I was thinking the other day about the journey that it's taken me to become a fully committed and God-pursuing believer, not just one in name and external behavior, but someone who lives and breathes this life because it has actually become my very breath. I don't say that to be dramatic, but now if I am not immersed in His presence on a regular basis, I can feel as if I am suffocating.
I am sure people who have known me over the years read my Facebook or Twitter and probably think, "Wow, when did she become such a Jesus freak, Bible thumper, etc., (insert your favorite nickname for a radical Christian here)?" As I was mulling this over, I began to think, you know the radical ones are actually the most rational ones. That is...if you believe what the Bible says about the length and weight of this life versus eternity. As Christine Caine says, "This life is a vapah!" That's my best attempt at phonetically writing how that wonderful Aussie says vapor :), see the actual Scripture below:
James 4:14 ~ Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
Like much of the Word, if we believed what it says, rather than what we have surmised or experienced, we would live our lives very differently. If this life truly is a vapor (or mist or fog as some other translations say) compared to the SUBSTANCE of eternity, why would you not shift and rearrange the circumstances and efforts of this life TOWARD the one that really matters? I began to think of an analogy of completing a course of study that I think illustrates this rather well, so here goes.
In my academic days, I, like many other over-achieving type-A personalities, would strategize my grade in a course from day one. You know, I need this grade on this test and this grade on this paper, in order to only need a grade of say 75 on the final to get an A overall. If you didn't do this on the front-end, I guarantee you did it during finals, if only to prioritize and allocate your study time for your course load to maximize your grades for the semester! The point here is having a long-range vision for the end goal, but this is all kind of subjective when talking about business studies. I thought a better analogy would be a course of study for something very tangible, like say, a chef.
If you are in culinary school, your end goal would of course be to graduate and be able to prepare a full meal, of many different kinds of foods, with amazing presentation as well. But suppose, you got hung up on the dessert portion of your study, or worse still, on one small part of the dessert course. The smallest thing I could think of was a petit four. You spent all of your time in culinary school trying different recipes and decorating and sprucing up one tiny dessert. Your classmates tried to encourage you that you should look toward completion of your study, and maybe spend some time toward that end, rather than getting so focused on one small sugar-filled portion. But you didn't listen, and at the end of your time, you were left presenting an amazing petit four to your professors, but that was all, while the rest of the class had full meals prepared. They pursued that which really mattered and would end up with successful completion, while you would not.
Many believers are like this culinary student. They know the truth, but for whatever reason, they have become so focused on this tiny sugary portion of our existence, that they are missing the end goal of growing in God, furthering His kingdom, and becoming more and more ready for an eternity spent in His presence. What does it take to make this shift, to have a long-range vision, and to make eternity become so much more substantial to us than what we experience with our physical senses here on earth? Because once you make this shift, as I said in the beginning, focusing on spiritual matters truly becomes the most rational thing you can do.
For me, it took the removal of all external stimuli during these quiet years as a mom to small children - not a process I have thoroughly enjoyed, but one that I am ever so grateful for its results. For some, it may be a tragedy that reminds them how short life on earth really is. For others, maybe it is the Holy Spirit revealing this truth ever so subtly through a song, the Word, or some other resource. Whatever it takes, as I told a friend the other day, this is what I pray for anyone I know who is wandering. I don't pray that they don't search anymore or that they don't wander. Instead, I pray that the season would be as short as possible - that God would reveal the truth to them and woo their heart in an undeniably personal way - to where their faith would become so real that no one can ever take it.
And I pray this for more than my personal world, I pray it for the church at large. That we would wake up more and more to the REALITY that we are the object of affection of a good and loving God and that loving and serving Him for an unimaginable amount of time become our ultimate end-goal.
Ephesians 1:15-18 ~ Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Don't Turn The Channel Too Quickly
We are beginning a pretty big life transition right now - that of moving to Houston with our little family. These transitional times always leave me feeling contemplative. I have been more emotional than I ever thought possible, especially given that our eight years in San Antonio have felt more than a little like a wilderness (or a left hand!) season. As I thought about my unintentional responses to the move (and tried to suppress them mind you), I began to realize a couple of things.
For one, I had actually become quite settled here. I had no longer had that "grass is greener" mentality that was always looking for the next exciting thing, but had resolved to be content and thrive where God had planted me. My sudden, strong emotions in regard to leaving (especially given that we are headed back to where I grew up and some of my family - picture my confused husband!) could mean nothing less and would not have happened a few years ago. Now that is progress and growth for me - to His glory!
Two, I needed to take some time and allow myself space to work through the emotions, acknowledge the end of this time in our lives, and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me about it. As our pastor says, "Don't change the channel too quickly." I am still in the midst of doing all of this, and God is revealing more and more. (Stay tuned for the next post.)
Three, God is so gracious to have given us lots of confirmations along the way that this is His next step for our family. From the vision I had almost exactly a year ago where he showed me this move, to the small transitions of friends here that make us feel more released to leave, to the peace my husband has about this career move - He is faithful!
So whatever you are going through today - whether you are in a transition, desperately looking forward to one, or trying to find a way to avoid one - take some time to be still in His presence and let Him put some perspective on your life up to this point. He knows, He knows, He knows, and that's all YOU need to know! Here is the song/scripture that's been in my spirit:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning, great is thy faithfulness O Lord. Great is thy faithfulness. ~Lamentations 3:22-23
For one, I had actually become quite settled here. I had no longer had that "grass is greener" mentality that was always looking for the next exciting thing, but had resolved to be content and thrive where God had planted me. My sudden, strong emotions in regard to leaving (especially given that we are headed back to where I grew up and some of my family - picture my confused husband!) could mean nothing less and would not have happened a few years ago. Now that is progress and growth for me - to His glory!
Two, I needed to take some time and allow myself space to work through the emotions, acknowledge the end of this time in our lives, and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me about it. As our pastor says, "Don't change the channel too quickly." I am still in the midst of doing all of this, and God is revealing more and more. (Stay tuned for the next post.)
Three, God is so gracious to have given us lots of confirmations along the way that this is His next step for our family. From the vision I had almost exactly a year ago where he showed me this move, to the small transitions of friends here that make us feel more released to leave, to the peace my husband has about this career move - He is faithful!
So whatever you are going through today - whether you are in a transition, desperately looking forward to one, or trying to find a way to avoid one - take some time to be still in His presence and let Him put some perspective on your life up to this point. He knows, He knows, He knows, and that's all YOU need to know! Here is the song/scripture that's been in my spirit:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning, great is thy faithfulness O Lord. Great is thy faithfulness. ~Lamentations 3:22-23
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Go Home - Bad Dog!!
As I have been working through the Deeper Still Bible study over the last month, a story by Priscilla Shirer really resonated with me and brought back some old memories that I'd like to share. She spoke of a time when she was approached by a menacing dog while by herself on a walk; by raising her voice and jabbing at it with a stick, she was able to send that dog hightailing it out of there! She compared this to the enemy's attacks against us that are often-times, "all bravado and no bite." She further taught that "No matter how good he (the enemy) is at barking, he has already been rendered impotent." The way she described it made me think of the following verse:
Colossians 2:15 (NLT)
In this way, he (Christ) disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.
That's some pretty serious stuff...not only did He DISARM them (or render them ineffective), He also SHAMED them publicly at the cross. Make no mistake; that's a spectacle we're talking about. As I rolled this around in my mind, I suddenly remembered stories of my own encounters with vicious dogs as we were growing up in a rural area north of Houston - I think I had blocked them out of my memory up until this point!
My twin and I enjoyed running and riding our bikes around our "neighborhood" if you could call it that. Everyone had a couple of acres, no fences, and no HOA restrictions. On one particular stretch, there were a couple of houses that had rottweilers and dobermans with no restraints whatsoever...ridiculous now that I think back on it. They would come charging, and I mean charging with nostrils flared and teeth bared, out at us as we ran or biked innocently by. Now, for even the bravest of us, that would be a terrifying sight...but I am far from the bravest of us...I'm actually kind of a wimp! It would take every ounce of bravery and gumption that my 9 year-old self had to stand up tall and yell with all my might, "Go Home, Bad Dog, Get Out of Here!!" It normally didn't work the first time; it took a bit of their edge off but they would keep coming. And we would keep yelling over and over, and even have to run at them at times - but they would finally back off when they saw we were serious.
Reading Priscilla's story brought back memories of that specific gut-wrenching fear that I had to PUSH down as I forced myself to be authoritative and show NO fear. Now, of course, intellectually I know it to be true that I have authority over the enemy and that he has already been disarmed and shamed by Jesus Christ once and for all. But, oh that fear, that can stop you in your tracks...
What are you facing in your life today that has literally frozen you in place and all you can see are the teeth and all you can hear is the barking? The enemy will leave you alone, but it is going to take an exertion of your FAITH and WILL to stand up with all you have and say, "Go Home, Bad Dog, Get Out of Here!!" (In Jesus name of course!) It cannot be a half-hearted, wimpy prayer - that just won't work - not with what the people of God are facing today. But when you do with all the bravado you can muster, just like those rottweilers and dobermans, the enemy will tuck his tail and run when he sees that you are serious.
Ephesians 6:13
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Colossians 2:15 (NLT)
In this way, he (Christ) disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.
That's some pretty serious stuff...not only did He DISARM them (or render them ineffective), He also SHAMED them publicly at the cross. Make no mistake; that's a spectacle we're talking about. As I rolled this around in my mind, I suddenly remembered stories of my own encounters with vicious dogs as we were growing up in a rural area north of Houston - I think I had blocked them out of my memory up until this point!
My twin and I enjoyed running and riding our bikes around our "neighborhood" if you could call it that. Everyone had a couple of acres, no fences, and no HOA restrictions. On one particular stretch, there were a couple of houses that had rottweilers and dobermans with no restraints whatsoever...ridiculous now that I think back on it. They would come charging, and I mean charging with nostrils flared and teeth bared, out at us as we ran or biked innocently by. Now, for even the bravest of us, that would be a terrifying sight...but I am far from the bravest of us...I'm actually kind of a wimp! It would take every ounce of bravery and gumption that my 9 year-old self had to stand up tall and yell with all my might, "Go Home, Bad Dog, Get Out of Here!!" It normally didn't work the first time; it took a bit of their edge off but they would keep coming. And we would keep yelling over and over, and even have to run at them at times - but they would finally back off when they saw we were serious.
Reading Priscilla's story brought back memories of that specific gut-wrenching fear that I had to PUSH down as I forced myself to be authoritative and show NO fear. Now, of course, intellectually I know it to be true that I have authority over the enemy and that he has already been disarmed and shamed by Jesus Christ once and for all. But, oh that fear, that can stop you in your tracks...
What are you facing in your life today that has literally frozen you in place and all you can see are the teeth and all you can hear is the barking? The enemy will leave you alone, but it is going to take an exertion of your FAITH and WILL to stand up with all you have and say, "Go Home, Bad Dog, Get Out of Here!!" (In Jesus name of course!) It cannot be a half-hearted, wimpy prayer - that just won't work - not with what the people of God are facing today. But when you do with all the bravado you can muster, just like those rottweilers and dobermans, the enemy will tuck his tail and run when he sees that you are serious.
Ephesians 6:13
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Unfulfilled Love Songs
How many over-the-top love songs have you heard and thought, "Wow, there is no way that actually happens in real life!" Not just songs, but expand that to books, movies, etc. Sure, some of us hope more than others that a "perfect" romantic relationship is out there somewhere; but if we are being honest, we would admit that we have come to expect little from love...yet we still yearn and long for a deepness of feeling and expression that continues to evade us. Just look at the litany of media available along these lines - these stories are produced by human hearts and minds for a very consuming public; in a lot of them, you can hear the heart cry of the human race, ultimately looking for perfect love. All of this makes me think of the following C.S. Lewis quote:
"If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world."
The eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing God of the universe created us to be the very objects of His affection and love. Just try for a few seconds to wrap your mind around that... Wouldn't it make sense that no relationship here on this earth could begin to satisfy the deep capacity of the reservoir for love He designed in each of us?
Ecclesiastes 3:11 - He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
As I have grown in my relationship with God over the last few years, I have begun to listen to these same songs, read these same books, and watch these same movies with a new set of eyes and ears. Instead of immediately calling them out as sappy and unrealistic (yes, I admit that I am a recovering cynic), I choose to allow my heart and mind to entertain the idea that all of them just might be possible - except not with another human being but with the ONE who has always known and loved me from the beginning of time.
I dare you to try this same exercise; you'll never be the same. Here's a music video of one of the songs in particular that God has been revealing Himself to me through - thank you George!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_nB_CbGV5g
"If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world."
The eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing God of the universe created us to be the very objects of His affection and love. Just try for a few seconds to wrap your mind around that... Wouldn't it make sense that no relationship here on this earth could begin to satisfy the deep capacity of the reservoir for love He designed in each of us?
Ecclesiastes 3:11 - He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
As I have grown in my relationship with God over the last few years, I have begun to listen to these same songs, read these same books, and watch these same movies with a new set of eyes and ears. Instead of immediately calling them out as sappy and unrealistic (yes, I admit that I am a recovering cynic), I choose to allow my heart and mind to entertain the idea that all of them just might be possible - except not with another human being but with the ONE who has always known and loved me from the beginning of time.
I dare you to try this same exercise; you'll never be the same. Here's a music video of one of the songs in particular that God has been revealing Himself to me through - thank you George!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_nB_CbGV5g
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Who Directs Your Steps?
So on Tuesday I posted about traces of grace and finished it off by quoting Psalm 37:23 - The Lord directs the steps of the godly; He delights in every detail of their lives. That blog was primarily focused on Him delighting in our details; this one will focus on Him directing our steps, based on an event that happened yesterday.
My friend, Kate, and I had made lunch plans and agreed to meet at a restaurant near my work place (incidentally in a very nice part of town). What was meant to be a brief lunch so we could both get back to work, turned into an hour and twenty minutes. As we departed, we gave each other a hug and both held on longer than usual. I remember thinking that was odd, but those seconds may have been vital, as you will read in a moment. Kate headed out the door as I went and refilled my drink and visited the restroom. I left the restaurant and drove to the left back to my workplace; as I did, I saw ambulances and fire trucks whizzing by me. I didn't know what had happened until Kate sent me a text about an hour later.
She told how she turned right out of the restaurant and went through the other side of the parking lot on her way back to work. As she drove, she saw a commotion around a small red car and a man stumble out covered in blood. Being trained in CPR, she stopped to help. Upon reaching him, she realized he had been shot and stabbed multiple times. She assisted until the ambulance arrived to take him to the hospital.
After the adrenaline went down and the processing began, Kate told how during lunch she kept looking at the clock behind me thinking she needed to leave and go back to work...but yet she stayed. And then there was the lingering hug that felt odd. She strongly believes that God was protecting her from being right in the middle of that violent situation (ended up being reported as a robbery of a jeweler by two masked men) which had transpired only moments before she drove by.
We both knew with our head knowledge of the Bible that God directs our steps, but now we know experientially that He does. To add one other element, I firmly believe that not only was God protecting us, but He was also arranging for His agent to be involved in this situation. Here is yet another reason to allow God to direct our steps - to be fully available to His service in bringing light and love to this dark world. I told Kate to take it as quite a compliment that He entrusted that to her yesterday. While I am also trained in CPR, I don't know that I would have been able to handle it with such grace as she did.
To wrap it up: Do we live in a treacherous world? You betcha. Is it bound to get more treacherous? You betcha. Do I know who directs our steps and keeps us from harm? You betcha. So TRUST that wherever you go today, He directed your steps there and that there is grace to cover whatever you may encounter!
My friend, Kate, and I had made lunch plans and agreed to meet at a restaurant near my work place (incidentally in a very nice part of town). What was meant to be a brief lunch so we could both get back to work, turned into an hour and twenty minutes. As we departed, we gave each other a hug and both held on longer than usual. I remember thinking that was odd, but those seconds may have been vital, as you will read in a moment. Kate headed out the door as I went and refilled my drink and visited the restroom. I left the restaurant and drove to the left back to my workplace; as I did, I saw ambulances and fire trucks whizzing by me. I didn't know what had happened until Kate sent me a text about an hour later.
She told how she turned right out of the restaurant and went through the other side of the parking lot on her way back to work. As she drove, she saw a commotion around a small red car and a man stumble out covered in blood. Being trained in CPR, she stopped to help. Upon reaching him, she realized he had been shot and stabbed multiple times. She assisted until the ambulance arrived to take him to the hospital.
After the adrenaline went down and the processing began, Kate told how during lunch she kept looking at the clock behind me thinking she needed to leave and go back to work...but yet she stayed. And then there was the lingering hug that felt odd. She strongly believes that God was protecting her from being right in the middle of that violent situation (ended up being reported as a robbery of a jeweler by two masked men) which had transpired only moments before she drove by.
We both knew with our head knowledge of the Bible that God directs our steps, but now we know experientially that He does. To add one other element, I firmly believe that not only was God protecting us, but He was also arranging for His agent to be involved in this situation. Here is yet another reason to allow God to direct our steps - to be fully available to His service in bringing light and love to this dark world. I told Kate to take it as quite a compliment that He entrusted that to her yesterday. While I am also trained in CPR, I don't know that I would have been able to handle it with such grace as she did.
To wrap it up: Do we live in a treacherous world? You betcha. Is it bound to get more treacherous? You betcha. Do I know who directs our steps and keeps us from harm? You betcha. So TRUST that wherever you go today, He directed your steps there and that there is grace to cover whatever you may encounter!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Traces of Grace
How many times in the busy pace of your life do you stop and notice small hints of His grace sprinkled throughout your day? If you're moving too fast, it's hard to notice. But if you determine to be aware and watching for these small love notes from Him, the Holy Spirit will highlight them to you...guaranteed...and you will watch in amazement as to how often and when they appear!
Brief grocery store story from yours truly: I had taken the boys with me to the grocery store on a busy Monday after we had been at home with air conditioning repair, working on refinancing our mortgage, rescheduling some dental work for me, and arranging my husband's surgery details (torn achilles repair, altogether another story!). Needless to say, mommy was already fried when we got there and just needed to get a little food for our very bare refrigerator. To make matters worse, it was one of those days at the grocery store when there are so many people in the aisles, you have to steer around them and take turns to move!
As I am cruising and referring back to my list (not to mention letting my children eat their way through the store - you know a donut here, a cheese stick there, etc.), I realize a few items that I have forgotten. Almost on cue, I look up to find the exact item I would have purchased stranded in another section altogether (for example, pistachios in a facing of tortillas). The first time it happened, I thought, "Oh, okay that's good - I don't have to circle back through the crowded store." But the second time? I knew it was traces of His grace. And while a small thing in our busy life - still very indicative of our compassionate God, who cares about even the little details of our lives.
For one last flourish in the icing on the cake/lesson - as I was outside loading the groceries in the car and kids in the car seats, I notice we have lost one pair of Spider-Man sunglasses. Why the big deal? Only because we have two pairs, and if you know anything about close siblings...only having one would cause big issues in the future. Which means, in short, for me, I would be throwing out the other pair if we couldn't find the ones we had lost. Now it's 200 degrees (okay 100), and I have $200 worth of groceries already in the car...unloading children and heading back inside seemed like the least appealing thing in the world. So I look over and see some teenage employees pushing carts and asked them nicely if they wouldn't mind looking at the check-stand we had been at a few minutes earlier - a long shot but worth it in this mom's opinion. They agreed and began walking back; they returned just a few minutes later, having found them on the ground on their way back into the store!
Once again, if you're not looking, these things may seem like coincidences or "thank goodness" moments; but if you're tuned in - they can come to mean so much more than that and keep you moving (with a smile on your face) on this sometimes tiring road we call life! HE IS GOOD :).
Psalm 37:23 - The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
II Corinthians 12:9 - But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness.
Brief grocery store story from yours truly: I had taken the boys with me to the grocery store on a busy Monday after we had been at home with air conditioning repair, working on refinancing our mortgage, rescheduling some dental work for me, and arranging my husband's surgery details (torn achilles repair, altogether another story!). Needless to say, mommy was already fried when we got there and just needed to get a little food for our very bare refrigerator. To make matters worse, it was one of those days at the grocery store when there are so many people in the aisles, you have to steer around them and take turns to move!
As I am cruising and referring back to my list (not to mention letting my children eat their way through the store - you know a donut here, a cheese stick there, etc.), I realize a few items that I have forgotten. Almost on cue, I look up to find the exact item I would have purchased stranded in another section altogether (for example, pistachios in a facing of tortillas). The first time it happened, I thought, "Oh, okay that's good - I don't have to circle back through the crowded store." But the second time? I knew it was traces of His grace. And while a small thing in our busy life - still very indicative of our compassionate God, who cares about even the little details of our lives.
For one last flourish in the icing on the cake/lesson - as I was outside loading the groceries in the car and kids in the car seats, I notice we have lost one pair of Spider-Man sunglasses. Why the big deal? Only because we have two pairs, and if you know anything about close siblings...only having one would cause big issues in the future. Which means, in short, for me, I would be throwing out the other pair if we couldn't find the ones we had lost. Now it's 200 degrees (okay 100), and I have $200 worth of groceries already in the car...unloading children and heading back inside seemed like the least appealing thing in the world. So I look over and see some teenage employees pushing carts and asked them nicely if they wouldn't mind looking at the check-stand we had been at a few minutes earlier - a long shot but worth it in this mom's opinion. They agreed and began walking back; they returned just a few minutes later, having found them on the ground on their way back into the store!
Once again, if you're not looking, these things may seem like coincidences or "thank goodness" moments; but if you're tuned in - they can come to mean so much more than that and keep you moving (with a smile on your face) on this sometimes tiring road we call life! HE IS GOOD :).
Psalm 37:23 - The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
II Corinthians 12:9 - But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Intimacy Can Be Your Reality
If you had been reading my journal lately, you'd know that God has been revealing a lot to me about Himself and our relationship through different songs, some Christian and some not. Many of the songs have been about unconditional love, happiness, joy, etc.
However, today's quiet time was just fun and silly...I was listening to an amazing song by Mark Harris called, "When We're Together." If you've heard this song, you know that it has a light-hearted and fun mood and amazing lyrics (see below). It was as if God was saying, "Come and hang out with me, enjoy yourself, dance, be who I created you to be!" Now isn't that a definition of true intimacy...when you can be your goofy self without a care in the world that the person will start to think differently about you?
If this sounds like a stretch to you in terms of a relationship with God, I invite you - and HE invites you - to come into His presence, take a load off, rest, and just maybe have some fun! It's worth a try, don't you think? :)
And thank you to Mark Harris for the inspiration for tonight's post.
Much Love To You All!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFVl-nxHT6s
I'd like to sail to lands afar
Out on a boat that's built for two
Beneath a canopy of stars
That would be just like a dream come true
Just to be with you
And oh, oh, oh, ohhh
When we're together
Oh, oh, oh, ohhh
Feels like forever
Worries seem to fade away
As they become as distant memories
When we're together
I'd like a castle on a hill
Where you and I could spend the day
And I'd love to go where time stands still
And all that doesn't matter fades away
You are here with me
And oh, oh, oh, ohhh
When we're together
Oh, oh, oh, ohhh
Feels like forever
Worries seem to fade away
As they become as distant memories
When we're together
And I'd love toDance with you
Under the big blue sky
We'd hold theWonder of the moment
As the moment passes by
When we're together
However, today's quiet time was just fun and silly...I was listening to an amazing song by Mark Harris called, "When We're Together." If you've heard this song, you know that it has a light-hearted and fun mood and amazing lyrics (see below). It was as if God was saying, "Come and hang out with me, enjoy yourself, dance, be who I created you to be!" Now isn't that a definition of true intimacy...when you can be your goofy self without a care in the world that the person will start to think differently about you?
If this sounds like a stretch to you in terms of a relationship with God, I invite you - and HE invites you - to come into His presence, take a load off, rest, and just maybe have some fun! It's worth a try, don't you think? :)
And thank you to Mark Harris for the inspiration for tonight's post.
Much Love To You All!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFVl-nxHT6s
I'd like to sail to lands afar
Out on a boat that's built for two
Beneath a canopy of stars
That would be just like a dream come true
Just to be with you
And oh, oh, oh, ohhh
When we're together
Oh, oh, oh, ohhh
Feels like forever
Worries seem to fade away
As they become as distant memories
When we're together
I'd like a castle on a hill
Where you and I could spend the day
And I'd love to go where time stands still
And all that doesn't matter fades away
You are here with me
And oh, oh, oh, ohhh
When we're together
Oh, oh, oh, ohhh
Feels like forever
Worries seem to fade away
As they become as distant memories
When we're together
And I'd love toDance with you
Under the big blue sky
We'd hold theWonder of the moment
As the moment passes by
When we're together
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Honor & Life Messages
Lately the Lord has been speaking to me about "life messages." By this, I believe He means the individual purpose and significance He has birthed in each of us that we are assigned to carry into our world. We are all created so differently, and for good reason, He loves variety - just look at the animal and plant kingdoms! As there are so many lifestyles, cultures, and temperaments - God cannot have ministry that is one size fits all. When you look around at the vast expanse of Christian programs and literature, it can be a bit dizzying and can even push some people towards cynicism and further to criticism - particularly if a ministry's style does not suit you, your tastes, or your current spiritual maturity level. Can I encourage you to not buy into that and continue reading with an open heart? I had such a strong desire to put this blog together, because I know this is a common ploy of the enemy...to destroy the unity of the body of Christ and fragment us over sometimes serious but often inane differences.
The principle of honor (respect, esteem, value) is such an important one in every arena, but sadly there are still some folks out there who haven't quite let God refine this characteristic in them. I know, because I have been one of them! To be honest, I have been successful at doing this on a high level, meaning with large and visible ministries, and seeing the good they are doing in the name of Jesus, even if it isn't ministering strongly to me. God has led us to sow financially into various ministries like this and bless them to continue on in their work; this is going beyond simply acknowledging their mission but is supporting and esteeming their mission to the point where it affects your pocketbook...now that is honor.
All of that being said, I had been having a more difficult time with honor in more personal and close to home relationships. Struggling to put the pieces together and love, respect, and honor others - especially when they have not been honoring you - can be quite difficult. I have been seeking God over this matter for months, and it is crystal clear that love and honor are very high on His priority list for me right now!
As I prayed and sought Him about it, He spoke to my spirit in such clear terms (and might I add, not angrily or condescendingly, but calmly and in an encouraging way) about the concept of every individual and their life message. Just as corporations have mission statements and core values, God has created each of us so uniquely, with backgrounds, experience, education, and interests that all fit together to create the exact life message He destined for us; that life message is vital to a lost and dying world, and He wants all of us to find it and come into our own in terms of purpose with passion.
When you think about #1 His brilliance and #2 His plan, it boggles the mind for little old me to begin criticizing whomever for what I think they are not doing correctly. My responsibility is to honor them and the life message that, most of the time, I can see so clearly written all over them. While doing this, it is also extremely important that I be pursuing my life message with singleness of vision, regardless of what others may be thinking, saying, or doing about me. I do wonder sometimes how many life messages have been abandoned or even crushed as a result of others' jealousy, mistreatment, or plain misunderstanding.
Can I challenge and encourage you on both of these fronts, to be the type of person that honors others, regardless of whether you understand them, and continues to relentlessly pursue your own life message, even if it's sometimes alone? The King has need of you; answer His call and don't let the enemy have one more inch (make that centimeter!) of ground in this area :).
The principle of honor (respect, esteem, value) is such an important one in every arena, but sadly there are still some folks out there who haven't quite let God refine this characteristic in them. I know, because I have been one of them! To be honest, I have been successful at doing this on a high level, meaning with large and visible ministries, and seeing the good they are doing in the name of Jesus, even if it isn't ministering strongly to me. God has led us to sow financially into various ministries like this and bless them to continue on in their work; this is going beyond simply acknowledging their mission but is supporting and esteeming their mission to the point where it affects your pocketbook...now that is honor.
All of that being said, I had been having a more difficult time with honor in more personal and close to home relationships. Struggling to put the pieces together and love, respect, and honor others - especially when they have not been honoring you - can be quite difficult. I have been seeking God over this matter for months, and it is crystal clear that love and honor are very high on His priority list for me right now!
As I prayed and sought Him about it, He spoke to my spirit in such clear terms (and might I add, not angrily or condescendingly, but calmly and in an encouraging way) about the concept of every individual and their life message. Just as corporations have mission statements and core values, God has created each of us so uniquely, with backgrounds, experience, education, and interests that all fit together to create the exact life message He destined for us; that life message is vital to a lost and dying world, and He wants all of us to find it and come into our own in terms of purpose with passion.
When you think about #1 His brilliance and #2 His plan, it boggles the mind for little old me to begin criticizing whomever for what I think they are not doing correctly. My responsibility is to honor them and the life message that, most of the time, I can see so clearly written all over them. While doing this, it is also extremely important that I be pursuing my life message with singleness of vision, regardless of what others may be thinking, saying, or doing about me. I do wonder sometimes how many life messages have been abandoned or even crushed as a result of others' jealousy, mistreatment, or plain misunderstanding.
Can I challenge and encourage you on both of these fronts, to be the type of person that honors others, regardless of whether you understand them, and continues to relentlessly pursue your own life message, even if it's sometimes alone? The King has need of you; answer His call and don't let the enemy have one more inch (make that centimeter!) of ground in this area :).
I Samuel 2:7-9
The Lord makes some poor and others rich; he brings some down and lifts others up.
He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump.
He sets them among princes, placing them in seats of honor.
For all the earth is the Lord’s, and he has set the world in order.
He will protect his faithful ones, but the wicked will disappear in darkness.
No one will succeed by strength alone.
The Lord makes some poor and others rich; he brings some down and lifts others up.
He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump.
He sets them among princes, placing them in seats of honor.
For all the earth is the Lord’s, and he has set the world in order.
He will protect his faithful ones, but the wicked will disappear in darkness.
No one will succeed by strength alone.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Becoming All-Out Givers
My husband, Austen, and I have been on an interesting journey over the course of our 8 year marriage. When we were first married, we were still a part of church, but we will both tell you that God was not the main priority of either of our lives. As we began to get hit with the trials the world can bring you as an adult, we began making an effort to put God front and center, and for us this included becoming more consistent in our financial giving.
However, it wasn't until we heard a message by Ed Young (at Fellowship Church in Dallas) about being a steward rather than an owner, that we became faithful tithers. His message was that we don't truly own anything, but that everything has been given by God, and we are merely stewards (some synonyms: custodian, manager, administrator, representative). That word really sunk in with both of us at the same time, which is so providential of our awesome God, that we as a newly married couple were unified in this decision! It was a big chunk of money to begin sowing, but the knowledge that we were privileged to bring this 10% back to God to support His local church, was enough to keep us going.
We continued as regular tithers for a few years and picked up monthly support of a few additional ministries along the way, as well as participating in occasional church-sponsored community outreaches. Most in the religious community would call these our additional offerings, above and beyond the tithe. We stayed at this level in our giving until my sister gave me a book by Robert Morris called, The Blessed Life.
In this book, Pastor Morris talks about the three levels of giving: tithe, offerings, and extravagant offerings. He said that most people who get to the first level of tithing will proceed to the next level of offering, but that very few would cross over into extravagant offerings. He joked that a friend of his actually called them tithes, offerings, and painful offerings! Why is this important you may ask? "If I'm giving my tithe, or even making an effort at giving my tithe, then I have done my duty and don't need to do anymore." The problem with this is then you aren't quite following the gist of God's purposes for us as believers in this world. We are not to be reservoirs of His Goodness, financially or otherwise; but rather, conduits or funnels, getting our resources to the places He directs. What's more...reaching the level of extravagant offerings is where things get a little risky, and dare I say it, fun!
After coming across this book, we were highly motivated to give anywhere and everywhere God directed. We have crossed over into the extravagant level a few times (cars, furniture, etc.), and it can be a bit nauseating but always exhilarating, as you trust that God will provide for your needs instead of your well laid-out Dave Ramsey plan. Now I'm not advocating that we abandon Dave Ramsey's principles; they are extremely helpful and appropriate for people who are out of control to get back into a balanced financial state. But beyond that, I believe, they limit the church. We need to become believers who listen to the Holy Spirit and give as He directs, not as our plans direct us.
Austen and I have ratcheted up our giving in many areas, to the point where Turbotax regularly tells us we have audit risk because our charitable giving is so high in proportion to our income; but we have never seen our needs gone unmet. We have continued to see increase, sometimes extravagantly and sometimes just in the nick of time. This is not meant to be a brag-session on us, merely a tale of the journey it has taken for us formerly marginal givers to become all-out givers. The purpose for the journey is that we show ourselves trustworthy to God, that money not have a hold on us, that He might put more resources into our hands to be funneled into the Kingdom. Can you imagine what the church, and by extension, the world would look like if more believers operated this way??
However, it wasn't until we heard a message by Ed Young (at Fellowship Church in Dallas) about being a steward rather than an owner, that we became faithful tithers. His message was that we don't truly own anything, but that everything has been given by God, and we are merely stewards (some synonyms: custodian, manager, administrator, representative). That word really sunk in with both of us at the same time, which is so providential of our awesome God, that we as a newly married couple were unified in this decision! It was a big chunk of money to begin sowing, but the knowledge that we were privileged to bring this 10% back to God to support His local church, was enough to keep us going.
We continued as regular tithers for a few years and picked up monthly support of a few additional ministries along the way, as well as participating in occasional church-sponsored community outreaches. Most in the religious community would call these our additional offerings, above and beyond the tithe. We stayed at this level in our giving until my sister gave me a book by Robert Morris called, The Blessed Life.
In this book, Pastor Morris talks about the three levels of giving: tithe, offerings, and extravagant offerings. He said that most people who get to the first level of tithing will proceed to the next level of offering, but that very few would cross over into extravagant offerings. He joked that a friend of his actually called them tithes, offerings, and painful offerings! Why is this important you may ask? "If I'm giving my tithe, or even making an effort at giving my tithe, then I have done my duty and don't need to do anymore." The problem with this is then you aren't quite following the gist of God's purposes for us as believers in this world. We are not to be reservoirs of His Goodness, financially or otherwise; but rather, conduits or funnels, getting our resources to the places He directs. What's more...reaching the level of extravagant offerings is where things get a little risky, and dare I say it, fun!
After coming across this book, we were highly motivated to give anywhere and everywhere God directed. We have crossed over into the extravagant level a few times (cars, furniture, etc.), and it can be a bit nauseating but always exhilarating, as you trust that God will provide for your needs instead of your well laid-out Dave Ramsey plan. Now I'm not advocating that we abandon Dave Ramsey's principles; they are extremely helpful and appropriate for people who are out of control to get back into a balanced financial state. But beyond that, I believe, they limit the church. We need to become believers who listen to the Holy Spirit and give as He directs, not as our plans direct us.
Austen and I have ratcheted up our giving in many areas, to the point where Turbotax regularly tells us we have audit risk because our charitable giving is so high in proportion to our income; but we have never seen our needs gone unmet. We have continued to see increase, sometimes extravagantly and sometimes just in the nick of time. This is not meant to be a brag-session on us, merely a tale of the journey it has taken for us formerly marginal givers to become all-out givers. The purpose for the journey is that we show ourselves trustworthy to God, that money not have a hold on us, that He might put more resources into our hands to be funneled into the Kingdom. Can you imagine what the church, and by extension, the world would look like if more believers operated this way??
Luke 6:38 - Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
The River
A current theme in my life has been that of a river, but not just any river, "the" river of the Holy Spirit - our comforter and teacher. There is a song out by Bethel Church called Deep Cries Out that expresses it this way: "If it goes to the left, then we go to the left! If it goes to the right, then we go to the right!"
In a world full of so much uncertainty, isn't it comforting to think there is a source of all stability and wisdom constantly flowing with new provision that flows directly from the throne of Almighty God? See the following passage from Ezekiel which is mirrored in Revelation 22.
Ezekiel 47:1-5 - The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side. As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross.
Revelation 22:1-5 - Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Our task is to stay in tune with the Holy Spirit and where He is going. Just as in the natural - a river already has its path laid out, already knows its pace and current, and only takes people downstream that are willing to go with its flow. Let's be people in tune with what the Father is doing and follow the river wherever it goes, rather than sticking to some formula or pattern of the way things have always been. He is an ever-changing and ever-advancing God, and I want to be a part of His purposes in the earth!
When we cooperate and follow the Holy Spirit within us, then the river will flow from us as well, producing fruit that will be nourishment to many. I'll finish with a quote from Jesus, who of course, provided our access to the river:
John 7:38 - "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
In a world full of so much uncertainty, isn't it comforting to think there is a source of all stability and wisdom constantly flowing with new provision that flows directly from the throne of Almighty God? See the following passage from Ezekiel which is mirrored in Revelation 22.
Ezekiel 47:1-5 - The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side. As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross.
Revelation 22:1-5 - Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Our task is to stay in tune with the Holy Spirit and where He is going. Just as in the natural - a river already has its path laid out, already knows its pace and current, and only takes people downstream that are willing to go with its flow. Let's be people in tune with what the Father is doing and follow the river wherever it goes, rather than sticking to some formula or pattern of the way things have always been. He is an ever-changing and ever-advancing God, and I want to be a part of His purposes in the earth!
When we cooperate and follow the Holy Spirit within us, then the river will flow from us as well, producing fruit that will be nourishment to many. I'll finish with a quote from Jesus, who of course, provided our access to the river:
John 7:38 - "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Droughts & Roots
Today I spent the good majority of the morning doing yard-work, which included mowing the grass but also a lot of weed-pulling...our next house will have St. Augustine grass like we have had in the past - Bermuda is a pain!
So some of the weeds were large, but most of them were in the normal range of what we have come up in our yard. Imagine my surprise today, that as I pulled these seemingly identical weeds I've pulled before, when they were NOT coming up easily at all. If you know me personally, you know that I have decent strength, I guess you could say, for a girl :). And when I say not coming up easily - I mean both feet planted, knees bent, gloved hand wrapped around it firmly - weed-pulling. When they finally did let go, most of the time it sent me backward a little. You would not believe the root systems on these babies! We are talking maybe a pencil diameter, as compared to these same weeds having more like dental floss-diameter roots in the past. Here in South Texas, we have had an incredible drought this year; and I can only imagine this is the reason behind these very beefed up roots, as even the weeds had to work hard to search out any moisture available!
As I continued to work, that got me thinking about our spiritual root systems, and I continued to mull along these lines all day. We all go through times of spiritual refreshment, and then I know we sometimes go through periods of drought, like Texas has experienced in the natural this summer. I recently came across a different perspective about these so-called drought times that I'd like to share. I am currently working through a study on the Song of Solomon from the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, and here's their enlightening discussion on the different 'seasons' of His embrace:
So some of the weeds were large, but most of them were in the normal range of what we have come up in our yard. Imagine my surprise today, that as I pulled these seemingly identical weeds I've pulled before, when they were NOT coming up easily at all. If you know me personally, you know that I have decent strength, I guess you could say, for a girl :). And when I say not coming up easily - I mean both feet planted, knees bent, gloved hand wrapped around it firmly - weed-pulling. When they finally did let go, most of the time it sent me backward a little. You would not believe the root systems on these babies! We are talking maybe a pencil diameter, as compared to these same weeds having more like dental floss-diameter roots in the past. Here in South Texas, we have had an incredible drought this year; and I can only imagine this is the reason behind these very beefed up roots, as even the weeds had to work hard to search out any moisture available!
As I continued to work, that got me thinking about our spiritual root systems, and I continued to mull along these lines all day. We all go through times of spiritual refreshment, and then I know we sometimes go through periods of drought, like Texas has experienced in the natural this summer. I recently came across a different perspective about these so-called drought times that I'd like to share. I am currently working through a study on the Song of Solomon from the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, and here's their enlightening discussion on the different 'seasons' of His embrace:
"His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me." Song 2:6
This is the "divine embrace" or His "jealous grip" which describes the 2-fold activity of God in her experience. By embrace, we mean the "sweet" feelings of being loved and the "sweet" feelings of loving back. The "Divine Embrace" is found in 2:6 & 8:3. There is a certain mystery to God's embrace as He releases and withholds His presence in very strategic ways. God wants MYSTERY to be in the relationship.
a. The Invisible Activity of God ("His left hand is under my head")
a. The Invisible Activity of God ("His left hand is under my head")
Her head speaks of the Lord touching her and releasing to her wisdom and a heavenly perspective. God's left hand touching her UNDER her head speaks of His indiscernible activity she can't see, because His 'hand' is under her head. He is still drawing her in.
b. The Manifest Presence of God ("His right hand embraces me")
This speaks of the "sweet" manifest presence of God that can be seen, felt, and discerned. The right hand of God is the part that embraces. This is something that you can feel and it is discernible. It is the cherishing embrace (Eph. 5:29).
I liken these seasons of His embrace (invisible and manifest) to mean the same as drought and rain periods in our spiritual journey. Much of the time in Christian circles though, you don't hear the positive analogy (embrace) just the negative one (drought). Thinking of it in the terms described above makes it much more palatable, wouldn't you agree? That our amazing Father isn't withholding anything (in one case rain) from us; but that He is actually there, literally holding us and teaching us the whole time, and we just don't know it!
Regardless of how you view it, these times of quieter spiritual activity in our lives can still be very unpleasant and confusing. I know I've been in positions where I was trying to figure out what I could do to get out of them, when in fact, they were something He was taking me through. And for what purpose? Of course, the answer is maturity in Christ and a greater understanding of Him (roots being more firmly and deeply planted); but that answer can very hard to receive when you are in the midst of going through.
So if you are experiencing such a time in your life (as we all have) - I want to leave you with two mental images this evening: 1) Side by side comparison of your root system before this season and what you think they will be after you walk this out (imagine my steroid-esque weeds described above!) and 2) Your being held by God in an embrace that transcends our human understanding, regardless of whether you feel it or not!
Colossians 2:7
Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.
I liken these seasons of His embrace (invisible and manifest) to mean the same as drought and rain periods in our spiritual journey. Much of the time in Christian circles though, you don't hear the positive analogy (embrace) just the negative one (drought). Thinking of it in the terms described above makes it much more palatable, wouldn't you agree? That our amazing Father isn't withholding anything (in one case rain) from us; but that He is actually there, literally holding us and teaching us the whole time, and we just don't know it!
Regardless of how you view it, these times of quieter spiritual activity in our lives can still be very unpleasant and confusing. I know I've been in positions where I was trying to figure out what I could do to get out of them, when in fact, they were something He was taking me through. And for what purpose? Of course, the answer is maturity in Christ and a greater understanding of Him (roots being more firmly and deeply planted); but that answer can very hard to receive when you are in the midst of going through.
So if you are experiencing such a time in your life (as we all have) - I want to leave you with two mental images this evening: 1) Side by side comparison of your root system before this season and what you think they will be after you walk this out (imagine my steroid-esque weeds described above!) and 2) Your being held by God in an embrace that transcends our human understanding, regardless of whether you feel it or not!
Colossians 2:7
Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Drawn to Prayer
I know as well as anyone the legalistic ideas that can surround having a long, daily prayer time. I grew up attending a small Christian school that would sometimes feel a bit condemning in the way that having a daily quiet time was taught, and quite frankly, it ended up feeling like a chore a lot of the time.
As an adult growing into my own personal relationship with God, making time to 'withdraw' to a 'solitary place' (Matthew 14:13) was often difficult. I remember very well a Bible study I did when my oldest son was a baby called "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World." It encouraged sitting at Jesus' feet (resting and gazing) rather than being and doing so busily all the time. One of the practical suggestions in the book was to create a 'withdrawing' room, a place where you would want to go and be alone with God. I vividly remember the corner of our previous home that I set up while my son was napping - lots of cozy pillows and yummy smelling candles. Now, are any of these things necessary? Of course, the answer is absolutely not. However, it encouraged me to withdraw to a solitary place - it helped to get me there initially where then God's Spirit could do the rest.
Even more recently, I have felt God prompting different things to help me spend more time in prayer. He wants me there, and He knows I'm human and apt to fall asleep like the disciples; isn't His grace amazing? He knows just what we need. Anyway, one thing in particular for me lately has been going outside on our back porch at night. I have to be honest - some nights I just want to crawl into bed or stay there if I'm already laying down. And I don't have anywhere near a perfect record, but man the wonderful evenings I have spent out there. Sometimes just the breeze, the cloud movements, even a shooting star - I always come inside shocked at how long I spent outside enjoying praying. Another thing for me has been the discovery of these instrumental piano podcasts called Music to Pray By. They are beautiful, free, and absolutely anointed.
I list these things to give you some examples of the things God has used and is using to draw me in being more devoted to prayer. What, for you personally, can He use to draw you? "Draw me! We will run after you!" - Song of Solomon 1:4(a). Not only does He want this time alone with you, but there is tremendous power He wants to release as well.
I'll finish with this story. My three year-old son was telling my husband and I in the car the other day that he wanted to draw a picture for God. He described everything he wanted to put in it, but then stopped perplexed and asked the thought-provoking question..."How do I give it to Him?" As he realized that day, God can seem so far away; but it's especially so, when we are immersed in the very tangible presence of the world around us. That is why we need to regularly find a solitary place, just like Jesus did, where we can be quiet and become in tune with the invisible realities of our Father's Kingdom.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
To Whom Goes the Glory?
This subject is a truth that God has made real in my heart through different circumstances over time, but I had to pray and think about how exactly to convey it. The gist is the following: EVERYTHING we do should give glory to God. Let's define the word glory for a moment - praise, honor, or distinction extended by common consent; something that secures praise or renown. And here are a few synonyms: acclaim, accolade, credit, props, etc.
Even when you don't want something bad enough to do it for yourself, will you exhibit the faith in order that God, and not the enemy, receive the glory? I want my life to be a light that reflects His beauty, splendor, love, and majesty and doesn't even have a hint of the enemy on it. I believe it makes our Father's heart sad when we allow the enemy to have victory in even small areas, not saying that I don't still have some myself :). Here are just a few of the Scriptures I was reading as I wrote this blog:
Exodus 20:23
You shall not make [gods to share] with Me [My glory and your worship]; gods of silver or gods of gold you shall not make for yourselves.
1 Chronicles 16:24
Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all peoples.
Psalm 145:11
They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power,
Isaiah 42:8
I am the Lord; that is My name! And My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to graven images.
Habakkuk 2:14
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
John 11:4
When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
John 11:40
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
John 15:8
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
1 Timothy 1:17
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
This conviction is especially real to me whenever I see someone facing major bodily sickness and disease. You can almost see the enemy dancing all over it, as the person's body is wracked with pain and suffering; it is such a perversion of God's perfect creation. Recently my 102-year old Grandad passed away. The circumstances came quickly, as he was diagnosed with colon and liver cancer only 2 weeks after becoming ill. Obviously treatment at his age would probably have killed him sooner, so the doctors sent him home with the grim prognosis of being unable to eat along with extreme pain for weeks or months until his body gave out.
Now he was a believer and had lived a great life, and it grieved me to imagine his last days on earth being spent this way. Not only for his own pain, don't get me wrong! But also for the message that would be displayed on earth and the heavenlies - that we stood by and allowed the enemy to suck the life out of him in such an awful way. So, my sisters and I believed that it would not be so. We took communion together and agreed in prayer that he would have a peaceful homegoing when he was ready. And that is exactly what happened...to God's glory!!! He went home to be with Jesus and His Heavenly Father less than 24 hours after being released from the hospital, at home in his own bed while sleeping.
Of course, sickness isn't the only circumstance where I can see this playing out. It's also in the small things...like allowing a strife-filled home, or not taking care of your body, or allowing small offenses to take root, etc. I don't want my life to give glory to anyone or anything but God, because He alone is worthy of all praise, acclaim, and props!!!
Even when you don't want something bad enough to do it for yourself, will you exhibit the faith in order that God, and not the enemy, receive the glory? I want my life to be a light that reflects His beauty, splendor, love, and majesty and doesn't even have a hint of the enemy on it. I believe it makes our Father's heart sad when we allow the enemy to have victory in even small areas, not saying that I don't still have some myself :). Here are just a few of the Scriptures I was reading as I wrote this blog:
Exodus 20:23
You shall not make [gods to share] with Me [My glory and your worship]; gods of silver or gods of gold you shall not make for yourselves.
1 Chronicles 16:24
Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all peoples.
Psalm 145:11
They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power,
Isaiah 42:8
I am the Lord; that is My name! And My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to graven images.
Habakkuk 2:14
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
John 11:4
When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
John 11:40
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
John 15:8
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
1 Timothy 1:17
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
This conviction is especially real to me whenever I see someone facing major bodily sickness and disease. You can almost see the enemy dancing all over it, as the person's body is wracked with pain and suffering; it is such a perversion of God's perfect creation. Recently my 102-year old Grandad passed away. The circumstances came quickly, as he was diagnosed with colon and liver cancer only 2 weeks after becoming ill. Obviously treatment at his age would probably have killed him sooner, so the doctors sent him home with the grim prognosis of being unable to eat along with extreme pain for weeks or months until his body gave out.
Now he was a believer and had lived a great life, and it grieved me to imagine his last days on earth being spent this way. Not only for his own pain, don't get me wrong! But also for the message that would be displayed on earth and the heavenlies - that we stood by and allowed the enemy to suck the life out of him in such an awful way. So, my sisters and I believed that it would not be so. We took communion together and agreed in prayer that he would have a peaceful homegoing when he was ready. And that is exactly what happened...to God's glory!!! He went home to be with Jesus and His Heavenly Father less than 24 hours after being released from the hospital, at home in his own bed while sleeping.
Of course, sickness isn't the only circumstance where I can see this playing out. It's also in the small things...like allowing a strife-filled home, or not taking care of your body, or allowing small offenses to take root, etc. I don't want my life to give glory to anyone or anything but God, because He alone is worthy of all praise, acclaim, and props!!!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Following Your Convictions, i.e. Obedience
So here we go on the topic of obedience... I hesitated to write this one because I do not like legalism in any fashion, and that can sometimes be the fruit of such discussions. But this is something God has been working on in me, and I knew it was time to share; I trust that His Grace covers my writing and will not let it be received in a way I did not intend :).
For me, as I'm sure for many of you, obedience comes easily in many areas. There were a few stubborn spots, but almost all of them are gone now...career, money, entertainment, etc. But can I be really transparent here and tell you what remains? Food! That's right, I said it, food. It is the Christian drug of choice after all. I say that facetiously, but it does seem to be an accepted habit done in excess but yet isn't considered "sin" to most Christians. And I would agree, that in and of itself, food is not sin. However, if God has been speaking to you and nudging you away from certain foods or habits of eating, and you're still not listening - that is a completely different story. See Exhibit A below...
Romans 14:23 (NLT) - But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.
This Scripture called my bluff, to say the least, on whether or not I was sinning by continuing to drink my Dr. Pepper (which God had been asking me to give up). Now for you, food (or drink) may not be the issue. But what is it in your life, seemingly insignificant and innocent, that you continue to do regardless of the Spirit saying otherwise? Is it your entertainment choices, the way you prioritize your life, your spending habits, your attitude, etc. May I encourage you to take your blinders off, and admit that even these things (if you believe they are not right) are sin? At this point, you may be asking yourself why I am pointing this out.
I believe we all go through different stages in our relationship with God. When you have reached the point of being fully committed but still have these small remnants of disobedience remaining, you are truly right on the verge of breakthrough but limiting your potential. As it says in Song of Solomon 2:15, it is "the little foxes that spoil the vines."
Commit today to follow your convictions, and to obey in everything He is asking you to do. I will do the same! Now on the upside, and there ALWAYS is an upside with God:
Genesis 22:18 (NLT) - And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.
For me, as I'm sure for many of you, obedience comes easily in many areas. There were a few stubborn spots, but almost all of them are gone now...career, money, entertainment, etc. But can I be really transparent here and tell you what remains? Food! That's right, I said it, food. It is the Christian drug of choice after all. I say that facetiously, but it does seem to be an accepted habit done in excess but yet isn't considered "sin" to most Christians. And I would agree, that in and of itself, food is not sin. However, if God has been speaking to you and nudging you away from certain foods or habits of eating, and you're still not listening - that is a completely different story. See Exhibit A below...
Romans 14:23 (NLT) - But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.
This Scripture called my bluff, to say the least, on whether or not I was sinning by continuing to drink my Dr. Pepper (which God had been asking me to give up). Now for you, food (or drink) may not be the issue. But what is it in your life, seemingly insignificant and innocent, that you continue to do regardless of the Spirit saying otherwise? Is it your entertainment choices, the way you prioritize your life, your spending habits, your attitude, etc. May I encourage you to take your blinders off, and admit that even these things (if you believe they are not right) are sin? At this point, you may be asking yourself why I am pointing this out.
I believe we all go through different stages in our relationship with God. When you have reached the point of being fully committed but still have these small remnants of disobedience remaining, you are truly right on the verge of breakthrough but limiting your potential. As it says in Song of Solomon 2:15, it is "the little foxes that spoil the vines."
Commit today to follow your convictions, and to obey in everything He is asking you to do. I will do the same! Now on the upside, and there ALWAYS is an upside with God:
Genesis 22:18 (NLT) - And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.
Kingdom Resources
What I'm about to write may shock you, but I hope that it doesn't. Have you ever considered that everything that is under your authority is or should be a Kingdom Resource? And by that I mean: 1) resource - a source of supply, support, or aid, especially one that can be readily drawn upon when needed and 2) kingdom - a territory, state, people, or community ruled or reigned over by a king or queen. As part of the people of God under the rulership of King Jesus, are you a source of supply and support that can be readily drawn upon? I dare to assert that all of us who claim the name of Christ should be able to answer this question with a resounding YES!
So often we consider most things in this world "ours", when in fact, we are merely stewards of them. One has to look no farther than the parable of the talents to see this illustrated (Matthew 25:14-30). When you first come face to face with this truth, it may seem a little unfair, and to be honest, kind of a rip! But when you finish this parable and realize that the King of ALL rewards those who are faithful with even more resources to steward - you realize there is nothing to fear and no reason to hold so tightly to these piddly resources that you think are "yours." How much would you rather be tied into LIMITLESS supply for the small price of laying down your will? :)
Obviously when you start to talk about resources, people naturally move toward the topic of money. And that is a big one, of course, especially in the financial times we are enduring. But what else is under your authority that can be of use to your King? Your home, your time, your family, your vehicle, your particular set of skills, the list goes on...
As I was reminded at a marriage conference recently, according to Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." When we begin to invest, all that we are and have, in the Kingdom and in people...our hearts will be drawn there as well. We won't have to fabricate or muster up a desire for the things of God or a love for people - it is our human tendency as this Scripture so succinctly states to hold dear those things where we put our treasure or resources.
What an awesome opportunity we have, and let's think of it as such! To begin to make choices to invest all of our resources into Spirit-guided Kingdom endeavors and stand back to watch what our awesome God does!
So often we consider most things in this world "ours", when in fact, we are merely stewards of them. One has to look no farther than the parable of the talents to see this illustrated (Matthew 25:14-30). When you first come face to face with this truth, it may seem a little unfair, and to be honest, kind of a rip! But when you finish this parable and realize that the King of ALL rewards those who are faithful with even more resources to steward - you realize there is nothing to fear and no reason to hold so tightly to these piddly resources that you think are "yours." How much would you rather be tied into LIMITLESS supply for the small price of laying down your will? :)
Obviously when you start to talk about resources, people naturally move toward the topic of money. And that is a big one, of course, especially in the financial times we are enduring. But what else is under your authority that can be of use to your King? Your home, your time, your family, your vehicle, your particular set of skills, the list goes on...
As I was reminded at a marriage conference recently, according to Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." When we begin to invest, all that we are and have, in the Kingdom and in people...our hearts will be drawn there as well. We won't have to fabricate or muster up a desire for the things of God or a love for people - it is our human tendency as this Scripture so succinctly states to hold dear those things where we put our treasure or resources.
What an awesome opportunity we have, and let's think of it as such! To begin to make choices to invest all of our resources into Spirit-guided Kingdom endeavors and stand back to watch what our awesome God does!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Fullness Thereof
A few months ago when I felt impressed to start this blog, I was working late one night setting it up and when I came to the box specifying the title - "the fullness thereof" immediately came to mind. Knowing this was from the Lord, I named it as such and moved on, but I knew I would revisit this topic and pray about why God wanted it named this.
In the context of the verse (Psalm 24:1), this phrase denotes God's complete and total ownership of the world and everything in the world - all of its fullness. I want to relate the phrase though to our walk/relationship with God. Bear with me as we go crazy in the dictionary a bit: Full - holding or containing as much as possible; filled to capacity or near capacity; with all privileges, rights, etc.; with no part lacking, complete; the greatest degree, extent, etc.
So many who bear the name of Christ today aren't living in, or for that matter, even being exposed to all of the fullness available. We serve a limitless God who has empowered us and given us everything we need to overcome. Yet so often, we are content to both hear and live a watered down gospel. I pray that this blog may be instrumental in challenging you to pursue the fullness thereof with God, that you may be: filled to capacity, with all privileges and rights, with no part lacking. Amen!
In the context of the verse (Psalm 24:1), this phrase denotes God's complete and total ownership of the world and everything in the world - all of its fullness. I want to relate the phrase though to our walk/relationship with God. Bear with me as we go crazy in the dictionary a bit: Full - holding or containing as much as possible; filled to capacity or near capacity; with all privileges, rights, etc.; with no part lacking, complete; the greatest degree, extent, etc.
So many who bear the name of Christ today aren't living in, or for that matter, even being exposed to all of the fullness available. We serve a limitless God who has empowered us and given us everything we need to overcome. Yet so often, we are content to both hear and live a watered down gospel. I pray that this blog may be instrumental in challenging you to pursue the fullness thereof with God, that you may be: filled to capacity, with all privileges and rights, with no part lacking. Amen!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Pressing On's Response
Hosea 6:3 (NLT):
Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.
As I read this Scripture, I am amazed at the grace and love of our Almighty God. What seemed like merely an encouraging pick-me-up or a new motivational status update to this westernized Christian was truly so much more in the context of the book of Hosea.
Just a little background if you are not familiar: Hosea was a prophet of God to the northern kingdom of Israel before its demise. Early on in Chapter 1, God instructs Hosea to marry a prostitute named Gomer, and that this would be an illustration of God's relationship with Israel. Defying the customs and proper appearances of the time (not that this situation wouldn't be given a bewildered glance today!), Hosea follows God's instructions and marries Gomer. After having children together, she leaves him and is unfaithful with other men. Just as God pursues Israel after her relationship with other gods, so Hosea goes after Gomer and redeems her back.
This book tunes into the very heart of the Father and the unfathomable depths of His love, despite the unfaithfulness of His chosen people. Of course, let's not just point the finger at Israel though, the Gomer in this story often describes each and every one of us. And yet despite all of our shortcomings and unfaithfulness, He still yearns for the renewal of an intimate relationship with us.
And here in this verse we are exhorted to "press on." The definition of the word press is - to act upon with steadily applied weight or force. Sometimes that is what it feels like in our daily pursuit of God...steady application of force. But look at the result of the pressing - He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn. What a promise! Especially if you look at it in the light of the history of this story. Even from a people this stubborn and hard-hearted, He encourages through His prophet Hosea that they form an attitude of wanting to know Him and press onward, so that He can SURELY (firmly; unerringly; without missing, slipping, etc.) respond.
Let the principles of this story and the revealed heart of the Father sink down deep into your spirit - He didn't choose this story as His analogy by accident!
Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.
As I read this Scripture, I am amazed at the grace and love of our Almighty God. What seemed like merely an encouraging pick-me-up or a new motivational status update to this westernized Christian was truly so much more in the context of the book of Hosea.
Just a little background if you are not familiar: Hosea was a prophet of God to the northern kingdom of Israel before its demise. Early on in Chapter 1, God instructs Hosea to marry a prostitute named Gomer, and that this would be an illustration of God's relationship with Israel. Defying the customs and proper appearances of the time (not that this situation wouldn't be given a bewildered glance today!), Hosea follows God's instructions and marries Gomer. After having children together, she leaves him and is unfaithful with other men. Just as God pursues Israel after her relationship with other gods, so Hosea goes after Gomer and redeems her back.
This book tunes into the very heart of the Father and the unfathomable depths of His love, despite the unfaithfulness of His chosen people. Of course, let's not just point the finger at Israel though, the Gomer in this story often describes each and every one of us. And yet despite all of our shortcomings and unfaithfulness, He still yearns for the renewal of an intimate relationship with us.
And here in this verse we are exhorted to "press on." The definition of the word press is - to act upon with steadily applied weight or force. Sometimes that is what it feels like in our daily pursuit of God...steady application of force. But look at the result of the pressing - He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn. What a promise! Especially if you look at it in the light of the history of this story. Even from a people this stubborn and hard-hearted, He encourages through His prophet Hosea that they form an attitude of wanting to know Him and press onward, so that He can SURELY (firmly; unerringly; without missing, slipping, etc.) respond.
Let the principles of this story and the revealed heart of the Father sink down deep into your spirit - He didn't choose this story as His analogy by accident!
Breathless
As I was making my way through the book of Daniel, I came across a passage of Scripture that had never stuck out to me before - Chapter 10, Verses 16-19 (NLT):
~Then the one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing in front of me, “I am filled with anguish because of the vision I have seen, my lord, and I am very weak. How can someone like me, your servant, talk to you, my lord? My strength is gone, and I can hardly breathe." Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”~
In Daniel's case, he was seeing some pretty frightening images of things to come. Like me though, I am sure a lot of you are weakened and left breathless by just what is going on all around us in this world and in our very own countries and communities. I do believe we are approaching, if not entering, "the time of the end" as described by the angel Gabriel in 8:17. How close I do not know, but certainly enough for all of us to sit up and pay attention.
In our day to day lives, it is sometimes easier to quote "bury our heads in the sand" and avoid thinking about all of the ugliness and evil that permeates our world, much less to attempt doing something about it. However, knowing what Jesus said in Matthew 24 about keeping watch/observing the signs and about the state of readiness of the ten virgins in Matthew 25, should warn us against doing just that.
Times are hard, and frankly, they are going to get harder. But I also believe God's grace is going to be grow stronger and sweeter for believers in these days! As the warfare and spiritual activity pick up and you find yourself worried, frightened, or even breathless like Daniel - don't be tempted to shut it out and insulate yourself, but rather face it head on and seek comfort in the strengthening power of the Scriptures and the touch of God. I believe this is God's lion shout to His church, the body of Christ, today through His incredible Word: DON'T BE AFRAID...FOR YOU ARE VERY PRECIOUS TO ME. PEACE! BE ENCOURAGED! BE STRONG!"
~Then the one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing in front of me, “I am filled with anguish because of the vision I have seen, my lord, and I am very weak. How can someone like me, your servant, talk to you, my lord? My strength is gone, and I can hardly breathe." Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”~
In Daniel's case, he was seeing some pretty frightening images of things to come. Like me though, I am sure a lot of you are weakened and left breathless by just what is going on all around us in this world and in our very own countries and communities. I do believe we are approaching, if not entering, "the time of the end" as described by the angel Gabriel in 8:17. How close I do not know, but certainly enough for all of us to sit up and pay attention.
In our day to day lives, it is sometimes easier to quote "bury our heads in the sand" and avoid thinking about all of the ugliness and evil that permeates our world, much less to attempt doing something about it. However, knowing what Jesus said in Matthew 24 about keeping watch/observing the signs and about the state of readiness of the ten virgins in Matthew 25, should warn us against doing just that.
Times are hard, and frankly, they are going to get harder. But I also believe God's grace is going to be grow stronger and sweeter for believers in these days! As the warfare and spiritual activity pick up and you find yourself worried, frightened, or even breathless like Daniel - don't be tempted to shut it out and insulate yourself, but rather face it head on and seek comfort in the strengthening power of the Scriptures and the touch of God. I believe this is God's lion shout to His church, the body of Christ, today through His incredible Word: DON'T BE AFRAID...FOR YOU ARE VERY PRECIOUS TO ME. PEACE! BE ENCOURAGED! BE STRONG!"
Saturday, May 21, 2011
True Thankfulness
I was recently in a Bible study covering Ephesians, and one of the questions in the curriculum set something off in my spirit. As we went through chapter 5, it asked why thankfulness was listed in contrast at the end of this laundry list of sins (...but instead...voice thankfulness).
~Ephesians 5:1-4 (Amplified) - 1Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. 2And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. 3But immorality (sexual vice) and all impurity [of lustful, rich, wasteful living] or greediness must not even be named among you, as is fitting and proper among saints (God's consecrated people). 4Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness [to God].~
It doesn't really seem to follow, at least not right off the bat for me. I am sure there are many interpretations of this but as I pondered it a while, I felt God was impressing upon me that in order to be truly thankful, we have to really (no, I mean really) know Him. When we get just the slightest glimpse of Him - His character/love/goodness/majesty, then all of these (and other) sins would have no effect - we will have no choice but to turn from them and become imitators of God. But how do we really come to know Him, and walk in this true thankfulness? Again I felt God gave me this illustration:
When you give someone a present, for this discussion say...a toy for a child. How thankful are they as they stare at the completely wrapped present? What about when the wrapping is off, and they can see what new gadget awaits? What about when the outer box is off, and they can admire all of the additional features and accessories? What about as you pull off all of the tape/metal ties/jaws of life holding the toy in the box? In my experience, they get more and more excited, and in turn thankful, as they see the fullness of the present revealed.
How many Christians pursue this kind of relationship with God...unwrapping and discovering all there is, never to be deterred by whatever obstacles lie in the way? (I hope by now you're getting a visual of some poor schmuck ripping toy packaging to shreds, desperately trying to free a toy!)
Unfortunately, I think the answer to my question is not very many. So is it really any wonder that we are not very thankful, and thus so easily ensnared by the day to day sins of this life? Mentally, for many of us, God is still in his box...tied down by all the limitations and preconceptions we have put on Him.
As Christian believers, we have to insist on a relationship posture that pulls off the packaging, dives into God, and seeks to explore all of Him. Will you have the courage to challenge yourself to do that? It's not the popular road I will tell you, and once you choose it, there is no going back. As that first glimmer is revealed and then grows brighter and brighter, you're ruined for life...nothing else will satisfy. But herein lies the overwhelming thankfulness for our amazing God, just like the little ecstatic child finally playing with their new present.
And to go back to my original point, overcoming sin becomes easier too, since you are not white-knuckling it trying to resist...but rather, overcome by the wonder of something so much grander than yourself, gliding along on thankfulness right over those former ensnarements!
~Ephesians 5:1-4 (Amplified) - 1Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. 2And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. 3But immorality (sexual vice) and all impurity [of lustful, rich, wasteful living] or greediness must not even be named among you, as is fitting and proper among saints (God's consecrated people). 4Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness [to God].~
It doesn't really seem to follow, at least not right off the bat for me. I am sure there are many interpretations of this but as I pondered it a while, I felt God was impressing upon me that in order to be truly thankful, we have to really (no, I mean really) know Him. When we get just the slightest glimpse of Him - His character/love/goodness/majesty, then all of these (and other) sins would have no effect - we will have no choice but to turn from them and become imitators of God. But how do we really come to know Him, and walk in this true thankfulness? Again I felt God gave me this illustration:
When you give someone a present, for this discussion say...a toy for a child. How thankful are they as they stare at the completely wrapped present? What about when the wrapping is off, and they can see what new gadget awaits? What about when the outer box is off, and they can admire all of the additional features and accessories? What about as you pull off all of the tape/metal ties/jaws of life holding the toy in the box? In my experience, they get more and more excited, and in turn thankful, as they see the fullness of the present revealed.
How many Christians pursue this kind of relationship with God...unwrapping and discovering all there is, never to be deterred by whatever obstacles lie in the way? (I hope by now you're getting a visual of some poor schmuck ripping toy packaging to shreds, desperately trying to free a toy!)
Unfortunately, I think the answer to my question is not very many. So is it really any wonder that we are not very thankful, and thus so easily ensnared by the day to day sins of this life? Mentally, for many of us, God is still in his box...tied down by all the limitations and preconceptions we have put on Him.
As Christian believers, we have to insist on a relationship posture that pulls off the packaging, dives into God, and seeks to explore all of Him. Will you have the courage to challenge yourself to do that? It's not the popular road I will tell you, and once you choose it, there is no going back. As that first glimmer is revealed and then grows brighter and brighter, you're ruined for life...nothing else will satisfy. But herein lies the overwhelming thankfulness for our amazing God, just like the little ecstatic child finally playing with their new present.
And to go back to my original point, overcoming sin becomes easier too, since you are not white-knuckling it trying to resist...but rather, overcome by the wonder of something so much grander than yourself, gliding along on thankfulness right over those former ensnarements!
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