Plan for Prayer

Nothing is better than a good plan! By example, Jesus gave us the plan for a healthy prayer life.  "In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there." (Mark 1:35). I have to swallow hard to get past the "early morning" part, but Jesus was showing us there should be a designated time to pray. A "secluded place" oft times escapes us but a place without distractions and interruptions helps us focus.  Then Jesus did what He set out to do - He "was praying." Perhaps praying is one of the hardest things we'll do as Believers but the reward of time in God's Presence is immeasurable and the rewards unimaginable. Do you have a plan for prayer? Really, nothing is better than a good plan! Plan for prayer!

Walking Joyfully

Samantha isn't such an uncommon name but my introduction to Miss Samantha GPS was cause-to-pause. Quite frankly, I was accustomed to being the only bossy female present so I wasn't sure she and I could co-exist then I discovered her "off" button - aha! Oswald Chambers wrote, “Many Christian workers have left Jesus Christ alone and yet tried to serve Him out of a sense of duty, or because they sense a need as a result of their own discernment.” Ouch! Obedience without substance? A missing heart of devotion while serving others? How can that be!  Truth is, many Believers lack the spiritual luster John wrote about: “Walk in the light as He is in the light.” (John 1:7). When we rely on personal conscience and commonsense decision-making instead of purposeful divine counsel, we're missing so much!  We miss the joyful walk, the inner peace and spiritual contentment as promised.  Perhaps you're obeying Christ from a sense of duty rather than experiencing the contentment found in a life wholly devoted to Him. Having trouble hearing His Voice? Turn the button "on" – open God’s Word.

No Fear

You remember the show, "Fear Factor"? Geez, the show's commercials scare me! God doesn't like the "fear factor" either. It was fear that caused Jesus' disciples to lock themselves away following His death, but The Risen Savior crashed their otherwise private party: "On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!'" (John 20:19). Fear is a powerful tool Satan uses against Believers. We "claim" it is the Power of God through Christ that conquers all yet - like Jesus' disciples - we stand paralyzed and unable to respond with courage. God wants nothing more than for His children to trust Him, loosening the chains and lead us from our imprisoning fears. Still today, in our fears, Jesus' tells us "Peace be with you!" How about we refuse to allow fear to factor into our lives; let's live in Christ with ... no fear!

Unimaginable

Have you ever thought about how many things we number? Streets and highways, store aisles, shoe and shirt sizes, even people are numbered. I don't know, perhaps numbers helps our move-through-life easier. The word "ever" occurs some 476 times in Scripture, and it means "the perpetuity of time, an unbroken age." As finite beings, I’m not so sure any of us can grasp the concept of forever. Psalm 139:16 says, "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." It's unimaginable we were known [by the Creator] before we were otherwise known! It's also hard to imagine that one day time will cease. In light of eternity, time won't be … relevant. In the Apostle Peter’s words, “to God be glory now and forever." (2 Peter 3:18). We mustn’t forget to God be glory now but what will it be like to never again gauge the present moment by a clock? To never ponder time in relation to what we’re doing or where we’ll be? There’s only endless-ness, timeless-ness, unceasing-ness. No more multi-tasking, the forever dedicated to being present and in praise of The One Who paid our sin debt. No, I can’t really imagine it but that’s how it’s going to be for the Redeemed (the blood-bought ones) in those unnumbered forever days. Hope to see you there!

Claim Your Spot

Whoever first said "experience is the best teacher" got it right! I suggest those words came after a less-than-fortunate experience or circumstances. Who hasn't been-there done-that! In Psalm 73, Asaph - a musician of King David's - wrote these words: "But it is good for me to draw near to God." (V.28). We all know how easy-natural it is to look at ungodly people and be envious-jealous of apparent "waters of abundance" (V.10). In V.11 Asaph wonders whether God even sees these things! I suspect his thoughts are similar to our own. I love how honest Asaph is: "It was troublesome in my sight." (V.16). His perception changes, however, when "I came into the sanctuary of God." Asaph sees the bitter-destruction end for wicked and the sweet-glorious reward of those who persevere and remain faithful to God. It is in the Presence of God Asaph writes of what is best for him ... and for us: the nearness of God. Isn't that beautiful! Perhaps you are in a dark place right now, experiencing some dismal or dreary circumstances. Let me encourage you to know your truest and most secure hiding place: "your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:3). Like Asaph, claim your spot near The Father!

Utter Delight

Common [Southern] words of hospitality are “help yourself” or “make yourself at home.”  Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean get up and do it yourself or kick your shoes off.  It’s also not an invitation to take a seat in Mr. Bill’s recliner! It’s no secret how deeply the Apostle Paul loved and was devoted to Jesus Christ.  Why, then, would he write these words: “For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” (Romans 9:3).  Quite simply, Paul was willing to relinquish all Christ was to him for the sake of his friends – those who didn’t know the Savior.  I doubt many Believers, including myself, can fully understand the seriousness of Paul’s statement.  Oswald Chambers puts it like this: “Paul said he knew how to be a ‘doormat’ without resenting it, because the mainspring of his life was devotion to Jesus.” 
Here, God is telling every Believer the depth of commitment He longs for. Paul's relinquishing of himself to God is also heard in these words, “I will most gladly spend and be spent.” (2 Corinthians 12:15).  You see, not easily but very clearly, God wants to hear us say, “Father, come on in – make Yourself at home – help Yourself to all of me." Only then will we know the utter Delight of Christ! 

Quiet the Jungle

Life is not for the ill-equipped! I remember words from a past television show: "Be careful -- it's a jungle out there." Life really is a jungle and most of us aren’t good at safaris!  The life-jungle with all its creepy-crawlies cause us to lose focus on The King -- Jesus Christ.  The psalmist describes God's Power in this world: "Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has wrought desolations in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire." (Psalm 46:8-9).  God - Creator and Master of all things in heaven and earth - subdues evil and gives "refuge and strength, ever-present help in trouble" (V.1).  How can we know and feel the Power described here, feel His Presence, have confidence and hope when the future isn't clear, when our faith is weak, when answers elude us? He tells us: "Be still, and know that I am God." (V.10). Really now, be still?  In this constantly moving world, be still?  Yes, He instructs us to cease from striving, quit the busyness, stop rushing around, flitting about, just ... stop and be still!  I have heard The Father most often and most clearly when I was doing less.  Just quietly listening, patiently waiting, in the stillness of a moment … I heard Him, I saw Him, I knew Him.  Let me encourage you today to find a stopping-place: a quiet car, the library, an outdoor bench, a porch swing, an open Bible on the kitchen table.  Wherever and whenever the opportunity presents itself, just stop and let God quiet the jungle.  He waits for you there!  Be still and know Him! 

STRONG WEAKNESS

Do you know where your weak points are? It seems I learn a new one everyday! Read this borrowed blessing: "Dear Lord - When I am at my weakest point You are just beginning. When I know myself to be at the end of my strength, I know You to be at the front of the battle. When I'm convinced I cannot go another step, You sweep me into Your mighty arms and carry me the rest of the way. Lord, I abide in Your Marvelous Grace. I lean on Your never-failing Love." What great words with which to face every day! God wants us to rest completely in His words, "My Grace is sufficient for you, for My Power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9). He truly makes strong weakness!

Hear and Obey

If we live long enough, hard-of-hearing will come. It may be caused by a ringing in your ears or just living with someone who mumbles! Something you may have missed in Scripture is a clear and repeated warning about listening: "TODAY if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts." (Hebrews 3:7). Not hearing relates to hardness of heart? Let me connect the spiritual dots here! We [humans] have an inherent tendency when God speaks to delay obedience rather than promptly do as He says. We fail to hear-and-respond with a sense of urgency while His words are fresh on our minds. The writer of Hebrews mentions the word "today" three more times - v.13, v.15, 4:7 - each time instructing Believers to hear and obey while it is still today! We are to give heed, be attentive to God's voice as He speaks then speedily do as He says. When we do not, "hardness of heart" takes root; that hardness-of-heart makes it easier each time to do the same. We can hardly fault someone when they don't hear what we say, but as children of God we have no such excuse! Are you hearing God? More importantly, are you hearing then obeying?

Will return 02-18-2020

Treasure Him

Who doesn't love a good treasure hunt! Whether it's hunting for the prize egg or finding the best bargain, the hunt is often half the fun. A Puritan prayer goes like this: "If I should suffer need, and go unclothed, and be in poverty, make my heart prize Thy love." The Valley of Vision. On earth, the prize or treasure is indeed in the "eye of the beholder." The troubles many Believers suffer is due to treasuring wrong treasures!  Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there is your heart also." (Matthew 6:19-21). The pursuit and value of wrong treasures always leads to the suffering of discontent. In truth, all that glitters really isn't gold! What is gold, however, is Christ Himself - He never disappoints or disillusions. He is our Greatest Treasure! Treasure Him.

Amazing Restoration

A makeover of houses, rooms, furniture, even one's personal appearance is popular. Some would even call it "fun." It is pretty amazing how something as simple as a fresh coat of paint can change or restore. Psalm 19:7 says, "The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul." The Hebrew word for "restore" means "to turn back to God." It implies a reversal of a present or current state of being. It's interesting how the reference to restoration is preceded by the fact that God's law is perfect or blameless. Jesus said He came "to fulfill the law" of God - to bring it to completion or perfection. Aha! Like rest restores-renews the physical body, rest in the Perfections of Christ brings spiritual restoration to the soul. I encourage you to acknowledge you cannot [in your own power] restore yourself; cease striving and "be still and know" (Psalm 46:10) The Creator-God Who longs to restore you to Himself. Yeah, it's pretty amazing!

Life Song

Coffee in hand, from the front porch I sat quietly before The Father - listening intently. Interestingly, I watched walker-after-walker pass by ... with earphones. Now, be sure, I love a good set of earbuds myself! I wonder, however, what I've not heard because of the noise of my days. I love how the psalmist's words describing the "hearing" from God's Creation: "the heavens are telling of the glory of God ... declaring the work of His hands ... day to day ... night to night ... there is no speech, nor are there words ... their voice is not heard ... their utterances to the end of the world." (Psalm 19:1-4). No words, no speech, no voice yet heard continuously to the ends of the earth! What shame I feel at my lack of declarations, my refusal [at times] to use words, the silence of my voice. Not just because of what God does and has done but because of Who He is - that should be the day-and-night night-and-day overflow of all I am-say-do. It is Creation's song at all times! Hillsong United sings, "If creation sings your praises, so will I." Let's make Creation's song our own - there's no better life-song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfVd5x9W1Xc

Patient Trust

Although it's something I often want to do, insistence isn't something I do well. After His death, two of Jesus' followers wanted answers! On the road to Emmaus, they said "we were hoping it was He Who would ..." (Luke 24:21).  Oh, how quickly dejection had set-in ... as it does with us!  Oswald Chambers writes, "Spiritual lust causes me to demand an answer from God, instead of seeking God Himself Who gives the answer." What a cause-to-pause and to consider: am I guilty of insisting on results rather than pursuing The Father's face?  I fear in my hurried spirit, I focus more on the pursuit of answers instead of the God of answers. Oh, for Grace to trade-in an impatient insistence for a patient trust, fully resting in Christ Who intercedes [for us] at The Father's right hand. What a great trade!

Word of Truth

When I visited the Holy Land, we had a great tour guide; his knowledge of his homeland, its history and culture as well as his ability to communicate it was invaluable!  Not all "guides," however, are so valuable. Many of us grew up with Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket, and hearing the latter tell us, "always let your conscience be your guide." That broad tidbit of wisdom has proven to be not-so-wise! Paul had this to say about the conscience: "They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them." (Romans 2:15). Did you get that - the conscience either accuses or excuses. Hmm, this Truth makes Mr. Cricket's words troublesome. Our culture with its ever-changing trends has degraded consciences according to Scripture. What would have caused our parents to hustle us out of the room, shut down the radio or television even cause us to blush, are now common-place. While many laws are "on the side" of many offenses against Holy God, Believers should remain faithful to Higher Law. We are called to keep the conscience "trained" according to The eternal Truth of God's Word - it's a daily diligent discipline for serious followers of Christ. Then - and only then "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." (Isaiah 30:21). As memorable as the words of our cricket friend may be, let's be sure the conscience in its best spiritually healthy condition: train it by The Word of Truth.

Live Ahead of the Enemy

Years ago in insurance school, I learned a proactive security measure for homeowners: keep shrubs trimmed, eliminating potential hiding places for would-be intruders. Oh, that it were that easy to spiritually secure the human heart! Before he murdered his brother, God said to Cain: "Sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:7). The wise will always acknowledge sin's pitfalls but the wisest will both acknowledge and identify them. Satan approaches us in many forms; he lurks often casually and disguised. As Jesus sent out his disciples into the world, He said, "Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16). Believers have been given the gift of The Holy Spirit to help rightly and wisely  distinguish that which seeks to overtake our hearts. I suggest this is one of the most lethally sufficient dangers to righteous living among Believers today. We fail to distinguish the lines of enemy territory because we are not spiritually shrewd as Jesus commanded His disciples.  So, how do we identify the enemy so that we see him coming - traps and all?  The psalmist asks and answers how: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word." (Psalm 119:9).  Aha! Equip ourselves with The Word of Truth, and ask The Holy Spirit to sound the "intruder alert" loudly and clearly! Let's not be caught off-guard; rather, let's be proactive in our spiritual lives. Live ahead of the enemy!

Trust Him More

Several months ago I bought a bottle of grape juice only to discover it was actually a grape juice drink - not 100% juice but rather a blend of  juice and other things. Through the words of a song this morning, I was confronted with an overlooked spiritual issue: trust in Jesus. Oh yes, I do trust Jesus but it seems my trust is a blend of His sufficiency and my own. I regularly hear that foolishly deceitful inner voice say, "trust yourself with the small stuff - trust Jesus with the big stuff." That voice is so untrustworthy! God tells us, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6). Just like God's grace [through faith] that saved me once [for all eternity] is not my own doing, neither is God's grace [through faith] to save me daily from my unrighteousness and foolishness; such saving grace is a "gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8). Oh how Believers overlook the trust-issue much like I overlooked the small print on the bottle, "Grape Juice Drink."  From the Wisdom of Proverbs 30:5, "Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him," Louise M. Stead wrote in 1882, "'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus - Just to take Him at His Word - Just to rest upon His promise - And to know 'thus saith the Lord." Sound words - True words - Tested words - Proven words - Words we can trust! Oh, for Grace to trust Him more!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB9eXtwfAAg

Live Exceptionally

Having awakened to alarms for many years, it is particularly nice [now] for alarms to be the morning exception. Exceptionalism is the condition of being exceptional or unique - never conforming to a particular pattern or norm. Perhaps you've heard the term "American exceptionalism," which certainly has some credence especially since [indeed] our nation's history is unlike that of any other. Believers are to be [may I introduce a Beverly-word?] ... exceptionalists. We are to be unique, non-conformists. Perhaps in Chapters 38-41 of Job, God most clearly explains His own Exceptionalism. "Who has put wisdom in the innermost being or given understanding to the mind?" (38:35-36) ... "Will you really annul My judgment? Will you condemn Me that you may be justified?" (40:8) ... "Adorn yourself with eminence and dignity, and clothe yourself with honor and majesty" (40:10) ... "Then I will also confess to you, that your own right hand can save you." (40:14). You see, Believers are called to spiritual exceptionalism because we have The Exceptional God - none besides Him and none like Him. It is He Who knew the intrinsic (inherent, natural) sin-diseased heart of man, and sent Jesus to rescue and forgive - reconcile and restore us to Himself. That is The Exceptionalism to which we are called. Do not neglect your calling: live exceptionally!

His Call

What "calls" you?  Is it a cup of morning coffee, a hot bath or [how about] a sandy beach and the sound of ocean waves. Many things seem to invite us and we're sure we hear our very name! Paul writes, "Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3). Sometimes we feel like we will certainly fall apart if we don't answer that earthly call to whatever brings us even a moment's peace. Oh, but Paul speaks of a deeper, more worthy call: one for Believers, those of the Household of Faith, the Body of Christ - His Church. It is a unified and holy calling made evident by Him Who calls - a lifestyle of humility, gentleness, patience, loving tolerance. Neither coffee, hot bath nor sand and waves bring to soul and spirit what binds Believers to their spiritual calling. Do you hear His call? Listen and obey.