"Come close to God and He will come close to you." James 4:8
Well it is New Year's Eve. 2013 is coming to an end, and 2014 is wrapped in the promise of a new beginning. I blogged a total of 2 times in 2013 ... not because I didn't want to blog or had nothing to say, but because 2013 was an incredibly busy year that found me experiencing the expanse of the human existence. Many of you are aware my dad passed on to Glory in May. What you may not know is my husband and I welcomed our 4th and final child into this world in June. It was a roller coaster experience ... grieving the loss of one precious life while being overjoyed at the beginning of another. God taught me a lot through that experience. Mainly that passing out of this world mirrors passing into it. Both are truly a beautiful thing when we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
2013 was a reflective year not only due to my dad's passing but also as it marked 10 years of my daughter's diagnosis of Autism. One would think not much could be learned through reflection, but with God's help it was a positive thing. There is something about looking back over the years that highlights God's protection, guidance, faithfulness and ultimately His deep love like nothing else can. We tend to have our doubts as life's difficulties come our way, but as we look back we see one set of footprints in the sand and know that not only was He there, He was carrying us the whole time. Praise God!
Another development in 2013 was my mother's diagnosis of Dementia/Alzheimer's. This has been very difficult for my sisters and me. How sad it is to watch your mother regress back to a childlike state. The confusion she experiences causes much stress for all involved. I am incredibly grateful that I am not her main caregiver. My older sisters are graciously taking on that role as they know my plate is full. My prayers are continually with them as well as any of you who are dealing with this devastating disease.
Due to all these changes, there are several things God has taught me this year that I intend to blog on. However the main theme I have walked away from 2013 with is my need for His Spirit. As I find life pulling me in numerous directions, all of which are valid uses of my time and energy, I have never been so aware of my inability to perform all these tasks. God keeps bringing me back to Zachariah 4:6 "Not by might, nor by power, but by MY SPIRIT says the Lord of Hosts." I am finding that while being Spirit filled is a wonderful thing, I am in need of being Spirit led and sustained. So what's the difference, you might ask. This is the way God explained it to me ....
Back in high school I was studying to retake the ACT. I had bombed the math portion the first time, and getting into college without having to take a remedial math course was on the line. My boyfriend (now hubby) Chuck had agreed to tutor me ... poor thing! Anyway after diligent study, we both took the test and then went out to lunch. While in the car he asked me "So how many times did you use the Pythagorean Theorem?" I looked at him dumbfounded and said "None! Should I have?" Needless to say it was a very smart thing I married my now accountant husband .... math is NOT my thing!
What's my point ... or rather God's point as He replayed this scene in my head? It's not enough to know the Pythagorean Theorem. You have to know when to use it, or it is completely useless to you! Please don't get me wrong, I'm not relegating the Holy Spirit to some perfunctory mathematical equation. However I wonder how many free gifts God has given us that we don't tap into because we don't know how to apply them to the situations in our life. That is where the Holy Spirit comes in. How horrible to find out that we had all the tools we needed in this lifetime and yet due to our ignorance we didn't.
So as I ring in the New Year this evening with my family I am grateful for all I have learned in 2013 ... even in those tearful moments. God was in ALL of it! As the promise of 2014 looms brightly, I resolve to draw closer to God and know the power available to me through the Holy Spirit. I have no other resolution than Matthew 6:33 "But seek first of all His Kingdom and righteousness, and then all these things will be added unto you." I know if I seek Him, He will be faithful to direct every area of my life. He has amazing plans for each of us as we stay open to His leading. I am excited to experience God and see Him in every detail of my life ... to the full, until it overflows because we serve an "above and beyond" kind of God! Happy New Year and God's richest blessings in 2014!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Thursday, June 6, 2013
The Test and the Testimony
Beth’s Speech 3.22.13 (I was asked to give my testimony back in March. I must admit it was much easier to write than to give as I cried many times throughout it. Struggling with the future lately and know the best way to reassure myself of God's faithfulness is to go back and see His faithfulness in the past. I hope this blesses you and stirs up your faith to trust God in whatever circumstances you might find yourself in.)
Hello, my name is Beth Bailey and my daughter Hannah is a part of the HOPE ministry here at Bell Shoals Baptist Church
One day a few months later, I was feeling very heavy hearted over the uncertainty of the future when the Lord spoke to my heart and said “It’s going to be okay. I’m going to use Hannah to touch people’s lives.” A wave of peace washed over me, and about two weeks later while out to lunch with my sister she spoke those exact same words to me. I knew it was confirmation.
Being the baby Christian I was at the time I began to come up with the plan I wanted God to use. I remember telling God it was fine if He wanted to use Hannah. He could touch as many people as He wanted and in whatever way He wanted, but He only had three years to do it. I didn’t even want to entertain the thought that my precious daughter wouldn’t start kindergarten on time and with her “typical” peers.
Well, after three years came and went I found myself sitting in an IEP meeting to discuss the best placement for my daughter within Hillsborough County ESE program. I was crushed and fell into a deep depression. As Hannah went off to school everyday I continued to pray, but I could feel my heart hardening. Where was God? Didn’t He care? If He really loved me, how could He allow this to happen? What possible good could come out of all this? These questions played in my mind until they became my thought life and the entire meditation of my heart.
Looking back I can honestly say that although I was a Christian I had very shallow roots. It was not difficult for Satan to begin to build lies upon my questions, the biggest lie centering on doubting God’s love. With each passing day for two long years I became more frustrated, bitter, and angry with God. As everything I thought I knew was being stripped away I hit a pivotal moment … the cross. Was this a lie too? Would it be stripped away also? As I pondered this, my heart’s deepest desire rose up in me … to have a conversation with my daughter. I knew if I chose to walk away I would be giving up on any hope I had of experiencing this here on earth. Likewise the promise to experience this in Heaven for eternity would be gone too. The choice was clear. So it was just me, Jesus, and the cross. It didn’t seem like much to hang onto at the time, but God knew it was all I would need.
Shortly after my re-dedication I found out I was pregnant. I was so excited! It had been my prayer for awhile to have another child, but I had also told the Lord I couldn’t handle another special child. Certain God had heard my prayers the thought never occurred to me that something might go wrong. On March 5, 2009 our perfectly healthy, beautiful baby boy named Gabe was born. As a busy wife and mother of three, the next 18 months flew by. All the while I continued to pray for Hannah but found myself struggling with the thought that her condition couldn’t possibly be God’s will. In one moment I felt like I needed to pray, anoint her with oil, bind Satan, loose Satan … I didn’t know what to do, but I felt I needed to do something. The next moment I found myself at peace and resting in where God had us. As you can imagine swinging from one extreme to the other was emotionally exhausting. So I began to seek the Lord specifically asking Him if this was His will.
In December 2010 we had Gabe dedicated. As I had done with my other two children, I wanted to buy Gabe a child’s Christian book for his dedication. Not wanting to duplicate books, I began to search the house for Jacob and Hannah’s books. When I found them my breath was taken away in complete astonishment. Before I tell you the book I bought for Hannah I must tell you Hannah was dedicated when she was 6 months old, long before I had any idea what was coming our way. The book was Max Lucado’s “The Crippled Lamb.” (Brief overview of book.) God had not only answered my question with a resounding YES, this was His plan, He also showed me He had a divine purpose in it. I finally had peace – a peace that would carry me through another blow.
In February 2012 our son Gabe was diagnosed with Autism. I remember leaving the doctor’s office in shock. I drove home intentionally listening to praise and worship music and forcing myself to sing along. I refused to let anything out of my mouth until I got home and in my Bible. When I did God directed me to Exodus 14: 13&14 “Moses told the people, fear not, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest.” I instantly received it as truth and God’s promise for my family’s situation, especially the part about not seeing those “Egyptians” again as concerns over our son Jacob having children began to invade my mind.
I must say throughout this journey God has richly blessed me with friends and family who have helped, prayed for, and encouraged me. My church home here at BSBC is a huge part of that. I am so incredibly grateful to Brenda for her obedience to God in starting the HOPE ministry. My family didn’t attend church for years because we couldn’t find a place to take Hannah , and we couldn’t take her to church with us as her extremely sensitive ears would allow us to get through one song during praise and worship and we would have to go. I truly believe the years we spent isolated from the body of Christ was one of the biggest reasons the enemy was able to successfully attack our emotions for so long. There was no one there to help us divide God’s truth from Satan’s lies. The respite events through HOPE are also a huge blessing for my family. Our oldest son Jacob gets very limited time and attention as his sibling’s demands are so great. These respite events give my husband and me an opportunity to give Jacob the time and attention he needs while doing fun activities that we cannot do with the other children.
Another major help along the way has been the Heart to Heart women’s ministry here at BSBC. I deeply treasure the friendships I have made through this group and can’t imagine walking all this out without my beautiful sisters in Christ. In fact it was actually during a Beth Moore Bible Study with this group that God began to open my eyes and allow me to truly see my circumstances the way He does. There are a few truths I’d like to share with you that I believe are universal regardless of the problems we face.
2. GOD’S NATURE AND CHARACTER ARE NOT DEFINED BY OUR CIRCUMSTANCES! This lie from Satan can be traced way back to the Israelites wondering in the wilderness. We tend to equate God with what is happening in our lives and blame Him for it. This opens the door for Satan to dump wrong thoughts in our head. He tries to use the tangibles of this world to warp our spiritual truth. This is why it’s so important to know the Word! Only the Bible reveals the true nature of God. He is love (1 John 4:8). He never leaves us or lets us go (Heb 13:5). He is faithful and compassionate (Ps 145:8&13). His mercy and grace abound to us (Neh. 9:31 ).
3. THE WILDERNESS IS NOT A PUNISHMENT! If you look at Exodus 13: 17 -18 and Luke 4:1 you will see the Israelites and Jesus being led to the wilderness. In both cases they were divinely led. We tend to think the only way God can deliver us is by removing the trial, but the truth is sometimes He delivers us through trials. While salvation is instantaneous, sanctification is a process. This process requires us to grow and be refined so we can be transformed into the very image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18 ). Trials are really an invitation to know God more deeply because they cause us to come to the end of ourselves and face to face with our Creator. Yes, we all love the mountaintop but intimacy with the lily of the valley is not found there.
4. NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCE, GOD’S PEOPLE ARE BLESSED! Maybe like me you’ve gotten so caught up in seeing your circumstances in light of the curse listed in Deut. 28 that you have missed the fact that Christ has completely redeemed you from the curse (Gal. 3:13)? I’m not saying that we will never experience suffering. The Bible makes it quite clear we will (John 16:33), but if you are in Christ you can be assured that whatever difficulty you face God will turn it for your good and for His glory (Rom. 8:28)! Deut. 23:5 says “But the Lord your God has turned the curse into a blessing for you, because He loves you.” I’ve come to realize that blessings come in all different kinds of packages, and the harder a package is to open the greater the blessing that is in store.
5. THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS! Who, what, where, when, why, and how? Trials usually require us to make decisions, and Satan will pounce on this opportunity to overwhelm you. Prov 3:5-6 tells us “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” God already knows what will and won’t work. Don’t waste your time trying it your way first. Seek God and ask Him for wisdom (James 1:5). Know your steps are ordered of the Lord and He will be faithful to direct you (Ps. 37:23).
6. WATCH YOUR WORDS! The Bible has much to say about our mouth. Our words have creative power for good or bad depending on how we use them … “He creates the fruit of the lips” (Is. 57:19). Words start as thoughts and end as actions. Thoughts have a snowball effect … negative leads to more negative and positive leads to more positive. Satan knows this and will try everything he can to get you to think wrong thoughts. Remember to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5)!
7. OPERATE FROM A POSITION OF FAITH NOT FEAR! Heb. 11:1 tells us faith is a substance used to create the things we hope for. If that’s the case then it is safe to say fear is the substance used to create things we don’t want. However, faith means uncertainty and vulnerability and can be a little scary at times. If God allows a difficulty in your life you didn’t think you could handle it’s because He wants you to personally experience that you are more than a conqueror through Him, that His strength is made perfect is your weakness, and your sense of insufficiency is the container He wants to fill with His grace (Rom. 8:37, 2 Cor. 12:9).
8. RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO COMPARE! “Thou shalt not covet” (Deut. 5:21 ). Why did God feel this was such an important topic that it is among the 10 Commandments? Where does coveting stem from? Coveting is the result of comparing. We see someone else having what we want to have, doing what we’d like to do, and experiencing what we wish we could experience. The emotions of envy and jealousy that arise keep us from being content and enjoying what God has given us. Then we find ourselves striving in our flesh to obtain these things instead of striving for the only thing the Bible tells us to strive for … to enter His rest (Heb. 4:11). While it is undoubtedly a blessing to enjoy earthly things, our focus is to be on the eternal not the temporal because the eternal is what will last (2 Cor. 4:18 ).
9. TRUST IN GOD’S SOVEREIGN PLAN ! We serve a faithful God who has a good plan for each of us (Jer. 29:11). Nothing catches Him by surprise. He knows the beginning from the end (Is. 46:10). His plan, purpose, and timing can be trusted, but love is foundational to that trust. Allow me to prove it. Think of the person you most trust. Why do you trust them? Does it have anything to do with their unconditional love for you? Our trust and His love are closely linked. While reading scriptures about faith and trust are good when I am feeling doubt and unbelief creep in, most of the time meditating on scriptures about His love is what reassures my heart and brings me back to a place of trusting God’s sovereignty.
10. GOD WANTS TO USE YOU! As a Christian you have enlisted in God’s army, and God has an assignment for you. He knows our characteristics and strengths and has chosen each of us to do a certain job that we are to do as unto Him (Eph. 2:10 , Col. 3:23). But what if you aren’t happy with the task you’ve been assigned? Well, you’d be in good company. Biblical figures such as Joseph, Gideon, Daniel, Mary, and yes even Jesus come to mind. All these people where assigned jobs they probably wouldn’t have picked. They did them anyway and through their perseverance became powerful witnesses of God. God wants to use you in much the same way. Who better to testify of God’s faithfulness than someone who has experienced pain and watched God turn their tears into laughter and make beauty from ashes (2 Cor. 1:4, Is. 61:3)?!
In January of 2012 God began to show me that I was a part of the plan He had told me about years ago when He said “I’m going to use Hannah to touch people’s lives.” It is with great humility that I now realize that my life was one of the lives God wanted to touch through Hannah, and the perspective I have gained is both precious and priceless to me. God then led me to start the LOVE ministry (the Lord Orchestrates Victory in Everything); a support group for parents of children with special needs that works in conjunction with the HOPE ministry. I also started a blog called “Turning Life’s Lemons into Lemonade.” I am amazed at the number of people who read it most of which do not have special needs children but are dealing with some other difficulty. The response I have had from both of these activities has been tremendous. I have never felt more fulfilled, and it is so exciting to see the bigger picture God had in mind all along begin to come to pass.
Well, I sure wish I could wrap up my story with a nice big bow and say “The End,” but God is not through writing it. Hannah is now 12 and recently started using an iPad to assist her with communication. Gabe is now 4 and just learned to ride a bike. I give God the glory for these accomplishments and thank Him in advance for the ones to come. Our family is expecting a forth and final child in July. As my faith has been tested concerning the health of this child God has again taken me back to Exodus 14: 13&14. Turns out the part about not seeing those ”Egyptians” again was for me after all. So I will continue to fight the good fight trusting in God, submitting to His plan, advancing His purpose, and being patient with His timing because I know the Lord truly does orchestrate victory in everything. Thank you!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Memories of My Father
(This was what I shared at my dad's funeral today 5/23/13. I share it with you in the utmost respect for my father and in hopes that it will touch the hearts of other marriages and families.)
Reflecting back on my childhood (and setting aside all the memories of watching sports with my dad) my 3 most vivid daily memories would be the rattling of change in my dad’s pockets, the fact that he whistled almost everywhere he went, and the fragrance of Old Spice after shave that would linger on our dog’s head each morning indicating dad had petted him before he left for work.
My father was a good man who, like all of us, lived an imperfect life. He was very much the prodigal son who loved the Lord but wanted to do things his own way. While God clearly works through those who are willing vessels, in His infinite wisdom He also displays Himself in the lives of those who are not so willing to submit. This was my dad, and truthfully in no other life that I’ve known has the grace of God been more evident than his. That grace proved sufficient as time after time it covered dad’s mistakes. The faithfulness of God became undeniable as Ezekiel 34:11 & 16 played out in his life … “And the Lord said, Behold, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. I will seek that which was lost and bring back that which has strayed.” Yes, dad spent many years as a wandering sheep, but the Good Shepherd was always faithful to lead him back.
The power of persevering prayer eventually paid off, but not in the timing those praying would’ve liked. Nevertheless, God’s promises are true and His word does not return void, and the longer it takes for the things hoped for to come to pass in our lives the more precious they are. As Joel 2:25 says “And He will restore to you the years the locusts have eaten.” Our family has personally witnessed the healing of a marriage and the restoration of a family. In fact during the last weeks of his life, dad cried as he too acknowledged the goodness of God and the evidence of the redemptive power of Christ on his life. We have been so blessed as a family who at times couldn’t trace the hand of God and therefore had to trust His heart. The result has been a deeper understanding of God’s amazing grace, His unwavering faithfulness, and His unfailing love.
So what have I learned from these 3 seemingly insignificant childhood memories of my dad?
-First, sometimes change rattles, but no matter how long it takes we can be assured God’s will is being done as He transforms us from glory to glory.
-Second, because we can trust in the Author and Finisher of our faith to change what needs to be changed within and around us, we can be at rest and “whistle while He works.”
-And lastly, when all is said and done just like the scent of after shave on our little dog’s head, the fragrance of our life will undoubtedly reveal that we have been touched by the Father’s hand.
Thank you God for my dad and the many lessons I have learned through his life. And dad, I love you. I will miss you, and my soul is anchored to the promise of our eternal heavenly reunion.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
A Church Without Spot or Wrinkle
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)
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)
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!
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