Prayers for 2017

As some of you know from having been reading my posts for awhile, instead of making New Year's Resolutions, I make a New Year's Prayer List. Some--many--of these I have been praying for a long time and will continue to do so. (He never says, "What, you're talking about that again.) So, here's my list for the New Year:

Thank You for Your so great salvation given so freely. Such grace and mercy!
Thank You for each day that You enable me to serve You.
Thank You for The Acres--a gift late in life perfect for the years I took care of Mom, and perfect for the nature that You instilled in me. It's a wonderful gift that You have given me for each day.
Thank You for the gift of being enabled to teach young people--of all ages--"the wonders of Your grace."
Thank You for a sure hope--eternal life in Your presence, an incorruptible body, freedom from sin, reunion with those I loved here on earth who are already with You, Home.

Please reveal Yourself to those I love in "the many forms of love You bear" as the Triune God of every moment for all of time and eternity. May they find no place to hide from Your love in all its forms.
Please help every student in my classes to know that they are safe spiritually, academically, emotionally, physically--may they daily sense Your presence in my room. Help me to be "Christ in the room."
Please help me to be sensitive to the sin the Spirit points out in my life and to respond with daily prayers of confession.
Please help me to remember to pray by name for each of the students in my classes each and every week.
Please give my Gardening Angels full approval to make this year at The Acres the most beautiful yet. (Forgive my selfishness.)
Please allow me to impress on my students that whatever You call them to do that it is a sacred calling.
Please be The God of All Comfort to the broken and hurting. As You will, use me.
Please give me a heart that in all circumstances responds first of all with thanksgiving. May a heart of gratitude fill my spirit. Daily.
Please give Your church a heart for both the spiritual and physical needs of its members and of the world You loved enough to die for. May The Gospel flourish, discipleship be the center of all we do, and
give us a heart for the poor, the widow, and the orphan.
Please make Yourself known to those You have chosen to lead this country. May they find You as their Savior and may they then act on Your behalf as the servants and ministers that all leaders are commanded to be. And remind me to pray for them every day.
Please help me to see the difference between what I think I need and what I really need--those things which You have promised to provide. In "plenty" or in "poverty" may I learn to be content--and thus know the truth that the richest people in the world know--"Godliness with contentment is great gain." Great gain.
May I share Your truths and not my own.

Thank You for being the God who welcomes me into Your throne room with my requests, sweetens Your presence with my prayers, empowers the Spirit to intercede on my behalf, and always responds as the Faithful Father

Thanksgiving

Why is thanksgiving such an essential part of prayer?

It eliminates self-pity.
It makes my I want list a whole lot shorter.
It turns me from self-centered prayers to intercessory prayers.
I talk with Him more than I talk about me.
Grace and mercy go right to the top of my prayer requests.
Joy fills my heart.
His will becomes what's important--not mine.

"Be anxious for nothing, but with prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be make known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses human understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Choice

Choose you this day whom you will serve.

Choose Him--and what do you get?

An enemy--who is already defeated
Aloneness--but you are never alone; always a sense of His presence
Wants that are unmet--but never a need
Sorrow--and the comforting strength of His joy
Burdens--that you can cast at the foot of the throne of grace with expectant prayer
Tribulations--but be of good cheer; He has overcome--and you are an overcomer in Him
An unseen tomorrow--but He will be there
Betrayed love--not worthy to be compared with His eternal, inescapable love
Disappointments and failures--that will be for your everlasting good
Stuff that wears out, breaks down, and one day you have to leave behind--a treasure in Heaven under His care and protection.
Sins--that are forgiven
Questions and doubts--and all the wisdom of Christ, revealed to you by the Spirit of God through prayer and the Word of God--the very thoughts of God.
Vocation--a life filled with meaning and purpose and His glory.
Death--that is the beginning of everlasting life in His presence

Choose Him and all these things will be yours--by His promise.

Don't choose Him--and all of the first column will be yours--none of the second.

Choose you this day whom you will serve.

As for me, I will choose . . .

Majesty

He is the God of beauty. He first made man a garden. His beautiful creations still bloom and fly and roam throughout the world--even where no one can see them but Him. And in places where we can see them too.
He is the God of patience. Every day is testimony to His desire to bring men into His Kingdom--His eternal family.
He is the God of caring--He--God Himself--weeps with those who weep. And one day He will wipe all the tears away.
He is the God of memory. Remember what I did for you--how deeply I loved you--the first time I came. And remember until I come again to take you unto Myself. So that where I am, you may be also. Forever..
He is God of children. Let the little ones come to me. Woe to the man who does anything to harm a child. The faces of their angels are before His face.
He is the God of love. Righteous, just, loyal, compassionate, faithful love--a love from which you can never be separated by anything or anyone.
He is the God who serves. He brings you comfort, meets all your needs, has prepared a room for you in His Home, listens to your every prayer, empowers you to do His will--and amazingly, will one day tell you "Thank you" for your Spirit-empowered service.
He is the God of joy. Heaven constantly rings with the joy of His angels celebrating another lost one found. They had a celebration one day for you, you know.
He is the God of time. He is your Shepherd. He leads--He goes before you to bring you to the still waters, to keep you on the path of righteousness, to restore your soul after times of weariness. And His goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life. Your today, your tomorrow, and your yesterdays are in His loving hands.
He is the God of Christmas. A silent night--except for the songs of angels. A silent night--except for the joy of Shepherds, a silent night--except for the cries of discovery in the magi's halls. A silent night--as a young mother and her husband held in their arms--in wonder and humility--their baby; the King who was born in deepest poverty, yet bringing with Him the riches of His grace..

O God, our God, how marvelous is Your name in all the world.

Reflections on The Sermon on the Mount

A few things I was reminded of and taught as I spent my morning iced in--and reading and meditating on The Sermon on the Mount:

Just in case you need reminders too:

I can keep the law and still be unrighteous. See Pharisee in the dictionary.

I need to try to give in such a way that only God knows.

The goal of spiritual growth is God-likeness.

The teacher's greatest responsibility is to live what he teaches.

When I am in conflict with others the first question I should ask is "What part of this is my fault?"

There is only one difference between the wise man and the foolish man. The wise man lived a life of obedience. Foolish man didn't.

The greatest tragedy in the life of the foolish man is that the people he cares about are in the house when the storm brings it crashing down.

Day by day we are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Let's face it--not one of us has the slightest idea what tomorrow will bring. Today is "the rest of my life." So--seek first the kingdom of God today.

Legalism can never transform a life. In fact, it is an impediment to spiritual transformation because it leads to three things: 1) spiritual satisfaction--pride; 2) spiritual frustration at trying to live up to the rules to gain God's favor (though it's usually man's favor that's the issue--we call that "manipulation"; 3) man's ideas supplanting God's truth.

Perhaps men have trouble seeing that the God of the Old Testament is the God of the New Testament because He has not yet returned to judge the nations in righteousness and in truth. He will--when "the wickedness of the Amorites is full." Now, as He always has, He patiently shows grace and mercy in hopes that men will seek Him. One day His patience will end. And the Judge of the world will be Jesus Christ the Lamb of God--the rejected Savior of the world. Until then, He extends His gracious love to all who will call upon His name to be saved.

Integrity--your word being trustworthy--a yes, a yes; a no, a no.

Times of praying alone are essential.

The Sword of the Spirit

The Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit. Obviously, then, immersion in the Word is essential to a Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered walk. When I am struggling with a sense of His presence, there is usually the rust of disuse on my Sword--if I've even been taking it out of its scabbard at all. And such spiritual apathy is just as much a malady of the old saint as the young. We old soldiers, at times, seem to think we've heard it all, we know it all by now. Oh, maybe we don't say that, or perhaps even think it, but if the Sword spends the day untouched, it's true of us nonetheless. Actions do speak. Loudly. "Be in the Word," is our Captain's command, not suggestion--a command designed to enable us to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
After all, like it or not, each day--moment-by-moment--we are engaged in spiritual warfare. There are no days off. And how effective is a soldier without his sword? How safe is a soldier without his sword? We need that Sword for it's a vital part of the whole armor of God. And since the warfare is moment-by-moment, so much the soldier--moment-by-moment--be armored up--Sword sharpened and ready. We are promised--are we not--that to resist the enemy is to send him fleeing? Greater is the Spirit's power than the enemy's. And he knows it.
And don't forget whose Sword it is. The Spirit's Sword, not yours. Wield it, speak it, in His power. Through prayer plead with Him to use His Word to His glory and in His time. And then trust Him to do so. He doesn't need your wisdom or persuasive power to do so; in fact, Paul warned the church at Corinth to be absolutely certain that men were being persuaded by the Spirit and not by the wisdom of men. What a subtle danger we put others in when they follow men instead of Him. When we try to persuade them to follow us instead of Him--to respond to our call and not His. Devastating.
And remember, people are not the enemy. Our "weapons" when "dealing" with men are love, compassion, caring, gentleness, kindness, patience. Spiritual weapons bring down strongholds, not human, carnal ones. And what are carnal weapons? Those wielded in spiritual pride. Use the Sword with grace and love--even speaking the truth in love. If you cannot speak in love, you dare not speak.
And one more thing. Another dynamic power of the Spirit's Sword is the cleansing, the purging away, of the pretense in my life--the self-sufficiency with which I try to walk the spiritual walk. The Spirit's Sword cuts away all those things that hinder my total reliance on His strength, His wisdom, and His power. It is a pride destroyer. The man or woman who daily wields the Sword can always be found on his or her knees pleading before the Throne of God for the grace and mercy--yes, we are in need of mercy--necessary to soldier on. "I can't be like You. There is too much of me in my life. Please cut away the self-absorption that keeps me powerless to touch the lives of others with Your presence."

The Sword of the Spirit--essential for resisting the enemy day-by day. Essential if I am to be armored up.

The Sword of the Spirit--essential for touching the lives of others with His loving truth.

The Sword of the Spirit--essential for the daily cleansing, the purging of my spiritual pride--so that He can live His life through me.

Using it does not wear it out. Using it hones it for spirit-empowered living

December Reflections

Love is a choice--"I will love you, no matter what." If there is no commitment to "no matter what" there is no love. Yes, that's why God calls love "labor." Hard work. And don't forget that it's "hard work" to love you.

__________

 Effective ministry rests on the foundation of humility.
__________

 Any nation that ignores the needs of the poor--at home and abroad--is an unrighteous, ungodly, nation.
__________

 The Beauty of Jesus? A life of grace and truth. Not a "balance" of the two. Full of grace and truth.
__________

 Meditation in the Word day and night is essential for God's blessing.

Reformation

A culture that is absolutely sure that there are no absolutes has little--if any--chance for reformation. They have no way of even agreeing among themselves as to what the problems are--let alone finding solutions. Divisiveness and animosity and the fear engendered toward "them" as opposed to "us" becomes endemic. And the symptoms have no cure because the culture refuses to acknowledge the disease--a refusal to submit to the authority of the Creator God of the Bible. In such a culture, what must a poor, misguided believer in absolutes do?
Obey. Submit to God's absolute authority over your decisions and your lifestyle. Be light. Be salt. That is the way to demonstrate that His commandments are not a burden--not grievious. In fact, they are freeing, liberating, joy-engendering. They are the pathway to blessing even in the worst of times. We must show them that God's love is a caring love. We must show them that God's faithfulness is an "in-the-midst" faithfulness. He is always there--always here--with us step by step. We obey Him because we love Him. We love Him because He first loved us. We love and obey Him so that He can transform us into His image--so that we can demonstrate His loyal, seeking love to everyone He brings into our lives. We lift Him up that He might draw you to Himself.
And focus. Not on the symptoms. Let them see Jesus in our walk. Let them experience His love every time that we interact with them. In our attitude toward sin, let us be the proof that God so loved the sinful world. That was--was it not--His response? "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life." I know, we can't save the culture. But we can introduce every one we meet to the Savior. First, through our loving obedience to Him and then through our words--through His words of beseeching love. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Faith comes by hearing.

The spirit of Christmas: I will in His place love you sacrificially on His behalf. I will love you enough to do all that I can to meet your needs in every way I can within the bounds of His absolute truth--truth immersed in the love of the cross. I will love in such a way that you might know that His love is a compassionate love--active not passive. He didn't die to condemn the world but to save it--not willing that any should perish. He not only can save you; it is His heart's desire.

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--the worst of them; even me. And that is the absolute truth.

The Savior

The Savior has been born.

There is no other name given among men whereby you must be saved.

There is one mediator between God and man--the man Christ Jesus.

I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.

No other name.
One mediator.
The way, the truth, the life.

Jesus, Lover of my soul . . .
Other refuge have I none . . .
Thou, O Christ, are all I want . . .
Plenteous grace with Thee is found . . .

Decisions, Decisions

To make decisions from a spirit of enmity and hatred is to end up with decisions diametrically opposed to the will of the God Who is love--the God Who loved the world.

To make decisions focused on increasing your stuff is to end up with decisions that will feed your insatiable appetite for the worthless and temporary.

To make decisions out of a perceived need for self-justification is to make decisions that will in their turn need justification. (Not to mention the fact that when I do that I'm invariably in denial about what I know to be true about myself.)

To make decisions in the hope that politicians will solve society's problems is to end up disappointed and often living in fear. Disappointed when they win and the problems still go on--or get worse. Fearful when they lose. Trusting in man to solve the world's problems? Hopeless.

To make decisions based on the immutable Word of God is to live a life of love, a life of contentment, a life of humility, and a life of hope. "Some praise chariots, and some horses; but we are strong in the name of the Lord, our God."

Guarantees

The surest way to guarantee a joyless, unhappy day--a day saturated with feelings of discontentment--is to live as if you are the most important person in your life.

Guaranteed.

Know

You are not alone in the storm.

And the winds and the waves obey His voice.

Peace.

Be still.

And know.

That He is.

God--Your God.

The CD

This is the CD I hope to own one day:

1. The Morning Stars singing together at the creation of the world. What were they singing? Genesis One, of course. "And God saw that it was good."
2. Jesus and the disciples singing as they left The Upper Room and then walked to the Garden of Gethsemane.
3. Habakkuk on his stringed instruments singing his marvelous testimony "Yet, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation"
4. David singing the Twenty-third Psalm at night, under the stars, to still the fears of the sheep.
5. The Jewish multitude singing together the Psalms of Ascent as they marched up to Jerusalem for the Feast.
6. Moses and the impromptu choir singing on the other side of the Red Sea. Think their voices might have been full of awe and joy? So much joy that it reached Miriam's feet.
7. Paul and Silas--the duet. I wonder which one was the tenor? Or maybe they both just sang the melody. Brought down the "house."
8. The angels on Christmas morning--"Glory to God in the highest!" Indeed!
9. Mary singing to her Son--the baby who was the Creator and the Savior. You don't really believe she didn't sing to Him, do you? Might that be Joseph we hear humming in the background?
10. The original Oratorio of the Messiah.being sung this very moment in the throne room of our God. I hope to, sooner rather than later, join that choir. "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.to receive honor, and dominion, and glory, and power forever and ever. Amen!"

Yes, you can borrow it.

The Philippian Jailer

I love the story of the Philippian jailer. God used an earthquake and a duet to bring him--and his family--to Christ. Lessons for us? Feel as if life has you in stocks and chains locked in a cold jail? Try singing praises. Much more dynamic than complaining. A Philippian jailer may be watching and listening. Burdened for someone you know to come to Christ? Don't be afraid to pray an earthquake prayer--or sing it.

70

I am thankful that at the age of seventy my God is The Ancient of Days enthroned in Heaven.
__________

 I am thankful that at the age of seventy I only have to live my life one day at a time. Wow. How many days has it been?
__________

I am thankful that at the age of seventy that resting in Him brings the Spirit's empowering, transformation into His likeness, answered prayer, His joy, a deep sense of His love, a heart for obedience, the incomprehensible ability to glorify Him, a deeper love for His other children, and the grace to respond to the animosity of the world as He did--with no desire for self-defense, with sacrificial love, and with intercessory prayer. And all those gifts at the same time.
__________

I am thankful that at the age of seventy for all those who have invested their life in my growth and walk. Yep, including the Class of 2017.
__________

I am thankful that at the age of seventy God continues to confirm the truth that age makes no difference to the eternal God. He can use anyone. I wonder what Methuselah was up to at age 969--serving His Creator, I'm sure.
__________

 I am thankful that at the age of seventy I am closer Home than I've ever been before.
__________

 I am thankful that at the age of seventy, as my life becomes more and more a life of memories, that so many of those memories are monuments to His faithfulness.
__________

 I am thankful that at the age of seventy God is still pruning away all those things that hinder my ability to bear fruit--to be able to touch lives with a sense of His presence.
__________

 I am thankful that at the age of seventy God daily supplies the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual strength that I need to still teach teenagers. And if they only learn one thing from this chubby old bald guy, I hope it's that no matter what life brings your way, it is worth it all to trust and obey.

A Heart of Gratitude

A heart of gratitude begins at the foot of the cross. It is there that one finds complete forgiveness. Once for all and daily. It is at the cross that one finds hope. The dying Savior resurrected is coming again as the King of Kings. It is at the cross that one finds faith. If His faithful obedience in the face of the most hateful, treacherous, arrogant betrayal in human history produced eternal life for all who embrace such sacrificial love, surely my faithful obedience in all things can also be used to glorify the Father--the world's Greatest Lover. Surely. It is at the cross that one finds love. "We love because He first loved us." "Be kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another; even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you." It is at the cross that one understands that "Thank You" is so much more than words. "Thank You"--from a true heart of gratitude--fosters a deep desire to live a life just like His--to once for all deny my right to myself, to daily take up my cross, to continually follow Him in loving obedience. Thankfulness is discipleship.

Thankful

I am thankful that cold, snowy, windy November days are still resplendent with beauty.
 __________

 I am thankful that God's silence is so eloquent.
__________

 I am thankful that God doesn't always give me what I want.
__________

 I am thankful that wherever I "wake up" tomorrow, He'll be there.
__________

 I am thankful that my failures have been used to increase my usefulness in His kingdom.
__________

 I am thankful that my tomorrows have passed the test of His love for me.
__________

I am thankful that God gives us gifts so contrary to our nature that we can only give the glory to Him.
__________

 I am thankful that God uses men to help meet our needs even though He doesn't have to.
__________

 I am thankful that even though I can no longer blame my actions on my youth, He still willingly forgives.

A Command

A command: "stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assemblies together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more, as you see the day drawing near"

Need to feel loved--and desire to show love to others? Need to be reminded of the good deeds that you can do in order to glorify your Father in Heaven? Need encouragement? Desire to be ready--to be in love with the promise of His return? Only one way for that to happen--spend time with those who have the same desires.

The easiest "habit" to break is going.

The most difficult "habit" to embrace is going.

But "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."

He will be working in the midst of His people tomorrow. Where will you be? Will you be participating in His work of love, good deeds and encouragement?

Micah

One of my favorite Old Testament prophets is Micah.

He tells us: "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity."

"And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God."

"Yes, Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea"

"Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity? . . . He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in unchanging love."

Tremendous truths! Yet, the thing that stirs me the most about Micah is when he tells us that he looked all throughout Judah and couldn't find one faithful follower of God. Not in the leadership. Not among the people. Not even among his family and in-laws. What was his response? If I can't find one, then I must be the one. "I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation."

Savior, give me the courage if such a time comes to be the one.

These Things

These things are still true:

"The wonder of it all"--God loves you.
Your current trials are not even worthy to be compared with the inheritance that you have in Christ Jesus.
Your inheritance is assured by His faithfulness and promise--not yours.
In God's eyes all the power of all the nations in the world combined is as impressive as a very small drop in a very large bucket.
History is still His story.
His plans have not "skipped a beat"--not even one.
Your loved ones--they are waiting for you.
This moment--right now--He is in pursuit of the one gone astray.
You have access to the throne of grace at anytime on any day--the "door" is never closed.
He is coming again--"in power and great glory."

These things are always true.

First

"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiel life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the recognition of the truth."

"First of all"--a priority
"urge"--a plea from the Spirit--an "urgent" plea for right now
prayers of every kind for "ALL men"
prayers of every kind for "ALL in authority"
live a life characterized by tranquility, quietness, godliness, and dignity
That's the life that God responds to with "Well done, good and faithful servant."
That's the life that validates the beauty and loveliness of the truth
That's the life that draws men to Christ the Savior

We must live life on our knees not on our "high horse."

We must--WE--it's not about "them." What "they" do is irrelevant to my call to obedience. "First of all, then, I urge" you.

Misery

When I find myself discontent with my lot in life, angry and disappointed with God--you know, miserable, the reason is always the same. Arrogantly, I am refusing to accept that my lot in life is His will for my life. It's amazing how things change--how I change--when I embrace my circumstances as His will. How do I do that? Use His strength--enough is promised for each day--to do what He has called me to do to the best of my ability. And love with all my heart all those He has placed in my circumstances with me. Why do I so often forget that God's will is not to glorify me--that I am not the center of His plans. He has instead placed me in the center of His plans for my life that I might glorify Him in all things.

Lessons

Lessons from The Acres:

When as I walk The Acres after an early March snowfall, and encounter the purple, yellow, lilac, and gold of the first spring crocus, I am reminded that hidden under all the cold spells of life, God's beauty is waiting for just the right moment to cheer the soul.

As I sit on the patio among the containers of perennials, I am reminded of the joy of memories--Mom, in her floppy pink hat, delighted with the country breeze, the beauty all around her, sitting in the same chair, enriched--and thankful--for every moment of life her Father gave her. I am a rich man--a millionaire of memories.

Often, coming home late at night, as I slip out of the little red wagon, I find myself under a ceiling of stars on a pitch-black canvas. The God who created such a universe is the omnipotent God of promises. He who has named them all, calls me by name--as His child, forever. He is my Father who is in heaven.

When I see the sparrows feasting on this morning's bird food, and when I walk among the lilies, lovely as they are, I rest in the truth that He loves me so much more than these. "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." And He lives within this old clay pot that the loveliness of His presence might be seen in me. In me! Amazing love.

From spring to first frost, I walk The Acres in the bright sunshine of the meadow, in the dense lushness of the wild area, in the dappled shade around the pond and under The Ancient maple, in the deep shade of the line of trees, in the dryness of the hillside, in the miry bog, and everywhere I encounter His beauty. There is nowhere I can walk, nowhere, and not find evidence that His hand has been--and is--at work there. Everywhere I walk . . .He is.

As I sit in the chair in front of the doorwindow and watch the snows of winter cover the bareness of the branches with the flakes of pearl, I remember that in the winters of my life, He has always made His presence known--and He has given me the pearl of great price that no storm of winter can ever take away. And as I have said before, every winter has been followed by a spring. "He restores my soul."

And as I walk The Acres and am suddenly surprised by a flower that I was not expecting--the work of my Gardening Angels--I cannot help but smile, whisper another "Thank You," and anticipate with great joy, the surprises of His love that await me just around the corner.

I suppose, it's actually not the lessons of The Acres, but the lesson of The Acres. "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Thank You, Savior--that day-by-day-by day, You speak into our lives and remind us of Your presence--the presence of Your loyal love.

Verse 14

Verse 14
"Those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."

God can be worshiped anywhere at anytime.

God should be worshiped everywhere, all the time.

My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Every choice I make, every word I speak, every place I go, every interaction I have with other people--they should all be an act of worship of my Father.

To all to the glory of God.

Is my all on the altar of sacrifice laid?

Verse 13

Verse 13
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide a way to escape, that you may be able to endure it."

How often do I grumble, murmur, even cast aspersions on God's character because of the disappointments and tragedies that have come into my life? And is not, perhaps, the greatest temptation to doubt the goodness of God? I have never faced anything that others have not faced. There are many who have faced far worse than I have faced. Far, far worse. And yet, I act as if God is being unfaithful to me. I act as if I am more important than other people--as if, dare I say it--I am more important than God. And He does not send me anything I do not have the ability to endure--to use for His glory. Self-pity is self-worship. I remain mired in my spiritual malaise because I think too highly of myself. I deny by my attitude that I actually do desire to be transformed into His image. I will never experience the joy and love and fruitfulness He longs to give me while I refuse to submit to the truth that all things in my life come from His faithful love. Escape the misery. Trust His love. Confess your idolatry. Stand at the foot of the cross. No one cares for you like Jesus. No one.

Verse 12

Verse 12

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God. who loved me and delivered Himself up for me."

There is only one way to have abundant life.

'I die daily."

Nothing

Nothing will happen in the next ten days that will in any way impede--let alone thwart--God's plans. Fear not. Sleep well. Give thanks. He's not worried.

Impressions

God is never impressed with credentials or pedigree or even results. He heart's desire is for His children to be obediently faithful regardless of the circumstances--good or bad.

A Morning Prayer

A morning prayer:

May my strength for this day be Your all sufficient grace
May any wisdom I might share surprise even me so I remember who it is that is speaking through me
May I touch one life with Your presence
May I sense the sorrow in the hearts of those around me and somehow be Your comforter
May the beauty of Jesus be seen in me

Verse Eleven

Verse Eleven:

All things work together for the good of those who love God; for those who are the called according to His purpose.

All things work together for my good. In the midst of the "all things," He takes away my strength and inept spiritual self-confidence and replaces it with His amazing, victorious grace. My weakness makes me totally dependent on the Spirit within me--which is the only possible way to bear fruit--to be transformed into His likeness.

All things work together for the good of His people. In the midst of the "all things," His people united in intercessory prayer for my needs, sharing His comfort and encouragement with deeds of sacrificial love, radiate the love of Christ to all who are watching. He lives before their eyes.

All things work together to glorify Him. In the midst of "the all things," my weakness reveals to the world the reality of His grace, the power of His faithfulness, the nearness of His presence. In the midst of the "all things," the church's united love for the hurting members of His body reveals to the world--and confirms--the Father's love--"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

All things.

For good.

Verse Ten

Verse Ten:
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Nothing in life can defeat you because nothing in life can defeat His love. Through your failures, He will transform you into a conqueror--more than a conqueror. Death is not separation from His love--you will conquer death. No circumstances in this life can separate you from His love. You will conquer the circumstances. No supernatural power can take you out of His loving embrace--not the mightiest angel. Your present--today; and not even whatever your future may hold can separate you from His victorious love. If you could go to the ends of the universe, there He would lavish you with His unconquerable love. He who created all things promises that nothing He created--in the visible world or the invisible one--can separate you from His love--not even you.

No secure is no one ever than the loved ones of the Savior.

Rest in His love--celebrate the victory that is yours through Christ Jesus your Lord. Yes. Celebrate. With Praises.

Verse Nine

Verse Nine

"And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory."


Yes.

Verse Eight

Verse Eight:

"Pray without ceasing."

The miracle of prayer is that access to the very throne room of God is always available. There is never a moment when I can not call out to him. I can stand in the hallway at school and at the same moment be standing before the throne. I can be walking The Acres and at the same moment be walking in the throne room of heaven. Wherever I am at any time when the Spirit lays someone on my heart, I can pray for them. When the Spirit convicts me of the need for confession, I can instantly confess. When the Spirit reminds me of His blessings, I can immediately whisper "Thank You." All day every day I have access to my Father. The question is "How often each day do I enter into His presence?" And what will the answer to that question reveal? How deeply I know Him, how sensitive I am to His presence, if I can honestly sing, "What a Friend I have in Jesus."

"Pray without ceasing."

My Struggle

Here are the questions I ask myself at election time:

Having been commanded as a citizen of Heaven to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, am I by my choices being faithful to my Heavenly citizenship or am I letting my earthly citizenship usurp my King's absolute authority over my decisions?

Am I making my decisions based on what I believe will or will not be the outcome of my choices; or am I--as faith demands--making the choice that is in agreement with and supportive of God's view of righteousness and leaving the outcome to His will? Am I choosing as If I believe that "the end justifies the means"--that pragmatism is a Christian, God-honoring virtue?

Do I really believe that there is a difference between choosing a church leader and choosing a political leader? Is the first choice spiritual and the second choice secular? Are any choices that a Christian makes secular? Is God's standard of righteousness irrelevant in considering the second choice?

If I give someone the authority to act on my behalf, am I then accountable to God for what actions they take?

Is there a biblical justification for choosing to support the lesser of two evils?

These are the questions I struggle with as a citizen of Heaven, an ambassador of Christ to a fallen world. I can't answer them for you--I can only prayerfully struggle with them with an open Bible in my lap and times of seeking His wisdom in prayer. But I do believe that Christians need to prayerfully consider these questions.

Do all to the glory of God.

Verse Seven

Verse 7:

"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

I need not act in the dark--just have to open my Bible. And thankfully, I only have to take one step at a time. Hurry is heresy. And the light will never go out.

Verse Six

Verse Six:

"You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God; I am the Lord."

God's commentary: "The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good."

May I have a heart like Joseph's. His response to temptation was always , "How could I do that and sin against the Lord?!." How deeply I need a sense of His presence every moment of every day. May He always see in my choices--even when; especially when--no one is watching--"the good."

Verse Five

Verse Five:

"Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love."

He is the God who deeply desires reconciliation and restoration. He is the God who is eager to draw near to those who draw near to Him. And it is a drawing near of the heart, mind, and spirit--not of distance; though spiritual "distance" from His presence is farther away than the end of the universe.

He is the God of grace and mercy. He lavishes His love on the undeserving and withholds His wrath from the all too deserving.

Slow to anger. Thank You, Father.

Abounding in steadfast love. No one could--would--ever love you like He does. Nothing you can do can quench His love. Even His loving discipline is designed to bring you back into His arms.

And, of course, if I am truly being transformed into His image then I will be gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.

Thank You my God for Who You are.

More like the Master I would ever be.

Verse Four

Verse Four:

He knows the way that I take and when He has tried me, I will come forth as gold.

He knows.

He tries.

He purifies.

May my life be spent in His service and to His glory.

Verse Three

Verse Three:

"I gave my back to those who strike Me, and my cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting."

I can never read this verse without tears.

It was for me.

Verse Two

Verse Two

Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want."

"The"--there is only One. 'thou shalt have no other gods before Me."

"Lord"--the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. Jehovah--the self-existent One--the Lord who speaks to men--"Thus says the Lord." The One who seeks a relationship with men--individual men.

"Is"--every moment of every day of my life, He is my Shepherd. I Live under His care in the eternal present tense.

"My"--not "a"--"my." I am His, and He is mine. A personal God who cares for me.

"Shepherd"--He leads me, He provides for me, He protects me, He restores me, He gives me rest, He calls me by name, He gave His life for me--He is the Shepherd of my soul.

"I shall not want"--all I have He has provided. All I need He will provide

"Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care; in Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare; blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Thou has bought us, Thine we are; blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Thou has bought us, Thine we are."

Verse One

I think for the next couple of weeks, at least, I'm going to share some of my favorite verses and passages. For those of you who have been following me on fb for a while (I think I've been doing this for quite a few years now) it may be somewhat redundant. Some day I hope to find an artist or artists or photographer who can create for me sketches, paintings, photographs to visualize each of these verses. Then, I can throw together a couple notebooks for my sons, once I've gone Home, with the verses and the "visuals." Not so much so that they'll remember me, but so that they'll know the testimony of my life.

I have always found Him faithful.

The first verse is my prayer as a teacher. (Along with the other prayer, of course: that every student who comes to my room will feel safe in every way: academically, physically, spiritually, emotionally.)

Anyway here's the "teachers" verse:

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Lord, may I never raise my voice in order to be heard.

Before and After

In the disciple's life:

After the storm--the rainbow of promise.
After the night--the dawn.
After the ashes of mourning--the dance of joy.
After the drought--the showers of blessing.
After the loss--the all encompassing comfort
After the tears--the laughter
After the waiting--the soaring
After the breaking--the gentle remolding of the Potter's hands
After the winter--the renewal of spring
After the thirst--the bursting forth of the fountain of life
After the flood--the still waters
After the hunger--the filling of the Bread of Life
After the failure--the forgiveness
After the betrayal--the deep sense of His loyal love
After the doubts--the still small voice
After the silence--the song

Thank you Lord for the afters . . .

And thank you Lord for the befores.

Abiding

To have an intimate personal relationship with Him--to moment by moment abide in His presence--two things are necessary:
1. To be immersed in the Word--to be so sensitive to its truths that they daily transform your life.
2. To be totally dependent on the power of the Spirt to do the transforming.

The evidences--manifestations--of such intimacy in our walk with Him are many:
1. Bearing fruit. Each day touching the lives of others with His presence living through you. Love, joy, peace. gentleness, faithfulness, patience, goodness, kindness, self-control.
2. Answered prayer--and the confidence that every answer to any prayer is spectacular.
3. God being glorified through your life--not you, Him.
4. A deep sense of His love for you--seeing it surround you from the first breath you take in the new day He has given you to glorify Him to the last breath when you whisper a prayer of thankfulness for that day--and sleep securely in His arms.
5. The fullness of joy--HIs joy not yours. The joy that strengthens you. The joy that endured the cross.
6. A sacrificial love for others--in word and deed.
7. Obedience in all things.
8. The understanding--acceptance--of the world's hatred for you because you reflect Him--the One they hated first. And a love for them stronger than their hatred. Unquenchable.
9. Bearing more fruit.

If you abide in Me and My word abides in you. . .

"Just a closer walk with Thee. Jesus grant it if You please. Daily walking close to Thee. Let it be dear Lord, let it be." And nothing pleases Him more than to answer that prayer.

September Reminders

Why is it that we always take for granted one of God's most precious gifts--another day?

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Choose the right treasure.
"Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

So you can choose the right Master.
"You cannot serve God and money."

So you can choose not to worry.
"Do not be anxious for your life . . .your heavenly Father knows what you need."

So you can choose the right focus.
"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness"

So you can choose to live victoriously one day at a time.
"Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Consecration is not a once for all choice. It's a daily act--daily choices that are truly God's purpose for your life today--His will.

___________________

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

It would be a sin not to.

___________________

You are His beloved--loved with everlasting love.

_________________

 Busyness is not a catalyst for spiritual growth.

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 The question is not "Will you impact someone's life today?" The question is "How will you impact someone's life today?"

Truly

The truly wise man knows how deeply he lacks wisdom.
The truly rich man is poor in spirit.
The truly free man is a bond-slave of Christ.
The true leader knows he is called to be the humblest servant.

Joy Bells

At the ripe old age of 70, it's always instructive to look back and meditate on the journey. God has sometimes clearly led--opened doors so obviously that even i could see the way. At other times He's had to push. Pushing back against omnipotence is not really a good idea--or effective. On some occasions He's had to drag me to where He wanted me to be. (Not to go, to be). Yep, I have expertise in the area of stubbornness. Yet, as I look back at all the stops along the way--from places of wonder to places of pain, loss and disappointment, His heart of love and hand of wisdom are so undeniably present every step of the way. He is the Master Potter after all. I can sing without the slightest doubt or hesitation "Jesus led me all the way." A joy journey I call it. And the beauty of the journey so far is such a comfort as I contemplate the journey yet to come. He will I'm sure continue to lead. Continue to push when necessary. Continue to drag along when He has to do so. But it will always be His love and wisdom at work each step of the journey--be it one more day or one more year or even decades. Joy bells ringing in my heart. What a journey!

Danger

The greatest danger in succumbing to the attractions and temptations of the world system is that the loss of spiritual power that results is usually so gradual that we never even realize our loss. We wonder where God is in our life and why our effectiveness in touching other lives for Him seems to be so limited. The love of the Father is no longer active in our lives. We are in love with the wrong things. We have quenched the Spirit's power. We are no longer seeking Him with our whole heart. The cure? Only one--repentance.

Two Truths

Whatever my circumstances, whatever my experiences, whatever God brings or allows into my life, two things are true as His child: it happened because He loves me, and it happened so that He, through me, will be glorified. Those two truths are the "bedrock" of victorious Christian living. When I resist instead of embracing those two miracles, my faith staggers and my life is a misery. I wallow in self-pity; and yet, I could easily "flip" through the pages of Scripture and find multiple saints who experienced far worse things than I did--and yet, through triumphant confidence in His love and wisdom brought glory to Him through steadfast obedience--through a steadfast love for Him. Loss, heartache, sorrow are all tremendous gifts to make His presence known. To be a man or woman of sorrows is to be like Him. To be obedient to the Father in the midst of suffering--to embrace His will through my tears and agony-- is to be like Him. To forgive those who are responsible for my cross is to be like Him. To fully understand His love for me, to deeply know Him, I must travel the paths of sorrow and pain. There will be no joy in my heart without times of suffering. To refuse to allow the Spirit to use me in my sufferings--to refuse to surrender to His will--is to make an idol of what I think my life should be--an idol that makes it impossible for the others to which He sends me to see any glimpse of Him in my life. On my knees in surrender to His love and His will is the only way to convince the world of His love for them. The only way to lift Him up and bring others to His eternal love. There is no other way to fulfill the prayer we sing: "I would be like Jesus."

Day by Day

One of the greatest enemies of faithful living day by day is letting our thoughts be dominated by yesterdays mistakes and tomorrows fears.

Our Father

Our Father:

His omnipresence guarantees us that He is always by our side. We will never face anything alone.

His omniscience guarantees us that He knows our every need, our every sorrow, our every hope, our every joy.

His omnipotence guarantees us that He will do all that needs to be done for the good of His child. We will never be separated from His love.

His immutability guarantees that He will use all these powers on our behalf for all of eternity.

Back Side of the Desert

When we find ourselves on the back side of the desert--in a spiritually dry and thirsty land--there is only one solution: to humbly cry out for His refreshing. And to persistently cry out for His fire from heaven or His still small voice--either one or both. You can never escape the desert in your own power. You cannot spiritualize the natural man. But He can and will respond as we search for Him with all our heart. He alone is the water of life, and He sends us to the desert until we realize that only a deep thirst for His presence can satisify. As the deer pants for the water, so my soul must pant for His presence. He will lead me out of the desert and to the place of rest by the still waters.

Reminders

Some Reminders:

His grace is sufficient. And infinite.

You are His bride--the love of His life. Is He the love of yours?

He's always working. Always.

His silences are eloquent if we will stop and "listen."

Daily confession is not an option; it's a necessity if I am to walk in the light as He is in the light.

The friends who sharpen you are a precious gift from God.

We are all teachers--every day; in word and deed. And your "students" are listening and watching.

When God brings someone to your mind, pray for them.

A necessary prayer: "Lord, keep me faithful to my last breath."

Faith always encounters opposition.

Acts of genuine faith always bring glory to God--not the "actor."

His grace is sufficient. And infinite.

Warfare

"Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh which wage war on your soul."

A constant battle is being waged for the spiritual health of your soul. The enemy will do anything to sabotage your relationship with your Savior and Lord. Anything. To win the battle--and it is fought day by day--I must embrace three truths. First, I am His beloved. I am "the love of His life." For me He suffered and died. For me He testifies, "I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting." All so He could claim me as His beloved. Greater love has no man. As His beloved then, I must crucify the flesh. Abstain from those things that the world wants me to believe are more worthy of my passion than obedience to His love, than obedience to the One who calls me His own.
Second, I must embrace the plea, the urgency of obedience. I must begin each day prayerfully putting on the whole armor of God. Only by being clothed in His power, only by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ can I resist the darts of the enemy. His methods are subtle and enticing. He tempts me with "good things" so that he can subvert them into the evil wounds that burden my soul, that hinder my sense of my Master's presence. When the most urgent passion in my life is no longer a passion for His well-done, I so easily give my love to other gods--all of them disguised as my "I wants," as my "I've got to have."
And finally, I must embrace the truth that I am a sojourner and an exile in this world. The temporary, materialistic, things of earth must not become my treasures. This is not Home. As His faithful soldier, I must not become entangled by the things of this world. I must not be enticed by the tawdry neon lights of the world's bizarre. I must walk in the light. I must walk in the Spirit. I must take up my cross and follow Him. i must walk by faith. I must walk the Enoch walk. I must be in step with the Man of Sorrows. The only other path is the path of thorns--thorns that pierce my soul, turn my faith into defeat, make me weary of well-doing.
The battle rages. My soul's peace is at stake. But I am His beloved. And I have taken off the old robes and put on Jesus Christ. I am armed for the warfare. Victoriously, I am strengthened by the Spirit. enabled to walk as Jesus walked, empowered to walk with my eyes fixed on Him--to march on step by step toward Home and the wonders of His smile.

Beloved.

I urge you.

As aliens and exiles.

Abstain--fight the good fight of faith.

"Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ."

Proclaim

"Proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of the darkness and into His glorious light."
Such a proclamation must be done by a life lived and a word spoken. And those two must be in agreement. I must demonstrate my absolute obedience to the light of His Word. God speaks to us through His Word, and thus, the Word must be the sole authority in my life. He is the Holy God, and He has set me apart "to be holy, as He is holy." He is the God who is love, but it is a righteous love, a holy love, a loyal love to Him and His claims on my life. I am His--not mine. He alone defines righteousness. If the entire world disagrees with His commands and His righteous decrees, then the entire world is wrong. To "walk in the light as He is in the light," I must daily confess my sins. To shine in the darkness, I must daily do the good deeds that proclaim His glory, the weightiness--the power of His authoritative presence in the world of men. I must daily expose the deceptiveness of the angel of light who blinds men to the true light--Jesus Christ the Light of the World. Without wavering I must daily live a life of obedience. I must daily proclaim the one Gospel--the only power that can save and transform a human being is the Gospel of "by grace you are saved through faith" in the Lord Jesus Christ. The world must daily see in my actions that He is preeminent in every aspect of my life--my friendships, my family, my work, my entertainment choices, my every decision. They must know that my entire life is sacred. They must know that I believe that the only way to be "on the right side of history" is to be an unwavering disciple of Jesus Christ--a disciple who joyously proclaims that His commandments are not a grievous burden but the only path to true freedom. The prayer of my heart must be: "though none go with me, still I must follow."

"Spirit, by Your daily empowering of my life may I proclaim the excellencies of Your calling, may I shine as one who has been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and made an eternal citizen of the Kingdom of the Light of the World."

Being Faithful?

The Responsibilities of a faithful priesthood:

"Proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of the darkness and into His glorious light."
"Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul."
"Keep your behavior beautiful"
"Submit yourself to every human institution, whether to king or authority."
"Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil"
"Continually honor God, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king."
"As servants, be submissive with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable."
'When you do what is right and suffer for it, patiently endure it."

His words--not mine.

Being faithful?

Decisions

Daniel was in his situation because someone else over a hundred years before he was probably even born made a wrong decision. Lessons? Your choices impact others--even those who will live generations after you. So if you find yourself in a difficult situation because of someone else's decisions, respond by being faithful to God not angry at God. After all, your decision in your situation will also impact those who come after you are gone.

Sanctuaries

We--our bodies--are His holy temple--His sanctuary. "Or do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price; therefore, glorify God in your body."

"Christ, in you, the hope of glory."

Redeemed, ransomed, lavished with grace, sheltered by mercy, justified, sanctified, reconciled, one day glorified. All because "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

His purchased sanctuary--His temple. Do we set up idols in our hearts that defile His temple? Do we have other loves? Do we set up our temporary, materialistic idols in the temple as if "along side of" or "in addition to" is acceptable worship?

Coveting is idolatry. Jesus only is worship.

"Jesus, Master. whose I am, purchased Thine alone to be by Thy blood, O spotless Lamb, shed so willingly for me; let my heart be all Thine own, let me live for Thee alone.

"Other lords have long held sway; now Thy name alone to bear, Thy dear voice alone obey, is my daily, hourly prayer; Whom have I in heaven but Thee? Nothing else my joy can be.

" Jesus, Master, I am Thine; keep me faithful, keep me near; let Thy presence in me shine all my homeward way to cheer. Jesus, at Thy feet I fall; Oh, be Thou my all in all."

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols."

Why

We pray in order for God to reveal to us His will, not to persuade Him to do ours.

Spectacular

The most spectacular life is walking in obedience with the King of Love in the midst of the "hum-drum" of each day. Comfort and joy in times of sorrow. Strength at one's weakest moments. A gentle lifting up when fallen. Steadfastness in the midst of the storms and earthquakes. A Friend in times of abandonment--never a step alone. Guidance in the darkest night. Exultation in the times of persecution. Promise in the times of loss. An end to the journey that is beyond human description. And all those that have gone before on the same spectacular journey await you there. Especially Him.

"Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before."

Maturity

The Mature Christian

Through love, encourages and unifies.
Through truth enriches and enlightens.
Through wisdom warns and edifies.
Through submission to the Spirit, strives--agonizes--over finding and doing God's purpose for his life day by day.
Through faith maintains the discipline and stability of a soldier of the cross.
Through patient steadfastness, radiates a joy infused with thanksgiving..
Through a fixed focus on the things above, exudes compassion, kindness, humility, and gentleness.
Through prayer learns the power of contentment.

Not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit

Words

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a painful word stirs up anger."

"A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but perversion in it crushes the spirit."

And if we could play back your words from this day . . .?

The End of Our Rope

The end of our rope.

The end of ourselves.

Sometimes God has to take His children to that place. Invariably, it's because they have taken the reins of their own lives, decided that they know what will bring them happiness, and that they can achieve all that they want without God. Why we always want to rely on ourselves when we, better than anyone else, know how preposterous that is, is a human mystery. Pride, independence, men's approval--all the basics of self-worship are in play.
And the circumstances that bring us to the end of our rope--the end of ourselves--are, of course, His love--a Father's love--at work. As well as, I believe, His confidence that we will respond in humility when He reveals to us the futility of our endeavoring to find meaning in our life without Him at its center.
If there was an easier way to restore us to Him, He would have used it, but we are so stubborn, so resistant to His will. Yet, it is only in His will, resting in His love, relying on His wisdom and guidance that we can experience the abundant life that brings joy, meaning, fulfillment, and peace to all that we do. It's at the end of our rope that we see the consequences of our rebellion against His love. And so we let go of our pride and cling to Him, find His comfort, bring joy and encouragement to our souls (and the souls of those who love us) and are equipped to live fruitful lives that touch those to whom He has sent us. The end of our rope--the end of ourselves--is truly a new beginning, the beginning of a walk with Him that brings Him glory and us joy. 

"All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness."

All

Anxiety. Stress. Sorrow. Loss. Heartbreak. These are not designed to push us away from Him, but to draw us close to Him. He is the Loyal Lover. "All may fail but Jesus never, glory to His Name." In difficult moments He wraps His arms around us and whispers, "I loved you so much, I died for you. Please believe that you can trust Me with your cares, anxieties, heartbreak. Please give them to Me." And if we cast them all on Him, He--the Prince of Peace who does all things well--sustains us, fills us with His presence, calms our hearts with His peace. And astoundingly--yes, astoundingly-- even if we don't cast all on Him, He still wraps us in His loving, caring, everlasting arms

"All may fail but Jesus never. Glory to His Name.".

More Reflections

"This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through" is indeed true. It is our hope,
That I am here in The United States of America in 2016 to minister to all those around me as long as I have breath is also true. Such loving obedience is proof to the world that our hope is true.
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 The true disciple comes to Jesus recognizing that his righteousness is as putrid as the filthy rags wrapped around the wounds of the leper. His prayer: "Nothing in my hands I bring; only to Thy cross I cling."
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 When I hate my enemies and refuse to pray for their spiritual well-being, my mind is being conformed not transformed. I am an enemy of God's will.
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 Envy, jealousy, murmuring, complaining, coveting, gossip, discontentment are all synonyms for idolatry.
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 The reason I struggle with commandments two through ten? I keep resisting--and refusing to embrace--the demands placed on my life by commandment number one: "You will have no other gods before Me."
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 The key to discontentment, a loss of joy, and the failure to sense His presence and His love: Keep living like you are the most important person in your life.
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Love is not a feeling; it's a promise.
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 Joy is not an escape from sorrow. It is the power that transforms the wounded and hurting into one of God's comforters.
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 Peace is not an escape from the spiritual struggle--the inner spiritual warfare. It is the confidence that God's armor and the sword of the Spirit guarantee the victory through the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Priesthood

Have you offered your sacrifices today?

"Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name."
"This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long."

"And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
"Love not in word only, but in deed." And don't forget the right hand, left hand admonition.

"I urge you, therefore brothers, because of the mercies of God, that, as an act of intelligent worship, you present your bodies, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him,"
The ultimate sacrifice is not to die for Him but to live for Him by dying to self.

Continually.

Do not neglect.

It's urgent.

Persecution

"All those who live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."

All

Persecution is not something to fear. Jesus said, "Rejoice." The early church saw it as a reason for rejoicing. Miraculously, God was actually using them to reflect His glory. Them!!

And reflect His love. For the commandments regarding our response to persecution are clear.

As much as possible live in peace with all men.
Pray for those who despitefully use you.
Always return good for evil. Always. Every time. Never repay evil with evil. Never. Not even once.
Rejoice in the Lord always.
Go into all the world and preach the Gospel, making disciples.
Fear not what man can do to you.
Love one another. It is by that love that the world will know that I am who I claim to be.

I sometimes wonder--heretically, of course--if the church's response today in America is not actually self-defense--idolatry. Love of our "rights," not love of Him and love of the lost. The only way to do the latter--love the right "things"--is by a life of obedience.

(See commandments above.)

The Disciple

Because he is a citizen of the kingdom of heaven, God's disciple:

Is spiritually prosperous, fearing the Lord, content with who he is in Christ and with the promise of His daily provision of all physical and spiritual needs.
Is a beggar in spirit--humbly resting in His grace as the power of faithfulness; has no confidence in the flesh--in his ability to be faithful apart from all-sufficient grace.
Mourns brokenheartedly the consequences of sin in the world, is deeply saddened by the evil that men do, and their love of it.
Stoops down to help the wounded, to lift up the fallen, to intercede for the struggling--and always with gentleness.
Can never get enough of God's Word--always hungers for more evidence of its transforming power in his daily walk.
Does not "strike back" in word or deed when injured--even the injury to the soul and spirit, seeks no revenge, despises the idea of "getting even." Soft answers not angry words of self-defense are his spontaneous response to angry words--and deeds--from others.
Strives for the Spirit's enabling to not only do the right things but to do the right things in the right way and for the right reasons--a pure love of the Savior, a pure love of other believers, and a pure love for the lost. Abhors spiritual masks.
Seeks to live at peace with all men, seeks to bring others into the kingdom of the Prince of Peace, wields the weapons of the cross--willing sacrifice, the lovingkindness of forgiveness, compassion for those who do not understand their actions, grace and mercy.
Knowing that "the more he becomes like Christ, the more he will be unlike everyone else," and knowing that, as a result, he will be despised, ridiculed, pitied, and scorned for his saltiness and the shining of the Light, continues to do good, to glorify Him, to make the Savior visible, to reveal His presence.

If anyone will be my disciple, let him first--once for all--totally deny himself, then, daily take up his cross of sacrificial love for others, and continually--to the very end--follow--imitate Me.

If . . .

Beautiful People

What makes someone beautiful?

First, the most beautiful person who ever lived was Jesus. What then are the characteristics of beautiful people? Beautiful people are enthralled by the flight of a sparrow. Beautiful people rejoice at the presence of children, love their simple faith. Beautiful people recognize the importance of a loaf of bread and a piece of fish to a hungry man. Beautiful people are perfectly at ease in the storm or in the calm. Beautiful people cherish moments of conversation with a friend; in fact, they find that more "appetizing" than a good meal. Beautiful people constantly encourage their friends and intercede on their behalf in prayer. Beautiful people are concerned for the well-being of the friend who in a moment of weakness betrays their love and friendship. Beautiful people defend the acts of devotion showered on them by a friend even if--especially if--the rest of their friends criticize the gift. Beautiful people weep with those who weep. Beautiful people do everything in order to please God no matter the cost.
In addition, Jesus tells us that the lily of the valley was more beautiful than Solomon on his most splendidly arrayed days. And it simply radiates the beauty God has given it--where He has "planted" it. To remove it from its place is to cause it to wither, to destroy its loveliness. We, too, will never be beautiful in any place other than the place God has "planted" us.
And in Isaiah 61:3 God tells us that He makes beauty from ashes. As we repent and admit our failures, our disappointments, and our shortcomings, God replaces them with His purity and loveliness. Those that give such ashes in submission to the Father allow God to turn those yesterdays into beautiful todays filled with renewed fellowship and deepening intimacy with Him. Such Christians are indeed reflectors of the Light, the beauty of God and His grace.
God has also given us "beautiful feet." Those who leave "footprints" of God's gospel of peace wherever they go are beautiful people. They bring the message of peace with God to the hearts of others. They are the peacemakers in God's universe. They radiate peace in the midst of the most difficult circumstances. No one can spend time in their presence without seeing their beauty--God's beauty shining through them.
So, you want to be beautiful? Imitate Jesus. Be content with the beauty God has given you and the people to whom He has called you to radiate His beauty. Give Him the ashes and tears of your yesterdays that He might transform you into His beautiful masterpiece of grace. Leave beautiful impressions of God's beauty and gospel with each step that you take, wherever He leads you.

The Problem

Our nation's problem is--I believe--simple. There is no reverential awe of God, no fear of the Lord, the Sovereign, Creator, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Ungodliness means having no fear of the Lord. Thus, decisions are made corporately, legislatively, judicially, personally without the slightest thought of one's responsibility to Him for each and every decision. God is irrelevant. Thus, decisions are made from one's self-absorption, one's self-aggrandizement, one's selfish, self-centered desires. When decisions are made from any perspective other than a fear of Him, they cannot be wise. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Without that reverential fear, one cannot be discerning. Decisions will not--cannot--be made based on an understanding of the essence of right and wrong as God defines it. And He is the only Definer. When man defines morality and righteousness, they cease to exist. Preference and pleasure and popular opinion replace them. Out of love for himself, a man commits acts of hatred. Out of love for power, he oppresses the weak. Out of a love for fame, he does the most infamous things. Out of a love of self-righteousness, he will call his darkness light, and the light darkness. And love his darkness. Out of a need for self-justification, he will call the believer's love, hatred. He will hate their love for him--despise God's love for him. Abhor it. Mock it.

What's the cure? His return to rule and reign.

What must we--I--do in the meantime?

Fear the Lord. Make my every decision with this mindset--When I stand in His presence, will He say, "Well-done?"
Pray, pray, pray intercessory prayers for those you love, for His people around the world, for your neighbor, for your enemy. Intercede, intercede, intercede.
Be committed to excellence.
"Invade" the arts.
Shine. Destroy those self-protecting baskets of fear.
Be salt. Live the life of obedience that proves you are eagerly and confidently anticipating His coming--that you love and long for the promise of His appearing.
Purpose in your heart. Love not the world, neither the things in the world. Lay up your treasures in heaven. Fix your heart on the things above.
Show compassion. Commit yourself and your resources to the widow and orphan, to all those in need.
Be a comforter to the hurting.
Never return evil for evil, but return good for evil. Forgive as Christ forgave you..
Love the unlovely.
Pray for those in authority. Their hearts are in His hands, not yours.
Be Christ-in-the-room whatever "room" you're in.
Speak the truth in love--let the redeemed say so.
Be of good cheer.
Let not your heart be troubled.
Rejoice and do good.

Fear the Lord.

"Even so, come Lord Jesus."

Reflections July 2016

"In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus."
In God's will today?
____________________


Pray without ceasing is a command--not a suggestion.
The torn veil reminds us that through our Savior's sacrifice we have been given access by grace into the presence of the Father--for eternity. We have been justified. Our sins taken away and replaced with Christ's righteousness. But sometimes we--I--forget that the torn veil also means that I have access to the throne of God right now and every "right now" of every day. Prayer. Do you spend each day in the throne room? He expects you to.
____________________

 Grace that is greater than all my sins. Live a life of confident forgiveness. Obey and confess and walk in the light. You are forgiven.
____________________

 Energizing, conquering faith does one thing well: Waits.
___________________

 No one is being daily filled with the Spirit. living a life of submission to the Spirit, walking in the Spirit, under the Spirit's control who is not daily being enriched by the Word. "Let the Word of God dwell in you richly." The alternative is spiritual poverty--a loss of intimacy in your relationship with Him. Drawing near to Him demands a well-worn Bible.

Dare?

Daniel set his mind--his heart--on things above; on honoring God in all things.

What identified him as a young man who had made that choice?

Courage to resist the assimilation of the world.
Godly friendships.
Gentleness and a spirit of submission in dealing with those in authority.
Confidence in God's sovereign graciousness.
The wisdom that comes with the fear of the Lord.
Commitment to excellence in all things.
Facing his problems on his knees.

Dare to be a Daniel?

My Hope

I cannot begin to understand why the righteous, holy, eternal God would willingly die for me--pay my debt for my sins; nail them to His cross--my debt paid in full.

But He did.

I cannot begin to understand why He would want to spend one second with me, let alone all of eternity.

But He does.

I cannot begin to understand how in His loving presence He will wipe all my sorrows--all my tears from my eyes--and my heart.

But He will.

He did. He does. He will.

"His grace has planned it all, 'tis mine but to believe, and recognize His work of love and Christ receive. For me, He died. For me, He lives, and everlasting light and life He freely gives."

"My hope is in the Lord, Who gave Himself for me"

In whom or in what have you placed your hope?

Growing in Grace

"Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Lord, I thank You that each breath I take is a gift from You.
Lord, I thank You, for those talents that You have given to me--may I use them--and use them for Your glory, not my own.
Lord, I thank You for the spiritual gifts the Spirit has chosen to give to me--may I understand that they are not for my benefit but to bear fruit in the lives of others.
Lord, I thank You for all that You have given me to enjoy--every need met--and so many mere wants You have blessed me with as well..
Lord, I thank You that my weaknesses are conduits through which You infuse me the strength of Your all-sufficient grace.
Lord, I thank You that each day can be spent in a conversation with You.
Lord, I thank You that in my sorrow and my loss You weep with me--and draw me deeper into an understanding of what You suffered for my sake.
Lord, I thank You that my obedience to You is not a duty or a way to somehow earn more of Your love, but the way that You have given me and empowered me to say, 'I love You" all day long.
Lord, I thank You that You so deeply desire a relationship with me that the Spirit reveals to me my sin, calls me to confession, all because You want to walk with me today.
Lord, I thank You that You have promised to fill me with all Your fullness beyond my wildest imagination.

In All Things

Christ is preeminent in all things. Preeminent in creation--all things were made by Him both visible and invisible. Preeminent in His Lordship, He is King of the Universe. The Authority. Preeminent in sustaining the universe. He holds all things together by the word of His power. Preeminent in the church--He is the head of the body. Preeminent in life--both physical and spiritual. All things were made from nothing--He spoke life into existence. And He is the first born from the dead--His resurrection defeated sin and death and assures His children everlasting life. He is preeminent. It is God's purpose that He have first place in everything.

Is He preeminent in your life--your decisions, your loves, your calling, your every moment?

Asaph

Asaph was David's choir director, band director, song writer--he even played a mean set of cymbals. I love his first hymn--psalm--that he wrote for David's musicians. It's found in I Chronicles 16:8-36. It's totally dedicated to the majesty of God. My favorite line--and it's difficult to choose just one--is "Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day." I would encourage you to take a few minutes today and read Asaph's song of praise. It will lift your spirit. I wonder where I can find a CD? It's been so long ago, I'll probably have to look for it on vinyl.

A Double Dose of Peace

When someone places their faith in the finished work of Calvary and becomes a child of God, he or she is removed from the camp of God's enemies and taken captive into the kingdom of His Dear Son. Peace with God. By faith His children are delivered from condemnation and from the wrath of God. It is a frightening, sobering thought to be in the camp of God's enemies--as someone has said; "The God of Angel Armies." He is calling all men to repentance because He has set a day when He will judge all men--and the judge will be the Savior. "At the name of Jesus every knee will bow."
In addition, when someone becomes a child of God, he or she is given access to the peace of God. "My peace I give to you; not as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in the Father, believe also in Me. In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." He also promises--yes, promises--that the world will hate His children as intensely as they hated Him. Our weapon against such hate is the power of His patient, forgiving, caring love. And our access to that peace is, of course, prayer. We present to Him our requests, we intercede for His other children, and we thank and praise Him for His faithful answer to all our prayers. The peace of God. When the Spirit empowers us to see things as He sees them--we find peace. When the Spirit empowers us to trust His work in our lives even when we can't see the good He is accomplishing--we experience the peace of God. When we learn to be content with what we have knowing it is all we need--we experience the peace of God. And what do you suppose could ever "rob" God of His peace? That is the peace He desires to lavish on His praying, trusting, believing children.
Peace with God--eternally yours. Peace of God--yours every moment of every day with every whispered prayer. " 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word.".

Yes

Yes, He cares.

Yes, He ever lives to make intercession for us.  Ever.  For us.  For you.

Yes, He is the God who pardons, who delights in loyal love.

Yes, He turns our ashes into the beautiful, our tears into laughter, our mourning into the dance of joy.  And in that final Jesus only moment He will wipe all tears from our eyes.  All.  Forever.

Yes, He is seated at the right hand of the Father.  His redemptive work is complete--finished.  You are His redemptive work.

Yes, He empowers those who believe that He is the Christ, God come in the flesh, to overcome the world, to be more than conquerors through His love.

Casting

You cast your cares on Him through prayer. He responds by fortifying your heart and mind with His incomprehensible peace. Peace that whispers into the depth of your soul "All will be well. All will be well. Fear not. I am the Faithful God whose lovingkindness is everlasting."

Captain's Orders

Be strong and very courageous:

You'll need a servant's heart.
You'll need to saturate yourself with His Word.
You'll need to obey.
You'll need confidence in His abiding presence.
You'll need to trust Him with your family.
You'll need to learn to wait on Him--to rest in Him.
You'll need to fear the Lord--not the enemy.

The Captain's orders: Be strong and very courageous.

The Need for Gentleness

The world is in need of gentleness--of those who are in loving pursuit of the needy and the hurting. They pursue with the truth spoken in love those sheep who are not yet part of His flock. They pursue with lovingkindness--with loyal love--those of His flock who have wandered away--grateful for the grace in their own life experiences. Spontaneously they stoop down to lift up the fallen--walking by someone in need never crosses their mind. Having discovered that He is as He promises the God of All Comfort, they readily share in word and action the Spirit's care for His own. Compassion is not a word to them but actions enriched by love. They bind the broken-hearted with the love that has bound up their wounds in times of sorrow and loss and disappointment, and yes, even failure. Like their Good Shepherd they are indefatigable in the pursuit of the one. They will carry them gently as long as it takes to renew their strength. The journey Home is a long arduous one and gentleness is essential to the unity of the body that empowers victorious living. Gentleness--loving pursuit, loyal love, stooping down, living compassion, binding of wounds, sharing the Spirit's caring heart and strength. How the world desperately needs the gentle saint.

And the enemy of a gentle spirit is the heart of a Pharisee.

Know

Stillness.

Quietness.

I have found that it is in those times that the Spirit is most active in my heart. And speaks the "loudest." Even if it is a whisper.

Be still.

And know.

Today

The faithful follower has a heart filled with joy--a song of joy to the Rock of his salvation. He or she has a heart of gratitude--a heart of thankful praise. They readily, humbly submit to the will of their Creator-King. Their life is daily an act of worship to their great God. They daily give themselves as a living sacrifice anxious to be used by Him. As one of His sheep, he or she is totally dependent on their Shepherd--eager to respond, obey, and follow His voice. Today. Joyful. Thankful. Submissive. Worshipful. Useful. Totally Dependent. Listening. Attentive. Hearing. Obedient.

The disobedient have a hard heart--a heart that in the midst of testing doubts the goodness and love of God. They arrogantly "forget" the past evidence of His goodness and love--even the wondrous love of the wonder of the cross. They are willingly blind and indifferent to His work in the lives of others--work they have seen with their own eyes. Unteachable, they live lives of restless searching following themselves through the wilderness of their own making. Today. Hard-hearted. Arrogant. Blind. Indifferent. Unteachable. Self-worshiping. Restless. Wandering.

Choose. Today,

Selah

David--a man after God's own heart reminds us:

He is my Shield about me.
He is my King.
He is my Refuge.
He is my Rock.
He is my Strength.
He is my Fortress.
He is my Deliverer.
He is my Light and my Salvation.
He is my Stronghold.
He is my Stay.
He is my Shepherd.
He is my Redeemer.
He is my Helper.
He is my Song.

He is my God.

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing;
Thou hast loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness;
That my soul may sing praises to Thee, and not be silent.
O Lord, my God, I will give thanks to Thee forever."

Important

Is there anything more important than kindness?

A soft answer
A tender heart
A listening ear
A caring touch
A ready smile
An empathetic prayer
A waiting silence
A simple question: "Are you okay?"
A generous tip
A heart felt "Thank you"

Be kind.

Judgment

God judged His people and sent them into 70 years of captivity for some simple reasons:

1. They responded to His commandments haphazardly--obeyed the one's they liked; ignored the others. And claimed to be spiritual, of course. Obedient, even.
2. Idolatry--oh, they worshiped Jehovah; did all the ritual stuff; it was just Jehovah and . . . "Ands" are always idols. Every one of them.
3. Oppressed the poor--not doing anything to help the poor and needy is oppression by omission.
4. Abused God's creation.

Anxious for His return to judge the world? God always judges His people first.

The question here is not "How is the church doing?"

The question is "How am I doing?"

Transformation

The transforming work of the Holy Spirit is designed to make our life an act of worship in all that we do and say and think. It is gradual, persistent, almost imperceptible--the maturing believer often has no idea how he or she has been changed. And it is internal--a renewing of the mind that fears any inkling of conformity with the world, any attraction to the world's loves, any persuasion by the world's lies, any craving to hide the light under a basket more appealing to the world than Christ-likeness. Immersion in God's Word, commitment to prayer, a deep desire for obedience, and a sacrificial stuff love are essential to transformation and a life of daily worship. Am i being transformed or conformed? Those are the only two options. Study, pray, obey, love in deed. Be transformed daily.

Remember

From the memorials of the Old Testament to our Lord's command to remember His death until He returns, the Christian life rests on remembering. That's why we need to sit under the Word every week, be in our Bibles every day.

Some truths for you to remember as you walk with Him tomorrow:

He died for you.
His love for you is inescapable.
He hears and answers your every prayer.
He and the father hold you in His hands.
Underneath are the everlasting arms.
He is on His throne.
Your weakness is the fountain of His all sufficient grace.
You are never alone.
You are never unwanted.
All things work together for good. The good is coming.
Our last breath ushers us into His presence and the fullness of joy.
This world is not our home.
He is coming again in power and great glory.
At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow.
He is the Resurrection and the Life, anyone who believes in Him shall never die. Never.
When we see Him, we will be like Him.
One day we will be eternally free from the very presence of sin.
The Jesus only moment is coming. He shall wipe all tears from our eyes.