We have been warned. But have we taken heed? There are so many traps all around us. From every directions they becon. They are traps of greed.
Luke 12:15 says, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
Have you ever thought about all the different kinds of greed that there are? Often we think of greed in terms of money. Greed may be evident if we open our eyes and take a look around our homes. How much "stuff" is found hanging on your walls and scattered across the mantles of table tops gathering dust? How many forgotten table cloths are folded neatly and placed in drawers - some perhaps have never even been taken out of their packaging! What about the surplus in our food closets even though the scales have told us not to buy so much.
Our pockets, our stomachs and our desires can all be places where traps have attached themselves. Our desires should not be for "things", they should be for the courts of the Lord. We need to trust God for his provision.
America is in a mess right now. As a country we have stepped in the traps that greed has set for us and as a nation we will fall if we do not disengage these traps. We have eagerly stepped into them because our flesh desires the "things" of this world instead of the courts of the Lord.
I pray that the nations current financial problems will cause us to wake up to what is really important, make us fall on our faces before God and repent for allowing greed to come in and take hold of us. As Christians, we need to take an honest look at where greed has come into our lives and then remove those idols. God is to be our stronghold not greed - not the desires of our flesh.
We are to have no other God before him. The idols of greed must be destroyed.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
No Going Back
Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins. They are the greatest support system that many of us ever had. Think of it. Out of our family structure came the food to eat, the teaching we needed, the comfort for times of mourning, the chicken soup to aid the healing, and the shelter from all our storms.
Then came Jesus. Then came the choice. Do I go back or do I follow?
In Luke 9:59-62 Jesus speaks to two of his new followers as to the cost of following him. What a decision they had to make. It would cost them everything. Everything they ever knew. Every bit of familiarity. Jesus knew that if they went back to say goodbye, that there would be an opportunity not to return.
Once we have come to know Jesus, there can be no going back to our old ways. We can't keep walking with familiarity thinking that we can adapt to Jesus ways. It just doesn't work. As new creations in Christ, the old is gone!
In times when faith is having a weak moment, returning to the old ties of family and friends can often produce further doubt that tries to draw us away. Jesus knows that if we go back, that we will never be committed fully to him.
There is a cost to following Jesus. You must give up so many things - but it is so worth it. As you walk with him, you find that the greatest source of provision, healing, comfort and protection only can come from him and through him.
Have you made up your mind? There is no going back!
Then came Jesus. Then came the choice. Do I go back or do I follow?
In Luke 9:59-62 Jesus speaks to two of his new followers as to the cost of following him. What a decision they had to make. It would cost them everything. Everything they ever knew. Every bit of familiarity. Jesus knew that if they went back to say goodbye, that there would be an opportunity not to return.
Once we have come to know Jesus, there can be no going back to our old ways. We can't keep walking with familiarity thinking that we can adapt to Jesus ways. It just doesn't work. As new creations in Christ, the old is gone!
In times when faith is having a weak moment, returning to the old ties of family and friends can often produce further doubt that tries to draw us away. Jesus knows that if we go back, that we will never be committed fully to him.
There is a cost to following Jesus. You must give up so many things - but it is so worth it. As you walk with him, you find that the greatest source of provision, healing, comfort and protection only can come from him and through him.
Have you made up your mind? There is no going back!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Go Tell
Jesus. Our Savior, Redeemer, Deliver, Healer, Prince of Peace...
I am sure you can think of a time when Jesus became each of the above to you. In every situation, and in every time of need, he has been faithful. Sometimes we see it in the miraculous, and sometimes we see it in the subtleties.
One dramatic record of deliverance is found in Luke 6:26-39 where Jesus comes across a naked, demon possessed man. In a word, Legion came out and entered the pigs and they rushed down a steep bank and fell into the lake where they drowned. With his nakedness now clothed, he sat at Jesus feet.
When Jesus brings healing and deliverance into our lives, our grateful hearts just want to continue to sit at his feet. We want to travel with Jesus. We want to stay by his side. But we can't. It's not his plan. It wasn't his purpose.
In verse 30 Jesus says, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." God has done great things in our lives for the purpose of spreading the gospel and sharing our testimonies.
God has not told us to be silent, but to open our mouths. One of the greatest ways we can be most effective is tell everyone we can what he has done in our lives. "Go ye into the world..." is right here in our very own communities. We just have to step outside our doors to meet our neighbor in need next door. Share with the person in line at the grocery store, share with the soccer mom that stands next to you, and share with a friend over coffee.
Share with anyone who will listen. But do go tell!
I am sure you can think of a time when Jesus became each of the above to you. In every situation, and in every time of need, he has been faithful. Sometimes we see it in the miraculous, and sometimes we see it in the subtleties.
One dramatic record of deliverance is found in Luke 6:26-39 where Jesus comes across a naked, demon possessed man. In a word, Legion came out and entered the pigs and they rushed down a steep bank and fell into the lake where they drowned. With his nakedness now clothed, he sat at Jesus feet.
When Jesus brings healing and deliverance into our lives, our grateful hearts just want to continue to sit at his feet. We want to travel with Jesus. We want to stay by his side. But we can't. It's not his plan. It wasn't his purpose.
In verse 30 Jesus says, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." God has done great things in our lives for the purpose of spreading the gospel and sharing our testimonies.
God has not told us to be silent, but to open our mouths. One of the greatest ways we can be most effective is tell everyone we can what he has done in our lives. "Go ye into the world..." is right here in our very own communities. We just have to step outside our doors to meet our neighbor in need next door. Share with the person in line at the grocery store, share with the soccer mom that stands next to you, and share with a friend over coffee.
Share with anyone who will listen. But do go tell!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A True Prophet
Based on Luke 7:36-50
A man thought he knew her well, in fact he was bold enough to even speak up. As he opened up his mouth to expose her, he really exposed his heart of judgement. He was so busy looking at the depth of her sin, that he wasn't able to see his own. In his blindness, he wasn't able to see the depth of her love.
Jesus, the true prophet, looked at the heart. After all that is what he really cared about. Yes he knew her, knew her sin, yet he chose to focus more on her heart. He could tell from her present action that she was one who was humbly willing to pour out her offering of gratitude as she received forgiveness. As she exchanged her sins for forgiveness at the feet of Jesus, the fragrance rose and the knowledge of her sin vanished.
The Pharisee didn't get it. Even though it was happening right before his very eyes, he couldn't see it. He thought he could see, but he was blind. The plank of judgement kept him from seeing the way a true prophet does. Jesus gave him a question to ponder and when he answered it, he finally judged right.
The plank of judgement will keep you from being a true prophet. Judgement will always cause you to look at things through the natural eye. It will cause you to keep record of wrong.
A true prophet has insight into the heart because it sees through the eyes of the Father. It sees through eyes that look beyond the flesh, beyond the sin. It looks into the motive of the heart.
I heard a lyric from a song, it said, "if I could see through Jesus eyes for ten minutes, what would I see?" Why not close your eyes for ten minutes and ask God to reveal to you what he sees. With his eye sight, we will certainly see things differently!
A man thought he knew her well, in fact he was bold enough to even speak up. As he opened up his mouth to expose her, he really exposed his heart of judgement. He was so busy looking at the depth of her sin, that he wasn't able to see his own. In his blindness, he wasn't able to see the depth of her love.
Jesus, the true prophet, looked at the heart. After all that is what he really cared about. Yes he knew her, knew her sin, yet he chose to focus more on her heart. He could tell from her present action that she was one who was humbly willing to pour out her offering of gratitude as she received forgiveness. As she exchanged her sins for forgiveness at the feet of Jesus, the fragrance rose and the knowledge of her sin vanished.
The Pharisee didn't get it. Even though it was happening right before his very eyes, he couldn't see it. He thought he could see, but he was blind. The plank of judgement kept him from seeing the way a true prophet does. Jesus gave him a question to ponder and when he answered it, he finally judged right.
The plank of judgement will keep you from being a true prophet. Judgement will always cause you to look at things through the natural eye. It will cause you to keep record of wrong.
A true prophet has insight into the heart because it sees through the eyes of the Father. It sees through eyes that look beyond the flesh, beyond the sin. It looks into the motive of the heart.
I heard a lyric from a song, it said, "if I could see through Jesus eyes for ten minutes, what would I see?" Why not close your eyes for ten minutes and ask God to reveal to you what he sees. With his eye sight, we will certainly see things differently!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Measure You Use
A great and very convicting time was had as I read God's word this morning. God disciplines and challenges us because he loves us so much. Learning and applying God's word is a step by step process, and is often a conviction by conviction process!
Luke 6:36-38 says, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
There is a lot of scripture to learn to apply to our lives here. Each statement comes with a need to sacrifice of our flesh.
I believe God wants to convey to us His heart as these scriptures are supported by two bookends - loving your enemies, and removing a plank. Learning to love our enemies as well as removing planks are spoken to us on a very personal level. God is not so much as trying to teach the person NEXT to you through these powerful passages, as he is trying to teach YOU!
As we break down these scriptures, we have concrete steps that we need to take. These steps may take a life time to take as with each one, challenges will be faced and our willingness to sacrifice and obey will be revealed.
The steps are pretty simple - take one at a time. Be merciful. Do not judge. Do not condemn. Forgive. Give.
Removing planks can be very humbling. Trying to remove sawdust from someone else before it is time for you to can be ever so hurtful. Loving your enemies is one of our greatest tests. Without application, hypocrisy is revealed and our true love for God is not evident.
Put into practice the golden rule found in verse 31, "Do to others as you would have them do to you."
Luke 6:36-38 says, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
There is a lot of scripture to learn to apply to our lives here. Each statement comes with a need to sacrifice of our flesh.
I believe God wants to convey to us His heart as these scriptures are supported by two bookends - loving your enemies, and removing a plank. Learning to love our enemies as well as removing planks are spoken to us on a very personal level. God is not so much as trying to teach the person NEXT to you through these powerful passages, as he is trying to teach YOU!
As we break down these scriptures, we have concrete steps that we need to take. These steps may take a life time to take as with each one, challenges will be faced and our willingness to sacrifice and obey will be revealed.
The steps are pretty simple - take one at a time. Be merciful. Do not judge. Do not condemn. Forgive. Give.
Removing planks can be very humbling. Trying to remove sawdust from someone else before it is time for you to can be ever so hurtful. Loving your enemies is one of our greatest tests. Without application, hypocrisy is revealed and our true love for God is not evident.
Put into practice the golden rule found in verse 31, "Do to others as you would have them do to you."
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Being An Example
Yesterday, a sister in the Lord (a real jewel!) sent me someones blog site to visit. How delightful it was. How encouraging it was. How heartfelt and humble it was.
I cannot begin to imagine the emotional pain that this woman of God is experiencing on a daily and even on a moment to moment basis. Yet she chooses to put her hope in God and to keep standing on the Rock.
Her faith leaped off the page as she humbly shared a glimpse of her present sufferings with her readers. The peace that God has given her was even causing my spirit to be settled.
The thought I pondered greatly on was found at the bottom of the page...not in her profound writings. It was actually a number - the number of people who have visited her blog site.
1 Timothy 4:12 tells us to "set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."
This is what a woman of God is to do. No matter where your walk with God leads you, you are to walk it in such a way as to be an example to other believers.
I don't think it ever entered this woman's thoughts that she would ever be walking this particular road. Being used by God in this way was not her choice. But her willingness to remain walking with God is being used by God in a powerful way to bring encouragement to other believers. The truth is, she is probably being used greater now than she ever has been before.
Be ever so thankful for the woman that walks before you and the example that she is to your life. Be ever so thankful for the woman that chooses the narrow road of excellence. Be ever so thankful for the woman who humbly pours out her life experiences and hardships as she continues to praise her glorious Lord and Savior.
Take time to thank the woman in your life that is setting an example for you to follow!
I cannot begin to imagine the emotional pain that this woman of God is experiencing on a daily and even on a moment to moment basis. Yet she chooses to put her hope in God and to keep standing on the Rock.
Her faith leaped off the page as she humbly shared a glimpse of her present sufferings with her readers. The peace that God has given her was even causing my spirit to be settled.
The thought I pondered greatly on was found at the bottom of the page...not in her profound writings. It was actually a number - the number of people who have visited her blog site.
1 Timothy 4:12 tells us to "set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."
This is what a woman of God is to do. No matter where your walk with God leads you, you are to walk it in such a way as to be an example to other believers.
I don't think it ever entered this woman's thoughts that she would ever be walking this particular road. Being used by God in this way was not her choice. But her willingness to remain walking with God is being used by God in a powerful way to bring encouragement to other believers. The truth is, she is probably being used greater now than she ever has been before.
Be ever so thankful for the woman that walks before you and the example that she is to your life. Be ever so thankful for the woman that chooses the narrow road of excellence. Be ever so thankful for the woman who humbly pours out her life experiences and hardships as she continues to praise her glorious Lord and Savior.
Take time to thank the woman in your life that is setting an example for you to follow!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Singing In The Shadows
Something about singing always repositions my thoughts and attitudes toward God. I can't recall a time in the last 15 years, that God hasn't put a song into my spirit that has helped me to get through a difficult time. With each trial, he gives me something to sing about.
God's word is the very foundation of the songs my mouth sings as they overflow from the heart within. When my heart breaks before God, a song flows. When I am filled with fear, a song flows. When the enemy presses in a song flows. When all is well with my soul, a song flows.
Each trial draws me deeper into the shadow of the Most High. It has been there in the shadows that I have learned to sing and to cling. He has become my hiding place, my place of refuge from the storms. It is in His presence that I am consumed with rest.
Psalm 63:7-8 says, "Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."
In the shadow of His wings, is the place we can rest. It is the place we can sing because of knowing his great protection. It is a place of incredible comfort.
In the shadow of His wings, is the place where we become disciplined to cling to God. Each trial thrusts us into this place and causes us to cling with even greater strength. With each trial, God proves his faithfulness to us as he reveals that he is our help.
Keep singing, and keep clinging, for he alone is your help and he will uphold you.
God's word is the very foundation of the songs my mouth sings as they overflow from the heart within. When my heart breaks before God, a song flows. When I am filled with fear, a song flows. When the enemy presses in a song flows. When all is well with my soul, a song flows.
Each trial draws me deeper into the shadow of the Most High. It has been there in the shadows that I have learned to sing and to cling. He has become my hiding place, my place of refuge from the storms. It is in His presence that I am consumed with rest.
Psalm 63:7-8 says, "Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."
In the shadow of His wings, is the place we can rest. It is the place we can sing because of knowing his great protection. It is a place of incredible comfort.
In the shadow of His wings, is the place where we become disciplined to cling to God. Each trial thrusts us into this place and causes us to cling with even greater strength. With each trial, God proves his faithfulness to us as he reveals that he is our help.
Keep singing, and keep clinging, for he alone is your help and he will uphold you.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Always Blessed
Ps 128:1-2
"Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours."
The fear of the Lord and choosing to walk in his ways brings blessings into our lives. If we sow respect and obedience to God, we will reap blessings.
Sounds easy doesn't it? It actually can be very difficult as numerous circumstances can come to us on a daily basis that may cause us to make a choice to fear God, to choose God.
From how we speak to our husbands, to how we discipline our children, to how we respond to anger, to how we speak of others. Does our responses and our speech reflect a fear of the Lord? Do our choices reflect a choice to walk in obedience to his ways?
Walking in His ways proves our determination to walk in obedience. Obedience reveals our love, for if we love God, we will obey his commands.
I want to be a "real deal" Christian. When others see me, I want them to see that I am a woman who fears the Lord and walks in his ways.
I want God to see that I am a "real deal" Christian. I know that the proof of him seeing it, is that I will eat the fruit of my labor and that blessings and prosperity are mine.
I want to be always blessed. I choose God.
"Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours."
The fear of the Lord and choosing to walk in his ways brings blessings into our lives. If we sow respect and obedience to God, we will reap blessings.
Sounds easy doesn't it? It actually can be very difficult as numerous circumstances can come to us on a daily basis that may cause us to make a choice to fear God, to choose God.
From how we speak to our husbands, to how we discipline our children, to how we respond to anger, to how we speak of others. Does our responses and our speech reflect a fear of the Lord? Do our choices reflect a choice to walk in obedience to his ways?
Walking in His ways proves our determination to walk in obedience. Obedience reveals our love, for if we love God, we will obey his commands.
I want to be a "real deal" Christian. When others see me, I want them to see that I am a woman who fears the Lord and walks in his ways.
I want God to see that I am a "real deal" Christian. I know that the proof of him seeing it, is that I will eat the fruit of my labor and that blessings and prosperity are mine.
I want to be always blessed. I choose God.
Friday, September 12, 2008
It's A Choice
Praising God is always a choice. Whether on a mountain, in a valley, a desert, or a wilderness place, it is what needs to be flowing from our lips.
There are many benefits to praising God with every step we take. Praising God keeps our thoughts and focus on him. It keeps our attitudes filled with thanksgiving. As our hearts overflow with praise, songs of deliverance then flow too. Praise is what causes us to continue dancing through the most difficult circumstances.
Is 61:3 speaks about putting on "a garment of praise for the spirit of despair". When you begin to praise Jesus, darkness has no choice but to flee. Praise brings you into the presence of God, and in the presence of God, no demon can stand! God inhabits our praises, it is where he is, and where he longs to be.
Set backs are nothing for God - nothing! God is in control! Nothing is impossible for God - no nothing! Praise springs forth because we trust God at his word and because we walk (and speak) by faith and not by sight. We choose to praise God before we even see his hand at work - we praise because we know his hand will work.
This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it! I choose to praise!
There are many benefits to praising God with every step we take. Praising God keeps our thoughts and focus on him. It keeps our attitudes filled with thanksgiving. As our hearts overflow with praise, songs of deliverance then flow too. Praise is what causes us to continue dancing through the most difficult circumstances.
Is 61:3 speaks about putting on "a garment of praise for the spirit of despair". When you begin to praise Jesus, darkness has no choice but to flee. Praise brings you into the presence of God, and in the presence of God, no demon can stand! God inhabits our praises, it is where he is, and where he longs to be.
Set backs are nothing for God - nothing! God is in control! Nothing is impossible for God - no nothing! Praise springs forth because we trust God at his word and because we walk (and speak) by faith and not by sight. We choose to praise God before we even see his hand at work - we praise because we know his hand will work.
This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it! I choose to praise!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
All My Fountains
This morning as I was spending time in the word, a loved piece of scripture from a time gone by was once again revisited. Sometimes scriptures remind us of a time when...they speak remembrance , they speak needed encouragement.
Psalm 87:7 says, "As they make music they will sing, 'All my fountains are in you.'"
All my fountains are in you. Have you ever pondered what that means? Another translation says "the source of my life". All we are flows from God.
When I think of a fountain, I think about how there is a source that feeds it and there is a pressure that builds up inside that forces it to overflow. When it overflows it has a spray that when the wind blows it carries that spray to surrounding areas.
That is how God is in us. He is the very source that runs into our lives. The very essence of His presence and passion builds up within us till we get to the point that we can no longer contain it, and then it overflows and is released to those around us.
Everything we have need of is found in Him. He is the ultimate source of completion. He is the very well spring we have desire of.
May everything He is build up in our inmost beings and then may His greatness be released to all those around us!
Psalm 87:7 says, "As they make music they will sing, 'All my fountains are in you.'"
All my fountains are in you. Have you ever pondered what that means? Another translation says "the source of my life". All we are flows from God.
When I think of a fountain, I think about how there is a source that feeds it and there is a pressure that builds up inside that forces it to overflow. When it overflows it has a spray that when the wind blows it carries that spray to surrounding areas.
That is how God is in us. He is the very source that runs into our lives. The very essence of His presence and passion builds up within us till we get to the point that we can no longer contain it, and then it overflows and is released to those around us.
Everything we have need of is found in Him. He is the ultimate source of completion. He is the very well spring we have desire of.
May everything He is build up in our inmost beings and then may His greatness be released to all those around us!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Speak to Your Soul
One of my very favorite psalms portrays a picture of one who walks with the Lord. It is a picture of a life dedicated to the Lord as they walk through some of the toughest trials in life.
Psalm 84:5-7 says, "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion."
Walking through times of distress and spiritual dryness are never easy, that's why it reflects the Valley of Baca (Baca represents death). We see here, the psalmist chooses to make it a place of springs, a place that gives life. Eventually, going from strength to strength, step by step, they reach their final destination...the presence of God. Isn't that the place we long to be?
Our spiritual strength comes from God's word. It is the resource that gives us the fuel to keep taking another step. Without it, we will grow faint and weary. Without it, we will die spiritually.
Psalm 43:3-4 reveals this truth saying, "Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God."
God's truth is what is to guide our steps. God's truth leads us up the mountain to the place where he dwells.
Walking can be very tiring, especially when we get thirsty, when the well is dry. But that is the very time we need to sing to the well and speak to our soul. We have to command our spirit to line up with God's truth. It is not easy - our very spiritual life depends on it.
Psalm 43:5 teaches us how to speak to our spirit during these seemingly bleak times. "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
We have to choose to put our hope in God. We have to choose to praise him. A determination for survival has to set in. A determination for God's presence needs to be the vision ever set before us. In order to reach our destination, we have got to become disciplined to cast down our flesh and speak God's truth into our spirits. Our spirits have to rise over our emotions! We are to walk by the spirit and not by the flesh!
Go ahead, speak to your soul. Take your next step toward the holy mountain, for you long to reach His glorious presence.
Psalm 84:5-7 says, "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion."
Walking through times of distress and spiritual dryness are never easy, that's why it reflects the Valley of Baca (Baca represents death). We see here, the psalmist chooses to make it a place of springs, a place that gives life. Eventually, going from strength to strength, step by step, they reach their final destination...the presence of God. Isn't that the place we long to be?
Our spiritual strength comes from God's word. It is the resource that gives us the fuel to keep taking another step. Without it, we will grow faint and weary. Without it, we will die spiritually.
Psalm 43:3-4 reveals this truth saying, "Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God."
God's truth is what is to guide our steps. God's truth leads us up the mountain to the place where he dwells.
Walking can be very tiring, especially when we get thirsty, when the well is dry. But that is the very time we need to sing to the well and speak to our soul. We have to command our spirit to line up with God's truth. It is not easy - our very spiritual life depends on it.
Psalm 43:5 teaches us how to speak to our spirit during these seemingly bleak times. "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
We have to choose to put our hope in God. We have to choose to praise him. A determination for survival has to set in. A determination for God's presence needs to be the vision ever set before us. In order to reach our destination, we have got to become disciplined to cast down our flesh and speak God's truth into our spirits. Our spirits have to rise over our emotions! We are to walk by the spirit and not by the flesh!
Go ahead, speak to your soul. Take your next step toward the holy mountain, for you long to reach His glorious presence.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Words That Paint a Picture
I was reading in the book of Revelation this morning and a few key words started to brush strokes on the canvas of my imagination. What a beautiful picture began to unfold.
Excerpts taken from Rev 14:1-3
Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion...
And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters...
The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.
And they sang a new song before the throne...
Close your eyes. Can you see it? Can you hear it?
Worship the Lord in the splendor of His majesty.
Excerpts taken from Rev 14:1-3
Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion...
And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters...
The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.
And they sang a new song before the throne...
Close your eyes. Can you see it? Can you hear it?
Worship the Lord in the splendor of His majesty.
Monday, September 8, 2008
The Cold Seat
OK. Two things those in the "cold seat" have going for them is this, one, they know exactly what seat they are sitting in, and two, it is better to sit in the cold seat than the seat of "compromise (lukewarm)".
Rev. 3:15-16 says, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
The person who sits in the cold seat, operates fully in the ways of the world. Why are they in the cold seat? Because they are far away from God.
The person who sits in the cold seat has character traits that reflects their chair. Often they are cold and abrasive in their personality, they can be harsh and cutting. Their lives are often all about themselves and they will stop at nothing in order to climb the ladder of success.
The person who sits in the cold seat may take on another appearance altogether. They can be dedicated workers, givers to many causes, humanitarians. They can be counselors, teachers, doctors...good people. Yet even though they do great works and have great hearts, they are far from the heart of God.
People who chose to sit in the cold seat are not necessarily bad people, they are people who just do not know God, his truth or his love. Sometimes they are not even sitting their by choice. They are sitting their because they do not know that any other seat exists. They are unaware of the hot seat.
These are the people we need to reach. These are the people who we need to intercede for. These are the people we need to show the love of Christ to so that they will know and receive the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. These are the people who God has a hot seat ready and waiting for!
Rev. 3:15-16 says, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
The person who sits in the cold seat, operates fully in the ways of the world. Why are they in the cold seat? Because they are far away from God.
The person who sits in the cold seat has character traits that reflects their chair. Often they are cold and abrasive in their personality, they can be harsh and cutting. Their lives are often all about themselves and they will stop at nothing in order to climb the ladder of success.
The person who sits in the cold seat may take on another appearance altogether. They can be dedicated workers, givers to many causes, humanitarians. They can be counselors, teachers, doctors...good people. Yet even though they do great works and have great hearts, they are far from the heart of God.
People who chose to sit in the cold seat are not necessarily bad people, they are people who just do not know God, his truth or his love. Sometimes they are not even sitting their by choice. They are sitting their because they do not know that any other seat exists. They are unaware of the hot seat.
These are the people we need to reach. These are the people who we need to intercede for. These are the people we need to show the love of Christ to so that they will know and receive the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. These are the people who God has a hot seat ready and waiting for!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
The Seat of Compromise
Oh, the choices we make! They really do reveal our heart. They reveal it to God as well as to everyone around us. Have you ever had this thought - "Someone is always watching you"? Don't get paranoid, but it is true.
Every step you take and every decision you make has the ability to make an impact. It's not just in our speech, but in the way we hold ourselves and in the way we act. Sometimes we think it's the loudest person that makes the greatest impact, but sometimes it is the silence that screams out with greater influence.
Saying nothing at all is often the voice of compromise. It doesn't want to "rock the boat", it doesn't want to sound "politically incorrect", and it doesn't want to convey an unpopular opinion. It often hides behind the fear of man. Silence is an enemy to the kingdom of God, for it is when God spoke that things came into existence. If we remain silent, how will others ever know the truth of God? If we remain silent, how will God ever be able to use us as his mouth piece?
We are to be examples of Christ everywhere we go, to both believers as well as non-believers. Again, how we speak, act and dress tells a lot about who we are and who we belong to. With so many choices to make on a daily basis, we need to use wisdom in what decisions are made.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and to fear the Lord is to hate what is evil. The seat of compromise doesn't always reflect the fear of the Lord, nor does it always reflect the sin of the world. The seat of compromise can be oh so subtle.
It's evidence shows up in areas that we may not even be aware of, or are willing to see. Like what movies and TV shows we watch to how we dress. I heard this phrase at a conference I attended a couple of years ago (and it is a keeper!), "your skirts should not be saying 'high and mighty' and your shirts should not be screaming 'low and behold'". How we dress makes a statement that reflects our purity and our integrity. Purity and integrity are important to God, not to the world.
Those in the seat of compromise need to make up their minds. Luke warm is not good. People around us need to know where we stand and whose side we are on. Speak up and let your voice be heard! Don't be found sitting in the seat of compromise...move over to the hot seat!
Every step you take and every decision you make has the ability to make an impact. It's not just in our speech, but in the way we hold ourselves and in the way we act. Sometimes we think it's the loudest person that makes the greatest impact, but sometimes it is the silence that screams out with greater influence.
Saying nothing at all is often the voice of compromise. It doesn't want to "rock the boat", it doesn't want to sound "politically incorrect", and it doesn't want to convey an unpopular opinion. It often hides behind the fear of man. Silence is an enemy to the kingdom of God, for it is when God spoke that things came into existence. If we remain silent, how will others ever know the truth of God? If we remain silent, how will God ever be able to use us as his mouth piece?
We are to be examples of Christ everywhere we go, to both believers as well as non-believers. Again, how we speak, act and dress tells a lot about who we are and who we belong to. With so many choices to make on a daily basis, we need to use wisdom in what decisions are made.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and to fear the Lord is to hate what is evil. The seat of compromise doesn't always reflect the fear of the Lord, nor does it always reflect the sin of the world. The seat of compromise can be oh so subtle.
It's evidence shows up in areas that we may not even be aware of, or are willing to see. Like what movies and TV shows we watch to how we dress. I heard this phrase at a conference I attended a couple of years ago (and it is a keeper!), "your skirts should not be saying 'high and mighty' and your shirts should not be screaming 'low and behold'". How we dress makes a statement that reflects our purity and our integrity. Purity and integrity are important to God, not to the world.
Those in the seat of compromise need to make up their minds. Luke warm is not good. People around us need to know where we stand and whose side we are on. Speak up and let your voice be heard! Don't be found sitting in the seat of compromise...move over to the hot seat!
Friday, September 5, 2008
The Hot Seat
The hot seat reflects the chosen life of service and commitment to God. The one who truly has laid down their life for Christ sees no other option than to sit in the hot seat. There is no other place that they would rather be, no matter the circumstances. They are not afraid of suffering or ridicule. They are not afraid to walk the road less traveled.
Choosing to sit in the hot seat takes commitment. It takes obedience and self control. The hot seat demands that you be crucified with Christ. It demands that every shred of flesh be burned away till all that is left reflects the character and nature of God.
Commitment and devotion is what causes us to even choose that seat. It began when we chose Christ. A steadfast spirit finds His "staying power". We need to be determined to stay committed to Christ - no matter what, no matter the cost.
Obedience to God's word disciplines us. Hiding His word in our hearts keeps us from sinning against Him. It keeps us from moving into the seat of compromise. Choosing to live and walk in ways that line up with God's word will yield blessings. Psalm 119:2 says, "Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart."
Self control chooses God's ways. Temptations will always arise so we must be disciplined to choose God's ways and his words at all times. There can be no deviations from the truth. A spirit of self control is seeded in decisions that are made before any temptation comes your way. The fruit of self control is revealed when you choose God and temptations are defeated.
Sitting in the hot seat is a choice that reflects your true devotion. Not only is it seen by God, but your witness and devotion will be seen by others as well.
Have you made up your mind to follow Jesus? Go ahead, sit in the hot seat!
Choosing to sit in the hot seat takes commitment. It takes obedience and self control. The hot seat demands that you be crucified with Christ. It demands that every shred of flesh be burned away till all that is left reflects the character and nature of God.
Commitment and devotion is what causes us to even choose that seat. It began when we chose Christ. A steadfast spirit finds His "staying power". We need to be determined to stay committed to Christ - no matter what, no matter the cost.
Obedience to God's word disciplines us. Hiding His word in our hearts keeps us from sinning against Him. It keeps us from moving into the seat of compromise. Choosing to live and walk in ways that line up with God's word will yield blessings. Psalm 119:2 says, "Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart."
Self control chooses God's ways. Temptations will always arise so we must be disciplined to choose God's ways and his words at all times. There can be no deviations from the truth. A spirit of self control is seeded in decisions that are made before any temptation comes your way. The fruit of self control is revealed when you choose God and temptations are defeated.
Sitting in the hot seat is a choice that reflects your true devotion. Not only is it seen by God, but your witness and devotion will be seen by others as well.
Have you made up your mind to follow Jesus? Go ahead, sit in the hot seat!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Three Seats
It is never good to compromise what you believe in. As Christians, it is so important that we know what we stand on, what God's views are on different topics. When we know what God's views are and what His word says about different things, then we are to never deviate from those beliefs.
There are three seats, representing three choices, that we can choose to sit in on a daily basis. The first seat is "hot", the second seat is "compromise" and the third seat is called "cold".
The "hot" seat represents the Christian who no doubt is on fire for God. Everything they speak and stand for is founded on the Rock. Their character reveals the true nature and character of Christ.
The "cold" seat represents the world. It takes on the character of the world and the sinful views that abound with ungodliness.
The seat of "compromise" represents that of a lukewarm believer. This is a seat that looks a little like God and a little like the world. Someone who sits in this seat is not totally sold out to either God or to the world. They cannot be distinguished.
As Christians, God wants us to be distinguished. He wants us to be set apart. He wants us to take on His likeness. When we know what we believe is true and we boldly speak that forth, then those around us can easily distinguish what seat it is that we sit in.
Every area from politics, marriage, sexual immorality to even how we choose to dress needs to reflect that we are "hot" Christians. Know God's heart and his word, and do not turn your views from that no matter how pressured you are from society and those around you.
Sitting in the "hot" seat is not always easy and can even feel pretty lonely. Few choose it. The hot seat gets hotter and the narrow path becomes more narrow.
There are three seats, representing three choices, that we can choose to sit in on a daily basis. The first seat is "hot", the second seat is "compromise" and the third seat is called "cold".
The "hot" seat represents the Christian who no doubt is on fire for God. Everything they speak and stand for is founded on the Rock. Their character reveals the true nature and character of Christ.
The "cold" seat represents the world. It takes on the character of the world and the sinful views that abound with ungodliness.
The seat of "compromise" represents that of a lukewarm believer. This is a seat that looks a little like God and a little like the world. Someone who sits in this seat is not totally sold out to either God or to the world. They cannot be distinguished.
As Christians, God wants us to be distinguished. He wants us to be set apart. He wants us to take on His likeness. When we know what we believe is true and we boldly speak that forth, then those around us can easily distinguish what seat it is that we sit in.
Every area from politics, marriage, sexual immorality to even how we choose to dress needs to reflect that we are "hot" Christians. Know God's heart and his word, and do not turn your views from that no matter how pressured you are from society and those around you.
Sitting in the "hot" seat is not always easy and can even feel pretty lonely. Few choose it. The hot seat gets hotter and the narrow path becomes more narrow.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Forgiven
Last night we had such a wonderful time at our discipleship class on worship. Our lesson and discussion came from Luke 7:36-50, where Jesus was anointed by a sinful woman.
I got thinking about these wonderful scriptures. What revelation this woman had of the depth of her sin, where she came from, and who the redeemer of her life was. She poured out her best upon his feet, weeping gratitude with each and every drop of her fragrant offering.
It makes me think. Where would I be without Jesus? Do I understand the depth of his love, his forgiveness, his sacrifice?
It makes me search deep within. Do I offer all that I have to him? Do I give him my best? Do I withhold any part of my life as a sacrifice? Do I give what I have freely and with gratitude?
This woman knew the depth of sin she had been involved in. She recognized the condition of her garments. She had been forgiven much and her outpouring revealed her awareness as she poured out her love. She loved much for she knew she was forgiven much.
She gave out of the depth of her love, the very best that she had to offer.
We want our offerings to reveal the depth of our love. We need to have an incredible revelation as to the power of forgiveness. Why? Because when we understand the fullness of the forgiveness that has been extended to us, it will cause us to love much.
I got thinking about these wonderful scriptures. What revelation this woman had of the depth of her sin, where she came from, and who the redeemer of her life was. She poured out her best upon his feet, weeping gratitude with each and every drop of her fragrant offering.
It makes me think. Where would I be without Jesus? Do I understand the depth of his love, his forgiveness, his sacrifice?
It makes me search deep within. Do I offer all that I have to him? Do I give him my best? Do I withhold any part of my life as a sacrifice? Do I give what I have freely and with gratitude?
This woman knew the depth of sin she had been involved in. She recognized the condition of her garments. She had been forgiven much and her outpouring revealed her awareness as she poured out her love. She loved much for she knew she was forgiven much.
She gave out of the depth of her love, the very best that she had to offer.
We want our offerings to reveal the depth of our love. We need to have an incredible revelation as to the power of forgiveness. Why? Because when we understand the fullness of the forgiveness that has been extended to us, it will cause us to love much.
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