Adventure movies are just that . . . adventurous. In the usual struggle of the hero to overcome the bad guy, the amazing feats are only limited to the imagination of the creator and money of the producers. Once I saw a movie where the hero (and his family) were swept from one calamity to another. I almost hyperventilated when I realized I was holding my breath waiting for the grand rescue. Finally, I'd breathe as l felt faint. I think there has to be something of "viewer fatigue" with the length of the action and unimaginable troubles the hero encounters. He just thinks he's out of trouble and the floor drops out from under him. But wait . . . in the distance is a door. If he can only get to the door. He looks around at every angle. Is there a ladder? Is there a rope? Is there the tail of a dragon somewhere? Out of nowhere (literally), a way unfolds right in front of him. He takes a breath, grabs his family and dashes for the door - yet unopened. Will it unfold before him? He has his family in tow and doesn't want to disappoint . . .
You think that's an adventure? Look at this part of the Biblical letter to the Romans!
Romans 5:2 says "We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that He has already thrown open His door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand - out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise." MSG
Sometimes we get the feeling that coming to choose a walk of faith with Jesus is paramount to straining to get the door to Him open so we can squeeze through. There are huge springs that will slam the door shut behind us as a raucously religious laughter haunts our ears. Really?
Understanding this is a paraphrased passage from the Roman letter (and knowing the exegetes among us might find it offensive), I still am awed as I read. Can I actually imagine myself throwing the door open to Him only to know He has the handle on the other side pulling it to open to all He has to offer? There I am! Out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory. I am standing tall and shouting praise to Him!
I have to ask if I have I let television and movies dictate how I open my heart to God? There's no "viewer fatigue" when watching the magnificent things of God. Have you thrown your heart open to God and been exhausted watching at Him work on your behalf? Does He just wear you out with His glory? (maybe or maybe not) While it is true the unfiltered glory of God had a physical effect on people who came in contact with it, i.e. Moses, the people at the Tabernacle, etc., I wonder if we still have more of the wide open spaces of God to explore and live in His grace and glory?
Father, my heart wants to experience those wide open spaces. I want to stand tall and shout praises to You. My head doesn't allow me to open that door for fear of disappointment. I wonder if I have what it takes to risk opening the door. Give me courage to believe that You have always wanted to draw me to Your wide open spaces. There's no trap or strings attached - just a step through the door. Reaching for the handle. . .
Tuesday, April 08, 2014
Clearer that Toothpaste
Have you ever stood at the toothpaste aisle and noticed the many kinds of toothpaste available? Do you want the natural kind, or the peroxide kind, the sensitive tooth kind or the build your enamel kind? Of course, that doesn't even mention what the choices are for keeping dentures in snug and tight. If you've ever had to shop for someone else's toothpaste you know the challenge with all the choices.
Now of course, choices are what makes us the liberty lovin' people we are! Nobody can tell us what to do. We live our life feeling powerful knowing we 'did it my way'. . . until we run into the water company or the gas company. They mostly do things "their" way, right? Consider driving down a one way road going the wrong way. Most of us wouldn't hang our head out the window and shout, "Make me go that other way. I dare ya!" Sometimes we know there are battles we know better that to fight.
How curious it is when those same conditions come in our walk of faith. We live with very clear "yes and no" situation all the time. What is it about Jesus that would be different? Did He say He was "yes and maybe"? How about "I am the Alpha and the Most of the Time"? Did we think Jesus fits into the nebulous unknown where the mist causes things to be barely visible?
Let's be very clear. Jesus can be known and already has been known by countless numbers of people through the ages. The Bible calls them a "great cloud of witnesses" in the book of Hebrews. Is coming to know Jesus really that clear? Yes! What about people who say He's too hard and there are just too many demands? I can hear some say now, "It's all about grace!" Ahhhh . . . that wonderful term that reminds us we are getting something we don't deserve. So God, in His kindness, ushers us to the door of salvation on this carpet ride called "grace". It still stops at Jesus. A choice must be made. Does the person face to face with Jesus really believe? That's where God makes the determination - not you and me. (I like it that way actually.) I'm sure theologians can get a little more tedious in the details. I just know the step to Jesus is a faith venture. Grace gets us there; the step toward Jesus opens the door. No vast shopping choices there. No difficult demands about perfection.
Jesus is waiting. He is the Door through which we walk for salvation. (John 10:9) On one side of the door it says, "Whosoever will may come!" After we go through and look back we see, "Chosen from the foundations of the world!" He always knew we'd come. I can't get my head around those two ideas going together, but I'm sure Jesus has it covered. Thankfully, we don't have to pick from fifteen different salvation options. There is only one Lord, one Faith and one Way. There is still a choice. This is a battle Jesus has already won. I wonder why it seems so hard at times to choose to believe Jesus died for us so that we might live life abundantly.
Are you convinced that Jesus is only way?
Father, I sometimes think I am more powerful when I have choices. In some realms, that idea is true. Bargaining for more or less gives me a sense of control. Somehow, I've brought that into how I relate to You. Draw me to Your Word to read of what I have already because of the choice I made to believe in You. Soften the hearts of friends and family who haven't chosen You. I know they've made a choice, but thankfully, that choice is not final - yet. Help me not get tangled in the theological details, but remember You gave us a choice.
Now of course, choices are what makes us the liberty lovin' people we are! Nobody can tell us what to do. We live our life feeling powerful knowing we 'did it my way'. . . until we run into the water company or the gas company. They mostly do things "their" way, right? Consider driving down a one way road going the wrong way. Most of us wouldn't hang our head out the window and shout, "Make me go that other way. I dare ya!" Sometimes we know there are battles we know better that to fight.
How curious it is when those same conditions come in our walk of faith. We live with very clear "yes and no" situation all the time. What is it about Jesus that would be different? Did He say He was "yes and maybe"? How about "I am the Alpha and the Most of the Time"? Did we think Jesus fits into the nebulous unknown where the mist causes things to be barely visible?
Let's be very clear. Jesus can be known and already has been known by countless numbers of people through the ages. The Bible calls them a "great cloud of witnesses" in the book of Hebrews. Is coming to know Jesus really that clear? Yes! What about people who say He's too hard and there are just too many demands? I can hear some say now, "It's all about grace!" Ahhhh . . . that wonderful term that reminds us we are getting something we don't deserve. So God, in His kindness, ushers us to the door of salvation on this carpet ride called "grace". It still stops at Jesus. A choice must be made. Does the person face to face with Jesus really believe? That's where God makes the determination - not you and me. (I like it that way actually.) I'm sure theologians can get a little more tedious in the details. I just know the step to Jesus is a faith venture. Grace gets us there; the step toward Jesus opens the door. No vast shopping choices there. No difficult demands about perfection.
Jesus is waiting. He is the Door through which we walk for salvation. (John 10:9) On one side of the door it says, "Whosoever will may come!" After we go through and look back we see, "Chosen from the foundations of the world!" He always knew we'd come. I can't get my head around those two ideas going together, but I'm sure Jesus has it covered. Thankfully, we don't have to pick from fifteen different salvation options. There is only one Lord, one Faith and one Way. There is still a choice. This is a battle Jesus has already won. I wonder why it seems so hard at times to choose to believe Jesus died for us so that we might live life abundantly.
Are you convinced that Jesus is only way?
Father, I sometimes think I am more powerful when I have choices. In some realms, that idea is true. Bargaining for more or less gives me a sense of control. Somehow, I've brought that into how I relate to You. Draw me to Your Word to read of what I have already because of the choice I made to believe in You. Soften the hearts of friends and family who haven't chosen You. I know they've made a choice, but thankfully, that choice is not final - yet. Help me not get tangled in the theological details, but remember You gave us a choice.
Friday, April 04, 2014
Called
Driving from Grand Junction to Denver provides several opportunities to drive through tunnels. Some tunnels are short; you can see the exit from the entrance. Some tunnels are closed because they need repair. Some tunnels are curvy so the exit is not visible from the entrance. Some tunnels have roof lights; some trust that you'll turn your vehicle lights on when you enter.
When I was a kid, I always begged my mom to honk in tunnels. C'mon now . . . you did too, didn't you? (I won't tell that you still honk in tunnels.) I'd roll down my window and listen for the echo. Not an inch of the tunnel was left untouched by the sound. Almost always if there were other vehicles in the tunnel, they would honk too. It was a fabulous day when a huge 18-wheeler would let loose!
I Peter 2:9 says "You are . . . His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (AMP)
Have you ever wondered what God's voice must sound like? Charlton Heston? A football quarterback? A gentle quiet sound? Something that catches your attention like a horn in a tunnel? Actually, I like to think His voice is the pitch and volume only I can hear, but it will fill me as completely as do those tremendous sounds in a tunnel.
Without fail, He has a reason for the call of His voice. The scripture above says it to tell about Him and His goodness. But even before we can be effective in our proclamations, we must have answered his original call. We had to follow His call to come out of darkness and into his marvelous light. Telling about Him might take a variety of forms. The first step is that you will have known the call of God to come out of darkness. Following that call, you will experience more and more of Him and His way of life in the light. THEN, you will find you can't help but tell others about Him and what He has done in your life. You are special to Him - even called royal, holy and chosen!
How do you hear God's voice? Can you remember the last time you heard His call to you? (What did you do?) Have you thought about responding to His call and tell about His wondrous works? (If you can be rowdy with a vehicle horn, you can tell about God's work.)
Father, I have heard Your call. Sometimes it has been like a trucker's horn; sometimes Your voice sounds like my pastor preaching. Sometimes Your voice is still and small. I know it's You when all of me is filled with the sound. I know it's You and I cannot deny it. With Your voice ringing in my ear, I ask You to put me in places where I can tell about Your marvelous light-filled deeds. I will listen for even the smallest whisper, "Now . . ." and obey.
When I was a kid, I always begged my mom to honk in tunnels. C'mon now . . . you did too, didn't you? (I won't tell that you still honk in tunnels.) I'd roll down my window and listen for the echo. Not an inch of the tunnel was left untouched by the sound. Almost always if there were other vehicles in the tunnel, they would honk too. It was a fabulous day when a huge 18-wheeler would let loose!
I Peter 2:9 says "You are . . . His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (AMP)
Have you ever wondered what God's voice must sound like? Charlton Heston? A football quarterback? A gentle quiet sound? Something that catches your attention like a horn in a tunnel? Actually, I like to think His voice is the pitch and volume only I can hear, but it will fill me as completely as do those tremendous sounds in a tunnel.
Without fail, He has a reason for the call of His voice. The scripture above says it to tell about Him and His goodness. But even before we can be effective in our proclamations, we must have answered his original call. We had to follow His call to come out of darkness and into his marvelous light. Telling about Him might take a variety of forms. The first step is that you will have known the call of God to come out of darkness. Following that call, you will experience more and more of Him and His way of life in the light. THEN, you will find you can't help but tell others about Him and what He has done in your life. You are special to Him - even called royal, holy and chosen!
How do you hear God's voice? Can you remember the last time you heard His call to you? (What did you do?) Have you thought about responding to His call and tell about His wondrous works? (If you can be rowdy with a vehicle horn, you can tell about God's work.)
Father, I have heard Your call. Sometimes it has been like a trucker's horn; sometimes Your voice sounds like my pastor preaching. Sometimes Your voice is still and small. I know it's You when all of me is filled with the sound. I know it's You and I cannot deny it. With Your voice ringing in my ear, I ask You to put me in places where I can tell about Your marvelous light-filled deeds. I will listen for even the smallest whisper, "Now . . ." and obey.
Thursday, April 03, 2014
Night Lights
Are you one of those people who wants a completely dark room before you can get to sleep? I have a friend who, when she moves into a house or apartment, puts black trash bags up on the windows of her bedroom so she can get her sleep. She doesn't like that morning rush of sun blazing into her room. Some folks are just grouchy if they don't get their sleep!
I didn't think much about a dark room until I had to get up in the night - for baby feedings and sick kids, etc. I'd feel along the wall, smack my toes a time or two and stumble to wherever I was going. My husband always had a flashlight within reach. Wise man! Finally, the day came when I discovered night lights. We didn't have them when I was a kid. I just knew the way or my mom left the bathroom light on! We were staying with a friend after our house had a major flood and was being repaired. (Another story . . .) I had to check on our children, but a strange house made it a challenge to get around. I bought about six night lights and strategically placed them along the route from our bedroom to each place I needed to go - sometimes clear across the whole house. Somehow I was reassured for the journey when I could go from night light to night light. On my trip, I didn't watch the dark places; I watched for the light to direct my path. It's much like an airplane pilot landing at night. He is scoped in on the lights - not the darkness.
Jesus said He was the Light. When He was talking to crowds early in His ministry, He reminded the people that THEY were the light of the world. Imagine that. You are a night light! If you don't have that connection to Jesus, you might not have much light to offer in dark times. Does the light show up much in the daytime? Not really. It's at night in the dark places that night lights are needed. Just as my string of night lights filled my way with light, so do Christ followers share the One who said "I AM the Light of the World. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12) There's no problem with sleeping in a dark room, but when you have to wake up and get somewhere, a night light is important!
Father, Thank you for Jesus, the Light of the World. I know I am responsible to carry His light to my sphere of influence. I know the feeling of relief when I look at night lights strewn throughout my house. How I would love to be the "light" to people around me who would know where they could come for prayer and encouragement. Keep bringing me people with whom I may share the light of Jesus. Remind me that the less darkness I personally walk in, the more light will show for those who need You. I don't want to cover any of Your light!
I didn't think much about a dark room until I had to get up in the night - for baby feedings and sick kids, etc. I'd feel along the wall, smack my toes a time or two and stumble to wherever I was going. My husband always had a flashlight within reach. Wise man! Finally, the day came when I discovered night lights. We didn't have them when I was a kid. I just knew the way or my mom left the bathroom light on! We were staying with a friend after our house had a major flood and was being repaired. (Another story . . .) I had to check on our children, but a strange house made it a challenge to get around. I bought about six night lights and strategically placed them along the route from our bedroom to each place I needed to go - sometimes clear across the whole house. Somehow I was reassured for the journey when I could go from night light to night light. On my trip, I didn't watch the dark places; I watched for the light to direct my path. It's much like an airplane pilot landing at night. He is scoped in on the lights - not the darkness.
Jesus said He was the Light. When He was talking to crowds early in His ministry, He reminded the people that THEY were the light of the world. Imagine that. You are a night light! If you don't have that connection to Jesus, you might not have much light to offer in dark times. Does the light show up much in the daytime? Not really. It's at night in the dark places that night lights are needed. Just as my string of night lights filled my way with light, so do Christ followers share the One who said "I AM the Light of the World. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12) There's no problem with sleeping in a dark room, but when you have to wake up and get somewhere, a night light is important!
Father, Thank you for Jesus, the Light of the World. I know I am responsible to carry His light to my sphere of influence. I know the feeling of relief when I look at night lights strewn throughout my house. How I would love to be the "light" to people around me who would know where they could come for prayer and encouragement. Keep bringing me people with whom I may share the light of Jesus. Remind me that the less darkness I personally walk in, the more light will show for those who need You. I don't want to cover any of Your light!
Wednesday, April 02, 2014
God Conversations
When I was a young follower of Christ, I remember asking my sister (who was my mentor) just how I could remember all that the Bible said. There were such good sayings and it seemed like she knew them all. How did she remember all of those good words? My sister actually memorized verses from the Bible. Wow! So I started trying my hardest to memorize as I'd seen her do. I was mediocre at best. To recall those words when they were most needed became a rich time between God and me. It felt like I had a treasure trove of help from which to draw and He would point out the verse for the right time. It seemed like a running conversation with God because I knew "His" words. Over the years, that conversation has become richer and richer as I have moved to learn more and more of His conversation - His Word.
One of the very first God conversations I learned was Psalm 119:105. "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." My sister told me now that I was a Christ follower, things would seem a little different. No kidding! Actually, I began to realize the more of His conversations I knew the more I would understand His ways.
I imagine walking down a path with little lights on my feet - much like the headlamps people wear these days. Of course, God puts out the yard lights in paths where I can go. My head is thinking of a variety of scriptures around this idea. "This is the way, walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21) "The paths of a good man are ordered by The Lord." (Psalms 37:23) Can you see what I mean? The pictures of God lighting our way can be found throughout the Bible.
Proverbs 16:24 says "Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
What if today we look for scriptures about God's light. Can you find at least one to list as a comment to this post? Remember you're sweetening each other's souls and bringing healing to bones. There's nothing more rich than the conversations God gives us through His Word, the Bible. Those words are great conversation starters with others too. I know. I'm a product of my sister's willingness to let me ask questions and then try to answer as best as she could.
Father, I wonder if I worry about sounding too preachy if I say a Bible verse to anyone else? Encourage me to remember I don't have to say them in a preachy tone. Help me be creative in my approach. Help me have a timely word that would fit without condemnation. Let my words be seasoned with grace. I really like honeycombs. Nudge me, Father, to grow in getting Your Word into my heart. I remember the verse, "Your Word have treasured in my heart that I might not sin against You." Psalms 119:11, NASB
One of the very first God conversations I learned was Psalm 119:105. "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." My sister told me now that I was a Christ follower, things would seem a little different. No kidding! Actually, I began to realize the more of His conversations I knew the more I would understand His ways.
I imagine walking down a path with little lights on my feet - much like the headlamps people wear these days. Of course, God puts out the yard lights in paths where I can go. My head is thinking of a variety of scriptures around this idea. "This is the way, walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21) "The paths of a good man are ordered by The Lord." (Psalms 37:23) Can you see what I mean? The pictures of God lighting our way can be found throughout the Bible.
Proverbs 16:24 says "Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
What if today we look for scriptures about God's light. Can you find at least one to list as a comment to this post? Remember you're sweetening each other's souls and bringing healing to bones. There's nothing more rich than the conversations God gives us through His Word, the Bible. Those words are great conversation starters with others too. I know. I'm a product of my sister's willingness to let me ask questions and then try to answer as best as she could.
Father, I wonder if I worry about sounding too preachy if I say a Bible verse to anyone else? Encourage me to remember I don't have to say them in a preachy tone. Help me be creative in my approach. Help me have a timely word that would fit without condemnation. Let my words be seasoned with grace. I really like honeycombs. Nudge me, Father, to grow in getting Your Word into my heart. I remember the verse, "Your Word have treasured in my heart that I might not sin against You." Psalms 119:11, NASB
Tuesday, April 01, 2014
Light in Darkness
It was a wonderful summer night camping on the Grand Mesa. How beautiful the stars shone amidst the tree tops. Occasionally, a shooting star would pass by. It was so dark the night sky was brilliant with splendor. The family had disappeared into their respective tents with flashlights glowing. Finally, the "good nights" had been said (Walton style) and everyone was settling down. The final crackling of the fire was settling down and the forrest seemed to gently rest in slumber.
"Git!" she yelled as she elbowed whatever was trying to step on her. Talk about a rude awakening! Everybody started yelling. They were hitting pans and rocks and anything they could think of inside the tents. Whatever it was had stepped on my Gram who was lying between me and the edge of the tent!
The animal ran like the dickens because he didn't want to meet whoever make that noise. The funny part of the story was when we set up our tent, we wondered if it was ok to have it that close to a small tree. It didn't seem like a problem and was actually acting as a partial anchor for the tent. (Way back in the day, we didn't have the fancy one-person-put-up-the-tent process.) It took more hands and more ingenuity! Still though, we felt like we'd be safe and enjoy one another's company in our tent. But after Gram's exclamation, I can tell you assuredly, I was wide awake and heard every sound. Suddenly, it didn't matter who was with me; I was afraid. The comfortable fellowship I'd had even in the dark was now broken and no one could calm my crazy beating heart.
Darkness is very dark, isn't it? I remember clinging to my flashlight, but not wanting to turn it on in case it would attract the animal. What does darkness do to you? When you can't even see your hand in front of your face . . . it's dark. I remember Gram turning on the flashlight and then the lantern for the longest time. I saw her face and knew she was with me. I don't know if I thought she'd look different, but it was very reassuring to know it was her with me in that tent. I felt safe.
John reminded people, "if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another . . ."
The people walking daily with Jesus had no idea how dark it was going to be for them after He was gone. Even though He promised a Comforter, they still were very aware that He was not among them. They would miss Him when He was gone. Until they had an "upper room" experience with Him (Acts 2), they felt how dark darkness is. Of course, we know the rest of the story in the Acts. Jesus sent the Comforter who would always be with them. We know Jesus IS the Light. If we walk in the truth of what we know of Jesus (the Light), we can have true fellowship with Him and one another. We don't have to sit in darkness like that night in my tent. Jesus' light shows up, dispels the darkness and true fellowship can be experienced!
What do you do when darkness comes? Hide? Run? Jesus wants to shine His light into your dark areas, let the power of His truth bring wholeness and have fellowship that brings comfort and peace amidst any situation. Look at Him . . . He is light for your way!
Father, It's in the middle of darkness when I realize I am afraid. Sometimes I think I'm so brave. Sometimes it's just my arrogance letting me wander in darkness saying everything will be ok. Remind me of the times I've enjoyed Your light filled Presence. Help me hunger for that fellowship with You that only happens when I walk in Your light. Your face reveals Your love and I know I am safe.
"Git!" she yelled as she elbowed whatever was trying to step on her. Talk about a rude awakening! Everybody started yelling. They were hitting pans and rocks and anything they could think of inside the tents. Whatever it was had stepped on my Gram who was lying between me and the edge of the tent!
The animal ran like the dickens because he didn't want to meet whoever make that noise. The funny part of the story was when we set up our tent, we wondered if it was ok to have it that close to a small tree. It didn't seem like a problem and was actually acting as a partial anchor for the tent. (Way back in the day, we didn't have the fancy one-person-put-up-the-tent process.) It took more hands and more ingenuity! Still though, we felt like we'd be safe and enjoy one another's company in our tent. But after Gram's exclamation, I can tell you assuredly, I was wide awake and heard every sound. Suddenly, it didn't matter who was with me; I was afraid. The comfortable fellowship I'd had even in the dark was now broken and no one could calm my crazy beating heart.
Darkness is very dark, isn't it? I remember clinging to my flashlight, but not wanting to turn it on in case it would attract the animal. What does darkness do to you? When you can't even see your hand in front of your face . . . it's dark. I remember Gram turning on the flashlight and then the lantern for the longest time. I saw her face and knew she was with me. I don't know if I thought she'd look different, but it was very reassuring to know it was her with me in that tent. I felt safe.
John reminded people, "if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another . . ."
The people walking daily with Jesus had no idea how dark it was going to be for them after He was gone. Even though He promised a Comforter, they still were very aware that He was not among them. They would miss Him when He was gone. Until they had an "upper room" experience with Him (Acts 2), they felt how dark darkness is. Of course, we know the rest of the story in the Acts. Jesus sent the Comforter who would always be with them. We know Jesus IS the Light. If we walk in the truth of what we know of Jesus (the Light), we can have true fellowship with Him and one another. We don't have to sit in darkness like that night in my tent. Jesus' light shows up, dispels the darkness and true fellowship can be experienced!
What do you do when darkness comes? Hide? Run? Jesus wants to shine His light into your dark areas, let the power of His truth bring wholeness and have fellowship that brings comfort and peace amidst any situation. Look at Him . . . He is light for your way!
Father, It's in the middle of darkness when I realize I am afraid. Sometimes I think I'm so brave. Sometimes it's just my arrogance letting me wander in darkness saying everything will be ok. Remind me of the times I've enjoyed Your light filled Presence. Help me hunger for that fellowship with You that only happens when I walk in Your light. Your face reveals Your love and I know I am safe.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Absolutely!
Lessons are best learned by experience it seems. Would you like people to learn without the challenges . . . at least some of the time? Maybe it's just me. My students just finished reading Little Britches by Ralph Moody. It's a rich story of early life in Colorado. It is filled with many life lessons. My students were writing a five paragraph essay on the virtues found in the book. As different students were pondering (out loud) what they were going to write, I came to realize a "life lesson" usually meant learning something from having done something bad. More than one student said, "My parents ask me, 'Have you learned your lesson?' and I realized "learning a lesson" in their 10 yr old minds meant getting it right after having done something wrong. We did discuss that not every lesson has to come out of a bad event. I'm not sure they were convinced.
In a world where absolutes aren't as favorable as fuzzy possibilities, some of Jesus' words are difficult to take. He seemed so sure of Himself. Do people like that unnerve you a bit? Can life lessons be learned from someone so disarming?
In John 8, Jesus didn't condemn a woman caught in sin. He just told her to stop. That sent the religious leaders into a frenzy trying to outsmart Jesus using the law. Jesus was pretty sharp in that He used the leaders' own laws to prove His points. (He's the kind of team player you want on your debate team!) Then, as He often did, he turned the peoples' attitudes back at them and told them more than once that they would "die in their sins". He kept leaving them with absolutes (the "die in your sins" part) which messed with their minds. They wanted to devalue the messenger because they didn't know what to do with the message. How could they comprehend this life lesson?
Something happened though. Jesus declared (John 8:24) that if they didn't believe the I AM was there, they would die in their sins. Something happened that is not described by the author of this book. Jesus kept laying down the absolute; something changed. It was like a light came on for some of the people there. He described what would happen soon hinting at the crucifixion and resurrection. It must have been hard to put into words, but all the author could say at the end of this experience was "many believed Him."
My young readers didn't like some of the absolutes the story of Little Britches taught them, but in the end, their young eyes were opened to life lessons they could understand and explain. They believed the author. Did these religious people have to have a bad experience to learn a life lesson? I actually think the absolutes Jesus laid down caused them to see the truth. They hadn't died in their sins yet. Somewhere the heart of Jesus (I AM) drew them to believe. Those who stuck with the message, found the heart of the messenger rather than criticizing. Must we have absolutes? Absolutely!
Father, black and white absolutes cramp my style. The fuzzy possibilities are less stressful . . . and frank. Just as my students caught the life lessons, I also caught the life lesson You spoke to the religious leaders. I pray for any who might believe absolutes are just too hard. I know without You (I AM), those absolutes would be too hard. I did sneak ahead reading in John's writing of chapter 8. I read that this truth sets us free . . . absolutely!
In a world where absolutes aren't as favorable as fuzzy possibilities, some of Jesus' words are difficult to take. He seemed so sure of Himself. Do people like that unnerve you a bit? Can life lessons be learned from someone so disarming?
In John 8, Jesus didn't condemn a woman caught in sin. He just told her to stop. That sent the religious leaders into a frenzy trying to outsmart Jesus using the law. Jesus was pretty sharp in that He used the leaders' own laws to prove His points. (He's the kind of team player you want on your debate team!) Then, as He often did, he turned the peoples' attitudes back at them and told them more than once that they would "die in their sins". He kept leaving them with absolutes (the "die in your sins" part) which messed with their minds. They wanted to devalue the messenger because they didn't know what to do with the message. How could they comprehend this life lesson?
Something happened though. Jesus declared (John 8:24) that if they didn't believe the I AM was there, they would die in their sins. Something happened that is not described by the author of this book. Jesus kept laying down the absolute; something changed. It was like a light came on for some of the people there. He described what would happen soon hinting at the crucifixion and resurrection. It must have been hard to put into words, but all the author could say at the end of this experience was "many believed Him."
My young readers didn't like some of the absolutes the story of Little Britches taught them, but in the end, their young eyes were opened to life lessons they could understand and explain. They believed the author. Did these religious people have to have a bad experience to learn a life lesson? I actually think the absolutes Jesus laid down caused them to see the truth. They hadn't died in their sins yet. Somewhere the heart of Jesus (I AM) drew them to believe. Those who stuck with the message, found the heart of the messenger rather than criticizing. Must we have absolutes? Absolutely!
Father, black and white absolutes cramp my style. The fuzzy possibilities are less stressful . . . and frank. Just as my students caught the life lessons, I also caught the life lesson You spoke to the religious leaders. I pray for any who might believe absolutes are just too hard. I know without You (I AM), those absolutes would be too hard. I did sneak ahead reading in John's writing of chapter 8. I read that this truth sets us free . . . absolutely!
Friday, March 28, 2014
Holy Spirit Risk
Risk is so . . . . risky! Somebody challenges you to do something that makes you sweat just to think about it. You just plain don't want to do it. How come they asked you? For heaven's sake. Ask somebody else! Oh wait . . . that somebody was God. (gulp)
John 6 has Jesus telling his followers that they can eat of the bread of life (Him) and never hunger again. They are a bit aghast at the thought. They even get offended and wonder just who would listen to that kind of teaching? Now, He wasn't talking about cannibalism. They were so taken back, they couldn't see He was talking metaphorically. He told them He was speaking to them at the Spirit level rather than at the physical level. Honestly, some of them were so grossed out they left the troop of followers. They questioned among themselves asking who could listen to such a teaching? They saw no risk in leaving the group. They just couldn't follow Him.
Little did the remaining bunch know what they would be facing. When you're risking, sometimes it's better that way. Have you ever heard someone say, "if I knew this was going to happen, I'd never have started this!" Probably their greatest challenge was not the events (although there were plenty of those). The greatest challenge was the risk of trusting the unknown steps forward. Jesus reminded them what they would experience would be about Spirit things. His words (about being the Bread of Life) were about Spirit and truth.
Spirit events are subtle. They are not always so touchable nor are they cleanly explainable. Jesus knew what was coming. Would they lean into the truth of Jesus' words to them? Would they risk His calling on them for the days ahead? Later, Peter blurted out, "Lord where else could we go for the words of life?" A few people hung around to risk. We know the whole story now, and can say it was a worthwhile risk. How do you know if the risk of a Spirit event is worthwhile? Do you think Peter knew the fire of God was going to fall on him and he'd tell a huge group of people that they crucified Jesus? Sometimes it's better just to follow as you hear His voice and trust He will give you all you need at the time. Of course, the more you risk and experience His words in your life, the more you want more . . . and more of His Spirit and life. It's risky!
Father, sometimes I don't know if I have what it takes to risk for Spirit and life. It sounds so good; the stories I read stir me deeply. I will never know until just look You in the face and say "yes". Bread of Life, I cry out for the fulness You bring of Spirit and life. Yes . . .
John 6 has Jesus telling his followers that they can eat of the bread of life (Him) and never hunger again. They are a bit aghast at the thought. They even get offended and wonder just who would listen to that kind of teaching? Now, He wasn't talking about cannibalism. They were so taken back, they couldn't see He was talking metaphorically. He told them He was speaking to them at the Spirit level rather than at the physical level. Honestly, some of them were so grossed out they left the troop of followers. They questioned among themselves asking who could listen to such a teaching? They saw no risk in leaving the group. They just couldn't follow Him.
Little did the remaining bunch know what they would be facing. When you're risking, sometimes it's better that way. Have you ever heard someone say, "if I knew this was going to happen, I'd never have started this!" Probably their greatest challenge was not the events (although there were plenty of those). The greatest challenge was the risk of trusting the unknown steps forward. Jesus reminded them what they would experience would be about Spirit things. His words (about being the Bread of Life) were about Spirit and truth.
Spirit events are subtle. They are not always so touchable nor are they cleanly explainable. Jesus knew what was coming. Would they lean into the truth of Jesus' words to them? Would they risk His calling on them for the days ahead? Later, Peter blurted out, "Lord where else could we go for the words of life?" A few people hung around to risk. We know the whole story now, and can say it was a worthwhile risk. How do you know if the risk of a Spirit event is worthwhile? Do you think Peter knew the fire of God was going to fall on him and he'd tell a huge group of people that they crucified Jesus? Sometimes it's better just to follow as you hear His voice and trust He will give you all you need at the time. Of course, the more you risk and experience His words in your life, the more you want more . . . and more of His Spirit and life. It's risky!
Father, sometimes I don't know if I have what it takes to risk for Spirit and life. It sounds so good; the stories I read stir me deeply. I will never know until just look You in the face and say "yes". Bread of Life, I cry out for the fulness You bring of Spirit and life. Yes . . .
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Pocket Tokens
Are you one of those people who carry something special with you in your pocket or purse? I knew someone who carried a penny that had been run over by a train. I always wondered what significance could come from a flattened penny, but the person seemed to treasure it quite sincerely. Some adults I know still have a teddy bear in bed with them!
Upon arriving in America as a young man, Benjamin Franklin determined to make money - enough money, in fact, to buy his own printing press and eventual business. He had very few clothes and only had a rented room with a bed. Every morning he bought two loaves of bread to eat during the day. He would carry them under his arm and eat them whenever he was hungry. That's all he allotted himself for the entire day. He felt the money he saved would better accumulate for his goals. People noted it seemed an odd practice of carrying a loaf or two of bread under the arm. Franklin felt it was the best way to have what he needed. This went on for a good period of time in his life.
Jesus explained to people near Him that He was that kind of sustenance also. He was really all they needed for nourishment - spiritual nourishment. He was the Bread of Life. Ben was thankful for a day of physical nourishment. Jesus' promise was for nourishment of body and soul. Franklin received no nourishment until the bread was ingested. Carrying the nourishment under his arm was ineffective. He had to take time to eat the bread. Had he only carried it around all day, it would have been of no value to him. So, we must do more than carry the Bread of Life around as a token. To receive the "life" He offers, we must take in His Word. It is life to us!
The writer of Psalms 119:93 declares "I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life."
It's a simple message, yet a challenge nonetheless. What do you carry to remind you of things? Is there a token of something in your pocket? Is there a reminder on your cell phone? What are you doing today to remember the spiritual nourishment Jesus promised?
Father, I carry so many helping tools on my cell phone. I even have the Bible on it. Just having it on my person doesn't give me life. I know I need reminders. I need Your Word as more than a reminder. As habitually as I do many other things, I know I need Jesus, the Bread of Life daily. He is sustaining and nourishing. He is "life" to me!
Upon arriving in America as a young man, Benjamin Franklin determined to make money - enough money, in fact, to buy his own printing press and eventual business. He had very few clothes and only had a rented room with a bed. Every morning he bought two loaves of bread to eat during the day. He would carry them under his arm and eat them whenever he was hungry. That's all he allotted himself for the entire day. He felt the money he saved would better accumulate for his goals. People noted it seemed an odd practice of carrying a loaf or two of bread under the arm. Franklin felt it was the best way to have what he needed. This went on for a good period of time in his life.
Jesus explained to people near Him that He was that kind of sustenance also. He was really all they needed for nourishment - spiritual nourishment. He was the Bread of Life. Ben was thankful for a day of physical nourishment. Jesus' promise was for nourishment of body and soul. Franklin received no nourishment until the bread was ingested. Carrying the nourishment under his arm was ineffective. He had to take time to eat the bread. Had he only carried it around all day, it would have been of no value to him. So, we must do more than carry the Bread of Life around as a token. To receive the "life" He offers, we must take in His Word. It is life to us!
The writer of Psalms 119:93 declares "I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life."
It's a simple message, yet a challenge nonetheless. What do you carry to remind you of things? Is there a token of something in your pocket? Is there a reminder on your cell phone? What are you doing today to remember the spiritual nourishment Jesus promised?
Father, I carry so many helping tools on my cell phone. I even have the Bible on it. Just having it on my person doesn't give me life. I know I need reminders. I need Your Word as more than a reminder. As habitually as I do many other things, I know I need Jesus, the Bread of Life daily. He is sustaining and nourishing. He is "life" to me!
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Hungry?
As I drove into my driveway this weekend, I smelled a wonderful odor. It was that wafting of such richness I knew it could only mean one thing - somebody in the neighborhood was grilling! My mouth started to water. My mind filled with the thought of chicken on the grill, turning veggies with just the right grill marks and a tall lemonade on the side for refreshment. Oh my!
Somewhere in the last few years, I have come to enjoy the idea of grilling. Even if it's hamburgers. I like to fix them up so they are juicy and delectable. I've watched enough cooking shows to know how to add the ingredients to keep them moist and flavorful. They sit on a burger where a thin slice of red onion, a crispy leaf of lettuce and bread and butter stackers (pickle slices) extend over the edges. Of course the bun has been marked on the grill, so it's on the crispy side. You hungry yet?
Proverbs 22:6 says "train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
What does child training have to do with a juicy burger? It's about the palate! In the Hebrew language, "train up" has the meaning of touching the palate. Physically, when a person's palate is touched, they swallow. It's just one of those human body wonders. Metaphorically, parents are encouraged to "touch the palate" of their children with "the way that they should go". It creates a hunger for a certain "way". That is happening whether we realize it or not. Our habits, our actions . . . are a "way". Ultimately, what we are trained to hunger, we want.
Sometimes people feel "force-fed" when it comes to God. The "shoulds" and "musts" take over. "If" seems to play a controlling role as well. Hunger is definitely not there. How is that role reversed and a hunger for God started?
An authentic spiritual experience is an amazing drawing card. There is something about the Presence of God that is so real and refreshing. That experience creates a hunger that is not satisfied by anything less. Such is the opportunity with Jesus, the Bread of Life. He sustains us with His Word. His word is sweet to our taste! It is life and health to our bones. The more we experience Him, the more we want more of Him. It's not selfish . . . it's hunger!
Father, come and step into my world. Whisper life and health to me again. I have experienced Your authentic Presence - it wouldn't be Your Presence any other way. How great it is to know there is nothing else that can touch my palate and cause me to long for more of You. Spirit of the Living God . . . fall afresh on me!
Somewhere in the last few years, I have come to enjoy the idea of grilling. Even if it's hamburgers. I like to fix them up so they are juicy and delectable. I've watched enough cooking shows to know how to add the ingredients to keep them moist and flavorful. They sit on a burger where a thin slice of red onion, a crispy leaf of lettuce and bread and butter stackers (pickle slices) extend over the edges. Of course the bun has been marked on the grill, so it's on the crispy side. You hungry yet?
Proverbs 22:6 says "train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
What does child training have to do with a juicy burger? It's about the palate! In the Hebrew language, "train up" has the meaning of touching the palate. Physically, when a person's palate is touched, they swallow. It's just one of those human body wonders. Metaphorically, parents are encouraged to "touch the palate" of their children with "the way that they should go". It creates a hunger for a certain "way". That is happening whether we realize it or not. Our habits, our actions . . . are a "way". Ultimately, what we are trained to hunger, we want.
Sometimes people feel "force-fed" when it comes to God. The "shoulds" and "musts" take over. "If" seems to play a controlling role as well. Hunger is definitely not there. How is that role reversed and a hunger for God started?
An authentic spiritual experience is an amazing drawing card. There is something about the Presence of God that is so real and refreshing. That experience creates a hunger that is not satisfied by anything less. Such is the opportunity with Jesus, the Bread of Life. He sustains us with His Word. His word is sweet to our taste! It is life and health to our bones. The more we experience Him, the more we want more of Him. It's not selfish . . . it's hunger!
Father, come and step into my world. Whisper life and health to me again. I have experienced Your authentic Presence - it wouldn't be Your Presence any other way. How great it is to know there is nothing else that can touch my palate and cause me to long for more of You. Spirit of the Living God . . . fall afresh on me!
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Enough is Enough
How much is enough? For an elementary student, it might be the amount that will get the grade to please mom and dad. For the teenager, it might be the extent to which praise and acceptance will be there. For the dad working day and night to provide for his family, enough might be what it takes to keep his family happy. From these perspectives, "enough" is fairly ambiguous, isn't it?
Somehow that nagging voice whispering in our ear really is hard to shut off. We quote "my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus". We sing "Savior, He can move the mountains, my God is mighty to save . . ". So it's not really so much about God, as it is our belief system.
Actually, "enough" from God's perspective is beyond our greatest expectations. In fact, He is exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think. The Greek word is fun to say . . . "hooper-hooper-eck-peri-soo" Ephesians 3:20. Say that ten times really fast. It has a bit of rhythm to it! It actually says, "above, above, above all". That's pretty far up there!
When Jesus declared He was "the bread of life", He was all they needed - He is enough. John 5:35 says we will never hunger again. Being bread to us is all He has to offer - it is enough. He didn't give just enough for praise, or to receive the acceptance of others or even just to make people happy. The amazing fact is there is no more that could have been given. Poured out as the Bread of Life for us, there was nothing left un-given.
When we experience His hand on our life, we might think He just barely got us by. In reality, He gave all He had. The Bread of Life didn't hold back some for someone else. He will fill each us and satisfy our hunger to our fullest - enough!
Father, "Above, above, above all I ask or think" is beyond my comprehension. What a display of Your majesty! Help me not be unnerved by Your majesty. Thank you, Bread of Life, for being enough for this hungry soul. I have no idea why I think I am enough on my own. You are "hooper-hooper-eck-peri-soo"!
Somehow that nagging voice whispering in our ear really is hard to shut off. We quote "my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus". We sing "Savior, He can move the mountains, my God is mighty to save . . ". So it's not really so much about God, as it is our belief system.
Actually, "enough" from God's perspective is beyond our greatest expectations. In fact, He is exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think. The Greek word is fun to say . . . "hooper-hooper-eck-peri-soo" Ephesians 3:20. Say that ten times really fast. It has a bit of rhythm to it! It actually says, "above, above, above all". That's pretty far up there!
When Jesus declared He was "the bread of life", He was all they needed - He is enough. John 5:35 says we will never hunger again. Being bread to us is all He has to offer - it is enough. He didn't give just enough for praise, or to receive the acceptance of others or even just to make people happy. The amazing fact is there is no more that could have been given. Poured out as the Bread of Life for us, there was nothing left un-given.
When we experience His hand on our life, we might think He just barely got us by. In reality, He gave all He had. The Bread of Life didn't hold back some for someone else. He will fill each us and satisfy our hunger to our fullest - enough!
Father, "Above, above, above all I ask or think" is beyond my comprehension. What a display of Your majesty! Help me not be unnerved by Your majesty. Thank you, Bread of Life, for being enough for this hungry soul. I have no idea why I think I am enough on my own. You are "hooper-hooper-eck-peri-soo"!
Monday, March 24, 2014
A Different Smell
It's Springtime! The trees are budding. We're hoping the frost won't get the fruit. The fragrant blossoms are wafting throughout the valley. People bothered with allergies have swollen eyes and runny noses. There's a certain fragrance in the air.
Have you ever smelled fresh bread out of the oven? It has such a rich aroma. I think of my gramma who baked bread often in the winter. I could smell her bread the minute I walked in the door after school. Sometimes now I go to one of the local bakeries where, when I come in the door, I smell the yeasty odor of freshly baked bread. You can even get frozen bread to thaw, let rise and bake just like gramma. You can make a friend of almost anyone with a warm slice of bread and melted butter!
Just like the smell of freshly baked warm bread, so the Bible says we are to be a "sweet fragrance of Christ". Interestingly enough, we smell the same to people of faith and to those who haven't chosen faith yet. The reaction to the aroma of Christ is diametrically different between the two groups of people. To those who haven't made the choice to follow Jesus, the fragrance of Christ smells like death. To those who have choice to walk with Christ, the fragrance is living and fresh. Paul was explaining this to the Corinthian Christians in his second letter to them. (II Corinthians 2:15-16) In the next chapter, Paul reminds the Christians that nonbelievers had a veil over their hearts, but when there was repentance, that veil was stripped away and Christ could be experienced more clearly. Suddenly, they could "smell" Him in a different way. His fragrance in believers would bring life rather than death.
Do you believe you bring the sweet aroma of Christ to your surroundings? You bring His aroma by living in His Presence and bringing His life to your surroundings. Keep in mind not everyone will like what they "smell" about you. Remember it's the kindness of God that leads us all to repentance. Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life. Christ in you, the hope of glory!
Father, sometimes I worry that I don't bring You to my surroundings all that much. Help me connect more with You and not worry about others. I want to "smell" like You when I'm around people. In the times past that I have experienced Your Presence, it was so good to be there. I believe Your living and fresh life is something so many of my friends would love. Thank you for continuing to move people closer to You and for Your fragrance which moves believers to ever increasing faith!
Have you ever smelled fresh bread out of the oven? It has such a rich aroma. I think of my gramma who baked bread often in the winter. I could smell her bread the minute I walked in the door after school. Sometimes now I go to one of the local bakeries where, when I come in the door, I smell the yeasty odor of freshly baked bread. You can even get frozen bread to thaw, let rise and bake just like gramma. You can make a friend of almost anyone with a warm slice of bread and melted butter!
Just like the smell of freshly baked warm bread, so the Bible says we are to be a "sweet fragrance of Christ". Interestingly enough, we smell the same to people of faith and to those who haven't chosen faith yet. The reaction to the aroma of Christ is diametrically different between the two groups of people. To those who haven't made the choice to follow Jesus, the fragrance of Christ smells like death. To those who have choice to walk with Christ, the fragrance is living and fresh. Paul was explaining this to the Corinthian Christians in his second letter to them. (II Corinthians 2:15-16) In the next chapter, Paul reminds the Christians that nonbelievers had a veil over their hearts, but when there was repentance, that veil was stripped away and Christ could be experienced more clearly. Suddenly, they could "smell" Him in a different way. His fragrance in believers would bring life rather than death.
Do you believe you bring the sweet aroma of Christ to your surroundings? You bring His aroma by living in His Presence and bringing His life to your surroundings. Keep in mind not everyone will like what they "smell" about you. Remember it's the kindness of God that leads us all to repentance. Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life. Christ in you, the hope of glory!
Father, sometimes I worry that I don't bring You to my surroundings all that much. Help me connect more with You and not worry about others. I want to "smell" like You when I'm around people. In the times past that I have experienced Your Presence, it was so good to be there. I believe Your living and fresh life is something so many of my friends would love. Thank you for continuing to move people closer to You and for Your fragrance which moves believers to ever increasing faith!
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Eye to Eye
The month of March is about to go out like a lion. It's been very breezy. Ok, maybe down right windy! Doesn't the wind sort of unnerve? Standing on the lake shore with a huge dust bowl racing across the lake makes fishermen duck their heads and pack it in. The fish surely dive to the bottom. Tree limbs clutter the yard and mean extra work.
What about a nice cool breeze on a hot day? Now, that's a different sensation than the dust laden cloud that infiltrates every nook and cranny of wherever it lands. The Bible talks about a continual fresh breeze that renews and refreshes. It's like that fresh gentle breeze on your face.
Acts 3:19 - "Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of The Lord."
In this passage, a man had been leaping and praising God for his healing. As the man clung to Peter and John in gratitude, it drew quite a crowd. Peter used the opportunity to talk about the refreshing of the presence of The Lord. He reminded the people of what they had just done to Jesus - death, burial and the fact of the resurrection. The people, having witnessed the recent events with Jesus and then the healing of this man, were challenged to agree with God's thoughts (repent) and turn from their sins, so that these times of refreshing would come from the presence of The Lord.
The picture of "times of refreshing" looks like a continual fresh breeze. Its a renewing kind of breath rather than the kind that chafes against you. It's good to note that the refreshing comes not with all the doing, but when we come into the presence of the Lord.
"Presence" literally means "that part of anything which is turned or presented to the eye of another". It's an eye-to-eye action. Often couples can catch the eye of their spouse from across the room and they "know that look". Parents often have that connection with their children. These experiences take time to develop and become clearer with experience. The presence (eye to eye) of the Lord is a face to face gaze where looking at the Father brings the realization that He has always been trying to catch your eye. When the gazes meet, the gentle breeze of refreshing is experienced. The Father's gaze opens the floodgates of refreshing breezes to the person who is eye to eye with Him.
It's March. How about letting the Lion of Judah, the Great I AM, the One who holds the world together with his very breath, catch your eye and breathe refreshing over you?
Why not risk and take a look for Him? Has He caught your eye yet?
Father, sometimes its hard for me to look You in the eye. I know myself; I guess You do too for that matter. Remind me repentance is a good thing and the result means I can open my eyes and catch Your eye. As the season around me is renewing and refreshing, how I long for Your times of refreshing. As I meet Your eye, I trust for Your refreshing breeze over my life. March could end in a very special way . . .
What about a nice cool breeze on a hot day? Now, that's a different sensation than the dust laden cloud that infiltrates every nook and cranny of wherever it lands. The Bible talks about a continual fresh breeze that renews and refreshes. It's like that fresh gentle breeze on your face.
Acts 3:19 - "Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of The Lord."
In this passage, a man had been leaping and praising God for his healing. As the man clung to Peter and John in gratitude, it drew quite a crowd. Peter used the opportunity to talk about the refreshing of the presence of The Lord. He reminded the people of what they had just done to Jesus - death, burial and the fact of the resurrection. The people, having witnessed the recent events with Jesus and then the healing of this man, were challenged to agree with God's thoughts (repent) and turn from their sins, so that these times of refreshing would come from the presence of The Lord.
The picture of "times of refreshing" looks like a continual fresh breeze. Its a renewing kind of breath rather than the kind that chafes against you. It's good to note that the refreshing comes not with all the doing, but when we come into the presence of the Lord.
"Presence" literally means "that part of anything which is turned or presented to the eye of another". It's an eye-to-eye action. Often couples can catch the eye of their spouse from across the room and they "know that look". Parents often have that connection with their children. These experiences take time to develop and become clearer with experience. The presence (eye to eye) of the Lord is a face to face gaze where looking at the Father brings the realization that He has always been trying to catch your eye. When the gazes meet, the gentle breeze of refreshing is experienced. The Father's gaze opens the floodgates of refreshing breezes to the person who is eye to eye with Him.
It's March. How about letting the Lion of Judah, the Great I AM, the One who holds the world together with his very breath, catch your eye and breathe refreshing over you?
Why not risk and take a look for Him? Has He caught your eye yet?
Father, sometimes its hard for me to look You in the eye. I know myself; I guess You do too for that matter. Remind me repentance is a good thing and the result means I can open my eyes and catch Your eye. As the season around me is renewing and refreshing, how I long for Your times of refreshing. As I meet Your eye, I trust for Your refreshing breeze over my life. March could end in a very special way . . .
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Passionate Love!
We are a people who hear more Biblical instruction that we can possibly absorb. We believe if we can hear one more tidbit, it will push us over the edge to that great place of magnificent holiness, great testimony and magnanimous works! Sound inviting?
The people who hung around Jesus were impacted and they in turn did the same . . . generally. Andrew went and told Peter about Jesus. Zacheus heard about Jesus and hung out in a tree just to see Him! Why were they doing this? Jesus inspired passion in them so they would change from the inside, have a stronger outside influence and ignite others. They had met "I AM".
Paul lived through that "igniting experience" on the road to Damascus. He was changed. It was really obvious - inside and out. He found people who he could engage to passionately follow Christ. Timothy was one of those people. Paul wrote a letter to Timothy to encourage him to help correct some mindless teaching happening in Ephesus where people would teach strange doctrines. Paul wanted Timothy to give a clear teaching about the truth of Jesus Christ.
I Timothy 1:5 says "The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith."
Paul knew that to teach about I AM meant more than a droll rollout of doctrine. The goal really was love. The instruction would bring about a clean heart from the inside. The instruction would also stir a good conscience. This kind of conscience has a way of showing up in the form of a testimony. Finally, this instruction would give rise to a genuine faith. Timothy knew if his teaching was just doctrinal dogma, it wouldn't produce love. The clean heart would be mere form. The testimony would be sullied. The works produced would be begrudging at best.
Not so with the passionate love Jesus exuded! It caught people in all areas of their life. Timothy wanted the believers in Ephesus to know the passion flowing from I AM was a major component to the goal of love. Love didn't have to be rustled up. I AM passionate love pours out through the heart and the testimony and the works of the believer.
Are you still looking for that one more bit of teaching that will push you over the edge to a great walk with God? Might you ask I AM to reveal His passion to you?
Father, I think I want Your passion running through me. Sometimes I don't realize what I am really praying. I like the idea of losing the mere form of religion. It smells like last weekend's fish bucket. It would be amazing not to worry about whether I am doing "ok" for Jesus. Your passion . . . I need Your passion. I wonder if I know what I am asking? What would Your passionate love look like in my life? I'm not sure I know, but it has to be better than now. Come, Father . . .
The people who hung around Jesus were impacted and they in turn did the same . . . generally. Andrew went and told Peter about Jesus. Zacheus heard about Jesus and hung out in a tree just to see Him! Why were they doing this? Jesus inspired passion in them so they would change from the inside, have a stronger outside influence and ignite others. They had met "I AM".
Paul lived through that "igniting experience" on the road to Damascus. He was changed. It was really obvious - inside and out. He found people who he could engage to passionately follow Christ. Timothy was one of those people. Paul wrote a letter to Timothy to encourage him to help correct some mindless teaching happening in Ephesus where people would teach strange doctrines. Paul wanted Timothy to give a clear teaching about the truth of Jesus Christ.
I Timothy 1:5 says "The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith."
Paul knew that to teach about I AM meant more than a droll rollout of doctrine. The goal really was love. The instruction would bring about a clean heart from the inside. The instruction would also stir a good conscience. This kind of conscience has a way of showing up in the form of a testimony. Finally, this instruction would give rise to a genuine faith. Timothy knew if his teaching was just doctrinal dogma, it wouldn't produce love. The clean heart would be mere form. The testimony would be sullied. The works produced would be begrudging at best.
Not so with the passionate love Jesus exuded! It caught people in all areas of their life. Timothy wanted the believers in Ephesus to know the passion flowing from I AM was a major component to the goal of love. Love didn't have to be rustled up. I AM passionate love pours out through the heart and the testimony and the works of the believer.
Are you still looking for that one more bit of teaching that will push you over the edge to a great walk with God? Might you ask I AM to reveal His passion to you?
Father, I think I want Your passion running through me. Sometimes I don't realize what I am really praying. I like the idea of losing the mere form of religion. It smells like last weekend's fish bucket. It would be amazing not to worry about whether I am doing "ok" for Jesus. Your passion . . . I need Your passion. I wonder if I know what I am asking? What would Your passionate love look like in my life? I'm not sure I know, but it has to be better than now. Come, Father . . .
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Choices!
Choices! They are supposed to make people feel powerful. Having choices allows people to say to someone else, "This is what I chose!" For some, choices provide a way to separate and identify. "I am one of those by choice. I win . . . I chose!"
However, choices are curious. There is amazing pressure in choosing. Just sliding along means there doesn't need to be a choice so then there is no marginalizing or type casting. Ah, but it has been said that not choosing is actually choosing anyway.
There was once a little guy standing on the front seat of the car. His mom was about to drive off, so she told him to crawl in the back and get into his car seat. The little tyke didn't move. She looked at him; he looked back. Her eyebrows went up; his went down. Finally, after a bit of a standoff, the boy crawled in the backseat and into his car seat. She smiled; he did not. She said, "thank you for sitting down." He said, "I'm still standing up on the inside!" Choices . . .
Jesus found as He got closer to the time of his crucifixion and He asked more of His followers, few of them wanted to make the more dicy choice. Being ostracized, scorned and ridiculed aren't exactly first choices for most people no matter the time or situation. So, as a good group of the "faithful" were leaving, Jesus looked to those who remained and said, "Do you also want to go away?" (John 8:67) Peter had a classic answer - "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." Peter continued to explain an ongoing event in their lives. "We have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."
Choices! Something was happening in the lives of those closely following Jesus. They had come to believe and know that Jesus was the Christ. It was an ongoing experience that had cemented them to Him. (Yes, we know that later on Peter had a crisis of doubt.) Making choices and living life with Jesus had rooted in them a conviction that there was no where else to turn.
How convinced are you that Jesus has the words of eternal life? Are there other places/ways you can go? Do you? It's about choices . . .
Father, how I want to be single minded and choose You and You alone. I know though, my choices don't always reflect my heart's desire. (Or honestly, they actually might . . .) Most people would say I'm faithful, but inside me I know my choices are sometimes suspect. Really, when it comes right down to it, no one but You has the words of eternal life. I know the choice is mine . . .
However, choices are curious. There is amazing pressure in choosing. Just sliding along means there doesn't need to be a choice so then there is no marginalizing or type casting. Ah, but it has been said that not choosing is actually choosing anyway.
There was once a little guy standing on the front seat of the car. His mom was about to drive off, so she told him to crawl in the back and get into his car seat. The little tyke didn't move. She looked at him; he looked back. Her eyebrows went up; his went down. Finally, after a bit of a standoff, the boy crawled in the backseat and into his car seat. She smiled; he did not. She said, "thank you for sitting down." He said, "I'm still standing up on the inside!" Choices . . .
Jesus found as He got closer to the time of his crucifixion and He asked more of His followers, few of them wanted to make the more dicy choice. Being ostracized, scorned and ridiculed aren't exactly first choices for most people no matter the time or situation. So, as a good group of the "faithful" were leaving, Jesus looked to those who remained and said, "Do you also want to go away?" (John 8:67) Peter had a classic answer - "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." Peter continued to explain an ongoing event in their lives. "We have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."
Choices! Something was happening in the lives of those closely following Jesus. They had come to believe and know that Jesus was the Christ. It was an ongoing experience that had cemented them to Him. (Yes, we know that later on Peter had a crisis of doubt.) Making choices and living life with Jesus had rooted in them a conviction that there was no where else to turn.
How convinced are you that Jesus has the words of eternal life? Are there other places/ways you can go? Do you? It's about choices . . .
Father, how I want to be single minded and choose You and You alone. I know though, my choices don't always reflect my heart's desire. (Or honestly, they actually might . . .) Most people would say I'm faithful, but inside me I know my choices are sometimes suspect. Really, when it comes right down to it, no one but You has the words of eternal life. I know the choice is mine . . .
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Belief Amidst the Sarcasm
Sarcasm is a jaded sort of humor which insidiously twists into the psyche of both the speaker and the hearer. Often sarcasm is used to wield power of a subtle sort to unarm the hearer from a response - unless it's a sarcastic volley back at the original sender. The tone can escalate to raw humor and probable abuse at the very least of personhood of another. (Ever heard of "coarse jesting?")
"Oh c'mon! We're just kidding around. Isn't this simple teasing? Some people have such thin skin they can't even take a joke!"
Ok . . . maybe. There is an accuser who smears sarcasm like putty on a wall ready for tiles. Anything that attaches to it . . . sticks. When Jesus went out into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, He experienced the accuser. Jesus was tempted in various ways, but the sinister point of sarcasm was clear. "IF you are the Son of God . . . " In the original language, the implication is even closer to a sarcastic "SINCE You are the Son of God . . .". It's not that Satan wanted to acknowledge that Jesus WAS the Son of God, he merely wanted to cynically jab Jesus with an accusatory tone. (Really that's the best he had to offer.) Jesus never bought into it. He not only knew I AM (Yaweh, HBRW), His Father, but He WAS I AM (ego eimi, GRK) The Word of God deflected and diffused every subversive sentence!
How has sarcasm toward spiritual things affected you? There is such a risk to "just believe". Or is there? Thomas somehow missed a meeting with Jesus (and the rest of the gang) when Jesus breathed on them saying, "receive the Holy Spirit and forgive sins" John 20:24-28). Of course, those who were there now had an experience of seeing Jesus. Thomas did not. He'd experienced the screams (audible or not) accusing him of being a follower of Jesus. At this point in the story, he felt pretty dejected. He wasn't going to just swallow somebody's story - hook, line and sinker. But, just leave it to Jesus to meet Thomas where he was. "Here I am Thomas, put your finger in the holes. I'm here for you to see Me so you can believe. Risk it!" There was no shame or sarcasm in Jesus' voice or eyes - only a drawing love that drew Thomas to Him. I AM had come to someone who'd had enough. Thomas responded by reaching out to touch Jesus. He was enough!
What has sarcasm about spiritual things done to your faith? There are people who will risk with you. They have heard the sarcasm; they have reached out to touch Him with their faith. Jesus (I AM) will show Himself to you if you'll just say, "I have to see You!"
Lord Jesus, I have to see You. My heart and soul longs for You just like the Psalmist. I get that You're not offended by my asking to see You. Cut through the sarcasm that surrounds me; walk through even the people who seem so full of faith. Let me see You with my eyes. I'm going to be in the crowd of those looking for You. I can't wait . . .
"Oh c'mon! We're just kidding around. Isn't this simple teasing? Some people have such thin skin they can't even take a joke!"
Ok . . . maybe. There is an accuser who smears sarcasm like putty on a wall ready for tiles. Anything that attaches to it . . . sticks. When Jesus went out into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, He experienced the accuser. Jesus was tempted in various ways, but the sinister point of sarcasm was clear. "IF you are the Son of God . . . " In the original language, the implication is even closer to a sarcastic "SINCE You are the Son of God . . .". It's not that Satan wanted to acknowledge that Jesus WAS the Son of God, he merely wanted to cynically jab Jesus with an accusatory tone. (Really that's the best he had to offer.) Jesus never bought into it. He not only knew I AM (Yaweh, HBRW), His Father, but He WAS I AM (ego eimi, GRK) The Word of God deflected and diffused every subversive sentence!
How has sarcasm toward spiritual things affected you? There is such a risk to "just believe". Or is there? Thomas somehow missed a meeting with Jesus (and the rest of the gang) when Jesus breathed on them saying, "receive the Holy Spirit and forgive sins" John 20:24-28). Of course, those who were there now had an experience of seeing Jesus. Thomas did not. He'd experienced the screams (audible or not) accusing him of being a follower of Jesus. At this point in the story, he felt pretty dejected. He wasn't going to just swallow somebody's story - hook, line and sinker. But, just leave it to Jesus to meet Thomas where he was. "Here I am Thomas, put your finger in the holes. I'm here for you to see Me so you can believe. Risk it!" There was no shame or sarcasm in Jesus' voice or eyes - only a drawing love that drew Thomas to Him. I AM had come to someone who'd had enough. Thomas responded by reaching out to touch Jesus. He was enough!
What has sarcasm about spiritual things done to your faith? There are people who will risk with you. They have heard the sarcasm; they have reached out to touch Him with their faith. Jesus (I AM) will show Himself to you if you'll just say, "I have to see You!"
Lord Jesus, I have to see You. My heart and soul longs for You just like the Psalmist. I get that You're not offended by my asking to see You. Cut through the sarcasm that surrounds me; walk through even the people who seem so full of faith. Let me see You with my eyes. I'm going to be in the crowd of those looking for You. I can't wait . . .
Monday, March 17, 2014
Tell the Stories!
Ps 145:4 - One generation will tell its children of Your mighty acts; let them proclaim Your power.
A couple of years ago, I had the honor of being invited to the home of a Jewish family to celebrate a major holiday of their faith. Because I love the heritage of Hebrew history to my own faith, I jumped at the chance to join three generations at they sat together and celebrated. I was curious to hear the stories as I've read them in the Bible. I wondered if they would tell the stories as they were directed to remember them. How would each generation tell the stories to the next and the next generation?
Moses needed to know who would be the back up for him coming to Pharoah with demands to be released from bondage. Moses had seen the power of God, but going face to face with someone who could kill you seemed an ominous endeavor. Continuing to face Pharoah through the various plagues, Moses became more and more courageous because he experienced the power of I AM. He didn't become complacent in the Presence of God. The more he saw, the more awe-filled he became. He continued to have those celebration days to remember how God (I AM) had shown Himself in powerful ways to protect and strengthen the children of Israel.
What has been your experience with the Presence of God? When Jesus was on the earth, His very presence impacted people and situations. I would have liked to have been in the group when Judas and the others were looking for Jesus to arrest Him. He heard their question about His whereabouts, so He stepped out to meet them. He said, "I AM". The power of His declaration physically threw the pursuers to the ground (John 18:6)! How's that for a story to tell the kids?
Here's what I've noticed though. My Jewish family celebration missed the inexplicable Presence of God. I actually cried on my drive home as I recalled the Hebrew stories I knew of our Mighty God. When I hear those stories of the strong work of I AM, I know I am changed. How could someone miss this amazing power?
Have you heard/read the stories of I AM?
Are you so used to hearing the stories of I AM, that you are no longer impressed by them?
How does the Presence of God affect you?
Father, whether I've heard the stories or not, I pray You would stir me to open my heart to be undone by Your Presence. Your stories are magnificent, but even more, they are life changing. Every area of my life provides an opportunity where You have stood in history as I AM. There is no place where I AM is inefficient or inadequate. If I am unsure I can lean on You, remind me to read the stories of those who did and experienced the power of I AM. The next time someone wonders where God is in a situation, I need Your nudge to remind me I AM is there!
A couple of years ago, I had the honor of being invited to the home of a Jewish family to celebrate a major holiday of their faith. Because I love the heritage of Hebrew history to my own faith, I jumped at the chance to join three generations at they sat together and celebrated. I was curious to hear the stories as I've read them in the Bible. I wondered if they would tell the stories as they were directed to remember them. How would each generation tell the stories to the next and the next generation?
Moses needed to know who would be the back up for him coming to Pharoah with demands to be released from bondage. Moses had seen the power of God, but going face to face with someone who could kill you seemed an ominous endeavor. Continuing to face Pharoah through the various plagues, Moses became more and more courageous because he experienced the power of I AM. He didn't become complacent in the Presence of God. The more he saw, the more awe-filled he became. He continued to have those celebration days to remember how God (I AM) had shown Himself in powerful ways to protect and strengthen the children of Israel.
What has been your experience with the Presence of God? When Jesus was on the earth, His very presence impacted people and situations. I would have liked to have been in the group when Judas and the others were looking for Jesus to arrest Him. He heard their question about His whereabouts, so He stepped out to meet them. He said, "I AM". The power of His declaration physically threw the pursuers to the ground (John 18:6)! How's that for a story to tell the kids?
Here's what I've noticed though. My Jewish family celebration missed the inexplicable Presence of God. I actually cried on my drive home as I recalled the Hebrew stories I knew of our Mighty God. When I hear those stories of the strong work of I AM, I know I am changed. How could someone miss this amazing power?
Have you heard/read the stories of I AM?
Are you so used to hearing the stories of I AM, that you are no longer impressed by them?
How does the Presence of God affect you?
Father, whether I've heard the stories or not, I pray You would stir me to open my heart to be undone by Your Presence. Your stories are magnificent, but even more, they are life changing. Every area of my life provides an opportunity where You have stood in history as I AM. There is no place where I AM is inefficient or inadequate. If I am unsure I can lean on You, remind me to read the stories of those who did and experienced the power of I AM. The next time someone wonders where God is in a situation, I need Your nudge to remind me I AM is there!
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Fishing Day
I live near a group of little lakes on the outskirts of town. They have fish in them and I enjoy tossing out a line to see what the fish might like. It's usually very simple for me. My tackle box fits in my back pocket and I travel light. I get to drove the truck. I am so lucky!
I know I should be cleaning in the yard but I think I need some attitude adjustment time too-fishing!
I know I should be cleaning in the yard but I think I need some attitude adjustment time too-fishing!
Friday, March 14, 2014
Life indeed!
Life Indeed!
Do you know how to progress in your job? Is there a delineated way for you to know you are progressing? I heard someone say that they didn't really know how to progress any higher in their job because their company had just restructured the employee evaluation standards. They felt like it was impossible to get the highest rating so their incentive to grow was stifled. Where could they go from here? When a person spends so much of their day on the job, it's not very enriching to know there's not really much more they can do for success. If they reach higher sales, the bar will only be raised. If customer service increases, more will be expected. The expectation rate only rises. Where can a person find that sense of a great life when, at least in their job arena, the ceiling has been hit?
"As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment. [Charge them] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share [with others], In this way laying up for themselves [the riches that endure forever as] a good foundation for the future, so that they may grasp that which is life indeed." (1 Timothy 6:17-19 AMP)
Paul wrote Timothy challenging believers to set their hopes on God "who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." He was to give them a clear charge to 1) do good, 2) be rich in good works, 3) be liberal and generous of heart and 4) be ready to share with others. Have you noticed there isn't a great deal about money as the source of these things they were to do? No, Timothy had "life indeed" in view when he challenged them to make these acts a part of their everyday life - a life creating a different kind of foundation which would richly sustain them forever. (I TIMOTHY 6:17-19 AMP)
Maybe we need to ask ourselves where our treasure is? What kind of life creates treasure? Timothy exhorts his fellow believers to find their treasure in creating a foundation which would enrich them and cause them to experience growth in God's kind of life. Looking from the outside, could I see myself foundationally strong and enriched if I were to do the four things above? Yes, there is the risk of abuse by an employer or neighbor or friend when were give so freely. Even through the challenging times, Timothy believed our foundation is growing and being enriched. It is this kind of "life indeed" which will sustain us when we don't get those evaluation reviews we had believed for or the recognition we felt we earned. Let's reach where the evaluations can't extend - to the heart of Jesus. He has come that I might have life and life more abundantly. That's my kind of foundation - "life indeed!"
Father, it's so easy for me to look to recognition from my job or people around me. I know You are pleased, but I want to keep in mind the foundation I am building as I obey You. I see past today and on down the road to my future. Remind me I am building a future whose foundation is more than money. My rich treasure is in what I do out of love and caring and generosity. Thank you Father for "life indeed"!
Do you know how to progress in your job? Is there a delineated way for you to know you are progressing? I heard someone say that they didn't really know how to progress any higher in their job because their company had just restructured the employee evaluation standards. They felt like it was impossible to get the highest rating so their incentive to grow was stifled. Where could they go from here? When a person spends so much of their day on the job, it's not very enriching to know there's not really much more they can do for success. If they reach higher sales, the bar will only be raised. If customer service increases, more will be expected. The expectation rate only rises. Where can a person find that sense of a great life when, at least in their job arena, the ceiling has been hit?
"As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment. [Charge them] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share [with others], In this way laying up for themselves [the riches that endure forever as] a good foundation for the future, so that they may grasp that which is life indeed." (1 Timothy 6:17-19 AMP)
Paul wrote Timothy challenging believers to set their hopes on God "who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." He was to give them a clear charge to 1) do good, 2) be rich in good works, 3) be liberal and generous of heart and 4) be ready to share with others. Have you noticed there isn't a great deal about money as the source of these things they were to do? No, Timothy had "life indeed" in view when he challenged them to make these acts a part of their everyday life - a life creating a different kind of foundation which would richly sustain them forever. (I TIMOTHY 6:17-19 AMP)
Maybe we need to ask ourselves where our treasure is? What kind of life creates treasure? Timothy exhorts his fellow believers to find their treasure in creating a foundation which would enrich them and cause them to experience growth in God's kind of life. Looking from the outside, could I see myself foundationally strong and enriched if I were to do the four things above? Yes, there is the risk of abuse by an employer or neighbor or friend when were give so freely. Even through the challenging times, Timothy believed our foundation is growing and being enriched. It is this kind of "life indeed" which will sustain us when we don't get those evaluation reviews we had believed for or the recognition we felt we earned. Let's reach where the evaluations can't extend - to the heart of Jesus. He has come that I might have life and life more abundantly. That's my kind of foundation - "life indeed!"
Father, it's so easy for me to look to recognition from my job or people around me. I know You are pleased, but I want to keep in mind the foundation I am building as I obey You. I see past today and on down the road to my future. Remind me I am building a future whose foundation is more than money. My rich treasure is in what I do out of love and caring and generosity. Thank you Father for "life indeed"!
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Spring Cleaning - Heart Style
At our house we opened the windows this week to let the fresh air in and the stale air out. The smell was so good! Green shoots are appearing around town. A lovely yellow bouquet of daffodils sits on my desk. They were closed and still at the first of the week. By now, they are opened up completely. It's almost like they are gulping the sunshine and reaching out their petals to catch all the sun they can.
We concluded a teaching about being "discontent" this past Sunday. I have to say my discontent has been challenged. It's like a burr under my saddle; I can't figure how to stay in the same comfort zone and still enjoy freshness. You think God really wants those two things to exist at the same time? (If we were having this conversation in person, you'd probably be shaking your head.)
We have this dilemma - what do we do with the nagging burr? The longing of freshness makes us want to search more than usual. Winter bears the seed but the scent of freshness stirs birth from barrenness. Almost overnight the shoot separates the earth to find its way to newness. Stretching for warmth and open spaces, it is empowered to move past obstacles. How many times have you seen this event happen in the most unlikely places? Remember seeing some green plant (or weed) pressing through something that it really shouldn't? (Some of you might be thinking about racing to the garage for weed killer about now.) That plant has grit!
Matthew 6:21 says, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." I long for the freshness of God in my heart. I wonder if my treasure brings freshness to my heart? Could the things I think are treasures actually be a source of my discontent? If my heart is struggling to find the freshness of God and experience His wide open spaces of freedom, I wonder if there's a hint of discontent smoldering from what has been my treasure. Where is my grit?
Here's a dare: (I double dog dare you!) Lay one of your treasures aside for 21 days and see if it still holds such a love in your life. Can you go without a movie for 21 days? How about skipping that video game for 21 days? How about passing on the Starbucks, taking that money and tossing it in a jar each day; ask God to show you what to do with the money on day 22.
Father, Reveal the thing I treasure most . . . then maybe the thing I treasure second to the most, etc. Show me which one would be Your choice for me to lay aside for 21 days. There is a winter seed that wants to be birthed to a life of freshness. Pull me from the shelf of discontent onto the 21 day journey of laying aside one of my treasures. I trust You to lead me into the wide open space of Your freshness in the days ahead.
We concluded a teaching about being "discontent" this past Sunday. I have to say my discontent has been challenged. It's like a burr under my saddle; I can't figure how to stay in the same comfort zone and still enjoy freshness. You think God really wants those two things to exist at the same time? (If we were having this conversation in person, you'd probably be shaking your head.)
We have this dilemma - what do we do with the nagging burr? The longing of freshness makes us want to search more than usual. Winter bears the seed but the scent of freshness stirs birth from barrenness. Almost overnight the shoot separates the earth to find its way to newness. Stretching for warmth and open spaces, it is empowered to move past obstacles. How many times have you seen this event happen in the most unlikely places? Remember seeing some green plant (or weed) pressing through something that it really shouldn't? (Some of you might be thinking about racing to the garage for weed killer about now.) That plant has grit!
Matthew 6:21 says, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." I long for the freshness of God in my heart. I wonder if my treasure brings freshness to my heart? Could the things I think are treasures actually be a source of my discontent? If my heart is struggling to find the freshness of God and experience His wide open spaces of freedom, I wonder if there's a hint of discontent smoldering from what has been my treasure. Where is my grit?
Here's a dare: (I double dog dare you!) Lay one of your treasures aside for 21 days and see if it still holds such a love in your life. Can you go without a movie for 21 days? How about skipping that video game for 21 days? How about passing on the Starbucks, taking that money and tossing it in a jar each day; ask God to show you what to do with the money on day 22.
Father, Reveal the thing I treasure most . . . then maybe the thing I treasure second to the most, etc. Show me which one would be Your choice for me to lay aside for 21 days. There is a winter seed that wants to be birthed to a life of freshness. Pull me from the shelf of discontent onto the 21 day journey of laying aside one of my treasures. I trust You to lead me into the wide open space of Your freshness in the days ahead.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)