As I reflected on Psalm 99 this week, it occurred to me that I need to spend more time recalling the things that the Lord has done, as well as the many aspects of His name. As Psalm 99:1-3 says, "The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; He sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. Great is the Lord in Zion; He is exalted over all the nations. Let them praise Your great and awesome name!" So today, here are my offerings of praise:
I praise You Lord...
Because You reign far above all other gods...
Because Your plans will stand forever...
Because You are close to the broken-hearted and You save those who are crushed in spirit...
Because You redeemed my life from the pit and put a song of praise in my mouth...
Because You will supply all of my needs according to Your riches in Christ Jesus...
Because You have compassion on me...
Because You will never leave me, nor forsake me...
Because Your love never fails...
Because all things work together for good for those who love You, who are called according to Your purpose...
Because You are near to all who call on You in truth...
Because You have given me everything I need pertaining to life and godliness...
Because You do immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine...
Because You are faithful to Your promises...
Because You are worthy of my praise!
Lord I praise Your name today:
Because You are the Holy and Anointed One, the Beginning and the End...
Because You are my Deliverer, Healer and Provider...
Because You are my Strength, my Rock, My Fortress...
Because You are My Redeemer and Restorer...
Because You are my Light and my Salvation...
Because You are my Shield and My Defender, the Ancient of Days...
Because You are the Great I AM, the Living God...
Because You are the name that is above every other name!
"Great is the Lord and worthy to be praise...Ascribe to the Lord, O families of nations, Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength...Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name! (Psalm 95:4,7)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
More Than Gold
A couple of weeks ago, so many of us were "glued" to the T.V., as we watched the Olympic athletes amaze us with their incredible abilities. Each gymnast, swimmer, runner, etc. seemed to perform his/her athletic event with such ease. Michael Phelps, who has repeatedly won gold medals, created the illusion that swimming in the Olympic races is easy. However, we all know that it is no easy task to become an Olympic athlete.
I once knew of a gymnast who trained for the Olympics and she put her entire life on hold to pursue this dream. For months, she trained for 8-10 hours per day, giving ultimate sacrifices with a strict diet, curfew and social restrictions. She left her school, her family, her friends and everything familiar to press toward the goal of competing in the Olympic Games.
The apostle Paul had also observed the Olympic Games in his day, for they are nearly as ancient as civilization itself. Paul was what I would consider to be an Olympic Christian. He left all of the comforts of life to do the work of evangelism and follow his calling to the Lord Jesus. In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul gives us a beautiful illustration of the life of a Christian who is pursuing his/her goal to know the Lord--everything is a loss compared to knowing Him. In verse 10, he continues to want to know Christ even more, to share in the fellowship of His suffering...Here is what Paul says concerning His relationship with Christ in verses 12-14: "Not that I have obtained all this or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
In this passage of Scripture, Paul is obviously making comparisons to a runner who is striving toward the finish line to win a race. These verses give me a new perspective about goals, dreams and prizes. When I see the Olympic athletes from the U.S.A. receive a gold medal, and the American flag is raised while the National Anthem is being played, I always get a tear in my eye. However, how much greater will our prize be, when we stand before Jesus face to face to receive the rewards that He has prepared for us. How much greater will our prize be than a piece of metal or a plastic trophy when we fully understand the priceless gift of a relationship with the Lord of Lords who gives us everlasting purpose. Let us look toward what is ahead and press toward the goal to receive the prize (which is much greater than gold) of the high calling of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.
More than gold, More than silver,
More than bronze is Your worthy to me...
I press toward the mark of the high calling
Of Jesus Christ Who is the Prize
Of my life...
I once knew of a gymnast who trained for the Olympics and she put her entire life on hold to pursue this dream. For months, she trained for 8-10 hours per day, giving ultimate sacrifices with a strict diet, curfew and social restrictions. She left her school, her family, her friends and everything familiar to press toward the goal of competing in the Olympic Games.
The apostle Paul had also observed the Olympic Games in his day, for they are nearly as ancient as civilization itself. Paul was what I would consider to be an Olympic Christian. He left all of the comforts of life to do the work of evangelism and follow his calling to the Lord Jesus. In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul gives us a beautiful illustration of the life of a Christian who is pursuing his/her goal to know the Lord--everything is a loss compared to knowing Him. In verse 10, he continues to want to know Christ even more, to share in the fellowship of His suffering...Here is what Paul says concerning His relationship with Christ in verses 12-14: "Not that I have obtained all this or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
In this passage of Scripture, Paul is obviously making comparisons to a runner who is striving toward the finish line to win a race. These verses give me a new perspective about goals, dreams and prizes. When I see the Olympic athletes from the U.S.A. receive a gold medal, and the American flag is raised while the National Anthem is being played, I always get a tear in my eye. However, how much greater will our prize be, when we stand before Jesus face to face to receive the rewards that He has prepared for us. How much greater will our prize be than a piece of metal or a plastic trophy when we fully understand the priceless gift of a relationship with the Lord of Lords who gives us everlasting purpose. Let us look toward what is ahead and press toward the goal to receive the prize (which is much greater than gold) of the high calling of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.
More than gold, More than silver,
More than bronze is Your worthy to me...
I press toward the mark of the high calling
Of Jesus Christ Who is the Prize
Of my life...
Monday, August 25, 2008
A Symphony of Praise
When I was in elementary school, my teacher conducted an experiment with our class. She asked us to listen to every sound we could possibly hear in the classroom. As we sat and listened, we could hear airplanes flying over, people walking down the hall, the buzz of the fluorescent lights on the ceiling, etc. The teacher finally asked us to list the things we heard during the experiment. While the class listened for all of the sounds in the room, no one seemed to notice the teacher scribbling on a piece of paper with her pencil. She explained that no one heard her scribbling because of "noise pollution". All of the other noises we heard were much louder than her scribbling pencil. The object of the lesson was for us to realize that there are sounds happening all around us that we may never hear.
Every now and then, I am reminded of this experiment, and I begin to listen for sounds that I don't usually notice. There is an entire symphony of praise that God orchestrates every day. He pulls the curtain open each morning to a beautiful sunrise. The rhythm of nature is expressed in the wind trickling through the leaves on the trees, the crashing of waves against the shore, and the drops of rain on giant leaves in the rain-forest. Choruses of living creatures give praise to the Lord as whales moan, crickets chirp, mockingbirds sing, and bears growl. Thunder echoes through time and space, as the great timpani of heaven awakens us to the Majesty of our God.
Luke 19:40 tells us, if we keep quiet, the rocks will still cry out in praise to God. Not only will the rocks praise Him, but every living creature will orchestrate a glorious symphony of praise to the Creator of heaven and earth. Thank you, God for Your awesome creation that daily demonstrates for us how to worship You. May we never keep silent, but let us join with all creation in this symphony of praise!
Every now and then, I am reminded of this experiment, and I begin to listen for sounds that I don't usually notice. There is an entire symphony of praise that God orchestrates every day. He pulls the curtain open each morning to a beautiful sunrise. The rhythm of nature is expressed in the wind trickling through the leaves on the trees, the crashing of waves against the shore, and the drops of rain on giant leaves in the rain-forest. Choruses of living creatures give praise to the Lord as whales moan, crickets chirp, mockingbirds sing, and bears growl. Thunder echoes through time and space, as the great timpani of heaven awakens us to the Majesty of our God.
Luke 19:40 tells us, if we keep quiet, the rocks will still cry out in praise to God. Not only will the rocks praise Him, but every living creature will orchestrate a glorious symphony of praise to the Creator of heaven and earth. Thank you, God for Your awesome creation that daily demonstrates for us how to worship You. May we never keep silent, but let us join with all creation in this symphony of praise!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
A Divine Masterpiece
This weekend, my husband, Dale and I went to see the Impressionist Exhibit at the Kimball Art Museum. It was fascinating to see original works by famous painters such as Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Cezanne. Although Dale appreciated seeing these great masterpieces, he was satisfied with a 45 minute tour. However, I wanted to linger at each painting to observe every brush stroke, every hue and shading technique. Several art students were at the exhibit taking notes and memorizing the exquisite details in those great works of art. I will probably have to go back and take notes myself!
I was so inspired by the use of color and design that these artists dared to explore during their lifetime. The impressionists rose out of France in the late 1800's and early 1900's. They were rebels against the Western art of the Renaissance period. Up until the late 1800's artists primarily painted formal portraits and Biblical scenes. The Renaissance artists painted realistic, concrete images. The impressionists experimented with figures in every day life and their painting techniques leaned more toward the abstract, and eliminated clean lines. The use of color and vivid brush strokes became more prominent.
What led these brilliant artists to rebel against what was considered to be normal and acceptable? The impressionists were initially criticized for rebelling against the culture of their time. They were continually misunderstood. But what if they hadn't rebelled? We wouldn't have the works of art that are so beautifully admired today.
Sometimes rebellion can be a good thing. I am thankful that Jesus rebelled against the religious culture of His day. The Pharisees, or pious, religious leaders carried an image in their minds of what the Messiah would look like--a majestic king, robed in royal clothing, with a jeweled crown. They pictured Him to be a conquering warrior; a commanding hero who would set up a magnificent earthly kingdom. Yet God sent another portrait of the Messiah--a humble carpenter, dressed in ordinary street clothes, who held children in His lap and spoke to half-breed women. Instead of seizing power over nations and kingdoms, Jesus taught, "the last shall be first and the first shall be last."
Many times I ask myself--what would I have done with this Messiah if I would have lived when Jesus lived? Would I have seen Him for who He was or would I have looked for someone else? I believe that God is still painting images of Jesus today. He is still presenting "brush strokes" and "color schemes" that seem foreign to me at times; foreign because my flesh does not often see the things God's Spirit longs for me to see. Even now, God is rebelling against the culture of our day. He fights against what seems to be normal in our finite realm of thinking..
However, God, in Holy rebellion is painting the Way, the Truth and the Life, and when all is said and done; we will see Him as He is! We will be filled with awe and wonder one day, as we gaze upon the Masterpiece that God has been painting all along. Oh Lord, help us to catch a glimpse of the images of Christ that you are painting in our lives today. May we see with the eyes of the Spirit and not miss the beauty that you long for us to see...
I was so inspired by the use of color and design that these artists dared to explore during their lifetime. The impressionists rose out of France in the late 1800's and early 1900's. They were rebels against the Western art of the Renaissance period. Up until the late 1800's artists primarily painted formal portraits and Biblical scenes. The Renaissance artists painted realistic, concrete images. The impressionists experimented with figures in every day life and their painting techniques leaned more toward the abstract, and eliminated clean lines. The use of color and vivid brush strokes became more prominent.
What led these brilliant artists to rebel against what was considered to be normal and acceptable? The impressionists were initially criticized for rebelling against the culture of their time. They were continually misunderstood. But what if they hadn't rebelled? We wouldn't have the works of art that are so beautifully admired today.
Sometimes rebellion can be a good thing. I am thankful that Jesus rebelled against the religious culture of His day. The Pharisees, or pious, religious leaders carried an image in their minds of what the Messiah would look like--a majestic king, robed in royal clothing, with a jeweled crown. They pictured Him to be a conquering warrior; a commanding hero who would set up a magnificent earthly kingdom. Yet God sent another portrait of the Messiah--a humble carpenter, dressed in ordinary street clothes, who held children in His lap and spoke to half-breed women. Instead of seizing power over nations and kingdoms, Jesus taught, "the last shall be first and the first shall be last."
Many times I ask myself--what would I have done with this Messiah if I would have lived when Jesus lived? Would I have seen Him for who He was or would I have looked for someone else? I believe that God is still painting images of Jesus today. He is still presenting "brush strokes" and "color schemes" that seem foreign to me at times; foreign because my flesh does not often see the things God's Spirit longs for me to see. Even now, God is rebelling against the culture of our day. He fights against what seems to be normal in our finite realm of thinking..
However, God, in Holy rebellion is painting the Way, the Truth and the Life, and when all is said and done; we will see Him as He is! We will be filled with awe and wonder one day, as we gaze upon the Masterpiece that God has been painting all along. Oh Lord, help us to catch a glimpse of the images of Christ that you are painting in our lives today. May we see with the eyes of the Spirit and not miss the beauty that you long for us to see...
Monday, July 14, 2008
Thirsty
This time of year, I consume more water than usual. I just bought a huge case of bottled water and it is already gone! There's just something about the heat that drives us to drink water. Nothing else seems to satisfy like a cold glass of water when we are hot and thirsty.
Our body weight consists of 2/3 water. Water is necessary to regulate our body's systems and maintain proper body temperature. Our bodies use water along with food, as fuel to keep it in good running order. Water lubricates our joints and organs, maintains muscle tone, keeps our skin soft, filters out impurities, and keeps our minds alert. It is also responsible for the movement of nutrients to cells throughout our bodies. Without a doubt, water is a necessary part of our diet. The benefits of drinking plenty of water each day are numerous, and yet there are probably very few of us that want to consume 8-10 glasses of water on a daily basis. We're just not that thirsty! However, in the heat of the summer, I would be more likely to consume more of the recommended daily amount of water than usual.
When the "heat is on" spiritually, where do we go? David the Psalmist cried out in Psalm 42: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after you. My soul thirsts for you oh God." This was not a happy time in David's life. He was oppressed by the enemy and he felt like God had abandoned him. But as a discipline, he recalled the faithfulness of God and he redirected his thoughts to the truth about God's character. In his desperate state, David knew that the water he longed for was hidden in the truths of God's Word. God's character was known to him through his obedience to spend time in the presence of God. He was spiritually thirsty, but he knew where to quench his thirst.
All of the complications of life can quickly deplete us of our spiritual hydration. Drinking the water of God's Word, and spending time in His presence "lubricates" our tired souls. It "regulates" our thoughts and actions and helps us "maintain" spiritual stability. Let us not forget the benefits of the Living Water that God desires to give us on a daily basis. As we reach for our next bottle of water, may it be a reminder to us to hydrate ourselves spiritually as well.
As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after You
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship You
Our body weight consists of 2/3 water. Water is necessary to regulate our body's systems and maintain proper body temperature. Our bodies use water along with food, as fuel to keep it in good running order. Water lubricates our joints and organs, maintains muscle tone, keeps our skin soft, filters out impurities, and keeps our minds alert. It is also responsible for the movement of nutrients to cells throughout our bodies. Without a doubt, water is a necessary part of our diet. The benefits of drinking plenty of water each day are numerous, and yet there are probably very few of us that want to consume 8-10 glasses of water on a daily basis. We're just not that thirsty! However, in the heat of the summer, I would be more likely to consume more of the recommended daily amount of water than usual.
When the "heat is on" spiritually, where do we go? David the Psalmist cried out in Psalm 42: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after you. My soul thirsts for you oh God." This was not a happy time in David's life. He was oppressed by the enemy and he felt like God had abandoned him. But as a discipline, he recalled the faithfulness of God and he redirected his thoughts to the truth about God's character. In his desperate state, David knew that the water he longed for was hidden in the truths of God's Word. God's character was known to him through his obedience to spend time in the presence of God. He was spiritually thirsty, but he knew where to quench his thirst.
All of the complications of life can quickly deplete us of our spiritual hydration. Drinking the water of God's Word, and spending time in His presence "lubricates" our tired souls. It "regulates" our thoughts and actions and helps us "maintain" spiritual stability. Let us not forget the benefits of the Living Water that God desires to give us on a daily basis. As we reach for our next bottle of water, may it be a reminder to us to hydrate ourselves spiritually as well.
As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after You
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship You
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Survivors
There are many tribes of people who live on the Amazon River. I recently observed a particular tribe on a television documentary who challenged me to a better understanding of what it means to survive. With survival as their main goal in life, this tribe devised ways to escape their harsh surroundings and natural elements. They had to work together as a team to build their homes and hunt for food. To survive, they needed to focus and gain strength for their journeys ahead.
In the spiritual world, we are no different than this Amazon tribe. We are trying to survive in a jungle of activity overload and choice overload. In 1978, there were 11, 767 items in the average grocery store. By 1992, that number increased to 24,531 with 186 different types of cereal alone! We are trying to survive as Christians among a culture that continually bombards us with ungodly influences and immorality of every kind. How will we survive? This is no reality T.V. show! This is real life!
One of the keys to survival is to gain strength. In Isiah 30:15, the Lord says, "In quietness and trust is your strength." These two words, "quietness" and "trust" are words that are packed with great energy. It is no small task to quiet oneself and to completely trust in the Lord. To quiet yourself means to be rid of anxiety or to "settle your heart." Fortunately, God wants to help us quiet our hearts. Zephaniah 3:17 says that "He will quiet you with His love." There is nothing more precious in all of human existence than that moment when God quickens us to how much He loves us. We can then become more than conquerors (or survivors) through Him who loves us. (Rom. 8:37) God promises that His love is perfect and it casts out fear. (I John 4:18) If we truly understand His love for us, then it will be so much easier for us to trust in Him to take care of our circumstances.
Throughout the different trials in my life, the Lord has asked me two very important questions, "Do you know that I love you?" and "Do you trust me?" I have come to realize that I cannot even answer these questions with a "yes" until I become so weak, that I allow God's love to empower me. This is true strength. This is survival. The beautiful aspect of God's love is that He not only uses our trying circumstances to reveal His love to us, but He uses them to perfect our love for Him.
We are living in enemy territory--in a world that is against us. I am so thankful that God is on our side! He is fighting for us and He will empower us to survive as we learn to rest in His love and trust Him to provide for our every need. Lord, perfect Your love in us so that we may gain strength for the journey ahead. May we see the urgency to rest in Your love as we live as survivors in a jungle that would seek to devour us. You are our Hope, our Fortress and our Deliverer. We depend on You!
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness...
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand...
In the spiritual world, we are no different than this Amazon tribe. We are trying to survive in a jungle of activity overload and choice overload. In 1978, there were 11, 767 items in the average grocery store. By 1992, that number increased to 24,531 with 186 different types of cereal alone! We are trying to survive as Christians among a culture that continually bombards us with ungodly influences and immorality of every kind. How will we survive? This is no reality T.V. show! This is real life!
One of the keys to survival is to gain strength. In Isiah 30:15, the Lord says, "In quietness and trust is your strength." These two words, "quietness" and "trust" are words that are packed with great energy. It is no small task to quiet oneself and to completely trust in the Lord. To quiet yourself means to be rid of anxiety or to "settle your heart." Fortunately, God wants to help us quiet our hearts. Zephaniah 3:17 says that "He will quiet you with His love." There is nothing more precious in all of human existence than that moment when God quickens us to how much He loves us. We can then become more than conquerors (or survivors) through Him who loves us. (Rom. 8:37) God promises that His love is perfect and it casts out fear. (I John 4:18) If we truly understand His love for us, then it will be so much easier for us to trust in Him to take care of our circumstances.
Throughout the different trials in my life, the Lord has asked me two very important questions, "Do you know that I love you?" and "Do you trust me?" I have come to realize that I cannot even answer these questions with a "yes" until I become so weak, that I allow God's love to empower me. This is true strength. This is survival. The beautiful aspect of God's love is that He not only uses our trying circumstances to reveal His love to us, but He uses them to perfect our love for Him.
We are living in enemy territory--in a world that is against us. I am so thankful that God is on our side! He is fighting for us and He will empower us to survive as we learn to rest in His love and trust Him to provide for our every need. Lord, perfect Your love in us so that we may gain strength for the journey ahead. May we see the urgency to rest in Your love as we live as survivors in a jungle that would seek to devour us. You are our Hope, our Fortress and our Deliverer. We depend on You!
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness...
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand...
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Identity
Ephesians 1:18 "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe."
From current statistics, it is said that identity theft happens every three seconds. I have been a victim of identity theft, and it is a frightening experience! Sandra Bullock starred in a movie a few years ago, where she played a character whose identity was not only stolen, but in all of the electronic systems around the world, she did not even exist. Her name had been completely removed from all Federal and official records. Because identity theft is one of the leading crimes in America, there are companies like LifeLock, whose mission is to prevent identity theft from happening to innocent people.
From a spiritual stand-point, I believe that Satan is in the business of identity theft. As I am in the midst of raising teenagers, I have seen how fragile a person's identity can be. A teen's main question during this turbulent time is "Who am I"? How a teen answers this question will often determine the choices he or she makes. I have found the same thing to be true in my own life, even through my adult years. This simple, yet haunting question "Who am I" continues to echo in my mind.
In last week's article, I wrote about Jesus, the Good Shepherd in John 10, who gently leads us through every season of life. He also calls "His" and he knows us intimately. As His sheep, we can know and recognize His voice. As our Good Shepherd, Jesus affirms our worth to Him, and our purpose to His Kingdom. Yet in John 10, Jesus also mentions the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy any identity we may have in Christ. Satan targets our identity because he knows that those who have a sure identity in Christ are a threat to him. Once we know who we are in Christ, we are able to stand firm against any lies and fiery arrows that Satan may hurl our way. Jesus calls this thief a "stranger"; one who has "trespassed into the sheep pen". He warns us not to listen to the stranger who lies, accuses and deceives us.
In Ephesians 1, the Good Shepherd continues to whisper through the words of the Apostle Paul, "You are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus", "have You are chosen before the foundation of the world", "You are created in Christ because you have believed the Word of Truth", and "You have a glorious inheritance." Jesus has given us prevention from identity theft. He is our "Life Lock". Let us stand firm in the hope to which He has called us. We can be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, and we do not have to ever listen to the stranger's voice.
Thank you God, for You have given us true identity through Your son, Jesus. May we only listen to our Good Shepherd who gives us life, hope, purpose and peace.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Uncertainty
"I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--just as the Father knows me and I know my Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep." John 10:14-15
I often convince myself that if I worry about a situation involving uncertainty, I will be able to fix it. Uncertainty is one of the hardest things for me to deal with, because I can't control it. The truth of the matter is, I really can't control what is certain either. For some reason, I frequently cling to the sense of "false peace" that worrying brings. The longer I live, the more I see that I can't control my circumstances; but I can control my reactions to my circumstances. I am comforted by Jesus' words in John 10. As my Good Shepherd, Jesus knows me and He cares for me; enough to lay His life down for me. Furthermore, He wants to speak to me, and He longs for me to recognize His voice. He promises to guide and direct me, even through the troublesome, uncertain times.
Jesus has tried for Himself all of the experiences through which He will ask me to pass; and He would not ask me to pass through them unless He was sure that they were not too difficult for me. This is the blessed life--not anxious to see far in front, nor fretting about the next step, nor eager to choose the path, nor burdened with responsibilities for the future, but gently following behind the Shepherd, one step at a time. It is comforting to know the Shepherd is always ahead of His sheep. OUR UNCERTAINTY IS HIS CERTAINTY. He is already in the tomorrows, and all of the tomorrows have to pass by Him before I can experience them.
Jesus confronts the worrier in Matthew 6: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?'' (verses 25-26)
Jesus was wise in His choice of animals for us to imitate during times of uncertainty. The birds are the earliest to sing in the morning, and they are more care-free than any other creature. Singing is the last thing that the robins do at night. When they have done their daily work, when they have flown their last flight, and picked up their last morsel of food, they prop themselves on a high place and sing a song of praise. I learned a lesson from the birds this week: THINK LESS, SING MORE. SING IN THE MORNING. SING IN THE EVENING. Surely our weights will become wings as we adopt this philosophy. It's worth a try, anyway!
How can I keep from singing your praise?
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love!
How can I keep from shouting Your name?
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Vision
This year, I have prayed for God to give me spiritual vision. First of all, I want to see Him more clearly, but I also want to know what He specifically desires for me. I believe that I will worship God more authentically once I see Him more clearly. Throughout all generations, God has miraculously revealed Himself to individuals who were earnestly seeking Him. As a result of their vision from God, their lives were forever changed. They SAW, they WORSHIPED and bowed down and finally, they FOLLOWED Him. This happened to Moses, Abram, Isaiah, Paul, and the list goes on. Compelled by their vision from God, others followed them as well.
Great preachers, poets, prophets, songwriters and singers of old, are those who lived imaginatively from a vision from God. One who has received a vision from God can simply say, "Imagine the view from here." We have the songs and hymns today because people experienced certain aspects of God's character and dared to write about it. As a songwriter, I am always fascinated by the stories behind the songs that we sing. Perhaps the writer of "Shout to the Lord" was captivated by God's creation as she wrote: "Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing, power and majesty praise to the King, mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name..." Others have written from a place of repentance: "We bow our hearts, we bend our knees, O Spirit, come make us humble..." From a place of mercy: "When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of Glory died..." From a place of awe: "You are beautiful beyond description, too marvelous for words..."
It is not really about singing the songs, but seeing God and calling others into the vision. The Lord promises to reveal Himself to us if we truly seek Him. However, we must be ready for our lives to be changed once we really see Him. Furthermore, we may be responsible for leading others to follow Him. A worshiper journeys through the multiple aspects of Almighty God, stopping at the "scenic overlooks" as he views the horizon of God's infinite glory. Then, he can say to others, "Imagine the view from here!"
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord...
I want to see You high and lifted up
Shining in the light of Your glory!
Be Thou my vision oh Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art--
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Freshness
Freshness is another characteristic of an effective worship leader. It simply means "to live in the present tense." Worship leaders who exhibit freshness lead from the perspective of "today", and can often interject glimpses of their present journey with God into the corporate worship experience. There is a simple equation for us to follow: DAILY DEPENDENCE EQUALS FRESHNESS. I ate at a restaurant recently (I won't mention the name to save its reputation!) but I was very disappointed in the quality of the food. It did not taste fresh, but stale and old. I probably will not return to that restaurant because of the bad experience I had while eating there. In fact, every time I think of that restaurant, or pass by it, I will remember the dreadful old and stale food!
As I have reflected on the aspect of freshness as a characteristic of an effective worship leader, I remembered the words of Jesus as he referred to Himself as "Living Water". Jesus implied that He would offer freshness with every drink. He is our Daily "fresh" bread, the "fresh" Air that we breathe. He promises freshness to us each time we come to Him, and from that life-giving interaction, we can reflect His vitality in our daily living. I am always encouraged to know that God does His most ordinary work within our most mundane, ordinary activities. He is the Fresh wind and Fresh fire that blows through the most ordinary of circumstances. He is the flowing stream of fresh water that gives life to our parched souls.
God knows that we will expend ourselves on the most useless tasks. He knows that we will fret over what we cannot control. Yet, He offers this beautiful invitation: "Come to the waters...all who are thirsty...why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen to me, eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fare! (Isa. 55:1-2)
Oh God, may we depend upon You daily to rejuvenate us so that we can reflect your fresh work in our lives!
You are the air I breathe
Your Holy presence living in me
You are my daily bread
Your very Word spoken to me
And I'm desperate for You
And I'm lost without You...
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Intentional Worship
Several years ago, I attended a worship conference that greatly impacted my life. As I watched all of the "cool" people on stage, I was impressed by their attitudes of humility and transparency as they poured their hearts out to us. At the time that I attended the conference, I was aspiring to be a "worship leader." However, I was confronted with some very profound thoughts while I was there: 1. An effective worship leader is first an effective worshiper 2. You can't lead someone to where you have never been 3. Once you know the way, you are ready to lead 4. A worship leader is responsible for those he leads. I thought to myself, "There's a lot more to this worship leading stuff than I thought. Do I really want to be a worship leader?"
God began a work in my heart at that time to draw me closer to Him. I knew that I could never be an effective worship leader without first being a worshiper of Him. Many years have passed since that time, and God is still teaching me about worship. Sometimes, it comes from absolute joy and awe as I have witnessed God's mighty power in my life. Other times, worship comes as a sacrifice when I have nothing to give but pain and tears. Nonetheless, worship has become an important part of my life. I once learned of nine characteristics of an effective worship leader: Joy, Authenticity, Excellence, Maturity, Humility, Freshness, Sensitivity, Transparency and Biblical Soundness. Since we become what we worship, these qualities will be evident in us, if we seek to worship God intentionally.
I have also learned through the years, that a worship leader leads worship off stage as well as on stage. It is humbling (and frightening) to know that people are watching every moment of the day! Worship is our response to God for who He is; and what He has done, expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live. He reveals Himself and we respond to Him. By worshiping God intentionally, we are declaring that He is of great value in our lives and we are willing to invest our time, energy and devotion to Him.
The beautiful aspect of worship leading, is that we can all have a part in leading worship--every cellist, choir member, guitarist, organist, pianist, praise team member, etc. I love that God has a place for all of us. I love that this church allows so many to use their gifts and talents. Thank you God, for the privilege of enabling us to lead others to Your throne each week. Help us to worship you with our whole hearts. Reveal Yourself to us so that we may respond to you in joy, authenticity, excellence, maturity, humility, freshness, sensitivity, transparency and Biblical soundness...
Psalm 84:1,2,10
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere..."
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Peace
I'm seeing the word "peace" posted everywhere lately...on t-shirts, bumper stickers, billboards, etc. Why are people so infatuated with peace? It has almost become a foreign word, a lost art or a faint memory.
One of the names given to Jesus was the Prince of Peace. It is interesting to me that these two words are combined together. A prince, as we all know, is someone with power and authority--an heir to the throne. "Peace" is a sense of rest or contentment; wholeness. In other words, Jesus is the ruler over our sense of rest, contentment and wholeness. Christ's power and peace go hand in hand. This is evident when Jesus calmed the storm in Luke 8. He rebuked the winds and the waves and they dared to obey Him. He brought peace and calmness through His power.
In Jesus' last days on earth, he left us a "will". He said, "My peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you." (v.27) Then, in Matthew 28:18, he goes on to say, "All authority has been given to me in Heaven and on earth." The most amazing thing of all is what He says in John 16:15. "All things that the Father has are mine (including peace and power)--yet they will be disclosed to you and imparted to you by the Holy Spirit." I can hardly take this in! So then, the power and authority of Christ, as well as His peace are all available to me! This sounds like a simple Sunday school answer, but as I have meditated on this principle, I have been overwhelmed with God's goodness to impart such an incredible gift to me, and I have been convicted by the fact that I have not received it more often...
Prince of Peace, come and reign
Restore Your power to Your people once again
Take Your throne, rightful Lord,
Prince of Peace, come and reign forevermore!
One of the names given to Jesus was the Prince of Peace. It is interesting to me that these two words are combined together. A prince, as we all know, is someone with power and authority--an heir to the throne. "Peace" is a sense of rest or contentment; wholeness. In other words, Jesus is the ruler over our sense of rest, contentment and wholeness. Christ's power and peace go hand in hand. This is evident when Jesus calmed the storm in Luke 8. He rebuked the winds and the waves and they dared to obey Him. He brought peace and calmness through His power.
In Jesus' last days on earth, he left us a "will". He said, "My peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you." (v.27) Then, in Matthew 28:18, he goes on to say, "All authority has been given to me in Heaven and on earth." The most amazing thing of all is what He says in John 16:15. "All things that the Father has are mine (including peace and power)--yet they will be disclosed to you and imparted to you by the Holy Spirit." I can hardly take this in! So then, the power and authority of Christ, as well as His peace are all available to me! This sounds like a simple Sunday school answer, but as I have meditated on this principle, I have been overwhelmed with God's goodness to impart such an incredible gift to me, and I have been convicted by the fact that I have not received it more often...
Prince of Peace, come and reign
Restore Your power to Your people once again
Take Your throne, rightful Lord,
Prince of Peace, come and reign forevermore!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Rest
Hebrews 4:1 "Therefore since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it."
Rest--just the mention of this word causes me to sigh. Rest is one of the greatest needs of our society. Everywhere I look, people are overwhelmed, overloaded, overworked and weary. Stress levels are at an all-time high and more people are on anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications than ever before. What has happened to us? It is though we are on a merry-go-round, and we can't jump off because it is going too fast. We are spinning out of control!
Hebrews 4:1 tells us that the promise of rest is attainable. However, God did not intend for us to rest on our own. He said to "take his yoke upon us"--in other words, BE JOINED with him in the act of resting--to LEARN from him about how rest is to be achieved.
I have been learning that "to rest" means "a space of peace reserved for you"; "to quit, cease, put down worry". The phrase "enter that rest" is mentioned over and over again in Hebrews 4. What is "that" rest? It is HIS rest (v.5) If it is HIS rest, then there is no way we can do it on our own. However, Hebrews 4:11 tells us to make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the bad example of the Jews in their lack of faith. So then, our part in resting is to join with God and believe him--to follow HIS example. Our part in resting is to cease striving, to quit worrying and to trust in his promises. He will provide the rest that we need. It then becomes a supernatural event. I heard a phrase this week: "Nothing makes God worry." I love to think that as I join with him and his attitude about things, I will not worry either. The slogan "Don't worry, be happy" takes on new meaning for me after reading Hebrews 4. (My son has the big mouth bass mounted on his wall that sings that silly song as you walk by!)
After God created the heavens and the earth, he rested from his work. However, the Bible never indicates that the rest ended. It was perpetual--this is God's example to us--perpetual rest in him!
Oh God, help us to LEARN from you as we join with you in YOUR rest that is promised to us!
Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
Thou has bid me gaze upon Thee and Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power, Thou hast made me whole.
Friday, March 28, 2008
A Matter of the Heart
God has been reminding me lately that he is interested in my heart more than anything else that I have to offer. Not my talents, not my accomplishments, nor any of the "good things" that I have done. This is such a contrast to what the world considers to be important.
The keepers of the Law in Jesus' day were so consumed with their status and traditions based on the Laws that God once gave them. For them, it had become ritual, routine, and a matter of pride. However, Jesus rebuked them over and over again because they were missing the point: He spoke of them with these words; "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." (Matt. 15:8-9). How tragic it was for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, in all of his glory to be standing in front of these men, and yet they did not even recognize who he really was. They did not have eyes to see or ears to hear because their hearts were "far from him." Perhaps this is why Solomon told his son, "Listen closely to my words; do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your HEART; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your HEART, for it is the wellspring of life." (Prov. 4:20-23)
The risen Lord is in our midst today. Will we see him? Will we hear him? Christ reminds us in Matthew 5:8 that those who see God are those who are pure in HEART. It is our hearts he is after; not our traditions, our rituals, our status, or our hard work. Oh God, may our worship not be in vain to you. Let us hear your voice and see your glory as we seek you with whole hearts!
God has been reminding me lately that he is interested in my heart more than anything else that I have to offer. Not my talents, not my accomplishments, nor any of the "good things" that I have done. This is such a contrast to what the world considers to be important.
The keepers of the Law in Jesus' day were so consumed with their status and traditions based on the Laws that God once gave them. For them, it had become ritual, routine, and a matter of pride. However, Jesus rebuked them over and over again because they were missing the point: He spoke of them with these words; "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." (Matt. 15:8-9). How tragic it was for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, in all of his glory to be standing in front of these men, and yet they did not even recognize who he really was. They did not have eyes to see or ears to hear because their hearts were "far from him." Perhaps this is why Solomon told his son, "Listen closely to my words; do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your HEART; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your HEART, for it is the wellspring of life." (Prov. 4:20-23)
The risen Lord is in our midst today. Will we see him? Will we hear him? Christ reminds us in Matthew 5:8 that those who see God are those who are pure in HEART. It is our hearts he is after; not our traditions, our rituals, our status, or our hard work. Oh God, may our worship not be in vain to you. Let us hear your voice and see your glory as we seek you with whole hearts!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Remembrance
There is a theme of remembrance throughout the Bible. In Deuteronomy 4:9, God reminds us to watch ourselves closely so that we do not forget the things our eyes have seen, or let them slip from our hearts...
God knows that we are forgetful creatures. I am especially guilty of forgetfulness if I don't write myself a note of reminder. I have even written sticky notes to remind me of things, and then I forgot where I put the sticky notes!
Sometimes, people tie strings to their fingers to remember events, times, etc. God told the Jews to bind what he told them to their foreheads. Some of them took God at his Word and strapped little boxes to their foreheads. The boxes contained sections of Scripture. Though this is a little extreme, the ancient Jews had the right idea. Keep God's Word ever visible!
My faith can be shaken so easily by circumstances, but when I REMEMBER the promises of God, my faith is strengthened once again. When I am walking through the darkness and the storms, I must REMEMBER that the Lord is my light and my salvation...whom/what shall I fear? (Psalm 27:1)
I love reading the final words of Jesus as he spent time with his disciples before his death. He eloquently spoke in parables and used images that would stay with the disciples after he left this earth. Most importantly, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit who would come and REMIND them of all that he had said to them. As he ate the last supper with his disciples, Jesus said, "Do this in REMEMBRANCE of me." In other words, "DO NOT FORGET WHAT HAPPENED HERE TONIGHT. DO NOT FORGET ANYTHING THAT I HAVE SAID TO YOU." For he knew that their faith would be tested beyond anything they could imagine.
As we enter this Palm Sunday, and Holy Week, let us REMEMBER the things that Christ has said to us. Let us REMEMBER his life, his death and ultimately, his resurrection. And finally, let us REMEMBER that he promises to be with us, even to the very end of the age. Hallelujah!
God knows that we are forgetful creatures. I am especially guilty of forgetfulness if I don't write myself a note of reminder. I have even written sticky notes to remind me of things, and then I forgot where I put the sticky notes!
Sometimes, people tie strings to their fingers to remember events, times, etc. God told the Jews to bind what he told them to their foreheads. Some of them took God at his Word and strapped little boxes to their foreheads. The boxes contained sections of Scripture. Though this is a little extreme, the ancient Jews had the right idea. Keep God's Word ever visible!
My faith can be shaken so easily by circumstances, but when I REMEMBER the promises of God, my faith is strengthened once again. When I am walking through the darkness and the storms, I must REMEMBER that the Lord is my light and my salvation...whom/what shall I fear? (Psalm 27:1)
I love reading the final words of Jesus as he spent time with his disciples before his death. He eloquently spoke in parables and used images that would stay with the disciples after he left this earth. Most importantly, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit who would come and REMIND them of all that he had said to them. As he ate the last supper with his disciples, Jesus said, "Do this in REMEMBRANCE of me." In other words, "DO NOT FORGET WHAT HAPPENED HERE TONIGHT. DO NOT FORGET ANYTHING THAT I HAVE SAID TO YOU." For he knew that their faith would be tested beyond anything they could imagine.
As we enter this Palm Sunday, and Holy Week, let us REMEMBER the things that Christ has said to us. Let us REMEMBER his life, his death and ultimately, his resurrection. And finally, let us REMEMBER that he promises to be with us, even to the very end of the age. Hallelujah!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Dependence
2 Cor. 12:9 "My power is made perfect in weakness...for when I am weak, then I am strong--the less I have, the more I depend on Him." (TLB)
It has been said that when God wants to do something great, He starts with a difficulty. When God wants to do something miraculous, He starts with an impossibility. The weaknesses or limitations that we possess will create difficulties or even possibilities in many of our situations.
When our weakness and limitations are combined with an overwhelming task, this can be an invitation for God to overwhelm us with His presence and power as He partners with us to accomplish the task.
I have a hard time viewing weakness as a good thing, but God seems to think otherwise. He seems touse our weaknesses to transform us from arrogant to humble, from insecure to bold, from impulsive to stable and hot-tempered to patient. This kind of transformation can only come from complete dependence on Him.
For me to realize a weakness, it is as if I've exposed an open wound. But what I have found as I have admitted my weakness to the Lord, is that I am taking steps toward freedom--freedom from carrying the heavy load of self-sufficiency. I can then cross over that difficult threshold of faith into total dependence on God. Of course, the only way I can do that, is to come to the end of myself. Why do I want to hang onto "myself"? I am not the one that the world needs to see, but Christ! When I completely depend on Christ through my weakness, it is His sufficiency and power that is made absolutely whole and complete in me. Then, the world no longer sees my weakness, but His power.
I just have to remind myself that it is about less of me and more of Him. My total dependence on God insures my security, increases my faith, and allows me to influence others to depend on God as well.
I guess we all need to remember that when we are feeling weak, that God is remind us to depend on Him. We can then boast about our weaknesses as the apostle Paul did, for through them, God's power is unleashed!
"Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong!" (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
2 Cor. 12:9 "My power is made perfect in weakness...for when I am weak, then I am strong--the less I have, the more I depend on Him." (TLB)
It has been said that when God wants to do something great, He starts with a difficulty. When God wants to do something miraculous, He starts with an impossibility. The weaknesses or limitations that we possess will create difficulties or even possibilities in many of our situations.
When our weakness and limitations are combined with an overwhelming task, this can be an invitation for God to overwhelm us with His presence and power as He partners with us to accomplish the task.
I have a hard time viewing weakness as a good thing, but God seems to think otherwise. He seems touse our weaknesses to transform us from arrogant to humble, from insecure to bold, from impulsive to stable and hot-tempered to patient. This kind of transformation can only come from complete dependence on Him.
For me to realize a weakness, it is as if I've exposed an open wound. But what I have found as I have admitted my weakness to the Lord, is that I am taking steps toward freedom--freedom from carrying the heavy load of self-sufficiency. I can then cross over that difficult threshold of faith into total dependence on God. Of course, the only way I can do that, is to come to the end of myself. Why do I want to hang onto "myself"? I am not the one that the world needs to see, but Christ! When I completely depend on Christ through my weakness, it is His sufficiency and power that is made absolutely whole and complete in me. Then, the world no longer sees my weakness, but His power.
I just have to remind myself that it is about less of me and more of Him. My total dependence on God insures my security, increases my faith, and allows me to influence others to depend on God as well.
I guess we all need to remember that when we are feeling weak, that God is remind us to depend on Him. We can then boast about our weaknesses as the apostle Paul did, for through them, God's power is unleashed!
"Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong!" (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
Friday, February 29, 2008
Surrender
"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." (Phil. 3:7)
When we surrender to something or someone, there is a sense that we have lost our dignity and we often view ourselves as weak and inferior. However, it takes courage to surrender--courage to step out in faith, believing that God grants His greatest blessing to those who are fully surrendered to Him.
A surrendered Christian is one who has given up the fight to own his own life, for he understands Christ's promise, "He who loses His own life for my sake shall find it." (Matt. 10:39). A surrendered Christian is one who has learned to be content in all things because he has discovered the Lord as his helper. (Phil. 4:11) A surrendered Christian can say " I will not be afraid, for God is with me." (Heb. 13:5-6) A surrendered Christian, though he may be weak in the flesh, is strong because he has allowed God's power to be demonstrated through weakness. (2 Cor. 12:9)
Frances Havergal, the writer of the hymn, "Take My Life and Let it Be", once said, "There must be full surrender before there can be full blessedness." She learned the secret of letting go of all of the trappings of this world, in order to gain the richest treasures that heaven could afford. The more she gave to the Lord, the more He gave her in return. She eventually gave God all that she had; her material possessions, her mind, her will, her voice, her feet, her life. And God gave her Himself. All she desired was more of Him; and so the cycle of surrender continued in her life. She could say along with the apostle Paul, "I count all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ." (Phil. 3:8)
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord to Thee
Take my moments and my days
Let them flow in ceaseless praise
Let them flow in ceaseless praise
"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." (Phil. 3:7)
When we surrender to something or someone, there is a sense that we have lost our dignity and we often view ourselves as weak and inferior. However, it takes courage to surrender--courage to step out in faith, believing that God grants His greatest blessing to those who are fully surrendered to Him.
A surrendered Christian is one who has given up the fight to own his own life, for he understands Christ's promise, "He who loses His own life for my sake shall find it." (Matt. 10:39). A surrendered Christian is one who has learned to be content in all things because he has discovered the Lord as his helper. (Phil. 4:11) A surrendered Christian can say " I will not be afraid, for God is with me." (Heb. 13:5-6) A surrendered Christian, though he may be weak in the flesh, is strong because he has allowed God's power to be demonstrated through weakness. (2 Cor. 12:9)
Frances Havergal, the writer of the hymn, "Take My Life and Let it Be", once said, "There must be full surrender before there can be full blessedness." She learned the secret of letting go of all of the trappings of this world, in order to gain the richest treasures that heaven could afford. The more she gave to the Lord, the more He gave her in return. She eventually gave God all that she had; her material possessions, her mind, her will, her voice, her feet, her life. And God gave her Himself. All she desired was more of Him; and so the cycle of surrender continued in her life. She could say along with the apostle Paul, "I count all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ." (Phil. 3:8)
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord to Thee
Take my moments and my days
Let them flow in ceaseless praise
Let them flow in ceaseless praise
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Simplicity
"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matt.18:3)
It amazes me that the Christian life is based upon principles that are basic as well as complicated. Even though the God of all creation possess thoughts and ways that are far beyond those of man, He has fashioned our steps to His Kingdom with simplicity!
I am still trying to digest the meaning of Matthew 18:3-4 when Jesus admonished his disciples to become like little children in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. When you observe little children, it is easy to see that they believe and receive with no hesitation. They speak of the joy and pain in their hearts with no inhibition. Children run to open arms where safety and security await them. Most importantly, children need guidance from those in authority over them.
The more I depend on God, the more I see that He longs to fulfill His faithfulness and sufficiency to me--His child. For those of us who dare to come to Him with child-like faith, and receive Him with all of the fullness that He offers, we will gain the mind of Christ and inherit power to change the world. Simple faith and simple obedience equals mighty men and women of God!
'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to (simply) take Him at His Word
Just to (simply) rest upon His promise
Just to (simply) know "Thus saith the Lord."
"Blessed are you who are poor in spirit (you who are simply relying on God, one day at a time, one step at a time), for yours is the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matt.5:3)
Thank you, God, for the gift of simplicity!
It amazes me that the Christian life is based upon principles that are basic as well as complicated. Even though the God of all creation possess thoughts and ways that are far beyond those of man, He has fashioned our steps to His Kingdom with simplicity!
I am still trying to digest the meaning of Matthew 18:3-4 when Jesus admonished his disciples to become like little children in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. When you observe little children, it is easy to see that they believe and receive with no hesitation. They speak of the joy and pain in their hearts with no inhibition. Children run to open arms where safety and security await them. Most importantly, children need guidance from those in authority over them.
The more I depend on God, the more I see that He longs to fulfill His faithfulness and sufficiency to me--His child. For those of us who dare to come to Him with child-like faith, and receive Him with all of the fullness that He offers, we will gain the mind of Christ and inherit power to change the world. Simple faith and simple obedience equals mighty men and women of God!
'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to (simply) take Him at His Word
Just to (simply) rest upon His promise
Just to (simply) know "Thus saith the Lord."
"Blessed are you who are poor in spirit (you who are simply relying on God, one day at a time, one step at a time), for yours is the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matt.5:3)
Thank you, God, for the gift of simplicity!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Transparency
"Search me, Oh God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)
The Psalmist asked God to search his heart to find his anxious and offensive thoughts. The all-seeing, all-knowing God already knew David's thoughts and motives, yet David offered himself as a transparent offering to his creator. By doing so, he admitted his frailty before God. He took one step further, and requested a response from God regarding his personal thoughts and feelings. What a tremendous act of courage!
David knew the One who knit him in his mother's womb. (Ps. 139:13) He knew that his frame was not hidden from God when he was made in the secret place. (Ps. 139:15) As he reflected about the way he was fearfully and wonderfully made, David realized that he was loved the most by the One who knew him most intimately.
Joyous communion with the Heavenly Father occurs when we come before Him in total transparency. He sees us for who we are and then we are overcome by the fact that He would love us with unfailing love no matter what we have done
Transparency toward God produces dependency, trust and security in Him. True worship begins when we surrender all of who we are to all of who God is--all of our desires, needs, thoughts, and shortcomings to His infinite power and conditional love.
"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them..." (Ps. 139:17) May we never forget the beauty of our transparency before God because it is the birthplace of God's greatest work in us!
The Psalmist asked God to search his heart to find his anxious and offensive thoughts. The all-seeing, all-knowing God already knew David's thoughts and motives, yet David offered himself as a transparent offering to his creator. By doing so, he admitted his frailty before God. He took one step further, and requested a response from God regarding his personal thoughts and feelings. What a tremendous act of courage!
David knew the One who knit him in his mother's womb. (Ps. 139:13) He knew that his frame was not hidden from God when he was made in the secret place. (Ps. 139:15) As he reflected about the way he was fearfully and wonderfully made, David realized that he was loved the most by the One who knew him most intimately.
Joyous communion with the Heavenly Father occurs when we come before Him in total transparency. He sees us for who we are and then we are overcome by the fact that He would love us with unfailing love no matter what we have done
Transparency toward God produces dependency, trust and security in Him. True worship begins when we surrender all of who we are to all of who God is--all of our desires, needs, thoughts, and shortcomings to His infinite power and conditional love.
"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them..." (Ps. 139:17) May we never forget the beauty of our transparency before God because it is the birthplace of God's greatest work in us!
Friday, January 18, 2008
January 18, 2008
Absorbing Nutrients
I am one of those people who gets bored easily. But when something captivates me, I am awestruck and impressed, never forgetting what I have seen and heard. Surely, in this society of sensory overload, it is increasingly more difficult to be awestruck. I believe the key to remain awestruck, is creativity, which stimulates appeal. If something appeals to us, we will then ingest it--much like food. If the food presentation isn't good, we will probably turn up our noses and walk away. But if the presentation is appetizing, our mouths will water and we will immediately begin to savor every bite. In doing so, our bodies will naturally absorb important nutrients better than any vitamin could ever benefit us.
So would I rather take a pill or savor a plate full of pan-seared tilapia, whipped potatoes and asparagus drizzled in herb butter?
We live among a generation who wants nothing to do with the church. If we listen to them for very long, we will discover that it's not the message of the church they dislike, but rather the way it is presented.
Just as the restaurants need the creativity of its chefs, communicators in the church need to work skillfully with the gifts they have been given: crafting images, writing songs, painting pictures, telling stories, etc. to help whet the appetites of those hearing and experiencing the truths of God's Word.
This is one of the callings that I believe God has given me. I don't want to ever become so concerned about what exact spiritual "nutrients" are needed, that I forget what the meal should actually taste like. I want to feast on the riches of the truths of God's Word and savor every bite; I want to participate in that Divine feast in every way possible. God help me to express the truths of your Word creatively so that it becomes irresistable to those who need to absorb the "proper nutrients"!
Absorbing Nutrients
I am one of those people who gets bored easily. But when something captivates me, I am awestruck and impressed, never forgetting what I have seen and heard. Surely, in this society of sensory overload, it is increasingly more difficult to be awestruck. I believe the key to remain awestruck, is creativity, which stimulates appeal. If something appeals to us, we will then ingest it--much like food. If the food presentation isn't good, we will probably turn up our noses and walk away. But if the presentation is appetizing, our mouths will water and we will immediately begin to savor every bite. In doing so, our bodies will naturally absorb important nutrients better than any vitamin could ever benefit us.
So would I rather take a pill or savor a plate full of pan-seared tilapia, whipped potatoes and asparagus drizzled in herb butter?
We live among a generation who wants nothing to do with the church. If we listen to them for very long, we will discover that it's not the message of the church they dislike, but rather the way it is presented.
Just as the restaurants need the creativity of its chefs, communicators in the church need to work skillfully with the gifts they have been given: crafting images, writing songs, painting pictures, telling stories, etc. to help whet the appetites of those hearing and experiencing the truths of God's Word.
This is one of the callings that I believe God has given me. I don't want to ever become so concerned about what exact spiritual "nutrients" are needed, that I forget what the meal should actually taste like. I want to feast on the riches of the truths of God's Word and savor every bite; I want to participate in that Divine feast in every way possible. God help me to express the truths of your Word creatively so that it becomes irresistable to those who need to absorb the "proper nutrients"!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
January 16, 2008
More Than Conquerors
I tend to forget how powerful God really is. Romans 8:37 says "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." I usually just brush by this verse, but today I read about a legend of an ancient civilization that gave me a new perspective. The ancient Phrygians believed that every time they conquered an enemy, the victor absorbed the physical strength of his victim and added so much more to his personal strength and valor.
Could it be that every time I victoriously encounter a trial or temptation, my spiritual strength could be doubled? 2 Chron. 20:15 says," Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the enemy. For the battle is not yours but God's. Take up your positions and stand firm to see the deliverance the Lord will give you."
All I can say is...may the enemy be sorry for ever messing with me!
More Than Conquerors
I tend to forget how powerful God really is. Romans 8:37 says "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." I usually just brush by this verse, but today I read about a legend of an ancient civilization that gave me a new perspective. The ancient Phrygians believed that every time they conquered an enemy, the victor absorbed the physical strength of his victim and added so much more to his personal strength and valor.
Could it be that every time I victoriously encounter a trial or temptation, my spiritual strength could be doubled? 2 Chron. 20:15 says," Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the enemy. For the battle is not yours but God's. Take up your positions and stand firm to see the deliverance the Lord will give you."
All I can say is...may the enemy be sorry for ever messing with me!
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Good Shepherd
January 14, 2008
I take comfort in this thought today:
John 10:14-15
I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Jesus has tried for Himself all of the experiences through which he will ask me to pass; and He would not ask me to pass through them unless He was sure that they were not too difficult for me. This is the blessed life--not anxious to see far in front, nor fretting about the next step, nor eager to choose the path, nor burdened with responsibilities of the future, but quietly following behind the Shepherd, one step at a time. It is comforting to know that the Shepherd is always ahead of His sheep.
He is already in the tomorrows, and all of the tomorrows have to pass before Him before I can experience them.
I take comfort in this thought today:
John 10:14-15
I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Jesus has tried for Himself all of the experiences through which he will ask me to pass; and He would not ask me to pass through them unless He was sure that they were not too difficult for me. This is the blessed life--not anxious to see far in front, nor fretting about the next step, nor eager to choose the path, nor burdened with responsibilities of the future, but quietly following behind the Shepherd, one step at a time. It is comforting to know that the Shepherd is always ahead of His sheep.
He is already in the tomorrows, and all of the tomorrows have to pass before Him before I can experience them.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Be Still
January 11, 2008
I am a collector of "words." When a word speaks to me, I think about it, expound upon it, etc. I guess that's what songwriters do... Anyway, the word "Still" has impressed me lately. Of course, my favorite words are found in God's Word--especially this verse: "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
As Christians, our walk with God is full of activity. We clap our hands and sing for joy, we walk by faith, we run toward the eternal prize, we bow down before God, we stand firm in what we believe. The wise Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 3:11, "Everything is appropriate in its own time." There is a time and a season for everything; a time for every event under Heaven."
There is also a time to be still; to rest and to listen. It is in the stillness and quietness that I can gain strength and hear God's voice. When I am still and quiet, I realize that God is God!
We have many responsibilities in the Christian life and the Bible is clearly marked with instructions about what we are to "do" to lead godly lives. Sometimes, however, situations may be out of our control, or we may go through times of disillusionment, grief or confusion. It is during these trials that is particularly important for me to be still. I need to cease striving to fix things that only God can handle. He promises to work when we roll our burdens onto Him and wait in stillness before him. (Ps. 37:5)
As a bird lets down its wings to rest upon a branch, I want to "let down my wings" and cease from fluttering so that I can gain strength and direction for the journey ahead. I really want to learn the beauty and blessing in the art of being still before God. I want to understand the calmness and peace that comes as I wait in His presence until I hear from Him. Then, I believe that I wil return to ALL of my activities (of which there are MANY!) with greater purpose, greater meaning and greater enthusiasm than ever before!
I am a collector of "words." When a word speaks to me, I think about it, expound upon it, etc. I guess that's what songwriters do... Anyway, the word "Still" has impressed me lately. Of course, my favorite words are found in God's Word--especially this verse: "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
As Christians, our walk with God is full of activity. We clap our hands and sing for joy, we walk by faith, we run toward the eternal prize, we bow down before God, we stand firm in what we believe. The wise Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 3:11, "Everything is appropriate in its own time." There is a time and a season for everything; a time for every event under Heaven."
There is also a time to be still; to rest and to listen. It is in the stillness and quietness that I can gain strength and hear God's voice. When I am still and quiet, I realize that God is God!
We have many responsibilities in the Christian life and the Bible is clearly marked with instructions about what we are to "do" to lead godly lives. Sometimes, however, situations may be out of our control, or we may go through times of disillusionment, grief or confusion. It is during these trials that is particularly important for me to be still. I need to cease striving to fix things that only God can handle. He promises to work when we roll our burdens onto Him and wait in stillness before him. (Ps. 37:5)
As a bird lets down its wings to rest upon a branch, I want to "let down my wings" and cease from fluttering so that I can gain strength and direction for the journey ahead. I really want to learn the beauty and blessing in the art of being still before God. I want to understand the calmness and peace that comes as I wait in His presence until I hear from Him. Then, I believe that I wil return to ALL of my activities (of which there are MANY!) with greater purpose, greater meaning and greater enthusiasm than ever before!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
A New Year, A New Day
January, 10, 2008
I am always comforted by David, the Psalmist and his candid way of letting God know just how he felt about things, and then he ended up praising Him. No matter where this poet began, he always ended with worshiping God. I want my life to be like David's Psalms. Even though I may gripe or complain, or seem discontented, I want my days, weeks, months, and years to end in praise to the Living God, just as David did. Augustine couldn't have said it any better: Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee."
Oh God, help me to rest in You. I don't know what each day holds for me, but help me to rest in the mystery of this journey called life.
More on this later...
I am always comforted by David, the Psalmist and his candid way of letting God know just how he felt about things, and then he ended up praising Him. No matter where this poet began, he always ended with worshiping God. I want my life to be like David's Psalms. Even though I may gripe or complain, or seem discontented, I want my days, weeks, months, and years to end in praise to the Living God, just as David did. Augustine couldn't have said it any better: Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee."
Oh God, help me to rest in You. I don't know what each day holds for me, but help me to rest in the mystery of this journey called life.
More on this later...
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