Our heart is often like the undecorated tree or the empty stable. It is barren, awaiting the glories of God to come and reside there. Do we reach for the both delicate and sturdy beauties of God? Do we hang them upon the branches of our lives? Is the crowning touch of our life the guiding star of the living Christ? Do we fill our lives with the gifts of God, the wisdom of his servants and followers? Is there awe in our hearts and minds at the wonder of the Christ all year long? As you remove the decorations from the tree and as you take down the stable this year you might ponder these thoughts. What do these items represent to you, beyond the excitement of the Christmas season? What deeper meaning might there be as you remove an ornament from an old friend, one of your children, or a grandchild? What thoughts are there as you pick up a shepherd to place him in his box for the rest of the year? We might pause to reflect as we remove the baby to storage, but how often do we wonder about the importance of the animals presence? How can our lives hold the beauty of the decorated tree? How can our lives reflect the immense miracle of Christmas?
When the non-believer's challenge the reason for the season, remember that the miraculous Christ has offended the non-believer for over 2000 years. The fact that we believe is the essence of faith and the enemy of our souls will always challenge that. Rejoice that you stand for truth, whether or not it is believed.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Christmas thoughts....
As the season of Christ's birth advances we always hear a lot about many topics-some of it very good, some of it not so much. One of the things that I see folks do is become literally "consumed" in something such as decorating or buying or some aspect of the season which has become so commercialized. Sometimes it is hard not to become overtaken in this, especially if you are a parent of several small children. While much of this is enjoyable and in the spirit of giving, it can become a burden and a frustration-this is when we need to draw the line! I know it may seem impossible, but I submit that it is not only possible, it is necessary.
Often we think we "have to" do things beyond our true ability to do so, when really we do not in reality. It might be amazing to realize how a very small thing can mean far more than something extravagant. It is sad to see folks bankrupt the budget because they feel compelled to buy, buy, buy! A simple gift, a special card, call, or email might be all that is needed to bless someone. In fact, I received such a blessing and was far more touched by it than I would have been by anything else from that person.
Sometimes too we become overwhelmed with the activities of this season, to the point of exhaustion & frustration. There are parties, baking, wrapping, cooking, travelling, shopping, decorating, special activities, etc. How do we best handle this? One way is to plan ahead and do ahead as much as possible. Buy when there is a sale or you have down time to shop - bake/cook and freeze when possible - pack ahead - wrap ahead. Then when the time comes to do the rest, you can actually enjoy doing it. One more way to "endure" is to pray it through! Have you ever prayed for people as you wrapped their gifts? Have you ever prayed as you decorated, being thankful that Christ was born? Do you ever pray when you travel for those less fortunate, for those unsaved, or for those who have lost all touch with the true meaning of Christmas? How about playing Christmas songs as you work on the holiday projects? It will lift your mood.
We often have seasonal over-tiredness and frustration because we bring it upon ourselves, thinking we MUST do something or leaving things all until the last moment. We should stop to consider, Mary & Joseph did not "race" to Bethlehem. The Wise men did not "race" to see the child either. Jesus did not have the "gift" of a 5 star room for his entrance into the world, but he had the "gift" of a humble stable. The gift the shepherds brought was themselves and their love. The gifts brought to the Christ were not to impress or out of obligation, but were instead to honor him
One of the BEST gifts I ever rec'd. was a used book from a loved one from their own collection because they could not afford gifts that year! If they read this, they will recall - that was an awesome Christlike blessing, and blesses me every year as I remember it. Other best gifts have been things that were made for me by loved ones, and just time spent with me especially when it meant they went out of their way to do so!
see Mt.2:13-15 I suggest if you suffer from holiday tension - escape to your Egypt lest the King of your stress kill the real meaning of the season. Have a blessed holiday with those you love, no matter where they are - in person, or in spirit.
Often we think we "have to" do things beyond our true ability to do so, when really we do not in reality. It might be amazing to realize how a very small thing can mean far more than something extravagant. It is sad to see folks bankrupt the budget because they feel compelled to buy, buy, buy! A simple gift, a special card, call, or email might be all that is needed to bless someone. In fact, I received such a blessing and was far more touched by it than I would have been by anything else from that person.
Sometimes too we become overwhelmed with the activities of this season, to the point of exhaustion & frustration. There are parties, baking, wrapping, cooking, travelling, shopping, decorating, special activities, etc. How do we best handle this? One way is to plan ahead and do ahead as much as possible. Buy when there is a sale or you have down time to shop - bake/cook and freeze when possible - pack ahead - wrap ahead. Then when the time comes to do the rest, you can actually enjoy doing it. One more way to "endure" is to pray it through! Have you ever prayed for people as you wrapped their gifts? Have you ever prayed as you decorated, being thankful that Christ was born? Do you ever pray when you travel for those less fortunate, for those unsaved, or for those who have lost all touch with the true meaning of Christmas? How about playing Christmas songs as you work on the holiday projects? It will lift your mood.
We often have seasonal over-tiredness and frustration because we bring it upon ourselves, thinking we MUST do something or leaving things all until the last moment. We should stop to consider, Mary & Joseph did not "race" to Bethlehem. The Wise men did not "race" to see the child either. Jesus did not have the "gift" of a 5 star room for his entrance into the world, but he had the "gift" of a humble stable. The gift the shepherds brought was themselves and their love. The gifts brought to the Christ were not to impress or out of obligation, but were instead to honor him
One of the BEST gifts I ever rec'd. was a used book from a loved one from their own collection because they could not afford gifts that year! If they read this, they will recall - that was an awesome Christlike blessing, and blesses me every year as I remember it. Other best gifts have been things that were made for me by loved ones, and just time spent with me especially when it meant they went out of their way to do so!
see Mt.2:13-15 I suggest if you suffer from holiday tension - escape to your Egypt lest the King of your stress kill the real meaning of the season. Have a blessed holiday with those you love, no matter where they are - in person, or in spirit.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Radically loving Christ=Thanksgiving!
As a servant journeys through this life heaven-bound, listening for the voice of the Father is all important. Many wonder how to hear it, or why they do not hear it. Many times we do not because we are not truly listening. Our mind is too full of what we want or need or expect, rather than being openly submissive to Christ the King. We forget basic principles of being the child of an extravagant God whose love is ever-present & never dependent upon our behavior...however...our behavior very well may, and most likely does, determine our answer to prayer. Our devoted creator knows what is best for us, and his answers are not always yes. A no, a maybe, a wait a bit answer IS nevertheless an answer. What about all those "bad" things that happen? Why does he allow it? We live in a fallen world, where sin begets sin, BUT the Lord will use everything for good that we will turn over to him. This may be particularly hard in some instances, but once we learn that character is built in such times we can take those times and turn them into ministry to others in pain.
Many books are written, many songs are penned, and many poems are put to paper because of the Savior bringing someone through a tough circumstance. Likewise, much is said of many due to the revelation of the extravagant love of Christ. Being quiet before the Lord, pouring out our deepest thoughts, desires, dreams, and fears we find a God who cradles us in his bountiful love and speaks gentle words of favor to our waiting hearts. We can live without fear or guilt in this life, and seek eternity with great joy and expectation. All that is required of us is to return his extravagant love.
What does extravagant love mean really? It is love abandoning all else, it is love that moves you to desire only goodness in your behavior, abiding worship of the Lord of all, and loving those in this world with Christlike genuineness. True "religion" is caring for others as Christ cares for us, usually in many practical ways-feeding the hungry, helping the poor, and serving the orphans & widows in this world. "Church" is where we hear the word, worship the Lord God of hosts, and connect with other believers. The world outside the church doors is where we practice our "religion". We have come to think dutiful good works, the observance of man-made rituals and the legalistic following of God's commands is religion. It is not. TRUE "religion" is the boundless desire to do good, the radical love of a matchless God, and the freedom to follow God's commands out of deep desire to please him. The Bible says where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. It is a "get to" mentality, not a "have to" one.
Our salvation is an option...we can choose eternity in hell (the total absence of a loving Dad forever), we can choose to give back to God in whatever % we want of what he has given to us (tithing once was a legalistic command, but has become a love-filled option in the presence of a saving Christ, wherein we sow seeds that are reaped accordingly),we can choose to worship as we wish, pray as we will, enter the waters of baptism as an act of obedience or not, and the list goes on. Radically loving Christ is an option-a wonderful, glorious, mind-blowing option in life that is surpassed by nothing else in this world. God is a God of grace, mercy, and everlasting patience with creation. He is an all-loving God, a just God, and a God of graciousness. The Holy Spirit never forces us to do a thing, but will overwhelm us with radical, extravagant love when we simply acknowledge our total lack of real control in life without the help of God almighty. Nothing in this life is worth anything without the love of the creator guiding us through it.
There is a place for the deep reverence of God and a place for the unbound excitement in loving God. Thus we have the extremes of denominational boundaries and non-denominational freedoms. I have seen in recent days that these extremes are learning to not just be tolerant of one another, but to be involved with one another, and to learn and adopt from one another. We are learning that reading the scriptures and tracing the meaning of the words written there brings us to a place of understanding and radically loving a God we never fully knew. Above all, seek not the gifts of God, but God himself. Never seek to please man before God. As we immerse ourselves in the Word he reveals himself to us and we find that place of radically loving an extravagant God. As he says "shhhh...be still and know that I am God" and we abide in his presence we come out the other end ready to shout to the world that we serve an all powerful God that we love so radically that nothing can hold us back from serving him and worshipping him with all that is in us.
It is nearly Thanksgiving time in America, where we give thanks for a God of great blessing. My Thanksgiving prayer is that all would come to know the heart of God, the overwhelming joy and peace in radically loving him, and would celebrate this love of God by being a willing servant in a fallen world. Thank you Jesus, for loving us so much you allowed yourself to be broken and spilled out in radical, extravagant love for us!
Many books are written, many songs are penned, and many poems are put to paper because of the Savior bringing someone through a tough circumstance. Likewise, much is said of many due to the revelation of the extravagant love of Christ. Being quiet before the Lord, pouring out our deepest thoughts, desires, dreams, and fears we find a God who cradles us in his bountiful love and speaks gentle words of favor to our waiting hearts. We can live without fear or guilt in this life, and seek eternity with great joy and expectation. All that is required of us is to return his extravagant love.
What does extravagant love mean really? It is love abandoning all else, it is love that moves you to desire only goodness in your behavior, abiding worship of the Lord of all, and loving those in this world with Christlike genuineness. True "religion" is caring for others as Christ cares for us, usually in many practical ways-feeding the hungry, helping the poor, and serving the orphans & widows in this world. "Church" is where we hear the word, worship the Lord God of hosts, and connect with other believers. The world outside the church doors is where we practice our "religion". We have come to think dutiful good works, the observance of man-made rituals and the legalistic following of God's commands is religion. It is not. TRUE "religion" is the boundless desire to do good, the radical love of a matchless God, and the freedom to follow God's commands out of deep desire to please him. The Bible says where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. It is a "get to" mentality, not a "have to" one.
Our salvation is an option...we can choose eternity in hell (the total absence of a loving Dad forever), we can choose to give back to God in whatever % we want of what he has given to us (tithing once was a legalistic command, but has become a love-filled option in the presence of a saving Christ, wherein we sow seeds that are reaped accordingly),we can choose to worship as we wish, pray as we will, enter the waters of baptism as an act of obedience or not, and the list goes on. Radically loving Christ is an option-a wonderful, glorious, mind-blowing option in life that is surpassed by nothing else in this world. God is a God of grace, mercy, and everlasting patience with creation. He is an all-loving God, a just God, and a God of graciousness. The Holy Spirit never forces us to do a thing, but will overwhelm us with radical, extravagant love when we simply acknowledge our total lack of real control in life without the help of God almighty. Nothing in this life is worth anything without the love of the creator guiding us through it.
There is a place for the deep reverence of God and a place for the unbound excitement in loving God. Thus we have the extremes of denominational boundaries and non-denominational freedoms. I have seen in recent days that these extremes are learning to not just be tolerant of one another, but to be involved with one another, and to learn and adopt from one another. We are learning that reading the scriptures and tracing the meaning of the words written there brings us to a place of understanding and radically loving a God we never fully knew. Above all, seek not the gifts of God, but God himself. Never seek to please man before God. As we immerse ourselves in the Word he reveals himself to us and we find that place of radically loving an extravagant God. As he says "shhhh...be still and know that I am God" and we abide in his presence we come out the other end ready to shout to the world that we serve an all powerful God that we love so radically that nothing can hold us back from serving him and worshipping him with all that is in us.
It is nearly Thanksgiving time in America, where we give thanks for a God of great blessing. My Thanksgiving prayer is that all would come to know the heart of God, the overwhelming joy and peace in radically loving him, and would celebrate this love of God by being a willing servant in a fallen world. Thank you Jesus, for loving us so much you allowed yourself to be broken and spilled out in radical, extravagant love for us!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Going through...
If you are "going through" some things...remember that means you are "on your way out" of them. Please feel free to direct anyone to this blog at wwwjourneytoheaven.blogspot.com (NO dot after w)and to www.divineappointments.vpweb.com for online counseling or a devotional on basic Christian accountability. Several devotionals have found their way into prisons, overseas, and to women in need, and the needy. Please pray that they will bring people to a closer walk with God, and if they have never accepted Christ, to do so...for "we know not the hour"....did you know the 21st century ushered in the 3rd day of the Lord? Do you know the scripture that tells us that? There is a little mind teaser for you.
I want to just share a little personal story...I have had some enjoyable weeks of late at that place we call church...where the body of Christ meets to worship the Lord and receive instruction. (I have just applied for membership at an empowered & spirit-filled church.) One of my most enjoyable evenings was catching glimpses of a young African American man about maybe 10, worshipping God with all his heart. I had to introduce myself to him & tell him that he was very special. I watched as he raised his hands in worship to God, and as he stretched out his hand toward the sick, as we prayed for a lady to be healed of Cancer. What was it Jesus said about the little children? I have always believed this is exactly what he was talking about. Think about what that means. It meant more than let them come here so I can talk to them...it meant to never hinder their growth in God!
Be blessed, and be empowered. Remember, Jesus said greater things would we do...he said that because we have the Holy Spirit, the counselor, the comforter...what did Jesus do? He will do them through you too! He left us the Holy Spirit so we could do that which he did. When he left, he told us that the Holy Spirit would come, and He did! He is the one who convicts and convinces, but we are the vessels he uses. It is us that share the gospel of the good news of salvation. It is us that pray healing prayers for the sick. It is us that can ask miracles of Abba Father, our Daddy, & believe they will happen. We all have spiritual gifts to use in the world we live in for the kingdom of God. Every member of the body is an essential part of the body. Just like that little boy-you are special!
Finally, for this time I would like to direct you to some powerful teaching of the word. If you have never heard the teaching of Joseph Prince, see if you can find him on your TV. This man knows his Bible and he can apply the word to your heart in such a wonderful way. I find him to be very intelligent and down-to-earth. If you want some fresh teaching, give him a try.
I want to just share a little personal story...I have had some enjoyable weeks of late at that place we call church...where the body of Christ meets to worship the Lord and receive instruction. (I have just applied for membership at an empowered & spirit-filled church.) One of my most enjoyable evenings was catching glimpses of a young African American man about maybe 10, worshipping God with all his heart. I had to introduce myself to him & tell him that he was very special. I watched as he raised his hands in worship to God, and as he stretched out his hand toward the sick, as we prayed for a lady to be healed of Cancer. What was it Jesus said about the little children? I have always believed this is exactly what he was talking about. Think about what that means. It meant more than let them come here so I can talk to them...it meant to never hinder their growth in God!
Be blessed, and be empowered. Remember, Jesus said greater things would we do...he said that because we have the Holy Spirit, the counselor, the comforter...what did Jesus do? He will do them through you too! He left us the Holy Spirit so we could do that which he did. When he left, he told us that the Holy Spirit would come, and He did! He is the one who convicts and convinces, but we are the vessels he uses. It is us that share the gospel of the good news of salvation. It is us that pray healing prayers for the sick. It is us that can ask miracles of Abba Father, our Daddy, & believe they will happen. We all have spiritual gifts to use in the world we live in for the kingdom of God. Every member of the body is an essential part of the body. Just like that little boy-you are special!
Finally, for this time I would like to direct you to some powerful teaching of the word. If you have never heard the teaching of Joseph Prince, see if you can find him on your TV. This man knows his Bible and he can apply the word to your heart in such a wonderful way. I find him to be very intelligent and down-to-earth. If you want some fresh teaching, give him a try.
Pain, Problems, Wants, Miracles, and the communion of the body of Christ
That may have gotten your attention. The following is based on a message at my church. See Luke 24. Do you recall the Emmaus Road? Were the disciples experiencing the pain and problem of what they perceived to be a loss? Of course they were! So much so that it eclipsed the person and presence of Jesus himself. My question for us is...do we do that when the pain and problems of life become so overwhelming that we lose sight of the Lord in our life? Yep!
Pastor also reminded us of something I don't think I ever noticed that way before...Jesus' first miracle was for a want, not a need! Does that mean he actually cares about the desires of our heart? I am thinking it does. Do you know what his first miracle was? I'll give you a hint...it involved a celebration of love. :) We also are reminded that God often gives instruction as opposed to "stuff" when we ask for something, so think on what you are asking for and see if there is something you need to do?
I have long known & often counseled that God uses the trials in our lives to help others. I like the way I heard it put today...God takes, he blesses, he breaks, and he gives. Perhaps when you receive communion you will recall that. He takes us, blesses us, breaks us, and then gives us to others to help them.
Have a blessed week!
Pastor also reminded us of something I don't think I ever noticed that way before...Jesus' first miracle was for a want, not a need! Does that mean he actually cares about the desires of our heart? I am thinking it does. Do you know what his first miracle was? I'll give you a hint...it involved a celebration of love. :) We also are reminded that God often gives instruction as opposed to "stuff" when we ask for something, so think on what you are asking for and see if there is something you need to do?
I have long known & often counseled that God uses the trials in our lives to help others. I like the way I heard it put today...God takes, he blesses, he breaks, and he gives. Perhaps when you receive communion you will recall that. He takes us, blesses us, breaks us, and then gives us to others to help them.
Have a blessed week!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Connect.
It is important, in our walk, to connect (with God & others). It is also very important to RE-connect and sometimes to dis-connect. There are times we must renew old relationships, and there are times we must dissolve a relationship that is not reflecting God and shows little or no hope of doing so. These are Biblical principles. Today's challenge...what are scriptures that back up these 3 connection thoughts? Which one is the most difficult to recall? Why? What is the hardest of these connections to do? Why?
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Fast, pray, demonstrate if necessary.
Americans are standing up and demonstrating that we live in a FREE country. Glen Beck (FOX News) is calling for a day of fasting & prayer, which he will announce the 14th. He also quoted Ephesians 6:12 tonight. Go America! Go believers! Go American believers! LOOK at what Washington is doing...LOOK at what is happening in this country. Serve the Lord by serving your country in praying and remaining alert!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Resource on our country, FYI.
If you ever want to research the beginnings of our country, Dave Meyer (Joyce Meyer Ministries)has good information you can get. He has researched this thoroughly and sadly there are many American Christians who actually believe there was meant to be a church & state separation and don't know the actual foundations of this country were Godly, Biblical principles. America is a Christian country with the freedom for people to make their own choices about religion, but it is becoming an ungodly nation that is removing the very God our money says to trust from its fabric. Let's not be uninformed believers. Satan does his best work in darkness. Scripture says "resist the devil an he will flee from you". Can you imagine how fast he would flee if all Christians in the country put up a real solid resistance to his advances? The servant's heart should be to please the Father's heart. To all things in life believers must ask "does this glorify God?" and if not, what our responsibility is should be our very next thought.
Faith-Based Citizens
If you are an American and you are a Christian it is your obligation to know what is happening in this country and do your part in doing whatever you can to preserve our God given rights & uphold our Constitution. It is a privilege to live in the USA. Don't be blind to what is happening under our very noses, or too busy to let unconscionable people ruin the future of your children & grandchildren. I have never been interested in "politics" but I AM interested in the government I will live under in old age, and the government my grandchildren will live under.
Yes, I believe this is part of the move into end times, but that doesn't mean we sit back and do nothing...we "fight the good fight" and we will hear "well done, good and faithful servant". If you can do nothing else...pray. Prayer moves mountains. I do not care what party you belong to, but Christianity by its very definition can only be conservative in values. Jesus wasn't morally liberal regardless of what today's denominations may be endorsing. Remember, Christianity is not man's religion...it is relationship with Jesus, the only compass we should be using for our decisions.
My best suggestion if you want honest reporting is to listen to Sean Hannity on FOX News, and to Mike Huckabee also. If you have more time, listen to Glenn Beck, The O'Reilly Factor, and Greta Van Sustren. Go to town hall meetings, write your representatives, and voice your opinions. This is part of what makes America a democracy, and if we don't stand up & be counted now, we may wake up one day in the not too distant future to find our children are living under a Socialist government.
Remember, God is NOT the author of confusion, and when bait & switch tactics are used by a government to distract it's citizens, that is confusion.
If anyone wants to know more about things from this writer's perspective feel free to email me. I have been trying to keep up with it, and I am personally outraged at the ideas that have come into our vision in the past 7 months...not surprised, as many of you most likely are not either. Our nation WAS founded on Godly principles by Godly men, and it has strayed far from that and has taken a serious nose dive of late.
Yes, I believe this is part of the move into end times, but that doesn't mean we sit back and do nothing...we "fight the good fight" and we will hear "well done, good and faithful servant". If you can do nothing else...pray. Prayer moves mountains. I do not care what party you belong to, but Christianity by its very definition can only be conservative in values. Jesus wasn't morally liberal regardless of what today's denominations may be endorsing. Remember, Christianity is not man's religion...it is relationship with Jesus, the only compass we should be using for our decisions.
My best suggestion if you want honest reporting is to listen to Sean Hannity on FOX News, and to Mike Huckabee also. If you have more time, listen to Glenn Beck, The O'Reilly Factor, and Greta Van Sustren. Go to town hall meetings, write your representatives, and voice your opinions. This is part of what makes America a democracy, and if we don't stand up & be counted now, we may wake up one day in the not too distant future to find our children are living under a Socialist government.
Remember, God is NOT the author of confusion, and when bait & switch tactics are used by a government to distract it's citizens, that is confusion.
If anyone wants to know more about things from this writer's perspective feel free to email me. I have been trying to keep up with it, and I am personally outraged at the ideas that have come into our vision in the past 7 months...not surprised, as many of you most likely are not either. Our nation WAS founded on Godly principles by Godly men, and it has strayed far from that and has taken a serious nose dive of late.
Friday, August 14, 2009
New visitor?
If you are a new visitor to this new blog and like what you see, please also visit www.divineappointments.vpweb.com/
If you want to suggest a topic or submit a photo reflecting the glory of God, email me at ecbcfbt@gmail.com
May God bless your every step.
Shalom,
Liz
If you want to suggest a topic or submit a photo reflecting the glory of God, email me at ecbcfbt@gmail.com
May God bless your every step.
Shalom,
Liz
A rending...
Has there been spiritual conflict in your heart? Does it seem that you are torn between this and that service, or here and there to serve? Are you conflicted about this interpretation or that opinion? Have the circumstances of your life tested your very sanity? The curtain in the temple was rent when the greatest lasting change took place on the earth. Luke 23:45. This removed the barrier to the Holy of Holies so man could enter in without the High Priest. Perhaps the rending of your heart is to remove a barrier between you and God? We tend to push ourselves in various directions, and we tend to push each other down many paths, but Jesus wishes to lead us down his path for us. If there is conflict in your spirit it may be there for a reason. Be still, and listen for his voice. Ask for discernment and peace. God allows things for a reason, and if there is a rending in your spirit God may be bringing about change, and you will then know (even if you do not see it) the path to follow. Look at Jesus' parable in Lk.5:36 Sometimes the rending in our spirit is because the old and the new in our life are not matching up...that is when change comes about. God may want to take us to a higher level, to a deeper conviction, or perhaps to a whole new place in our love relationship with him. It is times like this often when a scripture we never saw clearly or understood before becomes so apparent, so look up the topic of your conflict in his word. He may show you a new thing that will bless you immensely. Never miss an opportunity to grow in God. Never resist the work of his spirit in you. Just embrace the work and growth and run with God, for he will never leave you or forsake you. You are his servant and he desires to bless your heart and out of that blessing he will in turn bless others through you. Don't try to make the things of God happen, but rather allow them to happen. Don't despise the conflict in your heart, but rather ask God to change you. This is the reality of sanctification. Therein lies the shaping of the servant's heart.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
DONKEY BEFORE THE CART
Servant was resting in the evening, reflecting on God's order of things. How often servants get it all mixed up or even worse, don't even consider it. Envisioning Jesus appearing for supper one night servant began to look at what the Lord had laid out in his word and would no doubt share were it asked of him. Would not "commandments" trump everything? Most likely, and all the servants knew what they were...oh, they might not know them in order or exactly by heart, but most knew the substance of them and that was what most mattered...that they knew enough to have their heart convict them if they strayed. But then, Jesus had said there was a "greatest" commandment...see Mt. 22:35-40. It was to love God and your neighbor. He had said everything else hung on that! If we love God and our neighbor we WILL obey the others. We are all sinners saved by grace, and we will stumble & fall (SIN) but it will not be our "lifestyle", for when we accepted Christ as our Lord & Savior we became new and began a process of change that would go on for the rest of the journey. Because of the Holy Spirit operating in us, if Jesus were at supper with us he would tell us we are to be a growing reflection of him, and consider our neighbor above ourselves servant concluded.
From love, Jesus would tell us, comes obedience and that is how we do not violate the other laws. No matter what religion we are associated with, or church we attend, we are all ultimately responsible for our own correct adherence to what the Lord asks of us. This requires understanding and wisdom, so servant thought that Jesus would say to always ask for those things when reading the Father's manual for life. Jesus left the ordinances of baptism and The Lord's Supper and clear instruction about what they meant. One was to publicly declare our allegiance to him, having once asked him to live within us. Mt. 3:2 "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand"...servant thought that it really didn't get much clearer. The order was there...from love for God repentance comes, and from that same love declaration to the world of salvation follows. John was sent to baptize the new "believers"...those who had accepted Jesus as Savior & Lord of their life, which required understanding. The other ordinance was meant to call our attention regularly to the sacrifice Christ made for us. A wise man once told servant some things are "you don't have to, but you get to" and that seemed to flow with the love/obedience order of ordinances as well as commandments.
Servant wondered about the principle of tithing. Was it a "have to" or a "get to"? Jesus had once said that he loved a cheerful giver and that there were matters more important than the tithe! Mt. 23:23 The Father had also said we could test him in this. Servant pondered that perhaps knowing man's innate greediness he allowed a test because man's wisdom would kick in and then his love would take over and he would "cheerfully" give the tithe. Sounded like another "get to" and that the Father knew love was more important than money ever could be, and love would also propel servants to tithe. It is a principle set forth by the word of God, but more importantly it is a love response inspired by the love of God for us. Giving out of love for God is far more rewarding than giving out of legality servant thought, and he reflected that the Father probably felt that way too. So there is the order of things servant surmised...love comes first, then giving to God.
From love, Jesus would tell us, comes obedience and that is how we do not violate the other laws. No matter what religion we are associated with, or church we attend, we are all ultimately responsible for our own correct adherence to what the Lord asks of us. This requires understanding and wisdom, so servant thought that Jesus would say to always ask for those things when reading the Father's manual for life. Jesus left the ordinances of baptism and The Lord's Supper and clear instruction about what they meant. One was to publicly declare our allegiance to him, having once asked him to live within us. Mt. 3:2 "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand"...servant thought that it really didn't get much clearer. The order was there...from love for God repentance comes, and from that same love declaration to the world of salvation follows. John was sent to baptize the new "believers"...those who had accepted Jesus as Savior & Lord of their life, which required understanding. The other ordinance was meant to call our attention regularly to the sacrifice Christ made for us. A wise man once told servant some things are "you don't have to, but you get to" and that seemed to flow with the love/obedience order of ordinances as well as commandments.
Servant wondered about the principle of tithing. Was it a "have to" or a "get to"? Jesus had once said that he loved a cheerful giver and that there were matters more important than the tithe! Mt. 23:23 The Father had also said we could test him in this. Servant pondered that perhaps knowing man's innate greediness he allowed a test because man's wisdom would kick in and then his love would take over and he would "cheerfully" give the tithe. Sounded like another "get to" and that the Father knew love was more important than money ever could be, and love would also propel servants to tithe. It is a principle set forth by the word of God, but more importantly it is a love response inspired by the love of God for us. Giving out of love for God is far more rewarding than giving out of legality servant thought, and he reflected that the Father probably felt that way too. So there is the order of things servant surmised...love comes first, then giving to God.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
WELCOME TO MY BLOG
Servant walked into the house of God, took a seat and waited. Soon someone said the Lord had been invited to come and all could seek him...face to face. Wow...Moses did that! Servant had been there many times before, and had been seeking another encounter. Somehow today seemed like the right day...and then, it started to rain...it rained buckets full, drenching the ground and forming huge puddles that more resembled small rivers. All the servants had gathered to see the Lord and were faced first with proceeding through the downpour from heaven to find him. That's OK. Many servants before had faced far greater perils. It wasn't the Red Sea, and it wasn't a flood. However, servant reflected how many often let the rain keep them from meeting with the Lord. Servant had even been tempted a time or too, truth be known, to just stay in and dry and never mind. The Lord would be there again...he always was. He even made house calls, but he was so much happier when servants sought him out, for it showed that they were willing servants not fearful slaves.
Soon there was music and the sound of many voices praising God. Although familiar, something was a little different. Then servant realized it was that awesome "presence" of the Lord's spirit...it was pouring out all over the servants, not unlike the drenching rain outside. Why, it was that Pentecost feeling that comes when the servants hearts have opened fully to the Lord. Nothing has ever matched that feeling or ever will, this side of heaven. This is when the Lord brings his gifts and hands them out...a vision here, and an answer there, some encouragement for the sick and sorrowful, and most exciting of all...joy & peace...unspeakable joy & peace! Servants were seen with huge tears of thankfulness running across their faces. For joy & peace were sometimes difficult to find on the journey they were on. It was only ultimately found there...with the Father.
Servant looked at an image in the front that was just blue color but the Lord gently seemed to form it into the picture of a baby growing in the mother's womb. "Wow", servant thought. "That's like all of us. We are all growing deeper in relationship with the Father, just as a baby grows closer to it's mother." It was then that servant glanced at the cross that stood before the group. It seemed to have fine diagonal lines running behind it. "That's odd" the servant pondered. "What does it mean I wonder? Does anyone else see it?" Swiftly the answer came...straight out of heaven it seemed. "Those are the paths of my children, criss-crossing all over the world. Some of them are a bit closer to me than others, some drift off, but they are all trying their best to do what I have asked of them."
"What do you want of me right now?" servant asked. When the answer came servant was surprised because it seemed too easy. It was simple..."rest, reflect, and rejoice." The Lord said that was sometimes as important as doing much. A lady named Martha had once learned that. While all this was going on many others were having some face to face encounters themselves. The songs had faded into quietness and were now resuming, first quietly and then so much more enthusiastically. As always, as people lifted their hands to God, clapped, and even began to dance like David and jump a bit like there was a King in the room (there was, and he was their Daddy)servant smiled and reflected..."this is what heaven will be like...we will skip along the golden road to meet our Lord, every day, all day. Those sports enthusiasts here on earth are getting all warmed up for the end of the journey. I hope they all meet Father before it is too late."
As servant went out of the house of the Lord there was a freshness in the air, like often there is after a soaking rain. There was also a freshness in servant's spirit from the soaking rain inside...the rain of the spirit. As the spirit of the Lord lingered, servant wished it to never leave or be far away. We were in a sun-parched land and he brought us living water. Servant went home with a song in the heart and that feeling that only comes when you have been face to face with a King.
Soon there was music and the sound of many voices praising God. Although familiar, something was a little different. Then servant realized it was that awesome "presence" of the Lord's spirit...it was pouring out all over the servants, not unlike the drenching rain outside. Why, it was that Pentecost feeling that comes when the servants hearts have opened fully to the Lord. Nothing has ever matched that feeling or ever will, this side of heaven. This is when the Lord brings his gifts and hands them out...a vision here, and an answer there, some encouragement for the sick and sorrowful, and most exciting of all...joy & peace...unspeakable joy & peace! Servants were seen with huge tears of thankfulness running across their faces. For joy & peace were sometimes difficult to find on the journey they were on. It was only ultimately found there...with the Father.
Servant looked at an image in the front that was just blue color but the Lord gently seemed to form it into the picture of a baby growing in the mother's womb. "Wow", servant thought. "That's like all of us. We are all growing deeper in relationship with the Father, just as a baby grows closer to it's mother." It was then that servant glanced at the cross that stood before the group. It seemed to have fine diagonal lines running behind it. "That's odd" the servant pondered. "What does it mean I wonder? Does anyone else see it?" Swiftly the answer came...straight out of heaven it seemed. "Those are the paths of my children, criss-crossing all over the world. Some of them are a bit closer to me than others, some drift off, but they are all trying their best to do what I have asked of them."
"What do you want of me right now?" servant asked. When the answer came servant was surprised because it seemed too easy. It was simple..."rest, reflect, and rejoice." The Lord said that was sometimes as important as doing much. A lady named Martha had once learned that. While all this was going on many others were having some face to face encounters themselves. The songs had faded into quietness and were now resuming, first quietly and then so much more enthusiastically. As always, as people lifted their hands to God, clapped, and even began to dance like David and jump a bit like there was a King in the room (there was, and he was their Daddy)servant smiled and reflected..."this is what heaven will be like...we will skip along the golden road to meet our Lord, every day, all day. Those sports enthusiasts here on earth are getting all warmed up for the end of the journey. I hope they all meet Father before it is too late."
As servant went out of the house of the Lord there was a freshness in the air, like often there is after a soaking rain. There was also a freshness in servant's spirit from the soaking rain inside...the rain of the spirit. As the spirit of the Lord lingered, servant wished it to never leave or be far away. We were in a sun-parched land and he brought us living water. Servant went home with a song in the heart and that feeling that only comes when you have been face to face with a King.
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