In the past two weeks approximately 900 people have lost their lives. Attacks on a Russian passenger jet. Attacks in Beirut. Attacks in Nigeria. Attacks in Paris. Attacks in Israel. And even as I type this, an attach in Mali. Terrorism is rearing its ugly head at an alarming rate! I am certain I am not the only person who sat glued to my television screen last Friday night as the shocking events in Paris unfolded. And maybe like some of you, by the next day my shock had turned to anger.
In the midst of my anger I had a little rant session on Facebook. I feel quite foolish about it now, but I am grateful it happened because it got the attention of a dear friend of mine (an "iron-sharpens-iron" kind of friend) who then commented to me with love and truth. As I humbly quieted myself before the Lord long enough to pray about her words, the Word began to come up in my Spirit as well as some truth about what was going on in me. I am grateful to this friend who validated my concerns but, out of love, spoke up! I'm not sure what part of the Body I am, but it was clear I was having a flare up and needed another part of the Body to calm me down!
Fear presents itself in many forms. Just like love is the fertile ground in which joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control spring up. Fear is the fertile ground of anger, rage, hatred ... and any other emotion that runs contrary to the fruits of the Spirit. My anger was a sign to me that I was in fear. As a Christian I know I am not supposed to be fearful. I know fear is of Satan and that I am to give him no place. I also know that perfect love casts out all fear, and that that "perfect love" is found only as I pull my focus away from what's going on in this world and put it back on the One who has already overcome it ... Jesus Christ! Praise God!
I can't remember where I heard this analogy, but it goes something like this; The world lives life like a thermometer ... going up and down as circumstances are good and bad, but as a Christian we aren't called to be thermometers. We are to be thermostats ... remaining consistent in the face of both good and bad. How? Because of the peace we have in the certainties found in God's word. So let's look at some of these certainties that we can anchor ourselves to because, let's face it, these our overwhelming circumstances, and in times like these we need to be led to the Rock that is higher than us! (Ps. 61:2)
*What the Bible has to say about a believer's civic responsibility ...
Romans 13:1 tells us to be a loyal subject to governing authorities because there is no authority given to man but by God. It is God who appoints leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 tells us we are to offer up petitions, prayers, intersessions, and thanksgiving on behalf of kings/leaders and all in positions of authority and high responsibility. Titus 3:1-2 and Col. 3:8 tells us to slander no one.
Believe me, I know this is a big pill to swallow as we are very tempted to lay blame with certain governing leaders, but doing so serves no purpose and helps nothing. Even if our words seem factual, faith does not speak what already exists. We play into Satan's hands when we do that. Romans 4:17 tells us to speak of nonexistent things as if they already exist. Are you worried about your leaders wisdom? Don't call him an idiot! Pray for him to have wisdom and thank God he is wise! Regardless of the outcome, remember "the heart of the king is in God's hand." (Prov 21:1) The same God that gave wisdom to Solomon hardened Pharaoh's heart, but God's will was always accomplished!
May I also say, if you are fortunate enough to live in a democracy, you have the right and responsibility to contact your representatives with your concerns. You also have the right and responsibility to vote. When doing so, keep in mind that a government's responsibility is very different than an individuals. Romans 13:3-4 says "For civil authorities are not a terror to people of good conduct, but to those of bad behavior ... For he (the government) is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear and wear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant to execute His wrath on the wrongdoer."
*What the Bible has to say about our enemy ...
Many people want to blame Muslims and the Islamic faith for the terror attacks we've seen, and although extremists of this religion seem to be the culprit, the Bible clearly tells us in Eph. 6:12 that we wrestle not with flesh and blood, contending only with physical opponents, but against the despotisms, against the powers, against the master spirits who are the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly, supernatural sphere. In other words, our fight is far more spiritual than physical. We are fighting against the ruler of this world, which is Satan, and his demonic forces. These forces are stationed in heavenly places over earthly kingdoms and operate down through them.
We see evidence of this in Daniel 10:11-14 when an angel appears to Daniel with an answer to a prayer prayed 21 days earlier. The angel specifies in verse 13 that the "prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief celestial princes, came to help me, for I remained there with the kings of Persia." We know the one speaking is an angel. We know Michael is an arch angel. We therefore know they would be fighting other celestial beings. Therefore, the prince and kings of Persia here are not human beings. They are "spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly, supernatural sphere." This point should again reiterate the importance of faith. Our faith that comes out of our mouth is a spiritual force that is either helping or hindering the spiritual warfare raging around us.
*What the Bible has to say about combating such an enemy ...
"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical weapons of flesh and blood, but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, inasmuch as we refute arguments and theories, and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the true knowledge of God; and we take every thought captive unto the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:3-5.
So here we see we have spiritual weapons to fight these spiritual forces, but the first thing we must set straight is our mind by taking our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. What exactly does that mean? Do your thoughts line up with the Word? If so, great. If not, pitch it! Find out what the Word says. Replace wrong thinking with right thinking. But to do this you must be in the Word and allow the Spirit to help you.
*What the Bible has to say about our weapons ...
These are found in Eph. 6:14-18. We have a belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the Gospel of peace, a shield of saving faith, a helmet of salvation, a sword of the Spirit (which is the Word), and prayer. So for defensive weapons we have truth to center us, the righteousness of God in our hearts, peace guiding where our feet take us, covering all with faith, and salvation in our minds. Our offensive weapons are the sword of the Spirit (the Word) and prayer. These two weapons work in tandem. The Word is alive and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. (Heb.4:12) And in Revelation 2:12, 16 we see Jesus wields a two-edged sword that comes from His mouth! My friend, our sword of the Spirit is also in our mouth! It is the Word of God that comes out of our mouth! How is it that we have authority to use the Word? It is because of Jesus! Through Him we have two more powerful weapons ... the Name and the blood. Jesus, the Name that is above every other name in which every knee must bow! (Phil. 2:9-10), and the blood, "And they (the saints) overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and the word (there's our mouth again) of their testimony." (Rev. 12:11 - explanation mine)
My friend, God promises to be our protector, a fortress and strong tower in time of need. I encourage you to read, study, and meditate on the 23rd and 91st Psalm. Both are packed with spiritual sword wielding truth! Rev. 12:12 tells us Satan will operate in even greater anger as he knows his time is running short. I don't know how bad things will get and what all we may have to endure before the return of our Lord, but always remember God is still on the throne, He knows the beginning from the end, and His plans can NEVER be thwarted. God will win, and those in Christ are assured victory ... a victory already won on the cross that we are watching play out. So hold fast your profession of faith and know the battle is the Lord's!
(As Thanksgiving approaches I had intended this blog to be about giving thanks and being grateful. Ironically, as I publish this writing that is exactly what's in my heart. I am thankful for the Word that I have purposefully put down in my heart. I am grateful that the Holy Spirit is so faithful to bring up exactly what I need, when I need it. I am thankful for the Body of Christ and "iron-sharpens-iron" kind of friends. I am grateful for my dear Savior who was willing to pay such a huge price for me to live in victory. I am thankful to God for His sovereignty and a beautiful plan that He is masterfully bringing full circle. I am grateful to all of you who read my blog and encourage me to continue writing even when the enemy attempts to tell me I have nothing important to say. Yes, I am indeed thankful! God bless!)
Friday, November 20, 2015
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Thank You Starbucks
Simplify.
In the past six months this seems to be the instruction I continue to receive from the Lord. With my oldest in high school, my youngest in diapers, and the middle two on the Autism Spectrum, I started feeling completely overwhelmed. Longing for order in the midst of much chaos, I inquired of the Lord. "Simplify" was the response.
This simplifying process started with closets, cabinets, and drawers; clearing out the clutter and organizing what we use. Simplifying then moved into my time management as I began to re prioritize, eliminate, and place limits on things affecting my schedule and how our home functions.
In moving toward a more simplified way of living I've found I'm less stressed and more able to meet the necessary demands of my life. Minimizing my surroundings and my schedule have allowed me to focus on what's truly important, what I'm truly called to be and do, and in doing so, has made life more meaningful and enjoyable.
As the holidays began to approach I found myself wondering how to apply a "less is more" philosophy to a time of year I used to love and now am too stressed out about meeting all its demands to enjoy. Ironically, around the same time and practically as confirmation of my simplifying overhaul of life, Starbucks released its simple red holiday cup. Now there has been much uproar by many Christians over this design (or lack there of). I'm certain you've heard all about it. However, and this may shock some people who know me, this Christian would like to say, Thank you Starbucks.
In a world where Christmas has been turned into Santa and snowmen, reindeer and gingerbread houses, stockings and presents, snowflakes and jingle bells, mistletoe and holy wreathes, the perfect Christmas tree and a "to do" list that's a mile long, I say thank you Starbucks, for reminding me of the simplicity of what this season is truly all about. Without even realizing it, without even meaning to, you have presented the Gospel and the Christmas message, in its most basic form ... Jesus being born into this world for the sole purpose of shedding His blood to save it!
Do I think there's a war on Christianity? Yes. Do I think Starbuck's red cups have something to do with it? No. Certainly as Christians, we are called to hold to our personal convictions (Rom. 14:22-23). If that means boycotting a company or taking a marker and decorating your cup or patronizing another coffee shop that is better aligned with your values and beliefs, so be it. That's the great thing about living in America! But in light of true persecution of Christians around the world, this doesn't qualify, and in my opinion, is as silly as others who claim there is a war on women here in America when horrific atrocities are taking place against women around the world every day!
To me the bottom line is this, a Christian shows their faith by what they do and say ... not by a coffee cup, a bumper sticker, a necklace, or any other outward symbol. I'm not against symbols of faith, but if we are relying on symbols to express our faith we may have missed the entire point of being a Christian. The Bible tells us in Matthew 7:20 "You will know them by their fruits," and what just happens to be the first fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23? Love! In John 13:35, Jesus Himself tells us "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."
Please don't mistake what I am saying. I'm not suggesting compromising Biblical values. That is a fight worth having! Red cups are not. Let's not be conformed to a world that is offended by everything and everyone. As Christians, may our hearts only be broken over that which breaks God's heart, and in all honesty, watching His children get upset over a coffee cup probably does.
Do you want to make a loving, Christlike impact this holiday season? How about generously tipping your barista? Or paying for the coffee of the person behind you? Why not throw in a "Merry Christmas" and an invite to your church's Christmas service? Better yet, how about going down to a food kitchen and serving coffee to the poor and homeless ... those of which Jesus commanded us to care for.
In whatever way you choose, be salt - be light! But know your audience and realize that for those not in Christ, too much salt is disgusting and too much light is blinding. Remember you are called to catch fish, not clean them. Note too, the differences in Jesus' conversations depending on who He was speaking to ... loving and trusting to His Father, authoritative toward Satan, wisely upending the comments of Pharisees and Sadducees, teachings to His followers, more detailed teachings and instructions for His closest disciples, and for those whom He encountered for the very first time He gave simple truth ... a red cup.
In 1 Corinthians 10:32-33, Paul instructs us to "Give no offense to the Jew, the Greek, or the church of God, just as I also try to please all people in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, so that THEY MAY BE SAVED." (Emphasis mine). Of course here, Paul is speaking of clean and unclean food, but I believe the container would also apply.
So as you are out and about this holiday season, go ahead and stop by your favorite coffee shop. Enjoy your favorite latte or cappuccino, but remember that the true meaning of Christmas for those in Christ is not what's given to you on a cup but what's given to others from your heart. It is the deep love of Christ that has been poured out in our hearts that causes our cup to runneth over, allowing others to taste and see that this Jesus we love and serve, is good. (Rom. 5:5, Ps. 23:5, Ps. 34:8) He is the reason for the season! He is the best gift this world has ever and will ever receive!
In the past six months this seems to be the instruction I continue to receive from the Lord. With my oldest in high school, my youngest in diapers, and the middle two on the Autism Spectrum, I started feeling completely overwhelmed. Longing for order in the midst of much chaos, I inquired of the Lord. "Simplify" was the response.
This simplifying process started with closets, cabinets, and drawers; clearing out the clutter and organizing what we use. Simplifying then moved into my time management as I began to re prioritize, eliminate, and place limits on things affecting my schedule and how our home functions.
In moving toward a more simplified way of living I've found I'm less stressed and more able to meet the necessary demands of my life. Minimizing my surroundings and my schedule have allowed me to focus on what's truly important, what I'm truly called to be and do, and in doing so, has made life more meaningful and enjoyable.
As the holidays began to approach I found myself wondering how to apply a "less is more" philosophy to a time of year I used to love and now am too stressed out about meeting all its demands to enjoy. Ironically, around the same time and practically as confirmation of my simplifying overhaul of life, Starbucks released its simple red holiday cup. Now there has been much uproar by many Christians over this design (or lack there of). I'm certain you've heard all about it. However, and this may shock some people who know me, this Christian would like to say, Thank you Starbucks.
In a world where Christmas has been turned into Santa and snowmen, reindeer and gingerbread houses, stockings and presents, snowflakes and jingle bells, mistletoe and holy wreathes, the perfect Christmas tree and a "to do" list that's a mile long, I say thank you Starbucks, for reminding me of the simplicity of what this season is truly all about. Without even realizing it, without even meaning to, you have presented the Gospel and the Christmas message, in its most basic form ... Jesus being born into this world for the sole purpose of shedding His blood to save it!
Do I think there's a war on Christianity? Yes. Do I think Starbuck's red cups have something to do with it? No. Certainly as Christians, we are called to hold to our personal convictions (Rom. 14:22-23). If that means boycotting a company or taking a marker and decorating your cup or patronizing another coffee shop that is better aligned with your values and beliefs, so be it. That's the great thing about living in America! But in light of true persecution of Christians around the world, this doesn't qualify, and in my opinion, is as silly as others who claim there is a war on women here in America when horrific atrocities are taking place against women around the world every day!
To me the bottom line is this, a Christian shows their faith by what they do and say ... not by a coffee cup, a bumper sticker, a necklace, or any other outward symbol. I'm not against symbols of faith, but if we are relying on symbols to express our faith we may have missed the entire point of being a Christian. The Bible tells us in Matthew 7:20 "You will know them by their fruits," and what just happens to be the first fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23? Love! In John 13:35, Jesus Himself tells us "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."
Please don't mistake what I am saying. I'm not suggesting compromising Biblical values. That is a fight worth having! Red cups are not. Let's not be conformed to a world that is offended by everything and everyone. As Christians, may our hearts only be broken over that which breaks God's heart, and in all honesty, watching His children get upset over a coffee cup probably does.
Do you want to make a loving, Christlike impact this holiday season? How about generously tipping your barista? Or paying for the coffee of the person behind you? Why not throw in a "Merry Christmas" and an invite to your church's Christmas service? Better yet, how about going down to a food kitchen and serving coffee to the poor and homeless ... those of which Jesus commanded us to care for.
In whatever way you choose, be salt - be light! But know your audience and realize that for those not in Christ, too much salt is disgusting and too much light is blinding. Remember you are called to catch fish, not clean them. Note too, the differences in Jesus' conversations depending on who He was speaking to ... loving and trusting to His Father, authoritative toward Satan, wisely upending the comments of Pharisees and Sadducees, teachings to His followers, more detailed teachings and instructions for His closest disciples, and for those whom He encountered for the very first time He gave simple truth ... a red cup.
In 1 Corinthians 10:32-33, Paul instructs us to "Give no offense to the Jew, the Greek, or the church of God, just as I also try to please all people in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, so that THEY MAY BE SAVED." (Emphasis mine). Of course here, Paul is speaking of clean and unclean food, but I believe the container would also apply.
So as you are out and about this holiday season, go ahead and stop by your favorite coffee shop. Enjoy your favorite latte or cappuccino, but remember that the true meaning of Christmas for those in Christ is not what's given to you on a cup but what's given to others from your heart. It is the deep love of Christ that has been poured out in our hearts that causes our cup to runneth over, allowing others to taste and see that this Jesus we love and serve, is good. (Rom. 5:5, Ps. 23:5, Ps. 34:8) He is the reason for the season! He is the best gift this world has ever and will ever receive!
Thursday, October 29, 2015
The Lion and the Bear
"The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from the Philistine!" (1 Samuel 17:37)
This year I decided to read through the Bible chronologically, and in April I came across the familiar story of David and Goliath. It was this particular passage though, that stood out to me. How does one develop the faith to slay a giant? How does one express such trust in the Lord that he runs toward a 9 foot giant with just a sling and a stone? (1 Sam. 17:4, 49) It is because of the Lord's faithfulness with the lion and the bear.
David, whom the Bible tells us was a man after God's own heart, clearly understood that the lion and the bear where preparation for the giant.(1 Sam. 13:14) He didn't know it at the time, but through those years of being alone in the pasture protecting sheep and goats, God had developed a trusting relationship with David and taught him how to defeat anything that came against him. God knew about Goliath long before David and the Israelites did. However, God wasn't only preparing a giant slayer; He was positioning David for promotion. Remember, David was already appointed by God and anointed by Samuel to become the next King of Israel, but this young shepherd boy was completely unknown to Saul and his men! (1 Sam. 16:12, 17:55-57) It was after this victory that David was brought to the palace of the King.
The lion and the bear. No one wants to encounter them, but they are essential for the preparation, positioning, and promotion that comes from the Lord. This is a truth that can be a hard pill to swallow, but this story has helped me put a spotlight on my own attitude toward trials. How many times have I gotten angry with God over my giant? How many times have I thought it wasn't fair because I had already endured the lion and the bear? How many times was I certain the giant wouldn't come because I'd already dealt with the lion and the bear? I clearly didn't understand what David knew; that God brings the lion and the bear to teach us to slay the giant ... and much of that "teaching" is learning how to hear from God, obey God, and trust God's plan of action.
As I write this I can recall a very difficult season ... Hannah's diagnosis, my diagnosis of an ovarian cyst, and my mother's diagnosis of breast cancer. It was a season of desperately trying to trust God and yet questioning why He would allow so many trials at the same time. Now, looking back, I can clearly see that through my mother's health scare and inability to be there for me as she had always been before, I learned to go to God. To let Him be my refuge, my comforter, and my counselor. I definitely see how God used my ovarian cyst to teach me how to listen to Him; how to follow His directions of fasting and prayer to be healed. I still remember my doctor calling me with the ultrasound report that the cyst was gone. And the crazy thing was, I already knew it!
Yes, I can see in the past how the lion and the bear have prepared me. Now it is my prayer to become a woman who trusts God with the lion and the bear WHILE dealing with the lion and the bear ... not just after. That is true faith. I pray, too, that I am a woman after God's own heart who understands that in all that has come into my life, God is and has been preparing me for my giant. He has been training me to be a giant slayer. He is training you too, my friend. Look back to your lions and bears and see the preparation God has been doing all along.
The Bible tells us that we are more than conquerors through Christ. (Rom. 8:37) That no weapon formed against us shall prosper because God uses ALL things for our good! (Is. 54:17, Rom.8:28) And why does God make such amazing promises to His people? So that just like David, we can run toward our giant and confidently proclaim,"You come against me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven's Armies - the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you ... and the whole world will know there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues His people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord's battle, and he will give you to us!" (1 Sam. 17:45-47) Ironically though, we aren't slinging stones, we are "living stones" built upon the foundation of the Chief Cornerstone, Jesus Christ, and we stand confident in knowing the same God that had David's back has ours! (1 Peter 2:5, Eph. 2:20) To God be the Glory, forever! Amen!
This year I decided to read through the Bible chronologically, and in April I came across the familiar story of David and Goliath. It was this particular passage though, that stood out to me. How does one develop the faith to slay a giant? How does one express such trust in the Lord that he runs toward a 9 foot giant with just a sling and a stone? (1 Sam. 17:4, 49) It is because of the Lord's faithfulness with the lion and the bear.
David, whom the Bible tells us was a man after God's own heart, clearly understood that the lion and the bear where preparation for the giant.(1 Sam. 13:14) He didn't know it at the time, but through those years of being alone in the pasture protecting sheep and goats, God had developed a trusting relationship with David and taught him how to defeat anything that came against him. God knew about Goliath long before David and the Israelites did. However, God wasn't only preparing a giant slayer; He was positioning David for promotion. Remember, David was already appointed by God and anointed by Samuel to become the next King of Israel, but this young shepherd boy was completely unknown to Saul and his men! (1 Sam. 16:12, 17:55-57) It was after this victory that David was brought to the palace of the King.
The lion and the bear. No one wants to encounter them, but they are essential for the preparation, positioning, and promotion that comes from the Lord. This is a truth that can be a hard pill to swallow, but this story has helped me put a spotlight on my own attitude toward trials. How many times have I gotten angry with God over my giant? How many times have I thought it wasn't fair because I had already endured the lion and the bear? How many times was I certain the giant wouldn't come because I'd already dealt with the lion and the bear? I clearly didn't understand what David knew; that God brings the lion and the bear to teach us to slay the giant ... and much of that "teaching" is learning how to hear from God, obey God, and trust God's plan of action.
As I write this I can recall a very difficult season ... Hannah's diagnosis, my diagnosis of an ovarian cyst, and my mother's diagnosis of breast cancer. It was a season of desperately trying to trust God and yet questioning why He would allow so many trials at the same time. Now, looking back, I can clearly see that through my mother's health scare and inability to be there for me as she had always been before, I learned to go to God. To let Him be my refuge, my comforter, and my counselor. I definitely see how God used my ovarian cyst to teach me how to listen to Him; how to follow His directions of fasting and prayer to be healed. I still remember my doctor calling me with the ultrasound report that the cyst was gone. And the crazy thing was, I already knew it!
Yes, I can see in the past how the lion and the bear have prepared me. Now it is my prayer to become a woman who trusts God with the lion and the bear WHILE dealing with the lion and the bear ... not just after. That is true faith. I pray, too, that I am a woman after God's own heart who understands that in all that has come into my life, God is and has been preparing me for my giant. He has been training me to be a giant slayer. He is training you too, my friend. Look back to your lions and bears and see the preparation God has been doing all along.
The Bible tells us that we are more than conquerors through Christ. (Rom. 8:37) That no weapon formed against us shall prosper because God uses ALL things for our good! (Is. 54:17, Rom.8:28) And why does God make such amazing promises to His people? So that just like David, we can run toward our giant and confidently proclaim,"You come against me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven's Armies - the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you ... and the whole world will know there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues His people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord's battle, and he will give you to us!" (1 Sam. 17:45-47) Ironically though, we aren't slinging stones, we are "living stones" built upon the foundation of the Chief Cornerstone, Jesus Christ, and we stand confident in knowing the same God that had David's back has ours! (1 Peter 2:5, Eph. 2:20) To God be the Glory, forever! Amen!
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Full Circle
One of my dad's most endearing and yet frustrating qualities was his ability to give directions. He was one of those, "Take 64th Street West and then head South on 29th Street" kind of people. (I can hear you snickering. I take it you know someone like that too!) He was married to my mother for 55 years, and her idea of giving directions sounded more like this, "Head toward downtown. Go over the bridge and left at the flag pole." You can imagine the two of them in the car together!
However, even an incredible sense of direction can sometimes lead us astray. I remember one time trying to get to a building downtown. I could see the building, but due to all the one way streets, I could not manage to get to it. Now, I'm quite certain that traffic pattern experts and other powers that be had very good reason for what I found to be complete and total chaos, but after several turns I finally came full circle and arrived safely at my destination.
Full circle. It's a concept the Bible is replete with. Joseph, shown a dream of royalty, took a left at enslavement and another left at imprisonment, before reaching his destination. Israel, freed from slavery in Egypt and promised to possess a land flowing with milk and honey, headed out in the complete opposite direction of Canaan. (Ex. 13:17-18) They had to make a right over the Red Sea and another right to Mt. Sinai (and several other stops along the way) to finally reach their destination. Then there's David who was anointed King by Samuel and seemed to be on his way to his destination as he slew Goliath, best-friended the King's son Jonathan, had military victory after victory, became part of the King's family by marrying one of Saul's daughters, but then made a hard and fast U-turn as he ran for his life and hid out in caves to escape Saul's wrath before coming to his destination. And that is only three examples!
Although the Bible is full of these stories, the Bible itself is a full circle story. Chapter 3 of Genesis we see the fall of Adam and Eve as they are disobedient to God's directions. We also see God in His great love and mercy begin to reveal His plan of restoration that would be brought about through Jesus (3:15). But there's something else found at the very end of chapter 3 that, as a child, I found perplexing, and as an adult I have found to be mind blowing!
"And the Lord God said, Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil and blessing and calamity; and now, lest he put forth his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever -" (vs.22) *Note that God does not finish His sentence.
You see, Adam and Eve had already eaten from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but that was not the only tree in the center of the garden. God had also placed the tree of life there (2:9). Eating from that tree would have caused Adam and Eve to live forever in their fallen state. (Look back at vs. 22). So what does God do to prevent this from happening and to ensure His plan of restoration?
"Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the Garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. So God drove out the man; and placed at the east of the Garden of Eden the cherubim and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep and guard the way to the tree of life." (vs. 23-24)
I like what Charles Capps says about this. "You can see the wisdom and mercy of God in that. What would have happened if Adam had partaken of the tree of life after sinning? The curse was already there; so when sickness, disease, and other horrible afflictions began to control man's life, he would have lived throughout eternity with no hope of ever being delivered from the curse." Whoa!
For years I always understood this passage as being part of God's punishment, but it wasn't. It was for their protection! It was for their ultimate good, so their fallen and sinful state would not be permanent; so God could send His Son to put them (us) back into right relation with Him. How beautiful is that?! It is also very enlighting. What has God deliberately kept from me for my protection? What are the areas I've been driven from for my ultimate good? It is quite possible that things I've labeled as punishment in my own life have really been from the hand of a loving, protecting Father.
We know how this story comes full circle. We know according to Romans 5:17-19 that just as the disobedience of one man (Adam) resulted in the fall for all, the act of obedience of another (Jesus) has paid the price for us to be reconciled unto God. Yes, death came through fruit that hung on a tree, but life came from the firstfruits being hung on a tree. (1 Cor. 15:20-22) Amen for God's redeeming work that restores all God had originally set in motion in the very beginning of Genesis ... including the tree of life!
In John's account of Heaven given in the book of Revelation, we see the tree of life come full circle. According to Revelation 22:2 it is there, in the middle of the city growing by the crystal river whose waters give life, and it yields a fresh crop of 12 varieties of fruit each month. I was struck by how similar this scripture is to Psalm 1:3. "And he shall be like a tree firmly planted by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper." This passage speaks of the believer as a tree that yields fruit. Here are a few scriptures that support this metaphor.
As believers we have been
1. Made a new creation in Christ therefore producing after His kind. (2 Cor. 5:17, Gen 1:12)
2. Grafted in to the family tree of God's chosen people. (Roman 11:17)
3. Rooted and grounded in Him. (Eph. 3:17)
4. Made a branch and attached to the Vine. (John 15:5)
5. Called to produce fruit ... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Gal 5:22-23)
Don't you just love how each of these scriptures tie into each other to create a picture that we can more fully understand? As a meditator, reader, and writer I know God's Word is alive and active because one scripture always leads to another, and scriptures I've known for a long time take on deeper meaning. Studying God's Word can never get old! There are always truths to unearth. Which brings me to my find yesterday.
As I was preparing for this blog I came across Romans 11:16-19 where we are given the picture of Gentiles being grafted in to the Jewish family tree. I love how Paul uses this metaphor, one that the readers of that time would have completely comprehended ... wild olive tree branches (Gentiles) being grafted on to Olive trees (Israel) to share in the blessings of God. In order to more fully understand the picture of grafting, I turned to Mr. Webster (aka, the dictionary), and this is what I found.
Graft - a grafted plant; the point of intersection of a scion upon a stock. (This is what I expected to find). But then I saw this ... living tissue used in grafting. Whoa! The metaphor God gave Paul back in 57 A.D. now has a completely new meaning! Paul and those of his day would never be able to begin to imagine the grafting of living tissue we know as organ transplant. However, we today can understand this concept, and also see its clear application to the Church, the BODY of Christ. This brings about a whole new picture! Talk about full circle! Gentiles can be grafted into the Jewish family tree of blessing, and Jews can be grafted into the Body of Christ. And all because of Jesus! How beautiful! How intentional! How non-coincidental! God is amazingly awesome, and I love that I am continually in awe of Him.
My friend, in bringing this post full circle I'd like to ask, can we trust God through the unexpected twists and turns of life to bring us safely to our destination? If we can see how God can bring not only the big picture of redemption but also the smaller details full circle, can we not trust His full circle plan for our lives? He has one He is working. May we find peace, comfort, and rest in knowing that the Author and Finisher of all things will bring to completion every work that He has begun. (Phil. 1:6)
However, even an incredible sense of direction can sometimes lead us astray. I remember one time trying to get to a building downtown. I could see the building, but due to all the one way streets, I could not manage to get to it. Now, I'm quite certain that traffic pattern experts and other powers that be had very good reason for what I found to be complete and total chaos, but after several turns I finally came full circle and arrived safely at my destination.
Full circle. It's a concept the Bible is replete with. Joseph, shown a dream of royalty, took a left at enslavement and another left at imprisonment, before reaching his destination. Israel, freed from slavery in Egypt and promised to possess a land flowing with milk and honey, headed out in the complete opposite direction of Canaan. (Ex. 13:17-18) They had to make a right over the Red Sea and another right to Mt. Sinai (and several other stops along the way) to finally reach their destination. Then there's David who was anointed King by Samuel and seemed to be on his way to his destination as he slew Goliath, best-friended the King's son Jonathan, had military victory after victory, became part of the King's family by marrying one of Saul's daughters, but then made a hard and fast U-turn as he ran for his life and hid out in caves to escape Saul's wrath before coming to his destination. And that is only three examples!
Although the Bible is full of these stories, the Bible itself is a full circle story. Chapter 3 of Genesis we see the fall of Adam and Eve as they are disobedient to God's directions. We also see God in His great love and mercy begin to reveal His plan of restoration that would be brought about through Jesus (3:15). But there's something else found at the very end of chapter 3 that, as a child, I found perplexing, and as an adult I have found to be mind blowing!
"And the Lord God said, Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil and blessing and calamity; and now, lest he put forth his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever -" (vs.22) *Note that God does not finish His sentence.
You see, Adam and Eve had already eaten from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but that was not the only tree in the center of the garden. God had also placed the tree of life there (2:9). Eating from that tree would have caused Adam and Eve to live forever in their fallen state. (Look back at vs. 22). So what does God do to prevent this from happening and to ensure His plan of restoration?
"Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the Garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. So God drove out the man; and placed at the east of the Garden of Eden the cherubim and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep and guard the way to the tree of life." (vs. 23-24)
I like what Charles Capps says about this. "You can see the wisdom and mercy of God in that. What would have happened if Adam had partaken of the tree of life after sinning? The curse was already there; so when sickness, disease, and other horrible afflictions began to control man's life, he would have lived throughout eternity with no hope of ever being delivered from the curse." Whoa!
For years I always understood this passage as being part of God's punishment, but it wasn't. It was for their protection! It was for their ultimate good, so their fallen and sinful state would not be permanent; so God could send His Son to put them (us) back into right relation with Him. How beautiful is that?! It is also very enlighting. What has God deliberately kept from me for my protection? What are the areas I've been driven from for my ultimate good? It is quite possible that things I've labeled as punishment in my own life have really been from the hand of a loving, protecting Father.
We know how this story comes full circle. We know according to Romans 5:17-19 that just as the disobedience of one man (Adam) resulted in the fall for all, the act of obedience of another (Jesus) has paid the price for us to be reconciled unto God. Yes, death came through fruit that hung on a tree, but life came from the firstfruits being hung on a tree. (1 Cor. 15:20-22) Amen for God's redeeming work that restores all God had originally set in motion in the very beginning of Genesis ... including the tree of life!
In John's account of Heaven given in the book of Revelation, we see the tree of life come full circle. According to Revelation 22:2 it is there, in the middle of the city growing by the crystal river whose waters give life, and it yields a fresh crop of 12 varieties of fruit each month. I was struck by how similar this scripture is to Psalm 1:3. "And he shall be like a tree firmly planted by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper." This passage speaks of the believer as a tree that yields fruit. Here are a few scriptures that support this metaphor.
As believers we have been
1. Made a new creation in Christ therefore producing after His kind. (2 Cor. 5:17, Gen 1:12)
2. Grafted in to the family tree of God's chosen people. (Roman 11:17)
3. Rooted and grounded in Him. (Eph. 3:17)
4. Made a branch and attached to the Vine. (John 15:5)
5. Called to produce fruit ... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Gal 5:22-23)
Don't you just love how each of these scriptures tie into each other to create a picture that we can more fully understand? As a meditator, reader, and writer I know God's Word is alive and active because one scripture always leads to another, and scriptures I've known for a long time take on deeper meaning. Studying God's Word can never get old! There are always truths to unearth. Which brings me to my find yesterday.
As I was preparing for this blog I came across Romans 11:16-19 where we are given the picture of Gentiles being grafted in to the Jewish family tree. I love how Paul uses this metaphor, one that the readers of that time would have completely comprehended ... wild olive tree branches (Gentiles) being grafted on to Olive trees (Israel) to share in the blessings of God. In order to more fully understand the picture of grafting, I turned to Mr. Webster (aka, the dictionary), and this is what I found.
Graft - a grafted plant; the point of intersection of a scion upon a stock. (This is what I expected to find). But then I saw this ... living tissue used in grafting. Whoa! The metaphor God gave Paul back in 57 A.D. now has a completely new meaning! Paul and those of his day would never be able to begin to imagine the grafting of living tissue we know as organ transplant. However, we today can understand this concept, and also see its clear application to the Church, the BODY of Christ. This brings about a whole new picture! Talk about full circle! Gentiles can be grafted into the Jewish family tree of blessing, and Jews can be grafted into the Body of Christ. And all because of Jesus! How beautiful! How intentional! How non-coincidental! God is amazingly awesome, and I love that I am continually in awe of Him.
My friend, in bringing this post full circle I'd like to ask, can we trust God through the unexpected twists and turns of life to bring us safely to our destination? If we can see how God can bring not only the big picture of redemption but also the smaller details full circle, can we not trust His full circle plan for our lives? He has one He is working. May we find peace, comfort, and rest in knowing that the Author and Finisher of all things will bring to completion every work that He has begun. (Phil. 1:6)
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Persevering Prayer
Have you ever had a prayer you continually prayed? One you felt passionate about? One you felt that every time you prayed it, it didn't quite get to God's ear? We know, of course, this isn't true. God hears every prayer we pray and even knows our thoughts before we speak them. When prayers go unanswered we tend to chalk it up to scriptures like Isaiah 55:9 ... His thoughts and ways are higher than mine. And although this scripture is undoubtedly true, there are other scriptures that show us something different.
For example, Mark 4:22 which speaks of things that are in secret coming to light, things kept hidden in order to be manifested. 1 Cor. 2:16 tells us we have been given the mind of Christ, holding the very thoughts, feelings, and purposes of His heart. (Amplified Bible) In fact, God doesn't want us to miss His hidden truths because they are for us to know. (Rom. 11:25, Mark 4:11) These verses speak mainly of the mystery of the Church brought about through the mystery of Jesus and whom will be taken to heaven in the mystery of the rapture. These things are mysteries to the unbeliever but firm truths to those in Christ, and I believe are a template for the Christian life.
As individual believers, God is always at work establishing intimate relationships with each of us through mysteries He waits for us to find. Isaiah 45:3 gives a clear depiction of this. "And I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name." Another beautiful mystery which waits to unfold, and ironically also deals with our name, is in Rev. 2:17. "To him who overcomes, I will give to eat of the manna that is hidden, and I will give a white stone with a new name engraved on the stone, which no one knows or understands except he who receives it." ... and which according to Is. 62:2, God Himself will give us. Isn't that amazing!?! That is how profoundly close, how deeply intimate our walk with the Lord is to be here on earth.
However, we must also be mindful that as much as these mysteries and secrets are meant to be found, God alone has the perfect timing for their discovery. Let me share with you my personal experience with this. You see, for years I had prayed a prayer that I felt passionate about. One that I felt had scriptural bases. One that I, after about 7 years of praying it, began to wonder if I'd ever get an answer. The prayer was this ...
"Lord, You see the desire of my heart. How I long to have a relationship with my children! How I wish they would look at me and see me! How it breaks my heart that they don't understand the power of communicating with me. They don't call to me for even the most basic of needs, and they certainly don't realize all that I want to do for them. Help me, Lord. It is so painful to see my children like this."
After years of praying this prayer I found myself at a place of questioning if God understood me or even cared that my heart was so broken over my children. The last time I prayed this prayer I remember punctuating my point by saying "God, You desire to have a relationship with Your children! Well, I desire to have a relationship with mine!" (Can I just throw in here, NEVER think you are going to out wit God because that is when He will out wit you!) God chose to answer me by playing my prayer back to me, but instead of being from my perspective it was from God's perspective. A holy, righteous, unselfish perspective of a loving heavenly Father who longs for relationships with ALL His children.
"Now you see the desire of My heart. How I long to have a relationship with My children! How I wish they would look at Me and see Me! How it breaks My heart that they don't understand the power of communicating with Me. They don't call to Me with even the most basic of needs, and they certainly don't realize all that I want to do for them. Help Me. It is so painful to see My children like this."
In that moment I was so humbled. In that moment I was overwhelmed with heaviness for those who are lost. In that moment I could completely identify with God and was so comforted in knowing He completely understood me. No, I did not get a direct answer to my prayer. I got something better. I got a glimpse into the very heart of God.
At this point I'd love to tell you I have no idea why it took God so long to share this with me. Certainly He knew His answer the very first time I prayed this. However, He knew I wasn't ready for it. You see, had God given me this answer 5 years sooner - 3 years sooner - or even 1 year sooner I would not have cared about what He cared about. I was way too caught up in my own life and my own loss to care about others. In God's great wisdom, instead of giving me opportunity to sin by elevating my will and desire above His, He remained silent. The beauty is that God tells us what we need to know exactly when we need to know it. We are not waiting for Him, my friend. He is waiting for us. When our hearts are ready to receive His perspective, He will reveal it. In His response He not only gives us insight into Him but also a backward glance at how far He has brought us. How much He has transformed our hearts. Incredible.
The ability to identify with God is so very profound! Through the years I've heard many people question God's ability to identify with topics like children and marriage. But have we forgotten that God has children, and Jesus has a bride? Autism was an area of my life I never thought I could identify with God about. Excitedly, unexpectedly, and sadly enough I now can. I dare say that God has used my children's Autism to show me an even larger epidemic. One that plagues His children ... His bride. Spiritual Autism. Here is a list of diagnosing questions ...
1. Am I so rigid in keeping with my schedule and routine that God's divine appointments are bothersome to me?
2. Is my obsessive compulsiveness to details making me miss God's bigger picture?
3. When my perfectly lined up life gets thrown out of whack with an unforeseen obstacle, am I prone to meltdowns?
4. Do I make things in my life more difficult than they need to be because I don't ask God about them?
5. Am I too busy with the sound of my own voice to hear what God is trying to say to me?
6. Where am I missing God working in my life because I'm not looking for Him?
7. When something doesn't fit neatly in one of my preconceived God/Bible/Spiritual boxes, do I find myself throwing it over the fence into the ferns never to be found again? (That one's in honor of my sweet Hannah! How I love that girl!)
Do you see yourself in any of these questions? I see myself too. But I am so happy to tell you that unlike Autism, Spiritual Autism has a cure! That cure is abiding in God's word and being Spirit led.
This experience has resulted in three huge changes for me. One, a heart that longs to see lost souls saved. Two, a desire to see God's people aware of and set free from Spiritual Autism. And three, a better understanding of the power of persevering prayer.
Perseverance is the first word God gave me after Hannah's diagnosis in 2003. Matthew 7:7-8 paints a picture of perseverance. "Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking , the door will be opened." Revelation 3:20 reveals the persevering image we are created in as Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." God patiently, passionately, and perseveringly pursues us. He is not deterred when we do not respond. Is it any wonder that He has called us to do the same?
As I have witnessed the power of persevering prayer in my own life, I want to encourage you to persevere as well. No good thing will God withhold, but let Him decide what that good thing is and trust it to be revealed at just the right time. (Ps. 84:11) Many times that good thing is meant to prosper our soul, not just our situation. (3 John 2) Since we know God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, let us exercise both faith and patience as we watch our persevering prayer give way to His most beautiful promises. (Heb. 11:6, 6:12)
For example, Mark 4:22 which speaks of things that are in secret coming to light, things kept hidden in order to be manifested. 1 Cor. 2:16 tells us we have been given the mind of Christ, holding the very thoughts, feelings, and purposes of His heart. (Amplified Bible) In fact, God doesn't want us to miss His hidden truths because they are for us to know. (Rom. 11:25, Mark 4:11) These verses speak mainly of the mystery of the Church brought about through the mystery of Jesus and whom will be taken to heaven in the mystery of the rapture. These things are mysteries to the unbeliever but firm truths to those in Christ, and I believe are a template for the Christian life.
As individual believers, God is always at work establishing intimate relationships with each of us through mysteries He waits for us to find. Isaiah 45:3 gives a clear depiction of this. "And I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name." Another beautiful mystery which waits to unfold, and ironically also deals with our name, is in Rev. 2:17. "To him who overcomes, I will give to eat of the manna that is hidden, and I will give a white stone with a new name engraved on the stone, which no one knows or understands except he who receives it." ... and which according to Is. 62:2, God Himself will give us. Isn't that amazing!?! That is how profoundly close, how deeply intimate our walk with the Lord is to be here on earth.
However, we must also be mindful that as much as these mysteries and secrets are meant to be found, God alone has the perfect timing for their discovery. Let me share with you my personal experience with this. You see, for years I had prayed a prayer that I felt passionate about. One that I felt had scriptural bases. One that I, after about 7 years of praying it, began to wonder if I'd ever get an answer. The prayer was this ...
"Lord, You see the desire of my heart. How I long to have a relationship with my children! How I wish they would look at me and see me! How it breaks my heart that they don't understand the power of communicating with me. They don't call to me for even the most basic of needs, and they certainly don't realize all that I want to do for them. Help me, Lord. It is so painful to see my children like this."
After years of praying this prayer I found myself at a place of questioning if God understood me or even cared that my heart was so broken over my children. The last time I prayed this prayer I remember punctuating my point by saying "God, You desire to have a relationship with Your children! Well, I desire to have a relationship with mine!" (Can I just throw in here, NEVER think you are going to out wit God because that is when He will out wit you!) God chose to answer me by playing my prayer back to me, but instead of being from my perspective it was from God's perspective. A holy, righteous, unselfish perspective of a loving heavenly Father who longs for relationships with ALL His children.
"Now you see the desire of My heart. How I long to have a relationship with My children! How I wish they would look at Me and see Me! How it breaks My heart that they don't understand the power of communicating with Me. They don't call to Me with even the most basic of needs, and they certainly don't realize all that I want to do for them. Help Me. It is so painful to see My children like this."
In that moment I was so humbled. In that moment I was overwhelmed with heaviness for those who are lost. In that moment I could completely identify with God and was so comforted in knowing He completely understood me. No, I did not get a direct answer to my prayer. I got something better. I got a glimpse into the very heart of God.
At this point I'd love to tell you I have no idea why it took God so long to share this with me. Certainly He knew His answer the very first time I prayed this. However, He knew I wasn't ready for it. You see, had God given me this answer 5 years sooner - 3 years sooner - or even 1 year sooner I would not have cared about what He cared about. I was way too caught up in my own life and my own loss to care about others. In God's great wisdom, instead of giving me opportunity to sin by elevating my will and desire above His, He remained silent. The beauty is that God tells us what we need to know exactly when we need to know it. We are not waiting for Him, my friend. He is waiting for us. When our hearts are ready to receive His perspective, He will reveal it. In His response He not only gives us insight into Him but also a backward glance at how far He has brought us. How much He has transformed our hearts. Incredible.
The ability to identify with God is so very profound! Through the years I've heard many people question God's ability to identify with topics like children and marriage. But have we forgotten that God has children, and Jesus has a bride? Autism was an area of my life I never thought I could identify with God about. Excitedly, unexpectedly, and sadly enough I now can. I dare say that God has used my children's Autism to show me an even larger epidemic. One that plagues His children ... His bride. Spiritual Autism. Here is a list of diagnosing questions ...
1. Am I so rigid in keeping with my schedule and routine that God's divine appointments are bothersome to me?
2. Is my obsessive compulsiveness to details making me miss God's bigger picture?
3. When my perfectly lined up life gets thrown out of whack with an unforeseen obstacle, am I prone to meltdowns?
4. Do I make things in my life more difficult than they need to be because I don't ask God about them?
5. Am I too busy with the sound of my own voice to hear what God is trying to say to me?
6. Where am I missing God working in my life because I'm not looking for Him?
7. When something doesn't fit neatly in one of my preconceived God/Bible/Spiritual boxes, do I find myself throwing it over the fence into the ferns never to be found again? (That one's in honor of my sweet Hannah! How I love that girl!)
Do you see yourself in any of these questions? I see myself too. But I am so happy to tell you that unlike Autism, Spiritual Autism has a cure! That cure is abiding in God's word and being Spirit led.
This experience has resulted in three huge changes for me. One, a heart that longs to see lost souls saved. Two, a desire to see God's people aware of and set free from Spiritual Autism. And three, a better understanding of the power of persevering prayer.
Perseverance is the first word God gave me after Hannah's diagnosis in 2003. Matthew 7:7-8 paints a picture of perseverance. "Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking , the door will be opened." Revelation 3:20 reveals the persevering image we are created in as Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." God patiently, passionately, and perseveringly pursues us. He is not deterred when we do not respond. Is it any wonder that He has called us to do the same?
As I have witnessed the power of persevering prayer in my own life, I want to encourage you to persevere as well. No good thing will God withhold, but let Him decide what that good thing is and trust it to be revealed at just the right time. (Ps. 84:11) Many times that good thing is meant to prosper our soul, not just our situation. (3 John 2) Since we know God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, let us exercise both faith and patience as we watch our persevering prayer give way to His most beautiful promises. (Heb. 11:6, 6:12)
Thursday, September 10, 2015
The Revelation of Revelation 12:10
Some time ago I got back into running. I wish I could say it was for my health or to set a good example for my kids. Those reasons are so good and noble. But no. I am ashamed to admit my reason for getting back into running was to pound pavement. I had been very unfairly treated by someone close to me and was struggling with how to handle my hurt feelings, so I ran.
Every morning I would lace up my shoes, set the timer on my watch, and hit "play" on the recording of offense in my mind. I ran the same loop as the same loop ran in my mind ... "God it's just not fair. They did this. They said that. I feel so misunderstood" ...and on and on and on. This went on for about six months, when one day (for some reason) I decided to run the same loop in the opposite direction. With shoes laced, timer set, and my mental tape recorder going I headed out.
About halfway through the loop I came upon the sign at the front of the community where we live. This sign lists all the activities for that month. The way I was running before I had always come upon the sign head on. This time however, I came upon the back of the sign. Just black metal that was rather dusty and dirty in which someone had taken their finger and written "Let it Go!" I knew it was for me. I knew it was God trying to get my attention. I knew He had tried before and now had turned to a literal sign to get it. When I got back in the wooded trails I broke down. Crying out to God I repented of my unforgiveness. No matter how justified I thought I was, I was wrong. I chose right there by God's grace and strength to forgive my offender. I can't tell you how much lighter I felt as I finished my run home that day. I also cannot tell you all the opportunities that opened up to me after this, because the truth is God is ever merciful and faithful in correcting us. He loves us and wants to bless us, but true favor only comes as we are obedient to His commands.
A few weeks later during my quiet time with the Lord, I came across Revelation 12:10. It was the middle of the verse that stood out to me. " ... for the accuser of the brethren, he who keeps bringing before God charges against them day and night ..."
The accuser of the brethren (Satan) who keeps bringing before God charges against the brethren. All of a sudden a flood of conviction due to understanding enveloped me. All those months of pointing out the pain my accuser had caused me had turned me into an accuser of the brethren. Although innocent at the onset, now I was just as guilty because I hadn't done what God commands ... forgive and pray (Mark 11:25, Matt. 5:44). Proverbs 30:10 says "Do not slander a servant to his master or he will curse you, and you will become guilty." Jesus Himself, our example, says in John 5:45 "Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father." This is because Jesus was sent into the world not to judge it but to make a way for salvation (John 3:17). Be assured judgement is coming, and that is exactly why we need salvation through Christ.
To my fellow Believers I ask this, is it possible that the Church has been deceived and manipulated by Satan? Has he laid out bait and set a trap that our flesh too easily falls for? Are we allowing ourselves to be vessels for evil rather than good? My friend, Satan is not omnipresent like God. He cannot be in all places all the time. He cannot cause havoc on earth and stand before God as our accuser at the same time. Could it be that he has cunningly enlisted the help of people, and not just any people, God's people to do his job for him? How gleeful Satan must be knowing he has tricked many! How it must grieve God to see His own people ensnared in such a hoax!
Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us to "throw off every encumbrance and that sin that so readily entangles us and let us run with patient endurance the race that is set before us, looking away to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith." Church it is time to rise up. It it time to throw off the prideful sin of fault finding and finger pointing before the throne of God. It has diseased the very Body of Christ! It's time to stop the sibling rivalry. It's time to look away to the example of the Author and Finisher of our faith, the first born of many brethren. It's time to put on love. It's time to do what God calls us to do ...PRAY!
Oh Lord, may the sin of our brothers cause us to weep and pray. May we not become chained by offense and unforgiveness. May we choose love which covers instead of pride which exposes. We repent of being blinded to the truth. We repent of being manipulated and used by Satan. We thank you, Jesus that because of Your finished work on Calvary there is not a single accusation Satan can put on any who are in Christ that can't be covered by the blood. The cost of all sin has been paid. "For Whom the Son has set free is FREE indeed!" (John 8:36) We take our stand as the unified Body of Christ and watch as every chain is broken in Jesus mighty Name! Amen!
Every morning I would lace up my shoes, set the timer on my watch, and hit "play" on the recording of offense in my mind. I ran the same loop as the same loop ran in my mind ... "God it's just not fair. They did this. They said that. I feel so misunderstood" ...and on and on and on. This went on for about six months, when one day (for some reason) I decided to run the same loop in the opposite direction. With shoes laced, timer set, and my mental tape recorder going I headed out.
About halfway through the loop I came upon the sign at the front of the community where we live. This sign lists all the activities for that month. The way I was running before I had always come upon the sign head on. This time however, I came upon the back of the sign. Just black metal that was rather dusty and dirty in which someone had taken their finger and written "Let it Go!" I knew it was for me. I knew it was God trying to get my attention. I knew He had tried before and now had turned to a literal sign to get it. When I got back in the wooded trails I broke down. Crying out to God I repented of my unforgiveness. No matter how justified I thought I was, I was wrong. I chose right there by God's grace and strength to forgive my offender. I can't tell you how much lighter I felt as I finished my run home that day. I also cannot tell you all the opportunities that opened up to me after this, because the truth is God is ever merciful and faithful in correcting us. He loves us and wants to bless us, but true favor only comes as we are obedient to His commands.
A few weeks later during my quiet time with the Lord, I came across Revelation 12:10. It was the middle of the verse that stood out to me. " ... for the accuser of the brethren, he who keeps bringing before God charges against them day and night ..."
The accuser of the brethren (Satan) who keeps bringing before God charges against the brethren. All of a sudden a flood of conviction due to understanding enveloped me. All those months of pointing out the pain my accuser had caused me had turned me into an accuser of the brethren. Although innocent at the onset, now I was just as guilty because I hadn't done what God commands ... forgive and pray (Mark 11:25, Matt. 5:44). Proverbs 30:10 says "Do not slander a servant to his master or he will curse you, and you will become guilty." Jesus Himself, our example, says in John 5:45 "Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father." This is because Jesus was sent into the world not to judge it but to make a way for salvation (John 3:17). Be assured judgement is coming, and that is exactly why we need salvation through Christ.
To my fellow Believers I ask this, is it possible that the Church has been deceived and manipulated by Satan? Has he laid out bait and set a trap that our flesh too easily falls for? Are we allowing ourselves to be vessels for evil rather than good? My friend, Satan is not omnipresent like God. He cannot be in all places all the time. He cannot cause havoc on earth and stand before God as our accuser at the same time. Could it be that he has cunningly enlisted the help of people, and not just any people, God's people to do his job for him? How gleeful Satan must be knowing he has tricked many! How it must grieve God to see His own people ensnared in such a hoax!
Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us to "throw off every encumbrance and that sin that so readily entangles us and let us run with patient endurance the race that is set before us, looking away to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith." Church it is time to rise up. It it time to throw off the prideful sin of fault finding and finger pointing before the throne of God. It has diseased the very Body of Christ! It's time to stop the sibling rivalry. It's time to look away to the example of the Author and Finisher of our faith, the first born of many brethren. It's time to put on love. It's time to do what God calls us to do ...PRAY!
Oh Lord, may the sin of our brothers cause us to weep and pray. May we not become chained by offense and unforgiveness. May we choose love which covers instead of pride which exposes. We repent of being blinded to the truth. We repent of being manipulated and used by Satan. We thank you, Jesus that because of Your finished work on Calvary there is not a single accusation Satan can put on any who are in Christ that can't be covered by the blood. The cost of all sin has been paid. "For Whom the Son has set free is FREE indeed!" (John 8:36) We take our stand as the unified Body of Christ and watch as every chain is broken in Jesus mighty Name! Amen!
Thursday, August 27, 2015
On Display
Summer. For special needs families it's not just a season of humidity but a season of humility. God always uses summer to once again reiterate how much I need Him every second of every day to walk this journey out. I'm slowly learning to embrace this season because I know God is working in me, but it is hard. I know of several other special moms that are in the same boat as me ... more than one child with a disability. This makes it nearly impossible to get out of the house and go places. Imagine going to the park (or anywhere else) with two children that at any moment could take off in opposite directions. How do you split yourself in half to chase after them? It's very difficult. So unless a friend or family member or dad is available you are stuck at home, and the longer the summer goes on the more the walls around you seem to cave in. The kids can feel it too. Other than assimilating to a new schedule, they are excited to get out of the house and go back to school. And let's be honest, so am I. However, this doesn't mean I don't love my kids or that we didn't make some fun memories over the summer.
Without a doubt the highlight of our summer the past two years has been the week we spent in Alabama at Joni and Friends Family Retreat (JAF). JAF is a Christian camp for families who have been affected by disabilities. It's founder is Joni Eareckson Tada who herself became a quadriplegic as a teenager. From the moment you arrive you are embraced as family. Your special children are assigned STMs (Short Term Missions), and your typical children are assigned a buddy. These incredible people are there to help all week long with your children enabling you to do things you normally couldn't do. What a blessing!
The other blessing comes in being connected to other moms and dads of special needs children. It was in one of these group meetings toward the end of the week that we shared what this experience had meant to us. This meeting with just women can turn from laughter, to crying, to a hearty AMEN! at any moment. It was in this meeting where I got the chance to share my heart, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share with you as well.
Many times through the years people have told me how inspired they are by me. How touched they are by my family and it's very untypical challenges. I have always very politely thanked people but have never really understood what they are talking about. I mean honestly, there are days where I don't even feel inspired to get a shower, and my family's unique challenges many times inspire me to take a nap! But what I've come to learn through my time at JAF is that God's grace is very different depending on whether you are dealing with a disability or observing others who are dealing with a disability. As we are usually the family on display, I don't see what others see. However my time at JAF has given me many opportunities to be the observer, and what I've seen is truly a remarkable thing. It's given me the vantage point of others who see me and my family, and it is inspiring. Watching the grace of God flow into a mom dealing with a child in full blown meltdown mode. Watching the grace of God flow from several adults helping a physically disabled adult transfer from a wheel chair into an inner tube at the pool. Watching the grace of God flow from STMs to kids who won't enter the cafeteria because of sensory issues. Watching the grace of God flow from one person with a disability to another person with a disability. Watching the grace of God flow as an adult with Autism helps moms and dads understand their non-verbal child with Autism. Or how about finding out that STMs and buddies are not only volunteers, they pay their own way to be there to help your family? Or how about learning that a buddy assigned to your family has just been through their own personal tragedy six weeks ago and still grieving but is there to serve you? Grace on full display.
You cannot help but be changed and transformed after being in such an environment for a week. It is truly the most beautiful picture of the Body of Christ in motion, and what you eventually learn is that everyone, even and especially those with disabilities, plays a part. What you eventually realize is that we all have limitations and need each other. What you eventually see is how God's strength is displayed through one member of the Body in the area that another member is weak. We are kidding ourselves when we think we don't need each other. And I think this might just be the greatest blessing in being part of the handicapped community ... and that's that we get this concept. We know isolation well and because of that we embrace interdependence. Arms can function but they function better with an elbow, a shoulder, a hand, and fingers and thumbs. You see what I mean?
After this experience I have such a different perspective on being the family on display in public. (Not that I enjoy it any better). But I now realize that someone needs to see this. Someone needs to witness the grace of God that so evidently flows in a difficult situation. However, the truth is this. If you are a member of the Body of Christ you are on display also. In your home. Outside of your home. At work. At school. To your neighbors, family, and community. You are a member of God's family on display.
In my very short career in retail many moons ago, I remember one thing about setting up a window display. It's got to catch people's attention. It's got to draw the eye. It's got to make people want it. You see where I'm going with this, I'm sure. What about you and the way you live your life draws people's attention? What catches their eye? Do they see such a difference between themselves and you that they want what you have?
1 Peter 2:9 says this "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. A peculiar people (I LOVE that part!) that should DISPLAY the perfection of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
My fellow Believers, we are not called to look like the world. We are in this world but not of it. We deal with the same problems as many other people, but we should not be dealing with them the same way. His light within us should be catching people's attention, drawing the eye upward, and making people realize they want Jesus. They NEED Jesus! We live in a lost, confused, dying world, and the only part of you that you should focus on giving away, both in word and in deed, is Him because it's the only thing that matters. It's the only thing that's going to make a lasting impact to that waitress who served you coffee, that mechanic that fixed your car, that neighbor that just found out their spouse is leaving them, that friend whose loved one has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Let's get off the sidelines! Let's get in the race! Let's make a real difference in real lives that have real problems! Let's vow to be open and honest with others about our own struggles and the amazing grace we have received through Christ because of and in spite of them. Let's give them the very best that we can offer of ourselves. Let's give them Jesus ..."The mystery of which was hidden for ages and generations, but is now revealed to His saints ... which is Christ within and among you, the Hope of realizing the glory." (Col. 1:26-27).
Without a doubt the highlight of our summer the past two years has been the week we spent in Alabama at Joni and Friends Family Retreat (JAF). JAF is a Christian camp for families who have been affected by disabilities. It's founder is Joni Eareckson Tada who herself became a quadriplegic as a teenager. From the moment you arrive you are embraced as family. Your special children are assigned STMs (Short Term Missions), and your typical children are assigned a buddy. These incredible people are there to help all week long with your children enabling you to do things you normally couldn't do. What a blessing!
The other blessing comes in being connected to other moms and dads of special needs children. It was in one of these group meetings toward the end of the week that we shared what this experience had meant to us. This meeting with just women can turn from laughter, to crying, to a hearty AMEN! at any moment. It was in this meeting where I got the chance to share my heart, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share with you as well.
Many times through the years people have told me how inspired they are by me. How touched they are by my family and it's very untypical challenges. I have always very politely thanked people but have never really understood what they are talking about. I mean honestly, there are days where I don't even feel inspired to get a shower, and my family's unique challenges many times inspire me to take a nap! But what I've come to learn through my time at JAF is that God's grace is very different depending on whether you are dealing with a disability or observing others who are dealing with a disability. As we are usually the family on display, I don't see what others see. However my time at JAF has given me many opportunities to be the observer, and what I've seen is truly a remarkable thing. It's given me the vantage point of others who see me and my family, and it is inspiring. Watching the grace of God flow into a mom dealing with a child in full blown meltdown mode. Watching the grace of God flow from several adults helping a physically disabled adult transfer from a wheel chair into an inner tube at the pool. Watching the grace of God flow from STMs to kids who won't enter the cafeteria because of sensory issues. Watching the grace of God flow from one person with a disability to another person with a disability. Watching the grace of God flow as an adult with Autism helps moms and dads understand their non-verbal child with Autism. Or how about finding out that STMs and buddies are not only volunteers, they pay their own way to be there to help your family? Or how about learning that a buddy assigned to your family has just been through their own personal tragedy six weeks ago and still grieving but is there to serve you? Grace on full display.
You cannot help but be changed and transformed after being in such an environment for a week. It is truly the most beautiful picture of the Body of Christ in motion, and what you eventually learn is that everyone, even and especially those with disabilities, plays a part. What you eventually realize is that we all have limitations and need each other. What you eventually see is how God's strength is displayed through one member of the Body in the area that another member is weak. We are kidding ourselves when we think we don't need each other. And I think this might just be the greatest blessing in being part of the handicapped community ... and that's that we get this concept. We know isolation well and because of that we embrace interdependence. Arms can function but they function better with an elbow, a shoulder, a hand, and fingers and thumbs. You see what I mean?
After this experience I have such a different perspective on being the family on display in public. (Not that I enjoy it any better). But I now realize that someone needs to see this. Someone needs to witness the grace of God that so evidently flows in a difficult situation. However, the truth is this. If you are a member of the Body of Christ you are on display also. In your home. Outside of your home. At work. At school. To your neighbors, family, and community. You are a member of God's family on display.
In my very short career in retail many moons ago, I remember one thing about setting up a window display. It's got to catch people's attention. It's got to draw the eye. It's got to make people want it. You see where I'm going with this, I'm sure. What about you and the way you live your life draws people's attention? What catches their eye? Do they see such a difference between themselves and you that they want what you have?
1 Peter 2:9 says this "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. A peculiar people (I LOVE that part!) that should DISPLAY the perfection of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
My fellow Believers, we are not called to look like the world. We are in this world but not of it. We deal with the same problems as many other people, but we should not be dealing with them the same way. His light within us should be catching people's attention, drawing the eye upward, and making people realize they want Jesus. They NEED Jesus! We live in a lost, confused, dying world, and the only part of you that you should focus on giving away, both in word and in deed, is Him because it's the only thing that matters. It's the only thing that's going to make a lasting impact to that waitress who served you coffee, that mechanic that fixed your car, that neighbor that just found out their spouse is leaving them, that friend whose loved one has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Let's get off the sidelines! Let's get in the race! Let's make a real difference in real lives that have real problems! Let's vow to be open and honest with others about our own struggles and the amazing grace we have received through Christ because of and in spite of them. Let's give them the very best that we can offer of ourselves. Let's give them Jesus ..."The mystery of which was hidden for ages and generations, but is now revealed to His saints ... which is Christ within and among you, the Hope of realizing the glory." (Col. 1:26-27).
Sunday, August 23, 2015
August 22 ... What's Your Due Date?
August 22. A seemingly random date. For much of my life it was. However in 2000 my daughter Hannah was born on this date. Coincidently it was her actual "due date" which I'm told only 5% of babies are ever born on. What a happy day! Our second child but first daughter. So many dreams where born that day as she took her first breath ... dreams of our relationship, dreams of her future, dreams of fun holidays, dreams of her accomplishments ...
Not quite three years later we would learn that our precious daughter had Landau-Kleffner Syndrome. A syndrome characterized by an abnormal EEG ... spiking in the temporal lobes which is the speech and language center of the brain. This diagnosis was very rare and therefore the prognosis was uncertain. This syndrome presents itself much like a severe case of Autism. Therapies recommended for children with Autism were what was recommended for us to try with Hannah.
Fast forward to yesterday, August 22, 2015. Hannah's 15th Birthday. As the years have gone by this date has become more and more pregnant with conflicting emotions. One emotion wants to celebrate the birth of this special child that has taught me so much. I would NEVER want Hannah to think she was somehow less and not worth celebrating. I'm certain God celebrates Hannah and sings over her. Why then wouldn't I? But quite honestly, the other emotion wishes we could skip this date all together. How do you celebrate a day that has brought more heartache, tears, and challenges to our life than any other? As she gets older, this day is a sad reminder of the fact that although she is growing up chronologically, cognitively she has not. This date that marks the birth of dreams held on to as well as the laying to rest of dreams as the years have gone by. This is a difficult day for my husband and I. Birthdays are difficult for many parents with children with disabilities.
However, and praise God, this is the point where He steps in to remind me that these are my thoughts, not His. These were my dreams, not His. These were my plans, not His. These are my way of perceiving what has happened, not His. I have no doubt that God loves Hannah more than even I do. Therefore I have no doubt that His plans and dreams for her are far better than anything I could have imagined for her. Special needs parenting is a continual faith walk, and as is the case with any faith walk, one must continually stir up their faith to walk it.
Back before I did not yet know this, I remember having a total breakdown with God one day as I pressed Him once again for WHEN Hannah would be delivered from her world of isolation. I will never forget what came up in my Spirit that day as it has carried me through many birthdays (and other weary days). "Just like Hannah had a due date to be delivered, she has a due date for her deliverance." WOW! (Again, the power punch to this statement is that Hannah WAS delivered on her due date!)
So we wait, but we are not alone in our waiting. God never calls us to something without empowering us to do it, and many times the empowering He gives us is in identifying with Him. Waiting is no different.
I was reminded of this yesterday as I made Hannah's birthday cake and my thoughts drifted back to a conversation I had had earlier this year with the Lord. I remember asking God, yet again, why people must wait for any benefit of which Jesus died on the cross to give us? If it is finished as Jesus declares in John 19:30 why must we wait? Certainly I know it is finished in the spiritual realm, but I was growing weary in waiting and wanting to see some physical realm change. That was when I came across Phil. 2:10-11 as if for the first time ... reading it with fresh perspective eyes ... "That at the name of Jesus every knee must bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father." And that's when it hit me ... Jesus is waiting too. This scripture is not yet fulfilled, and according to Matt. 24:36 Jesus Himself does not know the day or hour it will be fulfilled. I can certainly identify with that! In fact all of Revelation waits to come to pass. Jesus, although known as Lord to the Church, is still mocked by much of society ... maybe more today than ever! Yes, Jesus waits too, and like everything else Jesus experienced we can choose to identify with Him and let him teach us about waiting.
*So how is Jesus waiting?
Well, for starters, He's not pacing Heaven's floor biting His fingernails wondering if these things will happen. Ephesians 1:20 tells us that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God the Father. Seated ... a position of rest. The right hand of God ... a position of power and authority. Then if you drop down to Ephesians 2:6 you will see that we are seated with Him!
*So what is Jesus doing while He waits?
Hebrews 4:14 says He is our High Priest. We are to hold fast to our confession of faith in Him, which is also His Word, because we know it does not return void (Is.55:11). Hebrews 7:25 says He is continually making intercession for us. Likewise, scripture directs us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thes. 5:17).
*What is Jesus patiently expecting to be the end result of His waiting?
Acts 2:35 says "Till I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet." ('Your' here is referring to Jesus). Again, we are seated with Him and part of His Body (Eph. 1:22-23). Romans 16:20 reads "And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." (Here, 'your' is referring to us). As one of my favorite pastors says "So even if you are the skin on the bottom of the pinky toe of Christ, Satan is UNDER YOU!"
We can and should wait with the same expectancy and assurance as our Savior. The outcome is certain even if the timing is not.
Many scriptures have helped me persevere. Psalm 37:13. "The Lord laughs at the wicked, for He sees that their own day of defeat is coming." My friend, I have decided if God is laughing I can laugh too. After all it is the best medicine, but more than that Philippians 1:28 says "And do not for a moment be frightened or intimated in anything by your adversaries, for such fearlessness will be a clear sign and proof to them of their impending destruction, but a sure token of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God."
So friend, are you in a season of waiting? Is the waiting starting to feel endless? Rest assured that there is a "due date" on the promise you are waiting for. "But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" (Hab. 2:3) Praise God! He will redeem the time and restore what was lost (Joel 2:25).
(This blog post is dedicated to my most precious daughter, Hannah. As I look back I realize I didn't get what I wanted, I got more. I got what I needed. How grateful I am for you. And though this life looks nothing like I imagined, God is working a wonder ... a glorious masterpiece that will unfold in its appointed time, and it will mean far more because of the journey we have traveled. I love you!)
Not quite three years later we would learn that our precious daughter had Landau-Kleffner Syndrome. A syndrome characterized by an abnormal EEG ... spiking in the temporal lobes which is the speech and language center of the brain. This diagnosis was very rare and therefore the prognosis was uncertain. This syndrome presents itself much like a severe case of Autism. Therapies recommended for children with Autism were what was recommended for us to try with Hannah.
Fast forward to yesterday, August 22, 2015. Hannah's 15th Birthday. As the years have gone by this date has become more and more pregnant with conflicting emotions. One emotion wants to celebrate the birth of this special child that has taught me so much. I would NEVER want Hannah to think she was somehow less and not worth celebrating. I'm certain God celebrates Hannah and sings over her. Why then wouldn't I? But quite honestly, the other emotion wishes we could skip this date all together. How do you celebrate a day that has brought more heartache, tears, and challenges to our life than any other? As she gets older, this day is a sad reminder of the fact that although she is growing up chronologically, cognitively she has not. This date that marks the birth of dreams held on to as well as the laying to rest of dreams as the years have gone by. This is a difficult day for my husband and I. Birthdays are difficult for many parents with children with disabilities.
However, and praise God, this is the point where He steps in to remind me that these are my thoughts, not His. These were my dreams, not His. These were my plans, not His. These are my way of perceiving what has happened, not His. I have no doubt that God loves Hannah more than even I do. Therefore I have no doubt that His plans and dreams for her are far better than anything I could have imagined for her. Special needs parenting is a continual faith walk, and as is the case with any faith walk, one must continually stir up their faith to walk it.
Back before I did not yet know this, I remember having a total breakdown with God one day as I pressed Him once again for WHEN Hannah would be delivered from her world of isolation. I will never forget what came up in my Spirit that day as it has carried me through many birthdays (and other weary days). "Just like Hannah had a due date to be delivered, she has a due date for her deliverance." WOW! (Again, the power punch to this statement is that Hannah WAS delivered on her due date!)
So we wait, but we are not alone in our waiting. God never calls us to something without empowering us to do it, and many times the empowering He gives us is in identifying with Him. Waiting is no different.
I was reminded of this yesterday as I made Hannah's birthday cake and my thoughts drifted back to a conversation I had had earlier this year with the Lord. I remember asking God, yet again, why people must wait for any benefit of which Jesus died on the cross to give us? If it is finished as Jesus declares in John 19:30 why must we wait? Certainly I know it is finished in the spiritual realm, but I was growing weary in waiting and wanting to see some physical realm change. That was when I came across Phil. 2:10-11 as if for the first time ... reading it with fresh perspective eyes ... "That at the name of Jesus every knee must bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father." And that's when it hit me ... Jesus is waiting too. This scripture is not yet fulfilled, and according to Matt. 24:36 Jesus Himself does not know the day or hour it will be fulfilled. I can certainly identify with that! In fact all of Revelation waits to come to pass. Jesus, although known as Lord to the Church, is still mocked by much of society ... maybe more today than ever! Yes, Jesus waits too, and like everything else Jesus experienced we can choose to identify with Him and let him teach us about waiting.
*So how is Jesus waiting?
Well, for starters, He's not pacing Heaven's floor biting His fingernails wondering if these things will happen. Ephesians 1:20 tells us that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God the Father. Seated ... a position of rest. The right hand of God ... a position of power and authority. Then if you drop down to Ephesians 2:6 you will see that we are seated with Him!
*So what is Jesus doing while He waits?
Hebrews 4:14 says He is our High Priest. We are to hold fast to our confession of faith in Him, which is also His Word, because we know it does not return void (Is.55:11). Hebrews 7:25 says He is continually making intercession for us. Likewise, scripture directs us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thes. 5:17).
*What is Jesus patiently expecting to be the end result of His waiting?
Acts 2:35 says "Till I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet." ('Your' here is referring to Jesus). Again, we are seated with Him and part of His Body (Eph. 1:22-23). Romans 16:20 reads "And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." (Here, 'your' is referring to us). As one of my favorite pastors says "So even if you are the skin on the bottom of the pinky toe of Christ, Satan is UNDER YOU!"
We can and should wait with the same expectancy and assurance as our Savior. The outcome is certain even if the timing is not.
Many scriptures have helped me persevere. Psalm 37:13. "The Lord laughs at the wicked, for He sees that their own day of defeat is coming." My friend, I have decided if God is laughing I can laugh too. After all it is the best medicine, but more than that Philippians 1:28 says "And do not for a moment be frightened or intimated in anything by your adversaries, for such fearlessness will be a clear sign and proof to them of their impending destruction, but a sure token of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God."
So friend, are you in a season of waiting? Is the waiting starting to feel endless? Rest assured that there is a "due date" on the promise you are waiting for. "But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" (Hab. 2:3) Praise God! He will redeem the time and restore what was lost (Joel 2:25).
(This blog post is dedicated to my most precious daughter, Hannah. As I look back I realize I didn't get what I wanted, I got more. I got what I needed. How grateful I am for you. And though this life looks nothing like I imagined, God is working a wonder ... a glorious masterpiece that will unfold in its appointed time, and it will mean far more because of the journey we have traveled. I love you!)
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
An Above and Beyond Kind of God
A few months ago my little guy Gabe came to me with a broken toy. He is non-verbal Autistic so communication can be a real challenge for him. He set the toy in my lap and pressed the button that should've activated the toy to demonstrate it wasn't working. Reassuring him with a, "Mommy will fix it," I sat down with a screw driver and some new batteries. However, as I began to unscrew the back of the toy ... removing screws, taking the back panel off, pulling out dead batteries ... Gabe began to completely flip! He fell to the floor screaming and crying. He then attempted to take the toy back. Finally in a last ditch panic effort to communicate he flipped the toy back over, pressing the "go" button again as if to say, "What are you doing! Just fix this! This is all that's broken!" I continued to reassure him saying "It's okay. I'm fixing it." Although from his perspective I could clearly see how he thought I was making things worse, not better. After all the toy not only still didn't work ... it was now in pieces!
That was when I heard a still small voice say "This is exactly what my people do. They come to me with what's broken and don't trust that I know how to fix it." Tears welled up in my eyes as through my child I saw myself. I saw a young woman who took her broken dreams for herself, her daughter, and her family to the Lord to fix. I saw my anger and frustration with God when He didn't do things in the way and timing I thought He should. I saw myself take the situation back into my own hands as I walked away from God. I saw a battered and beaten woman return to God, broken item still in tow. I saw a God that brought yet another disabled child into our lives. I saw a God that began by dismantling me. I saw a God that dared to challenge my perspective, thoughts, and attitudes. A God that began to take me back through His Word to reveal deeper truths. A God that began to challenge other areas of my life as well ... finances, marriage, etc.
These things all flashed before my eyes as the words of Isaiah 55:8 came to mind "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are My ways your ways." You know why God allows broken things? Because He knows that is what will bring us to Him. He knows we will come to seek His hand and that from there He can show us His face. And although He cares about that broken thing that we care about, He also knows that the thing that needs fixing most is us. As I look back at nearly 13 years of my "mom of special needs children" walk I can see the changes He's made in me, my husband, and our family. Not to say there aren't things that I see that still need to change. But in spite of the pain and the brokenness, I am grateful.
Truthfully I've come to realize that because God is an "above and beyond" kind of God He is ALWAYS after the greatest good for us and the most glory for Him (Eph 3:20). When we bring that one broken thing to God, we are inviting Him in to invade every area of our lives. God gradually begins to pull things apart so that He can fix, heal, and deliver us from things we in our humanness don't even realize we need fixed, healed, and delivered from. And because of this, we always end up far better off than the way we started. Which brings me back to Gabe ...
As I finished fixing his toy I noticed a separate battery compartment. I quickly changed out the batteries in it too. When I handed the toy back to Gabe and watched him hit the "go" button, to both our surprise it not only lit up and made sounds as it always had before. It also began to rumble, vibrate, and shake! I watched as he happily walked away to play with his "once broken but now fixed above and beyond his wildest imagination" toy. If I can do that for my child, how much more does God want to do that for me? (Matt. 7:11)
Don't lose heart, friend. Our "above and beyond" God is forever on the throne, and "eye has not seen and ear has not heard all that God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Cor. 2:9)
That was when I heard a still small voice say "This is exactly what my people do. They come to me with what's broken and don't trust that I know how to fix it." Tears welled up in my eyes as through my child I saw myself. I saw a young woman who took her broken dreams for herself, her daughter, and her family to the Lord to fix. I saw my anger and frustration with God when He didn't do things in the way and timing I thought He should. I saw myself take the situation back into my own hands as I walked away from God. I saw a battered and beaten woman return to God, broken item still in tow. I saw a God that brought yet another disabled child into our lives. I saw a God that began by dismantling me. I saw a God that dared to challenge my perspective, thoughts, and attitudes. A God that began to take me back through His Word to reveal deeper truths. A God that began to challenge other areas of my life as well ... finances, marriage, etc.
These things all flashed before my eyes as the words of Isaiah 55:8 came to mind "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are My ways your ways." You know why God allows broken things? Because He knows that is what will bring us to Him. He knows we will come to seek His hand and that from there He can show us His face. And although He cares about that broken thing that we care about, He also knows that the thing that needs fixing most is us. As I look back at nearly 13 years of my "mom of special needs children" walk I can see the changes He's made in me, my husband, and our family. Not to say there aren't things that I see that still need to change. But in spite of the pain and the brokenness, I am grateful.
Truthfully I've come to realize that because God is an "above and beyond" kind of God He is ALWAYS after the greatest good for us and the most glory for Him (Eph 3:20). When we bring that one broken thing to God, we are inviting Him in to invade every area of our lives. God gradually begins to pull things apart so that He can fix, heal, and deliver us from things we in our humanness don't even realize we need fixed, healed, and delivered from. And because of this, we always end up far better off than the way we started. Which brings me back to Gabe ...
As I finished fixing his toy I noticed a separate battery compartment. I quickly changed out the batteries in it too. When I handed the toy back to Gabe and watched him hit the "go" button, to both our surprise it not only lit up and made sounds as it always had before. It also began to rumble, vibrate, and shake! I watched as he happily walked away to play with his "once broken but now fixed above and beyond his wildest imagination" toy. If I can do that for my child, how much more does God want to do that for me? (Matt. 7:11)
Don't lose heart, friend. Our "above and beyond" God is forever on the throne, and "eye has not seen and ear has not heard all that God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Cor. 2:9)
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