“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8 NKJ
"My Jesus, mercy" Al Capone’s Epitaph
There was a time in my life where I could better identify with Al Capone’s epitaph than with the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4. My life was an all consuming fire of self-centeredness and entitlement. I lived my days for me and I didn’t pay much attention the needs of the surrounding world. Don’t get me wrong I was a nice person; I just had a warped sense of reality because of not knowing my true identity. Like Al Capone and many other people, famous and not so famous; I found my identity in everything contrary to my true identity in Jesus Christ!
And like Capone I was mentored by the world and led to believe that to be the best meant to outdo everyone around me. It meant never showing a need and hiding every pain in my life. Like Capone I tried to hide the scars that showed the reality of the life I lived on the edge, and I didn’t trust anyone; even those closest to me. If I had died during that time my epitaph would have read pretty closely to the words on Al Capone’s.
I am so glad that I had a Damascus Road experience like the Apostle Paul in my early twenties and didn’t have to cry out in my last days, “My Jesus, Mercy”! If I was faced with death tomorrow my words now would reflect something similar to the Apostle Paul’s words. Great peace, contentment, and joy come in knowing one’s life has been poured out as a drink offering in service to other people out of intense love for the Lord and for them.
But what I discovered early on is that we cannot pour out what we ourselves are not filled up with, just like you can’t pour water out of an empty cup. In order to be a drink offering to a hurting and dying world we have to walk in the fullness of Christ operating in us on a daily basis. And in order to do that we have to embrace our true identity as a son or daughter of the most high King! We have to do as the Apostle Paul did on the Damascus Road, and as the writer of Hebrews instructs us, and lay aside every hindrance that entangles us.
We do this by adopting the mindset of Christ that Paul adopted and spoke of in Philippians 3:14. He said, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” It is obvious that this was not just a goal that Paul set for himself, but a personal act of discipline he walked in daily. Otherwise he wouldn’t have said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” in 2 Timothy 4. It is one thing to set goals for ourselves as Christians and it is another thing to set aside time to achieve those goals. And the most important goal for all Christians should be discovering their true identity in Christ so they can learn what His purpose is for their life.
Can you even imagine what the lives of many famous criminals would have been if only they had discovered their true identity? Master minds of criminal activity are not ignorant people, they are just misdirected in their belief of why they are on this earth, just like the Apostle Paul was and I was, at one time in our lives. This is why it is so important for us to meditate on the Word, pray, and spend time seeking wisdom and understanding, because these are the activities that lead us to achieve the goal of becoming a drink offering ready to be poured out. There is no other way! It doesn’t happen automatically. It is a daily exercise of faith.
In Christ Jesus we have the crown of righteousness and one day we too will receive a heavenly reward according to what we did with the life God gave us and the work He called us to do. The lives we live we no longer live to ourselves, but to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. To become a drink offering ready to be poured out to a hurting and dying world we have to fully understand these truths. We are all called to be drink offerings. So my question to you today is this: Are you full and overflowing, ready to be poured out or is it time for you to be filled up?
Prayer: I praise You for calling me and for setting me apart for Your Kingdom! I want to be all that you created me to be so that when the days of my life come to an end; my words will be like the Apostle Paul’s and not like someone else who lives for themselves in this world. Let me see the greatness You see in me to accomplish Your Kingdom work on this earth. And let me fully embrace my identity in You so I believe without doubt that I am filled with the fullness of You, ready to be poured out! Amen
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Rest, Wait, And Do Not Fret! (Part 3 of 3)
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm.” Psalm 37:7-8 NKJ
After committing our way to the Lord one of the hardest things to do is to rest in Him. The reason for this is we second guess ourselves and wonder if we made the right decision, or if there is more God expects us to do on our own. We have been conditioned to believe sayings like, “God helps those who help themselves” that make us question the validity of our decision to rest in God and wait patiently on Him to perform His Word.
While God does promise to bless the things we put our hands to; this passage of Scripture is not talking about that. It is talking about making the decision to put our hope and trust in God after committing our way to Him. When we do this it enables us to keep our minds focused on the fact that He brings His Word to pass in our lives, not us!
Two definitions of rest that apply to this verse are: Relief or freedom from disquiet or disturbance;
or mental and emotional tranquility. These two definitions are great descriptions of what David is talking about because right after he tells us to rest and wait patiently he says, “Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.” Isn’t it frustrating when you see a person who has committed an injustice thrive and prosper in the wicked way they live? For me that can be the most unnerving experience! Like I said in part one I am a justice person and I want to see that justice enforced right now!
So when I see a person who has committed an injustice thrive, my blood boils with anger! I want to scream, “INJUSTICE” from the rooftop for the world to hear! But David tells us that this is the very thing we have to cease from doing because it only brings us harm. Most people do not even realize the devastating power of anger and the havoc it wreaks on their mind and body! Studies have proven that pent up anger causes sickness and disease. This is why it is so important to meditate on Scriptures and pray during our times of waiting patiently for God to perform His Word!
In His amazing love for us, God gave us the best antidote for sickness and it doesn’t cost us anything but time. It is called resting in Him! I believe if more people would commit their way to the Lord and then rest in Him in their times of waiting; less people would suffer from certain illness, such as heart disease. Did you know that certain forms of heart disease have been directly linked to unresolved anger issues? When I learned that it made me understand what Proverbs 13:12 meant. It says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.”
So now when I see someone who has committed an injustice thriving and prospering in their way; I remind myself that no matter what they are doing, God is performing His Word on my behalf. This confident assurance causes me to rest and wait patiently! Though the temptation to fret still crouches at my door some mornings, I have learned how to overcome it by meditating on the Word and praying until the temptation passes. This is a daily exercise of faith but the rewards for doing it far out way the growing pains I experience in the process.
I now view this process as a blessing and as I daily walk in it, I feel the presence of God directing me away from my inner voice of doubt or unbelief. I feel Him drawing me towards the path that leads me to the desires of my heart, and my need to see justice served my way, subsides! This is also when my focus turns from wanting vengeance to praying for the one who has committed the injustice. This is what Jesus meant in Matthew 5:43 -48 when He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
As the Lord speaks to you and reveals His wisdom and understanding of the Scriptures my prayer is that you will begin to see things from His prospective. I can attest to the fact that when this begins to happen you will experience incredible peace and contentment the next time someone commits an injustice against you. Committing my ways to the Lord, trusting in Him, and resting in His promises, has been a breath of fresh air in my life! Though there are times I still struggle in this area, I am seeing that the pattern of my responses are becoming easier the more I choose to put my hope and trust in Him. My prayer is that you too will begin to see this manifest as you walk in faith and commit all your ways to Him on a daily basis.
Prayer: Spend time thanking God for being a just God who protects you in the midst of an injustice. Ask Him to reveal areas of your life where you still struggle to believe and trust in Him. Set aside time to meditate on the Word so you are strengthened in your inner man and prepared to walk on the paths the Lord leads you on.
After committing our way to the Lord one of the hardest things to do is to rest in Him. The reason for this is we second guess ourselves and wonder if we made the right decision, or if there is more God expects us to do on our own. We have been conditioned to believe sayings like, “God helps those who help themselves” that make us question the validity of our decision to rest in God and wait patiently on Him to perform His Word.
While God does promise to bless the things we put our hands to; this passage of Scripture is not talking about that. It is talking about making the decision to put our hope and trust in God after committing our way to Him. When we do this it enables us to keep our minds focused on the fact that He brings His Word to pass in our lives, not us!
Two definitions of rest that apply to this verse are: Relief or freedom from disquiet or disturbance;
or mental and emotional tranquility. These two definitions are great descriptions of what David is talking about because right after he tells us to rest and wait patiently he says, “Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.” Isn’t it frustrating when you see a person who has committed an injustice thrive and prosper in the wicked way they live? For me that can be the most unnerving experience! Like I said in part one I am a justice person and I want to see that justice enforced right now!
So when I see a person who has committed an injustice thrive, my blood boils with anger! I want to scream, “INJUSTICE” from the rooftop for the world to hear! But David tells us that this is the very thing we have to cease from doing because it only brings us harm. Most people do not even realize the devastating power of anger and the havoc it wreaks on their mind and body! Studies have proven that pent up anger causes sickness and disease. This is why it is so important to meditate on Scriptures and pray during our times of waiting patiently for God to perform His Word!
In His amazing love for us, God gave us the best antidote for sickness and it doesn’t cost us anything but time. It is called resting in Him! I believe if more people would commit their way to the Lord and then rest in Him in their times of waiting; less people would suffer from certain illness, such as heart disease. Did you know that certain forms of heart disease have been directly linked to unresolved anger issues? When I learned that it made me understand what Proverbs 13:12 meant. It says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.”
So now when I see someone who has committed an injustice thriving and prospering in their way; I remind myself that no matter what they are doing, God is performing His Word on my behalf. This confident assurance causes me to rest and wait patiently! Though the temptation to fret still crouches at my door some mornings, I have learned how to overcome it by meditating on the Word and praying until the temptation passes. This is a daily exercise of faith but the rewards for doing it far out way the growing pains I experience in the process.
I now view this process as a blessing and as I daily walk in it, I feel the presence of God directing me away from my inner voice of doubt or unbelief. I feel Him drawing me towards the path that leads me to the desires of my heart, and my need to see justice served my way, subsides! This is also when my focus turns from wanting vengeance to praying for the one who has committed the injustice. This is what Jesus meant in Matthew 5:43 -48 when He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
As the Lord speaks to you and reveals His wisdom and understanding of the Scriptures my prayer is that you will begin to see things from His prospective. I can attest to the fact that when this begins to happen you will experience incredible peace and contentment the next time someone commits an injustice against you. Committing my ways to the Lord, trusting in Him, and resting in His promises, has been a breath of fresh air in my life! Though there are times I still struggle in this area, I am seeing that the pattern of my responses are becoming easier the more I choose to put my hope and trust in Him. My prayer is that you too will begin to see this manifest as you walk in faith and commit all your ways to Him on a daily basis.
Prayer: Spend time thanking God for being a just God who protects you in the midst of an injustice. Ask Him to reveal areas of your life where you still struggle to believe and trust in Him. Set aside time to meditate on the Word so you are strengthened in your inner man and prepared to walk on the paths the Lord leads you on.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Day 94
Commit Your Way To The Lord!
“Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” Psalm 37:5-6 NKJ
What does it mean to commit your way to the Lord? The word commit means to entrust, hand over, give, assign, or place. In regards to this passage my favorite definition of commit is “to place officially in the custody of”. When I think of committing my way to the Lord in this way, my whole perspective changes about who is in control once I have committed my way to Him.
To help you better understand this let me give a personal example from my own life. When I placed my son for adoption 22 years ago and I gave custody over to the state, and then to the adoptive parents; I was no longer in control of my son’s life. There were times after that event where I wanted control back but I understood that being in control was no longer an option. I had made the loving choice to give him to the custody of his new parents and I had to entrust his life to them for eternity. While this may seem like a heart breaking reality it was actually one of the best learning experiences I have ever walked through and it gave me a deeper understanding of God and His incredible love for us!
It made me embrace what it means to commit my way to the Lord and to trust in Him; believing that everything He says in the bible, He will bring to pass in my life! I would love to say that I never struggled in this area again, but I have on several occasions. Over the years I tried to take back control in others areas of my life that I had committed to God as well! Only to realize within a short time, that the way I thought was right to go; led me in the wrong direction and away from my purpose and destiny every time!
I sought the Lord for wisdom once again and being the faithful father that He is, He answered me! One day when reading Proverbs 21:2, I stopped abruptly in my study! Then I went back and read it again. It said, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.” This verse explained why I did what I had done and it also explained why it is best to always commit our way to God and to trust in him wholeheartedly!
When seeking which way we should go in times of peace, times of trial or times of temptation, only God weighs the heart of man; so only He knows what the desire in our heart is and how to lead us to it! When we commit our way to Him with a willing heart, He weighs the matters of the heart, and leads us in the direction of them each and every time!
In regards to responding in a Christ like manner when we have been wounded or hurt by others as I talked about in yesterday’s devotion Psalm 37:6 gives us the key to success in this area. It also gives us the key to being consistent when committing our ways to God in other areas as well. It says, “He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” Who is our righteousness and our justice? The answer is Jesus Christ and it is in Him and through Him where we are able to respond with His mind operating in us when we are wounded or hurt by others. And it is His strength operating in us that keeps us stable on the paths we have committed to God!
We have to remind ourselves daily that apart from Christ we can’t do anything! But in Him all things are possible to those of us who love Him, and in Him we can do all things! I want to encourage you to spend time meditating on this passage of Scripture. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and understanding about what it means to commit your way to Him and to trust in Him through the power of Christ operating in you. If this has been a major area of struggle for you, seek out like minded believers and ask them to encourage you on this journey of faith you are embarking on. God is faithful and as you seek Him for wisdom He will give it to you in abundance!
Prayer: As I learn to commit my ways to You in every area of my life, remind me by Your Spirit that it is not by my might or my power, but by you operating in me. Give me an understanding heart and mind so I can receive Your words of love for me in regards to committing my ways to You! I praise You for granting me the desire of my heart in this area and I believe by faith that You will bring it to pass! Amen
What does it mean to commit your way to the Lord? The word commit means to entrust, hand over, give, assign, or place. In regards to this passage my favorite definition of commit is “to place officially in the custody of”. When I think of committing my way to the Lord in this way, my whole perspective changes about who is in control once I have committed my way to Him.
To help you better understand this let me give a personal example from my own life. When I placed my son for adoption 22 years ago and I gave custody over to the state, and then to the adoptive parents; I was no longer in control of my son’s life. There were times after that event where I wanted control back but I understood that being in control was no longer an option. I had made the loving choice to give him to the custody of his new parents and I had to entrust his life to them for eternity. While this may seem like a heart breaking reality it was actually one of the best learning experiences I have ever walked through and it gave me a deeper understanding of God and His incredible love for us!
It made me embrace what it means to commit my way to the Lord and to trust in Him; believing that everything He says in the bible, He will bring to pass in my life! I would love to say that I never struggled in this area again, but I have on several occasions. Over the years I tried to take back control in others areas of my life that I had committed to God as well! Only to realize within a short time, that the way I thought was right to go; led me in the wrong direction and away from my purpose and destiny every time!
I sought the Lord for wisdom once again and being the faithful father that He is, He answered me! One day when reading Proverbs 21:2, I stopped abruptly in my study! Then I went back and read it again. It said, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.” This verse explained why I did what I had done and it also explained why it is best to always commit our way to God and to trust in him wholeheartedly!
When seeking which way we should go in times of peace, times of trial or times of temptation, only God weighs the heart of man; so only He knows what the desire in our heart is and how to lead us to it! When we commit our way to Him with a willing heart, He weighs the matters of the heart, and leads us in the direction of them each and every time!
In regards to responding in a Christ like manner when we have been wounded or hurt by others as I talked about in yesterday’s devotion Psalm 37:6 gives us the key to success in this area. It also gives us the key to being consistent when committing our ways to God in other areas as well. It says, “He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” Who is our righteousness and our justice? The answer is Jesus Christ and it is in Him and through Him where we are able to respond with His mind operating in us when we are wounded or hurt by others. And it is His strength operating in us that keeps us stable on the paths we have committed to God!
We have to remind ourselves daily that apart from Christ we can’t do anything! But in Him all things are possible to those of us who love Him, and in Him we can do all things! I want to encourage you to spend time meditating on this passage of Scripture. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and understanding about what it means to commit your way to Him and to trust in Him through the power of Christ operating in you. If this has been a major area of struggle for you, seek out like minded believers and ask them to encourage you on this journey of faith you are embarking on. God is faithful and as you seek Him for wisdom He will give it to you in abundance!
Prayer: As I learn to commit my ways to You in every area of my life, remind me by Your Spirit that it is not by my might or my power, but by you operating in me. Give me an understanding heart and mind so I can receive Your words of love for me in regards to committing my ways to You! I praise You for granting me the desire of my heart in this area and I believe by faith that You will bring it to pass! Amen
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Day 93
When Trouble Comes: Stand Firm, Trust, And Believe! Part 1 of 3
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:3-4 NKJ
At the first sign of distress or trouble what do you do? When someone wounds you with their words or actions what is your first response? When I encounter situations like these my initial reaction is to fight. I want justice done right now! Other people want to run. They don’t like confrontation and try to get as far away from it as they can. It is important to understand that these reactions are natural due to the “fight or flight” hormone in the brain called adrenaline, or epinephrine as scientists in the Unites States call it.
But in Psalm 37 David tells us to do something different! He tells us to trust in the Lord, feed on His faithfulness, commit our way to Him, and watch God bring about justice. We know this because he wrote verses 3 & 4 right after he wrote, “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.” (Verses 1 &2) As New Covenant disciples of Jesus Christ we understand that we no longer battle flesh and blood, but principalities and powers of darkness in heavenly places. Though the actual actions may come from a person; we understand there is something else taking place, than just a person being mean or evil.
We understand that the devil is working through that person to try and destroy our faith and trust in God. He is also trying to get us to be afraid of man and to blame man for his evil doing. But it is so important to remember that God has already defeated the devil and his attacks against us are only shadows of evil death sent to try and distract us in our faith. While it is important to make sure we are physically safe, this is not what David is talking about in Psalm 37. David is referring to our state of mind and heart in the midst of an attack or battle.
We know this because in verses 39 and 40 David says, “But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.” So what are we called to do when trouble comes and how do we prepare our minds and hearts for the attack? We are called to stand in the face of trouble, securely fitted in the armor of God; ready to battle with the weapons of our warfare. And those weapons of warfare are the Word of God, prayer, worship, and our words of faith. With this understanding let’s look at the order David gives in Psalm 37 that will help us to overcome when we find ourselves in trouble.
Trust in the Lord and do good - Proverbs 3:5 -6 shows us how to do this. It says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” So the first thing we need to do is to remind ourselves that God is in the midst of our situation and when we put our trust in Him; He will direct our steps in knowing what to do next. We do not have to be afraid because He has gone before us and made a way for us to maneuver through the situation in peace. This is what leads us to being able to good; which means to execute a Christ like response instead of a humanistic reaction.
Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness – Notice he doesn’t say fight or run. Again David is referring to our state of mind and the condition of our heart. Though we may need to move to a safe place physically or take a time out to collect our thoughts; we do not need to become frantic or allow our hope and faith to be stolen. We dwell in the land of God’s promises; which means to meditate on the Word. We remind ourselves that our hope is in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ operating in us. (1 Peter 1:3) We also remind ourselves that God will never give us more than we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13) Meditating on the Word is what feeding on His faithfulness means.
Delight yourself in the Lord – The word delight means great pleasure and joy. So to delight in the Lord means to take great pleasure and joy in knowing that when He is for you no one can be against you. It means we meditate on verses like Isaiah 54:17. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD.” Calling to remembrance promises like this one is what prepares us to know how to pray for the desire of our heart. When our hearts are focused on God then our minds are clear to know how to pray, or to know if we need to call on the Holy Spirit to pray for us if we are unable to.
To be continued…….
Prayer: Lord as you reveal Your Word to me help me to receive it so I know how to respond when trouble comes my way or when I am caught off guard by an attack of the enemy. Help me to discern Your Word so I embrace Your promises! Give me wisdom and understanding according to Your Truth so I am empowered in the midst of trouble. I praise You for being faithful and for Your great and mighty love for me! Amen
At the first sign of distress or trouble what do you do? When someone wounds you with their words or actions what is your first response? When I encounter situations like these my initial reaction is to fight. I want justice done right now! Other people want to run. They don’t like confrontation and try to get as far away from it as they can. It is important to understand that these reactions are natural due to the “fight or flight” hormone in the brain called adrenaline, or epinephrine as scientists in the Unites States call it.
But in Psalm 37 David tells us to do something different! He tells us to trust in the Lord, feed on His faithfulness, commit our way to Him, and watch God bring about justice. We know this because he wrote verses 3 & 4 right after he wrote, “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.” (Verses 1 &2) As New Covenant disciples of Jesus Christ we understand that we no longer battle flesh and blood, but principalities and powers of darkness in heavenly places. Though the actual actions may come from a person; we understand there is something else taking place, than just a person being mean or evil.
We understand that the devil is working through that person to try and destroy our faith and trust in God. He is also trying to get us to be afraid of man and to blame man for his evil doing. But it is so important to remember that God has already defeated the devil and his attacks against us are only shadows of evil death sent to try and distract us in our faith. While it is important to make sure we are physically safe, this is not what David is talking about in Psalm 37. David is referring to our state of mind and heart in the midst of an attack or battle.
We know this because in verses 39 and 40 David says, “But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.” So what are we called to do when trouble comes and how do we prepare our minds and hearts for the attack? We are called to stand in the face of trouble, securely fitted in the armor of God; ready to battle with the weapons of our warfare. And those weapons of warfare are the Word of God, prayer, worship, and our words of faith. With this understanding let’s look at the order David gives in Psalm 37 that will help us to overcome when we find ourselves in trouble.
Trust in the Lord and do good - Proverbs 3:5 -6 shows us how to do this. It says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” So the first thing we need to do is to remind ourselves that God is in the midst of our situation and when we put our trust in Him; He will direct our steps in knowing what to do next. We do not have to be afraid because He has gone before us and made a way for us to maneuver through the situation in peace. This is what leads us to being able to good; which means to execute a Christ like response instead of a humanistic reaction.
Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness – Notice he doesn’t say fight or run. Again David is referring to our state of mind and the condition of our heart. Though we may need to move to a safe place physically or take a time out to collect our thoughts; we do not need to become frantic or allow our hope and faith to be stolen. We dwell in the land of God’s promises; which means to meditate on the Word. We remind ourselves that our hope is in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ operating in us. (1 Peter 1:3) We also remind ourselves that God will never give us more than we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13) Meditating on the Word is what feeding on His faithfulness means.
Delight yourself in the Lord – The word delight means great pleasure and joy. So to delight in the Lord means to take great pleasure and joy in knowing that when He is for you no one can be against you. It means we meditate on verses like Isaiah 54:17. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD.” Calling to remembrance promises like this one is what prepares us to know how to pray for the desire of our heart. When our hearts are focused on God then our minds are clear to know how to pray, or to know if we need to call on the Holy Spirit to pray for us if we are unable to.
To be continued…….
Prayer: Lord as you reveal Your Word to me help me to receive it so I know how to respond when trouble comes my way or when I am caught off guard by an attack of the enemy. Help me to discern Your Word so I embrace Your promises! Give me wisdom and understanding according to Your Truth so I am empowered in the midst of trouble. I praise You for being faithful and for Your great and mighty love for me! Amen
Friday, March 26, 2010
Day 92
Do You Know You Have The Bloodline of The King Flowing Through You?
“You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.” John 15:16 AMP
One of the deepest desires of the human heart is to experience the feelings that come from being chosen! Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines the word chosen as: one who is the object of choice or of divine favor: an elect person. Several years ago I watched the movie, The Princess Diaries with Ann Hathaway and Julie Andrews. It is a story of a common girl who is rather clumsy and awkward with little or no talent for anything significant. At school she is known as a klutz and a nervous wreck. There is really nothing special about Anne Hathaway’s character, Mia, except for one thing that no one knows. Mia is actually a princess and in line to inherit the crown of the queen that belongs to her grandmother, Clarisse.
Mia’s father had been in line for the crown until his accidental death, where Clarisse assumed the role as queen over the small kingdom known as Genovia. But since Clarisse is only royalty by marriage she has to make sure that Mia, whose royalty is through bloodline, inherits the crown. If not, then the rule of the country will be delegated to another family. The news of her royal bloodline comes as a complete surprise to Mia! At first she cannot believe she is actually a royal princess, chosen to rule a kingdom. As the story unfolds she realizes just how inadequate she is to assume the role of royalty, but the characters in the movie do all they can to prepare her for her rightful position as queen. Eventually Mia accepts her calling and learns how to walk in the role that was written for her before she was born.
Though this is a fictional comedic depiction of being chosen through bloodline to inherit all the benefits of a fictional kingdom; it is a great depiction for what John 15:16 describes for us who have been chosen to inherit the benefits of the kingdom of God here on earth. Before the foundations of the world were formed God wrote a book about our lives and because we have said yes to Jesus Christ, the bloodline inheritance of His kingdom belongs to us. I am sure that all of us have felt like Mia at times; thinking that we are too clumsy or awkward to fulfill the requirements of a royal position.
But to God we are perfectly suited to carry out the duties of His royal family because He placed in us, his royal bloodline; through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ! The key to accepting our position of royalty is in knowing that the inheritance (fruit) produced in our lives comes from the bloodline of the King, Jesus Christ; not from our striving to produce it, in and of, ourselves. The treasures (fruit) laid up for us while we are on earth and when we get to heaven; are rightfully ours because our King died for us on the Cross, was resurrected, and is now seated at the right hand of God. Jesus is the testator of the will and in that will it says we are the beneficiaries. And it is His duty to execute that will and appoint us to bear the benefits of the will, which is our inheritance (fruit)!
It is in knowing this, understanding it, and accepting it, that also makes us able to approach the King in boldness and ask for anything we need or desire. This is why the second part of John 15:16 Jesus said, “so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.” With this confidence we also can approach the throne of grace in our deepest times of need when we have walked in disobedience. This is why Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
So my question to you today is this. Do you fully accept that you were God’s object of choice when He created you and that His desire is to give you divine favor and blessing because the bloodline of the King, Jesus Christ, flows through your veins? When you said yes to Jesus Christ and were born again, you were given a blood transfusion with the blood of our King, Jesus Christ, infused into you! You are no longer common! This is why 1 Peter 2:9-10 says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” NKJ
Oh what joy that comes when we fully understand these truths! This joy causes us to dance in celebration knowing that we have been chosen by the King of Kings and set apart to bear the fruit (inheritance) of the Kingdom and that fruit will last from now until forevermore! And unlike man’s riches and treasures in an earthly kingdom, God’s supply never runs out! It is overflowing from everlasting to everlasting! So what is your need? What is your desire? Today I want to encourage you to go to your father in boldness and make your requests known to Him! And watch as He supplies your need and the desire of your heart, according to His riches in glory!
Prayer: May I come to fully comprehend what it means to be a bloodline child of the Most High King! Help me to resist the temptation to believe I am inadequate to fulfill the position of authority you have called me to. And help me resist the temptation to try in my own strength to produce the fruit (inheritance) on my own. Help me to understand that it is rightfully mine and all I have to do is come to you and ask and in Your great love for me, you will supply it! Amen
One of the deepest desires of the human heart is to experience the feelings that come from being chosen! Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines the word chosen as: one who is the object of choice or of divine favor: an elect person. Several years ago I watched the movie, The Princess Diaries with Ann Hathaway and Julie Andrews. It is a story of a common girl who is rather clumsy and awkward with little or no talent for anything significant. At school she is known as a klutz and a nervous wreck. There is really nothing special about Anne Hathaway’s character, Mia, except for one thing that no one knows. Mia is actually a princess and in line to inherit the crown of the queen that belongs to her grandmother, Clarisse.
Mia’s father had been in line for the crown until his accidental death, where Clarisse assumed the role as queen over the small kingdom known as Genovia. But since Clarisse is only royalty by marriage she has to make sure that Mia, whose royalty is through bloodline, inherits the crown. If not, then the rule of the country will be delegated to another family. The news of her royal bloodline comes as a complete surprise to Mia! At first she cannot believe she is actually a royal princess, chosen to rule a kingdom. As the story unfolds she realizes just how inadequate she is to assume the role of royalty, but the characters in the movie do all they can to prepare her for her rightful position as queen. Eventually Mia accepts her calling and learns how to walk in the role that was written for her before she was born.
Though this is a fictional comedic depiction of being chosen through bloodline to inherit all the benefits of a fictional kingdom; it is a great depiction for what John 15:16 describes for us who have been chosen to inherit the benefits of the kingdom of God here on earth. Before the foundations of the world were formed God wrote a book about our lives and because we have said yes to Jesus Christ, the bloodline inheritance of His kingdom belongs to us. I am sure that all of us have felt like Mia at times; thinking that we are too clumsy or awkward to fulfill the requirements of a royal position.
But to God we are perfectly suited to carry out the duties of His royal family because He placed in us, his royal bloodline; through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ! The key to accepting our position of royalty is in knowing that the inheritance (fruit) produced in our lives comes from the bloodline of the King, Jesus Christ; not from our striving to produce it, in and of, ourselves. The treasures (fruit) laid up for us while we are on earth and when we get to heaven; are rightfully ours because our King died for us on the Cross, was resurrected, and is now seated at the right hand of God. Jesus is the testator of the will and in that will it says we are the beneficiaries. And it is His duty to execute that will and appoint us to bear the benefits of the will, which is our inheritance (fruit)!
It is in knowing this, understanding it, and accepting it, that also makes us able to approach the King in boldness and ask for anything we need or desire. This is why the second part of John 15:16 Jesus said, “so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.” With this confidence we also can approach the throne of grace in our deepest times of need when we have walked in disobedience. This is why Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
So my question to you today is this. Do you fully accept that you were God’s object of choice when He created you and that His desire is to give you divine favor and blessing because the bloodline of the King, Jesus Christ, flows through your veins? When you said yes to Jesus Christ and were born again, you were given a blood transfusion with the blood of our King, Jesus Christ, infused into you! You are no longer common! This is why 1 Peter 2:9-10 says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” NKJ
Oh what joy that comes when we fully understand these truths! This joy causes us to dance in celebration knowing that we have been chosen by the King of Kings and set apart to bear the fruit (inheritance) of the Kingdom and that fruit will last from now until forevermore! And unlike man’s riches and treasures in an earthly kingdom, God’s supply never runs out! It is overflowing from everlasting to everlasting! So what is your need? What is your desire? Today I want to encourage you to go to your father in boldness and make your requests known to Him! And watch as He supplies your need and the desire of your heart, according to His riches in glory!
Prayer: May I come to fully comprehend what it means to be a bloodline child of the Most High King! Help me to resist the temptation to believe I am inadequate to fulfill the position of authority you have called me to. And help me resist the temptation to try in my own strength to produce the fruit (inheritance) on my own. Help me to understand that it is rightfully mine and all I have to do is come to you and ask and in Your great love for me, you will supply it! Amen
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Day 91
The Importance Of Praying When Appointing Ministry Leaders
“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:21-26 NKJ
Throughout my life I have been a part of many ministries and churches. I have seen numerous people appointed to leadership positions who were not ready for the ministry assignment there were given. They had a desire to serve but lacked the spiritual disciplines of a mature disciple whose heart was prepared by the Holy Spirit to enter ministry. Time and time again I watched these people try to fill a position of leadership only to witness them become overwhelmed with the responsibilities and step down within a short time. This passage of Scripture in Acts shows us the importance of praying for the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and discernment when choosing the people who will fill ministry positions.
It is so important for us to understand that being in ministry is a calling, not a job. Anybody can be trained for a job and they have the opportunity to succeed if they are given the right training and work hard to fulfill the requirements of the job. But no human training can prepare a person to succeed in ministry; no matter how good the training is. It is God who calls and appoints man to the ministry of Jesus Christ. While we are all called to be witnesses of God’s love, and teachers of the Word, we are not all called to the position of authority in a church or ministry.
Ephesians 4:11- 13 confirms this truth. It says, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;” In order to equip, edify, and promote unity; a person has to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit because those requirements are very difficult things to accomplish. In fact they are contrary to our human nature. Only a mature disciple who has been called by the Lord can fill the positions of authority and not burn out when they encounter the pressures and attacks that come with a ministry assignment.
Someone who has not been called by the Lord cannot handle those pressures and attacks and they end up reacting to them in a childlike manner. They become confused and disoriented and are given to believe and teach things that are contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Verses 14 says, “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,” This is the very image of what happens to one who is not called of the Lord to be in ministry.
But the image of the disciple who is called to be in a position of authority looks like this. Verses 15-16 says, “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” The one who is called walks, talks, and acts in love and they know how to cause growth in the body of Christ by edifying others in love.
This is why it is so important for all of us to pray for the ones who are called to be in ministry and to pray for those in ministry positions to have discernment when choosing people for positions of authority in ministry. The ministry of Jesus Christ is not a man made job that can be discerned from a humanistic approach. It is a calling that can only be discerned by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. I want to encourage you to spend time praying for the Saints who are called by God. If you feel you have been called ask others to pray for you so you can discern where the Spirit is leading you.
Prayer: If you know people who have filled a job opening in a ministry pray for them to realize what they have done before they burn out and walk away. Pray for the leadership in churches and ministries to have discernment with these people so they know how to ask them to step down, before they fall down. Spend time praying for the entire body of Christ to become sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit so we all begin to operate as one body effectively working together; for the purpose of furthering the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Throughout my life I have been a part of many ministries and churches. I have seen numerous people appointed to leadership positions who were not ready for the ministry assignment there were given. They had a desire to serve but lacked the spiritual disciplines of a mature disciple whose heart was prepared by the Holy Spirit to enter ministry. Time and time again I watched these people try to fill a position of leadership only to witness them become overwhelmed with the responsibilities and step down within a short time. This passage of Scripture in Acts shows us the importance of praying for the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and discernment when choosing the people who will fill ministry positions.
It is so important for us to understand that being in ministry is a calling, not a job. Anybody can be trained for a job and they have the opportunity to succeed if they are given the right training and work hard to fulfill the requirements of the job. But no human training can prepare a person to succeed in ministry; no matter how good the training is. It is God who calls and appoints man to the ministry of Jesus Christ. While we are all called to be witnesses of God’s love, and teachers of the Word, we are not all called to the position of authority in a church or ministry.
Ephesians 4:11- 13 confirms this truth. It says, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;” In order to equip, edify, and promote unity; a person has to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit because those requirements are very difficult things to accomplish. In fact they are contrary to our human nature. Only a mature disciple who has been called by the Lord can fill the positions of authority and not burn out when they encounter the pressures and attacks that come with a ministry assignment.
Someone who has not been called by the Lord cannot handle those pressures and attacks and they end up reacting to them in a childlike manner. They become confused and disoriented and are given to believe and teach things that are contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Verses 14 says, “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,” This is the very image of what happens to one who is not called of the Lord to be in ministry.
But the image of the disciple who is called to be in a position of authority looks like this. Verses 15-16 says, “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” The one who is called walks, talks, and acts in love and they know how to cause growth in the body of Christ by edifying others in love.
This is why it is so important for all of us to pray for the ones who are called to be in ministry and to pray for those in ministry positions to have discernment when choosing people for positions of authority in ministry. The ministry of Jesus Christ is not a man made job that can be discerned from a humanistic approach. It is a calling that can only be discerned by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. I want to encourage you to spend time praying for the Saints who are called by God. If you feel you have been called ask others to pray for you so you can discern where the Spirit is leading you.
Prayer: If you know people who have filled a job opening in a ministry pray for them to realize what they have done before they burn out and walk away. Pray for the leadership in churches and ministries to have discernment with these people so they know how to ask them to step down, before they fall down. Spend time praying for the entire body of Christ to become sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit so we all begin to operate as one body effectively working together; for the purpose of furthering the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Day 90
Feasting With The Lord Shouldn't Be An In-N-Out Experience!
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalm 34:8 NKJ
“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:9-10 NKJ
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:7-8 NKJ
On almost every corner in the United States you can find fast food restaurants ready to serve you a complete meal in just a matter of minutes. With the demands on families today the idea of grabbing a quick bite to eat is appealing. This convenience saves them time so they can rapidly move to the next event on the schedule. We have become accustomed to getting instant gratification for our hunger, thinking that the fast food meal we just ate somehow nourished us. Unfortunately, fast food really doesn’t nourish the human body. In fact it does more damage than it does good. But we are so bent on getting a quick fix for our hunger that we are willing to sacrifice the health of our bodies to satisfy the craving for convenience!
Many people take this same approach when they feast on the Word of God! Yet our time with the Lord is represented as a banqueting feast experience throughout the Scriptures. When you think of a banqueting feast what is the first image that comes to your mind? For me it is the image of a wedding reception where people are laughing and enjoying themselves because they have just witnessed a beautiful union between a bride and groom. The atmosphere is relaxed, the mood of the crowd is joyful, and everyone is prepared to spend at least a few hours at the celebration table.
They know the meal will be served in courses, starting with the salad and eventually ending at desert. They don’t make demands on the servers to bring the food out quickly and they aren’t there looking at their watches every few minutes to see if the food is being served on time. Everyone at a wedding reception knows that the bride and groom have spent a lot of time selecting the best food to serve to their guests so they are willing to wait. The guest’s mouths water at the thought of eating a choice cut of meat or a specialty desert prepared by the caterers.
In some countries a wedding celebration lasts several days and there are many times set aside to feast together in preparation and celebration of the wedding day. Have you ever noticed that people rarely ever complain about the length of a wedding ceremony or reception either? The reason for this is because they know why they are there and they know the time they spend there isn’t about them; it is about the bride and groom. So they selflessly sacrifice their time in honor of the newlywed couple.
Imagine what it would be like if we all adopted the same mindset when we prepare to spend time feasting at the banqueting table of the Lord each day. Instead of seeing it as a fast food experience where we can get in and out in a matter of minutes, what would happen if we approached it like a guest attending a wedding celebration? The transformation that would take place in the body of Christ if everyone did this would be absolutely amazing! In order for us to adopt this mindset we have to understand that our bridegroom, Jesus Christ, has spent a lot of time preparing the most nourishing food (Word) for us to feast on. He desires to fill us with His goodness and love so that we are strengthened and prepared for every trial we face in life.
He says to us today, “Come to Me, abide with Me, sit with Me, spend time with Me! I have prepared a banqueting table for you and Me where you will be served the best food and drink you could ever imagine! Don’t be in a hurry, looking at your watch to see if the meal is being served fast enough. It is in waiting for the next course where we get to fellowship with one another. This time with you is so precious to Me and I could spend hours sitting with you; telling you how much I love you! And you need to know that there is no other place that I want to be and I have cleared my schedule today just for you. I delight in the time we get to spend together and I look forward to it each and every day.”
Prayer: Oh Lord help me to take the time sit with you at your banqueting table each day. Please renew my mind from the old mentality of a fast food experience with You and let me view it as a wedding feast celebration each day. I praise You for preparing the choicest menu of Your Word for me to feast on. I believe by faith that it is truly what will nourish my soul and prepare me for any challenge I may face in life. Cleanse me from the toxicity of the fast food experience that is harming my soul, and let me fully embrace what it means to be the temple of Your Spirit so I take the time to nourish it properly. I praise You for calling me to eat at the banqueting table each day and I gladly accept Your invitation to dine with You. Amen
“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:9-10 NKJ
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:7-8 NKJ
On almost every corner in the United States you can find fast food restaurants ready to serve you a complete meal in just a matter of minutes. With the demands on families today the idea of grabbing a quick bite to eat is appealing. This convenience saves them time so they can rapidly move to the next event on the schedule. We have become accustomed to getting instant gratification for our hunger, thinking that the fast food meal we just ate somehow nourished us. Unfortunately, fast food really doesn’t nourish the human body. In fact it does more damage than it does good. But we are so bent on getting a quick fix for our hunger that we are willing to sacrifice the health of our bodies to satisfy the craving for convenience!
Many people take this same approach when they feast on the Word of God! Yet our time with the Lord is represented as a banqueting feast experience throughout the Scriptures. When you think of a banqueting feast what is the first image that comes to your mind? For me it is the image of a wedding reception where people are laughing and enjoying themselves because they have just witnessed a beautiful union between a bride and groom. The atmosphere is relaxed, the mood of the crowd is joyful, and everyone is prepared to spend at least a few hours at the celebration table.
They know the meal will be served in courses, starting with the salad and eventually ending at desert. They don’t make demands on the servers to bring the food out quickly and they aren’t there looking at their watches every few minutes to see if the food is being served on time. Everyone at a wedding reception knows that the bride and groom have spent a lot of time selecting the best food to serve to their guests so they are willing to wait. The guest’s mouths water at the thought of eating a choice cut of meat or a specialty desert prepared by the caterers.
In some countries a wedding celebration lasts several days and there are many times set aside to feast together in preparation and celebration of the wedding day. Have you ever noticed that people rarely ever complain about the length of a wedding ceremony or reception either? The reason for this is because they know why they are there and they know the time they spend there isn’t about them; it is about the bride and groom. So they selflessly sacrifice their time in honor of the newlywed couple.
Imagine what it would be like if we all adopted the same mindset when we prepare to spend time feasting at the banqueting table of the Lord each day. Instead of seeing it as a fast food experience where we can get in and out in a matter of minutes, what would happen if we approached it like a guest attending a wedding celebration? The transformation that would take place in the body of Christ if everyone did this would be absolutely amazing! In order for us to adopt this mindset we have to understand that our bridegroom, Jesus Christ, has spent a lot of time preparing the most nourishing food (Word) for us to feast on. He desires to fill us with His goodness and love so that we are strengthened and prepared for every trial we face in life.
He says to us today, “Come to Me, abide with Me, sit with Me, spend time with Me! I have prepared a banqueting table for you and Me where you will be served the best food and drink you could ever imagine! Don’t be in a hurry, looking at your watch to see if the meal is being served fast enough. It is in waiting for the next course where we get to fellowship with one another. This time with you is so precious to Me and I could spend hours sitting with you; telling you how much I love you! And you need to know that there is no other place that I want to be and I have cleared my schedule today just for you. I delight in the time we get to spend together and I look forward to it each and every day.”
Prayer: Oh Lord help me to take the time sit with you at your banqueting table each day. Please renew my mind from the old mentality of a fast food experience with You and let me view it as a wedding feast celebration each day. I praise You for preparing the choicest menu of Your Word for me to feast on. I believe by faith that it is truly what will nourish my soul and prepare me for any challenge I may face in life. Cleanse me from the toxicity of the fast food experience that is harming my soul, and let me fully embrace what it means to be the temple of Your Spirit so I take the time to nourish it properly. I praise You for calling me to eat at the banqueting table each day and I gladly accept Your invitation to dine with You. Amen
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Day 89
Peace Comes In Praying For Those Who Hate Us Or Persecute Us!
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48 NKJ
It is such a blessing to know that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we have been given the mind of Christ because without it, none of us could fulfill this Scripture. When someone hurts us or persecutes us our flesh rises up and wants to react. Acts of injustice make our flesh angry and we want to see justice executed. But in order for true justice to take place we have to fix our minds on the finished work of the Cross and understand that when Christ was resurrected; God executed justice throughout the earth.
In understanding this truth we are able to put the acts of our flesh to death and pray for those who have committed an injustice against us. Whether it is a person, a government, or a world power that has come against us or persecuted us; the One true power, Jesus Christ, already paid the price for the injustice. And when we give our earthly minds over to the control of His Spirit we are able to love and pray for them. If it is difficult to do this then we have to ask ourselves what our true motive is in desiring justice to be executed right now!
If each of us received the punishment that we deserve for all the wrong we have done to others; we would all be punished severely. But in His great love and compassion for us God offered up His Son in our place at the Cross! And it is because of this sacrifice of love that we are not punished for the very things we deserve to be punished for. The hardest thing to understand is that Jesus also sacrificed His life for those who commit an injustice against us or persecute us too. It is in comprehending that sacrificial love of Jesus Christ where we will find the power to love and pray for those who hurt us through acts of injustice or persecution.
This is why verse 48 says, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” In our humanness it is impossible to be perfect for there was only one who has ever walked the earth who was perfect, and that was Jesus Christ. So we know that Jesus is not telling us we can literally be perfect. He is telling us that His Spirit in us perfects us when we believe by faith that we have His mind in us! Jesus set the example for us to follow in Luke 23:34-35. It reads, “Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”
How often does the enemy sneer at us in the midst of an injustice and say things like, “Oh you are a Christian, save yourself oh mighty Christian!” And how many times in the midst of an injustice do we want to save ourselves by acting out and making things right in our own strength? This is the very thing the enemy wants us to do because he knows that in our own strength, we will fail! This is why when we suffer an injustice or are persecuted; we must submit ourselves under the power and authority of the Holy Spirit. We must resist the devil’s temptation to act out, and pray in love for those who have offended us.
This is when we will see God, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can think or imagine; act on our behalf. Our willingness to let God be God opens the door for God to work in ways we can’t even fathom! Romans 8:31-34 confirms this truth. It says, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”
In believing this we will be able to stand with faith filled assurance that what is spoken in Romans 8:28 will come to pass when we suffer an injustice or are persecuted. It says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Prayer: I want to encourage you today to give God permission to act on your behalf for all injustice that has been done to you or that will be done to you in the future. Let us join together in prayer for all those who have inflicted wounds of injustice against us or persecuted us. And let us pray for one another that we will not become proud, thinking that we have no injustice in us. We are filled with the flesh of injustice, but Christ died for it so that we could put it to death; by submitting our will to the will of God. May we be strengthened in the revelation of Jesus Christ today and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit today and every day! Amen
It is such a blessing to know that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we have been given the mind of Christ because without it, none of us could fulfill this Scripture. When someone hurts us or persecutes us our flesh rises up and wants to react. Acts of injustice make our flesh angry and we want to see justice executed. But in order for true justice to take place we have to fix our minds on the finished work of the Cross and understand that when Christ was resurrected; God executed justice throughout the earth.
In understanding this truth we are able to put the acts of our flesh to death and pray for those who have committed an injustice against us. Whether it is a person, a government, or a world power that has come against us or persecuted us; the One true power, Jesus Christ, already paid the price for the injustice. And when we give our earthly minds over to the control of His Spirit we are able to love and pray for them. If it is difficult to do this then we have to ask ourselves what our true motive is in desiring justice to be executed right now!
If each of us received the punishment that we deserve for all the wrong we have done to others; we would all be punished severely. But in His great love and compassion for us God offered up His Son in our place at the Cross! And it is because of this sacrifice of love that we are not punished for the very things we deserve to be punished for. The hardest thing to understand is that Jesus also sacrificed His life for those who commit an injustice against us or persecute us too. It is in comprehending that sacrificial love of Jesus Christ where we will find the power to love and pray for those who hurt us through acts of injustice or persecution.
This is why verse 48 says, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” In our humanness it is impossible to be perfect for there was only one who has ever walked the earth who was perfect, and that was Jesus Christ. So we know that Jesus is not telling us we can literally be perfect. He is telling us that His Spirit in us perfects us when we believe by faith that we have His mind in us! Jesus set the example for us to follow in Luke 23:34-35. It reads, “Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”
How often does the enemy sneer at us in the midst of an injustice and say things like, “Oh you are a Christian, save yourself oh mighty Christian!” And how many times in the midst of an injustice do we want to save ourselves by acting out and making things right in our own strength? This is the very thing the enemy wants us to do because he knows that in our own strength, we will fail! This is why when we suffer an injustice or are persecuted; we must submit ourselves under the power and authority of the Holy Spirit. We must resist the devil’s temptation to act out, and pray in love for those who have offended us.
This is when we will see God, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can think or imagine; act on our behalf. Our willingness to let God be God opens the door for God to work in ways we can’t even fathom! Romans 8:31-34 confirms this truth. It says, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”
In believing this we will be able to stand with faith filled assurance that what is spoken in Romans 8:28 will come to pass when we suffer an injustice or are persecuted. It says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Prayer: I want to encourage you today to give God permission to act on your behalf for all injustice that has been done to you or that will be done to you in the future. Let us join together in prayer for all those who have inflicted wounds of injustice against us or persecuted us. And let us pray for one another that we will not become proud, thinking that we have no injustice in us. We are filled with the flesh of injustice, but Christ died for it so that we could put it to death; by submitting our will to the will of God. May we be strengthened in the revelation of Jesus Christ today and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit today and every day! Amen
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Day 88
In Him There Is No Shadow Of Turning!
“So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. James 1:16-18 NLT
With the winds of change, the shadows move from place to place. Sometimes we fear what may happen in our lives as a result and we cry out to God to save us. But as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ it is important to remind ourselves that our God never changes! No matter what happens in our personal lives or in our country; our God sends His good and perfect gifts to His children, even in the midst of chaos and tribulation. The stress that is caused when circumstances spiral out of control can send even the strongest Christian into a tail spin, if they don’t understand this truth.
This is a key tactic of the enemy to get our focus off of the promises of God and onto our circumstances. He knows that if he can get the children of God to fear a dreadful outcome; we will scurry around trying to get ready for what we perceive to be pending doom. Look at what happened with Y2K! Christians all around the world spent millions of dollars preparing for what was sure to be the biggest disaster in recent history. Even Christian leaders were warning the people to get ready! Like good little lambs following their shepherds; they listened to their advice.
As a result, the unsaved world looked at Christians as fanatical crazy people! They ran from them when they came to warn them of the impending doom. Though many non-Christians prepared for Y2K it was the Christian community that sent the world into a frenzy; prophesying a horrible fate was in store at the stroke of midnight, on January 1, 2000. It never happened!
While signs of the end times are manifesting, no one knows for sure the day or hour of Christ’s return. And no one knows for sure how the end times will play out. Some believe we will suffer and others believe we will be whisked away before tribulation occurs. One thing is very clear in the Scriptures and that is this. No matter how it plays out we do not have to be afraid; for the goodness of God is always present in the lives of His children. He is the perfect Shepherd and the only one who knows where to lead us in times of trouble. We have to make a concentrated effort to put our faith, hope, and trust in Him to perfectly guide us through every wind of change.
No matter what the news reporters tell us or what we perceive to be the truth; there is only One who really knows the outcome. And it is in him where we are to live, and move, and have our being! No weapon of destruction formed against the believer can prosper! That includes personal, professional, governmental, or world weapons. God’s Word is the only steadfast and sure thing in this life! All other things will pass away. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 24:35-36. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”
My encouragement to you today is to meditate on these words from James 1 and Matthew 24, so that you will have a steadfast and unwavering faith. This will help you to believe in the goodness of God that comes down from heaven during times of trial and tribulation. Meditate on the only thing that is constant and unchanging; the Word of God! If a shadow of change is present in your life turn to the One where there is no shadow of turning; Jesus Christ! To end today’s devotional the Holy Spirit gave me a poem to share with you as the prayer for today. Feel free to copy it and post it as a reminder of God’s unchanging nature!
When a new day is on the horizon and the dawn breaks forth with light, We have an assurance of this one thing; our God never changed in the night! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and in Him no variance is found. So have no fear in the morning when you see a shadow cast on the ground. And during the day when trials come and you fear what might happen next,
Remember it is the goodness of God that is in store for you, And in you, His Word He perfects.
So no matter what your eyes may see, or your ears may hear; it is your heart That must understand.
The Father of lights dispels the darkness, and upholds you with His right hand. He will never leave you nor forsake you; you won’t ever walk this earth alone, For He delights in caring for His prized possessions; from this day forth, and forevermore!
With the winds of change, the shadows move from place to place. Sometimes we fear what may happen in our lives as a result and we cry out to God to save us. But as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ it is important to remind ourselves that our God never changes! No matter what happens in our personal lives or in our country; our God sends His good and perfect gifts to His children, even in the midst of chaos and tribulation. The stress that is caused when circumstances spiral out of control can send even the strongest Christian into a tail spin, if they don’t understand this truth.
This is a key tactic of the enemy to get our focus off of the promises of God and onto our circumstances. He knows that if he can get the children of God to fear a dreadful outcome; we will scurry around trying to get ready for what we perceive to be pending doom. Look at what happened with Y2K! Christians all around the world spent millions of dollars preparing for what was sure to be the biggest disaster in recent history. Even Christian leaders were warning the people to get ready! Like good little lambs following their shepherds; they listened to their advice.
As a result, the unsaved world looked at Christians as fanatical crazy people! They ran from them when they came to warn them of the impending doom. Though many non-Christians prepared for Y2K it was the Christian community that sent the world into a frenzy; prophesying a horrible fate was in store at the stroke of midnight, on January 1, 2000. It never happened!
While signs of the end times are manifesting, no one knows for sure the day or hour of Christ’s return. And no one knows for sure how the end times will play out. Some believe we will suffer and others believe we will be whisked away before tribulation occurs. One thing is very clear in the Scriptures and that is this. No matter how it plays out we do not have to be afraid; for the goodness of God is always present in the lives of His children. He is the perfect Shepherd and the only one who knows where to lead us in times of trouble. We have to make a concentrated effort to put our faith, hope, and trust in Him to perfectly guide us through every wind of change.
No matter what the news reporters tell us or what we perceive to be the truth; there is only One who really knows the outcome. And it is in him where we are to live, and move, and have our being! No weapon of destruction formed against the believer can prosper! That includes personal, professional, governmental, or world weapons. God’s Word is the only steadfast and sure thing in this life! All other things will pass away. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 24:35-36. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”
My encouragement to you today is to meditate on these words from James 1 and Matthew 24, so that you will have a steadfast and unwavering faith. This will help you to believe in the goodness of God that comes down from heaven during times of trial and tribulation. Meditate on the only thing that is constant and unchanging; the Word of God! If a shadow of change is present in your life turn to the One where there is no shadow of turning; Jesus Christ! To end today’s devotional the Holy Spirit gave me a poem to share with you as the prayer for today. Feel free to copy it and post it as a reminder of God’s unchanging nature!
When a new day is on the horizon and the dawn breaks forth with light, We have an assurance of this one thing; our God never changed in the night! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and in Him no variance is found. So have no fear in the morning when you see a shadow cast on the ground. And during the day when trials come and you fear what might happen next,
Remember it is the goodness of God that is in store for you, And in you, His Word He perfects.
So no matter what your eyes may see, or your ears may hear; it is your heart That must understand.
The Father of lights dispels the darkness, and upholds you with His right hand. He will never leave you nor forsake you; you won’t ever walk this earth alone, For He delights in caring for His prized possessions; from this day forth, and forevermore!
Day 87
A Countenance Of Joy Comes From The Lord!
“But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits. For You, Lord, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous [him who is upright and in right standing with You]; as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill (pleasure and favor).” Psalm 5:11-12 AMP
My grade school principal was Mrs. Lane. She was a woman I admired and looked up to. No matter how much pressure she was under, she always had a joyful countenance. I will never forget her smile or her laugh, and the way she made the students feel loved and accepted. There were times she had to discipline students and times she had to come down hard on a class; but she always followed it up with a word of encouragement. She didn’t hold grudges and she gave praise whenever she had the opportunity.
I was in her office on countless occasions because I was a strong willed, stubborn, and rebellious child. But every time I found myself sitting with her I never felt condemned for my actions. No matter what I did or anyone else did, Mrs. Lane had an unwavering confidence that everything would work out and one day be okay. She would take the time to tell me that what I had done did not define who I was as a person. Then she would say things like, “Holly if you can direct all that energy for the positive you will do great things for the Lord one day.”
When I read this passage of Scripture, Mrs. Lane is one of the people who come to mind. It is obvious that Mrs. Lane took refuge in God and trusted in him completely during her times as the principal of that school. She understood the goodwill of God and knew that it was a shield around her and her students. I can honestly say that part of the reason I am who I am today is because of the hope I found through the joy she displayed before me on a daily basis. The joyful countenance in Mrs. Lane is not a common trait that I found in many professing Christians in the years that followed my time with her. In fact what I witnessed in the lives of most professing Christians was the exact opposite.
As an adult I decided to see if I was blinded to the truth or if other people were witnessing the same thing. Over the years I have spoken to hundreds of people about this and I hear the same response from Christians and non-Christians alike. A joyful countenance seems to be a rare quality more than it is a common trait in Christianity. But why is this? What is the root cause of it? And how do we change it? This passage of Scripture answers all three of these questions and shows us how to walk in the joy of the Lord on a consistent basis. First of all the reason people do not have a joyful countenance, especially in times of adversity, is because they do not take refuge in the Lord and do not put their full trust in Him to protect them.
The root cause of this comes from people working in their own strength. They try to figure things out on their own which leaves them frustrated, anxious, and depressed; instead of peaceful, joy filled, and confident in the Lord. In order to counter this one must constantly go the refuge place of the Most High and trust in Him for their strength daily. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.”
The joy of the Lord is where our strength is found! When we trust in Him, His countenance of joy becomes our stronghold. When we take refuge under the covering and defense of the Lord we are not moved by what we see taking place around us. We become confident in Him and understand that He is our protector, provider, defender, and strong tower of refuge! From this understanding we are able to embrace Psalm 5:12. It says, “For You, Lord, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous [him who is upright and in right standing with You]; as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill (pleasure and favor)”
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross and His resurrection we have become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. It is in fully accepting this truth over our feelings of inadequacy that will open our eyes to see the invisible shield of God’s goodness surrounding us. When we see the goodwill (pleasure and favor) of the Lord encamped around us we are not tempted to move from the joyful place of safety when times of trouble come. I believe this is the confidence Mrs. Lane had and the reason she was able to continue in a countenance of joy even when the pressures of the school demands were great! May we all come to this place of understanding so when the world looks at us; they will see God’s joy on the countenance of our face and in operation in our lives, the way I saw it in Mrs. Lane.
Prayer: Oh Lord, help me fully understand the place of refuge I have in You so I do not become worried or anxious when adversity comes. Help me to put my confidence and trust in You instead of in myself and my limited understanding. I believe by faith that You surround me with Your goodness, pleasure, and favor! It is in believing these truths, without wavering, where I will make the decision to rest in You when I encounter the pressures of life. I believe by faith that as I walk in these truths, Your countenance of joy will be reflected on my face and in my actions. I praise You for Your loving kindness and Your love for me. Amen
My grade school principal was Mrs. Lane. She was a woman I admired and looked up to. No matter how much pressure she was under, she always had a joyful countenance. I will never forget her smile or her laugh, and the way she made the students feel loved and accepted. There were times she had to discipline students and times she had to come down hard on a class; but she always followed it up with a word of encouragement. She didn’t hold grudges and she gave praise whenever she had the opportunity.
I was in her office on countless occasions because I was a strong willed, stubborn, and rebellious child. But every time I found myself sitting with her I never felt condemned for my actions. No matter what I did or anyone else did, Mrs. Lane had an unwavering confidence that everything would work out and one day be okay. She would take the time to tell me that what I had done did not define who I was as a person. Then she would say things like, “Holly if you can direct all that energy for the positive you will do great things for the Lord one day.”
When I read this passage of Scripture, Mrs. Lane is one of the people who come to mind. It is obvious that Mrs. Lane took refuge in God and trusted in him completely during her times as the principal of that school. She understood the goodwill of God and knew that it was a shield around her and her students. I can honestly say that part of the reason I am who I am today is because of the hope I found through the joy she displayed before me on a daily basis. The joyful countenance in Mrs. Lane is not a common trait that I found in many professing Christians in the years that followed my time with her. In fact what I witnessed in the lives of most professing Christians was the exact opposite.
As an adult I decided to see if I was blinded to the truth or if other people were witnessing the same thing. Over the years I have spoken to hundreds of people about this and I hear the same response from Christians and non-Christians alike. A joyful countenance seems to be a rare quality more than it is a common trait in Christianity. But why is this? What is the root cause of it? And how do we change it? This passage of Scripture answers all three of these questions and shows us how to walk in the joy of the Lord on a consistent basis. First of all the reason people do not have a joyful countenance, especially in times of adversity, is because they do not take refuge in the Lord and do not put their full trust in Him to protect them.
The root cause of this comes from people working in their own strength. They try to figure things out on their own which leaves them frustrated, anxious, and depressed; instead of peaceful, joy filled, and confident in the Lord. In order to counter this one must constantly go the refuge place of the Most High and trust in Him for their strength daily. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.”
The joy of the Lord is where our strength is found! When we trust in Him, His countenance of joy becomes our stronghold. When we take refuge under the covering and defense of the Lord we are not moved by what we see taking place around us. We become confident in Him and understand that He is our protector, provider, defender, and strong tower of refuge! From this understanding we are able to embrace Psalm 5:12. It says, “For You, Lord, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous [him who is upright and in right standing with You]; as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill (pleasure and favor)”
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross and His resurrection we have become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. It is in fully accepting this truth over our feelings of inadequacy that will open our eyes to see the invisible shield of God’s goodness surrounding us. When we see the goodwill (pleasure and favor) of the Lord encamped around us we are not tempted to move from the joyful place of safety when times of trouble come. I believe this is the confidence Mrs. Lane had and the reason she was able to continue in a countenance of joy even when the pressures of the school demands were great! May we all come to this place of understanding so when the world looks at us; they will see God’s joy on the countenance of our face and in operation in our lives, the way I saw it in Mrs. Lane.
Prayer: Oh Lord, help me fully understand the place of refuge I have in You so I do not become worried or anxious when adversity comes. Help me to put my confidence and trust in You instead of in myself and my limited understanding. I believe by faith that You surround me with Your goodness, pleasure, and favor! It is in believing these truths, without wavering, where I will make the decision to rest in You when I encounter the pressures of life. I believe by faith that as I walk in these truths, Your countenance of joy will be reflected on my face and in my actions. I praise You for Your loving kindness and Your love for me. Amen
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Day 86
Growing Up In The Word Takes A Willingness To Learn From The Teacher! (Part 2 of 2)
“So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.” Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT
What would happen if a college student arrived on campus for his first day of classes and found out that every class was going to be reviewing the material he learned in elementary school? What do you think his frustration level would be as he sat with the instructors and tried to get them to understand that he already knew the material, and had no need for a review? I imagine that at some point in the conversation he would get annoyed and walk out if they wouldn’t listen to him.
This is what the writer of Hebrews is trying to convey to the church. The elementary teachings of Christ are not difficult to understand. Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27) Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. (Acts 16:29-31) Through baptism we died to sin and were raised to life with Christ, and death no longer has dominion over us. Jesus died once and for all, for sin, and through Him the life we live, we live unto God. (Romans 6:3-11) The gift of God is stirred up with the laying on of hands. (2 Timothy 1:6) We lay hands on the sick that they would be healed. (James 5:14) It is by grace we have been saved, through faith, not by our own works. (Ephesians 2:8) Everything we need for life and godliness is in Christ Jesus. (2 Peter 1:3)
These are just a few of the elementary teachings of Christ but they are the very things that have immobilized the body of Christ from moving forward into further understanding. So much time is spent on idol discussions and arguments over the elementary teachings of Christ, that people do not have the time to spend; being taught by the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 2:23-26 teaches us that these discussions only generate strife and they should be avoided. In today’s Christianity we may not worship idols of gold and silver anymore; but many people worship idols of doctrine and standards of holiness. We have to understand that this is a direct tactic of the enemy to get our focus off seeking wisdom and understanding from God, and onto foolish debates over doctrine.
I want you to know that within you dwells the Holy Spirit who teaches you all things if you are willing to listen. His desire is to take you into a greater understanding of who you are in Christ. When you take the time to sit with Him in quiet meditation on God’s Word; He opens the eyes of your understanding so that you can understand the depths of God’s knowledge. But if your time is spent reeling over debates about the elementary teachings of Christ in your mind; there is no room for Him and He will not impose His will on you. It is our responsibility to submit our minds and will to Him, and to seek Him for the truth.
God is a gentleman and in His great love for us, He gives us the free will to decide if we are going to spend time with Him. Through Christ’s resurrection we were restored once again to the communion relationship with God, that Adam and Eve gave up in the Garden when they committed high treason. Each day God comes looking for us as He went looking for Adam and Eve. He says to us, “Where are you? I am here to spend time with you. Come and commune with Me. I have great and mighty things to teach you that will empower you in the dominion I have given you over the earth, through My Son. I want to teach you how to overcome the temptations you face and how to stand up under them until they pass. I want to teach you how to move mountains through faith. Where are you my child? Come to Me and learn from Me.”
Can you see it? Do you comprehend? God has so much more He wants to teach us, but for many of us He cannot teach us, because when He comes looking for us; we are sitting in the midst of a crowd, discussing the elementary teachings of Christ. Or we are hiding in the bushes trying to keep Him from seeing the nakedness of the sin that He already paid the price for on the Cross. Or we are dodging Him because we are afraid if He finds us He will be displeased with what He sees. All of these things are lies that the enemy wants us to believe so we do not grow and mature into teachers of the Word. The teacher, Jesus Christ is waiting for you in the classroom. Are you willing to enter in and be taught by Him? Are you ready to move forward into further understanding? If so, ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind so you are able to receive the truths Jesus Christ wants to teach you.
Prayer: Oh Lord, my desire is to be taught by You. I want to fully operate in the mind of Christ that I have been given. I want to commune with you and to walk in the dominion You have given me through Your resurrection. I no longer want to be speak, act, or reason, like a child. I want to put away childish things and become a mature adult who eats the solid food of wisdom and understanding. I believe by faith that as I do this, I will move forward into further understanding of who You are and who I am in You! Amen
What would happen if a college student arrived on campus for his first day of classes and found out that every class was going to be reviewing the material he learned in elementary school? What do you think his frustration level would be as he sat with the instructors and tried to get them to understand that he already knew the material, and had no need for a review? I imagine that at some point in the conversation he would get annoyed and walk out if they wouldn’t listen to him.
This is what the writer of Hebrews is trying to convey to the church. The elementary teachings of Christ are not difficult to understand. Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27) Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. (Acts 16:29-31) Through baptism we died to sin and were raised to life with Christ, and death no longer has dominion over us. Jesus died once and for all, for sin, and through Him the life we live, we live unto God. (Romans 6:3-11) The gift of God is stirred up with the laying on of hands. (2 Timothy 1:6) We lay hands on the sick that they would be healed. (James 5:14) It is by grace we have been saved, through faith, not by our own works. (Ephesians 2:8) Everything we need for life and godliness is in Christ Jesus. (2 Peter 1:3)
These are just a few of the elementary teachings of Christ but they are the very things that have immobilized the body of Christ from moving forward into further understanding. So much time is spent on idol discussions and arguments over the elementary teachings of Christ, that people do not have the time to spend; being taught by the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 2:23-26 teaches us that these discussions only generate strife and they should be avoided. In today’s Christianity we may not worship idols of gold and silver anymore; but many people worship idols of doctrine and standards of holiness. We have to understand that this is a direct tactic of the enemy to get our focus off seeking wisdom and understanding from God, and onto foolish debates over doctrine.
I want you to know that within you dwells the Holy Spirit who teaches you all things if you are willing to listen. His desire is to take you into a greater understanding of who you are in Christ. When you take the time to sit with Him in quiet meditation on God’s Word; He opens the eyes of your understanding so that you can understand the depths of God’s knowledge. But if your time is spent reeling over debates about the elementary teachings of Christ in your mind; there is no room for Him and He will not impose His will on you. It is our responsibility to submit our minds and will to Him, and to seek Him for the truth.
God is a gentleman and in His great love for us, He gives us the free will to decide if we are going to spend time with Him. Through Christ’s resurrection we were restored once again to the communion relationship with God, that Adam and Eve gave up in the Garden when they committed high treason. Each day God comes looking for us as He went looking for Adam and Eve. He says to us, “Where are you? I am here to spend time with you. Come and commune with Me. I have great and mighty things to teach you that will empower you in the dominion I have given you over the earth, through My Son. I want to teach you how to overcome the temptations you face and how to stand up under them until they pass. I want to teach you how to move mountains through faith. Where are you my child? Come to Me and learn from Me.”
Can you see it? Do you comprehend? God has so much more He wants to teach us, but for many of us He cannot teach us, because when He comes looking for us; we are sitting in the midst of a crowd, discussing the elementary teachings of Christ. Or we are hiding in the bushes trying to keep Him from seeing the nakedness of the sin that He already paid the price for on the Cross. Or we are dodging Him because we are afraid if He finds us He will be displeased with what He sees. All of these things are lies that the enemy wants us to believe so we do not grow and mature into teachers of the Word. The teacher, Jesus Christ is waiting for you in the classroom. Are you willing to enter in and be taught by Him? Are you ready to move forward into further understanding? If so, ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind so you are able to receive the truths Jesus Christ wants to teach you.
Prayer: Oh Lord, my desire is to be taught by You. I want to fully operate in the mind of Christ that I have been given. I want to commune with you and to walk in the dominion You have given me through Your resurrection. I no longer want to be speak, act, or reason, like a child. I want to put away childish things and become a mature adult who eats the solid food of wisdom and understanding. I believe by faith that as I do this, I will move forward into further understanding of who You are and who I am in You! Amen
Friday, March 19, 2010
Day 85
Growing Up In The Word Takes A Willingness To Learn From The Teacher! (Part 1 of 2)
“There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” Hebrews 5:11-14 NLT
For years I read this Scripture and spent time contemplating its meaning. I sought wisdom and understanding from the Holy Spirit because I wanted to make sure I was interpreting it right before I wrote about it or spoke of it. Many people came to mind when I read it including myself at times; but how do you explain something that appears to be a direct rebuke in a loving way? I knew that when God corrects His children, He corrects them in love. And it is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance, not the wrath of God. (Romans 2:4) So I knew I could not speak of it until I fully embraced God’s love and goodness for myself, and for others.
For years I kept silent and didn’t try to explain it. Then one day the Holy Spirit gave me a revelation that I knew was the answer to my prayer. This is where today’s devotional was birthed. As I share this revelation may you be built up and strengthened in your inner man. And may you receive these words of loving encouragement so you will know how to apply them to your own life, and how to share them with others. I want to start by asking you a question. Does a healthy, new born baby have the ability inside of them to operate a motor vehicle? At first you might say, “Absolutely no way!” But I want you to really think about the question before answering. Read it again. The answer is yes! They do have the “ability” inside of them to operate a motor vehicle. The problem is that they have not grown up and matured to the point where they learn how to execute the skills necessary to actually do it!
Now I want to ask a few more questions. If a toddler, who is learning to walk, only took a few steps each week; how long would it take them to learn how to run? If a college student only took one class a week, how long would it take them to earn a degree? If a person only went to work one day a week, how long would it take them to save for retirement? The answer to all of these questions is that it would take them a very long time. So long in fact that they may become frustrated in the process and want to give up or quit before they actually achieve their goals.
All of these scenarios apply to the believer who the writer of Hebrews is talking about in this passage of Scripture. First of all, every Christian has the “ability” to be a teacher on the inside of them by the power given to them by the Holy Spirit; through their relationship with Jesus Christ. The problem is that many Christians haven’t grown up and matured to the point of learning how to execute the skills necessary to teach. They have grown comfortable nursing and don’t have a desire to learn how eat solid food. As a result they continue to need to be taught the basic things of God’s Word. Therefore, they never grow up and mature in the wisdom and understanding (solid food) that the Lord offers them.
Now here is the explanation for why they have grown comfortable with the infancy stage of Christianity. Like the toddler, college student, and worker who only practice, study, or work, once a week; they have stunted their own growth by not taking more time to grow up and mature. For example, they go to church once a week and if the service goes even a few minutes over; they get frustrated. On the other hand if they attend a concert or sporting event that runs over, they get excited and wouldn’t leave for any reason. In other words their priorities of the amount of time they spend in fellowship are skewed.
Secondly, they do not spend time in the Word and give reasons like, “I can’t understand the Bible so I don’t read it,” or “I get confused because I don’t know if what I read is a literal command or a figurative example.” They also say things like, “I don’t know how to pray or what to pray, so I don’t spend time praying.” Or “I don’t know who to believe so I don’t go to any church. It is all so confusing, so I stay home.” They say things like, “I hate all the politics and the hypocrites, so I prefer to commune with God on my own.” These are just some of the reasons people give to justify staying in the infancy stage
of Christianity.
We have to understand that God is speaking to His people and He wants us to listen. He wants us to become empowered with His Word so we can execute His plan in putting the works of the devil to death. Unfortunately, many of His children have become spiritually dull and do not want to spend time with their teacher, Jesus Christ. When the teacher wants to speak through His Word, by His Spirit, through worship, or a church service; many of His students refuse to even enter the classroom. Many of the ones, who do enter, refuse to listen to His instructions because they think they are too hard to comprehend. As a result they get frustrated and give up without even trying. If this person is you I want to encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to help you in your times of weakness. If you are a mature Christian I want to encourage you to pray for those who are stuck in the infancy stage of Christianity. In these times we need the entire body of Christ, working together as one body, to further the Gospel.
Prayer: I desire to know You and to understand Your Word. I believe by faith that as I sit in the classroom of my teacher, Jesus Christ, I will learn how to walk in accordance with Your Word. Please help me in my times of weakness because I want to grow up and mature in You. I praise You for being gentle with me and for leading me with Your goodness and love. I believe by faith that I will grow up and mature so I can become a teacher who instructs others in Your love through Your Word. Amen
For years I read this Scripture and spent time contemplating its meaning. I sought wisdom and understanding from the Holy Spirit because I wanted to make sure I was interpreting it right before I wrote about it or spoke of it. Many people came to mind when I read it including myself at times; but how do you explain something that appears to be a direct rebuke in a loving way? I knew that when God corrects His children, He corrects them in love. And it is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance, not the wrath of God. (Romans 2:4) So I knew I could not speak of it until I fully embraced God’s love and goodness for myself, and for others.
For years I kept silent and didn’t try to explain it. Then one day the Holy Spirit gave me a revelation that I knew was the answer to my prayer. This is where today’s devotional was birthed. As I share this revelation may you be built up and strengthened in your inner man. And may you receive these words of loving encouragement so you will know how to apply them to your own life, and how to share them with others. I want to start by asking you a question. Does a healthy, new born baby have the ability inside of them to operate a motor vehicle? At first you might say, “Absolutely no way!” But I want you to really think about the question before answering. Read it again. The answer is yes! They do have the “ability” inside of them to operate a motor vehicle. The problem is that they have not grown up and matured to the point where they learn how to execute the skills necessary to actually do it!
Now I want to ask a few more questions. If a toddler, who is learning to walk, only took a few steps each week; how long would it take them to learn how to run? If a college student only took one class a week, how long would it take them to earn a degree? If a person only went to work one day a week, how long would it take them to save for retirement? The answer to all of these questions is that it would take them a very long time. So long in fact that they may become frustrated in the process and want to give up or quit before they actually achieve their goals.
All of these scenarios apply to the believer who the writer of Hebrews is talking about in this passage of Scripture. First of all, every Christian has the “ability” to be a teacher on the inside of them by the power given to them by the Holy Spirit; through their relationship with Jesus Christ. The problem is that many Christians haven’t grown up and matured to the point of learning how to execute the skills necessary to teach. They have grown comfortable nursing and don’t have a desire to learn how eat solid food. As a result they continue to need to be taught the basic things of God’s Word. Therefore, they never grow up and mature in the wisdom and understanding (solid food) that the Lord offers them.
Now here is the explanation for why they have grown comfortable with the infancy stage of Christianity. Like the toddler, college student, and worker who only practice, study, or work, once a week; they have stunted their own growth by not taking more time to grow up and mature. For example, they go to church once a week and if the service goes even a few minutes over; they get frustrated. On the other hand if they attend a concert or sporting event that runs over, they get excited and wouldn’t leave for any reason. In other words their priorities of the amount of time they spend in fellowship are skewed.
Secondly, they do not spend time in the Word and give reasons like, “I can’t understand the Bible so I don’t read it,” or “I get confused because I don’t know if what I read is a literal command or a figurative example.” They also say things like, “I don’t know how to pray or what to pray, so I don’t spend time praying.” Or “I don’t know who to believe so I don’t go to any church. It is all so confusing, so I stay home.” They say things like, “I hate all the politics and the hypocrites, so I prefer to commune with God on my own.” These are just some of the reasons people give to justify staying in the infancy stage
of Christianity.
We have to understand that God is speaking to His people and He wants us to listen. He wants us to become empowered with His Word so we can execute His plan in putting the works of the devil to death. Unfortunately, many of His children have become spiritually dull and do not want to spend time with their teacher, Jesus Christ. When the teacher wants to speak through His Word, by His Spirit, through worship, or a church service; many of His students refuse to even enter the classroom. Many of the ones, who do enter, refuse to listen to His instructions because they think they are too hard to comprehend. As a result they get frustrated and give up without even trying. If this person is you I want to encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to help you in your times of weakness. If you are a mature Christian I want to encourage you to pray for those who are stuck in the infancy stage of Christianity. In these times we need the entire body of Christ, working together as one body, to further the Gospel.
Prayer: I desire to know You and to understand Your Word. I believe by faith that as I sit in the classroom of my teacher, Jesus Christ, I will learn how to walk in accordance with Your Word. Please help me in my times of weakness because I want to grow up and mature in You. I praise You for being gentle with me and for leading me with Your goodness and love. I believe by faith that I will grow up and mature so I can become a teacher who instructs others in Your love through Your Word. Amen
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Day 84
Don’t Let The Wool Be Pulled Over Your Eyes!
“Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:6-9 NKJ
“Pull the wool over someone’s eyes” means to deceive, to lead astray, to betray, or to cause someone to believe an untruth. In my study for this devotion I wanted to know where the term originated. One day I read the following description that best described the meaning, as it pertains to what I am talking about in this devotion.
“The *wool* referred to, however, was once just slang for "hair," synonymous with the powdered wigs worn by gentlemen several centuries ago. The most powerful ones with the most elaborate hairstyles became our first bigwigs. It was then no simple task for a *bigwig* to take an innocent stroll down a city street with young hooligans lurking around every corner. As a malicious act, a joke, or for purpose of thievery, they would often pull the wig (the wool) down over said gentleman's eyes, enabling them to make off with his purse in the process. This was similar to *hoodwinking* a person. To do so was to literally cover his eyes with a hood or other covering to obscure his vision. Figuratively, it came to mean blindfolding someone mentally in order to prevent him from seeing the truth.” Taken from "A Word with You" (Nov 12, 1998)
Did you notice that pulling the wig (wool) over someone’s eyes was for the purpose of stealing their purse? For the Christian, what does the purse represent? It is your identity, purpose, ministry, relationships, peace, joy, confidence, etc. Who is “hooligan” in the Christian’s life that lurks around every corner? 1 Peter 5:8-9a says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith,” What is the purpose of his mission? John 10:10a says, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” And this is not a new tactic of the enemy either. In fact, his goal of stealing the “purse” started in the Garden of Eden. Look at what Eve said to God in Genesis 3:13 after she had eaten of the fruit. “And the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
From the beginning satan has been on a mission to steal our “purses” and his biggest tactic is to “pull the wool over our eyes” through deceiving us into believing his lies over God’s Truth, just like he did to Eve! This is why it is so important to know how to operate in the authority given to us through Jesus Christ. Whether we are presented an opportunity, face a life storm, encounter a temptation, or have a decision to make; we have to be vigilant in knowing who we are as New Covenant Disciples so we are not deceived by the enemy. For the Christian being vigilant means to have the Word treasured up in our hearts, so we know the voice of God. It means to understand the simplicity of who we are in Christ so we don’t get confused with every wind of doctrine that comes our way. This is why in 2 Corinthians 11:3 Paul said, “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”
If we are going to “share in all good things with him who teaches” (Galatians 6:6) we have to know what He teaches and apply it to our lives on a daily basis. It isn’t that we don’t have the ability to learn, it is that most Christians don’t take the time to learn. Many people fill their minds with carnal things or are so overwhelmed with the cares of life; that they don’t spend time with their teacher, Jesus Christ! This is why Galatians 6:8 says, “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” You could change the word everlasting to the word abundance and it would confirm John 10:10b where Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The NLT version says, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” And the NIV says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
So my question for you today is are you experiencing the abundant, satisfying, and full life that Jesus promises or do you struggle day to day trying to make it through in your own strength? Do you know the voice of God or has the enemy deceived you into believing his voice over the voice of the Holy Spirit? Do you walk upright in the authority given to you by Christ, which enables you to be vigilant? Or are you downcast and trodden, which makes you a prime target to have the wool pulled over your eyes and your purse stolen?
Prayer: Take time to meditate on 2 Peter 1:3-4 and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to learn from Him, so that you can walk in the authority and power given to you through your covenant relationship with Jesus Christ. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
“Pull the wool over someone’s eyes” means to deceive, to lead astray, to betray, or to cause someone to believe an untruth. In my study for this devotion I wanted to know where the term originated. One day I read the following description that best described the meaning, as it pertains to what I am talking about in this devotion.
“The *wool* referred to, however, was once just slang for "hair," synonymous with the powdered wigs worn by gentlemen several centuries ago. The most powerful ones with the most elaborate hairstyles became our first bigwigs. It was then no simple task for a *bigwig* to take an innocent stroll down a city street with young hooligans lurking around every corner. As a malicious act, a joke, or for purpose of thievery, they would often pull the wig (the wool) down over said gentleman's eyes, enabling them to make off with his purse in the process. This was similar to *hoodwinking* a person. To do so was to literally cover his eyes with a hood or other covering to obscure his vision. Figuratively, it came to mean blindfolding someone mentally in order to prevent him from seeing the truth.” Taken from "A Word with You" (Nov 12, 1998)
Did you notice that pulling the wig (wool) over someone’s eyes was for the purpose of stealing their purse? For the Christian, what does the purse represent? It is your identity, purpose, ministry, relationships, peace, joy, confidence, etc. Who is “hooligan” in the Christian’s life that lurks around every corner? 1 Peter 5:8-9a says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith,” What is the purpose of his mission? John 10:10a says, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” And this is not a new tactic of the enemy either. In fact, his goal of stealing the “purse” started in the Garden of Eden. Look at what Eve said to God in Genesis 3:13 after she had eaten of the fruit. “And the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
From the beginning satan has been on a mission to steal our “purses” and his biggest tactic is to “pull the wool over our eyes” through deceiving us into believing his lies over God’s Truth, just like he did to Eve! This is why it is so important to know how to operate in the authority given to us through Jesus Christ. Whether we are presented an opportunity, face a life storm, encounter a temptation, or have a decision to make; we have to be vigilant in knowing who we are as New Covenant Disciples so we are not deceived by the enemy. For the Christian being vigilant means to have the Word treasured up in our hearts, so we know the voice of God. It means to understand the simplicity of who we are in Christ so we don’t get confused with every wind of doctrine that comes our way. This is why in 2 Corinthians 11:3 Paul said, “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”
If we are going to “share in all good things with him who teaches” (Galatians 6:6) we have to know what He teaches and apply it to our lives on a daily basis. It isn’t that we don’t have the ability to learn, it is that most Christians don’t take the time to learn. Many people fill their minds with carnal things or are so overwhelmed with the cares of life; that they don’t spend time with their teacher, Jesus Christ! This is why Galatians 6:8 says, “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” You could change the word everlasting to the word abundance and it would confirm John 10:10b where Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The NLT version says, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” And the NIV says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
So my question for you today is are you experiencing the abundant, satisfying, and full life that Jesus promises or do you struggle day to day trying to make it through in your own strength? Do you know the voice of God or has the enemy deceived you into believing his voice over the voice of the Holy Spirit? Do you walk upright in the authority given to you by Christ, which enables you to be vigilant? Or are you downcast and trodden, which makes you a prime target to have the wool pulled over your eyes and your purse stolen?
Prayer: Take time to meditate on 2 Peter 1:3-4 and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to learn from Him, so that you can walk in the authority and power given to you through your covenant relationship with Jesus Christ. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Day 83
Jesus, How Can You Sleep When This Storm Is Raging? (Part 3 of 3)
“Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.” Mark 5:1-5 NKJ
It was by no accident that after the event in Mark 4 where Jesus calmed the storm that Jesus and the disciples encountered the demon possessed man walking about the tombs. This was an encounter that Jesus used to show the disciples and us, the authority we have been given in Him! Our authority in Christ affects both the physical and the spiritual realm. Mark 5 says that the man had a legion of demons and when Jesus cast them out they went into a herd of sheep numbering at least 2000. It is very interesting that the disciples did not react to this event, the way they reacted to Jesus calming the storm. They didn’t even question who this man was who could cast out 2000 demons and send them into a herd of sheep. That just blows my mind because I would think this event would be even more impactful than Him calming the storm!
There is a very important lesson for us to learn from this as it correlates to the life storms we face, but we have to be willing to learn it. Remember the first lesson we learned yesterday is to rest in Christ so we know what to do next when an unexpected storm arises. The second lesson is to learn how to walk in the authority we have been given in the midst of the storm. We are New Covenant Disciples of the Living Savior! We have been given all power, authority, strength, and dominion through our covenant relationship with Jesus Christ! But the choice to exercise those rights is a choice left entirely up to us! When Jesus was resurrected from the dead the authority over the earth, that Adam gave to satan in the Garden of Eden; was given back to us through our relationship with Jesus Christ! Until that moment satan was given full authority to move about and operate in the earth at will.
After that event his authority was stripped away! Though he can still move about the earth he has no authority to harm us or destroy us. Remember his attempts to harm us are only a shadow of death and a shadow cannot hurt us. In Christ we have complete authority over him! In Luke 10:19 Jesus said, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” In order for us to act in this authority during a life storm, we have to believe it belongs to us; over our belief that a life storm is too much to bear. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
We all know that when a life storm comes up unexpectedly the temptation to be afraid, worried, stressed out, or anxious is present. But we have to make the decision to act in the power and authority of Jesus Christ so we do not succumb to the pressures of those temptations. Remember we are not battling flesh and blood but principalities and powers of darkness. In other words we are not battling cancer, divorce, death, financial ruin, rebellious children, a down economy, etc.
Ephesians 6:10-13 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Most Christians do not accept this truth and because of it, they operate in a carnal mindset during a life storm, just like the disciples did when they encountered the storm. As a result they suffer unnecessary wounds; physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. The enemy has “pulled the wool over their eyes” and blinded them to the truth that they have been given authority over him! Tomorrow I will go into more detail about what this means and how the enemy deceives us into believing his lie over God’s Truth. For now it is important to understand that in Christ we have complete authority over the enemy.
You might say “there is nothing I can do, my spouse is leaving me” or “there is nothing I can do, the government created this mess and I have to deal with it”. Or you might say “there is nothing I can do, my teen ran away” or “there is nothing I can do, cancer runs in my family” etc. The truth is that there is a lot we can do if we are willing to accept who we are as New Covenant Disciples in Jesus Christ! The wisdom we have to gain is this; knowing what we can do even in the midst of something we cannot control. Our goal in Christianity is not to be in control. Our goal is to become empowered to exercise our authority in Christ in the midst of a storm that is raging out of control! And the only way to do this is to learn from the One who went through the same struggles we are going through and allow Him to teach us how to overcome!
Prayer: Let me fully embrace my identity as a New Covenant Disciple. Help me to understand the Spiritual Truths of Your Word so I know how to exercise the authority You have given me, in You! My helmet of salvation protects my mind from the fiery darts of the enemy, and I believe by faith that as I learn from You; he will not be able to “pull the wool over my eyes” and deceive me. I praise You for walking this earth and taking on all my struggles so You would know how I suffer. And I praise You for going to the Cross for me! May I learn how to allow You to work through me to trample the enemy when he comes in the midst of a life storm to attack me. Amen
It was by no accident that after the event in Mark 4 where Jesus calmed the storm that Jesus and the disciples encountered the demon possessed man walking about the tombs. This was an encounter that Jesus used to show the disciples and us, the authority we have been given in Him! Our authority in Christ affects both the physical and the spiritual realm. Mark 5 says that the man had a legion of demons and when Jesus cast them out they went into a herd of sheep numbering at least 2000. It is very interesting that the disciples did not react to this event, the way they reacted to Jesus calming the storm. They didn’t even question who this man was who could cast out 2000 demons and send them into a herd of sheep. That just blows my mind because I would think this event would be even more impactful than Him calming the storm!
There is a very important lesson for us to learn from this as it correlates to the life storms we face, but we have to be willing to learn it. Remember the first lesson we learned yesterday is to rest in Christ so we know what to do next when an unexpected storm arises. The second lesson is to learn how to walk in the authority we have been given in the midst of the storm. We are New Covenant Disciples of the Living Savior! We have been given all power, authority, strength, and dominion through our covenant relationship with Jesus Christ! But the choice to exercise those rights is a choice left entirely up to us! When Jesus was resurrected from the dead the authority over the earth, that Adam gave to satan in the Garden of Eden; was given back to us through our relationship with Jesus Christ! Until that moment satan was given full authority to move about and operate in the earth at will.
After that event his authority was stripped away! Though he can still move about the earth he has no authority to harm us or destroy us. Remember his attempts to harm us are only a shadow of death and a shadow cannot hurt us. In Christ we have complete authority over him! In Luke 10:19 Jesus said, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” In order for us to act in this authority during a life storm, we have to believe it belongs to us; over our belief that a life storm is too much to bear. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
We all know that when a life storm comes up unexpectedly the temptation to be afraid, worried, stressed out, or anxious is present. But we have to make the decision to act in the power and authority of Jesus Christ so we do not succumb to the pressures of those temptations. Remember we are not battling flesh and blood but principalities and powers of darkness. In other words we are not battling cancer, divorce, death, financial ruin, rebellious children, a down economy, etc.
Ephesians 6:10-13 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Most Christians do not accept this truth and because of it, they operate in a carnal mindset during a life storm, just like the disciples did when they encountered the storm. As a result they suffer unnecessary wounds; physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. The enemy has “pulled the wool over their eyes” and blinded them to the truth that they have been given authority over him! Tomorrow I will go into more detail about what this means and how the enemy deceives us into believing his lie over God’s Truth. For now it is important to understand that in Christ we have complete authority over the enemy.
You might say “there is nothing I can do, my spouse is leaving me” or “there is nothing I can do, the government created this mess and I have to deal with it”. Or you might say “there is nothing I can do, my teen ran away” or “there is nothing I can do, cancer runs in my family” etc. The truth is that there is a lot we can do if we are willing to accept who we are as New Covenant Disciples in Jesus Christ! The wisdom we have to gain is this; knowing what we can do even in the midst of something we cannot control. Our goal in Christianity is not to be in control. Our goal is to become empowered to exercise our authority in Christ in the midst of a storm that is raging out of control! And the only way to do this is to learn from the One who went through the same struggles we are going through and allow Him to teach us how to overcome!
Prayer: Let me fully embrace my identity as a New Covenant Disciple. Help me to understand the Spiritual Truths of Your Word so I know how to exercise the authority You have given me, in You! My helmet of salvation protects my mind from the fiery darts of the enemy, and I believe by faith that as I learn from You; he will not be able to “pull the wool over my eyes” and deceive me. I praise You for walking this earth and taking on all my struggles so You would know how I suffer. And I praise You for going to the Cross for me! May I learn how to allow You to work through me to trample the enemy when he comes in the midst of a life storm to attack me. Amen
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Day 82
Jesus, How Can You Sleep When This Storm Is Raging? (Part 2 of 3)
“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:35-41 NKJ
I want to believe that you are with me in my storms and that you are working; but sometimes I fear you are not. Sometimes it feels like you are sleeping and that you do not care if I die in the midst of it. Does it ever feel like God is asleep when you are in the middle of a life storm? Do you ever wonder when the torrential rains, blustering wind, and raging seas are going to cease? Do you wonder how you are going to make it safely to the other side? What is your response during the storms of life? Do you frantically run around trying to bail yourself out? Does your mind race as feelings of fear overtake you and do you wonder if this storm is going to kill you?
The answer to these questions is found in asking yourself this question. Do you react as an Old Testament Disciple or do you react as a New Testament Disciple when a life storm comes up unexpectedly? Are you still wondering if Jesus is really the Messiah and if He is going to save you? Or are you firmly grounded in your faith that He is; and Christ is in you is the hope of glory for the deliverance of, or from the storm! Sometimes we question how the disciples could have possibly responded the way they did since they knew they were with Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. But we have to remember that even though they followed Him and witnessed His ministry, He hadn’t yet died on the Cross and been resurrected. They wanted to believe! They acted on that belief when they continued to follow Him! But in their minds it is obvious there was still some doubt. This doubt stayed with them all the way to the Cross!
The Bible says that John was the only disciple who actually went to the foot of the Cross. The others were so tormented by their grief that they betrayed Him, deserted Him, denied Him, and ran from Him. So with this in mind it is easier to understand why they reacted the way they did in this passage, when they went from fear to fear; and not from faith to faith! Look at what verses 40 and 41 say, “But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
For a New Testament Disciple it is important that we live, not as an Old Testament Disciple, wondering if this Christ is really the Messiah who will save us. We need to live knowing, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that He did! This will empower us to live by faith, resting on the promises of the risen Messiah, during life’s storms! Psalm 121: 3-8 says, “He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.”
When Jesus went to sleep on that boat it was not an act of abandonment of His disciples! It was actually an act of love for us who believe! It was a living example of where we are to be found by those around us, when one of life’s storms comes up out of nowhere. Isaiah 30:15 says, “For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” When a life storm like cancer, death, divorce, bankruptcy, rebellious children, layoffs, a down economy, etc., comes up unexpectedly, our strength comes in returning to the promises of God, and in resting in the finished work of the Cross! When we react as the world reacts or as the Old Testament Disciple reacted, we are crippled in fear and desperately run in search of a savior. On the other hand, when we react the way Jesus reacted we have confidence knowing we are safe. We know who our Savior is and we put our hope and faith in Him. This gives the clarity of mind to know what to do next.
We no longer follow after Jesus looking for the signs of the true Messiah! The Cross made the evidence clear! We now walk in step with the Living Savior, for in Him we live, and move, and have our being! There is absolutely no separation between God and man in the New Covenant. This understanding is what gives us the power to live from faith to faith during life’s storms with an assurance that we will be delivered in safety, to the other side. This is why Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 When we understand this we will be able to rise up in the storm, rebuke the winds, calm the sea, and quiet the voices of fear and doubt; by the power and authority of Jesus Christ given to us on the day of His resurrection!
Prayer: Spend time today with your living Savior asking for wisdom and understanding so you know what it means to be a New Testament Disciple. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in your inner man as He reveals the Truth of His Word to you. If you feel out of step with Christ meditate on the Scriptures that give you the assurance of who you are in Him! You are a New Covenant Disciple of the Living Savior! Believe it! Live it! And watch as His power is displayed in your life when a storm comes up unexpectedly!
I want to believe that you are with me in my storms and that you are working; but sometimes I fear you are not. Sometimes it feels like you are sleeping and that you do not care if I die in the midst of it. Does it ever feel like God is asleep when you are in the middle of a life storm? Do you ever wonder when the torrential rains, blustering wind, and raging seas are going to cease? Do you wonder how you are going to make it safely to the other side? What is your response during the storms of life? Do you frantically run around trying to bail yourself out? Does your mind race as feelings of fear overtake you and do you wonder if this storm is going to kill you?
The answer to these questions is found in asking yourself this question. Do you react as an Old Testament Disciple or do you react as a New Testament Disciple when a life storm comes up unexpectedly? Are you still wondering if Jesus is really the Messiah and if He is going to save you? Or are you firmly grounded in your faith that He is; and Christ is in you is the hope of glory for the deliverance of, or from the storm! Sometimes we question how the disciples could have possibly responded the way they did since they knew they were with Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. But we have to remember that even though they followed Him and witnessed His ministry, He hadn’t yet died on the Cross and been resurrected. They wanted to believe! They acted on that belief when they continued to follow Him! But in their minds it is obvious there was still some doubt. This doubt stayed with them all the way to the Cross!
The Bible says that John was the only disciple who actually went to the foot of the Cross. The others were so tormented by their grief that they betrayed Him, deserted Him, denied Him, and ran from Him. So with this in mind it is easier to understand why they reacted the way they did in this passage, when they went from fear to fear; and not from faith to faith! Look at what verses 40 and 41 say, “But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
For a New Testament Disciple it is important that we live, not as an Old Testament Disciple, wondering if this Christ is really the Messiah who will save us. We need to live knowing, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that He did! This will empower us to live by faith, resting on the promises of the risen Messiah, during life’s storms! Psalm 121: 3-8 says, “He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.”
When Jesus went to sleep on that boat it was not an act of abandonment of His disciples! It was actually an act of love for us who believe! It was a living example of where we are to be found by those around us, when one of life’s storms comes up out of nowhere. Isaiah 30:15 says, “For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” When a life storm like cancer, death, divorce, bankruptcy, rebellious children, layoffs, a down economy, etc., comes up unexpectedly, our strength comes in returning to the promises of God, and in resting in the finished work of the Cross! When we react as the world reacts or as the Old Testament Disciple reacted, we are crippled in fear and desperately run in search of a savior. On the other hand, when we react the way Jesus reacted we have confidence knowing we are safe. We know who our Savior is and we put our hope and faith in Him. This gives the clarity of mind to know what to do next.
We no longer follow after Jesus looking for the signs of the true Messiah! The Cross made the evidence clear! We now walk in step with the Living Savior, for in Him we live, and move, and have our being! There is absolutely no separation between God and man in the New Covenant. This understanding is what gives us the power to live from faith to faith during life’s storms with an assurance that we will be delivered in safety, to the other side. This is why Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 When we understand this we will be able to rise up in the storm, rebuke the winds, calm the sea, and quiet the voices of fear and doubt; by the power and authority of Jesus Christ given to us on the day of His resurrection!
Prayer: Spend time today with your living Savior asking for wisdom and understanding so you know what it means to be a New Testament Disciple. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in your inner man as He reveals the Truth of His Word to you. If you feel out of step with Christ meditate on the Scriptures that give you the assurance of who you are in Him! You are a New Covenant Disciple of the Living Savior! Believe it! Live it! And watch as His power is displayed in your life when a storm comes up unexpectedly!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Day 81
Jesus, How Can You Sleep When This Storm Is Raging? (Part 1 of 3)
“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:35-41
A popular television show that I love to watch is “Deadliest Catch”. Each time I watch my eyes are glued to the T.V. as it displays images of fishermen risking their lives as they try to catch crab. These men have been handpicked for this job by the captain! They are brave and strong individuals that the captain obviously saw greatness in or He wouldn’t have picked them. The mission he has to accomplish is in part, dependent on these men doing the job he has chosen them to do. He knows He needs them to complete his mission. They are dedicated and determined men who serve their captain with all of their might! They have been trained to do their job and they do it wholeheartedly! They understand that their reward depends on their willingness to follow the captain’s orders and to execute his plan!
One thing I love to watch is the interaction between the captain and crew, especially when an intense storm develops! Fifteen to twenty foot waves crash over the side of the boat, threatening to destroy it, and the men scramble to secure the deck. The captain gives orders and the men obey. When he picked them he obviously believed they would not become terrified when they encountered danger! But I am still blown away by the fishermen’s complete trust and confidence in their captain’s ability to navigate through a deadly storm. And I am amazed at their willingness to listen to his instructions. In fact the more intense the storms become; the more dedicated the men become in serving the captain without fear!
They stay on deck and do what they know they need to do. They don’t run to the captain, frightened and worried, screaming at him to do something to make the storm stop! They just do their job, believing by faith that the captain knows what he is doing! It always makes me laugh when I see the captain sipping coffee and telling jokes in the middle of one of those storms. They’re intense at times but a lot of the time they are pretty relaxed, kind of like Jesus was in the middle of this storm! Whenever I read this passage of Scripture in Mark 4 those images always come to mind because the disciple’s response to the storm was so drastically different!
They were frightened and anxious to the point of running to Jesus and screaming at Him to get up! “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” is their question. Why did they do this? Was it because Jesus was sleeping? I don’t think so! They wouldn’t have aroused Him from sleep if they didn’t believe He could do something to help! Was it because they were unskilled at navigating through a storm by themselves? Absolutely not! There were fishermen among them who had experienced storms on that sea before! Was it because they really thought they were going to die? That wouldn’t make sense because they knew they were with the One who had the power to raise the dead; even if they did die at sea! So if it wasn’t any of these things, what was it? The answer can be found in Jesus’ response to the disciples. He said, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” We have to remember that Jesus handpicked these men just like the captains on the “Deadliest Catch” do.
When He picked them He saw greatness in them; which included their ability to stand strong in the face of danger! If we look at their lives after Jesus’ death and resurrection we see just how brave they really were! He knew they had the ability to follow His instructions no matter what He asked of them. Think about it. He asked them to leave everything to follow Him! They obeyed! They left their families, jobs, and possessions at His command! This act of courage displays great confidence and trust in Him! Then they personally witnessed His miraculous signs and wonders. He told them they would do the same! This shows that their physical eyes believed at one point and they believed they could! And yet when they find themselves in the midst of a storm they are frightened and lack faith! They can see Him with their physical eyes and they know His incredible power to perform miracles!
The real problem then is with all they knew and with all they saw, something in them didn’t believe He would do it for them personally! And it is obvious that they didn’t believe they could do it themselves even though He had told them they could! Jesus had already taught them that if they had faith even as small as a mustard seed, they could move mountains! And yet when a mountainous storm developed they cowered in fear and lacked the faith to move it! He knows He is going to be crucified and resurrected and that He will no longer be with them in the physical realm. His greatest desire is to get His disciples to understand that He picked them to carry out His mission because He knew they could do it!
Prayer: As You begin to reveal the depth of meaning to this passage help me to embrace the Truths You want me to know and understand. Open my eyes to see beyond the physical realm in this passage so I can comprehend the Spiritual Truths You want me to grasp. I believe by faith that You have chosen (handpicked) me to be Your disciple and I want to live a life of faith. I want to believe that You are always with me and that in the midst of my storms You are working even when I think You are asleep! Amen
A popular television show that I love to watch is “Deadliest Catch”. Each time I watch my eyes are glued to the T.V. as it displays images of fishermen risking their lives as they try to catch crab. These men have been handpicked for this job by the captain! They are brave and strong individuals that the captain obviously saw greatness in or He wouldn’t have picked them. The mission he has to accomplish is in part, dependent on these men doing the job he has chosen them to do. He knows He needs them to complete his mission. They are dedicated and determined men who serve their captain with all of their might! They have been trained to do their job and they do it wholeheartedly! They understand that their reward depends on their willingness to follow the captain’s orders and to execute his plan!
One thing I love to watch is the interaction between the captain and crew, especially when an intense storm develops! Fifteen to twenty foot waves crash over the side of the boat, threatening to destroy it, and the men scramble to secure the deck. The captain gives orders and the men obey. When he picked them he obviously believed they would not become terrified when they encountered danger! But I am still blown away by the fishermen’s complete trust and confidence in their captain’s ability to navigate through a deadly storm. And I am amazed at their willingness to listen to his instructions. In fact the more intense the storms become; the more dedicated the men become in serving the captain without fear!
They stay on deck and do what they know they need to do. They don’t run to the captain, frightened and worried, screaming at him to do something to make the storm stop! They just do their job, believing by faith that the captain knows what he is doing! It always makes me laugh when I see the captain sipping coffee and telling jokes in the middle of one of those storms. They’re intense at times but a lot of the time they are pretty relaxed, kind of like Jesus was in the middle of this storm! Whenever I read this passage of Scripture in Mark 4 those images always come to mind because the disciple’s response to the storm was so drastically different!
They were frightened and anxious to the point of running to Jesus and screaming at Him to get up! “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” is their question. Why did they do this? Was it because Jesus was sleeping? I don’t think so! They wouldn’t have aroused Him from sleep if they didn’t believe He could do something to help! Was it because they were unskilled at navigating through a storm by themselves? Absolutely not! There were fishermen among them who had experienced storms on that sea before! Was it because they really thought they were going to die? That wouldn’t make sense because they knew they were with the One who had the power to raise the dead; even if they did die at sea! So if it wasn’t any of these things, what was it? The answer can be found in Jesus’ response to the disciples. He said, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” We have to remember that Jesus handpicked these men just like the captains on the “Deadliest Catch” do.
When He picked them He saw greatness in them; which included their ability to stand strong in the face of danger! If we look at their lives after Jesus’ death and resurrection we see just how brave they really were! He knew they had the ability to follow His instructions no matter what He asked of them. Think about it. He asked them to leave everything to follow Him! They obeyed! They left their families, jobs, and possessions at His command! This act of courage displays great confidence and trust in Him! Then they personally witnessed His miraculous signs and wonders. He told them they would do the same! This shows that their physical eyes believed at one point and they believed they could! And yet when they find themselves in the midst of a storm they are frightened and lack faith! They can see Him with their physical eyes and they know His incredible power to perform miracles!
The real problem then is with all they knew and with all they saw, something in them didn’t believe He would do it for them personally! And it is obvious that they didn’t believe they could do it themselves even though He had told them they could! Jesus had already taught them that if they had faith even as small as a mustard seed, they could move mountains! And yet when a mountainous storm developed they cowered in fear and lacked the faith to move it! He knows He is going to be crucified and resurrected and that He will no longer be with them in the physical realm. His greatest desire is to get His disciples to understand that He picked them to carry out His mission because He knew they could do it!
Prayer: As You begin to reveal the depth of meaning to this passage help me to embrace the Truths You want me to know and understand. Open my eyes to see beyond the physical realm in this passage so I can comprehend the Spiritual Truths You want me to grasp. I believe by faith that You have chosen (handpicked) me to be Your disciple and I want to live a life of faith. I want to believe that You are always with me and that in the midst of my storms You are working even when I think You are asleep! Amen
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Day 80
Christ Fills All Things Everywhere With Himself!
“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.” Ephesians 1:19-23 NLT
Do you understand the incredible greatness of God’s power? Do you feel whole and complete in Christ? Do you recognize the wholeness of Christ operating in your life and in the body of Christ? Do you feel the presence of Christ in everything you do and everywhere you go? The sad truth is that most Christians are desperately searching for these things without ever realizing they have already been given to them!
When something is made full and complete it means it lacks nothing! When something is filled completely it means there is no more room for anything else! So if Christ has made His body full and complete and has filled everything everywhere with Himself; why aren’t more Christians walking in the greatness of God’s power? Why are they still wavering and not living an empowered life of faith? The answer to these questions is quite simple. They have never been taught or never taken the time to learn what it means to be a new creation in Christ! They don’t understand what it means to have the Spirit of Christ operating in their lives! They also do not understand that even before they gave their heart to Christ He was operating in their world and was present with them.
I am going to share a personal story that will help you understand the fullness of Christ in operation. It was a very unconventional event but it was the turning point in my life that gave me the ability to begin to see the fullness of Jesus Christ in every circumstance. I was also able to begin to understand the greatness of God’s power at work in my life, even during past events that were traumatic. The revelation I walked away with gave me new wisdom and understanding that has dynamically changed my view of God and it has empowered me to look at life differently. My prayer is that you will be empowered as you read it and that you will ask God to do the same thing for you so you can better understand who He is, and the greatness of His power in the earth.
Some time ago I went to see a friend, who is a counselor, because there were a few issues from my past that were holding me back. When I sat with her she told me what the session would consist of. It was nothing at all what I expected to hear. She said she was going to have me bring the event to mind and then I was to meditate on the event for several minutes. At first it was uncomfortable because I didn’t like the images that came to mind. I became restless and anxious! She asked me to share what I was seeing. As I spoke I began to cry. It was very painful and I wanted to run out of her office. Then she asked me to shift my mind’s eye to other parts of the room. She asked me to tell her what I saw. As my mind’s eye drifted to other images in the room a sense of peace came over me. Then she asked me what I was sensing and what I was seeing.
What I am about to share was the turning point that helped me begin to experience the fullness of Christ and to understand the greatness of God’s power. I told her that I felt the presence of Jesus in the room. She asked me to look around until I saw Him. To my utter amazement I saw Him right next to me. She asked me what He was doing. I told her He was telling me how much He loved me and that He would never leave me! I know that might sound strange but it is 100% true! I opened my eyes and asked her what in the world just happened? She explained the truth of what Ephesians 1:19-23 reveals. At that moment the spirit of heaviness lifted and the stronghold from the past traumatic event was broken! When the session was through I wept tears of joy! I walked out of her office a completely different person and have never been the same since! Every day since that session I have been able to see the fullness of Christ in every circumstance and event! I have felt the presence of Christ in the midst of every situation which has changed the way I view life!
I have been able to understand the greatness of God’s power and have been able to shift my focus to seeing with my spiritual eyes, instead of just seeing with my physical eyes! I have been empowered to ask for the Holy Spirit’s help every time I encounter a difficulty or trial. I ask Him to reveal where Christ is in the midst of it. When I do this the peace that passes all understanding floods my heart and I do not become fearful and frantic like I used to. This has become a daily exercise of faith and there are days I still struggle with it, but the more I do it, the more I feel the greatness of God’s power operating in me! I no longer question if God is with me and I no longer fear what my physical eyes see or what I hear. I focus on the truth of who I am in Christ and who He is as the authority in my life!
Prayer: Give me complete understanding of who You are as the authority over all things. I believe by faith that as I seek You I will be able to see You operating in my life on a daily basis. I believe that the greatness of your power is mine through Jesus Christ and I will focus on Him when I face trials or when I remember past trauma. I choose to believe Your Word over my reality and I am assured by Your Word that when I do; my spiritual eyes will be opened to seeing You in operation in my life! I praise You for always being with me and for making me complete and whole in You. Amen
Do you understand the incredible greatness of God’s power? Do you feel whole and complete in Christ? Do you recognize the wholeness of Christ operating in your life and in the body of Christ? Do you feel the presence of Christ in everything you do and everywhere you go? The sad truth is that most Christians are desperately searching for these things without ever realizing they have already been given to them!
When something is made full and complete it means it lacks nothing! When something is filled completely it means there is no more room for anything else! So if Christ has made His body full and complete and has filled everything everywhere with Himself; why aren’t more Christians walking in the greatness of God’s power? Why are they still wavering and not living an empowered life of faith? The answer to these questions is quite simple. They have never been taught or never taken the time to learn what it means to be a new creation in Christ! They don’t understand what it means to have the Spirit of Christ operating in their lives! They also do not understand that even before they gave their heart to Christ He was operating in their world and was present with them.
I am going to share a personal story that will help you understand the fullness of Christ in operation. It was a very unconventional event but it was the turning point in my life that gave me the ability to begin to see the fullness of Jesus Christ in every circumstance. I was also able to begin to understand the greatness of God’s power at work in my life, even during past events that were traumatic. The revelation I walked away with gave me new wisdom and understanding that has dynamically changed my view of God and it has empowered me to look at life differently. My prayer is that you will be empowered as you read it and that you will ask God to do the same thing for you so you can better understand who He is, and the greatness of His power in the earth.
Some time ago I went to see a friend, who is a counselor, because there were a few issues from my past that were holding me back. When I sat with her she told me what the session would consist of. It was nothing at all what I expected to hear. She said she was going to have me bring the event to mind and then I was to meditate on the event for several minutes. At first it was uncomfortable because I didn’t like the images that came to mind. I became restless and anxious! She asked me to share what I was seeing. As I spoke I began to cry. It was very painful and I wanted to run out of her office. Then she asked me to shift my mind’s eye to other parts of the room. She asked me to tell her what I saw. As my mind’s eye drifted to other images in the room a sense of peace came over me. Then she asked me what I was sensing and what I was seeing.
What I am about to share was the turning point that helped me begin to experience the fullness of Christ and to understand the greatness of God’s power. I told her that I felt the presence of Jesus in the room. She asked me to look around until I saw Him. To my utter amazement I saw Him right next to me. She asked me what He was doing. I told her He was telling me how much He loved me and that He would never leave me! I know that might sound strange but it is 100% true! I opened my eyes and asked her what in the world just happened? She explained the truth of what Ephesians 1:19-23 reveals. At that moment the spirit of heaviness lifted and the stronghold from the past traumatic event was broken! When the session was through I wept tears of joy! I walked out of her office a completely different person and have never been the same since! Every day since that session I have been able to see the fullness of Christ in every circumstance and event! I have felt the presence of Christ in the midst of every situation which has changed the way I view life!
I have been able to understand the greatness of God’s power and have been able to shift my focus to seeing with my spiritual eyes, instead of just seeing with my physical eyes! I have been empowered to ask for the Holy Spirit’s help every time I encounter a difficulty or trial. I ask Him to reveal where Christ is in the midst of it. When I do this the peace that passes all understanding floods my heart and I do not become fearful and frantic like I used to. This has become a daily exercise of faith and there are days I still struggle with it, but the more I do it, the more I feel the greatness of God’s power operating in me! I no longer question if God is with me and I no longer fear what my physical eyes see or what I hear. I focus on the truth of who I am in Christ and who He is as the authority in my life!
Prayer: Give me complete understanding of who You are as the authority over all things. I believe by faith that as I seek You I will be able to see You operating in my life on a daily basis. I believe that the greatness of your power is mine through Jesus Christ and I will focus on Him when I face trials or when I remember past trauma. I choose to believe Your Word over my reality and I am assured by Your Word that when I do; my spiritual eyes will be opened to seeing You in operation in my life! I praise You for always being with me and for making me complete and whole in You. Amen
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Day 79
A New View From Behind Prison Walls!
“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Philippians 1:12-14
Imagine sitting in a cold, dark, and dreary prison cell, shackled in chains, not knowing if or when you are going to be released. What would your response be in a situation like that? If you were allowed to write letters to your family and friends what would you say? Would your words reflect the horrible reality of your situation or would you be focused on penning words of hope and encouragement?
Would the readers of your letters be filled with joyful expectation of what God was about to do in their lives because in the past when you wrote, God performed miracles. While Paul was in prison he wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Prison was no obstacle for Paul and his letters reflected that truth. Those around him became more confident in sharing the Gospel and those receiving his letters became empowered in their faith.
With every fiery trial Paul faced, his words became more passionate! With every imprisonment, his message became more intense! In prison he was surrounded by prisoners and guards who heard the message of the Gospel daily! And the impact of Paul’s reaction to his situation and the letters he wrote didn’t end with his release from prison or even with his death. 2000 years later people are still being encouraged by the letters he penned from prison! Paul’s Epistles are the bedrock of the Christian faith!
What fiery trial are you going through in your life and do you have the same mindset that Paul had when he was in prison? If not, it is time to ask the Holy Spirit for help. Paul was not a super human with super human powers! He was a normal human with supernatural power! And his supernatural power came from the Holy Spirit operating in Him no matter where he was or what he was going through. This same supernatural power of the Holy Spirit is available for each one of us but we have to ask for it and believe by faith that we can walk in it!
If we will do this, we will begin to experience fiery trials in a whole new way! Our words will begin to bring hope and encouragement to the people around us and they will be empowered in the faith! Instead of fearing the fiery trial we have to embrace it as an opportunity to grow and mature in our faith! We have to set aside our knowledge of the situation and seek the knowledge of God if we are going to become empowered to share the Gospel during the fiery trial! If we are going to see God will and work according to His good purpose we have to be willing to let Him speak to us in the midst of it! And we have to seek wisdom and understanding from the Holy Spirit over seeking information and advice from man.
We have to understand that it was in prison where Paul began to discover the mystery of Christ that had been withheld from men for generations! It was in prison where Paul was overwhelmed by God and discovered his true purpose in life! It was in prison where Paul became an empowered minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! And it was in prison where Paul adopted a heavenly mindset!
A fiery trial has no power to destroy unless we adopt a mindset of defeat during it! We don’t always have a choice whether or not the fiery trial occurs, but we do have the choice about how we are going to react to it, just like Paul did. And we have the choice of what messages we are going to speak during them. If we do as Paul did and adopt a Kingdom mindset when we find ourselves in physical, financial, or relational prisons, we will begin to see it as an opportunity to further the Gospel. We will be strengthened in our inner man with our words and actions reflecting the glory of God! I want to encourage you to spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and understanding and I want you to meditate on the truth that Christ in you is the hope of glory! This is where you will begin to view your fiery trials and prisons as places of growth, maturity, and Kingdom purpose!
Prayer: Spend time in prayer asking for the scales to fall from your eyes in relation to the way you view fiery trials and prisons. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what it means to have a Kingdom mindset. Begin to praise God for giving you a purpose even in the midst of your fiery trials and prisons and ask Him to strengthen you so your words and actions reflect that purpose.
Imagine sitting in a cold, dark, and dreary prison cell, shackled in chains, not knowing if or when you are going to be released. What would your response be in a situation like that? If you were allowed to write letters to your family and friends what would you say? Would your words reflect the horrible reality of your situation or would you be focused on penning words of hope and encouragement?
Would the readers of your letters be filled with joyful expectation of what God was about to do in their lives because in the past when you wrote, God performed miracles. While Paul was in prison he wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Prison was no obstacle for Paul and his letters reflected that truth. Those around him became more confident in sharing the Gospel and those receiving his letters became empowered in their faith.
With every fiery trial Paul faced, his words became more passionate! With every imprisonment, his message became more intense! In prison he was surrounded by prisoners and guards who heard the message of the Gospel daily! And the impact of Paul’s reaction to his situation and the letters he wrote didn’t end with his release from prison or even with his death. 2000 years later people are still being encouraged by the letters he penned from prison! Paul’s Epistles are the bedrock of the Christian faith!
What fiery trial are you going through in your life and do you have the same mindset that Paul had when he was in prison? If not, it is time to ask the Holy Spirit for help. Paul was not a super human with super human powers! He was a normal human with supernatural power! And his supernatural power came from the Holy Spirit operating in Him no matter where he was or what he was going through. This same supernatural power of the Holy Spirit is available for each one of us but we have to ask for it and believe by faith that we can walk in it!
If we will do this, we will begin to experience fiery trials in a whole new way! Our words will begin to bring hope and encouragement to the people around us and they will be empowered in the faith! Instead of fearing the fiery trial we have to embrace it as an opportunity to grow and mature in our faith! We have to set aside our knowledge of the situation and seek the knowledge of God if we are going to become empowered to share the Gospel during the fiery trial! If we are going to see God will and work according to His good purpose we have to be willing to let Him speak to us in the midst of it! And we have to seek wisdom and understanding from the Holy Spirit over seeking information and advice from man.
We have to understand that it was in prison where Paul began to discover the mystery of Christ that had been withheld from men for generations! It was in prison where Paul was overwhelmed by God and discovered his true purpose in life! It was in prison where Paul became an empowered minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! And it was in prison where Paul adopted a heavenly mindset!
A fiery trial has no power to destroy unless we adopt a mindset of defeat during it! We don’t always have a choice whether or not the fiery trial occurs, but we do have the choice about how we are going to react to it, just like Paul did. And we have the choice of what messages we are going to speak during them. If we do as Paul did and adopt a Kingdom mindset when we find ourselves in physical, financial, or relational prisons, we will begin to see it as an opportunity to further the Gospel. We will be strengthened in our inner man with our words and actions reflecting the glory of God! I want to encourage you to spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and understanding and I want you to meditate on the truth that Christ in you is the hope of glory! This is where you will begin to view your fiery trials and prisons as places of growth, maturity, and Kingdom purpose!
Prayer: Spend time in prayer asking for the scales to fall from your eyes in relation to the way you view fiery trials and prisons. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what it means to have a Kingdom mindset. Begin to praise God for giving you a purpose even in the midst of your fiery trials and prisons and ask Him to strengthen you so your words and actions reflect that purpose.
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