Recite and Reflect

Psalm 119 is so rich.  I almost feel as though despite the fact I’ve read it and reread it over and over, new revelation is continually being poured out through the sweet words of this chapter.

Verse 11 says this, “I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.”

Hidden here is to “protect.”

The Psalmist is saying, “I have buried God’s very words deep down into the very center of my being, and placed them down into the very roots of my life, and there I have incorporated them into my very soul.”

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is the secret to living a godly life.  The word positioned correctly into the heart for protection, is for the very purpose of affecting our character and thus our actions.

Because it’s only when we have the word of God planted in our hearts that we are able to properly respond to all of life’s circumstances.

The Psalmist goes on to say these words, “I have recited aloud all the regulations You have given us.” (verse 13) and, “I will study Your commandments and reflect on Your ways.” (verse 15)

The Message version says it like this, “I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from Your mouth.” (verse 13) and, “I ponder every morsel of wisdom from You, I attentively watch how You’ve done it.” (verse 15)

The Passion Translation says it this way, “I speak continually of Your laws as I recite out loud Your counsel to me.” (verse 13) and, “I set my heart on Your precepts and pay close attention to all Your ways.”

Hiding the Word of God in our hearts promotes holiness and prevents sin.  It’s been given to us as a roadmap for life and is the manual for those who seek, authentically, after righteousness.  But at the very core is an unequivocal prototype for godliness as seen in the life of our Jesus.

Because wasn’t it He who said the very words to His students, “I don’t speak on My own authority. The Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it.”  (John 12:49) and, “He (Jesus) does only what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.”  (John 5:19)

I must say ONLY what I hear the Father saying, “recite all the regulations.” and I must do ONLY what I see the Father doing, “study Your commands and reflect on Your ways.”

And without hiding, “protecting well”, what He has spoken, this will be impossible.

And so I make a declaration today… “I am single-minded in pursuit of You.” (verse 10, MSG).  Teach me Your words… train me in Your ways… I long to better demonstrate Jesus to a watching world.

Remember And Remind

Admission: I used to find myself frustrated when I would encounter godly men and women failing in the faith. I would see the work they had once devoted to following Jesus, and then get myself so... almost... disgusted by their setback.

If you are following along in our daily devotions, today's in a reading from Mark 8:18 when Jesus was asking His disciples why they couldn't see and why they couldn't hear. He follows it up with, "can you remember?"

To me this is like Jesus is saying - "I know you can't see what I am doing now and I know you can't hear because of the current state of unbelief you're living in.... but can you do yourself a favor and at least remember?"

An excerpt from my writing today says this:

"Jesus seems here to be unusually impatient. And even in his impatience, He is still very very kind. And instead of blatant shame and disregard, He attributes their slowness of perception and comprehension and distrust mainly to forgetfulness."

And that had been me - impatient. And of course all stemming from an authentic heart who simply desires for others to have the same kind of experience with Jesus as I have.

But Jesus sets the example for us all... and He is lovingly kind. And in that kindness He gently invites us to... remember.

Because sometimes people forget.

Sometimes even great heroes of faith fall short.

"But the disciples had forgotten." (Mark 8:14)

Sometimes even the most well-intentioned followers of Jesus need to be reminded that He is good... that He is faithful... that He never leaves. And that He is whispering to us from the wearily traveled road to stay. Stay with Him. Stay in the game. Stay with Jesus.

And in our own remembering the assignment is to remind others too.

So this is your reminder today, friends.

He has been so faithful.

He has been so merciful.

And He can sleep in the boat (Mark 4:38) because He doesn't see storms the same way we do. And He's in control of the very one you may find yourself in today.

He's crazy, madly, passionately in love with you, friend.

Together, let's remember and remind.

Guard Against Ungodly Influence

Who you choose to surround yourself with matters.

Proverbs 2:12 says this, “Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted.”

The American King James Version says it this way, understanding shall keep you; “To deliver you from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaks fraudulent things.”

And honestly how often are we hurt and often even destroyed by the “fraudulent” things that others say?  (Note: fraudulent means: deceitful, deceptive, crooked, underhanded.)

When speech is corrupt, the heart behind it is corrupt, and when we allow ourselves to pay too close attention to it or commune too long with it, we become infected by its influence.

My commentary says this, “Everything dies under the influence of wickedness.”

 

Wow.

Think about the tree frog and how it’s colors change by the shift in atmosphere.  When they are have adhered themselves to the bark of a tree, their color is changed to a brown.  When they have attached themselves to the leaf of the same tree, their hue is altered to reflect the vibrant green of that object.

The same is with you and me.
Our countenance and character is often adjusted by the acquaintances we keep.

Our companions tell others a lot about us.

My commentary goes on to say this, “How dangerous it is to gaze on a picture or scene that pollutes the imagination or blunts the moral perceptions, or has a tendency to deaden a sense of our duty to God and man!”

We cannot afford to even GAZE UPON a scene that pollutes our imagination.
Because the mind is a powerful thing and can conjure up within a heart once so yielded to Jesus, improper realities that lead us into the very evil we are praying to steer clear from.

The word influence has a synonym attached to it.  And that word is “authority.”
We must keep a protective watch over who we’re giving permission to - who we’re allowing to influence our lives.  Keep guard over ungodly influence lest we fall into the same deadening affect.

Surround yourself with likeminded people who are headed into a godly pursuit like you.  Beware of those things you’re allowing your eyes to behold.

And sometimes that means going alone for a season until God leads you to the right one(s) who can have proper influence over your life.

But keep pursuing - even if it’s for the one.  One can be your tribe too!

How Soon Can You Get Here?

 

I was listening to a message being given the other day by a woman who was sharing her testimony to a packed auditorium at a conference a few months ago.  She was passionately sharing her story that included years of torment from distress, anxiety, loneliness, fear, and debilitating depression.  Being the daughter of a well known and respected leader in the Christian community, she often worried that her mental illness would be seen as weakness in faith and distrust in the God she claimed to love and serve.

In an effort to get help, her and her husband, who is also a well renown speaker and pastor of our day, reached out to friends and family for prayer support.

For months they experienced the love of God through the many attempts at support from a well-intentioned community who offered to lift her up in prayer, and who generously extended practical provision that included meals, babysitting, and contact info for some recommended Christian therapy.

“And these are ALL good things”, she said.  “All of it!”  “And we were grateful to have those people in our lives.”

But what she said after that is what really changed the game for me.

She explained that there was only one person who offered her more than anything anyone else was willing or able to offer.

In what seemed like a “last ditch effort” her husband called on a pastor in California whom they had had the pleasure of serving alongside of in many arenas over the course of the last decade.  This pastor had acted as a mentor to the couple both from a distance, and up close as they were able to share the platform on many occasions.

One day this woman’s husband called their pastor friend who lived over 2,000 miles from them and shared what was happening with his wife.  When the pastor friend heard what had been going on and realized their desperate need for healing and restoration.. and recognizing that the attack on their lives was evil and the crippling effects it was having on their lives and ministry, the friend said 6 words that altered the course of their lives.  He said this, “How soon can you get here?”

Because this friend knew something about relationships in the context of spiritual family.  He understood that this required more than a flowery, “I’ll pray for you” response. 

This was war.
And it required warfare at it’s finest.

This man understood that in his human weakness he had nothing more to offer than Jesus.  And that if he could get here there and if he could touch her with the love of Jesus, revival could happen within her life and the life of her family.

And so it goes that the couple would leave their home for nearly one year of their lives to be closer to the one who’s sacrifice made all the difference in the world.  They would move themselves and their 5 kids to be close to the one who not only reflected Jesus, and extended compassion, but who was, like Jesus, MOVED with compassion.

And subsequently healing would take place and complete transformation would be the result.

All because of relationship.
And sacrifice.
And loving well.

And so it will begin in my own life… the process of reevaluating relationships.  Choosing to love better.  Allowing myself the sometimes uncomfortraibility of self-sacrifice that requires being Jesus with skin on.

Because it matters. 
We owe it to those we've been entrusted with to offer better solutions than pretty suggestions to life’s most painful circumstances.

After all - we’re all just walking each other home.

Let’s do it well. 

He Encamps

Psalm 34:7 is a wonderful verse filled with great hope. It says this, "For the angel of the Lord is a guard; He surrounds and defends all who fear Him."

Other versions use the word "encamp" to define the extent of protection to those who belong to God. And even more versions use the phrases, "encircle me" and "empower me" when illustrating the action of divine safety.

To "encamp" means to incline OR to decline; to pitch a tent.

Ahh.. it is the guard of Heaven.

And David knew it well.

Though in outward appearance, all seemed lost, His inward substance remained the same. And in a Psalm which is rumored to have been birthed out of the threat of Goliath and subsequent victory with one smooth stone, it is observed that this could, indeed, be David's greatest hour of pain.

But what is so amazing here is David's ability to see, with eyes of faith, the guard of angelic presence in his life. He was able to take himself at his own words, that we are called by invitation to an encounter... taste and see! (verse 8)

And it is the ones who exercise the gaze on Jesus who will ultimately see Jesus in all things. It is those who make habit of beholding who will ultimately discern the invisible, yet ever-so-powerful force of preservation that's being benevolently bestowed in the midst of even the most challenging moments.

Oh if we only KNEW the battles that were being formed against us at this very moment. And if we only KNEW the defensive encampment on heavenly assignment that was being released as favor to those whom He calls beloved.

Our hope, dear ones, should rest in not the immunity of hardship, but in the absolute rescue in them.

Radical deliverance is so generously imparted to those who adore Him.

He is a good, good Father!

 

Remembering

Sometimes all I can do is sit in my prayer chair and thank Him for His goodness.

When words won’t come and when I’m having a difficult time sensing His ever-abiding presence, I often simply sit and give thanks while recalling His faithfulness.

Mark 8 records one of the miracle of feeding thousands with 7 loaves of bread and a few small fish.
It’s an incredible story that many of us are familiar with.
And the disciples had a front row seat to the supernatural provision.

The Word says that that Jesus, “took the seven loaves, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces.”  It continues on, “He gave them to His disciples, who distributed the bread to the crowd.”  (8:6)

Not only did the students of Jesus get a close-up look into this extraordinary display of compassion, faithfulness, and power, they participated in the process.  Scripture says that it wasn’t until the bread was back in their hands that it began to multiply.

I picture an astonishing Peter looking at his peers saying, “Is it just me, or does it seem that the more we give, the more we get?!”

And for me this is a beautiful picture of a tender Savior, providing for the practical needs by interceding radically.

But flashing forward to verses 14-21 we see something happen that may feel a little too familiar.

Immediately following this glorious demonstration of unconventional blessing, AND their partnership in the provision, we find the very same disciples in an argumentative state (vs 16) concerned over the fact that none of them had packed bread for their boat ride.

And Jesus says to the boys, “Why are you arguing about having no bread?  Don’t you know or understand even yet?  Are your hearts too hard to take it all in?”  (vs 17).  He continues in verse 18, “You have eyes - can’t you see?  You have ears - can’t you hear?  Don’t you remember anything at all?”  He goes on to remind them of the miracle that was just performed that they too soon forgot all about.

The KJV says it this way, “Have ye your heart yet hardened?”  and then continues with, “…do yet not remember?”

And so could it be that not remembering what He has done is a sign of a hard heart?
Here He connects the remembering of the wonders of God to a soft heart and the forgetfulness to a hardened heart.

“Do you remember… have your hearts hardened?”

It’s the greatest question in the hour we are living.

In our fast-paced, overly sensitive, feelings-driven society we often mistake our weariness and our loneliness for abandonment and rejection, and yet perhaps they can best serve as invitations to remember.

Jesus is saying, “When you cannot reason, you can remember.”

And I encourage myself today to remember all He has done.  And I say it with the faith of the Apostle Paul, “… He did rescue us from mortal danger, and He will rescue us again.  We have placed our confidence in Him, and He will continue to rescue us.”  (2 Cor 1:10)

Didn’t He do it?  And won’t He do it again?

But I Won't...

 

In the past 48 hours I have been saddened, embarrassed, and heartbroken over some ill-spoken words publicly hurled over a major platform by one of the Christian community’s largest leaders of our time.

In my private office where I spend countless hours seeking and soaking in the Presence of Jesus, I shed tears over the words that were fired like a missile, leaving damaging shrapnel in it’s wake.

And before I would even come to this platform to express my grief I would beg God to “help me get this right.”  The practice my heart has been rehearsing for months now.  “God, I just want to respond well to what You’re doing.”

Because the truth really is that we cannot allow ourselves to live reactionary to the work of evil.  Otherwise we risk experiencing the affliction that was intended by the accuser.  You know the one.  I know him well too.  Always aiming to “steal, kill, and destroy.”  And I’ve worked too hard… TOO HARD… to become bitter, critical, and resentful.

It would be just like Jesus to take me to His Word for comfort this morning.

John 8.
Jesus expressing His assignment to the stubborn Pharisees.  “I am going away.” He said again in verse 21.  He continues, “You cannot come where I am going.”

In their doubt and unbelief the people began asking among themselves, “What does He mean, ‘You cannot come where I am going?’” (verse 24)

And Jesus continues in verse 26, “I have much to say to you and much to condemn, but I won’t.  For I say only what I have heard from the One who sent Me and He is completely truthful.”

It was if Jesus is saying, “I could say so much here.  I could retaliate.  I could condemn.  I have plenty of grounds to reprove and accuse.  After all, isn’t that what you have been doing to Me?  But I will withhold.  I will forbear.”

What could He say, anyway, that those filled with cynicism would have believed anyway?  What could have been communicated that had not already been, and that might have altered their opinion?

Jesus is our example.
He is our perfect example.
He only said what He heard His Father saying and He only did what He saw His Father doing.
“Period.
Paragraph.
End of discussion.”

Everything doesn’t require my opinion. 
Even the abusive words of one who shares a platform rooting for the same team.
Even the one who’s words pierce this weary soul who sits at the feet of Jesus every day begging Him to make her different.

And so I will “go home.” 
And when I do I will pray.
On my knees I will pray.
I will pray for you and I will pray for me and I will pray for all of those who’s hearts have been torn by ill-intentioned leaders who may just have temporarily forgotten what Love and Grace look like.
I will pray for the ones who enter into the battlefield every single day with a heart to lead like Jesus.  For the women who offer hope to a hurting world and who's sacrifice does not go unnoticed.
I will pray for wounds to heal and for this to be an opportunity to put into practice all that we have fought so hard to protect: love, grace, honor.

And through it all… through it ALL… may it be HIS name that is forever glorified and lifted up!

Stay!

Proverbs 2:20-21 says this in the NLT, “Follow the steps of good men… stay on the paths of the righteous.  For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it.”

Ahh.. such a powerful message for the current climate and condition of our world.
Because I believe there has never been a time more critical in all of human history for the people of God to… stay.
And I believe with all that is within me that He is raising up a company of believers who will stand faithfully, contend earnestly, live purely, and endure attentively to His voice.  Those who will stand on the edge of eternity with a burning in their hearts for a revival that will alter the eternal destiny for scores of those currently separated from Jesus.

But it’s going to take righteousness and integrity to get us there.

“The land of the living” is described in both Exodus and Leviticus as the “Promised land”, and was reserved only for those who were upright in heart, those who lived with a renewed spirit, those who possessed grace, lived a faithful life unaffected by circumstance, those who loved well, were consumed by hope, and who maintained consistency in godly living and virtuous speech.

All throughout the book of Proverbs we are warned to steer clear from evil company which inevitably leads to evil practice.  The description is that it fills the head, consumes the heart, and eventually makes it’s way by outward display that infects our lives and affects those around us.

Those of us who are passionate in our pursuit of Jesus must have integrity.
Integrity means this = the state of being whole, entire, undiminished, unimpaired, and in perfect condition.  The Aramaic translation is “without blemish.”

And we cannot do this without the help of the Holy Spirit.  In our human depravity, we cannot obtain this kind of integrity apart from the Father.

And so the call is this: Stay.
Stay in the Word.
Stay in communion with God.
Stay clinging to Jesus.
Stay attentive to the condition of your heart.
Stay clean and pure.

And the promise? We will REMAIN. Meaning, we will be strengthened, confirmed, established, preserved alive, and get this, "to have more than enough.. to have an 'excess'" according to the Aramaic description!

WOW!

In a most crucial time when we are seeing individuals falling away from the faith, leaving their posts to serve self, stopping short of seeing the promised land for themselves and damaging lives along the way, it is vital for the remnant to rise up! 

This is a battle.
And only the strong will survive.
A strength that comes from staying.

Stay, friends, it matter so much more than we could possibly imagine!

One of the things I teach in a monthly bible journaling class I lead is to read through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) at least 4 times every year.

Why?

Because they give us great insight into the life of Jesus.

And it’s so necessary that we know His nature.  His character.
It’s so important that we review the things He did and the things He said.
And to review them consistently.
When we look to the Jesus of the Bible, we are inspired by His life.  We can live encouraged by the example He left us with.

Because the assignment was made clear in Acts, chapter 1, verse 8: “… you will be My witnesses…”

We will be witnesses.
We will bear witness.

You and I were called to tell the story of Jesus.
You and I were called to promote the name of Jesus.
You and I were called to advance the Kingdom by declaring the goodness of the Lord.
To reveal His nature.
To display His character.
To His promote His righteous reputation.

And yet so often we are found living reactionary to our circumstances, and not in response to His character.

And perhaps it’s because we don’t yet know well enough the character of Christ.
Because if we knew He was faithful we might not carry around with us so much doubt.
If we knew how merciful He was we might not extend such impatience and unforgiveness onto  others.
If we knew how dependable He was we might let go of the disappointment we find among human frailty this side of eternity.
If we knew how compassionate He was we might choose a higher degree of tolerance over imperfections, especially those we see in ourselves.

When we are completely anchored into the heart of Jesus… when we allow our heart to beat the same way His beats.. we have reason to celebrate regardless of the conditions we find ourselves currently living in.  Because my affections aren’t in the problem… they're in His promises.  And they begin to alter the choices I make and the way I chose to live my life.

When things are difficult… when the season is painful.. my reaction to challenges I face should be in response to His nature.

Mismanaged Repetition

For about a week now I have been dealing with this strange pain in my right wrist. It’s a dull ache, really, and has gotten so bad that it’s difficult to perform daily routine tasks. I mentioned it to my husband several times, and even began to be concerned over it’s debilitating affect this past weekend.
And then I noticed something yesterday. During a routine chore I realized it and the origin of the infirmity became clear.

As I reached for the detergent from the back of a countertop in our laundry room I felt it. A twinge of pain that intensified with this single movement. I suddenly became aware of the source of affliction and began, immediately, to think of ways to eliminate the effort causing injury.

And it got me thinking about the decisions we often make - consciously and, more frightening, unconsciously - that negatively affect our spiritual growth.

Because the truth really is that when we do something long enough, it becomes habit. And habits that aren't always prosperous and beneficial.

Often times we continue in a pattern of poor choices that jeopardize our improvement and influence.
Repeating a pattern of gossip often leads to a reputation that cannot be recovered.
Repeating a rhythm of negative speech often leads to an inability to discover joy in your day.
Repeating a principle of complaining often leads to a life riddled with discontent and envy.
Repeating a cycle of unforgiveness often leads to the removal of grace and replaces it with the discomfort of bitterness and anger.

And so it begs the question: What am I exposing myself to? What evil am I living so impressed with that it has a place of authority in my life? What hostility am I being so influenced by that it’s creating a harmful atmosphere, and as a result becoming injurious to my very soul?

Because truth for me, at least, is that mismanaged repetition often leads to unnecessary affliction. It often leads to a disability I didn’t even see coming because I wasn’t paying close enough attention.
But it matters.

It matters what I’m being exposed to.
It matters what relationships I’m choosing.
It matters what I’m focusing on.
It matters who I’m listening to.

It matters more than we think.

Manage well the things you’re doing now so you can avoid the inevitable distress that comes from duplicated derailment.

Jealousy: Misguided Wisdom

Jealousy is a sensitive subject.  I think it’s sensitive because it hits home with a lot of us.  Many can relate to the feelings of suspicion, resentment, and envy well.  For me, I know the sting of jealousy, and the pain caused by it’s position during different seasons in my life.

James 3:14-15 says this, “… if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying.  For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.”

I think it’s interesting that the Bible calls jealousy here “wisdom.”  “For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s KIND of wisdom.”

The Passion Translation calls it, “wisdom of this world.”

The wisdom that this verse is referring to is worldly wisdom which produces strife or contention… the kind of knowledge which leads to self-conceit, and promotes a man to an elevated position which requires knowledge to get there.

My extended biblical dictionary actually says that jealousy is the, “apprehension of superiority.”  Meaning, I believe, to do whatever it takes to advance superiorly over someone else.  To obtain any carnal wisdom necessary to supersede anothers reputation, and to place yourself in power over their position.

In other words… advancing my authority in light of my inferiority to the perceived favor on your life… is kept alive by more information.  I must seek to obtain knowledge (not wisdom) that reinforces my position of offense and in doing so secures me in my conclusion of being jealous.

Jealously is wisdom… it’s just misguided wisdom…. inferior wisdom… worldly wisdom that does nothing for my spiritual soul. It keeps me bonded to bitterness, anger, discontent, fear, isolation, resentment, and equips me only to “win arguments” as opposed to “winning souls” to Christ.

The wisdom which we must possess is wisdom that propels me toward holiness and Christlikeness.  Ahh… my aim is always to look more like Jesus.  Because jealousy is not seen evident in His character, it must not be seen in mine.

Words and Thoughts

I felt it when I was wrapping up my prayer time yesterday morning.  The words of Psalm 19:14 leapt in me and I couldn’t stop repeating the words out loud.  “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You.”  The Passion Translation says it like this, “So may the words of my mouth, my meditation-thoughts, and every movement of my heart be always pure and pleasing, acceptable before Your eyes…”

This comes directly after verse 13 that says, “Keep me from deliberate sins…”

I find this fascinating of our dear King David.

He asks to have strength to be kept from a sinful lifestyle and further makes a plea for God to govern and sanctify his words and thoughts.

David shows here a deep understanding of what it means to get to the root of a problem.  He understands that sin arises first in the heart.  Sin unmanaged in the heart get inappropriately translated to the mouth and then ultimately is revealed in action.

Heart > Head > Mouth > Feet.

And it’s this repeated patterns that we see over and over again in our own lives if we’re being honest.

David shows here his great interest in not only the cleansing and pardoning of intentional sin, but also for the ones he had forgotten all about.

“May the words of my mouth AND the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, God.”  It’s the honest prayer from a sincere heart who is brave enough to allow God a closer examination and certain extermination.

The words that we grant permission to be spoken from our lips are more powerful than we could ever imagine.  Scripture tells us that it’s, “the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.”  (Matt 15:18).  They express what is truly going on inside.  When we speak ill we’re communicating a sick heart.  When we speak damage and destruction we’re demonstrating a wounded heart.  When we speak hate and gossip we’re revealing a prideful self-promoting heart.

And David is teaching here a new way of praying for the protection over our thoughts and words that lead to an eventual destruction and subsequent spiritual death.

Think this through for a minute:
It’s the voluntary verses the involuntary.
The meditation of our mind is often involuntary.
These are the things that enter into our mind, planted by the enemy himself.  Those things meant to steal, kill, and destroy.  They get planted as a seed and only find growth when acted upon by the mouth.
The speech of our mouth is voluntary.
These are the things we authorize to be translated externally from an inward condition.

And so we must pray first for God to guard our thought life.  That what is now an involuntary reflex would turn to a voluntary reaction.  That I would gain control over the thoughts I allow to penetrate my mind.  That God would literally place a barricade to the door of my mind, that no evil would be birthed there.

And we must pray that the words spoken from our mouths that are now voluntary intention will turn to become involuntary impulse.  That because my heart is focused on the Father and because I am so fixed on good, healthy thoughts, what flows from my lips is now just commendable impulses that automatically bring glory to God in righteous speech.

While it’s wonderful to pray for sin to be removed from our life, we have to get to root of the issue and pray for a heart transformation instead.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, God.

Guard It Well

I saw it there last week.  This circular pattern atop our bathroom counter.  And I would find it intriguing when it was harder to remove than it looks.

The spilled powdered make-up had left a mark behind that I didn’t realize in the moment, and yet couldn’t miss after it was discovered.

And spilled pigmented powder wouldn't normally prove to be a big deal had it not been for the tiny crack that lied just beneath.  The crevice that served as a breeding ground for a deepening effect… a widespread concern.

And as I looked at the stain I saw within it the frailty of my own life, and the harmful conditions I am subject to when I neglect the fractures that exist within my spiritual journey.

Because when given the choice, the bend of my human heart is often to unintentionally yield to those things that stifle my growth, challenge my enthusiasm, complicate my direction, and add more heartache and discontent.

And like the make-up, the things that are intentioned to steal, kill, and destroy, will have an increased chance of success if I leave the door to my heart unattended and unprotected.

And so I purpose today to do whatever it takes to seal the weak parts of my life with the promises of God.  To resolve with intensity to barricade the enemy from a sneak attack.  Because once I give way to His schemes and tactics… I’ve exposed myself to contamination and eventual ruin.

I cannot invite the evil.  I cannot believe the lies.  I cannot surround myself with negativity.  I cannot allow harmful words to leave my lips.  I cannot give up on the constant clinging to Christ. 

I cannot afford to leave my soul unguarded.  Because it’s when I do… when I ignore the crack… it becomes a canyon that then seems impossible to recover from.

And so today I see the stain differently.  I see it as opportunity to steward better all I have been assigned to protect and preserve.  It’s your chance too.  To safeguard against the one who’s aim is always to steer you away from all you’ve worked so hard to attain.

“Guard the good deposit”  (2 Tim 2:14) well, friend.  Guard it well.

Prepare in The Calm In Order To Stand Firm in The Storm

In Philippians 1:6 Paul gives this encouragement to the church of believers. He says this, "Being confident of this very thing, that He which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Ahh... the Lord is always working for our good and His ultimate glory.

And then I read something that struck me in my commentary. It said this, "The object of completing the good work is that it may be ready for the day of Christ."

Wow.

You and I are being readied for the Day of Christ.

This is training ground.

And why is the training so important?

Because this is a battle we're in.

Every day, is a conflict between good and evil. Right and wrong. Holiness and wickedness.

And the Lord, in His kindness, knows how fragile we are. He knows that we are often limited by our weakness and restricted by our human depravity. And so in His sovereignty and grace He's made a way for us to co-labor with Him. He provides us an opportunity to draw nearer to Him through His Spirit so that we can be better prepared for the conflict that lies ahead.

The thing that Paul warns about throughout His teaching is this idea of neglecting our spiritual lives. He says this like, "This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you..." (2 Tim 1:6), and, "We pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so that you will have all the endurance and patience you need..." (Col 1:11), and, "I want you to understand what really matters, so that you will live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return." (Phil 1:10)

We must not wait until it's too late to be ready for the battle. We must have the same determination that David had. 1 Samuel 30 tells us his utter depravity and depression and yet encourages us that he, "... strengthened Himself in the Lord." (vs 6)

Strengthen yourself friends.

Do it now in the calm so that when the storm comes you can be ready.

It really, really matters. 

 

 

For What and To Whom Am I Loving and Praying?

One of the first questions that runs through my mind when someone tells me that they're struggling in their relationships with other people, or when they communicate their sadness over the reality that "Nobody ever calls to check in on me", or "I don't have good friends like that", is always this: How are YOU loving others?

Because I know it to be true in my own life.

When the well is running dry, it can typically be traced back to a laziness in effort on my part.

The Apostle Paul is one of my great heroes in the faith. I love Paul. And for many reasons. Paul knew radical forgiveness. Paul understood God's power verses his human frailty. And Paul's greatest desire was to impart wisdom and grace to everyone he came into contact with.

One of my favorite quotes of Paul can be found Phil 1:23-24, "I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live."

What is he saying here?

"Even though, for my own sake, I long to go and be with my Lord, there is work yet to be done. And so FOR YOUR SAKE I will remain among you. Teaching you and training you up for spiritual advancement."

Paul had suffered a great deal for the people of Philippi, and fought hard for the establishment of Christian values and godly character. He had been a prisoner in Rome and faced extreme martyrdom at the hands of those who refused the great message of Jesus. And even though he was weary in running his race, he was determined to see it to the end. His readiness, willingness, eagerness, and steadfast determination are to be admired among us today.

And then I read something in my commentary that has stuck with me for days.

In view of Paul's exhortation to the church in Philippi the commentator said this, "This Epistle was addressed by the Apostle Paul to a church which he tenderly loved and for whose prosperity he constantly prayed."

And I couldn't move from those words.

Because I was struck by my own disregard, often, to the full wholeheartedness to the "others" God radically loves.

And I wonder how better our world would look if we made not only the conscious effort but the brave determination to really love well those God has placed in our lives.

Because those relationships have been assigned to us with great purpose. We have been entrusted to them with the duty of loving well regardless of the cost.

It really has begged the question of myself, and it should for all of us pursuing Jesus and who's aim it is to bring heaven to earth: For what and to whom am I tenderly loving and constantly praying?

There's someone right now in your own life who, by the unselfishness of your love and the commitment to God's amazing grace, is finding Jesus for themselves and lives are forever being changed as a result of your sacrifice.

Let's be Paul's this side of eternity!

The Necessary Trimming

I saw them there sitting on the kitchen counter. The beautiful flowers. A gift from a dear friend who just happened to know they are my favorite. And I love flowers. But they often fade away too soon. Ans yet not without warning.

I saw these doing it too. Soon after the gift was given... after hope of an abundant life was expected... they, too, began to wilt.

And so quickly I tended to them. Trimming them back, repositioning them into a more suitable environment, and adding fresh water. And by doing so I noticed something: Hope! New life! A rebirth of sorts.

And I wondered, staring at these beauties, if that too must be the way of the Father. The ultimate Gardener. The One who purposes greatness for His children, and sees need for pruning often.

Because without the cutting back... without the repositioning, without the proper nourishment from the fresh well, I will, too, soon wilt and eventually die.

And the good good Father knows this well. And when I step from my stubbornness and allow Him access, He prunes and trims. He cuts away the areas in me that He knows will eventually bring more pain and suffering.

He sees the weary heart of mine and while He mercifully meets me in my mess, He’s faithful in refusing to leave me there.

And so I let Him cut today.. knowing that what He intends of the garden of my life is fullness and abundance that will yield an overwhelmingly incredible harvest!

He knows. And so I let Him do the work necessary. The goal must always be to look more like The Son.

 

 

Copy His Life

I think of all the questions I've ever been asked, this is by far the most common and the most popular one of all: How do I know God's purpose for my life?

I think the truth really is, for most of us at least, we struggle with knowing God's specific will for us personally.

We want the big assignment... the calling. We want to have purpose, and to know that we are needed in some formal capacity this side of eternity.

And yet I wonder if His desire for His children to discover their calling has less to do with career and more to do with character.

Paul says in Phil 2:5, "You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." (NLT). I love it in The Passion Translation, "And consider the example that Jesus has set before us. Let His mindset become your motivation."

The King James Version says in part, "Let this mind be IN you..."

The word "in" translated from the Greek here means in, on, and among. And for me, this really changes the entire game!

His attitude must be IN me, yes. But it must also be seen ON me and living AMONG me.

Wow.

While we so often feel limited by our human weakness, we have been called to earnest obedience and eager imitation of Jesus. We are to faithfully devote ourselves to reproducing the habits of the mind and life that marked His earthly career. These habits include: meekness, humility, patience, forgiveness, self-denial, superiority over temptation, and resignation to the Father's will.

You and I have been called to learn His ways and copy His life. My commentary says that we, "must resemble Him in His life, if we would have the benefit of His death."

Christ is our model. He is our pattern.

There's nothing else we need to know apart from learning all it means to live as He did here on planet earth. To learn what it means to carry Him into every environment we encounter.

Because all we've been assigned as our trade is fully dependent upon how well we will steward His presence and how well we will represent Him in this world.

Your calling? My calling? It's not always easy, but it is simple: Copy His life.

 

 

Recognition, Reliability, and Reverence

Psalm 24:9 says this, "Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter in."

The Passion Translation says it this way, "So wake up, you living gateways, and rejoice! Fling wide, you ageless doors of destiny! Here He comes; the King of Glory is ready to come in."

I also LOVE Psalm 22:3 that reminds us that God is enthroned upon the praise of His people.

He is enthroned upon His people when they praise. When they offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. When they present their worship before the Lord, He comes.

I heard it recently in a sermon given by a great man of God. The challenge was this: "If God is the one who is enthroned upon our praise, who is the one who is enthroned upon our complaining? If we enter His courts with thanksgiving and His courts (presence) with praise, then who's presence is it that we enter when we complain? What gates open when we criticize?"

That is so powerful!

And challenging.

It's what I have been hearing the Lord whisper to me for years not... there is POWER in what I allow to leave my mouth.

And I believe it's why so many of us remain stuck in a cycle of unnecessary pain and defeat... because of what we are allowing to leave our lips.

The second thing I would say is a disregard for how great He really is.

Look around - we have lost our radiant AWE of God.

Even our churches fail to promote Him as brilliantly as they should.

And so it is my personal conviction and my personal challenge every day.

It is my obligation... our obligation... to recognize Jesus in everything, rely on Jesus at all times, and revere Jesus with supreme devotion.

And once we do this, everything else lines up - even our manner of speech bows at the recognition of the One true God.

And so my job becomes: ultimate recognition, absolute reliability, and supreme reverence!

 

 

An Honorable Habitat

Genesis 8.

The flood has ended.

Noah and his family have been saved from sheer devastation and destruction.

Scripture tells us that after 40 days Noah opened the window and released the raven (verse 6). He also released a dove to see if the water had receded and if it could find dry ground (signifying a resting place had been discovered).

Verse 9 tells us that, "the dove could find no place to land because the water still covered the ground."

Ahh... no place for the sole of his feet to find rest.

And it causes a stir just like those waters within my spirit.

The heavenly dove... the one Jesus speaks of resting upon Him following His baptism in water (Matt 3:16)... represents the Holy Spirit. And the Word tells us that the dove... remained on the shoulder of Jesus.

Why?

Because He found a safe resting place upon Jesus.

And I wonder... does the Spirit find a resting place upon me?

Yes, the Spirit lives IN me. Scripture tells us that if we believe in the One who was sent, we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (John 14:17).

But I heard it once spoken so eloquently: The Spirit is IN me for me... but He rests UPON me for other people.

He makes His home in me for the benefit of me. To help me live right and act right. But He only makes His home UPON me when He knows I can be trusted to carry Him well.

Having the Spirit is our "credentials" as a believer in Jesus. It's our stamp of approval. Our mark. It's what sets us apart from the rest.

And we must pay close attention to the ways in which we grieve the Spirit. The Bible tells us that we must not, "... bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live." (Eph 4:30)

The risk is too great!

When we grieve the Holy Spirit... when I cannot be trusted with His presence... I risk the loss of His presence, the depletion of my Christian joy, the loss of power given to me as my authority in Christ, and the destruction of my usefulness.

And I so I pose the question to myself often: Am I becoming an honorable habitat for the Spirit of Christ to reside in?

It really matters.