"See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;" - Hebrews 12:15 ESV
The Greek word translated 'fails to obtain' is hystereo (Strong's G5302) and it means to 'fall behind' or 'to be devoid of'. The picture I'm getting is of bagged lunches on a field trip. Twenty sandwiches get made for a dozen children but somehow one child is sitting there without a sandwich.
If we don't experience grace even though it is there for us roots of bitterness can form and in time they spring up and hurt others.
People start saying things like, 'No one ever brings a sandwich for me.' or even 'I don't believe in sandwiches.'
God has grace for you today. He has it for you every day. He is gracious.
We can sit on a rock grumbling because we are hungry or we can go to God and say, 'I know You have a provision for me. You never forget about me. I am hungry God. Help me.'
God is the kind of person who makes an extra sandwich or two 'just in case' and it is there for those who come and ask for one.
--
Showing posts with label Provision. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Provision. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Thursday, June 21, 2018
The Answer To Our Identity Crisis
'Redemptive communication starts with God and ends with God. It does not start with the problem. The answer existed before the problem.'
I'm not sure what I was thinking or reading when I wrote this that back in 2014. Wow. What a different mindset that is.
If we are creatures that crawled out from the mud what we face is new then new solutions are needed but if we are eternal created things then the architect that made us also has an answer for what we face. He 'Is' the answer.
A bunch of fiction comes to mind. One, in particular, that influenced me as a young person was the film 'Blade Runner.' A sequel came out recently. The original movie was based on a novel that came out in 1968 called, 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' On the surface, the film looks like a post-apocalyptic thriller set in San Francisco. This future is dark. Mankind has created humanoid beings called replicants to help him colonize the stars. These beings think they are people and have purposely short lifespans. The main character is a man who has the job of hunting down replicants who are loose among the human population on Earth. As the story progresses it becomes unclear to the man if he is really a man at all. The viewer sees his conflict of identity. Is he really a person with free will or a creation? Near the end of the movie version, a particularly strong and smart replicant named Roy finds a way to get into his creator's ivory tower and argues with him about his short lifespan. In the end Roy kills the man who made him.
I told you it was a dark story. Flawed fallen man has a tendency to picture God as flawed and fallen. A man or woman separated from God's mind must fend for themselves.
'Bladerunner' is considered a classic film for many reasons but things become classic because they hit home in people. Classics touch on some theme that people can relate to.
Am I real? Is God flawed like me? If I can't discover who I am how do I live my life?
Biblical faith is based on a different premise. The Bible reveals a deity who is multifaceted, holy and perfect. We are made in his image and have fallen from that perfection.
"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." - James 1:16-18 ESV
Umm... wow...
The answers we seek are in Him and have been there all along.
Jesus walked and talked like a man who was sure of His provision.
"This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: 'I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.' " - Matthew 13:35 ESV
The Bible has the answers you seek. Your problem isn't new. The answer is actually very old but forever new at the same time.
Jesus is the answer. His cross is the answer. His forgiveness. His life. You may say, 'How on Earth would how that man lived or died have anything to do with my life. You don't know what I'm going through.'
The thing is... Jesus was not just a man... His cross was not just His death... we died there with Him if we believe in Him... God isn't flawed.
"For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." - Romans 8:6-8 ESV
A man who is separated from God is hostile to God.
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV
Yes! That reconciliation is found in Christ. He is the answer. If you find Him Heaven's door is opened to you. He is the answer you seek.
--
I'm not sure what I was thinking or reading when I wrote this that back in 2014. Wow. What a different mindset that is.
If we are creatures that crawled out from the mud what we face is new then new solutions are needed but if we are eternal created things then the architect that made us also has an answer for what we face. He 'Is' the answer.
A bunch of fiction comes to mind. One, in particular, that influenced me as a young person was the film 'Blade Runner.' A sequel came out recently. The original movie was based on a novel that came out in 1968 called, 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' On the surface, the film looks like a post-apocalyptic thriller set in San Francisco. This future is dark. Mankind has created humanoid beings called replicants to help him colonize the stars. These beings think they are people and have purposely short lifespans. The main character is a man who has the job of hunting down replicants who are loose among the human population on Earth. As the story progresses it becomes unclear to the man if he is really a man at all. The viewer sees his conflict of identity. Is he really a person with free will or a creation? Near the end of the movie version, a particularly strong and smart replicant named Roy finds a way to get into his creator's ivory tower and argues with him about his short lifespan. In the end Roy kills the man who made him.
I told you it was a dark story. Flawed fallen man has a tendency to picture God as flawed and fallen. A man or woman separated from God's mind must fend for themselves.
'Bladerunner' is considered a classic film for many reasons but things become classic because they hit home in people. Classics touch on some theme that people can relate to.
Am I real? Is God flawed like me? If I can't discover who I am how do I live my life?
Biblical faith is based on a different premise. The Bible reveals a deity who is multifaceted, holy and perfect. We are made in his image and have fallen from that perfection.
"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." - James 1:16-18 ESV
Umm... wow...
The answers we seek are in Him and have been there all along.
Jesus walked and talked like a man who was sure of His provision.
"This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: 'I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.' " - Matthew 13:35 ESV
The Bible has the answers you seek. Your problem isn't new. The answer is actually very old but forever new at the same time.
Jesus is the answer. His cross is the answer. His forgiveness. His life. You may say, 'How on Earth would how that man lived or died have anything to do with my life. You don't know what I'm going through.'
The thing is... Jesus was not just a man... His cross was not just His death... we died there with Him if we believe in Him... God isn't flawed.
"For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." - Romans 8:6-8 ESV
A man who is separated from God is hostile to God.
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV
Yes! That reconciliation is found in Christ. He is the answer. If you find Him Heaven's door is opened to you. He is the answer you seek.
--
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Identity And Provision
Do you ever just not feel like doing something? Then you start rehearsing excuses in your mind.
I'll just say, 'I'm sorry I didn't have time to do that.'
We have all had the urge. Of course, we have. What stops you and gets you going again? What snaps you out of it?
When I became a believer that dynamic changed for me. It was consequences and obligation. Now, It is about identity and provision.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
"I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:12-13 ESV
Now, When that urge to be lazy comes I can say, 'No, I am not a lazy person. I have liberty in what I do or don't do but I am not lazy.'
Temptation can't stick to that in the way it does to other things.
We are not what we feel. We are not even what we do. We are who God says we are.
Good. Huh.
Those confessions interrupt the sin and shame cycle. Excuses are not needed. We have liberty and we choose to live in a royal identity. There is quickening in an identity like that because it is in agreement with God's mind.
--
I'll just say, 'I'm sorry I didn't have time to do that.'
We have all had the urge. Of course, we have. What stops you and gets you going again? What snaps you out of it?
When I became a believer that dynamic changed for me. It was consequences and obligation. Now, It is about identity and provision.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
"I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:12-13 ESV
Now, When that urge to be lazy comes I can say, 'No, I am not a lazy person. I have liberty in what I do or don't do but I am not lazy.'
Temptation can't stick to that in the way it does to other things.
We are not what we feel. We are not even what we do. We are who God says we are.
Good. Huh.
Those confessions interrupt the sin and shame cycle. Excuses are not needed. We have liberty and we choose to live in a royal identity. There is quickening in an identity like that because it is in agreement with God's mind.
--
Monday, June 5, 2017
Power For Change
God will give you the ability to adjust and transition into your new situation. He will give you power.
That is what He did at Pentecost for the Church and He does it for every individual person also.
" '...And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.' And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven." - Luke 24:49-51 ESV
Jesus had died and rose from the dead but they weren't ready to be without Him. His time walking and talking among them must have seemed dreamlike and then as soon as it had started it ended and these men and women would need to adjust to life again.
They were to stay in Jerusalem and power was coming.
"When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language." - Acts 2:1-6 ESV
To read that... It is shocking to the mind and it was a one time only historical event but this happens to us. We have no capacity but then suddenly we do. We can speak in a language that is understood. Death has worked in our life and a transition was needed but God was faithful to bring us through. It wasn't instantaneous. We waited a period of time and those days must have felt like an eternity.
'Jesus is gone. What will we do now?'
'My job is gone.'
'My loved one is gone.'
'My life will never be the same after this.'
Yes, That is true but God will send power. Tarry in Jerusalem. Don't wander off in your weakened state. Stay close. Be in the Book. Be with the people even if you seem numb. Power is coming. Joy will return and when it does you will be able to talk to people you could never speak to before. They will be bewildered that someone like you speaks their language.
Grace will transition you. God will carry you. This is how it is for all of us at times. You are not alone. There is always a whole group going through the same thing somewhere.
--
That is what He did at Pentecost for the Church and He does it for every individual person also.
" '...And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.' And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven." - Luke 24:49-51 ESV
Jesus had died and rose from the dead but they weren't ready to be without Him. His time walking and talking among them must have seemed dreamlike and then as soon as it had started it ended and these men and women would need to adjust to life again.
They were to stay in Jerusalem and power was coming.
"When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language." - Acts 2:1-6 ESV
To read that... It is shocking to the mind and it was a one time only historical event but this happens to us. We have no capacity but then suddenly we do. We can speak in a language that is understood. Death has worked in our life and a transition was needed but God was faithful to bring us through. It wasn't instantaneous. We waited a period of time and those days must have felt like an eternity.
'Jesus is gone. What will we do now?'
'My job is gone.'
'My loved one is gone.'
'My life will never be the same after this.'
Yes, That is true but God will send power. Tarry in Jerusalem. Don't wander off in your weakened state. Stay close. Be in the Book. Be with the people even if you seem numb. Power is coming. Joy will return and when it does you will be able to talk to people you could never speak to before. They will be bewildered that someone like you speaks their language.
Grace will transition you. God will carry you. This is how it is for all of us at times. You are not alone. There is always a whole group going through the same thing somewhere.
--
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Always A Handful Of Something Good
In the 1930s people in Baltimore were going through hard times. After the stock market crash money and food was scarce but at Thomas and Thompson's drugstore there was always a bowl of Graham crackers that anyone could eat from by the soda fountain. It would be constantly refilled. The owners did it so that those who were buying drinks would be thirstier and spend more money and so that those who had nothing could always get a handful of something to eat in a dignified way. Many a person survived that dark time because of that bowl that was always restocked no matter how many hands took from it.
"Then I said, 'Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.' I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD. I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation. As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!" - Psalm 40:7-11 ESV
Jesus comes to us in the Bible and we become a bowl that gets low at times but is then refilled. Jesus is the lamp that lights us for the dark times. Those who have get more and those with nothing get something.
It cost money to keep that bowl full. Jesus has paid the price to keep us full. Thank you God for your mercy and compassion.
--
"Then I said, 'Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.' I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD. I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation. As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!" - Psalm 40:7-11 ESV
Jesus comes to us in the Bible and we become a bowl that gets low at times but is then refilled. Jesus is the lamp that lights us for the dark times. Those who have get more and those with nothing get something.
It cost money to keep that bowl full. Jesus has paid the price to keep us full. Thank you God for your mercy and compassion.
--
Friday, February 17, 2017
Hannah's Problem - God's Provision
Thinking. Reading. Praying. Planning. Looking at biblical examples. Asking God how and if they fit into the circumstances I am facing now as a person. Looking at my theological framework. Reading. Praying. Wondering what I can do for people. Wondering what to even to say to some people. Time. Money. Support. Miraculous intervention. All of the above.
My mind keeps returning to Hannah (an old testament Israelite)...
"There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the LORD. On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat." - 1 Samuel 1:1-7 ESV
This issue went on for years... years!
Her husband loved her and did what he could to help. I look at the account and see his portion in her life. It was needed. It was real. He couldn't solve her problems but he did what he could to bring her to God's provision.
"And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?" After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head." As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, "How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you." But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation." Then Eli answered, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him." And she said, "Let your servant find favor in your eyes." Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad." - 1 Samuel 1:8-18 ESV
There is so much here.
Do you think that God doesn't know that leaders make stupid judgemental assumptions sometimes? God uses the partial blindness of people. Notice how Hannah found peace somehow. She prayed. That was part of it but she also interacted with Eli. God used both. God used all of it.
I sometimes look at situations and begin to judge. I see impractical decisions and even what looks to me at first glance like hyper-spiritual logic and start to judge but then I have to check myself. The situation is what it is. What are we going to do now? Prevention is great but any thoughts, or comments, of that nature are not going to be helpful.
It is a long story and I'll just say for those of you who don't know how it ends... God opens Hannah's womb and Samuel is born. He is the one these books are the Bible are named after. He becomes an important figure in Israel.
God comes through for Hannah.
My mind races and I think of a dozen people in need right now. Tears fill my eyes. If each of them cries out to God He Is going to help them. He Is going to come through for them. I don't know how He will. I don't even know my place in it.
I wonder what Eli thought when he saw little Samuel in the temple. Was he reminded of his idiotic behavior towards Hannah and think, 'I am such an idiot.'... maybe... but then standing next to her is that little miracle boy.
That idiot served a great God. God Is great in spite of his mistakes. Eli did it imperfectly and so do I. So I weep. I read. I pray. I ponder. I ask. I help where I can. Money. Time. Support. Prayer. I even rarely tell people what I think... very rarely... because this life has baffling problems that only God can solve.
This morning, as I look at my theological framework and compare it to scripture it has soundness. It is based on grace. Jesus is central. The work of salvation is finished. God loves us. In areas I have slipped I get realigned.
God will give us words when we need them. We pray looking like drunken fools and God answers in miraculous ways.
--
My mind keeps returning to Hannah (an old testament Israelite)...
"There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the LORD. On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat." - 1 Samuel 1:1-7 ESV
This issue went on for years... years!
Her husband loved her and did what he could to help. I look at the account and see his portion in her life. It was needed. It was real. He couldn't solve her problems but he did what he could to bring her to God's provision.
"And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?" After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head." As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, "How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you." But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation." Then Eli answered, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him." And she said, "Let your servant find favor in your eyes." Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad." - 1 Samuel 1:8-18 ESV
There is so much here.
Do you think that God doesn't know that leaders make stupid judgemental assumptions sometimes? God uses the partial blindness of people. Notice how Hannah found peace somehow. She prayed. That was part of it but she also interacted with Eli. God used both. God used all of it.
I sometimes look at situations and begin to judge. I see impractical decisions and even what looks to me at first glance like hyper-spiritual logic and start to judge but then I have to check myself. The situation is what it is. What are we going to do now? Prevention is great but any thoughts, or comments, of that nature are not going to be helpful.
It is a long story and I'll just say for those of you who don't know how it ends... God opens Hannah's womb and Samuel is born. He is the one these books are the Bible are named after. He becomes an important figure in Israel.
God comes through for Hannah.
My mind races and I think of a dozen people in need right now. Tears fill my eyes. If each of them cries out to God He Is going to help them. He Is going to come through for them. I don't know how He will. I don't even know my place in it.
I wonder what Eli thought when he saw little Samuel in the temple. Was he reminded of his idiotic behavior towards Hannah and think, 'I am such an idiot.'... maybe... but then standing next to her is that little miracle boy.
That idiot served a great God. God Is great in spite of his mistakes. Eli did it imperfectly and so do I. So I weep. I read. I pray. I ponder. I ask. I help where I can. Money. Time. Support. Prayer. I even rarely tell people what I think... very rarely... because this life has baffling problems that only God can solve.
This morning, as I look at my theological framework and compare it to scripture it has soundness. It is based on grace. Jesus is central. The work of salvation is finished. God loves us. In areas I have slipped I get realigned.
God will give us words when we need them. We pray looking like drunken fools and God answers in miraculous ways.
--
Monday, August 1, 2016
In Damascus
This morning I am reading Acts 9 and thinking about Saul and Ananias.
Ananias was a believer who lived in Damascus and Saul was on his way to the city to persecute believers. If this were a story, it is a historical account and not a story, but if it were Saul would be the bad guy and Ananias would be the good guy. Saul is the hunter and Ananias is the hunted person. But the Bible describes two men.
"But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' And he said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.' " - Acts 9:1-6 ESV
God converts Paul and dazzles him to the point where he is blind and send him into the city were he was going to hunt people down.
"Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, 'Ananias.' And he said, 'Here I am, Lord.' And the Lord said to him, 'Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.' But Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.' But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.' " - Acts 9:10-16 ESV
The first 'suffering' is going to be that the people he came to hunt are going to be the people that God uses to heal the blindness.
I like how Ananias is not dazzled like Paul was dazzled. God had to say Saul's name twice but with Ananias it is an easy conversation. There is quick recognition. Ananias had to lose his life to obey. Ananias was not aware of the extent of Saul's conversion. He could have been walking into a trap.
"So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, 'He is the Son of God.' " - Acts 9:17-20 ESV
Brother Saul?? What a faith statement that was!
In this account Damascus represents the 'place where Christians are' and Jesus sent Saul right into this place to get a witness of grace and healing. Saul hated these people and I don't think that mindset was instantly dazzled out of him. Damascus was a place where Ananias could find Saul and where Saul could be fed and baptized. Saul met a sent one who didn't go because of hate. Ananias risked his life because of God's love to give a grace gift.
Damascus is the Church, the bible study, the outreach group or the youth camp. A young child may go there feeling like an outcast but then they are dazzled, healed and fed.
Damascus is a place where interaction happens. Prayers are answered there. Provision is found there by interesting avenues.
I love that all of this sharpens Saul and turns him into Paul. Paul has a clear message. Paul focuses on the deity of Christ and the grace of God.
Let's meet in Damascus.
Perhaps we pray and stay home but the answer for our issue isn't going to be found there. The answer is in the fellowship. Paul was the hunter but Ananias found Paul in a place where he could be found.
--
Ananias was a believer who lived in Damascus and Saul was on his way to the city to persecute believers. If this were a story, it is a historical account and not a story, but if it were Saul would be the bad guy and Ananias would be the good guy. Saul is the hunter and Ananias is the hunted person. But the Bible describes two men.
"But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' And he said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.' " - Acts 9:1-6 ESV
God converts Paul and dazzles him to the point where he is blind and send him into the city were he was going to hunt people down.
"Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, 'Ananias.' And he said, 'Here I am, Lord.' And the Lord said to him, 'Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.' But Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.' But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.' " - Acts 9:10-16 ESV
The first 'suffering' is going to be that the people he came to hunt are going to be the people that God uses to heal the blindness.
I like how Ananias is not dazzled like Paul was dazzled. God had to say Saul's name twice but with Ananias it is an easy conversation. There is quick recognition. Ananias had to lose his life to obey. Ananias was not aware of the extent of Saul's conversion. He could have been walking into a trap.
"So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, 'He is the Son of God.' " - Acts 9:17-20 ESV
Brother Saul?? What a faith statement that was!
In this account Damascus represents the 'place where Christians are' and Jesus sent Saul right into this place to get a witness of grace and healing. Saul hated these people and I don't think that mindset was instantly dazzled out of him. Damascus was a place where Ananias could find Saul and where Saul could be fed and baptized. Saul met a sent one who didn't go because of hate. Ananias risked his life because of God's love to give a grace gift.
Damascus is the Church, the bible study, the outreach group or the youth camp. A young child may go there feeling like an outcast but then they are dazzled, healed and fed.
Damascus is a place where interaction happens. Prayers are answered there. Provision is found there by interesting avenues.
I love that all of this sharpens Saul and turns him into Paul. Paul has a clear message. Paul focuses on the deity of Christ and the grace of God.
Let's meet in Damascus.
Perhaps we pray and stay home but the answer for our issue isn't going to be found there. The answer is in the fellowship. Paul was the hunter but Ananias found Paul in a place where he could be found.
--
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Grace In Receiving And Grace In Cultivation
Looking at the transition from manna to seeding.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him." - John 12:24-26 ESV
"And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year." - Joshua 5:12 ESV
Manna represents the daily supernatural provision that God has for us. We gather new mercy each day. We look at the Bible and God feeds us a fresh provision.
The kernel of wheat that falls into the ground and produces life out of death represents resurrection life. It is a long term investment. It requires cultivation and not just harvesting.
Both are grace provisions. God gives manna and He gives growth.
When Israel left Egypt they left as slaves. They had a slave mentality. God fed them manna and taught them to trust. Later when they entered the promised land there was a transition. Stewardship requires investment.
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it." - Revelation 2:17 ESV
A mature believer has moved beyond the old identity and takes this new self into a life of seeding that has hidden manna.
Manna could only be collected for an individual or a family. It is a solitary experience. Seeding cultivates a crop that feeds many people not just the individual.
I have heard people teach grace that emphasizes solitary life. A new identity that is solitary. It is foundational teaching. People need to know who they are and that they have been set free from slavery. They need to develop a strong vertical relationship with God. But there must be seeding grace balance. If folks are isolated they will never learn stewardship. People must learn to live with other people in the horizontal. There needs to be investment that takes time to blossom. Dealing with people requires a death to self that the solitary manna gatherer will not experience unless they make the transition to stewardship.
God has promised hidden manna to those that overcome. It has a daily grace provision that is available during planting, watering and harvesting. He isn't talking about winning on the outside only. He is talking about the battlefield of the mind. The battlefield of the soul. Those who war a good warfare from the new guilt free identity of freedom find manna they didn't see before. It is right there on their doorstep when they wake up. Hidden from the rest of the world but given to them and them alone. It becomes oil for the lantern of the soul.
Every morning can be a morning of new mercy. Lets live a seeding life where we are in the process of long term investments to see redemptive outcomes.
--
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him." - John 12:24-26 ESV
"And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year." - Joshua 5:12 ESV
Manna represents the daily supernatural provision that God has for us. We gather new mercy each day. We look at the Bible and God feeds us a fresh provision.
The kernel of wheat that falls into the ground and produces life out of death represents resurrection life. It is a long term investment. It requires cultivation and not just harvesting.
Both are grace provisions. God gives manna and He gives growth.
When Israel left Egypt they left as slaves. They had a slave mentality. God fed them manna and taught them to trust. Later when they entered the promised land there was a transition. Stewardship requires investment.
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it." - Revelation 2:17 ESV
A mature believer has moved beyond the old identity and takes this new self into a life of seeding that has hidden manna.
Manna could only be collected for an individual or a family. It is a solitary experience. Seeding cultivates a crop that feeds many people not just the individual.
I have heard people teach grace that emphasizes solitary life. A new identity that is solitary. It is foundational teaching. People need to know who they are and that they have been set free from slavery. They need to develop a strong vertical relationship with God. But there must be seeding grace balance. If folks are isolated they will never learn stewardship. People must learn to live with other people in the horizontal. There needs to be investment that takes time to blossom. Dealing with people requires a death to self that the solitary manna gatherer will not experience unless they make the transition to stewardship.
God has promised hidden manna to those that overcome. It has a daily grace provision that is available during planting, watering and harvesting. He isn't talking about winning on the outside only. He is talking about the battlefield of the mind. The battlefield of the soul. Those who war a good warfare from the new guilt free identity of freedom find manna they didn't see before. It is right there on their doorstep when they wake up. Hidden from the rest of the world but given to them and them alone. It becomes oil for the lantern of the soul.
Every morning can be a morning of new mercy. Lets live a seeding life where we are in the process of long term investments to see redemptive outcomes.
--
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Birds In The Tabernacle Of God
In David's time there was no temple yet. There was a tabernacle. It was a kind of elaborate pitched tent. The tabernacle, unlike the temple, could be moved from place to place.
At the time this Psalm was written David was troubled and he went to go visit the tabernacle to find God. Once there he sees that birds have made their nest in the tabernacle and they are singing and enjoying themselves in simplicity.
"To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!
Selah
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah" - Psalm 84:1-8 ESV
David is going through a valley but this demonstration of nature finding a refuge in God's house showed him a picture of the refuge we can find in His house.
The valley of weeping is a real place that we face as individuals. Locations can come to represent valleys. Places can have a spirit of defeat and sadness.
David went to find God and found God's place to be a place of birds singing.
The doctrine of God's grace is a place where our mind can go and find birds nesting. Jesus came as the embodiment of grace and truth. He healed all that he came in contact with... rich or poor... young or old... good or bad. He died on a cross and opened the doors of Heaven and gave men and women citizenship. He gives favor apart from merit. We can fail a thousand times and He will receive us as freely and openly as He did the first time we came to Him. Grace. Our mind can make a nest there and find shelter there.
"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel." - Hebrews 12:22-24 ESV
The thing about the tabernacle is that it can move. It isn't a fixed temple or mountain. The tabernacle can come to the valley and represent the mountain there. When grace teaching comes pools form from the springs of living water. Birds find the tabernacle and make their nest.
Oh, People need the tabernacle. Places need the tabernacle of fellowship. There are plenty of dead buildings in these valleys. No one needs another dead building but people need the refuge of grace. They need to retrace the steps of Christ and explore His mind. They need a safe place to come to on the Earth. A place free of judgement. A place to grow and raise their young.
Our valleys are real valleys. The tabernacle is the answer. Learning and remembering grace is the answer. Drawing near to people who live in grace is a real provision.
God help us. We can get so self absorbed that we abandon our provision. There is a whole world of places that need tabernacles out there. Help us God. Give us a vision and a provision to go out and sow the seed you have given us.
--
At the time this Psalm was written David was troubled and he went to go visit the tabernacle to find God. Once there he sees that birds have made their nest in the tabernacle and they are singing and enjoying themselves in simplicity.
"To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!
Selah
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah" - Psalm 84:1-8 ESV
David is going through a valley but this demonstration of nature finding a refuge in God's house showed him a picture of the refuge we can find in His house.
The valley of weeping is a real place that we face as individuals. Locations can come to represent valleys. Places can have a spirit of defeat and sadness.
David went to find God and found God's place to be a place of birds singing.
The doctrine of God's grace is a place where our mind can go and find birds nesting. Jesus came as the embodiment of grace and truth. He healed all that he came in contact with... rich or poor... young or old... good or bad. He died on a cross and opened the doors of Heaven and gave men and women citizenship. He gives favor apart from merit. We can fail a thousand times and He will receive us as freely and openly as He did the first time we came to Him. Grace. Our mind can make a nest there and find shelter there.
"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel." - Hebrews 12:22-24 ESV
The thing about the tabernacle is that it can move. It isn't a fixed temple or mountain. The tabernacle can come to the valley and represent the mountain there. When grace teaching comes pools form from the springs of living water. Birds find the tabernacle and make their nest.
Oh, People need the tabernacle. Places need the tabernacle of fellowship. There are plenty of dead buildings in these valleys. No one needs another dead building but people need the refuge of grace. They need to retrace the steps of Christ and explore His mind. They need a safe place to come to on the Earth. A place free of judgement. A place to grow and raise their young.
Our valleys are real valleys. The tabernacle is the answer. Learning and remembering grace is the answer. Drawing near to people who live in grace is a real provision.
God help us. We can get so self absorbed that we abandon our provision. There is a whole world of places that need tabernacles out there. Help us God. Give us a vision and a provision to go out and sow the seed you have given us.
--
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
The Latter Rain - Part 1
"And if you will indeed obey my commandments that I command you today, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, he will give the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the later rain, that you may gather in your grain and your wine and your oil." - Deuteronomy 11:13-14 ESV
There were to be two rainy seasons in Israel and these two season have different Hebrew words associated with them. Yowreh (Strong's H3138) is the early rain and malqowsh (H4456) is the latter rain. God designed the topography and climate of Israel. It is a unique place in the world and God uses even the climate to speak to us.
Notice that the rains of Israel were linked to the obedience of Israel. The early rain was good for getting crops going and the later rain provided a final watering for things like fruits, grapes and olives. So the wine and oil relied heavily on this later rain.
The two rains speak of two distinct provisions for the completion of a project. One rain gives the resources needed to start the project and the later rain (or Spring rain) provides the things needed to complete the project with a last final push of effort.
"Therefore the showers have been withheld, and the spring rain has not come; yet you have the forehead of a whore; you refuse to be ashamed." - Jeremiah 3:3 ESV
Israel was disobedient and began to lack this finished energy. They started well going into the promised land but could not take the land that God had given them. Many projects went like that for them. They had energy to start but not to finish. Sound familiar?
"But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come." - Mark 4:29 ESV
"So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped." - Revelation 14:16 ESV
It is easy to see the parallels between Pentecost and the early rain. Unlike Israel the Messiah was obedient and we rest in His obedience. A latter rain is coming for the Church before the great harvest of souls in the last days of this age. It won't be just like Pentecost. Pentecost was needed to start the Church. This later rain will be used to hasten the ripening of the grapes and olives. The term 'Corporate Pentecost' is used to describe the church at the time of this great revival.
This later rain will provide a great harvest of souls but it will also water the 'grapes of wrath' that will be crushed in the tribulation period. Those who refused to respond to grace will experience the anger God has for the angelic host that rebelled again Him. There is a point where the lines are drawn and sides have been chosen. Those foolish enough to align themselves with deception instead of truth will experience the opposite of comfort and security. To say it won't be fun is an extreme understatement.
On a personal level we can expect a later rain in our lives also. For those who have believed it will be a great blessing.
"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:3-8 ESV
God completes what He begins in us based on the work Christ has done. He watered us at our salvation and conversion and He will water us again and again until the last season of our life because of what Christ has done.
Perhaps you think that your fruitful days are behind you. If you have life and a risen Savior you can be fruitful again and again if you continue to sow because God sends the April rains to water what we sow by faith.
"Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him." - Psalm 126:4-6 ESV
--
There were to be two rainy seasons in Israel and these two season have different Hebrew words associated with them. Yowreh (Strong's H3138) is the early rain and malqowsh (H4456) is the latter rain. God designed the topography and climate of Israel. It is a unique place in the world and God uses even the climate to speak to us.
Notice that the rains of Israel were linked to the obedience of Israel. The early rain was good for getting crops going and the later rain provided a final watering for things like fruits, grapes and olives. So the wine and oil relied heavily on this later rain.
The two rains speak of two distinct provisions for the completion of a project. One rain gives the resources needed to start the project and the later rain (or Spring rain) provides the things needed to complete the project with a last final push of effort.
"Therefore the showers have been withheld, and the spring rain has not come; yet you have the forehead of a whore; you refuse to be ashamed." - Jeremiah 3:3 ESV
Israel was disobedient and began to lack this finished energy. They started well going into the promised land but could not take the land that God had given them. Many projects went like that for them. They had energy to start but not to finish. Sound familiar?
"But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come." - Mark 4:29 ESV
"So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped." - Revelation 14:16 ESV
It is easy to see the parallels between Pentecost and the early rain. Unlike Israel the Messiah was obedient and we rest in His obedience. A latter rain is coming for the Church before the great harvest of souls in the last days of this age. It won't be just like Pentecost. Pentecost was needed to start the Church. This later rain will be used to hasten the ripening of the grapes and olives. The term 'Corporate Pentecost' is used to describe the church at the time of this great revival.
This later rain will provide a great harvest of souls but it will also water the 'grapes of wrath' that will be crushed in the tribulation period. Those who refused to respond to grace will experience the anger God has for the angelic host that rebelled again Him. There is a point where the lines are drawn and sides have been chosen. Those foolish enough to align themselves with deception instead of truth will experience the opposite of comfort and security. To say it won't be fun is an extreme understatement.
On a personal level we can expect a later rain in our lives also. For those who have believed it will be a great blessing.
"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:3-8 ESV
God completes what He begins in us based on the work Christ has done. He watered us at our salvation and conversion and He will water us again and again until the last season of our life because of what Christ has done.
Perhaps you think that your fruitful days are behind you. If you have life and a risen Savior you can be fruitful again and again if you continue to sow because God sends the April rains to water what we sow by faith.
"Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him." - Psalm 126:4-6 ESV
--
Friday, June 12, 2015
Heat, Location And Hydration
"Thus says the LORD: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.' " - Jeremiah 17:5-10 ESV
I doubt any of us understand our true motivations. We don't have much control over our heart. We have more control over what we think and trust in.
Trusting in God gives us a root system. Then God gives us a fruit system. He searches the heart and mind of those that trust in man and He searches those that trust in Him.
We sometimes feel the heat. If we are new to trusting God then it will take time for the root system to form but it will. Once it forms we have a resource. A tree that is watered will produce fruit in season.
As it gets hot outside we see clearly that location is key to who is going to feel the heat. God likens our trust focus to our location and access to water.
'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength.'
'Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.'
This blessing principle reminds me of this verse because it has two parts.
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." - Hebrews 11:6 ESV
We have trust 'in' the Lord and our trust 'is' the Lord.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God," - Ephesians 2:8 ESV
We trust and God does all the work by and in grace.
If we know God then there was a moment when we started trusting Him. It was no longer someone else's faith. It was our faith. That trust is the same trust we can have today. We trusted Him to save us knowing we couldn't save ourselves. Now we trust Him and He plants us where we couldn't plant ourselves.
I trust You God. You are trustworthy. It might get hot today. If not today then tomorrow... I don't want to be wandering in the wasteland of human expectation. Put me by the river. Make me fruitful. Thank You God.
--
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.' " - Jeremiah 17:5-10 ESV
I doubt any of us understand our true motivations. We don't have much control over our heart. We have more control over what we think and trust in.
Trusting in God gives us a root system. Then God gives us a fruit system. He searches the heart and mind of those that trust in man and He searches those that trust in Him.
We sometimes feel the heat. If we are new to trusting God then it will take time for the root system to form but it will. Once it forms we have a resource. A tree that is watered will produce fruit in season.
As it gets hot outside we see clearly that location is key to who is going to feel the heat. God likens our trust focus to our location and access to water.
'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength.'
'Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.'
This blessing principle reminds me of this verse because it has two parts.
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." - Hebrews 11:6 ESV
We have trust 'in' the Lord and our trust 'is' the Lord.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God," - Ephesians 2:8 ESV
We trust and God does all the work by and in grace.
If we know God then there was a moment when we started trusting Him. It was no longer someone else's faith. It was our faith. That trust is the same trust we can have today. We trusted Him to save us knowing we couldn't save ourselves. Now we trust Him and He plants us where we couldn't plant ourselves.
I trust You God. You are trustworthy. It might get hot today. If not today then tomorrow... I don't want to be wandering in the wasteland of human expectation. Put me by the river. Make me fruitful. Thank You God.
--
Friday, April 24, 2015
Every Temptation
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." - James 1:12-15 ESV
"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV
I was thinking about the 'many temptations' we face yesterday. Jesus, the sinless one, has faced them all also. That means temptations are not unique to people. The addict does not have a unique temptation nor does the perverted person or anyone else. They may be amplified... but not unique.
"For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." - 1 John 2:16-17 ESV
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." - Ephesians 6:10-13 ESV
This is very releasing for me.
Jesus conquered, past tense, all temptation. His first century temptations are not different than my present day ones. They may wear different costumes but they are the same.
At the throne of grace we experience a victory that has already been won over every variety of temptation. Grace and mercy are our answer. Yes... this morning also. They are the answer for the thing(s) you and I face today. We just need wisdom so that we can live in application of that remedy.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." - James 1:5 ESV
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"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV
I was thinking about the 'many temptations' we face yesterday. Jesus, the sinless one, has faced them all also. That means temptations are not unique to people. The addict does not have a unique temptation nor does the perverted person or anyone else. They may be amplified... but not unique.
"For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." - 1 John 2:16-17 ESV
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." - Ephesians 6:10-13 ESV
This is very releasing for me.
Jesus conquered, past tense, all temptation. His first century temptations are not different than my present day ones. They may wear different costumes but they are the same.
At the throne of grace we experience a victory that has already been won over every variety of temptation. Grace and mercy are our answer. Yes... this morning also. They are the answer for the thing(s) you and I face today. We just need wisdom so that we can live in application of that remedy.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." - James 1:5 ESV
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Sunday, February 8, 2015
Some Thoughts From The Bible Study / Birthday Party Last Night
"He left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, 'Give me a drink.' " (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.)" - John 4:3-8 ESV
God gave me this passage on the way to the party last night. A strange passage for such an occasion. But when you think about it birthdays are stops on our trip from here to there.
The Spirit of God gives John, the writer of this book, awareness of the landmarks in that area. Those details are given to us. We are not the first to go from here to there.
On the way God gives us redemptive appointments. The disciples left to get provisions but Jesus was confident that God would supply the 'meat and drink' and that is where He meets the woman at the well.
That birthday party was my well last night. There was nourishment there. I didn't have the equipment to get the water out myself. I brought the little that I had and so did everyone else and God multiplied the provision.
We didn't leave thirsty or hungry. Jacob's well is my well. It hasn't run dry nor will it ever run dry.
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God gave me this passage on the way to the party last night. A strange passage for such an occasion. But when you think about it birthdays are stops on our trip from here to there.
The Spirit of God gives John, the writer of this book, awareness of the landmarks in that area. Those details are given to us. We are not the first to go from here to there.
On the way God gives us redemptive appointments. The disciples left to get provisions but Jesus was confident that God would supply the 'meat and drink' and that is where He meets the woman at the well.
That birthday party was my well last night. There was nourishment there. I didn't have the equipment to get the water out myself. I brought the little that I had and so did everyone else and God multiplied the provision.
We didn't leave thirsty or hungry. Jacob's well is my well. It hasn't run dry nor will it ever run dry.
---
Friday, January 2, 2015
Receiving The Position And The Provision
We don't have anything to give unless we first receive. Some things we receive once like a name or a title of some kind and other things we receive over and over again like food or money.
A job is a perfect example. On the interview you walk in as one category of person but if you are hired you suddenly become another. Suddenly you belong. You have received a position and will start receiving a pay check.
"He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" - Romans 8:32 ESV
"For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." - John 1:16 ESV
God only gives to us based on grace. Instead of us going on the interview... Jesus did. Instead of us getting evaluated by our performance... Jesus Is. We can receive because of what Jesus did and who Jesus is. Jesus' position and performance are fixed. He Is sitting at the right hand of the Father in a position of rest and acceptance.
"By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world." - 1 John 4:17 ESV
Can we fathom the implications of this! It is such good news. No Heavenly interviews... no evaluations in this life... no conditions... no probation... no lasting failures that hinder progress... We walk right past the front desk as if we belong and go boldly into the throne of Grace for help.
The only way we can be cut off from our provision is if we stop receiving it. Our position remains ours even if we disqualify ourselves and our provision remains available and waiting for us to start receiving it again. Once we start receiving we build momentum. That momentum can be lost and might take time to be regained but even that is not our work. God might just use our failure to propel us forward at an alarming rate.
"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." - Ephesians 1:6 KJV
God has given us acceptance. We don't need to get it again and again.
"Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word," - Ephesians 5:25b-26 ESV
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2 ESV
We do need daily mind renewal. We are washed but our feet get dirty and need to be washed often in order to stay clean. God does that work for us. In humility we receive even that.
I don't want to go into this year forgetting what has happened to me because of what Jesus has done on my behalf and yours I don't want to leave my daily provision on the counter at home.
"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:10a ESV
The Apostle Paul refused to stop receiving what was freely given from God. We can do that also.
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A job is a perfect example. On the interview you walk in as one category of person but if you are hired you suddenly become another. Suddenly you belong. You have received a position and will start receiving a pay check.
"He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" - Romans 8:32 ESV
"For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." - John 1:16 ESV
God only gives to us based on grace. Instead of us going on the interview... Jesus did. Instead of us getting evaluated by our performance... Jesus Is. We can receive because of what Jesus did and who Jesus is. Jesus' position and performance are fixed. He Is sitting at the right hand of the Father in a position of rest and acceptance.
"By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world." - 1 John 4:17 ESV
Can we fathom the implications of this! It is such good news. No Heavenly interviews... no evaluations in this life... no conditions... no probation... no lasting failures that hinder progress... We walk right past the front desk as if we belong and go boldly into the throne of Grace for help.
The only way we can be cut off from our provision is if we stop receiving it. Our position remains ours even if we disqualify ourselves and our provision remains available and waiting for us to start receiving it again. Once we start receiving we build momentum. That momentum can be lost and might take time to be regained but even that is not our work. God might just use our failure to propel us forward at an alarming rate.
"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." - Ephesians 1:6 KJV
God has given us acceptance. We don't need to get it again and again.
"Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word," - Ephesians 5:25b-26 ESV
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2 ESV
We do need daily mind renewal. We are washed but our feet get dirty and need to be washed often in order to stay clean. God does that work for us. In humility we receive even that.
I don't want to go into this year forgetting what has happened to me because of what Jesus has done on my behalf and yours I don't want to leave my daily provision on the counter at home.
"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:10a ESV
The Apostle Paul refused to stop receiving what was freely given from God. We can do that also.
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Wednesday, December 3, 2014
The Perfect Provision
God has a perfect provision for every person. He does what no one else can do. In the midst of darkness He says, 'Let there be light' and there is light.
These verses speak of an operation that God did in the history of a nation that He wants to do in each human heart.
"The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy, and have extorted from the sojourner without justice. And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none." - Ezekiel 22:29-30 ESV
"But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you." - 1 Samuel 13:14 ESV
"And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, 'I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.' Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised." - Acts 13:22-23 ESV
The heart that is like Adam must be replaced with a heart like Jesus. God has to do it. Only He can reach deep inside and change the engine of a person while the vehicle is still running.
"So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." - 1 John 4:16-18 ESV
Love is perfected, or brought to it's completion, when it is expressed through a certain kind of heart. That heart knows it belongs to God. That heart is salt and light in the world. A person with that kind of heart creates a supernatural hedge when they stand in the gap. God sees what is happening in the world and is looking for people who will stand in the right place with a particular brand of heart attitude.
Some are willing but not able and others are able but not willing. But, There is also a third category of people.
"Thus it is written, 'The first man Adam became a living being'; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit." - 1 Corinthians 15:45 ESV
The perfect provision for us is Jesus and the perfect provision for the situation is Christ in us. The perfect provision for a community is a group of people united in faith that have Christ in their midst. The perfect provision is perfected love.
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These verses speak of an operation that God did in the history of a nation that He wants to do in each human heart.
"The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy, and have extorted from the sojourner without justice. And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none." - Ezekiel 22:29-30 ESV
"But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you." - 1 Samuel 13:14 ESV
"And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, 'I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.' Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised." - Acts 13:22-23 ESV
The heart that is like Adam must be replaced with a heart like Jesus. God has to do it. Only He can reach deep inside and change the engine of a person while the vehicle is still running.
"So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." - 1 John 4:16-18 ESV
Love is perfected, or brought to it's completion, when it is expressed through a certain kind of heart. That heart knows it belongs to God. That heart is salt and light in the world. A person with that kind of heart creates a supernatural hedge when they stand in the gap. God sees what is happening in the world and is looking for people who will stand in the right place with a particular brand of heart attitude.
Some are willing but not able and others are able but not willing. But, There is also a third category of people.
"Thus it is written, 'The first man Adam became a living being'; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit." - 1 Corinthians 15:45 ESV
The perfect provision for us is Jesus and the perfect provision for the situation is Christ in us. The perfect provision for a community is a group of people united in faith that have Christ in their midst. The perfect provision is perfected love.
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Friday, October 10, 2014
Receive Mercy And Find Grace
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:16 ESV
To receive mercy and find grace we go to God's throne. Wow.
We receive mercy. We find grace. One thing is taken with our hands and the other with our hearts and minds.
Maybe today isn't the time of need. Perhaps it is later. We go now and then we can find the place later.
In one way I realize my need for mercy now. I go needing mercy now and find grace because God is gracious and that grace is new again and again. I find it that way.
But, It is also like a flashlight put in a drawer in case of emergency. It is put there when there is light to see where you put it but you need to find it when it is dark.
Going with confidence makes us confident to go. People may say, 'Pray for me.' and you can say, 'Let's pray now. I was just there at the throne. Let's go back together. I know the way there from here.'
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To receive mercy and find grace we go to God's throne. Wow.
We receive mercy. We find grace. One thing is taken with our hands and the other with our hearts and minds.
Maybe today isn't the time of need. Perhaps it is later. We go now and then we can find the place later.
In one way I realize my need for mercy now. I go needing mercy now and find grace because God is gracious and that grace is new again and again. I find it that way.
But, It is also like a flashlight put in a drawer in case of emergency. It is put there when there is light to see where you put it but you need to find it when it is dark.
Going with confidence makes us confident to go. People may say, 'Pray for me.' and you can say, 'Let's pray now. I was just there at the throne. Let's go back together. I know the way there from here.'
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Thursday, February 13, 2014
Alone And In The Crowd
"And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable... And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet... And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, 'Ephphatha,' that is, 'Be opened.' And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly." - Mark 7:17, 24-25, 33-35 ESV
Just thinking as I am reading Mark 7 about Jesus' public life and His private life.
"In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:" - Luke 6:12-13 ESV
Jesus went aside at times. Those times were interrupted by crisis and even not possible because of circumstances. The scriptures reveal His efforts, or intentions, to be away from the crowds.
He also had a very public life engaging the crowds and taking time for individuals.
Just thinking that it is good to be alone at times and good to be with people. I wouldn't want it to be one or the other all the time and at times I want one but I get the other and in grace I can make the adjustment. God give a provision for both and in both.
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Just thinking as I am reading Mark 7 about Jesus' public life and His private life.
"In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:" - Luke 6:12-13 ESV
Jesus went aside at times. Those times were interrupted by crisis and even not possible because of circumstances. The scriptures reveal His efforts, or intentions, to be away from the crowds.
He also had a very public life engaging the crowds and taking time for individuals.
Just thinking that it is good to be alone at times and good to be with people. I wouldn't want it to be one or the other all the time and at times I want one but I get the other and in grace I can make the adjustment. God give a provision for both and in both.
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Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Five Loaves and Faith
"But Jesus said to them, 'They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.' And they said to Him, 'We have here only five loaves and two fish.' He said, 'Bring them here to Me.' Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children." Matthew 14:16-21 NKJV
"Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope! Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually!" Psalms 119:116-117 ESV
Have you ever cried out this way?
We can look at our ability or our provision and say, 'It is not enough.' We divide the bread in our minds and look at how many people need to be fed and begin to live in unbelief.
Later in Mark 8 when the disciples forgot to bring enough bread Jesus reminds them of the five loaves in Matthew 14. Who forgets bread? We do. Who often lacks ability? That would be us.
Did the disciples eat? Yes. Were they ashamed? No.
I am not condoning irresponsibility... but addition and subtraction fail us often in this life. We need a life of multiplication.
"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:2-8 NKJV
God has given all that we need and He has a way of multiplying things that goes beyond our scope of understanding. Our little mustard seed of faith becomes enough.
If we are going to add to anything... add faith first. Add to the thing that is not a work. It is a mindset and a relationship based on God's ability.
Have you forgotten the bread? So what! Grace and peace be multiplied to you.
"Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope! Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually!" Psalms 119:116-117 ESV
Have you ever cried out this way?
We can look at our ability or our provision and say, 'It is not enough.' We divide the bread in our minds and look at how many people need to be fed and begin to live in unbelief.
Later in Mark 8 when the disciples forgot to bring enough bread Jesus reminds them of the five loaves in Matthew 14. Who forgets bread? We do. Who often lacks ability? That would be us.
Did the disciples eat? Yes. Were they ashamed? No.
I am not condoning irresponsibility... but addition and subtraction fail us often in this life. We need a life of multiplication.
"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:2-8 NKJV
God has given all that we need and He has a way of multiplying things that goes beyond our scope of understanding. Our little mustard seed of faith becomes enough.
If we are going to add to anything... add faith first. Add to the thing that is not a work. It is a mindset and a relationship based on God's ability.
Have you forgotten the bread? So what! Grace and peace be multiplied to you.
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