On July 7, 2010, the Holy Spirit gave a word of prophesy to me. Since then, my life has been a continuous earthquake as I have watched my family get shaken. My knees have weakened. My soul has become downcast. The weight of discouragement has nearly crushed me. "Yet I will triumph in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation" (Hab. 3:8. HCSB) It is time now to shake off the dust and ashes and rejoice loudly for MY GOD REIGNS! Even now, the enemy has been defeated and we can shout VICTORY IS THE LORD'S!
The Shaking Has Begun...
July 7, 2010
Whatever a man places his trust upon--that will I shake. If a man places his trust upon a relationship, that will be shaken. If a man places his trust upon worldly wealth, that will I shake. If a man places his trust upon a government, that will I shake. If a man places his trust upon worldly wisdom, that will I shake.
The earthquake has already begun. The shaking will effect every man, woman and child on the earth. I will bring out of this shaking a pure spotless bride who puts her complete trust, faith, honor, and glory in Me and Me alone.
As an earthquake causes a great divide on the surface of the planet, so this shaking will cause a great divide in humanity: those who trust and serve their God and those who curse Him.
Do not fear the shaking. Every person's crutches will be revealed. Do not say to yourselves "I trust only God" for all have fallen short of the glory that I would display among my people.
Be ready to gather those who have been freed from their worldly connections. Although they are free, it will appear to them as devastation. Do not try to fix what is being broken. Trust in Me and My purpose for all things are being formed, shaken, and reformed for My good. Watch, my child. Watch, my children. Do not fear in this fearful time. As I said "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also heaven." [Hebrews 13:26]
Look for the signs of the shaking and rejoice. when you are shaken, rejoice. My glory is near at hand and will soon be revealed. the trump is at My lips and will soon sound. The Bride is making ready for Her Groom's return.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Quick Plants for the Harvest
For the past few days, I've been thinking about the need for quick-growing seeds. No, I am not doing any gardening. [In fact, I planted my garden plot with grass seed this year so I don't have to take care of it.] I'm talking about kingdom planting.
Today I did some research on a fast-growing seed. This plant goes from seed to harvest in 30-60 days--the dryer the soil, the quicker it grows. Within a few weeks, it grows from seed to more than 3 feet tall. Are you ready for this? Its new seeds grow in a pod that explodes and casts the seeds far and wide so it spreads like crazy. In fact, growers are warned to collect the pods before that happens or this plant will completely take over their garden.
It was this seed that Jesus compared to the Kingdom of God:
"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It's the smallest of all the seeds, but when grown, it's taller than the vegetables and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches." Matthew 12:31, 32
When gardening, we usually don't want our plants to go to seed. It is possible to grow mustard that way. Carefully trimming the shoots, we could make wonderful mustard greens that are yummy to eat but do not reproduce. I think we have enough beautiful greenery around in the church today. We need stalky seed producers that reproduce so quickly that nothing can stop them. I need to plant quick seeds and let them grow. The land is very dry so the growing conditions are perfect. I can’t control where they are planted either so I won't try to collect the pods before they explode. I want them to grow and spread as far and as fast as they can.
What’s the hurry? It is not a far stretch to think we are in the end of the last days, as described in the Bible. It seems as if the Apostle Paul took a time machine to our present day when he wrote to Timothy:
But know this: difficult times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of religion but denying its power. 2 Timothy 3:1-5
There was a time when a Christian could be born again as a child, grow and be discipled for 20 to 30 years, then they "went to seed" and reproduced by sharing the gospel. The seasons for growth were long and there was much tending to do in the garden. I think those days are gone. God wants us to be planting His quick growing seed--the way it was in the early church: Today a person is born-again... Tomorrow they are baptized... The next day they are ministering... Do they have all of the right doctrine and knowledge? Hmm. Maybe, maybe not. But is God looking for the wise and cultivated fruit? Or is He looking for a quick harvest in the little time we have left.
Hear this! The days are coming- the Lord's declaration- when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the one who treads grapes, the sower of seed. The mountains will drip with sweet wine, and all the hills will flow [with it]. Amos 9:13
That is faster than I can fathom. Someone is out collecting the harvest and the plowman is already preparing the field for new crops. Run, reaper!!! Get your harvest before it gets plowed under. The seed is growing so fast that the fruit is being processed before the seed gets in the ground. This is Kingdom growth completely out of our control--very different from the slow, laborious process we usually take in discipleship.
There is work to do! We don't have time now to slowly digest what scripture the pastor used in his message last Sunday, savoring the options for our lives. We must be ready to work at the last-days pace. We have to eat on the run--we need the word of God and His presence every minute, wherever we are. With eyes of faith the size of that mustard seed, I am ready to see the Lord’s Kingdom come. Lord, give me the strength to keep up the pace!
First, be aware of this: scoffers will come in the last days to scoff, following their own lusts, saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation." They willfully ignore this: long ago the heavens and the earth existed out of water and through water by the word of God. Through these the world of that time perished when it was flooded by water. But by the same word the present heavens and earth are held in store for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. Dear friends, don't let this one thing escape you: with the Lord one day is like 1,000 years, and 1,000 years like one day. 2 Peter 3:3-8
Today I did some research on a fast-growing seed. This plant goes from seed to harvest in 30-60 days--the dryer the soil, the quicker it grows. Within a few weeks, it grows from seed to more than 3 feet tall. Are you ready for this? Its new seeds grow in a pod that explodes and casts the seeds far and wide so it spreads like crazy. In fact, growers are warned to collect the pods before that happens or this plant will completely take over their garden.
It was this seed that Jesus compared to the Kingdom of God:
"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It's the smallest of all the seeds, but when grown, it's taller than the vegetables and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches." Matthew 12:31, 32
When gardening, we usually don't want our plants to go to seed. It is possible to grow mustard that way. Carefully trimming the shoots, we could make wonderful mustard greens that are yummy to eat but do not reproduce. I think we have enough beautiful greenery around in the church today. We need stalky seed producers that reproduce so quickly that nothing can stop them. I need to plant quick seeds and let them grow. The land is very dry so the growing conditions are perfect. I can’t control where they are planted either so I won't try to collect the pods before they explode. I want them to grow and spread as far and as fast as they can.
What’s the hurry? It is not a far stretch to think we are in the end of the last days, as described in the Bible. It seems as if the Apostle Paul took a time machine to our present day when he wrote to Timothy:
But know this: difficult times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of religion but denying its power. 2 Timothy 3:1-5
There was a time when a Christian could be born again as a child, grow and be discipled for 20 to 30 years, then they "went to seed" and reproduced by sharing the gospel. The seasons for growth were long and there was much tending to do in the garden. I think those days are gone. God wants us to be planting His quick growing seed--the way it was in the early church: Today a person is born-again... Tomorrow they are baptized... The next day they are ministering... Do they have all of the right doctrine and knowledge? Hmm. Maybe, maybe not. But is God looking for the wise and cultivated fruit? Or is He looking for a quick harvest in the little time we have left.
Hear this! The days are coming- the Lord's declaration- when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the one who treads grapes, the sower of seed. The mountains will drip with sweet wine, and all the hills will flow [with it]. Amos 9:13
That is faster than I can fathom. Someone is out collecting the harvest and the plowman is already preparing the field for new crops. Run, reaper!!! Get your harvest before it gets plowed under. The seed is growing so fast that the fruit is being processed before the seed gets in the ground. This is Kingdom growth completely out of our control--very different from the slow, laborious process we usually take in discipleship.
There is work to do! We don't have time now to slowly digest what scripture the pastor used in his message last Sunday, savoring the options for our lives. We must be ready to work at the last-days pace. We have to eat on the run--we need the word of God and His presence every minute, wherever we are. With eyes of faith the size of that mustard seed, I am ready to see the Lord’s Kingdom come. Lord, give me the strength to keep up the pace!
First, be aware of this: scoffers will come in the last days to scoff, following their own lusts, saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation." They willfully ignore this: long ago the heavens and the earth existed out of water and through water by the word of God. Through these the world of that time perished when it was flooded by water. But by the same word the present heavens and earth are held in store for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. Dear friends, don't let this one thing escape you: with the Lord one day is like 1,000 years, and 1,000 years like one day. 2 Peter 3:3-8
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Ready for Battle
A few weeks ago, I was blessed to be a soldier in the Lord's army when the body of Christ united in prayer via the Facebook site "Pray for David Camp", a young man who was seriously injured in a car accident. More than 7,000 prayed in one accord and saw miracles happen. There were common visions and words of scripture shared. Even David's passing and funeral brought glory to God.
Since then I have taken what I learned about prayer and retooled my old mindsets. Intercession is really all about obedience, not just praying what I want to pray nor applying my hand-picked scripture passage. Intercession is praying what God shows me and then I doing what He says. Small obediences, step-by-step, grounded in prayer allow His will to be done on earth. As we take small steps by faith, angels go forth in power.
In the spiritual battlefield of the last days, the souls of men are in the balance. How we wage war determines how God's glory will be displayed. Although in my own wisdom, I can conjure up a "battle plan" that will save myself, my family, my friends and many others, God's glory will not abide in the plans of man. God is the only One that knows the best course of prayer and action.
In the days ahead, we need to be ready for battle, but not for a carnal war:
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and very high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." 2 Cor. 10:3-6
As a foot soldier in the Lord's army, I need to be ready for battle, taking to heart every word my King speaks--by His still small voice or through the scriptures--and then fulfilling them step-by-step. Active listening through prayer and then obedience: I need to practice it again and again so it becomes second nature to me.
In order to practice prayer and obedience, I first need to be available. So today, I am available, Lord. I turn my thoughts away from the list of pleasures and distractions of life and I listen carefully to Your voice. As I practice today, I am confident that You are making me ready for Your battle. Just like I saw victory as the army of God prayed for David Camp, I will see Your victory in the battles ahead of me today. Amen
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Missing Out on the Good Stuff
I'm not a very daring person. Even if I'm not the first one to step out of the boat, I like to be where things are "happening". I must admit, I love Holy Ghost goosebumps. I like experiencing the manifestations of God's power first hand. Maybe I'm not the one that starts the activity but I sure like being on the edge of excitement.
Today God was teaching me about my fear of missing out. I had no idea how much of an issue it is for me. When I hear about what the Holy Spirit is doing in my absence, I feel like I totally missed out. Down deep in my flesh, I'm sorry to say, I actually get a bit resentful and jealous because others got to experience something with the Lord that I didn't. My face may look smiley but when I hear the words, "You missed a great service!", my heart sinks. (Isn't it amazing that the services you miss are always the great ones?)
Today I had a choice to make. On the calendar, there are two meetings scheduled for the same time 15 miles apart. One meeting is guaranteed to be full of revelation and Holy Ghost goosebumps. The other is most likely to be mundane and possibly even boring. Of course, I chose the prayer meeting. I had told people I would be there and I was all excited to go. Last night, the Lord woke me up and impressed on my heart that I needed to go to the other meeting. I tried to ignore Him, pray His urging away, and even sleep through it. Nothing worked. So today I was inwardly moping, thinking about all I would miss by begrudgingly obeying the Lord.
My attitude changed abruptly during prayer time this morning. I was praying for heaven and earth to move, yet I didn't allow God to move me! The Holy Spirit asked, "Do you really mean your prayers for My will to be done when you are more interested in satisfying your fleshly need for goosebumps than in obeying?" Of course, I was undone.
God has a bigger plan than I can imagine. He gave me the opportunity to be part of His plan. He said, "What if I want to attend the meeting through you?" Wow! I can't think of a bigger blessing than that. For the love of the flesh, I nearly missed out on the truly good stuff.
Lord, today I thank you for your loving-kindness and patience towards me. My fear is gone and I'm not missing a thing!
Today God was teaching me about my fear of missing out. I had no idea how much of an issue it is for me. When I hear about what the Holy Spirit is doing in my absence, I feel like I totally missed out. Down deep in my flesh, I'm sorry to say, I actually get a bit resentful and jealous because others got to experience something with the Lord that I didn't. My face may look smiley but when I hear the words, "You missed a great service!", my heart sinks. (Isn't it amazing that the services you miss are always the great ones?)
Today I had a choice to make. On the calendar, there are two meetings scheduled for the same time 15 miles apart. One meeting is guaranteed to be full of revelation and Holy Ghost goosebumps. The other is most likely to be mundane and possibly even boring. Of course, I chose the prayer meeting. I had told people I would be there and I was all excited to go. Last night, the Lord woke me up and impressed on my heart that I needed to go to the other meeting. I tried to ignore Him, pray His urging away, and even sleep through it. Nothing worked. So today I was inwardly moping, thinking about all I would miss by begrudgingly obeying the Lord.
My attitude changed abruptly during prayer time this morning. I was praying for heaven and earth to move, yet I didn't allow God to move me! The Holy Spirit asked, "Do you really mean your prayers for My will to be done when you are more interested in satisfying your fleshly need for goosebumps than in obeying?" Of course, I was undone.
God has a bigger plan than I can imagine. He gave me the opportunity to be part of His plan. He said, "What if I want to attend the meeting through you?" Wow! I can't think of a bigger blessing than that. For the love of the flesh, I nearly missed out on the truly good stuff.
Lord, today I thank you for your loving-kindness and patience towards me. My fear is gone and I'm not missing a thing!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Prayer: More than a Privilege
Prayer is more than just an awesome privilege given from the Lord to His children. My thought for today is about the authority and responsibility that comes with that privilege. Whenever authority is transferred from one to another, responsibility goes with it. One could say, "I gave you the authority. Now you are responsible!"
The same is especially true in the Kingdom of God. Because God transferred authority, unless I fulfill my responsibility to pray, it is as if God's hands are tied. If I don't pray, God will not act to answer what I should have prayed. When I do pray, the spiritual powers in heaven are activated to answer the prayer. Praise the Lord that He doesn't require us to move heaven and earth on our own. He just expects us to pray and do the little we can and He will do the rest.
James tells us:
2 You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can't possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don't have what you want is that you don't ask God for it. 3 And even when you do ask, you don't get it because your whole motive is wrong -- you want only what will give you pleasure. (James 4:2-3)
We get stuck trying to figure out whether we are praying amiss and never get around to praying. The reason we don't have what we want is that we don't ask God for it! Today I think of the prayers that God is waiting for us to pray. Do we dare sit idly, wringing our hands and flapping our jaws over changes that God could have made if we had only prayed?
The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy: 1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:1-4 Holman Christian Standard)
Jesus told us to pray "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as in heaven." (Matthew 6:10).
I wonder what would happen if all of Christendom prayed just those two prayers everyday. I don't think my mind is able to comprehend the changes that would occur. God has given us a part to play in His plan. It truly is a privilege to have open communication with the Creator of the Universe through prayer. Today I also see the authority and responsibility that come with it.
7 "Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks." (Matthew 7:7-8 NLT)
The same is especially true in the Kingdom of God. Because God transferred authority, unless I fulfill my responsibility to pray, it is as if God's hands are tied. If I don't pray, God will not act to answer what I should have prayed. When I do pray, the spiritual powers in heaven are activated to answer the prayer. Praise the Lord that He doesn't require us to move heaven and earth on our own. He just expects us to pray and do the little we can and He will do the rest.
James tells us:
2 You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can't possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don't have what you want is that you don't ask God for it. 3 And even when you do ask, you don't get it because your whole motive is wrong -- you want only what will give you pleasure. (James 4:2-3)
We get stuck trying to figure out whether we are praying amiss and never get around to praying. The reason we don't have what we want is that we don't ask God for it! Today I think of the prayers that God is waiting for us to pray. Do we dare sit idly, wringing our hands and flapping our jaws over changes that God could have made if we had only prayed?
The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy: 1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:1-4 Holman Christian Standard)
Jesus told us to pray "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as in heaven." (Matthew 6:10).
I wonder what would happen if all of Christendom prayed just those two prayers everyday. I don't think my mind is able to comprehend the changes that would occur. God has given us a part to play in His plan. It truly is a privilege to have open communication with the Creator of the Universe through prayer. Today I also see the authority and responsibility that come with it.
7 "Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks." (Matthew 7:7-8 NLT)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Bucket Loads of Prayer
Last week I got this picture in my mind while I was praying. I could see angels collecting my prayers in buckets and using them as the energy force needed to accomplish what I prayed for. As I prayed for myself, the angel poured a bucket of prayer over me. It was as if I was covered by a thick down blanket. As I prayed for families, their homes were covered with a thick blanket of prayer. As I prayed for my church, the church was filled with this prayer substance stuff.
The Holy Spirit was teaching me to look at prayer as the commodity used to do the will of God. Like any other commodity, prayer could be used up and run out. He showed me that angels were just waiting for substantive prayer so they could do the work they were called to do. The more prayer in the bucket, the more work the angels accomplish.
Then I got this interesting revelation about the showdown at Mount Carmel. (I Kings 18:20-39) The prophets of Baal did all kinds of works to have their "god" burn up their sacrifice. They screamed and hollered and cut themselves and their god never answered. Elijah, on the other hand, had people dump bucket upon bucket of water on his offering. Not only was the wood soaked, but there was a trench overflowing with water. Then Elijah spoke a word and the fire of God fell and consumed all of it.
The Holy Spirit told me that prayers are like those buckets of water. People will try all sorts of works to get their "god" to answer them. But one who truly prays will appear like Elijah. The situation may look impossible but when the trenches overflow with prayer, God will answer with fire. I may not know the perfect words to pray but today I won't be discouraged. I'm just going to keep filling those prayer buckets and watch as God answers by fire.
The Holy Spirit was teaching me to look at prayer as the commodity used to do the will of God. Like any other commodity, prayer could be used up and run out. He showed me that angels were just waiting for substantive prayer so they could do the work they were called to do. The more prayer in the bucket, the more work the angels accomplish.
Then I got this interesting revelation about the showdown at Mount Carmel. (I Kings 18:20-39) The prophets of Baal did all kinds of works to have their "god" burn up their sacrifice. They screamed and hollered and cut themselves and their god never answered. Elijah, on the other hand, had people dump bucket upon bucket of water on his offering. Not only was the wood soaked, but there was a trench overflowing with water. Then Elijah spoke a word and the fire of God fell and consumed all of it.
The Holy Spirit told me that prayers are like those buckets of water. People will try all sorts of works to get their "god" to answer them. But one who truly prays will appear like Elijah. The situation may look impossible but when the trenches overflow with prayer, God will answer with fire. I may not know the perfect words to pray but today I won't be discouraged. I'm just going to keep filling those prayer buckets and watch as God answers by fire.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Mission Impossible
Jesus told the disciples, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20) When I think of the logistics of traveling at that time, I am astounded that the disciples weren't paralyzed by the enormity of the mission. Under terrible persecution, without tv, internet, or automobiles, they set out on foot do fulfill the great commission. That was an impossible mission.
Today, Pastor Dan Quinta and his team left little Mannsville, NY to go to Haiti. This is not a new thing because of the earthquake. Dan has made this trip many times over the past several years. The needs are so great in Haiti. Is it possible for one man to rescue all of the children from starvation? Is it possible for even a team to transform the complete tragedy that is Haiti right now? Yet they boarded planes this morning heading out on a mission impossible.
Today I think that doing the impossible comes when God touches the little things we do even when we don't recognize His call. It's all about the sheep and the goats. (Matthew 25:31-46) The difference between the two is that the sheep did and the goats didn't. The parable says the goats are without excuse. It is at our peril that we wait until the Lord reveals Himself before we act. We can't say, "Lord, I didn't know it was you," and be off the hook.
The Lord rewards the sheep who do the works of ministry and service. Not only that, but He multiplies those works to make a tremendous difference--to actually accomplish those missions impossible. The disciples only had to share the gospel with the people they met. They only had to go to the places they were able to get to. Team Haiti 4 Jesus can only feed the children they can reach. Those missions are possible. Beyond that, it is a work of the Lord. He multiplied the work of the disciples to take the gospel to every nation. He will multiply the work of the missionaries to transform the country of Haiti. He will multiply the works I do to take my little part of the planet for Jesus.
Today, I will not be a goat. I will share words of encouragement. I will care for the people that God places in my path. Today I am on a mission impossible looking for the reward that my King promises to me: "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." (Matthew 25:34)
Today, Pastor Dan Quinta and his team left little Mannsville, NY to go to Haiti. This is not a new thing because of the earthquake. Dan has made this trip many times over the past several years. The needs are so great in Haiti. Is it possible for one man to rescue all of the children from starvation? Is it possible for even a team to transform the complete tragedy that is Haiti right now? Yet they boarded planes this morning heading out on a mission impossible.
Today I think that doing the impossible comes when God touches the little things we do even when we don't recognize His call. It's all about the sheep and the goats. (Matthew 25:31-46) The difference between the two is that the sheep did and the goats didn't. The parable says the goats are without excuse. It is at our peril that we wait until the Lord reveals Himself before we act. We can't say, "Lord, I didn't know it was you," and be off the hook.
The Lord rewards the sheep who do the works of ministry and service. Not only that, but He multiplies those works to make a tremendous difference--to actually accomplish those missions impossible. The disciples only had to share the gospel with the people they met. They only had to go to the places they were able to get to. Team Haiti 4 Jesus can only feed the children they can reach. Those missions are possible. Beyond that, it is a work of the Lord. He multiplied the work of the disciples to take the gospel to every nation. He will multiply the work of the missionaries to transform the country of Haiti. He will multiply the works I do to take my little part of the planet for Jesus.
Today, I will not be a goat. I will share words of encouragement. I will care for the people that God places in my path. Today I am on a mission impossible looking for the reward that my King promises to me: "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." (Matthew 25:34)
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Don't Look Back!
A few days ago, I learned a very valuable lesson. I spent the day surrounded by my past. I went to do the paper tasks I used to do at church on a daily basis. My contribution of time was intended to be a gift to the church and pastoral staff. I started out filled with joy. By the end of the day, I was frustrated, angry and depressed.
What happened? As I worked, I began to reflect on the hours and hours of time I had invested in the past. I didn't notice as the dark cloud of the enemy began to engulf me. Before long, all I could see were the failures of the past. By the time I left the building, I felt that all of my efforts for eleven years were a complete waste.
Praise the Lord that I am one of His sheep. I get to hear his voice! He simply said, "Don't look back!" Immediately the Holy Spirit brought scripture to mind. "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62)
Today, the Holy Spirit personalized that verse for me in such a way that I will be able to minister better in the future. It was as if He said to me, "When have put your hand to the plow and look back, you will see yourself and your efforts as being unfit for the Kingdom of God. You will become frustrated and want to quit. Don't do it!" Yes, I know the correct view of this scripture is that anyone wanting to be a disciple must be leave all behind and go forward with the Lord. It speaks of those who are not willing to cut their ties to the world. Today I see more than that.
When we look back over our lives, we can easily become discouraged. It appears from our point of view that the gifts of time and talent that we invested in the Kingdom were wasted. We see all the attempts that failed. The successes seem few and far between. Though we know we can't change the past, our hearts can be filled with what ifs... The Lord doesn't call us for that. He continually draws us towards His goal. Day by day He gives us the unction to respond by doing all sorts of tasks. Some tasks are exciting. Some are mundane. As long as we keep our hands on the plow and keep going forward, God's plan is being accomplished.
The Apostle Paul writes it this way:
I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. (Philippians 3:12-14, New Living Translation)
Today, I have my hand on the plow and I'm not looking back!
What happened? As I worked, I began to reflect on the hours and hours of time I had invested in the past. I didn't notice as the dark cloud of the enemy began to engulf me. Before long, all I could see were the failures of the past. By the time I left the building, I felt that all of my efforts for eleven years were a complete waste.
Praise the Lord that I am one of His sheep. I get to hear his voice! He simply said, "Don't look back!" Immediately the Holy Spirit brought scripture to mind. "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62)
Today, the Holy Spirit personalized that verse for me in such a way that I will be able to minister better in the future. It was as if He said to me, "When have put your hand to the plow and look back, you will see yourself and your efforts as being unfit for the Kingdom of God. You will become frustrated and want to quit. Don't do it!" Yes, I know the correct view of this scripture is that anyone wanting to be a disciple must be leave all behind and go forward with the Lord. It speaks of those who are not willing to cut their ties to the world. Today I see more than that.
When we look back over our lives, we can easily become discouraged. It appears from our point of view that the gifts of time and talent that we invested in the Kingdom were wasted. We see all the attempts that failed. The successes seem few and far between. Though we know we can't change the past, our hearts can be filled with what ifs... The Lord doesn't call us for that. He continually draws us towards His goal. Day by day He gives us the unction to respond by doing all sorts of tasks. Some tasks are exciting. Some are mundane. As long as we keep our hands on the plow and keep going forward, God's plan is being accomplished.
The Apostle Paul writes it this way:
I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. (Philippians 3:12-14, New Living Translation)
Today, I have my hand on the plow and I'm not looking back!
Monday, April 19, 2010
It's About Time
Time is a strange substance for us. We measure it in nanoseconds and eons. We schedule our lives around it. We feel pushed when it gets away from us.
My normal operating speed is about 8 minutes late. I'm not sure how that developed but if you look at your clock, I will probably arrive about 8 minutes later than I said. I must say that I am getting much better at that as I get older and don't cram my schedule so full.
I have been thinking lately about how God orders our lives through time. It is such a blessing to be in the right place at just the right time. It is nice to see the perfect sunset and not to have missed it. It is nice to catch a baby smiling in his sleep. So many wondrous things happen around us every day. It takes more than just being in the right place. We also have to be there at the right time to be able to see the blessing.
In my area, there are several railroad crossings. Most of the time, I get through the crossings with no train in sight. However, there are days when the gates are down and the train seems to take forever to go on by. Of course, those are the days when I really need to be someplace on time. I could say I am at the wrong place at the wrong time. My thoughts wander--Is God keeping me from some disaster? What would I have missed if the train was not there? Then my mind shifts to all the graffiti on the boxcars and I think of how the talents of the artists could be used in better ways. As the gates rise, I am happy that God orders my life and that He kept me from something much worse.
But what of the times it doesn't work out so well--times we cry out, "How could God let this happen?" Truly there are circumstances where disaster absolutely falls on people. Freak accidents occur. We all know of someone who has died because he or she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
As time-bound creatures, we get so caught up with moment-to-moment time that we forget all about the big picture that God sees. I sometimes look at the circumstances around me to try to determine what God is doing in my life today. Did God have the train at the crossing so that I would miss the soup of the day at the restaurant and have to get the meatloaf instead? You know exactly what I mean.
Today I am looking at it from another perspective. God's Word promises, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." (Psalm 37:23) and "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path." (Proverbs 3:5-6) From God's point of view, He is leading me to His goal in the long term. It may be 20 years of moving day by day and step by step before I am able to see how He has directed my life. It can be centuries of generations of people living their lives before humanity gets where He wants us to be. Today I need to stop judging whether I am in the right place at the right time or the wrong place at the wrong time. I need to quit stressing over which steps to take. Today I will trust the Lord and believe His word. I can look down at my feet and see that they are exactly where the Lord wants them to be today. He is bringing me from glory to glory in His perfect timing.
I think I get it now. Lord, are you whispering to me today, "It's about time!"?
My normal operating speed is about 8 minutes late. I'm not sure how that developed but if you look at your clock, I will probably arrive about 8 minutes later than I said. I must say that I am getting much better at that as I get older and don't cram my schedule so full.
I have been thinking lately about how God orders our lives through time. It is such a blessing to be in the right place at just the right time. It is nice to see the perfect sunset and not to have missed it. It is nice to catch a baby smiling in his sleep. So many wondrous things happen around us every day. It takes more than just being in the right place. We also have to be there at the right time to be able to see the blessing.
In my area, there are several railroad crossings. Most of the time, I get through the crossings with no train in sight. However, there are days when the gates are down and the train seems to take forever to go on by. Of course, those are the days when I really need to be someplace on time. I could say I am at the wrong place at the wrong time. My thoughts wander--Is God keeping me from some disaster? What would I have missed if the train was not there? Then my mind shifts to all the graffiti on the boxcars and I think of how the talents of the artists could be used in better ways. As the gates rise, I am happy that God orders my life and that He kept me from something much worse.
But what of the times it doesn't work out so well--times we cry out, "How could God let this happen?" Truly there are circumstances where disaster absolutely falls on people. Freak accidents occur. We all know of someone who has died because he or she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
As time-bound creatures, we get so caught up with moment-to-moment time that we forget all about the big picture that God sees. I sometimes look at the circumstances around me to try to determine what God is doing in my life today. Did God have the train at the crossing so that I would miss the soup of the day at the restaurant and have to get the meatloaf instead? You know exactly what I mean.
Today I am looking at it from another perspective. God's Word promises, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." (Psalm 37:23) and "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path." (Proverbs 3:5-6) From God's point of view, He is leading me to His goal in the long term. It may be 20 years of moving day by day and step by step before I am able to see how He has directed my life. It can be centuries of generations of people living their lives before humanity gets where He wants us to be. Today I need to stop judging whether I am in the right place at the right time or the wrong place at the wrong time. I need to quit stressing over which steps to take. Today I will trust the Lord and believe His word. I can look down at my feet and see that they are exactly where the Lord wants them to be today. He is bringing me from glory to glory in His perfect timing.
I think I get it now. Lord, are you whispering to me today, "It's about time!"?
Monday, April 12, 2010
Cleansing a Dirty Mind
How much living water is required to cleanse a dirty mind? That is what I have been thinking of for the past week. Not that kind of dirty mind, lol. I'm talking about a mind cluttered by the words and thoughts planted by years of living on a worldly planet.
So here's the thing--our spiritual thinking gets bogged down by all kinds of thought sludge. Some things are pretty innocuous: "What can I buy for Mom for her birthday?" Some thoughts are downright nasty: "I can never do anything worthwhile for God." Day by day, our minds get cluttered to the point that it is hard to sort it out. Then, just like an overloaded hard drive, we need reformatting. So what is a person to do?
Jesus prayed for us saying: "They are not of the world, as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth, Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. I sanctify Myself for them, so they also may be sanctified by the truth." John 17:16-19 Paul wrote: "...Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, to make her holy, cleansing her in the washing of water by the word. He did this to present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless." Eph. 5:25-27
The word of God is the washing medium. So just reading the bible should fix everything, right? Wrong! If that were the case, we could pick certain verses and spritz spritz, all would be perfect in our little kingdom. It doesn't work that way. (Just ask me--I've tried.) We can even try to deluge ourselves in the word. Instead of spritzing, we can drown in it. Still won't work. We will just get frustrated and it adds more clutter to our dirty minds.
So what is the answer here? Today I think it has much more to do with Who is doing the washing. Holy Spirit knows exactly what "word" I need for Him to apply to my mind today through revelation and discipline that will completely renew my mind. He has an unlimited supply from streams of living water. Maybe today instead of worrying about what the Lord needs to do to straighten out my thinking, I will just praise Him.
How much living water is required to cleanse my dirty mind? God only knows and He promises that He will present His bride to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle, but holy and blameless. He always keeps His word.
So here's the thing--our spiritual thinking gets bogged down by all kinds of thought sludge. Some things are pretty innocuous: "What can I buy for Mom for her birthday?" Some thoughts are downright nasty: "I can never do anything worthwhile for God." Day by day, our minds get cluttered to the point that it is hard to sort it out. Then, just like an overloaded hard drive, we need reformatting. So what is a person to do?
Jesus prayed for us saying: "They are not of the world, as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth, Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. I sanctify Myself for them, so they also may be sanctified by the truth." John 17:16-19 Paul wrote: "...Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, to make her holy, cleansing her in the washing of water by the word. He did this to present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless." Eph. 5:25-27
The word of God is the washing medium. So just reading the bible should fix everything, right? Wrong! If that were the case, we could pick certain verses and spritz spritz, all would be perfect in our little kingdom. It doesn't work that way. (Just ask me--I've tried.) We can even try to deluge ourselves in the word. Instead of spritzing, we can drown in it. Still won't work. We will just get frustrated and it adds more clutter to our dirty minds.
So what is the answer here? Today I think it has much more to do with Who is doing the washing. Holy Spirit knows exactly what "word" I need for Him to apply to my mind today through revelation and discipline that will completely renew my mind. He has an unlimited supply from streams of living water. Maybe today instead of worrying about what the Lord needs to do to straighten out my thinking, I will just praise Him.
How much living water is required to cleanse my dirty mind? God only knows and He promises that He will present His bride to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle, but holy and blameless. He always keeps His word.
Monday, April 5, 2010
"As for you, follow Me"
So here we are on Easter Monday. The baskets of candy and colored eggs are found. Easter Sunday services were attended at church. We celebrated the resurrection of our Lord once again. Now what? That is what I have been contemplating today.
Jesus appeared to many after He rose from the dead. Since that day, everyone who believes--that Jesus was born of a virgin, was crucified, died and buried, rose (with His body) from the dead and ascended to the Father--everyone who believes, is born anew by the Spirit of God. We are ones who have personally experienced a bit of resurrection ourselves. Our lives have changed. On Easter, we celebrate Jesus' resurrection, as well as our own new lives and the promise of our full resurrection when Jesus returns.
After the celebration is over, then what? What should we be doing while we wait for Jesus to return? It would not be appropriate to stand around looking at the sky waiting to see Jesus come back. The apostles were rebuked for doing that (Acts. 1:9-11). We know that He is returning. We must keep ourselves busy doing something. What shall we do?
In the Gospel narratives, Jesus gave his disciples instructions on what to do next. The Great Commission tells us to go, make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, teaching them to keep Jesus' commandments. (Matthew 28:19-20). Mark's gospel adds the promise of signs following those who believe. (Mark 16:15-18). Jesus' instruction in the Gospel of Luke tells us to wait until we receive the promise of the Father, the empowering of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5). None of those are new to me. I have heard sermons on them repeatedly since receiving Jesus as my risen Savior almost 30 years ago.
Today, the gospel of John, chapter 21 is calling to me. Today, when I asked the Lord what I should do now, "What next, Lord?", He answered me with the words He spoke to Peter. This time it wasn't "Feed My lambs." or "Shepherd My sheep" or "Feed My sheep." I have heard that call before and willingly answered as the Lord made me able. Today I saw something else in Jesus' conversation with Peter that spoke directly to me. Jesus told Peter, "As for you, follow Me!" (John 21:22).
Lord, that is so simple yet requires so much faith. I need to actually listen for Your voice and go precisely where You tell me to go, without reservation. I dare not look at others to see what You call them to do. Today, as for me, I follow Jesus.
Jesus appeared to many after He rose from the dead. Since that day, everyone who believes--that Jesus was born of a virgin, was crucified, died and buried, rose (with His body) from the dead and ascended to the Father--everyone who believes, is born anew by the Spirit of God. We are ones who have personally experienced a bit of resurrection ourselves. Our lives have changed. On Easter, we celebrate Jesus' resurrection, as well as our own new lives and the promise of our full resurrection when Jesus returns.
After the celebration is over, then what? What should we be doing while we wait for Jesus to return? It would not be appropriate to stand around looking at the sky waiting to see Jesus come back. The apostles were rebuked for doing that (Acts. 1:9-11). We know that He is returning. We must keep ourselves busy doing something. What shall we do?
In the Gospel narratives, Jesus gave his disciples instructions on what to do next. The Great Commission tells us to go, make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, teaching them to keep Jesus' commandments. (Matthew 28:19-20). Mark's gospel adds the promise of signs following those who believe. (Mark 16:15-18). Jesus' instruction in the Gospel of Luke tells us to wait until we receive the promise of the Father, the empowering of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5). None of those are new to me. I have heard sermons on them repeatedly since receiving Jesus as my risen Savior almost 30 years ago.
Today, the gospel of John, chapter 21 is calling to me. Today, when I asked the Lord what I should do now, "What next, Lord?", He answered me with the words He spoke to Peter. This time it wasn't "Feed My lambs." or "Shepherd My sheep" or "Feed My sheep." I have heard that call before and willingly answered as the Lord made me able. Today I saw something else in Jesus' conversation with Peter that spoke directly to me. Jesus told Peter, "As for you, follow Me!" (John 21:22).
Lord, that is so simple yet requires so much faith. I need to actually listen for Your voice and go precisely where You tell me to go, without reservation. I dare not look at others to see what You call them to do. Today, as for me, I follow Jesus.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Holiness and the Publican
What if I ignored the fact that God is holy? I would just have to live up to the standard of human opinion. Whatever public policy dictates, that is how I would be required to live. That wouldn't be so hard. I do a pretty good job of being a decent citizen. I think I'm pretty nice to my friends and neighbors. I don't rob banks or steal lollipops from small children. I don't lie. Compared to many people out there, I'm a regular saint. Would it really be necessary for Jesus to die for regular sinners like me? Yes, Jesus died for the world. But if He didn't die for me as an individual, I would still be hopeless, living in the delusion of my own righteousness.
Ignoring the truth doesn't change it. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) When He invades the lives of His people, God's holiness leaves them completely undone. His brilliant holiness was enough to blind the apostle Paul. The sons of Aaron went up in a puff of smoke for entering God's holy presence in an unrighteous way.
Whenever God touches me with His holiness, I am undone as well. God's holiness shows me that I, like the apostle, am chief among sinners. I deserve death by God's hand, yet He sees me perfected in Christ Jesus. I can't think of anything more awesome than that!
In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, Jesus tells us the story of two men who went to pray. (Luke 18:10-14) One saw only his own goodness. The other saw the holiness of God. I am able to boldly approach the throne of grace much as the publican did, not because I'm pretty good by the world's standard. It is purely by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, Messiah, Perfect Lamb of God.
Today, I can stand with my sin forgiven, the price fully paid, with the hope and courage to seek the face of God. Words can't be found to express how thankful I am for the Cross.
Ignoring the truth doesn't change it. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) When He invades the lives of His people, God's holiness leaves them completely undone. His brilliant holiness was enough to blind the apostle Paul. The sons of Aaron went up in a puff of smoke for entering God's holy presence in an unrighteous way.
Whenever God touches me with His holiness, I am undone as well. God's holiness shows me that I, like the apostle, am chief among sinners. I deserve death by God's hand, yet He sees me perfected in Christ Jesus. I can't think of anything more awesome than that!
In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, Jesus tells us the story of two men who went to pray. (Luke 18:10-14) One saw only his own goodness. The other saw the holiness of God. I am able to boldly approach the throne of grace much as the publican did, not because I'm pretty good by the world's standard. It is purely by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, Messiah, Perfect Lamb of God.
Today, I can stand with my sin forgiven, the price fully paid, with the hope and courage to seek the face of God. Words can't be found to express how thankful I am for the Cross.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Me First!
I am someone who has gotten to amusement parks thirty minutes early to be first in line to my favorite ride. I have also gone shopping on Black Friday, albeit unsuccessfully. I know I'm not the only one. Many of us want to be first in line to get the prize. We may say with our lips, "I can wait, go ahead," but with our hearts and minds, we cry out "Me first!" and then feel guilty about being so selfish.
I think of little children who raise their hands and shout out "Me, Me" when there is some goody being offered. Grownups don't do that so much. I guess we have learned that it is rude to be impatient. Decorum is offended by too much enthusiasm.
Today, I am looking at "me first" a little differently. In the gospels, Jesus clearly reacts to those who say "me first" with their actions. Think of all the people who so rudely budged in line. He blessed them all. The guy whose friends lowered him through the roof... the Syrophoenician woman with the demonized daughter... the people who brought their children to Jesus to be blessed... the woman with the issue of blood... blind Bartimaeus... the ten lepers. The list goes on and on. One common denominator is present in those to whom Jesus ministered--they all said "Me first!" with their actions.
I must admit, my sensibilities get a bit offended when I think of the parable of the guy who pounded on his neighbor's door in the middle of the night for some bread (Luke 11:5-8). If my kids ever did something like that I would have rebuked them for being rude and obnoxious. "Wait your turn!" I would say. However, that is not the point of the parable. Jesus told his disciples, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" (Luke 11:13)
So why do I think Jesus wants us to keep on pressing in with a "me first" attitude?
At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Then He called a child to Him and had him stand among them. "I assure you, He said, unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child--this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1-4)
In the spirit of one of God's little children, today I say "Me, first!"
I think of little children who raise their hands and shout out "Me, Me" when there is some goody being offered. Grownups don't do that so much. I guess we have learned that it is rude to be impatient. Decorum is offended by too much enthusiasm.
Today, I am looking at "me first" a little differently. In the gospels, Jesus clearly reacts to those who say "me first" with their actions. Think of all the people who so rudely budged in line. He blessed them all. The guy whose friends lowered him through the roof... the Syrophoenician woman with the demonized daughter... the people who brought their children to Jesus to be blessed... the woman with the issue of blood... blind Bartimaeus... the ten lepers. The list goes on and on. One common denominator is present in those to whom Jesus ministered--they all said "Me first!" with their actions.
I must admit, my sensibilities get a bit offended when I think of the parable of the guy who pounded on his neighbor's door in the middle of the night for some bread (Luke 11:5-8). If my kids ever did something like that I would have rebuked them for being rude and obnoxious. "Wait your turn!" I would say. However, that is not the point of the parable. Jesus told his disciples, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" (Luke 11:13)
So why do I think Jesus wants us to keep on pressing in with a "me first" attitude?
- It demonstrates that we know we have a need.
- It shows that we believe that He is the only one that can fill that need.
- It shows that we don't care what anyone else thinks.
At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Then He called a child to Him and had him stand among them. "I assure you, He said, unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child--this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1-4)
In the spirit of one of God's little children, today I say "Me, first!"
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Bells and Pomegranates
Today is all about bells and pomegranates. In case the reader is wondering, there were bells and pomegranates around robe that Aaron wore as he ministered to the Lord as high priest. A long time ago, a friend shared with me something she had heard. She heard that the bells represented the gifts of the Spirit (1 cor. 12) and the pomegranates represent the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5). Without the pomegranates, the bells would clank together like a clanging gong (1 Cor. 13). With the pomegranates, the bells would make a beautiful tinkling sound. The gifts are only effective in a way that is pleasing to the Lord when there is fruit mixed in.
First the bells: The gifts and calling of God are without repentance (Romans 11:29). He never takes them back. I have gifts that God has given me. I rely on the Holy Spirit to power those gifts. I can prophesy, teach, exhort or do any number of things completely by the Spirit. It is possible to exercise the gifts totally devoid of the fruit. If that were not possible, Paul wouldn't have warned us: "If I speak the languages of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal..." (1 Cor. 13:1-3) Scary thought.
Now the pomegranates: Fruit is grown. Unlike the gifts that are given and not taken back, fruit only grows when the branch is connected to the vine. Jesus said, "Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me." (John 15:4) There is no way we can lose our salvation that Jesus gave to us who believe , but we can lose connection to His vine when we do not spend actual time in communion with Him. In other words, if my devotional life stinks, I don't produce fruit. I risk being tossed into the fire by the Husbandman.
In short, devotion to communion with the Lord creates the fruit of the Spirit in my life. Without a vibrant connection to the Vine, I risk wielding the gifts of the Spirit like a sword, cutting into others instead of sharing a mix of fruit and gifts. That cannot be pleasing to the Lord!
Lord, help me remember pomegranate, bell, pomegranate, bell, pomegranate so that I can be one who brings Your Truth in love in a way that brings people to Your cross.
First the bells: The gifts and calling of God are without repentance (Romans 11:29). He never takes them back. I have gifts that God has given me. I rely on the Holy Spirit to power those gifts. I can prophesy, teach, exhort or do any number of things completely by the Spirit. It is possible to exercise the gifts totally devoid of the fruit. If that were not possible, Paul wouldn't have warned us: "If I speak the languages of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal..." (1 Cor. 13:1-3) Scary thought.
Now the pomegranates: Fruit is grown. Unlike the gifts that are given and not taken back, fruit only grows when the branch is connected to the vine. Jesus said, "Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me." (John 15:4) There is no way we can lose our salvation that Jesus gave to us who believe , but we can lose connection to His vine when we do not spend actual time in communion with Him. In other words, if my devotional life stinks, I don't produce fruit. I risk being tossed into the fire by the Husbandman.
In short, devotion to communion with the Lord creates the fruit of the Spirit in my life. Without a vibrant connection to the Vine, I risk wielding the gifts of the Spirit like a sword, cutting into others instead of sharing a mix of fruit and gifts. That cannot be pleasing to the Lord!
Lord, help me remember pomegranate, bell, pomegranate, bell, pomegranate so that I can be one who brings Your Truth in love in a way that brings people to Your cross.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Explosion of Life
Today all the trees look pretty much dead. Driving along the streets that are still covered with sand from the winter, everywhere I look is brown and gray. Even the sky is gray. Will winter ever go away! Day after day, the grayness has held its grasp on my world. Even the occasional breaks of sunlight hasn't changed anything. Gray and dead all around.
Yet, deep within the heart of all that looks so dead dwells a powerful seed of life waiting to explode. The seed is hidden at the moment but that does not make it any less potent. One warm day, those seeds of life will explode. The world will break forth in splendid color. Gray will be replaced by pinks and oranges and greens and blues. All of God's critters will begin to run and frolic again. The sounds of song birds and children at play will blow away the cold winter winds. Then everyone will know that the appearance of death was just a temporary condition. The world is alive again.
Each spring, I am blessed to see resurrection playing out. In the same way, it appeared that there was no life left in Jesus when they placed Him in a tomb. But a few days later, the seed of resurrection life burst forth in His body and death could not keep Him. This year I needed a personal resurrection reminder for myself.
Ever experience gray days of winter in life? Unlike summer time and autumn when everything blooms and grows, winter is a season of no productivity. Projects never seem to get finished. Enthusiasm and excitement for new ideas have long gone. Every day appears to be the same. The alarm clock says it is time to get up so you drag your sorry carcass out of bed ready to do the same thing as yesterday and accomplish next to nothing. How depressing is that!
As I was driving down the street yesterday, I heard the cold wind, I saw the brown and gray all around me. I was so sick of winter, both literally and figuratively. Then I heard the still small voice of the Lord. "The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you!" Then I saw it. The tiny seed of resurrection life deep in my heart waiting to explode. Just like winter is unable to stop spring from bursting forth, nothing can stop the Jesus' resurrection life within me. The bad report from the doctor can't. The unfinished projects can't. Even my poor attitude can't.
The trees aren't really dead. They just look that way for a season. The brown and gray have not taken over forever. It just seems that way. My lesson for today is to remember that even in the darkest winter, life is still there just waiting. In God's perfect timing, there will be an explosion of life and winter will fade. So today I say, "Wind, you go ahead and blow. Grayness, you go ahead and manifest your pallor. I see the seeds of life and they are ready to explode!"
Romans 8:11: And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you.
Yet, deep within the heart of all that looks so dead dwells a powerful seed of life waiting to explode. The seed is hidden at the moment but that does not make it any less potent. One warm day, those seeds of life will explode. The world will break forth in splendid color. Gray will be replaced by pinks and oranges and greens and blues. All of God's critters will begin to run and frolic again. The sounds of song birds and children at play will blow away the cold winter winds. Then everyone will know that the appearance of death was just a temporary condition. The world is alive again.
Each spring, I am blessed to see resurrection playing out. In the same way, it appeared that there was no life left in Jesus when they placed Him in a tomb. But a few days later, the seed of resurrection life burst forth in His body and death could not keep Him. This year I needed a personal resurrection reminder for myself.
Ever experience gray days of winter in life? Unlike summer time and autumn when everything blooms and grows, winter is a season of no productivity. Projects never seem to get finished. Enthusiasm and excitement for new ideas have long gone. Every day appears to be the same. The alarm clock says it is time to get up so you drag your sorry carcass out of bed ready to do the same thing as yesterday and accomplish next to nothing. How depressing is that!
As I was driving down the street yesterday, I heard the cold wind, I saw the brown and gray all around me. I was so sick of winter, both literally and figuratively. Then I heard the still small voice of the Lord. "The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you!" Then I saw it. The tiny seed of resurrection life deep in my heart waiting to explode. Just like winter is unable to stop spring from bursting forth, nothing can stop the Jesus' resurrection life within me. The bad report from the doctor can't. The unfinished projects can't. Even my poor attitude can't.
The trees aren't really dead. They just look that way for a season. The brown and gray have not taken over forever. It just seems that way. My lesson for today is to remember that even in the darkest winter, life is still there just waiting. In God's perfect timing, there will be an explosion of life and winter will fade. So today I say, "Wind, you go ahead and blow. Grayness, you go ahead and manifest your pallor. I see the seeds of life and they are ready to explode!"
Romans 8:11: And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you.
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