The 5th chapter of the Book of Matthew presents us with truths that we commonly refer to as "The Beatitudes'. Boiling the Lord's message down into a nutshell we learn ... Blessed are those who see that it's NOT all about us ... but rather, it's all about God ... no if's ... no and's ... and expecially NO 'yes but's about it!!!
Take as an example of this truth, a time in your life when you were driven to anger. Soon the natural effects of the moment engulf you and suddenly your countenance exposes a 'new' you ... someone that is entirely different than the person that you earnestly strive to be. Then, not long after the moment of ignition, a secondary fire flares up within you as you attempt to defend your righteous position with, 'yes!...but Lord' that disguises itself as self-pity.
This happened to me not so long ago. Looking back on the event I can see clearly that I was innocently caught off guard. I fell into a trap set by the enemy but as it turns out, that mattered not, for even in times of innocence, anger is ugly. Even during these times the cries of 'yes!...but Lord' are heard by someone whose heart's desire is to love unconditionally. I, on the other hand, must confess to you that with the settling of the dust came one last expectation ... my defiant spirit wanted to hear an apology ... for surely in my innocence I was deserving of that ... but wait ... could it be that I had fallen into another trap? .............
It was then that I found that time spent with the Lord somehow gives new perspective ... divine insight ... that WOW moment in which you're left speechless by an awe of Him ...
During our time together the Lord encouraged me to read the Beatitudes through the lens of His eyes. There His light illuminated words like mercy, humility, purity of heart, peacemaker. As the scales began to drop out of my line of vision I could see plainly that in order to obtain the blessing that He so earnestly wanted me to enjoy, I first had to be all that He wanted ME to be. It was clear beyond measure that I was to 'let go' of everything that I laid claim to and 'let God' take care of those things that only He can change.
Miraculously my heart began to melt. Without hesitation I could see that my innocence wasn't the main story line here ... and it wasn't me who was deserving of the apology. I knew, deep within my heart, that I had no right to claim the glory that was His as the heart of the remorseful turned to Him.
Thank You, Jesus, for our time together.
Forgive me, Father, for my haughtiness.
Thank You, Jesus, for the joy that now fills my heart as I clearly see Your footsteps in which I am to follow.
Father God ... always thankful ... always in Jesus' name ... I give You now all my praise for the beauty of the Beatitudes. May I always remember that they first point to You!
Amen and amen.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Birthing Humility ...
Although it was 33 years ago, I remember, as though it were yesterday, the morning I went into labor with my son, my first born. I had enjoyed a beautiful pregnancy, a time of amazing preparations and incredible discoveries, but the time had arrived for me to go through the birthing process. As the contractions became increasingly apparent I sat on the corner of our bed and soon realized that I wanted NOTHING to do with the labor that lay ahead of me. Fear of the unknown overwhelmed me and despite all that I tried to think of to escape the ordeal ... I had no choice in the matter ... I had to go through the tough part of the birthing process in order to get to the other side where the Lord's glory would so obviously prevail.
The same can be said of situations that come into our everyday lives. Many of us deal with lifelong afflictions ... and others of us fall upon the unexpected diagnosis of some dreaded disease. Whether it's something that is suddenly thrust upon us or it's been a part of our lives for a long time, our inclination is to sit on the corner of our beds and do all we can to find a way to avoid the 'labor' that lay ahead of us. We gather prayer warriors and go to the Lord asking Him to remove the cup from us when, in fact, the assignment that lay ahead of us is to be faced head on. In God's nature we can be assured that He does not set out to assign us with times of overwhelming labor, and there are times that the Holy Spirit will display His power through divine impartations of deliverance, but equally notable are events in which we ... like Jesus Himself ... find that we must endure the cup for the glory of the Father. This isn't something that comes naturally ... or by any means easy ... but nonetheless, our ultimate peace will come as we see that we have birthed a humility in which God's glory is displayed.
Our assignment then comes as we study the Apostle Paul's time spent on the corner of his bed looking for a way to avoid his thorn in the side ... his 'labor' assignment. There, in 2 Cor 12:9 Jesus Himself tells Paul ... "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Not the answer he was hoping for, I'm sure, but when birthing humility ... that perfect surrender of our will over to the will of the Father ... you soon realize that your assignment involves a journey in which we, in and of ourselves, are unable to endure ... to labor. But given the power of the Holy Spirit that lies within us we can be assured of a day in which we stand before the Lord and hear "Well done, my good and faithful servant." (Mt 25:23)
Father God, seeking to encourage, I pray for peace in times of labor. I pray that Jesus is seen by all as truth and strength ... as encouragement and love ... even in our darkest hours. All praise to Your perfect plan. All praise for Your hand that rests on our lives. All praise to the King of kings and the Lord of lords ... our Savior, Jesus, in whom we now pray.
Amen and amen.
The same can be said of situations that come into our everyday lives. Many of us deal with lifelong afflictions ... and others of us fall upon the unexpected diagnosis of some dreaded disease. Whether it's something that is suddenly thrust upon us or it's been a part of our lives for a long time, our inclination is to sit on the corner of our beds and do all we can to find a way to avoid the 'labor' that lay ahead of us. We gather prayer warriors and go to the Lord asking Him to remove the cup from us when, in fact, the assignment that lay ahead of us is to be faced head on. In God's nature we can be assured that He does not set out to assign us with times of overwhelming labor, and there are times that the Holy Spirit will display His power through divine impartations of deliverance, but equally notable are events in which we ... like Jesus Himself ... find that we must endure the cup for the glory of the Father. This isn't something that comes naturally ... or by any means easy ... but nonetheless, our ultimate peace will come as we see that we have birthed a humility in which God's glory is displayed.
Our assignment then comes as we study the Apostle Paul's time spent on the corner of his bed looking for a way to avoid his thorn in the side ... his 'labor' assignment. There, in 2 Cor 12:9 Jesus Himself tells Paul ... "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Not the answer he was hoping for, I'm sure, but when birthing humility ... that perfect surrender of our will over to the will of the Father ... you soon realize that your assignment involves a journey in which we, in and of ourselves, are unable to endure ... to labor. But given the power of the Holy Spirit that lies within us we can be assured of a day in which we stand before the Lord and hear "Well done, my good and faithful servant." (Mt 25:23)
Father God, seeking to encourage, I pray for peace in times of labor. I pray that Jesus is seen by all as truth and strength ... as encouragement and love ... even in our darkest hours. All praise to Your perfect plan. All praise for Your hand that rests on our lives. All praise to the King of kings and the Lord of lords ... our Savior, Jesus, in whom we now pray.
Amen and amen.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Mirror, Mirror On The Wall
Recently I celebrated an anniversary at work that puts me on mark to hit what many would consider to be yet another 'milestone'. The great company that I work for, with its remarkable workers, has faithfully seen me through some of the most difficult challenges I've ever known ... all the while sharing with me some of the most precious moments that lay within the recesses of my heart. It can be argued whether or not these folks are actually part of my family ... I defy anyone to tell me that they aren't.
As I look back over these many years I remember things ... fun things ... that somehow left indelible marks on my memory. One such thing was an employee newsletter that asked the question ... "Who do you resemble?" With the answers to that question came photos of co-workers who resembled Liz Taylor, Meryl Streep and even Benjamin Franklin. It was fun to see how God craves variety all the while seeking out the fun in paring some of us up as look-a-likes of the rich and famous.
One other standout memory from years gone by relates to the time when employees were asked to help decorate a new Christmas tree in our Human Resources area. The incredible talents of fellow co-workers offered homemade ornaments of every kind but my favorite was a small mirror that displayed this haunting question ... "Do you see Christ in this ornament?" Political correctness being what it is these days, sadly, the ornament was not openly displayed for all to see but to this day that mirror ... with its haunting question ... rests on a shelf with the lasting reminder of whom we should aspire to resemble ... Jesus!
It is commonly said that every one of us has a double. Someone out there who is a mirror image of us, so if I were to ask you now ... "Who is it that you resemble?" ... is there a chance that your response to me would be "Jesus"? "No", you say, "that's not possible ... He is too perfect. There's no way that I can walk and talk and love others like Jesus does. I've been hurt - sometimes over and over again by the same person. How can I be expected to extend my hand in forgiveness and compassion like Jesus would? I want nothing more than to be an empty vessel that breathes a willingness to live as one with the Father ... but I know my imperfections - my limitations ... and it just isn't going to happen. The chances of my truly looking like Jesus are, at best, slim.
Well, I confess that at one time in my life I too thought that way. I took the tact that my weaknesses were greater than His strengths but I found out that when your focus is YOU there's no chance you'll see a reflection of HIM. Now, by the Grace of God, what I see when I look in a mirror is the person that the Father sees ... His creation who, being cloaked by the loving Grace of His Son, is as perfect as His precious Son. The Blood that Jesus shed washed away ALL of my imperfections and in the Father's eyes, I AM without blemish!
So then, my part in all of this is to live with the willingness to humble myself as Jesus did ... even when I don't feel like it. Hug the unlovable. Encourage those who are downtrodden. Forgive the offender. Over and over and over again ... until they see that you look like Jesus and they want what you have. Jesus was, and remains to this day, the One we should strive to resemble. I don't mean to make light of it ... it's not something that comes naturally to any one of us ... but with unwavering conviction and constant dedication you will be amazed at the joy that fills your spirit as people see a likeness of Jesus when they look at you.
Father God, I know deep down that true humility is not within my own power but by Your Holy Spirit I claim Oneness with You as I look to be a likeness of Your WONDERFUL Son! Father, in Jesus' name I pray that it may be so.
Amen and amen
As I look back over these many years I remember things ... fun things ... that somehow left indelible marks on my memory. One such thing was an employee newsletter that asked the question ... "Who do you resemble?" With the answers to that question came photos of co-workers who resembled Liz Taylor, Meryl Streep and even Benjamin Franklin. It was fun to see how God craves variety all the while seeking out the fun in paring some of us up as look-a-likes of the rich and famous.
One other standout memory from years gone by relates to the time when employees were asked to help decorate a new Christmas tree in our Human Resources area. The incredible talents of fellow co-workers offered homemade ornaments of every kind but my favorite was a small mirror that displayed this haunting question ... "Do you see Christ in this ornament?" Political correctness being what it is these days, sadly, the ornament was not openly displayed for all to see but to this day that mirror ... with its haunting question ... rests on a shelf with the lasting reminder of whom we should aspire to resemble ... Jesus!
It is commonly said that every one of us has a double. Someone out there who is a mirror image of us, so if I were to ask you now ... "Who is it that you resemble?" ... is there a chance that your response to me would be "Jesus"? "No", you say, "that's not possible ... He is too perfect. There's no way that I can walk and talk and love others like Jesus does. I've been hurt - sometimes over and over again by the same person. How can I be expected to extend my hand in forgiveness and compassion like Jesus would? I want nothing more than to be an empty vessel that breathes a willingness to live as one with the Father ... but I know my imperfections - my limitations ... and it just isn't going to happen. The chances of my truly looking like Jesus are, at best, slim.
Well, I confess that at one time in my life I too thought that way. I took the tact that my weaknesses were greater than His strengths but I found out that when your focus is YOU there's no chance you'll see a reflection of HIM. Now, by the Grace of God, what I see when I look in a mirror is the person that the Father sees ... His creation who, being cloaked by the loving Grace of His Son, is as perfect as His precious Son. The Blood that Jesus shed washed away ALL of my imperfections and in the Father's eyes, I AM without blemish!
So then, my part in all of this is to live with the willingness to humble myself as Jesus did ... even when I don't feel like it. Hug the unlovable. Encourage those who are downtrodden. Forgive the offender. Over and over and over again ... until they see that you look like Jesus and they want what you have. Jesus was, and remains to this day, the One we should strive to resemble. I don't mean to make light of it ... it's not something that comes naturally to any one of us ... but with unwavering conviction and constant dedication you will be amazed at the joy that fills your spirit as people see a likeness of Jesus when they look at you.
Father God, I know deep down that true humility is not within my own power but by Your Holy Spirit I claim Oneness with You as I look to be a likeness of Your WONDERFUL Son! Father, in Jesus' name I pray that it may be so.
Amen and amen
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Behold ... God's Treasure
A dear friend of mine stopped by recently and because God created within her a pure love for flowers and plants and anything that sprouts from the earth, she quickly noticed a need for me to tend to my garden. As she gently brought this situation to my attention I found myself with a desire to cultivate within my heart the same gardening love bug that consumed her. Immediately I set out to tidy up ... snipping first a flower that had fallen to the ground as a result of a heavy rain. The tenderness of her heart, as she offered me direction, was equal only to the tenderness of the treasured gift from God. Taking the gladiola into her hand she soon found some greenery that would serve to dress this single stemmed blossom up like it was the Belle of the Ball. Her wisdom, compassion, gentleness and confidence was nothing short of a treasure to behold and I thank God for the many gifts He offered me in this brief encounter.
This morning, as I look at the flower and greenery that was so artfully placed in a vase, I see that God's incredible gift continues to offer blessings for my day. It is apparent that time has removed the rain drops that once displayed God's nurturing ... and the luster of newness has faded a bit ... but no less brilliant is the beauty of each delicate pedal as they curl up in praise to their Creator. New, subtle colors can now be detected. New blossoms have erupted. New details are standing at the ready to be discovered. Thank You, Father, that Your amazing glory is never ending!
My friend brought God's beauty into my home and for that I am truly thankful. I think now of the similarities that can be extended to so many other aspects of my life. To see the beauty of the friends that God has cultivated in my life ... those who display God's master craftsmanship. Each frail in their humanness but boundless in beauty as they encourage me, support me and build me up.
Although I go through times in which God Himself must prune the withered branches that gather in my midst, I give great thanks for His constant nurturing. My heart's desire is to be a true reflection of who He is. To be the best 'me' that I can be ... and do what I can to bring the best of God out in others.
May I seek to be an empty vessel that displays the beauty that God created within me.
May my eyes see only the good in others ... never their shortcomings.
May I always be willing to love and praise and seek God's will for my life.
An most importantly ... may I leave the pruning of others to the wisdom of God.
Father God, shine your light on those things that need my attention and renew within me, Lord, a desire to let you take care of all the rest. I pray this, most fervently Father, in the blessed name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen and amen.
This morning, as I look at the flower and greenery that was so artfully placed in a vase, I see that God's incredible gift continues to offer blessings for my day. It is apparent that time has removed the rain drops that once displayed God's nurturing ... and the luster of newness has faded a bit ... but no less brilliant is the beauty of each delicate pedal as they curl up in praise to their Creator. New, subtle colors can now be detected. New blossoms have erupted. New details are standing at the ready to be discovered. Thank You, Father, that Your amazing glory is never ending!
My friend brought God's beauty into my home and for that I am truly thankful. I think now of the similarities that can be extended to so many other aspects of my life. To see the beauty of the friends that God has cultivated in my life ... those who display God's master craftsmanship. Each frail in their humanness but boundless in beauty as they encourage me, support me and build me up.
Although I go through times in which God Himself must prune the withered branches that gather in my midst, I give great thanks for His constant nurturing. My heart's desire is to be a true reflection of who He is. To be the best 'me' that I can be ... and do what I can to bring the best of God out in others.
May I seek to be an empty vessel that displays the beauty that God created within me.
May my eyes see only the good in others ... never their shortcomings.
May I always be willing to love and praise and seek God's will for my life.
An most importantly ... may I leave the pruning of others to the wisdom of God.
Father God, shine your light on those things that need my attention and renew within me, Lord, a desire to let you take care of all the rest. I pray this, most fervently Father, in the blessed name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen and amen.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
What If ...
Those common and seemingly insignificant words, at one time in my life, brought waves of terror with them as they slowly, but surely, took control of my life. If that sounds overly dramatic, let me recount for you the sleepless nights that often brought with them debilitating fears. Let me invite you to hear the sounds of the ambulance as I was driven off to the ER ... where they assured me that I wasn't having a heart attack. Or let me allow you to see the love of a sister who sat by my bedside, holding my hand deep into the quiet hours of the night, as she desperately tried to assure me that my children would be safe and secure from the evils of the world around us.
But THANK GOD, times have changed ... grace has been poured out ... and the terror associated with the 'What if" monster has turned into blessings of unspeakable joy. If THAT sounds overly dramatic to you, let me take you on a journey that may allow you the same blessing ...
What if ... as you woke up this morning you saw an image of the living Christ at the foot of your bed? And what if ... you heard Christ saying to you "Come, my beloved, spend the day with me. Come, and I will provide you with everything for your enjoyment" (1Tim 617)
And what if ... every sense within you was heightened to ecstasy in anticipation of what you were about to experience on this day that you set aside to be with the Lord ...
Oh, to see beauty beyond your ability to fathom
... to hear sounds of tenderness that softly demands your undivided attention
... to smell aromas that peak every ounce of your curiosity
... to taste in excess of your ultimate pleasure
... to experience a touch of perfection as waves of true love envelop you
... to laugh endlessly, praise joyfully and sing masterfully with a choir of angels as you spend the day with the love of your life ... Jesus!!!
Where would you spend your day? And once there, would you openly worship Him in the hope that your appreciation was understood? Or would you sit quietly, allowing your spirit to enjoy the pleasures that saturate you with images of heaven?
This is what 'Living in the spirit' is all about. Seeking His pureness. Resting inthe peace of His promises. Relating intimately - one heart to another - with our God who IS love.
Initially, my attempts to go there seem futile as tears of unworthiness form a pool around me ... and yet I want nothing more in this moment than to be alone with him. I am overwhelmed by His eagerness to draw me close to Himself and to lavish His love on me. Thankfully, I am not strong enough to resist the lure of His presence ... and now that I am here, I sense an all consuming desire to remain here forever.
What if ... what if ... what if ... ! Years ago, long before I knew the Lord's heart, my cry of relief was nonetheless heard and as a result of His unfathomable love, my bannor of freedom read 'SO, what if'! Now, realizing that all of this and more is waiting for those whose heart is pure, I praise God for the Words given to us in Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Father God, I pray that Your will can be done in each of us as we realize the joy of living out the 'what if's' of our lives, arm in arm with Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2). Consume us, Father, with your tender loving mercies, in Jesus' name I pray.
Amen and amen.
But THANK GOD, times have changed ... grace has been poured out ... and the terror associated with the 'What if" monster has turned into blessings of unspeakable joy. If THAT sounds overly dramatic to you, let me take you on a journey that may allow you the same blessing ...
What if ... as you woke up this morning you saw an image of the living Christ at the foot of your bed? And what if ... you heard Christ saying to you "Come, my beloved, spend the day with me. Come, and I will provide you with everything for your enjoyment" (1Tim 617)
And what if ... every sense within you was heightened to ecstasy in anticipation of what you were about to experience on this day that you set aside to be with the Lord ...
Oh, to see beauty beyond your ability to fathom
... to hear sounds of tenderness that softly demands your undivided attention
... to smell aromas that peak every ounce of your curiosity
... to taste in excess of your ultimate pleasure
... to experience a touch of perfection as waves of true love envelop you
... to laugh endlessly, praise joyfully and sing masterfully with a choir of angels as you spend the day with the love of your life ... Jesus!!!
Where would you spend your day? And once there, would you openly worship Him in the hope that your appreciation was understood? Or would you sit quietly, allowing your spirit to enjoy the pleasures that saturate you with images of heaven?
This is what 'Living in the spirit' is all about. Seeking His pureness. Resting inthe peace of His promises. Relating intimately - one heart to another - with our God who IS love.
Initially, my attempts to go there seem futile as tears of unworthiness form a pool around me ... and yet I want nothing more in this moment than to be alone with him. I am overwhelmed by His eagerness to draw me close to Himself and to lavish His love on me. Thankfully, I am not strong enough to resist the lure of His presence ... and now that I am here, I sense an all consuming desire to remain here forever.
What if ... what if ... what if ... ! Years ago, long before I knew the Lord's heart, my cry of relief was nonetheless heard and as a result of His unfathomable love, my bannor of freedom read 'SO, what if'! Now, realizing that all of this and more is waiting for those whose heart is pure, I praise God for the Words given to us in Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Father God, I pray that Your will can be done in each of us as we realize the joy of living out the 'what if's' of our lives, arm in arm with Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2). Consume us, Father, with your tender loving mercies, in Jesus' name I pray.
Amen and amen.
The Desire of Your Heart
Not long after giving my heart to the Lord I learned of a verse in Psalms (37:4) that soon became one of my favorite verses in the Bible. In it we are told ... "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." Believing that with God ALL things ARE possible, I bent my knees, poured my heart out to the Lord and spoke boldly about the deepest yearning that was within me ... to be a wife again some day.
My personal testimony is, of course, a tribute to God's faithfulness for He did, in His timing, fulfill the desire of my heart ... but recently the Lord has shed a new light on this treasured verse that I feel compelled now to share with you. This revelation exposes the fact that our list of desires most commonly relate to things that will bring 'instant' gratification to whatever situation we are currently in. Things that affect the here and now ... things that make our fleshly, human side more comfortable, happy and satisfied. But further consideration of this verse brings a question or two to mind ... what if God is telling us in that Psalm that we have so much more at our disposal? What if He's telling us that He will give us not only the desires of our 'fleshly' hearts but also the deepest desires of our spiritual hearts? Let me explain the journey the Lord took me on as He opened my eyes to this awesome revelation in my life ...
As humans we are basically made up of three parts (so to speak) ...
1. the body, which is constantly decaying and will, in time, return to dust
2. the soul, which is made up of our mind, our will and our emotions and
3. the spirit, which is made up of our conscience, our intuition and our communion with God
In the here and now we think first of the things that will bring pleasure and fulfillment to our bodies as well as to our mind, our will and our emotions. Everything within us is centered on 'self' ... our physical well being, our opinions, our attitudes and our emotions. Satisfaction is our utmost desire ... but once we've turned our lives over to the saving grace of Jesus, the new birth within us fosters a desire to live 'in the spirit'. To live with a conscience that leads us to the things of righteousness. To live with the intuition that leads to the truth of God's promises. And to live daily in a one on one relationship with the God of the Universe. It is from this point forward that a fight ensures within us. We, like all of our ancestors before us, have to fight the 'flesh' on a constant basis so that our spirit will rule victoriously over our very existence.
So let us now consider the desires of our spiritual hearts ... what does your spirit want more than anything else? Do you yearn for absolute integrity? Do you seek to know, with utmost clarity, who this God is that you are worshipping? Do you yearn for faith that is unmovable? Or are you moved to crave the ultimate pleasure ... the living manisfestation of Jesus in your life?
Yes, Yes, and Yes! All these things ... and more ... with all eagerness ... I seek this! I declare this to be the desire of my spiritual heart. I want more of Jesus in my life. Life in the here and now is hard ... so I want to live in the spirit. I want to put my head down on the pillow at night with hopeful anticipation that He will come to me as I sleep and whisk me away to a world that I can't even begin to fathom. I call upon Him to help me ... moment by moment ... to leave the 'fleshly' man behind, and without hesitation, I cry out in a loud voice ... "Come Lord Jesus"! In doing so He would be made completely 'real' to every sense that He created within me ... and to me that would be heaven on earth.
In James 4:7 we are told to "submit to God".
In James 4:8 we are told to "draw near to Him".
In Jeremiah 33:3 He tells us "Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know."
Living in 'the spiritual' requires an unmovable faith.
An unmovable faith requires a never ending union with the God of the Universe. A never ending union with the God of the Universe is the ultimate fulfillment of every Christian's heart's desire.
I pray, in Jesus' name, for the fulfillment of YOUR spiritual heart's desire.
Amen and amen.
My personal testimony is, of course, a tribute to God's faithfulness for He did, in His timing, fulfill the desire of my heart ... but recently the Lord has shed a new light on this treasured verse that I feel compelled now to share with you. This revelation exposes the fact that our list of desires most commonly relate to things that will bring 'instant' gratification to whatever situation we are currently in. Things that affect the here and now ... things that make our fleshly, human side more comfortable, happy and satisfied. But further consideration of this verse brings a question or two to mind ... what if God is telling us in that Psalm that we have so much more at our disposal? What if He's telling us that He will give us not only the desires of our 'fleshly' hearts but also the deepest desires of our spiritual hearts? Let me explain the journey the Lord took me on as He opened my eyes to this awesome revelation in my life ...
As humans we are basically made up of three parts (so to speak) ...
1. the body, which is constantly decaying and will, in time, return to dust
2. the soul, which is made up of our mind, our will and our emotions and
3. the spirit, which is made up of our conscience, our intuition and our communion with God
In the here and now we think first of the things that will bring pleasure and fulfillment to our bodies as well as to our mind, our will and our emotions. Everything within us is centered on 'self' ... our physical well being, our opinions, our attitudes and our emotions. Satisfaction is our utmost desire ... but once we've turned our lives over to the saving grace of Jesus, the new birth within us fosters a desire to live 'in the spirit'. To live with a conscience that leads us to the things of righteousness. To live with the intuition that leads to the truth of God's promises. And to live daily in a one on one relationship with the God of the Universe. It is from this point forward that a fight ensures within us. We, like all of our ancestors before us, have to fight the 'flesh' on a constant basis so that our spirit will rule victoriously over our very existence.
So let us now consider the desires of our spiritual hearts ... what does your spirit want more than anything else? Do you yearn for absolute integrity? Do you seek to know, with utmost clarity, who this God is that you are worshipping? Do you yearn for faith that is unmovable? Or are you moved to crave the ultimate pleasure ... the living manisfestation of Jesus in your life?
Yes, Yes, and Yes! All these things ... and more ... with all eagerness ... I seek this! I declare this to be the desire of my spiritual heart. I want more of Jesus in my life. Life in the here and now is hard ... so I want to live in the spirit. I want to put my head down on the pillow at night with hopeful anticipation that He will come to me as I sleep and whisk me away to a world that I can't even begin to fathom. I call upon Him to help me ... moment by moment ... to leave the 'fleshly' man behind, and without hesitation, I cry out in a loud voice ... "Come Lord Jesus"! In doing so He would be made completely 'real' to every sense that He created within me ... and to me that would be heaven on earth.
In James 4:7 we are told to "submit to God".
In James 4:8 we are told to "draw near to Him".
In Jeremiah 33:3 He tells us "Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know."
Living in 'the spiritual' requires an unmovable faith.
An unmovable faith requires a never ending union with the God of the Universe. A never ending union with the God of the Universe is the ultimate fulfillment of every Christian's heart's desire.
I pray, in Jesus' name, for the fulfillment of YOUR spiritual heart's desire.
Amen and amen.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
A Walk With Jesus
How do you love someone ... not as you have a mind to ... but as Jesus loves them?
Recently, when I prayed for the Lord to allow 'Jesus Love' to rule my life, I immediately wondered if I was capable of such love. Am I alone in thinking that this degree of purity would be impossible for anyone other than Jesus? Such unconditional devotion. Such complete selflessness.
Then, and maybe even more to the point, I began to wonder if I would even be willing to allow myself the luxury of loving someone in such a way. Doing so would mean, of course, that I would have to lay down the 'baggage' that I've carried around for so very long. And let us not be blind to the risks that must now be considered. In order to love as Christ loves, you must be willing to risk many things ... the most frightening of which is vulnerability ... and equal in gravity is the ever hanting factor of trust. YIKES!
Considering what it would take for me to love that deeply, that honestly, that unconditionally, I must confess that I momentarily allowed a spirit of doubt to darken my doorstep. but it was then that I was lead to pour my heart out to the Lord ... reminding him (as if!) of the pain inflicted through selfishness, of injustices that often come without warning and of the loneliness that has a tendency to linger without invitation. All these things and more now lay buried in Pandora's Box and shamefully, my heartfelt desire is to utterly avoid them all.
It was then that the Lord invited me to take a walk with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. As He and I recalled the moments just before His arrest, we spoke of the events that lead Him and His friends to enter this Garden so very long ago. He pointed out to me the injustice of His sleeping friends ... of the depths of the loneliness that He endured ... the sorrow that burdened His soul ... and of course ... the heart wrenching pain that came as a result of the betrayer's kiss .............. and yet ............
As we came to a clearing, He showed me that in order to love unconditionally, even HE had a first pour His heart out to the Father in prayer. Not once ... not twice ... but three times that night He turned to His source of strength. In His humanness He felt the pain of ALL injustice - ALL disease - ALL sin but with the burden of overwhelming rejection upon Him, He realized emphatically that He was willing to risk it all for the opportunity to be God's instrument of unconditional love.
THANK YOU, JESUS!
As I sit in awe of His insight ... His courage ... and His willingness, my heart continues to yearn for the ability to love as He loves. As I return from our walk I realize, without question, that victory IS possible but only with the power of the Holy Spirit within me. One good slap of injustice and I'm instantly angered or offended ... scrambling once again for a reminder of the example He has set for me ... searching for the nearness of Jesus.
His Word tells us that just before He was taken up to be with the Father He declared that "anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these..." (John 14:12) My fervent prayer is to live as a victor ... not a victim ... so I look to the Father and ask that He continue to guide my every attempt to love as Jesus loves. I pray that you too will seek nothing more in your lives than the unconditional love that comes only in and through the Son, for I ask this in His name.
Amen and amen.
Recently, when I prayed for the Lord to allow 'Jesus Love' to rule my life, I immediately wondered if I was capable of such love. Am I alone in thinking that this degree of purity would be impossible for anyone other than Jesus? Such unconditional devotion. Such complete selflessness.
Then, and maybe even more to the point, I began to wonder if I would even be willing to allow myself the luxury of loving someone in such a way. Doing so would mean, of course, that I would have to lay down the 'baggage' that I've carried around for so very long. And let us not be blind to the risks that must now be considered. In order to love as Christ loves, you must be willing to risk many things ... the most frightening of which is vulnerability ... and equal in gravity is the ever hanting factor of trust. YIKES!
Considering what it would take for me to love that deeply, that honestly, that unconditionally, I must confess that I momentarily allowed a spirit of doubt to darken my doorstep. but it was then that I was lead to pour my heart out to the Lord ... reminding him (as if!) of the pain inflicted through selfishness, of injustices that often come without warning and of the loneliness that has a tendency to linger without invitation. All these things and more now lay buried in Pandora's Box and shamefully, my heartfelt desire is to utterly avoid them all.
It was then that the Lord invited me to take a walk with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. As He and I recalled the moments just before His arrest, we spoke of the events that lead Him and His friends to enter this Garden so very long ago. He pointed out to me the injustice of His sleeping friends ... of the depths of the loneliness that He endured ... the sorrow that burdened His soul ... and of course ... the heart wrenching pain that came as a result of the betrayer's kiss .............. and yet ............
As we came to a clearing, He showed me that in order to love unconditionally, even HE had a first pour His heart out to the Father in prayer. Not once ... not twice ... but three times that night He turned to His source of strength. In His humanness He felt the pain of ALL injustice - ALL disease - ALL sin but with the burden of overwhelming rejection upon Him, He realized emphatically that He was willing to risk it all for the opportunity to be God's instrument of unconditional love.
THANK YOU, JESUS!
As I sit in awe of His insight ... His courage ... and His willingness, my heart continues to yearn for the ability to love as He loves. As I return from our walk I realize, without question, that victory IS possible but only with the power of the Holy Spirit within me. One good slap of injustice and I'm instantly angered or offended ... scrambling once again for a reminder of the example He has set for me ... searching for the nearness of Jesus.
His Word tells us that just before He was taken up to be with the Father He declared that "anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these..." (John 14:12) My fervent prayer is to live as a victor ... not a victim ... so I look to the Father and ask that He continue to guide my every attempt to love as Jesus loves. I pray that you too will seek nothing more in your lives than the unconditional love that comes only in and through the Son, for I ask this in His name.
Amen and amen.
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