Found Wanting

We seem to think that in order to give our lives to God we must give up things we want to keep, so we can become the person we think we’re supposed to be, even though we’re not really sure we want to be that person.  

It is fear of what God might ask of us that sometimes prevents us from taking that step of submission towards Him.  We are most fearful of allowing Him to be the master of our ship.  And this fear interferes with us coming to God for what we really want: love, joy, peace, freedom from addictions, etc. 

So we spend the rest of our lives looking for those things in the world, when He offers all these things, and far more, to those who are willing to accept; who are willing to trust themselves with Him.

copyright 6/24/2015

The Way

When I feel the cool of a summer's breeze against my face

and hear the orchestrated voice of nature in perfect harmony,

life is understood and all it's unanswered questions realized.

Those who are wandering through a maze of broken pieces,

in confusion, see not the order of the universe or purpose.

Life, then, is a series of obstacles that blocks one’s believing.

So close, so easy, yet so unattainable is distance twixt man and God when we cannot see the Way that stands before us,

waiting for recognition, waiting for the desire to know.

The Battle Within

“Do not wield the spear or strike a blow,” 

Is what we've heard; from the wise been told.

Is it wise to stand unarmed before the foe?

Taking neither shield, nor spear to throw? 

It's not the enemy without that we should fear,

but the one within we need commandeer.

When that battle is fought and struggle done, 

all battles outside have since been won.

copyright 6/15/2015

The Gift

It is the goodness of God that captures the goodness of man.
 
It is the goodness of God that creates the longing for God.
 
His goodness turns emptiness and loneliness into acceptance.
 
He pours tranquility over the soul's desperate struggle.
 
He offers His goodness as a gift. Total freedom as a gift!
 
Why would God want to give man the essence of Himself?
 
Perhaps the greater question would be: Why do we resist?


copyright 6/14/2017 



  

From ordinary To Extraordinary

Why do you think Jesus often chooses the ordinary to do extraordinary things? 

Moses had humble origins as an infant son of a slave.  But then he ended up being raised by a princess in the palace of the pharaoh of Egypt.  In the middle of that, though, he was humbled again as he had to run for his life after murdering an Egyptian who was beating on a Hebrew slave.  

He spent the next 40 years herding sheep.  Then, and only then, with no pride left, was he ready for the task God assigned to him.  Did he think he was ready when Jesus came calling?  Hardly.  He almost refused to obey this holy voice vibrating the air waves.  He had no confidence in himself at all.  

Yes, now he was ready.

The Bible is replete with examples of the common becoming quite uncommon:

David; from shepherd to king.

Esther; from commoner to queen.

Gideon; from weakling to a warrior.

Elisha; from farmer to the greatest miracle-working prophet of all time.

Amos; from sheep herder and fig farmer to prophet of the living God.

All of these and many more had one thing in common.  Was it their high marks in school, their charismatic  personalities, good management skills?  Were they born leaders?  Not even close!  In fact, no one would have expected great things from them at all.

But they all consented to be taught through a series of trials.  They made themselves willing to God’s leading, regardless of the impact it had on their immediate appearance of success or not.  

The almighty God of the universe is NOT looking for those who possess great abilities.  He is looking for those who possess great availability.

Your success story for the Kingdom can be: from abilities, to availability.

Think for one moment about what that means.  When Jesus wants to share what He’s been thinking with you, are you available to listen?  When Jesus asks for someone to encourage a wounded heart, are you available?  When Jesus is desperate for a volunteer to warn your neighbor, your friend, your co-worker, or the vagabond, are you available?  Do the “important” things in your life occupy the space for the necessary thing in your life?  Notice I said “thing,” not things.  It’s singular.  There is only one thing that is necessary, yet we fill our life with things.  

If you are thinking that you’ll address your availability at a later time, maybe when your schedule clears out, consider this question:  When Jesus closes the book of life for the last time, and He steps off His throne to bring His children home, will you be available then?

copyright 6/8/2015

My Reality

Here you stand in your rightful place,
No longer a shadow in my mind, 
but a constant in reality.
 
What made the shadows disappear,
from an ever-changing view
to a clear unbroken truth?
 
One night and brilliant hour, 
I relinquished my stubborn will 
and imagined power, to Him.


copyright 6/11/2015

Impossible

I hate it when things like this happen! 

I don't know anything more difficult than when painful things happen to those you love.  And what’s worse is that there is not a thing you can do about it.

Sometimes I watch a show on TV called “Fixer Upper.”  It is exactly what you’d guess; a show about a couple who take old, run down, dilapidated houses, strip them down and then, bam … after a few weeks they come out looking like what you would see in a magazine.  Amazing!

I’ve always loved the idea of being a fixer-upper and I gave it my best try.  But I wasn’t fixing up old houses; I was trying to fix up situations with my friends or myself.  I made a very sorry mess out of a few of my attempts at trying to “fix” things for others or myself.  Not a good idea.  Very bad.

So what do you do?  Do you just sit there and commiserate?  Or offer a few helpful hints?  Do you take sides and join the blame game?  That never turns out so well either.

In our culture, in these here United States, we are all about fixing.  When something goes wrong around the house just call “Angie’s list" and get it fixed.  If you’re sick, call the doctor.  If you are having difficulties with all the stresses that come your way, call a counselor. 

Hold on... I'm not against any of these things.  They all have their time and place.  They are all important.  And it would be foolish not use the things that have been established to help us.  But there are many things that come our way that can’t be fixed by the world’s bandaids; things that can only be fixed by the hand of God. 

I don't know about you, but I want to live a life of GREAT EXPECTATIONS!  Sorry, those words look rather large don’t they?  But that’s because it is a BIG DEAL.  I'm tired of praying for people and hoping something will happen.  I want to live EXPECTING something to happen!

Jeremiah 33:3 says that when I call to God he WILL answer.  And James 1:6 reminds me that when I ask God for something, I must believe it and not doubt.

And my favorite: Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” 

I have come to believe that Jesus loves us to expect Him to do great things; the bigger the better. 

Luke 1:37 says, “For nothing is impossible with God."  Yes, we know that anything is possible for God.  But did you know that for God to do nothing is also impossible!  

Think about it.  When we pray for someone or something, it is impossible for God to sit back and do NOTHING!!  Because NOTHING… is impossible for God. 

The moment we pray, Jesus puts a plan into effect to bring about the best results for that person. No matter what His children pray for He will give us the very best. 

So I no longer hope for an answer, I know that God is working on behalf of my prayers. Should I get hung up on how He answers the prayers?  Maybe He should answer it the way I think it should be answered.  No, of course not.  Sometimes He will answer it in the way we expect but most of the time, He won’t, but ALL of the time it will be for the greatest good.  No matter what, Jesus is working on SOMETHING.  He even said, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working.”

Therefore, the answer to the dilemma I was wrestling with at the beginning of this blog is to pray for the hurting, knowing God has a plan in place, EXPECTING Him to do something; because for Him to do nothing is utterly impossible! 

copyright 6/1/2015

Appointments

I slide into my bed pulling the cover over my shoulder. 
I lay in somewhat of a fetal position in the womb of God.
There is a smile on my face as I wait the birth of a new day
Where God's appointments are waiting in great expectation.


copyright 6/4/2015

Time

Time, time, the most valuable gift given to man.

Time, the most squandered gift given to man. 

But...

we always seem to make time for the things that are important to us. 

What does that say? 

What does that really say? 

copyright 5/31/2015

Only The Few

You cannot hold the weightier things 

of life in your hand;

Where wind and strife seek to loosen 

the hold.

Precious commodities must be stored

in the heart;

Where only the few who understand

will find an audience. 

copyright 5/27/2015

Musings

I spend this moment gazing at the covering of clouds that seemed to hover overhead. Don't you ever wonder what's going on behind those fluffy walls?

Do the angels dance upon the floor of gray, or do they gather to share something they learned today, about you or me? Maybe they just rest awhile.

I wish I were privy to their discussions about me. What it is that I do that frustrates them?  What are their concerns in regard to my spiritual well being?

If I could know these things, would it make any difference in my behavior or way of thinking? Maybe knowing that an angel cares might make a difference.

I guess for now I am left to wondering. But here is what I do know: One day it will be me dancing atop the clouds and wondering, Where to fly today.

copyright 5/23/2015

Grateful

I'm so grateful there is a God that willingly forgives my sin.
A God that not only forgives but changes me inside.

I have such love for this God, for He didn't throw me out.  
But took me into His heart, all because He wanted to.

Satan seeks to terrify me with the enormity of evil behavior.
He eagerly awaits the opportunity to cast the first stone.

But Jesus calls me to live in the freedom He bought for me.
So no matter what man may think, I will live in victory.

It no longer matters what the future or circumstance hold.
I will rejoice, for love is the banner He has chosen for me.


copyright 5/23/2015

One Day

Based on Luke 5: 1-11

The story began with “One day…”

Was it like any other day?  It could have been… except that it wasn’t.  The things that happened that one day were the kind of things that happens when we are conscious of the presence of Jesus. Things that happen when we are open to the touch of the Master’s hand.

The main characters in this story are Jesus and Peter, although James and John were also present but not integral to the power of the experience.  Since the men had just finished a night’s work fishing, they were all busy cleaning there nets. They were partners in their fishing business and had two boats between them. One boat belonged to James and John and the other to Peter.

You can imagine that they were trying to be as inconspicuous as possible since Jesus had come to the lake, followed by a crowd of people.  The crowd appeared to be growing by the minute.  Rushing to complete his after-fishing tasks, Peter tossed the net into the boat and sat down to listen and relax after a long tiring night.

Jesus walked over to the edge of the water and chose Peter’s boat in which to climb.  I'm sure Peter felt at least some satisfaction that Jesus picked his boat.

This is the first recorded instance of Jesus entering into Peter’s personal space and life.

Peter had seen Jesus perform miracles before; healing the sick, turning water into wine and even healing his mother-in-law of a high fever just the night before.  But this felt different. Jesus was inviting him to be a part of what He was doing. Peter was sitting with Jesus in Peter’s very own place of business.

 "I wonder if He noticed how well my boat is built. He would notice such things since He was a carpenter, you know.” 

The next thing that happened that particular “one day” actually brought Peter to the point of personal submission to Jesus. 

After the crowd had been spiritually fed and dismissed, Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Put out into deep water, and let down the net for a catch.”  And here came the moment of decision that had the power to set a different course for this unrefined, boisterous fisherman. 

Peter was tired and in need of sleep. He could have easily said, “I will do it tomorrow, I really will, just let me get a little sleep first.”

Peter must have thought that since Jesus was a carpenter and not a fisherman, He could benefit from a fishing lesson.  “Master,” he said, “we’ve been working hard all night and haven’t caught anything.”  What Jesus was asking him to do in the daylight was unreasonable since he had already worked as he should; at night.  Yet Jesus still waited for Peter to honor His suggestion.

Would Peter obey the words of Jesus?  Or would he find an excuse to not have to dirty his nets again; work more hours and attempt to catch fish in the broad daylight when every fisherman knows that the fish can see you in the clears waters of the lake?

In that moment of brief consideration Peter gives up his lesson in fishing and acquiesces.  “But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 

And because Peter honored the instruction of Jesus, a miracle was invited to touch the waters of the lake.

Peter shouted at the top of those powerful lungs “Help!  Get the other boat!  The nets are breaking! 

On this immediate testimony of Peter, others were now invited to participate in what Jesus was doing. 

When Peter realized the magnitude of Jesus’ love, demonstrated by the overwhelming abundance of product that he had tried so hard to produce and could not, he fell at Jesus’ knees.  At the most unlikely time, in the most unlikely way, Jesus said to Peter: “I love you.”

Peter was humbled, in this ever so gentle way, with a gift. A gift of fish that he would soon learn was a symbol of bringing many men to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Not by hard work, not by being careful of what other people think, but by being obedient to the words of Jesus.  Not by being exclusive and forming clubs of fellow believers, but by working in the light where the world can see.  Not under a bushel, but in the light on top of the hill.

Peter was changed forever that “one day” when he exclaimed with heart and voice, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 

Humbled before the mighty power of God and on his knees, the familiar soft tones of calm reached his ears. 

"Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."

Not a request, not a hope for the future, but a statement of fact. With no special schooling except what he learned from the words of a most high God, Peter stepped forward, leaving this world behind to cast his net into an unfamiliar lake of people.

But with what happened in that “one day,” not just Peter, but eleven others did not consider anything here on earth worthy of hesitation compared to being a follower of the one who turns everyday into a wonder.  And because they were willing to put out into deep waters, they changed the world.

What does Jesus have in store for you this “ONE DAY"?

Would you consider fishing?

copyright 5/19/2015

Sweet Harmony

What sweet harmony takes place when a body of believers comes together for the purpose of seeking God; for whatever purpose. There is a peace and joy that is visible. There is an overall willingness to trust and a vulnerability seldom experienced outside the body of Christ.

For this reason alone, (even though there are many others) we should “Not forsake the assembling of ourselves, as the manner of some is; but entreating one another: and so much the more, as you are observing the day drawing near.”  Hebrews 10:23-25

In case you haven’t noticed, the enemy’s bombardment has increased exponentially, even in the last year. Yes, we all must decide for or against God on an individual bases.  But for the body of Jesus, followers to be complete and whole and operate as a unit with health and strength, we must rely on each other for encouragement, for being held responsible, for correcting our course and so on and so forth.  We need each other's gifts. Not one person or shepherd or teacher or singer or prayer warrior should ever be expected to carry the load.

Those who come together in humble prayer, seeking God’s direction, will find a way open to fulfill the gospel commission. We are compelled to love the people of this world. We are compelled, by our love for Jesus, to share the good news that there is a way of newness and freedom.  “To be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:24

All I can do, is testify to how fellowshipping with like-minded believers is changing me. From one who actually disliked being around people (shameful, but true) and avoided them at all cost, to one who loves the opportunity to pray together, share praises and talk about Jesus for the advancement of His kingdom. Because you know what?  I need it!

copyright 5/18/2015

Here I Am

Today, I rejoice because today I spoke with God.

Today, I rejoice because I heard the voice of my Father.

Who am I, that I should be granted an audience with the Almighty?

Who am I, that He would condescend to share His thoughts?

It startles me to think of the magnitude of such a concept.

It is hard to comprehend why it took so long to get here.

How many times He invited me to take part in intimate conversation.

How many times He waited when I chose not to show up.

He has pursued me always; forever calling out my name.

No other choice was so glorious for me than, “Here I am." 

copyright 5/16/2015

My Friend

You cannot often tell when a friend begins to be a friend;
maybe when you first notice things that others do not see;
or find the friend a safe haven for your inmost guarded self.

There is friendship in a simple cup of tea, even shared in silence.
For silence is understood by the other instinctively.
There is joy in discovered insights you just can't wait to reveal.

The unfolding of a new day brings unexpected gifts
that stir the soul within and draws you closer then before.
How lovely are the moments we spend rehearsing the symphony of time.

Moments like these bring a familiar warmth and comfort. 
A knowing that even the wind and rain cannot disturb.
For my friend spreads His hand to shelter me from storm.

And I speak His name, for He embraces the essence of my life. 


copyright 5/7/2015

The Future

The future is not determined by what awaits us tomorrow, but how we treat today.


copyright 4/22/2015

Loving Jesus Part 10

LOVE…always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.  (1 Cor 13:7, 8)

Love transcends knowledge.  Love transcends emotion.  Oh sure, it involves knowing, and the results of love trigger our emotions, but to love God (who, in every essence, IS love) encapsulates our entire being. 

I would not have been able to truly know love without first experiencing Jesus’ love for me.

When I come into harmony with my Creator, then and only then, am I able to experience the love that accompanies the God of creation.

Jesus said "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  (Matthew 11:28, 29)

When I experience love with my body, soul and spirit, the reward is entirely unexpected. 

All of my Christian life I had heard about “the peace that passes understanding.”  I had heard about “freedom from the bondage of sin.”  I had heard about “the joy of the Lord.”  But none of those phrases held any meaning for me until I was willing to humble myself, and earnestly seek the presence of Jesus; forsaking all else.  Until that moment, I never really knew.  

Now, I have the joy and privilege to say that I have been gifted with the knowledge that Jesus’ love is real and alive in my life. It has overwhelmed me with peace, where no problem is so difficult He cannot solve.  And I am greeted, in the morning, with unspeakable joy.

Corny?  Not at all. But it is so unexpectedly real. Is this my spirit every day?  Of course not.  But it is what I seek and what I know is possible when I walk with my Jesus.  

I will fail; we ALL fail to love God as He deserves.  But this list of always protecting His name before others, and always trusting Him, and always putting my hope in Him, and always persevering against all odds… is something only God can always do.  But as we grow in the love He is constantly revealing to us, we continue to establish our love for Him and return it to Him in a more steady measure.  

So even when my love for Jesus fails, love never does. Because JESUS never fails!

copyright 4/15/2015

 

Loving Jsesus Part 9

LOVE...does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. (1 Cor 13:6)

If I know that evil is totally contrary to who God is, delighting in it would be like a slap in Jesus’ face. But is it enough just to avoid delighting in obvious evil?  I don’t think so because the rest of the verse gives me the action to cancel the first part.  I need to rejoice in the truth.  

But what about if I take delight in the ways of the world and incorporate its point of view into my own thinking?  Generally speaking, the ways of the world are not often in line with the truth.   They’re not outright evil, though, so sometimes I think they’re okay.  But are my thoughts and actions prompting and rejoicing with the truth?  

I have to continue asking myself these kinds of questions so that I understand that everything I do, and everything I think, either propels me toward the side of God (rejoicing in the truth) or widens the distance between us (delighting in evil). 

To love my Jesus would be to do what He asks of me; to rejoice with the truth. The word “with” almost implies that I’m not rejoicing about something, but rather with Something, or … Someone.  Of course, “the truth” is Jesus. So rather than delight in things that do not bring honor to God, I choose to rejoice with Him and place my focus on heavenly things.  

copyright 4/9/2015

Loving Jesus part 8

LOVE… keeps no record of wrongs.  (1 Cor 13:5)

In the first place, God does no wrong so it would appear quite foolish to think of me as keeping a record. But I am sure we all have preconceived notions about God’s choices and whether they were the “best” ones for us or whether they were “wrong.”  Or whether He answered a prayer like it “should” be answered or not.  

For example, I often pray for healing for others. There seems to be a rash of bad knees and hips in our church lately. I think I've prayed with and for every one of them. It hasn't been just me, but along with other prayer warriors, we have anointed and ask for God's touch of restoration. No visible change appears to have taken place.  That seems somewhat “wrong” to me.  After all, the Bible tells us to pray for healing for others and that the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.  I did what the Bible said yet the prayer was not answered.  I’m sorry to say that I probably have a mental record of many of those failed healing attempts.  Especially when other prayers are answered...

On another occasion, one Wednesday evening at prayer meeting, I was sitting beside a gentleman who had a serious stomach problem. I can’t recall the proper name for his disease, but it was interfering with his overall health to the point of great concern. The physicians seemed to have no remedy for his condition.  In that moment, the Lord prompted me to pray for him. I asked a few others who believed in the power of prayer to join me. We prayed and anointed him and he was healed.

I cannot tell you what made the difference, but if I had taken into account the other times we prayed, I could have thought, Well, God didn’t answer all those other prayers, so what makes me think He’ll answer this one.  And that kind of response would certainly be keeping a record of what I perceived as a wrong on God’s behalf.  

Until I have the answers for all of these questions, I will put my trust in Jesus and continue to pray, making an honest effort not to judge God’s responses and count them as “wrong.”  

copyright 4/3/2015

Fields Of Green

I want to walk through fields of green,
Waving tulips in the Spring.

To hold an eagle in my hand.
And spread my wings throughout the land.

I want to muse beside the tree,
That gives me life eternally.

To hear the music of the bird,
And understand their every word.

I want to sing on mountain tops,
Where songs of praise never stop.

I want to touch His love-filled face,
And find sweet rest from the race.

I want all this and yes, far more,
Of what He has for me in store.

Sing, oh heart, and praise my soul,
It's the greatest story ever told.

copyright 4/2/2015

Loving Jesus Part 7

LOVE....it is not easily angered. (1 Cor 13:5)

Anger appears to more often occur in response to feelings of being hurt. Rather than confessing our hurt feelings and exposing our vulnerability, it seems easier to avoid the appearance of weakness and react with anger instead.  We do that to protect our egos, but if I think before I act, I should never have to protect my ego from my Creator.

In my own heart, I respond in anger when I feel that God seems to not care what happens to me.  What appears to be a lack of caring or gentleness on His part causes me hurt and I lash out at Him instead. "How could you let this happen!”  The pain is further compounded when I allow that distance and anger to stand in between my spirit and His.  And I feel rejected and abandoned by Him all because He didn't respond the way I expected Him too.  The more I pull away from Him, the greater the distance grows and the more I try to hurt Him back by ignoring Him.  It’s a vicious cycle that could have been so easily avoided.  This response is not my intention but it seems to come out without thinking when pain is felt.

 Do you suppose Jesus feels hurt when I blame Him for trials that He has already warned us about? He promised that trials and hardships would come to all who follow Him. "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him." (Phil 3: 29)  

No matter how I get angry with Jesus it all seems to stem from what I expect from Him.  And when expectations are not realized, anger  reflexively occurs.  What a sorry state this puts me in.  Wow; it’s hard to reflect on how I treat Jesus.

Because I love my Jesus I would expect Him to do what’s best for me.  Not what I think is best for me, but what He knows is best for me.  Expecting Him to do that, is exactly the kind of expectation that will provide a healthy response towards Him rather than an angry one. 

"Teach me never to question Your intentions Jesus, or Your motives, but believe that You are, absolutely, always for me and never against me."

If I did that, I would never have a reason for anger.  And that would give Jesus a reason to smile because I would be loving Him.  I would just be loving Him!

copyright 3/27/2015

Loving Jesus Part 6

LOVE…is not self-seeking. (1 Cor 13:5)

In other words, when I love God, I will not seek Him for what I can benefit.

Jesus said, "For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost."  So when I look at seeking God from that perspective, I am quickly convicted of my own selfishness.  Jesus’ sole purpose was to reach out to people wherever they may be and in whatever condition.  He sought to saturate their very being in His love; giving them hope beyond today. 

His prayers were directed to His Father for the needs of others.  John 17 was a prayer Jesus prayed on behalf of all believers  throughout the ages.  This prayer was for each believer to have a oneness with God that was like His own relationship with His Father. 

I am convicted because my prayers too often resemble a shopping list of apparent needs I want filled.  I do pray for others also, but a great portion of my prayers are centered on me and my wants.

Teach me to be unselfish when seeking you, Father.  Teach me to see the needs of others before mine, and to hear the cry of ones who are seeking rebirth.

copyright 3/20/2015