It seems I have not been as inspired in the past couple weeks to write on a specific scripture. But, rather, I wish to simply share and remind of a principle. We are to be led by God's peace. Always. In all things.
I find God's peace most distinguishable in trying times. Sound backwards? But isn't it true that in circumstances or issues where we have emptied ourselves of trying and expectation it is more certain what we are experiencing is not self gratifcation but truly the peace that passes all understanding?
This has been a long season of trial for me, though in the past 3 months, I think I have found God's peace most recognizable. It comes when I'm "on the right track", or when I have done something to overcome, or perhaps even pleased Him. For me, this time is a time of "doing the next right thing."
I truly find I cannot look to the future for it scares me with all the possibilities for things going wrong. I do not forsee the storm lifting anytime soon, but I do see Him in the storm calling me to take that next step, and not be faithless.
Peace, for me, always comes when I least expect it. It is the kind that can almost bring me to tears for its sweetness. And, it always congratulates on finding "the next right thing" or calms when I worry what the future holds. But, it is rarely a result of my seeking it but rather it comes, for me, as a gift. One given in its own timing by a giver desiring to surprise and delight.
These thoughts remind me of my experience of His joy. I will write more on the true, enduring joy of God in a later post, for it too is indescribable.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
A Faithless Generation
And someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me."
(Mark 9:17-19)
As Jesus declares the people faithless, I don't linger much on the power of the enemy, nor really the power of God that delivers us. It is not faith in that power. It is simple to believe God, and even Jesus, has the power. The faithlessness, in my opinion, that Jesus refers to here is much like that of his reproval of the Pharisees. It is an unrepentant heart and lack of knowledge of God's character in our hearts. God desires to be known for who He is, not only now but even in the time of the Law. What was happening behind the scenes with that father? Did he obey the Law? Did he teach his son God's statutes? Did he revere God as Lord and Savior even then? Even the Israelites had a Savior. David obviously saw God's redemptive desires and character well before Christ came in the flesh. Is not our humble adoration and trustful patience in affliction enough to see the hand of God move?
May you know your true standing as a child of God - not for acquiring power but receiving love; not for knowing the operating rules of the spiritual realm, but for the weapons of God which encompass love between and within us. The greatest of these is love. Faith and hope come second!
(Mark 9:17-19)
As Jesus declares the people faithless, I don't linger much on the power of the enemy, nor really the power of God that delivers us. It is not faith in that power. It is simple to believe God, and even Jesus, has the power. The faithlessness, in my opinion, that Jesus refers to here is much like that of his reproval of the Pharisees. It is an unrepentant heart and lack of knowledge of God's character in our hearts. God desires to be known for who He is, not only now but even in the time of the Law. What was happening behind the scenes with that father? Did he obey the Law? Did he teach his son God's statutes? Did he revere God as Lord and Savior even then? Even the Israelites had a Savior. David obviously saw God's redemptive desires and character well before Christ came in the flesh. Is not our humble adoration and trustful patience in affliction enough to see the hand of God move?
May you know your true standing as a child of God - not for acquiring power but receiving love; not for knowing the operating rules of the spiritual realm, but for the weapons of God which encompass love between and within us. The greatest of these is love. Faith and hope come second!
Warning the Pharisees
"When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation."
(Matthew 12:43-45)
Most interpretations I read focus on this being the state of a man, namely one that is unrepentant. I think it also illustrates the fall of a nation illustrated by something the audience had likely witnessed, demonization. The key here is when a man returns to his old ways with a lack of true heart change, in the man or nation, his unrepentenant state is worse than the previous. Being declared an empty vessel is a clue but being swept and put in order without being filled is the indication of pride and rebellion. I imagine the Pharisees witnessed deliverance, or even performed it, but failed to convert the recipient for lack of imparting the true knowledge of God necessary to change. A knowledge they themselves obviously overlooked.
Now, a "worse condition" does not always mean visible torment. It could mean a greater stronghold of pride and lust for power, such as the Pharisees exhibited. It is in a contrite heart that our spiritual enemy creates torment. But in a heart willing to bend to evil, I imagine the demon finds the rest it seeks.
From a spiritual warfare perspective, of that taught in charismatic circles today, I think this passage is too easily simplified. It is as though such a reader is looking for more rules with which to place you and God in a box. It is inexplicable to me how many teachers today, in the name of deliverance, scare sincere Christians into facing or fighting the enemy. Why not focus on our failure to teach soundly of God's character, as with the Pharisees, rather than using fear to bring submission? The hope in this message is that the repentant heart is safe and secure.
How can we forget the many promises and declarations such as in Psalms 32:7, 37:29, 34:19, 91:10-11 and Nahum 1:7? God is characterized as a protector, a fortress and reliable in time of trouble.
Fortunately, God does not pronounce judgment upon the repentant because of Jesus Christ. May you know the safety of your Lord's arms above and beyond any trouble, spiritual or physical. May you know the Lord knows your name, and that He will never fail to meet you in the place of need. He is persistent and purposeful - meditate on Job 8:20-21 today!
(Matthew 12:43-45)
Most interpretations I read focus on this being the state of a man, namely one that is unrepentant. I think it also illustrates the fall of a nation illustrated by something the audience had likely witnessed, demonization. The key here is when a man returns to his old ways with a lack of true heart change, in the man or nation, his unrepentenant state is worse than the previous. Being declared an empty vessel is a clue but being swept and put in order without being filled is the indication of pride and rebellion. I imagine the Pharisees witnessed deliverance, or even performed it, but failed to convert the recipient for lack of imparting the true knowledge of God necessary to change. A knowledge they themselves obviously overlooked.
Now, a "worse condition" does not always mean visible torment. It could mean a greater stronghold of pride and lust for power, such as the Pharisees exhibited. It is in a contrite heart that our spiritual enemy creates torment. But in a heart willing to bend to evil, I imagine the demon finds the rest it seeks.
From a spiritual warfare perspective, of that taught in charismatic circles today, I think this passage is too easily simplified. It is as though such a reader is looking for more rules with which to place you and God in a box. It is inexplicable to me how many teachers today, in the name of deliverance, scare sincere Christians into facing or fighting the enemy. Why not focus on our failure to teach soundly of God's character, as with the Pharisees, rather than using fear to bring submission? The hope in this message is that the repentant heart is safe and secure.
How can we forget the many promises and declarations such as in Psalms 32:7, 37:29, 34:19, 91:10-11 and Nahum 1:7? God is characterized as a protector, a fortress and reliable in time of trouble.
Fortunately, God does not pronounce judgment upon the repentant because of Jesus Christ. May you know the safety of your Lord's arms above and beyond any trouble, spiritual or physical. May you know the Lord knows your name, and that He will never fail to meet you in the place of need. He is persistent and purposeful - meditate on Job 8:20-21 today!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Dogs Eat Crumbs
I was reading a fellow writer's dialogue and I came across an interpretation of a scripture I have pondered for some time.
(Mar 7:26-28) Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And he said to her, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." But she answered him, "Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."
When Christ was approached by this woman, he was reaffirming His call to the Jews, but was confronted with a woman who understood more than His mission. She knew His character. She knew Jews saw Gentiles as dogs, yet she believed even more that Jesus was God and therefore personified His mercy and love for all people. I wonder what she experienced and learned to have come to know this. Obviously, she had truly eaten of the crumbs of the table of the Jews enough to have fallen in love with God's glory and power.
Moreso, this scripture illustrates the nature of the Gentiles approach to God. They, like dogs, acted on instinct and not the Law. This could be looked upon favorably or not so favorably. On one hand, what better people for God to "inscribe His laws on their hearts," for they were not trapped in the Law. On the other hand, Jesus respected the Law and its intent, to show the sheer depravity within us through sin. Jesus was reproving and praising at the same time.
In the now, let's be reminded that knowledge of God's character is supreme to our walk of faith. The world, maybe even God, will challenge us as we strive to live a life not characterized by the norm or standards of man.
Thank you, Lord, for your redemptive work. Thank you for making the message clear to us that all people are welcome to partake of your laws and blessings.
--
Let's take this a bit further tonight. Think on who was rich in God and who was poor. The religious of the day, Pharisees, had God's law and God's presence in their temple. But, take a look at this scripture, and be reminded of God's judgment upon the rich man (in hell in torment).
"There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
(Luke 16:19-21)
Could Christ have been reproving the religious as well by delivering this woman's daughter? Her example is profound in that God's message was always the same. He always welcomed the penitent and devout to His table, throughout scripture. The religious of the day withheld a precious message to those Gentiles who came to "eat crumbs" from their blessed table of abundance. I imagine God's plan for Israel far exceeded simply bringing the Law, that even before His plan for Christ, Israel was to be a nation set as an example for bringing even more children into God's kingdom. Imagine Christ's dissapointment and fathom God's redemption in light of this!
(Mar 7:26-28) Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And he said to her, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." But she answered him, "Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."
When Christ was approached by this woman, he was reaffirming His call to the Jews, but was confronted with a woman who understood more than His mission. She knew His character. She knew Jews saw Gentiles as dogs, yet she believed even more that Jesus was God and therefore personified His mercy and love for all people. I wonder what she experienced and learned to have come to know this. Obviously, she had truly eaten of the crumbs of the table of the Jews enough to have fallen in love with God's glory and power.
Moreso, this scripture illustrates the nature of the Gentiles approach to God. They, like dogs, acted on instinct and not the Law. This could be looked upon favorably or not so favorably. On one hand, what better people for God to "inscribe His laws on their hearts," for they were not trapped in the Law. On the other hand, Jesus respected the Law and its intent, to show the sheer depravity within us through sin. Jesus was reproving and praising at the same time.
In the now, let's be reminded that knowledge of God's character is supreme to our walk of faith. The world, maybe even God, will challenge us as we strive to live a life not characterized by the norm or standards of man.
Thank you, Lord, for your redemptive work. Thank you for making the message clear to us that all people are welcome to partake of your laws and blessings.
--
Let's take this a bit further tonight. Think on who was rich in God and who was poor. The religious of the day, Pharisees, had God's law and God's presence in their temple. But, take a look at this scripture, and be reminded of God's judgment upon the rich man (in hell in torment).
"There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
(Luke 16:19-21)
Could Christ have been reproving the religious as well by delivering this woman's daughter? Her example is profound in that God's message was always the same. He always welcomed the penitent and devout to His table, throughout scripture. The religious of the day withheld a precious message to those Gentiles who came to "eat crumbs" from their blessed table of abundance. I imagine God's plan for Israel far exceeded simply bringing the Law, that even before His plan for Christ, Israel was to be a nation set as an example for bringing even more children into God's kingdom. Imagine Christ's dissapointment and fathom God's redemption in light of this!
Friday, March 6, 2009
The Law of Progress
My mother sent me this poem and I just had to post it, as it is very encouraging and so insightfully written.
Written By: Pierre Tellhard de Chardin
Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
We are quite naturally impatient in everything
to reach the end without delay.
We should like to skp the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way to something
unknown, something new.
And yet it is the law of progress
that it is made by passing through
some stages of instability -
and that it may take a very long time.
And so I think it is with you.
Your ideas mature gradually - let them grow,
let them shape themselves, without undue haste.
Don't try to force then on,
as though you could be today what time
(that is to say, grace and circumstances
acting on your own good will)
will make of you tomorrow.
Only God could say what this new spirit
gradually forming within you will be.
Give your Lord the benefit of believing
that his hand is leading you.
and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself
in suspense and incomplete.
Written By: Pierre Tellhard de Chardin
Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
We are quite naturally impatient in everything
to reach the end without delay.
We should like to skp the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way to something
unknown, something new.
And yet it is the law of progress
that it is made by passing through
some stages of instability -
and that it may take a very long time.
And so I think it is with you.
Your ideas mature gradually - let them grow,
let them shape themselves, without undue haste.
Don't try to force then on,
as though you could be today what time
(that is to say, grace and circumstances
acting on your own good will)
will make of you tomorrow.
Only God could say what this new spirit
gradually forming within you will be.
Give your Lord the benefit of believing
that his hand is leading you.
and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself
in suspense and incomplete.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Joy Is A Choice
I am currently reading a book called, "Big Girls Don't Whine." It is eloquently written to remind us grown women that "little girl ways" are not the best ways. It has helped me identify areas of my life where I still need to grow up, and it has inspired me to make change. I am so awed at the love God has placed in my heart for Him - it truly fuels me. I am grateful for His changes in my heart to seek Him with genuine love and less with selfish need.
Tonight, I had a choice. Faced with some trying circumstances, I could choose to pine in fear or I could choose to walk with joy and faith. I truly had not seen that in this particular area I was more of a little girl than a big girl. I choose to grow up.
In my weakness, He is strong. What meaning that has to me tonight. The circumstances I am in stretch me more than I feel I can bear. While God would have found a way to teach me what I am learning, I realize now my choices in the past have made it a much bigger deal than necessary. But, in God's grace, and with my concious choice to be joyful, I finally feel His strength to carry on.
This is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice in it.
Peace and strength to all those who feel stretched beyond their capacity. Faith to believe He will provide regardless of our past choices. May He make good of all things in your life.
Tonight, I had a choice. Faced with some trying circumstances, I could choose to pine in fear or I could choose to walk with joy and faith. I truly had not seen that in this particular area I was more of a little girl than a big girl. I choose to grow up.
In my weakness, He is strong. What meaning that has to me tonight. The circumstances I am in stretch me more than I feel I can bear. While God would have found a way to teach me what I am learning, I realize now my choices in the past have made it a much bigger deal than necessary. But, in God's grace, and with my concious choice to be joyful, I finally feel His strength to carry on.
This is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice in it.
Peace and strength to all those who feel stretched beyond their capacity. Faith to believe He will provide regardless of our past choices. May He make good of all things in your life.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Bear Another's Burdens
There are many scriptures that come to mind about ministering to those in the body who hurt and are frail. While I see more of the scriptures alive in my church body in this small town, I still do not see it to the extent necessary.
Scripture says to "bear one another's burdens", to "weep with those who weep". This is an entering in to the world of another believer enough to lighten their load and express acceptance. It is more than giving a card, it is giving a hand up from the pits. It is not something left only to Pastors, but a responsbility of the body as interdependent beings.
It is easy to accept the idea for many that scripture speaks of our gifts operating in a portion like the part of a body. But, that scripture says one person is a portion of the body for more reasons than just what they can contribute. It also speaks to how we must receive. Comfort, provision, love - all these things and more God promises us. But, don't you suppose he needs us to do those things. Aren't we His body who functions with Him as head?
When a person is suffering, don't simply stop at a compassionate glance or conversation. Enter into their life. Help with the things that become heavy burdens, even washing dishes or clothes, paying bills, cooking meals. Be determined to lift the burden, to bear it with them. It does not refer to quiet prayers in a sequestered prayer closet. It refers to getting our hands dirty with the daily burdens that make life possible.
Better yet, start this today, without a person having reached a point of suffering. Why not enter into each others' lives when a single day needs a helping hand before things get to a place of suffering.
Think of the great opportunity we have in this society. In a country where families are not so close-knit (geographically and emotionally) and falling apart, we have the chance to build a true church of real family-goers. I believe proximity and Christ is our determination of the family that should care for each other. To pass off someone to a distant blood relative is downright cowardice and contrary to scripture. Our true family is those close enough to minister as a part of our lives.
Blessings to those who realize more fully Christ's commendation to those who meet the simple, physical needs of a person struggling to get by. My commendation to those who enter into others' lives and are not afraid to get their hands dirty in menial tasks. Let's not be so super-spiritual that we forget what simple tasks must get done each day to afford our fine living in America. Let's bear each others' burdens!
Scripture says to "bear one another's burdens", to "weep with those who weep". This is an entering in to the world of another believer enough to lighten their load and express acceptance. It is more than giving a card, it is giving a hand up from the pits. It is not something left only to Pastors, but a responsbility of the body as interdependent beings.
It is easy to accept the idea for many that scripture speaks of our gifts operating in a portion like the part of a body. But, that scripture says one person is a portion of the body for more reasons than just what they can contribute. It also speaks to how we must receive. Comfort, provision, love - all these things and more God promises us. But, don't you suppose he needs us to do those things. Aren't we His body who functions with Him as head?
When a person is suffering, don't simply stop at a compassionate glance or conversation. Enter into their life. Help with the things that become heavy burdens, even washing dishes or clothes, paying bills, cooking meals. Be determined to lift the burden, to bear it with them. It does not refer to quiet prayers in a sequestered prayer closet. It refers to getting our hands dirty with the daily burdens that make life possible.
Better yet, start this today, without a person having reached a point of suffering. Why not enter into each others' lives when a single day needs a helping hand before things get to a place of suffering.
Think of the great opportunity we have in this society. In a country where families are not so close-knit (geographically and emotionally) and falling apart, we have the chance to build a true church of real family-goers. I believe proximity and Christ is our determination of the family that should care for each other. To pass off someone to a distant blood relative is downright cowardice and contrary to scripture. Our true family is those close enough to minister as a part of our lives.
Blessings to those who realize more fully Christ's commendation to those who meet the simple, physical needs of a person struggling to get by. My commendation to those who enter into others' lives and are not afraid to get their hands dirty in menial tasks. Let's not be so super-spiritual that we forget what simple tasks must get done each day to afford our fine living in America. Let's bear each others' burdens!
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