God's Open Invitation

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (New American Standard Bible)

I am having one of those mornings when the questions are beginning to pile up in my mind and I am finding myself with few answers. It is times like this when I am forced to admit to myself that I do not have it all figured out and that can bring about an uneasiness within me. When things do not make sense to me I don’t always know what to do with them. When my thinking has been skewed I don’t always untangle the knots well.

I have come across verses from the Bible and sentences from books that I can’t seem to wrap my mind around. The concepts are coming up against some preconceived ideas and distorted thinking I possess. Allow me to list a few.

Jesus says in Revelation 3:19, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” From a human stand point, I don’t take rebuke well when it comes from another individual because it seems like condemnation. So when I read Jesus’ words I squirm with discomfort. Even though my head tells me it is for my good and growth, my heart cowers.

A number of sources I have read this morning warn against seeking the advice of others instead of looking to God. I struggle with the balance. While I know we are to encourage one another, I somehow think I am suppose to not need that and when I seek it I am doing something wrong.

I want to grasp the concept that someone can care about me without being involved in my life. Changes in relationships usually have a negative connotation for me even if I know it is for my own well being or part of God’s design for this present part of my journey.

Because I am so acutely aware of my faults and failures, I tend to not notice or acknowledge progress that has been made in my walk with God. I don’t always realize that even if I don’t see it, He does.

Yet, in the midst of my questions and inability to fully grasp the concepts, I am drawn to the words of today’s verse. I am invited to trust Him instead of depending on myself to get it all figured out and straightened out. In essence, He is saying, “You don’t have to understand it all to reap the benefits of living out of its truths. Trust Me and trust my principles. It is not a matter of you being able to do something or the people in your life being able to do something, it is a matter of knowing I can do all things necessary in your life. I am not expecting perfection or brilliance from you. As much as I am aware of your insecurities and failures, you must be aware of my Person, Power, and Presence. I will help you. Trust Me.“

Father, You know that I don’t understand. Help me to trust You. Amen.

Not Being Hearing Impaired

He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Luke 14:35 (New American Standard Bible)

While here on earth, Jesus spoke many things to many people, but He knew not everyone would take in His words. He referenced this when He used the phrase “ears to hear.” He was not talking about the ability to hear sound. Anyone within the range of His voice could master that. What He was referring to had more to do with comprehending, acknowledging, embracing, and understanding what He was saying. Some would hear what He had to say and walk away unmoved and unchanged. Others would be a captive audience to Him and walk away forever changed. It would show up in their words, actions, and thoughts later on. The fruit would be evident.

Many people will sit in church tomorrow and there will be a variety of ear types. They will sit within hearing range of a minister’s voice but all will not really hear what he is saying much less what God is saying through Him. Distractions may abound in their head and the message will become a muffled sound to their ears. Some will not have the ability to take in the truths of what is being said because they have never had a spiritual opening of their ears by the Holy Spirit. They have never trusted Christ as their Savior and therefore remain spiritually deaf. Some will have issues with their pastor and refuse to believe God would ever have anything to say through him. Some will have such a distorted view of God that they long ago gave up hope that He would have anything to say to them directly. Some, through boredom, rebellion, or pride, stopped listening all together. Each lacks the ears to hear. They will walk away having not listened to or learned what God was so anxious to tell them.

Then there are those who will attend church tomorrow with ears anxious to hear God’s voice to them, because it is a daily practice for them already. Each time they open His Word, read a book, listen to a speaker, or hear a song, they ask God to speak to them through it. Their heart’s cry becomes, “Give me ears to hear you, Lord!” They are attentive and attuned to what He wants to tell them. The conversations are powerful, personal, and profound.

For decades I was “hearing impaired.“ I have since learned that I could possess ears to hear if I simply asked for them and then started listening. By God’s grace it is getting easier to distinguish the difference between my own thoughts, my Father’s voice, and the words of the enemy. That has been His desire all along for each of us!

Father, my ears need a touch from You each day. I want ears to hear and a heart that is receptive to all that You desire to tell me. May my face light up every time I know it is Your voice I am hearing. Amen.

Drawing Near or Pulling Away

And all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things. Luke 4:28 (New American Standard Bible)

Just a few verses earlier the people had their eyes fixed on Jesus, were speaking well of Him, and marveling at His gracious words. They were a captive and receptive audience. So why the sudden change? How could they go from being willing students to attempted murderers? What caused them to close off their hearts and minds to Jesus? He stopped saying what they were comfortable hearing and began telling them truth they refused to acknowledge.

Jesus gave examples of two times in the Old Testament when God chose to send His prophets and His intervention to individuals who were not part of the nation of Israel. Elijah was sent to a widow of Zarephath during a famine and the miracle of provision was realized in her life. Elisha was sent to a leper named Naaman and the miracle of healing took place. These were both non Jews. In the New Testament it was an insult to the Jews to think that God would act on behalf of the Gentiles. So Jesus’ insinuation that the Gospel would be given to the Gentiles because of the unreceptiveness of the Jews was too much for them to accept.

When God’s message and the circumstances of our life don’t turn out the way we want, how do we react? How receptive are we to what God is doing or saying when difficulties come our way? We often find that our preconceived ideas about life and God are revealed by the way we react to unpleasant times in our life. Rather than run to Him when the storms of life come upon us and seek to devastate us, people quite often turn away from Him in anger and refuse the only Source that stands ready to help them.

Throughout the book of Psalms, David voices his hurts, disappointments, and fears but never fails to proclaim God as his refuge, defense, shelter, and rock! No matter how difficult life got and no matter how cruel the people in his life could be, he realized God was the One he could count on, run to, and hide in. While he had no trouble verbalizing the problems of his life, he strengthened himself with praise to the One who held him in His hands. Even when confronted with his own sin, David instantly drew near to the One who could forgive him. What an example!

Father, give me a heart for You. May I be receptive to Your words and Your ways. You alone are my hiding place. Amen.

In Need of Help

I alone am not able to carry all this people, because it is too burdensome for me. Numbers 11:14 (New American Standard Bible)

The burden and responsibility of leading the children of Israel through the wilderness had become too great for Moses to carry it alone. He was wise to admit this to himself and God. God’s response shows me that is never His intent! We are not placed on this planet to live in isolation from the assistance of others. God did not say to Moses, “I am all you need therefore keep coming to Me. Look to Me alone.” Instead He enacted a plan whereby 70 men, from among the elders of the people, would receive the same Spirit Moses had and they would bear the burden with him. He would not have to bear it alone.

This serves as confirmation to me of the very thing God has been teaching me. While there are some things I am able to do alone with God, there are many times I need someone to come along side me and help. At present, I am not in a leadership position but that does not mean there are no burdens to carry. Each of us have them. God is reminding me this morning that He is willing and able to intersect my world with helpers and encouragers.

Last year, I faced the most difficult challenge of my life and for months I felt I was on my own to wade through the issues. I thought that was the way it was suppose to be. Hence, I struggled and made very little progress in the area of healing and restoration. It wasn’t until I opened myself up to receive the help and counsel of others that internal changes began to take place. It necessitated me trusting individuals enough to tell them my story and allow them to help me. I had to see that they were willing to get down into the muck and mire of my emotional heap and would not walk away or think less of me as a result of my opening up. Even now as we talk about the victories and struggles of this process, they listen, pray, speak truth, and let me know they know God will do everything necessary to finish what He has started in me. They celebrate with me each time God helps me turn corners and take steps. I need them and I am no longer afraid to admit it! Not only do I need them but I appreciate them as gifts given to me by a loving heavenly Father.

For any who find themselves “going it alone” I would invite you to ask God for individuals to help you. He will handpick the right one(s) and you will be astounded at how well He can match you up. It may be someone you already know or it may be someone you have yet to meet. Either way, when your paths cross you will KNOW it!

Father, the Bible is filled with examples of people helping people and so is my life. Thank you for how You do that! Amen.

Seeing My Need to Ask

"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (New American Standard Bible)

Jesus’ words are encouraging me this morning like bookends for my spirit. Apart from Him I can do nothing and through Him I can do all things. In order to fully embrace those truths I must first realize my own internal bankruptcy. For unless I am absolutely convinced of my inability to do the very things I am told to do, I will live daily with an “I can do it myself” mentality that is futile at best.

I use to look at such things as loving one another, forgiving one another, preferring one another, encouraging one another, and so on, as things I was to somehow manage and muster up on my own. As long as I thought that was what God was expecting of me the pressure was on to perform. Yesterday became a wake up call to me that those things will not come naturally to me and will not be realized apart from Christ working in me. In order to see that, I had to be given a long, hard look at my own heart.

I came across a situation whereby irritation, selfishness, judging of another, and preferring myself over another all rose up within me and out of me. It was a moment of truth for me that was not pleasant to look at but led to a powerful revelation. I knew at that moment that I could change some actions but true heart change could only come through the Spirit of God and the Word of God. Asking for God to help me and do a work in me was what He had been wanting me to do all along.

Surely, God must have been delighted to finally hear me say, “I can’t do this without You! I cannot change my heart without You and I cannot live the Christian life without Your help!” Those words became the key to open the door to reliance and dependence upon the very One who said, “Come unto Me, seek Me, lean on Me, ask Me, trust Me, rest in Me, abide with Me, learn of Me, look to Me, and talk to Me.” I have been hearing His commands but missing His invitation all along. What He wants me to do is what He offers to help me do. Whether it has to do with my actions toward others, resisting temptation, breaking strongholds, purifying my mind, having right motives, or any number of things, I can do nothing apart from Him and all things through Him. Praise God! It is not about my personality, natural abilities, or temperament. It is about me seeing my need of Him and I do.

Father, I am shaking my head in amazement at the many times I have tried to live independent of You and thought I was doing the right thing. I joy in finally admitting I NEED You! Amen.

Taking Hold of His Feet

Suddenly, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings." The women came up to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Matthew 28:9 (New Century Version)

No other gospel book records this account. Women had been to the tomb of Jesus and heeding the words of an angel, were quickly heading to the disciples to let them know Jesus had risen from the dead. On the way, they are met by Jesus and their response has captured my attention. They take hold of His feet and worship Him. What they could do in a physical sense, I want to do metaphorically and it will necessitate several things.

Taking hold of Jesus’ feet takes place only as I humble myself and bow before Him. It entails closeness with nothing between Him and myself. To take hold requires empty hands whereby I am not holding on to other things including negative attitudes. It must be a priority. It is a place of submission, intimacy, openness, and reverence. Ultimately, it leads to worship, adoration, and praise.

I am broken this morning by the realization that it does not take much for me to release my hold on His feet and distance myself by my words, thoughts, actions, or motives. There are times my hands become soiled from sinful choices I have made, bruised with wounds I bring upon myself, tainted by the idols they have grasped, closed to the opportunities to reach out to others, and weakened by the continual harboring of trinkets and treasures. Yet, when I come to the place of reaching out to take hold of His feet once again, He does not recoil, back away, or despise. My confession and repentance is ALWAYS met with forgiveness and reconciliation. He will forever display the heart of the prodigal son’s father.

When I recently found myself at odds over some petty things, I asked the Lord how to make things right again. This morning He is letting me know the first step is to reach out and take hold of His feet. As I do that, worship will follow as well as further steps of obedience. His availability to me and acceptance of me have once again wooed me to Himself. At His feet I am not sensing shame, condemnation, or harshness. I am sensing His heart.

Father, You have shown me much about Yourself and myself this morning. Thank you for doing so in such a gentle yet profound way. Amen.

Infinitely More

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Ephesians 3:20 (New King James Version)

I had to reread this verses several times before I could begin to take in the promise being made. Exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think! I have to ask myself if I am ready to walk in confidence for the very thing I am asking God. I am not asking for material wealth, miraculous physical healing, or even impossible doors to open. I am asking for freedom from the very thing that keeps surfacing in my life and showing itself present. It is like a scattered forest fire whereby I see one flame extinguished or at least brought under control, only to have another one appear in the distance. It is that “besetting sin” or weakness that continues to trip me up, hinder me, and wrap me in discouragement and despair! Therefore, today’s verse is meant to be my signpost along the way that cries out, “Do not give up! Hold on! When it is all said and done, God will do immeasurably more than you are asking!” I like how it is stated in The Message, “Far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams.”

Who is making such a promise to me and to you? God! The One who created the world, divided the Red Sea, brought water out a rock (twice), raised the dead, brought sight to the blind, fed thousands of people with a little boy’s lunch (twice), forgave my sin, made me a new creation in Christ, and came back to life after dieing for all of humanity. That God! My difficulty is in His hands. It is His personal project!

Not only is He the One working on my behalf but His power is what is working in me! While my cooperation with Him is necessary, His strength and power are what will bring about the ultimate transformation I need., crave, and desire. Although this is a huge request in my mind, requests are not categorized in God’s mind as being difficult or easy. God does not operate on the same scale as I often do. He does not strain at anything He does. Dividing the Red Sea took no more energy for Him than any other miracle recorded in Scripture. In other words, God and His power are bigger than any need or request I bring to Him.

For any who battle an area in their life that seems impossible and insurmountable, I invite you to join me as I cling to this verse and the One who gave it to us. He knows the apprehensions and weariness of our minds and souls. He knows the toll the battle is taking on us. May we each admit our own need of Him and then poise ourselves for His mighty intervention on our behalf!

Father, I stand before You today with my need in hand. You see the doubts I wrestle with and yet they shrink when placed next to this verse. Amen.

Receiving What is Given

Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him. 2 Kings 12:2 (New King James Version)

I love this verse! It not only shows God’s redeeming work but also reveals valuable tools for living a godly life. Jehoash came from a line of kings who knew nothing of right living in the sight of ANY one. They lived and reigned in evil ways. Even his grandmother had her own grandchildren killed so that she could reign as queen. But Jehoash was hidden in the house of God from infancy until the age of seven. When he became king, he displayed the wisdom of having a tender and teachable spirit. As a result, the instruction he was given by the priest, Jehoiada, was received and applied to his life.

Jehoash, whose name meant “given by the Lord” was instructed and mentored by Jehoiada, whose name meant, “Jehovah knows.” Truly God had given Jehoash much! His life, his kingship, his instructor, and his heart to do right in the sight of the Lord. What Jehoiada taught him came from the One who knows all. What a combination! Jehoiada was used of God to guide this young king just as an archer would shoot an arrow straight at a target. What he said did not fall on deaf ears, but rather poured into one who was completely receptive. Jehoiada invested much into the life of Jehoash and the result was a godly king.

I want to be like Jehoash….receptive to the direction, teaching, and instruction of the Jehoiadas God brings into my life. He has done it many times and is still doing it. I appreciate each person who has lovingly invested their life into mine. It doesn’t take me long to see when God has crossed my path with one who is sent by Him and I marvel at what comes of the relationship. May I be willing to be a Jehoiada to others as well. What I have been taught by others is meant to be poured into the lives of those God sends to me as learners.

At the same time, I am realizing that my ultimate instructor and mentor is Jesus. Listening to and following His instructions will not only send me in the right direction but it will mold me into the person God created me to be. I want my attention to be on Him and my ears to be open to Him in ways that far surpass how I interact with the best of human instructors. This One who gave His life for me also intercedes for me and has His hands on every aspect of my life. May it be said of me that I did right in the sight of the LORD all my days in which Jesus my High Priest instructed me.

Father, Your instruction comes to me in many different ways and through many different individuals. Keep me tender and teachable to You. Amen.

The Crowd

Therefore the soldiers did these things. But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. John 19:25 (New American Standard Bible)

The crowd that witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was quite diverse. There were the soldiers who had violently abused Him and proceeded to drive the nails in His hands and feet. There were the scorners who mocked Him as He hung on the cross. There were the religious leaders who fought against Him during His three year ministry and had Him crucified because of their jealousy and false accusations. There were the onlookers who hailed Him as King one week and then cried out, “Crucify Him” the following week. There were His followers, disciples, and mother. Some spewed out words of hate while others wept tears of sorrow. Some despised Him while others clung to Him. I wonder where I would have stood in that crowd on that day.

I see a lot of differences that are simply the backdrop to incredible similarities. Jesus died on the cross for EVERY person who was there whether they were His enemy or devoted follower. He didn’t look at some with love and others with hatred. He died for them all and desired that all would come to know Him as Savior. Each was born in sin and possessed a sin nature and Jesus shed His blood for the sin that resulted. No one needed less of His blood shed for them. No one, not even His own mother, stood in their own righteousness before God, because no person is without sin except the One who hung on the cross in sinlessness. Each person, no matter their opinion or relationship to Jesus, was in need of a Savior. They were in need of a substitute. And that aspect has not changed to this day.

I have often heard it said that the ground is level at the foot of the cross and I believe that to be true. As we approach the Easter season which culminates with Resurrection Sunday, we either approach it as ones who have put our faith and trust in Christ alone for salvation or ones who need to. But just as He did on the cross, Jesus looks at each of us with love and a desire to be known. He extends the offer of salvation to ALL. And then He offers intimate relationship from that point on.

It took but a few moments for me to receive Him as my Savior but I will spend my life developing that intimate relationship. Last night found me spending two hours reading the book of John straight through and that experience brought many things to light that I felt I was seeing for the first time. May each day be filled with “I know Him a little better now” moments.

Father, the cross made it possible for me to even call You Father. Thank you for helping me to see the truth about salvation and life! Amen.

The Meaning and Result of Following

And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." Mark 1:17 (New American Standard Bible)

I have often missed key phrases within a verse and in doing so I have missed precious promises given by God. Within today’s verse is one command and one promise. Jesus told two brothers to follow Him. That was the command. Then He gave the promise, “I will make you become fishers of men.” If I miss the fact that Jesus is the one making them what He is calling them to do and be, then I will in turn miss the fact that He is making me what He is calling me to do and be as I follow Him. It is the epitome of Isaiah’s words that He is the Potter and I am the clay.

Following involves obedience and trust. It always sandwiches me between God’s command and His promise. It is not a matter of figuring things out for myself, determining my “game plan”, and then mustering up the strength and ability to carry it out. It is a matter of learning to listen to God’s voice throughout my day and doing what He tells me to do. Following Him is not a one time event but rather a moment by moment yielding. And what does that look like?

When someone offends me, my “following” is forgiveness. When I am going about my day at work, my “following” is doing my job faithfully and to the best of my ability. When an opportunity for witnessing opens up, my “following” is to share what I know to be true about God. When things do not go my way, my “following” is acceptance and submission to my Father’s will. When I am aware of sin in my life, my “following” is confession and repentance. No matter what the situation is, God’s Word and God’s Spirit in me will always let me know what the “following” is to be. And it is His grace, not my self effort, that will help me to follow.

As I walk in obedience, He is the one making me whatever He chooses to make me. I don’t have to worry that time will run out before He is finished. I don’t have to help Him out. I just simply need to follow. He created me and called me with a full picture of my life in view. He will use many tools, people, and situations to make me His masterpiece. Today is just one of many days whereby I do the following and He does the making.

Father, I trust You to finish the work You have started in me. Give me the wisdom, discernment, and desire to hear You clearly and follow You whole heartedly. Amen.

Believing What God Says

And such were some of you: but you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. I Corinthians 6:11 (21st Century King James Version)

As a believer in Christ, I am sanctified by God. That means I am set apart and pronounced clean! For one who use to walk in shame, regret, and unworthiness that is a thought I treasure. No matter what I might think of myself and no matter what others may think of me, I can rest in the words my Father has spoken over my life. If He says it, it is true! Describing myself with the language of Scripture is imperative.

Too often, even as believers, we have a tendency to look at our actions, sins, mistakes, failures, and shortcomings as ways to define ourselves (and others). We wear labels of disgust when all the while God is wanting us to hear and believe the truth He is pronouncing. God says I am a new creature in Christ. Do I believe it? God says I am precious in His sight. Do I accept that statement? God says I am the apple of His eye. Do I own those words for myself? God says I am forgiven. Do I rejoice in that truth? God says I am chosen by Him. Do I revel in that?

Part of walking by faith is taking the things God says about me and accepting them above my own feelings and thoughts about myself. God wants me to think of myself as He thinks of me. He wants me to see myself as He sees me. For years I could only accept the fact that God knew every disgusting detail of my life….I was an open book to Him. He was fully aware of each sin and shortcoming. That was predominant in my thinking so I felt it was predominant in His thinking. The enemy of my soul found pleasure in my self loathing and self condemnation. As long as I was convinced God was as repulsed with me as I was with myself, I was unable to live in the freedom and knowledge of the truth.

That began to change the day I realized what God’s unconditional love meant. It was that truth that allowed me the freedom to see the positive verses in Scripture as being something I could accept for myself. That feeling of “God merely tolerates me” had to be replaced with “God cherishes me.” It is His words and His voice that are changing me!

Father, I hunger to hear Your words spoken over my life. Today, I open my hands, ears, and heart to everything You say about me. Thank you for each truth You help me to digest. Amen.

Knowing How to Pray

Then he stretched himself upon the child three times, and called to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, I pray You, let this child's life return to him." The LORD heard the voice of Elijah, and the life of the child returned to him and he revived. 1 Kings 17:21-23 (New American Standard Bible)

I am struck by Elijah’s prayer of fourteen words, because of its simplicity and brevity. It wasn’t complicated and full of “formulas”. It was direct and to the point. Elijah was given a lifeless body and saw one need to bring before God….a resurrection. It is the first of two such scenarios found in Scripture and both times God does exactly what is asked of Him.

I have read books on prayer, been to seminars regarding prayer, talked with prayer warriors, listened to profound prayers, and desired a more effective prayer life. But when it was all said and done, I will admit to becoming intimidated by prayer. Why? Because it now seems so complicated and complex. There is a prayer language out there that I am not fully educated in as of yet. I don’t know all the “rules” of binding and loosing. I don’t know every tactic of the enemy to come against. All of a sudden, coming unto Him as a little child seems to require an indepth study that is equivalent to a college education.

So this morning I am asking myself and God some questions. How has something that was so simple in Bible times become so complicated and intimidating today? Why is it I can’t just talk to God, tell Him what I need or what I want Him to do, and see Him do it? Because quite frankly, the more complicated prayer becomes the less I tend to do it. What should be a joy and delight becomes over whelming leaving me with the feeling that my prayers are not good enough for God’s ears or worth His time or mine.

I am asking myself, what would happen if I just decided to do what I see patterned in Scripture time and time again? Just ask! Just talk! Just pray! If my walk with God is suppose to be authentic then can’t I talk to God using my own voice, my own words, and my own requests? His prophets did it that way. Jesus did it that way. Countless men and women of faith have done it that way. Prayer is not meant to be an exclusive club whereby only the knowledgeable are welcome. It is meant to be a time of interaction between God and His children. It is meant to be intimate and personal. It is meant to be full of childlike trust and simplicity. May someday I will have the more grown up version of prayer down pat, but for now I need a fresh start with my Father.

Father, You know the questions that abound in my mind this morning. Teach me how to pray! Amen.

Oh, To Be Like Him

And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. "They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again." Mark 10:32-34 (New American Standard Bible)

Jesus is telling His disciples in very explicit terms what is going to transpire in His life. He leaves no details out. Betrayal, the condemnation of a death sentence, mocking, being spit on, scourging, death, and a subsequent resurrection. If I were telling someone such future difficulties I would want them to enter into my suffering with me. I would want some sympathy and a sense that they would stand by me through it all. But Jesus received none of that and quite frankly He was not looking for it. He knew the hearts of His followers, His enemies, and the whole of mankind. His sharing of His impending death and resurrection was for their sake not His. I marvel that He did not need the very things I so often crave.

My mind is being drawn to the many ways Jesus acted and reacted differently than I do. When He performed miracles He didn’t poise Himself waiting for applause and recognition. When He went against popular opinion, He didn’t fret over the loss of acceptance. When He became the recipient of people’s criticism, rejection, unbelief, and scorn, He didn’t let it bring Him down emotionally. He didn’t begrudge the fact that many followed Him merely for what He could do for them. And why?

Because every bit of His identity, direction, ministry, and life came from Who He was and Who His Father was. Although He experienced grief, heartache, disappointment, pain, and sorrow, He let none of those things change that which He stood for, on and in. He was the epitome of being in this world but not of it.

He invites each of us to learn to do the same. He calls us to identify with Him, depend upon Him, seek Him, follow Him, and place our expectations upon Him. That which I think I need and those who I think I cannot live without must give way to Him. Only then can I begin to see hints of His reflection in and through me. May He increase my ability and desire to receive all that He is offering me.

Father, loosen the grip I have on the world and the world has on me. May I dare to open my hands and my heart to You. Amen.

Admitting the Truth

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Psalm 51:6 (King James Version)

Do you want to know one of the things God wishes for, longs for, craves, and yearns after? It is acknowledgement of the very things we try desperately to hide or bury. David’s backdrop for this verse was the confession of sin. 2 Samuel 11 details the great extent to which David went in order to cover up his sin with Bathsheba. But in the end, the truth was acknowledged because that is a prerequisite for relationship with God.

This morning God is not only bringing that point to mind, but He is also letting me know acknowledgement of truth is a prerequisite for many things. Healing comes when I admit to being sick. Filling comes when I admit to being empty. Freedom comes when I admit to having idols. Restoration comes when I admit my brokenness. Comfort comes when I admit to sorrow. Supply comes when I admit my need. Wisdom comes when I admit I do not know what to do. Friendship comes when I admit my loneliness. Strength comes when I admit my weakness. And the admitting is done to God!

For some reason it has taken me decades to learn growth in my Christian life is a daily process and acknowledging the truth about myself and God is a big part of that process. I use to think weaknesses on my part were a disappointment to God. I imagined Him looking over my life, sighing, and urging me to do better. When all the while He was wanting me to have honest, open communication with Him. He has been waiting for me to tell Him about my struggles, my pain, my wanderings, my thoughts, my feelings, and my searching. It is not unwanted news to Him and it comes as no surprise to Him.

He knows that acknowledging truth to Him forces me to admit it to myself. Also, acknowledging truth to Him acknowledges Him as my Source. Every day becomes an opportunity to see and say how much I need Him. There is no restoration, redemption, reform, or renewal without Him. For those of us who expect perfection from ourselves and cringe at the thought of failure, this is a process we must take one step at a time and look to God for the grace to do so. Getting out in the light what has stayed in the dark for so long is the beginning of change. When I am tempted to view my Christian life as always taking one step forward and two steps backwards, God is not seeing it that way. He wants me to know that honesty with Him is NEVER a step backwards. Seeing that for myself is what He wants for me. May I align myself with His view.

Father, I can finally look at You when I speak the truth. With You there is no need to hide, live with shame, or back away. May I freely admit what You already know about me. Amen.

Live What You Learn

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. 2 Timothy 3:14 (New King James Version)

I learned something about sources earlier this week. We had an on going battle in our home against large, black ants in our kitchen. They seemed to be coming from the refrigerator area but we couldn’t find their point of entry. The mystery was solved when I happened to look at the top of our refrigerator and discovered several open packages of honey! There, like a multitude of cattle around a watering hole, were at least thirty ants with a dozen more making their way up and down the side of the refrigerator. I promptly removed the source of enjoyment for them, along with their lifeless bodies, and the problem was solved. Until I removed the source, it would have done no good to just kill the ants.

God used this experience to enlighten me on a principle that I needed to apply to my life. All areas of struggle have a source. Until I discover the source and deal with it, I will not see victory in those areas of struggle. “Stomping” on the symptoms will not be good enough.

This was a timely lesson for me because within the day I was to see my own source that needed to be admitted and removed. For me, it was a lie I had come to believe. The result was that I walked in condemnation of myself and another person, felt an internal weight that would not go away, lacked real joy on most days, harbored negative emotions, and could not seem to move forward on my journey. People who knew me saw the struggle as well as the result of self-deception. They urged me to walk in the truth and prayed that God would help me to do that. But my biggest hurdle was that I could not see that the lie I was believing was a lie so it stayed secure in my mind. It was only recently that I was finally convinced of the truth and was able to call out the lie! With the removal of the “source” of my struggle came a removal of the daily symptoms.

And this morning God is inviting me to continue living out the lesson He has taught me! It was not a one time event in His eyes. Continuing will mean whenever there is a struggle I am to seek the source and get rid of it! I am convinced it will work every time if I will just do it! It is my responsibility and joy to live what I have learned.

Father, I stand in awe of the way You work. Amen.

When the Statements are Difficult

Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, "This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?" John 6:60 (New American Standard Bible)

Have you ever felt like some of Jesus’ disciples when they could not grasp what was being told to them? His “difficult statements” were often hard for them to take in and digest. Resistance was strong even among his own followers. A phone conversation two evenings ago caused me to feel like them. What was being said was true and meant for my ears, but the statements were difficult to receive. God was using a dear friend to help me confront some lies I had been believing and that were hindering me from walking in truth and hence in freedom. It gave me much to think about the following day and for most of the day I was not doing well at releasing the lies and embracing the truth. Many of you will understand when I tell you my day was not marked with peace, joy, or contentment. By late afternoon I was exhausted and ended up taking a four hour nap. Oh the joy of physical rest that can lead to spiritual renewal!

What seemed so hard to understand just a day ago has begun to make a lot of sense now. What once kept me in turmoil has subsided. My perspective has changed and with that change has come the ability to see truth and stand on it! If I want a God-filled life and I want freedom it is going to come from living out of my spirit not my flesh. When I view relationships, situations, and circumstances simply through my flesh I am missing most of the picture. Whereas when I view those things through my spirit, which lives connected to God, I can begin to see what God wants me to see. Seeing others in a bad light, harboring suspicions, and living with a sense of condemnation are all signs that I am looking at things from my flesh. God’s Spirit, who lives in me, wants to change all that. He wants me to receive and digest information via my spirit because that is the part of me that is awakened to God’s voice and influence. My flesh will never get it right and my spirit will never get it wrong.

Jesus told the Samaritan woman that God is a spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. May those words define the way I live my Christian life! I have not seen the end of difficult statements. But hopefully from now on they will be heard with spirit ears instead of fleshly ears. Hopefully my ability to understand what is being said will be more acute.

Father, help me to live out of my spirit rather than my flesh. As I do so, the transformation will be evident and profound. Amen.

When Scripture Lives

You have removed my acquaintances far from me; You have made me an object of loathing to them; I am shut up and cannot go out. Psalm 88:8 (New American Standard Bible)

Well known author and speaker, Beth Moore, has said, “God’s Word is alive and active in me.” I see the truth of her statement every time Scripture pin-points an area in my life and reads like a “tell all” book of my heart. I stand amazed that not only does God know me thoroughly but exposes much about myself in His Word. But He doesn’t stop there, He guides me in steps of application.

Like many of you, I have lived today’s verse. The removal of acquaintances, the feeling of being an object of loathing to them, and the sense of being shut up and unable to escape. Such prisons of the heart and mind are very confining but not impossible to leave. For me it is a matter of changing my thoughts and that on which I choose to dwell. Each time I experience imprisoned moments they are more and more uncomfortable and my desire to be free is greater. My most recent “incarceration” ended when I realized I don’t have to keep thinking through the same issues or continue asking myself the same unanswerable questions. The sky is the limit when it comes to what I can meditate on through out the day. Negative, destructive thoughts close the prison door, but truthful, right thoughts are my keys to freedom. It is not just a matter of positive thinking. It is a matter of obedience that produces freedom.

I find it interesting that as soon as I come out of my “cell” God is ready with some precious truths that speak powerfully to me. One such truth came while reading COME AWAY MY BELOVED by Francis J. Roberts. She writes entries that sound like God is speaking in the first person. It gave me one of those clear pictures I needed in order to replace the distorted images in my mind. It will be a thought I embrace and recall throughout today. She wrote, “I have deliberately put thorns in your nest in order to drive you forth. I understand your reluctance, but I shall surely deal with you until you break out of your bondage.” I take comfort in seeing God’s ultimate goal for me.

Father, I have felt the thorns. Forgive my reluctance to move and keep dealing with me until my bondage is broken. Amen.

Asking For and Receiving Help

He said, "If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the sons of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come to help you. 2 Samuel 10:11 (New American Standard Bible)

A war had been declared against Israel based solely on false accusation and suspicion. When David sought to extend comfort to the king of the Ammonites after the death of his father, his actions came into question and the new king hired 20,000 Aramean foot soldiers to join him in battle against Israel. His plan ended in defeat but today’s verse has captured my attention, because it shed’s light on an aspect of the body of Christ that I have often struggled to grasp.

Just as I spent decades with skewed thinking in regards to God and what He is really like, I have spent recent years with skewed thinking in regards to living out the Christian life….particularly when it comes to seeking advice and help from other Christians versus complete reliance on God alone. In my mind it often became an “either or” scenario. Victory meant God alone and if I dared to confide in a fellow believer it meant I was failing. At the same time, I knew the verses that spoke of encouraging one another and praying for one another. A conversation with a friend last night and an email from another friend later in the evening both assured me that this aspect of the body of Christ was meant to be embraced by me. Not feared! Not denied! Not kept at arm’s length!

God in His graciousness has once again used His Word to give me the “permission” and freedom I am needing. When I read the words “too strong” and “help me” I knew they were meant for me. My personal internal battles are not meant to be fought independent of the believers God places in my life. Ultimately HE is the One who will set me free in areas of bondage and strongholds but He has also strategically placed “foot soldiers” across my path to be His hands, mouth piece, and heart to me. I dare not continue to say, “Thank you but no thank you” to the One who is so readily offering me His help through people. Their help, encouragement, and counsel is available if I will but reach out and accept it. May God help each of us to ask for and offer help when the things we “fight” are too strong for us. God does not call any of us to be totally isolated soldiers in His Kingdom work!

Father, I once again open myself up to receive what You are graciously providing to me through Your children. May my walls of resistance and fear fall as I ask for and receive their help. Amen.

Receptive to Teaching

And He will teach us His ways, and we will walk in His paths. Micah 4:2 (King James Version)

In order for someone to teach me something I must be receptive and desirous to learn. I have been a student in many classrooms where that was not the case. The reason? The subject matter was not put on a level that I could understand, my mind was on other things, I was physically exhausted, the information given was not important to me at the time, my interest was not peaked, too many distractions, etc...

But I found that if I really liked the teacher I was drawn to the lesson being taught. My thoughts of and relationship to the teacher were the catalyst for my actual learning. What they were saying became important to me.

Likewise I have sat under many speakers. If I failed to connect with them I became bored and distracted. I am sure that what they had to say was useful but I was unreceptive. On the other hand, if I connected with them, I hung on every word, drank in their wisdom, and desired to apply the truth of their message to my life.

My Father desires to teach me His ways so that I am able to walk in His paths. Does He have my attention? Am I hungry to learn all I can from Him? Do I see the importance of what He is teaching me? Is my focus on him?

I am assured that He'll put the lessons on a level I can grasp. He allocates time for me to digest what he is saying. Sometimes it is one on one instruction through His Word and prayer. Other times He uses individuals, songs, books, or situations. I use to think if the lesson came through a chosen source of His, I wasn't really receiving it from Him. I equated spiritual maturity as being attained when God was my ONLY source for instruction. But the Bible speaks of the wisdom found in many counselors. So whether I learn something new about God or the Christian life through God's sources or through God Himself, I can now see that it is still from Him.

Father, may you be my ultimate Teacher! May I always be attentive, receptive, and eager to learn from You…..no matter the route through which You choose to teach me. Amen.

They Went Because They Heard

Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test Solomon with difficult questions. 2 Chronicles 9:1 (New American Standard Bible)

As many times as I have read the account of the queen of Sheba’s visit to see King Solomon, I missed what led her to that visit. It was because of what she had heard from her own people. Their words and enthusiasm got her attention. Much like how the Samaritan woman’s words to the people of Samaria drew them to see Jesus for themselves. In both cases, it was the talk of others that awoke in both the queen and the Samaritans an urge to become their own eye witnesses.

This has prompted me to ask myself whether or not I talk enough about who God is and what He means to me to get people’s attention in a way that will cause them to want to know Him for themselves. That is the heart of witnessing! But that was not always my thought. I still recall my own ideas about witnessing and why it was so difficult. There were actually a couple of problems.

When I thought of talking to someone about the Lord I envisioned myself grabbing them by the scruff of the neck and cramming Bible verses down their throat! Conversations had to be maneuvered just right and it fell to ME to be the one to convince them to turn to God. Needless to say, it wasn’t something I looked forward to doing or even did very often. It took a long time for me to realize I had it all wrong!

It is not a matter of “cramming” and “convincing”. It is simply a matter of sharing what I know when I know the opportunity is in front of me. No “working” the conversation. God is the One who prepares hearts and God is the One who causes those hearts to search for Him. As I share what I know, God is the One who takes my words and plants them as seeds in the heart of those I talk to. He knows what they are looking for and will give me the words to say in the form of thoughts. It may be in answering a question or adding to a conversation. I have learned to leave the time and the response to Him.

Each time I have been a part of a God-ordained witnessing moment I have walked away in amazement. I marveled at the ease and at what He led me to say. In most cases, I don’t know the end result of the conversation. Eternity will reveal that! But just as in my own salvation experience, many words were spoken before I understood and came to Jesus. I, like you, are always a part of a bigger picture of others coming to know Him.

Father, use me to draw others to Yourself. Let me be a mouthpiece for You! Amen.

Exposing the Lies

Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Luke 12:1

Hypocrisy is pretending. How good the Pharisees had become at pretending what was seen on the outside was realistic of what was present on the inside. Jesus knew better. He not only confronted them but warned others against taking on the same heart attitudes. I have to ask myself this morning what the pay off was for them to play the pretend game. Not only with others, but with themselves and even God. If something is not real what good would the pretending do?

People fall into this trap all the time. Some will pretend to be better off financially than they are. Some will pretend to be happier than they are. Some will pretend to be more confident than they are. Some will pretend to be more problem free than they are. Some will pretend to be friendlier than they are. For some reason, believing and purporting the lies they are living gives them a sense of security and accomplishment. But God knows real freedom does not come until the lies are exposed and honesty becomes that person’s lifestyle.

Hypocrisy blocks a lot of things. It blocks others from really getting to know you. It blocks God from being able to transform you. It blocks you from being able to be the person God intended for you to be. The Christian life must not be lived out of grit, determination, behavior modification, pretend, or outward appearances. It is a relationship of the heart with God. He wants to go deeper than the surface with us. He wants to help us see what is really going on inside our being. When all the facade is set aside and we are left with the truth of our own condition, that is when God can begin to change us from the inside.

It has helped me to realize one very important aspect of God’s working. When He targets a specific area in my life it is not to condemn or shame me. He is simply revealing what it is He wants to change in me. I have learned to grow comfortable during His process of examination. I have had my fill of living with my own hypocrisy. I take Jesus’ warning to heart and once again come to God with honesty and a desire for His touch on my life.

Father, make me comfortable enough with You to be honest. You know the truth already. Let me see what You see when You look past the outward appearance. Amen.

Pendulum Living

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17 (New American Standard Bible)

A conversation with a friend last night brought a mentality to the surface. I call it the “pendulum” mentality. The enemy of our soul is good at attempting to get us to swing from one extreme to another. I never bought into his lie that I had to earn my way to Heaven but once I accepted Christ I lived with the idea that I could somehow earn God’s love and favor if I just worked hard enough. My Christian life was revolutionized the day I realized God’s love is NOT dependent on what I do. Since that time, God has continued to show me areas in my life that are affected by a pendulum mentality.

It usually comes about when I have seen victory in an area and because I don’t want to re-enter a place of bondage I go to the other extreme. Like the person who conquers over eating only to begin starving herself, I have seen myself struggle to have a healthy balance between extremes. Emotional dependency can be replaced with the thought that I will live independent of others. This means not asking questions, not seeking advice, not letting any needs known, not fully enjoying the people God has placed in my life, and not receiving their gift of friendship or giving them mine. It is a desert island experience God is not calling me to but the enemy is inviting me to.

God is gradually slowing down the swing of the pendulum and He is using many factors to do it. For one He is using His Word and letting me see how often He crossed the paths of people with significant individuals. Sometimes the relationship lasted a life time and sometimes it was for a specific season. He is also giving me “safe” people with whom to interact. They are encouraging, truth tellers to me without condemning and judging me. They know how to lovingly redirect my thinking if I begin heading in the wrong direction. They see the work God is doing in my life and cheer me on as growth is evident. These things run both ways as they allow me to encourage them.

So how do I keep these precious relationships from becoming unhealthy attachments? I keep in mind that God is my primary Source for all things. I make sure I connect with Him on a daily basis and live out of that connection. I learn to give and receive the gift of friendship in the context of what God meant it to be. I am free to embrace God’s gifts to me but am not free to idolize them. God must be the central focus of my life. The healthier my relationship is with God, the more balanced my relationship will be with people. As I live out of this truth, the “high wire” under my feet becomes wider and wider. For any who seek to find a balance in certain areas of their life, I invite you to ask God to show you that balance and watch as He moves Heaven and Earth of do so. He longs to show each of us life is not meant to be an “all or nothing” experience!

Father, none of this has surprised You. You know the balance You have called me to and will eventually help me to fully live in it. Amen.