God is Patient (my journal entry)

My flesh has been crying out, "why don't I seek you Lord like I used to . . . I know you better than years past and I continually try to please you through obedience, but the feeling of love seems so still and lifeless to me at this time and in this place?"

Help me! I regularly plea.

Okay reader, please don't worry. . . My soul knows that God patiently waits but I can't ever save myself from running to attend to other important needs (family, friends, church, etc.)

However, last night was different. I could not refuse his calling and "wooing" me unto love. It came through seeing the silhouette of a woman praying by the water on my iphone.

"That's it," I discerned his call as one of tender love. And I thought, "I'm definately headed out the door to sit by the pool and seek him (just like I do with my human husband in a quiet moment of the day)." So I programmed my alarm to wake me early in the morning and became determined to start the day right.

To be clear: He met me there just as he promised he would. Now that's love of the pure kind!

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

So "what did he say?," you might ask.

Well, it was mostly about his patient character.

This iUnderstand (and I know something more NOW): He waits to reveal truth until the right time when I'm ready to hear.

Apart from prayer I'm like a teenager who needs wisdom but am unable to receive anything wise which he desires to say. It's as if I close my ears. I will not receive The Truth spoken in love because I choose not to listen. I remain in a frantic state, too upset to really listen, and instead focus on myself while succumbing to imagined "trauma" while exaggerating problems from a youthful perspective. What I need is God's perspective in every situation.

• Ah Lord God! It is you who made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32: 17
  

God knows my human frailty and he patiently waits to impart His Wisdom when I'm listening! His strength is sure. Nothing is too difficult for him to handle. And nothing will ever snatch me out of his hand; not even the waiting. That is awesome.

So God really is patient in an active sort of way. The LOVE of God seeks the lost when they stray. The LOVE of God is never late (even when you have a full hour drive to pick-up your hurting child from school). His perfect LOVE is always prepared for every emergency ahead of time. His perfect LOVE is not selfish or demanding that anyone listen at this very instant (as seen in my parenting style). His perfect LOVE is not resentful or angered by any inconvenience and the thought of having to wait another day to be heard (characteristic of my parenting response). God, unlike me, chooses the path of love to patiently wait for others without malice, unkind words, or any small measure of impatience.

Do you see? He always has a good gift to offer his child, but he is also patiently waiting for the right time. . . the time when we are willing to listen to his voice, receive direction, and act on it. This is love.

• Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word. Psalm 119: 169
  

Key to Evangelism

The Key to Evangelism is the exaltation of Jesus Christ. So why do so many people expend energy toward sharing a "fail-safe" message that meets a human standard or expectation. To be clear, I'm thinking about the sinners prayer. In these days, the sinner's prayer is practically a holy grail. Lifted up high and to a religious "don't touch that one" status.

But why not examine our ways of doing evangelism? Scripture tells us to examine ourselves in order to see if we are living in the way (2 Corinthians 13: 5).

Take a closer look. Have you ever thought "if you just say these words of the sinners prayer, then you shall be saved." Yet rather than having any real power to save - which comes through Jesus Christ alone - these words were written by a modern day man and only provide fleeting comfort to the one trying to evangelize. For there is a real temptation placed upon every young evangelist to rely heavily upon these words alone and to enjoy the usefulness of this evangelistic tool simply because "success" is alluring.

In growing up into Christ, here is what I see:

1). The effective presentation of the sinner's prayer has become an objective means by which we - mere mortals - use to count our own achievements in performing this seemingly difficult task of evangelism. By example I will confess my own sin in this grievous way. For I have repeatedly thought "I have heard her say the sinner's prayer in my own hearing; I even led her in the prayer that day, therefore I have won one!" Plain and simple, this is our sinful nature rearing it's ugly head (as in pride) when we credit the winning of a precious soul to our own personal account. It's equivalent to sharing in God's glory that is due to him alone. And are we not told repeatedly, over and over, again and again, that salvation belongs to God. Yes! It is God who brings the growth, performs the miracle and does the good work.

2). The act of leading another person in the sinner's prayer such as saying "repeat after me" in parrot-like repetition causes the evangelist to instantly relax and be tempted to think "my work is finished" even though there still remains a great commission to go and make disciples. And the truth is there really is something more to be done such as walk in fellowship together and not send them out on their own (they are like baby birds needing protection, nourishment, and teaching on how to soar above the things of this world etc).

3). Any evangelistic training which relies on the sinner's prayer rather than the Holy Spirit to do his work is at risk for raising up ill-prepared evangelists. For they do not come prepared or armed with anything more. So the bottom line is this: it may be that a once useful tool has become a hindrance for us in cooperating with the creative work of the Spirit.

4). The thrust of our message should be a clarion call to repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Our story is explaining God's original and perfect plan to make a people for himself, the greatness of his love by sending his only begotten Son as an atonement for sin, and the finished work of our redemption won through Christ's victory on the cross.

Therefore, take time to ask the Lord what he wants to do in and through you this day. Don't look back. Press forward. . . and let's together recommit ourselves to cling to the cross (not a mere earthly crutch) to help us do the work to which we have been called.

Go ahead now. Use your own words and I'll use mine . . . the words the Holy Spirit places on our individual hearts that he wants to hear.

The author's personal reminder note: There really is a big difference between pleading another to "just say the sinner's prayer and you'll be saved" and clearly speaking the truth, such as boldly proclaiming "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." It is Christ who saves and not a prayer.

A Signpost Confession

John 1: 6 - 9 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. (Amen)

My Response to the Hearing of this Word is simply: More Confession

Yes, I rejoice at the hearing of the Word of the Lord! Even a difficult word of Confession. For I am reminded by the Holy Spirit that I can do nothing apart from him (John 15: 5).

Yes, I rejoice at the hearing of his voice! His voice came in loud and clear this day. Thus I must acknowledge my lowly position: I am not all-knowing (this belongs to God) and there are many things that I do not know. With proper perspective and his vision I am able to see that I am a mere broken vessel (2 Corinthians 4 v. 7), a simple servant-teacher and human mouthpiece, filled with the voice of many waters (i.e., his voice). The purpose of this in-filling is not to satisfy my feel-good longings but it comes according to the will of the Father, in line with his perfect design and choosing, and for the fulfillment of his ultimate plan and promise to make a people for himself. Therefore, what can I do but testify to his greatness and freely water the Word of God already planted by the precious hands of my co-laborers in Christ.

Thus again, by compulsion of the Spirit, I confess that I am nothing but a mere human sent to water that which I did not plant (Deuteronomy 32: 1 – 3). Though I teach, it is God who gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3 v. 7).

Furthermore, I understand John was compelled by the Holy Spirit to write down, to identify and confess his humanness as a lasting testimony in order to point to the ultimate supremacy of Jesus Christ alone.

From the start of his written testimony John makes it clear.

John existed because of Jesus Christ (John 1 v. 3). John lived for Jesus Christ (John 1 v. 7). He was defined by Jesus Christ (John 1 v. 20 – 23). He died for Jesus Christ (Luke 9 v. 9). He was nothing apart from Jesus Christ (Acts 17 v. 28). He was absolutely small in comparison to Jesus Christ – a mere human that others viewed as strange for they did not understand why he would choose to live apart in the desert for the purpose of sanctification and to be clothed with unadorned camel’s hair while feasting on insects while learning of God’s good provision and the way of a thankful heart. Again, in his own words, he was not the light (John 1 v. 8).

John then went on to speak, seek, and pray an ever-increasingly decrease of his own life so that Christ would forever be glorified and magnified (John 3 v. 30) . . . Yea, Foreverlasting it will be!

So why post my own confession for all to read?

God says, write the vision, make it plain on tablets so that a runner may read it (Habakkuk 2 v. 2). And like John I tremble at the revelation of who Christ really is . . . Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Do you see? By writing it down, there is no more confusion. Beyond any shadow of a doubt we can know our proper place in God’s kingdom and I want to go forth teaching and modeling the gospel by example. I seek a blameless lifestyle in preparation and hope that many would come to faith and believe in God’s Word because of my personal testimony. I can’t teach what I don’t live out. I must humble myself again and again.

Greatness should be ascribed to one true Son of God, Light of the World.

More Food for Thought:

John’s role, task, purpose, goal, was similar to that of a living, breathing signpost --- pointing to the Way “Make straight the way of the Lord” (done through a call to repentance) . . . pointing to the Truth Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (according to the proclamation and identification of Christ living and breathing in this world) . . . and pointing to the Giver of Life In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (telling of his incomparable Glory for all eternity that outshines the darkness of death).

John only came to testify to the light.

Salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone.

I am humbled as a witness to Jesus Christ this day.

Lord help me to step aside so that I can be a signpost to someone greater; my Savior Jesus Christ – the one I love.

Joy

Galatians 5: 22-23
By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

Plain and simple: Joy is a fruit. . . it must be grown.

So let me help you understand. Joy, like all the other fruit, is grown from a small seed which is the Word of God (Mark 4: 14). It must be planted in the soil of your heart (Luke 8: 15) and then watered from heaven either by a direct downpour or some gentle teaching (Deuteronomy 32: 2) so that the roots go down deep. Then, at the appointed time, a tree will spring forth and grow. Wow! a miracle because it issues forth from God's design and exists only because of his "doing" (1 Corinthians 3: 7). He gives it life by placing his Spirit within (2 Corinthians 3: 6). Do you see? It is fruit of the Spirit. The fruit comes from Him (that is, God the Holy Spirit), and by no other means. And when the sun shines down on us because Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, and his Righteousness is lifted high like the noonday sun in our lives, our fruit begins to ripen.

So 'Yes' there is a purpose because his fruit is meant for sharing. . . . so that others may taste and see that the Lord is good! . . . and more seeds may be planted.

Aha! I'm back to Evangelism and nothing less.

Psalm 1: 1 - 3
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.

There's Something More

I can't stop thinking about the human spirit which yearns for something more. This plea is inside every human being. It's apparent in the world. It's prevalent inside all the church walls. There's no getting around it except by faith.

So I ponder this conundrum:

Why is it? . . . while many christian workers speak of a God-shape vacuum inside of us that nothing else can fill or fit, and therefore we must ask God for help; yet it remains that so many believers in Jesus Christ still yearn for something more.

My thoughts are these:

Though like a student who already knows the material I have bold confidence. I can pass this test for I read the text, studied it, memorized it, etc... I have also practiced writing down the perfect answer to any open-ended question.

Likewise, in a similar vein, I have found that valuable mainstream publishers always provide help or companion materials authored by little known individuals. They write lesson plans, examples, and answer keys to go along with their textbooks so that professors may read it, possibly use it, share it, and print it.

Yet God has done better. He is the author and perfector of our faith. He has given us something more!!

Listen to his text, study it, examine it, memorize it:

• "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever (John 14: 15 - 16).
• I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you (John 14: 18).
• Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them (John 14: 23).
  
• But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you (John 14: 26).

So the answer has already been given.

The Master is now patiently waiting for you . . . perhaps even silent and perfectly still . . . waiting . . . waiting for you . . . waiting for you to ask him for something more.

As a teaching assistant:

Let me shine some light to help expose the underlying problem of this conundrum. The conundrum is promulgated by unbelief.

Do you see it now? The question is related to your beliefs about God's own character. Do you believe what the world says? Either 'He is a harsh taskmaster with too many laws to obey' and 'He punishes' or Do you believe what God says? "I Am Who I Am" and he is "Our Father - Daddy God - who abounds in steadfast love and mercy." Both can not be true.

Therefore, I shall conclude that our belief - or unbelief - determines our response to him.

Supplementary Reading

‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’ Luke 11: 9 - 13 Ask for God's good gift of the Holy Spirit

‘Why do you call me “Lord, Lord”, and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who (1) comes to me, (2) hears my words, and (3) acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.’ Luke 6: 46 - 49 Take Action based upon his words.

The Master is now patiently waiting for you . . . perhaps even silent and perfectly still . . . waiting . . . waiting for you . . . waiting for you to ask him for something more.

Humble yourselves

1 Peter 5: 6
Humble yourselves therefore
under the mighty hand of God,
so that he may exalt you in due time.

All God's children

Church going isn't enough!

All God's children should know they are redeemed.

• bought with a price
• bought for a purpose
  

They should also know God's deliverance from evil.

• understanding more and more what God has done in their lives
• fully knowing the extent of his handiwork in transforming a sinful heart

Years ago the LORD awoke me from slumber and spoke with a loud booming voice, "You think you're lucky but it brings death."

I knew what I had to do. I had to give up this notion of luck (good luck, bad luck, etc). I had to destroy childhood leprechauns.

The truth is Jesus saves. I can't ever save myself.

He delivers me from evil. He delivers me over and over again (from before the crib to after the grave).

My God is GREAT!

I would be hard pressed to name all the wonders he has done in my life because the list is so long.

WOW! Isaiah 43 He makes a way for his people.

R. Emanuel Exposed

A good basketball player knows to look at the opponent's belly and not their smile.

Therefore, s.imply s.poken, I see a naked man exposed.

His gut-level ruthlessness gives him away and reveals which direction he is going.

"R. Emanuel" is anti-christ in thought, word and deed;
but the MOST HIGH God speaks a better word:
JESUS, our Emmanuel

comes down from heaven
and gives LIFE to the world.

Therefore, I must confess my own sin (silently before God) and profess my faith (aloud to God and man).

• Jesus Christ gives life.
• He is the author of LIFE.
• He does not take the life of another.
• Jesus lays it down so that another may live.

Precious Jesus help us to truly love, pray and forgive our brother Rahm. Bring life to him and to our nation once again.

Do uSee what iSee? Obama can’t.

Obama can’t see past his “own glory” in the spotlight. He thinks he’ll earn an ‘A’ for ramming the S.S. (Slaughter Solution) through a temporal problem of ice-o-lated resistance. However, an ordinary citizen who stands for truth knows that ‘A’ is for abortion.

Furthermore, we the ordinary citizens of these United States understand what is true: Our current captain, his officers, and the ruling class have taken on the same mindset as those embodied (and now entombed) in the Titantic rubble. They are over-confident, unaware, and believers of the lie called “unsinkable.”

Rather than engaging in good decision making and sticking to conventional wisdom, we see lawmakers promoting a false hope. Instead of taking ordinary and precautionary measures to insure success, we see an abundance of undue pressure and effort expended in order to make reasoning men cave. This makes the whole lot of them akin to groupthink caricatures.

The warning is clear. Let’s turn from sudden and imminent destruction. Relying on a broken moral compass is simply bad navigation. Continuing along this stream of lukewarm elitism is treacherous water. Surely there is a mountain of people whose hidden cries in the womb have been heard and their pleas for justice shall not go unanswered.

Thus the continuing S.ensless S.laughter of innocent life will break the G.rand S.olidarity of the U.nited S.tates apart. It brings death to a nation.

Without vision
the people will perish.

Our Christian Heritage

The heritage of the saints is no small matter. It is truly great.

Although we may be called to good in the seemingly little (like give a cup of water), we are called to do great feats as ambassadors of Christ - we represent the King of Kings, we speak on his behalf, we offer his hospitality, we model his way of love, and we stand for his government here on earth. We are to bring the good news, not simply good intentions, whereever we place our feet; whether this be at home or on foreign soil.

So good intentions are not enough. We must be faithful to the task. . . in the little and in the knowing of the greatness of our God and of his Kingdom.

WARNING: There is a coming judgment of the Nations !

Matthew 25: 31 - 46
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' Then he will say tho those at his left hand, 'You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

To which kingdom do you belong? God's or the world. Sheep or the goats. On the right hand of God or the left. Blessed or accursed. Those who do or those who don't (incl. those with some good intentions).

This teaching is hard!
. . . so iMustAsk myself about today:

am I offering the excuse I meant to call you?

Sacred Echo

What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light;
and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.
Matthew 10: 27

• Are you listening for God's voice?

• Are you speaking ALOUD His Spoken Word to you?

This is why I chirp from the housetop: to proclaim the glory of the King; to make known his commandments. I rejoice at the sound of his voice.

Plain Art

Senseless Slaughter

Jesus makes a way
to avert sudden destruction
from s.enseless s.laughter

Sacred Moments

Because God is Holy Holy Holy there really is a sacred moment of sharing in Christ's sufferings every time a believer ministers directly unto the LORD.

To begin: It is like when you bind the wound of another, you are doing it unto him through a physical act of love (Matt 25: 40). So too when you find a tangible way to help bear the burdens of another in love (1 Cor 13: 7), you are participating in bringing forth God's plan and purposes in their life. Rightly so, these physical-tangible deeds are noteable ways in which we may seek to fulfill God's commandments to actively love Him and to love others too (Matt 22: 37 - 40). Accordingly, we should ascribe greatness to his name because he daily grants to every human being an opportunity to show their love for him and others.

To continue: There is a lesser known privilege granted to the saints who love God first, above all else: that is to physically and tangibly suffer for the LORD (Phil 1.29). Yes, it is power of God at work inside them to willingly suffer on his behalf. This is no small feat inside the kingdom of God but born out of a great love for him, a genuine gratitude for his sacrifice, and a thankful heart for the gift of substitutionary atonement.

To explain: It is Jesus who suffered and died. He literally bore on his body all our sin, transgressions, pain, afflictions and disease (Isaiah 53: 3 - 5) in a physical-tangible way. On top of that he holds first hand knowledge of all our personal woes for he was despised, scarred, scared, scorned, rejected and more. How else can it be other than his act of substitutionary atonement deserves all praise, his perfect love demands our affections, and his wounds our tender human attentions. Therefore, let us not deny his personal need in this hour by turning a blind eye to his sufferings or deaf our ears to his cry Why have you forsaken me? . . . Ah! Do you hear the hammer even now, nailing his precious hand to the cross? I do hear that resounding throng of a hammer pound. It is nothing less than a direct blood-shedding blow taken on my behalf. Do you see him hanging on the cross with eyes of sorrow and his head hung low? I sometimes do when others are around reveling in lesser glories of mere human success. Quite truthfully he longs and patiently waits for my silent fellowship with him alone.

To encourage: Go ahead and take another sacred step forward. Go directly to him. Cast your eyes upon him for a sacred moment alone . . . you'll find hind in the Holy of Holies and just past the veil of focusing on temporal things. It's your calling, your walk of faith, and your heritage to minister directly to the LORD.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2: 9

To commission: Now go forth knowing Jesus Christ paid the price for you (Rom 5: 8). Nothing can separate you from the love of God and loving him (Rom 8: 35 - 39). Like the priests who have gone on before, you are invited to enter into the Holy of Holies and minister unto him. He likes to hear your praise and your small voice reminding him of what he has already done. Speak the truth in love to others. Speak the truth in love to Him -- for this sacred moment is hidden in Christ and meant to be found.

God Never Fails

Whenever Moses spent significant "quiet" time with God he began to reflect the glory of the LORD. And through every desert place of adversity, wherever he walked, Moses learned more fully the undenying fact that God is FAITHFUL!

Do you regularly spend face-to-face time looking into the eyes of your maker?

If not, please take time to examine each benefit . . . for as you spend real quality time gazing-up at Christ you will begin to shine like the stars, become more fully formed into his image, and reflect God's faithfulness?

Therefore, since He is FAITHFUL in everything (whether good, bad, or ugly), I too want to be faithful in all that I can. Good intentions are no longer enough for me. I want to do great feats for kingdom - - in and through every opportunity that God allows to cross my path - - and at the end of the day I want to look in the mirror and rejoice.

My cheer: I'm beginning to resemble him because he's always on my mind.

Short Course on Intercession

Biblical Text: Genesis 26 - 36
Main Character: 'the supplanter'.

His story goes something like this:
Jacob, when young, took advantage of his brother.
He crafted 'such a deal!' not to look like a steal, but instead of giving to others he chose to grab at a chance to make some wealth for himself.
The hidden cost was priceless; something money can't buy.
Something God calls precious; plus what is true and wise?
The way of brotherly love.

Don't you see the 'poor'[-idge] intentions had he?

1. Desiring wealth over love.

Don't you see what is hidden?

1. He gained earthly goods but lost brotherly love.
2. He got rich but it cost him everything; becoming emotionally broke.
3. He found wealth but lost relationship.

So What Now? I need my God to intervene.

Begin with Confession

Forgive me Lord for deceiving others. Forgive me Lord for lies. Forgive me Lord for seeking my own advantage. Forgive me Lord for greed. Forgive me Lord for hating my brother. Forgive me Lord for fearing for my own life!

2 Chronicles 7: 14
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Follow a Truly Reformed Model of Pleading Prayer
Pray God's spoken word to you; speak aloud his guidance and clear direction. Humble yourself before him and tell of all his mighty deeds. Seek the Lord and make plain your requests. Remind God (and yourself) of his good promises.

• He is faithful to bring it to completion.
• He is not a liar.
• Every word of God proves true.

Genesis 32: 9 - 12

And Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O LORD who said to me,'Return to your country and to your kindred, and I will do you good,' I am not worthy of the least of all the steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan; and now I have become two companies. Deliver me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I am afraid of him; he may come and kill us all, the mothers with the children. Yet you have said, 'I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted because of their number.'"

What happens at His Feet

At the feet of Jesus Christ there is wholeness. . . and at the feet of Jesus Christ there is healing. These are bold and trustworthy statements. Do you believe them?

Read the stories of healing found in Luke 8: 40 -56 and Matthew 15: 21 – 28. Take note that the first two individuals mentioned fell at Jesus’ feet and the third, a Caananite woman, came and knelt before him.

Why did these individuals humble themselves at his feet? Clearly at this point in time they recognized Jesus for who he is, the Son of God. With this revelation they placed their full trust in him. Moreover, it is through their actions that they acknowledge his Divine authority and show him the honor and respect due.

What did they find at Jesus’ feet? The answer is simple, yet multi-faceted. They received spiritual blessing and wholeness (i.e. the strengthening of their faith); physical healing; and they heard the words of Christ. Do you see, or has it been hidden from you, that when we fall at the feet of Jesus we are renewed by the very word of God? This is not new! (Hebrews 13:8). When Moses came into His Presence (e.g. into the tent of meeting) he spoke with God. . . this same intimate relationship with God is available to us today. In fact, the curtain has been torn for this purpose (Luke 23: 45). Christ’s life, death, and resurrection is our invitation. Through Christ we are invited to come before our King.

So the question is: Will you come into his presence, acknowledge him as King, and listen for his voice? It is there at his feet that we receive his spoken word to us which leads to the life abundant Jesus promised his followers.

What a wonderful promise we have in Isaiah 55: 11 that God’s word is totally trustworthy and true at all times.

"So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

What is his word to us today? Do you long to hear the words “Samuel, Samuel” spoken by Christ himself. God does have a plan.

The Invitation is forever printed in black and white:

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Are you intimately familiar with His Feet?

Picture in your mind the birth of a newborn child. Have tears of joy ever sprung to your eyes at the birth of a child? Do you see God’s mighty work? Did you take time to gaze upon the infant’s feet? What beauty! What love! Simeon and Anna too, like John the Baptist, knew what it meant to behold the Lamb of God as they held the Christ Child. They believed God’s revelation. They gazed upon the beauty of the Lord and caressed Him in their arms. Drawing near to his perfect feet (those that bring Good News) they knew of the Father’s great love.

Go quickly now. There's a clear picture of what Simeon and Anna intimately knew. It is found right there in Luke 2: 25 - 38.

Meditation on "Our Father"

Our Father, who art in heaven. . .

You are my Abba,
A Daddy God.

Daddy God . . .
I praise you,
For you gave me life.
It is by your hand that I live.
Job 12: 10 In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being.

Daddy God . . .
I thank you,
For you give me eternal life.
It is through your Son Jesus Christ that I live.
John 10: 10b I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Daddy God . . .
There is none like you!
p.s. 119: 32 I run the way of your commandments, for you enlarge my understanding.

Pope Trail

I keep thinking about a wonderful bike ride in the High Sierras last summer. When I was on my way to Pope beach I rode through a forest of giant evergreens. Their enormous size reminded me of the planting of the LORD (similar to Psalm 1:3 and Isaiah 61: 3).

For me that day, these giant soaring trees represented the heroic and much sought after lives of "Giant Faith" men who truly lived-out the Gospel while entrusting themselves to a faithful creator. These giants of the Christian faith still do proclaim "My God is Great"; they do not represent the rebellious Goliaths with fist-shaking hands in the face of God. Imagine with me people like the Pope, well-known evangelists, Christ's early disciples, and famous saints throughout history.

One tree in particular caught my attention. It had been struck by lightening and split in two. Even though it physically suffered from a significant fire, much like any real trial, persecution, or attack against one's life, it remained alive and is continuing to grow strong in the shape of a "V". Now that, to me, stands as a V for Victory which our Conquering King has won over death! (in reference to 1 Corinthians 15: 50 - 58).

Similarly, I noticed there were other towering trees among these giants which had signs of real physical suffering including famine, drought, harsh winter seasons, and plagues/bouts of illness. Illustratively so, these suffering servants had the marks of their Maker:

• visible battle scars (I bid you come; Come gaze upon His wounds; See Christ's hands and feet),
  
• patient endurance (Like God, the Giver of Life, who patiently waits many years for those tiny seeds of faith, planted deep within the soil of our hearts, to take root, sprout and grow in due season.)
• perseverance (The kind that Holy Scripture tells us about; God is Faithful; He will never leave or forsake us; He will see you through any crisis; He loves you!).

Elisha, A Contender

To contend for the faith is a good thing.

Jude 3
Beloved, while eagerly preparing to write to you about the salvation we share, I find it necessary to write and appeal to you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.

What else could he have said to make it more plain? For it's clear, the writer of Jude is appealing to the saints to contend for the faith that was entrusted to them. The one true Faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God; the one entrusted to him and to us, if we so choose to believe.

It's that simple. Let us therefore contend for all of it and not just part of it.

Take a moment to consider the life of our brother Elisha, an example of one who contended for it all. Even while many other known prophets tried to discourage him, he continued on the path of pursuing God by following along, and behind, another forerunner named Elijah* until he found for himself:

• the one true Master over everything in heaven and on earth.
  
• the one worthy of all praise.
  
• the one holding all authority.
• the one all powerful God!
  
• the author of life.
  
• and Victor over death.

iEncourage you to read all about Elisha's pursuit of the living God in 2 Kings 2: 1 - 14.

iPray that you will be moved to contend for the same unchanging faith entrusted to Elijah, Elisha, Jude and other God-fearing forerunners. Amen.

*One who had real evidence of the spirit of the living God upon his life.

This tidal wave come: the Alignment of the Saints

Just as water reflects the face, so one human heart reflects another [Proverbs 27:19].

So I ask you this question: Does your heart reflect the one who belongs to the world? Or does your heart reflect Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God who came in human form and gave his life so that you - dear Saint - might live?

Go ahead and seek Him to understand this tidbit of wisdom: A heart set on following the path of Christ is one that desires to act in obedience to God's word. And the willingness to crucify the flesh (i.e., one's sinful nature) is a cross formation inside the heart of thee.

Now look again inside your Bible! We are told that Jesus, by his very nature, is the true reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being [see Hebrews 1:3]. Therefore, Jesus Christ perfectly reflects the Father's heart (i.e., the heart of LOVE).

Plainly speaking, Jesus showed us God's perfect love and wisdom by learning obedience through what he suffered even unto the point of death on a cross[Hebrews 5: 8].

Do you see? The supreme act of LOVE is defined by the cross.

Jesus himself confirmed this word: "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends" [John 15: 13]. And He showed us the way of the cross.

Therefore I Conclude in this way: We will see God's perfect alignment of the saints when we, like the Israelites, choose to encamp around the presence of the Lord and become conformed to the cross (see Numbers 2 to draw your own conclusion and a picture of a beautiful cross formation).

And now for my very own pressing forward, and the desiring of the refiner's fire in perfecting my faith, I choose to reflect on this verse: 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].

Amen.

Please join along with me and all the other nameless Saints from across the sands of time and take up your cross to come into alignment with God's plans and purposes for your life. It's time for a tidal wave of Christ's perfect LOVE, which reflects the true love of the Father.

To Refute and Confound Unbelief

-:Three Premises upon which I take a stand (God's Word does not return void!):-

Psalm 62: 11

Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God.

Jeremiah 32: 17

Ah Lord God! It is you who made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.

Matthew 19:26

But Jesus looked at them and said "For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible."

-:My Exposing Sermon (+ some teaching notes):-

All Power belongs to God. Not some, but all!

In response to suggesting there is a power stronger than God based on Mark 5: 5-6 iSay this, "Truly , I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise" (see John 6:19). Moreover, God is gentle in spirit.

He is neither a taskmaster; nor does he demand compliance. Though he gives us commands, he has is also extraordinarily gracious. He gives us the choice to obey. He is patient. He is loving. He is a gentleman standing at the door knocking. He is waiting for us to ask him into our lives and home.

So tear down that stronghold of unbelief in your own hometown and let the King of Glory come in!

-:His Promise upon which He stands (to those who would believe + Hebrews 11:6):-

Jeremiah 29: 13

When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart.

An Ebeneezer in Word

Romans 8: 6
To set the mind on flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

So I ask you this question: Where do you choose to place your thoughts?

• On your own disappointments, pain and hardship?
  
• Or on the truth that God is Faithful?

I know from experience that if you ask God for wisdom he will give it to you (see James 1: 5).

Just this past Sunday I asked God to open the scriptures for me concerning the desert place(s) of temptation (based on Luke 4) . He gave me this teaching to remember: God is Faithful.

In other words, God is Faithful in the good times and in the bad.
God is Faithful no matter what kind of life circumstance I may find myself facing each day. God is Faithful even in the desert places of my life where I am dry and thirsty, hungering for more, and daily tested concerning my obedience to his word. God is Faithful.

Go ahead. Make it perfect and confess God is - - - - - - - -!

Faithful?
Faithful
Faithful
Faithful
Faithful
Faithful.
Faithful!

I think it's that way. We question at first. We believe. We understand it's an absolute truth (period) and then we Rejoice!

An Ebeneezer Dayspring

Here's what I am thinking:
To set the mind on flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace Romans 8.6

• It is the Holy Spirit who raises one from the dead (my JESUS CHRIST)
  
• It is the Life-Giving Spirit of God who brings me LIFE (give me JESU CHRISTO; this is my plea!).
• It is the Holy Ghost who guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (ushering into my life the one who is Prince of Peace JESUS CHRIST).

So I choose to worship my King . . .
and I look forward to see what he's about to bring.

You may ask a good question like this: What does she expect? New mercies everyday! iExclaim.

. . . so I press on.

Are you perhaps wondering even more: How can she say this with such bold confidence? God is Faithful! iProclaim.

Now Look and see! I built an ebeneezer for all to see.

iDoTestify2U. The desert path I took was filled with death, lies, and disappointments one right after another. But the One Who is Truth has proven himself true. The way home is the cross.

Moreover, iSay, God is Faithful to all generations sharing his steadfast love to the thousandth generation (see Exodus 20:6). He loves the Son, he loves Abraham and Rebekah, he loves you, and he loves me.

Dear One I pray that you come to the place where you are willing to stake your life upon the true claims of Gospel alone. Ask God to give you his Spirit. The Holy Comforter is the one who will open the scriptures for you as you open his Book. . . and you'll be given eyes of faith to see God's Faithfulness in times past and in your very real and present situation.

Trade our Ire for iREcommit to you LORD

It seems to me that a majority of people in the church no longer want a moral compass.

Yet what good is a compass that no longer points North all the time?

In praying through Romans 1 and 2 I am set free to live. As a result, I no longer find myself groaning about growing wickedness. In Christ I find perfect peace and rest. What a valuable trade!

The truth is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came down and lived among us. He willingly gave his life as a living sacrifice, bearing our sins on his human body and hung on the cross in place of us. He died on our behalf so that we might live. This is Pure. This is Love. . . . and God tells us to think on things such as these (see also Philippians 4:8).

Thank you Heavenly Father for sending your Son and loving me. Thank you Jesus for shedding your blood and forgiving me. Thank you Holy Spirit for bringing forth truth and comforting me.

How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word.

With my whole heart I seek you, do not let me stray from your commandments.

I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.

Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes.

With my lips I declare all the ordinances of your mouth.

I delight in the way of your decrees as much as in all riches.

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.

I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

Psalm 119: 9-16

Four Words that Divide

With great power to separate evil from good Jesus spoke four simple words: I am the Gate (read John 10.7 through 10.19!).

These four small words are sharp and to the point, dividing falsehood from truth. In the most definitive terms, there is no other way to salvation except through Jesus Christ.

We as humans may also choose to freely speak with power: I will follow you. When spoken, and without a doubt, these four little words draw a clear demarcation upon the sands of time. There is no fence to sit upon. These four spirit-filled words put you immediately on the front line of battle.

Either you are for, or against, Jesus Christ?

Listen again to the words of Jesus Christ: "My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they FOLLOW ME. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish." (John 10. 27 - 28).

These are:
Words of wisdom.
Words of intimacy.
Words of promise.
Words of warning.

Four simple words that divide. Four small words that lead to full surrender.

Go ahead. Confirm your walk with a forward (i.e., a four word) press toward the prize of Christ Jesus (Philippians 3.14) and speak, pray, sing, text, blog, or paint a spirit-filled expression of love for Him: I will follow you.