Yes, but. Two small words but when placed side by side their power to divide us from God's will is no less daunting than the Great Wall of China.
Moses spoke these words when God suggested that he teach Pharaoh a thing or two about freeing His people from slavery. The Apostle Peter shouted them after stepping out of the boat onto the water. I, myself, have allowed them to slip out of my mouth on countless occasions, and yet, how foolish! Why is it so hard for us to see that these two small words, when combined, reek with the stench of FEAR. Fear that comes against God's perfect will for our lives.
Jesus spoke to us about the 'Yes, but's' in our lives when He said . . . 'Oh, ye of little faith.' He understands our tendencies to allow the flesh to rise up within us and shout 'Yes, but'. He understands our tendencies to overshadow His authority and power . . . but lovingly He shows us that there IS a better way. He willingly shows us the unbridled possibilities that exist when He is given the opportunity to lay out His plan for our lives.
Lord, how could I have been deceived by the 'yes, but's' for so long and yet feel so loved by You now? . . . . . . "Look back" He says "and see the dross that I have cleansed you of . . . bitterness, resentment, stubbornness, self-sufficiency. I have filled the holes of your emptiness with my agape love. I opened up your heart to the teaching of who I am and who you can be if only you would remove the 'yes, but's' from your life. I have loved you with an everlasting love that sets the captives free . . . and He whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!"
Hallelujah!
Father God, I know that my journey of sanctification will never end on this side of heaven but I pray that I'm further along today than I was yesterday. As long as there are lives around me to touch . . . and to be touched by . . . I pray from the depths of my heart that you will remove whatever 'yes, but's' there are within me that might keep me from Your perfect plan for my life.
Father, may Your will be done, for I ask it in Jesus' name.
Amen and amen.
bo
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Thankful Saturday
I'm not sure that today . . . the day after Good Friday . . . has ever been given a name or not but in my heart I'm feeling the need to declare it to be "Thankful Saturday". I know that long ago a day in November had been set aside for all of us to gather and give thanks but in my minds eye today is better spent in that regard.
Today we are sandwiched between two days . . . one in which the ultimate sacrifice was lived out for us and one in which the ultimate hope of victory is awaiting us. What better day could there be to release fully the thanksgiving that is within the depths of our hearts?We have because He gave. He gave humbly so that we might know the fullness of Himself. How glorious!!!
In Matthew 5:14-16 it is written "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Let each of us go out and shine that light of thanksgiving as it radiates from us. Let each of us get up on that rooftop and shout His praises. Let everyone around us hear and see the Good News of this "Thankful Saturday".
Father, words don't even come close to expressing the awe we have as we ponder Your perfect plan. Nor, Father, can we fully express the degree to which we are thankful for all that Jesus, our Savior AND our Lord, has done for us so we pray that you will search our hearts and know all that we are unable to express. May you be pleased with the deposit of Your love that You find there and may we be willing, Father, to unselfishly release the overflow of that love on to others until the day of Your return.
Father, may it be so, for I pray it in the Name that is above all names, Jesus, our One and only Christ.
Amen and amen.
bo
Today we are sandwiched between two days . . . one in which the ultimate sacrifice was lived out for us and one in which the ultimate hope of victory is awaiting us. What better day could there be to release fully the thanksgiving that is within the depths of our hearts?We have because He gave. He gave humbly so that we might know the fullness of Himself. How glorious!!!
In Matthew 5:14-16 it is written "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Let each of us go out and shine that light of thanksgiving as it radiates from us. Let each of us get up on that rooftop and shout His praises. Let everyone around us hear and see the Good News of this "Thankful Saturday".
Father, words don't even come close to expressing the awe we have as we ponder Your perfect plan. Nor, Father, can we fully express the degree to which we are thankful for all that Jesus, our Savior AND our Lord, has done for us so we pray that you will search our hearts and know all that we are unable to express. May you be pleased with the deposit of Your love that You find there and may we be willing, Father, to unselfishly release the overflow of that love on to others until the day of Your return.
Father, may it be so, for I pray it in the Name that is above all names, Jesus, our One and only Christ.
Amen and amen.
bo
Friday, April 2, 2010
'Good' Friday??
Good Friday . . . a day of remembrance. A day of reenacting within my mind, the brutality of the sin that was thrust upon the only perfect man who walked on this earth. Certainly, this isn't my idea of a 'good' day. Mourning once again for my part in it all. Realizing the lashes of the whip, the insults hurled, the willful acts of rejection, the driven nails . . . all because of the choices I've made. Remembering the events of this day and the pain that ensued brings me, yet again, to a place of ultimate remorse.
So then, how in the world can this day be called 'Good'? In my humanness, I see me as the reason for this day. My humanness is drawn to the 'bad' of it. But Blessed be our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for He has reminded me - ONCE AGAIN - that it's NOT about me. This day is ALL about Him. As my heart breaks for the physical, emotional and ultimately, the spiritual pain that He endured, the Holy Spirit - the Holy Healer - reminds me that more noteworthy than all of the brutality and pain was Christ's ability to rise above all of it. WITHOUT retaliation, He endured it all - for it was the Father's will. It was the Father's perfect plan.
So then, how in the world can this day be called 'Good'? In my humanness, I see me as the reason for this day. My humanness is drawn to the 'bad' of it. But Blessed be our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for He has reminded me - ONCE AGAIN - that it's NOT about me. This day is ALL about Him. As my heart breaks for the physical, emotional and ultimately, the spiritual pain that He endured, the Holy Spirit - the Holy Healer - reminds me that more noteworthy than all of the brutality and pain was Christ's ability to rise above all of it. WITHOUT retaliation, He endured it all - for it was the Father's will. It was the Father's perfect plan.
The day IS Good because of His willingness and obedience. It IS Good because of the love that oozed from every pore of His body. It is Good because of the peace, and yes, the joy, that He experienced in knowing that He was being used to fulfill the Father's perfect plan. Picture perfect, we see the life of surrender and forgiveness that we are to resemble.
For all that HE did on this day . . . may our remembrance be of the GOOD that was our Blessed Savior, Jesus the Christ.
Father, may it be so . . . In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen and amen.
bo
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Morning Intimacy
I am WOWed again this morning by the renewal that a new day brings. Concerns of yesterday are now laced with hopeful possibilities as the day dawns. In the silence of the morning God is so obviously in our midst. Issues from yesterday still need to be resolved - prayers still need to be mentioned - healing still needs to come - but if you are willing . . . the freshness of a new day lays out hope and determination and the renewed desire to walk in the shadow of His wing.
At this time of day the world around me is quiet. The busyness of the day is on hold for this is the moment more precious than any other in my day. This is the time that I am able to hear the whispers of God and only the sounds of the song birds break the silence to bring forth His glory.
Without this time of intimacy and oneness with Him my day would be overwhelming from the start. It's like gassing up at the pumps before a long trip. In order to get to your destination you must first fill your tank with the highest quality fuel that you can find so that you are powered up to reach your destination.
Jesus . . . my fuel of choice. Jesus . . . my road map. Jesus . . . my pilot. My day has renewal and possibilities and hope.
Thank You, Jesus. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.
May I carry this moment with me throughout my day . . . remembering Your love and faithfulness and true desire to be my reason for hope.
Truly, it IS all about You, Lord Jesus.
Amen and amen.
bo
At this time of day the world around me is quiet. The busyness of the day is on hold for this is the moment more precious than any other in my day. This is the time that I am able to hear the whispers of God and only the sounds of the song birds break the silence to bring forth His glory.
Without this time of intimacy and oneness with Him my day would be overwhelming from the start. It's like gassing up at the pumps before a long trip. In order to get to your destination you must first fill your tank with the highest quality fuel that you can find so that you are powered up to reach your destination.
Jesus . . . my fuel of choice. Jesus . . . my road map. Jesus . . . my pilot. My day has renewal and possibilities and hope.
Thank You, Jesus. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.
May I carry this moment with me throughout my day . . . remembering Your love and faithfulness and true desire to be my reason for hope.
Truly, it IS all about You, Lord Jesus.
Amen and amen.
bo
Sunday, March 28, 2010
A Mother's Heart
I've been a mother now for nearly 32 years and it never fails to overwhelm me when I see something cross my path in life that exposes to me a need to pray unceasingly for my children. As a matter of fact, such reality - even when it comes at the expense of someone else's child - causes me to stop and consider, yet again, the pain and helplessness that Christ's mother Mary must have endured.
Yes, the degree to which her soul was to be pierced was foretold even when Jesus was no more than eight days old but living out that pain . . . seeing that pain in your child's face, seeing his spirit beaten and broken . . . nothing can prepare a mother's heart for that.
As her Son's experience unfolded, could Mary have had even a glimmer of hope? Could she have seen His pain as a journey to freedom and Oneness with God? Do you? As your child stands before you - broken in spirit, in need of Oneness with God - are you able to experience the glimmer of hope that IS Jesus?
God gives each mother a special love for their children. A love that can't even be described. Our hearts break when our children are broken and in pain - when we realize their despair and their need for Oneness with God. Our helplessness is beyond words . . . and yet, there is great reason to give all praise to God, for even on the darkest of days, Hope truly does spring eternal. Even in the broken heart of a mother . . . Christ is able to put hope back into our hearts for our children. He did that for His own mother and His tender mercies declare that He will do the very same for all of us.
Thank You, Jesus. I praise the day that You released me from the desire to be in control of the lives of my children. Thank You for carrying the heart of this mother, and all mothers, right along with You as You carry our children in their times of need. Thank You for the hope that emerges in this journey to Oneness with You.
In Jesus' name and by His grace I pray.
Amen and amen.
bo
Yes, the degree to which her soul was to be pierced was foretold even when Jesus was no more than eight days old but living out that pain . . . seeing that pain in your child's face, seeing his spirit beaten and broken . . . nothing can prepare a mother's heart for that.
As her Son's experience unfolded, could Mary have had even a glimmer of hope? Could she have seen His pain as a journey to freedom and Oneness with God? Do you? As your child stands before you - broken in spirit, in need of Oneness with God - are you able to experience the glimmer of hope that IS Jesus?
God gives each mother a special love for their children. A love that can't even be described. Our hearts break when our children are broken and in pain - when we realize their despair and their need for Oneness with God. Our helplessness is beyond words . . . and yet, there is great reason to give all praise to God, for even on the darkest of days, Hope truly does spring eternal. Even in the broken heart of a mother . . . Christ is able to put hope back into our hearts for our children. He did that for His own mother and His tender mercies declare that He will do the very same for all of us.
Thank You, Jesus. I praise the day that You released me from the desire to be in control of the lives of my children. Thank You for carrying the heart of this mother, and all mothers, right along with You as You carry our children in their times of need. Thank You for the hope that emerges in this journey to Oneness with You.
In Jesus' name and by His grace I pray.
Amen and amen.
bo
Sunday, March 14, 2010
You're Invited
Please consider this posting an invitation to a blowout celebration. Who are we gathering to celebrate, you ask? What could be so glorious that we have reason to celebrate? Well, I'll tell you . . . this celebration is for God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit! And although the Guests of Honor are among us now, let me stop for a moment before the party begins and help you get caught up with where I'm coming from . . .
Recently I've been listening to a teaching that speaks of 'Hupomone'. It's a little Greek word that basically means to bear up under pressure. Like a donkey that carries a load on its back and yet presses on just the same, we too are drawn into times of our lives in which there is a load for us to carry. Be it momentary or lengthy in nature, this time of pressure is used by God to stretch us, to teach us, to strengthen us, and to show us, without a doubt, that God's Grace truly is sufficient to meet our every need.
How easy it is to sit back and listen to teachings or read books or even consume God's Word and think . . . "yep, I'm ready Lord, use me. I'm here and my hearts desire is for You to use me so I'm ready whenever you are - just put me into motion." Well, it must be then that the Lord smiles - and although He is, no doubt, thankful for your naive willingness - He must chuckle just a bit as He takes you up on your offer and sets out to unveil His perfect plan in your little corner of the world. It is then that you'd better hope to come face to face with two things . . . hupomone and the reality of God's immeasurable power and everlasting love. The sweet fragrance of His strength in your moment of need. Strength given to you to speak up and say what must me heard . . . patience to allow Him to work out events that are otherwise overwhelming . . . endurance to hang on for dear life.
Hupomone. In faith you remain persistent against a pressing trouble. In faith you believe in God's faithfulness. Surely He is faithful to be with us as routine situations unfold in our day . . . surely He can be trusted to be faithful in any overwhelming event that comes our way.
And what is the outcome of this hupomone? This endurance under pressure? Well, for me it was pure, unspeakable joy - the same kind of joy that is described in Ephesians 3:20 . . . "exceedingly, abundantly, more than I can ask or imagine" and God is to get ALL the glory for it. HE was my hope when the pressure was on - when I was facing overwhelming odds. Without Him, hupomone is nothing more than a silly word but with Him there is unspeakable Glory and Honor and Praises to lay at His feet.
Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit . . . welcome to the celebration that honors Your love for me. You are worthy of all my praise. Oh, that I could fully fathom the reality of You in my life. I give You now, Lord God Almighty, all the honor that You are worthy to receive.
Blessed be Your name.
Love from Your devoted child . . .
Amen and amen.
bo
Recently I've been listening to a teaching that speaks of 'Hupomone'. It's a little Greek word that basically means to bear up under pressure. Like a donkey that carries a load on its back and yet presses on just the same, we too are drawn into times of our lives in which there is a load for us to carry. Be it momentary or lengthy in nature, this time of pressure is used by God to stretch us, to teach us, to strengthen us, and to show us, without a doubt, that God's Grace truly is sufficient to meet our every need.
How easy it is to sit back and listen to teachings or read books or even consume God's Word and think . . . "yep, I'm ready Lord, use me. I'm here and my hearts desire is for You to use me so I'm ready whenever you are - just put me into motion." Well, it must be then that the Lord smiles - and although He is, no doubt, thankful for your naive willingness - He must chuckle just a bit as He takes you up on your offer and sets out to unveil His perfect plan in your little corner of the world. It is then that you'd better hope to come face to face with two things . . . hupomone and the reality of God's immeasurable power and everlasting love. The sweet fragrance of His strength in your moment of need. Strength given to you to speak up and say what must me heard . . . patience to allow Him to work out events that are otherwise overwhelming . . . endurance to hang on for dear life.
Hupomone. In faith you remain persistent against a pressing trouble. In faith you believe in God's faithfulness. Surely He is faithful to be with us as routine situations unfold in our day . . . surely He can be trusted to be faithful in any overwhelming event that comes our way.
And what is the outcome of this hupomone? This endurance under pressure? Well, for me it was pure, unspeakable joy - the same kind of joy that is described in Ephesians 3:20 . . . "exceedingly, abundantly, more than I can ask or imagine" and God is to get ALL the glory for it. HE was my hope when the pressure was on - when I was facing overwhelming odds. Without Him, hupomone is nothing more than a silly word but with Him there is unspeakable Glory and Honor and Praises to lay at His feet.
Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit . . . welcome to the celebration that honors Your love for me. You are worthy of all my praise. Oh, that I could fully fathom the reality of You in my life. I give You now, Lord God Almighty, all the honor that You are worthy to receive.
Blessed be Your name.
Love from Your devoted child . . .
Amen and amen.
bo
Friday, March 12, 2010
Are You Ready???
As I write this I'm being stretched by the Lord. A self-professed home body I have declared on countless occasions that I am not a traveler. But this week the Lord used a friend of mine who was in need to help me take a major leap of faith as I traveled with her from New York State down to Virginia.
The purpose of the trip was to attend the memorial service of a College roommate. What I saw was typical of a grieving family and the difficulties that ensue as their lives continue. But most notably I was 'introduced' to a woman who was ready to be in the arms of her Savior. The morning of her death she sang songs of praise to Him, she savored the time of worship with Him and then, before the sun went down, she found herself in His arms.
Of all the countless promises that you'll find embedded in the Bible you won't find one that guarantees that you will be around tomorrow. Right now is all that you have so the urgency is on . . . tell people that you love them - leave a legacy that they will ensure God's glory will be seen in the life you've lived.
Live and learn and be ready for the greatest Love ever to be yours.
bo
The purpose of the trip was to attend the memorial service of a College roommate. What I saw was typical of a grieving family and the difficulties that ensue as their lives continue. But most notably I was 'introduced' to a woman who was ready to be in the arms of her Savior. The morning of her death she sang songs of praise to Him, she savored the time of worship with Him and then, before the sun went down, she found herself in His arms.
Of all the countless promises that you'll find embedded in the Bible you won't find one that guarantees that you will be around tomorrow. Right now is all that you have so the urgency is on . . . tell people that you love them - leave a legacy that they will ensure God's glory will be seen in the life you've lived.
Live and learn and be ready for the greatest Love ever to be yours.
bo
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