Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Get Rowdy March 30, 2015
Holiness v. Hardness towards God
And He . . . wondered that there was no intercessor. Isaiah 59:16 ESV
The reason many of us leave off praying and become hard towards God is because we have only a sentimental interest in prayer. It sounds right to say that we pray; we read books on prayer which tell us that prayer is beneficial, that our minds are quieted and our souls uplifted when we pray; but Isaiah implies that God is amazed at such thoughts of prayer.
Worship and intercession must go together, the one is impossible without the other. Intercession means that we rouse ourselves up to get the mind of Christ about the one for whom we pray. Too often instead of worshipping God, we construct statements as to how prayer works. Are we worshipping or are we in dispute with God—“I don’t see how You are going to do it.” This is a sure sign that we are not worshipping. When we lose sight of God we become hard and dogmatic. We hurl our own petitions at God’s throne and dictate to Him as to what we wish Him to do. We do not worship God, nor do we seek to form the mind of Christ. If we are hard towards God, we will become hard towards other people.
Are we so worshipping God that we rouse ourselves up to lay hold on Him, that we may be brought into contact with His mind about the ones for whom we pray? Are we living in a holy relationship to God, or are we hard and dogmatic?
“But there is no one interceding properly”—then be that one yourself, be the one who worships God and who lives in holy relationship to him. Get into the real work of intercession, and remember it is a work, a work that taxes every power; but a work which has no snare. Preaching the gospel has a snare; intercessory prayer has none.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 64). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
"Intercession means that we rouse ourselves up to get the mind of Christ about the one for whom we pray."
Two of the definitions for "rouse" according to Merriam-Webster online are:
1. to arouse from or as if from sleep or repose
2. to stir up : excite
For many Christians, if the first definition were all that were realized in regards to intercessory prayer, it would be an improvement. Just spending time A. in prayer, then B. praying for others. But to move beyond that is where the real power in prayer lies.
Intercessory prayer that is stirred up, excited, rowdy will change lives both for the object of the prayer and for the prayer him/herself. When you pray for that lost person, do you seek to "get the mind of Christ"? Are your approaching the Mercy Seat of God with confidence and boldness? Or are you casually mentioning a few names from the small group prayer request sheet?
Not with an arrogant demanding manner, but with the belief that you do belong in the Holy of Holies. You do have a right to approach the Throne of Yahweh. Christ's sacrifice on the cross has demolished any barriers that separated us from God.
Intercessory prayer is hard work. It required mental discipline and time management. But most of all it requires a deep desire to positively affect the lives of others. This is not something you can do on your own power. You cannot will yourself to be a prayer warrior. Only through the indwelling and empowerment of the Holy Spirit can you reach that level of prayer where lives are changed as a result of your intercession.
For many Christians, if the first definition were all that were realized in regards to intercessory prayer, it would be an improvement. Just spending time A. in prayer, then B. praying for others. But to move beyond that is where the real power in prayer lies.
Intercessory prayer that is stirred up, excited, rowdy will change lives both for the object of the prayer and for the prayer him/herself. When you pray for that lost person, do you seek to "get the mind of Christ"? Are your approaching the Mercy Seat of God with confidence and boldness? Or are you casually mentioning a few names from the small group prayer request sheet?
Not with an arrogant demanding manner, but with the belief that you do belong in the Holy of Holies. You do have a right to approach the Throne of Yahweh. Christ's sacrifice on the cross has demolished any barriers that separated us from God.
Intercessory prayer is hard work. It required mental discipline and time management. But most of all it requires a deep desire to positively affect the lives of others. This is not something you can do on your own power. You cannot will yourself to be a prayer warrior. Only through the indwelling and empowerment of the Holy Spirit can you reach that level of prayer where lives are changed as a result of your intercession.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Grab a Pillow Mark 4:35
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”
Mark 4:35 ESV
The verses that follow this one tell of a "fierce windstorm", Jesus asleep in the bow, the disciples in a panic, Jesus calming the sea then rebuking the disciples for their fear.
Having read this passage many times, I have often wondered why Jesus scolded the disciples for their fear. A small boat, a fierce windstorm, night time. Fear is a natural reaction. Then a couple of weeks ago, I read a commentary that clarified things for me.
Jesus said, "Let us to to the other side." God's plan was to do to the other side. The other side was where Jehovah was taking the group. Yes there was a storm. Yes there was a seemingly life threatening squall. But God had determined the other side was the destination. Therefore no storm, squall, or tempest could ever disrupt that plan.
Jesus' rebuke of the disciples was not about their fear, but it was about their lack of faith in his word. Conventional wisdom may say otherwise. Our human intellect may cry out "Impossible!". But if God speaks, consider it a done deal.
So when life storms. When fierce windstorms arise, take comfort in God's word. If He has spoken, it will be done so grab a pillow and join Jesus in the bow for a nap.
Mark 4:35 ESV
The verses that follow this one tell of a "fierce windstorm", Jesus asleep in the bow, the disciples in a panic, Jesus calming the sea then rebuking the disciples for their fear.
Having read this passage many times, I have often wondered why Jesus scolded the disciples for their fear. A small boat, a fierce windstorm, night time. Fear is a natural reaction. Then a couple of weeks ago, I read a commentary that clarified things for me.
Jesus said, "Let us to to the other side." God's plan was to do to the other side. The other side was where Jehovah was taking the group. Yes there was a storm. Yes there was a seemingly life threatening squall. But God had determined the other side was the destination. Therefore no storm, squall, or tempest could ever disrupt that plan.
Jesus' rebuke of the disciples was not about their fear, but it was about their lack of faith in his word. Conventional wisdom may say otherwise. Our human intellect may cry out "Impossible!". But if God speaks, consider it a done deal.
So when life storms. When fierce windstorms arise, take comfort in God's word. If He has spoken, it will be done so grab a pillow and join Jesus in the bow for a nap.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Woo-hoo! I'm Suffering! March 26, 2015
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Philippians 4:29 KJV
There’s far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There’s also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. Philippians 4:29 The Message
On May 5, I will celebrate my 52nd birthday. Leading up to that day, I will be asked a couple of times, "What do you want for your birthday." Each year my list of birthday wants shift more from stuff to things like "a good night's sleep", "this pain in my lower back to go away", "the regrowth of hair", etc. But I can remember the days of yore when my list would be filled with bicycles, bb guns, or stereo systems. After reading today's verse from Philippians, I had to wonder about God's idea of a gift--suffering.
"Okay, let's see. For my birthday I would like a new pair of running shoes, a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader, and some suffering. Not sure what size I need in the suffering, or the style, but I really would like some hardship this year."
According to Paul, we cannot expect to have just the good stuff from our relationship with Christ. Peace- "I'll take two." Joy- "Load me up." Eternal life- "Give me an extra large." Suffering-- (cue chirping crickets)
Suffering is a guarantee for Christ's followers.
12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 2 Timothy 3:12 ESV
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (note "when" not "if")
James 1:2 ESV
How we choose to view suffering places it in the gift or curse category. (One caveat: We need to be sure our suffering is for the good we are doing for Christ. If we are living a life of sin, the suffering allowed into our lives is not what is being referenced in these passages. God can take that suffering and use it for good, but there is a difference between being persecuted for righteousness sake, and the bad things that befall us for our bonehead actions.)
--Suffering allows us to comfort others who are suffering. It provides us with the needed empathy.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 ESV
--Suffering is proof of our connection to God.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. I Peter 4:14 ESV
--Suffering for good is pleases the Father.
But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.
2 Peter 2:19 ESV
Is suffering a gift or a curse? It's all about perception.
There’s far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There’s also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. Philippians 4:29 The Message
On May 5, I will celebrate my 52nd birthday. Leading up to that day, I will be asked a couple of times, "What do you want for your birthday." Each year my list of birthday wants shift more from stuff to things like "a good night's sleep", "this pain in my lower back to go away", "the regrowth of hair", etc. But I can remember the days of yore when my list would be filled with bicycles, bb guns, or stereo systems. After reading today's verse from Philippians, I had to wonder about God's idea of a gift--suffering.
"Okay, let's see. For my birthday I would like a new pair of running shoes, a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader, and some suffering. Not sure what size I need in the suffering, or the style, but I really would like some hardship this year."
According to Paul, we cannot expect to have just the good stuff from our relationship with Christ. Peace- "I'll take two." Joy- "Load me up." Eternal life- "Give me an extra large." Suffering-- (cue chirping crickets)
Suffering is a guarantee for Christ's followers.
12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 2 Timothy 3:12 ESV
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (note "when" not "if")
James 1:2 ESV
How we choose to view suffering places it in the gift or curse category. (One caveat: We need to be sure our suffering is for the good we are doing for Christ. If we are living a life of sin, the suffering allowed into our lives is not what is being referenced in these passages. God can take that suffering and use it for good, but there is a difference between being persecuted for righteousness sake, and the bad things that befall us for our bonehead actions.)
--Suffering allows us to comfort others who are suffering. It provides us with the needed empathy.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 ESV
--Suffering is proof of our connection to God.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. I Peter 4:14 ESV
--Suffering for good is pleases the Father.
But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.
2 Peter 2:19 ESV
Is suffering a gift or a curse? It's all about perception.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Relationship Trumps Obedience March 25, 2015
The Most Delicate Mission on Earth
The friend of the Bridegroom. John 3:29 KJV
Goodness and purity ought never to attract attention to themselves, they ought simply to be magnets to draw to Jesus Christ. If my holiness is not drawing towards Him, it is not holiness of the right order, but an influence that will awaken inordinate affection and lead souls away into side-eddies. A beautiful saint may be a hindrance if he does not present Jesus Christ but only what Christ has done for him; he will leave the impression—“What a fine character that man is!”—that is not being a true friend of the Bridegroom; I am increasing all the time, He is not.
In order to maintain this friendship and loyalty to the Bridegroom, we have to be more careful of our moral and vital relationship to Him than of any other thing, even of obedience. Sometimes there is nothing to obey, the only thing to do is to maintain a vital connection with Jesus Christ, to see that nothing interferes with that. Only occasionally do we have to obey. When a crisis arises we have to find out what God’s will is, but the greater part of the life is not conscious obedience but the maintenance of this relationship—the friend of the Bridegroom. Christian work may be a means of evading the soul’s concentration on Jesus Christ. Instead of being friends of the Bridegroom, we become amateur providences and may work against Him whilst we use His weapons.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 60-61). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
"In order to maintain this friendship and loyalty to the Bridegroom, we have to be more careful of our moral and vital relationship to Him than of any other thing, even of obedience."
Relationships are more difficult than activity. How many would agree with that statement? For me, that is most definitely true. I can attend church. Assist with missions. Teach lessons.
The church service dismisses. The mission trip ends. The lesson has closure. But relationships? They take time. They take an emotional investment. They are never ending.
So to does a relationship with God take an investment that far exceeds obedience in activities.
Earnest. Exclusive. Intense. Diurnal.
The friend of the Bridegroom. John 3:29 KJV
Goodness and purity ought never to attract attention to themselves, they ought simply to be magnets to draw to Jesus Christ. If my holiness is not drawing towards Him, it is not holiness of the right order, but an influence that will awaken inordinate affection and lead souls away into side-eddies. A beautiful saint may be a hindrance if he does not present Jesus Christ but only what Christ has done for him; he will leave the impression—“What a fine character that man is!”—that is not being a true friend of the Bridegroom; I am increasing all the time, He is not.
In order to maintain this friendship and loyalty to the Bridegroom, we have to be more careful of our moral and vital relationship to Him than of any other thing, even of obedience. Sometimes there is nothing to obey, the only thing to do is to maintain a vital connection with Jesus Christ, to see that nothing interferes with that. Only occasionally do we have to obey. When a crisis arises we have to find out what God’s will is, but the greater part of the life is not conscious obedience but the maintenance of this relationship—the friend of the Bridegroom. Christian work may be a means of evading the soul’s concentration on Jesus Christ. Instead of being friends of the Bridegroom, we become amateur providences and may work against Him whilst we use His weapons.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 60-61). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
"In order to maintain this friendship and loyalty to the Bridegroom, we have to be more careful of our moral and vital relationship to Him than of any other thing, even of obedience."
Relationships are more difficult than activity. How many would agree with that statement? For me, that is most definitely true. I can attend church. Assist with missions. Teach lessons.
The church service dismisses. The mission trip ends. The lesson has closure. But relationships? They take time. They take an emotional investment. They are never ending.
So to does a relationship with God take an investment that far exceeds obedience in activities.
Earnest. Exclusive. Intense. Diurnal.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Divine Hilarity March 24, 2015
Decreasing into His Purpose
He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 KJV
If you become a necessity to a soul, you are out of God’s order. As a worker, your great responsibility is to be a friend of the Bridegroom. When once you see a soul in sight of the claims of Jesus Christ, you know that your influence has been in the right direction, and instead of putting out a hand to prevent the throes, pray that they grow ten times stronger until there is no power on earth or in hell that can hold that soul away from Jesus Christ. Over and over again, we become amateur providences; we come in and prevent God, and say—“This and that must not be.” Instead of proving friends of the Bridegroom, we put our sympathy in the way, and the soul will one day say—“That one was a thief, he stole my affections from Jesus, and I lost my vision of Him.”
Beware of rejoicing with a soul in the wrong thing, but see that you do rejoice in the right thing. “The friend of the Bridegroom . . . rejoiceth greatly because of the Bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” This is spoken with joy and not with sadness—at last they are to see the Bridegroom! And John says this is his joy. It is the absolute effacement of the worker, he is never thought of again.
Watch for all you are worth until you hear he Bridegroom’s voice in the life of another. Never mind what havoc it brings, what upsets, what crumblings of health, rejoice with divine hilarity when once His voice is heard. You may often see Jesus Christ wreck a life before He saves it. (Cf. Matthew 10:34)
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 60). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
As I sat reading today's entry from Chambers, I realized that in his last sentence he summed up Jesus' life. God did wreck His son's life before He saved it. He allowed "havoc", "upsets", and "crumblings" to invade Jesus' life. This was necessary for the greater good, indeed the salvation, of humanity.
How different would our outlook be if anytime we had a trial, tribulation, or tempting we reflected on how God deemed it necessary to allow his own Son to be tortured and murdered to carry forward His plan. Do we have the faith to "rejoice with divine hilarity" when we hear God's voice in the midst of tragedy?
Monday, March 23, 2015
Sunday, March 22, 2015
"No" March 22, 2015
Not being a Bible scholar, I may be overlooking something, but I don't ever remember Jesus telling anyone "no" when they needed help, healing, or handouts. All scripture I can recall shows Jesus as always available to those who sought him. Even when he went to mountaintops, the crowds followed.
How do we tell others "no" when Christ, our role model, seemed to be in a constant state of giving and serving?
The pat answer is pray and only do what the Spirit leads you do to. In theory, simple. In practice, not so easy.
1. At times the Spirit and our personal wishes can sound the same. If I am not excited about a particular act of service or giving, I can impose my will to the point I fool myself in to thinking the Spirit has spoken to me.
2. (I know this should be secondary, but it is reality.) When we tell people we run the risk of them being upset with us, which no one likes. There is also the risk that we hurt our witness to that person.
3. We don't want to admit that we cannot do it all. Pride and vanity keep us feeling like Superman and Wonder Woman.
As I sit here writing this, a thought just came to mind. For my in particular, I need be more selective in how I spend my "free" time so that I will have the time I need to help those who the Holy Spirit directs to me.
How do we tell others "no" when Christ, our role model, seemed to be in a constant state of giving and serving?
The pat answer is pray and only do what the Spirit leads you do to. In theory, simple. In practice, not so easy.
1. At times the Spirit and our personal wishes can sound the same. If I am not excited about a particular act of service or giving, I can impose my will to the point I fool myself in to thinking the Spirit has spoken to me.
2. (I know this should be secondary, but it is reality.) When we tell people we run the risk of them being upset with us, which no one likes. There is also the risk that we hurt our witness to that person.
3. We don't want to admit that we cannot do it all. Pride and vanity keep us feeling like Superman and Wonder Woman.
As I sit here writing this, a thought just came to mind. For my in particular, I need be more selective in how I spend my "free" time so that I will have the time I need to help those who the Holy Spirit directs to me.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
March 18, 2015
Shall I Rouse Myself Up to This?
Perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV
“Having therefore these promises.” I claim the fulfilment of God’s promises, and rightly, but that is only the human side; the Divine side is that through the promises I recognise God’s claim on me. For instance, am I realising that my body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, or have I a habit of body that plainly will not bear the light of God on it? By sanctification the Son of God is formed in me, then I have to transform my natural life into a spiritual life by obedience to Him. God educates us down to the scruple. When He begins to check, do not confer with flesh and blood, cleanse yourself at once. Keep yourself cleansed in your daily walk.
I have to cleanse myself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit until both are in accord with the nature of God. Is the mind of my spirit in perfect agreement with the life of the Son of God in me, or am I insubordinate in intellect? Am I forming the mind of Christ, Who never spoke from His right to Himself, but maintained an inner watchfulness whereby He continually submitted His spirit to His Father? I have the responsibility of keeping my spirit in agreement with His Spirit, and by degrees Jesus lifts me up to where He lived—in perfect consecration to His Father’s will, paying no attention to any other thing. Am I perfecting this type of holiness in the fear of God? Is God getting His way with me, and are other people beginning to see God in my life more and more?
Be serious with God and leave the rest gaily alone. Put God first literally.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 55-56). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Several items struck me from today's Utmost entry. But the one that most resonated with me was the penultimate sentence: "Be serious with God and leave the rest gaily alone." It is the insertion of one word that stuck a chord with me--"gaily".
My conscience was pricked thanks to Chambers insertion of that 5-letter adverb. Yesterday morning a homeless gentleman, Gabe (not his real name), called me and needed to meet at a neighborhood Burger King to get some assistance ordering a birth certificate. He needed the document to apply for some assistance programs.
When I got home from work I was tired. The dog needed walked. I had a short home project that needed completed. By the appointed time to head to Burger King arrived, "gaily" was not part of me lexicon. My lack of "gaily" was even apparent to my wife. But I drug myself to the meeting with Gabe. Had a good visit. Ordered the birth certificate.
When I got home I would like to report a Poppinsesque presence had washed over me, but that was not the case. However, I was in better spirits than before the meeting.
Is obedience to God an all or nothing affair? Can we be partially obedient or is partial obedience complete disobedience? I was obedient in my actions (met with Gabe), but disobedient in my attitude (begrudging). Hmmm. . .
Anyway, my prayer for today is to insert "gaily" in to my obedience
Perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV
“Having therefore these promises.” I claim the fulfilment of God’s promises, and rightly, but that is only the human side; the Divine side is that through the promises I recognise God’s claim on me. For instance, am I realising that my body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, or have I a habit of body that plainly will not bear the light of God on it? By sanctification the Son of God is formed in me, then I have to transform my natural life into a spiritual life by obedience to Him. God educates us down to the scruple. When He begins to check, do not confer with flesh and blood, cleanse yourself at once. Keep yourself cleansed in your daily walk.
I have to cleanse myself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit until both are in accord with the nature of God. Is the mind of my spirit in perfect agreement with the life of the Son of God in me, or am I insubordinate in intellect? Am I forming the mind of Christ, Who never spoke from His right to Himself, but maintained an inner watchfulness whereby He continually submitted His spirit to His Father? I have the responsibility of keeping my spirit in agreement with His Spirit, and by degrees Jesus lifts me up to where He lived—in perfect consecration to His Father’s will, paying no attention to any other thing. Am I perfecting this type of holiness in the fear of God? Is God getting His way with me, and are other people beginning to see God in my life more and more?
Be serious with God and leave the rest gaily alone. Put God first literally.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 55-56). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Several items struck me from today's Utmost entry. But the one that most resonated with me was the penultimate sentence: "Be serious with God and leave the rest gaily alone." It is the insertion of one word that stuck a chord with me--"gaily".
My conscience was pricked thanks to Chambers insertion of that 5-letter adverb. Yesterday morning a homeless gentleman, Gabe (not his real name), called me and needed to meet at a neighborhood Burger King to get some assistance ordering a birth certificate. He needed the document to apply for some assistance programs.
When I got home from work I was tired. The dog needed walked. I had a short home project that needed completed. By the appointed time to head to Burger King arrived, "gaily" was not part of me lexicon. My lack of "gaily" was even apparent to my wife. But I drug myself to the meeting with Gabe. Had a good visit. Ordered the birth certificate.
When I got home I would like to report a Poppinsesque presence had washed over me, but that was not the case. However, I was in better spirits than before the meeting.
Is obedience to God an all or nothing affair? Can we be partially obedient or is partial obedience complete disobedience? I was obedient in my actions (met with Gabe), but disobedient in my attitude (begrudging). Hmmm. . .
Anyway, my prayer for today is to insert "gaily" in to my obedience
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
March 17, 2015
The Worker’s Ruling Passion
Wherefore we labour, that . . . we may be accepted of Him. 2 Corinthians 5:9 “Wherefore we labour. . . .”
It is arduous work to keep the master ambition in front. It means holding one’s self to the high ideal year in and year out, not being ambitious to win souls or to establish churches or to have revivals, but being ambitious only to be “accepted of Him.” It is not lack of spiritual experience that leads to failure, but lack of labouring to keep the ideal right. Once a week at least take stock before God, and see whether you are keeping your life up to the standard He wishes. Paul is like a musician who does not heed the approval of the audience if he can catch the look of approval from his Master.
Any ambition which is in the tiniest degree away from this central one of being “approved unto God” may end in our being castaways. Learn to discern where the ambition leads, and you will see why it is so necessary to live facing the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul says—Lest my body should make me take another line, I am constantly watching so that I may bring it into subjection and keep it under (see 1 Corinthians 9:27).
I have to learn to relate everything to the master ambition, and to maintain it without any cessation. My worth to God in public is what I am in private. Is my master ambition to please Him and be acceptable to Him, or is it something less, no matter how noble?
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 55). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Wherefore we labour, that . . . we may be accepted of Him. 2 Corinthians 5:9 “Wherefore we labour. . . .”
It is arduous work to keep the master ambition in front. It means holding one’s self to the high ideal year in and year out, not being ambitious to win souls or to establish churches or to have revivals, but being ambitious only to be “accepted of Him.” It is not lack of spiritual experience that leads to failure, but lack of labouring to keep the ideal right. Once a week at least take stock before God, and see whether you are keeping your life up to the standard He wishes. Paul is like a musician who does not heed the approval of the audience if he can catch the look of approval from his Master.
Any ambition which is in the tiniest degree away from this central one of being “approved unto God” may end in our being castaways. Learn to discern where the ambition leads, and you will see why it is so necessary to live facing the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul says—Lest my body should make me take another line, I am constantly watching so that I may bring it into subjection and keep it under (see 1 Corinthians 9:27).
I have to learn to relate everything to the master ambition, and to maintain it without any cessation. My worth to God in public is what I am in private. Is my master ambition to please Him and be acceptable to Him, or is it something less, no matter how noble?
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 55). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Flint March 15, 2015
The Discipline of Dismay
32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Mark 10:32 ESV
At the beginning we were sure we knew all about Jesus Christ, it was a delight to sell all and to fling ourselves out in a hardihood of love; but now we are not quite so sure. Jesus is on in front and He looks strange. “Jesus went before them: and they were amazed.”
There is an aspect of Jesus that chills the heart of a disciple to the core and makes the whole spiritual life gasp for breath. This strange Being with His face set like a flint and His striding determination strikes terror into me. He is no longer Counsellor and Comrade, He is taken up with a point of view I know nothing about, and I am amazed at Him. At first I was confident that I understood Him, but now I am not so sure. I begin to realise there is a distance between Jesus Christ and me; I can no longer be familiar with Him. He is ahead of me and He never turns round; I have no idea where He is going, and the goal has become strangely far off.
Jesus Christ had to fathom every sin and every sorrow man could experience, and that is what makes Him seem strange. When we see Him in this aspect we do not know Him, we do not recognise one feature of His life, and we do not know how to begin to follow Him. He is on in front, a Leader Who is very strange, and we have no comradeship with Him.
The discipline of dismay is an essential necessity in the life of discipleship. The danger is to get back to a little fire of our own and kindle enthusiasm at it (cf. Isaiah 50:10–11). When the darkness of dismay comes, endure until it is over, because out of it will come that following of Jesus which is an unspeakable joy.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 53-54). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Having been raised in church, Jesus and the miracles he performed were an early part of my Bible knowledge. Loaves and fishes. Healing. Water walking. There were also the stories of how got separated from his parents in the temple and then later in life became angry with the money changers in perhaps the very same temple.
But the Jesus presented in today's entry from My Utmost presents a side of Jesus not included in the quarterlies of my youth. In the verses leading up to Mark 10:32, the religious leaders of the day have tried to trap Jesus in a philosophical snare, he has rebuked his disciples for trying to shield him from bothersome children, and turned away a potential wealthy donor. Now he is heading to the very city, Jerusalem, where he is reviled by some very powerful men.
Where is kind-hearted teacher? What happened to the joyful wine-maker from the wedding? Things are starting to get very real. Tensions are rising. Pressure is mounting. "This strange Being with His face set like a flint and His striding determination strikes terror into me."
As Christ's followers he is to be our model. Our aspiration is to become more Christ-like each day. Yes, that means more loving. Yes, that means to spend time alone with the Father. Yes, that means to follow the Golden Rule. That also means to walk determinately into unpleasant situations. It requires us to march resolutely into places where our presence may make others uncomfortable. Others in our lives may scratch their heads and question our judgment. But it is imperative that God's direction for our lives take priority over all comforts, compadres, and careers.
Are we willing to march into our own personal Jerusalem, even if it leads to our destruction?
Friday, March 13, 2015
Heaven is Secondary March 13, 2015
The Abandonment of God
God so loved the world, that He gave. . . . John 3:16 ESV
Salvation is not merely deliverance from sin, nor the experience of personal holiness; the salvation of God is deliverance out of self entirely into union with Himself. My experimental knowledge of salvation will be along the line of deliverance from sin and of personal holiness; but salvation means that the Spirit of God has brought me into touch with God’s personality, and I am thrilled with something infinitely greater than myself; I am caught up into the abandonment of God.
To say that we are called to preach holiness or sanctification, is to get into a side-eddy. We are called to proclaim Jesus Christ. The fact that He saves from sin and makes us holy is part of the effect of the wonderful abandonment of God.
Abandonment never produces the consciousness of its own effort, because the whole life is taken up with the One to Whom we abandon. Beware of talking about abandonment if you know nothing about it, and you will never know anything about it until you have realised what John 3:16 means, that God gave Himself absolutely. In our abandonment we give ourselves over to God just as God gave Himself for us, without any calculation. The consequence of abandonment never enters into our outlook because our life is taken up with Him.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 52-53). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
When we accepted Christ as Lord and Savior we were saved, justified, and sanctified. God did all these wonderful things for us. Christ's death on the cross made this possible. But Chambers points out that what Christ's death did for us is secondary to the knowledge salvation brings.
"Salvation means that the Spirit of God has brought me into touch with God’s personality. . ." Think about that statement. Not a fleeting thought. Not just a passing consideration. But really ruminate. Allow that truth to take root in your mind and heart. "The Spirit of God has brought (us) into touch with God's personality." We have intimate knowledge of the Alpha and Omega. Our relationship becomes intimate, personal, inseparable. We become joined with Jehovah-jireh.
Our salvation and holiness are but a "side-eddy" of our union with El Shaddai. The knowledge of Him and relationship with Him are the most brilliant, precious riches of salvation.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
March 12, 2015
Abandonment
28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” Mark 10:28 ESV
Our Lord replies, in effect, that abandonment is for Himself, and not for what the disciples themselves will get from it. Beware of an abandonment which has the commercial spirit in it—“I am going to give myself to God because I want to be delivered from sin, because I want to be made holy.” All that is the result of being right with God, but that spirit is not of the essential nature of Christianity. Abandonment is not for anything at all. We have got so commercialised that we only go to God for something from Him, and not for Himself. It is like saying—“No, Lord, I don’t want Thee, I want myself; but I want myself clean and filled with the Holy Ghost; I want to be put in Thy showroom and be able to say—‘This is what God has done for me.’” If we only give up something to God because we want more back, there is nothing of the Holy Spirit in our abandonment; it is miserable commercial self-interest. That we gain heaven, that we are delivered from sin, that we are made useful to God—these things never enter as considerations into real abandonment, which is a personal sovereign preference for Jesus Christ Himself.
When we come up against the barriers of natural relationship, where is Jesus Christ? Most of us desert Him—“Yes, Lord, I did hear Thy call; but my mother is in the road, my wife, my self-interest, and I can go no further.” “Then,” Jesus says, “you cannot be My disciple.”
The test of abandonment is always over the neck of natural devotion. Go over it, and God’s own abandonment will embrace all those you had to hurt in abandoning. Beware of stopping short of abandonment to God. Most of us know abandonment in vision only.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 51-52). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
A Vision with Hands March 11, 2015
Vision
If we lose the vision, we alone are responsible, and the way we lose the vision is by spiritual leakage. If we do not run our belief about God into practical issues, it is all up with the vision God has given. The only way to be obedient to the heavenly vision is to give our utmost for God’s highest, and this can only be done by continually and resolutely recalling the vision. The test is the sixty seconds of every minute, and the sixty minutes of every hour, not our times of prayer and devotional meetings.
“Though it tarry, wait for it.” We cannot attain to a vision, we must live in the inspiration of it until it accomplishes itself. We get so practical that we forget the vision. At the beginning we saw the vision but did not wait for it; we rushed off into practical work, and when the vision was fulfilled, we did not see it. Waiting for the vision that tarries is the test of our loyalty to God. It is at the peril of our soul’s welfare that we get caught up in practical work and miss the fulfilment of the vision.
Watch God’s cyclones. The only way God sows His saints is by His whirlwind. Are you going to prove an empty pod? It will depend on whether or not you are actually living in the light of what you have seen. Let God fling you out, and do not go until He does. If you select your own spot, you will prove an empty pod. If God sows you, you will bring forth fruit.
It is essential to practise the walk of the feet in the light of the vision.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 51). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
I sorta' get the gist of Chamber's entry for today. Maybe. A little bit. Oh, who am I kidding? The part about not attaining a vision but living "in the inspiration of it until it accomplishes itself" is a bit too ethereal for me.
But out of the baffling fog came a very concrete reminder of the Christian life: "The test is the sixty seconds of every minute, and the sixty minutes of every hour, not our times of prayer and devotional meetings." Yes, there is a greater vision to Christianity. There is doctrine galore. An eternity in the company of the Alpha and Omega. However, until that time we have the seconds that make up the minutes that make up the hours of our days, weeks, and years. It is in those temporal time segments where we are to serve and love those who God has placed in our lives.
Prayer, Bible study, and meditation are not the ends to themselves. They are but a vehicle to draw us closer to God so that we may be better equipped, more emboldened to share God's love and the Gospel story to a lost and dying world. Never in my lifetime has that phrase "lost and dying world" been more applicable. We have but to read the headlines to realize how hate-filled, self-worshipping, God-denying our world has become.
Vision is what sustains us. Hope in Christ motivates us. But it is through our consistent, day-to-day living that we can hope to affect positive change for Christ.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Ouch, that's my toe! March 10, 2015
Have a Message and Be One
Preach the word. 2 Timothy 4:2 ESV
We are not saved to be “channels only,” but to be sons and daughters of God. We are not turned into spiritual mediums, but into spiritual messengers; the message must be part of ourselves. The Son of God was His own message, His words were spirit and life; and as His disciples our lives must be the sacrament of our message. The natural heart will do any amount of serving, but it takes the heart broken by conviction of sin, and baptised by the Holy Ghost, and crumpled into the purpose of God, before the life becomes the sacrament of its message.
There is a difference between giving a testimony and preaching. A preacher is one who has realised the call of God and is determined to use his every power to proclaim God’s truth. God takes us out of our own ideas for our lives and we are “batter’d to shape and use,” as the disciples were after Pentecost. Pentecost did not teach the disciples anything; it made them the incarnation of what they preached—“Ye shall be witnesses unto Me.”
Let God have perfect liberty when you speak. Before God’s message can liberate other souls, the liberation must be real in you. Gather your material, and set it alight when you speak.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 50). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Probably should have skipped blog time this morning. God used Oswald to tred on my tootsies. He paced on my piggies.
"There is a difference between giving a testimony and preaching. A preacher is one who has realised the call of God and is determined to use his every power to proclaim God’s truth. God takes us out of our own ideas for our lives and we are “batter’d to shape and use,” as the disciples were after Pentecost. Pentecost did not teach the disciples anything; it made them the incarnation of what they preached."
Preach the word. 2 Timothy 4:2 ESV
We are not saved to be “channels only,” but to be sons and daughters of God. We are not turned into spiritual mediums, but into spiritual messengers; the message must be part of ourselves. The Son of God was His own message, His words were spirit and life; and as His disciples our lives must be the sacrament of our message. The natural heart will do any amount of serving, but it takes the heart broken by conviction of sin, and baptised by the Holy Ghost, and crumpled into the purpose of God, before the life becomes the sacrament of its message.
There is a difference between giving a testimony and preaching. A preacher is one who has realised the call of God and is determined to use his every power to proclaim God’s truth. God takes us out of our own ideas for our lives and we are “batter’d to shape and use,” as the disciples were after Pentecost. Pentecost did not teach the disciples anything; it made them the incarnation of what they preached—“Ye shall be witnesses unto Me.”
Let God have perfect liberty when you speak. Before God’s message can liberate other souls, the liberation must be real in you. Gather your material, and set it alight when you speak.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 50). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Probably should have skipped blog time this morning. God used Oswald to tred on my tootsies. He paced on my piggies.
"There is a difference between giving a testimony and preaching. A preacher is one who has realised the call of God and is determined to use his every power to proclaim God’s truth. God takes us out of our own ideas for our lives and we are “batter’d to shape and use,” as the disciples were after Pentecost. Pentecost did not teach the disciples anything; it made them the incarnation of what they preached."
-
- A Pig and a Chicken are walking down the road.
- The Chicken says: "Hey Pig, I was thinking we should open a restaurant!"
- Pig replies: "Hm, maybe, what would we call it?"
- The Chicken responds: "How about 'Ham-n-Eggs'?"
- The Pig thinks for a moment and says: "No thanks. I'd be committed, but you'd only be involved."
Monday, March 9, 2015
You Invited Who?! March 9, 2015
70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him.
John 6:70-71 ESV
Many Christians are willing to follow God's path for their lives when the sacrifice is minor: 10% tithe, Sunday morning church attendance, giving up swearing. A smaller percentage will obey when a more strenuous path is expected: quit a job for seminary, relocate the family, oversee a lay ministry for church. But how many of us would willingly embrace a person or situation that we knew would lead to our earthy ruin?
"David," this is God. "I want you to take this job that will result in your bankruptcy. Trust me. It is for the best."
"It's me, God. Please hire this person. They will make a decision that will land you in prison for something you did not do, but it is for the best."
These scenarios seem preposterous to us. God wants the best for us. His plans are for us to prosper. But here is Jesus, God's son, acknowledging that one of his hand-picked, starting line-up was going to sell him out. AND Jesus selected Judas with complete fore-knowledge that that would transpire.
To be obedient when it leads to earthly ruin. To follow when secular failure is guaranteed. To comply when temporal disaster will follow. That is obedience. That is trust.
How many of us would invite a Judas into our homes or businesses if it would bring about a greater blessing to others?
John 6:70-71 ESV
Many Christians are willing to follow God's path for their lives when the sacrifice is minor: 10% tithe, Sunday morning church attendance, giving up swearing. A smaller percentage will obey when a more strenuous path is expected: quit a job for seminary, relocate the family, oversee a lay ministry for church. But how many of us would willingly embrace a person or situation that we knew would lead to our earthy ruin?
"David," this is God. "I want you to take this job that will result in your bankruptcy. Trust me. It is for the best."
"It's me, God. Please hire this person. They will make a decision that will land you in prison for something you did not do, but it is for the best."
These scenarios seem preposterous to us. God wants the best for us. His plans are for us to prosper. But here is Jesus, God's son, acknowledging that one of his hand-picked, starting line-up was going to sell him out. AND Jesus selected Judas with complete fore-knowledge that that would transpire.
To be obedient when it leads to earthly ruin. To follow when secular failure is guaranteed. To comply when temporal disaster will follow. That is obedience. That is trust.
How many of us would invite a Judas into our homes or businesses if it would bring about a greater blessing to others?
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Ignorance is No Excuse March 5, 2015
Could This Be True of Me?
24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself. . . Acts 20:24 ESV
It is easier to serve God without a vision, easier to work for God without a call, because then you are not bothered by what God requires; common sense is your guide, veneered over with Christian sentiment. You will be more prosperous and successful, more leisure-hearted, if you never realise the call of God. But if once you receive a commission from Jesus Christ, the memory of what God wants will always come like a goad; you will no longer be able to work for Him on the commonsense basis.
What do I really count dear? If I have not been gripped by Jesus Christ, I will count service dear, time given to God dear, my life dear unto myself. Paul says he counted his life dear only in order that he might fulfil the ministry he had received; he refused to use his energy for any other thing. Acts 20:24 states Paul’s almost sublime annoyance at being asked to consider himself; he was absolutely indifferent to any consideration other than that of fulfilling the ministry he had received. Practical work may be a competitor against abandonment to God, because practical work is based on this argument—“Remember how useful you are here,” or—“Think how much value you would be in that particular type of work.” That attitude does not put Jesus Christ as the Guide as to where we should go, but our judgement as to where we are of most use. Never consider whether you are of use; but ever consider that you are not your own but His
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 46). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Just yesterday I was talking with a friend about involvement in a Christian ministry. The ministry in which he had been involved for several years had been disbanded several months ago. Since that time He had remained consistent in church attendance, but had not become involved in anything more.
During the course of the conversation I asked him if he had given the situation to the Lord in prayer, and he hadn't. I followed up by asking if his lack of prayer on this topic was out of concern that God might actually give him an answer. His answer was honest, and perhaps all to common among Christians--"Yes". He had not sought God's direction in this area because of the possibility that God would ask him to serve. At that point, ignorance would no longer be an option not to serve. It then becomes a matter of obedience or sin.
I completely understood his reluctance. There have been times in my life where I tried to avoid obedience by not seeking guidance. If I don't know, I can't be expected to follow. Therefore, I am not being disobedient. What I failed to realize was that my very lack of seeking God's direction in ALL areas of my life was disobedient. God wants to be Lord of all areas of our lives: money, time, service, actions, thought, career, relationships.
Until we are willing to adopt Paul's attitude of devaluing our lives to nothing when compared to our service to God, we will not realize all that God has for us here on earth.
24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself. . . Acts 20:24 ESV
It is easier to serve God without a vision, easier to work for God without a call, because then you are not bothered by what God requires; common sense is your guide, veneered over with Christian sentiment. You will be more prosperous and successful, more leisure-hearted, if you never realise the call of God. But if once you receive a commission from Jesus Christ, the memory of what God wants will always come like a goad; you will no longer be able to work for Him on the commonsense basis.
What do I really count dear? If I have not been gripped by Jesus Christ, I will count service dear, time given to God dear, my life dear unto myself. Paul says he counted his life dear only in order that he might fulfil the ministry he had received; he refused to use his energy for any other thing. Acts 20:24 states Paul’s almost sublime annoyance at being asked to consider himself; he was absolutely indifferent to any consideration other than that of fulfilling the ministry he had received. Practical work may be a competitor against abandonment to God, because practical work is based on this argument—“Remember how useful you are here,” or—“Think how much value you would be in that particular type of work.” That attitude does not put Jesus Christ as the Guide as to where we should go, but our judgement as to where we are of most use. Never consider whether you are of use; but ever consider that you are not your own but His
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 46). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Just yesterday I was talking with a friend about involvement in a Christian ministry. The ministry in which he had been involved for several years had been disbanded several months ago. Since that time He had remained consistent in church attendance, but had not become involved in anything more.
During the course of the conversation I asked him if he had given the situation to the Lord in prayer, and he hadn't. I followed up by asking if his lack of prayer on this topic was out of concern that God might actually give him an answer. His answer was honest, and perhaps all to common among Christians--"Yes". He had not sought God's direction in this area because of the possibility that God would ask him to serve. At that point, ignorance would no longer be an option not to serve. It then becomes a matter of obedience or sin.
I completely understood his reluctance. There have been times in my life where I tried to avoid obedience by not seeking guidance. If I don't know, I can't be expected to follow. Therefore, I am not being disobedient. What I failed to realize was that my very lack of seeking God's direction in ALL areas of my life was disobedient. God wants to be Lord of all areas of our lives: money, time, service, actions, thought, career, relationships.
Until we are willing to adopt Paul's attitude of devaluing our lives to nothing when compared to our service to God, we will not realize all that God has for us here on earth.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Not a Suggestion March 4, 2015
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV
The Bible is replete with verses designed to give Christians courage. In Isaiah 41:10 God tells the Israelites,"fear not, for I am with you". Jesus encourages his disciples to "have no fear of them
(those who wish to do the disciples harm),". Matthew 10:26. We are advised to "be not anxious about anything" in Philippians 4. While God should not have to offer qualifiers to His word, some of the be-not-afraid verses might come across as suggestions. They appear to be a "good idea if you can pull it off" tip for living a better life. However, in Joshua 1:9, God is very emphatic in regards to fear's place in His children.
"Have I not commanded (italics mine) you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened." Commanded. No gray area. Not a suggestion. Not just a good idea. A command.
As a child of God we are not to fear. Period. God has spoken. Fear has no place in the life of His children. But what about cancer? I don't see a qualifier for illness. What about ISIS? Not seeing a martyr exception.
So if God has given His followers an order, it is logical to assume He has given us the tools necessary to follow His command. It is at this juncture where the rubber hits the road. Scripture is clear on God's stance on fear, but the challenge comes in putting His word into practice.
How does one keep the fear at bay? In light of all that is taking place in our homes, community, and world, is it possible to live fear-free lives? If God commands, then God will equip.
1. Hide. Is Psalm 119 David wrote, "I have hidden His word in my heart." Jesus used scripture to combat Satan's attacks. Research and memorize scripture verses that deal with God's strength and deliverance. The Psalms are a good place to start.
2. Hunker. Go to your prayer closet and get serious about prayer. Hunker down with God. Pray. Cry out to Him. Spend time alone with God talking to Him about today and tomorrow. Let Him be a part of the anxiety, worries, fears.
3. Harken. Remember those times in the past when He has delivered you. The Israelite nation would build alters to commemorate significant God-happenings in the life of their fledgling nation. Recall to mind God's deliverance in your life. Reflect on and thank Him for those times in your life when His hand pulled you from the fiery furnace.
4. Head to Heart. Finally, claim God's power in your life. Allow the head knowledge to become heart knowledge. Ask Him to impress and imprint His promises on your very being.
Fear can manifest itself in many ways. Christians living in various areas of our world are faced with situations I can only imagine. Prison, torture, death await many of our brothers and sisters in Christ. For them, "do not be afraid" takes on a whole different level of effort and faith. But even in warm, safe middle America, we face fears. Unemployment. Loneliness. Depression. Financial struggles. No matter what the cause, we are commanded to "be strong and courageous". Will we be obedient?
The Bible is replete with verses designed to give Christians courage. In Isaiah 41:10 God tells the Israelites,"fear not, for I am with you". Jesus encourages his disciples to "have no fear of them
(those who wish to do the disciples harm),". Matthew 10:26. We are advised to "be not anxious about anything" in Philippians 4. While God should not have to offer qualifiers to His word, some of the be-not-afraid verses might come across as suggestions. They appear to be a "good idea if you can pull it off" tip for living a better life. However, in Joshua 1:9, God is very emphatic in regards to fear's place in His children.
"Have I not commanded (italics mine) you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened." Commanded. No gray area. Not a suggestion. Not just a good idea. A command.
As a child of God we are not to fear. Period. God has spoken. Fear has no place in the life of His children. But what about cancer? I don't see a qualifier for illness. What about ISIS? Not seeing a martyr exception.
So if God has given His followers an order, it is logical to assume He has given us the tools necessary to follow His command. It is at this juncture where the rubber hits the road. Scripture is clear on God's stance on fear, but the challenge comes in putting His word into practice.
How does one keep the fear at bay? In light of all that is taking place in our homes, community, and world, is it possible to live fear-free lives? If God commands, then God will equip.
1. Hide. Is Psalm 119 David wrote, "I have hidden His word in my heart." Jesus used scripture to combat Satan's attacks. Research and memorize scripture verses that deal with God's strength and deliverance. The Psalms are a good place to start.
2. Hunker. Go to your prayer closet and get serious about prayer. Hunker down with God. Pray. Cry out to Him. Spend time alone with God talking to Him about today and tomorrow. Let Him be a part of the anxiety, worries, fears.
3. Harken. Remember those times in the past when He has delivered you. The Israelite nation would build alters to commemorate significant God-happenings in the life of their fledgling nation. Recall to mind God's deliverance in your life. Reflect on and thank Him for those times in your life when His hand pulled you from the fiery furnace.
4. Head to Heart. Finally, claim God's power in your life. Allow the head knowledge to become heart knowledge. Ask Him to impress and imprint His promises on your very being.
Fear can manifest itself in many ways. Christians living in various areas of our world are faced with situations I can only imagine. Prison, torture, death await many of our brothers and sisters in Christ. For them, "do not be afraid" takes on a whole different level of effort and faith. But even in warm, safe middle America, we face fears. Unemployment. Loneliness. Depression. Financial struggles. No matter what the cause, we are commanded to "be strong and courageous". Will we be obedient?
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Through the Mud March 3, 2015
9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:9-11 ESV
My heart was broken this morning when I fully grasped the depth of these verses.
For years I understood (though not completely) the idea of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. After conversion, the Holy Spirit resides in each believer. Its purposes are many: comfort, guidance, intercession, etc.
I have also long understood, but not fully grasped, the concept of the Trinity: One God, manifest in three distinct forms.
Since the Holy Spirit and Jesus are one and the Holy Spirit indwells each Christian, therefore, Jesus resides in each Christian. It was at this point a sad realization came to mind. Every time I have sinned since accepting Christ as Lord and Savior, I have included Jesus Christ in that sin.
I drug his purity through sexual sin. I stained His robe with unabated anger. I tainted His holiness with drunkenness. Yes, these actions grieve the Spirit and displease God, but because of the indwelling relationship that exists after salvation my sin drug Perfection through the mud, mire, and filth of my sin. He who "knew no sin" (2 Corin. 5:21) was forced to be present for each disobedient act, impure thought, crass joke, and angry utterance of my life after salvation.
At a local coffee shop called the Mud House, there is a series of photographs where the employees are dressed in all white in front of a white background Someone off camera has thrown mud at them. The mud is in their hair, on their faces, and splattered on their clothing. This is exactly what my sin has done to the perfection that is Jesus Christ. My sin is mud thrown on the white purity of His Holiness.
But even through all my mud slinging, all my debauchery, all my denial of His presence in my life, His presence remains constant, His forgiveness complete, and His love steadfast. What a wonderful God we serve.
My heart was broken this morning when I fully grasped the depth of these verses.
For years I understood (though not completely) the idea of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. After conversion, the Holy Spirit resides in each believer. Its purposes are many: comfort, guidance, intercession, etc.
I have also long understood, but not fully grasped, the concept of the Trinity: One God, manifest in three distinct forms.
Since the Holy Spirit and Jesus are one and the Holy Spirit indwells each Christian, therefore, Jesus resides in each Christian. It was at this point a sad realization came to mind. Every time I have sinned since accepting Christ as Lord and Savior, I have included Jesus Christ in that sin.
I drug his purity through sexual sin. I stained His robe with unabated anger. I tainted His holiness with drunkenness. Yes, these actions grieve the Spirit and displease God, but because of the indwelling relationship that exists after salvation my sin drug Perfection through the mud, mire, and filth of my sin. He who "knew no sin" (2 Corin. 5:21) was forced to be present for each disobedient act, impure thought, crass joke, and angry utterance of my life after salvation.
At a local coffee shop called the Mud House, there is a series of photographs where the employees are dressed in all white in front of a white background Someone off camera has thrown mud at them. The mud is in their hair, on their faces, and splattered on their clothing. This is exactly what my sin has done to the perfection that is Jesus Christ. My sin is mud thrown on the white purity of His Holiness.
But even through all my mud slinging, all my debauchery, all my denial of His presence in my life, His presence remains constant, His forgiveness complete, and His love steadfast. What a wonderful God we serve.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
March 1, 2015
16 But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me a wearisome task,
17 until I went into the sanctuary of God;
it seemed to me a wearisome task,
17 until I went into the sanctuary of God;
Psalm 73:17 ESV
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
and do not lean on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 ESV
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