Luke 22: 1-6
"Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude."
Judas was a disciple and friend of Jesus. I use the word "friend" lightly, however. It's so crazy to think that Judas walked and talked with Jesus throughout his ministry, just like the other eleven. He was one of the chosen! We've heard it before though... those "godly" men and women who seem to be so close to Jesus, the ones we look up to and admire and want to be like. Then they mess up in public and break the heart of Jesus and the precious ones in His church here on earth. It's sad and infuriating.
And maybe most of us are only ever one or two steps away from being a Judas. By no means are all of us deep down betrayers and evil ridden, but we all live in this broken evil world where the temptation to sell Jesus for some money isn't too much of a stretch for any one of us. The going gets a little tough, our walk and talk with Jesus is a little lacking, and the disgusting devil swoops in and starts to whisper thoughts in our heads against our sweet friend and Lord, Jesus.
I'm just saying be careful. It could happen to any one of us. Don't sell Jesus for some cash.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
92
Luke 21: 26
"men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth..."
It's the week leading up to His death, and Jesus is talking very candidly to the disciples. It's like He has to get it all in before He leaves them, and the messages are getting a little more heavy. He is really speaking like a Messiah now. He is getting down to the nitty gritty - the stuff that is to come. The world is going to start shaking: physically, spiritually, emotionally... and we are going to need to be prepared.
Sound familiar? It's no surprise that all the things He talked about, are happening right now. Wars, loss, destruction, and power coming from all the wrong places. He warned us, but still we are shocked. And I'm glad we still get shocked when we watch the news - I still want to be a part of a human race that feels things. The heart-breaking part of this 'talking to' Jesus is having with us, is that the human heart will break down. It's happening right now, everyone. People's hearts are breaking down, and letting their bodies down because of fear. It's so ludicrous that this emotion is stopping hearts, literally. Fear of what is and what is to come is causing heart attacks, mental break downs and death all over the earth.
Jesus is the answer to our fears. The Bible is covered all over with "do not fear" because fear grips the human heart like nothing else. Don't let fear kill you. A few days after He says these things, He goes to the cross and dies so you won't have to. He came to love and save the people, and He did. Then He came back to life so we can know Him and talk to Him everyday. And the bonus of talking to Him every day is that we can lay out to Him all our fears and He can carry them for you. Put them out on the table and give your heart a rest. With all your might, don't worry about things. Don't let fear kill you. It's not worth it.
"men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth..."
It's the week leading up to His death, and Jesus is talking very candidly to the disciples. It's like He has to get it all in before He leaves them, and the messages are getting a little more heavy. He is really speaking like a Messiah now. He is getting down to the nitty gritty - the stuff that is to come. The world is going to start shaking: physically, spiritually, emotionally... and we are going to need to be prepared.
Sound familiar? It's no surprise that all the things He talked about, are happening right now. Wars, loss, destruction, and power coming from all the wrong places. He warned us, but still we are shocked. And I'm glad we still get shocked when we watch the news - I still want to be a part of a human race that feels things. The heart-breaking part of this 'talking to' Jesus is having with us, is that the human heart will break down. It's happening right now, everyone. People's hearts are breaking down, and letting their bodies down because of fear. It's so ludicrous that this emotion is stopping hearts, literally. Fear of what is and what is to come is causing heart attacks, mental break downs and death all over the earth.
Jesus is the answer to our fears. The Bible is covered all over with "do not fear" because fear grips the human heart like nothing else. Don't let fear kill you. A few days after He says these things, He goes to the cross and dies so you won't have to. He came to love and save the people, and He did. Then He came back to life so we can know Him and talk to Him everyday. And the bonus of talking to Him every day is that we can lay out to Him all our fears and He can carry them for you. Put them out on the table and give your heart a rest. With all your might, don't worry about things. Don't let fear kill you. It's not worth it.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
91
Proverbs 4:23 (New International Version)
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
Life starts with the heart. Your heart is your life.
I often catch myself saying that I need to be more "thick skinned." I am super sensitive. I over think every move. I second guess myself, even with my best friends. It's so silly. But the feelings are so real to me in the moment. I am always trying to be a little tougher on the outside of my heart. Life is hard and will harden and wear you out eventually, so it's just good sense...
The thing that I am coming to realize, though, is if I'm not careful, I could be praying a little bit of a dangerous prayer. I don't want the wall of my heart to be thick with walls from hurt, pain, resentment and unforgiveness. I want to feel things. And I want to be passionate. I want to be able to give myself fully to people whom I love, fully able to take the risk of being hurt and disappointed if that's what it takes to be a good lover of people and of Jesus.
Lots of souls are walking around with thick skinned hearts from hurt and pain. But you don't want walls around your heart, you just want it to be guarded with peace and protection with the stuff from Heaven. God gives you the strength to get through anything. It's His grace and strength that makes you brave all over. Your heart is always protected with Him, and because of Him, your heart and mind are able to stand under the pressure and stress of this broken world.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
Life starts with the heart. Your heart is your life.
I often catch myself saying that I need to be more "thick skinned." I am super sensitive. I over think every move. I second guess myself, even with my best friends. It's so silly. But the feelings are so real to me in the moment. I am always trying to be a little tougher on the outside of my heart. Life is hard and will harden and wear you out eventually, so it's just good sense...
The thing that I am coming to realize, though, is if I'm not careful, I could be praying a little bit of a dangerous prayer. I don't want the wall of my heart to be thick with walls from hurt, pain, resentment and unforgiveness. I want to feel things. And I want to be passionate. I want to be able to give myself fully to people whom I love, fully able to take the risk of being hurt and disappointed if that's what it takes to be a good lover of people and of Jesus.
Lots of souls are walking around with thick skinned hearts from hurt and pain. But you don't want walls around your heart, you just want it to be guarded with peace and protection with the stuff from Heaven. God gives you the strength to get through anything. It's His grace and strength that makes you brave all over. Your heart is always protected with Him, and because of Him, your heart and mind are able to stand under the pressure and stress of this broken world.
Friday, March 26, 2010
90
Luke 22:42
"...nevertheless, not my will but Yours, be done."
This has got to be the hardest prayer to pray. And although I pray this very touching and moving prayer with my mouth, some days my heart prays it also, and others days it doesn't. It's one of those prayers where you pray it, and the whole time you're hoping that the feelings will eventually come. I often wonder how Jesus was brave enough to pray this prayer. He is standing in the garden, ready to be arrested and eventually killed. The Bible says the torment and stress was so intense on his heart and body that He sweat blood. He sweat blood! I can't even begin to fathom that level of emotion and pain.
He knew this was what He was born to do. He knew His whole life's path was leading Him to this moment, this moment of decision: to the cross. He was focused the whole time, but right now in this very moment if there was any other way, He wanted things to be different. I guess the only thing that enabled Him to pray that prayer, and follow through with the plan for humanity was His intense burning love and connection to His Father God. He wanted God more than anything else. He wanted His Father so much, it was worth the sacrifice. He loved His Father, and His Father loved the world. So He did it. It was all for love.
Make that your prayer: "not my will, but My Father's be done..." It's a tough one, but it's also relieving. It takes the pressure off, really. Who knows what could happen? It takes the pressure away from you having to pull a bunch of things off on this earth. And while I don't know why some people's dreams don't come true, and why good, dedicated, talented people's plans fall through, we must learn to let go. Let go of all the things you think you need to accomplish and the things that you feel will make your life worthwhile on this earth. Go after your dreams and the call of God on your life, and every morning, every time you think of it, or every time you get worried that things won't turn out, pray this prayer alone: "not my will, but yours be done."
"...nevertheless, not my will but Yours, be done."
This has got to be the hardest prayer to pray. And although I pray this very touching and moving prayer with my mouth, some days my heart prays it also, and others days it doesn't. It's one of those prayers where you pray it, and the whole time you're hoping that the feelings will eventually come. I often wonder how Jesus was brave enough to pray this prayer. He is standing in the garden, ready to be arrested and eventually killed. The Bible says the torment and stress was so intense on his heart and body that He sweat blood. He sweat blood! I can't even begin to fathom that level of emotion and pain.
He knew this was what He was born to do. He knew His whole life's path was leading Him to this moment, this moment of decision: to the cross. He was focused the whole time, but right now in this very moment if there was any other way, He wanted things to be different. I guess the only thing that enabled Him to pray that prayer, and follow through with the plan for humanity was His intense burning love and connection to His Father God. He wanted God more than anything else. He wanted His Father so much, it was worth the sacrifice. He loved His Father, and His Father loved the world. So He did it. It was all for love.
Make that your prayer: "not my will, but My Father's be done..." It's a tough one, but it's also relieving. It takes the pressure off, really. Who knows what could happen? It takes the pressure away from you having to pull a bunch of things off on this earth. And while I don't know why some people's dreams don't come true, and why good, dedicated, talented people's plans fall through, we must learn to let go. Let go of all the things you think you need to accomplish and the things that you feel will make your life worthwhile on this earth. Go after your dreams and the call of God on your life, and every morning, every time you think of it, or every time you get worried that things won't turn out, pray this prayer alone: "not my will, but yours be done."
89
Isaiah 61:1 (the message)
"The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners."
I love working for a King whose mandate for my life is to fix people's lives and hearts. So many precious souls are running around with chains around their ankles from hurt and disappointment. And we are called to unlock those chains and help people run free with Jesus. The greatest thing in the world someone can do is help people: to bring freedom to people whose lives are in chains; to tell the world that Jesus is the answer to the deep down emptiness they have in their hearts; to set people free who have unfairly been put in isolation from pain and hurt and other people's selfishness.
Don't forget that the Holy Spirit is all over you. Inside and out. You're the chosen one. You're the one who needs to go. You're the one who He has chosen to be a light in the darkness. So, shine bright. Take what you've been given and give it to the lost world.
"The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners."
I love working for a King whose mandate for my life is to fix people's lives and hearts. So many precious souls are running around with chains around their ankles from hurt and disappointment. And we are called to unlock those chains and help people run free with Jesus. The greatest thing in the world someone can do is help people: to bring freedom to people whose lives are in chains; to tell the world that Jesus is the answer to the deep down emptiness they have in their hearts; to set people free who have unfairly been put in isolation from pain and hurt and other people's selfishness.
Don't forget that the Holy Spirit is all over you. Inside and out. You're the chosen one. You're the one who needs to go. You're the one who He has chosen to be a light in the darkness. So, shine bright. Take what you've been given and give it to the lost world.
88
Isaiah 61:3 (New King James Version)
"...To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
Above all else, God is good. The world isn't good, the world breaks people and families and leaves broken hearts everywhere. The world is burning to the ground, but God is rescuing and restoring the burnt lives all over. The answer to the world's brokenness is Jesus. He takes the tired and hungry and hurting and makes them something beautiful. He turns things around. He covers heavy lives and hearts with coats of praise. I just had an image of those dorky blanket things, snuggies, that you drape around your whole body so you get warm and comfy (I have heard they're awesome though, so no offense if you have one)- He covers you with praise and healing like that.
With everything He does for your life, make sure you tell people He did it. The reason we are rescued by His huge sweet heart and grace is so we can tell the world that Jesus did it.
"...To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
Above all else, God is good. The world isn't good, the world breaks people and families and leaves broken hearts everywhere. The world is burning to the ground, but God is rescuing and restoring the burnt lives all over. The answer to the world's brokenness is Jesus. He takes the tired and hungry and hurting and makes them something beautiful. He turns things around. He covers heavy lives and hearts with coats of praise. I just had an image of those dorky blanket things, snuggies, that you drape around your whole body so you get warm and comfy (I have heard they're awesome though, so no offense if you have one)- He covers you with praise and healing like that.
With everything He does for your life, make sure you tell people He did it. The reason we are rescued by His huge sweet heart and grace is so we can tell the world that Jesus did it.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
87
Luke 7: 37-39
And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”
If this few minutes of history were a short film, I would be watching this woman move so intently. She fascinates me; she is beautiful. I want to be like her and I don't want to be like Jesus' disciples who rolled their eyes, judged her and voiced to Jesus that she did not belong with Him. Let's just think about this sweetheart woman. I really can envision the short film as a silent one. Maybe a little music only. On the screen the sweet woman, known within society as a sinner, probably a prostitute, comes to the house of a stranger Pharisee because she heard Jesus was there. You see, Jesus had saved her. Jesus had come to her and healed her soul with just one touch. He picked her life out of a pit and had set her free. So she brings what she has- all the money she had saved for a whole year- and pours it over Him. She comes, weeping weeping weeping with love and gratitude. She is overwhelmed with the praise and love she has in her heart for Jesus. She washes His dirty feet with the tears that stream down her face, and she dries them with her long dark hair. Stop and close your eyes and think about this beautiful scene... what love, what gratitude, what praise! She didn't care what they thought: they weren't there when Jesus came to her and found her. They weren't there when Jesus came to her and set her free. They had no idea how much He changed her life. And she had nothing else to do but give back to him.
By title, we are Jesus' disciples. Don't be like those disciples. Don't be judgmental and embarrassed when someone who Jesus has set free comes to Him and behaves as seemingly ludicrous as this. You don't know where they have come from, you don't know how much Jesus means to them. Be like the sinner lady who Jesus had found and set free. Come to Him, making yourself look like a fool if you have to, and pour your praise over Him. Take what costs you and give it back to Him in praise. Pour out your life to Him again. You may have first been set free by Jesus' touch years ago, or yesterday you may have found Him for the first time. Either way, praise costs. Pour your praise over Him like the lady with the expensive oil. She perfectly wasted the most expensive thing she had because she loved Him. She loved Him. Her life had been rescued and saved by Jesus, and that deserved all that she had.
And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”
If this few minutes of history were a short film, I would be watching this woman move so intently. She fascinates me; she is beautiful. I want to be like her and I don't want to be like Jesus' disciples who rolled their eyes, judged her and voiced to Jesus that she did not belong with Him. Let's just think about this sweetheart woman. I really can envision the short film as a silent one. Maybe a little music only. On the screen the sweet woman, known within society as a sinner, probably a prostitute, comes to the house of a stranger Pharisee because she heard Jesus was there. You see, Jesus had saved her. Jesus had come to her and healed her soul with just one touch. He picked her life out of a pit and had set her free. So she brings what she has- all the money she had saved for a whole year- and pours it over Him. She comes, weeping weeping weeping with love and gratitude. She is overwhelmed with the praise and love she has in her heart for Jesus. She washes His dirty feet with the tears that stream down her face, and she dries them with her long dark hair. Stop and close your eyes and think about this beautiful scene... what love, what gratitude, what praise! She didn't care what they thought: they weren't there when Jesus came to her and found her. They weren't there when Jesus came to her and set her free. They had no idea how much He changed her life. And she had nothing else to do but give back to him.
By title, we are Jesus' disciples. Don't be like those disciples. Don't be judgmental and embarrassed when someone who Jesus has set free comes to Him and behaves as seemingly ludicrous as this. You don't know where they have come from, you don't know how much Jesus means to them. Be like the sinner lady who Jesus had found and set free. Come to Him, making yourself look like a fool if you have to, and pour your praise over Him. Take what costs you and give it back to Him in praise. Pour out your life to Him again. You may have first been set free by Jesus' touch years ago, or yesterday you may have found Him for the first time. Either way, praise costs. Pour your praise over Him like the lady with the expensive oil. She perfectly wasted the most expensive thing she had because she loved Him. She loved Him. Her life had been rescued and saved by Jesus, and that deserved all that she had.
Monday, March 22, 2010
86
Isaiah 1: 16-17
"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow."
The prophet Isaiah was right on track when it came to God's heart for the people and his heartache for the state of the world. Leading up to this verse, God is talking about not wanting anymore "futile sacrifices" from His people. God had had enough of burnt offerings, and after expressing His frustration with pointless rituals (through the man Isaiah), he lays out in the above verses what He really does want. The sacrifices God wants from us have moved from ritualistic "religious" ones, to sacrifices of the heart, and taking physical action against the injustices in the world today.
Spend some time with Jesus and get your heart right. Align your mind and opinions with the Bible's, and get out there and take action against evil. Spend your time, money and energy doing good and fixing people's lives. It's always one life at a time, so don't be discouraged. It could be your neighbors, or it could be a tribe in Africa. Look after the lonely people. Stick up for those with no one to defend them: beg for justice to those who need it. God needs people to fight off the oppressive ones in the world that bring darkness and grief to humanity.
"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow."
The prophet Isaiah was right on track when it came to God's heart for the people and his heartache for the state of the world. Leading up to this verse, God is talking about not wanting anymore "futile sacrifices" from His people. God had had enough of burnt offerings, and after expressing His frustration with pointless rituals (through the man Isaiah), he lays out in the above verses what He really does want. The sacrifices God wants from us have moved from ritualistic "religious" ones, to sacrifices of the heart, and taking physical action against the injustices in the world today.
Spend some time with Jesus and get your heart right. Align your mind and opinions with the Bible's, and get out there and take action against evil. Spend your time, money and energy doing good and fixing people's lives. It's always one life at a time, so don't be discouraged. It could be your neighbors, or it could be a tribe in Africa. Look after the lonely people. Stick up for those with no one to defend them: beg for justice to those who need it. God needs people to fight off the oppressive ones in the world that bring darkness and grief to humanity.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
85
Psalm 34:8 (New King James Version)
"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"
I'm a foodie. I love food. When I think about biting into a piece of food that I love, my heart and mouth water with utter delight. The pleasure I get from a bite of my favorite food makes my life beautiful and rich. It really does. My family and friends feel the same way, and if they didn't I wouldn't want to hang out with them.
We can talk about Jesus and religion and theology and spirituality until we are blue in the face, but attempting to do this without telling someone to meet and experience Jesus for themselves is as absurd as arguing what the apple on the table in front of us tastes like: is it sweet or sour, rotten inside or does it taste of perfection? Pick up the apple, take a bite, and see for yourself. The facts and details of the apple fade away with what the apple actually tastes like, and often no words will be needed to explain the apple.
The story goes that a young hot-shot speaker was speaking to a room full of people about Jesus Christ and who He was. He had every line under the sun arguing the absurdity of Jesus Christ and how ridiculous the belief in Him was. There is an old man sitting in the last row of the room eating an apple. And raises His hand, and when the speaker calls on the old man, He asks the speaker "what does this apple taste like?" Rolling his eyes at the stupid old man wasting his time, he responds," I don't know, I haven't tasted your apple." The old man responds, "nor have you tasted my Jesus."
You may have all the answers and ideas in the world, and it's totally fine to have ideas and opinions and arguments about the things you believe. When all else fails, pray that you experience Jesus. Because when you do, you can tell people what He's done for you. Your life will change, and nothing in the world will compare to how good He tastes. To know Him is to love Him.
"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"
I'm a foodie. I love food. When I think about biting into a piece of food that I love, my heart and mouth water with utter delight. The pleasure I get from a bite of my favorite food makes my life beautiful and rich. It really does. My family and friends feel the same way, and if they didn't I wouldn't want to hang out with them.
We can talk about Jesus and religion and theology and spirituality until we are blue in the face, but attempting to do this without telling someone to meet and experience Jesus for themselves is as absurd as arguing what the apple on the table in front of us tastes like: is it sweet or sour, rotten inside or does it taste of perfection? Pick up the apple, take a bite, and see for yourself. The facts and details of the apple fade away with what the apple actually tastes like, and often no words will be needed to explain the apple.
The story goes that a young hot-shot speaker was speaking to a room full of people about Jesus Christ and who He was. He had every line under the sun arguing the absurdity of Jesus Christ and how ridiculous the belief in Him was. There is an old man sitting in the last row of the room eating an apple. And raises His hand, and when the speaker calls on the old man, He asks the speaker "what does this apple taste like?" Rolling his eyes at the stupid old man wasting his time, he responds," I don't know, I haven't tasted your apple." The old man responds, "nor have you tasted my Jesus."
You may have all the answers and ideas in the world, and it's totally fine to have ideas and opinions and arguments about the things you believe. When all else fails, pray that you experience Jesus. Because when you do, you can tell people what He's done for you. Your life will change, and nothing in the world will compare to how good He tastes. To know Him is to love Him.
Friday, March 19, 2010
84
1 John 2:20
"But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things."
When people ask me about my childhood, I tell them about my amazing mother, my amazing family, and the incredible friends that surrounded me. These people, the village, made me who I am today. I have made it this far because of them. The thing about my upbringing, more true and real than any of those treasured ones, is the fact that above all others, the Holy Spirit raised me. That is the truth for my life and I have known it the entire time.
As we get older we get to that age where the parent/child relationship shifts its form and they (whoever raised you) take on a different role in your life. There is less distance in the parent/child gap. They will always be your parents, but the dynamic changes and it's a different version of special. It has to change or it would be weird- it's normal and it's the natural progression of life. This is not a big new idea I have discovered. But I have come to realize that with the Holy Spirit and me, the "raising" never ends. The teaching and growing and stretching is not just for youth.
I am in a job now where the Spirit is showing me things about myself that simply must change for my own good. Like a parent child relationship, I can take what God says and do what I want with it, or I can grow. The beauty of the Holy Spirit is that He rarely just tells you what you need to know. Often it's the rubbing against a certain co-worker, or spouse or friend or relative or situation where you start to realize the areas of your life in which you need to shut-up and grow-up, and what we need to change about ourselves. It can be painful and uncomfortable. Let's just say I have kicked and screamed in situations with one eye on everyone else who don't appear to be "stretched" in the same thing at all. It's so annoying.
So my point it: let go. You may as well. When you allow your pride to fall and the Holy Spirit to keep raising you so you become the best version of who you can be, it's the most freeing feeling in the world. Often not the most comfortable experience, but the chains that bound you up in certain areas of your heart and mind can be unlocked when you daily let the Holy Spirit enlighten you with the stuff that needs changing and growing in your life. You have time to become all that you need to be. It's exciting that even as an adult I am growing and becoming a much better version of me. Let go. People will like you more because you will be whole and secure and less annoying. That has happened to me.
And it doesn't end until we see His face in eternity.
"But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things."
When people ask me about my childhood, I tell them about my amazing mother, my amazing family, and the incredible friends that surrounded me. These people, the village, made me who I am today. I have made it this far because of them. The thing about my upbringing, more true and real than any of those treasured ones, is the fact that above all others, the Holy Spirit raised me. That is the truth for my life and I have known it the entire time.
As we get older we get to that age where the parent/child relationship shifts its form and they (whoever raised you) take on a different role in your life. There is less distance in the parent/child gap. They will always be your parents, but the dynamic changes and it's a different version of special. It has to change or it would be weird- it's normal and it's the natural progression of life. This is not a big new idea I have discovered. But I have come to realize that with the Holy Spirit and me, the "raising" never ends. The teaching and growing and stretching is not just for youth.
I am in a job now where the Spirit is showing me things about myself that simply must change for my own good. Like a parent child relationship, I can take what God says and do what I want with it, or I can grow. The beauty of the Holy Spirit is that He rarely just tells you what you need to know. Often it's the rubbing against a certain co-worker, or spouse or friend or relative or situation where you start to realize the areas of your life in which you need to shut-up and grow-up, and what we need to change about ourselves. It can be painful and uncomfortable. Let's just say I have kicked and screamed in situations with one eye on everyone else who don't appear to be "stretched" in the same thing at all. It's so annoying.
So my point it: let go. You may as well. When you allow your pride to fall and the Holy Spirit to keep raising you so you become the best version of who you can be, it's the most freeing feeling in the world. Often not the most comfortable experience, but the chains that bound you up in certain areas of your heart and mind can be unlocked when you daily let the Holy Spirit enlighten you with the stuff that needs changing and growing in your life. You have time to become all that you need to be. It's exciting that even as an adult I am growing and becoming a much better version of me. Let go. People will like you more because you will be whole and secure and less annoying. That has happened to me.
And it doesn't end until we see His face in eternity.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
83
Psalm 141: 2
"Let my prayer be set before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."
One of the most powerful things in the kingdom of God is prayer. The most vital part of your intimate relationship with Jesus is prayer. Things change on the earth and in your life because of your prayers. It's a super duper simple idea, and it's a tough discipline when you have to try and still your body and mind to pray. Think about the psalmists' beautiful idea of how our prayers are received in Heaven before the Throne of God! Think of it as your heart and mind and words mixed in with the life changing power of the Holy Spirit being lifted to Heaven as a sweet smelling aroma, and as a sacrifice.
Prayer is a sacrifice. Lift your hands up in the sky. If you feel weird doing it just do it alone in your house if you want to, and show God that you are all His. His alone. Raising your hands is showing him one representation of the sacrifice of laying down your life for Him and His kingdom. Prayer and surrender is the key to living a victorious and undefeated life on earth for Him. Prayer is a sacrifice though, it takes discipline and time. Do it, and you have no idea of how powerful and magnificent your life will be.
One of my favourite veteran authors on prayer is E. M Bounds. He was a nineteenth century writer and he wrote numerous books on prayer. In his book "E.M Bounds on Prayer," he wrote this (as well as loads more) on prayer:
"The most important lesson we can learn is how to pray. Indeed, we must pray so that our prayers take hold of God. The man who has done the most and the best praying is the most immortal, because prayers do not die. Perhaps the lips that uttered them are closed in death, or the heart that felt them may have ceased to beat, but the prayers live before God, and God's heart is set on them. Prayers outlive the lives of those who uttered them--outlive a generation, outlive an age, outlive a world."
"Let my prayer be set before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."
One of the most powerful things in the kingdom of God is prayer. The most vital part of your intimate relationship with Jesus is prayer. Things change on the earth and in your life because of your prayers. It's a super duper simple idea, and it's a tough discipline when you have to try and still your body and mind to pray. Think about the psalmists' beautiful idea of how our prayers are received in Heaven before the Throne of God! Think of it as your heart and mind and words mixed in with the life changing power of the Holy Spirit being lifted to Heaven as a sweet smelling aroma, and as a sacrifice.
Prayer is a sacrifice. Lift your hands up in the sky. If you feel weird doing it just do it alone in your house if you want to, and show God that you are all His. His alone. Raising your hands is showing him one representation of the sacrifice of laying down your life for Him and His kingdom. Prayer and surrender is the key to living a victorious and undefeated life on earth for Him. Prayer is a sacrifice though, it takes discipline and time. Do it, and you have no idea of how powerful and magnificent your life will be.
One of my favourite veteran authors on prayer is E. M Bounds. He was a nineteenth century writer and he wrote numerous books on prayer. In his book "E.M Bounds on Prayer," he wrote this (as well as loads more) on prayer:
"The most important lesson we can learn is how to pray. Indeed, we must pray so that our prayers take hold of God. The man who has done the most and the best praying is the most immortal, because prayers do not die. Perhaps the lips that uttered them are closed in death, or the heart that felt them may have ceased to beat, but the prayers live before God, and God's heart is set on them. Prayers outlive the lives of those who uttered them--outlive a generation, outlive an age, outlive a world."
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
82
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."
Forever. Every day that you live and breath, the extravagant beauty and over-the-top love of your precious Jesus Christ runs after you. Turn around and look behind you. You will see that despite the ups and downs of your life, the good and bad choices, the mistakes and successes, and despite, at times, you running as far away from His love and presence as possible, His love has been close to you chasing you down through it all. His relentless love is beyond anything you can imagine, and not only does the love of God follow closely behind you, there is no where you can run to escape it. And since I think we all only truly want to belong to a person and a place, the house of God-His presence in your life holding your hand and walking with you everyday- is your home. For the rest of your life you belong somewhere. You are at home with Him. Come back home to Him.
"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."
Forever. Every day that you live and breath, the extravagant beauty and over-the-top love of your precious Jesus Christ runs after you. Turn around and look behind you. You will see that despite the ups and downs of your life, the good and bad choices, the mistakes and successes, and despite, at times, you running as far away from His love and presence as possible, His love has been close to you chasing you down through it all. His relentless love is beyond anything you can imagine, and not only does the love of God follow closely behind you, there is no where you can run to escape it. And since I think we all only truly want to belong to a person and a place, the house of God-His presence in your life holding your hand and walking with you everyday- is your home. For the rest of your life you belong somewhere. You are at home with Him. Come back home to Him.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
81
Ephesians 6: 13-16
"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one."
This verse is really awesome/beautiful. I'm going to go ahead and put two and two together: I'm guessing that today is "the evil day" the writer of Ephesians is talking about here. The world is pretty bad, and people are pretty broken. Don't get discouraged, though; things are bad, but we have everything we need to stand against the founder of the wicked in the world. And here is the repetition again, "...to stand. Stand therefore..." Again, it appears as though life might want to push us down to the ground, and maybe even kick us while we're down. We've all been there, right? So, we want and need to be standing. Don't let the stinky stupid devil keep you down! Put on all the spiritual armor you have and you will stay up. Truth, righteousness, peace and faith hold your life together keeping you strong and steady. The truth is what you believe. The truth is Jesus. Righteousness will guard your heart. Take peace everywhere you go in life. And above all, solid-as-a-rock faith will protect and save your life from the evil ammo of the devil who hates you. The cross + empty tomb = everything you need to live successfully and victoriously. Right then and there the answer was handed to you. Pick it all up and use it. Stand. Stand. Stand. Don't die, don't die, don't die. You win in the end.
"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one."
This verse is really awesome/beautiful. I'm going to go ahead and put two and two together: I'm guessing that today is "the evil day" the writer of Ephesians is talking about here. The world is pretty bad, and people are pretty broken. Don't get discouraged, though; things are bad, but we have everything we need to stand against the founder of the wicked in the world. And here is the repetition again, "...to stand. Stand therefore..." Again, it appears as though life might want to push us down to the ground, and maybe even kick us while we're down. We've all been there, right? So, we want and need to be standing. Don't let the stinky stupid devil keep you down! Put on all the spiritual armor you have and you will stay up. Truth, righteousness, peace and faith hold your life together keeping you strong and steady. The truth is what you believe. The truth is Jesus. Righteousness will guard your heart. Take peace everywhere you go in life. And above all, solid-as-a-rock faith will protect and save your life from the evil ammo of the devil who hates you. The cross + empty tomb = everything you need to live successfully and victoriously. Right then and there the answer was handed to you. Pick it all up and use it. Stand. Stand. Stand. Don't die, don't die, don't die. You win in the end.
80
Philippians 4: 4
"Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!"
There are things I have bad attitudes about. There, I said it. And in the few years I've been around this earth, I have noticed that all it takes for my attitudes to change is a very conscious decision. I am usually one decision away from enjoying my life, the things I'm doing and the people I'm surrounded by. One decision to be joyful and happy. I have been taught from Bible teachers that if the author of the book of the Bible repeats a word, the idea or word is to be extremely emphasized because it is very important for the reader to understand. Here, Paul says to rejoice in what God is doing and who He is, and then repeats himself and says it again: rejoice! So what I'm getting here, Paul, is that you want me to shut up and be happy?
There is nothing stronger than the human will. Your decision to do something, anything, is the power behind it happening. Your choice to be happy within a certain situation, relationship, season of life, anything you're up against is what will make you happy. You have everything to rejoice about. You have an adoring and beautiful Saviour who loves you so much that He died for you. And He waits everyday to spend time with you and give you the best life ever. You are loved and your life matters to this generation. If you don't show up (and be joyful) there is a gap in the plan of God.
One of my best friends does this thing where he laughs out loud as a joke (I guess you have to be there) and every time he does it I crack up, and I mean EVERY TIME he does it. I guess picturing him forcing out a laugh as a joke, and watching the laugh spread around the room reminds me of choosing to be full of joy, even when life or a circumstance gives you every reason not to. Choose to be full of joy in the Lord because He is perfect, and He has the station of your life in the palm of His hand. I promise you, promise you (2 x "promises" = I really mean it) your choice will make all of the difference.
Rejoice. Laugh out loud if you have to.
"Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!"
There are things I have bad attitudes about. There, I said it. And in the few years I've been around this earth, I have noticed that all it takes for my attitudes to change is a very conscious decision. I am usually one decision away from enjoying my life, the things I'm doing and the people I'm surrounded by. One decision to be joyful and happy. I have been taught from Bible teachers that if the author of the book of the Bible repeats a word, the idea or word is to be extremely emphasized because it is very important for the reader to understand. Here, Paul says to rejoice in what God is doing and who He is, and then repeats himself and says it again: rejoice! So what I'm getting here, Paul, is that you want me to shut up and be happy?
There is nothing stronger than the human will. Your decision to do something, anything, is the power behind it happening. Your choice to be happy within a certain situation, relationship, season of life, anything you're up against is what will make you happy. You have everything to rejoice about. You have an adoring and beautiful Saviour who loves you so much that He died for you. And He waits everyday to spend time with you and give you the best life ever. You are loved and your life matters to this generation. If you don't show up (and be joyful) there is a gap in the plan of God.
One of my best friends does this thing where he laughs out loud as a joke (I guess you have to be there) and every time he does it I crack up, and I mean EVERY TIME he does it. I guess picturing him forcing out a laugh as a joke, and watching the laugh spread around the room reminds me of choosing to be full of joy, even when life or a circumstance gives you every reason not to. Choose to be full of joy in the Lord because He is perfect, and He has the station of your life in the palm of His hand. I promise you, promise you (2 x "promises" = I really mean it) your choice will make all of the difference.
Rejoice. Laugh out loud if you have to.
Friday, March 12, 2010
79
1 Samuel 22 (a few snippets, but read the whole chapter and it will all make more sense)
(saul:) "...Here you are, conspiring against me, whispering behind my back—not one of you is man enough to tell me that my own son is making deals with the son of Jesse, not one of you who cares enough to tell me that my son has taken the side of this, this ...outlaw!"... Ahimelech answered the king, "There's not an official in your administration as true to you as David, your own son-in-law and captain of your bodyguard. None more honorable either"...The king ordered his henchmen, "Surround and kill the priests of God! They're hand in glove with David. They knew he was running away from me and didn't tell me..."
There is a lot going on in this chapter. So this is what stuck out to me. David is getting away to escape and find out what God wants him to do. Ahimelech aids him with food, drink, and a weapon because He is on his own out there. The Chief of Saul's shepherds, Doeg, sees Ahimelech load David up with a weapon for the journey, and ends up gossiping and speaking of things to Saul. Saul is resting under a tree being insecure and dramatic as he listens to Doeg speak of David and his whereabouts. It seems harmless until Saul's insecurity and jealousy get dangerous.
Despite Ahimalech defending David's absolute, constant and undivided loyalty to Saul, Saul is convinced that David is out to kill him because he was seen with a sword. Saul is so distressed, angry and convinced that all the priests have ganged up with David to kill him, he orders ALL of the Lord's priests to be murdered. Can you believe it? All of them. Priests, women, children... all of them dead because Saul is scared. The only man willing to do this for Saul is, surprise surprise, Doeg.
Saul is an insecure man, and tragically his insecurities made him a mass murderer. So that day, Doeg single handedly led the massacre to kill all the priests of God, and their women and children. It's so sick: "Doeg the Edomite led the attack and slaughtered the priests, the eighty-five men who wore the sacred robes. He then carried the massacre into Nob, the city of priests, killing man and woman, child and baby, ox, donkey, and sheep—the works."
(1 Samuel 22:18-18 the message)
Don't let your silly insecurities and fears overtake your mind or worst of all, your actions. I promise you, promise you, you will hurt people. You will hurt people that truly love you and are committed to your life. It's so pointless and sad. So dig deep...take your deepest insecurities, broken places and fears and put them on the table before God and let Him heal your heart.
(saul:) "...Here you are, conspiring against me, whispering behind my back—not one of you is man enough to tell me that my own son is making deals with the son of Jesse, not one of you who cares enough to tell me that my son has taken the side of this, this ...outlaw!"... Ahimelech answered the king, "There's not an official in your administration as true to you as David, your own son-in-law and captain of your bodyguard. None more honorable either"...The king ordered his henchmen, "Surround and kill the priests of God! They're hand in glove with David. They knew he was running away from me and didn't tell me..."
There is a lot going on in this chapter. So this is what stuck out to me. David is getting away to escape and find out what God wants him to do. Ahimelech aids him with food, drink, and a weapon because He is on his own out there. The Chief of Saul's shepherds, Doeg, sees Ahimelech load David up with a weapon for the journey, and ends up gossiping and speaking of things to Saul. Saul is resting under a tree being insecure and dramatic as he listens to Doeg speak of David and his whereabouts. It seems harmless until Saul's insecurity and jealousy get dangerous.
Despite Ahimalech defending David's absolute, constant and undivided loyalty to Saul, Saul is convinced that David is out to kill him because he was seen with a sword. Saul is so distressed, angry and convinced that all the priests have ganged up with David to kill him, he orders ALL of the Lord's priests to be murdered. Can you believe it? All of them. Priests, women, children... all of them dead because Saul is scared. The only man willing to do this for Saul is, surprise surprise, Doeg.
Saul is an insecure man, and tragically his insecurities made him a mass murderer. So that day, Doeg single handedly led the massacre to kill all the priests of God, and their women and children. It's so sick: "Doeg the Edomite led the attack and slaughtered the priests, the eighty-five men who wore the sacred robes. He then carried the massacre into Nob, the city of priests, killing man and woman, child and baby, ox, donkey, and sheep—the works."
(1 Samuel 22:18-18 the message)
Don't let your silly insecurities and fears overtake your mind or worst of all, your actions. I promise you, promise you, you will hurt people. You will hurt people that truly love you and are committed to your life. It's so pointless and sad. So dig deep...take your deepest insecurities, broken places and fears and put them on the table before God and let Him heal your heart.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
78
Acts 18: 1-4
"After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks."
Paul was a man radically transformed and called by God to tell the world all about Jesus. He wrote books of the Bible and travelled all over setting people free with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And while He was doing this, we notice a little verse that describes some of his time on the road. Here we see Him staying with friends, taking a break from full-time evangelism for a little while, and working as a tentmaker. So he practiced his trade, he worked 9-5, and every weekend he was pursuing the call of God on His life by telling the Jews and the Greeks about Jesus.
This little gem of a verse is a great reminder that it's okay to work in your trade in the mean time, even at the same time you're doing what God has called you to do. It's okay to chase your dreams and, because you have to pay the bills, or provide for your family, at the same time work in a job that is what you are good at, or what you are trained to do. It doesn't make you lame or pathetic to have to work at a "normal" job for a little while. It's okay.
Life is unpredictable sometimes, especially with God in it! Don't feel like a loser by working in an unrelated-to-your-calling job. You have plenty of time to do all that God wants you to do on this earth. Don't belittle your work in the world, and don't be discouraged. Paul worked hard, and he was a history maker for the kingdom of God. Do the best you can and enjoy where you're at, while moving towards where you are going. You have time.
"After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks."
Paul was a man radically transformed and called by God to tell the world all about Jesus. He wrote books of the Bible and travelled all over setting people free with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And while He was doing this, we notice a little verse that describes some of his time on the road. Here we see Him staying with friends, taking a break from full-time evangelism for a little while, and working as a tentmaker. So he practiced his trade, he worked 9-5, and every weekend he was pursuing the call of God on His life by telling the Jews and the Greeks about Jesus.
This little gem of a verse is a great reminder that it's okay to work in your trade in the mean time, even at the same time you're doing what God has called you to do. It's okay to chase your dreams and, because you have to pay the bills, or provide for your family, at the same time work in a job that is what you are good at, or what you are trained to do. It doesn't make you lame or pathetic to have to work at a "normal" job for a little while. It's okay.
Life is unpredictable sometimes, especially with God in it! Don't feel like a loser by working in an unrelated-to-your-calling job. You have plenty of time to do all that God wants you to do on this earth. Don't belittle your work in the world, and don't be discouraged. Paul worked hard, and he was a history maker for the kingdom of God. Do the best you can and enjoy where you're at, while moving towards where you are going. You have time.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
77
1 Peter 3:15 (Amplified Bible)
"But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully."
He is sacred and beautiful. He is hope. There is no one like Him and there is nothing like the hope that comes from Him in our hearts. Our hope is in the name of Jesus, and deep down in our hearts we have to keep Him in a sacred, special place. I always thought, how can I give my heart fully to Jesus and live on this earth with the love of my life? Then I realized that no matter who I fall in love with on this earth, I have to keep a percentage of my heart that is for Him and Him alone. If I have that part of my heart that none but Jesus occupies, I will survive any loss that I go through on earth.
Secondly, know how to talk about the beautiful hope within you. Maybe think about how you would answer someone if they asked you why you believe in Jesus or why you are full of hope. This is the thing- don't be rude about it. Don't speak of your hope with a condescending or judgmental tone. If you don't speak with the beauty of your hope oozing out, people won't listen to what you have to say, and they won't want the hope which you have.
"But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully."
He is sacred and beautiful. He is hope. There is no one like Him and there is nothing like the hope that comes from Him in our hearts. Our hope is in the name of Jesus, and deep down in our hearts we have to keep Him in a sacred, special place. I always thought, how can I give my heart fully to Jesus and live on this earth with the love of my life? Then I realized that no matter who I fall in love with on this earth, I have to keep a percentage of my heart that is for Him and Him alone. If I have that part of my heart that none but Jesus occupies, I will survive any loss that I go through on earth.
Secondly, know how to talk about the beautiful hope within you. Maybe think about how you would answer someone if they asked you why you believe in Jesus or why you are full of hope. This is the thing- don't be rude about it. Don't speak of your hope with a condescending or judgmental tone. If you don't speak with the beauty of your hope oozing out, people won't listen to what you have to say, and they won't want the hope which you have.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
76
1 Thessalonians 3:12
"And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all..."
There is hatred and judgement in the church today. This is sadly ironic because the letters in the New Testament advise their readers, their brothers and sisters, to live with and love each other in the direct opposite way. I don't get it. The church cannot be expected to live in a pretend world with no opinions and different ways of seeing things. I think that is the beauty of diversity. All we can do is ask the Holy Spirit in us to always be overwhelmed with love for believers of Jesus as the Son of God.
Stay in love. Be in love with those who make up the church, even if it kills you. Force yourself to walk in love with people that love Jesus. And when I say "love Jesus" I don't mean those that say "I love Jesus" but don't live like Him, or follow all that He spoke on while He walked on the earth. l mean people who say "I love Jesus" and are kind to people, who pray for people, who do things so that the world will be a better place, who look after the underdogs, who don't judge for one moment, and those who have a real relationship with their Heavenly Father. Your love needs to be contagious. Your love for Jesus should be evident in the way you walk and talk and live and breath. You can do it. Take the diversity and the different ways we all see things, and celebrate them. It could be a crazy ride, but it will be worth it.
Have more love.
"And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all..."
There is hatred and judgement in the church today. This is sadly ironic because the letters in the New Testament advise their readers, their brothers and sisters, to live with and love each other in the direct opposite way. I don't get it. The church cannot be expected to live in a pretend world with no opinions and different ways of seeing things. I think that is the beauty of diversity. All we can do is ask the Holy Spirit in us to always be overwhelmed with love for believers of Jesus as the Son of God.
Stay in love. Be in love with those who make up the church, even if it kills you. Force yourself to walk in love with people that love Jesus. And when I say "love Jesus" I don't mean those that say "I love Jesus" but don't live like Him, or follow all that He spoke on while He walked on the earth. l mean people who say "I love Jesus" and are kind to people, who pray for people, who do things so that the world will be a better place, who look after the underdogs, who don't judge for one moment, and those who have a real relationship with their Heavenly Father. Your love needs to be contagious. Your love for Jesus should be evident in the way you walk and talk and live and breath. You can do it. Take the diversity and the different ways we all see things, and celebrate them. It could be a crazy ride, but it will be worth it.
Have more love.
Monday, March 8, 2010
75
Psalm 136: 1-3
"Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits. Thank the God of all gods, His love never quits. Thank the Lord of all lords. His love never quits."
This is a little psalm of my own:
Some days it gets so bad. Some moments I feel like I have nothing to be thankful for. So right now I will find something for which to praise His beautiful and holy name. He is so precious and His love for me is way over the top and extravagant. His love for you never ends and just when you think His love has forgotten you, something happens and you smile as you remember that indeed it has not. He is everywhere. He truly deserves all of our praise, He is very worthy and all perfect.
I love Him to pieces, (more than this silly vocabulary can express) and of all the gods this broken and desperate world has created, and unfortunately worships, there is none like You, my beautiful Lord and Saviour. There is NO one like our God. Praise Him all day every day. You can escape some things, but you can't escape His love for you and the world. Every time you think of Him, love Him out loud.
"Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits. Thank the God of all gods, His love never quits. Thank the Lord of all lords. His love never quits."
This is a little psalm of my own:
Some days it gets so bad. Some moments I feel like I have nothing to be thankful for. So right now I will find something for which to praise His beautiful and holy name. He is so precious and His love for me is way over the top and extravagant. His love for you never ends and just when you think His love has forgotten you, something happens and you smile as you remember that indeed it has not. He is everywhere. He truly deserves all of our praise, He is very worthy and all perfect.
I love Him to pieces, (more than this silly vocabulary can express) and of all the gods this broken and desperate world has created, and unfortunately worships, there is none like You, my beautiful Lord and Saviour. There is NO one like our God. Praise Him all day every day. You can escape some things, but you can't escape His love for you and the world. Every time you think of Him, love Him out loud.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
74
Luke 11: 11-13
"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Jesus came and started a revolution. A revolution of crazy love from God in Heaven, as opposed to the do's and don'ts of a distant withholding presence in the sky. Once again, the crowd are gathered around Him. He has just told them that they needed to only ask their sweet, over-generous Father in Heaven for all that is in their hearts. Despite what the religious big wigs of the day preached and scared the people with, Jesus came and told them that, in fact, his Father was a DAD. He was a dad who adored his kids.
If you don't have a good dad here on earth, then maybe watch a good one around you, or give yourself the liberty to dream for a second, and imagine the best possible earthly Father you can. Take what you have imagined and multiply it by about a trillion, and that is how much your Father in heaven adores you and wants more than anything to give you all that you want. Earthly Father's, even the good ones, are lacking in their ability to give and to love and even in their desire to give to their kids. So take a moment and think about all that you need and desire, and ask your Heavenly Father for them. He wants to load you with stuff. You are not fighting Him for your destiny, and for the things you need- He is on your side. Ask Him for things.
"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Jesus came and started a revolution. A revolution of crazy love from God in Heaven, as opposed to the do's and don'ts of a distant withholding presence in the sky. Once again, the crowd are gathered around Him. He has just told them that they needed to only ask their sweet, over-generous Father in Heaven for all that is in their hearts. Despite what the religious big wigs of the day preached and scared the people with, Jesus came and told them that, in fact, his Father was a DAD. He was a dad who adored his kids.
If you don't have a good dad here on earth, then maybe watch a good one around you, or give yourself the liberty to dream for a second, and imagine the best possible earthly Father you can. Take what you have imagined and multiply it by about a trillion, and that is how much your Father in heaven adores you and wants more than anything to give you all that you want. Earthly Father's, even the good ones, are lacking in their ability to give and to love and even in their desire to give to their kids. So take a moment and think about all that you need and desire, and ask your Heavenly Father for them. He wants to load you with stuff. You are not fighting Him for your destiny, and for the things you need- He is on your side. Ask Him for things.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
73
Proverbs 4:8
"Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her."
Wisdom. Let wisdom have a place of honor and exaltation in your life. Put wisdom above other things that your life has become focused upon, and she will lift your life to high places. This is a no brainer argument for why we should get wisdom, reach out and take hold of her, and for the life of you, never let her go. What a beautiful promise of peace for those who figure out what wisdom is, beg God for it. The benefits of a life full of wisdom, according to this proverb, is breathtaking. High places. Honor. Take hold of wisdom and you will be flying.
"Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her."
Wisdom. Let wisdom have a place of honor and exaltation in your life. Put wisdom above other things that your life has become focused upon, and she will lift your life to high places. This is a no brainer argument for why we should get wisdom, reach out and take hold of her, and for the life of you, never let her go. What a beautiful promise of peace for those who figure out what wisdom is, beg God for it. The benefits of a life full of wisdom, according to this proverb, is breathtaking. High places. Honor. Take hold of wisdom and you will be flying.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
72
2 Chronicles 1:7-12 (The Message)
That night God appeared to Solomon. God said, "What do you want from me? Ask." Solomon answered, "You were extravagantly generous with David my father, and now you have made me king in his place. Establish, God, the words you spoke to my father, for you've given me a staggering task, ruling this mob of people. Yes, give me wisdom and knowledge as I come and go among this people—for who on his own is capable of leading these, your glorious people?" God answered Solomon, "This is what has come out of your heart: You didn't grasp for money, wealth, fame, and the doom of your enemies; you didn't even ask for a long life. You asked for wisdom and knowledge so you could govern well my people over whom I've made you king. Because of this, you get what you asked for—wisdom and knowledge. And I'm presenting you the rest as a bonus—money, wealth, and fame beyond anything the kings before or after you had or will have."
If He were to ask right here, right now, I would most probably answer to God that I wanted lots of money. I don't want to believe that I would in the heat of the moment, but I don't want to kid myself and where my heart and mind is right now. It makes me sad, but it also drives me to my knees in desperation for a heart like Solomon's. He had a heart to worship (like his dad, David) and more than that, a deep down desire to do the thing he had been called to do in the best way he could possibly do it. And all along he was very honest that it was going to take the wisdom of God to it.
The good thing is, we are all in the exact same situation as Solomon. Although most of us are not kings of millions of important people and empires, most of us are living and breathing for at least one other person's well being, and some of us are called to big tasks that we feel are too daunting, even if it's just life itself. Put yourself in Solomon's shoes and test your own heart. Are you so focused on pleasing God and fulfilling your calling that if God offered you ANYTHING IN THE WORLD, you would ask for wisdom for the job? Nothing is more annoying than the person who is really good at everything, has every ball they are juggling in perfect control and is happy all the time. And nothing is more refreshing than someone who isn't a sloppy-pathetic-feel-sorry-for-themselves-mess all the time, but walks in confidence with a thankful heart completely aware that God and His beautiful wisdom holds every piece of their lives all together.
I don't know what you're doing right now. I don't know what God is currently got you busy handling: raising kids, finishing school, leading youth group, pastoring a church, CEO of thousands of employees, trying to stay married, fighting an illness, loving an unlovely person... the list goes on. The Bible says that God will give you very liberally all the wisdom you need if you just ask Him (James 1:5). I can guarantee you, just like He was with Solomon, His heart will burst with pride and He will give you the desires of your heart as a bonus. He is with you now, so go ahead and ask.
That night God appeared to Solomon. God said, "What do you want from me? Ask." Solomon answered, "You were extravagantly generous with David my father, and now you have made me king in his place. Establish, God, the words you spoke to my father, for you've given me a staggering task, ruling this mob of people. Yes, give me wisdom and knowledge as I come and go among this people—for who on his own is capable of leading these, your glorious people?" God answered Solomon, "This is what has come out of your heart: You didn't grasp for money, wealth, fame, and the doom of your enemies; you didn't even ask for a long life. You asked for wisdom and knowledge so you could govern well my people over whom I've made you king. Because of this, you get what you asked for—wisdom and knowledge. And I'm presenting you the rest as a bonus—money, wealth, and fame beyond anything the kings before or after you had or will have."
If He were to ask right here, right now, I would most probably answer to God that I wanted lots of money. I don't want to believe that I would in the heat of the moment, but I don't want to kid myself and where my heart and mind is right now. It makes me sad, but it also drives me to my knees in desperation for a heart like Solomon's. He had a heart to worship (like his dad, David) and more than that, a deep down desire to do the thing he had been called to do in the best way he could possibly do it. And all along he was very honest that it was going to take the wisdom of God to it.
The good thing is, we are all in the exact same situation as Solomon. Although most of us are not kings of millions of important people and empires, most of us are living and breathing for at least one other person's well being, and some of us are called to big tasks that we feel are too daunting, even if it's just life itself. Put yourself in Solomon's shoes and test your own heart. Are you so focused on pleasing God and fulfilling your calling that if God offered you ANYTHING IN THE WORLD, you would ask for wisdom for the job? Nothing is more annoying than the person who is really good at everything, has every ball they are juggling in perfect control and is happy all the time. And nothing is more refreshing than someone who isn't a sloppy-pathetic-feel-sorry-for-themselves-mess all the time, but walks in confidence with a thankful heart completely aware that God and His beautiful wisdom holds every piece of their lives all together.
I don't know what you're doing right now. I don't know what God is currently got you busy handling: raising kids, finishing school, leading youth group, pastoring a church, CEO of thousands of employees, trying to stay married, fighting an illness, loving an unlovely person... the list goes on. The Bible says that God will give you very liberally all the wisdom you need if you just ask Him (James 1:5). I can guarantee you, just like He was with Solomon, His heart will burst with pride and He will give you the desires of your heart as a bonus. He is with you now, so go ahead and ask.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
71
Proverbs 4:7
"Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding."
Above and beyond it all: get wisdom. This proverb is dedicated to beating into our often thick skulls that wisdom is the basis of a whole, Godly and rich life. We spend our whole lives driven by a desire to go places, to get stuff. From babies reaching out their hands for things on adult coffee tables, or using all the energy their little bodies can muster up to crawl to their destination, to adults climbing up the ladders of their occupational industries, to couples trying to conceive a baby, to parents trying to get food on the table for their families... we all want things. And here, the Bible explains to us that getting stuff is fine and obviously a normal human function, however the thing we should put most of our energy into getting is WISDOM. WISDOM. WISDOM. WISDOM. I wish I had room to write out this entire chapter of Proverbs because the wonder and magic of wisdom is breathtaking. The liberty, the protection, the grace, the happiness, and the abundance of a life with wisdom at the helm is the richest life God has to offer. Don't play dumb and make bad choices because it's the easy way out and it seems cool. Stupidity and consequences that result from poor choices lead to a dark and lacking life. You have the Holy Spirit in you, and He will give you wisdom if you ask Him for it.
Where do we find wisdom? I think a good place to start is being a little bit scared-in-a-good-way of God. Psalm 111:10 says that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom." Start with that and build from a little healthy fear of God. Among all the things you feel God calling you to get in this life, go hardest after wisdom. She will keep you.
"Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding."
Above and beyond it all: get wisdom. This proverb is dedicated to beating into our often thick skulls that wisdom is the basis of a whole, Godly and rich life. We spend our whole lives driven by a desire to go places, to get stuff. From babies reaching out their hands for things on adult coffee tables, or using all the energy their little bodies can muster up to crawl to their destination, to adults climbing up the ladders of their occupational industries, to couples trying to conceive a baby, to parents trying to get food on the table for their families... we all want things. And here, the Bible explains to us that getting stuff is fine and obviously a normal human function, however the thing we should put most of our energy into getting is WISDOM. WISDOM. WISDOM. WISDOM. I wish I had room to write out this entire chapter of Proverbs because the wonder and magic of wisdom is breathtaking. The liberty, the protection, the grace, the happiness, and the abundance of a life with wisdom at the helm is the richest life God has to offer. Don't play dumb and make bad choices because it's the easy way out and it seems cool. Stupidity and consequences that result from poor choices lead to a dark and lacking life. You have the Holy Spirit in you, and He will give you wisdom if you ask Him for it.
Where do we find wisdom? I think a good place to start is being a little bit scared-in-a-good-way of God. Psalm 111:10 says that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom." Start with that and build from a little healthy fear of God. Among all the things you feel God calling you to get in this life, go hardest after wisdom. She will keep you.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
70
Psalm 1:4 (the Message)
"You are not at all like the wicked..."
The first Psalm of this precious jam-packed book (Psalms) sets up the differences between the wicked and the Godly. It establishes how the Godly (you and me) should live our lives, and the beautiful consequences we get to enjoy. This is one of my top fave's of the book of Psalms. It very simply says how our lives are to be enmeshed in the company of God and the things that He loves. It promises us a rich, delicious life full of life and love and prosperity as we day and night feed off the precious holy Word of God.
And this little line that I have highlighted caught my eye. "You are not at all like the wicked..." Chew on that for a little while. It's a beautiful reality in an evil world we have to live in. Ask yourself if you love Jesus, and thank Him that you are not like the wicked. Then ask yourself if you are in fact a little bit like the wicked in any or a few ways. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can be more centered on and devoted to and thrilled by God's Word, like the psalmist describes you to be.
Then the kicker is that everything you do will prosper. God will chart the road you take.
"You are not at all like the wicked..."
The first Psalm of this precious jam-packed book (Psalms) sets up the differences between the wicked and the Godly. It establishes how the Godly (you and me) should live our lives, and the beautiful consequences we get to enjoy. This is one of my top fave's of the book of Psalms. It very simply says how our lives are to be enmeshed in the company of God and the things that He loves. It promises us a rich, delicious life full of life and love and prosperity as we day and night feed off the precious holy Word of God.
And this little line that I have highlighted caught my eye. "You are not at all like the wicked..." Chew on that for a little while. It's a beautiful reality in an evil world we have to live in. Ask yourself if you love Jesus, and thank Him that you are not like the wicked. Then ask yourself if you are in fact a little bit like the wicked in any or a few ways. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can be more centered on and devoted to and thrilled by God's Word, like the psalmist describes you to be.
Then the kicker is that everything you do will prosper. God will chart the road you take.
Monday, March 1, 2010
69
Lamentations 3:22-23
"Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."
Whether you believe it or not, God is holding every piece of this whole thing together. He sees the world and our little lives from a perspective much higher than ours. His compassion toward the human race is more radical than anything we can fit into our little bitty minds. He adores you, and every time He looks at you He falls more in love with you. When you come to Him broken because of the darkness and evil upon which you acted out, His heart is broken.
And when we wake up every morning all the bad stuff that we did the day before is gone. Gone. Our sweet Bible says He throws all of our evil and mistakes and shortcomings into the depths of the sea where it is forgotten... Humans are unable to forgive like He forgives. Humans are unable to completely forget and renew such powerful and perfect love. Humans are incapable of mercy and grace as grand as this. But He is kind and loyal and He is the ultimate Savior King. Because of His undying faithfulness and loyalty, every morning He pours buckets of love and mercy on our precious little souls.
We are free because He sticks close to us and never stops believing in us and our hearts. Keep short accounts with God. Pour out the bad stuff (big and small) before Him everyday, be done with it and try not to do it again. He hears, forgives and it is gone forever.
"Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."
Whether you believe it or not, God is holding every piece of this whole thing together. He sees the world and our little lives from a perspective much higher than ours. His compassion toward the human race is more radical than anything we can fit into our little bitty minds. He adores you, and every time He looks at you He falls more in love with you. When you come to Him broken because of the darkness and evil upon which you acted out, His heart is broken.
And when we wake up every morning all the bad stuff that we did the day before is gone. Gone. Our sweet Bible says He throws all of our evil and mistakes and shortcomings into the depths of the sea where it is forgotten... Humans are unable to forgive like He forgives. Humans are unable to completely forget and renew such powerful and perfect love. Humans are incapable of mercy and grace as grand as this. But He is kind and loyal and He is the ultimate Savior King. Because of His undying faithfulness and loyalty, every morning He pours buckets of love and mercy on our precious little souls.
We are free because He sticks close to us and never stops believing in us and our hearts. Keep short accounts with God. Pour out the bad stuff (big and small) before Him everyday, be done with it and try not to do it again. He hears, forgives and it is gone forever.
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