Was there ever a time in your life when you suddenly, inexplicably felt connected to someone so strongly that it was almost overwhelming? The love that flowed between you was almost electric. When you were in his/her presence there was so much energy pulsating that you literally glowed. I pray that sometime in your life, you have experienced that kind of love. But more importantly my prayer is that you have felt that way about your relationship with our Lord and are still glowing as a result of it. The indefinable love of God in our lives can indeed be that powerful, that overwhelming, that energizing. However we cannot ever take it for granted.
Romans 8:39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed nothing in all of creation - will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Nothing in all of creation ~ that is a powerful statement. It might lead some people to believe that once they have experienced the love of God, it can never disappear from their lives. The reality is that I know many individuals who love the Lord but feel as if He is not speaking to them, or worse that He is not concerned about their circumstances. If He loved them so much, why are their lives in such chaos? Why does it feel as if nothing will ever be right in their lives? Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever felt distant from the love of God and felt darkness closing in around you?
Having suffered through depression, I know what it is to be in a deep dark hole and not want to connect with anyone. Personally, I knew God was with me in the hole, but it was still incredibly dark. I did not want to get out; life was just too hard at that moment. I wanted to be with Him in eternity and be done with this earth/life stuff. I was not suicidal; I just had no desire to continue fighting the good fight. So where was this powerful love of God from which no power could separate me?
It was right there. Do you know why I could not embrace the love? Read the last phrase in the scripture above - that is revealed in Christ Jesus, our Lord. If I want to experience the fullness of the love of God, I must look for it in Christ Jesus. I need to understand that it is not just laying out there like the dust that occasionally covers my furniture. :-) No the love of God about which Paul is writing is more like the beautiful wildflowers that grow in the depths of the forest. If you want to enjoy their beauty and their fragrance you must go look for them, then bend down and inhale their scent. We must seek Jesus in our lives and when we encounter Him do everything we can to enjoy the fullness of His presence. We do have a responsibility in this relationship.
There are seasons in all of our lives when our circumstances can be so burdensome that we feel as if we are in the depths of the forest with no sunshine breaking through. As hard as it is during those seasons, we must seek the revelation love of Christ. It is only through His love and His carrying our burden that we can move out of that darkness, that heaviness. More than any other time in our lives we need to pursue Him and believe that His love is powerful, healing and available to us.
It is true, there is no power in the sky above or in the earth below that will ever separate us from the love of God - except us. We can separate ourselves from Him. We can make the decision to turn our backs on what He is offering to us and immerse ourselves in the muck and mire of our lives. You don't have to deny the existence of God to separate yourselves from Him. You simply ignore His outstretched hand and His waiting arms. Were you ever lost as a child and felt that desperation of being totally alone and fearing that your mom or dad will never find you - or you them? As a parent, I have experienced one of my sons wandering away on a crowded boardwalk at the beach when my attention was on his little brother. One moment and he was gone. We searched and searched fear growing in our hearts, then suddenly we saw that red striped shirt and that coal black hair as he meandered towards us. The irony was he was not lost in his eyes; he was just checking things out.
How about you? Are you just checking things out and temporarily wandered away from the love of your Father God and your precious Savior Jesus not forgetting the infinite power of Holy Spirit quietly waiting inside you for recognition again? Or perhaps you are lost in the depths of the forest and don't see the sunshine or the wildflowers. Let me encourage you to turn running back to Him. Let Him embrace you and reassure you of how much He loves you and misses you. He did not leave us; we wandered away from Him. He is there waiting - go and enjoy His love in its fullness!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
The Daily Battle
The message is everywhere I turn - in my devotions, in my Pastor's message on Sunday, in the text of a book I am reading. Far too many of us struggle with seeking the approval and praise of the people in our lives. During this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas the pressure seems to escalate. So much to do, so many people to take care, so many needs to be met. Our perception can become very distorted as we experience all of these voices crying out at the same time. If we are not watchful, the sound will drown out the one voice we are supposed to be seeking and hearing, the voice of the one who created us and who is so mindful of the status of our hearts, our spirits. Who is it that we are really supposed to be focusing on pleasing?
Romans 2:29 ... And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law, rather it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praises from God, not from people. 1Thessalonians 2:4...Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. Seek the approval of God, not man. This advice appears in other places in the Word, yet we still struggle with seeking man's approval. How frustrating we have made our lives by looking in the wrong direction for the praise and acknowledgment that we are loved and appreciated. The sad realization for me is that I know better. He has shown me time and time again that lowering my eyes to the level of my fellow human being and vainly striving to earn their approval only brings me disappointment and feelings of inadequacy. It is not that people in my life don't love me or even appreciate me. It is that I am focusing my energies in the wrong direction in trying to please them. When my daily focus is on what those around me need and expect, I fall short of meeting the goals that my Lord has set forth for my life. In fact, sometimes, I cannot even see them for the fog of "earthly needs" as seen through my perspective.
I am relatively certain that there is someone reading this that has struggled with performance issues throughout their lives. It has been a struggle for me since my childhood. Never feeling "good enough". Never feeling as if I had finally climbed to the crest of the hill and could now relax and glide down. If you can identify with what I am saying than you know how exhausting that is. You try to be everything for everybody frequently falling short of even excelling in what you are gifted. This season of the year, those efforts are not only exhausting, but they can be overwhelming causing severe depression and desperation. That is not the desire of Him who loves us more than we can imagine.
Recently I have written about the Body of Christ and how we are all uniquely gifted in some way that makes the body complete. We need to remember this as we try to shift from the "super person" mentality into a God-pleasing mentality. I am reading an interesting book that was written over 20 years ago. Don't you love finding a gem? In The Different Drum, Dr. Scott Peck wrote about community from many different aspects. This morning, I read the following: It is true that we are called to wholeness. But the reality is that we can never be completely whole in and of ourselves. We cannot be perfect. We cannot be doctors, lawyers, stockbrokers, farmers, politicians, stonemasons, and theologians all rolled into one. It is true that we are called to power. Yet the reality is that there is a point beyond which our sense of self-determination not only becomes inaccurate and prideful but increasingly self-defeating. It is true that we are inevitably social creatures who desperately need each other not merely for sustenance, not merely for company, but for any meaning to our lives whatsoever. The Body of Christ needs each member in order to be complete, in order for the incredible plan of God to be complete.
If each of us are struggling to be everything to everyone, we are not only in error, but we are preventing the other members of the body, the other people in our lives, to carry their responsibilities, to fulfill their functions as designed by the Creator. I listen to the heartbreak of people around me as they battle to fulfill what they perceive to be the expectations of those around them. I hear the exhaustion in their voices, in their words. I can readily identify with the battle that is being waged. Yet there is no peace in this battle. This is not the good fight to be won that is referenced in scripture.
When we come along side the other members in the body of Christ, each carrying their own individual shield and sword, we become a mighty army and can sustain each other. We can encourage our brothers and sisters because we recognize that each of us has an obligation to carry our weight in this world. God has destined each of us with a specific assignment. One powerful revelation that He has shown me is that I am not to try everything until I figure out what He is specifically calling me to do. Is that a novel idea for you? Ponder that for a moment. Many of us feel as if we have not yet identified or walked into our lifelong calling. So in the meantime, what do we do? Everything that comes in front of us!! I am as guilty of this as anyone out there. Desperately wanting to feel as if I am making a contribution to the kingdom and making a difference, I would tackle anything that came my way, especially when in a season of transition and waiting on a word from the Lord. But is that His desire for our lives? I think not. How can I hear Him if I don't stop long enough to rest in Him and just breathe in the presence of Holy Spirit?
I want to hear Him. I want to know what it is specifically that He has called me to do. It does not matter that as I look around me, I see many people achieving what I value as awesome accomplishments for their lives and for the kingdom. I should not compare myself to them. It is hard for me to not compare when I devalue where I am and what I am doing. I need to ask God am I doing what you want for this moment in time even if it seems insignificant to me. I cannot see the whole picture. I have no clue as to the value of my thread in the tapestry of life - of the world - of all of creation. I must learn to believe that He values me and what I am doing, if I am indeed listening to Him and can find peace in the answer that I get. So must you. For whomever God has had me write this message, please be encouraged. You are valued beyond your imagination. Set your heart on His heart. Set your eyes on on His majesty and rest in knowing that He loves you. Live daily to please Him and not your fellow man. God's praises are not only sufficient, they are fulfilling beyond any words that man can give you.
Romans 2:29 ... And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law, rather it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praises from God, not from people. 1Thessalonians 2:4...Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. Seek the approval of God, not man. This advice appears in other places in the Word, yet we still struggle with seeking man's approval. How frustrating we have made our lives by looking in the wrong direction for the praise and acknowledgment that we are loved and appreciated. The sad realization for me is that I know better. He has shown me time and time again that lowering my eyes to the level of my fellow human being and vainly striving to earn their approval only brings me disappointment and feelings of inadequacy. It is not that people in my life don't love me or even appreciate me. It is that I am focusing my energies in the wrong direction in trying to please them. When my daily focus is on what those around me need and expect, I fall short of meeting the goals that my Lord has set forth for my life. In fact, sometimes, I cannot even see them for the fog of "earthly needs" as seen through my perspective.
I am relatively certain that there is someone reading this that has struggled with performance issues throughout their lives. It has been a struggle for me since my childhood. Never feeling "good enough". Never feeling as if I had finally climbed to the crest of the hill and could now relax and glide down. If you can identify with what I am saying than you know how exhausting that is. You try to be everything for everybody frequently falling short of even excelling in what you are gifted. This season of the year, those efforts are not only exhausting, but they can be overwhelming causing severe depression and desperation. That is not the desire of Him who loves us more than we can imagine.
Recently I have written about the Body of Christ and how we are all uniquely gifted in some way that makes the body complete. We need to remember this as we try to shift from the "super person" mentality into a God-pleasing mentality. I am reading an interesting book that was written over 20 years ago. Don't you love finding a gem? In The Different Drum, Dr. Scott Peck wrote about community from many different aspects. This morning, I read the following: It is true that we are called to wholeness. But the reality is that we can never be completely whole in and of ourselves. We cannot be perfect. We cannot be doctors, lawyers, stockbrokers, farmers, politicians, stonemasons, and theologians all rolled into one. It is true that we are called to power. Yet the reality is that there is a point beyond which our sense of self-determination not only becomes inaccurate and prideful but increasingly self-defeating. It is true that we are inevitably social creatures who desperately need each other not merely for sustenance, not merely for company, but for any meaning to our lives whatsoever. The Body of Christ needs each member in order to be complete, in order for the incredible plan of God to be complete.
If each of us are struggling to be everything to everyone, we are not only in error, but we are preventing the other members of the body, the other people in our lives, to carry their responsibilities, to fulfill their functions as designed by the Creator. I listen to the heartbreak of people around me as they battle to fulfill what they perceive to be the expectations of those around them. I hear the exhaustion in their voices, in their words. I can readily identify with the battle that is being waged. Yet there is no peace in this battle. This is not the good fight to be won that is referenced in scripture.
When we come along side the other members in the body of Christ, each carrying their own individual shield and sword, we become a mighty army and can sustain each other. We can encourage our brothers and sisters because we recognize that each of us has an obligation to carry our weight in this world. God has destined each of us with a specific assignment. One powerful revelation that He has shown me is that I am not to try everything until I figure out what He is specifically calling me to do. Is that a novel idea for you? Ponder that for a moment. Many of us feel as if we have not yet identified or walked into our lifelong calling. So in the meantime, what do we do? Everything that comes in front of us!! I am as guilty of this as anyone out there. Desperately wanting to feel as if I am making a contribution to the kingdom and making a difference, I would tackle anything that came my way, especially when in a season of transition and waiting on a word from the Lord. But is that His desire for our lives? I think not. How can I hear Him if I don't stop long enough to rest in Him and just breathe in the presence of Holy Spirit?
I want to hear Him. I want to know what it is specifically that He has called me to do. It does not matter that as I look around me, I see many people achieving what I value as awesome accomplishments for their lives and for the kingdom. I should not compare myself to them. It is hard for me to not compare when I devalue where I am and what I am doing. I need to ask God am I doing what you want for this moment in time even if it seems insignificant to me. I cannot see the whole picture. I have no clue as to the value of my thread in the tapestry of life - of the world - of all of creation. I must learn to believe that He values me and what I am doing, if I am indeed listening to Him and can find peace in the answer that I get. So must you. For whomever God has had me write this message, please be encouraged. You are valued beyond your imagination. Set your heart on His heart. Set your eyes on on His majesty and rest in knowing that He loves you. Live daily to please Him and not your fellow man. God's praises are not only sufficient, they are fulfilling beyond any words that man can give you.
Monday, November 23, 2009
The Power to Remove Veils
Have you ever been so committed in helping someone see and experience the Truth in Jesus Christ that you felt you were going to burst with frustration when the epiphany never occurred? No matter what you say, no matter what argument you put forth or logic or scripture that you use, the darkness remains. You know the Truth; the Truth has changed your life. You are desperate to have this person about whom you care so much to experience this same transformation through which He has brought you. However you feel your desperation goes unanswered. Why? Aren't we supposed to change lives through the Gospel? Isn't that the Great Commission?
I have struggled for years with these questions as I watched people that I love go in directions that were away from the Lord. It has only been in the last few years that my precious Lord has begun to give me revelatory truths about the whole picture. Multiple scriptures emphasize the message that He spoke to me and as I listen to my brothers and sisters in the body of Christ proclaim their frustration, the clarity of this message from Him grows. It is simply this: we cannot lift the veil that blocks understanding. Only One can do that and He is our Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:16-17 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. So we wonder, how can someone turn to the Lord before the veil is lifted? When does this critical transition take place? And why does it seem that others turn their backs on Him after they have had revelation knowledge about Him?
I don't have answers to the very questions that I raise, but I do know what scripture tells me. Matthew 13:12 To those who listen to my teaching more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding will be taken from them. Clearly growing in the Lord is a process, a journey that we are all traveling. As we grow in Him, He will take us deeper, giving us more knowledge and understanding, but if we refuse to listen, the journey abruptly comes to a halt. Think about this from the perspective of those who are on the threshold of opening their hearts to the Lord. There is a crack in the door, a ray of light is shining on their hearts, and the Lord will take advantage of that minute turn towards Him and provide more understanding, more knowledge. The veil will begin to lift. It is a heart matter, not a head matter. The heart - our soul - knows the difference between right and wrong and knows the direction to turn for true freedom. The flesh will battle this turn of direction, especially if the flesh is being satisfied with earthly distractions. However, God's heart is that not one will perish, so He pursues us, each of us.
Matthew 9:12 -13 When Jesus heard this, He said, "Healthy people do not need a doctor - sick people do." Then He added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this scripture; 'I want you to show mercy not sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." All the Lord needs is a repentant heart which grasps that the status quo of life is not what it should be. God can take that little opening and shed His light in the darkness. He can lift the veil so that each person can see Him for the answer. Holy Spirit is indeed our teacher, counselor, comforter. He stands at "the ready" eager to bring revelation to each person open to hear it in their souls and thus their spirits can become transformed.
Are we capable of accomplishing that? No. We are called to show mercy in how we live our lives and to provide examples of what transformed lives look like. We do take the gospel to the ends of the earth, but we do so with His love stamped all over our lives. We begin by ministering to those we are trying to reach, setting the stage if you will so that God can then do his work and lift the veil. Let us never be confused about the facts: we are not the ones that hear the knocking of Jesus on the door and can open it for someone else. Revelation 3:20 "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Each person must take that step for themselves. We can present the doorway to them. We can share the life changing power of Jesus Christ in our lives, but each person must turn to the Lord, opening his/her heart and letting Him in.
One particular set of circumstances comes to mind in this regard. There are many well-meaning believers who feel compelled to transform the way our Hebrew Brethren see Jesus Christ. This will only cause great frustration and build an even bigger wall dividing Christians and Jews. The Lord has made it clear throughout scripture that there is a veil in place and only He will lift it. Why are we trying to do His job? Our job is to honor our Hebrew Brethren and demonstrate to them the love of Christ. We are also called to stand beside them and pray for Jerusalem. That is an entirely new topic, but I felt it important because it is still the reiteration of the placement of the veil that prevents understanding. We cannot lift it, only God can.
Many of us believe we are living in the end times. If that is indeed the case then time is short to have an impact on the harvest for the Kingdom. What each of us must come to understand and live, is how can we be the most effective servants for the Kingdom. What is God calling us to do in reaching those that have yet to embrace His love and the Truth that will set them free? Freeing ourselves of the "mandate" that someone else's salvation rests on our shoulders may be the most empowering facet of the next season of life. Never stop presenting the gospel; never stop demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ in your daily life; never stop offering to show someone the "doorway" and ask them to listen carefully for His voice. However free yourself from believing that you are responsible for whether that person hears the knock and Jesus' voice, opening the door to His love. Just keep listening to His voice in your life and He will direct you in exactly the direction He needs you to go. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. It works. I can vouch for it!
I have struggled for years with these questions as I watched people that I love go in directions that were away from the Lord. It has only been in the last few years that my precious Lord has begun to give me revelatory truths about the whole picture. Multiple scriptures emphasize the message that He spoke to me and as I listen to my brothers and sisters in the body of Christ proclaim their frustration, the clarity of this message from Him grows. It is simply this: we cannot lift the veil that blocks understanding. Only One can do that and He is our Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:16-17 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. So we wonder, how can someone turn to the Lord before the veil is lifted? When does this critical transition take place? And why does it seem that others turn their backs on Him after they have had revelation knowledge about Him?
I don't have answers to the very questions that I raise, but I do know what scripture tells me. Matthew 13:12 To those who listen to my teaching more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding will be taken from them. Clearly growing in the Lord is a process, a journey that we are all traveling. As we grow in Him, He will take us deeper, giving us more knowledge and understanding, but if we refuse to listen, the journey abruptly comes to a halt. Think about this from the perspective of those who are on the threshold of opening their hearts to the Lord. There is a crack in the door, a ray of light is shining on their hearts, and the Lord will take advantage of that minute turn towards Him and provide more understanding, more knowledge. The veil will begin to lift. It is a heart matter, not a head matter. The heart - our soul - knows the difference between right and wrong and knows the direction to turn for true freedom. The flesh will battle this turn of direction, especially if the flesh is being satisfied with earthly distractions. However, God's heart is that not one will perish, so He pursues us, each of us.
Matthew 9:12 -13 When Jesus heard this, He said, "Healthy people do not need a doctor - sick people do." Then He added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this scripture; 'I want you to show mercy not sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." All the Lord needs is a repentant heart which grasps that the status quo of life is not what it should be. God can take that little opening and shed His light in the darkness. He can lift the veil so that each person can see Him for the answer. Holy Spirit is indeed our teacher, counselor, comforter. He stands at "the ready" eager to bring revelation to each person open to hear it in their souls and thus their spirits can become transformed.
Are we capable of accomplishing that? No. We are called to show mercy in how we live our lives and to provide examples of what transformed lives look like. We do take the gospel to the ends of the earth, but we do so with His love stamped all over our lives. We begin by ministering to those we are trying to reach, setting the stage if you will so that God can then do his work and lift the veil. Let us never be confused about the facts: we are not the ones that hear the knocking of Jesus on the door and can open it for someone else. Revelation 3:20 "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Each person must take that step for themselves. We can present the doorway to them. We can share the life changing power of Jesus Christ in our lives, but each person must turn to the Lord, opening his/her heart and letting Him in.
One particular set of circumstances comes to mind in this regard. There are many well-meaning believers who feel compelled to transform the way our Hebrew Brethren see Jesus Christ. This will only cause great frustration and build an even bigger wall dividing Christians and Jews. The Lord has made it clear throughout scripture that there is a veil in place and only He will lift it. Why are we trying to do His job? Our job is to honor our Hebrew Brethren and demonstrate to them the love of Christ. We are also called to stand beside them and pray for Jerusalem. That is an entirely new topic, but I felt it important because it is still the reiteration of the placement of the veil that prevents understanding. We cannot lift it, only God can.
Many of us believe we are living in the end times. If that is indeed the case then time is short to have an impact on the harvest for the Kingdom. What each of us must come to understand and live, is how can we be the most effective servants for the Kingdom. What is God calling us to do in reaching those that have yet to embrace His love and the Truth that will set them free? Freeing ourselves of the "mandate" that someone else's salvation rests on our shoulders may be the most empowering facet of the next season of life. Never stop presenting the gospel; never stop demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ in your daily life; never stop offering to show someone the "doorway" and ask them to listen carefully for His voice. However free yourself from believing that you are responsible for whether that person hears the knock and Jesus' voice, opening the door to His love. Just keep listening to His voice in your life and He will direct you in exactly the direction He needs you to go. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. It works. I can vouch for it!
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