.
‘The greater the difficulty in waiting, the greater the joy when God brings His word to pass. Waiting can produce immeasurable joy for a Christian who understands and practices the concept of experiencing joy while waiting. Expect failures, bumps, and miscues along the way. However, as your faith matures, God will use you more and more. Your life will ever-increasingly become a living demonstration of God’s power and glory.’ By Faith, p. 124.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Ask, Watch and Expect!
“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:6. It is God who is working in you, enabling you both to will and to act for His good purpose.” Phil. 2:13
As Christians we spend our lives waiting on God in many different situations. While we wait our need or desire becomes highlighted in our thoughts. It is easy to become obsessed over an unmet need or desire instead of thankful for a realized dream or blessing.
For me personally, I am in the waiting mode for God to reveal the manner in which He has called me to minister. A few years ago He gave me glimpses into a homeless women’s ministry at the Salvation Army. It was during my sister’s illness which required all of my time. It is difficult to know if I missed that opportunity at that time or God was giving me a glimpse into my promised land in the Kingdom. Either way I was recently given another glimpse of the same ministry and am determined to recognize God’s activity surrounding this impression from Him. So I wait with anticipation that He will move or move me.
My Bible Study speaks of living with an unmet need or desire as we wait upon God. It states, ‘The difficulty in waiting rises in proportion to the strength of your need or desire. When God delays in fulfilling a need or desire, you will be tempted to take matters into your own hands. Therefore, to wait on God, you must learn to live with an unmet need or an unfulfilled desire.’ By Faith, p. 110. It goes on to exhort one fundamental quality required in allowing God to lead which was an important lesson my grandmother taught me – expectancy.
Once God has shown us His will, we don’t have to wonder if it will come to pass. We can enjoy the thought of His future fulfillment in our present wait. Until God fulfills what He promises we can continue to ask for clarity and the specifics. He desires for us to rely on Him step by step. Anything we do on earth requires our consideration for the details and specifics to bring it to pass. How much more important is our consideration for the spiritual things?
Ask according to His will, watch for God’s activity and be joyful in expectation!
As Christians we spend our lives waiting on God in many different situations. While we wait our need or desire becomes highlighted in our thoughts. It is easy to become obsessed over an unmet need or desire instead of thankful for a realized dream or blessing.
For me personally, I am in the waiting mode for God to reveal the manner in which He has called me to minister. A few years ago He gave me glimpses into a homeless women’s ministry at the Salvation Army. It was during my sister’s illness which required all of my time. It is difficult to know if I missed that opportunity at that time or God was giving me a glimpse into my promised land in the Kingdom. Either way I was recently given another glimpse of the same ministry and am determined to recognize God’s activity surrounding this impression from Him. So I wait with anticipation that He will move or move me.
My Bible Study speaks of living with an unmet need or desire as we wait upon God. It states, ‘The difficulty in waiting rises in proportion to the strength of your need or desire. When God delays in fulfilling a need or desire, you will be tempted to take matters into your own hands. Therefore, to wait on God, you must learn to live with an unmet need or an unfulfilled desire.’ By Faith, p. 110. It goes on to exhort one fundamental quality required in allowing God to lead which was an important lesson my grandmother taught me – expectancy.
Once God has shown us His will, we don’t have to wonder if it will come to pass. We can enjoy the thought of His future fulfillment in our present wait. Until God fulfills what He promises we can continue to ask for clarity and the specifics. He desires for us to rely on Him step by step. Anything we do on earth requires our consideration for the details and specifics to bring it to pass. How much more important is our consideration for the spiritual things?
Ask according to His will, watch for God’s activity and be joyful in expectation!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
By Faith
“We walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Cor. 5:7
One simple sentence but the most difficult principle in our Christian walk. Why is it that our sight screams louder than our faith? The irony is that we become spiritually blind through our worldly sight. There are four reasons that we live by sight creating a barrier for our faith.
The first reason is that we have a reference point of living by sight. Before we decided to turn our hearts to Jesus and live by faith we lived by sight. We naturally default to the flesh making our desire to walk by faith something in which we must make intentional efforts.
The second reason is that we identify certain people whom we deem successful. We try to imitate those people whom we have cited as our role models instead of being led by the Holy Spirit by faith.
The third reason is that our formal education has taught us that the ‘proof is in the pudding.’ Instead of accepting something by faith without it making earthly sense we analyze and calculate without God. Faith is not something that God has to prove – it is something that you prove to God.
The fourth reason is that we have by sight accepted and embraced many of the world’s standards and preferences. Since we are so inundated with the living practices of the world we fit right in instead of living a life set apart.
These words were written and exhorted by Paul to the Corinthians who required repetitiveness and reminders in this Christian principle. Nothing has changed over thousands of years. We need to continuously remind ourselves and each other that we are all going to walk through this life but our hearts and minds will determine the manner in which our feet will walk.
Will we walk by faith or run by sight?
One simple sentence but the most difficult principle in our Christian walk. Why is it that our sight screams louder than our faith? The irony is that we become spiritually blind through our worldly sight. There are four reasons that we live by sight creating a barrier for our faith.
The first reason is that we have a reference point of living by sight. Before we decided to turn our hearts to Jesus and live by faith we lived by sight. We naturally default to the flesh making our desire to walk by faith something in which we must make intentional efforts.
The second reason is that we identify certain people whom we deem successful. We try to imitate those people whom we have cited as our role models instead of being led by the Holy Spirit by faith.
The third reason is that our formal education has taught us that the ‘proof is in the pudding.’ Instead of accepting something by faith without it making earthly sense we analyze and calculate without God. Faith is not something that God has to prove – it is something that you prove to God.
The fourth reason is that we have by sight accepted and embraced many of the world’s standards and preferences. Since we are so inundated with the living practices of the world we fit right in instead of living a life set apart.
These words were written and exhorted by Paul to the Corinthians who required repetitiveness and reminders in this Christian principle. Nothing has changed over thousands of years. We need to continuously remind ourselves and each other that we are all going to walk through this life but our hearts and minds will determine the manner in which our feet will walk.
Will we walk by faith or run by sight?
Friday, May 27, 2011
Tried & True
“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the LORD more than watchman wait for the morning, more than watchman wait for the morning.” Psalm 130:5-6
In a society that bombards us with technology overload there are not many times when we have to wait for a response to a question or concern. When we need an answer to something we email the person without the need to talk. When email isn’t fast enough for us we shoot a text off to our recipient anticipating an instant response.
When we come to God for a spoken or impressed word our impatience is obvious. None of us enjoy waiting but God requires it to grow our faith. ‘God doesn’t work on the basis of the instant but on the basis of the eternity. He doesn’t work on the basis of activity but on the basis of meaning. When we successfully respond to the challenges of waiting on God, He accomplishes what will have maximal impact for eternity and relationships.’ By Faith, p. 105-106.
There are necessary spiritual principles we learn through waiting on God.
- We must believe and embrace the fact that God has a purpose in our wait.
- We must accept that an important element of faith is developed in our wait.
- We must reject the tendency to walk by sight moving before God desires action.
- We must learn that sometimes God calls us to live with an unmet need or desire for a season.
All of this takes trust in God and builds hope in Him. ‘…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’ Isaiah 40:31. These promises are not merely words in ink on the pages of an out of date book.
They are the tried and true promises of a tried and true God!
In a society that bombards us with technology overload there are not many times when we have to wait for a response to a question or concern. When we need an answer to something we email the person without the need to talk. When email isn’t fast enough for us we shoot a text off to our recipient anticipating an instant response.
When we come to God for a spoken or impressed word our impatience is obvious. None of us enjoy waiting but God requires it to grow our faith. ‘God doesn’t work on the basis of the instant but on the basis of the eternity. He doesn’t work on the basis of activity but on the basis of meaning. When we successfully respond to the challenges of waiting on God, He accomplishes what will have maximal impact for eternity and relationships.’ By Faith, p. 105-106.
There are necessary spiritual principles we learn through waiting on God.
- We must believe and embrace the fact that God has a purpose in our wait.
- We must accept that an important element of faith is developed in our wait.
- We must reject the tendency to walk by sight moving before God desires action.
- We must learn that sometimes God calls us to live with an unmet need or desire for a season.
All of this takes trust in God and builds hope in Him. ‘…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’ Isaiah 40:31. These promises are not merely words in ink on the pages of an out of date book.
They are the tried and true promises of a tried and true God!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Unseen Hand of God
“Faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
Many times I have experienced discerning God’s will for my life in a shroud of mystery. It seems that I am not alone in this pursuit as I talk to many Christians. My Bible Study has been very helpful in trying to ‘break down’ some of the barriers in this pursuit. While discerning God’s will is not a formula the study has been helpful in recognizing ways in which God moves to accomplish His purposes through us. When God sets a goal for our lives there are four stages to bring it to completion.
Our faith is activated through God speaking a certain word or impression to us. He will always initiate our faith. For me it was when God placed in my heart a writing ministry. This came out of the blue as I began focusing more on Him.
Our faith is enabled through our belief in what God is telling us. Through the process of my writing God told me to complete my 99 year old Grandmother’s book by editing and publishing Pilgrimage to the Promised Land. He was building my faith through this process while He was blessing her by completing a promise He previously gave her.
Our faith is visualized by watching for God’s activity in this process. In the editing and publishing process I watched for God’s intervention and saw what He was accomplishing in both the project and my heart. If I was really spiritually looking for Him, I always witnessed God's activity in this purpose.
Our faith is finalized by the completed work of God. Right before my Grandmother’s 100th birthday her book was published and God’s work in that promise was accomplished.
The three truths in the process that my Bible Study sets out will bless you today as it did me.
- Wherever faith leads you, God will already be there!
- Faith will never ask you to do what God has not equipped you to do.
- Faith will never ask you to give what God Himself will not provide.
Many times I have experienced discerning God’s will for my life in a shroud of mystery. It seems that I am not alone in this pursuit as I talk to many Christians. My Bible Study has been very helpful in trying to ‘break down’ some of the barriers in this pursuit. While discerning God’s will is not a formula the study has been helpful in recognizing ways in which God moves to accomplish His purposes through us. When God sets a goal for our lives there are four stages to bring it to completion.
Our faith is activated through God speaking a certain word or impression to us. He will always initiate our faith. For me it was when God placed in my heart a writing ministry. This came out of the blue as I began focusing more on Him.
Our faith is enabled through our belief in what God is telling us. Through the process of my writing God told me to complete my 99 year old Grandmother’s book by editing and publishing Pilgrimage to the Promised Land. He was building my faith through this process while He was blessing her by completing a promise He previously gave her.
Our faith is visualized by watching for God’s activity in this process. In the editing and publishing process I watched for God’s intervention and saw what He was accomplishing in both the project and my heart. If I was really spiritually looking for Him, I always witnessed God's activity in this purpose.
Our faith is finalized by the completed work of God. Right before my Grandmother’s 100th birthday her book was published and God’s work in that promise was accomplished.
The three truths in the process that my Bible Study sets out will bless you today as it did me.
- Wherever faith leads you, God will already be there!
- Faith will never ask you to do what God has not equipped you to do.
- Faith will never ask you to give what God Himself will not provide.
Monday, May 23, 2011
In The Game
“Since we live by the Spirit let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Gal. 5:25
As we enter into a relationship with God and establish consistent fellowship, He begins to unveil His will for our lives and our circle of influence. Throughout the Bible God consistently unveiled His will to His chosen people before the actual plan was revealed. He gave glimpses into His purposes without giving the details much like the tip of an iceberg that only exposes 10% of its entirety. For me personally the tip has been glimpses over the past two years of a women’s community mission regarding homeless women. I feel that God has unveiled this to me through two confirming people but I lack the details of the plan. This tells me that either I am not spiritually ready to receive His assignment or the timing of the mission is not ready – most likely a combination of both.
Once His will has been revealed to us, we will begin to see His will revealed through us. He will start using circumstances outside of us to work His purpose to impact others. We will understand that through us His plan for the kingdom is being carried out.
To continue His work we must be in position to receive the flow of the ministry. When our son was five he was on a T-ball team. He played outfield and was rarely in position to receive the hit. The ball would come his way and he was either sitting on the ground drawing circles in the dirt or placing dirt on the bill of his cap and spinning around. Either way, he was unprepared to receive the hit and be a part of the team for the victory. In order to receive God’s will we must be in position to receive our assignment. When we are in the flow we are keeping in step with the Holy Spirit as He leads, guides and instructs. ‘When we are outside the flow, we cannot influence others for Christ. The world does not see His power demonstrated in our lives. Operating in our own abilities and strengths, we cannot do God’s will, because outside the flow we do not know His will.' By Faith, p. 81.
The unveiling of God in us, through us and through the Holy Spirit leads us to our faith response to His calling. To experience God’s work in and through us we must be proactive in responding to Him immediately. God will always require not only a response to what He reveals but a faith response to what He has yet to reveal. God will lead people beyond their own capacity or logic, and He normally tells us only one step at a time. Each step of this process builds on the other in God accomplishing His work in each of us.
We are all called ... and must be in position.
As we enter into a relationship with God and establish consistent fellowship, He begins to unveil His will for our lives and our circle of influence. Throughout the Bible God consistently unveiled His will to His chosen people before the actual plan was revealed. He gave glimpses into His purposes without giving the details much like the tip of an iceberg that only exposes 10% of its entirety. For me personally the tip has been glimpses over the past two years of a women’s community mission regarding homeless women. I feel that God has unveiled this to me through two confirming people but I lack the details of the plan. This tells me that either I am not spiritually ready to receive His assignment or the timing of the mission is not ready – most likely a combination of both.
Once His will has been revealed to us, we will begin to see His will revealed through us. He will start using circumstances outside of us to work His purpose to impact others. We will understand that through us His plan for the kingdom is being carried out.
To continue His work we must be in position to receive the flow of the ministry. When our son was five he was on a T-ball team. He played outfield and was rarely in position to receive the hit. The ball would come his way and he was either sitting on the ground drawing circles in the dirt or placing dirt on the bill of his cap and spinning around. Either way, he was unprepared to receive the hit and be a part of the team for the victory. In order to receive God’s will we must be in position to receive our assignment. When we are in the flow we are keeping in step with the Holy Spirit as He leads, guides and instructs. ‘When we are outside the flow, we cannot influence others for Christ. The world does not see His power demonstrated in our lives. Operating in our own abilities and strengths, we cannot do God’s will, because outside the flow we do not know His will.' By Faith, p. 81.
The unveiling of God in us, through us and through the Holy Spirit leads us to our faith response to His calling. To experience God’s work in and through us we must be proactive in responding to Him immediately. God will always require not only a response to what He reveals but a faith response to what He has yet to reveal. God will lead people beyond their own capacity or logic, and He normally tells us only one step at a time. Each step of this process builds on the other in God accomplishing His work in each of us.
We are all called ... and must be in position.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Perseverance's Work
“By faith…he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:27
Everyone has lost something at one time or another. Whether it is a piece of jewelry, keys, money or something else a search is always involved. Many times the success of the discovery is due to the light shining a specific way on the item. Due to the angle of the item and reflection of the light the discovery is made. This morning this little verse has been my find as the Son cast His light on this treasure.
We all experience circumstances in our lives that dominate our mind and heart demanding our season of wait. They are trials that consume us but offer no resolution in sight. This is where our faith is being refined and perfected. It is where God is doing His work in preparing us for service, and building in us a wall of faith.
Throughout the Bible perseverance is highly commended and developed by God. ‘…because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.’ Romans 5:3-4; ‘…because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.’ James 1:4; ‘…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…’ Hebrews 12:1-2.
Our original verse is speaking of one whose faith was commended because of his understanding that God in His invisibility is more faithful and trustworthy than any visible focus. When we ask for greater faith we ask for circumstances that will develop our spiritual muscle. In order to strengthen our faith we will be asked to endure…to suffer…to surrender. Jesus writes the story of our faith and how it will be developed. We must see God as our strength trainer and trust that the exercises for which we must endure are essential in our growth and critical to our impact in His kingdom.
We must look to the invisible hand of God to recognize the visible fingerprints of God.
Everyone has lost something at one time or another. Whether it is a piece of jewelry, keys, money or something else a search is always involved. Many times the success of the discovery is due to the light shining a specific way on the item. Due to the angle of the item and reflection of the light the discovery is made. This morning this little verse has been my find as the Son cast His light on this treasure.
We all experience circumstances in our lives that dominate our mind and heart demanding our season of wait. They are trials that consume us but offer no resolution in sight. This is where our faith is being refined and perfected. It is where God is doing His work in preparing us for service, and building in us a wall of faith.
Throughout the Bible perseverance is highly commended and developed by God. ‘…because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.’ Romans 5:3-4; ‘…because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.’ James 1:4; ‘…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…’ Hebrews 12:1-2.
Our original verse is speaking of one whose faith was commended because of his understanding that God in His invisibility is more faithful and trustworthy than any visible focus. When we ask for greater faith we ask for circumstances that will develop our spiritual muscle. In order to strengthen our faith we will be asked to endure…to suffer…to surrender. Jesus writes the story of our faith and how it will be developed. We must see God as our strength trainer and trust that the exercises for which we must endure are essential in our growth and critical to our impact in His kingdom.
We must look to the invisible hand of God to recognize the visible fingerprints of God.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
God-Centered Glasses
“When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh lord, what shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don’t be afraid’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them!’ And Elisha prayed, ‘O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:15-17
There are two basic Christian principles in this story which are instrumental in our Christian walk. The first principle applied to this story is the importance of having God-centered vision. If left to our natural vision we scan our circumstances and view them from our self-centered vision. This vision includes our will, our agenda and our fears. Our focus will be our perspective derived from our past experiences and future fears. The more intimate we become with God we begin seeing circumstances in our lives through his lens instead of our own lens. We see His footprints and fingerprints in places others cannot see. ‘Our natural sight interprets everything according to our own desires, experiences, purposes and preferences. God-centered vision interprets the world from God’s perspective, purposes, desires and activity. This orientation to God puts us in a position to walk with Him by faith.’ By Faith, p. 71.
The second principle for which to recognize is our ability to see God’s plan in the lives of others. Elisha prayed an intercessory prayer on behalf of his servant for God to show him the protection and provision that was right before their eyes. We should also pray for those with lesser faith to have the God-centered vision so they may be comforted. Both men were looking at the same hillside but were seeing very different realites. One saw fear and doom while the other saw provision and protection. We need to be very aware of our responsibility in helping others focus on God’s activity in their life.
‘Through the prayer of faith the Lord can open the eyes of our hearts to the reassuring fact that He is defending us and frustrating Satan’s destructive intentions.’ Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 397.
1 John 4:4b echoes the need to focus on the unseen hand of God rather than the visible circumstances that the world may produce. The unseen hand of God will always be more powerful than the visible hand of man.
‘…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.’
There are two basic Christian principles in this story which are instrumental in our Christian walk. The first principle applied to this story is the importance of having God-centered vision. If left to our natural vision we scan our circumstances and view them from our self-centered vision. This vision includes our will, our agenda and our fears. Our focus will be our perspective derived from our past experiences and future fears. The more intimate we become with God we begin seeing circumstances in our lives through his lens instead of our own lens. We see His footprints and fingerprints in places others cannot see. ‘Our natural sight interprets everything according to our own desires, experiences, purposes and preferences. God-centered vision interprets the world from God’s perspective, purposes, desires and activity. This orientation to God puts us in a position to walk with Him by faith.’ By Faith, p. 71.
The second principle for which to recognize is our ability to see God’s plan in the lives of others. Elisha prayed an intercessory prayer on behalf of his servant for God to show him the protection and provision that was right before their eyes. We should also pray for those with lesser faith to have the God-centered vision so they may be comforted. Both men were looking at the same hillside but were seeing very different realites. One saw fear and doom while the other saw provision and protection. We need to be very aware of our responsibility in helping others focus on God’s activity in their life.
‘Through the prayer of faith the Lord can open the eyes of our hearts to the reassuring fact that He is defending us and frustrating Satan’s destructive intentions.’ Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 397.
1 John 4:4b echoes the need to focus on the unseen hand of God rather than the visible circumstances that the world may produce. The unseen hand of God will always be more powerful than the visible hand of man.
‘…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.’
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
His Character, Purpose and Ways
How God Develops Consistent Fellowship
God develops consistent fellowship once we involve ourselves in a faith relationship with Him. This pursuit of intimacy will produce an emergence of faith and an awareness of God’s presence in our lives. The longer we invest in Him the more we come to know His character, His purposes and His ways. Through this knowledge we recognize who He is in our lives, what His goals are for our lives and the manner in which He will accomplish these goals.
Knowing God’s character is essential in our faith as we will experience times in which we will be unable to understand why God has allowed certain things. Once we learn God’s character through spending time with Him, and understanding who the Bible says He is, we can measure all things against the character of God. To trust God’s character means to yield to God’s decisions even if it contradicts our desires. By faith, we trust that God always works from a love foundation. His character will never be in contradiction to His love, protection and loyalty to His children. 'God is love.' 1 John 4:16. We either believe this or we don't. If we believe this about God's character then everything sent to us is sent through His love.
Knowing God’s purpose in our lives is also necessary in aligning our hearts with God. The Bible instructs again and again that His purposes are higher than our purposes. Our purposes will also come from an earthly standpoint where God’s purposes are anchored in a spiritual standpoint. ‘…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.’ Is. 55:11. Through spending time with God, we learn what His purposes are for our lives and move accordingly.
Knowing God’s ways are paramount in carrying out His work. We can know His character and His purposes but the recognition of His ways is the manner in which we move to accomplish His purpose. We must understand that we will not always understand! God uses ways that are sometimes unclear and uneasy. Following God and His ways will sometimes mean stepping out of our comfort zone and allowing God to be God. 'All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful.' Psalm 25:10.
In all these things we can take the advice of Charles Spurgeon:
‘When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.’
God develops consistent fellowship once we involve ourselves in a faith relationship with Him. This pursuit of intimacy will produce an emergence of faith and an awareness of God’s presence in our lives. The longer we invest in Him the more we come to know His character, His purposes and His ways. Through this knowledge we recognize who He is in our lives, what His goals are for our lives and the manner in which He will accomplish these goals.
Knowing God’s character is essential in our faith as we will experience times in which we will be unable to understand why God has allowed certain things. Once we learn God’s character through spending time with Him, and understanding who the Bible says He is, we can measure all things against the character of God. To trust God’s character means to yield to God’s decisions even if it contradicts our desires. By faith, we trust that God always works from a love foundation. His character will never be in contradiction to His love, protection and loyalty to His children. 'God is love.' 1 John 4:16. We either believe this or we don't. If we believe this about God's character then everything sent to us is sent through His love.
Knowing God’s purpose in our lives is also necessary in aligning our hearts with God. The Bible instructs again and again that His purposes are higher than our purposes. Our purposes will also come from an earthly standpoint where God’s purposes are anchored in a spiritual standpoint. ‘…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.’ Is. 55:11. Through spending time with God, we learn what His purposes are for our lives and move accordingly.
Knowing God’s ways are paramount in carrying out His work. We can know His character and His purposes but the recognition of His ways is the manner in which we move to accomplish His purpose. We must understand that we will not always understand! God uses ways that are sometimes unclear and uneasy. Following God and His ways will sometimes mean stepping out of our comfort zone and allowing God to be God. 'All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful.' Psalm 25:10.
In all these things we can take the advice of Charles Spurgeon:
‘When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.’
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Misery No More
“Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD…And because the Israelites forsook the LORD and no longer served him, he became angry with them. He sold them into the hands…Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD… ‘We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.’ Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the LORD. And he could bear Israel’s misery no more.” Judges 10:6-7, 15-16
The word ‘again’ is essential in relationship to God’s patience. The Israelites were warned over and over again regarding worshipping false gods. This sin was more of an appetite for them than one infraction against God that needed repentance. It was the meal in which they continuously fed themselves even though God was crystal clear on the matter. Like the Israelites we all have an appetite for certain sins in our lives that we know will always serve as a barrier to receiving God’s best. Thankfully God is a patient God and slow to anger, but in the end God must be God and deal severely with our sin.
He knows the motivation of our hearts and our willingness to lay our sin down whatever that may look like for each of us. At some point he will give us over to our sins as He did in the lives of the Israelites. It took them 18 years of being oppressed to finally surrender and repent. We are no better than the Israelites as we return ‘again’ to our weaknesses in our lives. God acts according to our relationship with Him. If we are active in areas in our lives that come between us and the heart of God He will set up circumstances wherein we will be forced to surrender that area.
Notice in the case of the Israelites their cry included turning from their ways prior to God’s deliverance. ‘Then they got rid of…and served the LORD…And he could bear Israel’s misery no more.’ God will move on our behalf and deliver us when we move to re-establish fellowship with Him in all areas.
Our fellowship with God cannot be part-time and must involve His activity in every area of our lives. Once we align our hearts and actions with God’s heart, He will move Heaven and earth on our behalf.
‘…and he could bear Israel’s misery no more.’
The word ‘again’ is essential in relationship to God’s patience. The Israelites were warned over and over again regarding worshipping false gods. This sin was more of an appetite for them than one infraction against God that needed repentance. It was the meal in which they continuously fed themselves even though God was crystal clear on the matter. Like the Israelites we all have an appetite for certain sins in our lives that we know will always serve as a barrier to receiving God’s best. Thankfully God is a patient God and slow to anger, but in the end God must be God and deal severely with our sin.
He knows the motivation of our hearts and our willingness to lay our sin down whatever that may look like for each of us. At some point he will give us over to our sins as He did in the lives of the Israelites. It took them 18 years of being oppressed to finally surrender and repent. We are no better than the Israelites as we return ‘again’ to our weaknesses in our lives. God acts according to our relationship with Him. If we are active in areas in our lives that come between us and the heart of God He will set up circumstances wherein we will be forced to surrender that area.
Notice in the case of the Israelites their cry included turning from their ways prior to God’s deliverance. ‘Then they got rid of…and served the LORD…And he could bear Israel’s misery no more.’ God will move on our behalf and deliver us when we move to re-establish fellowship with Him in all areas.
Our fellowship with God cannot be part-time and must involve His activity in every area of our lives. Once we align our hearts and actions with God’s heart, He will move Heaven and earth on our behalf.
‘…and he could bear Israel’s misery no more.’
Monday, May 16, 2011
'...from that day forward.'
“Samuel took the horn of oil, anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD took control of David from that day forward.” 1 Samuel 16:13
The pages of the Bible are filled with ‘from that day forward’ experiences. Throughout the Bible we are introduced to a cast of characters without a recorded history. We learn of their lives at an intersection in which God calls them to act. We know little about from where they came or their childhood. We are introduced to them because God chose to shine a spotlight on their lives marking a defining moment wherein they would never be the same.
In Feb, 2006 God awakened me to Himself creating a dividing line in my life. When I am considering different parts of my life everything seems to be categorized in two areas. I relate to my life as either before I awoke or after I awoke. Every day is measured on that measuring stick. I have believed IN God, but it was at that time in my life when I starting BELIEVING in God. There is a big difference between the two. One is based in the knowledge that I will experience God in Heaven because of my salvation given freely by Him. The other is the reality of experiencing God on earth because of my intimacy with Him.
God will use each of us at different points of our faith, according to our faith, if we are consistently walking in fellowship with Him. I do not have to be perfect in my usefulness – just willing. Walking consistently in fellowship with God equips us with faith to fulfill future assignments. We learn to recognize Him at work in our lives and learn His character, His will and His ways. We learn to respond to Him immediately focusing on His agenda instead of our own. We learn that through ‘turning our eyes upon Jesus’ we are no longer blinded from our own self-focus. Once we awake into Him God will train us to consistently walk in fellowship with Him. ‘This stage of our faith walk is incredibly important because God has tied everything about our lives – our intimacy with Him, our blessings, our rewards, and our usefulness to Him – to our ability to walk by faith.’ By Faith, p. 56
‘…from that day forward.’
The pages of the Bible are filled with ‘from that day forward’ experiences. Throughout the Bible we are introduced to a cast of characters without a recorded history. We learn of their lives at an intersection in which God calls them to act. We know little about from where they came or their childhood. We are introduced to them because God chose to shine a spotlight on their lives marking a defining moment wherein they would never be the same.
In Feb, 2006 God awakened me to Himself creating a dividing line in my life. When I am considering different parts of my life everything seems to be categorized in two areas. I relate to my life as either before I awoke or after I awoke. Every day is measured on that measuring stick. I have believed IN God, but it was at that time in my life when I starting BELIEVING in God. There is a big difference between the two. One is based in the knowledge that I will experience God in Heaven because of my salvation given freely by Him. The other is the reality of experiencing God on earth because of my intimacy with Him.
God will use each of us at different points of our faith, according to our faith, if we are consistently walking in fellowship with Him. I do not have to be perfect in my usefulness – just willing. Walking consistently in fellowship with God equips us with faith to fulfill future assignments. We learn to recognize Him at work in our lives and learn His character, His will and His ways. We learn to respond to Him immediately focusing on His agenda instead of our own. We learn that through ‘turning our eyes upon Jesus’ we are no longer blinded from our own self-focus. Once we awake into Him God will train us to consistently walk in fellowship with Him. ‘This stage of our faith walk is incredibly important because God has tied everything about our lives – our intimacy with Him, our blessings, our rewards, and our usefulness to Him – to our ability to walk by faith.’ By Faith, p. 56
‘…from that day forward.’
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Up Strolls Jesus
“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.” Mark 1:16-18
Jesus wasn’t anywhere on their radar screen. They were simply doing what they had done thousands of times before. I am sure that time of the day was when they always were casting their nets. No doubt they had a routine that marked every minute of every day. Since this was their trade it was something for which they were familiar and could count on for their livelihood. Then up strolls Jesus…and their lives are radically intersected with His! Nothing would ever be the same. Jesus knew where to find them and how to call them. He used terms that they would understand on some deep level. They didn’t understand the overarching call but they did understand the importance of the call, their conviction to surrender and their desire to learn all this man had to teach.
Jesus will stroll up in our lives in the same way – He meets us where we are and knows where our talents lie. Like our obedient fisherman, we must be willing and open to the intersections of Christ. At the point of our crossroads it is essential that we have three attitudes of the heart.
Become God-centered. ‘Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…’ Hebrews 12:2. We must turn our self-focus outwardly and turn our God-focus inwardly. We must look to Him for guidance and focus on Him in all areas of our lives.
Surrender our desires. ‘If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’ Luke 9:23. We must surrender the desires of our own heart and pick up the desires of His heart. “To deny self means to reject your personal choices, decisions, habits, desires, comforts and preferences if they conflict with God’s will.” By Faith, p. 42.
Have a teachable spirit. ‘Teach me your ways so I may know you…’ Exodus 33:13. We must lift this prayer to know Him and His will. Having a teachable spirit is paramount in our knowledge and education of God. Having an open mind and heart is essential in our fellowship with Him and enhances our intimacy with Him.
And up strolls Jesus…
Jesus wasn’t anywhere on their radar screen. They were simply doing what they had done thousands of times before. I am sure that time of the day was when they always were casting their nets. No doubt they had a routine that marked every minute of every day. Since this was their trade it was something for which they were familiar and could count on for their livelihood. Then up strolls Jesus…and their lives are radically intersected with His! Nothing would ever be the same. Jesus knew where to find them and how to call them. He used terms that they would understand on some deep level. They didn’t understand the overarching call but they did understand the importance of the call, their conviction to surrender and their desire to learn all this man had to teach.
Jesus will stroll up in our lives in the same way – He meets us where we are and knows where our talents lie. Like our obedient fisherman, we must be willing and open to the intersections of Christ. At the point of our crossroads it is essential that we have three attitudes of the heart.
Become God-centered. ‘Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…’ Hebrews 12:2. We must turn our self-focus outwardly and turn our God-focus inwardly. We must look to Him for guidance and focus on Him in all areas of our lives.
Surrender our desires. ‘If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’ Luke 9:23. We must surrender the desires of our own heart and pick up the desires of His heart. “To deny self means to reject your personal choices, decisions, habits, desires, comforts and preferences if they conflict with God’s will.” By Faith, p. 42.
Have a teachable spirit. ‘Teach me your ways so I may know you…’ Exodus 33:13. We must lift this prayer to know Him and His will. Having a teachable spirit is paramount in our knowledge and education of God. Having an open mind and heart is essential in our fellowship with Him and enhances our intimacy with Him.
And up strolls Jesus…
Friday, May 13, 2011
By Faith...
“God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them…They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated – the world was not worthy of them…these were commended for their faith…” Hebrews 11:16, 37-39.
This morning I read an article about Brenda Langley, a woman in Rock Hill who had just buried her murdered adult daughter on Monday. Taking her three small grandchildren under her wings to raise, they were victim of another tragedy. The Wed. night storm claimed her house as a huge tree fell upon the roof as she and her grandchildren slept in their bed. First thing in the morning she took the children to her other daughter’s home and went into work for her normal shift. The article writes of her response to these horrific circumstances which were nothing short of how those champion Christians from ages past responded. If the Bible were still being written today, Mrs. Langley’s name would be one listed in the honoring of great faith responses. Not only was her faith one to be exemplified but the response of her granddaughter in light of a deceased mommy and her new home demolished shows me that this family holds Christ at the center of their lives. Their faith is not based upon the circumstances – it is based upon their God. As we read the two responses of this grandmother and granddaughter we will be unable to wipe this from our mind…for a while…then life will return for us. I hope to never forget this story, their faith and the image of Mrs. Langley out in the street with her hands raised to God praising Him.
“Yet Brenda Langley was undaunted, somehow, on Thursday. Langley, her home in shambles and one daughter dead and her bankbook empty, went to work Thursday. She worked a full shift, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Then, she came back to Cauthen Street and saw the carnage of her life. She hugged her granddaughter, 8-year-old Lizzie Ballard, the youngest of the three kids Langley is raising. The others are boys, ages 10 and 15.
‘The Lord shall provide,’ Langley said to that granddaughter, Lizzie, as she held the child's hand. ‘I know he will, and that Devil won't get us,’ said Lizzie, an orphan in the second grade, who somehow smiled as she looked at what was left of her house. She stood in the middle of Cauthen Street. She raised her eyes to the heavens that had seemed to crash down on her during the storm, and for days before, and she raised her hands. She said, ‘God, I believe in you.’ Then she left, to search for a place to live.”
‘By faith Abraham…by faith Abel…by faith Enoch…by faith Noah…by faith Isaac…by faith Jacob…by faith Joseph…by faith Moses. (Hebrews 11)…by faith Mrs. Langley.
Read more: http://www.heraldonline.com/2011/05/13/3065444/grandmother-raising-children-of.html?storylink=addthis#ixzz1MEocNfuh
This morning I read an article about Brenda Langley, a woman in Rock Hill who had just buried her murdered adult daughter on Monday. Taking her three small grandchildren under her wings to raise, they were victim of another tragedy. The Wed. night storm claimed her house as a huge tree fell upon the roof as she and her grandchildren slept in their bed. First thing in the morning she took the children to her other daughter’s home and went into work for her normal shift. The article writes of her response to these horrific circumstances which were nothing short of how those champion Christians from ages past responded. If the Bible were still being written today, Mrs. Langley’s name would be one listed in the honoring of great faith responses. Not only was her faith one to be exemplified but the response of her granddaughter in light of a deceased mommy and her new home demolished shows me that this family holds Christ at the center of their lives. Their faith is not based upon the circumstances – it is based upon their God. As we read the two responses of this grandmother and granddaughter we will be unable to wipe this from our mind…for a while…then life will return for us. I hope to never forget this story, their faith and the image of Mrs. Langley out in the street with her hands raised to God praising Him.
“Yet Brenda Langley was undaunted, somehow, on Thursday. Langley, her home in shambles and one daughter dead and her bankbook empty, went to work Thursday. She worked a full shift, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Then, she came back to Cauthen Street and saw the carnage of her life. She hugged her granddaughter, 8-year-old Lizzie Ballard, the youngest of the three kids Langley is raising. The others are boys, ages 10 and 15.
‘The Lord shall provide,’ Langley said to that granddaughter, Lizzie, as she held the child's hand. ‘I know he will, and that Devil won't get us,’ said Lizzie, an orphan in the second grade, who somehow smiled as she looked at what was left of her house. She stood in the middle of Cauthen Street. She raised her eyes to the heavens that had seemed to crash down on her during the storm, and for days before, and she raised her hands. She said, ‘God, I believe in you.’ Then she left, to search for a place to live.”
‘By faith Abraham…by faith Abel…by faith Enoch…by faith Noah…by faith Isaac…by faith Jacob…by faith Joseph…by faith Moses. (Hebrews 11)…by faith Mrs. Langley.
Read more: http://www.heraldonline.com/2011/05/13/3065444/grandmother-raising-children-of.html?storylink=addthis#ixzz1MEocNfuh
Thursday, May 12, 2011
The Journey
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11:1
My commentary states that “faith is believing in something we cannot see or prove, but which we trust to be true. It is a confidence in God’s plan and provision for our future (‘what we hope for’) as well as an expectation that God will fulfill everything he has promised, though we haven’t experienced fulfillment yet (‘certain of what we do not see’).” Women of Faith Study Bible, p. 2003. As Christians we experience many walks of faith in our lives on different levels and in different seasons. According to my Bible Study there are five stages of faith in every season. As I reflect over the past five years I can see these stages lived out in the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Stage 1: God initiates a faith relationship. I know that in 2/06 God called me into a deeper relationship with Him. It was a clear calling on His part that He was moving me from one level of faith and intimacy to another.
Stage 2: God develops fellowship with a consistent walk of faith. As several family members were diagnosed with terminal illnesses He made me dependent upon Him. Through this dependency I spent more time with the Lord than any other time in my life. Through this fellowship He taught me that He can be trusted.
Stage 3: God requires a faith response to the unveiling of His will. All of my family members were taken home to Heaven. Their healing would not be earthly but I chose early on to pray for His will for their lives and my own as well. Our faith response can never be tied into a certain resolution.
Stage 4: God matures faith through waiting. When we brought my father-in-law home to live with us his final year of life every day was about waiting. There was a beginning to this service without the knowledge of how long. It was a year of God holding a mirror up to me revealing certain holes in my faith.
Stage 5: God rewards completed faith. I am now in a season of blessings as God has me in a place of rest. It seems that my family is basking in His glory and His blessings as this walk of faith for this 5 year season seems to be complete.
Faith is what powers our lives enabling and sustaining in the toughest of times. Without faith our lives and circumstances seem random. Without faith our prayers simply consist of noise without substance. Without faith we are basically refusing to believe God, bringing into question His calling, His power, His character and His purpose for our lives. Our lack of faith implies that we believe He either will not or cannot come through for us.
Faith is not a formula but a journey that we must travel with God as our Guide.
My commentary states that “faith is believing in something we cannot see or prove, but which we trust to be true. It is a confidence in God’s plan and provision for our future (‘what we hope for’) as well as an expectation that God will fulfill everything he has promised, though we haven’t experienced fulfillment yet (‘certain of what we do not see’).” Women of Faith Study Bible, p. 2003. As Christians we experience many walks of faith in our lives on different levels and in different seasons. According to my Bible Study there are five stages of faith in every season. As I reflect over the past five years I can see these stages lived out in the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Stage 1: God initiates a faith relationship. I know that in 2/06 God called me into a deeper relationship with Him. It was a clear calling on His part that He was moving me from one level of faith and intimacy to another.
Stage 2: God develops fellowship with a consistent walk of faith. As several family members were diagnosed with terminal illnesses He made me dependent upon Him. Through this dependency I spent more time with the Lord than any other time in my life. Through this fellowship He taught me that He can be trusted.
Stage 3: God requires a faith response to the unveiling of His will. All of my family members were taken home to Heaven. Their healing would not be earthly but I chose early on to pray for His will for their lives and my own as well. Our faith response can never be tied into a certain resolution.
Stage 4: God matures faith through waiting. When we brought my father-in-law home to live with us his final year of life every day was about waiting. There was a beginning to this service without the knowledge of how long. It was a year of God holding a mirror up to me revealing certain holes in my faith.
Stage 5: God rewards completed faith. I am now in a season of blessings as God has me in a place of rest. It seems that my family is basking in His glory and His blessings as this walk of faith for this 5 year season seems to be complete.
Faith is what powers our lives enabling and sustaining in the toughest of times. Without faith our lives and circumstances seem random. Without faith our prayers simply consist of noise without substance. Without faith we are basically refusing to believe God, bringing into question His calling, His power, His character and His purpose for our lives. Our lack of faith implies that we believe He either will not or cannot come through for us.
Faith is not a formula but a journey that we must travel with God as our Guide.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Set Your Sails
“By faith…when he was tested, offered up…He considered God to be able even to raise someone from the dead…” Hebrews 11:17-18
Hudson Taylor, the famous missionary, understood that God acts in response to our faith. On his first voyage to China, his ship neared cannibal-inhabited islands as it helplessly drifted on a windless sea. The savages eagerly anticipated feasting on the hapless occupants. The captain came to young Taylor and pleaded with him to pray for God’s help. “I will,” Taylor said, “provided you set your sails to catch the breeze.” The captain declined making himself the butt of ridicule by unfurling the sails in a calm sea. Taylor responded, “I will not undertake to pray for the vessel unless you will prepare the sails.” The captain complied. Immediately, Taylor retired to his cabin and began to implore God’s help. While he was still praying, the captain knocked on the door and asked, “Are you still praying for wind?” “Yes.” “Well,” the captain said, “you’d better stop praying, for we have more wind than we can manage.” Hudson Taylor knew that God worked only through faith and had rewarded him. By Faith, p 20.
Hebrews 11 is a chapter in the Bible dedicated solely to honor some of the past heroes of faith. It is a ‘Who’s Who’ in the arena of demonstrated faith through action – not words. Although 16 names of great saints are listed, there has been a multitude of amazing ‘faith-bearers’ throughout time. The importance of faith is essential in our relationship with God. Hebrews 11:6 tells us in no uncertain terms that a life without faith is an ineffective life in God’s economy. ‘Without faith it is impossible to please God.’ This brings me to an important question. Why pray if we are not going to prepare our sails to receive the wind?
What if God chooses to answer our prayer by sending something that requires our action up front? We will not be postured to receive that answer. We must believe by faith that the prayers for which we lift are being heard and He will respond according to the condition of our faith coupled with His will.
No matter how great the request, set your sails, bend your knees and believe so they may say of you‘…she/he considered God to be able…’ Hebrews 11:18.
Hudson Taylor, the famous missionary, understood that God acts in response to our faith. On his first voyage to China, his ship neared cannibal-inhabited islands as it helplessly drifted on a windless sea. The savages eagerly anticipated feasting on the hapless occupants. The captain came to young Taylor and pleaded with him to pray for God’s help. “I will,” Taylor said, “provided you set your sails to catch the breeze.” The captain declined making himself the butt of ridicule by unfurling the sails in a calm sea. Taylor responded, “I will not undertake to pray for the vessel unless you will prepare the sails.” The captain complied. Immediately, Taylor retired to his cabin and began to implore God’s help. While he was still praying, the captain knocked on the door and asked, “Are you still praying for wind?” “Yes.” “Well,” the captain said, “you’d better stop praying, for we have more wind than we can manage.” Hudson Taylor knew that God worked only through faith and had rewarded him. By Faith, p 20.
Hebrews 11 is a chapter in the Bible dedicated solely to honor some of the past heroes of faith. It is a ‘Who’s Who’ in the arena of demonstrated faith through action – not words. Although 16 names of great saints are listed, there has been a multitude of amazing ‘faith-bearers’ throughout time. The importance of faith is essential in our relationship with God. Hebrews 11:6 tells us in no uncertain terms that a life without faith is an ineffective life in God’s economy. ‘Without faith it is impossible to please God.’ This brings me to an important question. Why pray if we are not going to prepare our sails to receive the wind?
What if God chooses to answer our prayer by sending something that requires our action up front? We will not be postured to receive that answer. We must believe by faith that the prayers for which we lift are being heard and He will respond according to the condition of our faith coupled with His will.
No matter how great the request, set your sails, bend your knees and believe so they may say of you‘…she/he considered God to be able…’ Hebrews 11:18.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Let It Be Done!
“Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17, NKJV
I never realized the omission of the word ‘become’ in my Bible. It wasn’t until this morning, as I cracked open a new Bible Study, I learned this word was omitted in many translations. My Bible states, ‘…I will make you fishers of men.’ As I put the word ‘become’ back into the text it fills me with good news this morning! It confirms that we are in a constant state of training and transformation in our ministry walk. We are in essence ‘becoming effective in God’s ministries.’
When Jesus called the disciples it was an immediate invitation to go with Him and be taught for future ministries. To become was the process of transformation required to be effective in the Kingdom – the same is for us today in our ‘faith in training.’ Throughout the New Testament Jesus rewarded faith with His action over and over again. One example was giving sight to the blind men in Matthew. ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David…and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” Then He touched their eyes, saying ‘Let it be done for you according to your faith!’ And their eyes were opened.’” Matthew 9:27-30. This was faith in training for the disciples – the training was not for the blind men for their faith was immovable.
We must realize in our walk with Christ that we must always be on the lookout for His lessons and revelations regarding the faith of others. Faith speaks loud in action where fear acts out in chaos. God will move in our lives according to our own faith. Where doubt resides peace will not. God will work in our lives and in our Christian ministries according to our faith. He needs bold and courageous people to carry His message to the hurting and lost world.
In the case of the blind men ‘He linked His activity in their lives with their faith, not with their need, their fervency, their sincerity, or their righteousness. Throughout the Gospels Jesus repeatedly emphasized faith as the one requirement for God’s work in people’s lives. The exclusivity of this requirement thunders in no uncertain terms that anyone wanting to see God act must walk by faith.’ By Faith, Living in the Certainty of God’s Reality, p. 14.
As I ‘sit in wait’ for my next advancement into God’s work I will posture my own faith in a position of training and waiting. I must believe by faith that God will move me in His area of ministry designed for me and in His perfect timing. I do not want to place myself in a ministry ahead of my faith – I will fall short. Knowing that Father always knows best I tell Him this morning ‘Let it be done according to my faith!’
I never realized the omission of the word ‘become’ in my Bible. It wasn’t until this morning, as I cracked open a new Bible Study, I learned this word was omitted in many translations. My Bible states, ‘…I will make you fishers of men.’ As I put the word ‘become’ back into the text it fills me with good news this morning! It confirms that we are in a constant state of training and transformation in our ministry walk. We are in essence ‘becoming effective in God’s ministries.’
When Jesus called the disciples it was an immediate invitation to go with Him and be taught for future ministries. To become was the process of transformation required to be effective in the Kingdom – the same is for us today in our ‘faith in training.’ Throughout the New Testament Jesus rewarded faith with His action over and over again. One example was giving sight to the blind men in Matthew. ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David…and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” Then He touched their eyes, saying ‘Let it be done for you according to your faith!’ And their eyes were opened.’” Matthew 9:27-30. This was faith in training for the disciples – the training was not for the blind men for their faith was immovable.
We must realize in our walk with Christ that we must always be on the lookout for His lessons and revelations regarding the faith of others. Faith speaks loud in action where fear acts out in chaos. God will move in our lives according to our own faith. Where doubt resides peace will not. God will work in our lives and in our Christian ministries according to our faith. He needs bold and courageous people to carry His message to the hurting and lost world.
In the case of the blind men ‘He linked His activity in their lives with their faith, not with their need, their fervency, their sincerity, or their righteousness. Throughout the Gospels Jesus repeatedly emphasized faith as the one requirement for God’s work in people’s lives. The exclusivity of this requirement thunders in no uncertain terms that anyone wanting to see God act must walk by faith.’ By Faith, Living in the Certainty of God’s Reality, p. 14.
As I ‘sit in wait’ for my next advancement into God’s work I will posture my own faith in a position of training and waiting. I must believe by faith that God will move me in His area of ministry designed for me and in His perfect timing. I do not want to place myself in a ministry ahead of my faith – I will fall short. Knowing that Father always knows best I tell Him this morning ‘Let it be done according to my faith!’
Friday, May 6, 2011
IF...
“…if you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.” Isaiah 1:19.
‘Seeking to hear God’s voice shows your willingness. Following through in faith and action displays obedience. The Bible says that if you do these things, God will bless you with good things.’ Seven Keys, p. 282
The passage to willingness and obedience is through fellowship with God. The passage to fellowship is through seeking Him first and growing in knowledge of who He is in our lives. God’s primary passion and priority is the Great Commission – bringing new people into the Family of Christ. The vessels in which He accomplishes this are His children who intimately know Him. This is why it is imperative to deepen our fellowship with God so we may be used to accomplish our part in the Great Commission. Our individual fellowship with God is His second priority which allows His first priority to be realized.
It is through our intimacy with God which allows Him to use us in bringing the lost and hurting into the fold. The saving of souls will always be at the base of God’s heart. ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’ Mark 2:17.
Just as Jesus used the disciples to minister to the lost He still wishes to use us as His disciples to minister to the needy, the hurting and the sinners. The Great Commission has not changed over the millenniums – just the faces of the people who served alongside of God. Through our fellowship with Christ, we become the hands and the feet of Jesus Christ as He accomplishes His work through our intimacy with Him.
When we are being used in accomplishing His work we will experience the best of Christ in our lives. We will be blessed through this willingness and obedience in ways we could never imagine!
‘Seeking to hear God’s voice shows your willingness. Following through in faith and action displays obedience. The Bible says that if you do these things, God will bless you with good things.’ Seven Keys, p. 282
The passage to willingness and obedience is through fellowship with God. The passage to fellowship is through seeking Him first and growing in knowledge of who He is in our lives. God’s primary passion and priority is the Great Commission – bringing new people into the Family of Christ. The vessels in which He accomplishes this are His children who intimately know Him. This is why it is imperative to deepen our fellowship with God so we may be used to accomplish our part in the Great Commission. Our individual fellowship with God is His second priority which allows His first priority to be realized.
It is through our intimacy with God which allows Him to use us in bringing the lost and hurting into the fold. The saving of souls will always be at the base of God’s heart. ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’ Mark 2:17.
Just as Jesus used the disciples to minister to the lost He still wishes to use us as His disciples to minister to the needy, the hurting and the sinners. The Great Commission has not changed over the millenniums – just the faces of the people who served alongside of God. Through our fellowship with Christ, we become the hands and the feet of Jesus Christ as He accomplishes His work through our intimacy with Him.
When we are being used in accomplishing His work we will experience the best of Christ in our lives. We will be blessed through this willingness and obedience in ways we could never imagine!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Please Set Aside
“He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30
These were the words spoken by John the Baptist as he prepared to step aside when Jesus came on the scene. John was sent by God as a forerunner for Christ prophesying His coming for the redemption of mankind. John had developed quite a following for Christ and thankfully for our sake faded into the landscape of his time. Well aware of his preordained role, his job was to point to Christ.
Yesterday as I was preparing for Griefshare there was a sense of dread in my spirit. Our session the week before had been brutal as everyone’s emotions were so raw and feeding upon each other. I had been thrown off kilter the entire week by this, and felt extremely ineffective and insecure about any help I could offer. Bruce prayed for me prior to our session and during our session. I came to the session depleted of wisdom and empty of myself. Unintentinally and unknowingly this gave way to a clear highway for the Holy Spirit to accomplish His best work – when we step aside and let God be God.
The amazing flow of the Holy Spirit was in that room last night and everyone could feel the flow and channel of love, healing and hope. I am convinced that because I was in a decreased state (empty of my own ideas, thoughts and agenda) the Holy Spirit was in His increased state. I believe this is the experience in which John was speaking.
We must decrease ourselves in order for the Spirit to increase in showing us the mind and character of Christ. We must come empty of ourselves so we may be filled with the Spirit of God to do the work of the kingdom. We must live, move and walk within the Spirit and allow God to use our mouths, hands and feet to accomplish His will to a lost and dying world.
These were the words spoken by John the Baptist as he prepared to step aside when Jesus came on the scene. John was sent by God as a forerunner for Christ prophesying His coming for the redemption of mankind. John had developed quite a following for Christ and thankfully for our sake faded into the landscape of his time. Well aware of his preordained role, his job was to point to Christ.
Yesterday as I was preparing for Griefshare there was a sense of dread in my spirit. Our session the week before had been brutal as everyone’s emotions were so raw and feeding upon each other. I had been thrown off kilter the entire week by this, and felt extremely ineffective and insecure about any help I could offer. Bruce prayed for me prior to our session and during our session. I came to the session depleted of wisdom and empty of myself. Unintentinally and unknowingly this gave way to a clear highway for the Holy Spirit to accomplish His best work – when we step aside and let God be God.
The amazing flow of the Holy Spirit was in that room last night and everyone could feel the flow and channel of love, healing and hope. I am convinced that because I was in a decreased state (empty of my own ideas, thoughts and agenda) the Holy Spirit was in His increased state. I believe this is the experience in which John was speaking.
We must decrease ourselves in order for the Spirit to increase in showing us the mind and character of Christ. We must come empty of ourselves so we may be filled with the Spirit of God to do the work of the kingdom. We must live, move and walk within the Spirit and allow God to use our mouths, hands and feet to accomplish His will to a lost and dying world.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Go With God
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1.
As my Bible Study comes to a close I would suggest this one for everyone. A challenging element in our Christian walk is to know when we are hearing the voice of God. Even when we have peace that we are being led by God it is easy to lose that peace. God knows that every one of us will require encouragement, reassurance and multiple confirmations. The Seven Keys to Hearing God’s Voice by Craig Von Buseck has methodically and intentionally set out effective principles in hearing the voice of God. In an effort to include important points I am going to quote the manner in which he sums up the power of walking in faith.
“Once you are confident that you know God’s will, and you have His peace to move forward, take that step of faith and watch what God will do. Just like He did with Peter, when you lift your foot over the edge of the boat and step onto the water into obedience to His call, grace will come on the scene and God will do what it takes to see His will accomplished in your life. As you make your decision, remember that second thoughts are normal. Everyone experiences doubts, fears, and uneasiness during a major transition in life. Trust the Lord every step of the way. Go back and remember how the Lord made His will known to you, and rejoice that you have the Word of the Lord to sustain you through the challenges in any transition.
A person can bear almost any hardship if they know they are in God’s will. When you know the will of God, you can truly be thankful in every circumstance – having a grateful heart in all things and for all things. God is sovereign in our lives. He rules the circumstances we face. We can trust that our Father will only allow those things into our lives that will promote His ultimate purpose for us – and God is a good God!” Seven Keys.
Experiencing the peace of Christ in our decisions is not necessarily a complete and total freedom from concern but an assurance that the Lord will guide our new path.
Faith is not an absence of fear but a decision to walk forward in spite of our fear.
As my Bible Study comes to a close I would suggest this one for everyone. A challenging element in our Christian walk is to know when we are hearing the voice of God. Even when we have peace that we are being led by God it is easy to lose that peace. God knows that every one of us will require encouragement, reassurance and multiple confirmations. The Seven Keys to Hearing God’s Voice by Craig Von Buseck has methodically and intentionally set out effective principles in hearing the voice of God. In an effort to include important points I am going to quote the manner in which he sums up the power of walking in faith.
“Once you are confident that you know God’s will, and you have His peace to move forward, take that step of faith and watch what God will do. Just like He did with Peter, when you lift your foot over the edge of the boat and step onto the water into obedience to His call, grace will come on the scene and God will do what it takes to see His will accomplished in your life. As you make your decision, remember that second thoughts are normal. Everyone experiences doubts, fears, and uneasiness during a major transition in life. Trust the Lord every step of the way. Go back and remember how the Lord made His will known to you, and rejoice that you have the Word of the Lord to sustain you through the challenges in any transition.
A person can bear almost any hardship if they know they are in God’s will. When you know the will of God, you can truly be thankful in every circumstance – having a grateful heart in all things and for all things. God is sovereign in our lives. He rules the circumstances we face. We can trust that our Father will only allow those things into our lives that will promote His ultimate purpose for us – and God is a good God!” Seven Keys.
Experiencing the peace of Christ in our decisions is not necessarily a complete and total freedom from concern but an assurance that the Lord will guide our new path.
Faith is not an absence of fear but a decision to walk forward in spite of our fear.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Throwing Out Seed
“The farmer sows the word…As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them…on rocky places…Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life…choke the word making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop…even a hundred times what was sown.” Mark 4:14-20.
In this story told by Jesus we see several instances of the farmer sowing the seed. The seed is all the same with the difference being the ground in which it is planted.
When God speaks to our hearts we have many ways in which to respond much like the responses of those above. We can recognize God’s voice and receive His instructions but turn away from them when Satan threatens our comfort. He cannot steal our salvation so he has to steal the next best thing – our fellowship with God and the peace it brings. He disorients and distracts hoping we will begin to question what God had definitively told us.
We can lose the confidence in what God has told us based upon our fears and past failures. We can allow the worries of life to invade the message from God and distort what we originally knew He communicated to us. Our fears and adverse circumstances can choke out His original word making us question our ability to really hear God.
We must be like the third scenario which is the good soil. The soil of our hearts must be rich, constantly tilled and loosely packed so God can allow the word to take root. If we truly and faithfully accept His word, no amount of adversity can rob us of our fruit of the Spirit. If we see the adversity as the rains for growth upon the soil we can wait in thankful anticipation for the beautiful crop that will be ours when it comes in season.
‘The destiny of the seed in this parable was connected with the condition of the soil…Mature Christians will not merely react to what they see or sense in the natural world, but they will consistently seek the Lord for discernment on how to interpret the circumstances that they are facing.’ Seven Keys, p. 253.
‘Lay hold of my words with all your heart…Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.’ Prov. 4:4-5.
In this story told by Jesus we see several instances of the farmer sowing the seed. The seed is all the same with the difference being the ground in which it is planted.
When God speaks to our hearts we have many ways in which to respond much like the responses of those above. We can recognize God’s voice and receive His instructions but turn away from them when Satan threatens our comfort. He cannot steal our salvation so he has to steal the next best thing – our fellowship with God and the peace it brings. He disorients and distracts hoping we will begin to question what God had definitively told us.
We can lose the confidence in what God has told us based upon our fears and past failures. We can allow the worries of life to invade the message from God and distort what we originally knew He communicated to us. Our fears and adverse circumstances can choke out His original word making us question our ability to really hear God.
We must be like the third scenario which is the good soil. The soil of our hearts must be rich, constantly tilled and loosely packed so God can allow the word to take root. If we truly and faithfully accept His word, no amount of adversity can rob us of our fruit of the Spirit. If we see the adversity as the rains for growth upon the soil we can wait in thankful anticipation for the beautiful crop that will be ours when it comes in season.
‘The destiny of the seed in this parable was connected with the condition of the soil…Mature Christians will not merely react to what they see or sense in the natural world, but they will consistently seek the Lord for discernment on how to interpret the circumstances that they are facing.’ Seven Keys, p. 253.
‘Lay hold of my words with all your heart…Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.’ Prov. 4:4-5.
Monday, May 2, 2011
What Is In Your Hand?
“Who am I that I should go?” (Exodus 3:11) Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you’?” Then the LORD said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’” (Exodus 4:1-2)
God commanded Moses to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites, God’s chosen people. The enormity of the command had to frighten Moses beyond comprehension given the circumstances. The Israelites were slaves to the leadership of Egypt and were treated with cruel and difficult working and living conditions. When God first approached Moses, his doubt was in himself. Moses questioned his own credibility and authority in accomplishing God’s will. Once God settled that question, Moses questioned whether they would believe him as if God wasn’t equipped to prove Himself to these people. The response from God to Moses is both priceless and applicable to us today. God was saying to Moses that He has given him the ability and the tools required to carry through with this command.
‘What is that in your hand?’ When God positions us to move forward in service and ministry He gives us the ability and provisions required to accomplish the ministry. He will not send us to do His work empty handed. We get so hung up on the how that many times we lose sight of the power of the Who. Fortunately, our God is a God of patience and revelation. He will remind us of our strengths that He has developed, and the wisdom that we have attained through Him.
When we lose our confidence in what He is calling us to accomplish, He will lovingly and faithfully remind and encourage us. He will touch us with His loving Spirit, wink at us with His encouraging eyes, smile and say, ‘What is that in your hand?’
These words will gently remind us that we are fully equipped and ready to soar.
God commanded Moses to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites, God’s chosen people. The enormity of the command had to frighten Moses beyond comprehension given the circumstances. The Israelites were slaves to the leadership of Egypt and were treated with cruel and difficult working and living conditions. When God first approached Moses, his doubt was in himself. Moses questioned his own credibility and authority in accomplishing God’s will. Once God settled that question, Moses questioned whether they would believe him as if God wasn’t equipped to prove Himself to these people. The response from God to Moses is both priceless and applicable to us today. God was saying to Moses that He has given him the ability and the tools required to carry through with this command.
‘What is that in your hand?’ When God positions us to move forward in service and ministry He gives us the ability and provisions required to accomplish the ministry. He will not send us to do His work empty handed. We get so hung up on the how that many times we lose sight of the power of the Who. Fortunately, our God is a God of patience and revelation. He will remind us of our strengths that He has developed, and the wisdom that we have attained through Him.
When we lose our confidence in what He is calling us to accomplish, He will lovingly and faithfully remind and encourage us. He will touch us with His loving Spirit, wink at us with His encouraging eyes, smile and say, ‘What is that in your hand?’
These words will gently remind us that we are fully equipped and ready to soar.
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