The first sentence in Daniel 7:28 sums it up so well for me .... this is the end of the matter. God's Word says it and it is so. This morning, as I read thru chapter 7 of Daniel, a book I've read and studied several times, I found myself filled with wonder at the simplicity of these words.
The preceding verses tell of the vision that, rightly so, greatly troubled Daniel. As I read thru the chapter I too was greatly troubled in my heart, but also greatly comforted knowing that my trust is in the One who has already defeated the enemy. Christ is my Victorious Warrior who has secured my salvation. There are battles yet to be fought, but I am confident beacuase my trust is in Christ alone, in what He has accomplished and what He has yet to do. I am anxious for His return and the final blow He will bring to the one that continues to seek to bring pain and destrusction yet can not steal away those Christ has secured .... I desire that Christ not tarry a moment more, eagerly awaiting His return, yet I trust His perfect timing.
When it comes to His returning I can only fall back to my thoughts and ways are not like His. Mine are so much lower, so oft filled with myself. As I type about His returning I find myself pondering how He can be so patient and then I move on to ponder His Grace - how can it be? Yet He is patient and His Grace is all that and so much more. His love is so great, His desire that not one of the sheep He is shepherding be lost, He will wait for the perfect moment to come charging back for the completion of what has already been secured and not a moment sooner.
Until then I will purpose to go and do where and what He leads me and know there is a purpose in the waiting. It is not just idle time nor are the trials bringing useless struggle and the pain, brought forth because of a world stained by sin, is actively being redeemed as the Redeemer is at work bringing into completion all that has been and will be for His Glory. And that is the ultimate end of the matter.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
GRACE AT WORK
Several days back I posted about the work of Grace bringing forth fruit. The other day I wrote about being diligent in adding to our faith - moving forward and growing in our relationship with the Lord and those He loves (that's pretty much all the people in the world, according to what God says in John 3:16).
Today's post is a simple, short but sweet reminder to be looking for signs of Grace at work in our lives. As Titus 2:12 states, the Grace of God teaches us, compells us and strengthens us to live upright and godly lives that are pleasing to our Father.
When I find myself lacking, I know where to turn. May I be ever so quick to run to my Father's throne, with confidence to find the mercy and grace He is desiring to lavish upon me. And may I be quick to encourage others to do the same. God's Grace is all that the song Amazing Grace speaks of and so much more. It's not earned, it's not deserved, but it is ours! So let's soak it up and let it flow through our lives this day all the while remembering Christ came so that we may receive it.
Today's post is a simple, short but sweet reminder to be looking for signs of Grace at work in our lives. As Titus 2:12 states, the Grace of God teaches us, compells us and strengthens us to live upright and godly lives that are pleasing to our Father.
When I find myself lacking, I know where to turn. May I be ever so quick to run to my Father's throne, with confidence to find the mercy and grace He is desiring to lavish upon me. And may I be quick to encourage others to do the same. God's Grace is all that the song Amazing Grace speaks of and so much more. It's not earned, it's not deserved, but it is ours! So let's soak it up and let it flow through our lives this day all the while remembering Christ came so that we may receive it.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Moving Forward in Confidence and Victory
Today's post stems from what God has been impressing on my heart over the past week (and in reality for a much longer time, over and over again). It is basically 3 points to remember in my walk with Him. First, press on - be about moving forward, second is to be encouraging others to do the same and lastly to remember it isn't in my own strength.
God has been using Philippians 3 and 2 Peter 1 as sort of a 1-2 punch this past week, not to knock me down, but to keep my attention and strengthen my walk. Maybe I was trying to avoid acknowledging or trying to walk in my own strength and confidence, thinking it wouldn't be a big deal, but I found this past week was difficult for me. Thursday was Thanksgiving, and though I have much to be thankful for, I was also alone in a foreign land. Yes I was with friends - some locals and other ex pats and tourists, but alone, having left behind much to be here. Maybe, looking back likely, it was an unseen yet experienced battle - an attack prompted by the enemy of my soul, in an attempt to take away my confidence and joy in Christ. Fooey on him, for my God is Greater all I needed to do was turn to Him.
In Philippians 3 I was reminded that what I had before apart from Christ is worthless. Anything that would keep me from Him is rubbish. I desire, like Paul penned, to forget what lay behind and on press on toward that which Christ took hold of me for. And that led me to 2 Peter, or I should say prepared me for 2 Peter.
I have been meeting with a group every morning for a Bible study in a local park - it's in Spanish, but God has been good and given me understanding while also using it to help me learn the language. This past week we delved into 2 Peter 1 and spent two days focusing on moving forward with diligence, adding to our faith .... growing. The purpose? That we would not stumble and we would be productive and effective in our walk. Verse 9 calls out one thing we should not forget about our past ..... we sinned against God, but further we should not forget that all who have placed their trust in Christ and sought forgiveness of our sins have been forgiven! This incredible truth, the very Grace of God, is to compell us forward. Continuing on in verses 12-15 I was greatly encouraged to press on in encouraging others in their walk .... while I have breath, may I be about praising our Great God, sharing His love and encouraging my brothers and sisters in Christ to walk ever more closely with Him.
And lastly God reminded me that it isn't in my strength, for in it I will surely fail. But in Him I am more than a conqueror. Where I am lacking in adding to my faith all I need to do is to pray and ask for Him to help me - that I may see the reality of that which He has already done for me, what He has already given to me and secured for me ... that I may participate in the divine nature He has set in me. He has rescued me from the dominion of darkness and brought me into the kingdom of His Son, may I ever walk in the Light that He has brought me into to and may my weakness and humbleness be used to bring Him Glory.
My prayer for you - may you be looking to Christ, looking forward to what He has for You, adding to your faith - building upon in more and more daily, that you be encouraged and encouraging to others and always relying on Him who has saved you and know that He is your strength - your strong tower or righteousness. He has given us His very great and precious promises .... and He is faithful and abel to bring them to be.
God has been using Philippians 3 and 2 Peter 1 as sort of a 1-2 punch this past week, not to knock me down, but to keep my attention and strengthen my walk. Maybe I was trying to avoid acknowledging or trying to walk in my own strength and confidence, thinking it wouldn't be a big deal, but I found this past week was difficult for me. Thursday was Thanksgiving, and though I have much to be thankful for, I was also alone in a foreign land. Yes I was with friends - some locals and other ex pats and tourists, but alone, having left behind much to be here. Maybe, looking back likely, it was an unseen yet experienced battle - an attack prompted by the enemy of my soul, in an attempt to take away my confidence and joy in Christ. Fooey on him, for my God is Greater all I needed to do was turn to Him.
In Philippians 3 I was reminded that what I had before apart from Christ is worthless. Anything that would keep me from Him is rubbish. I desire, like Paul penned, to forget what lay behind and on press on toward that which Christ took hold of me for. And that led me to 2 Peter, or I should say prepared me for 2 Peter.
I have been meeting with a group every morning for a Bible study in a local park - it's in Spanish, but God has been good and given me understanding while also using it to help me learn the language. This past week we delved into 2 Peter 1 and spent two days focusing on moving forward with diligence, adding to our faith .... growing. The purpose? That we would not stumble and we would be productive and effective in our walk. Verse 9 calls out one thing we should not forget about our past ..... we sinned against God, but further we should not forget that all who have placed their trust in Christ and sought forgiveness of our sins have been forgiven! This incredible truth, the very Grace of God, is to compell us forward. Continuing on in verses 12-15 I was greatly encouraged to press on in encouraging others in their walk .... while I have breath, may I be about praising our Great God, sharing His love and encouraging my brothers and sisters in Christ to walk ever more closely with Him.
And lastly God reminded me that it isn't in my strength, for in it I will surely fail. But in Him I am more than a conqueror. Where I am lacking in adding to my faith all I need to do is to pray and ask for Him to help me - that I may see the reality of that which He has already done for me, what He has already given to me and secured for me ... that I may participate in the divine nature He has set in me. He has rescued me from the dominion of darkness and brought me into the kingdom of His Son, may I ever walk in the Light that He has brought me into to and may my weakness and humbleness be used to bring Him Glory.
My prayer for you - may you be looking to Christ, looking forward to what He has for You, adding to your faith - building upon in more and more daily, that you be encouraged and encouraging to others and always relying on Him who has saved you and know that He is your strength - your strong tower or righteousness. He has given us His very great and precious promises .... and He is faithful and abel to bring them to be.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Lead Me to the Cross
This past Sunday I was going to a church I had visited the week before, but this morning I was walking there by myself rather than catching a ride with the family I went with last week. I sort of new where it was. I figured it was about a 30 minute walk so I grabbed my iPod to listen to some worship songs as I walked and prayed and off I went. My first prayer was that the Lord would lead me to find the church, unless He had different plans for me this morning.
As I walked I would occasionally check the time and all seemed to be going on track as I passed some familiar landmarks. Just at about the 30 minute mark in my walk the song Lead Me to the Cross, by Hillsong, came on. As I listened and sang the words worshipfully in my heart I didn't think about what was going on in the moment. I looked around and realized I had been walking further than I thought I should have so at the next light I crossed the street. I figured I would walk back to see if I had passed the church. Since the church is set back one block from the main road I was walking I figured I would walk up that street. As I conitnued to walk up the hill toward the back street the song continued to play and I continued to sing away .... lead me to the Cross and in that moment I realized I was indeed being lead to the Cross or really the church for at the top of the hill, on the corner I saw it. I just raised my hand in worship and blessed the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness to me .... He lead me right to where I wanted to be, both physically and in my spirit and all for His Glory.
If you don't know the song, here are the words .....
Savior I come
Quiet my soul, remember
Redemptions hill, where Your blood was spilled,for my ransom
Everything I once held dear, I count it all as lost
Chorus:
Lead me to the Cross, where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself, I belong to You
Oh lead me, lead me to the Cross
You were as I, tempted and tried, human
The Word became flesh, bore my sin and death
Now You're risen
Everything I once held dear, I count it all as lost
Chorus
Bridge:
To Your heart (2x)
Lead me to Your heart (2x)
(Lead me to the Cross, Hillsong)
Everything I once held dear, I count it all as lost
Chorus:
Lead me to the Cross, where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
As I walked I would occasionally check the time and all seemed to be going on track as I passed some familiar landmarks. Just at about the 30 minute mark in my walk the song Lead Me to the Cross, by Hillsong, came on. As I listened and sang the words worshipfully in my heart I didn't think about what was going on in the moment. I looked around and realized I had been walking further than I thought I should have so at the next light I crossed the street. I figured I would walk back to see if I had passed the church. Since the church is set back one block from the main road I was walking I figured I would walk up that street. As I conitnued to walk up the hill toward the back street the song continued to play and I continued to sing away .... lead me to the Cross and in that moment I realized I was indeed being lead to the Cross or really the church for at the top of the hill, on the corner I saw it. I just raised my hand in worship and blessed the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness to me .... He lead me right to where I wanted to be, both physically and in my spirit and all for His Glory.
If you don't know the song, here are the words .....
Savior I come
Quiet my soul, remember
Redemptions hill, where Your blood was spilled,for my ransom
Everything I once held dear, I count it all as lost
Chorus:
Lead me to the Cross, where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself, I belong to You
Oh lead me, lead me to the Cross
You were as I, tempted and tried, human
The Word became flesh, bore my sin and death
Now You're risen
Everything I once held dear, I count it all as lost
Chorus
Bridge:
To Your heart (2x)
Lead me to Your heart (2x)
(Lead me to the Cross, Hillsong)
Everything I once held dear, I count it all as lost
Chorus:
Lead me to the Cross, where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Friday, November 18, 2011
From Dry Bones
I wrote the other day about how the Lord blesses those who fear Him, with a holy fear. I qualified the fear because I sometimes struggle with the concept of fearing God as He is Love and His perfect love casts out fear. When I struggle with something like this it is best to turn to Him and ask for insight and understanding, that He would thru the Holy Spirit clarify it. I believe I have a right understanding - God is to be feared, He is awesome, all powerful and deserving of my complete and total respect - a holy fear, but He isn't looking for His beloved to tremble at His presence, though His very presence, absent His great mercy I would be found trembling.
This morning my understanding was deepened a little more as I spent time reading in Ezekiel. The passage was Ezekiel 37 and tells of a place called The Valley of Dry Bones and how the Lord instructed Ezekiel to preach life to the bones, life that comes through God alone. And as I read the passage I thought about what that place would look like and how the image of bones coming back to life reminded me of some type of horror movie with bones coming back to life to illicit fealings of fear. This scene differed as it was because of the hand of the Lord and His incredible mercy - to me it brought a different type of fear, a reverent fear of seeing God at work - being awe struck and amazed, filled with praise and worship for I was being given a glimpse of who He is. The bones, which would be drawn together and given tendons and flesh and ultimately breath would be alive to praise and give thanks to God, the One who has the mighty power to give and take life, to crush and to protect. It is His awesomenes that should cause one to tremble and His kindness and compassion, His perfect love which casts out fear and leaves a heart grateful and filled with praise.
Much more is to be learned from this passage - how we are like dry bones, dead and full of the stench of decay apart from God. Walking in sin brings death, but turning from it to Christ we find life, healing and restoration. It is also evident that the dry bones cannot save themselves - it is only thru God that they are restored to life. It also important to note that God used Ezekiel to proclaim His life giving words, though He could have brought the bones to life in an instant without Ezekiel. God led Ezekiel to the bones, gave Him the words to say and Ezekiel acted in faith and was encouraged and strengthened by what He saw and in reading his experience I am too.
But this morning I am mostly encouraged by God's faithfulness to me, it is new every morning. There is not a day that will come when He will not be faithful toward me or you. We are drawn by His love and we find Him waiting to pour out His blessings to strengthen an invitation to follow Him as He leads, allowing us the awesome privelage to participate in all that He has planned for us in this day. And my prayer is that I would not be found to be like the wicked, fleeing in fear though no one pursues me, instead that I would be found to be moving forward with the Lord, as bold as a lion for He is with me and I am with Him.
This morning my understanding was deepened a little more as I spent time reading in Ezekiel. The passage was Ezekiel 37 and tells of a place called The Valley of Dry Bones and how the Lord instructed Ezekiel to preach life to the bones, life that comes through God alone. And as I read the passage I thought about what that place would look like and how the image of bones coming back to life reminded me of some type of horror movie with bones coming back to life to illicit fealings of fear. This scene differed as it was because of the hand of the Lord and His incredible mercy - to me it brought a different type of fear, a reverent fear of seeing God at work - being awe struck and amazed, filled with praise and worship for I was being given a glimpse of who He is. The bones, which would be drawn together and given tendons and flesh and ultimately breath would be alive to praise and give thanks to God, the One who has the mighty power to give and take life, to crush and to protect. It is His awesomenes that should cause one to tremble and His kindness and compassion, His perfect love which casts out fear and leaves a heart grateful and filled with praise.
Much more is to be learned from this passage - how we are like dry bones, dead and full of the stench of decay apart from God. Walking in sin brings death, but turning from it to Christ we find life, healing and restoration. It is also evident that the dry bones cannot save themselves - it is only thru God that they are restored to life. It also important to note that God used Ezekiel to proclaim His life giving words, though He could have brought the bones to life in an instant without Ezekiel. God led Ezekiel to the bones, gave Him the words to say and Ezekiel acted in faith and was encouraged and strengthened by what He saw and in reading his experience I am too.
But this morning I am mostly encouraged by God's faithfulness to me, it is new every morning. There is not a day that will come when He will not be faithful toward me or you. We are drawn by His love and we find Him waiting to pour out His blessings to strengthen an invitation to follow Him as He leads, allowing us the awesome privelage to participate in all that He has planned for us in this day. And my prayer is that I would not be found to be like the wicked, fleeing in fear though no one pursues me, instead that I would be found to be moving forward with the Lord, as bold as a lion for He is with me and I am with Him.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
A Simple Power Packed Prayer for You
The Lord will bless those that fear Him, Psalm 115:13-15 so I pray ....
Lord, You alone are to be feared - revered because of Your Holiness, Your Righteousness and Your Justice. I will walk in fear, honoring You alone, not because of the blessings You have in store for me, though they are richly poured out thru Your graciousness and compassion, but because of who You are .... there is none like You, none above You, none that comes close to being like You .... You alone are worthy of my praise and worship, which I desire to give to You. Thank You for saving me, for drawing me to You and strengthing me and for the protection I have in You for this day and the security I have, my hope which is sure, for this day and throughout all eternity .... thank You for redeeming me as Your's.
And my prayer for all who would read this is that You would cause them to flourish, them and their families, the small and great alike, and may they be blessed by You, the Maker of heaven and earth. For all who know You, may they follow You closely, attentive and responsive to Your Spirit's leading ... may they walk in a holy fear - a reverance of You for who You are.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Fructifying Grace
Ok, so if anyone reads a couple of my posts you might be quick enough to get I am living in Mexico and learning to hables espanol, along with finding many opportunities to share the grace of God and love He has shown me by serving others in His name. One of my challenges I have in learning spanish is that I often speak and mostly write in english, I think in english. I am working on trying to communicate and think more in spanish, but right now it is mostly in class or when I need to in order to communicate (which also serves to be entertaining for others, if not too frustrating.) I am also working to build my vocabulary. I wasn't expecitng to build my english vocabulary while here, but the other day that is just what happened.
I came across a post on another blog, Fire and Hammer, which introduced me to the word "fructifying". The post is a worthy read of a Charles Spurgeon devotional on Isaiah 44:3 - the post can be read on Tim's blog by clicking here. In the devotional, Spurgeon talks of how God's promise in Isaiah 44:3, that He will pour out water on those who are thirsty - thirsty for His righteousness, brings forth life - it enables the promise of fructification, the bearing of fruit. The word fructifiying is used to describe the power of Grace to bring forth fruit. And it isn't just a little effort put forth by God to start the process of bearing fruit ... Spurgeon closes the devotional saying that you shall be like a dry field that is flooded, drenched with the power of God's Grace at work - the dry land shall be springs of water.
Wow. I was given a new word that day and furthermore I was given deeper insight into the power of God's Word and His love for me. This new word, which is a pretty cool word in and of itself, reminded me of my dependency on God - it is through His Grace that I am watered and live a life that brings forth fruit - apart from Him I can do nothing. It reminded me that He is at the beginning of the process, in the middle and at the end - I am just one receiving His Grace that goes to work in me to enable the process. And over the next few days God continued to remind me that He was ready to pour forth water on me by continuing to bring my attention to fructification which reminded me that He is the source. On a walk in the mountains I saw incredible vegetation in various stages of fructification - one amazing one (I will add a picture later) had an amazing fruit, similar to a pineapple, growing on the top side of the tree's branch, right in the middle of anotherwise lifeless branch.
Another day I came across a passage in Numbers, chapter 17, that talks about how God brought forth fruit on Aaron's staff - it was a dead piece of wood which budded, sprang forth leaves, flowers and bore fruit .... fresh ripe almonds. It was dead wood! It had been dead for a while and was dead when it was put in a box, shut away from light and water, but not shut away from the power of God. Did I mention the wood was dead? Hmmmm, kinda like me without Christ ..... dead, useless excpet for mayby throwing in the fire.
And if that wasn't enough, the next day I happened upon a short thin tree stump, one that had been fully pruned back so that it looked like it was just a dead branch stuck in the ground .... except for one small green sprouting branch with two leaves on it. Now I'm not saying that tree was dead, but it sure looked it and I don't have any problem saying God was at work in me coming upon it and His Spirit drawing my attention to what He wanted me to recall. He wanted me to recall that He is the One that gives life, He can and does prune the dead useless parts away, He restores and revives that which will still be used for His Glory and our good and He provides abundantly to meet our needs to be sustained and to grow, bearing fruit thru His fructifying grace.
I will remain in Him and cry out for more of the Living Water to fill me and may He receive the Glory and Praise .... my prayer for you is that you too would know His Grace and be fructified by it as well.
I came across a post on another blog, Fire and Hammer, which introduced me to the word "fructifying". The post is a worthy read of a Charles Spurgeon devotional on Isaiah 44:3 - the post can be read on Tim's blog by clicking here. In the devotional, Spurgeon talks of how God's promise in Isaiah 44:3, that He will pour out water on those who are thirsty - thirsty for His righteousness, brings forth life - it enables the promise of fructification, the bearing of fruit. The word fructifiying is used to describe the power of Grace to bring forth fruit. And it isn't just a little effort put forth by God to start the process of bearing fruit ... Spurgeon closes the devotional saying that you shall be like a dry field that is flooded, drenched with the power of God's Grace at work - the dry land shall be springs of water.
Wow. I was given a new word that day and furthermore I was given deeper insight into the power of God's Word and His love for me. This new word, which is a pretty cool word in and of itself, reminded me of my dependency on God - it is through His Grace that I am watered and live a life that brings forth fruit - apart from Him I can do nothing. It reminded me that He is at the beginning of the process, in the middle and at the end - I am just one receiving His Grace that goes to work in me to enable the process. And over the next few days God continued to remind me that He was ready to pour forth water on me by continuing to bring my attention to fructification which reminded me that He is the source. On a walk in the mountains I saw incredible vegetation in various stages of fructification - one amazing one (I will add a picture later) had an amazing fruit, similar to a pineapple, growing on the top side of the tree's branch, right in the middle of anotherwise lifeless branch.
Another day I came across a passage in Numbers, chapter 17, that talks about how God brought forth fruit on Aaron's staff - it was a dead piece of wood which budded, sprang forth leaves, flowers and bore fruit .... fresh ripe almonds. It was dead wood! It had been dead for a while and was dead when it was put in a box, shut away from light and water, but not shut away from the power of God. Did I mention the wood was dead? Hmmmm, kinda like me without Christ ..... dead, useless excpet for mayby throwing in the fire.
And if that wasn't enough, the next day I happened upon a short thin tree stump, one that had been fully pruned back so that it looked like it was just a dead branch stuck in the ground .... except for one small green sprouting branch with two leaves on it. Now I'm not saying that tree was dead, but it sure looked it and I don't have any problem saying God was at work in me coming upon it and His Spirit drawing my attention to what He wanted me to recall. He wanted me to recall that He is the One that gives life, He can and does prune the dead useless parts away, He restores and revives that which will still be used for His Glory and our good and He provides abundantly to meet our needs to be sustained and to grow, bearing fruit thru His fructifying grace.
I will remain in Him and cry out for more of the Living Water to fill me and may He receive the Glory and Praise .... my prayer for you is that you too would know His Grace and be fructified by it as well.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Holy and Awesome is His Name
And yet He waits to be gracious to me, He looks for opportunities to pour out His mercies and to strengthen me. I am continually amazed and most of the time truly confounded at how greatly He loves me. His love is never ending - it endures and conquers, it brings healing and delivers peace and safety, it seeks and saves the lost.
I am so undeserving of His love. At times it brings me great sadness - when I stop to to think about it. How can I begin to accept His love knowing I am so undeserving, but that doesn't stop Him from pursuing me and drawing me into the sanctuary of His love, comforting and encouraging me. My heart is strengthened with the truth of who I am in my Father's eyes. The reality of His love for me, demonstrated in Christ dying for me when I was against Him in my sin changes my sorrow to joy.
It is a balance act for me - something God is still working in and on in my life ..... keeping a healthy humble perspective of how lost I would be without Christ, my weakness apart from Him, and walking in the truth that I am greatly loved and valued by Him and that He sees Christ's righteousness in me, not the sin that He cleansed me of. The struggle is to let go of who I was while holding onto how unworthy I was to be saved. I am called to live with a thankful heart for I am blessed, richly blessed in Christ and to walk in freedom. I say it is a struggle because the enemy of my soul would have me only focus on the past failures and try and deceive me into thinking my unworthyiness apart from Christ is who I am .... what a weak attack, but it has great power without focussing on Christ. There is a purpose in sorrow - there is a time for it. Sorrow over my past sin can work mightily to bring clarity and sharpen my focus on what Christ has done for me. But for one who's sorrow leads to repentence and praise sorrow will not remain.
I will praise Him ever more and trust in Him for the strength, wisdom and understanding to walk in a manner worthy of who He has called and redeemed me to be ... with a heart filled with thanksgiving, I will proclaim how Holy and Awesome He is, and I will live with my all, all for His glory.
I am so undeserving of His love. At times it brings me great sadness - when I stop to to think about it. How can I begin to accept His love knowing I am so undeserving, but that doesn't stop Him from pursuing me and drawing me into the sanctuary of His love, comforting and encouraging me. My heart is strengthened with the truth of who I am in my Father's eyes. The reality of His love for me, demonstrated in Christ dying for me when I was against Him in my sin changes my sorrow to joy.
It is a balance act for me - something God is still working in and on in my life ..... keeping a healthy humble perspective of how lost I would be without Christ, my weakness apart from Him, and walking in the truth that I am greatly loved and valued by Him and that He sees Christ's righteousness in me, not the sin that He cleansed me of. The struggle is to let go of who I was while holding onto how unworthy I was to be saved. I am called to live with a thankful heart for I am blessed, richly blessed in Christ and to walk in freedom. I say it is a struggle because the enemy of my soul would have me only focus on the past failures and try and deceive me into thinking my unworthyiness apart from Christ is who I am .... what a weak attack, but it has great power without focussing on Christ. There is a purpose in sorrow - there is a time for it. Sorrow over my past sin can work mightily to bring clarity and sharpen my focus on what Christ has done for me. But for one who's sorrow leads to repentence and praise sorrow will not remain.
I will praise Him ever more and trust in Him for the strength, wisdom and understanding to walk in a manner worthy of who He has called and redeemed me to be ... with a heart filled with thanksgiving, I will proclaim how Holy and Awesome He is, and I will live with my all, all for His glory.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Fue Cristiano - no possible
Since I have been in Mexico I have had the blessing of meeting many intersting people - locals and travellers alike. I try to view each encounter as it really is, a divine appointment and an opportunity to proclaim God's glory and share the hope I have in Christ. With some it is a quick encounter and may be nothing more than sharing Christ's love with a smile and an encouraging word ... and with my lacking profiency in spanish, the smile is often a safer bet. With others I have had the opportunity to build relationships and go deeper in our conversations about who God is and His love and talk about where the other is person is at. Getting to go deeper has really been a blessing and an encouragement to me.
Today's post is a follow up to yesterday's and is about a recent conversation I had with one of my new acquaintences, Art. Art is a fellow volunteer at one of the organizations I have been working with since I got settled in. After putting in a days work we decided to go grab some dinner. As we walked we talked about different topics and before long the conversstion turned to religion and my faith. Over dinner I shared more and we went deeper into what Art believes in or more specifically what he doesn't believe in as he is an athiest. The conversation was a really good one and an encouragement to me as I look forward to more such conversations with him in the days ahead.
Now the reason today's post ties into yesterday's is because of a comment Art made. He said he was a Christian in the past - he tried it, said he believed for a while, but then decided it wasn't for real and moved on to a different way of thinking to feel "good" about himself and life. In yesterday's post I commented about the structure of the statement "I am a Christian" in Spanish ... Soy Cristiano. Specifically I commented on how this sentence was sturctured with the use of the verb Ser because the statement is using the verb "to be" in a permanent sense. And if the present tense of this statement uses Ser then it isn't possible to have been a Christian and no longer be a Christian. I am not getting into once saved always saved ... although I think scripture indicates that if one is saved, they are saved period ... there may be a continued struggle with sin, but there is also the fact that all that are in His hands will always be .. Christ will not lose one that has been saved, ok so I kinda got into it.
What I am saying is that if one is truly saved and is a Christian, they will not find themselves walking away from faith and saying been there, done that, "didn't work for me." I am not able to say where Art is at, God is the only one who can judge his heart, but I can say a couple possiblities exist. First, Art did believe and trust in Christ for his salvation and has been led astray by the one who seeks to deceive and destroy - one day he will be led back. Another possibility is that a seed was platned, but hasn't taken root as of yet or maybe a seed was planted and it has been choked out .... I can only hope and pray that it will one day take root and I will continue as if it will take root by continiuing to share the truth with Art. The last option is that his profession in the past was not sincere and nothing was recieved ... I think this is the least likely, but a possibility.
Again, mine isn't to judge only to be available to be used by God in whatever way He sees fit to use me and in the process enjoy the blessings He pours forth. And I will rest in the fact that Soy Cristiano, in pasado (past), presente (present) y futuro (and the future).
What I am saying is that if one is truly saved and is a Christian, they will not find themselves walking away from faith and saying been there, done that, "didn't work for me." I am not able to say where Art is at, God is the only one who can judge his heart, but I can say a couple possiblities exist. First, Art did believe and trust in Christ for his salvation and has been led astray by the one who seeks to deceive and destroy - one day he will be led back. Another possibility is that a seed was platned, but hasn't taken root as of yet or maybe a seed was planted and it has been choked out .... I can only hope and pray that it will one day take root and I will continue as if it will take root by continiuing to share the truth with Art. The last option is that his profession in the past was not sincere and nothing was recieved ... I think this is the least likely, but a possibility.
Again, mine isn't to judge only to be available to be used by God in whatever way He sees fit to use me and in the process enjoy the blessings He pours forth. And I will rest in the fact that Soy Cristiano, in pasado (past), presente (present) y futuro (and the future).
Monday, November 7, 2011
Soy Cristiano
Moving to live in Mexico has been an incredible experience - at the top of the list is that it has sharpened my understanding of my daily dependence on God and that is a platform that He uses to display His loving kindness in the daily provisions and blessing He pours out. Yes, the more we recognize our need for Him in our life and turn to Him, the more we are encouraged to find His faithfulness in meeting our every need and so much more. The inverse is true .... the more we try to go it alone, the more we miss out on seeing the loving hand of God that is opened toward us, full of blessings.
I have also had the opportunity to see the beauty of this country that I never new of - from the sea to the mountains and most of all the people and the local culture that is filled with colorful richness. And I have only been here for a little over 5 months, just barely getting into the swing of things. Part of my effort to get into the swing of things was to start taking spanish lessons. I didn't start until about 2 months back, but am leaning into it now and increasing cada dia (each day.) One of my personal favorites that I have learned to say is the title of this blog - a net sentence affirming that I am a Christian, Soy Cristiano!
The first word is a form of SER, on of two verbs that means to be. Ser describes the state of being which is permanent while the other verb, Estar, describes temporay or transitional. I think I got that second part correct - kind of like I am (ser) a human being versus I am (estar) in my house .... the latter can change, the former won't. So when I say I am a Christian in Spanish I use ser .... Soy Cristano. It won't change, I am forever Christ's for He has saved me by His grace, through the faith He gave me - the faith I have in Him, His death on the Cross to cover the penalty for my sin which separated me from God and His life as my Lord.
There are many other phrases and sentences me gusto mucho (I like a lot), but when I utter the words Soy Cristiano, I am reminded immediately that I am Christ's, He has an unshakeable hold on me, He is ever for me and therefore none can be against me and my hope and salvation is secure in Him. With that I give praise and thanks. I pray you too have the same confidence and joy, in whatever language you use to proclaim it. Dios Te Bendiga .... God Bless!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
My desire to stand out
To be alive, filled with life, is to be about growth. Growing means changing. It can be viewed as positive or negative, but there is something happening - change is occuring. Some people are living to die, others are dying to live and we are all growing older each day we live.
As I thought about my post for this morning I was reflecting on what I read during my quiet time, continuing thru Ezekiel and Hebrews. My atttention was caught as I read Ezekiel 14:14, God saying that the righteousness of Noah, Daniel and Job wouldn't be enough to save others from God's wrath. That's a pretty healthy group of fellows that would definitely be at the top of my short list if I were building a dream team of righteous men. But they are not enough to save .... only Christ fulfills that roll, and all thanks to Him for doing so.
But as I continued to ponder what I read and the reality God chose to call out Noah, Daniel and Job in scripture, and knowing I will be coming up to Hebrew's hall of faith soon, I thought about how I measure up. I long to be known for a heart God like David - I sure have the failure part down and hope that God sees a broken and contrite heart that longs for him. I thought about my desire to be known by others and have it said of me that I was "one who walked with God, was a friend of God". But as I thought about my desire I had to pause for a quick heart check - what was my motive? Was it that I could be counted as one who was special in God's eyes? Was there a tinge of pride about how I would be seen by others? Or did I desire to have my intimacy with God know so that His love and compassion would be magnified?
I believe it is that latter - not that I want others to speak highly of me, but that my life, the growth others would be seeing in me, the change in who I am would be that of me drawing ever closer to Christ and therefore reflecting Him more brilliantly. And most of all, I would be seen as one who fully was dependent upon Christ and acknowledging that all I do is thru the gifts He gives me and His power at work in me. Yes I desire to stand out, but not that I would be seen ... I desire to stand out so that Christ would be seen.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Wherever you may go .... Be Encouraged
Last night as I went to sleep I called out to my Father and asked Him to continue to deepen my desire for Him because I want to grow in knowing Him that I may worship Him more fully and enjoy the relationship of being his son which He made possible through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit - I was given a new heart, redeemed and adopted as His son, given eternal life that is here and now and is ever secure in Him.
What I continually find amazing is that He knew my thoughts and the words I would call out to Him before I did and as I said them He was already answering my heart's cry, as He said He would do in Isaiah 65:24. This morning when I woke to spend some time reading from the Bible and prayer I found my Father had lined up much encouragement for me to remind me that I am His, He is my perfect sanctuary and shelter, He is my strength and He is my sustainer. All He asks is for the affections of my heart, that they be turned toward Him .... His promises are sure, the hope I have in Him is firm because He is faithful and able to do what He has said. It was my choice to spend time with Him that I might receive what He had for me and I am glad I chose to do so. And I'd be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to gently encourage you to do the same ... you don't want to miss out on what He has for you!
The first scripture I came across was Psalm 139 - in the first 3 verses God reminded me that He knows me and is acquainted with all my ways. Then I was in Ezekiel again and in chapter 11, verses 16-20, I was comforted by the truth that He is my sanctuary, He is the restorer of my soul and He has given me a new heart - not of stone, but one that is of flesh .... that I may have a desire for Him. He has done this and continues to cover me out of His love for me, not because I did anything to deserve His affections toward me. Only out of His Grace!
And then I was back into more from the book of Psalms - chapter 105, verses 16-36 this time. In reading thru I was reminded of all that God did for Joseph, no matter where he went, God was with Him. Through His blessing of Joseph He also provided for His people, even though He knew their hearts would turn from Him again and again. But He was faithful and continued to make a way for them to return to Him. I was reminded of His continued mercy and compassion, which is available this day to all who would receive it by turning to Him. His heart is still full of desire to redeem the lost, to restore the broken and to uplift the downhearted. Our Father's heart is overflowing with love for all who would respond to Him, to His love that is evident in His Son Jesus Christ, by putting their faith in Chirst alone - He is the hope and salvation for entire world, He is my Savior, my Redeemer and my Lord.
And to top off my morning, not that spending time in God's Word needs any topping off, but in the way God just continues to lavish His Grace upon us so that it is overflowing, I came across a post on By Grace Alone that talked to what it looks like to desire God. It's not that we are perfect, but it is that we are ever moving toward Him, growing in out understanding of who He is and His love for us. This knowledge and understanding is that which increases our desire for Him and increases our disdain for sin and unrighteousness. It was kind of a way of hearing and confirming that God heard me. He wanted to remind me again, as He often does over and over, to continue to pursue Him - seek Him first, then I will bear the fruit and my desire will continue to grow.
Yes, last night I cried out for a deepening desire for my God. I remember now that I heard a soft gentle answer .... "Seek me and you will have it". I recall softly answering back yes and then went to sleep. How good is our God? Beyond compare! My heart is full with love for Him and it is growing even more so this morning. Thank You Father for hearing my prayer and moving to answer me before I finished uttering the words, thank you for loving me and encouraging me this morning.
What I continually find amazing is that He knew my thoughts and the words I would call out to Him before I did and as I said them He was already answering my heart's cry, as He said He would do in Isaiah 65:24. This morning when I woke to spend some time reading from the Bible and prayer I found my Father had lined up much encouragement for me to remind me that I am His, He is my perfect sanctuary and shelter, He is my strength and He is my sustainer. All He asks is for the affections of my heart, that they be turned toward Him .... His promises are sure, the hope I have in Him is firm because He is faithful and able to do what He has said. It was my choice to spend time with Him that I might receive what He had for me and I am glad I chose to do so. And I'd be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to gently encourage you to do the same ... you don't want to miss out on what He has for you!
The first scripture I came across was Psalm 139 - in the first 3 verses God reminded me that He knows me and is acquainted with all my ways. Then I was in Ezekiel again and in chapter 11, verses 16-20, I was comforted by the truth that He is my sanctuary, He is the restorer of my soul and He has given me a new heart - not of stone, but one that is of flesh .... that I may have a desire for Him. He has done this and continues to cover me out of His love for me, not because I did anything to deserve His affections toward me. Only out of His Grace!
And then I was back into more from the book of Psalms - chapter 105, verses 16-36 this time. In reading thru I was reminded of all that God did for Joseph, no matter where he went, God was with Him. Through His blessing of Joseph He also provided for His people, even though He knew their hearts would turn from Him again and again. But He was faithful and continued to make a way for them to return to Him. I was reminded of His continued mercy and compassion, which is available this day to all who would receive it by turning to Him. His heart is still full of desire to redeem the lost, to restore the broken and to uplift the downhearted. Our Father's heart is overflowing with love for all who would respond to Him, to His love that is evident in His Son Jesus Christ, by putting their faith in Chirst alone - He is the hope and salvation for entire world, He is my Savior, my Redeemer and my Lord.
And to top off my morning, not that spending time in God's Word needs any topping off, but in the way God just continues to lavish His Grace upon us so that it is overflowing, I came across a post on By Grace Alone that talked to what it looks like to desire God. It's not that we are perfect, but it is that we are ever moving toward Him, growing in out understanding of who He is and His love for us. This knowledge and understanding is that which increases our desire for Him and increases our disdain for sin and unrighteousness. It was kind of a way of hearing and confirming that God heard me. He wanted to remind me again, as He often does over and over, to continue to pursue Him - seek Him first, then I will bear the fruit and my desire will continue to grow.
Yes, last night I cried out for a deepening desire for my God. I remember now that I heard a soft gentle answer .... "Seek me and you will have it". I recall softly answering back yes and then went to sleep. How good is our God? Beyond compare! My heart is full with love for Him and it is growing even more so this morning. Thank You Father for hearing my prayer and moving to answer me before I finished uttering the words, thank you for loving me and encouraging me this morning.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Honor the Risen One
Yesterday was Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos. It is like one of the biggest national holidays here in Mexico. The focus of this special day (or actually two days) is on honoring and memoralizing the dead - relatives and/or friends that have died, with the belief being that in honoring them they are sustained and helped in passing along in their journey in the afterlife. There are memorials set up at the cemetaries and in homes, amazing floral displays, sand art murals and candle lit vigils along with special meals and time with family. There are also parades and costume fare reflecting the spirit world, skeletons walking about and such and I've been told the children participating in trick-or-treat activities has really just been something that has come into part of the experience in the last 10 years or so.
So with all this activity along comes the tourist related activity - from trips to the cemetary, tours that will take you to a family's house to join with them in their special time of honoring their dead and share in the comida (meals) and then there are also large scale celebration festivities down in the town's square (typically called a Zocolo) - complete with venders sellng their wares, food and drink. So when I was asked what I was going to do over the holiday - was I going to the cemetary, was I going on a tour to share a special time with a family as they "helped" their loved ones and kept their spirit alive and well, etc., my initial reaction was uh, no. I say that was my initial reaction and it still is/was my general response to the holiday. I did end up going over to the local cemetary to look at the beautiful displays. It turned out not being awkward walking around with families spending time at their loved ones gravesite - first because there were so many people their, familes and touristas. And second, it wasn't a time of mourning like a funeral - it was really a celebration of the life of the loved ones. So I was glad I did that.
But the really glad thing I am glad I did was reflect on the holiday, the practice and the point. And in doing so, I thought about how Christ fits in. I am not taking anything away from remembering and celebrating loved ones, but in the end I see this holiday as being a misguided effort to find peace. The help needed for what comes after our time here in this life comes to an appointed end is only found in Christ. It is in His life and death that one should seek peace. It is His life that is to be celebrated, daily He is to be honored. And we find hope in His death and more so in His ressurection. He is Alive - He has paid the price to redeem us and has overcome death. And in Him, I celebrated (and continue to.)
So with all this activity along comes the tourist related activity - from trips to the cemetary, tours that will take you to a family's house to join with them in their special time of honoring their dead and share in the comida (meals) and then there are also large scale celebration festivities down in the town's square (typically called a Zocolo) - complete with venders sellng their wares, food and drink. So when I was asked what I was going to do over the holiday - was I going to the cemetary, was I going on a tour to share a special time with a family as they "helped" their loved ones and kept their spirit alive and well, etc., my initial reaction was uh, no. I say that was my initial reaction and it still is/was my general response to the holiday. I did end up going over to the local cemetary to look at the beautiful displays. It turned out not being awkward walking around with families spending time at their loved ones gravesite - first because there were so many people their, familes and touristas. And second, it wasn't a time of mourning like a funeral - it was really a celebration of the life of the loved ones. So I was glad I did that.
But the really glad thing I am glad I did was reflect on the holiday, the practice and the point. And in doing so, I thought about how Christ fits in. I am not taking anything away from remembering and celebrating loved ones, but in the end I see this holiday as being a misguided effort to find peace. The help needed for what comes after our time here in this life comes to an appointed end is only found in Christ. It is in His life and death that one should seek peace. It is His life that is to be celebrated, daily He is to be honored. And we find hope in His death and more so in His ressurection. He is Alive - He has paid the price to redeem us and has overcome death. And in Him, I celebrated (and continue to.)
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
To Enter the Rest of the Lord
Yesterday I wrote about Ezekiel's awesome encounter coming before the Lord. Today, as I continued in Ezekiel I read about what he was called to .... the life of a prophet. It is not one that outwardly bears the appearance of rest, though I did read in chapter 4 he was called to lay down or actually would be tied down for more than a year. He was given a heavy burden to call out the sins of those around and warm them to listen, hear and turn from their wickedness and return to the Lord. If he didn't, he would be held accountable for the sins of the wicked.
God pricked my heart pretty sharply. How often I think of entering God's rest as only being at peace knowing He is providing for my needs -those needs being things I need for what I want, what is "needed" to sustain "me and my wants". While this is part of God's rest - providing for my needs, including pouring out abundant blessings and exceeding my expectations and a promise that He will fulfill the desires of my heart, His rest is so much more.
My heart is pricked when I realize the desires of my heart are often not focussed on Him first and fullly. In those times I still want that peace and rest, but see clearly how it doesn't line up with how He has promised to fulfill it. My heart is pricked when I reflect on how often I hear and am slow to act or worse do not act in obedience, not trusting in Him or more concerned with my agenda. My heart is broken and then I realize that in that moment I am being offered to come into His rest, I am offered Grace. He has pricked my heart to revive it, to refill and renew it, to give me the rest He has called me to and secured for me.
It is still my decision to accept it and to walk in it. I still may be called to outwardly difficult tasks, called to lay down - maybe not literally, but for sure to lay myself aside and I will still find many things to distract me along the way, but if I look to Him I will be able to walk in His rest, with confidence and peace.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
My words cannot describe, but The Word does
I started reading Ezekiel this morning and by the time I finished with the first chapter my heart was humbly aware of the Awesomeness of the Lord, a chill of reverant fear and then the warmth of knowing His compassion and faithfulness, trusting in His righteousness. The words of this first chapter describe Ezekiel's being brought before the Lord - the chapter ends with the only possible response - falling face down in humble worship and reverance.
Here is a paste of the final 3 verses of Ezekiel 1:
"25 Then there came a voice from above the vault over their heads as they stood with lowered wings. 26 Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. 27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.
This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking."
The last sentence speaks volumes to me. Ezekiel was seeing the likeness of the glory of the Lord - a reflection and only a glimpse. It was brilliance, more brilliant that one can imagine, it was full of awesomeness and power and it was all consuming. It brought Ezekiel to the ground, face down in worship. And then he heard from the Lord, when he was stilled and humbly bowed down, full of praise and admiration toward the only One it is due.
The fullness of the Glory of God is beyond my comprehension. Even the likeness of what Ezekiel saw is beyond my comprehension. But when I stop and ponder, reflect on the Glory of the Lord that I can grasp, that I have seen, I am left with no other response, but to fall face down, at times literally and others just in my heart. I am stilled and I am full of peace because of His compassion and grace. This brings me to my last comment on this closing section of the first chapter .... the rainbow.
The radiance of the Lord was like the brilliance of a perfect rainbow, shining in a stunning and glorious fullness which captivates young and old. It reflects His glory and His promise of peace and salvation - it offers hope and revives the soul. How awesome our God is! He is so much more than we can grasp, but what I can grasp reaches to the core and moves me closer to understanding who He is, how much He deserves my complete worship and His great love for me. I hear from Him and am called closer, called more completely to obedience and filled with more certainty of the hope I have in Him, certain of the things my words cannot describe, but His Word firmly establishes
Here is a paste of the final 3 verses of Ezekiel 1:
"25 Then there came a voice from above the vault over their heads as they stood with lowered wings. 26 Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. 27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.
This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking."
The last sentence speaks volumes to me. Ezekiel was seeing the likeness of the glory of the Lord - a reflection and only a glimpse. It was brilliance, more brilliant that one can imagine, it was full of awesomeness and power and it was all consuming. It brought Ezekiel to the ground, face down in worship. And then he heard from the Lord, when he was stilled and humbly bowed down, full of praise and admiration toward the only One it is due.
The fullness of the Glory of God is beyond my comprehension. Even the likeness of what Ezekiel saw is beyond my comprehension. But when I stop and ponder, reflect on the Glory of the Lord that I can grasp, that I have seen, I am left with no other response, but to fall face down, at times literally and others just in my heart. I am stilled and I am full of peace because of His compassion and grace. This brings me to my last comment on this closing section of the first chapter .... the rainbow.
The radiance of the Lord was like the brilliance of a perfect rainbow, shining in a stunning and glorious fullness which captivates young and old. It reflects His glory and His promise of peace and salvation - it offers hope and revives the soul. How awesome our God is! He is so much more than we can grasp, but what I can grasp reaches to the core and moves me closer to understanding who He is, how much He deserves my complete worship and His great love for me. I hear from Him and am called closer, called more completely to obedience and filled with more certainty of the hope I have in Him, certain of the things my words cannot describe, but His Word firmly establishes
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