Luke 12:15 (New King James Version)
15 And He said to them, “... one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
I'm worn out with all the "stuff" that we claim doesn't define us, but deep down does. Because the hard heavenly reality (bi-polar opposite to the earth’s reality) is that the "stuff" doesn't even matter one bit, and if we say we believe in Jesus Christ, love Him and follow after Him, then we simply can't live like it does. It's not even a gray area; it's fact, and getting this truth to sink into our thick heads is extremely difficult for some of us in this superficial world we find ourselves consumed in at the moment. It doesn't matter how much we say we don't, we size up people and ourselves by what we have, how much money is in the bank/investments, and the things we claim to own.
When you get down about how much you don't have, insecure about how you see your life and ventures panning out, or when you don't think God loves you as much as your friend at church with all the cool, expensive stuff, get your face in the Word and read what Jesus taught about life and love and possessions. He says, don't worry about things -you will be taken care of. He says don't let the things you own define you and make you think you're better than anyone else. He says, this earth is not our home - we are just passing through. He says, don’t hold on tightly - all the "stuff" will turn to dust and fade away anyway. He says, that money and things come and go - seek those things that are eternal (the things that will remain long after we are gone). He says getting obsessed with money is where all evil begins (yuck). All evil is started with obsessing over money. And since money equals power in this world, maybe there is a part of us that loves the power that stuff and money bring? That, however, brings us to a whole other bunch of issues for later…
The thing is, hold on to your earthly possessions with an open hand. Don't let them be the gage with which you judge how your life is panning out and how cool and successful others are. Having lots of stuff (and finding out how much others have) is not the way to help you feel good about your life and your walk with God - it's just not.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
209
Luke 2:12-16 (nkjv)
And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
They came with haste. With haste. They were in a rush to bring to Him something of themselves, their worship and their praise. I am somewhat of a late/rushed person and I know the sense that comes when I'm in a very excited hurry to see someone I love. Especially when I'm going to pick someone up from the airport whom I haven't seen in a while. Yes, maybe think of it like that. Picking up the person you've been waiting for your whole life from the airport. The thought moves me to tears. They rushed to get to Jesus, their messiah. Then they fell on their knees and worshiped. If they were anything like me, maybe they were crying....
Maybe the only thing to feel rushed and urgent about this December is the act of bringing to Jesus your heart, your time and your worship. Take time to worship him by serving people (christmas cookies, babysit, presents, cup of coffee, phone call, text, visit lonely people...), sing praises to Him at a church service, tell Him you're thankful He was born as you clean your house, sit with His word for a few minutes amidst the hustle and bustle around you... maybe some things like that. Nothing else really matters.
*
*
*
*
*
*
And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
They came with haste. With haste. They were in a rush to bring to Him something of themselves, their worship and their praise. I am somewhat of a late/rushed person and I know the sense that comes when I'm in a very excited hurry to see someone I love. Especially when I'm going to pick someone up from the airport whom I haven't seen in a while. Yes, maybe think of it like that. Picking up the person you've been waiting for your whole life from the airport. The thought moves me to tears. They rushed to get to Jesus, their messiah. Then they fell on their knees and worshiped. If they were anything like me, maybe they were crying....
Maybe the only thing to feel rushed and urgent about this December is the act of bringing to Jesus your heart, your time and your worship. Take time to worship him by serving people (christmas cookies, babysit, presents, cup of coffee, phone call, text, visit lonely people...), sing praises to Him at a church service, tell Him you're thankful He was born as you clean your house, sit with His word for a few minutes amidst the hustle and bustle around you... maybe some things like that. Nothing else really matters.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
208
Proverbs 11:24 (The Message)
"The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller."
This verse pretty much speaks beautifully for itself. There is a big big big life for each one of us to lead. There are magnificent things for you to do, dreams to live, and an awesome person to be. The Bible tells us how to live and how to make it as big as we want. I know the generous ones and (unfortunately) know the stingy as well. And it's not so much that being stingy is being bad people, it's like looking at life and living it through a teeny tiny peep hole. The stingy person squeezes stuff in and out of the teeny tiny peep hole, allowing very little through. And worst of all, love people through the teeny tiny peep hole, and in the end, the peep hole is so small they lose out on the best things in life.
Don't be a stingy loser; open up your front door and let people in and let people out. Give people things through the front door, let people come and sit in your home, feed them, make them laugh, give of your self out of who you are and from what you have (and maybe even, sometimes, from what you don't have). Your home and life will be huge with all the space you have opened up to the world.
It's about making generosity a part of your insides - a part of who you are: your speech, your money, your talents, your home. Tell your friend how beautiful they look, tell them how well they do their job, bring them coffee, and if you're a little worried that you don't know when to put up boundaries, while you're figuring it out, think about erring on the side of too generous.
Become this person and watch your life open up. The doors of opportunity and favor will fly open and your life will enlarge! Have a "big" day.
*
*
*
*
*
*
"The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller."
This verse pretty much speaks beautifully for itself. There is a big big big life for each one of us to lead. There are magnificent things for you to do, dreams to live, and an awesome person to be. The Bible tells us how to live and how to make it as big as we want. I know the generous ones and (unfortunately) know the stingy as well. And it's not so much that being stingy is being bad people, it's like looking at life and living it through a teeny tiny peep hole. The stingy person squeezes stuff in and out of the teeny tiny peep hole, allowing very little through. And worst of all, love people through the teeny tiny peep hole, and in the end, the peep hole is so small they lose out on the best things in life.
Don't be a stingy loser; open up your front door and let people in and let people out. Give people things through the front door, let people come and sit in your home, feed them, make them laugh, give of your self out of who you are and from what you have (and maybe even, sometimes, from what you don't have). Your home and life will be huge with all the space you have opened up to the world.
It's about making generosity a part of your insides - a part of who you are: your speech, your money, your talents, your home. Tell your friend how beautiful they look, tell them how well they do their job, bring them coffee, and if you're a little worried that you don't know when to put up boundaries, while you're figuring it out, think about erring on the side of too generous.
Become this person and watch your life open up. The doors of opportunity and favor will fly open and your life will enlarge! Have a "big" day.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
207
Acts 17:28 (nkjv)
"For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring."
Insecurity. It's an ugly beast whose presence invades and dominates our world and society, breaking people all over the place. My best friend and I were on a little road trip a few weeks ago, and as we were talking about life and the world and solving everyone's problems (just kidding) we began to realize how many different ways in which stupid and evil insecurity manifests itself in people's lives. It's unbelievable. Look at the insecure person who sits scared, shy and coy in the corner of a room full of people scared to make a peep because the fear of people grips their precious minds and souls. Watch with embarrassment the loud mouth who dominates and monopolizes every conversation they are a part of because they want to be noticed, heard and understood. Have you experienced when someone who loves you goes over the top not wanting to put you out or put pressure on you, and it ends up feeling like they don't want you around, except they really do...?
I think Jesus is the coolest cat who ever walked around because He was secure in who He was - He was a child of His father in Heaven, and that is the way we can be exactly like Him. Whether it's you or the other person in the room, try to spot the insecure person and have compassion on them. They can't help it, they've been broken by someone or something, and that is all they know. You could even go one step further and pray for them and love them - show/introduce to them the Jesus who was secure, confident and when things got rough and maybe He forgot who He was for the moment, ran straight to His Father to get back His identity and worth. He knew that if no one around Him understood Him and loved Him, one certain Father did.
People are insecure, that's why they can be quiet, loud, shy, obnoxious, annoying and endearing. Instead of judgment, try to put a little bit of them back together.
*
*
*
*
*
"For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring."
Insecurity. It's an ugly beast whose presence invades and dominates our world and society, breaking people all over the place. My best friend and I were on a little road trip a few weeks ago, and as we were talking about life and the world and solving everyone's problems (just kidding) we began to realize how many different ways in which stupid and evil insecurity manifests itself in people's lives. It's unbelievable. Look at the insecure person who sits scared, shy and coy in the corner of a room full of people scared to make a peep because the fear of people grips their precious minds and souls. Watch with embarrassment the loud mouth who dominates and monopolizes every conversation they are a part of because they want to be noticed, heard and understood. Have you experienced when someone who loves you goes over the top not wanting to put you out or put pressure on you, and it ends up feeling like they don't want you around, except they really do...?
I think Jesus is the coolest cat who ever walked around because He was secure in who He was - He was a child of His father in Heaven, and that is the way we can be exactly like Him. Whether it's you or the other person in the room, try to spot the insecure person and have compassion on them. They can't help it, they've been broken by someone or something, and that is all they know. You could even go one step further and pray for them and love them - show/introduce to them the Jesus who was secure, confident and when things got rough and maybe He forgot who He was for the moment, ran straight to His Father to get back His identity and worth. He knew that if no one around Him understood Him and loved Him, one certain Father did.
People are insecure, that's why they can be quiet, loud, shy, obnoxious, annoying and endearing. Instead of judgment, try to put a little bit of them back together.
*
*
*
*
*
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
206
1 John 4:19 (The Message)
"We, though, are going to love — love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first."
Loving the world is one thing, but loving the people we call friends is definitely something we must continually work on, too. We must try to learn new ways to love people and show the love through every and any opportunity that comes our way. Some days, love is in the air and showing the people we love they are special and that we couldn't live without them, is the easiest thing in the world. Other days even loving the people we love the most doesn't come naturally at all. Either way, we are called to love not just the downcast and the ugly, but love the ones that we call friends and best friends.
It's really good to learn how to love people well. We love because we have first been loved. Go out of your way for your friends. Tell them they are wonderful, talented, gifted and awesome. Make them look good, make them look better than you around others, and let them feel like there is no one else in the world besides them. Buy them coffees, raise your glass to them around the dinner table, go above and beyond for their birthdays, make the things that are important to them just as important to you as well. Your life will be enriched and the simple things about friendship will take on a beautiful brand new meaning. When you give of yourself to those you love, you will be happier. And if you have a hard time doing this (making your friends feel loved, look better than you, have the stuff that you want, happy and praying for their success in life) and making it not always about you, then you're insecure and seeing the world from your broken place.
And that is another issue.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
"We, though, are going to love — love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first."
Loving the world is one thing, but loving the people we call friends is definitely something we must continually work on, too. We must try to learn new ways to love people and show the love through every and any opportunity that comes our way. Some days, love is in the air and showing the people we love they are special and that we couldn't live without them, is the easiest thing in the world. Other days even loving the people we love the most doesn't come naturally at all. Either way, we are called to love not just the downcast and the ugly, but love the ones that we call friends and best friends.
It's really good to learn how to love people well. We love because we have first been loved. Go out of your way for your friends. Tell them they are wonderful, talented, gifted and awesome. Make them look good, make them look better than you around others, and let them feel like there is no one else in the world besides them. Buy them coffees, raise your glass to them around the dinner table, go above and beyond for their birthdays, make the things that are important to them just as important to you as well. Your life will be enriched and the simple things about friendship will take on a beautiful brand new meaning. When you give of yourself to those you love, you will be happier. And if you have a hard time doing this (making your friends feel loved, look better than you, have the stuff that you want, happy and praying for their success in life) and making it not always about you, then you're insecure and seeing the world from your broken place.
And that is another issue.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Thursday, December 2, 2010
205
Joshua 6: 20
So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.
It is with gigantic amounts of awe and astonishment that I read through the sixth chapter of Joshua. What a guy, what a book. What faith. It's breathtaking to witness the amount of faith with which Joshua leads these people into Jericho, part of their promised land which has been shut up and kept from them. I close my eyes and imagine myself walking around a city for six days in silence. I imagine the almighty roar from all of us (me and my crazy friends) on that final day as we scream out, utterly desperate for the miracle, believing that somehow things will change and we won't be shut out from our promised land anymore.
And I want a piece of it. I want the walls that surround my promised land to come crashing down.
What does the silence mean? What does the shouting mean? It's kind of aggressive. Actually, the whole "taking of the city" is aggressive. Maybe the marching in silence is the slow and steady "wait" in which we find ourselves. The doing of whatever it takes to get to where you know you need to be. And then there is the release. Maybe it's when you're so fired up, so angry and desperate at the situation you're in that enough is finally enough. Maybe we need more aggression in our faith. Maybe we need to get so fed up with the way things are that after the waiting and marching and waiting and marching around the place of promise, all of a sudden it ends and the desperation for all we have been promised is fulfilled. We scream out to the heavens for change. Maybe then the walls will come tumbling down and we can rightly take what is ours.
Maybe that's what it takes. Maybe in our family, our church, our broken heart, our finances, our minds, that's what it takes. Don't give up on your promised land. She is waiting for you to take her.
*
*
*
*
So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.
It is with gigantic amounts of awe and astonishment that I read through the sixth chapter of Joshua. What a guy, what a book. What faith. It's breathtaking to witness the amount of faith with which Joshua leads these people into Jericho, part of their promised land which has been shut up and kept from them. I close my eyes and imagine myself walking around a city for six days in silence. I imagine the almighty roar from all of us (me and my crazy friends) on that final day as we scream out, utterly desperate for the miracle, believing that somehow things will change and we won't be shut out from our promised land anymore.
And I want a piece of it. I want the walls that surround my promised land to come crashing down.
What does the silence mean? What does the shouting mean? It's kind of aggressive. Actually, the whole "taking of the city" is aggressive. Maybe the marching in silence is the slow and steady "wait" in which we find ourselves. The doing of whatever it takes to get to where you know you need to be. And then there is the release. Maybe it's when you're so fired up, so angry and desperate at the situation you're in that enough is finally enough. Maybe we need more aggression in our faith. Maybe we need to get so fed up with the way things are that after the waiting and marching and waiting and marching around the place of promise, all of a sudden it ends and the desperation for all we have been promised is fulfilled. We scream out to the heavens for change. Maybe then the walls will come tumbling down and we can rightly take what is ours.
Maybe that's what it takes. Maybe in our family, our church, our broken heart, our finances, our minds, that's what it takes. Don't give up on your promised land. She is waiting for you to take her.
*
*
*
*
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
204
Mark 6:7 (the message)
"Jesus called the Twelve to him, and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority and power to deal with the evil opposition..."
Jesus will give you who you need. Jesus will give you what you need. Jesus picked the guys he knew would be slightly crazy enough to get to know Him and believe in Him, and passionate enough to risk their lives, jobs, reputation and relationships to take His message of hope and love to the broken world. When He picked these extremely earthy yet extraordinary men to do this, even then, He knew that they couldn't do it alone. He sent them out in pairs. He gave them one another because He knew that life and love and facing the devil every day cannot be done alone.
No matter how you find yourself dealing with "evil opposition" out there (because we all are in one way or another), you can't do it alone. Don't do it alone. Do it in twos or threes or fours... but don't do it by yourself. You need someone or sometwo to help you do what you've been put on earth to do. Be it a spouse, a best friend, a relative, a pastor or a distant pen pal, you need people.
Don't be alone; life is way more fun in pairs.
*
*
*
*
*
"Jesus called the Twelve to him, and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority and power to deal with the evil opposition..."
Jesus will give you who you need. Jesus will give you what you need. Jesus picked the guys he knew would be slightly crazy enough to get to know Him and believe in Him, and passionate enough to risk their lives, jobs, reputation and relationships to take His message of hope and love to the broken world. When He picked these extremely earthy yet extraordinary men to do this, even then, He knew that they couldn't do it alone. He sent them out in pairs. He gave them one another because He knew that life and love and facing the devil every day cannot be done alone.
No matter how you find yourself dealing with "evil opposition" out there (because we all are in one way or another), you can't do it alone. Don't do it alone. Do it in twos or threes or fours... but don't do it by yourself. You need someone or sometwo to help you do what you've been put on earth to do. Be it a spouse, a best friend, a relative, a pastor or a distant pen pal, you need people.
Don't be alone; life is way more fun in pairs.
*
*
*
*
*
203
2 Corinthians 12:9 (the message)
"My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness."
God's grace is probably the most beautiful and powerful force in your life. With a fierce loyalty, she is behind you, holding you in the day to day of living and surviving this life. And more present than you can imagine. Maybe we don't realize grace's magnitude or the reality of her holding us together every moment of the day. If we didn't have God's constant and perfect presence, which He divinely designs for the situation we are facing, I'm sure as I can be that our minds and bodies would break under the pressure and heartache we experience and watch on this earth.
And it comes in all shapes and forms. I think that God sends us grace however He can get it to us. Sometimes He sends us very large doses of His grace in human form. They hold us and save us on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. God is kind and sends them (husband/friend/parent) to us when we need them at the exact right time. He may send us a stranger to give us a word of encouragement or even just a smile on a crummy day; He may drop a scripture into you heart, one that you hadn't thought of in a while, and it may just save the day for you. However God's grace gets to you, receive it, immerse yourself in it and relish the treasure that you have been so lavishly and wonderfully given. And don't worry; every morning ask God for His wonderful grace and it will get from heaven to you in an instant; it will get you through each moment of your day.
*
*
*
*
"My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness."
God's grace is probably the most beautiful and powerful force in your life. With a fierce loyalty, she is behind you, holding you in the day to day of living and surviving this life. And more present than you can imagine. Maybe we don't realize grace's magnitude or the reality of her holding us together every moment of the day. If we didn't have God's constant and perfect presence, which He divinely designs for the situation we are facing, I'm sure as I can be that our minds and bodies would break under the pressure and heartache we experience and watch on this earth.
And it comes in all shapes and forms. I think that God sends us grace however He can get it to us. Sometimes He sends us very large doses of His grace in human form. They hold us and save us on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. God is kind and sends them (husband/friend/parent) to us when we need them at the exact right time. He may send us a stranger to give us a word of encouragement or even just a smile on a crummy day; He may drop a scripture into you heart, one that you hadn't thought of in a while, and it may just save the day for you. However God's grace gets to you, receive it, immerse yourself in it and relish the treasure that you have been so lavishly and wonderfully given. And don't worry; every morning ask God for His wonderful grace and it will get from heaven to you in an instant; it will get you through each moment of your day.
*
*
*
*
Monday, November 22, 2010
202
Psalm 37: 34 (the message)
"Wait passionately for God, don't leave the path..."
The waiting is the hardest part (oh so true, Tom Petty) - it really is. "Waiting" is a law of God and we can't run from it. Sometimes this life gives us things quite instantaneously and sometimes even God does a quick work if that's what it takes. But I have come to learn in my short life that with God, waiting is one of the key ingredients in His promises. We have to wait for the baby to bake, the sun to rise again, the paint to dry, the photo to develop, the medicine to kick in, the song to be written, the promises of God to be fulfilled in our lives.
Read read read Psalm 37 - the law of waiting is written all over it: "trust in the Lord...for they shall SOON be cut down...He SHALL bring it to pass...but those who wait on the Lord, they SHALL inherit the earth...wait patiently for Him...wait on the Lord...he SHALL exalt you..." there is a lot more language like that in that tiny piece of Bible. And what beautiful and tormenting language Eugene Peterson translates in The Message: "Wait PASSIONATELY for God." It's like balancing the tension of trust and control where you're consciously abandoned to God yet doing everything you can to push toward what He has called you to do.
Keep waiting. Keep working. And keep waiting.
*
*
*
*
*
"Wait passionately for God, don't leave the path..."
The waiting is the hardest part (oh so true, Tom Petty) - it really is. "Waiting" is a law of God and we can't run from it. Sometimes this life gives us things quite instantaneously and sometimes even God does a quick work if that's what it takes. But I have come to learn in my short life that with God, waiting is one of the key ingredients in His promises. We have to wait for the baby to bake, the sun to rise again, the paint to dry, the photo to develop, the medicine to kick in, the song to be written, the promises of God to be fulfilled in our lives.
Read read read Psalm 37 - the law of waiting is written all over it: "trust in the Lord...for they shall SOON be cut down...He SHALL bring it to pass...but those who wait on the Lord, they SHALL inherit the earth...wait patiently for Him...wait on the Lord...he SHALL exalt you..." there is a lot more language like that in that tiny piece of Bible. And what beautiful and tormenting language Eugene Peterson translates in The Message: "Wait PASSIONATELY for God." It's like balancing the tension of trust and control where you're consciously abandoned to God yet doing everything you can to push toward what He has called you to do.
Keep waiting. Keep working. And keep waiting.
*
*
*
*
*
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
201
Joshua 1:7 (nkjv)
"Only be strong and very courageous..."
I have so many friends I am extremely proud to know and simply love to be around. Whether they have built their own business', become awesome parents, decided to chase their dreams in the arts, or daily sow into the industry they find themselves in for this season of their lives, they are moving forward and being all that they feel like they can be and not letting the state of the world and the odds of success for our generation scare them out of trying.
God told Joshua to go and take the land that was promised to him and his people. God promised that every place Joshua put his feet would be his. Joshua had been promised from God to be prosperous and successful, but He had to go in, fight some kings and beat the odds against him. He wasn't too afraid to go. God had awesome things for Joshua, and He has called you to do some incredible stuff as well. He has called you to ownership in whatever you're doing. Be strong and brave and courageous in your family, your work, your relationships; own the territory where He has sent you. There is a calling over your life, and there is something for you to do right here and right now and tomorrow and the next day and next month and next year. Today and always, He is with you. Sometimes He will take you through the fire to refine your insides so you become who you need to be, and other seasons you will reap the years of sowing sowing sowing... Either way, He is with you so don't be afraid. Be strong. Everyday. Wake up, face what you have to face, and do it with everything in you. Take it all, it's yours.
*
*
*
*
"Only be strong and very courageous..."
I have so many friends I am extremely proud to know and simply love to be around. Whether they have built their own business', become awesome parents, decided to chase their dreams in the arts, or daily sow into the industry they find themselves in for this season of their lives, they are moving forward and being all that they feel like they can be and not letting the state of the world and the odds of success for our generation scare them out of trying.
God told Joshua to go and take the land that was promised to him and his people. God promised that every place Joshua put his feet would be his. Joshua had been promised from God to be prosperous and successful, but He had to go in, fight some kings and beat the odds against him. He wasn't too afraid to go. God had awesome things for Joshua, and He has called you to do some incredible stuff as well. He has called you to ownership in whatever you're doing. Be strong and brave and courageous in your family, your work, your relationships; own the territory where He has sent you. There is a calling over your life, and there is something for you to do right here and right now and tomorrow and the next day and next month and next year. Today and always, He is with you. Sometimes He will take you through the fire to refine your insides so you become who you need to be, and other seasons you will reap the years of sowing sowing sowing... Either way, He is with you so don't be afraid. Be strong. Everyday. Wake up, face what you have to face, and do it with everything in you. Take it all, it's yours.
*
*
*
*
Sunday, November 7, 2010
200
Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)
Place Your Life Before God
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Probably the most powerful remedy to cure a little bit of self-indulgent-pity-party is to put yourself out there far far far away from your cozy comfort zone to help out others. Sometimes when you feel that your life is lacking in areas you think you should be abundant in, or there are things you are disappointed about, or you think you're entitled to something you don't have, it's easy to get extremely inward focused. It then becomes all about self self self and the terrible self-destructive downward spiral begins... and it gets ugly. It gets ugly because it's so horribly self centered making it hard to find the heart of Jesus for the world and for others because you're only really thinking about yourself and your own needs.
Go get out there and pick up someones kids from school if they can't do it; rake someone's leaves when they're too sick to take care of it themselves; make someone a meal; take a lonely soul out for a cup of coffee. Keep it simple and practical, but get your hands dirty helping people and I promise it will cure your self-pity-party in about five minutes. You will be changed for the better. He will always take care of you so go and take care of others.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Place Your Life Before God
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Probably the most powerful remedy to cure a little bit of self-indulgent-pity-party is to put yourself out there far far far away from your cozy comfort zone to help out others. Sometimes when you feel that your life is lacking in areas you think you should be abundant in, or there are things you are disappointed about, or you think you're entitled to something you don't have, it's easy to get extremely inward focused. It then becomes all about self self self and the terrible self-destructive downward spiral begins... and it gets ugly. It gets ugly because it's so horribly self centered making it hard to find the heart of Jesus for the world and for others because you're only really thinking about yourself and your own needs.
Go get out there and pick up someones kids from school if they can't do it; rake someone's leaves when they're too sick to take care of it themselves; make someone a meal; take a lonely soul out for a cup of coffee. Keep it simple and practical, but get your hands dirty helping people and I promise it will cure your self-pity-party in about five minutes. You will be changed for the better. He will always take care of you so go and take care of others.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
199
Psalm 31:3 (New King James Version)
"For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me."
Most mornings we wake up, get dressed, plan the day, walk out the door, and go about our business. Sometimes the plans we had for the day unfold without a glitch, and other days the things we thought we would accomplish are no where in sight. And I think that's the beauty of walking with the Holy Spirit on day-to-day moment-by-moment basis: we have the privilege of walking with and listening to God speak to us throughout our day.
This morning I started my day praying that God would order my steps and give me "divine appointments" throughout my day. Honestly, when I prayed it, I was praying in regards to my job as my work depends a lot on meeting random people who get the vision of the organization I work with, and then decide they want to be a part of it. And my "divine appointment" came on a lunch break in a cafe (out of town), where I would bump into a good friend also out of town with work and have a conversation that was just what we both needed in this season of our families' lives. I walked away knowing that God really does order our steps and that it didn't come in regards to what I was expecting, but it certainly did come.
Let the Holy Spirit into the mundane-ness of the minutes and hours of your day, be on the look out for the people who need you, or those who you need - you never know where there is something divine and powerful hiding.
*
*
*
*
*
"For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me."
Most mornings we wake up, get dressed, plan the day, walk out the door, and go about our business. Sometimes the plans we had for the day unfold without a glitch, and other days the things we thought we would accomplish are no where in sight. And I think that's the beauty of walking with the Holy Spirit on day-to-day moment-by-moment basis: we have the privilege of walking with and listening to God speak to us throughout our day.
This morning I started my day praying that God would order my steps and give me "divine appointments" throughout my day. Honestly, when I prayed it, I was praying in regards to my job as my work depends a lot on meeting random people who get the vision of the organization I work with, and then decide they want to be a part of it. And my "divine appointment" came on a lunch break in a cafe (out of town), where I would bump into a good friend also out of town with work and have a conversation that was just what we both needed in this season of our families' lives. I walked away knowing that God really does order our steps and that it didn't come in regards to what I was expecting, but it certainly did come.
Let the Holy Spirit into the mundane-ness of the minutes and hours of your day, be on the look out for the people who need you, or those who you need - you never know where there is something divine and powerful hiding.
*
*
*
*
*
Thursday, October 28, 2010
198
Proverbs 10:22 (nkjv)
"The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it."
It's good to be happy about your life. It's good to feel good about things. It's good to be in love, it's good to have nice things, it's good to have friends you adore, it's good to be close to family (or the people you have made family), it's good to laugh and it's good to make other people happy. It's good to feel the presence of the Lord and His insane abundant blessing throughout your day.
We have all been taught that the one certainty in life, the one thing every human on the planet is sure to encounter, is change. So enjoy the place you're in at this moment. Enjoy it on the way to where you're going. I guarantee that soon enough you will be in a new season and things will change and the season you're in will be a memory. Be present where you are. Don't be absent. Ask the Holy spirit into each moment of your day, and be confident that God is in your midst always. It is He who makes your life perfect, rich and beautiful.
*
*
*
*
*
"The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it."
It's good to be happy about your life. It's good to feel good about things. It's good to be in love, it's good to have nice things, it's good to have friends you adore, it's good to be close to family (or the people you have made family), it's good to laugh and it's good to make other people happy. It's good to feel the presence of the Lord and His insane abundant blessing throughout your day.
We have all been taught that the one certainty in life, the one thing every human on the planet is sure to encounter, is change. So enjoy the place you're in at this moment. Enjoy it on the way to where you're going. I guarantee that soon enough you will be in a new season and things will change and the season you're in will be a memory. Be present where you are. Don't be absent. Ask the Holy spirit into each moment of your day, and be confident that God is in your midst always. It is He who makes your life perfect, rich and beautiful.
*
*
*
*
*
Sunday, October 24, 2010
197
Psalm 27:10 (The Message)
"You've always been right there for me; don't turn your back on me now. Don't throw me out, don't abandon me; you've always kept the door open. My father and mother walked out and left me, but God took me in."
Feeling disappointed by God has got to be the worst thing ever. It's the worst because to you and your heart He is the one you want to count on and believe in more than anyone or anything else in the world to not let you down and disappoint you. And those moments (slash days, months and years) when you feel like He has played or is playing a trick on you, letting you down and disappointing you, are awful and horrifying times.
But here's the truth. It's not Jesus who lets you down. It's really not. He doesn't work like the rest of the humans. He doesn't hurt people and He doesn't leave people. It's not Him. It's this world and the messed up broken people who live in it. I know I have not solved the age old question of "why me, Lord?" I have, however, traced back enough of my disappointments with things in my life to their roots and it seems to stem back to a couple common denominators: stupid, broken and hurtful people (people who are full of pride on power-trips), along with my control and insecurity issues, and thinking that I can make it all work on my own, those are the things that hold me where I am. It's you and it's me and it's the people who break us that disappoint us in the long run.
When you feel the most disappointed by God and by life, run straight into His arms and sit there for awhile. Because the problem is not Him, it's life in a fallen world. It's living a life that sometimes gets hard and disappointing. Run to Him and He will bring you back to life.
*
*
*
*
*
*
"You've always been right there for me; don't turn your back on me now. Don't throw me out, don't abandon me; you've always kept the door open. My father and mother walked out and left me, but God took me in."
Feeling disappointed by God has got to be the worst thing ever. It's the worst because to you and your heart He is the one you want to count on and believe in more than anyone or anything else in the world to not let you down and disappoint you. And those moments (slash days, months and years) when you feel like He has played or is playing a trick on you, letting you down and disappointing you, are awful and horrifying times.
But here's the truth. It's not Jesus who lets you down. It's really not. He doesn't work like the rest of the humans. He doesn't hurt people and He doesn't leave people. It's not Him. It's this world and the messed up broken people who live in it. I know I have not solved the age old question of "why me, Lord?" I have, however, traced back enough of my disappointments with things in my life to their roots and it seems to stem back to a couple common denominators: stupid, broken and hurtful people (people who are full of pride on power-trips), along with my control and insecurity issues, and thinking that I can make it all work on my own, those are the things that hold me where I am. It's you and it's me and it's the people who break us that disappoint us in the long run.
When you feel the most disappointed by God and by life, run straight into His arms and sit there for awhile. Because the problem is not Him, it's life in a fallen world. It's living a life that sometimes gets hard and disappointing. Run to Him and He will bring you back to life.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Saturday, October 23, 2010
196
Mark 16:17-18 (The Message)
"These are some of the signs that will accompany believers... they will lay hands on the sick and make them well."
It's no secret we live in a touchless society. We have more or less allowed even the word "touch" to become perverted and guilty. And in some ways we have lost the art of touching people to allow the Holy Spirit to heal them - to really touch and fix their broken places. We rarely touch someone on the shoulders, arms, head to pray for them to be okay. We don't wrap our bodies around friends, give them a huge bear hug, while asking - begging - God to heal their sick and broken down body, tormented and tired mind, unbalanced hormone levels, or angry soul.
Jesus said that these will be the signs that we are known by: people around us (and us) being free and whole and happy and at peace. It's time to bring praying with someone until they get a release (even just a little one) back into the church and into our lives. It's time to sit with someone on the couch, hold their hand, shut your eyes and wait for God to come and heal the broken parts of their body, mind and soul.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
"These are some of the signs that will accompany believers... they will lay hands on the sick and make them well."
It's no secret we live in a touchless society. We have more or less allowed even the word "touch" to become perverted and guilty. And in some ways we have lost the art of touching people to allow the Holy Spirit to heal them - to really touch and fix their broken places. We rarely touch someone on the shoulders, arms, head to pray for them to be okay. We don't wrap our bodies around friends, give them a huge bear hug, while asking - begging - God to heal their sick and broken down body, tormented and tired mind, unbalanced hormone levels, or angry soul.
Jesus said that these will be the signs that we are known by: people around us (and us) being free and whole and happy and at peace. It's time to bring praying with someone until they get a release (even just a little one) back into the church and into our lives. It's time to sit with someone on the couch, hold their hand, shut your eyes and wait for God to come and heal the broken parts of their body, mind and soul.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Friday, October 15, 2010
195
Ephesians 5:4 (the message)
"...Thanksgiving is our dialect."
I am thankful for my toothbrush. I am thankful for my 'L' mug. I am thankful for my boot collection. I am thankful for the few people I have who make me feel like I'm needed by someone and on the planet for a reason. Life is a bit funny/weird: some days are filled with tangible goodness and blessings and we are overwhelmed with how undeserving we feel for all the stuff that is good in our lives. Other days we have to start with the small things (toothbrushes, mugs, socks etc.) and work our way up to remembering what exactly we are thankful for in this life.
But we must always be thankful, and we must always realize there is a continual flow of goodness (from Jesus to us) to be overwhelmed about. Paul wrote that those of us who love Jesus and know Him in our hearts have no place for gossip or negativity, but rather we must speak in the universal language of thankfulness. Actually, if thankfulness is truly our "dialect" it should pretty much be a natural thing that flows out of our mouths when we speak - thankfulness and praise.
Think of ten things (trivial or not) you're thankful for. Acknowledge that they are from Him (because every good and perfect thing comes from Him - James 1:17), thank Him for them, and be happy today because your life is rich. Start with your toothbrush if you must, but be thankful.
*
*
*
*
*
"...Thanksgiving is our dialect."
I am thankful for my toothbrush. I am thankful for my 'L' mug. I am thankful for my boot collection. I am thankful for the few people I have who make me feel like I'm needed by someone and on the planet for a reason. Life is a bit funny/weird: some days are filled with tangible goodness and blessings and we are overwhelmed with how undeserving we feel for all the stuff that is good in our lives. Other days we have to start with the small things (toothbrushes, mugs, socks etc.) and work our way up to remembering what exactly we are thankful for in this life.
But we must always be thankful, and we must always realize there is a continual flow of goodness (from Jesus to us) to be overwhelmed about. Paul wrote that those of us who love Jesus and know Him in our hearts have no place for gossip or negativity, but rather we must speak in the universal language of thankfulness. Actually, if thankfulness is truly our "dialect" it should pretty much be a natural thing that flows out of our mouths when we speak - thankfulness and praise.
Think of ten things (trivial or not) you're thankful for. Acknowledge that they are from Him (because every good and perfect thing comes from Him - James 1:17), thank Him for them, and be happy today because your life is rich. Start with your toothbrush if you must, but be thankful.
*
*
*
*
*
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
194
Matthew 11:2-6 (the message)
John, meanwhile, had been locked up in prison. When he got wind of what Jesus was doing, he sent his own disciples to ask, "Are you the One we've been expecting, or are we still waiting?" Jesus told them, "Go back and tell John what's going on: The blind see, The lame walk, Lepers are cleansed, The deaf hear, The dead are raised, The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side..."
So it's all on - Jesus has arrived and he is certainly in full force. Everyone's talking and no one can get enough. He is too good to be true. Everyone's lives are being changed.
And then there's John: the weird and wonderful and adoring-of-Jesus John who has been waiting for His beloved Messiah, the one who will come and finally, finally, save the people and be their Lord. John has heard the stories that have leaked out about Jesus, and I bet John knows deep in his heart that it's Him... maybe the savior has finally arrived! John is in prison and sends a disciple to ask this man if He is the one they've all been waiting for. And this is how Jesus responds (in a nut shell): Go and tell John that people's hearts are being healed, bodies are being fixed and the good news is bringing people hope all over the place. Tell Him the facts.
So maybe we need some signs and wonders after all. Maybe we need a little power. Maybe then we wouldn't have to talk people into believing that Jesus is God, we would just heal their bodies, mend their hearts and bring life back to their souls... It's hard to argue with hard tangible evidence.
*
*
*
*
*
John, meanwhile, had been locked up in prison. When he got wind of what Jesus was doing, he sent his own disciples to ask, "Are you the One we've been expecting, or are we still waiting?" Jesus told them, "Go back and tell John what's going on: The blind see, The lame walk, Lepers are cleansed, The deaf hear, The dead are raised, The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side..."
So it's all on - Jesus has arrived and he is certainly in full force. Everyone's talking and no one can get enough. He is too good to be true. Everyone's lives are being changed.
And then there's John: the weird and wonderful and adoring-of-Jesus John who has been waiting for His beloved Messiah, the one who will come and finally, finally, save the people and be their Lord. John has heard the stories that have leaked out about Jesus, and I bet John knows deep in his heart that it's Him... maybe the savior has finally arrived! John is in prison and sends a disciple to ask this man if He is the one they've all been waiting for. And this is how Jesus responds (in a nut shell): Go and tell John that people's hearts are being healed, bodies are being fixed and the good news is bringing people hope all over the place. Tell Him the facts.
So maybe we need some signs and wonders after all. Maybe we need a little power. Maybe then we wouldn't have to talk people into believing that Jesus is God, we would just heal their bodies, mend their hearts and bring life back to their souls... It's hard to argue with hard tangible evidence.
*
*
*
*
*
Sunday, October 10, 2010
193
Psalm 23:6 (the message)
"Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life."
There are moments in life when we have the chance to look behind us and remember that the goodness of God has followed us for years. We get to meet old friends, visit old places, reminisce memories we've shared, and talk about how Jesus has been there every step of the way. Some memories are make us laugh til we cry, and some just make us cry, and we're desperate to forget. In the unpleasant memories we can take our minds and hearts back, picture Jesus in the room with us, and slowly slowly slowly the pain can be healed. And then we have the beautiful memories, in which it's so nice to take the time to look behind us and be so thankful that His goodness, beauty and love has truly followed closely behind us every step of the way.
We have to always be looking ahead to where we're going and what God has in store for us - this is 'hope'- but part of looking forward is taking the time to remember the road we've walked that has brought us to this point in our lives.
Call or write a note to an old friend and thank them for the memories. Pray for an old pastor or mentor or employer. Whatever moves you right now, or whoever comes to mind - be thankful. God and His ridiculous goodness, beauty and love has been chasing you, and will continue to for the rest of your life.
*
*
*
*
*
*
"Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life."
There are moments in life when we have the chance to look behind us and remember that the goodness of God has followed us for years. We get to meet old friends, visit old places, reminisce memories we've shared, and talk about how Jesus has been there every step of the way. Some memories are make us laugh til we cry, and some just make us cry, and we're desperate to forget. In the unpleasant memories we can take our minds and hearts back, picture Jesus in the room with us, and slowly slowly slowly the pain can be healed. And then we have the beautiful memories, in which it's so nice to take the time to look behind us and be so thankful that His goodness, beauty and love has truly followed closely behind us every step of the way.
We have to always be looking ahead to where we're going and what God has in store for us - this is 'hope'- but part of looking forward is taking the time to remember the road we've walked that has brought us to this point in our lives.
Call or write a note to an old friend and thank them for the memories. Pray for an old pastor or mentor or employer. Whatever moves you right now, or whoever comes to mind - be thankful. God and His ridiculous goodness, beauty and love has been chasing you, and will continue to for the rest of your life.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
192
Matthew 8:1-3 (the message)
"Jesus came down the mountain with the cheers of the crowd still ringing in his ears. Then a leper appeared and went to his knees before Jesus, praying, "Master, if you want to, you can heal my body. Jesus reached out and touched him..."
A friend inspired me to write this.
There are people in life who the world will leave behind. You know who they are. Maybe you grew up with them or went to school with them; maybe you teach them or work with them; maybe you're related to them, maybe you avoid them or maybe you are them. They're the neglected people - the people that have hearts the size of planet earth, but have minds the size of one of the peas in a pod, can be annoying, have learning disabilities, don't seem to take the hint in a social setting, and you know they aren't going to be able to keep up with the rest of the people they started the race with.
And then there is Jesus, perfect and lovely Jesus. Oh my, how beautiful and loving He is. He doesn't leave anyone behind. He doesn't think anyone is a waste of space. As cliche as it sounds, He really has a plan and purpose for every human soul on the planet, including the ones left behind. The small and seemingly insignificant people. He came to earth and loved everyone, He spent time with everyone who wanted to be with Him, and he looked into their eyes and saw the incredible potential and heart inside of them.
Don't leave people behind. Love all. Imitate Jesus.
*
*
*
*
*
"Jesus came down the mountain with the cheers of the crowd still ringing in his ears. Then a leper appeared and went to his knees before Jesus, praying, "Master, if you want to, you can heal my body. Jesus reached out and touched him..."
A friend inspired me to write this.
There are people in life who the world will leave behind. You know who they are. Maybe you grew up with them or went to school with them; maybe you teach them or work with them; maybe you're related to them, maybe you avoid them or maybe you are them. They're the neglected people - the people that have hearts the size of planet earth, but have minds the size of one of the peas in a pod, can be annoying, have learning disabilities, don't seem to take the hint in a social setting, and you know they aren't going to be able to keep up with the rest of the people they started the race with.
And then there is Jesus, perfect and lovely Jesus. Oh my, how beautiful and loving He is. He doesn't leave anyone behind. He doesn't think anyone is a waste of space. As cliche as it sounds, He really has a plan and purpose for every human soul on the planet, including the ones left behind. The small and seemingly insignificant people. He came to earth and loved everyone, He spent time with everyone who wanted to be with Him, and he looked into their eyes and saw the incredible potential and heart inside of them.
Don't leave people behind. Love all. Imitate Jesus.
*
*
*
*
*
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
191
2 Corinthians 2:14
"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ..."
He will always bring you out in front. In whatever you find your hand doing or working at; whomever you find yourself taking care of; whatever job you are trying to beat; whatever the piece of art it is you are trying to create; the person you are trying to love; God will always make you successful in it. I think it's a balance of two things: letting go and trusting that God will do what He needs to do through you; and working hard to be the person you need to be and do the job you have to do to in it, be the most successful.
The good news is: despite the blood, sweat and tears you put into your day to day work, despite the heart wrenching agony of trying to love someone or be a good spouse or friend or employee, despite the years of study and research to have the best mind and brain you know you can have - as you honor God in all that you do, make Him look good on this earth, and make His name a source of hope to this rotten world - God will always bring you out in the lead. Amen!
*
*
*
*
*
*
"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ..."
He will always bring you out in front. In whatever you find your hand doing or working at; whomever you find yourself taking care of; whatever job you are trying to beat; whatever the piece of art it is you are trying to create; the person you are trying to love; God will always make you successful in it. I think it's a balance of two things: letting go and trusting that God will do what He needs to do through you; and working hard to be the person you need to be and do the job you have to do to in it, be the most successful.
The good news is: despite the blood, sweat and tears you put into your day to day work, despite the heart wrenching agony of trying to love someone or be a good spouse or friend or employee, despite the years of study and research to have the best mind and brain you know you can have - as you honor God in all that you do, make Him look good on this earth, and make His name a source of hope to this rotten world - God will always bring you out in the lead. Amen!
*
*
*
*
*
*
Saturday, October 2, 2010
190
Philippians 2:14 (nkjv)
"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world..,"
All things? Wow. Is that even possible? To be sweet-hearted in all things, content in all things, peaceful and lovely in all situations, all contexts and all relationships has to be the biggest call ever asked upon the human race. I could rattle off the names of five people I could complain about with no effort whatsoever. I don't have enough clothes, enough money, I don't want to have to work some days, and quite frankly, some days I'm sick of the sound of my own voice with it's complaints and wants and disputes.
Yes, the truth is, it's ugly, isn't it? It's worse than the sound of most other things. It's worse because it goes against everything that Jesus stood for and everything that He completed as He walked on the earth and finished when He died on the cross. It's worse because complaining and arguing causes damage to the human soul, and brings darkness to the world (and there is enough darkness in the world for now). Jesus completed everything, so we are not lacking anymore.
Don't complain, it's ugly and dark. Do everything with a sweet spirit and a positive attitude. You will shine bright like the sun and be perfect and complete.
"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world..,"
All things? Wow. Is that even possible? To be sweet-hearted in all things, content in all things, peaceful and lovely in all situations, all contexts and all relationships has to be the biggest call ever asked upon the human race. I could rattle off the names of five people I could complain about with no effort whatsoever. I don't have enough clothes, enough money, I don't want to have to work some days, and quite frankly, some days I'm sick of the sound of my own voice with it's complaints and wants and disputes.
Yes, the truth is, it's ugly, isn't it? It's worse than the sound of most other things. It's worse because it goes against everything that Jesus stood for and everything that He completed as He walked on the earth and finished when He died on the cross. It's worse because complaining and arguing causes damage to the human soul, and brings darkness to the world (and there is enough darkness in the world for now). Jesus completed everything, so we are not lacking anymore.
Don't complain, it's ugly and dark. Do everything with a sweet spirit and a positive attitude. You will shine bright like the sun and be perfect and complete.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
189
Psalm 138:8
"Finish what you started in me, God.
Your love is eternal—don't quit on me now."
Get used to praying this prayer. Pray it in times when you've moved your whole life and family in a certain direction and path, things are moving along fine and dandy, and then after subtle and not so subtle circumstances you are halted - stopped dead in your tracks as things aren't moving and going anywhere anymore. Pray this in times when you feel like you've been making progress on an issue you're dealing with in your insides and then someone does something to make you mad, make you jealous, make you insecure and make you feel alone. Then you're left feeling like you're back at square one.
You're not done, your life isn't over and you're not really a mess. God hasn't forgotten you, and the eternal love He painfully feels for you every moment of every second of every minute, is the only true reason you haven't broken under the pressure of waiting waiting waiting (whatever it is you're waiting for). It's the reason that you're in the place you're at and His love is the most powerful beautiful, powerful force one can experience. His eternal love will distract you into peace, and He will not-no-way-never-ever-ever-ever forget what He has started in you, and with your precious life. Keep looking into the eyes of His eternal love. Your life will continue to unfold- it will happen. It will be finished.
*
*
*
*
*
*
"Finish what you started in me, God.
Your love is eternal—don't quit on me now."
Get used to praying this prayer. Pray it in times when you've moved your whole life and family in a certain direction and path, things are moving along fine and dandy, and then after subtle and not so subtle circumstances you are halted - stopped dead in your tracks as things aren't moving and going anywhere anymore. Pray this in times when you feel like you've been making progress on an issue you're dealing with in your insides and then someone does something to make you mad, make you jealous, make you insecure and make you feel alone. Then you're left feeling like you're back at square one.
You're not done, your life isn't over and you're not really a mess. God hasn't forgotten you, and the eternal love He painfully feels for you every moment of every second of every minute, is the only true reason you haven't broken under the pressure of waiting waiting waiting (whatever it is you're waiting for). It's the reason that you're in the place you're at and His love is the most powerful beautiful, powerful force one can experience. His eternal love will distract you into peace, and He will not-no-way-never-ever-ever-ever forget what He has started in you, and with your precious life. Keep looking into the eyes of His eternal love. Your life will continue to unfold- it will happen. It will be finished.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
188
Ephesians 1:3-6
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved."
You are wanted. If nothing else, be confident in that. You were wanted before the beginning of time and you have been wanted, very wanted, ever since. Jesus loved you, lost you, saw you, made the trip to get you, and when He gave His life up for you, the adoption papers were signed (the deal was sealed) and you became someone's someone.
Some of us are someone's someone, and some of us feel like we don't belong to anyone. Some of us were once wanted, and then we picked up the phone one day to find out we weren't quite wanted anymore like perhaps we once were. Just like adopted children on this earth have a little extra special-ness to them because someone paid a huge amount of time and love up front to find their baby to raise and adore, in even more ways than the greatest love a parent can have on this earth, so were you and I adopted by our heavenly Father.
What an overwhelming thought. That someone loved you with such ridiculous and extravagant love that the biggest price you can pay (one's life) was paid for you to belong to someone. And a celebrity (Jesus our Christ) at that. Hold your head high because you belong to royalty.
*
*
*
*
*
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved."
You are wanted. If nothing else, be confident in that. You were wanted before the beginning of time and you have been wanted, very wanted, ever since. Jesus loved you, lost you, saw you, made the trip to get you, and when He gave His life up for you, the adoption papers were signed (the deal was sealed) and you became someone's someone.
Some of us are someone's someone, and some of us feel like we don't belong to anyone. Some of us were once wanted, and then we picked up the phone one day to find out we weren't quite wanted anymore like perhaps we once were. Just like adopted children on this earth have a little extra special-ness to them because someone paid a huge amount of time and love up front to find their baby to raise and adore, in even more ways than the greatest love a parent can have on this earth, so were you and I adopted by our heavenly Father.
What an overwhelming thought. That someone loved you with such ridiculous and extravagant love that the biggest price you can pay (one's life) was paid for you to belong to someone. And a celebrity (Jesus our Christ) at that. Hold your head high because you belong to royalty.
*
*
*
*
*
187
Romans 8:37 (New King James Version)
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
You want your confidence to be in Jesus Christ: all that He has done for you and all that He made you to be. This will take hard work because the devil throws lies at you all day, all night and all day again. This will be hard work because it's extremely easy to lose yourself in the eighty or so years we walk the planet earth. Everything we read about, talk about or watch on TV pretty much contradicts all that Jesus is trying to drum into our heads through His Word and Spirit. His message is wonderful, and the world's message is not. You are more than able to win the fight you're fighting.
So let's tackle one thing at a time: this verse and chapter in Romans says that nothing about the state of the world really matters because Jesus loves you. You will always win because you are in Christ Jesus. Jesus is with you, you are a winner.
Whatever battle you're facing- whatever war is raging in your world, your family, your marriage, your finances or your job can't beat you because Jesus is on your side. Nothing can be against you, and you win because you are MORE than a winner with Christ Jesus in you and His love all around you and all over you.
Be confident, you will win in the end. Keep fighting.
*
*
*
*
*
*
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
You want your confidence to be in Jesus Christ: all that He has done for you and all that He made you to be. This will take hard work because the devil throws lies at you all day, all night and all day again. This will be hard work because it's extremely easy to lose yourself in the eighty or so years we walk the planet earth. Everything we read about, talk about or watch on TV pretty much contradicts all that Jesus is trying to drum into our heads through His Word and Spirit. His message is wonderful, and the world's message is not. You are more than able to win the fight you're fighting.
So let's tackle one thing at a time: this verse and chapter in Romans says that nothing about the state of the world really matters because Jesus loves you. You will always win because you are in Christ Jesus. Jesus is with you, you are a winner.
Whatever battle you're facing- whatever war is raging in your world, your family, your marriage, your finances or your job can't beat you because Jesus is on your side. Nothing can be against you, and you win because you are MORE than a winner with Christ Jesus in you and His love all around you and all over you.
Be confident, you will win in the end. Keep fighting.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Saturday, September 25, 2010
186
Proverbs 3:26 (New King James Version)
"For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught."
The devil will try to steal your confidence. He will take a mean word here and there, a subtle or not so subtle jab by a friend, co-worker or parent, the mirror, the bank account, your business, your kids, your home, your car... let me promise you that anything and everything he can use to bring you and your wonderful mind and spirit and body down to feeling 1-inch tall, believe me, he will. He delights in you feeling weak, pathetic, failure-ish, ugly and stupid. Every perfect and fabulous (you) child of God has lived this. You're not the only one. When we start looking at some of the realities of life - where we're at, or how quickly anything we think we've accomplished can be crushed to the ground and stomped on by mean people and stupid demons, the reality that it's hard to stay confident in this world in which we live sinks in. Through some days, months, and seasons it's hard to be the person you know you can be, or the person you read that you are in the Bible.
There is nothing in the Bible that says you aren't good enough and absolutely nothing that says you can't be and do anything that is in your heart to do. Don't let the devil use ANYONE to take away your God given confidence. And, don't be fooled into thinking you created your own confidence. If you're a child of God, you don't want the fake confidence (the type you made up on your own with status, money clothes, cars, stuff, humor, talent etc. although not bad things), you want to be confident because of Jesus Christ and who He says you are and what He says you can do.
Goodbye devil. Say it out loud.
*
*
*
*
*
*
"For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught."
The devil will try to steal your confidence. He will take a mean word here and there, a subtle or not so subtle jab by a friend, co-worker or parent, the mirror, the bank account, your business, your kids, your home, your car... let me promise you that anything and everything he can use to bring you and your wonderful mind and spirit and body down to feeling 1-inch tall, believe me, he will. He delights in you feeling weak, pathetic, failure-ish, ugly and stupid. Every perfect and fabulous (you) child of God has lived this. You're not the only one. When we start looking at some of the realities of life - where we're at, or how quickly anything we think we've accomplished can be crushed to the ground and stomped on by mean people and stupid demons, the reality that it's hard to stay confident in this world in which we live sinks in. Through some days, months, and seasons it's hard to be the person you know you can be, or the person you read that you are in the Bible.
There is nothing in the Bible that says you aren't good enough and absolutely nothing that says you can't be and do anything that is in your heart to do. Don't let the devil use ANYONE to take away your God given confidence. And, don't be fooled into thinking you created your own confidence. If you're a child of God, you don't want the fake confidence (the type you made up on your own with status, money clothes, cars, stuff, humor, talent etc. although not bad things), you want to be confident because of Jesus Christ and who He says you are and what He says you can do.
Goodbye devil. Say it out loud.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Friday, September 24, 2010
187
Romans 8:37 (New King James Version)
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
You want your confidence to be in Jesus Christ: all that He has done for you and all that He made you to be. This will take hard work because the devil throws lies at you all day, all night and all day again. This will be hard work because it's extremely easy to lose yourself in the eighty or so years we walk the planet earth. Everything we read about, talk about or watch on TV pretty much contradicts all that Jesus is trying to drum into our heads through His Word and Spirit. His message is wonderful, and the world's message is not. You are more than able to win the fight you're fighting.
So let's tackle one thing at a time: this verse and chapter in Romans says that nothing about the state of the world really matters because Jesus loves you. You will always win because you are in Christ Jesus. Jesus is with you, you are a winner.
Whatever battle you're facing- whatever war is raging in your world, your family, your marriage, your finances or your job can't beat you because Jesus is on your side. Nothing can be against you, and you win because you are MORE than a winner with Christ Jesus in you and His love all around you and all over you.
Be confident, you will win in the end. Keep fighting.
*
*
*
*
*
*
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
You want your confidence to be in Jesus Christ: all that He has done for you and all that He made you to be. This will take hard work because the devil throws lies at you all day, all night and all day again. This will be hard work because it's extremely easy to lose yourself in the eighty or so years we walk the planet earth. Everything we read about, talk about or watch on TV pretty much contradicts all that Jesus is trying to drum into our heads through His Word and Spirit. His message is wonderful, and the world's message is not. You are more than able to win the fight you're fighting.
So let's tackle one thing at a time: this verse and chapter in Romans says that nothing about the state of the world really matters because Jesus loves you. You will always win because you are in Christ Jesus. Jesus is with you, you are a winner.
Whatever battle you're facing- whatever war is raging in your world, your family, your marriage, your finances or your job can't beat you because Jesus is on your side. Nothing can be against you, and you win because you are MORE than a winner with Christ Jesus in you and His love all around you and all over you.
Be confident, you will win in the end. Keep fighting.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Sunday, September 19, 2010
185
Colossians 3:14 (The Message)
"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."
I want to give people a reason to say they were loved by someone.
We must accept the fact that there are people out there - wonderful human souls - who have not been loved well. Not loved too well at all. Most of us have been broken by one or more people, but most of us can also say that we know what love is because of a parent, a friend, a relative or someone who just took the time to reach out to us (and I do realize that some of us can't).
Jesus Christ was the walking, talking and dying epitome of love. He adored, forgave and covered people in love better than anyone on this earth, and it's His love that helps us go and cover (like a blanket) with love the person next to us. In every situation there must be compassion, kindness, humility, strength and discipline, basking in the undeserved love that was poured out over our lives.
Know Jesus more, one day at a time. Ask that the Holy Spirit will reveal to you the Father's love. And go give it away.
*
*
*
*
*
"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."
I want to give people a reason to say they were loved by someone.
We must accept the fact that there are people out there - wonderful human souls - who have not been loved well. Not loved too well at all. Most of us have been broken by one or more people, but most of us can also say that we know what love is because of a parent, a friend, a relative or someone who just took the time to reach out to us (and I do realize that some of us can't).
Jesus Christ was the walking, talking and dying epitome of love. He adored, forgave and covered people in love better than anyone on this earth, and it's His love that helps us go and cover (like a blanket) with love the person next to us. In every situation there must be compassion, kindness, humility, strength and discipline, basking in the undeserved love that was poured out over our lives.
Know Jesus more, one day at a time. Ask that the Holy Spirit will reveal to you the Father's love. And go give it away.
*
*
*
*
*
Thursday, September 16, 2010
184
Psalm 78:35
"Then they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer."
I was speaking with my sweet friend about this tonight. We were two girls on opposite sides of the world and in that moment talking about the same wonderful, brilliant friend and Lord, Jesus. He is the rock of our hearts and souls and whole beings. He is all we know and everything we are and ever hope to be, is because of Him.
It's interesting when you get to a point in your life when you've had the opportunity to do some things that you thought you really wanted to do with your life. Cool things that you feel blessed to have experienced. You get the chance to take that "dream" job where you may be really using your gifts and your strengths, or you get to know the people you thought would maybe make you feel somewhat more complete and wanted. You take the job, meet the right people, or fulfill one (or if you're lucky some) of your life long goals. Then you kind of realize that the thing you thought you really wanted to do, the places you thought you really wanted to be, and the person you thought you really wanted to become, isn't (after all) what you wanted. You catch yourself wanting something more or something else. You wake up one day and realize that it's just earthly stuff, these are all just human beings, you thought you would feel different, but it's still just me. You begin to think that you don't really know anything.
So me and my Jaynie came to the conclusion that we don't know much, (anything, really), we thought we wanted some stuff and maybe we really don't want it after all, we aren't ever going to be models, and we know that God is the only thing that we know to be true and real. He is the only thing that we want, and if God is all that we get, no frills and thrills, then He will be enough. Even though "the fairy floss and rainbows are fun" (Jaynie), we don't care anymore. We just want Him.
*
*
*
*
*
*
"Then they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer."
I was speaking with my sweet friend about this tonight. We were two girls on opposite sides of the world and in that moment talking about the same wonderful, brilliant friend and Lord, Jesus. He is the rock of our hearts and souls and whole beings. He is all we know and everything we are and ever hope to be, is because of Him.
It's interesting when you get to a point in your life when you've had the opportunity to do some things that you thought you really wanted to do with your life. Cool things that you feel blessed to have experienced. You get the chance to take that "dream" job where you may be really using your gifts and your strengths, or you get to know the people you thought would maybe make you feel somewhat more complete and wanted. You take the job, meet the right people, or fulfill one (or if you're lucky some) of your life long goals. Then you kind of realize that the thing you thought you really wanted to do, the places you thought you really wanted to be, and the person you thought you really wanted to become, isn't (after all) what you wanted. You catch yourself wanting something more or something else. You wake up one day and realize that it's just earthly stuff, these are all just human beings, you thought you would feel different, but it's still just me. You begin to think that you don't really know anything.
So me and my Jaynie came to the conclusion that we don't know much, (anything, really), we thought we wanted some stuff and maybe we really don't want it after all, we aren't ever going to be models, and we know that God is the only thing that we know to be true and real. He is the only thing that we want, and if God is all that we get, no frills and thrills, then He will be enough. Even though "the fairy floss and rainbows are fun" (Jaynie), we don't care anymore. We just want Him.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
183
Ephesians 3:1
"There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth..."
It's the divine appointments God sets throughout our days and weeks and months that make Him even more cool, kind and loving than we know He already is. I love serving a God who is so big and above it all, and also walking daily with a God who can bring it all down to focus on the tiny teeny details of our day.
I don't know why some things don't work out, and then some things seem to be divinely orchestrated. But I do know that like this verse says, there are reasons and seasons for everything that happens on this earth.
Don't be discouraged when things don't happen, but be encouraged that there are times and places just waiting for you to walk into! There is a right time for everything on this earth.
Selah
*
*
*
*
*
"There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth..."
It's the divine appointments God sets throughout our days and weeks and months that make Him even more cool, kind and loving than we know He already is. I love serving a God who is so big and above it all, and also walking daily with a God who can bring it all down to focus on the tiny teeny details of our day.
I don't know why some things don't work out, and then some things seem to be divinely orchestrated. But I do know that like this verse says, there are reasons and seasons for everything that happens on this earth.
Don't be discouraged when things don't happen, but be encouraged that there are times and places just waiting for you to walk into! There is a right time for everything on this earth.
Selah
*
*
*
*
*
Friday, September 10, 2010
182
Matthew 2:11
"And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh..."
Read the Bible, and remember scenes like this actually happened. Close your eyes with this one and take in the blissful reality that the king had arrived as a baby, and then realize that the scene that followed had to be divine. It has to be a moment that this earth couldn't have created because it's too bizarre and beautiful and simple and chaotic and special all at the same time to be normal. Grown men - very smart grown men sought out this BABY. Think about it - a little screaming, squished-faced newborn baby! They found him nestled in a dirty and messy stable. Then they saw Him, and these grown-very-smart-men got down on their knees and worshiped Him. Maybe they were older men and their backs were bad and they had to kind of adjust to the side as they got on their knees, or maybe they had to put one hand on something to shift their weight as they got on one knee, then the other. Then they put their heads down and maybe they even wept as they realized who this child was, and (according to the prophets that had gone before them all) they realized what He would eventually do for the heart and soul of the human race.
This was an amazing moment in history. It was a moment of peace. And after all the waiting, heaven finally met earth, and Jesus the Christ arrived. You may feel like you're too old and smart and put-together to get on your hands and knees in surrender. Maybe you won't even raise your hands in the privacy of your own home as an act of worship and letting go, but I promise, if you do, you will be changed.
Selah.
*
*
*
*
*
"And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh..."
Read the Bible, and remember scenes like this actually happened. Close your eyes with this one and take in the blissful reality that the king had arrived as a baby, and then realize that the scene that followed had to be divine. It has to be a moment that this earth couldn't have created because it's too bizarre and beautiful and simple and chaotic and special all at the same time to be normal. Grown men - very smart grown men sought out this BABY. Think about it - a little screaming, squished-faced newborn baby! They found him nestled in a dirty and messy stable. Then they saw Him, and these grown-very-smart-men got down on their knees and worshiped Him. Maybe they were older men and their backs were bad and they had to kind of adjust to the side as they got on their knees, or maybe they had to put one hand on something to shift their weight as they got on one knee, then the other. Then they put their heads down and maybe they even wept as they realized who this child was, and (according to the prophets that had gone before them all) they realized what He would eventually do for the heart and soul of the human race.
This was an amazing moment in history. It was a moment of peace. And after all the waiting, heaven finally met earth, and Jesus the Christ arrived. You may feel like you're too old and smart and put-together to get on your hands and knees in surrender. Maybe you won't even raise your hands in the privacy of your own home as an act of worship and letting go, but I promise, if you do, you will be changed.
Selah.
*
*
*
*
*
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
181
Mark 12:33 (New King James Version)
"...And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
It's about surrender. It's about lifting up your little (or big and obnoxious) white flag to Jesus and letting go. This scripture may not fully seem like a "let go of control" verse at face value, but it gripped my heart and mind as the words sunk into my spirit. There is a fervency to this command - a fierce love and determination that doesn't allow any of ones "self" to get in the way. The love and life of this verse looks directly into the face of Jesus every day and says, "I surrender to you today- it's all or nothing.."
Let go of your own fears and pain that humanity has broken you with, and let yourself love Him with every fiber of your being. Let go of the concern that you seem too radical and search and pray for a depth of understanding of the perfect Jesus Christ that goes beyond your years and education. Let go of your composure and put-togetherness and exhaust yourself loving Him.
Every morning get up and say, "I surrender all to you today, Lord, and I will love you with all of my heart and soul and mind and strength." And walk out of your house and do it.
*
*
*
*
*
"...And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
It's about surrender. It's about lifting up your little (or big and obnoxious) white flag to Jesus and letting go. This scripture may not fully seem like a "let go of control" verse at face value, but it gripped my heart and mind as the words sunk into my spirit. There is a fervency to this command - a fierce love and determination that doesn't allow any of ones "self" to get in the way. The love and life of this verse looks directly into the face of Jesus every day and says, "I surrender to you today- it's all or nothing.."
Let go of your own fears and pain that humanity has broken you with, and let yourself love Him with every fiber of your being. Let go of the concern that you seem too radical and search and pray for a depth of understanding of the perfect Jesus Christ that goes beyond your years and education. Let go of your composure and put-togetherness and exhaust yourself loving Him.
Every morning get up and say, "I surrender all to you today, Lord, and I will love you with all of my heart and soul and mind and strength." And walk out of your house and do it.
*
*
*
*
*
Friday, September 3, 2010
180
Ephesians 4:2-3 (niv)
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
It's all very equal and placid when we look at humanity and the world from the eyes of this scripture. It's not really very competitive, it's not really a rat-race - it's all pretty much the Holy Spirit as the big blanket of peace over all of us, then it's clear that it's meant to be - "you go before me in all things, and I will be a servant to all."
I know we need to be peaceful and always exalt the Holy Spirit in all things (because He is everywhere and in us and all around us, and He is the perfect Holy one), but here the Bible says that we need to "make every effort" to keep unity and peace through the Holy Spirit. Push hard for peace, love over the top, bring people together, talk about the good things God is doing in the world and in the church, and stay humble - listen to others as they talk, ask questions about their heart and life.
I definitely don't do this all the time. Looking back over my week, I don't really exert all my energy within my family, circle of friends, and work place to put the Holy Spirit at the top as the main source of peace that brings us all together. This may all seem vague, but maybe throughout the day it's just saying a prayer for the ones around you (that they would be filled with life and peace and joy), doing something for them that will make them look good and bring no attention to you, maybe it's thinking before you say something to the person you love. Stay gentle (think before you speak - maybe you're in fact not right in this situation) and humble, and remember that the sweet peace of the Holy Spirit of Jesus brings us together as one. Pray for peace among your family, your friends, and your church.
*
*
*
*
*
*
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
It's all very equal and placid when we look at humanity and the world from the eyes of this scripture. It's not really very competitive, it's not really a rat-race - it's all pretty much the Holy Spirit as the big blanket of peace over all of us, then it's clear that it's meant to be - "you go before me in all things, and I will be a servant to all."
I know we need to be peaceful and always exalt the Holy Spirit in all things (because He is everywhere and in us and all around us, and He is the perfect Holy one), but here the Bible says that we need to "make every effort" to keep unity and peace through the Holy Spirit. Push hard for peace, love over the top, bring people together, talk about the good things God is doing in the world and in the church, and stay humble - listen to others as they talk, ask questions about their heart and life.
I definitely don't do this all the time. Looking back over my week, I don't really exert all my energy within my family, circle of friends, and work place to put the Holy Spirit at the top as the main source of peace that brings us all together. This may all seem vague, but maybe throughout the day it's just saying a prayer for the ones around you (that they would be filled with life and peace and joy), doing something for them that will make them look good and bring no attention to you, maybe it's thinking before you say something to the person you love. Stay gentle (think before you speak - maybe you're in fact not right in this situation) and humble, and remember that the sweet peace of the Holy Spirit of Jesus brings us together as one. Pray for peace among your family, your friends, and your church.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
179
Micah 6:8 (The Message)
"But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously — take God seriously."
Everything can be quite simple if we let it. Don't take yourself too seriously. When you start to think of yourself more often than you think of God or the souls of others around you, things get complicated, ugly and God-less. We should take ourselves (and the things that we do on a day to day basis) much less seriously than we sometimes do, and we should take our precious almighty ever-present God, king of the universe, and sweet savior of our hearts much more seriously than we (most of the time) do. We get flippant and lazy about our walk with Him and His love for us, and we find ourselves up-tight, anxious and high strung about the house being messy, what the guy from work thinks of us, and being stuck in a traffic jam. If we think about it, our minds are consumed with ourselves, our needs, our wants, our jobs, us us us too much. Way too much.
When the day to day get's serious and overwhelming (Side note: sometimes it is out of our control when things get complex and messed up. Even when we desire simplicity and purity in love, other people complicate and hurt things that could have been left alone), we must stop, open the big and beautiful Bible, and be centered again. We must see what God is actually desiring to create out of our lives.
When we feel lost, get too serious about things, and make things far too complicated, we can be brought back close to the Father's heart by this simple and perfect piece of promise: be fair and just to those around you, be compassionate to people, love with a fierce dedication (stick by people even when it's not popular or they accidentally hurt you) and don't think of yourself more importantly than God.
"But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously — take God seriously."
Everything can be quite simple if we let it. Don't take yourself too seriously. When you start to think of yourself more often than you think of God or the souls of others around you, things get complicated, ugly and God-less. We should take ourselves (and the things that we do on a day to day basis) much less seriously than we sometimes do, and we should take our precious almighty ever-present God, king of the universe, and sweet savior of our hearts much more seriously than we (most of the time) do. We get flippant and lazy about our walk with Him and His love for us, and we find ourselves up-tight, anxious and high strung about the house being messy, what the guy from work thinks of us, and being stuck in a traffic jam. If we think about it, our minds are consumed with ourselves, our needs, our wants, our jobs, us us us too much. Way too much.
When the day to day get's serious and overwhelming (Side note: sometimes it is out of our control when things get complex and messed up. Even when we desire simplicity and purity in love, other people complicate and hurt things that could have been left alone), we must stop, open the big and beautiful Bible, and be centered again. We must see what God is actually desiring to create out of our lives.
When we feel lost, get too serious about things, and make things far too complicated, we can be brought back close to the Father's heart by this simple and perfect piece of promise: be fair and just to those around you, be compassionate to people, love with a fierce dedication (stick by people even when it's not popular or they accidentally hurt you) and don't think of yourself more importantly than God.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Monday, August 30, 2010
178
Matthew 6:26 (the message)
"Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds."
You count more to Him than the birds. In the whole scheme of things, you're way higher up on the totem pole to God than the birds that fly around in the air. They fly, they nest, they live. The lovely truth, is that they are being taken care of by God every single second of every single day. They are truly free spirits, and they depend on God with a simple (yet super-natural) dependency on their God. It's a simple trust in their Creator, a trust that says everyday they will be okay.
Next time you're outdoors and looking at the sweet little or big birds that fly around above your head, enjoying their lives in trees and in the air, think about their day-to-day. Think about the birds who are careless, free-spirited and happy in their "nothingness" (compared to us in our stupid rat-race). Think about how God takes care of them and makes sure that they have enough to eat and drink, and a place to live. He enables them to look after their families, and provide for those they love. How much more will He do that for you and for me? He will do that a million times more than He will do that for the birds.
*
*
*
*
*
"Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds."
You count more to Him than the birds. In the whole scheme of things, you're way higher up on the totem pole to God than the birds that fly around in the air. They fly, they nest, they live. The lovely truth, is that they are being taken care of by God every single second of every single day. They are truly free spirits, and they depend on God with a simple (yet super-natural) dependency on their God. It's a simple trust in their Creator, a trust that says everyday they will be okay.
Next time you're outdoors and looking at the sweet little or big birds that fly around above your head, enjoying their lives in trees and in the air, think about their day-to-day. Think about the birds who are careless, free-spirited and happy in their "nothingness" (compared to us in our stupid rat-race). Think about how God takes care of them and makes sure that they have enough to eat and drink, and a place to live. He enables them to look after their families, and provide for those they love. How much more will He do that for you and for me? He will do that a million times more than He will do that for the birds.
*
*
*
*
*
Sunday, August 29, 2010
177
James 4:8 (New King James Version)
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Get real and raw when it comes to being a friend and child of God. It takes a commitment, dependency and an utter abandonment to Him to enter into an honest relationship with Him. This relationship can be a pure and personal walk with Him, unlike anything you will have with a human, and it can cost you. It's about laying down every scrap of pride, self-dependency and laziness, both inside and out, and picking up the beautiful friendship, love and humility with Jesus possible on this earth. You will lay down your sin and natural desires to be with Him and to develop a relationship that withstands days, months and years on this (sometimes, often) awful earth.
The beauty of this promise is that when you feel alone and distant from Him (or even anyone, practically), and you really get serious about drawing close to Him, and you take the time throughout your day to be with Him, ask for forgiveness and actually changes your behavior, then He comes to you. He comes where He is invited and wanted. He is close to you, and you are not distant or alone anymore.
He promises to come near to you. That is the most special, undeserved thing humans have here. Treasure the unreasonable amounts of love He has for you; don't take advantage. When you get to the end of your life, you will regret every day, minute and moment you didn't spend with Him. To know Him is to love Him.
*
*
*
*
*
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Get real and raw when it comes to being a friend and child of God. It takes a commitment, dependency and an utter abandonment to Him to enter into an honest relationship with Him. This relationship can be a pure and personal walk with Him, unlike anything you will have with a human, and it can cost you. It's about laying down every scrap of pride, self-dependency and laziness, both inside and out, and picking up the beautiful friendship, love and humility with Jesus possible on this earth. You will lay down your sin and natural desires to be with Him and to develop a relationship that withstands days, months and years on this (sometimes, often) awful earth.
The beauty of this promise is that when you feel alone and distant from Him (or even anyone, practically), and you really get serious about drawing close to Him, and you take the time throughout your day to be with Him, ask for forgiveness and actually changes your behavior, then He comes to you. He comes where He is invited and wanted. He is close to you, and you are not distant or alone anymore.
He promises to come near to you. That is the most special, undeserved thing humans have here. Treasure the unreasonable amounts of love He has for you; don't take advantage. When you get to the end of your life, you will regret every day, minute and moment you didn't spend with Him. To know Him is to love Him.
*
*
*
*
*
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
177
Matthew 5:4 (the message)
"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you."
There is something powerful about losing something or someone that means the most to you. When God brings you to a place in your life where you feel the most lost inside and out, it is then that He honestly and humbly walks in to be everything and everyone you need.
And in some way or another we have all experienced loss. Loss is the universal emotion and experience that binds the human race together at the seams. So you're finally brought to a place where you're lost, and then suddenly after blood sweat and tears - the utter desperation where you have eventually run into Jesus' arms... you are found.
Loss is universal, but have you ever been to a place where you are lost? Let me suggest this: you want that time in your life at some point. You don't want to cruise through life with everything okay and in the middle. You want some risk, some adventure, some hard work and some loss.
No matter whom you have elevated to a prominent place in your life, make sure you reserve a piece of your heart for Jesus and Jesus alone. So when you lose the person, place or thing that holds your heart, you are able to (even in an ever so slightly way) survive the damage.
God is good.
Amen.
*
*
*
*
*
"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you."
There is something powerful about losing something or someone that means the most to you. When God brings you to a place in your life where you feel the most lost inside and out, it is then that He honestly and humbly walks in to be everything and everyone you need.
And in some way or another we have all experienced loss. Loss is the universal emotion and experience that binds the human race together at the seams. So you're finally brought to a place where you're lost, and then suddenly after blood sweat and tears - the utter desperation where you have eventually run into Jesus' arms... you are found.
Loss is universal, but have you ever been to a place where you are lost? Let me suggest this: you want that time in your life at some point. You don't want to cruise through life with everything okay and in the middle. You want some risk, some adventure, some hard work and some loss.
No matter whom you have elevated to a prominent place in your life, make sure you reserve a piece of your heart for Jesus and Jesus alone. So when you lose the person, place or thing that holds your heart, you are able to (even in an ever so slightly way) survive the damage.
God is good.
Amen.
*
*
*
*
*
Monday, August 23, 2010
176
#176
Jeremiah 1:7-9 (nkjv)
But the LORD said to me: Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD. Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: "Behold, I have put My words in your mouth..."
There are no excuses for not obeying God's call on your life. Every single child of God (that's you) has been given a purpose, a destiny and a mandate from their precious Father in heaven. There is something divine and specific for each of us to do and someone unique and beautiful and secure for us to be. And, sometimes when God calls you to do it or be it (whatever "it" may be) it's hard to even imagine yourself in the same vicinity as that "it", let alone actually thinking you could ever possibly accomplish "it."
And that's the releasing, relieving and let-out-a-deep-breath about this conversation between God and the prophet Jeremiah.
When God calls you and sends you, He will perfectly and wholly equip you. And most of the time it's an out-of-your league thing anyway, and in those cases all we have is God - He must pull it off, because there is no way on earth you could do it. God will place His hand over the area or areas of your life where you feel the most inadequate (Jeremiah was too scared to speak and thought he was way too young to accomplish anything), and He will give you all that you need. He called the teenager, Jeremiah, to be a voice to the nations! He gave Jeremiah a mandate to speak to the nations and kingdoms of the world, and little Jeremiah was beside Himself thinking: Lord? I'm a kid and I can barely put two words together!? And when God doesn't relent, we kick and scream and fight and cry, and then our beautiful and sweet God gently covers our mouth, and calms our nerves and fears. We let out that muffled cry (like when someone is covering your mouth trying to calm and rest your arguments and tears), and we give in to His perfect plan and heart for our lives.
When God calls you, follow Him. He will take you there.
*
*
*
*
*
Jeremiah 1:7-9 (nkjv)
But the LORD said to me: Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD. Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: "Behold, I have put My words in your mouth..."
There are no excuses for not obeying God's call on your life. Every single child of God (that's you) has been given a purpose, a destiny and a mandate from their precious Father in heaven. There is something divine and specific for each of us to do and someone unique and beautiful and secure for us to be. And, sometimes when God calls you to do it or be it (whatever "it" may be) it's hard to even imagine yourself in the same vicinity as that "it", let alone actually thinking you could ever possibly accomplish "it."
And that's the releasing, relieving and let-out-a-deep-breath about this conversation between God and the prophet Jeremiah.
When God calls you and sends you, He will perfectly and wholly equip you. And most of the time it's an out-of-your league thing anyway, and in those cases all we have is God - He must pull it off, because there is no way on earth you could do it. God will place His hand over the area or areas of your life where you feel the most inadequate (Jeremiah was too scared to speak and thought he was way too young to accomplish anything), and He will give you all that you need. He called the teenager, Jeremiah, to be a voice to the nations! He gave Jeremiah a mandate to speak to the nations and kingdoms of the world, and little Jeremiah was beside Himself thinking: Lord? I'm a kid and I can barely put two words together!? And when God doesn't relent, we kick and scream and fight and cry, and then our beautiful and sweet God gently covers our mouth, and calms our nerves and fears. We let out that muffled cry (like when someone is covering your mouth trying to calm and rest your arguments and tears), and we give in to His perfect plan and heart for our lives.
When God calls you, follow Him. He will take you there.
*
*
*
*
*
Saturday, August 21, 2010
175
Psalm 119:105 (New King James Version)
"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path."
It's as simple as that. Your dark will be lit up with light. The Message says it perfectly, "By your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path." So all there really is to say: read the Bible. Read it out loud, read it in silence, write it out on paper: get it into you any way you can. And, take out of that beautiful book of the Spirit of Jesus every ounce of light and promise and goodness for the season of life you are in right now.
Notice how the scripture doesn't say, "your word shines this massive bright light all over my path for miles and miles and I know what' do to for the next ten years..." It simply says, however, that like holding a flashlight or a torch on a dark path or in a dark room, it only really lights up the next step or two. You then take the next step and then after you take that next step, the next step will be lit up for you, and so on and so forth. So picture it like you're holding the Bible out in front of you: it's a flashlight, it's a weapon, it's a piece of art, it's a code, it's the answer to life's questions, and it will show you the next step to take.
So stay in it. It will take some dedication to this book for the Lord to speak through it to you. Don't give up. Your darkness will become light. If you're wondering the what's, when's, how's and who's of the next days, weeks, months ahead, don't be discouraged. Don't let the devil cover your eyes from behind. Shake him off like an annoying fly. The word of God will light up the path ahead of you. He is good and He loves you. He knows more than you.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path."
It's as simple as that. Your dark will be lit up with light. The Message says it perfectly, "By your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path." So all there really is to say: read the Bible. Read it out loud, read it in silence, write it out on paper: get it into you any way you can. And, take out of that beautiful book of the Spirit of Jesus every ounce of light and promise and goodness for the season of life you are in right now.
Notice how the scripture doesn't say, "your word shines this massive bright light all over my path for miles and miles and I know what' do to for the next ten years..." It simply says, however, that like holding a flashlight or a torch on a dark path or in a dark room, it only really lights up the next step or two. You then take the next step and then after you take that next step, the next step will be lit up for you, and so on and so forth. So picture it like you're holding the Bible out in front of you: it's a flashlight, it's a weapon, it's a piece of art, it's a code, it's the answer to life's questions, and it will show you the next step to take.
So stay in it. It will take some dedication to this book for the Lord to speak through it to you. Don't give up. Your darkness will become light. If you're wondering the what's, when's, how's and who's of the next days, weeks, months ahead, don't be discouraged. Don't let the devil cover your eyes from behind. Shake him off like an annoying fly. The word of God will light up the path ahead of you. He is good and He loves you. He knows more than you.
*
*
*
*
*
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
174
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
the message
"Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. You've heard all this from us before, but a reminder never hurts. We want you living in a way that will command the respect of outsiders, not lying around sponging off your friends."
In most situations, the Bible makes is quite clear how to live. It is concise and explicit in regards to how we should treat others and how we should love our Lord. Sometimes it may express in vague metaphorical terms, but for the most part we are told what to do and how to do it well. Lately I have been pondering gossip, and assumptions about other people's lives and getting caught up (in the negative sense) in other people's lives. And this is what I think: don't do it. Be cool. Be super nice to people and mind your own business. Nothing positive comes from meddling in other people's lives and talking about people behind their backs and making assumptions about peoples lives, behavior, finances, relationships and motives.
When you imitate Jesus and how He walked the earth, you will command the respect of others- people will be drawn to you and you will be full of light and peace as you walk this earth.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
"Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. You've heard all this from us before, but a reminder never hurts. We want you living in a way that will command the respect of outsiders, not lying around sponging off your friends."
In most situations, the Bible makes is quite clear how to live. It is concise and explicit in regards to how we should treat others and how we should love our Lord. Sometimes it may express in vague metaphorical terms, but for the most part we are told what to do and how to do it well. Lately I have been pondering gossip, and assumptions about other people's lives and getting caught up (in the negative sense) in other people's lives. And this is what I think: don't do it. Be cool. Be super nice to people and mind your own business. Nothing positive comes from meddling in other people's lives and talking about people behind their backs and making assumptions about peoples lives, behavior, finances, relationships and motives.
When you imitate Jesus and how He walked the earth, you will command the respect of others- people will be drawn to you and you will be full of light and peace as you walk this earth.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Monday, August 16, 2010
173
Isaiah 60: 1-4 (the message)
"Get out of bed, Jerusalem! Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight. God's bright glory has risen for you. The whole earth is wrapped in darkness, all people sunk in deep darkness, But God rises on you, his sunrise glory breaks over you. Nations will come to your light, kings to your sunburst brightness."
This whole idea of light being wrapped around us and all over us is encouraging and hopeful for us today. And since things have gotten pretty dark, we all need a little or a lot of light. Some days life is pitch black, and it's hard to see one step in front of us, let alone what the answers are to the questions of our lives for the coming days, weeks, months and years. Some days things seem to be in such ruins that it's hard to even feel the teensy bit of hope that everything will work out.
And then there is the glory of God. The glory of God that shines on us like the first batch of sun on our paste-y-white sore winter skin. Except it's a million times more refreshing and overwhelming than that. The glory of God that is His magnificent presence in our lives every waking (and sleeping) moment. The glory of God that draws people to us because they need light in their own lives. The glory of God that transforms our darkness and sin into the reflection of Jesus Christ in all His loveliness, purity and beauty. The glory of God that blinds us like the sun and leaves us motionless and on our faces in passionate worship toward our king. The glory of God that gives us a good and wonderful, joyful, peaceful life, and the glory of God that leads us home.
When you're in the dark, pray and believe that this verse is true, and by faith step into God's glorious light. It will take your breathe away, and make you radiant. And you will know the way in which to go.
*
*
*
*
*
*
"Get out of bed, Jerusalem! Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight. God's bright glory has risen for you. The whole earth is wrapped in darkness, all people sunk in deep darkness, But God rises on you, his sunrise glory breaks over you. Nations will come to your light, kings to your sunburst brightness."
This whole idea of light being wrapped around us and all over us is encouraging and hopeful for us today. And since things have gotten pretty dark, we all need a little or a lot of light. Some days life is pitch black, and it's hard to see one step in front of us, let alone what the answers are to the questions of our lives for the coming days, weeks, months and years. Some days things seem to be in such ruins that it's hard to even feel the teensy bit of hope that everything will work out.
And then there is the glory of God. The glory of God that shines on us like the first batch of sun on our paste-y-white sore winter skin. Except it's a million times more refreshing and overwhelming than that. The glory of God that is His magnificent presence in our lives every waking (and sleeping) moment. The glory of God that draws people to us because they need light in their own lives. The glory of God that transforms our darkness and sin into the reflection of Jesus Christ in all His loveliness, purity and beauty. The glory of God that blinds us like the sun and leaves us motionless and on our faces in passionate worship toward our king. The glory of God that gives us a good and wonderful, joyful, peaceful life, and the glory of God that leads us home.
When you're in the dark, pray and believe that this verse is true, and by faith step into God's glorious light. It will take your breathe away, and make you radiant. And you will know the way in which to go.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Saturday, August 14, 2010
172
Colossians 2:13-14 (the message)
"When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive—right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ's cross. He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets."
The other day I closed my eyes and imagined myself being handed a check for all the debts I currently owe. I imagined the sheer relief and smile that would spread across my face when the kind stranger or friend handed me the moolah. I imagined the excitement I would feel, and more importantly, the weight that would lift from my shoulders knowing that I would be free from the grip that the debtor has on me.
Now, I honestly don't want to sound corny, but a tear came to my eye the other day in the car thinking that Jesus did that exact thing for us in the spiritual (the stuff that actually matters) sense. He went to the cross to pay for it all. He completely paid for everything. Every debt that we owed and will ever owe (because of our darkness) has been completely paid for in full.
Since we're a human race that thinks through the filter of money (unfortunately), maybe we would be more in awe and more grateful if we started to think of God's grace and mercy like that. The state of your soul is so incredibly much more important than the state of your bank account, so some days when you refuse to recognize the earthly gravity of it all, just pretend that someone paid all your monetary debts and then set you up to have none in the future... and then realize that that has happened for you in a million more important and eternity changing ways. That is enough in itself to all day long be praising Jesus for giving you so much money (life).
Selah
*
*
*
*
*
"When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive—right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ's cross. He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets."
The other day I closed my eyes and imagined myself being handed a check for all the debts I currently owe. I imagined the sheer relief and smile that would spread across my face when the kind stranger or friend handed me the moolah. I imagined the excitement I would feel, and more importantly, the weight that would lift from my shoulders knowing that I would be free from the grip that the debtor has on me.
Now, I honestly don't want to sound corny, but a tear came to my eye the other day in the car thinking that Jesus did that exact thing for us in the spiritual (the stuff that actually matters) sense. He went to the cross to pay for it all. He completely paid for everything. Every debt that we owed and will ever owe (because of our darkness) has been completely paid for in full.
Since we're a human race that thinks through the filter of money (unfortunately), maybe we would be more in awe and more grateful if we started to think of God's grace and mercy like that. The state of your soul is so incredibly much more important than the state of your bank account, so some days when you refuse to recognize the earthly gravity of it all, just pretend that someone paid all your monetary debts and then set you up to have none in the future... and then realize that that has happened for you in a million more important and eternity changing ways. That is enough in itself to all day long be praising Jesus for giving you so much money (life).
Selah
*
*
*
*
*
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
171
Psalm 121: 1-2
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth."
I love the peace we have in our Lord Jesus. He made it all, the magnificence of the earth, and the hope of a home that we know is real but cannot yet see, heaven. He made it all - the hills, the mountains and the heavens - and He is our help. The imagery of this verse of psalm offers a beautiful sense of peace and confidence. We are reminded to lift up our eyes in hope, to look above the situations that seem to be staring us directly in the eyes. Because sometimes things at eye level get scary, messy and sad. We must look up. We must raise our eyes above what we see and focus our gaze on the mountains, not as a place to flee the calamity around us, but to behold the creative maker of those huge, strong and steady mountains. The "mountains" (the gigantic-far-away-pieces of land that represent something much bigger than ourselves) take our attention from our current situation, and point us to their creator, God, Jesus Christ, who is always there, and even more constant and steady than the hills He created.
So when life has positioned you in a messy and heartbreaking situation, look up, focus your energy on Jesus, and remember that He is near. Get in the habit of asking Him for help. Amen.
*
*
*
*
*
*
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth."
I love the peace we have in our Lord Jesus. He made it all, the magnificence of the earth, and the hope of a home that we know is real but cannot yet see, heaven. He made it all - the hills, the mountains and the heavens - and He is our help. The imagery of this verse of psalm offers a beautiful sense of peace and confidence. We are reminded to lift up our eyes in hope, to look above the situations that seem to be staring us directly in the eyes. Because sometimes things at eye level get scary, messy and sad. We must look up. We must raise our eyes above what we see and focus our gaze on the mountains, not as a place to flee the calamity around us, but to behold the creative maker of those huge, strong and steady mountains. The "mountains" (the gigantic-far-away-pieces of land that represent something much bigger than ourselves) take our attention from our current situation, and point us to their creator, God, Jesus Christ, who is always there, and even more constant and steady than the hills He created.
So when life has positioned you in a messy and heartbreaking situation, look up, focus your energy on Jesus, and remember that He is near. Get in the habit of asking Him for help. Amen.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
170
Philippians 4:6 (New King James Version)
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
I can't talk you into having peace. That's silly. We're all too high strung, and living at too high of stress levels on an daily basis to be talked into feeling peaceful, especially when certain situations in life give you every reason to be an utter mess. You may disagree with me about the constant state of stress thing, but let me break it down for you: a few years ago two planes flew into buildings and destroyed lives in an effort to scare a country/world, my best friend lost his cousin when an oil rig exploded in the sea last spring, we madly lock every door in our house before bed, last year a friend of a friend got shot walking his dog for the twenty bucks in his pocket and is now paralyzed, every month we're all trying to pay our bills and give our families the best lives possible despite our current economic situations, the rich of the rich started jumping out of buildings when the stock market crashed last year and they lost all their money, and I also believe that people are dying of cancer at the highest rate in history and we still don't know why. Then there's just the everyday life/family/health/financial stuff (I'm really not trying to depress you, I do love life and I really do have a point).
And my point is this: things are getting a little too mentally exhausting for us to talk ourselves into feeling okay and hopeful about everything going on around us. The peace we desperately need in order for us to not breakdown mentally, physically and emotionally, must be a supernatural act of the Holy Spirit mixed with thankful and specific prayers to our sweet heavenly Father. It must be an act of our wills and an aggression, if you will, that brings the things heavy on your heart to the Father in thankful prayers.
Things get a little heartbreaking on this earth at times, but life can be, and is, so wonderful when you walk with the peace of Jesus in your heart and mind. When you start feeling anxious, or the fact of the situation you're in gives you every reason to be a hysterical ball of anxiety, get alone with Him (or maybe if you're already lonely, go to a coffee shop with Him so it's not just more silence in your life). Write down the things in your heart, or just tell Him all the things you're going through, and all about the things you need His peace to invade. Be thankful and ask Him some questions. Offer your requests to Him, talk it out, and then wait for His peace. You may just have to believe it before you feel it. Your peace will come.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
I can't talk you into having peace. That's silly. We're all too high strung, and living at too high of stress levels on an daily basis to be talked into feeling peaceful, especially when certain situations in life give you every reason to be an utter mess. You may disagree with me about the constant state of stress thing, but let me break it down for you: a few years ago two planes flew into buildings and destroyed lives in an effort to scare a country/world, my best friend lost his cousin when an oil rig exploded in the sea last spring, we madly lock every door in our house before bed, last year a friend of a friend got shot walking his dog for the twenty bucks in his pocket and is now paralyzed, every month we're all trying to pay our bills and give our families the best lives possible despite our current economic situations, the rich of the rich started jumping out of buildings when the stock market crashed last year and they lost all their money, and I also believe that people are dying of cancer at the highest rate in history and we still don't know why. Then there's just the everyday life/family/health/financial stuff (I'm really not trying to depress you, I do love life and I really do have a point).
And my point is this: things are getting a little too mentally exhausting for us to talk ourselves into feeling okay and hopeful about everything going on around us. The peace we desperately need in order for us to not breakdown mentally, physically and emotionally, must be a supernatural act of the Holy Spirit mixed with thankful and specific prayers to our sweet heavenly Father. It must be an act of our wills and an aggression, if you will, that brings the things heavy on your heart to the Father in thankful prayers.
Things get a little heartbreaking on this earth at times, but life can be, and is, so wonderful when you walk with the peace of Jesus in your heart and mind. When you start feeling anxious, or the fact of the situation you're in gives you every reason to be a hysterical ball of anxiety, get alone with Him (or maybe if you're already lonely, go to a coffee shop with Him so it's not just more silence in your life). Write down the things in your heart, or just tell Him all the things you're going through, and all about the things you need His peace to invade. Be thankful and ask Him some questions. Offer your requests to Him, talk it out, and then wait for His peace. You may just have to believe it before you feel it. Your peace will come.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Monday, August 9, 2010
169
Colossians 1:15-18 (The Message)
Christ Holds It All Together
"We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body."
Firstly, read this magnificent interpretation about 3 or 4 times. You will be dramatically moved as you start to believe the magnitude of who Jesus Christ is for us in our lives and hearts and world. Jesus is our all in all. He is our beautiful saviour and healer and hope and everything and always. We can never (not in one million years) put Him on too high a pedestal, bow too low on the ground, worship too extravagantly with our hearts and voices and bodies, or stand in awe for too many hours and days and years before His glorious being. He is so other, yet He is right here, right now, holding us all together in the grip of His grace and love for us.
Everything about God that we can see and everything that we can't see is made sense of and is found complete because of Him. He makes sense of the nonsense of everyday life, and His death on the cross and resurrection from death completed our yearning and longing for a saviour. When our lives feel meaningless and hopeless and ridiculous and boring, we look at Him and realize that it all started and ends with Him, and we know that we have a reason to get out of bed each day, get dressed, get working and get loving the world. We look into His face and eyes and there we find our purpose and destiny.
Christ Holds It All Together
"We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body."
Firstly, read this magnificent interpretation about 3 or 4 times. You will be dramatically moved as you start to believe the magnitude of who Jesus Christ is for us in our lives and hearts and world. Jesus is our all in all. He is our beautiful saviour and healer and hope and everything and always. We can never (not in one million years) put Him on too high a pedestal, bow too low on the ground, worship too extravagantly with our hearts and voices and bodies, or stand in awe for too many hours and days and years before His glorious being. He is so other, yet He is right here, right now, holding us all together in the grip of His grace and love for us.
Everything about God that we can see and everything that we can't see is made sense of and is found complete because of Him. He makes sense of the nonsense of everyday life, and His death on the cross and resurrection from death completed our yearning and longing for a saviour. When our lives feel meaningless and hopeless and ridiculous and boring, we look at Him and realize that it all started and ends with Him, and we know that we have a reason to get out of bed each day, get dressed, get working and get loving the world. We look into His face and eyes and there we find our purpose and destiny.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
168
Genesis 1:1 (new king james)
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
It's true. God is the creator of the world - He made everything you and I see and then the things we don't see. He is the most true and pure artist and designer. And everything that is good and lovely and beautiful on this earth comes from Him and His perfect mind and spirit.
It doesn't matter if you're an artist or a trash man, everything we do in our day to day lives coming forth from us can be inspired by Him. He can give you ideas and inspiration to create things that no one on this earth has ever even thought of. Pause for a moment and think about that. It's more obvious, perhaps, to ask God to inspire you if you're an artist or designer, but God is also very interested in inspiring you for every aspect of your daily life- finding new ways to parent, clean a house, communicate with people, make money, help someone- He is there and He is always on standby ready to show you something new. A life with Jesus as your creative mentor will take you places you only ever dreamed of. Take a creative leap/risk in what you find yourself doing and He will catch you, always.
*
*
*
*
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
It's true. God is the creator of the world - He made everything you and I see and then the things we don't see. He is the most true and pure artist and designer. And everything that is good and lovely and beautiful on this earth comes from Him and His perfect mind and spirit.
It doesn't matter if you're an artist or a trash man, everything we do in our day to day lives coming forth from us can be inspired by Him. He can give you ideas and inspiration to create things that no one on this earth has ever even thought of. Pause for a moment and think about that. It's more obvious, perhaps, to ask God to inspire you if you're an artist or designer, but God is also very interested in inspiring you for every aspect of your daily life- finding new ways to parent, clean a house, communicate with people, make money, help someone- He is there and He is always on standby ready to show you something new. A life with Jesus as your creative mentor will take you places you only ever dreamed of. Take a creative leap/risk in what you find yourself doing and He will catch you, always.
*
*
*
*
Thursday, August 5, 2010
167
Isaiah 30:21
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.
There will be a voice for you. There will be the peace, comfort and encouragement you need: a teacher, a friend, a companion or a still soft voice inside telling you the way in which you should walk. God is gracious and compassionate and very faithful to you. His concern is you, your heart and your whereabouts. You will not only be guided continually, you will be incredibly encouraged by Him every step of the way. This beautiful verse explains that His presence manifests itself in your decisions. He comes and helps you walk in them and follow through with them. He may give you the nudge you need, or He may give you the energy to keep going when the decisions you thought were right seem to be wrong. But as you step out into your destiny, whatever narrow path you may choose, you will be lead and encouraged in all of your paths as you make Him your finish line.
Set your eyes like flint on Him, and all that He has called you to do. You won't go wrong when you do. And not only that, He will be the still, steady voice of peace in your ear saying, "Go for it!!"
*
*
*
*
*
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.
There will be a voice for you. There will be the peace, comfort and encouragement you need: a teacher, a friend, a companion or a still soft voice inside telling you the way in which you should walk. God is gracious and compassionate and very faithful to you. His concern is you, your heart and your whereabouts. You will not only be guided continually, you will be incredibly encouraged by Him every step of the way. This beautiful verse explains that His presence manifests itself in your decisions. He comes and helps you walk in them and follow through with them. He may give you the nudge you need, or He may give you the energy to keep going when the decisions you thought were right seem to be wrong. But as you step out into your destiny, whatever narrow path you may choose, you will be lead and encouraged in all of your paths as you make Him your finish line.
Set your eyes like flint on Him, and all that He has called you to do. You won't go wrong when you do. And not only that, He will be the still, steady voice of peace in your ear saying, "Go for it!!"
*
*
*
*
*
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
166
Matthew 5: 3 (the message)
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule."
I think the main thing God wants us to get a grip on is dependancy on Him. He wants complete and crazy child-like trust in a God who is the greatest father, friend and king a child could ever want or need.
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule."
I think the main thing God wants us to get a grip on is dependancy on Him. He wants complete and crazy child-like trust in a God who is the greatest father, friend and king a child could ever want or need.
We must get to a point where we are fine with everything imperfect, not in place and not together. And even the control we think we have over our lives is an illusion anyway. Because, in this life, nothing is truly constant; money, status, people and stuff comes and goes. And it's all about asking Him to be the glue that holds your life together.
So when you have nothing left, that's a good thing. It is then that God can really shine in your life. In my own search for dependancy upon God, I have found that by being on my knees in the mornings and begging Him to take my life and do something magnificent with it, I start to see change. I just repeat over and over, "I depend on You. I need you every hour. Every moment..." or something to that effect. And then, throughout my day, when hopelessness and doubt and worry try to grip my mind and heart I just repeat that "I depend on You only Father..." His beautiful sovereign hands cover and grip your life with such a hold that nothing and no one can get you.
So when you have nothing left, that's a good thing. It is then that God can really shine in your life. In my own search for dependancy upon God, I have found that by being on my knees in the mornings and begging Him to take my life and do something magnificent with it, I start to see change. I just repeat over and over, "I depend on You. I need you every hour. Every moment..." or something to that effect. And then, throughout my day, when hopelessness and doubt and worry try to grip my mind and heart I just repeat that "I depend on You only Father..." His beautiful sovereign hands cover and grip your life with such a hold that nothing and no one can get you.
So you may as well go ahead and get to the end of your rope now. It will eventually happen anyway. Let go and let God be who He wants to be in your life. You will be blessed.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Sunday, August 1, 2010
165
Matthew 5:1-2 (the message)
"When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions."
"... the committed, climbed with Him." I get an image of a bunch of guys hiking (or climbing) together. This little opening couple of verses says a lot about relationships and life stuff. Jesus' ministry is building building building, lots of people are wanting a piece of Him, wanting to hear what He has to say, and becoming believers and followers of Him as the Messiah. I can imagine the crowds would have been starting to get a little crazy at times, and maybe it would have taken some initiative to get away, be alone, talk with Him with no one around, and to simply get to know the real Jesus - not just the crowd Jesus (not that I think He was different or inconsistent around different people or anything - what you see is what you get with Jesus - I'm suggesting that a church service with Jesus and being alone with Jesus in your bedroom can be two different experiences with Him. Both wonderful, yet both different, just like being in a crowded room with your best friend is way different than sitting over a coffee with them).
My first thought is that when it comes to Jesus (the most important relationship you will have in your whole life), you will notice the very close ones to Him. You will notice those ones, those beautiful souls who have put their faith in Jesus in front of everything else in their lives. It's such a passion for them that it's kind of like you can see it written all over their faces. Those ones willing to go the extra distance to "climb hills" with Him, beside Him as companions, to be alone with Him, even when it doesn't seem trendy or convenient, or when being seen with Him is not very cool to the world.
And my other thought (much like my first one) is that in life you should find people that will climb the hills with you. When no one is watching and you're a big fat loser, it's those special and truly dedicated people, who are committed to climbing life with you who will be by your side climbing a dumb and tiring hill just to be beside you, and to get to know the real you. And even if you ever only find one person (a friend or parent or spouse or relative or pastor) over the course of your life who will be that special soul, stick with them, and climb all the way Home to heaven together.
So, pray that you will be that companion to Jesus and to others. Selah.
*
*
*
*
*
"When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions."
"... the committed, climbed with Him." I get an image of a bunch of guys hiking (or climbing) together. This little opening couple of verses says a lot about relationships and life stuff. Jesus' ministry is building building building, lots of people are wanting a piece of Him, wanting to hear what He has to say, and becoming believers and followers of Him as the Messiah. I can imagine the crowds would have been starting to get a little crazy at times, and maybe it would have taken some initiative to get away, be alone, talk with Him with no one around, and to simply get to know the real Jesus - not just the crowd Jesus (not that I think He was different or inconsistent around different people or anything - what you see is what you get with Jesus - I'm suggesting that a church service with Jesus and being alone with Jesus in your bedroom can be two different experiences with Him. Both wonderful, yet both different, just like being in a crowded room with your best friend is way different than sitting over a coffee with them).
My first thought is that when it comes to Jesus (the most important relationship you will have in your whole life), you will notice the very close ones to Him. You will notice those ones, those beautiful souls who have put their faith in Jesus in front of everything else in their lives. It's such a passion for them that it's kind of like you can see it written all over their faces. Those ones willing to go the extra distance to "climb hills" with Him, beside Him as companions, to be alone with Him, even when it doesn't seem trendy or convenient, or when being seen with Him is not very cool to the world.
And my other thought (much like my first one) is that in life you should find people that will climb the hills with you. When no one is watching and you're a big fat loser, it's those special and truly dedicated people, who are committed to climbing life with you who will be by your side climbing a dumb and tiring hill just to be beside you, and to get to know the real you. And even if you ever only find one person (a friend or parent or spouse or relative or pastor) over the course of your life who will be that special soul, stick with them, and climb all the way Home to heaven together.
So, pray that you will be that companion to Jesus and to others. Selah.
*
*
*
*
*
Thursday, July 29, 2010
164
Romans 12: 9-11
"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit serving the Lord..."
These couple of verses seem practical and no nonsense. They offer us a center to which to bring our attitude and lifestyle in line. The verses leading up to this talk about being part of the body of Christ and each of us having different gifts. And, despite our differences, whatever our gifts are, we are to do them extravagantly and with the gift of faith God has given us.
So here in verse nine, it's about love. Good love and good living. We are all brought together in these verses and put on the same page: don't say you're a lover with your mouth, and live like a jerk (you know, be rude to waiters and your family and stuff like that...). With everything in you, run like the wind from evil (it's all around us), and fall into the arms of all that is good about the world and humanity. Think about the needs of other's before your own. If you have to decide between you and them, give it to them. Love people with grace and affection in your hearts and bodies. Be passionate in your heart for life and the world and people, and mostly, above all, love the Lord with a fierce determination in your heart, soul and body. Read the chapter that surrounds these verses, you will be enriched!
"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit serving the Lord..."
These couple of verses seem practical and no nonsense. They offer us a center to which to bring our attitude and lifestyle in line. The verses leading up to this talk about being part of the body of Christ and each of us having different gifts. And, despite our differences, whatever our gifts are, we are to do them extravagantly and with the gift of faith God has given us.
So here in verse nine, it's about love. Good love and good living. We are all brought together in these verses and put on the same page: don't say you're a lover with your mouth, and live like a jerk (you know, be rude to waiters and your family and stuff like that...). With everything in you, run like the wind from evil (it's all around us), and fall into the arms of all that is good about the world and humanity. Think about the needs of other's before your own. If you have to decide between you and them, give it to them. Love people with grace and affection in your hearts and bodies. Be passionate in your heart for life and the world and people, and mostly, above all, love the Lord with a fierce determination in your heart, soul and body. Read the chapter that surrounds these verses, you will be enriched!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
163
Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool."
I'm reading a book about a cult. It's awful to read, and I can't believe it's true. I can't believe that people can get so brainwashed, and mostly I can't fathom that these people have been so fooled into thinking they are experiencing true love and relationship with "God." It's so tragic that it breaks my heart to pieces. Reading all about this cult is a hard one because people have been so broken and abused in the name of Jesus' love. The way this sect operates, it's very essence, is the exact opposite of the gospel (not to mention all that Jesus was about). In this instance, It's ALL about what you do, and how good a person you are. If you do this, you will get to heaven, and if you don't you will go to hell. If you do what this person tells you to do, then you are obeying God and you will have eternal life. If you're not doing everything you must do, you must be sent away for vigorous work to be broken until you obey and "see the light." If you question or doubt any aspect of this "faith," you are rebellious and wrong and evil and have no place in the "kingdom." It's ridiculous and evil and it's all counterfeit love.
As I read this book I see that this cult is the absolute opposite of our sweet, loving and relational Jesus, our Messiah. With Jesus, it's all about relationship, grace and mercy. This pure, perfect grace and love ushers us into the throne room of our King, into His loving, warm presence, where we can sit and chat and talk about all the things that have gone on throughout the days and weeks and months of life. He wants us to come to Him and talk to Him- He even says, "reason together..." Back and forth and forth and back... How beautiful is that? He invites conversation - real, honest emotion and discussion.
Remember, if someone offers you true love from God and it's a little bit or a whole lot different from this - relationship, grace, mercy, forgiveness, conversation, and mostly freedom and peace - walk away and find the truth. It's honest and raw and real, and it's all yours.
*
*
*
*
*
"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool."
I'm reading a book about a cult. It's awful to read, and I can't believe it's true. I can't believe that people can get so brainwashed, and mostly I can't fathom that these people have been so fooled into thinking they are experiencing true love and relationship with "God." It's so tragic that it breaks my heart to pieces. Reading all about this cult is a hard one because people have been so broken and abused in the name of Jesus' love. The way this sect operates, it's very essence, is the exact opposite of the gospel (not to mention all that Jesus was about). In this instance, It's ALL about what you do, and how good a person you are. If you do this, you will get to heaven, and if you don't you will go to hell. If you do what this person tells you to do, then you are obeying God and you will have eternal life. If you're not doing everything you must do, you must be sent away for vigorous work to be broken until you obey and "see the light." If you question or doubt any aspect of this "faith," you are rebellious and wrong and evil and have no place in the "kingdom." It's ridiculous and evil and it's all counterfeit love.
As I read this book I see that this cult is the absolute opposite of our sweet, loving and relational Jesus, our Messiah. With Jesus, it's all about relationship, grace and mercy. This pure, perfect grace and love ushers us into the throne room of our King, into His loving, warm presence, where we can sit and chat and talk about all the things that have gone on throughout the days and weeks and months of life. He wants us to come to Him and talk to Him- He even says, "reason together..." Back and forth and forth and back... How beautiful is that? He invites conversation - real, honest emotion and discussion.
Remember, if someone offers you true love from God and it's a little bit or a whole lot different from this - relationship, grace, mercy, forgiveness, conversation, and mostly freedom and peace - walk away and find the truth. It's honest and raw and real, and it's all yours.
*
*
*
*
*
Sunday, July 25, 2010
162
Revelation 22: 13 (nkjv)
"...I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
This morning in church we sang an old hymn: Be thou My Vision. Someone has already arrived at the end of your life, and its all going to be okay.
Jesus walks with you. You must believe this to be truth. Perhaps deep down there is a part of us that thinks it's all pretend. I say this only because when bad things happen - things fall through or there isn't enough money in the bank or people leave us - we panic. Why do we panic? Maybe we just don't truly believe that He is beside us, walking with us, and carrying our load. Maybe we know He is real, but we still feel alone, or like we have to pull it all off (life and survival, that is) on our own. We want Him to be our Lord, but not to the point of walking in blind faith, holding His hand through all of our life time. He is a shepherd who with His staff gently gets us to where He needs and wants us to be (although, some days I feel like gentle is too soft a word and we all have the bumps and bruises to prove it).
So when you can't see tomorrow and how it's all going to work out- close your eyes (even in the dark), let Him look for you, let Him be your eyes, and then keep looking looking looking at Him. He will show you. Keep doing what you're doing and when you're looking at your bank account or sitting alone in your empty house or sitting in your doctors office staring at the devastating report, or hearing that someone said mean things about you, close your eyes, picture Jesus on the cross and let Him be your vision for the days, months and years to come. Let Him bring you peace and comfort. Let him reveal to you the dreams in your heart, and
So Lord,
When I can't see, be my sight.
When I can't feel, You can touch.
And when I can't breath, please take deep breaths for me.
He stands at the finish line, and He is beside you assuring you through His promises and His Holy Spirit that the road will clear up; the sun will shine it's beautiful strong and bright rays once again into your heart.
"...I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
This morning in church we sang an old hymn: Be thou My Vision. Someone has already arrived at the end of your life, and its all going to be okay.
Jesus walks with you. You must believe this to be truth. Perhaps deep down there is a part of us that thinks it's all pretend. I say this only because when bad things happen - things fall through or there isn't enough money in the bank or people leave us - we panic. Why do we panic? Maybe we just don't truly believe that He is beside us, walking with us, and carrying our load. Maybe we know He is real, but we still feel alone, or like we have to pull it all off (life and survival, that is) on our own. We want Him to be our Lord, but not to the point of walking in blind faith, holding His hand through all of our life time. He is a shepherd who with His staff gently gets us to where He needs and wants us to be (although, some days I feel like gentle is too soft a word and we all have the bumps and bruises to prove it).
So when you can't see tomorrow and how it's all going to work out- close your eyes (even in the dark), let Him look for you, let Him be your eyes, and then keep looking looking looking at Him. He will show you. Keep doing what you're doing and when you're looking at your bank account or sitting alone in your empty house or sitting in your doctors office staring at the devastating report, or hearing that someone said mean things about you, close your eyes, picture Jesus on the cross and let Him be your vision for the days, months and years to come. Let Him bring you peace and comfort. Let him reveal to you the dreams in your heart, and
So Lord,
When I can't see, be my sight.
When I can't feel, You can touch.
And when I can't breath, please take deep breaths for me.
He stands at the finish line, and He is beside you assuring you through His promises and His Holy Spirit that the road will clear up; the sun will shine it's beautiful strong and bright rays once again into your heart.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
161
Psalm 105:3-4 (New King James Version)
"Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD. Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!"
Seek the heart and presence of your King. Praise Him and be always ready to find Him. It's pretty obvious we are living in days when, a lot of the time, things get to us fast and easy. We don't really get the idea of searching and seeking and waiting long and tiresome hours and days for someone or something to arrive or happen. We wait a few months for something to happen, and we're worn out and exhausted "waiting" for the thing.
"Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD. Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!"
Seek the heart and presence of your King. Praise Him and be always ready to find Him. It's pretty obvious we are living in days when, a lot of the time, things get to us fast and easy. We don't really get the idea of searching and seeking and waiting long and tiresome hours and days for someone or something to arrive or happen. We wait a few months for something to happen, and we're worn out and exhausted "waiting" for the thing.
But oh the joy as you seek and wait.
Seeking Jesus and all He is doing in your life and in the world can be a pure joy to your heart and soul. To seek Him: look for Him in all areas of your life - in your work, in your different relationships and in all you do. As you go about your day- even the mundane - bring Him into it all. Pray little prayers throughout your day and invite Him to be a part of it all. Maybe it means getting up a few minutes early, or staying up a little bit late for some time on your knees (even just one prayer on your knees is such a beautiful physical expression of your dependency and adoration for Jesus) with your Lord. Imagine what you will find when you look for Him! You will see things differently. You will see heartache from different perspectives, you will see the people He has brought into your life the way He does. You will be strong and faithful in Him and all he is doing in your life because you are seeing things from heaven's perspective.
Keep seeking Him. Don't grow weary of seeking His face and His love for you and your whole life. You will be revolutionized!
*
*
*
*
*
Seeking Jesus and all He is doing in your life and in the world can be a pure joy to your heart and soul. To seek Him: look for Him in all areas of your life - in your work, in your different relationships and in all you do. As you go about your day- even the mundane - bring Him into it all. Pray little prayers throughout your day and invite Him to be a part of it all. Maybe it means getting up a few minutes early, or staying up a little bit late for some time on your knees (even just one prayer on your knees is such a beautiful physical expression of your dependency and adoration for Jesus) with your Lord. Imagine what you will find when you look for Him! You will see things differently. You will see heartache from different perspectives, you will see the people He has brought into your life the way He does. You will be strong and faithful in Him and all he is doing in your life because you are seeing things from heaven's perspective.
Keep seeking Him. Don't grow weary of seeking His face and His love for you and your whole life. You will be revolutionized!
*
*
*
*
*
Monday, July 19, 2010
160
2 Corinthians 4:8-10
"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body."
So there are times when it all becomes a little too much for you, and you think your mind and body are going to break down due to the pressure of life. Sometimes you feel like you are being pulled from all different directions, from everyone who can get their hot little hands on you. Every day remember that the bottom line is this- within you, little-bitty you, is the miracle and power of the death and resurrection of Jesus. All the magnificence of the cross is contained within you. So sometimes within you, it's the deathly struggle of the fight Jesus fought for you manifested in what ever you're going through (work, family, health...etc.).
Therefore, DO NOT give up with whatever you are being hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down by. Because the victorious, history making WIN is what is also manifested in your glorious life! It's the glory of the cross in you. The death and life- the whole battle - of the cross is contained in you, and you win in the end. You will not be crushed, in despair, forsaken and certainly not destroyed. Think about things through the eyes of the cross - it will change your view of everything.
"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body."
So there are times when it all becomes a little too much for you, and you think your mind and body are going to break down due to the pressure of life. Sometimes you feel like you are being pulled from all different directions, from everyone who can get their hot little hands on you. Every day remember that the bottom line is this- within you, little-bitty you, is the miracle and power of the death and resurrection of Jesus. All the magnificence of the cross is contained within you. So sometimes within you, it's the deathly struggle of the fight Jesus fought for you manifested in what ever you're going through (work, family, health...etc.).
Therefore, DO NOT give up with whatever you are being hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down by. Because the victorious, history making WIN is what is also manifested in your glorious life! It's the glory of the cross in you. The death and life- the whole battle - of the cross is contained in you, and you win in the end. You will not be crushed, in despair, forsaken and certainly not destroyed. Think about things through the eyes of the cross - it will change your view of everything.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
159
2 Corinthians 4:7 (New King James Version)
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."
It's a surreal thing, really. To have the bigness of our God in the smallness of us humans. It's a relief, it's a responsibility, it's a joy, it's daunting, and it's the only way that God can get all the glory due His precious and lovely name. For our very short time on earth we, humans, pursue our wholeness and our righteousness with God - we are desperate to be good children of the King, holy and acceptable to Him. We only want to change the world with this crazy love that we ourselves have been changed with. And the beauty is, it's always going to be broken, bland and weak vessels that carry (all over the earth) the perfect, radiant and miraculous treasure of Heaven. The bumps and bruises and cracks these earthen vessels (you and me) get along the way, are actually what makes the treasure shine brightest. Put us up against the light and magnificence and glory of God, and everything else grows strangely dim.
I once heard someone say that the cracks in our own lives is what allows the light and presence of God to shine through. It's the story you have written so far that makes you who you are today, and it's the love of God that has transformed your life, that allows you to be the beautiful, messy and life changing soul that you are today. You are able to love and heal and help other humans because of where you have come from.
You may have been dropped, broken, damaged and left out in the cold. You may not feel worthy enough to be deserving of anything good, let alone the riches of Heaven and the glory of God. But listen to this: you contain the treasure of all of Heaven. You contain the excellence of Jesus Christ's power. He knew what He was doing when He contained His life changing grace, mercy, love, hope, healing, purity and freedom in you. Get down on your knees and praise Him for that. Thank Him for using little weak vessels to walk Him around on this earth. Really think about it- it's huge.
Selah
*
*
*
*
*
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."
It's a surreal thing, really. To have the bigness of our God in the smallness of us humans. It's a relief, it's a responsibility, it's a joy, it's daunting, and it's the only way that God can get all the glory due His precious and lovely name. For our very short time on earth we, humans, pursue our wholeness and our righteousness with God - we are desperate to be good children of the King, holy and acceptable to Him. We only want to change the world with this crazy love that we ourselves have been changed with. And the beauty is, it's always going to be broken, bland and weak vessels that carry (all over the earth) the perfect, radiant and miraculous treasure of Heaven. The bumps and bruises and cracks these earthen vessels (you and me) get along the way, are actually what makes the treasure shine brightest. Put us up against the light and magnificence and glory of God, and everything else grows strangely dim.
I once heard someone say that the cracks in our own lives is what allows the light and presence of God to shine through. It's the story you have written so far that makes you who you are today, and it's the love of God that has transformed your life, that allows you to be the beautiful, messy and life changing soul that you are today. You are able to love and heal and help other humans because of where you have come from.
You may have been dropped, broken, damaged and left out in the cold. You may not feel worthy enough to be deserving of anything good, let alone the riches of Heaven and the glory of God. But listen to this: you contain the treasure of all of Heaven. You contain the excellence of Jesus Christ's power. He knew what He was doing when He contained His life changing grace, mercy, love, hope, healing, purity and freedom in you. Get down on your knees and praise Him for that. Thank Him for using little weak vessels to walk Him around on this earth. Really think about it- it's huge.
Selah
*
*
*
*
*
Thursday, July 15, 2010
158
Genesis 17:11-12
"And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun."
The Israelites are in a battle. Moses is their leader. The Amalekites were serious enemies of the Israelites (God's chosen people), and they had to be defeated. Every battle God's people fought was vitally important, and had to be won for them to get one step closer to Canaan, the Promised Land. Every battle counts.
This story is a beautiful image of life, it's battles, the importance of praising Jesus through it all, and the beauty of helping others hold their hands up through their own battles. Just like Moses, keep your hands up in the air, praising Jesus, victorious in Him, and you will win your fight. Do NOT let the enemy beat you with weariness, fatigue and exhaustion. And if you feel it coming on, get people next to you to hold your hands up high in the air. Good friends, good support - people to hold up your arms up to heaven - is precious and must be sought after, because you will need them.
So I have two points: In the raging battles you will face in life (don't be fooled - everyone on the planet, especially those who claim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, will fight them), keep your hands up in the air i.e., praising Jesus. Please keep praising Jesus with every ounce of energy you can muster up, and keep on your knees with hands raised to Him. More importantly, keep the hands of those you love up in air; up in the air praising Jesus. The battle is won when our hands are lifted, in worship.
"And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun."
The Israelites are in a battle. Moses is their leader. The Amalekites were serious enemies of the Israelites (God's chosen people), and they had to be defeated. Every battle God's people fought was vitally important, and had to be won for them to get one step closer to Canaan, the Promised Land. Every battle counts.
This story is a beautiful image of life, it's battles, the importance of praising Jesus through it all, and the beauty of helping others hold their hands up through their own battles. Just like Moses, keep your hands up in the air, praising Jesus, victorious in Him, and you will win your fight. Do NOT let the enemy beat you with weariness, fatigue and exhaustion. And if you feel it coming on, get people next to you to hold your hands up high in the air. Good friends, good support - people to hold up your arms up to heaven - is precious and must be sought after, because you will need them.
So I have two points: In the raging battles you will face in life (don't be fooled - everyone on the planet, especially those who claim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, will fight them), keep your hands up in the air i.e., praising Jesus. Please keep praising Jesus with every ounce of energy you can muster up, and keep on your knees with hands raised to Him. More importantly, keep the hands of those you love up in air; up in the air praising Jesus. The battle is won when our hands are lifted, in worship.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
157 (for Terri)
Psalm 94:16-19 (the message)
"If God hadn't been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, "I'm slipping, I'm falling," your love, God, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up."
There is nothing like loss. Even more so, sudden loss. The kind of loss that sucks the breath out of you. The kind of loss that makes you want to die yourself. The kind of loss that leaves you in pieces on the floor. Whether we face it or run from it, loss is apart of all of our lives. Loss puts us all on the same page - the rich, the poor, the ugly, the pretty, the happy and the sad - each of us has experienced loss in some kind of way. Sometimes the absence of a person or place in our lives is more painful than any of us can bear. It brings our hearts to the lowest, most broken point imaginable; and it feels like permanent damage is done.
And sometimes (most of the time) the only answer is that God is our comfort. He takes our broken hearts and wraps His big strong arms of love around all the teeny tiny pieces of our soul when it seems impossible to put back together. Like the psalmist says here in this very earthy and vulnerable psalm: the love of God is the only life force that can hold us in so tight we can't escape it.
If a part of your life has been lost, and that lost piece can never come back, I'm sorry. All we have is the love and comfort of God. Ask the sweet Holy Spirit to come and protect your fragile heart and mind right now. He is so near to you, and He will come now and be with you. He is the only One who will bring to you the peace that you need, the peace that only God can bring. He will come and fill the holes made in your heart from loss. Then, in heaven, you will be put back together again, whole and complete forever and ever.
"If God hadn't been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, "I'm slipping, I'm falling," your love, God, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up."
There is nothing like loss. Even more so, sudden loss. The kind of loss that sucks the breath out of you. The kind of loss that makes you want to die yourself. The kind of loss that leaves you in pieces on the floor. Whether we face it or run from it, loss is apart of all of our lives. Loss puts us all on the same page - the rich, the poor, the ugly, the pretty, the happy and the sad - each of us has experienced loss in some kind of way. Sometimes the absence of a person or place in our lives is more painful than any of us can bear. It brings our hearts to the lowest, most broken point imaginable; and it feels like permanent damage is done.
And sometimes (most of the time) the only answer is that God is our comfort. He takes our broken hearts and wraps His big strong arms of love around all the teeny tiny pieces of our soul when it seems impossible to put back together. Like the psalmist says here in this very earthy and vulnerable psalm: the love of God is the only life force that can hold us in so tight we can't escape it.
If a part of your life has been lost, and that lost piece can never come back, I'm sorry. All we have is the love and comfort of God. Ask the sweet Holy Spirit to come and protect your fragile heart and mind right now. He is so near to you, and He will come now and be with you. He is the only One who will bring to you the peace that you need, the peace that only God can bring. He will come and fill the holes made in your heart from loss. Then, in heaven, you will be put back together again, whole and complete forever and ever.
*
*
*
*
Saturday, July 10, 2010
156
Philippians 1:6 (New King James Version)
"... being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ..."
One of the biggest fears we all face over the course of our lives is the fear that maybe we won't accomplish what we were born to do. What if we run out of time? What if I'm in the wrong place at the wrong time and I miss my purpose (if we believe that one's purpose is something we actually "do")?
This verse is one of my favorites - my absolute favorites. It encourages us that when the world is failing us terribly, things beating us down and stripping our confidence, the very character of God (He can be trusted more than any other human), instills in us all the confidence we need to walk with purpose and trust, knowing that God will do everything He purposed and planned for our lives. Because, from the moment you gave Him your whole heart and life, He started a beautiful, magnificent work in you. He started painting the picture of your life with Him in it, and He promises that He will finish the work He began in you on that day. He promises to keep evolving you - heart, soul and strength - to bring you to the place He wants you to be. And He will do it, because He is faithful.
So don't worry about missing out on what you know is in your heart to accomplish and fulfill. He will finish it all. You will make a difference and you will have time to do all that is in your heart to do. No matter how short or long your years are, it will all be done.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
"... being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ..."
One of the biggest fears we all face over the course of our lives is the fear that maybe we won't accomplish what we were born to do. What if we run out of time? What if I'm in the wrong place at the wrong time and I miss my purpose (if we believe that one's purpose is something we actually "do")?
This verse is one of my favorites - my absolute favorites. It encourages us that when the world is failing us terribly, things beating us down and stripping our confidence, the very character of God (He can be trusted more than any other human), instills in us all the confidence we need to walk with purpose and trust, knowing that God will do everything He purposed and planned for our lives. Because, from the moment you gave Him your whole heart and life, He started a beautiful, magnificent work in you. He started painting the picture of your life with Him in it, and He promises that He will finish the work He began in you on that day. He promises to keep evolving you - heart, soul and strength - to bring you to the place He wants you to be. And He will do it, because He is faithful.
So don't worry about missing out on what you know is in your heart to accomplish and fulfill. He will finish it all. You will make a difference and you will have time to do all that is in your heart to do. No matter how short or long your years are, it will all be done.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
155
1 Corinthians 4:1
"Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God."
The depth and breadth and height of God are vast, there is no limit to who He is and what He is capable of doing. Think about that for a moment.
(Selah)
And He is a mystery- we can never really know all there is to know about Him, nor can we fathom the magnitude of what He has in store for us. He is big and beautiful and there are no limits to Him.
So the next big unbelievable, incomprehensible truth to realize is that WE carry HIM around in us. We, little humans, have been given the insane job and responsibility of walking Him around on the earth. We have been entrusted with the awesomeness of the great and mighty, strong in power, God. It's very exciting to think that the Holy Spirit in us - God in man/heaven on earth - is the key to what this world needs. We carry the mysteries of the King of Kings in us. We carry the missing piece to the puzzle of what the world needs. We carry the missing piece to the broken human heart that has lost hope, joy and peace. More than that, we have the rest of our lives here on earth to realize more of God's identity and show Him to the world. And then, we have eternity to be completely fulfilled in Him.
*
*
*
*
*
*
"Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God."
The depth and breadth and height of God are vast, there is no limit to who He is and what He is capable of doing. Think about that for a moment.
(Selah)
And He is a mystery- we can never really know all there is to know about Him, nor can we fathom the magnitude of what He has in store for us. He is big and beautiful and there are no limits to Him.
So the next big unbelievable, incomprehensible truth to realize is that WE carry HIM around in us. We, little humans, have been given the insane job and responsibility of walking Him around on the earth. We have been entrusted with the awesomeness of the great and mighty, strong in power, God. It's very exciting to think that the Holy Spirit in us - God in man/heaven on earth - is the key to what this world needs. We carry the mysteries of the King of Kings in us. We carry the missing piece to the puzzle of what the world needs. We carry the missing piece to the broken human heart that has lost hope, joy and peace. More than that, we have the rest of our lives here on earth to realize more of God's identity and show Him to the world. And then, we have eternity to be completely fulfilled in Him.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Friday, July 2, 2010
154
Hebrews 9:11-15 (the message)
"But when the Messiah arrived, high priest of the superior things of this new covenant, he bypassed the old tent and its trappings in this created world and went straight into heaven's "tent"—the true Holy Place—once and for all. He also bypassed the sacrifices consisting of goat and calf blood, instead using his own blood as the price to set us free once and for all. If that animal blood and the other rituals of purification were effective in cleaning up certain matters of our religion and behavior, think how much more the blood of Christ cleans up our whole lives, inside and out. Through the Spirit, Christ offered himself as an unblemished sacrifice, freeing us from all those dead-end efforts to make ourselves respectable, so that we can live all out for God."
Let me try and say this in a nut-shell: in the Old Testament they offered up animals as sacrifices (always the best quality animals, spotless and expensive) to wash away of the sins of the people. It seems silly to us today in the twenty-first century, with no real concept of blood covenants (other than, of course, marriage), to think how powerful and important the shedding of blood was. With the shedding of blood in sacrifice, the people were completely free from their sins, and it had to be offered up constantly, everyday, in order to keep everyone's slate clean.
And then the ultimate redemption was made for us, once and for all. Jesus came to earth: the perfect, cream-of-the-crop "lamb" who offered up His own blood so that we could have our purity and freedom from our dark sin. Because Jesus died- because His blood was shed on the cross - all the bad stuff you and I have done has been rid of, forgotten and abolished, never to return. The life you now enjoy because Jesus died on the cross transcends and outlasts the moment of salvation; it's a powerful, victorious, dream-filled and joyful life because you are free. Jesus died to save you and make you perfect in Him.
I beg you to take some time and study Hebrews. It may seem overwhelming and intimidating, but it will change you and open up an understanding of the life you now have in Jesus.
*I recommend a study companion by Andrew Murray, "The Holiest of All." It changed my life.
"But when the Messiah arrived, high priest of the superior things of this new covenant, he bypassed the old tent and its trappings in this created world and went straight into heaven's "tent"—the true Holy Place—once and for all. He also bypassed the sacrifices consisting of goat and calf blood, instead using his own blood as the price to set us free once and for all. If that animal blood and the other rituals of purification were effective in cleaning up certain matters of our religion and behavior, think how much more the blood of Christ cleans up our whole lives, inside and out. Through the Spirit, Christ offered himself as an unblemished sacrifice, freeing us from all those dead-end efforts to make ourselves respectable, so that we can live all out for God."
Let me try and say this in a nut-shell: in the Old Testament they offered up animals as sacrifices (always the best quality animals, spotless and expensive) to wash away of the sins of the people. It seems silly to us today in the twenty-first century, with no real concept of blood covenants (other than, of course, marriage), to think how powerful and important the shedding of blood was. With the shedding of blood in sacrifice, the people were completely free from their sins, and it had to be offered up constantly, everyday, in order to keep everyone's slate clean.
And then the ultimate redemption was made for us, once and for all. Jesus came to earth: the perfect, cream-of-the-crop "lamb" who offered up His own blood so that we could have our purity and freedom from our dark sin. Because Jesus died- because His blood was shed on the cross - all the bad stuff you and I have done has been rid of, forgotten and abolished, never to return. The life you now enjoy because Jesus died on the cross transcends and outlasts the moment of salvation; it's a powerful, victorious, dream-filled and joyful life because you are free. Jesus died to save you and make you perfect in Him.
I beg you to take some time and study Hebrews. It may seem overwhelming and intimidating, but it will change you and open up an understanding of the life you now have in Jesus.
*I recommend a study companion by Andrew Murray, "The Holiest of All." It changed my life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
