The Discipline Of Faith
Ode On A Distant Prospect of Eton College- Thomas Gray-excerpt-
To each his suff’rings: all are men,
Condemned alike to groan;
The tender for another’s pain,
Th’ unfeeling for his own.
Yet ah! why should they know their fate?
Since sorrow never comes too late,
And happiness too swiftly flies.
Thought would destroy their paradise.
No more; where ignorance is bliss,
‘Tis folly to be wise
Our enemy would want us to hold to the idea that “ignorance is bliss” and “tis folly to be wise”. How wise are you to the devil’s schemes? To what extent are you aware of the battle that surrounds us? I wager that the devil, the father of lies, would prefer that we not think about him at all! Or, that we would attribute much that goes on in and around us to the idea, “that’s just the way life is!” He is winning the war if he lulls us into this thinking. He is the master of propaganda.
prop·a·gan·da (prp-gnd)
n. 1. The systematic propagation of a doctrine or cause or of information reflecting the views and interests of those advocating such a doctrine or cause.
Ever since Eden, our enemy has been propagating that God can’t be trusted and that He is holding out on us. If he, satan, is sucessful, we will buy into this lie- hook, line and sinker. The result- our taking control of our lives, which results in separation from God- the Author and giver of Life! So our distrust of God leads to a “power-grab” which leads to death.
In order for us to not fall captive to this lie and many others that satan will shoot at us, God, in His wisdom, love and grace, has provided spiritual armour so we can stand firm and be victorious.
Ephesians 6:10-18
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
As I walk with God, waiting on the fulfillment of His word to me, I have been focused on my faith. Two posts ago I wrote about Conquering Faith and my desire to overcome the tendency to waiver and be tossed about. When I read the below devotional, it hit me like a ton of bricks and I had mutiple AH HA’s as I read. In reading the definition of faith, I am struck most by the phrase, Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. This type of “vision” does not come natural to us but is an acquired discipline. I have learned that to be a man of faith that can “move mountains”, seeing through the eyes of faith when the human picture does not look good, takes real discipline. It is so easy to “freak-out” and over-react or act according to our human senses. It takes a real discipline of faith to say to yourself and those around you, ” I know this looks real bad but lets take it to the Lord and ask for wisdom and His perspective.” In stead of asking ourselves “How can this possibly work out good?”, we need to ask God, “What do you want me to do?” and then trust and obey while leaving the How up to Him! When we bring God and His power, wisdom, and love into the picture- All things are possible!
Just like weight lifting- the more you lift correctly the stronger you become in that discipline, so is it in the realm of faith. The more we carry our shield of faith and USE IT, the more we will soar on the wings of faith and God’s power- to the Glory of God! Blessings, Jon
faith (fth)
n. 1. Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.
2. Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. See Synonyms at belief, trust.3. Loyalty to a person or thing; allegiance: keeping faith with one’s supporters.4. often Faith Christianity The theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God’s will.5. The body of dogma of a religion: the Muslim faith.6. A set of principles or beliefs.
dis·ci·pline
(ds-pln)
n. 1. Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement.
2. Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training; self-control.3. a. Control obtained by enforcing compliance or order.b. A systematic method to obtain obedience: a military discipline.c. A state of order based on submission to rules and authority: a teacher who demanded discipline in the classroom.4. Punishment intended to correct or train.5. A set of rules or methods, as those regulating the practice of a church or monastic order.6. A branch of knowledge or teaching.
shield
(shld)
n.1. A broad piece of armor made of rigid material and strapped to the arm or carried in the hand for protection against hurled or thrusted weapons.
2. A person or thing that provides protection.3. A protective device or structure, as: a. A steel sheet attached to an artillery piece to protect gunners from small-arms fire and shrapnel.
The Discipline of Faith- (from Streams in the Desert)
“All things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9:23).
The “all things” do not always come simply for the asking, for the reason that God is ever seeking to teach us the way of faith, and in our training in the faith life there must be room for the trial of faith, the discipline of faith, the patience of faith, the courage of faith, and often many stages are passed before we really realize what is the end of faith, namely, the victory of faith.
Real moral fibre is developed through discipline of faith. You have made your request of God, but the answer does not come. What are you to do?
Keep on believing God’s Word; never be moved away from it by what you see or feel, and thus as you stand steady, enlarged power and experience is being developed. The fact of looking at the apparent contradiction as to God’s Word and being unmoved from your position of faith make you stronger on every other line.
Often God delays purposely, and the delay is just as much an answer to your prayer as is the fulfillment when it comes.
In the lives of all the great Bible characters, God worked thus. Abraham, Moses and Elijah were not great in the beginning, but were made great through the discipline of their faith, and only thus were they fitted for the positions to which God had called them.
For example, in the case of Joseph whom the Lord was training for the throne of Egypt, we read in the Psalms:
“The word of the Lord tried him.” It was not the prison life with its hard beds or poor food that tried him, but it was the word God had spoken into his heart in the early years concerning elevation and honor which were greater than his brethren were to receive; it was this which was ever before him, when every step in his career made it seem more and more impossible of fulfillment, until he was there imprisoned, and all in innocency, while others who were perhaps justly incarcerated, were released, and he was left to languish alone.
These were hours that tried his soul, but hours of spiritual growth and development, that, “when his word came” (the word of release), found him fitted for the delicate task of dealing with his wayward brethren, with a love and patience only surpassed by God Himself.
No amount of persecution tries like such experiences as these. When God has spoken of His purpose to do, and yet the days go on and He does not do it, that is truly hard; but it is a discipline of faith that will bring us into a knowledge of God which would otherwise be impossible.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
My Name is…………A Gift of God
I was born in Tallahassee, Florida August 6 1959 to O. Michael and Sandra Lynn Cannon. My full given name is Jon Michael Cannon. My Dad was finishing up his undergrad at Florida State University and my Mom was an aspiring actress. I was blessed to return to my humble beginnings this past weekend. It was Homecoming at Florida State and my Dad and younger brother, Marc, had planned a trip to Tallahassee. My Dad had not considered me for the trip because I am a Gator fan. But, as fate had it, God wanted me there.. a return to my earthly beginning. I say earthly beginning because the Bible says that God knew us before we were born.
Jeremiah 1
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Psalm 139
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
God knew us before we were born and He prepared works for us to walk in before we were even born.
Ephesians 2
10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
If you have been reading this blog, you know that I have been reading books by John Eldredge. John speaks about receiving our “spiritual name”. I was moved by this idea and began asking God what my spiritual name is. I had been asking for about a month before God gave me His answer. On my way to Tallahassee I was struggling to get into the flow of the Spirit. Distance driving is a great opportunity to get quiet and press into the Lord. Charleston to Tallahassee is about a six hour drive and it took just over half of that time to get freed up to really worship the Lord. In my last post I spoke about my desire to have conquering faith. During the first part of my trip I was wrestling about this faith and what it would take to walk in it. When I hit Route 10 on the West side of Jacksonville I had my answer. The Lord told me that it was praise for what God was going to do. That I needed to praise Him in advance of His action. Scripture is full of examples of this.
Philippians 4
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
As I started praising Him I had a breakthrough of faith and a revival of praise. I was driving down the road clapping and singing and raising my hands. Don’t worry, I was being careful to not get in an accident. I was the first to arrive in Tallahassee, so I got settled into our hotel and waited for my Dad and brother.
Friday morning came early. God awoke me at around 4 to tell me my spiritual name.
I awoke to “Your name is Jonathan”! Now, I must explain something about my name. As long as I can remember my name has been an irritation to me to some extent. I have had to tell people over and over again…. it is not John but Jon. And no, it is not Jonathan, it’s just Jon. Just Jon, Just Jon, Just Jon! I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have said that in response to the question, ” Is Jon short for Jonathan?”
Fast forward to 2010 and God is telling me my name really is Jonathan! And he chose to tell me in the city where I was born. As I was praying about this post I did a search on the web for what the name Jonathan means. It is a Hebrew name that means “Gift of God”. I am reminded of Jonathan, King Saul’s son who was David’s closest friend. Jonathan was a fine warrior and a Godly man. He was humble, faithful and fiercely loyal. He had a gift of encouragement which he used time and again to strengthen David. Jonathan was very wise, knowing how to respect and love His father while being a faithful friend to David, whom Saul wanted dead!
As I consider all this in relation to my story, I can’t help but notice some correlations to my story and that of David’s. Now, let me stress that I am not exalting myself to David’s status. I know he was referred to as “a man after God’s own heart”. But, I am reminded that God is calling each of us to a story that is “bigger than we can imagine”! Just like David who was a humble Shepard boy, He wants to take us from our humble beginnings and do great things through us.
In reading David’s story, and the stories God has given us of saints and sinners who have gone before us, I remember that God told David he was going to be king before it happened. It was like God in His love and mercy told David ahead of time what He could look forward to and then allowed him to go through a refining period that would make him a man of God. David was literally running for his life! Many of his psalms were written during his darkest hours. When he was tested to his very core and learned to trust God when things looked their bleakest. He traveled through the refiners fires and came out the other side as a man after God’s own heart.
David’s story encourages me as I wait for the fulfillment of God’s word to me. While I wait, He continues to refine me and make me into a man of God. I know I have so much to learn but He is so patient, loving and faithful. For He promises to finish the work He began in us when we came to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
Philippians 1:6
6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Prayer-
Lord, thank-you for my name! Help me to walk this out and live as a gift of yours to those you have called me to. I am your son and your servant. I praise you and thank you in advance for the works you have prepared for me to walk in. Help me to walk in the present, taking one day at a time! Trusting in your love and timing. Help me to be a fierce warrior knowing that I have many enemies to fight and battles to win by your power and for your glory. In Jesus name. Amen
Jeremiah 1
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Psalm 139
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
God knew us before we were born and He prepared works for us to walk in before we were even born.
Ephesians 2
10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
If you have been reading this blog, you know that I have been reading books by John Eldredge. John speaks about receiving our “spiritual name”. I was moved by this idea and began asking God what my spiritual name is. I had been asking for about a month before God gave me His answer. On my way to Tallahassee I was struggling to get into the flow of the Spirit. Distance driving is a great opportunity to get quiet and press into the Lord. Charleston to Tallahassee is about a six hour drive and it took just over half of that time to get freed up to really worship the Lord. In my last post I spoke about my desire to have conquering faith. During the first part of my trip I was wrestling about this faith and what it would take to walk in it. When I hit Route 10 on the West side of Jacksonville I had my answer. The Lord told me that it was praise for what God was going to do. That I needed to praise Him in advance of His action. Scripture is full of examples of this.
Philippians 4
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
As I started praising Him I had a breakthrough of faith and a revival of praise. I was driving down the road clapping and singing and raising my hands. Don’t worry, I was being careful to not get in an accident. I was the first to arrive in Tallahassee, so I got settled into our hotel and waited for my Dad and brother.
Friday morning came early. God awoke me at around 4 to tell me my spiritual name.
I awoke to “Your name is Jonathan”! Now, I must explain something about my name. As long as I can remember my name has been an irritation to me to some extent. I have had to tell people over and over again…. it is not John but Jon. And no, it is not Jonathan, it’s just Jon. Just Jon, Just Jon, Just Jon! I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have said that in response to the question, ” Is Jon short for Jonathan?”
Fast forward to 2010 and God is telling me my name really is Jonathan! And he chose to tell me in the city where I was born. As I was praying about this post I did a search on the web for what the name Jonathan means. It is a Hebrew name that means “Gift of God”. I am reminded of Jonathan, King Saul’s son who was David’s closest friend. Jonathan was a fine warrior and a Godly man. He was humble, faithful and fiercely loyal. He had a gift of encouragement which he used time and again to strengthen David. Jonathan was very wise, knowing how to respect and love His father while being a faithful friend to David, whom Saul wanted dead!
As I consider all this in relation to my story, I can’t help but notice some correlations to my story and that of David’s. Now, let me stress that I am not exalting myself to David’s status. I know he was referred to as “a man after God’s own heart”. But, I am reminded that God is calling each of us to a story that is “bigger than we can imagine”! Just like David who was a humble Shepard boy, He wants to take us from our humble beginnings and do great things through us.
In reading David’s story, and the stories God has given us of saints and sinners who have gone before us, I remember that God told David he was going to be king before it happened. It was like God in His love and mercy told David ahead of time what He could look forward to and then allowed him to go through a refining period that would make him a man of God. David was literally running for his life! Many of his psalms were written during his darkest hours. When he was tested to his very core and learned to trust God when things looked their bleakest. He traveled through the refiners fires and came out the other side as a man after God’s own heart.
David’s story encourages me as I wait for the fulfillment of God’s word to me. While I wait, He continues to refine me and make me into a man of God. I know I have so much to learn but He is so patient, loving and faithful. For He promises to finish the work He began in us when we came to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
Philippians 1:6
6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Prayer-
Lord, thank-you for my name! Help me to walk this out and live as a gift of yours to those you have called me to. I am your son and your servant. I praise you and thank you in advance for the works you have prepared for me to walk in. Help me to walk in the present, taking one day at a time! Trusting in your love and timing. Help me to be a fierce warrior knowing that I have many enemies to fight and battles to win by your power and for your glory. In Jesus name. Amen
Monday, November 1, 2010
Conquering Faith- A Father’s Perspective
I am currently re-reading- Wild at Heart, by John Eldredge, with my 16 year old Son, Jordan. What a priveledge to share this with my son! It is a great way for father and son to connect and for me to share God’s view of masculinity. Our world, now more than ever, needs real men to stand up and vanquish the blurred lines of masculinity so prevalent in our society.
As I read Wild at Heart, I am also reading- The Making of a Man of God- by Alan Redpath. This is a book about the lessons we can learn from the life of David. These books along with the devotional-Streams in the Desert, are encouraging me tremendously. As I walk in faith, trusting God and His perfect timing, I am finding that “my faith” is being sorely tested and thus refined. What God says through James regarding faith and patience have been in the forefront of my heart and mind. My friend Greg, from VA, called me the other day inquiring about how I was doing. Of course, he has been intimately involved in my journey and was concerned about how I was holding up. I shared with him my deep desire to be a man of faith. One who does not waiver, being tossed about by emotions and doubt. That I would walk in child-like faith, trusting my father and His love for me. That I would not let the “thief” steal my joy, peace and power.
Just last week I was really distraught in my spirit and mind and was wanting a “sign” from the Lord regarding my working with Tim and his foundation. I was crying out to God and was not experiencing peace and joy and power. Then the Spirit reminded me of this passage in James.
James 1:3-8
3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
The next day, after sharing my desire with Greg for an “unwaivering faith”, we spoke again. He went on to tell me what a blessing my words were to him. In fact, he was having the best day he had had in a long while and he had shared my words with others in need of encouragement. Wow! What started as prayer request turned into a blessing for others- a Word of encouragement! What can we learn from this?
1. It is good for brothers and sisters to come together and share. We need each other!
2.We need honesty and vulnerability- Not Posing! No masks allowed!
3.Be open and available to be used of the Lord- Pass it on! Encourage, edify and show love and compassion.
4.We are all in a war and have an enemy bent on our destruction! Regardless of how “good” things appear on the surfacc.
During this journey, My Wild Goose Chase, I have become accustomed to what I will call, “the timely words from the Lord”. As I have been so focused on my faith and its purification of late- here is the devotion from Streams in the Desert from yesterday.
Believing Before Seeing
“The land which I do give them, even the children of Israel” (Joshua 1:2).
God here speaks in the immediate present. It is not something He is going to do, but something He does do, this moment. So faith ever speaks. So God ever gives. So He is meeting you today, in the present moment. This is the test of faith. So long as you are waiting for a thing, hoping for it, looking for it, you are not believing. It may be hope, it may be earnest desire, but it is not faith; for “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The command in regard to believing prayer is the present tense. “When ye pray, believe that ye receive the things that ye desire, and ye shall have them.” Have we come to that moment? Have we met God in His everlasting NOW? –Joshua, by Simpson
True faith counts on God, and believes before it sees. Naturally, we want some evidence that our petition is granted before we believe; but when we walk by faith we need no other evidence than God’s Word. He has spoken, and according to our faith it shall be done unto us. We shall see because we have believed, and this faith sustains us in the most trying places, when everything around us seems to contradict God’s Word.
The Psalmist says,“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of living” (Ps. 27:13). He did not see as yet the Lord’s answer to his prayers, but he believed to see; and this kept him from fainting.
If we have the faith that believes to see, it will keep us from growing discouraged. We shall “laugh at impossibilities,” we shall watch with delight to see how God is going to open up a path through the Red Sea when there is no human way out of our difficulty. It is just in such places of severe testing that our faith grows and strengthens.
Have you been waiting upon God, dear troubled one, during long nights and weary days, and have feared that you were forgotten? Nay, lift up your head, and begin to praise Him even now for the deliverance which is on its way to you. –Life of Praise
Faith Becomes Sight
“Have faith that whatever you ask for in prayer is already granted you, and you will find that it will be” (Mark 11:24).
When my little son was about ten years of age, his grandmother promised him a stamp album for Christmas. Christmas came, but no stamp album, and no word from grandmother. The matter, however, was not mentioned; but when his playmates came to see his Christmas presents, I was astonished, after he had named over this and that as gifts received, to hear him add,
“And a stamp album from grandmother.”
I had heard it several times, when I called him to me, and said, “But, Georgie, you did not get an album from your grandmother. Why do you say so?”
There was a wondering look on his face, as if he thought it strange that I should ask such a question, and he replied, “Well, mamma, grandma said, so it is the same as.” I could not say a word to check his faith.
A month went by, and nothing was heard from the album. Finally, one day, I said, to test his faith, and really wondering in my heart why the album had not been sent,
“Well, Georgie, I think grandma has forgotten her promise.”
“Oh, no, mamma,” he quickly and firmly said, “she hasn’t.”
I watched the dear, trusting face, which, for a while, looked very sober, as if debating the possibilities I had suggested. Finally a bright light passed over it, and he said,
“Mamma, do you think it would do any good if I should write to her thanking her for the album?”
“I do not know,” I said, “but you might try it.”
A rich spiritual truth began to dawn upon me. In a few minutes a letter was prepared and committed to the mail, and he went off whistling his confidence in his grandma. In just a short time a letter came, saying:
“My dear Georgie: I have not forgotten my promise to you, of an album. I tried to get such a book as you desired, but could not get the sort you wanted; so I sent on to New York. It did not get here till after Christmas, and it was still not right, so I sent for another, and as it has not come as yet, I send you three dollars to get one in Chicago. Your loving grandma.”
“As he read the letter, his face was the face of a victor. “Now, mamma, didn’t I tell you?” came from the depths of a heart that never doubted, that, “against hope, believed in hope” that the stamp album would come. While he was trusting, grandma was working, and in due season faith became sight.
It is so human to want sight when we step out on the promises of God, but our Savior said to Thomas, and to the long roll of doubters who have ever since followed him: “Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed.”–Mrs. Rounds
The question I have for you today is… do you have conquering faith that moves mountains? Do you see your Heavenly Father as David did?
1 Samuel 17
34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
What “philistine” do you have taunting you today? Is it robbing you of your peace , joy and power? Let us remember whom we serve and whose we are- remembering where are power and victory come from! That our security is not in “things” or others but the Lord our God- Our Father who art in Heaven. Remember, as you wake each day that the Lord gives you- that we are in a war and our enemies are afoot. Knowing your victory is in the Lord and that through His power working in and through you- you can be assured of victory as David was so long ago. Remember this! It is not how big your “philistine” is that you should fret about. But, how small your view and perception is of your God and Father. This is what you should be afraid of!
Jeremiah 32:27
27 “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
As I read Wild at Heart, I am also reading- The Making of a Man of God- by Alan Redpath. This is a book about the lessons we can learn from the life of David. These books along with the devotional-Streams in the Desert, are encouraging me tremendously. As I walk in faith, trusting God and His perfect timing, I am finding that “my faith” is being sorely tested and thus refined. What God says through James regarding faith and patience have been in the forefront of my heart and mind. My friend Greg, from VA, called me the other day inquiring about how I was doing. Of course, he has been intimately involved in my journey and was concerned about how I was holding up. I shared with him my deep desire to be a man of faith. One who does not waiver, being tossed about by emotions and doubt. That I would walk in child-like faith, trusting my father and His love for me. That I would not let the “thief” steal my joy, peace and power.
Just last week I was really distraught in my spirit and mind and was wanting a “sign” from the Lord regarding my working with Tim and his foundation. I was crying out to God and was not experiencing peace and joy and power. Then the Spirit reminded me of this passage in James.
James 1:3-8
3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
The next day, after sharing my desire with Greg for an “unwaivering faith”, we spoke again. He went on to tell me what a blessing my words were to him. In fact, he was having the best day he had had in a long while and he had shared my words with others in need of encouragement. Wow! What started as prayer request turned into a blessing for others- a Word of encouragement! What can we learn from this?
1. It is good for brothers and sisters to come together and share. We need each other!
2.We need honesty and vulnerability- Not Posing! No masks allowed!
3.Be open and available to be used of the Lord- Pass it on! Encourage, edify and show love and compassion.
4.We are all in a war and have an enemy bent on our destruction! Regardless of how “good” things appear on the surfacc.
During this journey, My Wild Goose Chase, I have become accustomed to what I will call, “the timely words from the Lord”. As I have been so focused on my faith and its purification of late- here is the devotion from Streams in the Desert from yesterday.
Believing Before Seeing
“The land which I do give them, even the children of Israel” (Joshua 1:2).
God here speaks in the immediate present. It is not something He is going to do, but something He does do, this moment. So faith ever speaks. So God ever gives. So He is meeting you today, in the present moment. This is the test of faith. So long as you are waiting for a thing, hoping for it, looking for it, you are not believing. It may be hope, it may be earnest desire, but it is not faith; for “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The command in regard to believing prayer is the present tense. “When ye pray, believe that ye receive the things that ye desire, and ye shall have them.” Have we come to that moment? Have we met God in His everlasting NOW? –Joshua, by Simpson
True faith counts on God, and believes before it sees. Naturally, we want some evidence that our petition is granted before we believe; but when we walk by faith we need no other evidence than God’s Word. He has spoken, and according to our faith it shall be done unto us. We shall see because we have believed, and this faith sustains us in the most trying places, when everything around us seems to contradict God’s Word.
The Psalmist says,“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of living” (Ps. 27:13). He did not see as yet the Lord’s answer to his prayers, but he believed to see; and this kept him from fainting.
If we have the faith that believes to see, it will keep us from growing discouraged. We shall “laugh at impossibilities,” we shall watch with delight to see how God is going to open up a path through the Red Sea when there is no human way out of our difficulty. It is just in such places of severe testing that our faith grows and strengthens.
Have you been waiting upon God, dear troubled one, during long nights and weary days, and have feared that you were forgotten? Nay, lift up your head, and begin to praise Him even now for the deliverance which is on its way to you. –Life of Praise
Faith Becomes Sight
“Have faith that whatever you ask for in prayer is already granted you, and you will find that it will be” (Mark 11:24).
When my little son was about ten years of age, his grandmother promised him a stamp album for Christmas. Christmas came, but no stamp album, and no word from grandmother. The matter, however, was not mentioned; but when his playmates came to see his Christmas presents, I was astonished, after he had named over this and that as gifts received, to hear him add,
“And a stamp album from grandmother.”
I had heard it several times, when I called him to me, and said, “But, Georgie, you did not get an album from your grandmother. Why do you say so?”
There was a wondering look on his face, as if he thought it strange that I should ask such a question, and he replied, “Well, mamma, grandma said, so it is the same as.” I could not say a word to check his faith.
A month went by, and nothing was heard from the album. Finally, one day, I said, to test his faith, and really wondering in my heart why the album had not been sent,
“Well, Georgie, I think grandma has forgotten her promise.”
“Oh, no, mamma,” he quickly and firmly said, “she hasn’t.”
I watched the dear, trusting face, which, for a while, looked very sober, as if debating the possibilities I had suggested. Finally a bright light passed over it, and he said,
“Mamma, do you think it would do any good if I should write to her thanking her for the album?”
“I do not know,” I said, “but you might try it.”
A rich spiritual truth began to dawn upon me. In a few minutes a letter was prepared and committed to the mail, and he went off whistling his confidence in his grandma. In just a short time a letter came, saying:
“My dear Georgie: I have not forgotten my promise to you, of an album. I tried to get such a book as you desired, but could not get the sort you wanted; so I sent on to New York. It did not get here till after Christmas, and it was still not right, so I sent for another, and as it has not come as yet, I send you three dollars to get one in Chicago. Your loving grandma.”
“As he read the letter, his face was the face of a victor. “Now, mamma, didn’t I tell you?” came from the depths of a heart that never doubted, that, “against hope, believed in hope” that the stamp album would come. While he was trusting, grandma was working, and in due season faith became sight.
It is so human to want sight when we step out on the promises of God, but our Savior said to Thomas, and to the long roll of doubters who have ever since followed him: “Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed.”–Mrs. Rounds
The question I have for you today is… do you have conquering faith that moves mountains? Do you see your Heavenly Father as David did?
1 Samuel 17
34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
What “philistine” do you have taunting you today? Is it robbing you of your peace , joy and power? Let us remember whom we serve and whose we are- remembering where are power and victory come from! That our security is not in “things” or others but the Lord our God- Our Father who art in Heaven. Remember, as you wake each day that the Lord gives you- that we are in a war and our enemies are afoot. Knowing your victory is in the Lord and that through His power working in and through you- you can be assured of victory as David was so long ago. Remember this! It is not how big your “philistine” is that you should fret about. But, how small your view and perception is of your God and Father. This is what you should be afraid of!
Jeremiah 32:27
27 “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Romanced By God
Romanced By God
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS BLOG HAS MOVED TO WWW.SECONDTIMOTHYONESEVEN.COM
Jeremiah 31:3
3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, [a] saying:
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
Isaiah 30:18
18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
Does God romance us? Does He pursue us like a man does a woman? If you had asked me this prior to my “Wild Goose Chase”, I would have said that I wasn’t sure. As I have had time to reflect on my journey’s, the Counselor- the Holy Spirit- the Wild Goose, has brought this idea to the forefront of my mind and heart. In the below verses Jesus tells us that His Spirit will “guide you into all truth”. I think the biggest truth He wants to communicate is that of His love for us! Satan’s biggest lie, I believe, is that God can’t be trusted. This lie is a direct assault on His loving nature for God IS Love! I Corithians 13 communicates it best….
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails.
John 16
The Work of the Holy Spirit
5“Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. 7But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt[a] in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
12“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.
A Prayer for the Ephesians
Ephesians 3
14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
The apostle Paul’s prayer to the church at Ephesus ties it all together. Jesus sent His Spirit to enlighten us to the Heart of God! To help us comprehend His love for us. Yes! He is “drawing us with loving kindness” as the prophet Jeremiah said.
The thought of God as a romancer was introduced to me by John Eldredge- see Reading List for more info. The Holy Spirit has taken this concept and run with it! He has shown me that my journey, My Wild Goose Chase, has really been all about His pursuing and romancing of me. Just as lovers delight in giving each other demonstrations of their love and affection, God has been showering me with acts of lovingkindness! The Psalmist says it so well in Psalm 139
17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
David is so aware of God’s love! So much so that God refers to him as “a man after His own heart”. This is why it is Satan’s chief desire to attack our hearts and minds- to muddy the waters of the heart with lies about God and His intentions torward us. That God is holding out on us and can’t be trusted. No one is exempt from this lie! We have all bought it at some point and to some extent. Most of us, I dare say, have bought it hook, line and sinker! Even the most learned of bible scholars is vulnerable to the “attack on the heart”. Listen to God’s warning to us…..
Proverbs 4:23
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
During my time of trials I had taken the bait! Bought the Lie! God was distant and mad at me, punishing me for my sins! His intentions torward me were in question! God’s love was on trial and the prosecuting attorney- Satan, had made a convincing case- to my heart!
Now, I am not one ignorant of God’s word! I have many years of bible training and study under my belt. I tell you this not to boast but to stress that even those trained in the scriptures are vulnerable to Satan’s lie and battle for our hearts. The battle for our perceptions is alive and quite active…
Ephesians 6:12
12 Our fight is not against human beings. It is against the rulers, the authorities and the powers of this dark world. It is against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly world.
I Peter 5
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
We are given a great example of how to fight Satan’s lies by Jesus….
Matthew 4:1-11
Matthew 4
The Temptation of Jesus
1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[a]”
5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
” ‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[b]”
7Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[c]”
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
10Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[d]”
11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
As you can see by verse 11, spiritual warfare takes a toll on us and we need Spiritual healing and restoration. Even Jesus was not exempt but needed angels to restore Him.
In closing, the battle for our hearts is raging! Who we listen to will determine the path we take. We are being romanced by to “suitors”, God- the Father of Life and Satan- the father of lies. To whom are you giving your heart to? Are you taken by the love of God or are you “looking for love in all the wrong places”? The truth is that God’s intentions torward us are good. He loves us more than we can imagine and He desires to walk in relationship with us everyday. I love what Jesus said about the truth in the following verse…
John 8:32
32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS BLOG HAS MOVED TO WWW.SECONDTIMOTHYONESEVEN.COM
Jeremiah 31:3
3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, [a] saying:
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
Isaiah 30:18
18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
Does God romance us? Does He pursue us like a man does a woman? If you had asked me this prior to my “Wild Goose Chase”, I would have said that I wasn’t sure. As I have had time to reflect on my journey’s, the Counselor- the Holy Spirit- the Wild Goose, has brought this idea to the forefront of my mind and heart. In the below verses Jesus tells us that His Spirit will “guide you into all truth”. I think the biggest truth He wants to communicate is that of His love for us! Satan’s biggest lie, I believe, is that God can’t be trusted. This lie is a direct assault on His loving nature for God IS Love! I Corithians 13 communicates it best….
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails.
John 16
The Work of the Holy Spirit
5“Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. 7But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt[a] in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
12“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.
A Prayer for the Ephesians
Ephesians 3
14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
The apostle Paul’s prayer to the church at Ephesus ties it all together. Jesus sent His Spirit to enlighten us to the Heart of God! To help us comprehend His love for us. Yes! He is “drawing us with loving kindness” as the prophet Jeremiah said.
The thought of God as a romancer was introduced to me by John Eldredge- see Reading List for more info. The Holy Spirit has taken this concept and run with it! He has shown me that my journey, My Wild Goose Chase, has really been all about His pursuing and romancing of me. Just as lovers delight in giving each other demonstrations of their love and affection, God has been showering me with acts of lovingkindness! The Psalmist says it so well in Psalm 139
17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
David is so aware of God’s love! So much so that God refers to him as “a man after His own heart”. This is why it is Satan’s chief desire to attack our hearts and minds- to muddy the waters of the heart with lies about God and His intentions torward us. That God is holding out on us and can’t be trusted. No one is exempt from this lie! We have all bought it at some point and to some extent. Most of us, I dare say, have bought it hook, line and sinker! Even the most learned of bible scholars is vulnerable to the “attack on the heart”. Listen to God’s warning to us…..
Proverbs 4:23
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
During my time of trials I had taken the bait! Bought the Lie! God was distant and mad at me, punishing me for my sins! His intentions torward me were in question! God’s love was on trial and the prosecuting attorney- Satan, had made a convincing case- to my heart!
Now, I am not one ignorant of God’s word! I have many years of bible training and study under my belt. I tell you this not to boast but to stress that even those trained in the scriptures are vulnerable to Satan’s lie and battle for our hearts. The battle for our perceptions is alive and quite active…
Ephesians 6:12
12 Our fight is not against human beings. It is against the rulers, the authorities and the powers of this dark world. It is against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly world.
I Peter 5
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
We are given a great example of how to fight Satan’s lies by Jesus….
Matthew 4:1-11
Matthew 4
The Temptation of Jesus
1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[a]”
5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
” ‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[b]”
7Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[c]”
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
10Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[d]”
11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
As you can see by verse 11, spiritual warfare takes a toll on us and we need Spiritual healing and restoration. Even Jesus was not exempt but needed angels to restore Him.
In closing, the battle for our hearts is raging! Who we listen to will determine the path we take. We are being romanced by to “suitors”, God- the Father of Life and Satan- the father of lies. To whom are you giving your heart to? Are you taken by the love of God or are you “looking for love in all the wrong places”? The truth is that God’s intentions torward us are good. He loves us more than we can imagine and He desires to walk in relationship with us everyday. I love what Jesus said about the truth in the following verse…
John 8:32
32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Could I Be Glorious?
Off the road and back in Charleston. On my trip home I purposed to keep quiet and listen. I can't stress enough how important a discipline this is for your spiritual development. No cell phone or radio, just the open road before me and time with my heavenly father. As I shared with you in a blog from the road, one of the focus points of my trip was to gain a greater sense in my heart of the Father's love for me. To know more deeply of my status as a beloved son. After an amazing 3 days of ministry opportunities that the Father brought my way it was great to get quiet and reflect. As I drove down I-40 toward Nashville I began to recall all the ways I saw God's hands all over my time in Memphis. A great sense of joy and favor came over me as I felt Him tell me how proud He was of me. That He was well pleased with me! The more I explored this idea, this is what I got- When we open ourselves up to the Spirits movings, and have a willing spirit, God will use our giftings for His glory and thus allowing our glory to come out. Jesus wants to live through our giftings. When this happens, living how we were intended to live- in the works we were created for, we are glorious! Reflecting whose image we were created in!
As you know, I went to Memphis to seek an audience with Tim's agent, Jimmy Sexton. This did not happen and from a human perspective the trip was a waste of time and money. Praise be to God that He has given me spiritual eyes!
Because, from where I stand in the Spirit, the trip was a smashing success! I went out of obedience, trusting God for His will to be done. On this wild journey I have learned to "go with the flow" and not set agendas for God. I could have been totally self absorbed with my agenda that I would have missed all the ministry opportunities that God brought my way. What an awesome privilege to be in the flow of God's work, being used of God to encourage those down the path of life. One of those people wrote the following in an email-
"It was a pleasure meeting you. We all need to stop and really take the time to listen to one another whether they be known to us or stranger to us. How intriguing your journey sounds!!! I, myself, am seeking out a purpose in life or rather God's purpose for me. Need to stop and listen to his directions at time
I admire your ability to talk to so many different people. I read some more of your blog and everywhere you go although you don't throw yourself upon people you take the opportunity to share with them when the occasion arises. Also, I noticed you seem to have to ability to put yourself in situations where you are very comfortable with strangers"
I believe I am experiencing more and more of what was intended for us. As Jesus perfectly lived out a relationship with the Father, abiding in perfect unity- the Fathers' will was done in and through Jesus' life. As a man walking on this earth, Jesus was glorious, I believe, due to His trusting and obeying.
In John 4 Jesus says 34-"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work."
And in John 5- 19-Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20-For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these.
John 7- 16-Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. 17-If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18-He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him"
John 8- 54-Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55-Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. 56-Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad."
So, you see that Jesus was made glorious because He abided in the Father and did the works He was created to do. This is also true of us! When we walk with the Father and live out of trust and obedience, doing the works we were created for- we are glorious! His glory and image shine through our lives! As it was intended from the beginning!
This ties in with the quote I have mentioned over and over.
The Glory of God is man fully alive. St Irenaeus
When we are fully alive in Christ, IE: doing the works the Father has for us through a relationship of trust and obedience, His glory shines in and through us, thus reflecting the glory back to the Father.
Oh, what a wonderful mystery is this life in Christ! To be brought back from the dead to live as intended. How glorious!
I close with two quotes from the movie, Chariots of Fire.
Eric Liddell:
I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure
Eric Liddell:
You came to see a race today. To see someone win. It happened to be me. But I want you to do more than just watch a race. I want you to take part in it. I want to compare faith to running in a race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape - especially if you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe you're dinner's burnt. Maybe you haven't got a job. So who am I to say, "Believe, have faith," in the face of life's realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, "Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me." If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race
I believe Mr. Liddell understood what it meant to be glorious.....
I pray that you too will know this and live a life of glory as it was intended from the begining!
Blessings, Jon
As you know, I went to Memphis to seek an audience with Tim's agent, Jimmy Sexton. This did not happen and from a human perspective the trip was a waste of time and money. Praise be to God that He has given me spiritual eyes!
Because, from where I stand in the Spirit, the trip was a smashing success! I went out of obedience, trusting God for His will to be done. On this wild journey I have learned to "go with the flow" and not set agendas for God. I could have been totally self absorbed with my agenda that I would have missed all the ministry opportunities that God brought my way. What an awesome privilege to be in the flow of God's work, being used of God to encourage those down the path of life. One of those people wrote the following in an email-
"It was a pleasure meeting you. We all need to stop and really take the time to listen to one another whether they be known to us or stranger to us. How intriguing your journey sounds!!! I, myself, am seeking out a purpose in life or rather God's purpose for me. Need to stop and listen to his directions at time
I admire your ability to talk to so many different people. I read some more of your blog and everywhere you go although you don't throw yourself upon people you take the opportunity to share with them when the occasion arises. Also, I noticed you seem to have to ability to put yourself in situations where you are very comfortable with strangers"
I believe I am experiencing more and more of what was intended for us. As Jesus perfectly lived out a relationship with the Father, abiding in perfect unity- the Fathers' will was done in and through Jesus' life. As a man walking on this earth, Jesus was glorious, I believe, due to His trusting and obeying.
In John 4 Jesus says 34-"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work."
And in John 5- 19-Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20-For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these.
John 7- 16-Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. 17-If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18-He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him"
John 8- 54-Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55-Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. 56-Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad."
So, you see that Jesus was made glorious because He abided in the Father and did the works He was created to do. This is also true of us! When we walk with the Father and live out of trust and obedience, doing the works we were created for- we are glorious! His glory and image shine through our lives! As it was intended from the beginning!
This ties in with the quote I have mentioned over and over.
The Glory of God is man fully alive. St Irenaeus
When we are fully alive in Christ, IE: doing the works the Father has for us through a relationship of trust and obedience, His glory shines in and through us, thus reflecting the glory back to the Father.
Oh, what a wonderful mystery is this life in Christ! To be brought back from the dead to live as intended. How glorious!
I close with two quotes from the movie, Chariots of Fire.
Eric Liddell:
I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure
Eric Liddell:
You came to see a race today. To see someone win. It happened to be me. But I want you to do more than just watch a race. I want you to take part in it. I want to compare faith to running in a race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape - especially if you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe you're dinner's burnt. Maybe you haven't got a job. So who am I to say, "Believe, have faith," in the face of life's realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, "Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me." If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race
I believe Mr. Liddell understood what it meant to be glorious.....
I pray that you too will know this and live a life of glory as it was intended from the begining!
Blessings, Jon
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Strength for the Weary- A message of Hope
Let's face it- we are living in a world with unparalleled pain, suffering, hopelessness and despair. It is vital for us who claim Christ as our Life to keep in mind that THIS is not what God intended for the "Apple of His Eye". He intended Paradise but we chose independence. And we are living with the dire results of our choice. But God, in His love, mercy and grace is calling us to recapture the life He intended for us through the New Life in Christ!
The Kingdom of God must come ALIVE in us for the world to be saved- set free from the results of sin. "I have come that they might have life to the full"- this was Jesus' message to the world and this must be our message as well. If we are truly following Christ- this message will flow from our hearts (Christ in us the Hope of Glory} to the world. We must stop focusing on our differences and must no longer try to "sell" someone on the benefits of becoming a Christian. People do not like to be pressured or sold! Throw aside the biblical sales pitch and live out loud a life of love, serving one another- BEING JESUS- NOT - SELLING JESUS!
As I have carried my "banner of hope and encouragement", I have been so blessed by the many who have been encouraged by 2 Timothy 1:7- For God has not given us a spirit of fear but a Spirit of power, and of love and of a sound mind.
In these trying times we all need encouragement! We need the Truth to combat the lies of the evil one! I have noticed over and again that people are also encouraged by my boldness and commitment- my willingness to take "my time" to share a message of hope. If we who believe need multiple daily reminders of the "Truth that sets us free", how much more a lost world? If the world has a hope of salvation it will be due to a Church that has come alive. A church living what it believes. Not a defeated and weary bunch who are just "biding their time" until Heaven. Jesus brought "heaven to earth"! He awoke in people what had been lost and buried- a deep desire to live abundantly in relationship with our Creator- How it was meant to be!
John 7
Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38-Whoever believes in me, as[c] the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him
John 10:10
10-The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
What has the thief stole from you? What about your joy?, Peace? Hope? Courage? Heart?............... Have you allowed him to kill and destroy your dreams, relationships, purpose and vision?
Jesus has come to give it back to you! Right where you are! To reclaim, heal, and free you to live with Him a life of power, love and sound mind!-
The Glory of God is man fully Alive! - St. Irenaeus
Come as you are where you are!
In regards to my trip to Memphis... After the game, I still did not have a place to stay. The plans I had made fell through and I was asking God what His plan was. At this point in my journey I am past any concern that He is not in control. His peace was with me as I found a Starbucks to get on the Internet. After restarting a dead computer, I finally got on at 10:45 pm. Please allow me to explain the circumstances. I went outside in search of an outlet but it did not work, meanwhile my computer died. So I moved inside and began the restart process. While waiting, I saw a college student and the thought came to me to ask him if he knew of a Hostel. He quickly replyed that he did. "It's right around the corner", he said. So I called and thankfully got a live voice- Meagan, a college student working her way through a Spanish degree. She said, "you caught me just in time, a few more minutes and I would have been closed". God does not work on our time frame but He does always work. He know our needs before we need them, He wants us to bring them to Him and then Trust Him to provide.
After I got settled I walked down the street and listened to some live music at an Irish pub. Thankfully, it was outside and the evening was pleasant after a very hot day! When I returned to the Hostel I struck up a conversation with Roger from Seattle and Jim and Jenae from..... you guessed it... Denver! Note: My daughters name is Jennifer Danae! Immediately I felt the urge to share my story with them. We all sat around the kitchen and shared our stories. Great fun and fellowship! Interestingly, Roger is on an exciting journey of his own. He is riding a bicycle cross country with Asheville being his final destination. He is on a quest to find his calling and has had many "promptings" for Asheville along the way.
After helping in the hostel's kitchen for breakfast, I went for a nice jog in the Cooper Young area of Memphis- where the Hostel is by the way. After a shower, Meagan strongly suggested I go to Sweetgrass restaurant for lunch. Though warm, I chose to sit outside. After I ordered, two ladies, Heather Wynne and Ann Phillips, joined me on the terrace at the table next to mine. Note: Turns out that the Chef of Sweetgrass trained in Charleston and his menu is filled with Low Country inspired meals! http://www.sweetgrassmemphis.com/About.html
It turns out that Heather is good friends with Jimmy Sexton's first wife! - Jimmy is Tim's agent whom I am seeking to meet with tomorrow!
During the course of conversation we exchanged stories of faith and it turns out these ladies are members at the Church where the Hostel is. Ann also shared that Jimmy's dad was her dentist! She went on to tell me a wonderful story of how Dr. Sexton was treating her one day and noticed she was unusually stressed. He thoughtfully stopped the procedure and asked her what was bothering her and then lovingly prayed for her. She was so profoundly impacted by his kindness and care! She said, "I will never forget it!"
When Ann got up to pay her bill, Heather had the wisdom and insight to tell me that Jimmy would be blessed to hear the story about his dad! If this is not one of many Divine appointments that God has orchestrated in my life, then there are none!
After driving around downtown Memphis I headed to Starbucks to blog. While blogging, God had Loren Porter sit next to me. Lauren, a mother of three is working on her masters, raising three kids and helping her husband with his inner city church- All Saints Presbyterian. It sure sounds like All Saints is living the Kingdom of God here on earth. I was blessed to hear their story of faith and counter intuitive living for God. An interesting note; they have teamed up with Young Life to do ministry! What and awesome, God idea! http://www.allsaintspres.com/
During my trip I have been purposefully focusing on the truth that I am one of God's beloved son's in whom He is well pleased. This is something that I did not receive from my father nor did He from His. I am purposing to ask the Spirit to let this truth penetrate my heart- asking God to "father me" like my earthly father was not "free" to do. Recently, God moved me to make a special trip to see my Dad and convey that I know He loves me and did the best he knew how and that we "were good". I have put pressure on Him over the years to be to me what he was not equipped to be. I needed to free him from that burden of expectation and sense of failure. This has freed me up and hopefully my Dad too! I am free now to seek fathering from my Heavenly Father!
God is good all the time! Peace! Jon
Please cover me with your prayers and pray for Jimmy Sexton and those I will meet at Athletic Resource Management. To God be the Glory!
http://www.sextonsports.com/ssp/the_arm_team
The Kingdom of God must come ALIVE in us for the world to be saved- set free from the results of sin. "I have come that they might have life to the full"- this was Jesus' message to the world and this must be our message as well. If we are truly following Christ- this message will flow from our hearts (Christ in us the Hope of Glory} to the world. We must stop focusing on our differences and must no longer try to "sell" someone on the benefits of becoming a Christian. People do not like to be pressured or sold! Throw aside the biblical sales pitch and live out loud a life of love, serving one another- BEING JESUS- NOT - SELLING JESUS!
As I have carried my "banner of hope and encouragement", I have been so blessed by the many who have been encouraged by 2 Timothy 1:7- For God has not given us a spirit of fear but a Spirit of power, and of love and of a sound mind.
In these trying times we all need encouragement! We need the Truth to combat the lies of the evil one! I have noticed over and again that people are also encouraged by my boldness and commitment- my willingness to take "my time" to share a message of hope. If we who believe need multiple daily reminders of the "Truth that sets us free", how much more a lost world? If the world has a hope of salvation it will be due to a Church that has come alive. A church living what it believes. Not a defeated and weary bunch who are just "biding their time" until Heaven. Jesus brought "heaven to earth"! He awoke in people what had been lost and buried- a deep desire to live abundantly in relationship with our Creator- How it was meant to be!
John 7
Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38-Whoever believes in me, as[c] the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him
John 10:10
10-The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
What has the thief stole from you? What about your joy?, Peace? Hope? Courage? Heart?............... Have you allowed him to kill and destroy your dreams, relationships, purpose and vision?
Jesus has come to give it back to you! Right where you are! To reclaim, heal, and free you to live with Him a life of power, love and sound mind!-
The Glory of God is man fully Alive! - St. Irenaeus
Come as you are where you are!
In regards to my trip to Memphis... After the game, I still did not have a place to stay. The plans I had made fell through and I was asking God what His plan was. At this point in my journey I am past any concern that He is not in control. His peace was with me as I found a Starbucks to get on the Internet. After restarting a dead computer, I finally got on at 10:45 pm. Please allow me to explain the circumstances. I went outside in search of an outlet but it did not work, meanwhile my computer died. So I moved inside and began the restart process. While waiting, I saw a college student and the thought came to me to ask him if he knew of a Hostel. He quickly replyed that he did. "It's right around the corner", he said. So I called and thankfully got a live voice- Meagan, a college student working her way through a Spanish degree. She said, "you caught me just in time, a few more minutes and I would have been closed". God does not work on our time frame but He does always work. He know our needs before we need them, He wants us to bring them to Him and then Trust Him to provide.
After I got settled I walked down the street and listened to some live music at an Irish pub. Thankfully, it was outside and the evening was pleasant after a very hot day! When I returned to the Hostel I struck up a conversation with Roger from Seattle and Jim and Jenae from..... you guessed it... Denver! Note: My daughters name is Jennifer Danae! Immediately I felt the urge to share my story with them. We all sat around the kitchen and shared our stories. Great fun and fellowship! Interestingly, Roger is on an exciting journey of his own. He is riding a bicycle cross country with Asheville being his final destination. He is on a quest to find his calling and has had many "promptings" for Asheville along the way.
After helping in the hostel's kitchen for breakfast, I went for a nice jog in the Cooper Young area of Memphis- where the Hostel is by the way. After a shower, Meagan strongly suggested I go to Sweetgrass restaurant for lunch. Though warm, I chose to sit outside. After I ordered, two ladies, Heather Wynne and Ann Phillips, joined me on the terrace at the table next to mine. Note: Turns out that the Chef of Sweetgrass trained in Charleston and his menu is filled with Low Country inspired meals! http://www.sweetgrassmemphis.com/About.html
It turns out that Heather is good friends with Jimmy Sexton's first wife! - Jimmy is Tim's agent whom I am seeking to meet with tomorrow!
During the course of conversation we exchanged stories of faith and it turns out these ladies are members at the Church where the Hostel is. Ann also shared that Jimmy's dad was her dentist! She went on to tell me a wonderful story of how Dr. Sexton was treating her one day and noticed she was unusually stressed. He thoughtfully stopped the procedure and asked her what was bothering her and then lovingly prayed for her. She was so profoundly impacted by his kindness and care! She said, "I will never forget it!"
When Ann got up to pay her bill, Heather had the wisdom and insight to tell me that Jimmy would be blessed to hear the story about his dad! If this is not one of many Divine appointments that God has orchestrated in my life, then there are none!
After driving around downtown Memphis I headed to Starbucks to blog. While blogging, God had Loren Porter sit next to me. Lauren, a mother of three is working on her masters, raising three kids and helping her husband with his inner city church- All Saints Presbyterian. It sure sounds like All Saints is living the Kingdom of God here on earth. I was blessed to hear their story of faith and counter intuitive living for God. An interesting note; they have teamed up with Young Life to do ministry! What and awesome, God idea! http://www.allsaintspres.com/
During my trip I have been purposefully focusing on the truth that I am one of God's beloved son's in whom He is well pleased. This is something that I did not receive from my father nor did He from His. I am purposing to ask the Spirit to let this truth penetrate my heart- asking God to "father me" like my earthly father was not "free" to do. Recently, God moved me to make a special trip to see my Dad and convey that I know He loves me and did the best he knew how and that we "were good". I have put pressure on Him over the years to be to me what he was not equipped to be. I needed to free him from that burden of expectation and sense of failure. This has freed me up and hopefully my Dad too! I am free now to seek fathering from my Heavenly Father!
God is good all the time! Peace! Jon
Please cover me with your prayers and pray for Jimmy Sexton and those I will meet at Athletic Resource Management. To God be the Glory!
http://www.sextonsports.com/ssp/the_arm_team
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Nothing is Too Hard For My God
After being in the "blog zone" yesterday, I awoke to this devotional....Have you ever been in Church and you felt as if the preacher was speaking to You and You alone. Like he knew what you were going through and wrote today's message just for you!
After I shared my take from the heart yesterday on this whole Tim Tebow adventure God has me on, I read this........
Streams in the Desert - Sept. 14
Nothing is Too Hard
"Is there anything too hard for Jehovah?" (Gen. 18:14).
Here is God's loving challenge to you and to me today. He wants us to think of the deepest, highest, worthiest desire and longing of our hearts, something which perhaps was our desire for ourselves or for someone dear to us, yet which has been so long unfulfilled that we have looked upon it as only a lost desire, that which might have been but now cannot be, and so have given up hope of seeing it fulfilled in this life.
That thing, if it is in line with what we know to be His expressed will (as a son to Abraham and Sarah was), God intends to do for us, even if we know that it is of such utter impossibility that we only laugh at the absurdity of any one's supposing it could ever now come to pass. That thing God intends to do for us, if we will let Him.
Even Abraham and Sarah could have blocked God's plan if they had continued to disbelieve. The only thing too hard for Jehovah is deliberate, continued disbelief in His love and power, and our final rejection of His plans for us. Nothing is too hard for Jehovah to do for them that trust Him --Messages for the Morning Watch
As I shared yesterday, I have had two specific desires in my heart pertaining to my life's work. One- to be back in ministry, utilizing my talents for the Lord. Two- to live in Colorado. These are very strong desires I have prayed about for several years now. As I have walked through the storms of life, I have often wondered if He would lift me up to a position of ministry that would truly utilize my God given talents for His Glory. That I would "come alive to the glory of God", walking in the works He created me for. I must admit, that after my years of waiting, I began to wonder if He would ever use me in a significant way. Note: this does not mean that I have sat in a prayer closet waiting for my big opportunity. I have continued to live life and make my self available to be used of the Lord to bless, challenge, encourage and love those He has put in my path. We, all who claim the lordship of Christ, are all ambassadors for God. Vessels of His love, power, grace, mercy, joy and peace. No matter what work I have done, I have always strived to live this out!
But, when God puts something in your heart, a desire that is in line with His will, it is our job to trust and obey. This is where I find myself. Now that I have been told what He has been preparing me for, I am diligently seeking what I am to do- my part in this "divine play".
Just this morning, I "ran into" a friend I have not seen for a while. He works in construction and has been traveling to where ever the work is. For some reason, during the course of our fellowship- He is a Christ follower, he mentioned that he had done a job in Memphis, TN. At the time I did not give it any consideration. But as I have "gotten quiet" today- desiring to hear from the Lord, the thought came to me- "Tim Tebow's agent is in Memphis!" "Lord, am I supposed to go to Memphis this week?" For some reason, this is a fear for me!
Now, I have grown up in sales, even went door to door selling for a while. So, why am I afraid to seek an audience with Tim's agent? Two things come to mind. One- a fear of rejection. Two- that I will fumble the ball and fail- that I don't have what it takes. Note: this is a big part of John Eldredge's message for men. That most of us fear that we do not have what it takes to be the men that God is calling us to be.
God is telling me that these are feelings that I must face head on! As the above devotional said, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Not when we believe in Him enough to go forward and do His will, and let Him do the impossible for us.
I think there are two key points for me to apply. 1- that I must move forward. 2- that I let Him do the impossible. It is not up to me to do the impossible. But, to focus on the One who is Lord of the impossible!
"Lord, help me to walk this out, and not shrink back. But, press onward and upward in Christ Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith!"
I covet your prayers! Jon
After I shared my take from the heart yesterday on this whole Tim Tebow adventure God has me on, I read this........
Streams in the Desert - Sept. 14
Nothing is Too Hard
"Is there anything too hard for Jehovah?" (Gen. 18:14).
Here is God's loving challenge to you and to me today. He wants us to think of the deepest, highest, worthiest desire and longing of our hearts, something which perhaps was our desire for ourselves or for someone dear to us, yet which has been so long unfulfilled that we have looked upon it as only a lost desire, that which might have been but now cannot be, and so have given up hope of seeing it fulfilled in this life.
That thing, if it is in line with what we know to be His expressed will (as a son to Abraham and Sarah was), God intends to do for us, even if we know that it is of such utter impossibility that we only laugh at the absurdity of any one's supposing it could ever now come to pass. That thing God intends to do for us, if we will let Him.
Even Abraham and Sarah could have blocked God's plan if they had continued to disbelieve. The only thing too hard for Jehovah is deliberate, continued disbelief in His love and power, and our final rejection of His plans for us. Nothing is too hard for Jehovah to do for them that trust Him --Messages for the Morning Watch
As I shared yesterday, I have had two specific desires in my heart pertaining to my life's work. One- to be back in ministry, utilizing my talents for the Lord. Two- to live in Colorado. These are very strong desires I have prayed about for several years now. As I have walked through the storms of life, I have often wondered if He would lift me up to a position of ministry that would truly utilize my God given talents for His Glory. That I would "come alive to the glory of God", walking in the works He created me for. I must admit, that after my years of waiting, I began to wonder if He would ever use me in a significant way. Note: this does not mean that I have sat in a prayer closet waiting for my big opportunity. I have continued to live life and make my self available to be used of the Lord to bless, challenge, encourage and love those He has put in my path. We, all who claim the lordship of Christ, are all ambassadors for God. Vessels of His love, power, grace, mercy, joy and peace. No matter what work I have done, I have always strived to live this out!
But, when God puts something in your heart, a desire that is in line with His will, it is our job to trust and obey. This is where I find myself. Now that I have been told what He has been preparing me for, I am diligently seeking what I am to do- my part in this "divine play".
Just this morning, I "ran into" a friend I have not seen for a while. He works in construction and has been traveling to where ever the work is. For some reason, during the course of our fellowship- He is a Christ follower, he mentioned that he had done a job in Memphis, TN. At the time I did not give it any consideration. But as I have "gotten quiet" today- desiring to hear from the Lord, the thought came to me- "Tim Tebow's agent is in Memphis!" "Lord, am I supposed to go to Memphis this week?" For some reason, this is a fear for me!
Now, I have grown up in sales, even went door to door selling for a while. So, why am I afraid to seek an audience with Tim's agent? Two things come to mind. One- a fear of rejection. Two- that I will fumble the ball and fail- that I don't have what it takes. Note: this is a big part of John Eldredge's message for men. That most of us fear that we do not have what it takes to be the men that God is calling us to be.
God is telling me that these are feelings that I must face head on! As the above devotional said, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Not when we believe in Him enough to go forward and do His will, and let Him do the impossible for us.
I think there are two key points for me to apply. 1- that I must move forward. 2- that I let Him do the impossible. It is not up to me to do the impossible. But, to focus on the One who is Lord of the impossible!
"Lord, help me to walk this out, and not shrink back. But, press onward and upward in Christ Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith!"
I covet your prayers! Jon
Monday, September 13, 2010
Bannerman
I first want to thank all those who are praying for me! I can't say enough how important your prayers are! They are vital and I deeply appreciate you!
Long before Tim Tebow and his eye black bible verses, there lived the original bannerman. I don't know his real name but he became famous for going to televised games and sitting in the end zone with his John 3:16 banner.
Something you may not know about me... I started a coffee house with live music in college. After a tour with Campus Crusade's high school ministry I/we moved to Nashville so I could pursue a career in the Christian music industry. I ended up with Warner Alliance and one of the music artists I helped promote was Steve Taylor. Steve, a very creative and unique guy, took his signing bonus and traveled the more remote countries of the world and filmed videos for his songs. Bannerman is was one of those songs and it is a tribute to the Original Bannerman. Go to "show enclosure links" to watch the video.
I continued my banner ways at the broncos game yesterday. You may remember, I made a banner for the Broncos practice last month in Colorado. I went from the friendly and intimate setting of the Broncos practice field, to the larger platform of the the Jaguars stadium. In retrospect, I should have taken a picture of my 2 Timothy 1:7Banner. It turned out great thanks to the help of my bride. I was blessed to meet a young lady who was selling eye black bible stickers and added Philippians 4:13 under my eyes.
Philippians 4:13
13- I can do everything through him who gives me strength
I take this verse to mean, I can do everything He calls me to do, through Christ's power living in me. No, it does not mean that if I want to be the next American idol that God will give me the strength and talent to sing at that level. If He had given me that kind of talent then I could look to Him to give me the strength to perform my best for His glory.This verse fits right in with my banner verse-
7-For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
If God has truly called us to a task or wild adventure, He promises to give us what we need to live it out each day. Such is the case with my wild Goose adventure. If some of my friends and family think my adventure is rather far-fetched, how much more those who are protecting Tim Tebow from the crazies out there looking to glom onto his shining star.
Needless to say, the odds are stacked against me! But, just as Tim has many nay-sayers about his ability to play in the NFL as a quarterback, he and I both know that we have to work with what God has given us and trust Him with the rest. We must do our part and leave the rest up to God. He is in control and we can trust His goodness and love, knowing that He loves giving His kids good gifts. Remember my new favorite quote!- The Glory of God is man fully alive! St. Irenaeus
I can't tell you how much that speaks to me! When we are living how He intended, in relationship with Him, we come alive through Christ in us! This is the great mystery that Paul speaks of. Dead to self and alive in Christ! When we are alive in Christ, His power flows through our God given talents. We don't become robots, nor does God disregard the talents and abilities He has given us. Those who fear surrender, fear that God will call them to do things they don't want to do. It is true that He does call us to trust Him no matter what. Yes, He will ask us to do things that we had rather not do. But, with obedience comes blessing. He needs to know that He can trust us with the "little" things before we move into greater works.
We need to build our resume of faith and obedience! I don't know if I have ever explained my take on this whole deal. First of all, I think it important to note that I am not nor will I ever be star struck with anyone except Christ. I may admire someone from afar but would never impose myself on anyone. I respect peoples space and privacy. They are humans just like us and deserve the same level of privacy that we cherish.
Of course, being a gator since 1974, the year I came to Jesus, I love Tim for many of the same reasons that the masses do. My feelings just go deeper due to the trials I was going through when he was entrenched in the swamp at UF. Just like those he inspires at the hospitals he visits, he came into my "room" every weekend during football season for 3 years- in the midst of my suffering.
After he finished his college career, I like any fan was interested in where he would end up. How high he would go in the draft etc. As draft day moved closer I thought to myself, "I would love to be near where he plays pro ball". I had no idea who was considering drafting him. While I was working in VA, I started full-time end of January this year, I began "running into" people between VA and SC who had ties to CO. At first, I did not give it much thought but they continued until I could not ignore them. When I met my friends political advisor who had ties to Focus on the Family and to a lesser extent, John Eldredge, I thought that maybe God was opening a door for me to finally move to CO and back into ministry. Both deep desires of my heart. Tim Tebow was not on my radar screen for a job! When I finally asked God what was going on with all the CO happenings I did not hear what I was expecting to hear. My first response was... "What am I suppose to do with that God?" In my thinking, John Eldredge was the logical choice. After all, I love his ministry and God has used him in my life over the past few years more than anyone. But, I did not hear "Ransomed Heart Ministries" when I asked God the question. That would be a minor stretch but not a "God-sized" stretch of my faith, trust and obedience. Have I wrestled with God over this? Absolutely!!! After-all, Ransomed Heart has even branched out to England where my daughter, son-in-law and first grand baby live! But, I am ever reminded that God's ways are not my ways and His thoughts are way above mine! I trust that He knows what He is doing.. He IS GOD! I am not here to say, "What are you doing God, have you lost your mind?" "Do you know how this appears, God?" "This is not how you work.... is it?" Or is it? Last time I checked, God calls His people to big, bold steps of faith and obedience over and over again. My human nature wants little, easy steps of faith and obedience. After all, does not our culture want God to fit our image, desires, needs and plans? "You want me to do what? Let me get back to you on that!"
This is the culture we live in! The culture of convenience and situational ethics. "I want the fire insurance God but I want to keep doing___________!" "God, you don't really expect me to stay a virgin until I get married." You get the point!
During my trials the main verse God gave me was;
Ephesians 3:20
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
This was a promise I was holding onto and standing on when nothing looked promising. When door after door closed and through many nights of tears and heartache, I took God at His word! So, when I heard "Tim Tebow Foundation" it took me some time before I began to see this as my "Eph. 3:20" Once it sunk in and God began to fill in the blanks of how this was a "God fit" for me, I took it very seriously! After all, I have learned what NOT LISTENING to the still small voice will do to you. "No more whale bellies for me!"
I am accountable to God and God alone. I know that the faith and obedience I am walking in is of God. He has birthed it in me in the dark pit of pain, hopelessness and despair. Psalm 139 says it better than I can-
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
The more I have thought about working with Tim, the more I get excited about it! God has given me so many great ideas for ministry. My creative juices are flowing! I am alive with God possibilities! Am I the likely choice to work with Tim? No! Was shepherd boy, David, the likely choice to be King? He was not even in the picture, forgotten! Man looks at the seen but God the unseen!
All this is not my doing! If you think so- you give me way too much credit. I am a mere man willing to trust and obey no matter what! This kind of faith and obedience does not come from the easy route but via the trials and storms- the hard road we would never choose to travel if given the choice. In closing, what Satan meant for harm, God is using for good. After all.....Romans 8:28
More Than Conquerors
28-And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,[a] who[b] have been called according to His purpose.
In closing, my day in Jacksonville was great! God blessed in many ways. I even got to see the game! God gave me a ticket! Blessings, Jon
Long before Tim Tebow and his eye black bible verses, there lived the original bannerman. I don't know his real name but he became famous for going to televised games and sitting in the end zone with his John 3:16 banner.
Something you may not know about me... I started a coffee house with live music in college. After a tour with Campus Crusade's high school ministry I/we moved to Nashville so I could pursue a career in the Christian music industry. I ended up with Warner Alliance and one of the music artists I helped promote was Steve Taylor. Steve, a very creative and unique guy, took his signing bonus and traveled the more remote countries of the world and filmed videos for his songs. Bannerman is was one of those songs and it is a tribute to the Original Bannerman. Go to "show enclosure links" to watch the video.
I continued my banner ways at the broncos game yesterday. You may remember, I made a banner for the Broncos practice last month in Colorado. I went from the friendly and intimate setting of the Broncos practice field, to the larger platform of the the Jaguars stadium. In retrospect, I should have taken a picture of my 2 Timothy 1:7Banner. It turned out great thanks to the help of my bride. I was blessed to meet a young lady who was selling eye black bible stickers and added Philippians 4:13 under my eyes.
Philippians 4:13
13- I can do everything through him who gives me strength
I take this verse to mean, I can do everything He calls me to do, through Christ's power living in me. No, it does not mean that if I want to be the next American idol that God will give me the strength and talent to sing at that level. If He had given me that kind of talent then I could look to Him to give me the strength to perform my best for His glory.This verse fits right in with my banner verse-
7-For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
If God has truly called us to a task or wild adventure, He promises to give us what we need to live it out each day. Such is the case with my wild Goose adventure. If some of my friends and family think my adventure is rather far-fetched, how much more those who are protecting Tim Tebow from the crazies out there looking to glom onto his shining star.
Needless to say, the odds are stacked against me! But, just as Tim has many nay-sayers about his ability to play in the NFL as a quarterback, he and I both know that we have to work with what God has given us and trust Him with the rest. We must do our part and leave the rest up to God. He is in control and we can trust His goodness and love, knowing that He loves giving His kids good gifts. Remember my new favorite quote!- The Glory of God is man fully alive! St. Irenaeus
I can't tell you how much that speaks to me! When we are living how He intended, in relationship with Him, we come alive through Christ in us! This is the great mystery that Paul speaks of. Dead to self and alive in Christ! When we are alive in Christ, His power flows through our God given talents. We don't become robots, nor does God disregard the talents and abilities He has given us. Those who fear surrender, fear that God will call them to do things they don't want to do. It is true that He does call us to trust Him no matter what. Yes, He will ask us to do things that we had rather not do. But, with obedience comes blessing. He needs to know that He can trust us with the "little" things before we move into greater works.
We need to build our resume of faith and obedience! I don't know if I have ever explained my take on this whole deal. First of all, I think it important to note that I am not nor will I ever be star struck with anyone except Christ. I may admire someone from afar but would never impose myself on anyone. I respect peoples space and privacy. They are humans just like us and deserve the same level of privacy that we cherish.
Of course, being a gator since 1974, the year I came to Jesus, I love Tim for many of the same reasons that the masses do. My feelings just go deeper due to the trials I was going through when he was entrenched in the swamp at UF. Just like those he inspires at the hospitals he visits, he came into my "room" every weekend during football season for 3 years- in the midst of my suffering.
After he finished his college career, I like any fan was interested in where he would end up. How high he would go in the draft etc. As draft day moved closer I thought to myself, "I would love to be near where he plays pro ball". I had no idea who was considering drafting him. While I was working in VA, I started full-time end of January this year, I began "running into" people between VA and SC who had ties to CO. At first, I did not give it much thought but they continued until I could not ignore them. When I met my friends political advisor who had ties to Focus on the Family and to a lesser extent, John Eldredge, I thought that maybe God was opening a door for me to finally move to CO and back into ministry. Both deep desires of my heart. Tim Tebow was not on my radar screen for a job! When I finally asked God what was going on with all the CO happenings I did not hear what I was expecting to hear. My first response was... "What am I suppose to do with that God?" In my thinking, John Eldredge was the logical choice. After all, I love his ministry and God has used him in my life over the past few years more than anyone. But, I did not hear "Ransomed Heart Ministries" when I asked God the question. That would be a minor stretch but not a "God-sized" stretch of my faith, trust and obedience. Have I wrestled with God over this? Absolutely!!! After-all, Ransomed Heart has even branched out to England where my daughter, son-in-law and first grand baby live! But, I am ever reminded that God's ways are not my ways and His thoughts are way above mine! I trust that He knows what He is doing.. He IS GOD! I am not here to say, "What are you doing God, have you lost your mind?" "Do you know how this appears, God?" "This is not how you work.... is it?" Or is it? Last time I checked, God calls His people to big, bold steps of faith and obedience over and over again. My human nature wants little, easy steps of faith and obedience. After all, does not our culture want God to fit our image, desires, needs and plans? "You want me to do what? Let me get back to you on that!"
This is the culture we live in! The culture of convenience and situational ethics. "I want the fire insurance God but I want to keep doing___________!" "God, you don't really expect me to stay a virgin until I get married." You get the point!
During my trials the main verse God gave me was;
Ephesians 3:20
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
This was a promise I was holding onto and standing on when nothing looked promising. When door after door closed and through many nights of tears and heartache, I took God at His word! So, when I heard "Tim Tebow Foundation" it took me some time before I began to see this as my "Eph. 3:20" Once it sunk in and God began to fill in the blanks of how this was a "God fit" for me, I took it very seriously! After all, I have learned what NOT LISTENING to the still small voice will do to you. "No more whale bellies for me!"
I am accountable to God and God alone. I know that the faith and obedience I am walking in is of God. He has birthed it in me in the dark pit of pain, hopelessness and despair. Psalm 139 says it better than I can-
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
The more I have thought about working with Tim, the more I get excited about it! God has given me so many great ideas for ministry. My creative juices are flowing! I am alive with God possibilities! Am I the likely choice to work with Tim? No! Was shepherd boy, David, the likely choice to be King? He was not even in the picture, forgotten! Man looks at the seen but God the unseen!
All this is not my doing! If you think so- you give me way too much credit. I am a mere man willing to trust and obey no matter what! This kind of faith and obedience does not come from the easy route but via the trials and storms- the hard road we would never choose to travel if given the choice. In closing, what Satan meant for harm, God is using for good. After all.....Romans 8:28
More Than Conquerors
28-And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,[a] who[b] have been called according to His purpose.
In closing, my day in Jacksonville was great! God blessed in many ways. I even got to see the game! God gave me a ticket! Blessings, Jon
Where I'm From!
John Michael Caroll's song, Where I'm From, is a great lead in to what I will share today. I will start at the beginning, literally; Genesis 1.
26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, [b] and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so.
31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.
Mr. Caroll's lyrics tie into a theme that has been prevalent in my readings of the past few months as I have journeyed with the Goose.
Where are we from? This is something that we ask people on a regular basis. "Where are you from?" is part of the world wide dialogue. We are all curious to know where someone is from. Why is that? Is it just part of our "small talk" like talking about the weather or ones occupation? Or is it something deeper in the human soul wanting, even yearning to connect on a deeper level? Where we are from tells a story about us and everyone loves a story! If someone says in response to your question, "I'm from Denver. Well, you immediately draw from any past experience regarding Denver or Colorado and begin to share mutual points of interest and experiences. If none exists, you probably ask questions as to what its like and what the person likes and dislikes about living there.
I think one of the biggest reasons the TV show Lost was so popular was for this very reason. The writers took us into each characters past, to where they were from. They masterfully told each characters story and wove it into the present.
I believe our souls have echos of the past, the way past- back to the beginning. The above creation story tells how we were created. Verse 27 tells of our past-
"So God created man in his own image". Regardless of your religious beliefs, deep in your soul, you know you were created for more than what you are experiencing in this life. Genesis chapter 2 depicts the "echos" of what was meant to be that are imprinted in our souls-
8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
10 A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. 11 The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin [f] and onyx are also there.) 13 The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush. [g] 14 The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."
18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
19 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.
But for Adam [h] no suitable helper was found. 21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs [i] and closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib [j] he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
23 The man said,
"This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called 'woman, [k] '
for she was taken out of man."
24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
25 The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
Sounds Awesome, does it not? And they felt no shame! This was what we were created for! To walk with God in a perfect place, an Eden. Here is the definition I found on the web;
E·den /ˈidn/ Show Spelled[eed-n] Show IPA
–noun
1. the place where Adam and Eve lived before the Fall. Gen. 2:8–24.
2. any delightful region or abode; paradise.
3. a state of perfect happiness or bliss.
4. a town in N North Carolina. 15,672.
Origin:
< Heb 'Ä“den delight, pleasure
If we are honest with ourselves, this is something we all long for is it not? Why do we long for something that we have never experienced? I believe this human longing is due to what we were created for. This was how it was meant to be... We were created for more than this, this existence we call our lives. Lives of pain, sorrow, brokeness, crying, longing, lonliness, suffering, doubt, fear, depression, lostness, hopelessness and despair.
It is no wonder the human soul looks for ways to experience what, we know in our hearts, we have lost. Something has gone terribly wrong and we don't know what to do about it. So we muddle along trying to make the best of this so called "life" Hoping to experience as much joy, peace and Eden as possible. We surround ourselves with nice things; homes, cars, boats, jewelry,entertainment of all varieties- all in a vain attempt to capture what was lost. Let me ask you a question. If this describes you to some degree- Well, how is that working for you? Do you have so many "things" that your heart is anesthetized from knowing its true desire? In case you have not noticed, you can seemingly "have it all" and still be miserable. Just one look at the celebrity news and one can see that "having it all" is not what its cracked up to be. Let's take a look at a more altruistic route that many take. After someone realizes that accumulation of things, fame and power do not bring happiness, if they have not killed themselves, they will follow the path of good works. Save the earth, whales, seals etc. You name it! Everyone is looking, longing for something more!
John 10 7-Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8-All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9-I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10-The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Matthew 11:28-30
28-"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29-Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30-For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
John 14
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
1-"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2-In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3-And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4-You know the way to the place where I am going."
Jesus the Way to the Father
5-Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
6-Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 7:37-39
37-On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38-Whoever believes in me, as[a] the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." 39-By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
The truth is that we are all thirsty for something more! It is because we were created for more! To the extent that we understand this- and that the only answer to our longing is found in a relationship with our Heavenly Father, our Creator- through the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus- only then will we be able to recapture what we have lost.
Isaiah 53:4-6
4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all
By His Wounds we are HEALED! Accept what Jesus has done for you, ask Him to give you the Living Water, His Spirit. Give Him full and complete control of your life. Stop holding on to what you have and trust Him to give you a life of abundance- walking with your Creator. How it was meant to be! ....On earth as it is in Heaven.
The Glory of God, is man fully Alive- St. Irenaeus
26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, [b] and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so.
31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.
Mr. Caroll's lyrics tie into a theme that has been prevalent in my readings of the past few months as I have journeyed with the Goose.
Where are we from? This is something that we ask people on a regular basis. "Where are you from?" is part of the world wide dialogue. We are all curious to know where someone is from. Why is that? Is it just part of our "small talk" like talking about the weather or ones occupation? Or is it something deeper in the human soul wanting, even yearning to connect on a deeper level? Where we are from tells a story about us and everyone loves a story! If someone says in response to your question, "I'm from Denver. Well, you immediately draw from any past experience regarding Denver or Colorado and begin to share mutual points of interest and experiences. If none exists, you probably ask questions as to what its like and what the person likes and dislikes about living there.
I think one of the biggest reasons the TV show Lost was so popular was for this very reason. The writers took us into each characters past, to where they were from. They masterfully told each characters story and wove it into the present.
I believe our souls have echos of the past, the way past- back to the beginning. The above creation story tells how we were created. Verse 27 tells of our past-
"So God created man in his own image". Regardless of your religious beliefs, deep in your soul, you know you were created for more than what you are experiencing in this life. Genesis chapter 2 depicts the "echos" of what was meant to be that are imprinted in our souls-
8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
10 A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. 11 The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin [f] and onyx are also there.) 13 The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush. [g] 14 The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."
18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
19 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.
But for Adam [h] no suitable helper was found. 21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs [i] and closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib [j] he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
23 The man said,
"This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called 'woman, [k] '
for she was taken out of man."
24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
25 The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
Sounds Awesome, does it not? And they felt no shame! This was what we were created for! To walk with God in a perfect place, an Eden. Here is the definition I found on the web;
E·den /ˈidn/ Show Spelled[eed-n] Show IPA
–noun
1. the place where Adam and Eve lived before the Fall. Gen. 2:8–24.
2. any delightful region or abode; paradise.
3. a state of perfect happiness or bliss.
4. a town in N North Carolina. 15,672.
Origin:
< Heb 'Ä“den delight, pleasure
If we are honest with ourselves, this is something we all long for is it not? Why do we long for something that we have never experienced? I believe this human longing is due to what we were created for. This was how it was meant to be... We were created for more than this, this existence we call our lives. Lives of pain, sorrow, brokeness, crying, longing, lonliness, suffering, doubt, fear, depression, lostness, hopelessness and despair.
It is no wonder the human soul looks for ways to experience what, we know in our hearts, we have lost. Something has gone terribly wrong and we don't know what to do about it. So we muddle along trying to make the best of this so called "life" Hoping to experience as much joy, peace and Eden as possible. We surround ourselves with nice things; homes, cars, boats, jewelry,entertainment of all varieties- all in a vain attempt to capture what was lost. Let me ask you a question. If this describes you to some degree- Well, how is that working for you? Do you have so many "things" that your heart is anesthetized from knowing its true desire? In case you have not noticed, you can seemingly "have it all" and still be miserable. Just one look at the celebrity news and one can see that "having it all" is not what its cracked up to be. Let's take a look at a more altruistic route that many take. After someone realizes that accumulation of things, fame and power do not bring happiness, if they have not killed themselves, they will follow the path of good works. Save the earth, whales, seals etc. You name it! Everyone is looking, longing for something more!
John 10 7-Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8-All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9-I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10-The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Matthew 11:28-30
28-"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29-Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30-For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
John 14
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
1-"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2-In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3-And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4-You know the way to the place where I am going."
Jesus the Way to the Father
5-Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
6-Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 7:37-39
37-On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38-Whoever believes in me, as[a] the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." 39-By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
The truth is that we are all thirsty for something more! It is because we were created for more! To the extent that we understand this- and that the only answer to our longing is found in a relationship with our Heavenly Father, our Creator- through the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus- only then will we be able to recapture what we have lost.
Isaiah 53:4-6
4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all
By His Wounds we are HEALED! Accept what Jesus has done for you, ask Him to give you the Living Water, His Spirit. Give Him full and complete control of your life. Stop holding on to what you have and trust Him to give you a life of abundance- walking with your Creator. How it was meant to be! ....On earth as it is in Heaven.
The Glory of God, is man fully Alive- St. Irenaeus
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Fruit of Faith- Certain for what we do not see!
I love this chapter- I call it the Faith Hall of Fame! As I have walked in faith on this journey I call "My Wild Goose Chase", The Lord has been stretching and refining my faith- asking me to trust in the unseen word He gave me on the trail in VA. There have been many "dangers, toils and snares" along this path and my resolve has been tested over and over again. But, God has been so gracious and faithful to encourage and strengthen me for each challenge I have faced. Many of those closest to me have "laughed" at the seeming "absurdity" of my path. But, you know, just as with Tim Tebow, I have found many friends, relatives and "strangers" who have been encouraged by my story of faith. Many of Tim's fans are not Christians but are still drawn to his "story" of faith and passion! Like the shepherd boy who stood up to Goliath, people respond to "crazy" acts of faith. Many jeer and sneer, laugh and rebuke but, secretly, I have to believe that they wish they had a faith like that. A courage to live from the heart against all odds. Like David, God calls each of us to live counter intuitively. To step out of our "little" stories and journey with the One who Created the Heavens and the Earth! To have the Faith that looks your "Goliath" in the eyes and says- "who or what are you compared to the mighty God I serve?" "I put the reputation of the Living God on the line and will live by faith, the kind that moves mountains".
It is my prayer that my faith would be found pleasing to my Lord and an encouragement to you my fellow faith traveler. Blessings to you on your journey! Love, Jon
Hebrews 11
By Faith
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for.
3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 4By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
5By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
8By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
11By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he[a]considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
13All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
17By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring[b] will be reckoned."[c] 19Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.
20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
21By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
22By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.
23By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.
24By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. 25He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. 26He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.
29By faith the people passed through the Red Sea[d] as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
30By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
31By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.[e]
32And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, 33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37They were stoned[f]; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
39These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Tebow draws fans like no other in NFL
By Les Carpenter, Yahoo! Sports
Sep 7, 2:46 pm EDT
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – They arrived like pilgrims this summer, each looking for something different and yet ultimately searching for the same thing: a hero, an inspiration, somebody to believe. It was, as the woman, a nurse and mother of six said, they were tired of “the garbage” of “the gunfights and murders and dogfights.” She wanted someone her children could admire.
Josh McDaniels' faith in Tebow might be as strong as the quarterback’s growing fan base.
(Tony Tribble/AP Photo)
So it would be Tim Tebow(notes).
As the summer wore on and the Denver Broncos training camp stretched through August, the lines of cars inched along Arapahoe Road, winding around the office park and delivering fans to a hill beside the Broncos’ practice fields. And they came devoted, wearing his jersey, No. 15, despite the fact he was the team’s third-string quarterback.
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They shouted his name. They screamed for handshakes and hugs, autographs, anything to get close, to touch him, until no one around the team had seen anything like this before. Not for a player who had yet to do a thing in professional football.
Arguably, the biggest story in the NFL this summer was not in Minnesota and had nothing to do with the New York Jets. It wasn’t a holdout or the recalcitrant Albert Haynesworth(notes). It was here where the team’s store at training camp – a trailer in the parking lot – sold any number of different Tebow shirts in various sizes and nothing for Kyle Orton(notes), the starting quarterback and perhaps the Broncos’ most important player this season.
“It’s been an interesting summer,” several Denver players said shaking their heads.
[Photos: Latest images of Mr. Popular Tim Tebow]
And the story only continues this Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla., Tebow’s hometown, where serendipity has the Broncos playing the season’s first game just 1 ½ hours from Gainesville, where Tebow won a Heisman Trophy and the Florida Gators were the 2006 and 2008 national champions. Tebow might not even play. If he does it will be for only a few moments. And yet the game is all but sold out in a stadium that was sold out just once for an NFL game last season. Sports radio is filled with callers who wonder why the Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t draft the quarterback who they are certain would have become the franchise’s savior in Northeast Florida.
There has really never been a player like this in the NFL. One whose every move appears to be so pure and without pretense that he is beloved by millions, many of whom wouldn’t call themselves sports fans. Yes, much of it is based on his Christian faith and his proud admission that as a star athlete he is still a virgin and also about the television commercial he filmed with his mother explaining why she did not abort him when it appeared that complications were life-threatening.
It was this devotion of his fans that led Tom Krattenmaker, the author of “Onward Christian Athletes,” a book about player’s expressions of religion, to say: “the way fans talk about him is almost idolatry.”
But Tebow’s fan base goes beyond those who share his faith. “I’m Catholic and he’s [evangelical] Christian. We couldn’t be farther apart,” said Don Tehan of Denver. “A lot of people believe he’s going to win. We think he’s going to take us to the Super Bowl.”
Tebow prays with teammates and Steelers in the preseason.
(Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Just days after the draft in late April, when he was taken in the first round by Denver, his Broncos jersey had become the No. 1 seller in the NFL. And this summer when Nike put a training shoe in his name on sale, it sold out in 15 minutes. Such things do not happen in sports. Not to players this young, with seemingly no redeeming talent to play professionally.
Yet every day, hundreds of No. 15s stared down at the Broncos practices.
Where has this happened before, especially for a player who is still deemed a project, about whom many NFL people still sit on the fence unsure if he has a chance at an average career and only a small few – including Broncos coach Josh McDaniels – believe to be a superstar in the making? It is unprecedented.
“I don’t know if I can put it into words,” said Debbie Hightower, the nurse, who is at Broncos practice wearing his jersey. She is originally from Orlando, Fla., and considers herself a Florida Gator fan but has lived in Denver for two years. “He’s a good player and a great person. I find myself drawn to those players.”
About 20 feet away stood Jon Cannon. A pleasant man, he smiled easily as he held a sign with the Bible verse 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.”
Cannon is from Charleston, S.C., he always admired Tebow’s devotion to his Christian faith, especially at a time when bad things were happening in his own life to make him question the strength of his belief. It was on those Saturday afternoons when Cannon watched college football on television and saw Tebow as “such a good witness of his faith.” This past summer he was hiking the Appalachian Trail in Virginia when he kept bumping into people from Colorado. He took this as a sign and stopped and prayed as to why he was meeting Coloradoans.
God, Cannon said, told him he is supposed to come to Denver to work for Tebow’s charitable foundation. So Cannon flew out. He wrote a letter explaining this to Tebow and handed it to safety David Bruton(notes), who happened to be the first player he could find and asked Bruton to hand it to Tebow. Two days later he wasn’t sure if Tebow had seen his letter. So he held his sign and hoped Tebow would notice.
Such is the lure of Tebow.
“People may not agree with his beliefs but they admire his conviction,” Cannon said. “People are looking for that hero. He’s living what he believes and he’s genuine.”
Tebow, who professes to have locked himself into studying the NFL, nonetheless notices the mania that surrounds him.
“I think it would be hard to miss,” said rookie wide receiver Eric Decker(notes), who was Tebow’s training camp roommate. It was Decker who watched the mail pile up, watched the fans clamor for attention, examined the player’s personal hyperbaric chamber in which everyone now knows Tebow sleeps, and he wondered how anyone could deal with such a mania.
“Yet at the same time, he has surrounded himself with the right people,” Decker said.
Tebow’s Friar Tuck haircut, a result of rookie hazing, was embraced by some Broncos fans.
(Ron Chenoy/US Presswire)
Maybe his new teammates would resent it, wondering why a quarterback whose NFL potential is still very much in question. But he has been charming, so unfailingly polite they couldn’t hate him. And like everyone else, they have melted.
“You can tell this is a kid who didn’t ask for any of this,” said Broncos wide receiver Brandon Lloyd(notes).
And yet now that it has only grown, Tebow says he is unfazed.
“This is part of the platform you are on when you are the quarterback at the University of Florida and you are on a pedestal and then you do the things we have done, the attention comes,” he said pleasantly but flatly.
Then he brightened.
“It’s not all negative,” he said. “I do have the opportunity to go to hospitals.”
He said this with seriousness, not the phoniness of some athletes who use public events like hospital visits to buff their public image, but rather with joy as if it genuinely pleases him to see sick children. And it will probably be seen by thousands more who will find it as a sincere gesture in a sports world where athletes are so hard to trust.
The mania will continue to burgeon as it moves into the season, back to Florida, to his hometown and propel the Broncos toward a year like none a team has ever seen.
It is my prayer that my faith would be found pleasing to my Lord and an encouragement to you my fellow faith traveler. Blessings to you on your journey! Love, Jon
Hebrews 11
By Faith
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for.
3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 4By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
5By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
8By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
11By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he[a]considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
13All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
17By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring[b] will be reckoned."[c] 19Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.
20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
21By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
22By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.
23By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.
24By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. 25He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. 26He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.
29By faith the people passed through the Red Sea[d] as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
30By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
31By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.[e]
32And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, 33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37They were stoned[f]; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
39These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Tebow draws fans like no other in NFL
By Les Carpenter, Yahoo! Sports
Sep 7, 2:46 pm EDT
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – They arrived like pilgrims this summer, each looking for something different and yet ultimately searching for the same thing: a hero, an inspiration, somebody to believe. It was, as the woman, a nurse and mother of six said, they were tired of “the garbage” of “the gunfights and murders and dogfights.” She wanted someone her children could admire.
Josh McDaniels' faith in Tebow might be as strong as the quarterback’s growing fan base.
(Tony Tribble/AP Photo)
So it would be Tim Tebow(notes).
As the summer wore on and the Denver Broncos training camp stretched through August, the lines of cars inched along Arapahoe Road, winding around the office park and delivering fans to a hill beside the Broncos’ practice fields. And they came devoted, wearing his jersey, No. 15, despite the fact he was the team’s third-string quarterback.
Related Video Picking award winners Picking award winners
Locks of Week 1
Favre's last stand
More NFL Videos Other Popular Sports StoriesWho deserves Reggie Bush's Heisman? NFL superstar says he feels unwanted More From Les CarpenterGarland's dream picks: Air Force pilot or Broncos Aug 26, 2010 AdChoices
They shouted his name. They screamed for handshakes and hugs, autographs, anything to get close, to touch him, until no one around the team had seen anything like this before. Not for a player who had yet to do a thing in professional football.
Arguably, the biggest story in the NFL this summer was not in Minnesota and had nothing to do with the New York Jets. It wasn’t a holdout or the recalcitrant Albert Haynesworth(notes). It was here where the team’s store at training camp – a trailer in the parking lot – sold any number of different Tebow shirts in various sizes and nothing for Kyle Orton(notes), the starting quarterback and perhaps the Broncos’ most important player this season.
“It’s been an interesting summer,” several Denver players said shaking their heads.
[Photos: Latest images of Mr. Popular Tim Tebow]
And the story only continues this Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla., Tebow’s hometown, where serendipity has the Broncos playing the season’s first game just 1 ½ hours from Gainesville, where Tebow won a Heisman Trophy and the Florida Gators were the 2006 and 2008 national champions. Tebow might not even play. If he does it will be for only a few moments. And yet the game is all but sold out in a stadium that was sold out just once for an NFL game last season. Sports radio is filled with callers who wonder why the Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t draft the quarterback who they are certain would have become the franchise’s savior in Northeast Florida.
There has really never been a player like this in the NFL. One whose every move appears to be so pure and without pretense that he is beloved by millions, many of whom wouldn’t call themselves sports fans. Yes, much of it is based on his Christian faith and his proud admission that as a star athlete he is still a virgin and also about the television commercial he filmed with his mother explaining why she did not abort him when it appeared that complications were life-threatening.
It was this devotion of his fans that led Tom Krattenmaker, the author of “Onward Christian Athletes,” a book about player’s expressions of religion, to say: “the way fans talk about him is almost idolatry.”
But Tebow’s fan base goes beyond those who share his faith. “I’m Catholic and he’s [evangelical] Christian. We couldn’t be farther apart,” said Don Tehan of Denver. “A lot of people believe he’s going to win. We think he’s going to take us to the Super Bowl.”
Tebow prays with teammates and Steelers in the preseason.
(Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Just days after the draft in late April, when he was taken in the first round by Denver, his Broncos jersey had become the No. 1 seller in the NFL. And this summer when Nike put a training shoe in his name on sale, it sold out in 15 minutes. Such things do not happen in sports. Not to players this young, with seemingly no redeeming talent to play professionally.
Yet every day, hundreds of No. 15s stared down at the Broncos practices.
Where has this happened before, especially for a player who is still deemed a project, about whom many NFL people still sit on the fence unsure if he has a chance at an average career and only a small few – including Broncos coach Josh McDaniels – believe to be a superstar in the making? It is unprecedented.
“I don’t know if I can put it into words,” said Debbie Hightower, the nurse, who is at Broncos practice wearing his jersey. She is originally from Orlando, Fla., and considers herself a Florida Gator fan but has lived in Denver for two years. “He’s a good player and a great person. I find myself drawn to those players.”
About 20 feet away stood Jon Cannon. A pleasant man, he smiled easily as he held a sign with the Bible verse 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.”
Cannon is from Charleston, S.C., he always admired Tebow’s devotion to his Christian faith, especially at a time when bad things were happening in his own life to make him question the strength of his belief. It was on those Saturday afternoons when Cannon watched college football on television and saw Tebow as “such a good witness of his faith.” This past summer he was hiking the Appalachian Trail in Virginia when he kept bumping into people from Colorado. He took this as a sign and stopped and prayed as to why he was meeting Coloradoans.
God, Cannon said, told him he is supposed to come to Denver to work for Tebow’s charitable foundation. So Cannon flew out. He wrote a letter explaining this to Tebow and handed it to safety David Bruton(notes), who happened to be the first player he could find and asked Bruton to hand it to Tebow. Two days later he wasn’t sure if Tebow had seen his letter. So he held his sign and hoped Tebow would notice.
Such is the lure of Tebow.
“People may not agree with his beliefs but they admire his conviction,” Cannon said. “People are looking for that hero. He’s living what he believes and he’s genuine.”
Tebow, who professes to have locked himself into studying the NFL, nonetheless notices the mania that surrounds him.
“I think it would be hard to miss,” said rookie wide receiver Eric Decker(notes), who was Tebow’s training camp roommate. It was Decker who watched the mail pile up, watched the fans clamor for attention, examined the player’s personal hyperbaric chamber in which everyone now knows Tebow sleeps, and he wondered how anyone could deal with such a mania.
“Yet at the same time, he has surrounded himself with the right people,” Decker said.
Tebow’s Friar Tuck haircut, a result of rookie hazing, was embraced by some Broncos fans.
(Ron Chenoy/US Presswire)
Maybe his new teammates would resent it, wondering why a quarterback whose NFL potential is still very much in question. But he has been charming, so unfailingly polite they couldn’t hate him. And like everyone else, they have melted.
“You can tell this is a kid who didn’t ask for any of this,” said Broncos wide receiver Brandon Lloyd(notes).
And yet now that it has only grown, Tebow says he is unfazed.
“This is part of the platform you are on when you are the quarterback at the University of Florida and you are on a pedestal and then you do the things we have done, the attention comes,” he said pleasantly but flatly.
Then he brightened.
“It’s not all negative,” he said. “I do have the opportunity to go to hospitals.”
He said this with seriousness, not the phoniness of some athletes who use public events like hospital visits to buff their public image, but rather with joy as if it genuinely pleases him to see sick children. And it will probably be seen by thousands more who will find it as a sincere gesture in a sports world where athletes are so hard to trust.
The mania will continue to burgeon as it moves into the season, back to Florida, to his hometown and propel the Broncos toward a year like none a team has ever seen.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Thy Kingdom Come- "The Glory of God is man fully Alive"
The Glory of God is Man fully Alive- St. Irenaeus
Prayer- Lord, pull my thoughts together- direct my steps as I write from what is going on in my heart. In Jesus. Amen
It has been a long time since I last blogged. This is the first time since I started this blog that I have been "chewing" on what I was to say. Everything else to this point has just "flowed out of me".
I am currently reading "Waking the Dead"- by John Eldredge with Sue and Jordan- family devotions, and just finished "Surprised by Joy" by C.S. Lewis. Also, just started "The Way of The Wild Heart"- also by Eldredge
If you have been reading this blog you are well aware of what God has been doing in and through my life. I guess you could say I am experiencing a "revival of the heart". As I have purposed to know God in my desert trials- to diligently seek Him with all my heart- I have experienced what St. Irenaeus was talking about. For I know that God is glorified when I am living from my new heart. The one I received when Jesus entered my life 36 years ago. Now, let me clarify that this is not the first time I have experienced the life that Jesus spoke of when He promised us the abundant life. It's just different this time around- much different! God, in His glory, power, love and grace has utilized all my trials to bring me deeper- to accept His promises with child like faith and to know them in your heart are two completely different things. To reconcile pain and love is something the human condition struggles with. It is part of the "great lie" that Satan weaves in our lives- pierces us with deep in our hearts- he sows seeds of doubt about our Heavenly Fathers love and intentions toward us.
As time goes on I am increasingly aware of the struggle for my heart. Satan has won when we are going through the motions and he moves his focus to someone else. Now that I am living from my heart as God intended- the battles are fierce. I find myself sharpening and using my sword all the time! Praise Him for it is really true that- "For our God has not given us a Spirit of fear but a Spirit of Power and of Love and of Self- Discipline."- 2 Timothy 1:7
As you can tell, I have been a voracious reader over the last several months. As I read the Spirit has shown me a recurring theme expressed in the Gospels- His Kingdom on earth. I believe that the Kingdom Jesus speaks of here and in many other verses is in our HEARTS. It's not just when He comes in all His glory to usher us into eternity- Eternity is just that- Eternal- it just enters us when we are given a new heart.
Matthew 6
9 "This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one
In light of my last post, I start with this thought...Jesus did not just come to pay for our sins and then high tail it back to glory! He came so that we may have life here on earth. He came to not only show us how to live.. how to walk with the Father-but to bring Heaven to earth. And for this to be made possible.. He gave us His Spirit- to take up residence where? Our Hearts! So, it makes sense- for us to come alive in the Spirit- Our new hearts must come alive! Memorizing scripture is great but our problem lies in the transfer process- from head to heart. It is our "red zone"! In football, the last 20 yards is referred to as the red zone. The fighting is fierce in this zone and championships are won or lost based on a teams offensive and defensive red zone success. It is just as true in the Spirit realm. If God's truth- (Jesus-"For I am the Way, the Truth and the Life- no man comes to the Father but through me"- John 14:6) does not make it through the red zone to our hearts- we will never experience the abundant life Jesus promised us. The more truth has victory in our red zone- the more we will experience Heaven on Earth- this abundant life that Jesus promised us.
John 7
Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38-Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” 39-By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified
John 16 13-But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14-He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15-All that belongs to the Father is mine
Colossians 1:27
27) To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
John 10:10
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Where are you? Have you allowed Satan and his lies to sack Gods truth from healing your heart and bringing you fully alive? How is your red zone offense and defence. Are you diligently pushing the truth through Satan's defences into your heart? You must realize that the battle for your heart is fierce and the intensity is great. Just as football becomes increasingly violent in the red zone, so it is true when it comes to your heart.
Matthew 11:12
12-From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
This last verse, praise the Lord, pulls it all together for us. God answered my prayer. I was a jumble in my mind and not sure how to pull it together in a coherent fashion. I felt like the kid who has so much to say that it won't come out right. It is my prayer that the Spirit uses this to help you in your journey. He will meet you where ever you are- just come as you are! Blessings, Jon
PS. I don't think it a coincidence that the most crucial zone to success in football is referred to as the RED ZONE. For red refers to the heart.
Deuteronomy 31
6-Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
I Peter 1
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7- These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
John 16
33“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
BUT, TAKE HEART!
Prayer- Lord, pull my thoughts together- direct my steps as I write from what is going on in my heart. In Jesus. Amen
It has been a long time since I last blogged. This is the first time since I started this blog that I have been "chewing" on what I was to say. Everything else to this point has just "flowed out of me".
I am currently reading "Waking the Dead"- by John Eldredge with Sue and Jordan- family devotions, and just finished "Surprised by Joy" by C.S. Lewis. Also, just started "The Way of The Wild Heart"- also by Eldredge
If you have been reading this blog you are well aware of what God has been doing in and through my life. I guess you could say I am experiencing a "revival of the heart". As I have purposed to know God in my desert trials- to diligently seek Him with all my heart- I have experienced what St. Irenaeus was talking about. For I know that God is glorified when I am living from my new heart. The one I received when Jesus entered my life 36 years ago. Now, let me clarify that this is not the first time I have experienced the life that Jesus spoke of when He promised us the abundant life. It's just different this time around- much different! God, in His glory, power, love and grace has utilized all my trials to bring me deeper- to accept His promises with child like faith and to know them in your heart are two completely different things. To reconcile pain and love is something the human condition struggles with. It is part of the "great lie" that Satan weaves in our lives- pierces us with deep in our hearts- he sows seeds of doubt about our Heavenly Fathers love and intentions toward us.
As time goes on I am increasingly aware of the struggle for my heart. Satan has won when we are going through the motions and he moves his focus to someone else. Now that I am living from my heart as God intended- the battles are fierce. I find myself sharpening and using my sword all the time! Praise Him for it is really true that- "For our God has not given us a Spirit of fear but a Spirit of Power and of Love and of Self- Discipline."- 2 Timothy 1:7
As you can tell, I have been a voracious reader over the last several months. As I read the Spirit has shown me a recurring theme expressed in the Gospels- His Kingdom on earth. I believe that the Kingdom Jesus speaks of here and in many other verses is in our HEARTS. It's not just when He comes in all His glory to usher us into eternity- Eternity is just that- Eternal- it just enters us when we are given a new heart.
Matthew 6
9 "This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one
In light of my last post, I start with this thought...Jesus did not just come to pay for our sins and then high tail it back to glory! He came so that we may have life here on earth. He came to not only show us how to live.. how to walk with the Father-but to bring Heaven to earth. And for this to be made possible.. He gave us His Spirit- to take up residence where? Our Hearts! So, it makes sense- for us to come alive in the Spirit- Our new hearts must come alive! Memorizing scripture is great but our problem lies in the transfer process- from head to heart. It is our "red zone"! In football, the last 20 yards is referred to as the red zone. The fighting is fierce in this zone and championships are won or lost based on a teams offensive and defensive red zone success. It is just as true in the Spirit realm. If God's truth- (Jesus-"For I am the Way, the Truth and the Life- no man comes to the Father but through me"- John 14:6) does not make it through the red zone to our hearts- we will never experience the abundant life Jesus promised us. The more truth has victory in our red zone- the more we will experience Heaven on Earth- this abundant life that Jesus promised us.
John 7
Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38-Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” 39-By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified
John 16 13-But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14-He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15-All that belongs to the Father is mine
Colossians 1:27
27) To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
John 10:10
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Where are you? Have you allowed Satan and his lies to sack Gods truth from healing your heart and bringing you fully alive? How is your red zone offense and defence. Are you diligently pushing the truth through Satan's defences into your heart? You must realize that the battle for your heart is fierce and the intensity is great. Just as football becomes increasingly violent in the red zone, so it is true when it comes to your heart.
Matthew 11:12
12-From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
This last verse, praise the Lord, pulls it all together for us. God answered my prayer. I was a jumble in my mind and not sure how to pull it together in a coherent fashion. I felt like the kid who has so much to say that it won't come out right. It is my prayer that the Spirit uses this to help you in your journey. He will meet you where ever you are- just come as you are! Blessings, Jon
PS. I don't think it a coincidence that the most crucial zone to success in football is referred to as the RED ZONE. For red refers to the heart.
Deuteronomy 31
6-Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
I Peter 1
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7- These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
John 16
33“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
BUT, TAKE HEART!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Doors and Windows
After an incredible week in Colorado, I was on my last jog on Cherry Creek Thursday morning. As I left Riverside Park I walked past a girl in the middle of a conversation on her cell phone. Just as our paths crossed I heard her say, "when God closes a door He opens a window". Of course, I have used this saying before as I'm sure you have as well.
As I have pondered the events of the past week and what this phrase might mean in relation to my adventure, I must digress and tell you more about said events.
After meeting Allison and then talking to the security guard again, I failed to tell you that Will, the security guard, attends Jubilee Fellowship Church. On the surface, this is no special data to process. But, as I dug deeper, I found that my Church in Charleston helped Jubilee expand their ministry by adopting the campus approach to reaching more people. Seacoast "stumbled" on this concept several years ago due to zoning restrictions at the main campus. Since then they have been training other churches on how to do the same thing. Of course I don't believe for a minute that they stumbled on anything. As is with God, many times we look for a door and He shows us a window.
This is what I believe God did at least a few times in Denver. I had been wanting to stay in the Washington Park area again but God had other plans. I would not have met the great people I did nor experienced the many ways He used me in Lower Downtown, known as LODO.
The main reason for my trip was to meet Tim Tebow and discuss working with him and his foundation. This did not happen as I had hoped or did it... I have yet to see the fruit of my steps of faith and obedience but I was very aware of the Spirits presence and moving in and through me.
Over the last few days in Denver I began praying about what I might do to be more valiant and chase my lion as Beniah did in 2 Samuel 23. The thought popped into my head on Sunday to make a poster with a bible verse on it and hold it up at a Broncos practice. I had two practices left to decide. Tuesday mornings practice came and went and the sense of urgency grew. After the morning practice I drove over to Jubilee Fellowship to check it out. First I met Ben the youth pastor. I briefly shared my story with him and then he prayed with me.
I then met Jessie, a worship leader who gave me the fifty cent tour. During our time together I shared my story with him and found out that His Dad was instrumental in planting Seacoast Church- the Church I have worshipped at for the past 6 years.
What a blessing to meet these two servants and be reminded of the amazing ways in which God works. It is no coincidence that I met Will who attends Jubilee and that Jubilee has a big connection with Seacoast. God is the Master Maestro and His music is sweet as He moves and weaves through our lives. It still astounds me that the Creator of the universe chooses to live and move through me!
As the final practice approached I decided to stop at Target and buy poster board and markers. So,there I was, in the Target parking lot making a poster on the hood of my rental car. My next dilemma was what verse I would put on the poster. Verses that have been instrumental in my life as well as Tim's popped into my head but I was steered to 2 Timothy 1:7-
For God has not given us a Spirit of timidity but a Spirit of power and of love and of self discipline.
As I held up the poster I drew much attention to God's word and of this I was thankful. As God has been reminding me to overcome my fears and live out loud I was impressed by the Spirit to go with this verse. I found it to be as much for me as it was for those who saw it. As passionate followers of Christ, we must not fear looking foolish for the cause of Christ.
Halfway through the practice I was approached by Les from Yahoo Sports. He had seen my sign and asked If I would talk with him about Tim Tebow. This, I believe, is the window that God opened for me. I was looking for a door to Tim and God did the old end around through a window. By the end of our 20 minute interview, Les had "pulled" out my story and the reason I was there. I still shake my head and laugh when I think of this. It's really cool when the Holy Spirit is your publicist! If we are meant to do something He will make sure it happens. Of this we can be absolutely sure. It is our job to trust and obey. To drop any illusions of control we hold onto and submit our lives to the one who holds the world in His hands!
As I was back at Seacoast Church today, pastor Greg spoke of taking the scenic route with God- the road less traveled. He used his time in Colorado this summer as an illustration. He spoke of how we "like sheep" are prone to take shortcuts and try life our way, steering away from the path God has for us. His path is definitely not the quickest way from point a to b. In fact, It is a narrow two lane road filled with perils and peeks, grand vistas and dark valleys. It is a life of trust and obedience with new adventures of faith around each bend in the road.
Our human nature shuns this path in lieu of the broad high speed short cut that leads us to our desires for peace, prosperity and happiness. "Our path" does not promote trust and faith but a false life of certainty and control.
Proverbs 14:12
12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.
As we see, the broad path of our control leads to death- separation from God and our eternal blessings in Christ.
As I have walked this winding path with the Spirit I have found life to be rich and a compete blast. We don't have to fear where our loving God will lead us. His paths, though hard and lonely at times, are always the only path worth taking. He will never leave nor forsake us but will always be right by our side- even when we don't sense His presence. After all, we have the Spirit of the living God living within us!
Oh, mystery of mysteries! Emmanuel, God with us! But as we see in the Gospel of John- the Holy Spirit has come to not only be with us, but dwell in us!
John 15:5
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
As Paul said in Colossians 1:27
27) To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
So, here I am back in the swamp, waiting to see what is around the next turn on my path with the Goose. I am ever convinced that it will be wild because, after all, we serve a wild and awesome God.
Prayer- Oh Jesus, thank you for your amazing love for me! As I worshiped in Church today, I was so aware of this love that led you to the cross- to Calvary- to suffer the pain and shame that was meant for me. As tears of joy flowed I was reminded that you chose to make your home in my heart. That's it! It always comes back to my heart! As I am in touch with my new heart, I am in touch with you. Welcome Home!
As I have pondered the events of the past week and what this phrase might mean in relation to my adventure, I must digress and tell you more about said events.
After meeting Allison and then talking to the security guard again, I failed to tell you that Will, the security guard, attends Jubilee Fellowship Church. On the surface, this is no special data to process. But, as I dug deeper, I found that my Church in Charleston helped Jubilee expand their ministry by adopting the campus approach to reaching more people. Seacoast "stumbled" on this concept several years ago due to zoning restrictions at the main campus. Since then they have been training other churches on how to do the same thing. Of course I don't believe for a minute that they stumbled on anything. As is with God, many times we look for a door and He shows us a window.
This is what I believe God did at least a few times in Denver. I had been wanting to stay in the Washington Park area again but God had other plans. I would not have met the great people I did nor experienced the many ways He used me in Lower Downtown, known as LODO.
The main reason for my trip was to meet Tim Tebow and discuss working with him and his foundation. This did not happen as I had hoped or did it... I have yet to see the fruit of my steps of faith and obedience but I was very aware of the Spirits presence and moving in and through me.
Over the last few days in Denver I began praying about what I might do to be more valiant and chase my lion as Beniah did in 2 Samuel 23. The thought popped into my head on Sunday to make a poster with a bible verse on it and hold it up at a Broncos practice. I had two practices left to decide. Tuesday mornings practice came and went and the sense of urgency grew. After the morning practice I drove over to Jubilee Fellowship to check it out. First I met Ben the youth pastor. I briefly shared my story with him and then he prayed with me.
I then met Jessie, a worship leader who gave me the fifty cent tour. During our time together I shared my story with him and found out that His Dad was instrumental in planting Seacoast Church- the Church I have worshipped at for the past 6 years.
What a blessing to meet these two servants and be reminded of the amazing ways in which God works. It is no coincidence that I met Will who attends Jubilee and that Jubilee has a big connection with Seacoast. God is the Master Maestro and His music is sweet as He moves and weaves through our lives. It still astounds me that the Creator of the universe chooses to live and move through me!
As the final practice approached I decided to stop at Target and buy poster board and markers. So,there I was, in the Target parking lot making a poster on the hood of my rental car. My next dilemma was what verse I would put on the poster. Verses that have been instrumental in my life as well as Tim's popped into my head but I was steered to 2 Timothy 1:7-
For God has not given us a Spirit of timidity but a Spirit of power and of love and of self discipline.
As I held up the poster I drew much attention to God's word and of this I was thankful. As God has been reminding me to overcome my fears and live out loud I was impressed by the Spirit to go with this verse. I found it to be as much for me as it was for those who saw it. As passionate followers of Christ, we must not fear looking foolish for the cause of Christ.
Halfway through the practice I was approached by Les from Yahoo Sports. He had seen my sign and asked If I would talk with him about Tim Tebow. This, I believe, is the window that God opened for me. I was looking for a door to Tim and God did the old end around through a window. By the end of our 20 minute interview, Les had "pulled" out my story and the reason I was there. I still shake my head and laugh when I think of this. It's really cool when the Holy Spirit is your publicist! If we are meant to do something He will make sure it happens. Of this we can be absolutely sure. It is our job to trust and obey. To drop any illusions of control we hold onto and submit our lives to the one who holds the world in His hands!
As I was back at Seacoast Church today, pastor Greg spoke of taking the scenic route with God- the road less traveled. He used his time in Colorado this summer as an illustration. He spoke of how we "like sheep" are prone to take shortcuts and try life our way, steering away from the path God has for us. His path is definitely not the quickest way from point a to b. In fact, It is a narrow two lane road filled with perils and peeks, grand vistas and dark valleys. It is a life of trust and obedience with new adventures of faith around each bend in the road.
Our human nature shuns this path in lieu of the broad high speed short cut that leads us to our desires for peace, prosperity and happiness. "Our path" does not promote trust and faith but a false life of certainty and control.
Proverbs 14:12
12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.
As we see, the broad path of our control leads to death- separation from God and our eternal blessings in Christ.
As I have walked this winding path with the Spirit I have found life to be rich and a compete blast. We don't have to fear where our loving God will lead us. His paths, though hard and lonely at times, are always the only path worth taking. He will never leave nor forsake us but will always be right by our side- even when we don't sense His presence. After all, we have the Spirit of the living God living within us!
Oh, mystery of mysteries! Emmanuel, God with us! But as we see in the Gospel of John- the Holy Spirit has come to not only be with us, but dwell in us!
John 15:5
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
As Paul said in Colossians 1:27
27) To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
So, here I am back in the swamp, waiting to see what is around the next turn on my path with the Goose. I am ever convinced that it will be wild because, after all, we serve a wild and awesome God.
Prayer- Oh Jesus, thank you for your amazing love for me! As I worshiped in Church today, I was so aware of this love that led you to the cross- to Calvary- to suffer the pain and shame that was meant for me. As tears of joy flowed I was reminded that you chose to make your home in my heart. That's it! It always comes back to my heart! As I am in touch with my new heart, I am in touch with you. Welcome Home!
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