Be alert and always keep on praying... ~ Ephesians 6:18
We don't always see or know the destiny or legacy for ourselves, or spouses, our children, our family. We need to pray protection around them, fight off and build up a defense against the enemy before he even has the chance to attack. Looking back on my life, how much did the enemy know, how much did he see the areas for which God had predestined me? The things, the areas for which God has been grooming me to serve, those are the areas that have been the hardest hit.
The love and approval of a father are so important, especially to little girls. The devil knows that, so he taints that relationship; it may start with fear and later become bitter rage. How can a woman, whose was a scared little girl, understand the love of a heavenly Father, when the relationship with her earthly father was so tainted? Think about little boys, training to become men. If their fathers are tainted by pornography or other addictions which lead to the disrespect and abuse of the boy's mother, what kind of man will he grow up to be? Will he run to a heavenly Father, or always run from?
If relationships are important to God, where do you think the enemy will attack? What do you think he works overtime to destroy? What if the kids you are supposed to parent are predestined to be great warriors and leaders for the Lord...where do you think the enemy will attack? Perhaps he'll attack your body, making it hard for you to conceive. Perhaps he'll attack the area of your intimacy, so that you and your spouse won't be drawn to each other. Perhaps he'll attack you as a child, so that when you are old enough to have children, the thought of it--what someone did to you, what you might to do someone else--makes you sick.
We don't always know the full plan of what God as called us for; we don't get all the specifics. Often times, our last resort is prayer--a desperate plea to God. What if we followed what R.A. Torrey said and made it our first line of defense? "Anticipate the battles, fight them on your knees before they arise," (Word for You Today 25 Mar, 2010). We'll never know what we may be saving our loved ones from, but isn't it better to not know than to wish we had prayed from the other side?
Lord, I know that prayer is one of the areas that I struggle to remain faithful in. Father, help me to be ever on my knees before your throne, as your hand is what protects us and your spirit is what guides us. Lord, I pray that you would always bring to my mind the words to speak for protection over my family and friends. Lord, you have called us for a reason, and for that reason, the devil plots to destroy us. Father, I pray in Jesus' name that you would place bumpers of protection around us, that the attacks of the devil would be thwarted and that no weapon formed against us would prosper. Lord, I pray also that you would show us how to move forward for that which you have called us--that these attacks would not hold us back in fear. But rather, that we would be empowered and emboldened to move forward with greater ferocity. Thank you, Father, for your grace and wisdom. Thank you for your protection and love. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Through God's Eyes
This past weekend's service was "3:16 Forgiveness," and when I saw the title, I knew that God was going to deal with me. In fact, He'd been working on me all week. Last week, I joined a Bible study small group. The leader said they were going to be studying "grace" and to look up some scripture on it before group. The only scripture I knew off hand on grace was 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Now, I've never understood the scripture, but I knew what it said. That day, God started to show me the meaning of that scripture.
Two weeks prior, my husband and I were at our marriage small group where we heard Jimmy Evans' definition of "mercy" vs. "grace." He said that mercy is "not getting what we deserve," and grace is "getting what we don't deserve." He used the example of someone in court pleading for their life. He said that was an example of mercy. He said that what Jesus did on the cross for us is an example of grace. I've often heard that we need to extend grace to others, because God first extended grace to us through His Son, Jesus, but never understood what that meant in a way that I could perform such an act, without being a doormat.
Last week at the small group when we going to talk about "grace," we spent the evening talking about "forgiveness," which was actually what I needed. Now I've always heard, and agree, that forgiveness is your responsibility and the relationship is the other person's (or both, together) responsibility. Our leader that night, said that if we have truly forgiven someone--unless they are a physical, emotional, or mental danger to us--we would want to be in relationship with them. I understood what she was getting at, even if I wasn't sure I agreed with it. As it turned out, I had a friend who said some things that really hurt my feelings. I knew that the Bible said that I needed to forgive her, but I was really struggling with the hurt feelings. I asked the Lord to forgive her; I asked the Lord to bless her; but even then, there was still much hurt inside. One of the ladies at the group that night said to forgive as Jesus forgave: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing," (Luke 23:34). The woman said that my friend may not understand why it hurt me, or perhaps she hadn't learned the same lessons that I had learned. Either which way, I needed to forgive her so that I would be right in God's eyes and as I forgave her, I would be able to see her through God's eyes.
At service this past weekend, Pastor Randy said that the devil comes to accuse us. He said that one of the tricks of the devil is to use condemnation: "If you would have prayed more, believed more, had more faith, read the Bible more, etc., etc., then __________ would not have happened, or you'd be healed by now, or whatever." That was the exact lie I was dealing with, what had hurt my heart. Pastor Randy said that those things are condemnation. At the end of service, Pastor Randy asked (with every head bowed and every eye closed), if there was anyone who needed to be set free of something or needed to fully receive forgiveness of something. If so, raise your hand. I hesitated. I wanted to be free of holding onto this pain, but I was embarrassed. After a few seconds, I raised my hand and said, "Jesus, please forgive me for holding onto something that someone did to me. Please forgive them for hurting me and help me to let go of that hurt." During the commitment song, which was "Amazing Grace," the Holy Spirit whispered to me, "Out of the things that were said to you, much has been revealed. Look at all that you have learned, that I have shown you. Let it go." I tried to reason with God, saying that she needed to understand. He said to me, "I am the only one who can speak to her about it. I'm the only one she'll listen to. Let it go." And I did. As soon as I let it go, I felt a wave of peace wash over me. I felt a flood of love for her fill up my heart, and I saw her for the first time in a new light. I saw her through God's eyes and I felt peace.
The Bible says, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them," (Romans 8:28). Things aren't always good. But God knows how to take even the worst things, the most hurtful things, and use them to open your eyes and heal your heart. That's what Jesus did for me. He opened my eyes and allowed me to see through His eyes.
Two weeks prior, my husband and I were at our marriage small group where we heard Jimmy Evans' definition of "mercy" vs. "grace." He said that mercy is "not getting what we deserve," and grace is "getting what we don't deserve." He used the example of someone in court pleading for their life. He said that was an example of mercy. He said that what Jesus did on the cross for us is an example of grace. I've often heard that we need to extend grace to others, because God first extended grace to us through His Son, Jesus, but never understood what that meant in a way that I could perform such an act, without being a doormat.
Last week at the small group when we going to talk about "grace," we spent the evening talking about "forgiveness," which was actually what I needed. Now I've always heard, and agree, that forgiveness is your responsibility and the relationship is the other person's (or both, together) responsibility. Our leader that night, said that if we have truly forgiven someone--unless they are a physical, emotional, or mental danger to us--we would want to be in relationship with them. I understood what she was getting at, even if I wasn't sure I agreed with it. As it turned out, I had a friend who said some things that really hurt my feelings. I knew that the Bible said that I needed to forgive her, but I was really struggling with the hurt feelings. I asked the Lord to forgive her; I asked the Lord to bless her; but even then, there was still much hurt inside. One of the ladies at the group that night said to forgive as Jesus forgave: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing," (Luke 23:34). The woman said that my friend may not understand why it hurt me, or perhaps she hadn't learned the same lessons that I had learned. Either which way, I needed to forgive her so that I would be right in God's eyes and as I forgave her, I would be able to see her through God's eyes.
At service this past weekend, Pastor Randy said that the devil comes to accuse us. He said that one of the tricks of the devil is to use condemnation: "If you would have prayed more, believed more, had more faith, read the Bible more, etc., etc., then __________ would not have happened, or you'd be healed by now, or whatever." That was the exact lie I was dealing with, what had hurt my heart. Pastor Randy said that those things are condemnation. At the end of service, Pastor Randy asked (with every head bowed and every eye closed), if there was anyone who needed to be set free of something or needed to fully receive forgiveness of something. If so, raise your hand. I hesitated. I wanted to be free of holding onto this pain, but I was embarrassed. After a few seconds, I raised my hand and said, "Jesus, please forgive me for holding onto something that someone did to me. Please forgive them for hurting me and help me to let go of that hurt." During the commitment song, which was "Amazing Grace," the Holy Spirit whispered to me, "Out of the things that were said to you, much has been revealed. Look at all that you have learned, that I have shown you. Let it go." I tried to reason with God, saying that she needed to understand. He said to me, "I am the only one who can speak to her about it. I'm the only one she'll listen to. Let it go." And I did. As soon as I let it go, I felt a wave of peace wash over me. I felt a flood of love for her fill up my heart, and I saw her for the first time in a new light. I saw her through God's eyes and I felt peace.
The Bible says, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them," (Romans 8:28). Things aren't always good. But God knows how to take even the worst things, the most hurtful things, and use them to open your eyes and heal your heart. That's what Jesus did for me. He opened my eyes and allowed me to see through His eyes.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The But Factor
"So begin using your faith in small things," (Word for You Today, 16 Mar 2010). God rewards faith used in the small things. If we will get in the habit of going to God in the small things, then when the "big" things arise, we will turn to God much faster than if we are not in that habit. Most people, myself included, are not in the habit of going to God in the small stuff, so when the "big stuff" happens, we are totally lost.
My favorite verse is John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." This has been my favorite verse because it seemed as though I was constantly having trouble--if I wasn't sick, then my husband was sick; if we weren't sick, then one of us was out of work; if we weren't out of work, then we were sick or having some other problem. That cycle just went round and round and round...and round, for years. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble," and believe me, I felt the trouble! And then He said one of my favorite words: but. But is one of my favorite words, because it negates everything that comes before it. Jesus said some sweet words: "But take heart! I have overcome the world." They are sweet words because He said that trouble--all that junk we don't like--doesn't matter. That's not to say that it doesn't matter to us while we are going through it. It just means that in the grand scheme of things, from heaven's vantage point, our "trouble" is insignificant as compared to the power that is in Christ Jesus. When Jesus says to us, "Take heart," He's telling us: I've taken care of it; you can quit stressing over it, because I'm in control and I'm watching out for you.
But...
But we must have faith that He is able to take care of it--all of it--in our individual lives. Jesus didn't just come to the earth to save us from hell. He came that He may have a relationship with each unique individual. He came that He could meet us right where we were at--whatever level, whatever need, He came to meet us there. For our part, we need to make sure we don't just use the "but factor" in the big stuff. We need--I need--to remember how He helped in the big stuff and keep looking to Him in the small stuff. So often, when small issues arise, I will look to me and ask, how can I make this happen. It's in those times the Lord waits patiently to see if I will remember to turn to Him.
It helps me to remember it this way:
God made all matter. I am made from matter. In God's eyes, I am what matters.
When I look at things that way, it gets easier to call on Him for big things and little things alike. The next time that trouble--of any size--arises, remember the but factor and take heart in Jesus.
My favorite verse is John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." This has been my favorite verse because it seemed as though I was constantly having trouble--if I wasn't sick, then my husband was sick; if we weren't sick, then one of us was out of work; if we weren't out of work, then we were sick or having some other problem. That cycle just went round and round and round...and round, for years. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble," and believe me, I felt the trouble! And then He said one of my favorite words: but. But is one of my favorite words, because it negates everything that comes before it. Jesus said some sweet words: "But take heart! I have overcome the world." They are sweet words because He said that trouble--all that junk we don't like--doesn't matter. That's not to say that it doesn't matter to us while we are going through it. It just means that in the grand scheme of things, from heaven's vantage point, our "trouble" is insignificant as compared to the power that is in Christ Jesus. When Jesus says to us, "Take heart," He's telling us: I've taken care of it; you can quit stressing over it, because I'm in control and I'm watching out for you.
But...
But we must have faith that He is able to take care of it--all of it--in our individual lives. Jesus didn't just come to the earth to save us from hell. He came that He may have a relationship with each unique individual. He came that He could meet us right where we were at--whatever level, whatever need, He came to meet us there. For our part, we need to make sure we don't just use the "but factor" in the big stuff. We need--I need--to remember how He helped in the big stuff and keep looking to Him in the small stuff. So often, when small issues arise, I will look to me and ask, how can I make this happen. It's in those times the Lord waits patiently to see if I will remember to turn to Him.
It helps me to remember it this way:
God made all matter. I am made from matter. In God's eyes, I am what matters.
When I look at things that way, it gets easier to call on Him for big things and little things alike. The next time that trouble--of any size--arises, remember the but factor and take heart in Jesus.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
For it is written
"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command the angels concerning you...'" Jesus answered him, "It is also written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" ~ Matthew 4:6-7
Have you ever been bombarded by too many thoughts? I've been trying to practice taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ (see 2 Corinthians 10:5), but I keep tripping over other scriptures. For example, I know that I have been healed and week to week, there is definite physical improvement, but sometimes day to day, I have more pain. So, am I "picking it back up," as some would say, or is this part of the healing process? Have I relinquished my healing because I'm still feeling physical symptoms, or is God growing my faith to see if I will be faithful to keep walking out what He promised me and declared over me, even though my body hasn't caught up to what's already happened in the spiritual realm? These are the thoughts that keep plaguing my mind, but I also keep tripping over scriptures. For example, Jesus said, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you," (Matthew 17:20). However, the Bible also says, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts," (Isaiah 55:9), and "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" (Romans 11:34).
Our enemy, the devil, is crafty. The Bible says that he prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour, (see 1 Peter 5:8). Lions are king of the wilderness, they are mighty hunters, and they are ferocious beasts. They lay quiet and wait, studying their prey before they make a move. That's what our enemy does. He studies us. He watches to see where we are weak, where we are vulnerable, and how he can trick us into thinking we are safe when we are really so ripe for the picking. The enemy tried that with Jesus. We read in Matthew 4 that the tempter did not approach Jesus until He had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights and He was hungry, (vv 1-3). We, like Jesus, must be on our guard at all times. As soon as we think we are above temptation, that is when we so easily fall, and fall hard, (see 1 Corinthians 10:12).
So what do we do when the tempter, or anyone, says to us, "For it is written..."? We go back and study the Bible ourselves. It is our responsibility to take anything that is said to us and line it up against the Word of God. That's what "take every thought captive" means. It means we need to take the words that are being said to us and read the surrounding text to see if that's what God really meant by that. We're taught that concept in like third or fourth grade. We're taught to use the surrounding text to determine the definition of the word. The same is true here: What was God really saying to us? Anyone can use a line of scripture out of context. That's why it is so important for us to know and to study daily the Word of the Lord. If we don't, anyone can say anything to us and we will follow where they lead.
Have you ever been bombarded by too many thoughts? I've been trying to practice taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ (see 2 Corinthians 10:5), but I keep tripping over other scriptures. For example, I know that I have been healed and week to week, there is definite physical improvement, but sometimes day to day, I have more pain. So, am I "picking it back up," as some would say, or is this part of the healing process? Have I relinquished my healing because I'm still feeling physical symptoms, or is God growing my faith to see if I will be faithful to keep walking out what He promised me and declared over me, even though my body hasn't caught up to what's already happened in the spiritual realm? These are the thoughts that keep plaguing my mind, but I also keep tripping over scriptures. For example, Jesus said, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you," (Matthew 17:20). However, the Bible also says, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts," (Isaiah 55:9), and "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" (Romans 11:34).
Our enemy, the devil, is crafty. The Bible says that he prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour, (see 1 Peter 5:8). Lions are king of the wilderness, they are mighty hunters, and they are ferocious beasts. They lay quiet and wait, studying their prey before they make a move. That's what our enemy does. He studies us. He watches to see where we are weak, where we are vulnerable, and how he can trick us into thinking we are safe when we are really so ripe for the picking. The enemy tried that with Jesus. We read in Matthew 4 that the tempter did not approach Jesus until He had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights and He was hungry, (vv 1-3). We, like Jesus, must be on our guard at all times. As soon as we think we are above temptation, that is when we so easily fall, and fall hard, (see 1 Corinthians 10:12).
So what do we do when the tempter, or anyone, says to us, "For it is written..."? We go back and study the Bible ourselves. It is our responsibility to take anything that is said to us and line it up against the Word of God. That's what "take every thought captive" means. It means we need to take the words that are being said to us and read the surrounding text to see if that's what God really meant by that. We're taught that concept in like third or fourth grade. We're taught to use the surrounding text to determine the definition of the word. The same is true here: What was God really saying to us? Anyone can use a line of scripture out of context. That's why it is so important for us to know and to study daily the Word of the Lord. If we don't, anyone can say anything to us and we will follow where they lead.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Fight Fire with Water
What is your reaction when someone says something rude or hurtful to you? The world will tell us, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer," (Sun-tzu, Chinese general and strategist, 400 BC). The Bible tells us that we are not fighting against flesh and blood and we must bless those who hurt or "do evil," to us, (Ephesians 6:12; Romans 12:19-21). How can this be? I see the person standing in front of me--or on the phone or where ever--saying hurtful things to me. How can you say they are not flesh and blood? Moreover, how can you ask me to bless them?
A preacher once said that when we are hungry, angry, stressed, or tired, we are more prone to putting our foot in our mouth than to hearing the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Regrettably, words, once said, can't be taken back; they can only be forgiven. The next time someone comes at you in a rude or hurtful manner, ask yourself, do I really think they mean to do me personal harm? Probably not. And even if so, what good will it do you to try to fight them? Don't fight fire with fire; fight fire with water. Begin to pray blessings over them and see how the Holy Spirit will change their heart and their tongue. A word of caution: change doesn't typically happen overnight, so keep praying blessings over them and feel the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, growing inside of you.
A preacher once said that when we are hungry, angry, stressed, or tired, we are more prone to putting our foot in our mouth than to hearing the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Regrettably, words, once said, can't be taken back; they can only be forgiven. The next time someone comes at you in a rude or hurtful manner, ask yourself, do I really think they mean to do me personal harm? Probably not. And even if so, what good will it do you to try to fight them? Don't fight fire with fire; fight fire with water. Begin to pray blessings over them and see how the Holy Spirit will change their heart and their tongue. A word of caution: change doesn't typically happen overnight, so keep praying blessings over them and feel the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, growing inside of you.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Able to do All
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us ~ Ephesians 3:20
A lot of times this verse is talked about regarding financial provision, but God doesn't use the word "all" sparingly. When God's Word says He is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power, He means more than just money. All includes health and healing for your body and your family; the best marriage you can imagine; kids who are happy, healthy, and living out their dreams for God's glory; a career that is fulfilling, satisfying, edifies others, and more than covers the bills. When God says all, He means everything!
This morning, on my way to work, I heard a woman tell a story about how she read this scripture over herself as she prayed to God, calling Him on His Word. You see, she'd been given a 20% chance to live after being hit by a car. She knew that her God was able and she called Him on it. Today, she alive, healthy, and getting ready to run a marathon with TobyMac (www.thejoyfm.com/asheard/2010-03-09)! My God is able, too. When all hope was lost, and I didn't know where to turn, I turned to the cross. I asked my God to fill me up with a love for my husband again. That was three years ago. Last year was the best year of our marriage and I fully expect this year to be even better than the last.
What do you need God to do in your life? Do you need a healing? Are you struggling in your marriage? Are your finances not making ends meet? Do you feel alone and abandoned in this world? Call on the Lord, for He meant it when He said He is able. Not only is He able, but He is willing. Call on Him today and see Him move in your life!
A lot of times this verse is talked about regarding financial provision, but God doesn't use the word "all" sparingly. When God's Word says He is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power, He means more than just money. All includes health and healing for your body and your family; the best marriage you can imagine; kids who are happy, healthy, and living out their dreams for God's glory; a career that is fulfilling, satisfying, edifies others, and more than covers the bills. When God says all, He means everything!
This morning, on my way to work, I heard a woman tell a story about how she read this scripture over herself as she prayed to God, calling Him on His Word. You see, she'd been given a 20% chance to live after being hit by a car. She knew that her God was able and she called Him on it. Today, she alive, healthy, and getting ready to run a marathon with TobyMac (www.thejoyfm.com/asheard/2010-03-09)! My God is able, too. When all hope was lost, and I didn't know where to turn, I turned to the cross. I asked my God to fill me up with a love for my husband again. That was three years ago. Last year was the best year of our marriage and I fully expect this year to be even better than the last.
What do you need God to do in your life? Do you need a healing? Are you struggling in your marriage? Are your finances not making ends meet? Do you feel alone and abandoned in this world? Call on the Lord, for He meant it when He said He is able. Not only is He able, but He is willing. Call on Him today and see Him move in your life!
Monday, March 8, 2010
That We May
This past weekend, Pastor Randy talked about healing meaning "wholeness." He said healing isn't just physical, but it's also emotional and mental. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life," (John 3:16). Why did God have to send His Son? He had to send Him because there is sin in this world, so that we would not "perish," as it says in that verse. John 10:10 tells us that the devil came to the earth to do three things: kill, steal, and destroy. Jesus, however, came so that we may have life to the fullest.
In John 10:10, when Jesus said He came so that we may have life to the fullest, what what did He mean? What about all who are suffering and dying? What about those who are hit by tragedy? What about them? Jesus didn't say that we are living a life to the fullest or, even, that we will live a life to the fullest. He said that we may have it. The word "may" is used to express a possibility, an opportunity, permission, or a contingency, (dictionary.com). In other words, we are allowed to live a life to the fullest, but we don't have to have it; we don't have to choose it. I know what you're thinking, who wouldn't choose to live a life to the fullest if it were available to them for the taking? Just trek with me for a minute.
Think about abuse victims. Think about someone who has lived with an overbearing disease for many years. Think about those with depression. How much hope do you think they have? How much change do you think they expect to see? They may hope for hope, but when they are on the precipice of life-altering change, they back away. Why? Because change is scary. An abuse victim does not want to be abused, nor does someone who is sick, hurting, or scared want to stay that way, but, as strange as it sounds, there is comfort in familiarity. Change is scary, because it will take a person to a place they've always desired to be, but have never been. When they come face to face with this possibility for change, for something new and different, some think, "What will I do if this doesn't work out? How will I handle it?" For some, that's too difficult to go near.
Jesus said He came that we may have life to the fullest. God said He sent His Son so that we may choose to believe in Him and not perish. It is available to us, but we have to do the simplest, but hardest thing: we have to receive it, we have to accept it, we have to make that choice, we have to seek it out, we have to believe in it, and we have to live it out. Whether it's the first time or the hundredth time, we have to go for it. Jesus has offered it to you. How desperate are you for it? How much do you want life to the fullest?
Let's pray:
Lord, this thing in my life--you know what it is--I don't want it anymore. I'm reaching out to the hand you extend, that I, too, may have life to the fullest. Lord, there's a part of me that's afraid, even though I know that fear is just a lie; still, I'm nervous. Lord, I pray that you would walk with me, all the way through this process of change. Lord, I want to have life, and life to the fullest, like you promised. Lord, I see the hand that you have stretched out to me for so long, that I have ignored. Lord, today is different, because today I'm reaching out to grab your hand, that you will pull me out and pull me through, that I will be forever different after today. Lord, thank you for this gift that you have so freely given me. It's in Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
In John 10:10, when Jesus said He came so that we may have life to the fullest, what what did He mean? What about all who are suffering and dying? What about those who are hit by tragedy? What about them? Jesus didn't say that we are living a life to the fullest or, even, that we will live a life to the fullest. He said that we may have it. The word "may" is used to express a possibility, an opportunity, permission, or a contingency, (dictionary.com). In other words, we are allowed to live a life to the fullest, but we don't have to have it; we don't have to choose it. I know what you're thinking, who wouldn't choose to live a life to the fullest if it were available to them for the taking? Just trek with me for a minute.
Think about abuse victims. Think about someone who has lived with an overbearing disease for many years. Think about those with depression. How much hope do you think they have? How much change do you think they expect to see? They may hope for hope, but when they are on the precipice of life-altering change, they back away. Why? Because change is scary. An abuse victim does not want to be abused, nor does someone who is sick, hurting, or scared want to stay that way, but, as strange as it sounds, there is comfort in familiarity. Change is scary, because it will take a person to a place they've always desired to be, but have never been. When they come face to face with this possibility for change, for something new and different, some think, "What will I do if this doesn't work out? How will I handle it?" For some, that's too difficult to go near.
Jesus said He came that we may have life to the fullest. God said He sent His Son so that we may choose to believe in Him and not perish. It is available to us, but we have to do the simplest, but hardest thing: we have to receive it, we have to accept it, we have to make that choice, we have to seek it out, we have to believe in it, and we have to live it out. Whether it's the first time or the hundredth time, we have to go for it. Jesus has offered it to you. How desperate are you for it? How much do you want life to the fullest?
Let's pray:
Lord, this thing in my life--you know what it is--I don't want it anymore. I'm reaching out to the hand you extend, that I, too, may have life to the fullest. Lord, there's a part of me that's afraid, even though I know that fear is just a lie; still, I'm nervous. Lord, I pray that you would walk with me, all the way through this process of change. Lord, I want to have life, and life to the fullest, like you promised. Lord, I see the hand that you have stretched out to me for so long, that I have ignored. Lord, today is different, because today I'm reaching out to grab your hand, that you will pull me out and pull me through, that I will be forever different after today. Lord, thank you for this gift that you have so freely given me. It's in Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Takes Two I's
Ever heard the phrase, "If you don't use it, you'll lose it"? Usually, this phrase refers to every day things, like a fit body, being able to do complicated math, being fluent or at least half-way decent at a foreign language...things like that. What it usually doesn't refer to, but applies to is intimacy, intimacy with your spouse, intimacy with God, and intimacy with fellow Christians. Achieving intimacy can be a slow process, but once it's achieved, it's better to maintain it through a little bit of extra effort, than to let laziness or wrong priorities let you slip from that level of intimacy.
The word "intimacy" means "detailed knowledge or deep understanding of," (dictionary.com). The word intimacy has two "i's" because it takes two individuals to make it work. Intimacy with God is probably the easiest to achieve or move back into, because God is always open and desiring intimacy with us. If we have hurt or become distant from a spouse or a friend, it may take more work to achieve intimacy again.
What should we do if we've fallen out of intimacy with God, our spouse, or fellow Christians? First, we must confess our part. Since intimacy takes two, then no matter how big or small, we had a part to play in losing it. We need to go to the party with whom we want to regain that intimacy and confess our part. Second, we need to ask for forgiveness. If there has been any hurt, whether intended or not, asking for forgiveness helps to lead the way back to achieving intimacy again. And third, we need to make it a priority. What ever you put your most effort into, where you set your priorities, those things usually get done. With making it a priority, ask Jesus to be in it. There is strength where two or more are gathered, (see Matthew 18:20).
Let me encourage you, if you don't feel as close to God as you once did, spend extra time alone with Him. Wait on Him, to hear what He has to say. God longs to have a close relationship with all of His kids. He already knows us intimately--He knows the number of hairs on our head and knit us together in our mother's womb, (Matthew 10:30, Psalm 139:13). And just like a spouse or a friend, He wants to come first, He wants to be a priority. Pray, today, and ask the Lord to show you the way back and He will guide your steps.
The word "intimacy" means "detailed knowledge or deep understanding of," (dictionary.com). The word intimacy has two "i's" because it takes two individuals to make it work. Intimacy with God is probably the easiest to achieve or move back into, because God is always open and desiring intimacy with us. If we have hurt or become distant from a spouse or a friend, it may take more work to achieve intimacy again.
What should we do if we've fallen out of intimacy with God, our spouse, or fellow Christians? First, we must confess our part. Since intimacy takes two, then no matter how big or small, we had a part to play in losing it. We need to go to the party with whom we want to regain that intimacy and confess our part. Second, we need to ask for forgiveness. If there has been any hurt, whether intended or not, asking for forgiveness helps to lead the way back to achieving intimacy again. And third, we need to make it a priority. What ever you put your most effort into, where you set your priorities, those things usually get done. With making it a priority, ask Jesus to be in it. There is strength where two or more are gathered, (see Matthew 18:20).
Let me encourage you, if you don't feel as close to God as you once did, spend extra time alone with Him. Wait on Him, to hear what He has to say. God longs to have a close relationship with all of His kids. He already knows us intimately--He knows the number of hairs on our head and knit us together in our mother's womb, (Matthew 10:30, Psalm 139:13). And just like a spouse or a friend, He wants to come first, He wants to be a priority. Pray, today, and ask the Lord to show you the way back and He will guide your steps.
Ordained Praise
You have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. ~ Psalm 8:2
In his sermon last weekend, Pastor Jordan explained to us about praise. This scripture tells us that God, the Lord of all the heavens and the earth, has ordained praise. Pastor Jordan said that "ordained" means, "to set apart for specific use." Why would God need to ordain praise? And if He needed to ordain it, why not include it in the Ten Commandments? I believe He did. God's First Commandment was, "You shall have no other gods before me," (Exodus 20:2). The Lord knew that in a world with so many choices and free will, we might choose to worship other things, such as money, our bodies, our work, etc. Anything we worship or put first, is something we've set up as a "god" ahead of the Lord. By ordaining praise, the Lord called us to put Him first.
Once sin entered the world, we were no longer automatically connected or naturally centered around God. Instead, we became very selfish, and thought about ourselves first; what will satisfy my desires, what can I do for me? When we praise, we become last and must put others first. Praise is two-fold: it's the thanksgiving we give to God and it's the testimony we share with others about what God has done, is doing, and will do in our lives. Praise is no longer automatic, which is why God knew He had to set it up as something specific for us to do.
God also knew that if He did not ordain praise, we would get so wrapped up in the lies and attacks of the enemy, that we would never move forward, let alone move His Kingdom forward. This verse tells us that praise was ordained to silence the foe and the avenger. Who are these creatures? The foe is the enemy before us, the one who keeps us from moving forward. The avenger is the enemy from the past, the one who tries to hold us back.
The Lord knew we needed a solution, a formula, to follow to defeat these enemies. That is why He gave us praise. The Lord knows it is harder for the devil to keep us trapped in his lies when we are sharing with others the goodness of God. The Lord also knows that it becomes easier to block out the lies the devil whispers to us when we are shouting praises to our King.
What is holding you back? What is stopping you from moving forward? Ask the Lord to give you an ear for His voice, that you will hear no other. When I first began daily time with God, a good friend gave me a "recipe" to follow. It has helped me to stick to it, even though it was very hard, at first. She said do the following every morning: 5 minutes of thanking God (praise), 5 minutes of reading God's Word, 5 minutes of listening for God's voice, and 5 minutes of writing in my journal (this would be any thoughts, words, or phrases I heard God say to me, or impress upon my heart). Let me tell you, the listening part has always been the hardest for me, but the most worthwhile. Can you give God the first 20 minutes of your morning? I hope that you will. And I pray that as you do, you will hear more and more of God's voice and His truths and less and less of the devil's lies. I pray, also, that God will make you His mighty warrior, as you go forward, thanking Him and sharing with others all He has done for you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
In his sermon last weekend, Pastor Jordan explained to us about praise. This scripture tells us that God, the Lord of all the heavens and the earth, has ordained praise. Pastor Jordan said that "ordained" means, "to set apart for specific use." Why would God need to ordain praise? And if He needed to ordain it, why not include it in the Ten Commandments? I believe He did. God's First Commandment was, "You shall have no other gods before me," (Exodus 20:2). The Lord knew that in a world with so many choices and free will, we might choose to worship other things, such as money, our bodies, our work, etc. Anything we worship or put first, is something we've set up as a "god" ahead of the Lord. By ordaining praise, the Lord called us to put Him first.
Once sin entered the world, we were no longer automatically connected or naturally centered around God. Instead, we became very selfish, and thought about ourselves first; what will satisfy my desires, what can I do for me? When we praise, we become last and must put others first. Praise is two-fold: it's the thanksgiving we give to God and it's the testimony we share with others about what God has done, is doing, and will do in our lives. Praise is no longer automatic, which is why God knew He had to set it up as something specific for us to do.
God also knew that if He did not ordain praise, we would get so wrapped up in the lies and attacks of the enemy, that we would never move forward, let alone move His Kingdom forward. This verse tells us that praise was ordained to silence the foe and the avenger. Who are these creatures? The foe is the enemy before us, the one who keeps us from moving forward. The avenger is the enemy from the past, the one who tries to hold us back.
The Lord knew we needed a solution, a formula, to follow to defeat these enemies. That is why He gave us praise. The Lord knows it is harder for the devil to keep us trapped in his lies when we are sharing with others the goodness of God. The Lord also knows that it becomes easier to block out the lies the devil whispers to us when we are shouting praises to our King.
What is holding you back? What is stopping you from moving forward? Ask the Lord to give you an ear for His voice, that you will hear no other. When I first began daily time with God, a good friend gave me a "recipe" to follow. It has helped me to stick to it, even though it was very hard, at first. She said do the following every morning: 5 minutes of thanking God (praise), 5 minutes of reading God's Word, 5 minutes of listening for God's voice, and 5 minutes of writing in my journal (this would be any thoughts, words, or phrases I heard God say to me, or impress upon my heart). Let me tell you, the listening part has always been the hardest for me, but the most worthwhile. Can you give God the first 20 minutes of your morning? I hope that you will. And I pray that as you do, you will hear more and more of God's voice and His truths and less and less of the devil's lies. I pray, also, that God will make you His mighty warrior, as you go forward, thanking Him and sharing with others all He has done for you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
White Stone
To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it. ~ Revelation 2:17
A couple of years ago, I wrote a short story called S.A.M. It's the story of a girl with pain in her past, and she just can't seem to let go of it all. One day, she's visited by an angel named Sam. Well, Sam tells the girl her story, which is very similar to the girl's story, about how she used to carry her baggage around until Jesus rescued her and she left all her baggage at the cross. The girl said that was what she wanted, too. The angel told the girl that once she gave everything over to the Lord, that He would change her and give her a new name. So the girl dragged her baggage up a hill and hurled it over to Jesus and when she turned around, she had her new identity intact. The girl became known as SAM, Saved And Mended.
When God makes changes in our lives, they won't be so small as to go unnoticed. God wants the world to know that He's responsible for the changes in you. That's what He did when He changed Abram and Sari. We read the story of Abram and Sari in Genesis. When God called them forth for His purposes, and they submitted to His Will, God gave them new names. He said from that time forward, Abram (exalted father) would be known as Abraham (father of a multitude, or father of many nations), and Sari (princely) would be known as Sarah (queen of princes), (see Genesis 17:5, 15).
The white stone that is referred to in this scripture is significant. In the days of the ancient world, when they would have had public games, it was the victor or conqueror to whom the white stone, on which his name was inscribed, was bestowed. The white stone was a public proclamation of the victor, the conqueror, the "overcomer". Jesus wants to bestow that stone upon us. Now, Jesus warns us that the road to being an overcomer will not be easy. In fact, the easy road leads to our death, demise, and destruction, (see Matthew 7:13-14). But Jesus has also said that when we walk with Him and follow His guidance, He will show us the way to victory, (see Matthew 11:30; John 16:33).
The last thing this scripture talks about is the "hidden manna." The Greek word for "hidden" is "krypto," meaning concealed. And "manna" is "that which is kept in the heavenly temple..for the blessed." Proverbs 25:2 says "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the honor of kings to search it out." To him who overcomes, to kings and men of honor, God will reveal the secrets that are kept in His heavenly temple. God blesses all His children, but He reserves the hidden treasures for those who search it out and overcome the battle.
God has laid before us a promise: If we will overcome this battle, He will be gracious and reward us with the secrets He keeps in His heavenly temple. Not only that, but He will also proclaim to the world that we are victors and we are His. This road to victory starts with one small step: ours.
A couple of years ago, I wrote a short story called S.A.M. It's the story of a girl with pain in her past, and she just can't seem to let go of it all. One day, she's visited by an angel named Sam. Well, Sam tells the girl her story, which is very similar to the girl's story, about how she used to carry her baggage around until Jesus rescued her and she left all her baggage at the cross. The girl said that was what she wanted, too. The angel told the girl that once she gave everything over to the Lord, that He would change her and give her a new name. So the girl dragged her baggage up a hill and hurled it over to Jesus and when she turned around, she had her new identity intact. The girl became known as SAM, Saved And Mended.
When God makes changes in our lives, they won't be so small as to go unnoticed. God wants the world to know that He's responsible for the changes in you. That's what He did when He changed Abram and Sari. We read the story of Abram and Sari in Genesis. When God called them forth for His purposes, and they submitted to His Will, God gave them new names. He said from that time forward, Abram (exalted father) would be known as Abraham (father of a multitude, or father of many nations), and Sari (princely) would be known as Sarah (queen of princes), (see Genesis 17:5, 15).
The white stone that is referred to in this scripture is significant. In the days of the ancient world, when they would have had public games, it was the victor or conqueror to whom the white stone, on which his name was inscribed, was bestowed. The white stone was a public proclamation of the victor, the conqueror, the "overcomer". Jesus wants to bestow that stone upon us. Now, Jesus warns us that the road to being an overcomer will not be easy. In fact, the easy road leads to our death, demise, and destruction, (see Matthew 7:13-14). But Jesus has also said that when we walk with Him and follow His guidance, He will show us the way to victory, (see Matthew 11:30; John 16:33).
The last thing this scripture talks about is the "hidden manna." The Greek word for "hidden" is "krypto," meaning concealed. And "manna" is "that which is kept in the heavenly temple..for the blessed." Proverbs 25:2 says "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the honor of kings to search it out." To him who overcomes, to kings and men of honor, God will reveal the secrets that are kept in His heavenly temple. God blesses all His children, but He reserves the hidden treasures for those who search it out and overcome the battle.
God has laid before us a promise: If we will overcome this battle, He will be gracious and reward us with the secrets He keeps in His heavenly temple. Not only that, but He will also proclaim to the world that we are victors and we are His. This road to victory starts with one small step: ours.
Learn Daily
John 8:31 If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
Ever had to learn a foreign language? I remember when I was little--we're talking 1985 or 1987, something like that--there was a commercial for some interactive video to teach kids a foreign language. They would always show the same two cartoon characters who were saying hello and how are you in French. So that was my first taste of a foreign language. Then in fifth grade, we had some French foreign exchange students in our class, so I learned how to count up to 10. Unfortunately, 1-8 is all that stuck. So then in middle school/high school I took on German, because I had a German pen-pal and I thought it would be cool if we could talk. I never did too well in German. However, just to complicate matters more, in college, I took up French again. So, I had 1-8 down, but anything after 8 and I would start counting in German. And just in case I hadn't complicated matters enough, my last two semesters in college, I took German, again. If you ask me today how much I remember of either language...yeah, not much. But my flash cards make great scratch paper.
So what does that have to do with what Jesus said? Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples, indeed." A disciple is another word for student, someone who diligently and purposefully studies something. In this case, Jesus was telling them they must study, or learn what Jesus was teaching them. He knew this His Word, actions, and concepts would be "foreign" to them, so He told them they must "abide" in His Word. The word "abide" comes from the Greek word "meno," which means "to remain." If His disciples were to learn Jesus' ways, they had to daily, walk with Jesus and learn what He was teaching them. Jesus was giving them the tools they would need to continue on their journey. This teaching is also needed for being married.
When a couple is first married, they are "in love" and their spouse can do no wrong. Check again after three years and things might not be as rosy as they were before. Check again in 7 years and things could be worse, perhaps rocky. Check again in 5 years, and they could be divorced. It happens all the time. The divorce rate is at 50%. Why is it so high? It's because being married is like learning a foreign language. Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a book called, The Five Love Languages, to try to give us one tool to help us learn how to speak this foreign language. Now, this book does not have all the answers and one should not expect that it is the end-all-beat-all cure; it is simply a tool. Like so many other great books, it is an aide to help you along the way, but you and your spouse must still put in the work. I asked my grandpa once--he and my grandma had been married 54 years when she passed away--what made their marriage so successful. He said that he gave everything he had for her and she gave everything she had for him. They had a strong marriage. They had taken the time to learn the "languages" of love and marriage, and then they followed the examples that Jesus gave.
Jesus said, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you," (John 15:7). What do you desire? A successful marriage? Your dream job? Your health restored? Your kids living for Jesus? Restoration for your family? It can all be yours, but you must put in the work. You must spend daily quite time with God. You must tell God your desires. You must confess your sins when He reveals things to you. And, finally, you must allow Him to work in your life.
Are you ready for some great changes? Let's pray:
Lord, I confess that I haven't learned the most important language of all: Your language, Your Word, Your Truth. Lord, forgive me for not studying as regularly as I need to. I realize the only one it hurts is me. Lord, give me a desire and a hunger, once again, for Your Word, that I would feast on it daily. Lord, I too, want You to give me the desires of my heart, but Lord, I also want to do the desires of Your heart. As I spend time with you each day, please reveal to me what they are, so that I can truly learn Your language, Lord. I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Ever had to learn a foreign language? I remember when I was little--we're talking 1985 or 1987, something like that--there was a commercial for some interactive video to teach kids a foreign language. They would always show the same two cartoon characters who were saying hello and how are you in French. So that was my first taste of a foreign language. Then in fifth grade, we had some French foreign exchange students in our class, so I learned how to count up to 10. Unfortunately, 1-8 is all that stuck. So then in middle school/high school I took on German, because I had a German pen-pal and I thought it would be cool if we could talk. I never did too well in German. However, just to complicate matters more, in college, I took up French again. So, I had 1-8 down, but anything after 8 and I would start counting in German. And just in case I hadn't complicated matters enough, my last two semesters in college, I took German, again. If you ask me today how much I remember of either language...yeah, not much. But my flash cards make great scratch paper.
So what does that have to do with what Jesus said? Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples, indeed." A disciple is another word for student, someone who diligently and purposefully studies something. In this case, Jesus was telling them they must study, or learn what Jesus was teaching them. He knew this His Word, actions, and concepts would be "foreign" to them, so He told them they must "abide" in His Word. The word "abide" comes from the Greek word "meno," which means "to remain." If His disciples were to learn Jesus' ways, they had to daily, walk with Jesus and learn what He was teaching them. Jesus was giving them the tools they would need to continue on their journey. This teaching is also needed for being married.
When a couple is first married, they are "in love" and their spouse can do no wrong. Check again after three years and things might not be as rosy as they were before. Check again in 7 years and things could be worse, perhaps rocky. Check again in 5 years, and they could be divorced. It happens all the time. The divorce rate is at 50%. Why is it so high? It's because being married is like learning a foreign language. Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a book called, The Five Love Languages, to try to give us one tool to help us learn how to speak this foreign language. Now, this book does not have all the answers and one should not expect that it is the end-all-beat-all cure; it is simply a tool. Like so many other great books, it is an aide to help you along the way, but you and your spouse must still put in the work. I asked my grandpa once--he and my grandma had been married 54 years when she passed away--what made their marriage so successful. He said that he gave everything he had for her and she gave everything she had for him. They had a strong marriage. They had taken the time to learn the "languages" of love and marriage, and then they followed the examples that Jesus gave.
Jesus said, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you," (John 15:7). What do you desire? A successful marriage? Your dream job? Your health restored? Your kids living for Jesus? Restoration for your family? It can all be yours, but you must put in the work. You must spend daily quite time with God. You must tell God your desires. You must confess your sins when He reveals things to you. And, finally, you must allow Him to work in your life.
Are you ready for some great changes? Let's pray:
Lord, I confess that I haven't learned the most important language of all: Your language, Your Word, Your Truth. Lord, forgive me for not studying as regularly as I need to. I realize the only one it hurts is me. Lord, give me a desire and a hunger, once again, for Your Word, that I would feast on it daily. Lord, I too, want You to give me the desires of my heart, but Lord, I also want to do the desires of Your heart. As I spend time with you each day, please reveal to me what they are, so that I can truly learn Your language, Lord. I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.
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