Growing & Learning Together

End of the Law

2012-02-10T09:11:00.001-05:00

Our look at Jesus comes from Romans 10:4 today…

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
(Romans 10:4)

This verse has some amazing depth to it that we will only glimpse as we take this morning jaunt. Let’s begin at the beginning; have you read the Books of the Law lately? The books of Moses (Genesis through Exodus) paint a picture we desperately need of the righteousness of God. We live in a culture of flippancy and irreverence for all things…God included. A recent church sign listed a ‘Worship Lite’ service. While I am certain they did not mean they take God lightly, it is a stark contrast to the way God revealed Himself to the nation of

Israel

. Though we are no longer under law, it still teaches us, and God has not changed. The Books of the Law portray the holiness of God in awe-inspiring detail and clearly show a God who is not to be taken lightly. Great care was needed in approaching God and the consequences of irreverent worship or disregard for God’s ways were deadly. Approaching God is serious business, which leads us to our first glimpse of the privilege Romans 10:4 provides.

Jesus is the end of the law so believers can receive the very righteousness of God. The end of the law does not mean that God is less holy; it means Jesus is the fulfillment of the law. In Jesus, the goal of the law was reached: access to God. It was God’s purpose from the first word spoke in Creation to have people to fellowship with and to love. His righteousness could not be compromised in reaching that desire, but He provided all that was needed to bring His plans to completion. Jesus provides us with the righteousness needed to come to the Father. No longer are there rules and regulations for seeking God other than coming through Jesus. What privilege we have in Jesus; are you enjoying that privilege with all your heart?

In Second Corinthians, Paul tells us that Jesus became sin, so we could become the righteousness of God by hiding our lives in Jesus. What a trade that is: the best we can offer to God is nothing but filthy rags but Jesus makes the way for us with a yoke that is easy and the burden light! May our hearts rejoice this week that the law is fulfilled and the way provided for us to enter into fellowship with a holy God. Jesus came that we might have abundant life. Don't waste a minute of your life living outside of Jesus...of seeking fulfillment anywhere but in Him! Jesus paid it all...run to the Father and enjoy His glory and His love.

Dwelling Place

2012-02-07T08:41:00.000-05:00

Hey, friends. A bit delayed on this...the choice of 'names' will surprise none of you who know of our recent move. May it bless you as He, the eternal dwelling place blesses us!

Moses declared God to be the eternal dwelling place. The Lord, our home; is not that a sweet thought to camp upon? In this busy world, many families do not have the full blessings of ‘home’ – it has become a place to stop by rather than the center of life. Homes are to be much more than a base of operation or a place to sleep. A home is a place of nurturing and growth. A home is to be a place of retreat and rest from the harshness of the world. A home is to be a place of warmth and security. A home is to be a place that is open to others -- a place that blesses all who enter in. Our earthly homes are not always all of those things. The dwelling place of God never fails to deliver all that and more! Let us enter in that others may as well!

Scripture has much to say about the dwelling place of the Lord. The Ark of the Testimony portrays the dwelling place of God as between the Cherubims. Praise and worship for the glory of God accompanies these particular angels every time we encounter them in the Word. Indeed, we enter the presence of God as we recognize His awesomeness! Isaiah reveals to us that God dwells in the high and holy—and in the contrite and humble. Two vastly distant extremes unite in God. Truly, our minds cannot contain the breadth of His truths.

John recorded much of Jesus’ teachings on dwelling in the Father. Our uniting with God—receiving Jesus as our very life—allows us entry to dwelling in God. In fact, Jesus declared Himself as the Door. Heartbreakingly, many of Christ’s own disciples stumbled at this truth and turned away from Him at this point. The humble and contrite heart accepts its limitations and needs—as well as the fulfillment of those needs, Jesus Christ. Jesus’ prayer for us as believers in John 17 offers another glimpse of the splendor of dwelling in God:

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. John 17:21

Dwelling in God allows us to be part of His glorious eternal purpose: that the world may believe in Christ. The love of God flows forth from those in union with Him and more souls enter into the joy of dwelling in Him. May our joy in abiding in God radiate in our lives; may increasing numbers desire to enter in with us!

Captain

2012-01-29T07:09:00.000-05:00

Today, our journey through names of our Triune God provides us a glimpse from the angelic perspective. Found in both the Old and New Testaments, Christ’s title of Captain opens new vistas for the believer!

We first encounter the name with Joshua. As he prepared for the battle of Jericho, Joshua encountered the pre-incarnate Christ:

And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? And the captain of the LORD's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. Joshua 5:14-15

Earthly battles can cause us to wonder if God is for us or against us. The Captain’s message to Joshua is important for us to hear: our battles are actually the holy ground of eternal purposes. Scripture continually reiterates that God is for us—there is no doubt of that. Recognizing that Jesus is the Captain of the Angel Armies will not only bolster our courage for life’s battles, it places those battles back in their proper realm. God’s purposes are the focus of the Captain. Lining up under the authority of the Captain assures victory!

As we consider Christ’s role as Captain of the Angel Armies, our hearts will sing with the angels as we ‘look’ at the birth of Christ. The incomprehensible truth of the leader of angels accepting the vulnerability and limitations of a helpless human infant awes my mind! No wonder the angels ‘long to look into’ this matter of salvation—their holy, all-powerful leader submitting Himself to save fallen humanity is breathtaking, is it not?

With the New Testament context of the title of Captain, the picture of Christ as grows even richer:

For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:10

The Captain of the Angel Armies is Captain of our Salvation! The all-powerful leader of the angels, the Creator and Sustainer of all, submitted to sufferings that He would fulfill the purposes of God: bringing fallen humanity to glory. The reality of the Captain’s humble submission to suffering to bring salvation to me reveals the love of God in a special way. As Captain, Jesus commands the powers of heaven to assure the victorious completion of the perfect will of God. May the Spirit of God illumine new facets of Christ’s beauty to each reader’s heart.

Bearer of Sins

2012-01-21T07:17:00.000-05:00

While not an official name, ‘Bearer of Sins’ is a title for Christ that is of critical importance to every Christian. Mulling over its significance blesses! It is the entry point to salvation, and it is the key to growing in the likeness of Christ.

Accountability for sin is a constant in Scripture. Throughout the Levitical laws, the phrase ‘he shall bear his iniquity’ peppers the text. Even the laws regarding the Priest’s handling of the sin offering bear witness to the crucial responsibilities associated with sin bearing. That accountability and responsibility never wanes. No Christian ever matures beyond a daily need for Christ to bear our sins--for everything not of faith is sin. No one can bear the weight of their own sin—or the sins of others. Everyone needs the help of the Bearer of Sins: Jesus Christ.

In the “ABCs” of salvation, admitting the sin nature is step one. For many long-time Christians, the reality of being a ‘sinner’ dims after the initial confession. It becomes an issue settled at the cross rather than a daily reality. As the years go by and external obedience becomes easier, the magnitude of our sins diminishes—in our own eyes only. We become complacent with our way of life and tragically fail to place sins we are accountable for upon the Bearer of Sins.

Those deeper, hidden sins of the heart do not weigh on our consciousness, as they should. The doubts and fears we allow to cloud our view of the Sovereign, Holy Father are sin. The resentments we allow to grow and separate us from others are sin. The prideful plans and assumption of individual rights we substitute for God’s plans are sins. Only the Holy Spirit can illumine the sins we protect in the deep recesses of our hearts. Those are the sins we need to hand over to the Bearer of Sins that the Spirit can bring life—to others and us!

Death is the result of sin bearing. Every sin we hold onto—instead of placing it upon Jesus--prevents true life from reigning in us. Seeing Christ as Bearer of Sins brings life to others and our selves.

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:28

As we contemplate the magnificence of Christ’s role as the Bearer of Sins, let us ask the Spirit to reveal those hidden sins. Then, let us we rejoice in handing them over to Him and watching as Life bursts forth!

Amen

2012-01-15T12:32:00.002-05:00

Our first stop on this Alphabet of Names journey may surprise you. Most of our prayers include the word. Both the Old and New Testament employs the word--over 75 times in fact! Jesus Himself chose the word as His own name. It is a word with richness, which encompasses the fullness of our triune God. Can you guess the first Name we will consider on this journey?

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Revelation 3:14

AMEN! Our typical use is to close our prayers with Amen. “Let it be” is what we are actually saying. When we use amen as agreement with God’s directives and will, ‘amen’ is a guarantee. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:20, all the promises of God in Him are ‘Yea and in Him, Amen!’ Jesus is the fulfillment of every revelation of God throughout scripture: righteous, holy, loving and perfect. He is the Amen, the ‘let it be’ that brought God to earth in human form!

Another emblematic use of amen in scripture is to signify the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God. Again, Jesus exemplifies faithfulness and trustworthiness for us. The unchanging faithfulness of God is a desperate need in the uncertainties of life. Only He is worthy of trust—all else disappoints. Jesus is rightly thought of as the ‘amen’ in this context as well. Jesus never leaves us alone; the Amen is our faithful companion!

Finally, Jesus often used ‘amen’ in His own teachings to introduce new revelations of God’s truths. Used as the name of Christ, Amen reminds us that He is the ultimate revelation of God’s identity. In the Lord’s prayer (John 17), Jesus says He has finished the work the Father gave Him to do: revealing the ‘name’ of God. He used the authority God gave Him to reveal the Father that we might have life: “For this is eternal life that they may know you…” The Amen is the revelation that brings abundant life!

When we consider Amen as a title, we see perfection to Christ’s name choice that delights. Truly, Jesus, the Amen, ‘lets the perfection of God be seen’ by all. Weaving the variety of uses of ‘amen’ together creates a beautiful composite of our Lord. May each of us take time this week to adore the Amen who reveals God and gives life!

Alphabet Journey

2012-01-07T08:04:00.000-05:00

Hi, friends. For the new year, the little paper I write for (and thus the articles you read each week) has agreed to a little journey through the Names of God. Hope you enjoy! Please feel free to send notes or make comments. Blessings!

I hope you have enjoyed the past weeks of looking into the character of Christ. My prayer is that our time spent contemplating Christ will fill us with enthusiasm for our transformation into His very image! With the arrival of a new year, I would like to alter our journey just a bit. Considering the array of names and titles for God in scripture enhances our understanding of the Father, Son and Spirit. Circumstances will take our deepened understanding and allow us to live out that knowledge to the glory of God. Those close encounters with God bring blessing to others and ourselves when we see God’s fingerprints!

The name above all names seems a fitting place to begin such a journey. Our text today gives us a glimpse of the glory of the name of Jesus:

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)

Imagine! One day we will see our incredible Savior fully in all His glory...and as the song says, What a Day of Rejoicing That Will Be!

Seeking to write a devotional on such an awesome title is daunting. In the Biblical times, names embodied the essence of one's character. In-depth study of individual names offers treasures of insight. Many of us are familiar with the ‘common’ names we use of Jesus...Yahweh saves; Christ, Messiah; Immanuel, God with Us. While we may consider some of the more well-known names, I hope to share some lesser-known titles that offer great blessing. Many books exist that list the names of Christ in scripture; savoring them individually offers a joyous time of praise. God is greater than our finite minds; it is a feast for our soul when we feed on thoughts of ‘who He is!’ We can never fully know the Lord--the book of Revelation reveals that Christ has a name written on Himself, which no one else knows.

Before we leave this glimpse of Jesus, we need to consider with awe the power of the name of Christ. Praying in His name, serving in His name--in the essence of Jesus--is victory! Jesus tells us in John 14:13 that whatever we ask in His name, He will do. Astonishing! Faith in the person of Christ gives sight, gives strength, gives healing...gives life: abundant life!

May the sweetness of His name fill your soul with joy today and throughout the New Year.

Generosity Revealed

2012-01-01T18:17:00.000-05:00

Praying your Christmas was, and the New Year will be, filled with great joy!

With Christmas joy in the air, sightings of generosity abound. The spirit of giving initiated by the Father’s love gift of Jesus flows through time—and even through hearts hardened to His touch.. Human generosity blesses for a time—divine generosity blesses for all time!

Human hearts moved by tragedies often give generously. Many years ago, my family received such generosity from our entire community; it blessed us immensely. A devastating house fire just a week before Christmas inspired total strangers to give to us through the local fire department. Their bountiful provision transformed our emotions from shock and loss to humble awe and gratitude for unearned kindness. Human generosity improves situations—divine generosity triumphs over all.

Unlike the Christmas blessings we received in our need, hands cannot touch or hold divine generosity extended in human love. Nevertheless, recipients feel it in powerful ways. The cost to the Giver is immense…just as God’s cost was in giving Himself. Yet the returns are greater than the initial expense. Divine generosity brings freedom to recipients and fulfillment to givers. It is a precious gift, which always serves to remind others of the Father’s generosity. Do you know what divine generosity is? It is ‘simply’ sacrificial love. It is love that blesses the recipient even as it pierces the giver.

Watch a parent struggling to love wisely their wayward child, and you will see sacrificial love. Look at a spouse sitting near the bedside of their dying partner, and you will see a heart pierced as it pours out love. Consider the grandparents bearing the weight of child rearing as their own health declines, and you will see divine generosity. Sacrificial loving—putting the interests of another above one’s own concerns—is life changing for givers, recipients and even observers! God does miracles as His children let His love flow through them and into another.

In a small way—if divine generosity can ever be called small (and it cannot)—we are receiving beautiful gifts of sacrificial love in our home this season. Our family is preparing to leave this area, where we have lived and loved all our lives. Many hearts are torn, including our own. Our greatest Christmas gifts this year are those who, through their pain, have sought to encourage us. The words of thankfulness for our opportunity from our frail and aging parents are gifts we treasure. The ‘I’m mad at you for moving but still love you,’ comments are a generosity we do not despise. Our children’s efforts of seeking to see potential opportunities for good in the midst of their losses are treasures of priceless value. The giving of each of our dear ones is a generosity we cannot earn. And in that spirit, they remind us of the generosity of God. For His gift—Jesus Christ, our Savior—is a generosity no one can earn. My Christmas prayer is that you, dear reader, will receive of God’s generosity and share it with others that they might feel His transforming power!

A Spirit of Generosity

2011-12-24T08:14:00.000-05:00

The characteristic of the generosity of Christ is an awesome thing to behold—Christ is the visible evidence of the generosity of God. Love and generosity walk hand in hand throughout the scriptures. God’s Word opens with the story of Creation—a world created for and entrusted to humanity. John 3:16, the foundation of our faith, tells us “God so loved…He gave.” Thankfully, God’s generosity flows unmerited--in Hosea we read, “I will heal their backsliding, and I will love them freely…” The generosity of God is His character: nothing we do makes God love us more or give us more. He always loves us perfectly and gives to us all we need. His call is constant and the scriptures close with an invitation for us to drink freely at the river of life. The generosity of God flows eternally and transforms our character when we receive it!

Abundance is a truth woven throughout scriptures! God does all things well and abundantly. Christ came that we might have abundant life. Jesus told His disciples, “Freely you have received, freely give.” So what have we received; what can we give? Exploring the treasures God has given requires all of scripture and the touch of the Spirit. Our souls rejoice excitedly with even a glimpse of His gifts! The obvious gift to begin with is the redemption of our souls. Though we all have chosen to go our own way, the love of God paid the price to restore us to Him! He has loved us wholly as we have trampled His gifts. Forgiveness, grace and mercy flavor the redemption concept. What treasures those are to share in a hurting world!

Simply considering the sweet impact upon our world through forgiveness, grace and mercy is a breath-taking thought. Imagine ill-timed words and actions covered by a love that forgives the hurt caused! Consider the blessing of giving "Grace:” the beautiful taste of God's Spirit: love, joy, peace, a willingness to suffer, kindness, gentleness and mercy offered to another! Do you know anyone who needs peace today—confidence in God’s love and power? Or perhaps someone who is drowning in the darkness of this world who needs you to sit in the mess with them giving a gentle touch of love? Giving mercy--seeing and meeting a need rather than condemning and punishing would bear precious seed. This world is abundant in need; what need can you meet today by sharing the blessings of Jesus you have received? Some miraculous things precede the command of Christ that we are to give freely: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils.” When we share Jesus—when we share what we have received—His Spirit is freed to work in and transform more lives…what a privilege to embrace.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Faith Revealed

2011-12-17T08:20:00.000-05:00

They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever.

Psalms 125:1

The exercise of faith is the common experience of every believer. Life simply does not unfold in orderly, manageable ways over long periods. Zany zigzag patterns weave through every life. Unexpected events lurch into every path. Life in a world broken by sin requires faith. Faith provides stability to life that helps others see the glory of God.

Scripture is a treasure chest of faith examples. Mary’s words after learning she—an unmarried woman—was to give birth to the Savior are not the words of fearful woman focused on the likely condemnation of many. ‘Behold the bond slave of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word.” Words of faith in the midst of potentially dangerous circumstances reveal a heart held fast by faith.

Job’s heart-wrenching commitment, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him,” unveil a man whose security was outside the natural realm. His confident faith remains a beacon for any under assault.

Christ’s words to Pilate, “You would have no authority over me unless it had been given you above,” reveal a spirit trusting in the plans of God. Faith overcomes all evil to fulfill divine purposes.

Each of our lives provides opportunities to exercise faith and display the glory of God. God weaves our challenges into His transformation design. Each exercise of faith moves us closer to the transformation goal: likeness to the incomparably beautiful image of Christ. Perhaps no greater examples of faith—and revelations of Christ—can be found in our world today than in the persecuted church. Every day around the world, believers are hassled, attacked and sometimes killed because they live their faith in Jesus Christ. Giving glory to Him is valued above all. Our prayers on their behalf reach across the miles to provide spiritual strength to them. Contemplating their example magnifies our faith and strengthens us. A spirit of faith grows and unifies the body of Christ as it displays the glory of God.

No less glorious is the way small exercises of faith transform our view of God. Every act of obedient faith allows us to see a larger glimpse of the glory of God. Whether our need for faith stems from a health crisis, financial struggles, broken relationships, losses or some other struggle, trusting in the goodness and power of God brings blessing to others and us. Faith is the evidence of what is NOT seen; we must let faith rise above all that we do see. God cares about the details of every life. He delights in our expressions of confidence in Him and blesses exercises of faith in amazing ways!

Spirit of Faith

2011-12-10T09:04:00.000-05:00

There is an aspect of Christ’s character, which is so intrinsically Him, we seldom stop to gaze upon its individual beauty. The character of Christ exemplifies a spirit of faith. Indeed, as 2 Timothy 3:13 says, He is faithful simply because He cannot deny Himself. Yet the faith of Christ is of critical importance. In fact, it is the faith of Christ through which all spiritual blessings flow to humanity. Gazing on the fruit of Christ’s faith is a joyful endeavor.

Personal faith is also of utmost importance—and like the disciples and the father of the ill child, we should ask that our faith be increased. Faith is a gift we receive—part of the blessings Christ secured for us with His faith. We receive those blessings by exercising our faith in Him. The greater our faith, the more Christ’s work is appreciated and revealed!

We catch an early glimpse of Christ’s faith in His confidence in the divine plan of redemption. His faith propelled Him to exchange the glories of heaven for the dark turbulence of the fallen creation. Christ’s trust in the Father—the essence of trust—empowered Him to be unshaken from The Plan: God Himself would be born a baby—that He might die for His unfaithful creation. The entire purpose of His earthly life embraced suffering and sacrifice because of Jesus’ confident trust in the Godhead’s power and love. That faith was the foundation of His life and it is that faith which provides eternal, abundant life to those who believe.

The life of Christ evidences faith in every moment recorded. Complete reliance on the Father’s plan, power and purpose embodied the miracles and ministry of Jesus. From the Divine choice of an unwed teen mother to the cruel horror of crucifixion, Jesus obediently submitted to the sovereignty of the Father. It is that absolute trust which is the spirit of faith we are to emulate in our hearts.

Thankfully, the Father entrusted the “big” parts of His redemption plan to Jesus. While the majority of modern translations replace the phrase “faith of Christ” with “faith in Christ,” the KJV rendition offers a perspective that blesses me! In both Romans 3:22 and Philippians 3:9, we see that Believers receive the righteousness of God based on the faith of Christ. What a courage builder it is to recognize that God’s view of me rests upon the solidness of Jesus, not my sometimes-wobbly faith! Reading Galatians 2 (verses 16 & 20), I rejoice that my justification—that judicial acquittal which gives me life—is founded upon the faithfulness of Jesus. In fact, reading on into Chapter 3 (verse 22), I find that every promise of God is delivered by Jesus’ faith!

The unshakeable faith of Jesus is the believer’s confidence and example. The ‘little foxes’ of life are conquered by faith…as we exercise our faith, it grows. Faith is the propellant of action that fulfills the purposes of God. Let us rejoice in the foundation provided by Christ’s faith and march forward under His victory banner.

Our Anniversary Gift

2011-11-28T10:04:00.000-05:00

It is my honor to say that my sister-in-Christ, Hope Flinchbaugh, shared this piece on her blog. Visit her page and walk into her time with Jesus.

The Youmans Family Lifts Up the Cross!
http://liftjesuscross.wordpress.com/2011/11/19/the-youmans-family-lifts-up-the-cross/

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Lift the Cross of Jesus!

(For those who love me enough to subscribe to both blogs, please forgive the double posting. The personal nature of this just 'made' me put in both locations. :<))
When Craig and I were married nineteen years ago, we jokingly chose a rock ‘n roll song for our wedding, one that glorified drinking. After nineteen years, six homes, two children and half-dozen jobs, the giddy confidence we began with has been replaced with the foundation of Jesus Christ. This year we celebrated our 19th anniversary by putting up the cross of Christ!

The week before our anniversary, I was blessed to attend the Montrose Area Writer’s Conference. The final speaker was C. Hope Flinchbaugh—and indeed, her words and her life help one to focus on seeing the One who is Hope. I came home and shared the challenge with Craig—I wanted to lift up the cross of Jesus on our property. Christ had dramatically changed the lives of my husband, Craig and I, and the idea of a tangible cross for us and others to see delighted my heart.

Since we are contemplating a move, I wanted a cross on the property that was so much a part of the place a new owner would not be able to readily remove it. I had a spot in my mind that I felt God chose, but I asked my husband to pray that we might know if erecting a cross (in this particular spot especially) was truly God’s direction or simply an emotional response on my part.

A few days later, we discussed the idea again, and to my dismay, Craig suggested another location. Probably influenced by the original location of Christ’s Cross, he suggested we place a large cross at the top of the hill behind our home. The Cross would overlook us and still be quite visible from the road. After agreeing to his choice, I shared my thought about placing a cross in the peak above the garage door. Craig started to laugh and said, “I thought of that first but thought you would think it was crazy!”

It is funny how we never thought that our life B.C. (before Christ or before the Cross really) was crazy. We would have told you we were Christians—and invited you to have a drink with us. We often conversed about Christ in the darkness of our favorite bars. Yet now as we live before the Cross-—before the realization that life only has meaning when lived in Christ’s way—we sometimes are more hesitant. The physical Cross hanging on our garage shines forth the Truth to which we cling. While it may serve to prick the minds of passers-by, it effectively serves to remind us to glorify Him more consistently. Our Cross greets us every time we go in or out of our driveway. It greets all who come to our home. And when we move, it will stay as a testament to the One who changed our lives!

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Billie Jo Youmans has been married to her husband, Craig, for 19 years, and they have two teenage children, Rusty and Riesa. Homemaking, including homeschooling, has been her primary ministry for the past 13 years. Prior to home educating their children, Billie Jo worked in the secular human services world, including as the Director of the Voluntary Action Center for her community. She also has learned and served in various service capacities, including mediator, hospice volunteer, Sunday school teacher, writer, and event coordinator. Her passion for the love of Jesus and His transforming work motivates her to serve and see Him at work in the lives of others.

Thankfulness & Praise

2011-11-26T18:59:00.002-05:00

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, let us make a determination to embrace ‘thanks giving’ every day! We have a beautiful ‘word picture’ to consider today from Psalm 24:3…our God inhabits the praises of His people! Farther along in the Psalms (100:4), we are told we enter in His gates with thanksgiving. Isn’t that exciting? Our great and mighty God has provided us an audience with Him through the simple act of praise. Far too often, though, we fail to enter into the Lord’s presence. We mouth words that give us a little hint of pleasure but when difficulties come, the truths are not deep in our hearts. We think we have worshipped but we have only gone through the motions.

The presence of God brings peace in the midst of storms; entering into His presence is a privilege and a necessity for living victoriously. Praise lifts us above our circumstances and reminds us of the nature of our awesome God. Often we equate worship and praise with songs; we must not forget singing is simply a tool to use in worship. Often the words we sing were born in hearts that knew great pain; the writer’s poured out their hearts in worship. That does not mean we worship as we sing. We must learn to discipline our hearts to hear the words we sing; we must teach our own hearts to pour out truths when we are facing troubles.

Our hearts can not pour out what they do not know. Throughout scripture God encourages ‘deep knowing. True knowing means allowing truths to penetrate our very being and be a part of our essence. We must seek Him all the time and seek to know Him more. Then we are to be disciples who put into practice the facts we have learned. True heart worship, truly praising God, is an ultimate act of knowing God and will bring us into His presence. The words of truth about the character and nature of God flowing from our hearts will bring us into His transforming light. Even with heartache facing us, knowing who God is will allow us to enjoy the love that casts out all fear. He is in control; He is all-powerful and He is loving us at every moment. We need to practice praise all the time so that it will be our first reaction in a storm. Try it today…look at the greatness all around and offer praise to God. Dig into His Word, learn more truths to store in your heart. Enjoy His presence…don’t settle for anything less!

Character: A Spirit of Prayer

2011-11-19T09:12:00.000-05:00

The prayerful spirit of Christ offers a shining facet to our transformed character! Christ’s commitment to communing with the Father is a design we must emulate. Despite being God incarnate, Jesus Christ demonstrated a high priority on prayer fellowship with God, the Father.

Scriptural accounts show Christ seeking private prayer time throughout His earthly life. He arose before down and climbed mountains to be alone with the Father. He walked away from crowds of seekers to commune with God in heaven. He chose fellowship with His father over sleep on some nights. Private times of intimate communion with the heavenly Father under-girded the earthly walk of Christ. Such an example by the One who creates and sustains all life should impress on us our desperate need. Prayer must have a higher priority in our lives than our comfort, our service and our physical needs.

The communion of Jesus and the Father was not restricted to private times, though. Prayer was an integral part of Christ’s every day. He instructed His disciples on ‘how’ to pray. He prayed for His followers through the ages. Sometimes He prayed for the benefit of listeners. The scripture records indicate a prayer life that was as ‘real’ and natural as the human conversations in which He engaged. Indeed, Christ’s prayers are often in the midst of human dialogues. Clearly, the presence of the Father was as much a reality to Jesus as the people with whom He walked each day. This reality of continual prayer must thread throughout our own lives.

In the Garden of Gethsemane prayers, Jesus reveals communion in the deepest sense. The Son’s cries enter directly into the Father’s love. God’s love answers with angelic delivery of divine strength that enables Jesus to complete the purposes of His life. Prayer is not a divine wishing well. Prayer is entering the integral essence of God. Prayer is receiving the Father’s love and power to accomplish His plans and purposes for our lives.

Science and illusions of self-sufficiency often veil miraculous answers to prayer in the western world. Our unchanging God was—and is—a miracle worker. When you seek the Lord in prayer, expect Him to reveal Himself in you and through you.

Character: Integrity Revealed

2011-11-12T08:08:00.000-05:00

People are looking. They are looking for meaning in life. They are looking for sincere altruism. They are looking for something to believe in. They are looking for truth and doubting it exists. Sin’s fingerprints stain every strata of society--from religion to politics to entertainment to finances. Life in this fallen world generates skepticism naturally. Life in Christ produces abundance supernaturally! The world needs to see Christians living with integrity—because we have what they are looking for! God has blessed us that we will bless others. When Christians live the Truth received, the glory of God becomes visible. People find what they are looking for only in Christ. We all must live in such a way that leads them to Him!

College campuses are filled with “lookers.” Students are seeking truths to build their lives on. Among those walking alongside local students are Dave & Elizabeth Mayner, Campus Bible Fellowship missionaries. Whether leading a bible study, planning an activity or just enjoying a meal with students, Dave & Elizabeth live their lives open to the scrutiny of others. On secular campuses—as in much of this post-modern world—absolute truth is highly suspect, if not outright rejected. The perception is that universal truth is simply intolerant, small-minded ideology. Truth becomes little more than personal opinion. In such a chaotic thought environment, seizing every opportunity to shine light and truth into minds is necessary! A recent invitation to the CBF ministry opened a wide door of opportunity for which the Mayners invite our prayers.

The college has launched a weekly radio show to educate students on the tenets of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Dave joins two other religious persons on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. on WHRW (90.5 FM) to share insights about the foundations of their individual faith. Let us join in prayer that Dave will speak clearly the integral truths of Christianity. Only Truth can withstand intense scrutiny. Let us pray that this show will reveal Truth will in mighty ways.

A building that lacks structural integrity collapses--and causes devastation to those in proximity to it; the same is true when a Christian life lacks authenticity and dissolves under scrutiny or pressure. We need to stand with the Mayners in this endeavor that their lives will stand in the integrity of Christ and others will know the Savior. As we pray for their ministry, might we be reminded that living with integrity as a Christ-follower has eternal implications for each and every one of us. Scripture admonishes and encourages each of us to walk worthy of our calling and take care not to cause another to stumble. Living without integrity is antithesis of the Word’s instruction. Let us pray for one another to follow the example Christ gave:

• Seek and do the desires of the Father

• Speak words that convey His Truths

• Live fully trusting in the goodness of God.

One Christian at a time, we can stand strong in Christ and reveal His glory to those we encounter. America needs us each to stand!

!

Character: A Spirit of Adoption Revealed

2011-11-05T07:41:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the double posts today! I missed putting this up last week. Wonderful story from the persecuted church included here.

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:15

Though we have received a Spirit of Adoption, our humanity remains. Our Sonship—our adoption in Christ—frees us from the captivity of fear but not the experience of fear. In fact, only embracing those earthly experiences that expose our human limits will reveal the glorious power of our adoption. The victory of Sonship is choosing to reject the control of earthly concerns. The story of Maryam Rostampour and Marzieh Amizzadeh, two young women from Iran witnesses to the Spirit of adoption in a powerful way.

Both ladies understood the potential consequences of holding fast to Christ in Iran. Prior to their imprisonment in 2009, Maryam and Marzieh had discussed how they might feel or react if faced with imprisonment or execution. With regard to life imprisonment, Maryam said, “I just thought this was something we would have to bear.” Marzieh felt giving her life for the Lord would be a privilege. Though their faith was real, imprisonment was a test that would reveal the true preciousness of ‘adoption.’ Solitary confinement, harsh living conditions, debilitating illness and the worst—a roommate’s execution—produced a terror beyond theoretical discussion. Marzieh’s words help us feel a bit of their experience:

“Before prison we talked about execution but when we got to prison and experienced the fear of it, our way of talk changed. We never imagined we would be so frightened. We were…paralyzed with fear. We could see it in each other’s faces. We prayed and what calmed us was the presence of God and the peace He gave us…it is easy to say that I gave my life for the Lord…But human fears gripped us. The power the Lord gave us helped us to overcome these fears.”

The freedom from fear’s paralyzing captivity was a powerful revelation of Sonship in Maryam and Marzieh’s life. It can be in ours as well. Deliberating choosing faith—and refusing fear’s captivity—is not just for the imprisoned and persecuted. In our world, fear often goes unrecognized because it is deceitful. Fear’s companions are more easily identified: striving, planning, conniving—a determination to get one’s own way at all costs. Fear drives us to do things to avoid a consequence, to avenge our honor or gain some desired profit. Sonship reigns victorious when faith in our good God controls our actions instead. When a Christian restrains a defensive angry retort and offers blessing for an unkind act, God is glorified. When a contractor refuses to pad a bill going to the insurance company and insists upon integrity, God is glorified. Our Spirit of adoption can be revealed countless ways every day. May we remember Maryam and Marzieh’s example and trust that the power of God will help us overcome!

If you would like to know more of Maryam and Marzieh’s story, visit www.elam.com.

Character: A Spirit of Integrity

2011-11-05T07:27:00.001-04:00

Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”

Integrity of character is the essence of the One who is Truth, but it is a fading attribute in this sin-damaged world. Disposable marriages, bankruptcies in Fortune 500 companies and situational ethics make the concept of intrinsic, lasting value increasingly elusive. The Greek word for Truth encompasses the concept beautifully: ‘unveiled reality lying at the basis of and agreeing with an appearance.” Jesus Christ is the expression of God’s character in all He says and does. The alignment of our lives with the Word produces a Spirit of Integrity in our character as well. A Christian demonstrating Christ’s spirit will be inherently trustworthy: a person who says what they mean and means what they say!

Genesis to Revelation speaks to this aspect of Christ’s character for His is the nature of the eternal, unchanging God. The character of Christ is unadulterated; it is the way to the Father. Christ reveals God in His manner of living: seek to know and do the will of the Father. Every account of Christ’s words and works found both their root and expression in the desire of God. The integrity of the pathway to God is clear in the character of Christ.

Christ’s character speaks of truth in the same manner. Just as Jesus commended Nathanael for his forthright speech, the words of Christ are not always politically correct or syrupy sweet. Jesus’ words ‘simply’ conveyed truth. Every word He spoke flowed directly from the Father’s desire to redeem a dying world. On the other hand, Satan’s words are often tempting and appealing for he masquerades as an Angel of Light. The father of lies used words to deceive people--to obscure truth. Jesus lived with authenticity that truth could be seen, heard and felt.

Completing the picture of integrity in Christ’s character is intrinsic life. As Creator and Sustainer of life, Jesus is life. Simple fleshly life is an incredible gift but only a shadow of the truth of real life! In an incomprehensible truth, God became man that He might die the deserved death of man. That sacrificial death on the Cross opened the doorway for the fullness of life God always planned for mankind. Jesus Christ is life through and through. The life of Christ dwells within every believer--true, eternal, holy life!

The transformation of our character into the likeness of Christ allows His glory to flow into every mundane aspect of earthly life. Integrity is beautiful when the core is Christ. Integrity matters--and it will make us look different from the world!

Character: A Spirit of Adoption

2011-10-22T19:45:00.000-04:00

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Romans 8:14, 15

This is an exciting aspect of the journey to Christ-likeness. Even the doorway of adoption is glorious; what Christ inherently was and is becomes ours as we are adopted as children of God. The heavenly Father, though, is abundantly generous and the transformation from ‘child’ to ‘son’ is magnificent.

In the book of John, the author states that receiving Jesus allows Him to give us the authority to become a child of God. Adoption into the family of God is the Father’s will for every human being! Christ employed His position as Son solely to accomplish the will of the Father. Indeed, all of Jesus’ earthly life fed upon the will of God. From childhood, the sovereign Savior focused on the work of the Father. Scripture tells us that the eternal Son grew in wisdom, stature and favor with God and man during His earthly life. It is the Father’s intention that we pursue a similar path!

Examining Jesus’ life gives us clues to aid us on our journey. As a child, Jesus clearly understood the necessity of being about the Father’s business. He was not constrained by expectations nor deterred by rejection or persecution. Christ’s insistence on traveling through Samaria--inappropriate by Jewish standards—is one revelation of His tenacious focus on the plan of the Father. Jesus emphasized in that passage that He found nourishment in doing the will of the Father and completing His work. Our earthly comfort, acceptance and enjoyment must fall in place behind the purposes of God. The will of God is abundant, fulfilling nourishment.

Woven throughout scripture is a theme of growth from infancy to sonship. Godly love is the antithesis of childishness. Child-like faith is beautiful and child-like innocence of evil precious, but understanding the truths of God takes us beyond childhood. Our desire for the milk of God’s word will propel us to growth. The ultimate aim is that we, like Christ, will mature to being sustained by the meat of God’s will. Our growth in Christ produces the quality of character that ‘son’ implies. Might we all fix our eyes on Jesus, that we, too, will be able to set our faces as flint toward Jerusalem.

Servanthood Revealed

2011-10-08T10:54:00.000-04:00

Servant hearts are God-focused, never self focused. Much of the time, true servants never see the incredible ways God uses their service. Their eyes are focused on Him and nothing else! God blesses every church--every life--with His servants. We know when we have been in their presence because they help us see Jesus. They show us how to live well and carry the name of Christ to the world.

Our brothers and sisters in the persecuted church offer a pure example of servanthood. They serve God with their lives because they have seen Him. They certainly do not seek glory or fame, for attracting attention brings the risk of death. Yet, these saints serve by simply loving Jesus and bearing the consequences of doing so. In America, loving Jesus whole-heartedly has different costs but the heart is the same:

And whatever ye do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17

Marilyn Davis exemplified servanthood in this rural community. Looking on her life allows us to see an American servant in action. A Sunday school teacher for 69 years, Miss Marilyn was the picture of servant we hold in our minds. Her life demonstrated even more of the servant heart. All that she did testified to her love of Jesus Christ. She followed the Word with faithfulness and fervor. She kept her word--even to the point of living without electricity or running water because of a promise to her dad before his death. She was a diligent, faithful worker--at her job, in her home, in her community and in her church--for the glory of God. She was generous with her time, her skills and her possessions. She lived with confidence in God’s plans and provisions--and in doing so, encouraged others to do the same. Everywhere she went, she was a testimony of Jesus Christ. Her life was lived as a servant of the most High God.
As Miss Marilyn’s life revealed, God never intended to confine servanthood to church work. Servanthood opportunities are in every word and deed spoken by the ones who bear Christ‘s name. Servants produce a vision of God for those who are touched by their lives. The Christian word of encouragement given to the mom who is frazzled and discouraged can lift her eyes to the glorious purposes of God. The restrained word when a co-worker shifts the blame for shoddy work onto you offers a taste of mercy. The care given to a body or soul in need because Jesus has met your own need inspires more than just the recipient. Servanthood is a lifestyle that is to be lived in every circumstance…motherhood, workplace, nursing home or prison.

Servanthood is not about an activity or a project; it is about a heart totally sold out to Jesus Christ. Are you His servant or a slave to something much less?

Broken Trust

2011-09-29T12:55:00.000-04:00

1 John 4:16-21

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Perfect love casts out all fear (1John 4:18a)

The van roared to life and lurched backwards. Just a toddler, my folks had left me in the front of our concession van while they served customers from the rear. Why I decided to turn the ignition key is a lost memory. Regardless, panic resulted. Customers scattered and my parents flew to the front of the van. Clearly, I was in big trouble!

Dad’s gentle love often protected me from mom’s harshness, so I scuttled across the seats to him. His swift, harsh spanking devastated my little heart. I felt publicly shamed. My trust in his love to protect and defend me--even from my own actions--was crushed. Dad’s fear had overshadowed his love.

Human love is like that--powerful to shelter but also to damage and always susceptible to distortion. The love of God is never like that: nothing ever clouds His love, His purposes or His understanding. Even when we were enemies of God, His love sought us out. Running to Him is always safe and wise!

PRAYER: Father, heal our broken hearts and teach us what love really looks like. Help us love like you love and bring healing to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Character of Christ - Servanthood

2011-09-25T20:16:00.000-04:00

Philippians 2:7

Who, being in very nature god, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Humility and servant hood are unquestionably linked; in fact, Christ’s servant heart preceded the humility that led Him to the cross. Servant-hood is not for the faint of heart. However, it has a counterfeit in natural man, which sometimes makes us think this is an easier character trait to obtain. As Christians, we must never mistake volunteerism for servant hood. Needs abounded then and now. While Jesus met needs (and meets them), He was neither needs-driven nor needs-focused. The incredible beauty of Christ’s attitude of service rests upon the truth that He acted purely out of obedience to the will of God. True servant hood exemplifies such focus. The servant heart finds the answer to all of its needs in Christ and simply serves as a conduit to the world for the great Need-Meeter!

The desire to do good for others is not necessarily Christ-like. Alleviating suffering is Christ-like, and we are created in Christ to do good works. However, the Spirit of servant hood exhibited by Christ is far more challenging than simply doing good. Self seeks the spotlight in our lives; sometimes serving allows us to be noticed. Examining Christ’s life shows us that such service is not the servant hood He displayed.

Satan tempted Jesus to serve Himself…to use His power to meet His needs, to reveal His power and claim His inheritance. Jesus refused to rush the Father’s plan and gave glory to God in His refusal to lift up Himself. The disciples encouraged Jesus to pity Himself…to insist on His Kingship and demand the honor and glory He deserved. Jesus rebuked their suggestions and pressed on toward the Father’s will. Those who personally knew Jesus questioned His identity and said ‘show yourself.’ Christ refused the temptation to defend Himself and stayed firmly focused upon the will of God.

Each of those victories strengthened Jesus for His blood-wrenching night of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is that night of prayer that reveals the heart of servant hood: ‘Not my will but thine.’ Those words are the heart-cry of pure service. As Christ’s earthly life neared its end on the cross, the crowds mocked Him with the words ‘Save Yourself.’ They, like many today, failed to understand that the focus on self never brings deliverance. Self steps aside in the heart of the servant to allow the purposes and plans of God to enter.

The King of Kings forfeited the blessings of heaven to wash the dirty feet of His most beloved creation: humankind. He endured betrayal, deceit, anger, disrespect, humiliation, torture, cruelty, injustice and death at the hands of those He came to serve. Not only did He endure it, Christ absorbed it and all of its consequences to accomplish the purpose--the will--of the Father. The heart of the servant is willing to do the same. Servant hood is not volunteering. It is life-giving sacrifice that costs all of self.

Spirit of Humility – Revealed in Humanity

2011-09-18T07:25:00.000-04:00

The most recent stop on our tour of Christ’s character allowed us to gaze on the beauty of humility He exhibits. Glimpsing humility in humanity is rare. Pride rears its head in subtle, diverse ways. We are often unaware of pride's presence in our hearts until we fall flat on our face. Anytime we trust in ourselves--our strength, our knowledge, our experience, our efforts--instead of God, lethal pride is lurking. Humble awareness of the need for divine intervention ushers in victory. Prideful perseverance in the face of need guarantees a fall.

Humility matters so much to God, that all of life functions as a classroom for pride and humility lessons. As you read, ask the Spirit to reveal areas in your life where pride is lurking and threatening a fall.

• Relationships are a priority to God that offer university-level instruction on humility. Without Christ, meeting our own needs and securing our ‘rights’ drives every relationship. Unity demands humility; without it, marriages disintegrate, parents and children fight, churches split and friendships end. Humility trusts God to meet our needs and direct our interactions.

• The workplace, too, teaches humility. As employees become sacrifices on the altar of greed, profit-driven administrations shred pride in preparation and performance. Humility trusts that God orchestrates both the present and the future. Humility gives victory over unpleasant working conditions and even unemployment.

• Working for the Lord is especially fraught with pitfalls of pride. God calls us only to the work of faith. The service we do is simply scaffolding on which to observe the work of God. Pride confuses our efforts with His work and interferes with eternal fruit. Humility rejoices at God’s handiwork and the immense privilege of working for the King of Kings!

• Trust in our physical bodies begins in childhood but wanes in aging. The human body is a marvelous machine; yet its design includes wearing out! Even those who exercise and eat right experience illness, disease and ultimately death. Humble acceptance of the aging process exhibits trust in God to work within our limits; prideful resistance hampers His work and dampens our spirit.

• Personal tragedies and natural disasters provide brutal lessons in humility. Mistakes, carelessness, the unavoidable presence of evil in the world and even accidents devastate our prideful assumption of control. Humility frees us from the need to be perfect. It acknowledges that God is greater than our mistakes and greater than the evil that is in the world. God trusts God can and will bring good from the most horrid events. Humility accepts a loss of control to receive total security from Christ.

Recognizing need is the key that opens the door to humility and its faithful companions: joy and contentment. When needs confront us, let us reject our natural, prideful responses of whining demands or childish independence and humbly, jubilantly praise God for His powerful promises of provision!

Sweet Fruit

2011-09-06T09:05:00.000-04:00

We'll revisit the humility theme next week...this is an account of a walk Riesa and I took a couple weeks ago. It has been accepted for publication for an internet ministry...but won't appear till next spring. If I remember, I'll share the weblink in April 2012. Blessings, my friends. bj

(Song of Solomon 2:3) As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.

Some tasty observations on a short morning walk and a simple grade school science fact have me rethinking a lifelong practice of early-morning berry picking. Better yet, my newly found berry fact reminds me of a God-truth. Time in the presence of the Son is sweet, and it sweetens the fruit of the Spirit dwelling in me!

The sun's warmth persistently penetrated the morning fog as I walked along the wooded path toward town. The thorns of the blackberry bushes at trailside tugged on my jeans, and my delight in fresh berries tempted me to munch. Yielding to the lure, I popped a berry in my mouth. It was cool and juicy, but the sweetness that had enticed me was absent. I snacked my way to town never finding a sweet berry. A couple hours later, errands complete, I made my way back up the now sun-drenched path. In the mid-day heat, the glistening berries tempted me with a promise of juiciness. Surprisingly, this time the berries were delightfully sweet.

At the end of the trail, our neighbor--the caretaker of the bushes--happened to be working outside. He chuckled as I shared my puzzling observation, and said, “Of course. The sunlight draws the sugars up into the plant. Berries in the sunshine are always sweeter.” Photosynthesis, of course, I should have known!

Out of that simple, natural-world truth, the Spirit reminded me of a more important truth: it is the warmth of the Son that draws wandering souls! There is sweetness in the Son’s powerful, persistent love that exists nowhere else. When I walk in the Son’s Light, my thoughts, words and actions fill with the sweetness of the indwelling Spirit! Just as the berries grow sweeter in the sun, I grow sweeter in the Son too!

Are you getting enough time in the Son? Are you walking within His light? He loves to share His sweetness. Soak in the Son and let His sweet Spirit ooze out of you.

On the road to transformation: Spirit of Humility

2011-08-27T08:29:00.000-04:00

Continuing on our journey of examining the character of Christ, and appropriating its beauty, we stop to gaze upon humility. This sweet spirit permeates the character of Christ and offers some remarkable points to consider. First, there is the seemingly bizarre contradiction of a fallen humanity, which puffs itself up, and the King of Kings, who lays His life down. Then, there is a rather incongruent truth in the fact that humility is both a foundational entry point and a pinnacle in the Kingdom of God. Humility is as simple as a child and as complex as our Lord.

The essence of humility emanates from a child-like faith. Unfortunately, instead of child-like trust, we tend to exhibit childish independence rejecting God’s help and substituting our own do-it-yourself plans. No amount of fruit gathered from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil diminishes the need for God. No amount of ‘pull yourself up by the bootstraps’ attitude shrinks our desperation for the power of God. Jesus demonstrated a completely different spirit. From childhood, He reminded even his own parents that His purpose was the Father’s business. Jesus clearly stated that His words and actions were those the Father gave to Him. Jesus came to do only the will of the Father; He never preferred his own plans or desires above the purposes of the Father. The spirit of humility acknowledges the right of God to one’s life with complete trust that whatever God deems will be best.

Growing in faith also necessitates continued awareness of our need for God’s perspective, plans and power. The pride of self-initiative hampers our Christian journey; only a humble spirit ascends the greatest heights in the Kingdom. The agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane passionately—gloriously--displays humility. Jesus poured out His anguish in tears, blood and words as He sought, verified and accepted the will of His Father. Jesus’ words to Peter during the arrest are the pinnacle of humility: “Shall I not drink the cup which my Father has given me?” The will of the Father was for Jesus to drink the cup of poison--the cup of our sins. Jesus drank so that we, His enemies, might live eternally as a co-heir with Him! His Spirit of Humility in us will show a willingness to drink the cup presented in our lives that we, too, might share in bringing life to undeserving sinners like ourselves. It is a glorious responsibility that demands exchanging our personal plans and purposes for the eternal, glorious plans of the Father! Let us beg Him to show us how to empty ourselves and let His fullness overflow!

On the road to transformation: Spirit of Wisdom in action

2011-08-19T09:33:00.000-04:00

The lofty ideas of scripture may make our hearts soar in the pews on Sunday morning or in our morning devotion times, but those ideas brought into the trenches do even more: they allow the glory of God to blaze. Jesus did not come to delight our hearts; He came to give us abundant life! Last week we considered the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that infuses Christ’s character. Let’s walk today with a sister-in-Christ who allowed that Spirit to sustain her in the trenches of life.

The circumstances of our days can either block our view of Christ or lift us closer to Him. Elizabeth, a home school mother, felt overwhelmed as she faced the many tasks a new school year brought. Each responsibility felt weighty on its own: educating her own children, meeting her missionary responsibilities through Campus Bible Fellowship, editing a discipleship course, caring for the needs of family and serving in their church. All of us know the all-consuming weariness and despair the ‘simple’ tasks of life can bring. Sometimes it feels that survival is the best we can hope for in life: that is the lie of the enemy thrown up to block our vision of the risen Christ!

Early in the year, Elizabeth encountered a quote that God used to lift her eyes to the possibilities placed before her: “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” Throughout the year, Elizabeth embraced the challenge to view her ‘impossible situations’ as opportunities for God. Mid-way through the year, her pastor quoted a verse she had known for years: ‘Without me, ye can do nothing.’ The Spirit grabbed that truth and immediately brought another to mind: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.’ Listen to how Elizabeth describes the ‘Spirit of wisdom and revelation’ that infused her with those words:

“For the first time I noticed the identical words in those two verses I had memorized years earlier. Without Christ I CAN DO nothing, but by His strength I CAN DO everything He wants me to do--even what seems humanly impossible.”

Elizabeth gives us a great example of the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation instilling confidence and hope for her earthly walk! Often, our minds know truths but our hearts fail to connect the realities of our life with the spiritual truths of Christ. God has plans and purposes for each of us; we need only to look to Him to have those plans fulfilled. In our faith walk, as we grow more like Christ, the Spirit continually uses the circumstances of life to highlight the truths we have hidden in our hearts and reveal the glory of God. What truths are you storing up for the Spirit‘s use in your heart and for the revelation of His glory?

On the road to transformation: Spirit of Wisdom

2011-08-13T09:38:00.000-04:00

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father most glorious, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation through knowing Christ fully. (Ephesians 1:17)

Christ’s spirit of wisdom and revelation infuses the Christian’s character. Christ demonstrated this spirit in all of His human interactions. He saw, listened and comprehended from His Father's viewpoint. Jesus looked beyond the circumstances presented by those who came to Him and focused on their spiritual needs. He shared the Father's interests in individuals --and a character built on Him will evidence that same association.

As Ambassadors for Christ, our natural reactions to those we encounter--whether sweet compassion or abrasive frustration--should never be the source that motivates us to action. We are not to be amateur Providences and change people's lives according to our feelings. God's ways are not our own; He has measured the weight He puts upon every person. What may seem excessive and unfair from the human perspective may be just the weight needed to save their eternal soul. Alternatively, what may appear to be tremendous blessing in a person's life may be a curse blinding them to their need for Jesus. As Christ's Ambassador, we need to share the reason for the hope with which we live and allow Him to guide in every interaction!

We need His Spirit to give us deep understanding of situations and the Truths of God that will speak to hearts. We receive discernment to help us intercede for others--never to judge them. The wisdom of God is pure, peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17). As we listen to the hearts of others through the Spirit, He will give us words that encourage others and reveal His beauty. He may impress upon our hearts the need to provide direct help or He may simply burden us to pray and love. As we heed His guidance, we will learn more about Him ourselves and grow ever closer to His likeness! Might we each increasingly embrace the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation He offers so freely!

Pre-destined: to be like Christ!

2011-08-06T08:41:00.000-04:00

With only an earthly perspective, Jesus life is not one of victory. His public career lasted only three years and ended with an unjust death in the prime of life. Obviously, the earthly perspective is woefully inadequate! The eternal perspective reveals Christ’s life as one of total victory. Christ brought to completion the Father’s plan implemented at Creation! Christ’s life is an example for all who wish to live victoriously. Deliberately seeking God will transform us into His image.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Examining Christ’s character as revealed in scripture helps us see the goal God has for each of us. Character is a critical aspect of each individual. It bears stating that character exists outside of Christ. Human character, even at its most beautiful and powerful, is bound to earthly dimensions. Christ-like character transcends time and space; it is the essence of eternal victory.

The world in which we live encourages us to indulge ourselves with little thought to our inner character. Pleasing ‘self’ is a constant temptation. Unfortunately, a soil of pleasure never develops Christian character. Furthermore, neither church pews nor bible studies produce the character God desires. Christ-like character requires the work of the Holy Spirit and personal sacrifice. God’s Word also tells us that perseverance develops character. As we trace the source of perseverance, our hearts will tremble—for the source of perseverance is suffering. Pressing on in the face of discomfort is critical to character. Thankfully, for the Christian, suffering can be a source of joy BECAUSE the hope of God is a certainty that sustains. Just as the changeless nature of God is a rock-solid foundation, so our transformation is a glorious promise.

The entry point to transformation into Christ-likeness is repentance. Jesus said that He came to call us to repentance: to exercise a change of mind--a turning from personal motivations to His revealed truth. Undoubtedly, this is a most unnatural characteristic. In fact, repentance is actually a gift much like faith. Repentance is not simply recognizing sin or regret for the results of sin. A Spirit of Repentance recognizes that the choice to walk apart from God's revealed truth is the underlying problem. Repentance recognizes that God's ways are not situational or conditional; His truth has an integrity that makes His ways work ALL the time. Repentance propels us back to His ways and prepares us for transformation into the image of Christ.

Blog Plans

2011-08-05T16:33:00.002-04:00

Friday, August 5, 2011

Blog Plans

My mind has been whirring this past week about how I could best use my blogs. I am so thankful for folks who are interested in reading anything I happen to write :<)! Each blog has its own set of subscribers, so this is the most effective way to share the overall plans. If the other blog interests you more, just unsubscribe and go that site to subscribe. Or do both! Whatever will bless you.

So here goes:

Lives Under Construction will focus on serving Christ. I will write devotions on the topic but will also highlight opportunities (generic, local and national). Please consider submitting information or topics you might like to know about. I anticipate 2-3 posts per week max on this blog. This site address is: http://www.billiejoyoumans.blogspot.com/

Learning and Growing Together will remain my devotional blog and includes the weekly Baptist Voice column. I anticipate posting on this blog 1-2 times per week and it is located at: http://www.ramblingsfrombilliejo.blogspot.com/

Thanks for walking with me as we seek Jesus!

Victories: Parkinsons

2011-08-01T17:20:00.000-04:00

Parkinson’s disease is relentless and destructive. It attacks the body in a myriad of ways: hand tremors, walking impairments, speech, and even involuntary movements such as blinking. Seldom is Parkinson’s linked to the concept of a blessing. Our victory report today, though, is somehow who sees eternal victories in this earthly curse.

Perhaps you have unknowingly enjoyed some of the victory yourself through attendance at one of the Southern Gospel concerts at First Baptist Church of Port Crane. Dave Samson, the concert organizer, is God’s victorious soldier of today’s column. His victory report is not without the reality of damage inflicted through Parkinson’s. The loss of his job and its income; increased difficulties with basic and necessary daily tasks: speaking, writing, typing, buttoning a shirt, driving, walking; impairment of his carpentry hobby; and greater burdens on his wife and family are all part of Dave’s battlefield losses. Nevertheless, Dave also sees a field of sowing and harvesting created by the Parkinson’s because it narrowed his options and increased his focus!

Dave had long enjoyed listening to Southern Gospel Concerts. He and his wife, Terri traveled to area performances as their schedules permitted, but never dreamed of organizing local events. As Dave’s disease progressed, his sales career in Christian resources became difficult to the point of danger. His driving ability impacted by the disease, Dave accepted the need to apply for disability. The debilitation to Dave’s overall motor function sped the disability process along and financial worries were somewhat eased. However, Dave officially became ‘disabled’ rather rapidly, and he felt at loose ends. Though all of his movements had slowed, he still wanted to live fully!

Much to his frustration, the diagnosis generated such sympathy from those who cared that others often restrained him from doing even what he could. In fact, the kind intentions began to make him feel not like an invalid but as if he were simply in-valid—of no apparent use anymore. Fortunately, Dave believed (and believes) that when God allows one door to close, it is so He can clear the path to a better doorway. Such was the case in this situation.

It began when Dave agreed to the simple task of making a phone call to find out about the availability of a gospel group. It has grown to a Southern Gospel concert ministry with hundreds who attend at a tiny country church in rural New York. Every concert touches hearts for Jesus; many times, there are professions of salvation or rededication.

Dave willingly pays the physical costs for this labor of love. He says his illness has given him time; the ministry provides him purpose. He sees victories that are eternal because he accepts the disease as filtered through by the loving hand of the Sovereign Father. Is there something in your life that needs a new perspective? Ask God to show you how He can transform your roadblock into a doorway to blessing!

Jeremiah 29:11

Victories: Held fast in Heartbreak

2011-07-26T06:33:00.001-04:00

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Psalms 37:5

The devil specializes in sneak attacks. A deacon, a Sunday school teacher and husband to a faithful women’s leader, Gary never saw the battle line forming. In fact, his plans included only rejoicing and celebrating. Having renewed their vows at a recent anniversary celebration, marriage woes seemed the last of his worries. Returning from a spiritually uplifting Men’s Retreat, Gary thought the weekend only held a celebration of his 50th birthday. Instead, it marked the beginning of a very fierce, painful battle.

Years of unresolved heart issues exploded for Gary’s wife; she left their marriage to begin a new life with Gary’s co-worker. Devastation, depression and desperate confusion marked Gary’s days. Victory in the early days of the battle was simply mustering the courage to face a new day. The promises of God seemed distant, but they were his lifeline. Gary says of that time, “I clung to the promise in Psalms 37 that if I committed my way to God, He would act. He has; but not in the ways I wanted Him to and not at the speed I wanted. I would never have chosen this, but without it, I would never have known God as I do. He has kept His promises.”

His wife’s decision irrevocably altered the structure of Gary’s life. An empty home, strained family relations and gatherings, difficulty with continually encountering the co-worker and disruption in the church family all followed her choice. Gary stepped down from leadership in the church and eventually sought a job that kept him from the loneliness of home more consistently. The scriptures he had taught for so long sometimes seemed to mock him…the promises felt empty and the heartache overwhelming. Yet, Gary faithfully sought biblical counsel from pastors, family and friends’ and he pressed on. Time passed bringing new understandings, but not the deeply desired restoration of the marriage. Throughout the battle, Gary sought and shared glimpses of God’s hand; he was a faithful, albeit broken, witness for God.

In marriage, Gary had been controlling; the concept of forgiving infidelity beyond the scope of his world. Yet in his heartache, he came face-to-face with the reality of the pain of love willing to forgive. He felt, too, the pain of that willingness rejected. Gradually Gary began to see the glory of Jesus Christ in an entirely new dimension. Recognizing the cost of forgiveness and the pain of rejection, he could not help but be awed at the marvelous, perseverant love of God. His heart bowed in humble victory before God’s incredible love.

Understanding in such a personal way is a suffering that Gary does not wish on anyone, but grasping the preciousness of Christ is a privilege he does not dismiss. His victory did not look like he expected; he thought that his initial commitment to God would be the key to restoring his marriage. Instead, it was the key to expanding his experience of God. The victories in our Christian life do not transform us into picture-perfect Normal Rockwell prints. Sin, broken-ness and rejection wound souls…both those who hurt and those who are hurt suffer. Healing in Christ is one person at a time, one life at a time. We cannot be healed for another but we can encourage another to seek healing. Victory stories are not about perfect people; they are about our perfect God. Give Him the glory, great things He has done and will do!

A Book To Consider

2011-07-20T16:13:00.000-04:00

Just a mid-week post to share some thoughts on a short bible study I had the opportunity to review. While the title targets 'writers,' the content is much broader. For any who have ever had dreams that did not fit God's time table, this is a sweet little study. While we know in our heads that God's ways are higher and better than our own, sometimes we lose focus. Even beyond our dreams, those niggling doubts that 'nothing' we do matters all that much assault everyone. Brooke is a young lady who shares from the heart and redirects the eyes to God's perspective. This is a wonderful, short study on a topic that touches all of us at one time or another. It is a good summer afternoon project. Give it a try!

http://www.notestoaspiringwriters.com/

Victories: Restored

2011-07-16T18:22:00.000-04:00

Now may God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you believe, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

What does it take to come to Jesus for healing? When we see the heartaches around us, it is obvious that although Jesus is the answer for every struggle, all too often He is the last resort. Our reaction to suffering is to find a way to end it. Sometimes perhaps we even lift the very weight that may have pressed a hurting soul to Christ. While scripture calls us to be the hands and feet of Christ, our loving must always point only to Jesus Christ. As I wait for a personal, 21st century victory story, I thought perhaps a visit to a first century victory would encourage all of us.

Throughout scripture, we find instruction on needs—and God’s solutions. The woman with the issue of blood in the New Testament offers great insights. The life is in the blood…and her life was continually seeping away. Ostracized from society—a source of contamination for all she contacted--even going to the market would have been impossible. A spouse—even a close friend—who would share her pain was but a distant memory. The isolation and shame of her circumstances were clearly intense. As we consider her experience—the realities of her life, the emotions she would likely have felt and the reactions of others—we can readily see that same reality played out around us daily. Eternal life ebbs away daily in souls held captive by the disease of sin.

Hidden diseases exist long before they grow into life-destroyers; the progression of disease is step-by-step. Chains wrap around souls unseen and unfelt until the prisoner is tightly bound. Shame from self-incrimination and the judgment of others hold the chains fast. Unhealed hurts are especially painful for Christians who fall prey to Satan’s arrows of guilt that they are not trusting Jesus enough. They know all about desperately seeking solutions—usually self-initiated to-do lists, self-powered solutions; and sometimes superstitious, even ridiculous efforts. Research indicates the woman in scripture would probably have followed the Talmudic instructions to find healing: instructions such as locating a barleycorn from the feces of a white, female donkey or carrying the ashes of an ostrich egg. Our modern-day desperate souls have tried equally futile solutions.

In our heroine, underlying the disease and its results of loneliness, fear, shame and guilt was hope-filled courage. Only someone with courageous hope would risk the humiliation of public rejection that was probable for an unclean person daring to enter a crowd and touch a revered teacher. The burden of her situation propelled her to risk it all in an audacious attempt for healing. Whether her faith was in Christ or his clothes is a moot point—Jesus met her where she was at and gave her more than she sought. Ignoring the discomfort she felt with His insistence on coming forward, Jesus called her into relationship with Him. Physical healing was accompanied by restored fellowship—with Himself and others. That is our God: the one who does immeasurably more than we can ask or think!

Courage and hope were necessities for our heroine—necessities for any who would seek victory through Christ. It is that hope we must continually seek to instill in hearts—our own and others. Healing is often uncomfortable; but every victory inspires more courage and more victories. How has Jesus drawn you closer? Encourage another by sharing your victory.

Victories: Garden of Life

2011-07-09T08:54:00.001-04:00

I love to garden: bringing order and beauty to a plot of dirt reminds me of the blessings of cultivating spiritual life. A healthy, vibrant garden--earthly or spiritual--requires persistent effort: cultivating, sowing, weeding, pruning.

Our home gardens are a testimony to the blessings God has used to decorate our lives. We use flowers and colors our parents loved along side perennials from friends, family and previous homes. Before new gardens are created, we ’redeem’ the plot from its previous purpose…usually lawn. The intertwined roots of lawn grasses and buried rocks make cultivation difficult. That work reminds me of the persistent love of God which reaches out to every soul piercing the barriers life creates. Decisions instantly change destinies but the transformation takes place in daily details.

The perpetual growth of weeds reminds me of two ever-present dangers to my spiritual garden: endless activity and plain old sin. Both are capable of overshadowing any vision of God’s touch on my life. The busyness of life joins with natural sin tendencies creating disorder and waylaying the purposes of God. It is my privilege and responsibility to pluck out sin and pointless activity so that the view of God in my life is unobstructed.

Some of the weeds in my gardens produce tiny flowers; their deceptive attraction sometimes persuades me to let them stay. Inevitably, they overtake my intentional plantings. Similarly, sometimes I hold fast to habitual sins that I perceive as adding to my life. Their produce, though, is more deadly than my garden weeds for the fruit of every sin is always death. The only results of my natural tendencies--let alone my sins--are earthly and temporary. Eternally beautiful life gardens require intentional cultivation of the life of Christ within.

Also in my garden are some extremely productive perennials. As much as I like them, pruning their fruitfulness protects other blessings of God from being crowded out. These prolific beauties remind me of the truth that too much of a good thing is still too much. God has granted me passions and interests--but serving those passions will leave my life unbalanced and His purposes for me stunted.

Finally, both of our dads loved ’bulb’ flowers. Our tulips and irises do most of their growing out of sight, but attentively nurturing the bulbs produces results as well. Likewise, not all of our spiritual life is visible, but the Holy Spirit produces great growth as He searches our depths, convicting us and calling us to fellowship with God.

The purpose of life is to know God: His greatness and His goodness. He provides the nourishment and care we need because of His love; our right response to that love is to seek Him and obey Him. The presence and participation of others in our life gardens is part of His design. We are to be both blessed and a blessing as we journey through life. May each of our lives be a garden that reflects His glory for all to enjoy.

Victories: Health and Relationships Restored

2011-06-25T07:58:00.001-04:00

Miraculous, out-of-the blue happenings are a reality, but oftentimes the Lord has been at work while we simply looked elsewhere. Today, you will peek in on victories won and a battle in progress. We have the opportunity to become warriors in the battle with our prayers.

Our families are always a revelation of the truth that God’s ways are not our own, aren’t they? God weaves us together in our families—using our strengths, our weaknesses and our needs—to accomplish His great purposes. Eighteen years ago, David saved his sister’s earthly life. Today, she chooses to serve and bless him in thankfulness and trusting God for eternal victories.

The Lord chose to use a life-threatening illness to restore her to fellowship with Him—and with her brother. The illness also brought transformation to her marriage; other amazing results of the crisis continue to unfold! The solid ground of God’s Word called to her then and sustains her now. May the glimpse of Jesus’ intricate work in these lives obscure any awkwardness created by omitting the sister’s name; the goal is to protect family privacy.
Despite six siblings, only David was a perfect bone marrow match. An unlikely hero in his own eyes—and in the eyes of those who judged only the externals—God had another perspective. A war injury resulting in a lifetime disability had launched David into a debilitating drug problem. Supported by a loving but enabling mother, David’s life had spiraled down until darkness dominated his world. Living in filth with unkempt hair and clothes, David only left his bedroom for the dark, dankness of barrooms and nightlife activities. As his mother’s health declined and nursing home placement became a necessity, homelessness loomed. God wove together the needs of David’s sister and mother to penetrate his hopelessness. His willingness to give life to his sister opened doors David could not have imagined.

The desperation of David’s situation and thankfulness for his gift of life propelled his sister to action. She invited him to move into an apartment above her own. Inspired by her own new lease on life, she suggested changes for him, and in God’s divine timing, David agreed! A haircut, regular laundering and home-cooked meals have lifted David into a world with light and cleanliness. It has brought him into contact with others and opened his world. The dramatic changes in David’s life brought his self-esteem to new heights; it also deeply touched the lives of his family members. God continues to use David to touch others and inspire hope. His sister’s devotion to him and God is a source of seed planting from which she trusts God to produce a harvest.

God has given many victories in this story already: cancer conquered, addiction chains unbound, fellowship restored! Let us praise God for our hero, Jesus! The great miracle of redemption for David is a victory yet to be gained, though. Let us storm the gates of heaven and seek this victory for our story hero, David!

Victories: Shirley

2011-06-17T20:48:00.001-04:00

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1John 4:18

Greetings a day early! I will be taking a 'fast' from internet and email for a week, so wanted to do this tonight and say, see you next week. Blessings to you all. Enjoy this story--the 'one' that got me started on this theme. Neat place to remind you all of a good acronomy for FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real. We can reject FEAR because of Jesus!

Today's Victory Report is from Shirley who has found a freedom in God’s love she describes as a miracle! In her early fifties, failing health forced Shirley into a nursing home. Her long-time battle against depression seemed even more hopeless. Shirley blamed her difficulties on herself and felt worthless. She had felt that a little more time in the Word—a little more effort on her part—would produce the peace she desired. Her harsh indictment of herself held her captive. God’s love has set her free!

Enjoy her words: “I feel like a new creature who can come out from hiding! I feel like the confident, loveable person God has created me to be! I never realized I was bound with so much fear.”

Can you relate to Shirley’s exciting discovery?! Fear keeps us focused on our problems and our inadequacy; God’s love allows us to face every circumstance with confidence because He loves us! We are free to be imperfect, free to be wrong and free to love (and be loved) even when we disagree with others. Our worth is in Him, not ourselves, and that makes us a priceless, useful vessel for the glory of God. May we each learn from Shirley’s experience and soak in His love that we, too, can be free!

Glimpsing God's Glory

2011-06-11T08:02:00.000-04:00

Good Saturday morning! I am convinced that unveiling God in the details of our days is both a privilege and a responsibility. Every child of God is blessed by His presence; it is challenging to fix our eyes on the victories in our lives though. Today's column is a request for YOU to consider how God has worked in the battles you have faced. If you do that, would you share your glimpse? You do not have to write in detail, just jot me some notes about the experience and I will draft a piece for your review and approval (or not) prior to printing. Our stories of blessing are to be shared to encourage others!

The battles of life are as diverse as our own individual personalities. A battle against alcohol may have no greater spiritual significance than another saint’s battle against critical speaking. Self-mutilation, lies, murder, unforgiveness, slander—all are sins which, when grown, produce death and destruction. Jesus came to set us free from sin’s captivity. Giving Him the glory for chains released is our glorious privilege. It has been said that our battles are our unique opportunities to give a victory to Jesus that only we can give!

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We love to recite Romans 8:28 but too often we present Christianity as a future hope more than a present reality. People need to know faith in Jesus Christ can make a difference when:

• The children are sick and the boss insists on your presence at the meeting.

• Your frail and aging parents have more needs than you can meet.

• Your spouse chooses to end the marriage.

• Your child loses their way and continues to spin farther from God.

• Failure seems to be the only thing you are capable of…

Jesus meets us in our battles in ways and times perfect for our needs. He uses all we encounter to help us learn who we are and to reveal to us that He is the great “I am.” God reveals Himself in His people (in the details of our lives) so that others can see Him and know who He is too! We have the joy of helping people glimpse new dimensions of our awesome God as we share the victories that walking in the light of Christ’s presence.

God’s Word enlightens our path and reveals ways we can obediently follow Him as we face hard times. Sharing the instructions and victories we receive helps others see Truth as well. Consider the glimpses of God from the battles above:

• A parent learns God still provides as she prays and shares her dilemma.
• The overwhelmed caregiver finds new understanding about God’s ability to meet needs and learns to rest in Him rather than ‘do it all.’

• The abandoned wife realizes more of Christ’s passion for people who have rejected Him as she confronts her own emotions.
• A parent feels the depth of comfort there is in knowing the Shepherd who searches relentlessly for the lost.
• One focused on perfection finds the peace of knowing that the love of God does not depend on performance.

Those of us who walk with God must tell the difference He makes in our day-to-day lives—and what lies we have to release to receive Him. Please consider sharing the details of how you have glimpsed Christ in your life. The Master Weaver entwines the thread of our lives in amazing ways. We need each other to broaden our view:

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19

Victories: Negativity

2011-06-04T15:12:00.000-04:00

A spirit of negativity is a nasty opponent. As New Yorkers who have weathered a tough winter and are drowning in a wet spring, so we all are prone to complaining these days! More difficult, though, is the truth that victory over negative thoughts is often a generational battle with deep, tangled roots. To add to the challenge, negativity is deceptive and always insinuates that it is ‘justified.’ Complaining and criticism, though, give no glory to God. They are of no use in the Christian walk; they are the antithesis of doing all for the glory of God! We must have victory over the spirit of negativity!

The results of negative words and thoughts are everywhere, but we often hide behind our unrighteous words with self-righteous indignation. “He deserved it!” “She had that coming for a long time!” We excuse our poor behavior while condemning another. God’s Word exhorts us to use our words to build others up. Furthermore, scripture warns that we are accountable for every word that comes out of our mouths. Ouch! Speaking against others—and even things—makes us co-workers with the Destroyer. We darken the lives of others and callous our own hearts with our negative thoughts and words.

Victory is possible! The Word is, of course, our primary weapon. Obedience to the instructions such as those in 2 Corinthians 10:5 and Philippians 4:8 will do much to vanquish darkness. Our minds are the primary battleground with negativity. We must insist that our thoughts obey God’s direction. We must focus on what is lovely, pure, noble and good. Trusting that God is truthful when He says all things are for the good of those committed to Him allows us to be courageous and hopeful. Our loving heavenly Father filters all that comes to our lives; we must not complain against His permissive will. If we focus on the things that bring despair and darkness, we will fall prey to darkness. Our minds must heed God’s instructions.

Sometimes obedience is hard to muster up, though, is it not? When my spirit is not willing, it helps me to consider the consequences of disobedience. While our hearts ‘should’ always desire to obey, the reality is that they do not. Scripture never sugarcoats the reality of disobedience. The book of Numbers particularly emphasizes the contamination of complaining. It is a pervasive sin, which destroys lives, squashes hope and delays God’s purposes. When we truly understand the damage our disobedience causes, our hearts soften enough to heed God’s instruction.

Yet even when our heads hear truth, our hearts still refuse to believe. If we know that complaining is wrong, if we understand that disobedience brings consequences to ourselves and others and we remain hard, it is time to sit at the cross. We need to spend time in prayer contemplating Christ’s suffering for us. We must remember that while we were still His enemies, He went to the cross for us. We have no grounds to complain about any person or any circumstance in the light of what Christ has done for us. Our hearts, humbled and broken, by His sacrificial love will not complain and criticize. Victory, as always, is in the cross of Christ. Let us triumph over negativity in our own lives and trust Jesus to use that marked difference to draw others to Himself!

Victories: Forgiveness

2011-05-29T22:13:00.004-04:00

Greetings! Our little community has evidently had its electric restored (we never lost electric, praise God but our phone, internet & cable have been gone since Thursday!). This is another one of the 'victory' columns from our local paper. Hope you enjoy.

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 16:19

Seeds of bitterness are common to this earthly life; the sources are diverse but misunderstandings, harsh judgments and unloving actions are typical culprits. Those we love are the ones most able to sow seeds of bitterness into our hearts. To the delight of the enemy of our soul, we often allow the seeds to sink roots into our hearts, which simply produces more bitter seeds for others. The cycle is vicious but Jesus offers us a better way—a difficult way. Walk along with Dotty as she shares the blessing of the power of freeing grace and forgiveness into the life of another.

The experience is so common to each of us that perhaps the details do not even matter. As every mother knows, hurts imposed on our children are more grievous to us than anything directed at ourselves. Dotty’s daughters were the recipients of a harsh, unfair judgment that came with painful consequences. Her mother’s heart was furious; the emotion of wrath overwhelming. The seeds of bitterness sown took root, and vengeful words spewed forth—to the offender and all who would listen.

As the emotions settled in her heart and her girls, the light of Christ gently shone upon the results of those bitter roots. She covered the roots in her heart with justification: the offender needed to be accountable for her cruelty. Holding onto her grudge ‘excused’ her actions and gave Dotty comfort. Yes, she prayed, but she refused to release the event wholly to Christ’s control. It was more satisfying to retain her ‘power’ and refuse forgiveness.

The Holy Spirit was unrelenting and true peace unavailable. Four years after the event, Dotty finally submitted to what she knew was the Lord’s desire: a humble apology for her own actions without the covering of justification or blame. Humbly sharing her sorrow at missing the mark Jesus sets for each of His followers produced an immediate freedom for herself, a similar apology from the offender and ultimately, unexpected results through the restored relationship.

Freeing the Spirit of Christ to work through us requires ‘dying’ to our own rights and opinions. It is not pain-free but neither is holding onto anger. In Dotty’s case, the restored relationship led to an amazing ministry opportunity for her youngest daughter, which allows her to pursue her God-given passion for music.

Apologies do not always produce a complete reconciliation but they always free the one who releases anger! “Unforgiveness is the rat poison you drink hoping the other person will die,” says Ken Sande, author of The Peacemaker. Today, consider if the Spirit is asking you to allow Him to flow through you into the life of another. Do not delay—obey and see what great things He has planned!

Victories: Anger and Emptiness

2011-05-21T14:57:00.001-04:00

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:7)

Anger that grew to hate; loneliness that drove to the bottle; emptiness that nearly sucked a life away…those are the enemies defeated in today’s victory report! Join Tim as he praises God and rejoice with him as he marvels at God’s grace!

The devastation of divorce joined forces with the hardships of single parenting to blind Tim to the goodness of God. Raised in the church, a torrent of difficulties swept Tim away from church for nearly a decade and a half. Held captive by his own anger and bitterness, Tim raged at the injustices of his life—and nearly destroyed himself in the process. Though Tim had left the church, the relentless love of God had never been separate from him.

Proverbs tells us that without vision, the people perish: God used some interesting lenses to help Tim regain his vision. A long harsh winter, the financial stress of unemployment, a deadening lack of purpose and funerals were some of God’s magnifiers. As his own hope dwindled and he contemplated suicide, God used the deaths of some friends to speak to Tim’s own heart. The contrast between the hopeless wakes of those who lived only for this life and the life-honoring celebrations of home-going saints worked in Tim’s heart. The common end of all focused his eyes on his own responsibility to live well—to leave a legacy of life and hope for those who would come behind.

With that desire in place, Tim was again ready and able to feel the love of God. After one funeral, Tim stopped by his brother’s home and mentioned that it had been some time since he had made it a point to go to a church for any reason. His brother replied ‘it’s been 14 years’, and then went on to tell Tim he had been praying all that time for Tim to return to God. It was a prayer heard by God and now by Tim’s own heart. Shortly after, some Christian friends sought Tim’s help with some home repair projects. Their lives were their testimony: the true concern they had for Tim broke through the hard defenses he had built. Their genuine concern had a profound effect. God’s love was having its way.

During a walk with his dogs one morning, the Spirit broke through and called Tim to humble himself before God, agree with God about his mistakes and turn back to God. The beauty and blessing of Tim’s obedience is best in his own words: “The words were hard—not because of confessing, but because I was weeping uncontrollably. Weeping and thanking God for more than one chance; weeping for the years lost and behind me for the waste they had been…when the prayer was finished, the burden lifted. It was a relief I hadn’t had in years…not just figuratively or spiritually but physically as well.’ Today Tim is a beloved part of a local church…actively living and loving in Jesus’ name.

God’s promises are real. Forgiveness and cleansing restore us. Our prayers and our love for others matter. Sit at the feet of Jesus and soak in His goodness…let us join Tim in embracing the blessing of confession and rejoicing in God’s gracious presence!

Victories: FEAR conquered

2011-05-14T08:45:00.002-04:00

For many years, fear was a dominating force of Lorrie’s life. Even a childhood sleepover at a neighbor-friend was a painful concept. The loss of both parents to cancer within months spun her into greater emotional disarray. Just as God intends, though, salvation brought eternal life to her earthly days! From the day of salvation, Lorrie was a passionate disciple, longing to know God and His power more and more. Freedom from fear was not without struggle; come, walk with her on a portion of God’s victory path!

Fully convinced early on of the sufficiency of God’s Word for meeting every need of life, Lorrie trained to become a biblical counselor. Fulfilling work at a Christian Counseling Center allowed Lorrie to bless and build God’s kingdom. An unexpected intrusion to her life work was announced by a seizure during a birthday dinner celebration. An orange-sized tumor was growing near the front of Lorrie’s skull. The logical earthly response would have been fear, but God provided an unearthly response: peace. From the moment of the seizure, He provided in amazing ways. An EMT passing by the dinner table, surgery scheduling, the growth path of the tumor, transportation concerns—all perfectly arranged by God. Lorrie soared through this dark period with the truths of Isaiah 41:10 holding her fast!

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)

Another unexpected wilderness loomed in Lorrie’s path, though. From her earliest days of walking with the Lord, it had been Lorrie’s desire to serve God in His kingdom. The medications necessary following brain surgery began to cloud her thinking. Unable to confidently counsel, Lorrie broken-heartedly resigned. God provided work for her in a most undesirable location: corporate America. Recognizing God’s hand, Lorrie entered what was, for her, a desert. Financially stable, gainfully employed but longing to serve God, she waited. Nearly a decade into her wilderness experience an opportunity arose to coordinate a short-term mission trip. Lorrie’s eyes finally rested upon the land God had prepared her for—and the land He had prepared for her.

Eastern Germany was (is) a spiritual desert desperately awaiting the seeds of confident hope God had planted and nurtured in Lorrie’s own life. Just as the sufficiency of God’s Word had propelled her into Biblical Counseling, the sufficiency of God’s power has propelled her to missions. This formerly fear-filled child is now a faith-filled kid of the King. Forsaking the assurances of American medicine, the comforts of family, financial security and retirement, Lorrie is launching out as a single, (almost) senior saint to disciple the women of the formerly communist land of East German. Reasons to fear abound, but Lorrie’s desire is to encourage each of us to reject fears for confidence in Christ! (Hebrews 10:23-25).

If you would like to know more about her mission, contact her at lskowronski@fim.org or visit her mission agency online at www.fim.org.

Victory Story

2011-05-06T09:53:00.000-04:00

James 2:13b (NIV) “…Mercy triumphs over judgment!”

Every war involves battle wounds and scars…even when you are on the winning side. The names in this battle—and victory—report are changed to protect the dignity and honor of souls. Some of the souls have gone to eternity and some are still on their journey.

It all began with good intentions. An aging couple reached out to help a middle-aged Christian brother, Allen, who was struggling with mental health issues, divorce and unemployment. Mae and Jim eventually took him into their home providing food, clothing and encouragement. Gradually Mae began to rearrange their home and their lives to accommodate the needs of Allen. Uneasy with what seemed to be an unhealthy relationship, family members began to complain and cajole Mae to see the situation from their viewpoint. Unable to see beyond Allen’s needs and the joy she felt in helping him, Mae became defensive.

Family concern, contention and chatter increased. Feeling victimized by misjudgment and gossip, Mae lashed out. Accusing her youngest daughter of slanderous lies, she demanded an apology. Stubborn pride and self-righteousness prevented Jessie from anything other than an expression of sympathy for her mother’s anger. It was not enough. Mae refused any further contact with Jessie—except phone calls to Jessie’s preschool daughter. Often those calls became Mae’s opportunity to defend herself with accusations against Jessie.

Deeply grieved but unable to see beyond ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, Jessie sought God’s perspective. The Spirit returned her to the cross to find the answer to the conflict. The Peacemaker, by Ken Sande, helped Jessie understand how to apply the blood of Christ for cleansing and healing. She began to see the necessity and blessing of mercy for her own well-intentioned mis-steps that had contributed to the broken relationship. As she embraced the love of Christ that extends forgiveness for intentional—and unintentional—sins, she saw her mother’s need for the same. In Jessie’s words, “I finally understood that both she and I had tried our best—but our best is never enough. It was not about who was right and who was wrong; it was all about living IN Jesus.” Armed with prayer and humility, Jessie sought to reconcile with her mother.

Mae, too, was longing to restore her family and the relationship—shaky and fragile—was able to begin building. The blood of Jesus wrought a great victory…a victory that soon took on even greater proportions. While unconditional love had paved the way for family connections, the underlying problems that spawned the conflict remained. The damage from the unhealthy situation with Allen propelled Mae and Jim into angry, potentially violent conflict. Mae briefly stayed with Jessie and her family until Jim could move out of their home; they would never speak again. He has found peace mingled with sorrow in his new community and church. More importantly those he moved in with began attending church with him! The victories there are still unfolding.

Within a year, Mae found herself in a battle with advanced cancer. The earlier victory with her daughter allowed Mae to walk with her children and grandchildren through the valley of the shadow of death. The peace that came in walking together is nearly incalculable: love reigned in a dark place; Jessie faces the future without hopeless regrets; the impact of the victory on the grandchildren and other observers is known only in heaven; the knowledge that there was peace between Mae and Jesus is priceless.

None of us leaves our earthly walks unscarred but Jesus gives us strength for each step and ‘bright hope for tomorrow.’ May you be inspired to apply the blood and reconcile any broken relationships in your life…in honor of Mae and her loved ones.

Victories

2011-04-30T13:14:00.000-04:00

Good morning! At least for a bit, I will be sharing another weekly writing on this blog. The Baptist Voice in Conklin graciously agreed to accept a weekly column on the victories Jesus gives His children. I will share one of those stories today but next week will include an appeal for you to consider sharing YOUR stor(ies). We all have freedoms that God has crafted just for us--and we can encourage others by telling the stories. Consider this story:

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. (Psalms 91:14)

Our victory report today is of a devoted young Christian who came face-to-face with sacrificing her dreams to make a stand for Jesus Christ. Her personal courage and convictions join with the Lord’s work to provide us with an opportunity to rejoice.

The legality of abortion in America has created a dilemma for pro-life medical professionals. In many instances, the law requires one to set aside personal moral convictions. Jane understood the situation and actually chose a medical university located in a state with what is known as a ‘conscience law.’ This is a law that protects pro-life medical staff from being required to assist with any procedure they personally find morally objectionable (e.g. abortion). Sadly, Jane learned that the law is not necessarily extended to Christian medical students.

Well into her graduate studies, Jane was assigned to work in a family planning clinic. Recognizing that the stated requirement of ‘abortion counseling’ did not mean offering a pro-life viewpoint, Jane approached the Dean. He informed her that she was the only student who had ever objected based on moral concerns, and that the requirement would not be altered to accommodate her views. She was informed that failure to perform the duties assigned would result in a failing grade. Completing her education would be impossible. Praise God, He deals with the impossible perfectly!

With great trepidation, Jane prepared to work at the clinic—and to face the spiritual battlefield. Her family engaged prayer support through their church and internet chains; prayer for her courage to stand strong and for God to orchestrate the details perfectly. As Jane began her rotation, the dean firmly told her “leave your (moral) baggage at the door when you see patients...”

Jane’s plan was to approach the supervising physician directly with her concerns; however, the busyness of the clinic prevented any such private conversation. The first week passed in a whirl with no abortion-counseling situation arising. Rather than simply hope for the best for the duration of the rotation, Jane made the difficult decision to contact her Supervisor at home. Despite his reputation as a rather irascible individual, the doctor was gracious and supportive. A former Catholic, he respected her convictions and protected her from the obligation to provide abortion counseling! God provided the requested courage for Jane, managed the caseload she was assigned and worked in the heart of the supervising physician. God is faithful!

As Americans, we know our country was founded by individuals who were willing to sacrifice for their personal beliefs. What a joy to know the same depth of conviction lives on in a young American. Might we all support one another in prayers and by living with such integrity. We do not want a world that believes moral convictions can be ‘checked at the door.’ We need courage like Jane’s—we need to be prayer warriors!

Character: A Spirit of Integrity

2011-04-23T08:31:00.001-04:00

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Romans 12:17

That 'Truth' is synonymous with Christ is clear from scripture; Jesus even said He is the Truth. As a trait, integrity is integral to the Christian's character. The poverty of integrity in the lives of Christians is heartbreaking--and devastating. Satan is the father of lies, and we contribute to his work when we fall for his lies and when we promote his lies by living in their darkness. Lies Young Women Believe asserts that the best way to spot a fake is to know the original: we must have a passion to know Jesus above all else!

Never did Christ say one thing and do another; the Christian must not either. In Colossians 3:9 we are admonished not to lie to one another with acts of the old nature: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk (Message phrasing). Too often we hear people say they just cannot put off a habit or ignore their grumpy feelings--they assert that it is just 'them.' God's Word sees it differently; as Christians we are deceiving others when we live out of our deadness. We are cooperating with the devil and hiding Truth! Integrity remembers that we are Christ's and our life is hidden with Him!

In Romans, Paul reminds us that anything not of faith is sin: phew! God tells us one of His names is Jehovah-Jireh: the Lord will provide. If we say we believe in God, yet deny His identity by providing for ourselves in our own ways, we are not living with integrity. When we call Jesus, LORD, and then refuse His call to obedience, we are living a lie. The Christian character must be like Christ's in integrity and truthfulness. As we celebrate Easter, we celebrate new life in Christ. Let us not cover up His glory but proclaim with every word and action the One who is TRUTH!

Family Chat:

Has anyone ever lied to you? How did you feel?

What if the truth hurts...should it be shared? Do you want to know truth?

If you prefer a lie, what will be the results?

Consider the names of Jesus (here's one resource: http://www.prayertoday.org/2004/PDF/Guides/Jesus-Names-Alpha-List.PDF) and ask the Spirit to reveal whether you are living in the light of a specificTruth?

Consider the who you are in Christ and ask the same thing: http://www.prayertoday.org/2004/PDF/Guides/I-Am-Secure.PDF

Character: A Spirt of Sensitivity

2011-04-16T08:54:00.001-04:00

Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spoke against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD. (2 Kings 22:19)

In the passage above, young King Josiah wept as he heard the Word of God read. He wept for the failures of himself and his people to obey the LORD God. That passion for obedience to God is founded upon confidence in His goodness--the 'rightness' of God's commands. Jesus' words as translated in the New Living Translation convey the idea well: "I know that His commands will bring eternal life..." (John 12:50). Jesus came that those who believed on Him would have abundant, unending life. Obedience to God and abundant living are integrally entwined!

Despite Jesus' passion for obedience, He says He did not come to judge. He Himself wept at the stubbornness and unbelief of those He came to save. In Isaiah it was prophesied that the Messiah would be despised and rejected--yet would not open His mouth. Jesus simply stayed focused on the Father's will and completed His task--deliverance of all who would believe to abundant, eternal life! King Josiah offers us a similar example: he mourned his own failures as well as those of his people, and he set out to obey all that was made known to him. We will do well to imitate their examples.

There is much to mourn in this our world today: false gods abound (wealth, prestige, pleasure); pagan religions are flourishing; immorality is glorified. When we allow the Spirit to convict us of our own shortcomings, we will be awed by His mercy. When we worship Him, the heartbreak of the damage of sin to the world around us will move us to tears. Harsh judgment and criticism of others will not soften hearts to the mercy of God; however, confession of our own shortcomings, repentance and determined obedience will witness to God's glory. Weeping for the lives damaged and destroyed by sin prepares us to serve those who are held captive in darkness. Sorrow for sin aligns our hearts with God's own heart.

May our hearts be broken for the damage to lives darkened by sin; may we be so awed by God's glory that we will lift Jesus up for all to see!

Family Chat

What do you see in the world around you that makes you sad...makes your heart break?

What does God have to say about it?

How can you help others to see God's sorrow and His solution for the problem?

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. (John 12:32)

Expectations

2011-04-09T09:48:00.001-04:00

I am opting for lazy this morning and sharing something I wrote yesterday. Each week I have the joy of preparing a column on 'Victories' in Christ. I haven't posted them here yet simply because they are for the Baptist Voice newspaper. Since this one is about 'me' I feel a bit more ownership and am sharing it. I suspect we all cave into expectations a bit. May it bless you. AND would you consider sharing some of your battle stories--and Christ's victories? He is busy every day; when we give Him the glory His purposes are fulfilled. The columns are anonymous--usually (little hard in this case!). Blessings to you, all. bj

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Expectations—sometimes real, sometimes perceived, sometimes mine, sometimes others—are an effective tool of the enemy in my life. Freedom for an abundant, victorious life is mine when I bring it all back to Jesus.

Rebellion was my youthful response to expectations. The guy with a jail record or a tattoo was more interesting than the hard-working student. An apartment and work as a waitress more appealing than college. Riding a motorcycle was a contradictory expectation to embrace. Gradually fierce independence became an iron chain; its lock closed tight with my dad’s death and my subsequent rejection of anything expected by God.

Rejecting existing expectations necessitates establishing our own. So, I set out to be the ‘best’ human being I could conjure up. God simply waited for me to realize my best was not too impressive. In His love and mercy, He even blessed me along the way. God provided a perfect man for me: raised in a conservative Baptist home but wandering far away in chains of his own, Craig was (and is) a treasure from God. While God’s hand was unseen by all, He was at work in the midst of our chains of alcohol and faulty expectations. In the workplace, I found success and joy in serving others…secular humanism was an appealing, deceptive chain. A decade of band-aid service began to reveal the hopelessness of striving to live within its expectations.

Then, my loving God gave the ultimate blessing: pregnancy. Pregnancy comes with a list of ‘to dos’ that I was faithful to follow. A high-risk pregnancy and premature birth were the unexpected results. Mothering a premature baby quickly revealed that my best would never be enough; my self-created expectations and desires were a waste of time. The need for a greater planner than me was the key that unlocked my heaviest chain: self-reliance. Every chain unlocked when I accepted God’s expectations; but He allows each chain to remain until I see the faulty expectation I have accepted and choose to embrace His perfect plan.

The persistent love of God, life itself and my inadequacies continue to expose new chains—and give greater blessings. A second baby arrived with a passionate temperament-- and colic. She joined her toddler sibling, a terrier puppy, and our two-careers to exhaust all remaining reserves of self-reliance. Aggressive cancer created nursing needs for my mother that I could not meet. Daily, the weight of high school home education crushes me if I seek to meet my expectations—or those of friends or even college recruiters. The list could go on but the answer is always the same: take the yoke of Jesus. His only expectation is that I look to Him and trust Him. Accepting God’s expectations frees me to see that His love and power are sufficient for every situation.

What expectations are choking off the abundant life in you? The eternal paradox of freedom as a slave to the King of Kings is the key to joyful, abundant living. Please share your glimpse of the freeing ways of Christ. Give God the glory that others will see Him and long for Him.

Character: A Spirit of Service

2011-04-02T15:12:00.001-04:00

There are multiple admonitions in scripture to encourage us to serve and remind us of the blessings of serving. The heart of service, though, is strikingly conveyed with Christ's own words:

"...Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

The fact that Christ said 'peace be with you' twice before sending His disciples out makes great sense to me. When we truly contemplate Christ's own sending, the enthusiasm for serving is quite likely to be drowned with our fear. God sent Jesus from the very glories of heaven to a cavern-stable...from the perfect Father God to an adolescent mother...from a kingdom with eternal perspective to an earthly world with perversions of power. Simply serving outside of my comfort zone or failing to realize the results I intended in a service project can waylay me. Christ's spirit of service was undaunted by any of the challenges He faced.

Immediately after informing the disciples they were being sent out, Christ said 'Receive the Holy Spirit,'--The unconquerable Spirit of Service evidenced by Christ requires much more than human initiative. Nothing done in our power will produce eternal results. Our character must be transformed by the very touch of God before we can serve His purposes. Great sacrifice was included in Christ's sending and service; He is our example and true service will cost us as well. Christ's service was to give His very life as a ransom for many. Though He was born to die, we are called to be 'living sacrifices.' Our service involves placing God's purposes above our pleasures; we must sacrifice 'self' for service.

Like Jesus, we are to be an example for others--to call others to Christ by the joy we have in serving. Joy and self-sacrifice seem to be mutually exclusive but they are so compatible when we serve in the power of the Holy Spirit. Scripture tells us that for the joy set before Him, Christ endured the cross; obviously the cross was not the joy. The beautiful purposes of God rejoiced His heart--and will rejoice ours as well when we seek to know them. That is the joy which will flow out of our service; God loves cheerful givers. We must never be sour saints but have our spirits sweetened by Him.

Family Chat:

Discuss what might it be like to move from a mansion to a homeless shelter?

What kind of luxuries do we enjoy that we don't think about?

Do our comforts ever keep us from serving? What things (not material things but personal things) keep us from serving?

Who is an example of a servant for you?

Is there a way God might be calling you to serve?

Other scriptures: Titus 2:7; 1 Timothy 6:18; Matthew 5:16; John 13:4,5; Philippians 2:7

Character: A Spirit of Trust

2011-03-26T13:06:00.001-04:00

At the end of Christ's life--and at the end of Stephen's life--both men committed their spirits into the hands of the Father. Fearless trust in God in the closing moments of life is built on years of walking with God and finding Him trustworthy. Death is the final dark enemy that is swallowed by Christ's victory: yet every darkness of life can be swallowed if we allow this trust to build on a daily basis. Great blessings are promised for those who trust in the Lord. Consider some of these promises given to those who trust in the Lord:

no condemnation
redemption
unshakable, eternal endurance
perfect peace
gifts of God's goodness
surrounded by unfailing love
safety

Throughout scripture trust is repeatedly encouraged; blessings repeated promised. The trust Christ exhibited on the cross is part of the character we have inherited. Let us embrace this aspect of Christ's character, reap the blessings and rejoice the heart of our Father!

Family Chat:

Have you trusted Jesus' work on the cross? He is the ONLY way to heaven.(John 14:6)
What is the hardest thing for you to trust God with? (Your dreams, a certain desire--a spouse, a child, a career; a fear; a hurt someone has done to you?)
Challenge: Find a scripture that will help you release that thing...and keep giving it back to God it until you are fully confident in God.

Extra encouragement: Psalm 31:19; 32:10; 34:22; 37; 125; Isaiah 26:3; Jeremiah 17:7; Nahum 1:7

Character: A Spirit of Growing

2011-03-18T16:59:00.001-04:00

Growth is not something we commonly associate with our divinely perfect Lord. Yet scripture tells us Jesus grew strong in spirit (Luke 2:40) and increased in wisdom, stature and favor with man and God (Luke 2:52). Christ, fully God yet fully man, demonstrated growth; it is our privilege to do so as well!

God’s Word is our primary nourishment for growth; we must feed His life within us. Our salvation rests upon the completed work of Christ, but our growth allows us to enter into the life He has prepared for us now! God’s Word opens our eyes to the riches we have already received in Christ. All of those riches belong to those who have entered into eternal life by faith in Jesus’ work. Consider these verses from the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11):

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (Hebrews 11:33-34)

Faith has some awesome power; we must feed on the Word and exercise our faith that we can ‘wax strong’ like Jesus!

Grace and knowledge are important aspects of growth (2 Peter 3:18). We can read that verse as telling us that we must exhibit more grace and knowledge (and we will as we grow). Yet the verse also reminds us that God’s grace and knowledge nurtures growth. Jesus died for us while we were yet sinners; He has drawn us with cords of loving kindness—He will not suddenly turn on us and begin whipping us into shape. He knows us perfectly and will use that knowledge to grow us perfectly! The enemy, though, will make us think God is being unjust and is dissatisfied with us. Satan uses shame and guilt to drive us away from Jesus. Our Lord calls us to Himself that His very presence will transform us into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). Conviction is a gentle nudge toward Jesus; guilt is the sword of the enemy to drive us away from Christ. Do not be deceived: tune your ears to the loving concern of Christ. His sheep know His voice!

Growing is such an exciting characteristic; the fruit is so beautiful, I must force myself to stop this little devotion. Colossians 1:9-13 offers us a beautiful prayer to lift up for each other. I will leave those verses and some chat options below.

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (Colossians 1:9-13)

FAMILY CHAT:

What is the foundation for all spiritual growth? Hebrews 6:1

Who began a spiritual work in us? Philippians 1:6

Who gives spiritual growth? 1 Corinthians 3:6 (What if we are complaining about another’s growth—whom are we really complaining against?)

What are some ways we can grow? Luke 17:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:12, 2 Peter 1:56 (and many more!!)

Character - A Life Example

2011-03-12T07:40:00.002-05:00

We looked at the quality of faithfulness in our study of Christian Character a few weeks ago. Today, though, we are preparing to go to the funeral of a lady who exuded this characteristic. May you be blessed by this little tribute to her: Miss Marilyn Davis.

Sixty-nine years of teaching Sunday School is a pretty solid example of faithfulness. Yet, it only scratches the surface of this saint's example. Courageous conviction lived with humble meekness are the right words, but the reality is so much more beautiful than the words. Miss Marilyn lived consistently...she was the antithesis of the double-minded man in James.

Miss Marilyn could always be counted on to do what she said--even to living her entire life without electricity or running water because she made a commitment to her father years before. I never heard her complain: she hauled coal buckets (and ashes) for heat and cooking; she carried water; she used an outhouse. Yet all those things were simply the backdrop of a life that constantly reached out to others.

She planted hundreds of 'Impatience" seeds each year to give to the ladies of the church on Mother's Day. She shared the bounty of her garden with all but the woodchucks; she had a gun and knew how to use it! She loved her woods and walking through God's beautiful creation; and she shared it with those who wanted to walk with her. She saved stickers and cards to give to the children. She shopped for presents and candies to encourage the children's attendance in Junior Church. She shared Missionary stories to give little hearts a glimpse of devotion to Jesus. She shared her life with everyone to give a glimpse of Jesus.

Miss Marilyn, we will miss you but your example will never be forgotten. Thank you!

Character: A Spirit of Waiting

2011-03-05T09:23:00.001-05:00

The character of Christ embodied confidence in both the purposes and the timing of His heavenly Father. Even when we trust in the Lord's ultimate purposes, we have a tendency to forget that His timing is perfect as well. As our character transforms more into the likeness of Christ, we will feel the reality of Isaiah 40:31 in our lives. We will have our strength renewed. We will soar above the mountains of life and the boulders which seek to crush us. We will run the race God has set before us without weariness, and we will embrace life's daily drudgeries with a heart that does not faint in discouragement!

The disappointments, struggles and heartaches of life are many. God allows the the tough stuff of life to call us to to look to Him, to place our confidence in Him. We must choose: we either succumb to the temptation to doubt the power and goodness of God or we can allow His Spirit free reign and wait in confidence. Often our reaction to the struggles of life is to rely on strengths in our human character; in fact, in our own strength we can accomplish much and survive even terrible heartaches. But the Christ-like Spirit is the work of God alone; it is our spirit submitted to Him. Only the Spirit of Christ within can evidence patient confidence to the very end of our journey of life. The example of a spirit able to wait with faith--absolute trust--in God is a blessing to all who walk alongside. Our own strength has limits; His has none. Our courage will eventually fail; His perfect knowledge gives Him complete confidence. God created us to have amazing capabilities, but we pale in His glory. Let us choose to allow His Spirit to fill us, to propel us and empower us!

Family Chat:

What have you struggled to wait for? (a present, a trip, a visit)

Did anything happen while you waiting that discouraged you?

How do you cope with discouraging things? Do you get angry? Do you trust that God has a better plan?

In Genesis, God had promised Abraham that his descendants would be put into slavery but that He would free them and they would have great riches. God is always faithful to His promises but it was over 400 years before this happened. How do you think Joe Israelite born 300 years into this time period might have felt? Did he have hope? Did he think God forgot His promises? Can we rightly judge situations with our own view?

What does the Bible say about God's faithfulness? Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 36:5; Hebrews 6:18

Consider these verses describing Jesus in Revelation 1:5, 19:11.

Character: A Spirit of Meekness

2011-02-26T08:03:00.000-05:00

Here is a wonderful definition of meekness: strength under control! Jesus exemplified this characteristic and as we become transformed into His likeness, it will be evidenced in our lives as well. Let's consider what meekness looks like in Scripture. The book of Isaiah introduced us to Christ long before He walked on the earth, and Isaiah 53:7 says this: "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth..." At any point in Christ's earthly journey, He could have accessed and utilized His divine powers and ended His sufferings; His decision not to do that is meekness!

Meekness is not a human response; it is a divine fruit of the spirit which offers special blessings. Our beloved Savior's call to take his yoke of meek humility upon ourselves comes with a promise--rest for our souls. Paul tells us that our ability to instruct others requires this characteristic, and James admonishes readers to meekly receive God's Word which delivers us. Clearly a spirit of meekness will affect our very salvation and the salvation of others! Perhaps the most glorious blessing of meekness, though, is God's view of it--a meek and quiet spirit is precious to our great God! Allowing this spirit to flow in and through our days is of value to God Himself.

The key to pleasing our Father, to embracing Christ's yoke and heeding James' admonishment is revealed by Peter's explanation of Jesus' actions: '...He entrusted himself to him who judges justly.' Faith in God's power and love is the only way to respond with meekness to the injustices of life. Our reaction to unfair accusations and cruel, evil intentions is self-righteous anger and retaliation. Throughout Scripture we are called to love in the face of evil just as Christ loved us in our sinfulness. God has given tremendous examples of His children who lived with meekness. We can learn from the lives of Moses, David, Jeremiah, Stephen and Paul; but we trust in the risen power of Christ--our perfect example--to fill us with His Spirit.

Family Chat:

How do you usually respond to unkindness or lies about you?

What kind of results do you get? Is your heart at peace?

How does your usual response affect your view/relationship with God? How about the other person's view of God?

What are some of the blessings God promises to those who live with meekness?
Psalm 22:26; 37:11; 147:6; 149:4; Isaiah 11:4; 29:19

How did these Bible characters demonstrate meekness?
Moses (Numbers 12:3); David (2 Samuel 16:11); Jeremiah (Jer 26:14); Stephen (Acts 7:60); Paul 2 Tim 4:16

Character: A Spirit of Trustworthiness

2011-02-19T08:18:00.001-05:00

Jesus was reliable; from his earliest days, he knew--and expected others to know--what he would be about. When separated from his family at the conclusion of a religious celebration, he asked his distraught parents, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know where I would be?" Every activity and aspect of Christ had an inherent integrity which made Him wholly trustworthy. In 1 Corinthians 4:2, Paul exhorts believers of the need to be found faithful--to be trustworthy. That word is the essence of Christ's life: to be 'faithful' meant to be steadfast to one's Word and promises, to be worthy of belief and to be a believer. Christ was all of those things and as His servants, we are to be the same.

Those who walk this life journey with us need to be able to trust us. Our words must be fulfilled in our actions. Our promises must be certain lest those we walk with draw a conclusion that our belief in Jesus is not trustworthy either. Throughout scripture we have examples of faithful, trustworthy characters. Daniel's detractors were unable to accuse him because he was so trustworthy and never negligent to his duties. Joseph had the complete trust of those he served--whether the prison guard or the pharaoh--because he was trustworthy. Living the Christian life is about 'how' we live not just what we do: growing into the likeness of Christ will involve a character that resonates trustworthiness.

Such a character trait must be intentionally integrated into every activity of our life. In our world, there are so many opportunities to do good things and be busy for the Lord. Yet, we are only vessels of clay and can not do all things well. We are to be busy about good things, but we must never allow ourselves to be so busy we can not be faithful in all that we do. We are to do all things for the glory of God and if the activities we choose are so excessive that this key spirit of reliability is lost, we fail to bring Him glory. We also fail to evidence another aspect of faithfulness: right-focused belief. Our belief must be in God's power and provision, not our own productivity. Solid belief in our Lord, will help us live in a way that others will believe too!

Family Chat

Can people trust you to do what you say you will do?

How do you feel when someone promises something and then does not follow through?

What should you do if you make a hasty commitment and then have to withdraw?

Verses to read and discuss:

A few of the examples of faithfulness in scripture: Luke 2:49; Nehemiah 13:13; Daniel 6:4

What does Jesus say about being faithful? What do scriptures say about the blessings of faithfulness?
Matthew 24:45-46; Psalm 101:6

A key trustworthy part of our life is?: 1 Timothy 1:15; 2 Timothy 2:11; Revelation 21:15

Character: A Spirit of Diligence

2011-02-12T09:20:00.001-05:00

Do you ever feel weary and doubt-filled? I do, but we do not need to! As we look at Christ's character--the character we are predestined to be transformed into--we see more than diligence, we see zeal! Isaiah 59:17 says Jesus wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak. We need to wrap our spirits in the same way--Jesus must be our covering and our motivation.

There are so many distractions which sap this aspect of our character. Our eyes become mis-focused on results or roadblocks, and our diligent work grinds to a halt. We forget that we are not the producers of results but we are to diligently press on. We forget that we do not hold the future but we must hold onto faith in the One who does. We forget that like Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit and the very power of God, to empower us as we go about doing good and healing those under the devil's power (Acts 10:38). We are not to fixate on our path or our production, but to persevere and work diligently that God may produce the increase He has planned through our lives.

God promises great things with 'simple' diligence. Diligent hands: rule, bring wealth & satisfaction. Persevering in God's ways brings us to the promised inheritance and never fails (2 Peter 1:10). So what are the ways we need to focus on when life seems overwhelming? Let's just pause in 2 Peter and be renewed.

We start with our faith. Faith in God's existence, His goodness and His presence!
We add to that goodness---right actions.
To faith and right living, we are called to add knowledge. We must seek to 'know' God in the details of our days.
Knowing precedes self-control; we must do what we know, learn more and then discipline ourselves to obey that as well.
Godliness is our next 'doing': it sounds daunting but it is natural. It means worship the amazing God we know! When we truly see Him, we can do nothing else.
The last two seem so easy that many non-believers regularly replicate them: brotherly kindness and love. Brotherly kindness is more than helping someone that we might feel the warmth of having done a nice thing. It is the love for the brotherhood of Christianity that propels us to encourage as part of our 'like common faith.' It is Jesus-centered giving and may never be known as coming from us.
Finally, we are to love as God loves...agape love. Love that puts the needs of the others before ourselves. It sometimes is 'tough love' that feels so painful; but it is the love that we must press on to achieve. Christ's diligence revealed that love and produced eternal life. We must let our character emulate the same diligent love!

Grow not weary in well-doing but press on and allow His life to flow unhindered!

Family Chat:

What makes you want to give up?

How do you get beyond it?

Where can we look to find inspiring examples of folks who pressed on?

What did Jesus say motivated Him? John 2:17; 4:34; 9:4

Are we to rely only on our own power and vision? Acts 10:38; Eph 6:10; 1 Cor 2:5; 1 John 4:4; Psalm 91:1-3; Proverbs 3:6

Character: A Spirit of Simplicity

2011-02-06T18:06:00.001-05:00

The still small voice of God is easily drowned out by the noisy demands of daily life. Palm pilots, cell phones, text messages…technological conveniences become tyrannical rulers. We allow ourselves to become victims of the world and believe the deception that we cannot control the craziness of our calendars. The truth, though, is that we are the creators of the chaos by refusing to establish priorities for our time. The minutes of our lives are a precious, ever-depleting resource. We are to be wise stewards of those minutes. A key to that stewardship is cultivating a godly character which rejoices in simplicity.

Simplicity is not simple to cultivate in a world with a ‘have-it-all’ mentality that demands multi-tasking. Yet it is not about unplugging from the world either. A life lived with simplicity produces results in a world shattered by colliding desires and demands. Heartbreakingly, it is becoming a lost art. Clarity and goal-directed living are the hallmarks of a simple life. Simplicity is as much the antithesis of an aimless, uninvolved life as it is an antithesis of a scattered, chaotic life. Simplicity refuses multi-tasking and focuses on the task at hand. It is not laziness, nor is it distractedness. Simplicity will not sit and do nothing, nor will it text one friend while having lunch with another. Simplicity is about whole-hearted engagement with the world…one person, one activity at a time.

Cultivating simplicity requires establishing priorities for your attention. There is a wonderful illustration often used in time management classes. A glass jar is filled to overflowing with sand, pebbles and finally rocks. Nothing more can be added and not all that needs to fit can do so. A second jar…empty is brought alongside. The larger rocks are placed into the jar, then the pebbles, then the sand and finally a carafe of water is poured into the jar. ALL fits. Our lives are exactly like that. Rightly ordering our life’s priorities will allow everything to fit. We will not be overwhelmed; our hearts will have peace that reigns and our lives will bless others.

Family Chat:

What fills the time in your day?
Are there things you wish you often feel bad that you have not done?

What's wrong with putting stuff off until tomorrow? James 4:14
How do we learn to value time? Psalm 90:12
Does it matter how we use our time? 1 Cor 7:29-31; Eph 5:15-6

Character: A Spirit of Denial: a sacrifice to surrender

2011-01-22T09:29:00.001-05:00

Before we look at this attribute of the Christian character, it's important to remember that God's Word repeatedly states that sacrifice is not His ultimate goal. "I desire mercy and not sacrifice..." (Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13); "You do not desire sacrifice..." (Psalm 51) and many more. This characteristic relates to a willingness to believe, to act on our belief and praise God as we do so. Sacrificial living is a a natural outflow of the life of Christ--the One who sacrificed His very life that we might live. It is not the entry to that life; it is the result of His sacrificial living and dying!

The words of Jesus gave the seed for this devotion:
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

Denying self is the sacrifice we are called to and it looks different for each of us. What is always the same, though, is that self gets us in a lot of trouble. We must sacrifice what flows from 'self': our opinions, our desires, our sense of 'right', our preferences, our fears, our doubts. Those are the sacrifices we are to bring to the altar and lay them before God with praise for Who He is (eternal, good, loving) and How He works (powerfully, perfectly, purposefully). This is the transformation of our character into the likeness of Christ! We are not saved by those sacrifices but we are given the privilege of being a blessing. They are the key to walking in the 'good works' which God has prepared for us to do!

God will speak to each of us about the sacrifice He has called us to do. Ask Him to reveal in your heart the sacrifice that will produce abundant life for others and blessing for yourself. The chapter I am working on my other blog speaks of sacrifice as well: Abraham's offering of Isaac. If the Spirit is pricking at your heart about this, perhaps you'd like to read that and ask for more insight from Him: http://billiejoyoumans.blogspot.com/.

Family Chat:

What do you love the most? Who gave it to you? Do you love the gift more than Giver? Who gives us every good and perfect gift? James 1:17

Gifts become idols when they are valued more than the Giver.

Would you give that gift back if the Giver asked for it? Genesis 22

What does God desire more than sacrifice? 1 Samuel 15:22; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13; Hebrews 9:9

Will sacrifices cleanse your conscience and bring salvation? Hebrews 9:9; Isaiah 1:11; Malachi 3:3

BUT what kind of sacrifices can we give that will please God? Deut. 33:19; Psalm 51:17-19; Psalm 107:22-24; Jonah 2:9; Hebrews 13:15

Character: A Spirit of Compassion

2011-01-15T10:26:00.000-05:00

Compassion is a spirit clearly evidenced in Christ yet often seen in those who do not know Christ. Human compassion brings some beauty to this world but it has tremendous limitations. What is different about Christ's compassion and the spirit we wish to emulate?   Christ-like compassion flows from the essence of God. The compassion of our Lord is eternal and infused with the omniscience of God. Our Creator always remembers that we are but dust and our days are short.  Human compassion is often based on experiential knowledge or fear and comes with our own pre-conceived expectations. We offer our sympathy based on our own personal feelings and thoughts: what we would like from others if we were in a similar situation; what we expect one should think and do in such a situation; and sometimes based on how helping makes us feel about ourselves.  Human compassion reacts to what we see; the Lord's compassion is based on what He knows (and willingly shares! if we seek Him).

A startling aspect of divine compassion is that sometimes it is tough! God knows what is best for us, and in His compassion, He will withhold anything less. Human compassion is often just sympathy: good can be the enemy of best. Human compassion is not fully discerning. Another vast difference between human and divine compassion is its duration. Our compassion often is affected by the response of the recipient; if they persist in their 'foolishness' or reject our offerings of compassion, we withdraw our mercy.   God's mercy is patient and inexhaustible!

So now that we see some differences between His compassion and our own, what will a Christ-like spirit of compassion look like in His children?   Christ-like compassion will see a need and meet that need--not because of any expected result or return but because that is Christ's heart! Christ-like compassion will not be conditional or even situational; it will be the spirit with which the Christian lives moment by moment--gentle and long-suffering. Christ-like compassion will have God-given understanding and it will not always be perceived as a blessing. The spirit we are seeking to demonstrate will draw others because it is the same loving-kindness with which God has drawn us to Himself.

Chat Options:

Has anyone ever helped you through a hard time...been compassionate? (John 11:35; Romans 12:15)

Has anyone ever NOT done what you thought was kind but later you found it is was the best thing? (Psalm 103:13-8)

Have you ever had someone help you for a while and then get irritated with you because you were not doing what they wanted? Or have you tried to help someone and been annoyed by their 'failures?' Psalm 78:38-9

How is Jesus so able to understand us? Hebrews 4:15; Isaiah 53:11

Character: A Spirit of Assurance

2011-01-08T11:32:00.000-05:00

Most of the things we are certain of in this world are not heart-warming! Yet, the Christian spirit is blessed with a confidence that provides security. The faithfulness of God is a rock-solid certainty in a world that is inconsistent on nearly every level. The writer of Hebrews assures us Jesus is unchanging...the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Christ Himself assures us He will never leave us alone--God Himself is permanently with us. God, the Father, assured Noah--and us--that as long as the earth remains seedtime and harvest will continue despite our impure hearts. Those are promises which give security and allow us to live the full, abundant life Jesus came to provide for us.

The Message translation of the Bible gives us a plain and simple result of this confidence:

So let's do it--full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:22-25)

God's promises and His equipping of us are more than sufficient. We can walk forward into this new year with a courage based on the assurances of God. HE is able and willing to meet every challenge we will encounter in this new year. The 'fear nots' of the Bible are based on the identify of our Heavenly Father, not ourselves!

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I have been posting 'Family Chat' pages on my other blog for several weeks; however, I will give a few questions and scriptures at the end of each of these weekly posts from this point forward. My other blog: www.billiejoyoumans.blogspot.com is now a daily blog with devotions on chapters of scripture. If you would like to receive those, you need to send me an email or go to the blog and sign up. Blessings to all of you!

Family Chat possibilities:

What do you have the most confidence in? Have you ever been disappointed by that--has it ever failed?
Do you have someone you can always count on to encourage you or listen to you just gripe...someone who is ALWAYS there for you?

What does God's Word say about trusting in self or man: Proverbs 28:26; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Isaiah 2:22; Jeremiah 17:5
How about trusting in earthly riches? Psalm 52:7; Proverbs 18:11; Luke 12:19-20
Can faithful people ever mis-diagnose their own faithfulness? Matthew 26:33

What does God say we can safely trust in? Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 112:7; Hebrews 13:6

Character: A Spirit of Generosity

2010-12-31T09:47:00.001-05:00

The generosity of our God is an awesome thing to behold; as we do, our own character is sweetened with a spirit of giving that blesses all! Love and generosity walk hand in hand throughout the scriptures. God’s Word opens with the story of Creation—a world created for and entrusted to mankind. John 3:16, the foundation of our faith, tells us “God so loved…He gave.” Thankfully, God’s generosity is not tied to our merit for in Hosea we read, “I will heal their backsliding, and I will love them freely…” The generosity of God is His character: nothing we do makes God love us more or give us more. He always loves us perfectly and gives to us all we need. His call is constant and the scriptures close with an invitation for us to drink freely at the river of life. The generosity of God flows eternally and transforms our character when we receive it!

Abundance is a truth woven throughout scriptures! God does all things well and abundantly. Christ came that we might have abundant life. Jesus told His disciples, “Freely you have received, freely give.” So what have we received; what can we give? All of scripture and the touch of the Spirit are needed to explore the treasures God has given, but our souls will be excited with even a glimpse of His gifts! The obvious gift to begin with is the redemption of our souls. Though we all have chosen to go our own way, the love of God paid the price to restore us to Him! He has loved us wholly as we have trampled His gifts. Forgiveness, grace and mercy are all rolled into the redemption concept. What treasures those are to share in a hurting world!

Simply considering how our world would be sweetened by forgiveness, grace and mercy is a breath-taking thought. Imagine ill-timed words and actions covered by a love that forgives the hurt caused! Consider the blessing of giving "Grace:" the beautiful taste of God's Spirit: love, joy, peace, a willingness to suffer, kindness, gentleness and mercy offered to another! Do you know anyone who needs peace today—confidence in God’s love and power? Or perhaps someone who is drowning in the darkness of this world who needs you to sit in the mess with them giving a gentle touch of love? Giving mercy--seeing and meeting a need rather than condemning and punishing would bear precious seed. This world is abundant in need; what need can you meet today by sharing the blessings of Jesus you have received? The words of Christ to freely give are preceded by some miraculous things: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils.” When we share Jesus—when we share what we have received—His Spirit is freed to work in and transform more lives…what a privilege to embrace.

Character: A Spirit of Unity

2010-12-18T09:22:00.001-05:00

The Christian character will demonstrate a respect for others that leads to unity! Respect and unity go hand in hand but they make rare appearances in our world today.  Most of us, even Christians, are so focused on getting our viewpoint across that it is our individuality people see--not the character of Christ. Our Lord is always respectful: even when we 'despise and reject' Him, He recognizes our individual will and ways. Yet, the Father never stops loving. He never lowers Himself to respond in kind to our actions.  He remains focused on His glorious purpose: that 'we might know that He is God.' The character founded and built on Christ will be motivated by that same purpose. With the goal of revealing God's glory, the Christian character draws people to God and together!

The inner being of each human being is revealed in either individuality or personality.  Individuality is the mark of a natural man; it separates us from others and seeks to distinguish the uniqueness of a person. Personality is no less unique but it is the mark of the spiritual man; it is infused with the glorious respectfulness of our Lord. The Christian character is secure in Christ and not driven by the need to be set apart and glorified.

Self-vindication, self-glory--self-righteousness--is an anathema to the Christian character. The glory of the Christian is present in the character of Christ! When we choose to sacrifice our individuality, our personality will bring the glory of Christ to the world around us!  We receive the gift of Jesus for the purpose that others will know Him; you have been created uniquely for touching the lives around you--let His beauty flow through!

Merry Christmas to all of you! Enjoy the gift of Jesus and may His glory light your world!

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10

Character: A Spirit of Faithfulness

2010-12-11T11:47:00.000-05:00

And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

Ruth 1:16

The Spirit of Christ exudes faithfulness and the character built on Christ can be equally steadfast! During Christ's earthly life His Spirit demonstrated fidelity to the heart of the Father; the character of the Christian is intended to do the same.

The ancient words of today's scripture model the attitude of the Christian: 'whither thou goest, I will go...'. While Ruth's words were spoken in loyalty to her earthly mother-in-law, our commitment is to be to God alone. Our character, embodied with the life of Christ, readily responds to the movement of the Spirit. Obediently presenting our lives as living sacrifices to God necessitates a Christ-like character. It is only such a character which demonstrate fidelity to the cause of Christ.

Our natural selves continually demand loyalty to our own dreams, desires and felt needs. Sacrificing our self-will for the will of the Father is possible only as we surrender ourselves to Christ's transforming power. The glory of God will flow forth from a character rooted and nurtured in Christ's character. Ask God to reveal to you the sacrifices of self which would please Him most today.

Allow your Spirit to be flooded with Christ's character and you will be awed by the expansiveness you have entered into! The character of Christ is a treasure God has entrusted to our clay vessels. Receive Him!

Character: A Spirit of Confident Expectation

2010-11-27T09:57:00.001-05:00

The character built on Christ will exude confident expectation such as that of Christ in Hebrews 10:12,13:

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever,

sat down on the right hand of God;

From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

Our lives need not be spent quaking in fear or frustration; the Spirit pours out hope that produces when we purpose to receive it! In the Creation account, we are reminded that God completed His Work and rested on the seventh day. We are repeatedly admonished to 'keep the Sabbath.' We must deliberately choose to enter that same rest because we are confident in His goodness and power.

Jesus, upon the Cross, uttered the words, "It is finished." Jesus came to earth to die, to provide the pure, permanent sacrifice we can not make. As God, He completed the task set before Him. Our life-race is authored by Jesus and when we fix our eyes upon Him, we will see the story He has written for our lives ends with victory as well.

Our confidence is not in ourselves but in His plans and purposes and power in our lives. Our confidence is in the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice on our behalf. The writer of Hebrews unveils a critical principle in this confidence when he tells us that faith in God's presence and goodness is our key to pleasing Him. He is worthy of our confidence; the perfection of His love casts out every fear or frustration that attempts to infiltrate our minds. God's Word overflows with promises and prophesies that are ours because of the work of Christ. Victory is already assured; the trials and struggles of this life--not matter how intense--are temporary. Be confident in Him moment by moment!

Character: A Spirit of Availability

2010-11-23T11:52:00.001-05:00

A Christ-like character is available to the purposes of God. Like Isaiah's responsive heart to God's question 'Whom shall we send?', the Spirit-driven character responds to the purposes of God. Christ modeled this characteristic in leaving the glories of heaven for the dark, dingy stable of His birth. Few recognized His glory--but that did not minimize His glory. A spirit of availability may not always be noticed but it is always valuable!

The prophets of old demonstrated this spirit--and its difficulty--over and over. They submitted to the will of God and were used by Him in uncomfortable, inconvenient, incalculable ways! Hosea married a prostitute; Jeremiah and Ezekiel delivered undesired messages to a rebellious people. God's purposes marched through time and their lessons still speak in our hearts. Moses opted out of a luxurious lifestyle to be identified with God. His training ground was a back-desert sheepfold and his great life-work leading a massive nation of wandering children. Often maligned, seldom appreciated but vitally needed are those who heed the call to be available...those who refuse to accept the impossibility of anything God commands are greatly used by Him!

Our character, rooted and growing in Christ-likeness will demonstrate that spirit of availability. Our lives are to be offered to God as living sacrifices. He died for us that we might live for Him (not that we might live for ourselves or those we love!). The Christian who wishes to make an eternal impact must be available for placement anywhere on this gameboard of earthly life. A spirit of availability requires tremendous trust in the goodness and power of God. We all know there are many ugly places in this world--war-torn battlefields, sterile hospitals, riverbank shelters the homeless call home, sin-infested workplaces, lonely nursing homes--places we would prefer never to call 'home.' Yet a Christ-like spirit of availability has courageous confidence that any placement is a divine assignment. Grow closer to Him, trust Him and see how He will use you for eternal good!

Character: A Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation

2010-11-14T17:06:00.002-05:00

Another gift to the Christian's character is introduced in Ephesians 1:17 as a prayer request by Paul for the saints at Ephesus:

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
most glorious, would give you a spirit of wisdom and
revelation through knowing Christ fully. (Ephesians 1:17)

Character developed upon personal knowledge of Christ will be infused with a spirit of wisdom and revelation. Christ demonstrated this spirit in all of His human interactions. He saw, listened and comprehended from His Father's viewpoint. Jesus looked beyond the circumstances presented by those who came to Him and focused on their spiritual needs. He was firmly identified with His Father's interests in individuals--and a character built on Him will evidence that same association.

We are called to be Ambassadors for Christ. Our natural reactions to those we encounter--whether sweet compassion or abrasive frustration--should never be the source which motivates us to action. We are not to be amateur Providences and change people's lives according to our plans. God's ways are not our own; He has measured the weight He puts upon every person. What may seem excessive and unfair from the human perspective may be just the weight needed to save their eternal soul. Alternatively what may appear to be tremendous blessing in a person's life may be a curse blinding them to their need for Jesus. As Christ's Ambassador we need to share the reason for the hope with which we live and allow Him to guide in every interaction!

We need His Spirit to give us deep understanding of situations and the Truths of God which will speak to hearts. We are given discernment to intercede for others--never to judge them. The wisdom of God is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17). As we listen to the hearts of others through the Spirit, He will give us words that encourage others and reveal His beauty. He may impress upon our hearts the need to provide direct help or He may simply burden us to pray and love. As we heed His guidance, we will learn more about Him ourselves and grow ever closer to His likeness! Might we each increasingly embrace the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation He offers so freely!

Character: A Pure Heart

2010-11-06T12:31:00.002-04:00

Mid-way through the Beatitudes, Jesus introduces the blessing of a pure heart: seeing God! Seeing God. Why would that bless? How would our days be different if we were able to see God? Is the cost of the condition worth it? A pure heart?! Is it even possible to refuse every idol and seek God without taking detours?

Let’s consider this aspect of Christian character. I believe we will be excited about its potential and delighted with the return on our ‘sacrifices’!

Certainly a pure heart does not come easily. We are born with a sin-stained heart and simply living life generates significant sin pollution. Like blue sky to a city-dweller, seeing God’s glorious beauty seems like a child’s myth to we earth-bound people. This is not a 21st century phenomenon either; Paul discussed this tendency in Chapter One of Romans and he relates the fearful consequences of such an exchange.

God has revealed Himself in a number of ways; it is our choice to embrace His glory or not. The consequences will not be our choice, though; they are the natural results of God’s righteous character. It is God’s desire for us to see and rejoice in who He is. In fact, in Isaiah we are told that “His glory” is our purpose. Later in Romans (5:2), Paul encourages believers that the certain hope of God’s glory is cause for rejoicing. A character built on Christ will embrace the eradication of idols that block the view of God’s glory…and that character will be blessed and a blessing!

We creatures of earth have heart hungers which drive us throughout our lives. Even the best things of this world: meaningful work, secure homes or caring families will leave us hungering for more. We are created for the glory of the King of King and Lord of Lords. Nothing else will satisfy. Setting aside any idols we are tempted to serve, though, and seeking Him with all we are, is all that He is asking. Our glorious King knows we are made of only dust; He is not asking more than we can give. He is asking only what we can do that He can transform us into being and doing ever more!

Character: A Spirit of Repentance

2010-10-30T10:39:00.000-04:00

The first character trait we will explore is a 'spirit of repentance'. Jesus said that He came to call us to repentance. His call is for us to exercise a change of mind--a turning from personal motivations to His revealed truth. Without a doubt that is a most unnatural characteristic. Only a character built on Christ is able to receive the gift of repentance. It is a gift which initially brings great pain; but it is pain that is transformed into spiritual character. The blessing of a spirit of repentance far exceeds the initial suffering.

This gift is a depth of sorrow which impels one to change direction. Recognizing sin is not the same as repenting. Too often we see our sins and seek to justify or excuse them. We may experience regret--sorrow for the consequences but not grief for our pathway. A Spirit of Repentance recognizes that the choice to walk apart from God's revealed truth is the underlying problem. Regret sees the problem as the end result or the situation which prompted the diversion from God's path. Repentance recognizes that God's ways are not situational or conditional; His truth has an integrity that makes His ways work ALL the time. Repentance propels us back to His ways!

Believers in the early church were known to pray for loved ones to receive the 'gift of tears.' Such a prayer captures the spirit of repentance. Tears which flow from a heart broken by its own willfulness create a place of growth. God's grace and mercy sprouts bountifully in a heart softened by repentance. May we all receive this Spirit with confident hope in Christ and be transformed!

Character

2010-10-23T08:36:00.002-04:00

Today's promise comes from 2 Corinthians 3:18. Deliberately seeking the Lord will transform us into His image. I love the old saying of "Praise God I am not what I was and I am not what I will become!" Just as God's changeless nature is a rock-solid foundation, so our transformation is a glorious promise.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Character. It is a critical aspect of each individual. Character is the substance of an individual. We live in a world which encourages us to indulge ourselves and never give a thought to our inner character. It is a tempting encouragement. Pleasing ‘self’ seems like a good idea. Unfortunately, though, character is never grown in a soil of pleasure. Character is not found in a church pew or a book. Character is built through sacrifice and hard choices. It has been said that life is God’s gift to man; what man does with that life is his gift to God. This series will explore the traits that typify Christian character.

It bears stating that human character can be developed outside of Christ. Human character, though, is bound to earthly dimensions. Our focus will be on building godly character upon the hope of the glory of God. If you do not have your heart filled with the beauty of that hope, please take time to visit this blog page Hope of Eternal Glory and/or send me a note. Human character can be impressive--beautiful and even powerful--but it is so limited: DO NOT SETTLE!

God’s Word tells us that character is developed through perseverance. As we trace the source of perseverance, our hearts will tremble—for the source of perseverance is suffering. For the Christian, suffering can be a source of joy BECAUSE the hope of God is a certainty that sustains. The hope of God produces eternal blessing that outweighs and outlasts every heart ache. A character rooted in God’s grace and built on faith in Christ will produce blessing all around!

Next week's character trait: A spirit of repentance

Heritage and Legacy

2010-10-16T08:40:00.001-04:00

Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage forever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. Psalms 119:111

We are each a recipient of a family heritage and we are producing a heritage by the life we live. Each of us provides a thread in the tapestry of humanity. We receive characteristics from our ancestry; we are molded by the social culture we are born into. Yet, God gives us the responsibility and the privilege to choose our heritage. We are created to be His children and receive the abundance of all He has planned; too often we choose an earthly inheritance--failing to realize the frailty of it! We fail to realize that any inheritance outside of God's kingdom will lead to death and destruction. Our lives matter; they are a tremendous gift. We must invest it for eternity.

The scripture passage this verse is lifted from offers great encouragement to choose wisely. The Psalmist reminds us that the view which fills the heart with rejoicing focuses upon the testimonies of God. Eyes fixed on the path illuminated by God's Word will lead us into His abundant blessings. The testimonies of God will bring joy into our heart as we seek to follow His way. Perhaps more importantly, the trail we mark for those who walk with us and for those who come behind becomes the heritage we leave! Our lives count for more than today. Let's purpose in our hearts to fix our eyes firmly on Jesus Christ...to claim our inheritance and lead others to the source of legacies of life.

Not by might!

2010-10-09T08:07:00.000-04:00

Now here is a promise I love to grab hold of: Not by might but by my Spirit saith the Lord. Whew, what a relief: It is not about ME! All of our natural life points us toward doing and achieving; all of God's Word points us to His sufficiency. He is able--and willing--to do more than I can ask or think, let alone 'do.'

This particular promise is found in the book of Zechariah. It was part of a vision given at a time of discouragement for the recipient: Zerubabel, a builder for God. We all become discouraged. Life is hard. Loved ones suffer; frail bodies die and grief surrounds us. Our good intentions fall short and our best efforts often do not scratch the surface of the troubles which afflict us and our friends. Yet throughout scripture God reminds us that faith in Him is the key to living well. Faith is the victory that overcomes all that seeks to rob us of our joy.

Is there a situation, a fear or a grief attacking you today? Turn your eyes to Jesus, trust in His goodness, His power and His love and know that He who has promised is faithful! This world is not our home; we are on a pilgrimage and He will sustain us as we journey. Encourage those you are traveling with and feel His power flow through your life.

Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6

Be Still and Know

2010-10-02T08:17:00.000-04:00

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

(Psalms 46:10)

As with all of God's commands, there is a treasure that accompanies obedience. Heeding the call to 'be still' precedes knowing Him! Knowing...the deep kind of knowing that transforms the life...is the essence of a relationship with Jesus Christ. In many ways we live in a culture that 'knows' too much. The majority of our fellow citizens have received a 'shot' of truth which has inoculated many to true heart penetration. Knowing Jesus in the depths of our heart will lead us to revere Him. Simply hearing of Jesus, having facts in the head, simply teases our mind. We glimpse a beauty, a promise that seems too elusive. We strive and strive and fail to achieve the vision...because we fail to heed the simple command: Be still. We are so convinced that we must 'do' that we think God has failed. The truth is we have never given Him a chance to reveal Himself.

God created us with needs that we would come to Him to fill those needs. We choose to seek to fill the needs in our own way...that is the essence of sin.The needs of our heart drive us to find a way to fill those needs. Our attempts to meet needs will fail and hurt our hearts -- and others -- when we design our solutions. Sadly, even when we recognize the inadequacy of our attempts, we often mis-diagnose the problem. Our natural inclination is to 'do' rather than 'be still', so we simply alter our plan and attempt to meet our needs again. We are beloved treasures of the Master. He has a plan for us and we must be still and hear Him. If your heart is hurting today, sit before Him. Ask Him to show you that He alone is God. The solution is not within our own efforts; it is in His power and His love.

This week perhaps you would be blessed to focus on a name of God: Elohim. All of God's names reveal a nugget of truth about who He is! Elohim is a combination of two Hebrew words which speak of God's unlimited power and His covenant-keeping character. Our God is a God who is able and committed to keeping the promises He has made. He is worthy of our trust and awe!

Faith: Promises Fulfilled!

2010-09-25T08:57:00.002-04:00

Faith. It is a word we hear and use a lot! It is a word which occurs nearly 250 times in scripture; with all but two of the occurrences in the New Testament. Faith in God acknowledges His goodness, His power and His purposes. It is a complex and simple concept that is the vehicle which delivers life to us (Galatians 3:14). All of the promises of God are fulfilled by the faith of Christ which restored to us a possibility of fellowship with God.
Faith is a perfect picture of Christ's title: the Alpha and the Omega. Jesus is our all in all; He authors our faith, He empowers us to live in faith and He completes our faith. Faith is both an individual possession -- a gift from God Himself -- and it is a collective possession of those who are co-heirs with Jesus Christ. All that we have and are is of Him and in Him. Faith is an example of the scripture which says we see through a glass darkly, for it is a concept beyond our limited comprehension.

Rather than give you more of my words to explore this precious aspect of our inheritance, I offer you this collection of scripture. May you take the time to look them up, read their context and soak in them! It will bless your soul. It is not an exhaustive list; perhaps you will print it and add to it...and offer those insights back here as a comment! Blessings to each of you.

FAITH IS:

• an individual possession (Colossians 2:5 and referenced often by Jesus in the Gospels)

• a shared and unified possession (Ephesians 2:5; 4:5,13)

• necessary to please God (Hebrews 11:6)

• a gift from God (Hebrews 12:3)

• a gift with a purpose – soul salvation (1 Peter 1:9)

• authored by Christ (Hebrews 12:2)

• commanded by Christ (Mark 11:22)

• a tool in the purification of our hearts (Acts 15:9)

• a part of salvation (Luke 7:50)

• to be added to that it will produce in our lives and others (2 Peter 1:5-8)

o without love it is nothing (1 Cor 13:2)

o without Christ’s victory it is useless (1 Cor 15:14)

o without works it is dead (James 2:17)

• completed by Christ’s work (Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 12:2)

• victorious (1 John 5:4,5)

• able to falter AND to be strengthened (Luke 17:5; 22:32)

• subject to trying (James 1:3)

• is a foundation for living (Col 2:7)

• is a source of strength (Acts 3:16)

• is to be battled for (Jude 1:3)

• is to be kept by the saints (2 Tim 4:7; Rev 14:12)

Peace!

2010-09-18T10:33:00.000-04:00

First my confession...you may have noticed I missed my usual entry last Saturday and I have not written for the blog this AM either. I do plan to get back on schedule but for today I am sharing a piece written a while ago. I hope it blesses you!

Peace is not the absence of conflict—what a revelation to me! That simple statement opened my eyes to see the ugly idol I had served my entire life: the idol of “NO CONFLICT.” From the little girl begging her daddy not to argue with mom anymore to the co-worker who soothed all the ruffled feathers to the mother who cajoled, threatened and begged for peace, the idol was the same. The deceitful promise of ‘fake peace’ brought only frustration and a need for peace that remained unfulfilled. Understanding peace was the open door to receiving the blessing of the peace only Jesus Christ can give.

The absence of conflict without peace is a costly endeavor. It is an unloving, selfish pursuit which places little value on individuals and no value on relationships. It is a pursuit which masquerades under several aliases and catch phrases…”Live and let live!” “Be yourself.” “Be tolerant”. Yet it is all lies from the Father of Lies. Everyone loses when the Destroyer deceives. Individuals are not treasured or loved…they are disposable and replaceable. Relationships are shallow and meaningless. Fake peace is the antithesis of Christ’s ministry of reconciliation. It robs both the children of God of their inheritance in Christ, and it robs the very glory of God from our world because the sacrifices fake peace requires are the essence of God…truth, integrity and love.

God’s love for us and the extent of His willingness to suffer that we might return to relationship with Him must be our heart’s sole focus. The devil prowls about counterfeiting the Father’s treasures, yet Satan’s phonies offer only heartache and suffering. We must give our needs to the Lord and trust Him to give us the desires of our heart. We can never substitute the desires of our heart for worship and trust in Him or else even our good desires become idols. True peace, true unity of hearts can not be achieved with anything less than loving sacrifice…otherwise Jesus Christ would not have needed to make that tremendous sacrifice of Himself for you and me. God promised in Genesis to crush the head of the serpent. If you, like me, have had an idol exposed, allow God to crush it. Only then will we be free to sacrifice to the one true God and experience the fullness of the blessed inheritance we have in Jesus Christ.

Courage!

2010-09-04T15:32:00.000-04:00

So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. Isaiah 41:10

Isn’t that a wonderful promise to rest upon?! The world is a place which generates fear and dismay on many fronts. Trust in anyone or anything other than God is sure to lead us into crisis. Yet, ‘do not fear’ is a common assurance throughout scripture – to God’s people. While warnings and admonitions abound for those who do not choose to follow God, comforts and promises proliferate for those who serve Him. There is nothing we need to fear when we walk with Jesus as our Lord and Master. Difficulties arise when we choose to go our own way or follow idols. Lives submitted to Jesus Christ have peace and safety. Seek the presence of the Lord and enjoy His protection.

Life will flow from us!

2010-08-28T08:56:00.000-04:00

… Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (John 7:37b-38)

Now here is a promise we can claim and be excited with! This is a bit different style of writing than I usually do. It is my interpretation of the experience of another person. Hope you enjoy it!
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Why?! My mind raged against this ridiculous hindrance to my heart’s desire…a good desire. The longing to give blood—the gift of life—fervently burned in my heart. Yet my body would not cooperate. My mind understood the value of giving blood and the minor discomfort was not the slightest deterrent. Yet my body seemed determined to selfishly hold onto every drop of blood possible; it simply would not release the precious drops into the waiting bag of life. The selfish determination of my body thwarted my desire to share life with another in need.

The Red Cross technician gently encouraged me with information on the research potential of my donation and with instructions for future success. The directives for my next opportunity to donate ‘life’ were simple: drink water. I pursued that advice with zeal and consumed vast quantities in the day preceding my appointment. My body seemingly remained intent on thwarting my desire and promptly eliminated all I imbibed. I kept my appointment anyway. The table was readied and I lay down with some doubts about my ability to give what I so desired. I was astounded when just eight minutes later the technician prepared to remove the needle. The bag of life was full; my desire completed! Life offered! I couldn’t wait to share my joy and delight with my friend. As she rejoiced in my triumph, she spoke words of eternal truth: “That’s the way it is with Jesus! When we drink of the living water, life flows easily from us.”

Those words have pierced my soul and transformed the value of my days. Lasting life is not transferred by appointment. It is not a matter of my body’s cooperation, my ability or a specific activity. Sharing my precious gift of life is as easy as drawing on the Source and then simply living. My life is a wellspring for others if I have filled my wells with Him! This indeed is a dying world…His life is needed by all. Those who have received His life are called to share it…encourage those who know Him, enlighten those who don’t. Make your blood donation appointment and let the earthly blood extend the life of another but give the eternal gift of life moment by moment!

His Perfecting Presence

2010-08-23T09:42:00.001-04:00

Abram heeded God's call to leave for an unknown land. Years passed as Abram and Sarai walked on....sometimes faltering, sometimes fearing but pressing forward in faith. God's faithfulness brought them through lies and mis-steps though He did not remove the earthly consequences and heartaches of those mis-steps. The verses we will focus on today follow Abram and Sarai's attempt to help God fulfill His promise. At first look, God's words seem more of an impossible instruction than a precious promise.

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. (Genesis 17:1)

These words came almost 25 years after their first footsteps of faith. Over a decade had passed since they had implemented their own plan for fulfilling the promise. God's instruction was patient and consistent--walk before me--and His promise assured. It is the instruction and the assurance we still receive. Live in the light of God's presence and trust His perfection to bring our lives to perfect completeness.

While God calls us to leave a life of sin, His words of 'be thou perfect' are not without understanding of our inability to walk perfectly. His words relate to His nature and His perfecting power in our lives. Our 'works of righteousness' are not the means by which God works; it is our faithful walk which allows God to transform our lives and fulfill His plans. God was well aware of Abram and Sarai's mis-steps; He is aware of ours. Just as they were unable to walk perfectly, so are we. Yet God is sufficient. He goes ahead of us, comes behind us and surrounds us with His perfect presence.

Placing our life walk before Him does not mean we will have perfect performance but He will radiate His glory even into our mis-steps. He will bring about His good and perfect will when we purpose to stay in His light. God's instruction and promise is simply that we must continue to step out in faith in Him and trust His sufficiency. His strength is perfected in our weaknesses. Go out today trusting in Him and not fearing your own mis-steps. He is willing and He is able!

A Promised Gift!

2010-08-14T06:54:00.000-04:00

Let's gaze upon a gift which Jesus promised to Peter. It is a promised gift to all who like Peter have received an earlier gift directly from God...the gift of seeing Jesus for whom He is. It is God who reveals Christ to us; and that is the foundation for our spiritual growth. When we understand who Jesus is, we are ready to receive the very keys of heaven! The keys are a gift with great power, privilege and responsibility. In truth, I see only a glimmer of their potential but it so delights my soul, I long to share it with you!

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:19)

We, like the disciples, are easily distracted by this material world and mis-hear God's messages. We filter His words with earthly concerns and fail to embrace the greater spiritual kingdom. Our minds understand that our battle is 'not against flesh and blood' but against a kingdom of darkness. We rejoice that we are citizens of heaven...a kingdom of light and good. Yet we struggle through this world and fail to employ the resources of our homeland! The keys of heaven are as vital to our journey as the armor of God!

Our earthly experiences are generators of emotions often empowered by spirits. We can bind these spirits with the keys Jesus gives! We can unlock the Spirit of life and release Him into every situation of our day. What an incredible gift! Consider the power when you next feel a spirit of rejection and you lock it up and turn to Jesus and unlock His unconditional love! How might that change the situation!! Or perhaps fear is knocking at your heart--you throw the chains around it and lock it firmly up as you reach out and unlock the very treasures of heaven!

I hope the gift excites you as much as me! Thank you, Barb, for sharing your enthusiasm and insights into this gift. Enjoy it my friends. Use it against the evil that flows in this world and give Jesus a victory today!

Harvest of Joy

2010-08-07T11:43:00.000-04:00

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again

with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalms 126:6

Life in this broken world brings us into some very heart-breaking situations. Unavoidable situations which produce tremendous sorrows are the common experience of each one. Going forward--with and through the tears--is the only good choice. Stubborn refusals to press on, fearful denials of reality or rebellious rejection of the path will simply divert us into other distressing circumstances. Our promise today in Psalms can give us courage to go forward in those tear-filled times.

The key to the promise of a harvest and joy is that we must go forward 'bearing precious seed.' The word the Psalmist used for seed is the same word given in Genesis 3:15 when God promises that Jesus will have victory over Satan. The promise of victory and a harvest that we can rejoice in is assured when we walk with the LORD. We are to carry the truth of who Jesus is into the situations we face; we are walk through those times in that truth and not be distracted by dismay. We must heed Moses admonition to Joshua, 'Be strong and of good courage. The Lord your God goes with you.' We are not victims of any circumstance when we walk in the victory of Jesus. Trust that He is doing more than you can see...and that your tears will water the seeds of faith you plant in your own heart and in the lives of those whom you touch.

Call on God

2010-07-31T16:31:00.001-04:00

We have a wonderful promise to consider today. Though it was written over 2500 years ago to the prophet Jeremiah, our God is unchanging and we can claim it today! God still delights to reveal Himself when we heed His plea...'Call unto me!'

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

(Jeremiah 33:3)

God never gives commands without a reason; His instructions always result in our good and His glory. Prayer has many results and warrants a study in itself; today's promise though relates to the revelations God will give to those who call out to Him. Prayer is the super highway of spiritual communication. Prayer has a potential power to blast through earthly realities and unveil spiritual treasures beyond our experience. God is Spirit and we are made in His image. God is willing to work in the realm of our natural bodies--to speak through circumstances--but His deepest revelations are to the spirit within.

It is the cry of God's heart that we will commune with Him so that we can experience His all-encompassing love. Hebrews tells us that those who seek Him must both believe that He exists and that He is good. Faith in God's goodness allows us to place our hurts, fears and even frustrations before His healing, purifying presence. As we cry out with those deep concerns, God reveals the great and might things we do not know and our burdens become light. We see Him for who He is and are freed to worship without reservation. For seeing God ALWAYS results in worship.

Don't settle for a social call on God. Truly call on Him today...trust Him to show Himself to you and be prepared to rejoice!

Door of Hope

2010-07-24T06:46:00.002-04:00

And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor (trouble) for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

(Hosea 2:15)

Our promise to stand upon today comes from the book of Hosea. While it is spoken particularly to the Jewish nation, it holds a truth we can build upon as well. Despite repeated and long-term unfaithfulness on the part of His chosen people, God purposes to call them to Himself. In Hosea, we see that God had withdrawn His blessing from the people in response to rebellion and unfaithfulness. But God's love is never withdrawn and He still sought to deliberately drawn them unto Himself.

God's desire is always that our hearts will be united with His in love. He allures us and blesses us that we will move from a relationship of 'Master' to 'husband.' In verse 15 God promises to give Israel vineyards--fruitfulness--and to use the Valley of Trouble as a Doorway to Hope. God still uses trouble to lead us closer to Himself. Whether the trouble is the result of our own waywardness or an other's or simply a result of our broken world, God desires to utilize the sorrows for our benefit (Romans 8:28).

Do not wander in despair in the valley of troubles; God promises there is a door to fruitfulness and hope. Jesus is the door...enter into Him and enjoy the glory of God.

Filled!

2010-07-17T07:59:00.000-04:00

Our promise today is in the midst of a wonderful Psalm, so be sure to bless yourself and read the entire passage! But for now:

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

(Psalms 34:8-10)

They that seek the Lord shall not want any good! That is definitely a promise to rejoice the soul! Hearts centered on God will never lack. The focus is not on lacking 'things'--in fact, 'thing' is added into the verse for clarity but was not in the original passage. (Thus the italics.) So why do we not always feel that we are fully supplied? One key is in the opening of verse 10...young lions will have lack. Brazen, independent and self-confident hearts seek their own fulfillment--and find nothing! It is far easier to trust in our own plans and our abilities to provide for us but the results will be empty. Life is tough; our hearts are unfaithful and we are weak. Trusting in ourselves will bring disillusionment, discouragement and defeat. Trusting in God, centering our hearts on His goodness, is the key to a life supplied with all good. God fills us with His riches when we truly revere Him. As we taste His goodness, our hearts overflow with presence. So next time your heart is hungry for more, purpose to taste the Lord's sweetness, praise His goodness and partake of His bounty!

God's Word

2010-07-11T07:56:00.000-04:00

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

(Isaiah 55:11-13)

Our first 'promise' to consider and rejoice in fixes our eyes on the Word! As water penetrates the soil of our gardens and releases the potential of seeds, the Word penetrates the soil of our soul and produces the harvest God desires. Earlier in the passage, we are reminded that God's thoughts and ways far exceed our own. Nothing our life produces apart from His Word will compare. In fact, the contrast given later in the passage is pine trees and myrtle instead of thornbushes and briers! The soul production God desires is the glorious revelation of Himself that others' lives will be blessed as well. With our eyes turned toward God's Word, our ears tuned to His Word and our feet trodding the path lit by His Word, we are assured of 'going out in joy, being led forth in peace and hearing the rejoicing all around! God's Word, heard and heeded will produce great results in our lives and in the lives of those around us. He promises. We believe!

Relying on the Promises of God

2010-07-10T07:36:00.000-04:00

Good morning! Before we launch into exploring God's promises, let's consider this wonderful truth:

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. (Romans 4:21)

God's power and love will be our focus that we might thirst to be in His presence more and more!

Zeal!

2010-07-03T14:24:00.000-04:00

We will close our Alphabet of Attributes with "zeal." The work of Christ--our release from captivity to sin and deliverance to victory in Him--IS the zeal of the Lord of Hosts (Isaiah 37:32). Zealousness is a powerful force displayed in God and intended to be displayed in the lives of believers.

Throughout scriptures God's people are exhorted to live with zeal. Our zeal is to be for the Lord and with knowledge--for zealousness has great impact. Perhaps the greatest insight into the power of zeal is revealed in Song of Solomon 8:6. The Hebrew phrase translated as "love is strong as death" could also be written accurately as "ardent zeal is as strong as the grave." Ardent zeal and fervent love are the same; both are as strong as death itself. Only the zeal of the Lord is powerful enough to deliver souls from death. The passion of God was Jesus' power source and it is to be ours as well.

Isaiah passionately prophesied of all that the zeal of the Lord would accomplish. We see God's purposes brought to fruition in Jesus Christ. In Christ we see the patience and perseverance needed by one consumed with zeal for God's purposes. It is that to which we are called. In Romans 12, Paul exhorts believers to be living sacrifices never lacking in zeal. Only if we 'die to self' and live in Christ can our lives be powered by the zeal of the Lord of Hosts. God's purposes in our lives will be gloriously fulfilled with His zeal. Embrace a zealous life today!

I truly pray you have enjoyed these weeks of focusing on Jesus Christ. In coming weeks, we will look at beauty of living in the promises God has given. Join me and invite others!

Yes and Amen!

2010-06-26T09:47:00.000-04:00

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen,

unto the glory of God by us. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

What promise of God is your heart needing today? Life has a way of presenting heartbreaking questions, overwhelming situations and seemingly insurmountable obstacles but God will provide a way to not only endure but to experience victory. God has a promise that will speak to every need of your heart...and His promises are a 'done deal.' Absolute, unwavering potential is a capstone truth for Christian living. Victory, power, joy unquenchable, eternal blessing...in Christ, it is YES! There is no problem, no life situation, no dilemma that is not spoken to in the Word of God. Abundant living, eternality today, is a truth we can live.

There is a purpose for the certainty encased in God's promises. God's guarantee enables us to embrace the privilege of unveiling God's glory in our life that others might see and long for Him too. Can you glimpse what it is like to unveil God's glory? It is not an endeavor designed to build up His ego; it is a journey designed for a lifetime which will open the doors of eternity! All God is...absolute love, power, goodness, timeless...becomes ours to seek, to welcome into our lives and to share with others. Our purpose in life is such a glorious one: to unveil the greatness of God in the minute details of every day! It is a purpose that can not be fulfilled without relying on the promises that are found in Jesus Christ.

Simply reading your Bible daily will open your heart to promises that will meet you in the most incredible ways. God's Word is living and active. If you desire a more directed look into God's promises, you can use a ready-made list of promises. (There are several books or if you email me, I'll send you a page from one of my favorite websites.) When using others' compiled lists, though, be sure to delve deeply into the scripture. Read the surrounding passage; understand the context of the promise and ask God to reveal it in your day's happenings.

The 'let it be' of God's promises is spoken by us for His glory--and only in the name of Jesus. He is faithful to His promises. God will meet us in ways perfect for us...and reveal Himself in ways we can understand. We then take that precious revelation and share it with others who need to see Him. Embrace the purpose and privilege God has given...live with confidence in Him!

Exceeding Great Reward

2010-06-19T07:45:00.001-04:00

Isn’t it nice to have effort acknowledged, to hear a word of appreciation or even receive a tangible reward for work? Today on our journey of exploring ‘who’ God is we have an incredible truth to embrace. God Himself, in speaking to Abram, said “I am…thy exceeding great reward.” WOW! Let your mind pause and consider all that it means to receive God Himself as a Reward.
We have spent weeks searching the scriptural depths of God’s identity that we might better understand Him. Our hearts have rejoiced as we considered how God is Wonderful; our Guide & Keeper; our Hiding Place; our Ransom; our Fortress and Victory Banner and so much more. Doesn’t your heart simply soar to consider that all of that richness is ours! We have such a generous, incredible, awesome God!

One of the great paradoxes of our humanity is that we so easily let our eyes be drawn to earthly rewards and miss out on the greatness of the Reward of God Himself. The praise of men, the pursuit of wealth or honor, the pursuit of pleasure and even our own service to God can become our misguided focus. God’s great desire woven throughout scripture is that we will know Him…and when we know Him, we can do nothing but revere His greatness.
The greatest service to God is complete devotion to Him. It is that service which will draw others into knowledge of Him as well. We must not set the eyes of our hearts on an idol; we must not fear earthly losses. If we do, we run from our Exceeding Great Reward and we may draw others away from Him as well. He is Worthy and He is ours! Seek Him today…embrace the Reward of His presence! Tell all those around about the great Reward you have received; the Reward that they can know too.

Wonderful!

2010-06-12T08:39:00.000-04:00

Wonderful is our name for today! We are pausing at a verse which offers so much sustenance, we could camp here indefinitely.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

(Isaiah 9:6)

Even the verb phrase which introduces the names has depths of meaning: "shall be called..." The names of Christ are meant to be personal, deeply felt and understood--and called out with confidence of their truth. The first name given in this passage is our focus: WONDERFUL. Jesus, indeed, fills our hearts with wonder when we fully behold Him. The depths of "wonderful" includes the concepts of extra-ordinary, miraculous and beyond human expectation. Take time to allow your heart to plumb the riches of Christ. His words and His works surround us but the speed of life blurs our vision and dulls our hearing. Our longing for "wonder" is buried in activity but never suffocated. We were created for a relationship with God and nothing but Him will satiate the inborn desire for His grandeur. Purpose in your heart to pause each day--especially in the days that are chaotic--to behold the fullness of His wonder. My prayer is that every fiber of your being, of my being, will speak to those around us that the wonder of God fills us. Jesus IS wonderful! Enjoy Him moment by moment!

Voice!

2010-06-05T09:38:00.002-04:00

We live in a noisy world; many sounds contend for our attention. Although the beloved disciple, John, says the voice of the Lord is ‘great’ and ‘like a trumpet,’ our ears are often distracted by the competing noise. Like the people of Isaiah’s day, we hear sounds but fail to understand Truth with our hearts. Until Truth penetrates our hearts and becomes a part of us, it is subject to theft from the enemy. Praise God, He never stops calling; His Voice is always gently, firmly, lovingly revealing Truth again and again until understanding takes root. Amidst the noise of life, His tender voice faithfully resonates.

Proverbs tells us there are two voices: the voice of wisdom and the voice of the ‘adulteress.’ There is the faithful voice of the Lord; and the deceived (and deceitful) voice of the unfaithful. The voice we heed determines the outcome of our lives; we need to hear and heed the Voice of Jesus. It is a beautiful voice with a message our hearts are longing for…choose to filter out the competing songs and listen to Him.

God’s Word is His personal letter to us. We need to read it daily and let the Words sink deeply into our heart. God always has a message just for us—a unique, personal message designed for our heart. For example, consider the passionate love revealed in Song of Solomon. Jesus’ entrancement with the beauty of the believer beckons every heart--for the truth is we all long to love and be loved. In the New Testament, Jesus reminds us that He will never abandon us. Our slowness to respond, our failures and missteps do not repulse Him. He faithfully works and waits for us to hear His voice—and heed His call. As God’s Word, His letters, draw to a close in Revelation, the Savior reminds us that He is ever at the door of our hearts knocking and longing to commune with us.

God created humanity for fellowship with Himself and He is never silent. His love speaks eternally and He longs for each of us to hear and understand His Word. Reject the competing sounds and focus on that loving Voice today.

Upheld by the Father and the Son

2010-05-29T06:41:00.002-04:00

We have nearly traveled through an alphabet of descriptive terms for Jesus, arriving today at “Upholder of All Things.” It is a portion of the passage in Hebrews 1 reminding us that God speaks to us through Christ. The little piece we are focusing on is this:

“Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power,”

As we consider that Christ upholds us—sustains us, leads us to our destination, proves us—through speaking (living) the truth of His power, may we each be strengthened and blessed deep within our spirits.

The weights of life are intense if we choose to bear them on our own. Individual complexities confound us. Heartaches and burdens we feel and see discourage us. Competing priorities drown us. Yet, we do not have to choose to bear those weights. First Peter commands us to roll all onto Christ. He is ready, willing and able to bear our weights. Hebrews 1:3 helps us understand how to roll them onto Jesus; it is not a ‘doing’ from us. We just have to let them go because He is there upholding us…if we will hear the truth of His power.

The word used for power in this passage speaks of Jesus’ ability; He is able to do all that God ordained for Him. In fact, it is done and this passage goes on to remind us that Jesus is seated in heaven at the right hand of the Majesty. An interesting link to the Old Testament is that in Isaiah, where we read prophesies of Christ, God calls our eyes to His Servant (Jesus) and tells us “I uphold Him with my righteous right hand.” When you are feeling crushed, remind yourself that the Father and the Son…with all the power that exists…can and will carry it all IF you let it go.

Tender Plants

2010-05-22T09:37:00.004-04:00

I love to garden; it is the time of year to move my seedlings from the indoor growing area to the garden. These tender plants will require some hardening before I set them into the unprotected garden environment. At first glance, the fragility of seedlings would not inspire thoughts of Christ, but Isaiah's prophesy portrays Jesus as 'like a tender plant' and a 'root out of dry ground.' Our journey this morning is to explore the reality and beauty of Isaiah’s words.

Unlike my seedlings, Jesus needed no hardening or well-prepared garden soil--that is the great beauty we will explore. Barren, hard ground is not a barrier to Jesus; His tender love of humanity is not frailty. J. Vernon McGee offers a wonderful insight with these words, "The loveliest flower of humanity came from the driest spot and period of the world's history." God did not 'plant' Christ in the midst of luxury and prosperity. He did not need to do that for His love and His power were sufficient...are sufficient...to fulfill His purposes.

Nothing created in this world can measure up to the tender fortitude of Christ. Tender green plants are doomed to death in a barren desert; eternal souls in a sin-scarred world are the same. In this world, there is much that masquerades as life but the reality is that without Jesus, there is no life—there is only barren ground. Just as Isaiah prophesied, Jesus is the tender shoot which can spring up in the dry ground of our lives. We need never despair at the soil we see—in ourselves or others—for He is able to transform even a desert into a bountiful vineyard. The presence of Christ brings the certain hope of a harvest. Share Him. His seed will produce in miraculous ways!

Beauty in Stones

2010-05-15T08:36:00.000-04:00

The Bible lands are a very stony place; rocks and stones are common word pictures throughout scripture. In Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar’s dream revealed a rock which destroyed all the kingdoms of the earth; we know that kingdom is Christ’s. Peter, the disciple whose very name means stone, was told by Jesus that the truth of Christ’s identity is the rock upon which the Church is built. Jesus is the rock upon which the wise build their lives. He was the Spiritual Rock from which the desert-wandering Israelites were refreshed; He still quenches thirsts. The Word of the Law was written upon stone but the Word became life! As unbelievers we had hearts of stone but the Living Stone of Christ brings life into our hearts. We are now living stones being built up into a spiritual house of which He is the Cornerstone. Contemplating Christ reveals great beauty in stones, does it not?!

Stones are solid and foundational; we need them! There is much in our world to remind us that instability is the norm. A wobbly world-wide economy, volatile weather, incurable diseases and dissolving families reveal a crumbling world. The words of the Psalmist are a joy: ‘When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.’ We have a glorious message to share with our trembling friends! The temptation to look at the quaking foundations of America—of every nation today--will only produce fear. Greed, selfishness and the desire to be our own gods is imploding the structure of nations once built upon the Word. Yet as individual living stones, we are part of the spiritual house held together by Christ. Our lives do not need to implode or even shake. We need not fear, only revere, the One True God. The God who is loving and faithful and not willing that any should perish has given us a message to share. Just as Noah called for others to join him in the Ark, we need to call others into Christ. Do not fear as the world crumbles! Remember the Sure Foundation upon which you stand…and call others to join you in that safety.

Ransomed! Rescued!

2010-05-08T09:29:00.000-04:00

Our journey of exploring the names of Christ brings us today to “Ransom.” Jesus is the ransom paid to release you and me from captivity. We can no longer be held by the captor’s chains because Jesus’ life was given in our place. The iron chains of sin—selfishness, self-righteousness, hatred, self-indulgence, lies—are released because the debt is paid. That the debt was paid by the One we rejected is another awesome facet of this amazing story. The magnitude of the Ransom price paid to release a soul reveals the worth of every individual to God. It exceeds my understanding but oh, how it excites my spirit!

Our human nature is to value ourselves above others. Even when we recognize that self-promotion is the path to emptiness and death, we all too often choose that road. We demand consideration from others expecting them to give us grace and mercy when we err or fail. Yet we resist giving the same to others. We resent, and usually refuse, to sacrifice what we see as our ‘rights’ for anyone—even those whom we ‘love.’ Jesus Christ, God Himself, came to show us God’s way, the right way. Jesus came to serve us, the rebellious and undeserving. He came as the Ransom which would purchase our freedom from the emptiness and death we chose!

We don’t mean to choose death; we have an intrinsic love of life. We are captivated by real-world rescues. Whether it is miners trapped in the dangerous dark depths or a pet floundering in torrential flood waters, our hearts soar when a life is preserved. That deep love is placed there by God Himself; our Ransom is rooted in that love. He desires for our hearts to soar at His Rescue and for our hearts to overflow with a passion for others to know the same! Choosing to live His way gives life—to us and to others. Who will you be a ransom for today that they might see the love of God and know the value He places upon them?

Jesus is the Quickening Spirit

2010-05-01T08:26:00.005-04:00

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul;

the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. (1 Corinthians 15:45)

A few years ago there was a movie where the main character dramatically whispers his secret, "I see dead people." The heart-wrenching truth is that there are 'dead people' all about us. Without Jesus Christ, there is no life...only an illusion of life...the living soul like Adam's. Walking, talking dead people. This was never God's intention. Humanity was created for union with God Himself...union with the life-giver. Yet there was an option given to this special creation called 'man;' the option to choose life or the option to pursue knowledge on one's own. We all know that Adam and Eve did not choose life; they chose to go their own way and seek--without God. God does not want a mindless creation; yet He wants to guide us on our journey.

Like Adam, all humanity since has sought their own way. The all-wise Creator had known the choice Adam--and his descendants--would make. God knew the cost He would pay to redeem His Creation to its intended purpose. And God, who is love, went forth with His plan by giving Himself to redeem humanity. Fully man, yet fully God, Jesus came to the earth to die to self that true life might be restored to His beloved creation. Jesus did not choose to allow his body to dictate his days on earth. He did not choose to allow his emotions or his reasoning to dictate his choices. Jesus chose to receive God's direction for all His life. With that choice, death had no power. It could not hold the body or soul of Christ; the life of the Spirit was victorious!

When we receive His Spirit into ourselves, we live that victory. We are no longer chained to the rule of our irrational emotions or our rational mind. We are no longer dominated by the desires of our body. We choose life; we choose to be filled with God Himself when the Life-giving Spirit of Jesus is received. May your soul be restored today to the full vibrant life Jesus has provided through your faith in Him!

Our Potter!

2010-04-24T08:34:00.004-04:00

There are many references in scripture to potters and pottery but we will only consider one small piece of the topic this morning: God as our Father, Creator--Potter!

But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay,

and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
(Isaiah 64:8)

Watching a potter work clay on a wheel is an amazing sight. A formless lump of clay is transformed into a vessel with beauty and use through the skillful touch of the potter. The speed of the wheel is adjusted, varying pressures are applied according to the purposes of the potter and an object of art emerges from the glob. The clay is formed into a vessel of use with a design that is perfect for its purpose.

God has plans and purposes for each of us but since creation mankind has preferred to seek its own purposes! Thankfully, our Potter is patient, skilled and determined. Unlike the lump of clay on a pottery wheel, we are often not pliable subjects. We refuse to stay put and resist the hands of the Potter. We resent the pressures which shape and choose to hide in pits of isolation. We reset the wheel speed, tromping on the foot pedal erratically. We reject the Potter's purposes and seek to shape ourselves.

Eventually, though, we reach the end of ourselves; we find our purposes do not lead to fulfillment. Our Potter is there with His gentle, skilled hands reaching out. He picks us up and places us back on the wheel and begins His creation again! His hands never reject us and are always longing to shape and mold us into a vessel of His love.

What a glorious purpose for a rebellious vessel: a container for the very Spirit of God. The Potter places His love within us and allows us to pour His healing love onto other empty souls! His love is completed in the pouring and the Potter begins to mold those we overflow upon. He softens and shapes with His love; His eternal purposes flow on! Don't resist Him anymore. Trust His hand to press perfectly and His purposes to loving fulfill!

Omega

2010-04-17T08:27:00.000-04:00

Our title of Christ today is Omega; a title you are no doubt familiar with but one with depths we can search eternally. In scripture, the title is paired with Alpha—the beginning and the end; completion—and is used four separate times by Christ Himself. It is a title that reveals the full, unending character of our Savior. It establishes Christ as Creator and Completer.

We live in a scattered world where many things are initiated and nearly as many are left incomplete as new endeavors are ever beckoning. Fulfillment is constantly sought but seldom achieved. Yet Jesus Christ, who spoke the world into being, leaves nothing undone. That which He began at creation continues; that which He completed at the Cross—our redemption--is assured. We can join in Paul’s assertion of Philippians 1:6:

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Christ’s designation as the Alpha and Omega is a comforting reminder that He is faithful. He will not leave us even when we forget Him. His enduring nature, His wholeness, is His essence. Our souls, committed to the Christ are created and complete in Him. He is the author and the finisher of our faith. There is peace and rest in understanding Jesus as the Alpha and Omega.

Jesus is the fulfillment every soul seeks. He is the completion of every desire. May we live with a moment by moment recognition of this title of our Lord!

Name Above All Names

2010-04-10T08:15:00.004-04:00

What a joyful look at Christ today! It is a daunting task to even seek to write a devotional on such an awesome title. In the days of scriptures, names were seen as embodying the essence of one's character. Probably all of us know the 'analysis' of the names we use of Jesus...Yahweh saves; Christ, Messiah; Immanuel, God with Us. There are books written which simply list the names of Christ in scripture...my prayer journal contains pages of His names. He is God, greater than our finite minds. In Revelation we are told that He has a name written on Himself which no one else knows. Our text today, though, gives us a glimpse of the glory of Jesus:

Our glorious Savior will one day be seen fully in all His glory...and as the song says, What a day of Rejoicing that will be!

Mighty God

2010-04-03T07:30:00.003-04:00

Isn't this the perfect title of God to consider on Easter weekend! Mighty God. We know it but oh, how often we forget it. This title has no intricacies, no hidden meanings and it is woven throughout scripture. Its truth is obvious whenever we consider the works He has done...the world around us, our own human bodies, the changes in our hearts. 'Mighty God' is used in verses which speak of God's authority, His judgments, His acts, His love and His deliverance. It is a part of the prophesy Isaiah made of Jesus Christ. Like Peter, we see the truth and seek Jesus--only to be terrified by the waves which crash upon us! Jesus, Mighty God, is always there reaching out His hand and lifting us to the joyous hope of Resurrection life.

The One who spoke creation into being, who closed the mouths of lions, who healed the lame and raised the dead is the One who loved us so much, He paid our debt and restored us to the source of power! Romans 6:4 tells us it was the glory of God which raised Jesus from the dead. The power of God flows unabated through time; He is unchanging. His Spirit dwells within those who believe with their heart; don't leave the truths of God in your mind. Live them!

May the victory we celebrate on Easter morning, fill your heart moment by moment with hope and joy. The glory of our Mighty God still gives life...grab hold!

Lifter of Mine Head

2010-03-27T18:06:00.000-04:00

Although the phrase we are using as the subject of our focus today is rather obscure, the concept is prominent throughout scripture. In Psalm 3, David says “But thou, O LORD, art…the ‘lifter up of mine head.’ And therein is our title, “Lifter of mine head.” It is a glorious thing to consider the love of the Father which reaches down and gently redirects our gaze toward His own power and provision. I have been most blessed as I contemplated this designation of God and pray you will be as well.

There is much in life to slump our heads and droop our eyes…sorrow, shame, disappointments. Grueling experiences of life afflict all of us at one time or another. Our eyes drift toward the heartache or circumstance at hand. Our faith seems to fail to produce the promised victory; we wonder if faith is only a fantasy. Or perhaps we have rooted our past triumphs in our own accomplishments and power; sooner or later we will face a challenge beyond our ability to overcome. The beauty of God as the ‘Lifter of our Head’ is most glorious in just those times.

In scripture, ‘lifting the head’ is often associated with pride. It is our natural inclination to ‘take care of things’ ourselves…to go our own way. Yet, Jesus revealed the doorway to blessing as a humble spirit. The difficulties of life which extinguish glimmers of hope outside of Christ move us toward that humility—they lead us to the door of His presence. Disheartening challenges quiet us so that we allow God to reach down and lift our faces ever so gently. His touch is compassionate and perfectly timed. All of the problems of life can be resolved in His light; let Him direct your eyes to the way He longs to resolve your pain!

As David penned that phrase, he was in the midst of great heartache and danger, yet he trusted God to direct him as God had so faithfully done through the years. God has been faithful to each of us as well. Check out the rest of the Psalm—it’s only eight verses. Perhaps you will want to jot a note of the ways God has lifted your eyes to Him in the past—and carried you on to victory.

Keeper

2010-03-20T17:45:00.004-04:00

Greetings, friends. Just a brief stop on our journey today. I have had the joy of attending a youth conference today with nine teens from our church and about 490 other teens from around the area. My mind is a bit mushy and my heart overflowing with delight for the ways many of our teens met with Jesus! Today we will look at how Jesus ‘keeps’ each one of us--protecting and providing for us as only He can do.

There are many things we are charged by God’s Word ‘to keep.’ We are to keep: our lives free of the love of money, our tongues under a tight rein, our hearts pure, our unity with the Holy Spirit and the Sabbath holy. In fact, scripture tells us our love for God is revealed in our efforts to ‘keep His commands.‘ God desires for us to accept responsibilities but praise His glorious wisdom, He holds the most critical responsibility for Himself. Though He gives us tasks to do, His Word teaches us that God alone has the job of our ‘Keeper.’ Our eternal souls are in the hands of the only One who is worthy: Jesus Christ.

I am comforted to know that my faith, my life is kept by God not me. Though I am growing and learning to find my strength in Him, I am vulnerable to drifting, lazy eyes, to stubbornness and selfishness, to fear and discouragement. But God is not and I am secure in Him. I rejoice that I can declare with Paul that my God is able to keep that which I have entrusted to Him. I have entrusted myself--my desires, my loved ones, my work and my destiny to Jesus alone. It wasn't always that way. It was Motherhood which revealed to me the depths of my own inadequacies. My first baby revealed to me that what I most cared about was beyond my knowledge and power…the struggles my child would face, his dangers and heartaches were in large part out of my control. Before Motherhood, I had felt able to make a way to meet my desires (or ignore them). Facing my inadequacy as a mother, drove me to Jesus--just as He no doubt intended.

God is the keeper of our souls and knows what each one needs. He is keeping us...protecting and providing for us--and for those we love. May we all learn the blessedness of living this truth--of having our minds kept in perfect peace by our Keeper. He is able and willing. Are we?

Jesus, the Just One

2010-03-13T07:30:00.000-05:00

Fair. Right. Just. The desire for equity is threaded deeply in the human heart. We see the desire everywhere! Toddlers almost seem to be born looking at the size of their cookie compared to another’s. Teens often decry homework as an unfair burden. The founders of America labored to establish a ‘fair government’ on the premise that all men are created equal. Every nation, every community establishes a system for regulating human activities in a fair manner. The list of places we seek ‘fairness’ and ‘justness’ is endless—fair wages, just punishments, fair regulations, just settlements. We have a major problem, though. The human execution of justice is irreparably damaged by deceptive hearts. Every human attempt for ‘justice’ is doomed.

Our view of justice is narrow and deficient. It is as complex and beautiful as Christ Himself. Justice is a concept entwined throughout scripture. As I contemplated this title of Christ, I was awed by the contrast of the breadth of the term and our typical view of it. In scripture, justice is the standard for dispensing blessing and discipline. We tend to see justice as equivalent to punishment. God gives what is needed. We focus on giving what is ‘deserved.’ In God’s economy, He alone is in a position to see and dispense justice. He calls us to walk humbly, love mercy and do justly. In a world broken by sin and filled with unfairness, Jesus sees our needs and meets them. Jesus, the Just One, alone can fulfill our longing for what is right.

The longing for ‘right’ is God-given and leads us to Him! Like every deep desire of the heart, fulfillment is found ONLY in Jesus Christ. Pursuit of justice instead of pursuit of the Just One will lead to heartache. The ultimate example of such a pursuit is the crucifixion of Christ. The religious leaders of the day dispensed ‘justice’ from hearts deceived by self-centered desires. Like those religious leaders, we, too, turn away from Jesus—betraying Him—to pursue our own idea of what is right. We determine what ‘needs’ to be done and proceed with our own ideas and power. Without the “Just One” instructing and leading us in our desire for right can never be fulfilled. Jesus alone is “Just” and able to mete out justice. Embrace the Just One and trust Him to bring about the best for you. He is able. He is willing.

Praise brings us into His presence

2010-03-06T08:26:00.000-05:00

We have a beautiful ‘word picture’ to consider today from Psalm 24:3…our God inhabits the praises of His people! Farther along in the Psalms (100:4), we are told we enter in His gates with thanksgiving. Isn’t that exciting? Our great and mighty God has provided us an audience with Him through the simple act of praise. Far too often, though, we fail to enter into the Lord’s presence. We mouth words that give us a little hint of pleasure but when difficulties come, the truths are not deep in our hearts. We think we have worshipped but we have only gone through the motions.

The presence of God brings peace in the midst of storms; entering into His presence is a privilege and a necessity for living victoriously. Praise lifts us above our circumstances and reminds us of the nature of our awesome God. Often we equate worship and praise with songs; we must not forget singing is simply a tool to use in worship. Often the words we sing were born in hearts that knew great pain; the writer’s poured out their hearts in worship. That does not mean we worship as we sing. We must learn to discipline our hearts to hear the words we sing; we must teach our own hearts to pour out truths when we are facing troubles.

Our hearts can not pour out what they do not know. Throughout scripture God encourages ‘deep knowing. True knowing means allowing truths to penetrate our very being and be a part of our essence. We must seek Him all the time and seek to know Him more. Then we are to be disciples who put into practice the facts we have learned. True heart worship, truly praising God, is an ultimate act of knowing God and will bring us into His presence. The words of truth about the character and nature of God flowing from our hearts will bring us into His transforming light. Even with heartache facing us, knowing who God is will allow us to enjoy the love that casts out all fear. He is in control; He is all-powerful and He is loving us at every moment. We need to practice praise all the time so that it will be our first reaction in a storm. Try it today…look at the greatness all around and offer praise to God. Dig into His Word, learn more truths to store in your heart. Enjoy His presence…don’t settle for anything less!

The Lord, our Hiding Place

2010-02-27T09:26:00.000-05:00

As I considered this title of the Lord this week, I read (and re-read) Psalm 48. It actually closes with the designation we focused on last week, Christ as our guide unto death. The verses which spoke to me about Christ as my hiding place precede that title:

Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof. Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
(Psalms 48:12-13)

My prayer for today’s devotional journey is that we will be encouraged to enter into Him moment by moment…to rest in Him fully and enjoy the power, the perspective and the beauty of His shelter.

‘Stop the world, I want to get off!’ The speed of life makes everyone feel like that sometimes. We all need a place to recharge; a place to hide when the pressures of life weigh upon us. Scripture is full of reminders that the Lord is the Hiding Place we need. All other fortresses: financial security, personal strength, our abilities, the love of others, earthly recognition will collapse. Too often, though, we trust in such temporary earthly things and fail to enter into God’s great strength. We rejoice in the beauties we find in this earthly life, beauties that can not last, and fail to contemplate the perfection of His palaces.

Thankfully anything we trust in besides Jesus will ultimately fail. I say ‘thankfully’ because otherwise we would fail to run to the only shelter which can protect, Jesus Christ! Lives outside of ‘the’ Hiding Place are a tragedy. Living outside of the shelter of Jesus produces empty lives without a legacy for future generations. Recognizing our limitations, our needs, and running to Him offers protection and hope for ourselves and others.

In Second Corinthians Paul reminds us that our weaknesses are our greatest point of strength. We do not want to center our minds on those areas of our lives where we are weak, though. To do that will only weaken us farther. Our need is to heed the instruction of Psalm 48:12, walk where God dwells and consider His power—the beauty of His holiness. We can not do anything for ourselves; He does not draw up strength from within us. He fills us with Himself when we ‘hide’ ourselves in Him. Our weaknesses, placed in Christ, are filled with Him. Jesus emptied Himself and left the glories of heaven to come to a lowly stable; He calls us to empty ourselves and leave the uncertainties of fleshly living to come to His fortified palace. What a tremendous calling…what an incredible exchange!

May we each determine to enter into His shelter moment by moment!

The LORD our Guide

2010-02-20T09:14:00.003-05:00

We have a great aspect of God to look at this morning...His everlasting guidance! Your heart is sure to be encouraged as we contemplate His commitment to guide us. Throughout God's Word are reminders of His perpetual guidance. Divine leading is seen in the lives of every Bible character; it is in our lives too. God never intended for mankind to find his own way. In fact, each individual is precious to God, and He has individual plans of blessing and purpose for each. The path to His blessed purposes can only be found by those who trust in Him.

Even in Paradise, man needed--and received--instruction. One piece of counsel was enough to reveal the self-will of mankind...to reveal the need for God. Like those first children, our eyes are easily diverted from our gentle leader, our Creator, our source of life. Our hearts are tempted to trust our own thoughts about what will please us most. We become our own blind guides. That first decision to ignore God's counsel opened paths of destruction which continue to be heavily trod. Yet God still gives us only ONE way...THE Way, THE Truth and THE Life: Jesus Christ.

The still small voice of God continues to call to us, 'This is the way, walk in it.' The eye of God still directs those who look to Him. The light of His Word continues to shine forth on the path He desires for us to walk upon. His very spirit dwells within those who have accepted the gift of life in Christ and His hand comforts and leads those who walk with Him. Yet the clamor of our hearts, the busy-ness of our lives and the deceptiveness of the one who masquerades as an angel of light diverts us from His path. We wander off His way; we allow our ears to become dull and our hearts hard. The confident hope we had when walking close to Him gives way to confusion and fear. Yet God's guidance is not absent; He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. If only we will stand quietly and look to Him, we will hear His voice and see His eye guiding us toward the Light and toward His perfect purposes. We will feel the comfort of His touch and our hope will be restored.

God never reveals all of His plans for He calls us to walk by faith and not by sight. His longing for our friendship is a longing for our trust. He is worthy. He will lead us to a place of bounty. We know His leading will never take us from the truth that is revealed in His Word. The path will not always be level or smooth; we would be weak and useless if it were. There may be battles on His path but victory is in Him! The route God takes us upon is designed to bring us into the fullness of His purposes despite our weaknesses and strengths! Take His hand, hear His words of love and embrace the adventures and blessings He has designed just for YOU!

There are so many wonderful scriptures of God's leading, I couldn't choose just one but wanted to offer you several to contemplate. May you be richly blessed in His Word:

The Psalms are a rich source of 'guidance' scriptures: Psalms 25:9; 32:8; 48:14 and 73:24. Isaiah 58:11 is a nice tie with last week's devotion of God as the source of living water. John 16:13 reminds us of the Spirit's presence. There are many, many more. Enjoy your search and let Him lead you into greater riches of His Word!