Well I certainly did not intend on blogging today ... I really need to clean my house, but there is nothing like a good run to clear the mind. As He so often does, God began speaking to my heart about the election results last night and continued to reveal things to me as I ran this morning. I feel compelled to share these things with all of you out there who, like me were probably VERY disappointed last night. Before I continue, let me just say these statements are not meant to politically divide but to spiritually unite.
The first stirring I received is that Jesus is coming soon. This was not a mental thought but a spiritual discerning. Here are a few points to back that up: First, almost all of Biblical prophecy has been fulfilled, and with the re-election of President Obama more will be. In the last days ALL nations will turn their back on Israel. (Ezek. 38:16) If Obama's second term is anything like his first, it is quite clear that this will indeed happen. Second, the Bible says in the last days good will be seen as evil and evil as good. As I watch so many of my fellow Christian Americans worry more about taxation and entitlement programs than abortion and homosexual marriage, it is clear to me that they too have been blinded as to the difference between good and evil. Third, the Bible clearly speaks of an overflow of natural disasters that will strike the earth. (Mark 13) I have never in my nearly 40 years of living seen such a magnitude of amount and intensity of these devastating storms ... Al Gore is right about that. However he is wrong about their source. It is not GLOBAL WARMING. It is GLOBAL WARNING! Many other signs of the end are given ... wars and rumors of wars, famine, calamities, etc. (Mark 13) Certainly no man knows the time of Christ's return, but as Jesus pointed out in Matthew 24:37 "As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." Others did not perceive the time, but Noah did. He had been building an ark for YEARS! In Noah's day just like today, sin abounded. But Romans 5:20 says "where sin abounds, grace (God's unmerited favor) has surpassed and superabounds!"
So if indeed we are living at the end of ages then what is this all about, and what is God doing? First of all you must realize that in the New Testament the word of God addresses 3 different groups ... the Jews, the Church, and the Nations. So ask yourself, what one are you a part of? American Christians and Christians around the world must begin to see through the eyes of God about this. It isn't about America, Great Britain, Canada, Japan, Germany, Australia, or any other country. It's about the CHURCH! God is readying His Church for Jesus' return. This is a time of preparation that will lead to separation. In the book of Matthew, God speaks of separating the wheat from the tares and the sheep from the goats (chapters 13 & 25). Notice they are all together at first. The tares think they are wheat and the goats think they are sheep, but they are not. Again Matthew chapter 7 is very eye opening in that Jesus tells some to depart from Him that thought they knew Him but really didn't.
The Old Testament is a forerunner of the New Testament. Think of how often God spoke to Israel trying to get them to change their ways and yet they wouldn't. They were stiff necked, rebellious, and hard hearted toward Him. So (after giving numerous warnings through Himself and prophets) what did He allow to happen? He allowed them to be scattered and for sufferings to come in their life, but He did promise that He would gather them back home again. This began in the 1940's at the end of WWII with the recreation of the state of Israel. (Prophecied in the end of the book of Ezekiel). Think of it this way. As a parent you keep trying to tell your child to stop a certain behavior knowing that it will lead to destruction, but they don't listen. At some point you realize they will have to fall on their face before they will get it. As much as this pains you it is the only way to get them to open their eyes to the truth. This is the very process that we are in right now. It may be painful, but it will bring about good. Just as God promised to bring a refined Israel home, He promises to bring the refined Church home.
So clearly we are in a time of judgement and will continue to be. This is preparation time. Time to allow God to refine us, and it is through that process He is revealing Himself to His beloved Church. Look at the letters to the Churches in the book of Revelation. Chapters 2&3 are not just meant for those specific churches but for the Church today. To Ephesus He warns that they have abandoned their first love. To Smyrna he warns of suffering but promises deliverance. To Pergamum He warns of Idolatry of false Gods. To Thyatira He warns of false prophets and sexual sin. To Sardis He warns to stir themselves up and become alive. To Philadelphia He encourages to stay faithful and patiently and expectantly endure. To Laodicea He warns of being lukewarm. What is my point? My point is we need to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us about where we are falling short so we can repent. "Those whom I dearly and tenderly love, I tell their faults and convince, reprove, and chasten (I discipline and instruct them). So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and REPENT (change your mind and attitude)." Rev. 3:19
In the end the Bible warns that things will get worse FOR THE NATIONS, but remember we are the CHURCH, the Body of whom Jesus is the Head. Has not Jesus cleansed us and atoned for all of our sins? Are we not the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus? Jesus has already paid the price for the judgement that is coming upon the earth (nations) for those who believe on Him. Romans 1:17 says "The JUST shall live by faith." Who are "the just"? Those who have been justified, who are made righteous and in right standing with God through the shed blood of Jesus Christ! That's us!!! We have been declared NOT GUILTY! Church, we need a real revelation of who we are in Christ and what has already been done for us so that we can operate in the faith of that knowledge. We need a real revelation of God's love ... the love that held Jesus to that cross and paid a price we could NEVER pay. We need to be so deeply rooted and grounded in it that NOTHING can shake us. Remember "Perfect love casteth out all fear" (1 John 4:18), and "Faith works by love." (Gal. 5:6) LOVE IS SO VERY IMPORTANT!
Many of my fellow American Christians are very angry about the outcome of this election. Don't be. Government is not your source! God is! God is still on the throne, and He will never relinquish control. We are to pray for our leaders knowing that the heart of the king (president) is in God's hand (1 Tim. 2:1/ Prov 21:1). Take a look at 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land." Who is God addressing here? His people, the church - us. What is He telling us to do? Humble ourselves, pray, seek, crave, require Him as a vital necessity, and turn or repent from our wicked ways. What has He promised to do? Let our candidate win the White House so that he can fix everything? NO! God Himself will hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land. God has called and expects His people to do this. He knows the rest of the world doesn't get it. They are blinded to the truth! (John 14:17) If we were ever called to be the salt, light, and hope of the earth it is NOW!
God has arranged this specific time in history to offer a crash course for His Church, a wake-up call that America has been needing. This course is going to teach us how to operate just like Jesus did, doing only what His Father did and saying only what His Father said. (John 5:19) We are about to see what Ephesians 1 calls the "fullness of the body of Christ." We are about to experience the "greater works that we will do" that Jesus foretold (John 14:12). Because of this the world is going to flock to the church like never before, and a great end time harvest of souls will be the result! If you already have revelation on principles like faith and love, continue to walk in them being an example to other Christians. Come alongside your brother and sister in Christ and help them walk it out. Edify and build one another up! If you don't yet clearly get these principles seek the Lord as well as other Christians, a church home, and teaching ministries that will help you. Jesus is coming back for "a glorious Church without spot or wrinkle." (Eph. 5:27) He is patiently waiting for us to be ready, but even He doesn't know the hour in which God has predestined for His return (Mark 13:32). Look inward and check your spirit. I think you will sense the time is near. The Bridegroom is at the door expectantly anticipating to carry His Bride across the threshold to eternal glory in Heaven. The question is, is the Bride expectantly anticipating her Bridegroom? We have alot to do. Let's get ready! (Rev. 19:7)
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
Running the Race ... to WIN!
Back in the fall of 1992 I was presented an opportunity to run cross-country for the University of Memphis. I was thrilled as I had no idea how I was going to pay for college, and this opportunity came with a half tuition and books scholarship. As a member of the athletic department I had access to things that other college students didn't have. There was a study hall with private tutors, nutritionists, trainers, physical therapists, etc. The school paid for running shoes, uniform, warm-ups, jacket, etc. and of course a great coach. We had rigorous workouts. Some days our coach had us run sprints, other days long distances, and the occasional weight room workout. She knew how to get her runners in shape.
The Friday before the meet, I remember getting in the school van and traveling, many times out of state. (This is the cross-country team I'm talking about not the football team ... we didn't fly.) When we arrived at the race site that evening our coach would jog through the course with us. Although she didn't have a hand in designing the course she always knew it well ... "This part is flat and fast. This part is downhill, a good place to rest because around the bend is a big hill." She knew all our strengths and weaknesses as runners, and she instructed each of us how to run our best race. Then we would go check into our hotel, grab some dinner, chill out for an hour, and then lights out. Race day was tomorrow!
I learned alot about running in my short and not-so-distinguished collegiate career. However as an adult I look back and see the preparation for running a very different race ... the race of LIFE! You see God is the designer of our race course. Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are God's own handiwork recreated in Christ Jesus, that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us, taking paths which He prepared ahead of time ..." Jesus Christ has paid the price for us to be successful. He not only stripped Satan of His power through the work of the cross (Col.2:15), but we have been given ALL things that are suited to life and godliness through Christ who has called us to His own glory (2 Peter1:3). And the Holy Spirit? You guessed it. He's our coach.
I found in running it is easy to trust the creator of the course. It never once crossed my mind to question if the 3 mile course was really 3 miles. I also never questioned all the benefits that came with being a member of the U of M team. But the coach thing ... that was a little more difficult. There were definitely times that I thought our practice distance was too long or the pace was too fast, or that we should get a day off after a long run instead of a day of weight lifting. In fact, "You want us to do WHAT!?! was a common thought in my head. But I did what I was told with occasional doubts and a little bit of an inner mumbling and complaining. In the end it paid off, and I got better and better with every passing race.
Coach Holy Spirit, just like my coach, not only knows us but knows the course God has set before us. "But the Comforter ( Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall everything I have told you. He will guide you into all the Truth. For He will not speak His own message; but He will tell whatever He hears from the Father ... He will give the message that has been given to Him, and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come." (John 14:26 & 16:13) Just like my coach would direct us on the best way to run the cross-country course, so does our Heavenly Coach.
About a year ago I decided to get back into running. I won't say it's been fun, but boy has God used it to teach me alot about the spiritual race I am in. Here are just a few parallels of running a physical race and a spiritual race ...
1. Running both races requires DISCIPLINE! This discipline is primarily mental. First and foremost you have to decide you are going to run, and then keep your mind set. ( Col. 3:2) The choice is much more clear cut in a physical race. Spiritually, you may be trying to decide if you're even in a race. Let me help you out. If you are a Christian you have been called to run a faith race of some kind. I love Hebrews 12:1 where Paul tells us "let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us."
2. If you want to be good at running either kind of race, you must be CONSISTENT! There is no such thing as maintaining where you are physically or spiritually. We know this is true physically. If I run 3 miles 5 times this week I will be improving my performance. If I skip running this week my performance will weaken. When I resume running the following week I will not be adding to my prior progress. I will be regaining whatever ground I lost. The same thing can be said of the spiritual race. If we are not actively pursuing a life with Christ and walking in the knowledge we already have, we run the risk of loosing that knowledge too! (Matt. 13:12) As Gloria Copeland says the Lord spoke to her heart ... "In Consistency Lies the Key."
3. Both races require PERSEVERANCE! Let's face it, neither race is easy. How many times in the Bible does God tell us to not fear, be discouraged, give up hope, etc. The Word is chalked full of all those phrases. Keep on keepin' on! "Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal ...." (Phil. 3:13-14) PRESSING IS NOT A PASSIVE WORD. IT IS AN ACTIVE WORD! When I am out for a run and am feeling tired, tempted to walk for just awhile I try to push on through. If I have to walk I don't do it for very long. Why? Fellow runners know why. Once you stop running your muscles begin to tighten up. If you wait too long to pick up your pace it will hurt WORSE than before you stopped.
4. A HIGH can be experienced WHILE running either race! Ever heard of runners high? I had only heard about it until I began to train for a half marathon back in my college days. One day I had decided to run 10 miles and somewhere around mile 7 running became effortless, and I experienced this euphoric feeling like I could run forever! It was incredible! We can have the same experience running our spiritual race. I did this past spring. Circumstance wise nothing had changed in my life. In fact my youngest son had been diagnosed with Autism just two months before, but I had reached such an incredible place with God that none of that mattered, so much so that I seriously began to wonder what was wrong with me that I wasn't worried! Isaiah 40:31 paints a beautiful picture of the believer who is waiting, looking, hoping, and expecting the Lord. They "shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up close to God as eagles mount up to the sun." Do you know that the eagle is the only bird who doesn't hide when a storm is coming? All other birds seek shelter under bad weather conditions. Do you know what the eagle does? It flies so high that it rises above the storm clouds where the sun is shining bright. The storm is still raging but the eagle is enjoying clear skies!
However, there is one big difference between these two races. You see, there is only one winner that wins a physical race, but in a spiritual race there is only one runner. Just you. There is no comparing because no two people run the same course. If you have never run an actual race let me tell you something, there is nothing worse than finishing a race and realizing you still have "gas in the tank." That you could have run harder. That you could have done better. Let me assure you, you will finish your race someday. We all will, but will you be satisfied with your performance? Will you know you went all out and ran it to the best of your ability? Will you hear the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant"? I can think of nothing sweeter! At the end of our race we will not be given a trophy because we ARE the trophy - Christ's trophy! (2 Cor. 2:14) Instead we will be given crowns that we will cast at His feet knowing He is the reason we crossed the finish line in victory! (1 Cor. 9:25, Rev. 4:10)
The Friday before the meet, I remember getting in the school van and traveling, many times out of state. (This is the cross-country team I'm talking about not the football team ... we didn't fly.) When we arrived at the race site that evening our coach would jog through the course with us. Although she didn't have a hand in designing the course she always knew it well ... "This part is flat and fast. This part is downhill, a good place to rest because around the bend is a big hill." She knew all our strengths and weaknesses as runners, and she instructed each of us how to run our best race. Then we would go check into our hotel, grab some dinner, chill out for an hour, and then lights out. Race day was tomorrow!
I learned alot about running in my short and not-so-distinguished collegiate career. However as an adult I look back and see the preparation for running a very different race ... the race of LIFE! You see God is the designer of our race course. Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are God's own handiwork recreated in Christ Jesus, that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us, taking paths which He prepared ahead of time ..." Jesus Christ has paid the price for us to be successful. He not only stripped Satan of His power through the work of the cross (Col.2:15), but we have been given ALL things that are suited to life and godliness through Christ who has called us to His own glory (2 Peter1:3). And the Holy Spirit? You guessed it. He's our coach.
I found in running it is easy to trust the creator of the course. It never once crossed my mind to question if the 3 mile course was really 3 miles. I also never questioned all the benefits that came with being a member of the U of M team. But the coach thing ... that was a little more difficult. There were definitely times that I thought our practice distance was too long or the pace was too fast, or that we should get a day off after a long run instead of a day of weight lifting. In fact, "You want us to do WHAT!?! was a common thought in my head. But I did what I was told with occasional doubts and a little bit of an inner mumbling and complaining. In the end it paid off, and I got better and better with every passing race.
Coach Holy Spirit, just like my coach, not only knows us but knows the course God has set before us. "But the Comforter ( Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall everything I have told you. He will guide you into all the Truth. For He will not speak His own message; but He will tell whatever He hears from the Father ... He will give the message that has been given to Him, and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come." (John 14:26 & 16:13) Just like my coach would direct us on the best way to run the cross-country course, so does our Heavenly Coach.
About a year ago I decided to get back into running. I won't say it's been fun, but boy has God used it to teach me alot about the spiritual race I am in. Here are just a few parallels of running a physical race and a spiritual race ...
1. Running both races requires DISCIPLINE! This discipline is primarily mental. First and foremost you have to decide you are going to run, and then keep your mind set. ( Col. 3:2) The choice is much more clear cut in a physical race. Spiritually, you may be trying to decide if you're even in a race. Let me help you out. If you are a Christian you have been called to run a faith race of some kind. I love Hebrews 12:1 where Paul tells us "let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us."
2. If you want to be good at running either kind of race, you must be CONSISTENT! There is no such thing as maintaining where you are physically or spiritually. We know this is true physically. If I run 3 miles 5 times this week I will be improving my performance. If I skip running this week my performance will weaken. When I resume running the following week I will not be adding to my prior progress. I will be regaining whatever ground I lost. The same thing can be said of the spiritual race. If we are not actively pursuing a life with Christ and walking in the knowledge we already have, we run the risk of loosing that knowledge too! (Matt. 13:12) As Gloria Copeland says the Lord spoke to her heart ... "In Consistency Lies the Key."
3. Both races require PERSEVERANCE! Let's face it, neither race is easy. How many times in the Bible does God tell us to not fear, be discouraged, give up hope, etc. The Word is chalked full of all those phrases. Keep on keepin' on! "Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal ...." (Phil. 3:13-14) PRESSING IS NOT A PASSIVE WORD. IT IS AN ACTIVE WORD! When I am out for a run and am feeling tired, tempted to walk for just awhile I try to push on through. If I have to walk I don't do it for very long. Why? Fellow runners know why. Once you stop running your muscles begin to tighten up. If you wait too long to pick up your pace it will hurt WORSE than before you stopped.
4. A HIGH can be experienced WHILE running either race! Ever heard of runners high? I had only heard about it until I began to train for a half marathon back in my college days. One day I had decided to run 10 miles and somewhere around mile 7 running became effortless, and I experienced this euphoric feeling like I could run forever! It was incredible! We can have the same experience running our spiritual race. I did this past spring. Circumstance wise nothing had changed in my life. In fact my youngest son had been diagnosed with Autism just two months before, but I had reached such an incredible place with God that none of that mattered, so much so that I seriously began to wonder what was wrong with me that I wasn't worried! Isaiah 40:31 paints a beautiful picture of the believer who is waiting, looking, hoping, and expecting the Lord. They "shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up close to God as eagles mount up to the sun." Do you know that the eagle is the only bird who doesn't hide when a storm is coming? All other birds seek shelter under bad weather conditions. Do you know what the eagle does? It flies so high that it rises above the storm clouds where the sun is shining bright. The storm is still raging but the eagle is enjoying clear skies!
However, there is one big difference between these two races. You see, there is only one winner that wins a physical race, but in a spiritual race there is only one runner. Just you. There is no comparing because no two people run the same course. If you have never run an actual race let me tell you something, there is nothing worse than finishing a race and realizing you still have "gas in the tank." That you could have run harder. That you could have done better. Let me assure you, you will finish your race someday. We all will, but will you be satisfied with your performance? Will you know you went all out and ran it to the best of your ability? Will you hear the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant"? I can think of nothing sweeter! At the end of our race we will not be given a trophy because we ARE the trophy - Christ's trophy! (2 Cor. 2:14) Instead we will be given crowns that we will cast at His feet knowing He is the reason we crossed the finish line in victory! (1 Cor. 9:25, Rev. 4:10)
Friday, September 21, 2012
Emotional Eating
Food. It seems like a relatively simple topic, right? Not for the person dealing with emotional eating. For them, it is the furthest thing from simple. I too have had my own bout with emotion driven eating. As I was preparing for a support group meeting dealing with "Taking Care of the Caregiver" my first thought was to zero in on 1 Cor. 6:19&20. But truthfully most Christians know their bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, that they are not their own because they have been purchased at a price. So the question is where is the breakdown? How do we get from knowing the truth to living the truth?
Let's start from the beginning. We are a spirit. We have a soul. We live in a body. Our soul is made up of our mind, our will, and our emotions. This is the primary place of attack for the enemy. You see after we receive Christ our SPIRIT is born again, but our soul (mind, will, & emotions) then has to be renewed. This process is called sanctification and unlike salvation, which is instantaneous, sanctification happens little by little changing us from glory to glory. Romans 12:2 says "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the entire renewal of your mind ..."
Our spirit is what connects us to God. Genesis 2:7 tells us God "breathed into his (Adam's) nostrils the breath or spirit of life." If you read through creation in Genesis you will see that man is the only being God created in this manner. That is why you could pack an arena with animals and have Billy Graham give the gospel's saving message and not one of those animals would come forward to receive Christ. They are not connected with His spirit ... man is. Man was God's crowning achievement crowned with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5). God is a spirit, and we were made in the likeness and image of Him (John 4:24, Gen. 1:26).
Our body is an earthly vessel or home for our soul and spirit. The process of renewing our soul to the things of the spirit takes place in the body, so doesn't it make sense that our body will either reap the benefits or suffer the consequences? In fact the word "transformation" is derived from the Greek word we get the term "metamorphosis." Think about the metamorphosis that a tad pole or a caterpillar goes through ... changing from the inside out. And then there is the change that comes from just being in the presence of God. Look at both Moses and Jesus encounter with God. (Ex. 34:29/Matt. 17:2) What was the outward physical manifestation of these encounters? They GLOWED! Paul wraps up his letter to the Thessalonians saying "And may the God of peace Himself sanctify (the renewal process) you through and through ... separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God ... and may your SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be preserved sound and complete and found blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thes. 5:23)
Spirit, soul, and body are very closely linked. Whatever is being experienced in one area will have an affect on the other areas. You have no doubt experienced this yourself. Have you ever read a great book or listened to a motivational speaker and all of a sudden your up, your motivated, you have energy to conquer the world! Have you ever watched a sad movie or talked with a friend who is going through a horrible tragedy and now your down, your sad, and so tired you can't clean your house. It happens to us all. The good news is when you strive to make improvement in any one area it affects the other two. But whether changes are made for the good or the bad they tend to have a snowball effect. One good and healthy decision will give way to another one or vice verse.
What does any of this have to do with emotional eating, you might ask? Here is a clue. Which part of our being is made up of our emotions? If you said "soul," you are right. Those who fight emotional eating already know it's not a need to eat in order to sustain life but to help deal with life! The mistake is that we are trying to apply what is meant for the body to the soul, and we are faced with the reality that it doesn't work. Do you know what I'm talking about? Eating that Snickers or ice cream or fast food and finding you feel no different when you are done, other than now you're probably feeling guilty too!
I know in my own struggle those feelings of guilt didn't come right away. I was trucking along doing my thing when all of a sudden the guilt came every time I indulged. Over time the feeling intensified. Satan was really beating me up, or so I thought. Then I finally realized it was the Holy Spirit convicting me of what I was doing. Remember He is the teacher, guider, and COMFORTER of our soul. My emotional or soul need should have led me to my emotional helper, my soul guider, my comforter ... not to a Snickers bar. (I know they say it satisfies but let's face it, there are somethings it can't satisfy.) Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 6:12 began to speak to me "Everything is permissible for me; but not all things are helpful. Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under it's power." Who do I want to have power over me? Anything we place before God to cope with life we have given power to and become idolaters toward. No matter how you dice it, that is sin.
I am convinced God knew we would deal with emotional eating. Here are just a few scriptures to back that up ...
1. "And I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you." Psalms 63:5
2. "For He satisfieth the longing soul, and the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:8
3. "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And you labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." Isaiah 55:2
4. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matt.5:6
Amazing how food and hunger are equated with the soul here and NOT the body. These scriptures (and many more) clearly show us that a truly satisfied and fulfilled soul is found only in Him. All those times we reach for a treat to make us happy, fill the sadness, and reward ourselves for a hard day; we are reaching for a physical solution to a spiritual problem. We are trying to use food to do something for us that only God can do. No wonder it doesn't work. In fact food can be a stumbling block. It doesn't take long to find situations in the Bible where food contributed to downfall. Adam and Eve caused sin and death to enter the world by eating an apple. Esau sold his birth right to Jacob over a meal of red lentils and bread. The Israelites became tired of manna and actually contemplated going back to a life of slavery in Egypt for fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic ... too bad they didn't have 1 Cor. 6:12!
So now what? Now that you see emotional eating for what it is, what should you do? Let me tell you what you shouldn't do. The absolute worst thing you could do is try to overcome this on your own, or you will become more frustrated. "Not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of Hosts." (Zec. 4:6) What you should do is pray about it. Lift it before your loving Heavenly Father and ask for forgiveness. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you and guide you in being transformed in this area. Let Him lead you in walking in the spirit so you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh (Gal. 5:16). You can do it and all the while get all the comfort you need.
*I've never done this before, but just like with my support group I am going to give you a challenge. They say it takes 30 days to break a bad habit and establish a good one so for the next month I encourage you to keep a record of what you are doing to care for yourself. It can be physically, spiritually, or emotionally. (Ex. Took a walk, daily devotional, talked with an old friend). Remember your choices have a snowball affect and all three areas are connected so whatever good, positive, healthy decisions you make in one area will extend to the others. Use your journal to not only keep up with what you are doing but how you are feeling about the change and how God is helping you. He is FAITHFUL and you will be amazed at the work He does in you after 30 days! God Bless!
Let's start from the beginning. We are a spirit. We have a soul. We live in a body. Our soul is made up of our mind, our will, and our emotions. This is the primary place of attack for the enemy. You see after we receive Christ our SPIRIT is born again, but our soul (mind, will, & emotions) then has to be renewed. This process is called sanctification and unlike salvation, which is instantaneous, sanctification happens little by little changing us from glory to glory. Romans 12:2 says "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the entire renewal of your mind ..."
Our spirit is what connects us to God. Genesis 2:7 tells us God "breathed into his (Adam's) nostrils the breath or spirit of life." If you read through creation in Genesis you will see that man is the only being God created in this manner. That is why you could pack an arena with animals and have Billy Graham give the gospel's saving message and not one of those animals would come forward to receive Christ. They are not connected with His spirit ... man is. Man was God's crowning achievement crowned with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5). God is a spirit, and we were made in the likeness and image of Him (John 4:24, Gen. 1:26).
Our body is an earthly vessel or home for our soul and spirit. The process of renewing our soul to the things of the spirit takes place in the body, so doesn't it make sense that our body will either reap the benefits or suffer the consequences? In fact the word "transformation" is derived from the Greek word we get the term "metamorphosis." Think about the metamorphosis that a tad pole or a caterpillar goes through ... changing from the inside out. And then there is the change that comes from just being in the presence of God. Look at both Moses and Jesus encounter with God. (Ex. 34:29/Matt. 17:2) What was the outward physical manifestation of these encounters? They GLOWED! Paul wraps up his letter to the Thessalonians saying "And may the God of peace Himself sanctify (the renewal process) you through and through ... separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God ... and may your SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be preserved sound and complete and found blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thes. 5:23)
Spirit, soul, and body are very closely linked. Whatever is being experienced in one area will have an affect on the other areas. You have no doubt experienced this yourself. Have you ever read a great book or listened to a motivational speaker and all of a sudden your up, your motivated, you have energy to conquer the world! Have you ever watched a sad movie or talked with a friend who is going through a horrible tragedy and now your down, your sad, and so tired you can't clean your house. It happens to us all. The good news is when you strive to make improvement in any one area it affects the other two. But whether changes are made for the good or the bad they tend to have a snowball effect. One good and healthy decision will give way to another one or vice verse.
What does any of this have to do with emotional eating, you might ask? Here is a clue. Which part of our being is made up of our emotions? If you said "soul," you are right. Those who fight emotional eating already know it's not a need to eat in order to sustain life but to help deal with life! The mistake is that we are trying to apply what is meant for the body to the soul, and we are faced with the reality that it doesn't work. Do you know what I'm talking about? Eating that Snickers or ice cream or fast food and finding you feel no different when you are done, other than now you're probably feeling guilty too!
I know in my own struggle those feelings of guilt didn't come right away. I was trucking along doing my thing when all of a sudden the guilt came every time I indulged. Over time the feeling intensified. Satan was really beating me up, or so I thought. Then I finally realized it was the Holy Spirit convicting me of what I was doing. Remember He is the teacher, guider, and COMFORTER of our soul. My emotional or soul need should have led me to my emotional helper, my soul guider, my comforter ... not to a Snickers bar. (I know they say it satisfies but let's face it, there are somethings it can't satisfy.) Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 6:12 began to speak to me "Everything is permissible for me; but not all things are helpful. Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under it's power." Who do I want to have power over me? Anything we place before God to cope with life we have given power to and become idolaters toward. No matter how you dice it, that is sin.
I am convinced God knew we would deal with emotional eating. Here are just a few scriptures to back that up ...
1. "And I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you." Psalms 63:5
2. "For He satisfieth the longing soul, and the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:8
3. "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And you labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." Isaiah 55:2
4. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matt.5:6
Amazing how food and hunger are equated with the soul here and NOT the body. These scriptures (and many more) clearly show us that a truly satisfied and fulfilled soul is found only in Him. All those times we reach for a treat to make us happy, fill the sadness, and reward ourselves for a hard day; we are reaching for a physical solution to a spiritual problem. We are trying to use food to do something for us that only God can do. No wonder it doesn't work. In fact food can be a stumbling block. It doesn't take long to find situations in the Bible where food contributed to downfall. Adam and Eve caused sin and death to enter the world by eating an apple. Esau sold his birth right to Jacob over a meal of red lentils and bread. The Israelites became tired of manna and actually contemplated going back to a life of slavery in Egypt for fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic ... too bad they didn't have 1 Cor. 6:12!
So now what? Now that you see emotional eating for what it is, what should you do? Let me tell you what you shouldn't do. The absolute worst thing you could do is try to overcome this on your own, or you will become more frustrated. "Not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of Hosts." (Zec. 4:6) What you should do is pray about it. Lift it before your loving Heavenly Father and ask for forgiveness. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you and guide you in being transformed in this area. Let Him lead you in walking in the spirit so you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh (Gal. 5:16). You can do it and all the while get all the comfort you need.
*I've never done this before, but just like with my support group I am going to give you a challenge. They say it takes 30 days to break a bad habit and establish a good one so for the next month I encourage you to keep a record of what you are doing to care for yourself. It can be physically, spiritually, or emotionally. (Ex. Took a walk, daily devotional, talked with an old friend). Remember your choices have a snowball affect and all three areas are connected so whatever good, positive, healthy decisions you make in one area will extend to the others. Use your journal to not only keep up with what you are doing but how you are feeling about the change and how God is helping you. He is FAITHFUL and you will be amazed at the work He does in you after 30 days! God Bless!
Monday, July 30, 2012
A Lemon Tree (Part 3, Keys to Restoration)
Part 1 of this blog about Job outlined the cosmic bet between God and Satan. Part 2 dealt with suffering's many struggles. Today we will look at the restoration of Job. Many of you probably already know how the story ends, but that will not be our focus. Because this blog site is all about "Turning Life's Lemons Into Lemonade," we are going to pay close attention to the process in which restoration occurs and identify the keys that unlock Job's troubles. Although the keys for Job might be different than our own, there is a process in which restoration unfolds, and those steps apply to us all.
Step 1: Continue to Seek God!
The first step in Job's restoration is that he continued to seek God. He did not allow his problems to pull him away from God, which is exactly what Satan would like. Both Jeremiah 29:13 and Matthew 7:7-8 tell us that if we will persistently seek God as a vital necessity with our whole heart we will find Him. I know some people think it is disrespectful to seek God with questions, but this is not true. Your questions and frustration do not threaten or anger God. He already knows what you are going to ask, how you feel, and what you need (Matt. 6:8). Just be honest with Him. He is big enough to handle it!
Job peppers God with questions throughout the entire book. Over and over Job struggles with questions that he is blatant with God about. Finally in chapter 38 God responds to Job's inquiries but not with an answer. Instead God has a slew of His own questions for Job. Those questions bring Job to a place of humility and a clear understanding that God is God and Job is not! Job acknowledges this fact when he says, "I now see I have rashly uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know" (Job 42:3). Although this is where God shows up and Job has his epiphany, THIS IS NOT WHERE JOB IS RESTORED. However, it is the first key in the process of Job's restoration ... restoration of the truth of God's sovereignty over his life.
Step 2: Search Yourself!
The second step in Job's restoration is that Job continued to search himself, and the more I study this out the more I'm convinced this step played a huge part in Job's joyous outcome. You see, sin may not be the cause of a problem, but sin can keep you in that problem! As I mentioned in Part 2's blog, the majority of Job's family and friends deserted him when trouble hit. The only friends who remained where ones that tried to convince him this was his fault ... some hidden sin, etc. Throughout Job's journey his friends said many things that made him upset. We know this because of Job's responses to them. Here are a few brief examples ...
1. "No doubt you are the only wise people in the world, and wisdom will die with you! ... I am not inferior to you." (Job 12:2-3)
2. "... wearisome and miserable comforters are you all! Will your futile words of wind have no end? What makes you so bold to answer me like this? ... if you were in my stead; I could join words together against you and shake my head at you." (Job 16:2-4)
3. "How long will you vex and torment me and break me in pieces with words? ... you are not ashamed that you harden yourself against me and deal severely with me." (Job 19:2-3)
4. "Allow me, and I also will speak; and after I have spoken, mock on." (Job 21:3)
Do you sense Job's frustration? Can you imagine your own frustration? Is it possible that Job could have taken offense or became resentful toward his friends? The obvious answer is YES! The Bible never tells us if Job forgave them as he went or if he forgave them in one fail swoop, but I submit to you that Job was placed in a position to show mercy and forgive his friends. Thus, forgiveness became the second key to unlocking his misfortune.
Step 3: Obedience to God's Instructions!
The third step in Job's restoration was obedience to God's instructions and is closely linked to the second key of Job's restoration which is FORGIVENESS. Job 42:7-9 tells us that God was unhappy with Job's friends for not "speaking of Me the thing that was right," and He commanded them to take animals to Job to offer up a burnt offering that JOB is to pray over. Why Job? No where in this entire account is it stated that Job is a priest. But look what happens when we couple the "Forgiveness Factor" with these scriptures ... "When you pray, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him ... so that you may be forgiven" (Mark 11: 25-26). And "Pray for one another that you may be healed and restored" (James 5:16). Forgiveness opens God's ear to our prayers and puts us in a position to receive from Him. Job must have offered up the burnt offering and prayed from a forgiving heart because Job 42:10 says "And the Lord turned the captivity of Job and restored his fortunes, WHEN HE PRAYED FOR HIS FRIENDS ..." The Bible goes on to tell us that God restored double to Job of all he had lost.
Notice the order of restoration ... FIRST was Job's restoration with God. THEN came Job's restoration with his friends. LAST was the physical restoration of Job. So many times we get the cart before the horse. We are after the the deliverence, the healing, the solution to the problem. The Bible says "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and THEN all these things will be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33). God knows when we are seeking His hand instead of His face. Also notice that the restoration process begins WITHIN Job and moves OUT of him. It begins with a change of heart toward God, moves to a change in attitude and action toward his friends, and culminates in a physical manifestation of complete deliverence. 3 John 1:2 says "Beloved, I pray that you be in health and prosper EVEN AS YOUR SOUL PROSPERS." Our outward prospering is linked to our inward prospering. As I mentioned in my last blog, change in us always comes before change around us will, and no one can change us like God can.
Although Satan is the source of the lemon, that lemon puts you in line for promotion. "Instead of your former shame you shall have a twofold recompense; instead of dishonor you shall rejoice in your portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs" (Is. 61:7). When we are handed a lemon if we will continue to seek the Lord, observe His commands, and obey His instruction we set ourselves up for the double! God promises to restore the years that are lost (Joel 2:25), make beauty from ashes (Is. 61:3), and that those who sow in tears will reap in joy (Psalm 126:5). He is a God that does exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or even think (Eph. 3:20). Just look at what He did for Job!
The last thing I want to point out is the words of Job 16:21 "Oh, that there were one who might plead for a man with God and that he might maintain his right with Him ..." How fortunate and blessed we are to live in the time that Job speaks of! "For there is only one God, and only one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 2:5). Remember, Job is the oldest book in the Bible. These events took place long before Moses recounts creation in Genesis. Job didn't have a Bible! If Job could have such great faith in God, how much more should we have through the written word and shed blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? He is seated at the right hand of God the Father pleading intercession for us (Rom. 8:34). Because He suffered and was tempted, tested, and tried, Hebrews 2:18 tells us He RUNS to the cry of those who also are being tempted, tested, and tried. My friend, He was victorious. Let Him lead you to victory too!
Step 1: Continue to Seek God!
The first step in Job's restoration is that he continued to seek God. He did not allow his problems to pull him away from God, which is exactly what Satan would like. Both Jeremiah 29:13 and Matthew 7:7-8 tell us that if we will persistently seek God as a vital necessity with our whole heart we will find Him. I know some people think it is disrespectful to seek God with questions, but this is not true. Your questions and frustration do not threaten or anger God. He already knows what you are going to ask, how you feel, and what you need (Matt. 6:8). Just be honest with Him. He is big enough to handle it!
Job peppers God with questions throughout the entire book. Over and over Job struggles with questions that he is blatant with God about. Finally in chapter 38 God responds to Job's inquiries but not with an answer. Instead God has a slew of His own questions for Job. Those questions bring Job to a place of humility and a clear understanding that God is God and Job is not! Job acknowledges this fact when he says, "I now see I have rashly uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know" (Job 42:3). Although this is where God shows up and Job has his epiphany, THIS IS NOT WHERE JOB IS RESTORED. However, it is the first key in the process of Job's restoration ... restoration of the truth of God's sovereignty over his life.
Step 2: Search Yourself!
The second step in Job's restoration is that Job continued to search himself, and the more I study this out the more I'm convinced this step played a huge part in Job's joyous outcome. You see, sin may not be the cause of a problem, but sin can keep you in that problem! As I mentioned in Part 2's blog, the majority of Job's family and friends deserted him when trouble hit. The only friends who remained where ones that tried to convince him this was his fault ... some hidden sin, etc. Throughout Job's journey his friends said many things that made him upset. We know this because of Job's responses to them. Here are a few brief examples ...
1. "No doubt you are the only wise people in the world, and wisdom will die with you! ... I am not inferior to you." (Job 12:2-3)
2. "... wearisome and miserable comforters are you all! Will your futile words of wind have no end? What makes you so bold to answer me like this? ... if you were in my stead; I could join words together against you and shake my head at you." (Job 16:2-4)
3. "How long will you vex and torment me and break me in pieces with words? ... you are not ashamed that you harden yourself against me and deal severely with me." (Job 19:2-3)
4. "Allow me, and I also will speak; and after I have spoken, mock on." (Job 21:3)
Do you sense Job's frustration? Can you imagine your own frustration? Is it possible that Job could have taken offense or became resentful toward his friends? The obvious answer is YES! The Bible never tells us if Job forgave them as he went or if he forgave them in one fail swoop, but I submit to you that Job was placed in a position to show mercy and forgive his friends. Thus, forgiveness became the second key to unlocking his misfortune.
Step 3: Obedience to God's Instructions!
The third step in Job's restoration was obedience to God's instructions and is closely linked to the second key of Job's restoration which is FORGIVENESS. Job 42:7-9 tells us that God was unhappy with Job's friends for not "speaking of Me the thing that was right," and He commanded them to take animals to Job to offer up a burnt offering that JOB is to pray over. Why Job? No where in this entire account is it stated that Job is a priest. But look what happens when we couple the "Forgiveness Factor" with these scriptures ... "When you pray, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him ... so that you may be forgiven" (Mark 11: 25-26). And "Pray for one another that you may be healed and restored" (James 5:16). Forgiveness opens God's ear to our prayers and puts us in a position to receive from Him. Job must have offered up the burnt offering and prayed from a forgiving heart because Job 42:10 says "And the Lord turned the captivity of Job and restored his fortunes, WHEN HE PRAYED FOR HIS FRIENDS ..." The Bible goes on to tell us that God restored double to Job of all he had lost.
Notice the order of restoration ... FIRST was Job's restoration with God. THEN came Job's restoration with his friends. LAST was the physical restoration of Job. So many times we get the cart before the horse. We are after the the deliverence, the healing, the solution to the problem. The Bible says "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and THEN all these things will be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33). God knows when we are seeking His hand instead of His face. Also notice that the restoration process begins WITHIN Job and moves OUT of him. It begins with a change of heart toward God, moves to a change in attitude and action toward his friends, and culminates in a physical manifestation of complete deliverence. 3 John 1:2 says "Beloved, I pray that you be in health and prosper EVEN AS YOUR SOUL PROSPERS." Our outward prospering is linked to our inward prospering. As I mentioned in my last blog, change in us always comes before change around us will, and no one can change us like God can.
Although Satan is the source of the lemon, that lemon puts you in line for promotion. "Instead of your former shame you shall have a twofold recompense; instead of dishonor you shall rejoice in your portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs" (Is. 61:7). When we are handed a lemon if we will continue to seek the Lord, observe His commands, and obey His instruction we set ourselves up for the double! God promises to restore the years that are lost (Joel 2:25), make beauty from ashes (Is. 61:3), and that those who sow in tears will reap in joy (Psalm 126:5). He is a God that does exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or even think (Eph. 3:20). Just look at what He did for Job!
The last thing I want to point out is the words of Job 16:21 "Oh, that there were one who might plead for a man with God and that he might maintain his right with Him ..." How fortunate and blessed we are to live in the time that Job speaks of! "For there is only one God, and only one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 2:5). Remember, Job is the oldest book in the Bible. These events took place long before Moses recounts creation in Genesis. Job didn't have a Bible! If Job could have such great faith in God, how much more should we have through the written word and shed blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? He is seated at the right hand of God the Father pleading intercession for us (Rom. 8:34). Because He suffered and was tempted, tested, and tried, Hebrews 2:18 tells us He RUNS to the cry of those who also are being tempted, tested, and tried. My friend, He was victorious. Let Him lead you to victory too!
Friday, July 13, 2012
A Lemon Tree (Part 2, Suffering's Struggles)
Although we left Part 1 of this blog about Job with a warm, fuzzy feeling about Job's predicament we have to remember that he isn't privied to these conversations between God and Satan. He has no idea why these things have happened in his life. He does the best he can with the lemons he is handed. This is where the rubber meets the road so to speak. Quite possibly this is where you may be, and this is where we are going to see the similarities between Job's thoughts and feelings and our own. It's funny, as much as civilization has advanced since Job's day, human nature has pretty much stayed the same.
The central theme and main struggle for Job is why. If you've been handed a lemon you can already relate, right? However, Job's question goes further ... "Why do the righteous suffer while the wicked prosper?" These questions are echoed throughout the book of Job. (Job 9:24, Job 10:3, Job 12:6, Job 21:7). I have met many people who have asked me this same question, and years ago I recall asking God this question myself. The two things God eventually showed me are- 1) We have to realize that from Satan's perspective the current status of the souls of worldly people is that they are lost. Why would Satan waste his time bothering people who are already going to hell? (Not to say he doesn't mess with the unsaved. He will steal, kill, and destroy from anyone he can). But ultimately Satan is after Christians to see them renounce God and become damned like he is. 2) Conversely, from God's perspective we know anything He allows in our life He has a plan and purpose for. Chances are what God wants to accomplish will require faith and trust in Him. Attributes only Christan's possess.
The secondary struggle for Job is his relationships with others. At the onset of trouble his own wife tells him to "renounce God and die" (Job 2:9). Talk about a supportive spouse! But that's another topic ... and perhaps a completely different blog! Anyway, Job has three friends who come to comfort him, but they keep insisting there must be some sin in Job's life that has caused this to happen. As humans we want so badly to feel we have control. We want to equate suffering with sin and convince ourselves that our good behavior will safeguard against affliction. So Job 7:20&21 and Job 13:23&24 finds Job contending with his friends and God about any hidden sin in his life. He even begins to wonder if it is a sin from his youth (Job 13:26). Finally in Job 19:4 we see him reject the notion of a hidden sin as the source of his suffering. He has come to the same conclusion many of us come to and that is the fact that we would know if there was sin in our life, and if we didn't certainly God would show us if we did.
Job also deals with alienation of friends and family members. We see this in Job 16:7 and Job 19:13-19. The lemon is many times too bitter for the people around us. Why is it that when we need the support of others most, we find ourselves alone? Maybe it's because of our own reactions to these troubles. Maybe it's because people feel uncomfortable and don't know what to say. But I think the biggest reason people flee in the time of trouble is because no one wants to be reminded of their own vulnerability to life. The more random the affliction, the more it scares people.
Through my own experience I've found that when we tend to lean on others too much, they will through varies means, be removed. For example, around the time I realized something wasn't quite right with my youngest son my mom was busy caring for my dad who was fighting cancer and my best friend was in the process of moving away. Isolation many times is an indicator that God is about to do a work in you. Embrace this time of teaching and correction because the truth is change in us has to come before change around us will.
Trials are a refining process. "When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold" (Job 23:10). "And I will bring them through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined and will test them as gold is tested" (Zechariah 13:9). These scriptures remind me of the story of a woman who after reading Zech. 13:9 decided to go to a silversmith to find out exactly how silver is refined. She watched as the silversmith diligently kept watch over the silver, putting it in and taking it out of the fire. The lady thought, "Oh I see. Look how tenderly and lovingly the Lord watches over us while we are in the fire knowing exactly when we need to be removed." Satisfied with the conclusion she had reached she opened the door to leave, when suddenly she thought of one more question. "How do you know when the silver is completely refined?" The silversmith replied, "When I can see my reflection in it." Pretty powerful to ponder, isn't it?
"Oh, that the words I now speak were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book!" (Job 19:23). I'm so glad they were! We can learn alot about times of trial through Job. The interesting thing is the number of times Job speaks truly incredible and prophetic words about his situation. Words of hope that rose out of a man put to the test. "I know that my Redeemer lives ... my eyes shall behold Him, AND NOT AS A STRANGER" (Job 19:25&27). As we read the last chapter of Job we see this is indeed the outcome. "I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my spiritual eye SEES YOU" (Job 42:5). The process we go through when we are handed a lemon has the potential to lead us to a deeper understanding of God. A head knowledge that is replaced by a revelation of the heart and a more intimate connectedness with our Lord.
As one of my favorite poets, Helen Steiner Rice, wrote while closing a poem on the whys of suffering ... " I ask myself this and the answer is plain- If my life were all pleasure and I never knew pain, I'd seek God less often and need Him much less, For God's sought more often in times of distress. And no one knows God or sees Him as plain as those who have met Him on the pathway of pain."
Lord God, may the lemons in my life draw me closer to you.
* Next Blog "A Lemon Tree (Part 3), Keys to Restoration"
The central theme and main struggle for Job is why. If you've been handed a lemon you can already relate, right? However, Job's question goes further ... "Why do the righteous suffer while the wicked prosper?" These questions are echoed throughout the book of Job. (Job 9:24, Job 10:3, Job 12:6, Job 21:7). I have met many people who have asked me this same question, and years ago I recall asking God this question myself. The two things God eventually showed me are- 1) We have to realize that from Satan's perspective the current status of the souls of worldly people is that they are lost. Why would Satan waste his time bothering people who are already going to hell? (Not to say he doesn't mess with the unsaved. He will steal, kill, and destroy from anyone he can). But ultimately Satan is after Christians to see them renounce God and become damned like he is. 2) Conversely, from God's perspective we know anything He allows in our life He has a plan and purpose for. Chances are what God wants to accomplish will require faith and trust in Him. Attributes only Christan's possess.
The secondary struggle for Job is his relationships with others. At the onset of trouble his own wife tells him to "renounce God and die" (Job 2:9). Talk about a supportive spouse! But that's another topic ... and perhaps a completely different blog! Anyway, Job has three friends who come to comfort him, but they keep insisting there must be some sin in Job's life that has caused this to happen. As humans we want so badly to feel we have control. We want to equate suffering with sin and convince ourselves that our good behavior will safeguard against affliction. So Job 7:20&21 and Job 13:23&24 finds Job contending with his friends and God about any hidden sin in his life. He even begins to wonder if it is a sin from his youth (Job 13:26). Finally in Job 19:4 we see him reject the notion of a hidden sin as the source of his suffering. He has come to the same conclusion many of us come to and that is the fact that we would know if there was sin in our life, and if we didn't certainly God would show us if we did.
Job also deals with alienation of friends and family members. We see this in Job 16:7 and Job 19:13-19. The lemon is many times too bitter for the people around us. Why is it that when we need the support of others most, we find ourselves alone? Maybe it's because of our own reactions to these troubles. Maybe it's because people feel uncomfortable and don't know what to say. But I think the biggest reason people flee in the time of trouble is because no one wants to be reminded of their own vulnerability to life. The more random the affliction, the more it scares people.
Through my own experience I've found that when we tend to lean on others too much, they will through varies means, be removed. For example, around the time I realized something wasn't quite right with my youngest son my mom was busy caring for my dad who was fighting cancer and my best friend was in the process of moving away. Isolation many times is an indicator that God is about to do a work in you. Embrace this time of teaching and correction because the truth is change in us has to come before change around us will.
Trials are a refining process. "When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold" (Job 23:10). "And I will bring them through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined and will test them as gold is tested" (Zechariah 13:9). These scriptures remind me of the story of a woman who after reading Zech. 13:9 decided to go to a silversmith to find out exactly how silver is refined. She watched as the silversmith diligently kept watch over the silver, putting it in and taking it out of the fire. The lady thought, "Oh I see. Look how tenderly and lovingly the Lord watches over us while we are in the fire knowing exactly when we need to be removed." Satisfied with the conclusion she had reached she opened the door to leave, when suddenly she thought of one more question. "How do you know when the silver is completely refined?" The silversmith replied, "When I can see my reflection in it." Pretty powerful to ponder, isn't it?
"Oh, that the words I now speak were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book!" (Job 19:23). I'm so glad they were! We can learn alot about times of trial through Job. The interesting thing is the number of times Job speaks truly incredible and prophetic words about his situation. Words of hope that rose out of a man put to the test. "I know that my Redeemer lives ... my eyes shall behold Him, AND NOT AS A STRANGER" (Job 19:25&27). As we read the last chapter of Job we see this is indeed the outcome. "I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my spiritual eye SEES YOU" (Job 42:5). The process we go through when we are handed a lemon has the potential to lead us to a deeper understanding of God. A head knowledge that is replaced by a revelation of the heart and a more intimate connectedness with our Lord.
As one of my favorite poets, Helen Steiner Rice, wrote while closing a poem on the whys of suffering ... " I ask myself this and the answer is plain- If my life were all pleasure and I never knew pain, I'd seek God less often and need Him much less, For God's sought more often in times of distress. And no one knows God or sees Him as plain as those who have met Him on the pathway of pain."
Lord God, may the lemons in my life draw me closer to you.
* Next Blog "A Lemon Tree (Part 3), Keys to Restoration"
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
A Lemon Tree (Part 1, The Cosmic Bet)
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Monday, June 25, 2012
Divine Detours
In 2oo3, around the time my daughter was diagnosed with Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, I was diligently pursuing God. One of a parent's worst nightmares had become my reality, something was terribly wrong with my child and there was no clear cut treatment or prognosis. After persistently seeking, the Lord spoke something to my heart that He would later confirm word-for-word through my oldest sister ... "It's going to be okay. I'm going to use Hannah to touch people's lives." You can't begin to imagine the relief I experienced as those words infused me with a deep peace. I knew I had heard from God. However as time went on and months turned into years, I became angry even doubting what I knew I'd heard. My patience was running thin, and I wanted everything to be okay NOW! I was so caught up in the pain of everything I was missing out on experiencing with my only daughter that I no longer cared what God wanted anymore. Hind sight being 20/20 I realize something now that I didn't know then ...
***When God speaks a promise to your heart you better buckle up your seat belt and hang on tight. The reason God speaks promises to people is because He knows how difficult the journey ahead will be, and He knows you are going to need those words to get you through!
Of course God also speaks to us through His word. Maybe you have received a verbal or written promise from God, something that not only helped and encouraged you but spoke to you on such a level you knew it was for you. But maybe your circumstances don't seem to be getting any better. In fact, maybe your circumstances have gotten worse. If so, today's blog is for you.
One of my favorite people in the Bible is Joseph. He was one of the 12 sons of Jacob, the grandson of Isaac, and the great-grandson of Abraham. From a young age Joseph new he was special. For starters he was his father's favorite son, because he was Jacob's first son from the wife he loved most, Rachel and was conceived in their old age (Gen. 35:24, 37:3). At the age of 17, God not only gave Joseph the ability to interpret dreams, He gave Joseph prophetic dreams concerning his own future. Genesis 37: 5&9 give account of these dreams that basically involved his father and brothers bowing down before him. ***BUCKLE UP YOUR SEAT BELT JOSEPH!!!
Needless to say Joseph's brothers didn't like him very much and conspired to get rid of him which resulted in Joseph being sold into slavery and shipped off to Egypt. There he was a faithful and hardworking servant to Potipher, but when Joseph rejected Potipher's wife's advances he found himself falsely accused of assault and thrown in jail! Joseph's situation has shifted from bad to worse. No one's bowing down to a slave let alone a prisoner! You think Joseph was tempted to get mad at God or second guess his dreams? I think so. Despite all this, he continued to do his best at every task appointed to him, and God was with him and gave him favor (Gen. 39:3&21). Due to Joseph's correct interpretation of the butler and baker's dreams, Joseph was brought before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams and then assigned the task of preparing for a terrible famine. The Bible tells us in Genesis 41:39-41&46 that Joseph spent 13 years in slavery and prison in the land of Egypt before obtaining the status of "Pharaoh's Right Hand Man." In the end, Joseph's family was reunited and brought to Egypt to ride out the famine.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is another Biblical figure whom God gave a promise. In Luke 1:27-38 we read of the angel appearing to Mary. "Hail, O favored one! The Lord is with you! Blessed (favored of God) are you before all other women!" He proceeds to tell her how she will give birth to Jesus and "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages; and of His reign there will be no end." Later in that same chapter Mary receives confirmation of this from her relative Elizabeth (vs. 42). ***BUCKLE UP YOUR SEAT BELT MARY!!!
While finishing watching "The Nativity" with my family this past Christmas, I was struck by something. The movie ends with Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus leaving Israel for Egypt as instructed by an angel that appeared in Joseph's dreams warning them about King Herod's search for the child in order to kill him (Matt. 2:13&14). Bible scholars estimate Mary to have been about 15 years old. Can you imagine? Can you put yourself in her shoes for even a moment? Here this young woman is far away from her family, and she's just given birth to her baby. Don't you think she was excited to get back home? For her mom & dad to hold their grandchild? To share in the joy that comes when a new member of a family is born? Instead she is being called away to a foreign land and has no idea when or if she will return home. Do you think it possible that doubts crossed Mary's mind as to how blessed she was while fleeing to Egypt? I do. If not then, it certainly had to pull at her thoughts while standing at the cross in which her son was dying on. And even though I think it possible Mary knew these things were to happen, it doesn't change the human nature of a mother. The words that angel spoke to her over 33 years ago had to have rung through her head and tore at her heart.
God spoke awesome promises to each of these figures and yet both of them experienced detours. These detours where not only complete and total deviations from the plans, hopes, and dreams they had for their own lives, they seemed to be in complete opposition to the very promises God had given them! However, unlike our own lives, we have the advantage of seeing the results of these detours. The purpose of Joseph's detour was to fulfill the promise God had given his great-grandfather, Abraham. In Genesis 15:5 and 17:5 God promises Abraham that his descendants will number the stars and that God has made him the father of many nations. The 12 sons of Jacob would become the 12 tribes of Israel. Likewise, the purpose of Mary's detour was for God to fulfill his promise of decades of prophecy about the one who would bring salvation to the world. Yes, although Joseph was forced out and Mary was led out, they were both called to Egypt, both led on a DIVINE detour. One to ensure the protection of a nation, the other to ensure the salvation of all mankind.
These examples show us that detours are designed to develop us and lead us to our destiny. Does God have you on a detour? Is it a divine detour? It can be. You want to know how? By trusting God with it. By saying, "God I'm not sure why I'm in this situation, but I know You know. I give this situation to you trusting that you work all things for good for those that love You and are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28)." Trust that God will do whatever work needs to be done in you in this season, and when the time is right He will call you out of your Egypt.
One last thing, don't think that because your lemon has you on a detour that you can't share lemonade in the meantime. Many times Christians think that because they are in the midst of trials they don't have a testimony to share yet. Nothing could be further from the truth! If you are a Christian your life should always testify of His grace and reflect His glory. And no where is that better displayed than in the life of one who's been handed a lemon and, because of their firm trust in the Lord, is choosing to make lemonade.
***When God speaks a promise to your heart you better buckle up your seat belt and hang on tight. The reason God speaks promises to people is because He knows how difficult the journey ahead will be, and He knows you are going to need those words to get you through!
Of course God also speaks to us through His word. Maybe you have received a verbal or written promise from God, something that not only helped and encouraged you but spoke to you on such a level you knew it was for you. But maybe your circumstances don't seem to be getting any better. In fact, maybe your circumstances have gotten worse. If so, today's blog is for you.
One of my favorite people in the Bible is Joseph. He was one of the 12 sons of Jacob, the grandson of Isaac, and the great-grandson of Abraham. From a young age Joseph new he was special. For starters he was his father's favorite son, because he was Jacob's first son from the wife he loved most, Rachel and was conceived in their old age (Gen. 35:24, 37:3). At the age of 17, God not only gave Joseph the ability to interpret dreams, He gave Joseph prophetic dreams concerning his own future. Genesis 37: 5&9 give account of these dreams that basically involved his father and brothers bowing down before him. ***BUCKLE UP YOUR SEAT BELT JOSEPH!!!
Needless to say Joseph's brothers didn't like him very much and conspired to get rid of him which resulted in Joseph being sold into slavery and shipped off to Egypt. There he was a faithful and hardworking servant to Potipher, but when Joseph rejected Potipher's wife's advances he found himself falsely accused of assault and thrown in jail! Joseph's situation has shifted from bad to worse. No one's bowing down to a slave let alone a prisoner! You think Joseph was tempted to get mad at God or second guess his dreams? I think so. Despite all this, he continued to do his best at every task appointed to him, and God was with him and gave him favor (Gen. 39:3&21). Due to Joseph's correct interpretation of the butler and baker's dreams, Joseph was brought before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams and then assigned the task of preparing for a terrible famine. The Bible tells us in Genesis 41:39-41&46 that Joseph spent 13 years in slavery and prison in the land of Egypt before obtaining the status of "Pharaoh's Right Hand Man." In the end, Joseph's family was reunited and brought to Egypt to ride out the famine.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is another Biblical figure whom God gave a promise. In Luke 1:27-38 we read of the angel appearing to Mary. "Hail, O favored one! The Lord is with you! Blessed (favored of God) are you before all other women!" He proceeds to tell her how she will give birth to Jesus and "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages; and of His reign there will be no end." Later in that same chapter Mary receives confirmation of this from her relative Elizabeth (vs. 42). ***BUCKLE UP YOUR SEAT BELT MARY!!!
While finishing watching "The Nativity" with my family this past Christmas, I was struck by something. The movie ends with Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus leaving Israel for Egypt as instructed by an angel that appeared in Joseph's dreams warning them about King Herod's search for the child in order to kill him (Matt. 2:13&14). Bible scholars estimate Mary to have been about 15 years old. Can you imagine? Can you put yourself in her shoes for even a moment? Here this young woman is far away from her family, and she's just given birth to her baby. Don't you think she was excited to get back home? For her mom & dad to hold their grandchild? To share in the joy that comes when a new member of a family is born? Instead she is being called away to a foreign land and has no idea when or if she will return home. Do you think it possible that doubts crossed Mary's mind as to how blessed she was while fleeing to Egypt? I do. If not then, it certainly had to pull at her thoughts while standing at the cross in which her son was dying on. And even though I think it possible Mary knew these things were to happen, it doesn't change the human nature of a mother. The words that angel spoke to her over 33 years ago had to have rung through her head and tore at her heart.
God spoke awesome promises to each of these figures and yet both of them experienced detours. These detours where not only complete and total deviations from the plans, hopes, and dreams they had for their own lives, they seemed to be in complete opposition to the very promises God had given them! However, unlike our own lives, we have the advantage of seeing the results of these detours. The purpose of Joseph's detour was to fulfill the promise God had given his great-grandfather, Abraham. In Genesis 15:5 and 17:5 God promises Abraham that his descendants will number the stars and that God has made him the father of many nations. The 12 sons of Jacob would become the 12 tribes of Israel. Likewise, the purpose of Mary's detour was for God to fulfill his promise of decades of prophecy about the one who would bring salvation to the world. Yes, although Joseph was forced out and Mary was led out, they were both called to Egypt, both led on a DIVINE detour. One to ensure the protection of a nation, the other to ensure the salvation of all mankind.
These examples show us that detours are designed to develop us and lead us to our destiny. Does God have you on a detour? Is it a divine detour? It can be. You want to know how? By trusting God with it. By saying, "God I'm not sure why I'm in this situation, but I know You know. I give this situation to you trusting that you work all things for good for those that love You and are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28)." Trust that God will do whatever work needs to be done in you in this season, and when the time is right He will call you out of your Egypt.
One last thing, don't think that because your lemon has you on a detour that you can't share lemonade in the meantime. Many times Christians think that because they are in the midst of trials they don't have a testimony to share yet. Nothing could be further from the truth! If you are a Christian your life should always testify of His grace and reflect His glory. And no where is that better displayed than in the life of one who's been handed a lemon and, because of their firm trust in the Lord, is choosing to make lemonade.
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