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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Birthday Sonnet

Thy Rest (in Thee)

A life of shattered dreams I lived;
Like a withered body on a cross.
I hang there with my Lord today;
My prayer to know Thy Rest (in Thee).

Helpless. Not hopeless.
My ever-present help.
Knowing full well...
I can't ever save myself.

Let me hurry unto my death;
A self surrendered to new birth.
O' Suffering Servant, nailed to the tree,
turn my life upside down in love for Thee.

Who is it that proclaims stark love?
Jesus Christ has done for me.
I beseech thee, O' Most Glorious One,
let me know Thy Rest (in Thee).

Reminder of His Unfailing Love

Woe is me, for I am a person of unclean lips.
You O' God are high and lifted up.

Without you I am nothing;
I have spent my days living in the dust,
falling into the pit of emptiness.

At first I chose to secure my life in this world,
but found death instead;
Yet when I humbled myself before you,
I found Christ according to your unfailing LOVE!