Now, Hold on! I am not placing myself in the company of these giants of the faith....or am I? Do we think that they are "above us" and out of our league? I think not... Just like the disciples, they were ordinary people doing the extraordinary by grace through faith. Each of them went through dark times and experienced extraordinary challenges that required big faith in a BIG God. If we don't believe that God can be BIG in and through our lives then, chances are...He won't and Satan will have realized his goal of rendering us ineffective for the Kingdom of God. I especially relate to Moses and Abraham because they were late bloomers like me! And I also relate to Ruth because she became so aware that God had placed her there for "such a time as this"! As I have walked through the last 6 years I have sensed God was preparing me for something special- bigger than I could imagine! But it has been the experiences of the last 6 months that have taken me to a much greater level of expectancy and understanding of what God is up to. I believe He has prepared me for "such a time as this".
Here is an update on Divine appointments..... They have come back in abundance! People are coming out of the woodwork talking with me or around me about Colorado. Most of them have been at Kudu coffee shop where I do my blogging. But last week I went to the Christian book store to pick up my next John Eldredge read, Epic. And the gal that rang up my purchase had just moved here from Breckenridge! By the way, I highly recommend this book. I will soon blog about all of the influences I believe the Lord has used to prepare me for this adventure I call my Wild Goose Chase. I close with today's devotional from Streams in the Desert. This one speaks of the faith we need to live extraordinary lives like those who have preceded us. Jesus spoke of the greater works we would do after He left and sent the Holy Spirit/ The Wild Goose...... Aah.. the church bells are ringing....Joyful, joyful we adore thee. Yes, Lord we adore the that you humbled yourself and came near that we may have life to the full when we abide and trust in thee.
Prayer-
Thank-you for the dark, dark hours I have logged with thee by my side. For it is through the darkness that we are perfected and made more like thee. In the darkness of my mothers' womb you formed me in your image and in the darkness of life you refined me to reflect you more fully. You were there all the time!
Night of Pure Faith
"Lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him" (Gen. 15:12).
The sun at last went down, and the swift, eastern night cast its heavy veil over the scene. Worn out with the mental conflict, the watchings, and the exertions of the day, Abraham fell into a deep sleep, and in that sleep is soul was oppressed with a dense and dreadful darkness, such as almost stifled him, and lay like a nightmare upon his heart. Do you understand something of the horror of that darkness? When some terrible sorrow which seems so hard to reconcile with perfect love, crushes down upon the soul, wringing from it all its peaceful rest in the pitifulness of God, and launching it on a sea unlit by a ray of hope; when unkindness, and cruelty maltreat the trusting heart, till it begins to doubt whether there be a God overhead who can see and still permit--these know something of the "horror of great darkness." It is thus that human life is made up; rightness and gloom; shadow and sun; long tracks of cloud, succeeded by brilliant glints of light, and amid all Divine justice is working out its own schemes, affecting others equally with the individual soul which seems the subject of special discipline. O ye who are filled with the horror of great darkness because of God's dealings with mankind, learn to trust that infallible wisdom, which is co-assessor with immutable justice; and know that He who passed through the horror of the darkness of Calvary, with the cry of forsakenness, is ready to bear you company through the valley of the shadow of death till you see the sun shining upon its further side. Let us, by our Forerunner, send forward our anchor, Hope, within the veil that parts us from the unseen; where it will grapple in ground and will not yield, but hold until the day dawns, and we follow it into the haven guaranteed to us by God's immutable counsel. --F. B. Meyer
The disciples thought that that angry sea separated them from Jesus. Nay, some of them thought worse than that; they thought that the trouble that had come upon them was a sign that Jesus had forgotten all about them, and did not care for them. Oh, dear friend, that is when troubles have a sting, when the devil whispers, "God has forgotten you; God has forsaken you"; when your unbelieving heart cries as Gideon cried, "If the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us?" The evil has come upon you to bring the Lord nearer to you. The evil has not come upon you to separate you from Jesus, but to make you cling to Him more faithfully, more tenaciously, more simply. --F. S. Webster, M.A.
Never should we so abandon ourselves to God as when He seems to have abandoned us. Let us enjoy light and consolation when it is His pleasure to give it to us, but let us not attach ourselves to His gifts, but to Himself; and when He plunges us into the night of pure faith, let us still press on through the agonizing darkness. Oh, for faith that brings the triumph When defeat seems strangely near! Oh, for faith that brings the triumph Into victory's ringing cheer-- Faith triumphant; knowing not defeat or fear. --Herbert Booth
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
When God Tarries- Trust and Rest
This past Sunday I was at a local coffee shop working on a post for this blog when the Spirit prompted me to look up the days devotional from Streams in the Desert- I have the website bookmarked on my blackberry. Well, for what ever reason, I got distracted and did not do it. Well, it has been a tough week for waiting on the Lord. Yesterday, after I showered from my run, I laid on my bed to cool off- a must do in the swamp during the summer! While laying there I was talking to the Lord about how I felt. When you specifically hear from the Lord like I did, IE. Tim Tebow Foundation and Colorado, the delemma becomes..... When Lord, will this happen? Now, that's the million dollar question! My logic tells me that God will move us this summer. I know He likes to wait til the last minute and we are coming up on that, in my opinion. I have my house for sale and I just moved my college student to his new digs down the road. Okay, God it's showtime! Or is it? So, this has been my struggle/ our struggle. It's like we are on this never-ending runway taxing and going no where! It feels like we are close but yet so far.
So, while I was having one of those David vs. God moments yesterday, I heard the Spirit prompt me to look up that devotional from Sunday. Well, here it is......
Trust and Rest
"Trust also in Him" (Ps. 37:3).
The word trust is the heart word of faith. It is the Old Testament word, the word given to the early and infant stage of faith. The word faith expresses more the act of the will, the word belief the act of the mind or intellect, but trust is the language of the heart. The other has reference more to a truth believed or a thing expected.
Trust implies more than this, it sees and feels, and leans upon a person, a great, true, living heart of love. So let us "trust also in him," through all the delays, in spite of all the difficulties, in the face of all the denials, notwithstanding all the seemings, even when we cannot understand the way, and know not the issue; still "trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass." The way will open, the right issue will come, the end will be peace, the cloud will be lifted, and the light of an eternal noonday shall shine at last.
"Trust and rest when all around thee
Puts thy faith to sorest test;
Let no fear or foe confound thee,
Wait for God and trust and rest.
"Trust and rest with heart abiding,
Like a birdling in its nest,
Underneath His feathers hiding,
Fold thy wings and trust and rest."
While I was writing this, a doctor sat down next to me. He is looking for a house and wants to see mine! Another divine appointment?! I will keep you posted.
Prayer... Thank-you Lord for being soooo patient with me! Putting up with my momentary internal meltdowns. I feel like such a Jeykle and Hyde! Love, your son- Jon
So, while I was having one of those David vs. God moments yesterday, I heard the Spirit prompt me to look up that devotional from Sunday. Well, here it is......
Trust and Rest
"Trust also in Him" (Ps. 37:3).
The word trust is the heart word of faith. It is the Old Testament word, the word given to the early and infant stage of faith. The word faith expresses more the act of the will, the word belief the act of the mind or intellect, but trust is the language of the heart. The other has reference more to a truth believed or a thing expected.
Trust implies more than this, it sees and feels, and leans upon a person, a great, true, living heart of love. So let us "trust also in him," through all the delays, in spite of all the difficulties, in the face of all the denials, notwithstanding all the seemings, even when we cannot understand the way, and know not the issue; still "trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass." The way will open, the right issue will come, the end will be peace, the cloud will be lifted, and the light of an eternal noonday shall shine at last.
"Trust and rest when all around thee
Puts thy faith to sorest test;
Let no fear or foe confound thee,
Wait for God and trust and rest.
"Trust and rest with heart abiding,
Like a birdling in its nest,
Underneath His feathers hiding,
Fold thy wings and trust and rest."
While I was writing this, a doctor sat down next to me. He is looking for a house and wants to see mine! Another divine appointment?! I will keep you posted.
Prayer... Thank-you Lord for being soooo patient with me! Putting up with my momentary internal meltdowns. I feel like such a Jeykle and Hyde! Love, your son- Jon
Sunday, July 25, 2010
There's more going on than meets the eye- waiting on God
I think that a major problem with the human condition is... vision. How we see ourselves- ie. self-image, God-spiritual vision, others- social vision, circumstances, pain, suffering, injustice, apathy and time - past, present and future.
Of course, I'm sure you can think of others to add to my list. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list but a starting point for what God is showing me. A springboard so-to-speak. Funny thing is, I learn more and more as time separates me from my experiences. Man, it would be cool to have the ability to glean everything we can in the moment that it is happening. We would no longer need hindsight to view things with 20-20 vision. Maybe the more we are in tune with the Spirit, our counselor, the more we will be able to see multi-dementionally. Like, living with 4-D spiritual glasses!
On my way back from Denver I was routed through Minneapolis, MN. I had about 50 minutes to catch my connecting flight to Raliegh. I arrived at my gate with time to spare. They had not begun to board yet so I took the opportunity to hit the restroom of normal size. I don't know what the airplane designers were thinking when they made the airplane bathrooms! I am a big guy by some standards, but by no means large compared to a growing majority of americans. I am roughly 6 ft. 2 in. and weigh in at 185lbs. Needless to say, the airplane bathrooms are built for kids!
Anyways, sorry for rambling! When i left the bathroom, I saw that the gate was closed. "I wasn't in there that long!", I thought to myself. I peered through the door that led to the plane and saw a gal who worked for the airline. I banged on the door loud enough for her to hear me. She came and proceeded to tell me that she had retracted the stairs from the terminal and could not open them. She begins to look for another flight for me. I calmly protested while looking at my plane sitting there with the door open and stairs still down. It did not make sense to me! I was seeing one thing and thinking that I should be able to catch my flight but for some reason, unbeknownst to me, I was delayed till a later time.
But, while I was standing there I noticed that I was not upset. I did not try to push or coerce my way onto the plane. I told the nice lady that was helping me that, "this is not like me, I am not upset like I would normally be". I went on to tell her I was on a faith-walk and was learning to trust God. What a blessing to know that God is in control no matter how things appear!
She proceeded to get me on another flight at no cost to me. Now, she did not have to do this! She went the extra mile, for which I am grateful. While I was going through this, of course the thought crossed my mind... "O.K God what are you up to here? Are you orchestrating a divine appt. with Mr. Tebow?"
No, no Tim Tebow sighting yet! But, three weeks after the missed plane, here is what God showed me..... we see very dimly right now compared to how we will see when we receive our eternal inheritance... our heavenly bodies and home. Right now, we will have to accept the fact that we are not in control and trust the One who is... step by step. It is amazing when I walk in this! It is so freeing when I take God at His word and walk in relationship, trusting His goodness, love, power and sovereignty! It really simplifies life and allows me to live out life like a child, walking in the child-like faith that the Bible speaks of. "We are His children, the sheep of His pasture" ...
Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving thanks.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Unfortunately, we humans "grow up" and want our independence! "All we like sheep...."
Isaiah 53:6
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.
We mistake independence for freedom! When, in reality- God's reality, not ours, Freedom is found in trusting and obeying! I love that simple child-like song.... Trust and Obey... It is a forgotten song! Too simplistic for our sophisticated taste.
We live life like this... When we buy something that needs to be assembled. We have the option of following the instructions or going it on our own. Sadly, our lives are a lot like this. We choose to go it alone thinking that we have the answers or that we can figure it out! When, the truth is, we were designed to walk in relationship with our designer. When we chose to walk away, He graciously sent a manual of directions for living and even sent His Son to show us how it, life, is supposed to work.
In closing... this is what I have learned from the airport wait... We/I think things should happen at a certain time.. the time I think makes sense. This thinking causes us to attempt to put God on our time tables. To, promote us above God! Of course when you think about it like this it sounds obsurd. Well, that is how obsurd it is for us to elavate our thoughts and ways above His. To deceive ourselves into thinking that we know best or have a better way! In essence.. it is pride, the pride we inherited from the father of lies.
Prayer
"Thank-you Lord that you are in control and that I can walk with you, trusting and obeying. That I don't need to figure it all out, but simply trust you and pray for wisdom, insight and the willingness to obey you no matter what. No matter how I see, think, feel or perceive.. I am to trust and obey and receive your peace that passes all understanding. Thank-you for your word, our manual for life, and our counselor-your Spirit! I know that I am not alone... that I don't have to go it alone and rely on myself to figure life out! Thank-you! Please accept my flawed attempt to love you in return for your perfect love for me. I rest in you being God and me being your son. Thanks Dad!"
Of course, I'm sure you can think of others to add to my list. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list but a starting point for what God is showing me. A springboard so-to-speak. Funny thing is, I learn more and more as time separates me from my experiences. Man, it would be cool to have the ability to glean everything we can in the moment that it is happening. We would no longer need hindsight to view things with 20-20 vision. Maybe the more we are in tune with the Spirit, our counselor, the more we will be able to see multi-dementionally. Like, living with 4-D spiritual glasses!
On my way back from Denver I was routed through Minneapolis, MN. I had about 50 minutes to catch my connecting flight to Raliegh. I arrived at my gate with time to spare. They had not begun to board yet so I took the opportunity to hit the restroom of normal size. I don't know what the airplane designers were thinking when they made the airplane bathrooms! I am a big guy by some standards, but by no means large compared to a growing majority of americans. I am roughly 6 ft. 2 in. and weigh in at 185lbs. Needless to say, the airplane bathrooms are built for kids!
Anyways, sorry for rambling! When i left the bathroom, I saw that the gate was closed. "I wasn't in there that long!", I thought to myself. I peered through the door that led to the plane and saw a gal who worked for the airline. I banged on the door loud enough for her to hear me. She came and proceeded to tell me that she had retracted the stairs from the terminal and could not open them. She begins to look for another flight for me. I calmly protested while looking at my plane sitting there with the door open and stairs still down. It did not make sense to me! I was seeing one thing and thinking that I should be able to catch my flight but for some reason, unbeknownst to me, I was delayed till a later time.
But, while I was standing there I noticed that I was not upset. I did not try to push or coerce my way onto the plane. I told the nice lady that was helping me that, "this is not like me, I am not upset like I would normally be". I went on to tell her I was on a faith-walk and was learning to trust God. What a blessing to know that God is in control no matter how things appear!
She proceeded to get me on another flight at no cost to me. Now, she did not have to do this! She went the extra mile, for which I am grateful. While I was going through this, of course the thought crossed my mind... "O.K God what are you up to here? Are you orchestrating a divine appt. with Mr. Tebow?"
No, no Tim Tebow sighting yet! But, three weeks after the missed plane, here is what God showed me..... we see very dimly right now compared to how we will see when we receive our eternal inheritance... our heavenly bodies and home. Right now, we will have to accept the fact that we are not in control and trust the One who is... step by step. It is amazing when I walk in this! It is so freeing when I take God at His word and walk in relationship, trusting His goodness, love, power and sovereignty! It really simplifies life and allows me to live out life like a child, walking in the child-like faith that the Bible speaks of. "We are His children, the sheep of His pasture" ...
Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving thanks.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Unfortunately, we humans "grow up" and want our independence! "All we like sheep...."
Isaiah 53:6
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.
We mistake independence for freedom! When, in reality- God's reality, not ours, Freedom is found in trusting and obeying! I love that simple child-like song.... Trust and Obey... It is a forgotten song! Too simplistic for our sophisticated taste.
We live life like this... When we buy something that needs to be assembled. We have the option of following the instructions or going it on our own. Sadly, our lives are a lot like this. We choose to go it alone thinking that we have the answers or that we can figure it out! When, the truth is, we were designed to walk in relationship with our designer. When we chose to walk away, He graciously sent a manual of directions for living and even sent His Son to show us how it, life, is supposed to work.
In closing... this is what I have learned from the airport wait... We/I think things should happen at a certain time.. the time I think makes sense. This thinking causes us to attempt to put God on our time tables. To, promote us above God! Of course when you think about it like this it sounds obsurd. Well, that is how obsurd it is for us to elavate our thoughts and ways above His. To deceive ourselves into thinking that we know best or have a better way! In essence.. it is pride, the pride we inherited from the father of lies.
Prayer
"Thank-you Lord that you are in control and that I can walk with you, trusting and obeying. That I don't need to figure it all out, but simply trust you and pray for wisdom, insight and the willingness to obey you no matter what. No matter how I see, think, feel or perceive.. I am to trust and obey and receive your peace that passes all understanding. Thank-you for your word, our manual for life, and our counselor-your Spirit! I know that I am not alone... that I don't have to go it alone and rely on myself to figure life out! Thank-you! Please accept my flawed attempt to love you in return for your perfect love for me. I rest in you being God and me being your son. Thanks Dad!"
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Heaven on Earth? Living by design!
I think we are hard-wired with a desire for a "better place". All throughout history, people have been on the move looking for a better place or opportunity. A chance for a new start, for freedom, prosperity, hope and the list goes on. Ever since we left the garden we have been trying in vain to get back. Could it be the "God shaped vacuum" in all of us, longing for a return ticket?
Since we are created in the image of God, I believe we are out of our natural environment, the one we were created for. Sort of a duck out of water! We have a sense that something is "not right" but we are not quite sure what that is. So, we pursue "a life" looking for happiness and meaning, a place to belong and call home. A destination that fits us to a T, so to speak! Unfortunately, for many of us, no one told us that we would have this longing for a better place. A deep-seated need for Heaven on Earth! Now, this longing does not just apply to those with wonder-lust but to everyone who is not satisfied with the way things are! To all of us who have said, "why can't I find happiness, real fulfillment in work and relationship?"
Be honest, at some point in your life you wanted, yearned for something more. I mean it could be something superficial like a new house, car or boat. Sure, the one you have could suffice but.....we say..."It sure would make me happy if I had.... you fill in the blank. Now, this applies to every area of our lives- physical, mental, spiritual, relational and social. We were created for Eden but somehow made a wrong turn and ended up in "God knows where?"! We end up wanting to super size some part of our existence or ask for the "life upgrade".
A desire for adventure is at our very core, written on our hearts! The sad thing, for many of us, is that we have lost all hope of the adventure God designed us for or have settled for a counterfeit. Or, worse yet, was not aware that God had a special adventure designed just for us.
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Eph. 2:10 God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do.
2 Tim 1:9- who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
I have heard that ordering a pair of custom shoes specifically designed for your feet is amazing. Just imagine how they would feel on your feet. The saying, "fits like a glove" comes to mind.
Let's say that a dear friend calls you one day and proceeds to tell you that they want to buy you a custom wardrobe, tailored just for you! Can you imagine how that would make you feel? Pretty special! Right? Well, God has taken this idea, and SUPER-GOD SIZED IT! He has custom designed a full and meaningful life for each of us! He has designed works for us based on our design. Each of our talents and abilities were taken into consideration. I believe that our Loving Creator-Abba Father even took our personalities, likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses into consideration when He prepared the works for us to do.
To me, this not only speaks of His tremendous love for us but also of His power and majesty! Honestly, these thoughts are not something I can comprehend!
Isaiah 55:8-9 (English Standard Version)
8-For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
9-(A) For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Psalm 8
4what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
5You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
But, I believe we must be careful not expect our lives to be all Rosy based on these and other promises. With any "rose garden" comes thorns, weeds, toil, and the battle of the elements. We must remind ourselves that Eden is not far off and that we can't expect or try to make this life a "Heaven on earth"!
Pressing on Towards the Goal
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead,
14 I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The apostle Paul followed Jesus' lead. He knew the game plan and what was in-store for him. We must know what's ahead, realizing that this abundant life is just a taste of what's to come!
I believe God wants us to live the life he has for us with "our bags packed". For we our sojourners, aliens and not permanent residents. We need to live like we have temporary visas, living the full life God has for us but longing for a return to the homeland! For, to steal a famous quote... "there's no place like home"!
As the apostle Paul said to the Philippians...For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
During the memorial service of my dear friend, of whom I mentioned earlier, the Lord gave me a song to remember her by. It is by Fernando Ortega- Give Me Jesus is the title. Here is the closing verse that sums it up for us!
When I come to die
When I come to die
When I come to die, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus
Oh Lord, help me to fix my hearts eyes on you! For only in you do I live and move and have my being! Help me to walk in the design you created just for me. These thought are too wonderful for me! Should I even dare to comprehend!?
Acts 17:25-35 (New International Version)
25-And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. 26-From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27-God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28-'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'
Since we are created in the image of God, I believe we are out of our natural environment, the one we were created for. Sort of a duck out of water! We have a sense that something is "not right" but we are not quite sure what that is. So, we pursue "a life" looking for happiness and meaning, a place to belong and call home. A destination that fits us to a T, so to speak! Unfortunately, for many of us, no one told us that we would have this longing for a better place. A deep-seated need for Heaven on Earth! Now, this longing does not just apply to those with wonder-lust but to everyone who is not satisfied with the way things are! To all of us who have said, "why can't I find happiness, real fulfillment in work and relationship?"
Be honest, at some point in your life you wanted, yearned for something more. I mean it could be something superficial like a new house, car or boat. Sure, the one you have could suffice but.....we say..."It sure would make me happy if I had.... you fill in the blank. Now, this applies to every area of our lives- physical, mental, spiritual, relational and social. We were created for Eden but somehow made a wrong turn and ended up in "God knows where?"! We end up wanting to super size some part of our existence or ask for the "life upgrade".
A desire for adventure is at our very core, written on our hearts! The sad thing, for many of us, is that we have lost all hope of the adventure God designed us for or have settled for a counterfeit. Or, worse yet, was not aware that God had a special adventure designed just for us.
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Eph. 2:10 God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do.
2 Tim 1:9- who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
I have heard that ordering a pair of custom shoes specifically designed for your feet is amazing. Just imagine how they would feel on your feet. The saying, "fits like a glove" comes to mind.
Let's say that a dear friend calls you one day and proceeds to tell you that they want to buy you a custom wardrobe, tailored just for you! Can you imagine how that would make you feel? Pretty special! Right? Well, God has taken this idea, and SUPER-GOD SIZED IT! He has custom designed a full and meaningful life for each of us! He has designed works for us based on our design. Each of our talents and abilities were taken into consideration. I believe that our Loving Creator-Abba Father even took our personalities, likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses into consideration when He prepared the works for us to do.
To me, this not only speaks of His tremendous love for us but also of His power and majesty! Honestly, these thoughts are not something I can comprehend!
Isaiah 55:8-9 (English Standard Version)
8-For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
9-(A) For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Psalm 8
4what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
5You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
But, I believe we must be careful not expect our lives to be all Rosy based on these and other promises. With any "rose garden" comes thorns, weeds, toil, and the battle of the elements. We must remind ourselves that Eden is not far off and that we can't expect or try to make this life a "Heaven on earth"!
Pressing on Towards the Goal
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead,
14 I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The apostle Paul followed Jesus' lead. He knew the game plan and what was in-store for him. We must know what's ahead, realizing that this abundant life is just a taste of what's to come!
I believe God wants us to live the life he has for us with "our bags packed". For we our sojourners, aliens and not permanent residents. We need to live like we have temporary visas, living the full life God has for us but longing for a return to the homeland! For, to steal a famous quote... "there's no place like home"!
As the apostle Paul said to the Philippians...For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
During the memorial service of my dear friend, of whom I mentioned earlier, the Lord gave me a song to remember her by. It is by Fernando Ortega- Give Me Jesus is the title. Here is the closing verse that sums it up for us!
When I come to die
When I come to die
When I come to die, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus
Oh Lord, help me to fix my hearts eyes on you! For only in you do I live and move and have my being! Help me to walk in the design you created just for me. These thought are too wonderful for me! Should I even dare to comprehend!?
Acts 17:25-35 (New International Version)
25-And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. 26-From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27-God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28-'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Jesus- The "Fatal" Attraction
Matthew 16:
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life [f] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for you to gain the whole world, yet forfeit your soul? Or what can you give in exchange for your soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward everyone according to what they have done.
As I consider the process we call life it causes me to consider the life of the "Author of Life"- Jesus. What was the attraction? Back in the day He was like a rock star! People always had a strong reaction to Jesus! There were no in between feelings about Christ. People either loved or hated Him! They bowed to worship or vowed to kill! Jesus was making music all right! He had a band called "The disciples" who were a real motley crew! His lyrics evoked much passion. I loved how thought provoking and insightful they were. In fact, His lyrics are still being read by millions today! Boy, He could sure tell a story that would rock your world!
His songs were not popular with the religious leaders of the day... so much so.. that they killed Him! Take the above verses for instance.. Denying self and laying down the control of your life are not very popular topics, not now or back then! Loosing your life to find it! Come on, what are you smoking? Am I not supposed to go for the gold and get all I can? You know the saying, "He who has the most wins!" To truly be happy I must have it all right? Money, fame and power! "Now, that's what I am talking about!"
Can't we have our soul and the money, fame and power? Have our cake and eat it too? God wants me to be happy.... right? You know, that prosperity gospel thing! Isn't this Jesus my personal "spiritual consierge", waiting on my every whim?
John 16:33 (New International Version)
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."
What is that you say? I am going to have trouble?! Wrong answer dude! So let me get this straight... you want me to lay down my life in exchange for trouble?! Does not sound like a win-win situation to me! I thought you were God and could give me anything! And you are offering me trouble! You have got to be kidding! Forget that, your plan is not very appealing.... I have a better way.... thanks though... I appreciate the offer.
And we live our lives... like we are in control....and think that if we just work harder, smarter and longer... that we can avoid this trouble that Jesus speaks of.... after all, what does He know... He is just a carpenter from Nazareth! Right?
And so, we live our lives thinking we have "all the answers" or at least posing like we do! "Only the strong survive!" That's our motto! And then, to our surprise, "life happens" and we wonder where we went wrong! "How could this, you fill in the blank, happen to me?" "Man, this is not what I bargained for!" I did all the right things...gave at the office...served in Church...was a good husband and father etc...
I know there are many "Christians" who have lived like this to some extent. If you are honest with yourself you may be one of them. I know I was to some extent.
When some really bad things started happening to me... I struggled to find answers... my faith was tested to the core... doubts flooded my heart and mind....If God loves me like He says He does then... WHY? Why would He allow such stuff to happen to me... one of His kids? I had bought some of Satan's lies! Me, the strong, commited Christian was pierced through by the enemy, laying wounded and lost. Hope was lost...for the first time... I had lost hope.. and boy was Satan and his minions happy. I can just hear them saying, "one more Christian disabled, doubting Gods love".
Now, Back to the title... Jesus... the fatal attraction... Why did He draw so much attention... Why was He so attractive to so many? What was it about this carpenters son that was so appealing....that His followers even died for?
Genesis 1:27 (New International Version)
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
I believe that people were attracted to Jesus because He refected the image of God! Not man made images but the true image- untainted and unspoiled by sin. Why did the religous leaders want to kill Him? Because, He shattered the "image" that they were selling the people. They were "found out" like someone selling a "bag of goods" is exposed. When someones lively hood or power base is threatened they come out swinging..right? Or, when someones way of living or doing things is challenged... they don't take it laying down... right?
So, where am I going with this? Well... here we go..ever since the fall, I believe, since we were created in the image of God...we have a longing to connect with the divine. And we humans, wanting to do it on our terms, have found an abundance of ways to do this! Filling the God/Divine shaped space in our souls with............... you name it! I don't care if you are a Christian or not. We are all guilty of doing this to some extent and frequency.
So, I beieve the trouble Jesus was speaking of is due to the fall. That's not anything new in Christian circles. But, many of us who claim the name of Christ fail to expect the trials and understand their importance and purpose in our lives. Unfortunately, due to human nature, we would never reflect God's image if trials were not a part of our lives. God, in His love and awesomeness, uses trials to remove the "dross" from our lives so we can, like Jesus, reflect His image.
I have heard so many people say to me, "I am not a Christ follower because Christians are hipocrits! Basically, what that means to me is that to verying degrees, we have failed as believers to reflect Jesus' attractiveness to a lost and dying world. Our sin of "double agent" living is not very attractive! Until we seek Him first and give up our self directed living we will not be attractive. And in the end... it is Christ's love reflected in our lives that will attract people to Jesus. "Christ in us, the hope of glory".
John the Baptist knew what he was talking about; John 3:30 -He must become greater; I must become less.
Thank-you Lord, for being so patient and loving.. for pursuing me... for working "all things" together for good! for promising me a future and a hope.. for giving me life. Love,your son... Jon
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life [f] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for you to gain the whole world, yet forfeit your soul? Or what can you give in exchange for your soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward everyone according to what they have done.
As I consider the process we call life it causes me to consider the life of the "Author of Life"- Jesus. What was the attraction? Back in the day He was like a rock star! People always had a strong reaction to Jesus! There were no in between feelings about Christ. People either loved or hated Him! They bowed to worship or vowed to kill! Jesus was making music all right! He had a band called "The disciples" who were a real motley crew! His lyrics evoked much passion. I loved how thought provoking and insightful they were. In fact, His lyrics are still being read by millions today! Boy, He could sure tell a story that would rock your world!
His songs were not popular with the religious leaders of the day... so much so.. that they killed Him! Take the above verses for instance.. Denying self and laying down the control of your life are not very popular topics, not now or back then! Loosing your life to find it! Come on, what are you smoking? Am I not supposed to go for the gold and get all I can? You know the saying, "He who has the most wins!" To truly be happy I must have it all right? Money, fame and power! "Now, that's what I am talking about!"
Can't we have our soul and the money, fame and power? Have our cake and eat it too? God wants me to be happy.... right? You know, that prosperity gospel thing! Isn't this Jesus my personal "spiritual consierge", waiting on my every whim?
John 16:33 (New International Version)
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."
What is that you say? I am going to have trouble?! Wrong answer dude! So let me get this straight... you want me to lay down my life in exchange for trouble?! Does not sound like a win-win situation to me! I thought you were God and could give me anything! And you are offering me trouble! You have got to be kidding! Forget that, your plan is not very appealing.... I have a better way.... thanks though... I appreciate the offer.
And we live our lives... like we are in control....and think that if we just work harder, smarter and longer... that we can avoid this trouble that Jesus speaks of.... after all, what does He know... He is just a carpenter from Nazareth! Right?
And so, we live our lives thinking we have "all the answers" or at least posing like we do! "Only the strong survive!" That's our motto! And then, to our surprise, "life happens" and we wonder where we went wrong! "How could this, you fill in the blank, happen to me?" "Man, this is not what I bargained for!" I did all the right things...gave at the office...served in Church...was a good husband and father etc...
I know there are many "Christians" who have lived like this to some extent. If you are honest with yourself you may be one of them. I know I was to some extent.
When some really bad things started happening to me... I struggled to find answers... my faith was tested to the core... doubts flooded my heart and mind....If God loves me like He says He does then... WHY? Why would He allow such stuff to happen to me... one of His kids? I had bought some of Satan's lies! Me, the strong, commited Christian was pierced through by the enemy, laying wounded and lost. Hope was lost...for the first time... I had lost hope.. and boy was Satan and his minions happy. I can just hear them saying, "one more Christian disabled, doubting Gods love".
Now, Back to the title... Jesus... the fatal attraction... Why did He draw so much attention... Why was He so attractive to so many? What was it about this carpenters son that was so appealing....that His followers even died for?
Genesis 1:27 (New International Version)
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
I believe that people were attracted to Jesus because He refected the image of God! Not man made images but the true image- untainted and unspoiled by sin. Why did the religous leaders want to kill Him? Because, He shattered the "image" that they were selling the people. They were "found out" like someone selling a "bag of goods" is exposed. When someones lively hood or power base is threatened they come out swinging..right? Or, when someones way of living or doing things is challenged... they don't take it laying down... right?
So, where am I going with this? Well... here we go..ever since the fall, I believe, since we were created in the image of God...we have a longing to connect with the divine. And we humans, wanting to do it on our terms, have found an abundance of ways to do this! Filling the God/Divine shaped space in our souls with............... you name it! I don't care if you are a Christian or not. We are all guilty of doing this to some extent and frequency.
So, I beieve the trouble Jesus was speaking of is due to the fall. That's not anything new in Christian circles. But, many of us who claim the name of Christ fail to expect the trials and understand their importance and purpose in our lives. Unfortunately, due to human nature, we would never reflect God's image if trials were not a part of our lives. God, in His love and awesomeness, uses trials to remove the "dross" from our lives so we can, like Jesus, reflect His image.
I have heard so many people say to me, "I am not a Christ follower because Christians are hipocrits! Basically, what that means to me is that to verying degrees, we have failed as believers to reflect Jesus' attractiveness to a lost and dying world. Our sin of "double agent" living is not very attractive! Until we seek Him first and give up our self directed living we will not be attractive. And in the end... it is Christ's love reflected in our lives that will attract people to Jesus. "Christ in us, the hope of glory".
John the Baptist knew what he was talking about; John 3:30 -He must become greater; I must become less.
Thank-you Lord, for being so patient and loving.. for pursuing me... for working "all things" together for good! for promising me a future and a hope.. for giving me life. Love,your son... Jon
Monday, July 12, 2010
Can God be trusted....with my heart?
As I walk on this journey with the Wild Goose, I find myself vacillating between two chasms. One of truth and trust and the other of fear,doubt and ultimately a desire to control.
I find there is no in between! The verse, "thou can't serve two masters" comes to mind. The choice is ours to make! I can believe that "God is good ALL THE TIME" and that I can trust Him with my heart/life or I can take control and "protect" my heart from a God I am not quite sure about. The transition from one state to the other seems to be seamless! "Lord, how can it be so easy for me to "lose heart" and want to take control "because I don't really trust you?" "Why am I so tossed about and double-minded?"
Thankfully, I find myself more and more aware of this inward "transition" from trust to fear. I am "on to" my wrong thinking and confused heart! I am becoming wise to the lies my heart has believed and the "arrows" the evil one has pierced me with!
When the fear and doubt take hold or cast their tempting shadow over me, I am more quick to repent and turn back to God and trust His goodness and love for me... re-affirming to my heart that I can trust Him with my life, hopes, dreams and desires of the heart. I let His "Perfect love cast out my fear"! Thankfully, it is usually no more than a few minutes before I realize whats going on and turn back to Him.
Relationship is built on trust! Any deep meaningful relationship will either live or die based on trust. If we can't trust, there is no real relating but only posing and shadow dancing. A pushing and pulling of give and take is all we will have if real trust is absent.
I am an open and honest, straight-forward person. This is who I am and I refuse to be anything else! But, I have found the "halls of honest living" to be scary and lonely at best! My experiences had left me wounded and cynical, afraid to really trust anyone. Over the last six years of trials, satan's lie that God could not be trusted pierced my heart.... and with that... hope was lost. When the "truths" you have been living by get questioned in your own heart....well,.. then.... "Houston,,, we have a big problem"!
What I have learned on the "other side" of this lie is that Gods word is true.. He really does "work all things together for our good". What satan meant for my harm and distruction, God used for my healing and perfecting in Christ! Wow! God is so good and great! He is so loving, patient, merciful and His grace is sufficient to cover my sin.
So, here is what I have come to realize....In my heart.... that to truly live the abundant, powerful and fruitful life that I hear about and read in the Holy Scriptures, the life that Christ promises those who dare to follow and lay down their lives... I must invite Him to heal my heart and renew my mind and then abide in His love, trusting... always.. that He is good and can be trusted with my heart and life. It makes sense.. we can't abide in someones love if we don't really, truly trust them at the heart level. A mental assent to this does not cut it! "even the demons believe and tremble". In considering this, look at Jesus' ministry. Who did he rail against? It was the religious leaders who were into the mental assent and the outward appearance. Jesus was and still is all about the heart! "Oh Lord, help me to live and abide in your perfect love no matter what comes my way."
I find there is no in between! The verse, "thou can't serve two masters" comes to mind. The choice is ours to make! I can believe that "God is good ALL THE TIME" and that I can trust Him with my heart/life or I can take control and "protect" my heart from a God I am not quite sure about. The transition from one state to the other seems to be seamless! "Lord, how can it be so easy for me to "lose heart" and want to take control "because I don't really trust you?" "Why am I so tossed about and double-minded?"
Thankfully, I find myself more and more aware of this inward "transition" from trust to fear. I am "on to" my wrong thinking and confused heart! I am becoming wise to the lies my heart has believed and the "arrows" the evil one has pierced me with!
When the fear and doubt take hold or cast their tempting shadow over me, I am more quick to repent and turn back to God and trust His goodness and love for me... re-affirming to my heart that I can trust Him with my life, hopes, dreams and desires of the heart. I let His "Perfect love cast out my fear"! Thankfully, it is usually no more than a few minutes before I realize whats going on and turn back to Him.
Relationship is built on trust! Any deep meaningful relationship will either live or die based on trust. If we can't trust, there is no real relating but only posing and shadow dancing. A pushing and pulling of give and take is all we will have if real trust is absent.
I am an open and honest, straight-forward person. This is who I am and I refuse to be anything else! But, I have found the "halls of honest living" to be scary and lonely at best! My experiences had left me wounded and cynical, afraid to really trust anyone. Over the last six years of trials, satan's lie that God could not be trusted pierced my heart.... and with that... hope was lost. When the "truths" you have been living by get questioned in your own heart....well,.. then.... "Houston,,, we have a big problem"!
What I have learned on the "other side" of this lie is that Gods word is true.. He really does "work all things together for our good". What satan meant for my harm and distruction, God used for my healing and perfecting in Christ! Wow! God is so good and great! He is so loving, patient, merciful and His grace is sufficient to cover my sin.
So, here is what I have come to realize....In my heart.... that to truly live the abundant, powerful and fruitful life that I hear about and read in the Holy Scriptures, the life that Christ promises those who dare to follow and lay down their lives... I must invite Him to heal my heart and renew my mind and then abide in His love, trusting... always.. that He is good and can be trusted with my heart and life. It makes sense.. we can't abide in someones love if we don't really, truly trust them at the heart level. A mental assent to this does not cut it! "even the demons believe and tremble". In considering this, look at Jesus' ministry. Who did he rail against? It was the religious leaders who were into the mental assent and the outward appearance. Jesus was and still is all about the heart! "Oh Lord, help me to live and abide in your perfect love no matter what comes my way."
Thursday, July 8, 2010
A Trail Revisited
I find it interesting, as I work through this process, that the Wild Goose continues to bring things to mind that I am supposed to write about. Mind you, it still blows my mind that the Creator of the Universe talks to me! If this concept is new to you, I encourage you to get quiet and press into the Goose! He wants to talk with you!
As I reflect on the Flat top trail in Virginia, this is the trail where I heard the Goose tell me about Colorado and the Tim Tebow Foundation, I am amazed that God thought it necessary to re-emphasize the importance of this trail in my life. Asking God a question and getting an immediate answer warrants remembering with no concern of forgetting. But, God in His wisdom chose to re-emphasize one amazing event with another. Coming upon the momma black bear and her three cubs on the same trail was, to me, God's way of re-emphasizing His word spoken to me a few weeks earlier.
It was like He was saying to me...."no, you are not crazy... you really did hear from me and I love you so much and have awesome things in-store for you" ...."I wanted you to "happen upon" these bears to make this clear to you".
I don't know what you think of my story so far. I would love to hear your honest thoughts! You may think my story is "outlandish" and "far fetched"! That God does not work like this! "Really, this guy really thinks he is going to be working with Tim Tebow!" "How does he suppose that is going to happen?"
In answer to that question.... I don't know, nor do I pretend to know God's ways or thoughts! But, I do know how much He loves me, to the best of my human ability, and that He is an awesome God and nothing is impossible with Him! Except, it is impossible for Him to go against His Character and promises. We can stand firm on this and live without fear and doubt. "On Christ the Solid Rock I stand... all other ground is shifting sand... all other ground is shifting sand.
When I was in Denver, the Goose told me my faith would be tested. I believe this is why He wanted me to re-remember the trail and what He said to me. He knew I would experience much opposition down the road. I have been "shot at" many times since with arrows of doubt and fear. My enemy does not want me on this Wild Goose Chase. He wants me to live a defeated and powerless life... to not fulfill the works the Lord has prepared for me... the path He has for me... Satan's goal is plain and simple..Knock me off this path and divert me to one of his choosing.
Funny.... both of these spirits are fathers! On one hand we have the Father of Light, Life and Truth... and on the other hand we have the father of LIES! I want nothing to do with the later and everything to do with the first! Staying on the path of light, life and truth is not easy! But, as they say, "nothing good or worth fighting for comes easy". I covet your prayers as I fight the good fight and stay the course. I know that I can not stay the course on my own. I must keep pressing into Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my faith. Abiding in Him.... "for apart from me you can do nothing".
In closing... I believe that the Goose wanted me to write this blog for two main reasons. 1) to encourage you and bring Him glory, 2) to crystallize it in me... to stamp it on my heart and mind so that I will not forget. Funny thing is, I find myself re-reading my own blog to keep what He has done fresh in my heart and mind. Because, I desperately need to remember! So I won't faint and grow weary and be tossed about with doubt and fear. This is why He has given us His word and Spirit... He knows our human condition, our frailties and the challenges and daily obstacles we face. He is so good! I love you Lord!
As I reflect on the Flat top trail in Virginia, this is the trail where I heard the Goose tell me about Colorado and the Tim Tebow Foundation, I am amazed that God thought it necessary to re-emphasize the importance of this trail in my life. Asking God a question and getting an immediate answer warrants remembering with no concern of forgetting. But, God in His wisdom chose to re-emphasize one amazing event with another. Coming upon the momma black bear and her three cubs on the same trail was, to me, God's way of re-emphasizing His word spoken to me a few weeks earlier.
It was like He was saying to me...."no, you are not crazy... you really did hear from me and I love you so much and have awesome things in-store for you" ...."I wanted you to "happen upon" these bears to make this clear to you".
I don't know what you think of my story so far. I would love to hear your honest thoughts! You may think my story is "outlandish" and "far fetched"! That God does not work like this! "Really, this guy really thinks he is going to be working with Tim Tebow!" "How does he suppose that is going to happen?"
In answer to that question.... I don't know, nor do I pretend to know God's ways or thoughts! But, I do know how much He loves me, to the best of my human ability, and that He is an awesome God and nothing is impossible with Him! Except, it is impossible for Him to go against His Character and promises. We can stand firm on this and live without fear and doubt. "On Christ the Solid Rock I stand... all other ground is shifting sand... all other ground is shifting sand.
When I was in Denver, the Goose told me my faith would be tested. I believe this is why He wanted me to re-remember the trail and what He said to me. He knew I would experience much opposition down the road. I have been "shot at" many times since with arrows of doubt and fear. My enemy does not want me on this Wild Goose Chase. He wants me to live a defeated and powerless life... to not fulfill the works the Lord has prepared for me... the path He has for me... Satan's goal is plain and simple..Knock me off this path and divert me to one of his choosing.
Funny.... both of these spirits are fathers! On one hand we have the Father of Light, Life and Truth... and on the other hand we have the father of LIES! I want nothing to do with the later and everything to do with the first! Staying on the path of light, life and truth is not easy! But, as they say, "nothing good or worth fighting for comes easy". I covet your prayers as I fight the good fight and stay the course. I know that I can not stay the course on my own. I must keep pressing into Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my faith. Abiding in Him.... "for apart from me you can do nothing".
In closing... I believe that the Goose wanted me to write this blog for two main reasons. 1) to encourage you and bring Him glory, 2) to crystallize it in me... to stamp it on my heart and mind so that I will not forget. Funny thing is, I find myself re-reading my own blog to keep what He has done fresh in my heart and mind. Because, I desperately need to remember! So I won't faint and grow weary and be tossed about with doubt and fear. This is why He has given us His word and Spirit... He knows our human condition, our frailties and the challenges and daily obstacles we face. He is so good! I love you Lord!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Waiting on God vs. being "the man"- Practically Supernatural
once "you" have heard from God, and your "sea" does not part right away, what do you do? I find this to be a precarious place to be. I begin to think of all the ways God will show up and fulfill His "word" to me. And, of course, I want it to happen in my time-frame, when I think it should happen. Balancing faith and the practical, waiting versus moving forward. Let me tell you this.... waiting is not a popular option in today's culture. When everything around you, including those closest to you... SCREAM!...... move!... make it happen!... get it done!.... deliver the goods!... be "the man"!.....Do whatever it takes!
So, here is my take on it... I am moving forward.... in faith.... in action...Doing the obvious things I know I need to do.. Lead my family, looking for ways to make money, focusing on the what I know I need to do... while I continue to pray and listen to the Spirit and the Word. While always keeping in mind that God loves me, He is in control, He will direct my steps, He will provide, He is bigger than all the challenges before me, and He will never leave me nor forsake me no matter how big the waves!
Living in God's economy amidst the world's is not easy nor en vogue! His ways are higher than ours, His thoughts are way above ours. How can we live in two opposing worlds and economy's? God's and mans... We can't! At least, not on our own, in our strength. Walking in the adventure that God has for each of us, many times, will leave those around us scratching their heads wondering if we have lost our minds! Well, the answer is..... Yes! I am losing my mind... my earthly, human mind and in turn I am receiving the mind of Christ. I am a knew creation in Christ, old things and ways of thinking are passing away and the new ways, God's ways... are coming into view. After all, I am not my own... I am bought with a price. So, how do we practically live supernaturally? By grace through faith...I pray the Lord go before me and prepare the way and direct my steps. Claiming His purpose and plan for me and mine. Plans that were pre-ordained before the beginning of time. Knowing that He is in control and has a plan and that He has left His word and Spirit to guide and enlighten our paths gives me great peace! I am not alone! I have hope, inheritance and power....Eph 1: 18-19 I am an adopted child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Getting this is so key to living a victorious and overcoming life! Walking into, by faith, all that God has for us... the good works He has prepared for us to walk in. "I can do all things, through Christ, who strengthens me"! Phil.4:13 It's not me..... It's CHRIST ... IN ME... THIS IS MY HOPE OF GLORY- Col 1:27
8)For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9)not by works, so that no one can boast 10)For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.....By grace through faith.
Psalm 37: 4-9
4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
Amen and Amen!
So, here is my take on it... I am moving forward.... in faith.... in action...Doing the obvious things I know I need to do.. Lead my family, looking for ways to make money, focusing on the what I know I need to do... while I continue to pray and listen to the Spirit and the Word. While always keeping in mind that God loves me, He is in control, He will direct my steps, He will provide, He is bigger than all the challenges before me, and He will never leave me nor forsake me no matter how big the waves!
Living in God's economy amidst the world's is not easy nor en vogue! His ways are higher than ours, His thoughts are way above ours. How can we live in two opposing worlds and economy's? God's and mans... We can't! At least, not on our own, in our strength. Walking in the adventure that God has for each of us, many times, will leave those around us scratching their heads wondering if we have lost our minds! Well, the answer is..... Yes! I am losing my mind... my earthly, human mind and in turn I am receiving the mind of Christ. I am a knew creation in Christ, old things and ways of thinking are passing away and the new ways, God's ways... are coming into view. After all, I am not my own... I am bought with a price. So, how do we practically live supernaturally? By grace through faith...I pray the Lord go before me and prepare the way and direct my steps. Claiming His purpose and plan for me and mine. Plans that were pre-ordained before the beginning of time. Knowing that He is in control and has a plan and that He has left His word and Spirit to guide and enlighten our paths gives me great peace! I am not alone! I have hope, inheritance and power....Eph 1: 18-19 I am an adopted child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Getting this is so key to living a victorious and overcoming life! Walking into, by faith, all that God has for us... the good works He has prepared for us to walk in. "I can do all things, through Christ, who strengthens me"! Phil.4:13 It's not me..... It's CHRIST ... IN ME... THIS IS MY HOPE OF GLORY- Col 1:27
8)For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9)not by works, so that no one can boast 10)For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.....By grace through faith.
Psalm 37: 4-9
4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
Amen and Amen!
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