Ever been in prison? Ever been bound in chains? What about chains you couldn't see, but you could feel? What about a prison that felt more like a hell instead of everyday life? Many have been there, but I don't know if as many have returned to tell about it. Prison can be anything from a body wrought in pain to the mind wrapped in confusion or in depression to an addiction. My recent prison was that of a body wrought in pain and the mind wrapped in confusion. But my God is breaking the chains and setting this prisoner free.
I prayed and believed and walked in victory for a good 24 hrs and now a spirit of confusion and condemnation has come upon me and I feel lost in it. I know that my God is bigger. Somewhere, I still know that my God is bigger...but then the pain attacks and it becomes so easy to back down. I wrote these words in my rejoicing and yet I struggle only three days later:
I was going after God and the healing I knew was waiting for me. I grabbed Brad by the hand and we went to our friends for prayer. I told them I wanted to be anointed with oil and prayed over. And they did. As my friend was praying for me, I felt my head rise up and my neck straighten out....This morning, I've had a little pain in my neck and a little pain in my shoulder and a little tingling down my arm. I think my time of being in total pain is over.
How did I write that on Sunday, but now on Tuesday, I'm hurting and fearful?
I spoke to Brad about it last night. We talked about it all weekend. He said he finally realized what it was like to be the one standing over me while I was the one in the bed, while I was the one in pain, and it scared him. He said I must hold on to the victory. He said that I know this, that I tell him all the time. He said that fear is nothing more than false evidence appearing real...it's false, it's fake, it's a lie from the pits of hell and I must cast Satan down and out of my mind. I must claim back for God what is His. How do you refute a lie? You speak the truth to it.
I have the mind of Christ, (1 Corinthians 2:16).
For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but one of power and of love and of a sound mind, (2 Timothy 1:7).
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up, (James 5:14-15).
The Lord has raised me up. I let fear grip me. People are always leery to believe something they cannot see. If they do not see the blood or the broken bones, they struggle to believe it is real. I was afraid they would call me a liar if I walked in, feeling better. Brad said last night, "Did not Lazarus die and was raised? Was he a liar? Did not Jesus die and was raised? Was He a liar? What about anybody else that Jesus healed? Were they liars? The world--the devil--wants us to believe that it was all a farce and that they were never sick to begin with." If I have to fight off the devil every day to claim my victory, then I will, because I know that "they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up on wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint," (Isaiah 40:31). And I know also that as I wait for the Lord's promise and the Lord's victory to take full completion, I am not the only one to wait, "See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord is coming near," (James 5:7-8). Waiting here is knowing that it's coming, believing that it's coming.
I need to remember my own words and the words of the Lord: My time of being in total pain is over because "the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up." Thank you, Lord, for your words this morning. I am walking in renewed strength. Thank you Father, for healing me. I'm going to walk it out until You have completed my healing. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
The Time Has Come
"The time has come," the Walrus said, "To talk of many things..."
That's a famous line from Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There, written in 1872. But whether the Walrus said it or the Bible said it, the time has come. The time has come for us to combine our faith with our deeds and let the world see that we are followers of Christ. For if five men all stand in a room, dressed in business attire, and smiling, how do you pick out the Christ follower? Four may say that there is a God, three may even say that they believe there is only one God. To them you say, "Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder," (James 2:19). The Bible says we are to draw men to the Lord through the light of Christ that is within us (see Matthew 5:16). How are we to do that if the world can't tell that there is something different about us to be noticed?
Some believe that the Lord will only be "noticed" or "heard about" if one is screaming from the pulpit. Others believe it is through great tenacity. The Bible tells us we are all given different gifts to reach the world for Christ in our own ways (see Ephesians 4:11-12). I have a friend who is neither loud or pushy, and still I see her reaching many for Christ. At a First Wednesday service, maybe 6-8 months ago, someone gave a testimony and said that it was the sweet spirit of my friend who comforted him when he passed through the front doors of our church. He said it was her caring smile that gave him hope. I have often felt that way about my friend. She is the quietest person I know. In fact, it was one Sunday morning, about four years ago, that I walked into Bayside for the first time and was delighted to see my friend, greeting people at the front door. She's never been pushy or harsh. She's always been still in a world that is constantly in motion. She is a light for Christ in a style that is uniquely all her own.
We live in a time where we're running out of time. From the day that Christ ascended to heaven, the time of the end has been drawing ever closer. However, even the Son of Man said He did not know the day or hour when the end would come; only the Father knows that, (see Matthew 24:36). The recent earthquake in Haiti, a friend's pulmonary tumor surgery, a grandma's blacking out spells all make us realize that today is today, and no one knows what tomorrow will hold. We can't wait until "tomorrow" or "some day" to make a difference and a stand for Christ. Today is the only day we know we will have. Today we need to stand out so that the world will be drawn to the One who gives eternal life, the One who gives us that hope and that peace that keeps us moving forward all while the wind and waves crash around us.
There is a song that Britt Nicole sings, called "The Lost Get Found," that speaks to this:
Hello my friend / I remember when you were / so alive with your wide eyes / then the light that you had in your heart was stolen / Now you say that it ain't worth staying / you wanna run but you're hesitating / I'm talking to me / Don't let your lights go down / Don't let your fire burn out / 'Cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe / Why don't you rise up now / Don't be afraid to stand out / That's how the lost get found
Don't be afraid to stand out. That's how the lost get found. Isn't that what Jesus said He was here to do? Isn't that what we are called to do? Aren't we here "to seek and to save what was lost," (Luke 19:10)? Jesus often talks about His "little ones," the ones who are lost. He loves and cherishes those who are "found," but He runs after--and calls us to run after--those who are lost. His heart's desire is that all who are lost would be found. Those who are lost won't be found by you if you're too busy blending in with them. God gave you unique gifts: He "gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers," (Ephesians 4:11). Even with that, the Lord said we are many parts of one body, (see 1 Corinthians 12:12). He made us man and woman. He designed us uniquely, but all in His image. We are here to do the work of the Lord. We are called by the same God, but with unique missions. My mission and my way of doing it is not the same as yours. But, we are all called to be the Light of the Lord in this dark world, so that those who are lost can all find their way Home.
That's a famous line from Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There, written in 1872. But whether the Walrus said it or the Bible said it, the time has come. The time has come for us to combine our faith with our deeds and let the world see that we are followers of Christ. For if five men all stand in a room, dressed in business attire, and smiling, how do you pick out the Christ follower? Four may say that there is a God, three may even say that they believe there is only one God. To them you say, "Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder," (James 2:19). The Bible says we are to draw men to the Lord through the light of Christ that is within us (see Matthew 5:16). How are we to do that if the world can't tell that there is something different about us to be noticed?
Some believe that the Lord will only be "noticed" or "heard about" if one is screaming from the pulpit. Others believe it is through great tenacity. The Bible tells us we are all given different gifts to reach the world for Christ in our own ways (see Ephesians 4:11-12). I have a friend who is neither loud or pushy, and still I see her reaching many for Christ. At a First Wednesday service, maybe 6-8 months ago, someone gave a testimony and said that it was the sweet spirit of my friend who comforted him when he passed through the front doors of our church. He said it was her caring smile that gave him hope. I have often felt that way about my friend. She is the quietest person I know. In fact, it was one Sunday morning, about four years ago, that I walked into Bayside for the first time and was delighted to see my friend, greeting people at the front door. She's never been pushy or harsh. She's always been still in a world that is constantly in motion. She is a light for Christ in a style that is uniquely all her own.
We live in a time where we're running out of time. From the day that Christ ascended to heaven, the time of the end has been drawing ever closer. However, even the Son of Man said He did not know the day or hour when the end would come; only the Father knows that, (see Matthew 24:36). The recent earthquake in Haiti, a friend's pulmonary tumor surgery, a grandma's blacking out spells all make us realize that today is today, and no one knows what tomorrow will hold. We can't wait until "tomorrow" or "some day" to make a difference and a stand for Christ. Today is the only day we know we will have. Today we need to stand out so that the world will be drawn to the One who gives eternal life, the One who gives us that hope and that peace that keeps us moving forward all while the wind and waves crash around us.
There is a song that Britt Nicole sings, called "The Lost Get Found," that speaks to this:
Hello my friend / I remember when you were / so alive with your wide eyes / then the light that you had in your heart was stolen / Now you say that it ain't worth staying / you wanna run but you're hesitating / I'm talking to me / Don't let your lights go down / Don't let your fire burn out / 'Cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe / Why don't you rise up now / Don't be afraid to stand out / That's how the lost get found
Don't be afraid to stand out. That's how the lost get found. Isn't that what Jesus said He was here to do? Isn't that what we are called to do? Aren't we here "to seek and to save what was lost," (Luke 19:10)? Jesus often talks about His "little ones," the ones who are lost. He loves and cherishes those who are "found," but He runs after--and calls us to run after--those who are lost. His heart's desire is that all who are lost would be found. Those who are lost won't be found by you if you're too busy blending in with them. God gave you unique gifts: He "gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers," (Ephesians 4:11). Even with that, the Lord said we are many parts of one body, (see 1 Corinthians 12:12). He made us man and woman. He designed us uniquely, but all in His image. We are here to do the work of the Lord. We are called by the same God, but with unique missions. My mission and my way of doing it is not the same as yours. But, we are all called to be the Light of the Lord in this dark world, so that those who are lost can all find their way Home.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Perspective
Perspective. That's the word my friend used. I was talking with a girlfriend last night who told me to put things into perspective. I really hate that phrase. I've always hated it. I don't know if I hate it so much because the person who said it is probably right, or if it's because I don't have the power to change my situation to where it's easier to have the better perspective. She did confess that it is easier to say that when you're not the person that something is happening to.
So, this morning, as I was doing my reading and praying, the prayer for today was to thank God for His unfailing love. And I don't know why it took that phrase for me to realize it, but it did. Yesterday, I received a call from a nurse case manager about my fall. She was asking me a whole bunch of questions, some were funnier than others. At one point she asked if I thought I could do the chicken dance. I kind of looked at the phone funny for a minute, but then said I probably could, it would probably hurt, but I probably could. She said good, that means I didn't tear my rotator cuff. We had discussed if I had held onto the railing as I walked up the stairs. I told her that I was holding on, but not tight enough to where I used that to catch my fall. She said it was a good thing that I didn't, because if I had, I probably would have torn my rotator cuff, which would have been a lot worse. Ever since the accident, I've been feeling stupid for not holding onto the railing. With all the questions that have come my way, I just felt that they implied that I should have kept holding on, and felt that I wouldn't have hurt myself if I had held on tighter. Now this woman said that I was saved from a far worse injury.
My God, who has loved me with an everlasting and unfailing love, saved me from an injury that would have been far worse. What an amazing God I have. This realization hasn't instantly removed the pain that I'm feeling, but I feel the rest of this journey will be easier to bear knowing my God saved me from something that would be far worse to bear. Thank you, Father God, for loving me so much. I still hate the phrase about having perspective, even if it is true. Thank you, Lord, for showing me that even if things don't always go my way, that you are still protecting me and watching over me. I love you, Jesus.
So, this morning, as I was doing my reading and praying, the prayer for today was to thank God for His unfailing love. And I don't know why it took that phrase for me to realize it, but it did. Yesterday, I received a call from a nurse case manager about my fall. She was asking me a whole bunch of questions, some were funnier than others. At one point she asked if I thought I could do the chicken dance. I kind of looked at the phone funny for a minute, but then said I probably could, it would probably hurt, but I probably could. She said good, that means I didn't tear my rotator cuff. We had discussed if I had held onto the railing as I walked up the stairs. I told her that I was holding on, but not tight enough to where I used that to catch my fall. She said it was a good thing that I didn't, because if I had, I probably would have torn my rotator cuff, which would have been a lot worse. Ever since the accident, I've been feeling stupid for not holding onto the railing. With all the questions that have come my way, I just felt that they implied that I should have kept holding on, and felt that I wouldn't have hurt myself if I had held on tighter. Now this woman said that I was saved from a far worse injury.
My God, who has loved me with an everlasting and unfailing love, saved me from an injury that would have been far worse. What an amazing God I have. This realization hasn't instantly removed the pain that I'm feeling, but I feel the rest of this journey will be easier to bear knowing my God saved me from something that would be far worse to bear. Thank you, Father God, for loving me so much. I still hate the phrase about having perspective, even if it is true. Thank you, Lord, for showing me that even if things don't always go my way, that you are still protecting me and watching over me. I love you, Jesus.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Essence
There is a book that is being studied in our church and has been for the past several semesters in small groups. It is the book, Captivating, by John and Stasi Eldredge. I've seen the book on book shelves and seen other women reading it, but never really thought too much of it. I've heard friends talk about it, but friends talk about whatever they are passionate about at the time--I think all women do that. Well, it just so happened that my husband has really wanted to read the book Wild at Heart, by John Eldredge, for quite some time. As one of my friends explained it, "Wild at Heart explains why men are the way they are, but also who God intended them to be."
After about a year that Brad wanted the book, and still wanted it, I bought it for him for Christmas. He's been simply devouring the book and said that I needed to read Captivating and then we would switch. So now even my husband is making a big deal about this book, so maybe there's something to it. So I bought it the other day when it was on sale. I didn't start to read it right away. There was something almost intimidating about the book. I know it's funny. It's just a book, right? But I've read those kinds of books before. The kind that open your eyes to a new way of looking at the same old thing, but are truly amazing, and at the same time force you to make a choice: you'll either make a change or stay the same. I wasn't sure I was ready for that kind of a read. But I took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and opened up to page ix--the introduction. (Don't think that this will be a blog on the book as a whole...I'm on page 36.) I think I felt "safe enough" to read it, when in the introduction, the author said, "Rest assured--this is not a book about all the things you are failing to do as a woman," (ix).
So at any rate, I called today's blog, "Essence," because by page 36, that's what God said He created woman to be, His essence. God created woman to be a reflection of who He is relationally, His tenderheartedness, "who yearns for relationship with us. If you have any doubt about that, simply look at the message he sent us in Woman. Amazing. Not only does God long for us, but he longs to be loved by us," (28). On the next page, the author says, "[God] wants us to love him. to seek him with all our hearts. A woman longs to be sought after, too, with the whole heart of her pursuer. God longs to be desired. Just as a woman longs to be desired," (29). After reading the scripture and prayer for today and then reading today's The Word for You Today, I really felt that God was making a huge point in expressing that not only is He relational, He wants to be sought after and known intimately, even more so than one spouse can know another.
Today's scripture was from Daniel 11:32, "...but the people who know their God...," and the prayer is to Seek to know God more. The Word for You Today is entitled, "Alone with God," and is about not replacing God with a "relationship idol." God is relational to His core. He created women to show the world how to approach and begin to love on their God. The author of Captivating says, "Look out across the earth and say to yourselves, 'The whole vast world is incomplete without me. Creation reached its zenith in me,'" (25). Without bragging, I can say that the core of me is the essence of God.
After about a year that Brad wanted the book, and still wanted it, I bought it for him for Christmas. He's been simply devouring the book and said that I needed to read Captivating and then we would switch. So now even my husband is making a big deal about this book, so maybe there's something to it. So I bought it the other day when it was on sale. I didn't start to read it right away. There was something almost intimidating about the book. I know it's funny. It's just a book, right? But I've read those kinds of books before. The kind that open your eyes to a new way of looking at the same old thing, but are truly amazing, and at the same time force you to make a choice: you'll either make a change or stay the same. I wasn't sure I was ready for that kind of a read. But I took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and opened up to page ix--the introduction. (Don't think that this will be a blog on the book as a whole...I'm on page 36.) I think I felt "safe enough" to read it, when in the introduction, the author said, "Rest assured--this is not a book about all the things you are failing to do as a woman," (ix).
So at any rate, I called today's blog, "Essence," because by page 36, that's what God said He created woman to be, His essence. God created woman to be a reflection of who He is relationally, His tenderheartedness, "who yearns for relationship with us. If you have any doubt about that, simply look at the message he sent us in Woman. Amazing. Not only does God long for us, but he longs to be loved by us," (28). On the next page, the author says, "[God] wants us to love him. to seek him with all our hearts. A woman longs to be sought after, too, with the whole heart of her pursuer. God longs to be desired. Just as a woman longs to be desired," (29). After reading the scripture and prayer for today and then reading today's The Word for You Today, I really felt that God was making a huge point in expressing that not only is He relational, He wants to be sought after and known intimately, even more so than one spouse can know another.
Today's scripture was from Daniel 11:32, "...but the people who know their God...," and the prayer is to Seek to know God more. The Word for You Today is entitled, "Alone with God," and is about not replacing God with a "relationship idol." God is relational to His core. He created women to show the world how to approach and begin to love on their God. The author of Captivating says, "Look out across the earth and say to yourselves, 'The whole vast world is incomplete without me. Creation reached its zenith in me,'" (25). Without bragging, I can say that the core of me is the essence of God.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Weary
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak...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 40:29,31.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
We're on a 21 day fast--our church and others--and the pastors gave us a sheet of study scriptures and prayer for each day. I want to know how they knew? How did they know that I would need that verse today? I've read that verse before. I've written it down to encourage others. Today, it has encouraged me.
I fell last week and I was on the mend. I thought by this Tuesday I'd be back to normal, no problems, life can go on. Then I started physical therapy and the pain got worse. When I say worse, I mean worse than the original fall created. When I went back to the doctor, they gave me something that didn't agree with me, so I ended up missing more work and still didn't feel right. There are two things people who are close to me know about me: I don't tolerate pain well and I don't like taking pills. So, here I am at a crossroads. I'm weary of all of this medical treatment. I know you think it's only been a week, but when doctors look at me and say they don't know how to treat me or what medicines to give me, it feels like all the other times in my life that a doctor has said that. Can't figure out how to treat the redhead. Can't put our finger on what's wrong with her. Don't know how to fix her. 16 years of depression and probably about the same of endometriosis and God healed me of both. Thank you, Lord.
So now here I am with pain in my neck and my back that effects my arms and my legs and I'm frustrated. But then I read that verse, and I knew God was speaking to me. He said that if I believe on Him, trust on Him, hope on Him, and wait expectantly on Him, He will give me strength anew. If I believe, trust, hope, and wait on Him (vs. in Him), then I'm putting or leaning the full weight of myself upon Him and it is His responsibility to see me through. And He will help me to endure this time, this time of walking through a storm...and healing.
Lord, we all walk through storms at different times of our lives. We all walk through them, though they come in many different shapes and sizes. Father, I pray that when storms arise, we will turn back to this verse and remember that if we put the full weight of ourselves upon You, that You will see us through the storm and take us safely to the other side. Help us to soar on wings like eagles. Lord, I thank you and I praise you. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
We're on a 21 day fast--our church and others--and the pastors gave us a sheet of study scriptures and prayer for each day. I want to know how they knew? How did they know that I would need that verse today? I've read that verse before. I've written it down to encourage others. Today, it has encouraged me.
I fell last week and I was on the mend. I thought by this Tuesday I'd be back to normal, no problems, life can go on. Then I started physical therapy and the pain got worse. When I say worse, I mean worse than the original fall created. When I went back to the doctor, they gave me something that didn't agree with me, so I ended up missing more work and still didn't feel right. There are two things people who are close to me know about me: I don't tolerate pain well and I don't like taking pills. So, here I am at a crossroads. I'm weary of all of this medical treatment. I know you think it's only been a week, but when doctors look at me and say they don't know how to treat me or what medicines to give me, it feels like all the other times in my life that a doctor has said that. Can't figure out how to treat the redhead. Can't put our finger on what's wrong with her. Don't know how to fix her. 16 years of depression and probably about the same of endometriosis and God healed me of both. Thank you, Lord.
So now here I am with pain in my neck and my back that effects my arms and my legs and I'm frustrated. But then I read that verse, and I knew God was speaking to me. He said that if I believe on Him, trust on Him, hope on Him, and wait expectantly on Him, He will give me strength anew. If I believe, trust, hope, and wait on Him (vs. in Him), then I'm putting or leaning the full weight of myself upon Him and it is His responsibility to see me through. And He will help me to endure this time, this time of walking through a storm...and healing.
Lord, we all walk through storms at different times of our lives. We all walk through them, though they come in many different shapes and sizes. Father, I pray that when storms arise, we will turn back to this verse and remember that if we put the full weight of ourselves upon You, that You will see us through the storm and take us safely to the other side. Help us to soar on wings like eagles. Lord, I thank you and I praise you. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Monday, January 18, 2010
No Faith Chia Pet
Have you ever watched a kid in a candy store? So many choices. "What will I choose, what will I choose?" That's the question of every child with money in his pocket standing in the candy store staring at all the choices. Now, consider the parent whose child is in the candy store with money in his pocket. The parent lets the child make his choices, may even let the child buy everything that he can pay for on his own, possibly lets the child eat one piece of candy, but probably won't let him eat it all in one sitting. Why? There are several reasons. One being that it will make the child sick. Another reason might be that it's almost time for dinner. A third reason may be that the parent doesn't want to be up with the child all night long. The list could go on and on as to why the parent doesn't allow the child to eat it all in one huge gulp. The point, is that the parent knows best and overrules the child's desires and wishes and says "no."
Is God like that?
Consider for a minute.
You have a smorgasbord of options, desires, and wishes, which one, or ones, will you choose? Are they all "right" for you? I guess that depends upon your point of view. Your point of view might be different from your mother's point of view. Your mother's point of view might be different from your spouse's point of view. Your spouse's point of view might be different from your boss's point of view. And God's point of view might be different from them all.
We were discussing prayer for healing and victory over diseases last night, when my mentor cautioned me. She said we need to have faith in God and not faith in faith. Talk about blow-your-mind, not really sure what that means. So I asked her about it. Well, I'll confess that before I asked, I allowed myself to get into a tizzy trying to figure it out on my own--that didn't work. So, then I asked her about it. What does that mean? She said a lot of things, but the most important thing--or at least what finally made it make sense to me--is what faith in faith does.
I told her that I've been reading a lot of books that all said that if we had "faith enough" we'd be able be healed, to heal, and pretty much--in essence--to take care of whatever was needed. I said that it made me believe that if I wasn't able to do any or all of those things that I didn't have enough faith. She said, "Where does faith come from?" Our faith comes from God. When God allows us to go though things, those times or circumstances will grow our faith. But it should grow our faith, or trust, in God, not in how big our faith has become. There is nothing that we can do to "grow" our faith on our own. There is nothing we can do to obtain more faith. There is no Faith Chia Pet. Only God grows our faith. When we pray and believe we will get something--due to the size of our faith--then, in essence, we are saying, "Well, we can do this, God." When we believe that our faith is larger than God--and His Will--then we've brought God down.
She reminded me that there's a difference between God's Perfect Will and God's Permissive Will. 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, "'Everything is permissible for me'-but not everything is beneficial." We have free will. I can choose to do anything I want, but it may not be what's best. I can choose to pray for anything I want, but it may not be what God wants. As soon as I assume that I know better than God, there's a problem. Do you know what the difference between an elephant and an ant is? Distance of sight. The elephant can see much more than the ant. That's the difference between God and us. Sure, we can see a lot, but we can't see everything. Jesus said, "[You] will do even greater things than these," (John 14:12)... But Jesus never acted on His own. Everything He did was for the Glory and in the Will of the Father. When we put faith in our faith, instead of faith in our God, we not only get ourselves in trouble, we can negatively impact others and lead them to doubt God.
I pray that as I move forward, that I will remember that I live not for my will or my glory, but for God's. Thank you, Father, for showing me the difference between faith in faith and faith in You. Father, if I have made any to doubt you, because of something I may have said, Father forgive me and I pray that you would draw them back to you. Lord, as I draw closer to you, help me to discover more of what is Your will for my life, that when I pray, I will stand on Your desires for my life and not my own. Thank you, Lord, for giving me good friends who can teach me and lead me into a deeper relationship with you. It is in Jesus' Name that I pray, Amen.
Is God like that?
Consider for a minute.
You have a smorgasbord of options, desires, and wishes, which one, or ones, will you choose? Are they all "right" for you? I guess that depends upon your point of view. Your point of view might be different from your mother's point of view. Your mother's point of view might be different from your spouse's point of view. Your spouse's point of view might be different from your boss's point of view. And God's point of view might be different from them all.
We were discussing prayer for healing and victory over diseases last night, when my mentor cautioned me. She said we need to have faith in God and not faith in faith. Talk about blow-your-mind, not really sure what that means. So I asked her about it. Well, I'll confess that before I asked, I allowed myself to get into a tizzy trying to figure it out on my own--that didn't work. So, then I asked her about it. What does that mean? She said a lot of things, but the most important thing--or at least what finally made it make sense to me--is what faith in faith does.
I told her that I've been reading a lot of books that all said that if we had "faith enough" we'd be able be healed, to heal, and pretty much--in essence--to take care of whatever was needed. I said that it made me believe that if I wasn't able to do any or all of those things that I didn't have enough faith. She said, "Where does faith come from?" Our faith comes from God. When God allows us to go though things, those times or circumstances will grow our faith. But it should grow our faith, or trust, in God, not in how big our faith has become. There is nothing that we can do to "grow" our faith on our own. There is nothing we can do to obtain more faith. There is no Faith Chia Pet. Only God grows our faith. When we pray and believe we will get something--due to the size of our faith--then, in essence, we are saying, "Well, we can do this, God." When we believe that our faith is larger than God--and His Will--then we've brought God down.
She reminded me that there's a difference between God's Perfect Will and God's Permissive Will. 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, "'Everything is permissible for me'-but not everything is beneficial." We have free will. I can choose to do anything I want, but it may not be what's best. I can choose to pray for anything I want, but it may not be what God wants. As soon as I assume that I know better than God, there's a problem. Do you know what the difference between an elephant and an ant is? Distance of sight. The elephant can see much more than the ant. That's the difference between God and us. Sure, we can see a lot, but we can't see everything. Jesus said, "[You] will do even greater things than these," (John 14:12)... But Jesus never acted on His own. Everything He did was for the Glory and in the Will of the Father. When we put faith in our faith, instead of faith in our God, we not only get ourselves in trouble, we can negatively impact others and lead them to doubt God.
I pray that as I move forward, that I will remember that I live not for my will or my glory, but for God's. Thank you, Father, for showing me the difference between faith in faith and faith in You. Father, if I have made any to doubt you, because of something I may have said, Father forgive me and I pray that you would draw them back to you. Lord, as I draw closer to you, help me to discover more of what is Your will for my life, that when I pray, I will stand on Your desires for my life and not my own. Thank you, Lord, for giving me good friends who can teach me and lead me into a deeper relationship with you. It is in Jesus' Name that I pray, Amen.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Redeemer
There's been a lot going on and I didn't even realize it until it came to a head last night and then revealed itself this morning. I've always felt "held back" by something. Brad and I, in our marriage and our walk with God, we've moved so far along, but something is there, like a whisper that's too soft to be audible. You don't know what it is, but it's there. You ignore it, because you can't really hear it, so you pretend it doesn't exist.
Last night, in worship, I should have recognized that it was going to come barreling through when I wept during worship. The song said, "Redeemer, My Healer...that is who You are." I cried out to God with everything that I had within me. That is who He is and who I need Him to be.
Then, this morning, Brad and I were talking about how we both sense that there is this one area that always holds us back. We've recognized that it is fear. We both know that fear is nothing more than false evidence appearing real, but when you're in the midst of it, it's so hard to remember, because it does appear so real, that it's hard to see it as a lie. Brad looked at me and asked, "Where is Jesus?" If all we are looking at is the fear and the lie, then where is Jesus in that? We both promised to turn it over to God, to lift it up in prayer, and keep talking about it, so as not to "sweep it under the rug" until the next time things come to a head.
As I opened up my Bible to begin the daily reading, I flipped to Isaiah 43 and the words nearly leaped off the page. The Lord said, "Fear not for I have redeemed you...do not dwell on the past," (1,18). The Lord said that even though we've allowed this thing from the past to continue to pop up in our lives, we don't need to. He is our Redeemer. He has restored our lives and our bodies and our minds. He is, has, or will avenge the wrongs committed against us--but that is His job and not our worry or concern. He has paid the ransom for us and delivered us from evil. We need only to receive it. I asked Brad how we do that. He said we simply do it. We refute the lies of the devil and look to Jesus. We refuse to accept false evidence and only accept what God has for us, what Jesus offers us...freedom.
God said, "do not dwell on the past," my fears allowed the past to ride along with me. Lord, I'm turning these burdens, these issues, over to You. I'm pitching them away from me and leaving them at Your feet. Father, as I spend more time in Your Word, help me to remember the truth, that I am a new creation and I have been redeemed and restored and the past doesn't control me any longer. Thank you, Father God, for revealing Truth to me in Your Word today. I'm going to carry it with me. Thank you for being my Healer and, especially, my Redeemer. I love you Jesus. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
Last night, in worship, I should have recognized that it was going to come barreling through when I wept during worship. The song said, "Redeemer, My Healer...that is who You are." I cried out to God with everything that I had within me. That is who He is and who I need Him to be.
Then, this morning, Brad and I were talking about how we both sense that there is this one area that always holds us back. We've recognized that it is fear. We both know that fear is nothing more than false evidence appearing real, but when you're in the midst of it, it's so hard to remember, because it does appear so real, that it's hard to see it as a lie. Brad looked at me and asked, "Where is Jesus?" If all we are looking at is the fear and the lie, then where is Jesus in that? We both promised to turn it over to God, to lift it up in prayer, and keep talking about it, so as not to "sweep it under the rug" until the next time things come to a head.
As I opened up my Bible to begin the daily reading, I flipped to Isaiah 43 and the words nearly leaped off the page. The Lord said, "Fear not for I have redeemed you...do not dwell on the past," (1,18). The Lord said that even though we've allowed this thing from the past to continue to pop up in our lives, we don't need to. He is our Redeemer. He has restored our lives and our bodies and our minds. He is, has, or will avenge the wrongs committed against us--but that is His job and not our worry or concern. He has paid the ransom for us and delivered us from evil. We need only to receive it. I asked Brad how we do that. He said we simply do it. We refute the lies of the devil and look to Jesus. We refuse to accept false evidence and only accept what God has for us, what Jesus offers us...freedom.
God said, "do not dwell on the past," my fears allowed the past to ride along with me. Lord, I'm turning these burdens, these issues, over to You. I'm pitching them away from me and leaving them at Your feet. Father, as I spend more time in Your Word, help me to remember the truth, that I am a new creation and I have been redeemed and restored and the past doesn't control me any longer. Thank you, Father God, for revealing Truth to me in Your Word today. I'm going to carry it with me. Thank you for being my Healer and, especially, my Redeemer. I love you Jesus. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Our Actions Speak
Our actions say a great deal about us. They speak to our strengths and our weaknesses, our likes and dislikes. They even speak to what we believe in; we profess what we believe is truth more through our actions, than through our words. Even in our tone of voice, we give away the truth about ourselves, especially if our tone contradicts the words we speak. For example, I can yell at you and tell you that I'm not mad, but I doubt you'll believe me. Or, if I tell you that I take excellent care of my body, but never work out, you might question that as well. Our actions are what reveal to others the real truth about who we are. There is an old hymn that Jars of Clay redid in 2005, called "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love," (Redemption Songs). The words of the song don't say, "They'll know we are Christians by the way we sing," (can I get an Amen on that?) or, "They'll know we are Christians by how many scriptures we've memorized." Thank goodness my salvation isn't bent on the number of scriptures I've memorized.
People can tell a lot by our actions, but so can the Lord. I was reading in Titus today, that there are those who "claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him," (1:16). Those are some pretty strong words. I think that is why, throughout the New Testament, we are commanded to "put off the old self with its practices and...put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator," (Colossians 3:9-10). We are also told, "And do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will," (Romans 12:2). The Lord is very specific in His directions. He says we should no longer be like those who are of the world. The word "conform," is taken from the Greek word "schema," which means, "the habitus, as comprising everything in a person which strikes the senses, the figure, bearing, discourse, actions, manner of life etc," (blueletterbible.com). And the word, "world," is from the Greek word, "aion," meaning, "an unbroken age," (blueletterbible.com).
What does that mean, "unbroken age"? Look at the words, individually. "Unbroken" is to be "untamed," (dictionary.com). One who is "tame," is considered to be "gentle, fearless, submissive, brought into service," (dictionary.com). "Brought into service," doesn't sound appealing, but if you think about the words that Jesus said, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light, " (Matthew 11:30), He was using agricultural context when speaking to the people since that's what they would understand. Jesus was telling the people, my commands are easy to follow and the the things I ask of you are not so demanding that you can't carry them out. The word "age," simply means, "a generation or series of generations," (dictionary.com).
All in all, God calls us to follow Him and to act in a way that no longer resembles the thoughts, actions, and deeds of those who are living for themselves. Instead, we are to live in such a way that when people see us, they see something noticeably different. When they see us, they should see more of Jesus. My prayer for me is that I would follow where God leads me and that my actions would say, "Here is one who is a servant of the Lord."
People can tell a lot by our actions, but so can the Lord. I was reading in Titus today, that there are those who "claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him," (1:16). Those are some pretty strong words. I think that is why, throughout the New Testament, we are commanded to "put off the old self with its practices and...put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator," (Colossians 3:9-10). We are also told, "And do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will," (Romans 12:2). The Lord is very specific in His directions. He says we should no longer be like those who are of the world. The word "conform," is taken from the Greek word "schema," which means, "the habitus, as comprising everything in a person which strikes the senses, the figure, bearing, discourse, actions, manner of life etc," (blueletterbible.com). And the word, "world," is from the Greek word, "aion," meaning, "an unbroken age," (blueletterbible.com).
What does that mean, "unbroken age"? Look at the words, individually. "Unbroken" is to be "untamed," (dictionary.com). One who is "tame," is considered to be "gentle, fearless, submissive, brought into service," (dictionary.com). "Brought into service," doesn't sound appealing, but if you think about the words that Jesus said, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light, " (Matthew 11:30), He was using agricultural context when speaking to the people since that's what they would understand. Jesus was telling the people, my commands are easy to follow and the the things I ask of you are not so demanding that you can't carry them out. The word "age," simply means, "a generation or series of generations," (dictionary.com).
All in all, God calls us to follow Him and to act in a way that no longer resembles the thoughts, actions, and deeds of those who are living for themselves. Instead, we are to live in such a way that when people see us, they see something noticeably different. When they see us, they should see more of Jesus. My prayer for me is that I would follow where God leads me and that my actions would say, "Here is one who is a servant of the Lord."
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
What is Your House Built Upon?
Yesterday was rough! No doubt about it. Fear kept trying to take hold, but I kept reminding myself what fear is: False Evidence Appearing Real. As I sat in a room while doctors kept trying to draw lines and make determinations, I was in pain and frustrated and upset. All the while, trying to remind myself that fear (all the fears that were popping into my head) wasn't real and tried to remember what was real: I am a child of God, I am covered by His Blood, God is in control.
While in the waiting room, I pulled out my book, Secrets of the Secret Place, by Bob Sorge. I read a section called, "Obedience builds unshakable foundations." Based on the scripture in Matthew 7:24-27, it said, "You will notice that the storms come both to those who do Jesus' saying and those who don't do them. No one is exempt...The question is, will you survive?" (17). One of my favorite verses is John 16:33 where Jesus says, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Look at those two verses for a minute. In Matthew 7:25 & 27, Jesus said, "The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house..." In John 16:33, Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble." We are all guaranteed to have issues and trouble and pain at different times in our lives. I've heard it said, "Into each life some rain must fall." That's why it's good to have an emergency or a "rainy day" fund. You can't always predict when the rains will come, but you do know that they'll come. So what determines the outcome? Jesus! If you have build your life and house upon the solid rock that is Christ Jesus, then when the rains come, the streams rise, and the winds blow, you will not fall down.
For everyone who builds his life upon the rock of Christ, he is promised to have peace like a river and righteousness like the waves of the sea, (see Isaiah 48:18). "The greater the winds that assault the obedient, the more his righteousness rises up like mighty breakers, crashing on the shore in majestic thunderings of fragrance to God," (17). Sometimes you have to endure the fire so that God can purify parts of your life. Sometimes He lets you fall so that He can build you back up. And sometimes He lets you slip, or trip, to test your faith and your foundation. When you fall, who or what do you hold on to, to stand back up? The Bible tells us to lean not on our own, but to lean fully into Him, and He will stand you upright, (see Psalms 55:22, Proverbs 3:5). Be cautious, take precautions, build your emergency fund, and stand upon the Rock who is Christ Jesus, for He will uphold you.
While in the waiting room, I pulled out my book, Secrets of the Secret Place, by Bob Sorge. I read a section called, "Obedience builds unshakable foundations." Based on the scripture in Matthew 7:24-27, it said, "You will notice that the storms come both to those who do Jesus' saying and those who don't do them. No one is exempt...The question is, will you survive?" (17). One of my favorite verses is John 16:33 where Jesus says, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Look at those two verses for a minute. In Matthew 7:25 & 27, Jesus said, "The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house..." In John 16:33, Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble." We are all guaranteed to have issues and trouble and pain at different times in our lives. I've heard it said, "Into each life some rain must fall." That's why it's good to have an emergency or a "rainy day" fund. You can't always predict when the rains will come, but you do know that they'll come. So what determines the outcome? Jesus! If you have build your life and house upon the solid rock that is Christ Jesus, then when the rains come, the streams rise, and the winds blow, you will not fall down.
For everyone who builds his life upon the rock of Christ, he is promised to have peace like a river and righteousness like the waves of the sea, (see Isaiah 48:18). "The greater the winds that assault the obedient, the more his righteousness rises up like mighty breakers, crashing on the shore in majestic thunderings of fragrance to God," (17). Sometimes you have to endure the fire so that God can purify parts of your life. Sometimes He lets you fall so that He can build you back up. And sometimes He lets you slip, or trip, to test your faith and your foundation. When you fall, who or what do you hold on to, to stand back up? The Bible tells us to lean not on our own, but to lean fully into Him, and He will stand you upright, (see Psalms 55:22, Proverbs 3:5). Be cautious, take precautions, build your emergency fund, and stand upon the Rock who is Christ Jesus, for He will uphold you.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Called Forward
We have a small group at our work that recently went through some changes, as a couple people left to change jobs. Everybody in the group is important and the two people who left will be missed. However, there was something unique about the two who left and it ties into yesterday's Word for You Today. It said that some people want to move forward but are unable, because they are afraid of making waves or upsetting others, (10 January 2010). That sounds a lot like boundaries.
We did a study on Boundaries in Marriage last year and though it was for married couples, the same rules apply. "Boundaries help us to determine who is responsible for what. If we understand who owns what, we then know who must take responsibility for it...Each [person] must take responsibility for the following things: feelings, attitudes, behaviors, choices, limits, desires, thoughts, values, talents, love," (20-21 Cloud/Townsend). Many people think that a "boundary" enslaves us or others. A boundary is nothing more than a property line that defines where I end and you begin. Boundaries actually give us freedom, which is the way God designed us. "We were not meant to be enslaved by each other; we were meant to love each other freely. God designed us to have freedom of choice as we respond to life, to other people, to God, and to ourselves," (23). When our two co-workers left, they were exercising their boundaries and drew a line in the sand that said, "I'm sad that you are sad, but your feelings are your own, and I can't live my life to keep you feeling happy."
When those two people left their jobs, and thus, our group, they left some sad people in their wake. But people who truly care will rejoice with and for them as God moves them forward. I admit that I miss them, but I'm not sad. I'm glad they didn't let the fear of others' reactions and/or hurt feelings hold them back from what God called them forward. I pray that when it's my turn and God calls me forward, that I'll be strong enough to move.
We did a study on Boundaries in Marriage last year and though it was for married couples, the same rules apply. "Boundaries help us to determine who is responsible for what. If we understand who owns what, we then know who must take responsibility for it...Each [person] must take responsibility for the following things: feelings, attitudes, behaviors, choices, limits, desires, thoughts, values, talents, love," (20-21 Cloud/Townsend). Many people think that a "boundary" enslaves us or others. A boundary is nothing more than a property line that defines where I end and you begin. Boundaries actually give us freedom, which is the way God designed us. "We were not meant to be enslaved by each other; we were meant to love each other freely. God designed us to have freedom of choice as we respond to life, to other people, to God, and to ourselves," (23). When our two co-workers left, they were exercising their boundaries and drew a line in the sand that said, "I'm sad that you are sad, but your feelings are your own, and I can't live my life to keep you feeling happy."
When those two people left their jobs, and thus, our group, they left some sad people in their wake. But people who truly care will rejoice with and for them as God moves them forward. I admit that I miss them, but I'm not sad. I'm glad they didn't let the fear of others' reactions and/or hurt feelings hold them back from what God called them forward. I pray that when it's my turn and God calls me forward, that I'll be strong enough to move.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Change Me
Do you have a favorite movie or book or song? Do you watch it, read it, or listen to it over and over again? I do--all of them. I love to watch my favorite movies over and over, even after I've memorized all the lines. After all, what's the point in owning movies, if you aren't going to watch them again? My favorite fiction author is Dee Henderson. She wrote two different series: The O'Malley series and Uncommon Heroes. When I run out of new books--and if I can't afford to buy another new one--I go back to the beginning of the series and re-read them in order.
This morning, I was sitting in the reading room (slash office slash laundry room) and up on the top shelf of the book case, I saw the Left Behind books. I had the brief thought, "I've only read those through once. I could read them again." Then I remembered that those were "meaty" reads, unlike my Dee Henderson books that are a very fast and easy read. I remember the Left Behind books being very convicting. They were very well-written and held my attention, but they weren't light-hearted at all.
As I thought about it some more, I remembered what my attitude was like back then. I didn't really have a servant's heart and I was quite selfish. In other words, I needed an attitude adjustment. My honest-to-goodness thought going into reading those books was, "What do I need to read this for? I'm saved. I know I'm going to heaven." Wow! I can't even believe I was so selfish and didn't get it. It didn't take me long to realize that those books were written for people like me, who needed an attitude adjustment and a wake-up call to the bigger picture, being if I didn't start to have a heart for those who were hurting and lost, there wasn't much point to what I was doing. Now, that doesn't mean that I changed overnight, nor does it mean that I've got it all together. I'm some where in the middle between where I was and "got it all together." That realization woke me up to what I could do: look inside of me and see what needed to be changed.
Today is day one of a 21 day fast that our church is doing, and we are joining up with several other churches across the nation. Some people are doing a "full" fast and the rest are somewhere between nothing and full. The point isn't so much "what" you fast, but more the "what you get out of it." Both are between you and God and the "what" you fast should be something that God leads you to before you begin. The "what you get out of it" part is what God speaks and reveals to you during this time.
Back to what I was saying about my attitude and the books. The prayer for today's fast is to ask God to change you from the inside out. I was praying that this morning when I looked up and saw the books and remembered that story. Then I realized a prayer to be changed from the inside out is not a one-time end-all-beat-all prayer. It's something to keep praying as you continue to mature and change. The more you pray it, the more God will reveal to you, and the more you are able to change. The more you change, the more you become like Jesus. Isn't that the ultimate goal? When people look at me, I hope they see less of me and more of Jesus.
Deuteronomy 29:29 says, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children." Lord, change me from the inside out. Show me your ways, teach me your paths, and guide me in your truth, (see Psalm 25:4-5). I want to be more like Jesus!
This morning, I was sitting in the reading room (slash office slash laundry room) and up on the top shelf of the book case, I saw the Left Behind books. I had the brief thought, "I've only read those through once. I could read them again." Then I remembered that those were "meaty" reads, unlike my Dee Henderson books that are a very fast and easy read. I remember the Left Behind books being very convicting. They were very well-written and held my attention, but they weren't light-hearted at all.
As I thought about it some more, I remembered what my attitude was like back then. I didn't really have a servant's heart and I was quite selfish. In other words, I needed an attitude adjustment. My honest-to-goodness thought going into reading those books was, "What do I need to read this for? I'm saved. I know I'm going to heaven." Wow! I can't even believe I was so selfish and didn't get it. It didn't take me long to realize that those books were written for people like me, who needed an attitude adjustment and a wake-up call to the bigger picture, being if I didn't start to have a heart for those who were hurting and lost, there wasn't much point to what I was doing. Now, that doesn't mean that I changed overnight, nor does it mean that I've got it all together. I'm some where in the middle between where I was and "got it all together." That realization woke me up to what I could do: look inside of me and see what needed to be changed.
Today is day one of a 21 day fast that our church is doing, and we are joining up with several other churches across the nation. Some people are doing a "full" fast and the rest are somewhere between nothing and full. The point isn't so much "what" you fast, but more the "what you get out of it." Both are between you and God and the "what" you fast should be something that God leads you to before you begin. The "what you get out of it" part is what God speaks and reveals to you during this time.
Back to what I was saying about my attitude and the books. The prayer for today's fast is to ask God to change you from the inside out. I was praying that this morning when I looked up and saw the books and remembered that story. Then I realized a prayer to be changed from the inside out is not a one-time end-all-beat-all prayer. It's something to keep praying as you continue to mature and change. The more you pray it, the more God will reveal to you, and the more you are able to change. The more you change, the more you become like Jesus. Isn't that the ultimate goal? When people look at me, I hope they see less of me and more of Jesus.
Deuteronomy 29:29 says, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children." Lord, change me from the inside out. Show me your ways, teach me your paths, and guide me in your truth, (see Psalm 25:4-5). I want to be more like Jesus!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Be Doers
Have you ever heard people say, "Don't talk the talk. Walk the walk."? Usually this phrase is applied to those viewed as hypocrites, those who say one thing but do another. The Bible calls us to be "doers" of the Word and not just "hearers," (see James 1:23). Doers are those walking the walk, while hearers are those who talk the talk, but never seem to walk the walk. The "walk" is your faith walk; it's following the ways of Christ; it's walking in His footsteps and doing the things He did. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He said that anyone who has faith in Him would do even greater things than He did, (see John 14:12). Jesus is calling us to be "walkers" and "doers."
Paul was was a walker and a doer. He said, "And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher," (2 Timothy 1:11). Paul is an example of what we should be doing, as well. God has called us to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. Only once it has reached the ends of the earth, will He return in power and in glory, (see Luke 9:26, Acts 1:5-10, Colossians 3:4, Hebrews 9:28). Paul said that he was appointed as a herald, an apostle, and a teacher. As a herald, Paul was a "messenger vested with public authority who conveyed official messages" about God's Word, (keryx). As an apostle, he was officially sent as a delegate in Christ's stead. As a teacher, he was charged with passing on his knowledge and wisdom to another who would then pass it on to another and another and so on. We, too, have been given the authority to share God's Word. We have been commanded to "go and make disciples of all nations," (Matthew 28:19). And, as we live our lives as doers and not hearers only, then through our actions, others will be drawn to the Lord and will be taught through our lives. Be doers of the Word!
As I grow older I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do.~Andrew Carnegie
Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.~St. Francis of Assisi
Paul was was a walker and a doer. He said, "And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher," (2 Timothy 1:11). Paul is an example of what we should be doing, as well. God has called us to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. Only once it has reached the ends of the earth, will He return in power and in glory, (see Luke 9:26, Acts 1:5-10, Colossians 3:4, Hebrews 9:28). Paul said that he was appointed as a herald, an apostle, and a teacher. As a herald, Paul was a "messenger vested with public authority who conveyed official messages" about God's Word, (keryx). As an apostle, he was officially sent as a delegate in Christ's stead. As a teacher, he was charged with passing on his knowledge and wisdom to another who would then pass it on to another and another and so on. We, too, have been given the authority to share God's Word. We have been commanded to "go and make disciples of all nations," (Matthew 28:19). And, as we live our lives as doers and not hearers only, then through our actions, others will be drawn to the Lord and will be taught through our lives. Be doers of the Word!
As I grow older I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do.~Andrew Carnegie
Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.~St. Francis of Assisi
Friday, January 8, 2010
A Matter
One of my favorite movies is One Night with the King; it's the story of Ester. There are two lines, which are in scripture, that have always stuck with me since seeing the movie. The first line, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the honor of Kings to search it out," (see Proverbs 25:2). The second line, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Ester 4:14).
Before seeing this movie, I had never read the book of Ester. However, after seeing the movie, those two lines, especially the second one, have moved with me on my walk. Those lines stand with me, even today. We had our first First Wednesday service the other night and Pastor Jordan talked about four walls that need to come down in our lives: self, shame, judgement, and mistrust. Mistrust is an interesting one, because it seems that everything about God is based upon trust. You have to trust Him with your heart to be your Savior. You have to trust Him with your life, because there is no one else, and you are not in control (I keep relearning that one). For me, it's trusting Him with all the areas of my life, and not just the ones I'm "OK" with giving. Every time I think I've given Him my whole life, He points out an area that I "missed."
I want the Lord to be Lord over my life. I'm starting to get the fact that I really don't control anything. I may choose to make poor choices, but that doesn't put me in control over my life, it just causes it to tailspin more out of control. There is an area in my life that I held as my own for a very long time. The Lord asked me to give it to Him. He didn't say what He was going to do with it. He just wanted me to relinquish power over it. Now it was entirely possible that once I gave Him full control, He would do nothing, or He would do something entirely wonderful, but I wouldn't know until I let go. So, as I would hold onto this area, I would hear the words, "And who knows but that you have come...for such a time as this." What if this area and this decision changed everything for me and it was the deciding factor of the rest of my life? That was something I asked myself. It took a long time and finally with shaking hands, I said, "Lord, if this is your will for me, soften my heart towards it. I want to do Your Will." That was the hardest think I think I've ever had to say. I gave up my control in this area, the Lord said Thank you, and nothing more has changed. "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter." God didn't reveal what He wanted with this area. Perhaps, He wants nothing more than for me to let Him sit on the Throne and be Lord over my life--my whole life. Or perhaps, later on, He will reveal to me that I had to make that decision "for such a time as this."
My prayer for you, as well as my prayer for me, is that in 2010, we'll break down the walls in our lives to see the glory of God revealed.
Before seeing this movie, I had never read the book of Ester. However, after seeing the movie, those two lines, especially the second one, have moved with me on my walk. Those lines stand with me, even today. We had our first First Wednesday service the other night and Pastor Jordan talked about four walls that need to come down in our lives: self, shame, judgement, and mistrust. Mistrust is an interesting one, because it seems that everything about God is based upon trust. You have to trust Him with your heart to be your Savior. You have to trust Him with your life, because there is no one else, and you are not in control (I keep relearning that one). For me, it's trusting Him with all the areas of my life, and not just the ones I'm "OK" with giving. Every time I think I've given Him my whole life, He points out an area that I "missed."
I want the Lord to be Lord over my life. I'm starting to get the fact that I really don't control anything. I may choose to make poor choices, but that doesn't put me in control over my life, it just causes it to tailspin more out of control. There is an area in my life that I held as my own for a very long time. The Lord asked me to give it to Him. He didn't say what He was going to do with it. He just wanted me to relinquish power over it. Now it was entirely possible that once I gave Him full control, He would do nothing, or He would do something entirely wonderful, but I wouldn't know until I let go. So, as I would hold onto this area, I would hear the words, "And who knows but that you have come...for such a time as this." What if this area and this decision changed everything for me and it was the deciding factor of the rest of my life? That was something I asked myself. It took a long time and finally with shaking hands, I said, "Lord, if this is your will for me, soften my heart towards it. I want to do Your Will." That was the hardest think I think I've ever had to say. I gave up my control in this area, the Lord said Thank you, and nothing more has changed. "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter." God didn't reveal what He wanted with this area. Perhaps, He wants nothing more than for me to let Him sit on the Throne and be Lord over my life--my whole life. Or perhaps, later on, He will reveal to me that I had to make that decision "for such a time as this."
My prayer for you, as well as my prayer for me, is that in 2010, we'll break down the walls in our lives to see the glory of God revealed.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Faith germies
Sometimes we experience pain and we wonder, "Did I hear HIM correctly?" "Was I wrong?" "Maybe I didn't really hear from God at all." I would urge you to use caution with those kinds of thoughts. My thinking is that you heard from God perfectly, but He wanted you to learn something or grow in a particular area, and so He directed you to go in a certain direction.
In some respects, our "faith muscle" is much like the body's immune system. If we are never exposed to germs or bacteria in small doses, then when we're exposed in larger doses, our bodies will struggle to recover, if they are able to recover at all. I've seen many places, lately, that have replaced good, old-fashioned soap and water with hand sanitizer. I'm not attacking hand sanitizer, but I think we're not giving our God-designed bodies enough help or credit if we take away all the bacteria. I've even heard that some bacteria is actually good for you and you need it in order to survive. About a month ago, Jen Page, on the Morning Cruise, reported that kids who are exposed to dirt after scraping a knee are less likely to get infections and kids who play in the dirt or are exposed to it are less likely to develop asthma and allergies.
Our faith walk is like that, too. We need a little exposure to life's pain and pressure. It's actually faith building for us to have to walk through the tough times. It's easy to say you follow God when times are good. It's when times of testing come that our faith is stretched and our weaknesses are exposed. The only way to build up areas where we are weak is to be exposed, a little at a time, to things that will push us to grow and make us lean more on God. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 says that God will "strengthen and protect you from the evil one." It's likely that He's doing both at the same time. Perhaps there was something much worse that the devil wanted to do to you, but God protected you by steering you in this direction. God will protect you from harm, but may still expose you to small amounts of pain in order to move and shape you in the way He desires and deems best for your life.
It's easy to question what we heard and even easier to doubt. The challenge is to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that we heard from God, heard correctly, and still walk it out.
In some respects, our "faith muscle" is much like the body's immune system. If we are never exposed to germs or bacteria in small doses, then when we're exposed in larger doses, our bodies will struggle to recover, if they are able to recover at all. I've seen many places, lately, that have replaced good, old-fashioned soap and water with hand sanitizer. I'm not attacking hand sanitizer, but I think we're not giving our God-designed bodies enough help or credit if we take away all the bacteria. I've even heard that some bacteria is actually good for you and you need it in order to survive. About a month ago, Jen Page, on the Morning Cruise, reported that kids who are exposed to dirt after scraping a knee are less likely to get infections and kids who play in the dirt or are exposed to it are less likely to develop asthma and allergies.
Our faith walk is like that, too. We need a little exposure to life's pain and pressure. It's actually faith building for us to have to walk through the tough times. It's easy to say you follow God when times are good. It's when times of testing come that our faith is stretched and our weaknesses are exposed. The only way to build up areas where we are weak is to be exposed, a little at a time, to things that will push us to grow and make us lean more on God. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 says that God will "strengthen and protect you from the evil one." It's likely that He's doing both at the same time. Perhaps there was something much worse that the devil wanted to do to you, but God protected you by steering you in this direction. God will protect you from harm, but may still expose you to small amounts of pain in order to move and shape you in the way He desires and deems best for your life.
It's easy to question what we heard and even easier to doubt. The challenge is to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that we heard from God, heard correctly, and still walk it out.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Strength Training
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
"The Lord is faithful." How do we know that the Lord is faithful? When do we believe it? Unfortunately, it seems to take time and "proof." We believe the Lord is faithful when He comes through time and time again. This verse goes on to say, "He will strengthen and protect us." Now, if He protected us, only, would we need to be strengthened? No. I believe He could always and only protect us, but I don't think He would. I believe that God is the beginning and the ending. I believe that He is all knowing, all seeing, and all powerful. I believe that God can do anything He wants. But, I also believe that sometimes He allows some of what the devil wants in order to strengthen, grow, and stretch us.
After a very short period of inactivity, our muscles become weak and eventually are useless. It takes more work to go from "couch potato" to "well maintained, lean muscle" than it does to simply maintain it. The same is true for your faith muscle. If God doesn't allow us to work it out, it will become useless. The key thing is that the faith muscle is like any other muscle in that constant overexertion can damage it. That's why trainers say you can exercise daily, but weightlifting or strength training must be done every other day to give your muscles a chance to recover. It's in that "recovery period" that they are rested, but also strengthened enough to "go again" the next time. Our faith requires those same periods of stretching and recovery. That is why the scripture says that the Lord both strengthens and protects us.
Today's devotional in The Word for You Today says, "you need [faith] when life makes no sense...We think there's only one good outcome--the one we want. No, we must trust the character and plan of God...(4 Jan 2010). Things are going to come our way that we didn't plan, that we don't like, and that we don't want to have to deal with. That is when it is vital to remember, "the Lord is faithful."
"The Lord is faithful." How do we know that the Lord is faithful? When do we believe it? Unfortunately, it seems to take time and "proof." We believe the Lord is faithful when He comes through time and time again. This verse goes on to say, "He will strengthen and protect us." Now, if He protected us, only, would we need to be strengthened? No. I believe He could always and only protect us, but I don't think He would. I believe that God is the beginning and the ending. I believe that He is all knowing, all seeing, and all powerful. I believe that God can do anything He wants. But, I also believe that sometimes He allows some of what the devil wants in order to strengthen, grow, and stretch us.
After a very short period of inactivity, our muscles become weak and eventually are useless. It takes more work to go from "couch potato" to "well maintained, lean muscle" than it does to simply maintain it. The same is true for your faith muscle. If God doesn't allow us to work it out, it will become useless. The key thing is that the faith muscle is like any other muscle in that constant overexertion can damage it. That's why trainers say you can exercise daily, but weightlifting or strength training must be done every other day to give your muscles a chance to recover. It's in that "recovery period" that they are rested, but also strengthened enough to "go again" the next time. Our faith requires those same periods of stretching and recovery. That is why the scripture says that the Lord both strengthens and protects us.
Today's devotional in The Word for You Today says, "you need [faith] when life makes no sense...We think there's only one good outcome--the one we want. No, we must trust the character and plan of God...(4 Jan 2010). Things are going to come our way that we didn't plan, that we don't like, and that we don't want to have to deal with. That is when it is vital to remember, "the Lord is faithful."
Sunday, January 3, 2010
MY House
With so many opportunities to serve, where do we begin? Perhaps in the children's ministry, hospitality, or prayer team. And even within those three major areas, there are many opportunities in which to serve, where your help is both needed and appreciated. You can smile, you can shake a hand, you can serve a parent, you can serve a child, and the list goes on and on. I've heard it said that no matter the size of the congregation, 20% of the people are doing 80% of the work. If you have a servant's heart or--like me--have to work extra hard at boundaries in saying "no," so as not to get overwhelmed, then perhaps God's words to me will help you, too.
It was around 2007, after we'd been coming to Bayside for a while, when a friend asked me to serve with her in a ministry area she was heading up. I didn't have a clue what it was I'd be doing, but I liked her, so I said yes. I began serving at what we called the CD table, where people could come and pick up CDs of past messages. Shortly after that, the opportunity came up for me to help with the creative team in the kids ministry. I've always liked creative things, so that seemed like a perfect fit.
It wasn't too long after I was serving in both areas, that God spoke to me and said, "Serve where ever you want. If you like, try out all the ministry areas to see what suits you best. But, do not turn My House of Worship into a house of work." God's words really surprised me and have always stuck with me. I use them as the measuring table for keeping my life in balance. God knows me all too well, which shouldn't surprise me, since He made me. It's really cool how He spoke right to the point of my personality and tendencies.
As it turned out, the kids ministry and I were not a good match. The CD ministry wasn't fulfilling my need for interaction and socialization. I tried out a couple more areas to see if those would be a match and have "found my place" through other ministry areas. I've experienced a lot of growth and stretching, but also joy, in helping with the Encouragers, and I've fulfilled my "socializing need" through small groups. God told me I could try out and try on whatever I wanted, but His House was not to be turned into work. His House is for Worship. He didn't want me to serve in so many areas that I would get overwhelmed, begin to resent it, and quit the whole thing. He doesn't want that for you, either. His words are what I use to balance my priorities. It's not always easy, but His words have been a big help to me and I pray they will help you, too.
It was around 2007, after we'd been coming to Bayside for a while, when a friend asked me to serve with her in a ministry area she was heading up. I didn't have a clue what it was I'd be doing, but I liked her, so I said yes. I began serving at what we called the CD table, where people could come and pick up CDs of past messages. Shortly after that, the opportunity came up for me to help with the creative team in the kids ministry. I've always liked creative things, so that seemed like a perfect fit.
It wasn't too long after I was serving in both areas, that God spoke to me and said, "Serve where ever you want. If you like, try out all the ministry areas to see what suits you best. But, do not turn My House of Worship into a house of work." God's words really surprised me and have always stuck with me. I use them as the measuring table for keeping my life in balance. God knows me all too well, which shouldn't surprise me, since He made me. It's really cool how He spoke right to the point of my personality and tendencies.
As it turned out, the kids ministry and I were not a good match. The CD ministry wasn't fulfilling my need for interaction and socialization. I tried out a couple more areas to see if those would be a match and have "found my place" through other ministry areas. I've experienced a lot of growth and stretching, but also joy, in helping with the Encouragers, and I've fulfilled my "socializing need" through small groups. God told me I could try out and try on whatever I wanted, but His House was not to be turned into work. His House is for Worship. He didn't want me to serve in so many areas that I would get overwhelmed, begin to resent it, and quit the whole thing. He doesn't want that for you, either. His words are what I use to balance my priorities. It's not always easy, but His words have been a big help to me and I pray they will help you, too.
Friday, January 1, 2010
The Catalyst
There is a saying I keep hearing people say, "Hope is not a plan." Hope, alone, may not be a plan, but it is part of a plan, because it is part of faith. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for," (Hebrews 11:1). Hope must precede faith. If faith is the substance of things hoped for, then hope sets the plan in motion. Hope is the catalyst.
Did you ever see somebody whose life was falling apart around them and their answer to it all was, "Que Sera, Sera; whatever will be, will be," or, "Come what may." Now that is not a plan. People who say those things are washing their hands of the situation and are refusing to take responsibility for the outcome.
That's not how God wants His children to respond to situations. He wants us to get on our knees and fight. He wants us to open His Word and find promises. He wants us to reach out to His other kids to have them stand with us and to comfort us. He wants us to find hope in Him. What is hope, then? Hope is "to trust, have confidence, be secure," (batach). It is also, "joyful and confident expectation," (elpis). "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us," (Romans 5:5). Hope does not disappoint, because when you put God behind anything you have your plan. This is not the same as "back-loading" God. You cannot have your plan, put it into motion, and then ask God to bless it.
We have been told, "You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures," (James 4:2-3). God does everything so that He will get the glory. For His glory, He set Noah to building an ark, gave Elizabeth a child in her old age, and called Paul to spread the Gospel. When you look at the desires of your heart, the things you are hoping for, ask yourself if they will bring glory to God or to you.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and hope does not disappoint when God is behind it.
Did you ever see somebody whose life was falling apart around them and their answer to it all was, "Que Sera, Sera; whatever will be, will be," or, "Come what may." Now that is not a plan. People who say those things are washing their hands of the situation and are refusing to take responsibility for the outcome.
That's not how God wants His children to respond to situations. He wants us to get on our knees and fight. He wants us to open His Word and find promises. He wants us to reach out to His other kids to have them stand with us and to comfort us. He wants us to find hope in Him. What is hope, then? Hope is "to trust, have confidence, be secure," (batach). It is also, "joyful and confident expectation," (elpis). "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us," (Romans 5:5). Hope does not disappoint, because when you put God behind anything you have your plan. This is not the same as "back-loading" God. You cannot have your plan, put it into motion, and then ask God to bless it.
We have been told, "You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures," (James 4:2-3). God does everything so that He will get the glory. For His glory, He set Noah to building an ark, gave Elizabeth a child in her old age, and called Paul to spread the Gospel. When you look at the desires of your heart, the things you are hoping for, ask yourself if they will bring glory to God or to you.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and hope does not disappoint when God is behind it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)