Put Away Childish Ways

God is Love! Do you really believe this? Do you spend your day with him and linger in conversation? or Do you still try to shape God into becoming your own personal genie who will grant you 3 wishes (e.g., health, wealth and happiness)?

As a child I acted out of selfishness and rebelled from God's ways. At the end of the school day I ran to the television; I didn't run to God. I loved the television show "I Dream of Genie" and exchanged truth for a lie. I also spoke like a child, "Give me, give me, give me!" I also listened to familiar voices tell me, "What's so wrong with wanting good things for yourself, family, friends, and the neighbor next door?". . . except for the truth that wishful thinking is not the same as faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love.

4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice in wrong doing, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7

See the whole of 1 Corinthians 13. The message is clear. There is nothing selfish about love.

• Love is self-less.
• Love is described as the laying down of one's life for another (see Matthew 20: 24 - 28).
  
• Love willingly places others before oneself.
  
• Love is self-sacrificial; making the love of Christ known through any (and all) physical act of tending to the needs of others.

Therefore, since we are sinners in need of a Savior, let us look to Jesus Christ. For he has shown us how to live and how to die. Jesus continually sought God the Father for all things including his direction, words and strength. Jesus prayed this prayer, "Thy will be done."

Ah! This is costly. A precious jewel. He is Love.

Lord, Please help me! I am in need of Savior. I have failed by every measure. Please show me how to live and what to do. On this very day I want to learn to love like you. Grant me strength to put away those childish ways that solely seek to please myself. Forgive me too for treating you like an earthen idol. I now choose to turn this day. "Thy will be done" in my life. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Entrust

1 Peter 4: 12 - 19

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker. 16 Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And

"If it is hard for the righteous
to be saved,
what will become of the
ungodly and the sinners?"

19 Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God's will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good (emphasis mine).

To entrust implies a deliberate and continuous form of trusting. For example, to entrust implies that one is actively committed to trust. To entrust means that an individual has chosen to place his (or her) full confidence in the one deemed trustworthy.

Go ahead. Confide in Him. God himself is Faithful and True.

Numbers 23: 19
God is not a human being, that he should lie,
or a mortal, that he should change his mind.
Has he promised, and will he not do it?
Has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

At His Feet & Waiting

Mary knew to sit at the feet of Jesus. She set aside the busyness of the day (e.g., waiting on the guests) and listened to the truth. She waited on God.

Mary also knelt at Jesus’ feet and wept. She knew the truth. Her only hope was in Jesus Christ – the way, the truth and the light.

How do you wait on God?

• Are you sitting on a rush seat sitting at your kitchen table with dirty dishes and the newspaper nearby?
• Or do you linger and weep for him, placing your whole trust in him?

You too have touched His feet you seek to lavish Him with your love in spite of the cost.

Remember this about Mary: although she was scorned by one who was in the fold but of the world (i.e., Judas), she was undeterred in her pursuit of intimacy with the Lord . . . and the Lord approved!

Luke 10: 38 - 42

38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." 41 But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her" (emphasis mine).

John 11: 32

32 When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

John 12: 1 - 8

1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served , and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keept it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."

At His Feet

At the end of the age, at his feet we will be. No one, not a single person will be left standing. For every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Isaiah 45: 23; Philippians 2: 9-11; Romans14: 11). The Bible is clear that Jesus Christ is to receive honor and glory and power . . . and the twenty four elders fall before the one who is seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing (Revelation 4: 10 -11).

To what extent do you grasp the true meaning of these actions? In the context of our American culture we have no comparable experience. We only understand in part. In theory we understand that when one goes before an emperor or king there is a protocol to be followed, but we don’t have an emperor or king. We also say the words that “honor is due” to those in authority over us, but we retain the right to argue with them. So how do we begin to learn to show true honor to our Coming King of Glory?

Christian Dalits of India can help teach us by their example. From the very beginning, at their moment of birth, these Dalit people are not considered worthy of being touched. Their fellow countrymen will not even place them in a human caste system and as their name suggests they are labeled “untouchables.” In fact, the mere touching of an “untouchable” has been prohibited over the centuries and every human dignity has been denied them. But by the grace of God, those Dalits who experience new birth through Jesus Christ are now learning what it means to give honor and respect. How? By the touching of feet. They do not go around touching everybody’s feet, but the feet of one’s elders (as in the leaders of the church) and those whom one genuinely respects. It is a deliberate act and within their faith community they find opportunities to provide believers and leaders with this dignity.

Do you personally find opportunities to show outward signs of your respect to the Coming King? Are you able to humble yourself? Do you get down low enough? (e.g. on your knees) Will you touch the foot of another? Jesus did. Read John 13: 1 – 11. Jesus not only got on his knees but he also washed the feet of his disciples. He did this in a manner of servitude, showing by example, and thereby prepared his disciples to do the same.

Will you touch the feet of the Coming King? Will you give him the honor and respect that is due? Will you humble yourself and touch the feet of Christ through a washing of the feet of your brother or sister in Christ? Don’t you see? Christ lives in them, and what you do to one of them you do for him (see Matthew 25: 31 – 46).

Now go forth treasuring these words in your heart: But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves (James 1: 22).

Before I was humbled I went astray,

but now I keep your word.

Psalm 119: 67

Paul-like Song

While driving to work yesterday I heard this new song on the radio. It really captures the wonder and praise which flows out from your lips when you of fall in love with Jesus. . . head over heels, face down in the dust like Paul.

Click here to listen to "You Found Me" by Big Daddy Weave.

Be more like Paul in Christ

This is the Word of the Lord:

Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

Hebrews 13: 7

True leaders are tested and proven to be imitators of Christ.

I have thoughts of Paul.

1. Paul: an apostle.
2. Paul: a father in the faith.
3. Paul: a new testament writer.
4. Paul: an imitator of Christ.

Interesting. . .Invigorating. . .Sobering

Take note of Paul's simple beginnings. Paul began to experience true life while blinded, talking to God and down on his knees (see Acts 9).

It's that simple. Paul began his life praying.

So it really does not matter if you are a religious person, scholar, blind man, persecutor, prisoner, person in need, or one who is beaten-up. . . begin again!

Truth Restorers
are people who pray;
filled with his spirit,
you plead not in vain.

Peter - Are you willing?

Are you willing to obey?

Read John 21: 15 – 23. It is in this passage that Peter was challenged to obey no matter what happens (i.e., no conditions) by the transforming love of God.

21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus ,"Lord, what about him? " 22 Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" 23 So the rumor spread in the community that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?"

John 21: 15 - 23

Do you hear the call? God wants YOU.

He's saying, "Don't look to your neighbor. Don't look to your right or to your left. Don't turn off the path . . You, you follow me!"

Are you willing to obey and to forgive?

Peter was faced with the truth of God’s unrelenting love, upon the resurrection of Christ and following his denial of Christ three times over. Even while he was yet a sinner, in grievous sin, Jesus Christ still pursued him. Jesus loved Peter, and still loves him. Jesus went to where he was. Jesus sought to restore him. Jesus forgave him. And Jesus chose him to build his church and bestow kingdom authority upon him.

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these? He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." 16 A second time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."

John 21: 15 - 17

In a fresh way:

Peter, are you willing to love me?

Peter, are you willing to love me?

Peter, are you willing to love me?

Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. Yes, Yes Lord!

Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. Yes, Yes Lord!

Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. Yes, Yes Lord! Amen.

Then do as I do. . .

Feed my lambs.

Tend my sheep.

Feed my sheep.

. . .I have forgiven you!

Are You Willing?

This is the Word of the LORD:

"And you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve him with single mind and willing heart; for the LORD searches every mind, and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will abandon you forever. Take heed now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary; be strong, and act."

1 Chronicles 28: 9 – 10

Dear believers, who lift their hearts in a concert of prayer for Christ’s beloved church, do you hear what God is speaking to you? The LORD has chosen you to build his house, his temple, his body of believers, his place of worship as a sanctuary for Him to abide in.

Do you wonder “How? How are we to do it?” Dear Child, do not fear . . . only fear the LORD. For this is the wrong question. It is not a matter of “How?”, nor of intellectual prowess, but "HOW: A House of Worship" the Father says.

For we are to worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The location is in our hearts.

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

John 4: 23 - 24

The cornerstone is Jesus Christ (not a Peter, Paul or little rock).

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the LORD; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

Ephesians 2: 19 - 22

The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth. . . and, as in times past, this can not be done in our own strength or earthly wisdom.

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of Hosts."

Zechariah 4: 6b

Others do not know what they are missing. There is no god like our God! Let’s be faithful to seek Him and his face. And if we continue to walk before the LORD with all our heart he will strengthen us.

These are his promises to those who believe and confess:

O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant in steadfast love with your servants who walk before you with all their heart.

2 Chronicles 6: 14

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to him.

2 Chronicles 16: 9a

Keep His Commandments and Live!!

Proverbs 4: 10 - 27

Hear, my child, and accept my words,

that the years of your life may be many.

I have taught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.

When you walk, your step will not be hampered;
and if you run, you will not stumble.

Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
guard her, for she is your life.

Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not walk in the way of evildoers.

Avoid it; do not go on it;
turn away from it and pass on.

For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.

For they eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what they stumble over.

My child, be attentive tomy words;
incline your ear to my sayings.

Do not let them escape from your sight;
keep them within your heart.

For they are life to those who find them,
and healing to all their flesh.

Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.

Put away from you crooked speech,
and put devious talk far from you.

Let your eyes look directly forward,
and your gaze be straight before you.

Keep straight the path of your feet,
and all your ways will be sure.

Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
turn your foot away from evil.

In the days of Noah the earth was filled with violence (Genesis 6). And similar to today, the people's hearts were continually inclined toward evil (e.g., read the news, examine video games, and walk through the bookstore).

Noah, in stark contrast, was found blameless. Even though he was surrounded by the deep darkness of the times he chose to walk with God. Even before the cross, he chose to be Christ-like. He laid down his plans and picked up God's perfect plans (the Ark-iTech of LOVE). As a kind of forerunner, he daily chose to suffer public humiliation in order to build a vessel through which God would save the world from the coming flood.

In writing this, I must interrupt with sounding trumpet:

Jesus

Jesus Christ is to recieve all glory and honor and power. Jesus Christ is pure. He is the righteous and blameless Son of God. It is through Jesus Christ, and no other, that salvation is found. Jesus Christ is God's perfect and chosen vessel to save us from sin and death (which is our last enemy we're told, not flood nor famine nor blame).

So how should we live? Listen to God's commands. Trust and Obey. This is exactly what Noah did in his day. . . and please take note: God kept his covenant with Noah. Noah was saved. He did not succumb to the waters of destruction.

God is faithful.
God was faithful.
God will continue to be faithful to you and your family.

His Words of Instruction:

• "Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live."
  Proverbs 4:4

• "You must therefore be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn to the right or to the left. You must follow exactly the path that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you are to possess."
  Deuteronomy 5: 32 - 33

Morning Watch

O' Lord we thank you for awaking our hearts to your love; for making us afresh and anew; for strength, forgiveness and receiving untold blessings according to your Word. It's true, your wisdom speaks a better word offering life and compassion, and giving provision for a living covenant of peace through Christ Jesus, our LORD.

With a high calling from above, we gladly choose to set aside our concerns; turning our attention to others and those places where your affections remain. We specifically pray for your church and your people worldwide. Grant them greater wisdom and discernment in this hour of history, we plead. It is clear that we need to know right from wrong and to discern truth from untruth.

So, at this very moment, we come together as one collective body of believers boldly asking for an immediate and keen awareness of your direction. We desire that all your children may not miss the mark, stumble, fall astray, or lie down bleeding. Give us Jesus!

(the heartfelt prayer of a servant girl)

Proverbs 9: 1 - 6

Wake up and Sing!

Speak, child of mine, tell of His Glory
Speak, child of mine, tell of His Story
Speak, child of mine, for the Kingdom of God has come to you
Speak, child of mine, He is Faithful and True

Faithful and True, you belong to Him
Faithful and True, His Word never ends
Faithful and True, Jesus the Mighty King
Jesus, my Savior, God, and King

Substitutionary Atonement means The LORD will provide.

Reflections on Substitutionary Atonement

• Christ died for me.
• Christ suffered for me.

Hear the Good News: It is because the very Lamb of God took on our sin, died and rose again victoriously, conquering thine enemies (including the label cursed) that we too shall live.

I have heard it loud and clear - He set me free from chains and bore my inquity. He proclaims liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners (Isaiah 61: 1; Luke 4: 18). He paid the price and hung there cursed upon the tree (Galatians 3:13). All this done for you and me!

My worship is this: I will trust and obey. No matter what circumstance or evil befalls me. Jesus Christ is my portion; not wealth, not mammon, not position, not power or anything else. God provides.

To God be all Glory -

Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of honor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;
the LORD is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever.
Psalm 111

Today I have received forgiveness for my whine and second-guessing.
Thank you Father, Son and Holy Spirit for revealing this to babes.

Signed,
a repentent Isaac
who was almost consumed by circumstance and reason

Today's Text: Genesis 22

"Father!". . ."The fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"

The LORD will provide.

I had a dream

I had a dream last April 22nd.

I was in my father's house; sitting in his blue dining room. My sister showed me the back of a designer magazine. Although I didn't want to fill my mind with worldly things, I had to look. There was an advertisement (like that found on the back cover of a magazine - in color, a thick glossy). It had a face of evil; almost alive. The eyes were most troubling. The ad spoke, "I know a boy who can raise the dead." McDaniel was written in large letters at the top. I immediately knew this came from the pit hell even with an elaborate staircase photographed behind him. The timing was clear. All these things were happening right now, in this generation, when my own son is still young (around 11 years old). My own son had a friend who was fascinated with this boy who he's heard of.

I awoke trembling; knowing this is the time in our world - the end times. It is a matter of life and death, not "simple fantasy." It was impressed upon my heart to pray for unity and trust within the body of Christ. I also asked for wisdom and discernment of spirits. We are to be one with Christ.

Please read Matthew 24.

A Man of Sorrows : iSorrow

My soul cries out for more of you.

It's as simple as this I choose Christ. And no matter what happens my prayer will remain, I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death (Philippians 3:10).

O let my life be a reflection of your Love. . .

In the morning
I now can see
A rarely tasted fruit
Indeed!

There is no price
He paid the debt
Lay down your life
In truth submit

For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well (Philippians 1: 29)

How beautiful A Man of Sorrow is. . . A cross just for me. His blood shed for me. His love poured out for me.

Good Friday - Nailed it!

Hallelujah. Grace like rain falls down on me. All my sins are washed away.

• Have you heard these words?
• Do you know this truth?
• Will you receive this gift?

Christ died for all our sins erasing the record! (incl. my sins, your sins, our sins and "are" sins . . . all).

Colossians 2: 13 - 14

13 And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, 14 erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross. [emphasis mine]

Q: How will I know this to be true?
A: Take your guilt to the cross and see your salvation.

Psalm 32: 5
Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Heavenly Father, I come before your throne with boldness; asking for this one - for the one reading - to know the depths of your love. I pray for the heaviest burdens of guilt and shame to be removed. In your most merciful and gracious ways, please take away the sins of self-reproach: including unending blame; feelings of culpability and responsibility for "bad things" in one's life or in the lives loved ones; disapproving thoughts of discredit, disgrace, scorn and rebuke. Bring healing to these festering wounds that paralyze, I pray in the mighty name of Jesus.

iProfess: There is healing in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 103: 1 - 5
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits - 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Hallelujah. Grace like rain falls down on me. All my sins are washed away.

Discernment

1 John 2: 18 - 25

18 Children, it is the last hour! As you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. From this we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But by going out they made it plain that none of them belongs to us. 20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and all of you have knowledge. 21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and you know that no lie comes from the truth. 22 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; everyone who confesses the Son has the Father also. 24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginnning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he has promised us, eternal life.

1 John 4: 1 - 3
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. And this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that is is coming; and now it is already in the world.

• False prophets, who represent and speak for false religions, do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. They do not acknowledge him because they do not know him.

• False prophets, as well as their followers, reject truth and speak lies. They speak lies because they believe a lie, and reject the one who is the Truth.

• False prophets do not believe eternal life is found in Jesus Christ alone. They can not accept or speak the words that Jesus is the only way. Jesus is the the Way.
  

Mindful of Greater Things

I am mindful of this: There are greater things yet to be done.

In response: I commit myself to God's purposes and plans.

Do not let your heart be troubled.

Declaration

Matthew 10:27

What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.

No More Hope Deferred

Psalm 5: 11 - 12

11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice, let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you. 12 For you bless the righteous, O LORD: you cover them with favor as with a shield.

Beautiful Word Cloud

More thoughts on 2 Peter 1 instructions (click to enlarge).

using wordle.net

My Deliverer!

I was awakened this morning by a chorus of My Deliver being sung in my heart - Click here to listen to Freedom Album (by Mandisa).

This is who JESUS is My Deliverer!

Psalm 91: 14 -1 6
14 Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. 15 When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. 16 With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.

I Choose Christ.

I will testify to Love. Christ is the one who makes me clean. He wakens my ear in the morning. He is able to do more than I can ever ask or imagine.

I choose Christ.