I came across this verse today: "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live" Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV). It reminded me of how many choices I really do have. Of course, there are circumstances in my life that are beyond my control - many of them! But, at the same time, I really do make thousands and thousands of decisions each day. And each decision is a choice. And each choice has potential outcomes and consequences - some positive, some negative. Some of the consequences are foreseeable, and some are not. There are positive outcomes and some that are less than desirable.
And, beyond that, although many of my decisions may turn out to seem inconsequential to me, when I stop and think about it, I know that most (if not all) of my seemingly inconsequential decisions have the potential to create waves in my life and the lives of others. Thankfully, numerous movie and TV plots have demonstrated this principle ad infinitum, so I will forgo that piece. This verse just reminded me of how important my choices are; and, I admit, I make many of them in an utterly cavalier way. I'm going to resist the temptation to give examples; the specific examples aren't really relevant and one decision may be big for me and small for you, or vice versa. The point, however, remains unchanged.
Life, as it was created, was born out of specific intention. The intentional will of God brought us - each and every one of us - into existence. And it's because of the intentional sacrifice of His Son that you & I have the chance for life. And, as I think of it, I suspect it's probably no accident that our relationship with Him is brought to fruition through our own intentional acceptance of this purposeful gift. God is not a God of happenstance. My life, my day, my breath... none of them are accidents. Yes, there are elements and aspects to life that are the result of sin - not necessarily a part of God's willful plan, but let us not forget that there is always a solution for sin: and that solution is Jesus.
I get to choose. Again and again each day, I get to choose. And, friends, again and again today you & I get to choose. To walk in the way of life, of the Life-giver, and not only in the big ways. Major decisions, the ones that are obviously life-altering are sometimes easier to give to Him, I think. Should I take this job? Should I marry this person? Am I meant to take this leap or walk that road? I don't know about anyone else, but it's the big stuff that makes turning to Him for counsel on my choices more intuitive: I don't feel like I know what to do without Him!
But what about those other choices - the daily thousands? How to respond to a frustrating email? Whether or not to smile warmly at a stranger at the market? Should I call that friend or give myself some time alone? Is it better for me to work late tonight or tomorrow? Friends, it is my experience that these smaller, more commonplace decisions sometimes fly below my "Give it to God" radar. It is also my belief that giving these decisions to the Lord with intention is where the purest of freedom is found. And, truly friends, that's not just my ideological belief; that's certainly been my experience.
I heard a friend once say, "Life is just so daily!" with exasperation. And it is. Sometimes being a adult (or a student or a teen or a child) is a full-time job in and of itself! We all know, life can take it out of you! But that, I suppose, is my point: if we are intentional about living in a way that gives all of our lives to Him, we can develop a habit of including in our surrender the little stuff we sometimes think we can handle on our own. And, in doing that, we are freed up to live beyond ourselves. As I grow in my own personal spiritual walk, I'm learning this more and more: just because I can doesn't mean I have to, and the more I rely on Him for my strength and direction - no matter how trivial the matter - the freer I am, and the more capacity I have to live into His Spirit. He is ready to wear our yokes - and not just the heavy ones. For myself, I will be trying to remember that as I walk into the world today!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Daily Proof
Sometimes, when God gives me direction, I know it's Him; both message and messenger are crystal clear. Sometimes, I even obey without a moment's hesitation. :)
At other times, I think it's His voice. Or, sometimes, I feel fairly sure it's His voice, but I'm not entirely clear on what exactly He's saying. I know I'm not alone in these communication challenges. I say "challenges", because, for me, it's challenging! I've joked before that if God would just send me an email, I'd be more than happy to do everything He asks! Email is clear, legible and often concisely written (unless it's an email from me, in which case all bets are off; brevity is not my strong suit!). But, for whatever reason (I'm sure we can each guess at a couple), that's not how He usually operates.
Lord, in your abundant wisdom and grace, You teach me to trust even in times where another task seems to be the thing at hand. Help me to learn Your lessons always, and Lord, thank You for never leaving my side. When I am unsure of my footsteps, help me to see Your hand in guidance, and to walk forth in boldness. I can do all things through Christ! Amen.
At other times, I think it's His voice. Or, sometimes, I feel fairly sure it's His voice, but I'm not entirely clear on what exactly He's saying. I know I'm not alone in these communication challenges. I say "challenges", because, for me, it's challenging! I've joked before that if God would just send me an email, I'd be more than happy to do everything He asks! Email is clear, legible and often concisely written (unless it's an email from me, in which case all bets are off; brevity is not my strong suit!). But, for whatever reason (I'm sure we can each guess at a couple), that's not how He usually operates.
I've been thinking about this delayed gratification today; there are plenty of good reasons for it. And it's not my job tonight to be guessing at the reasoning of God. But here is what I do know: I also have plenty of reason to trust that the confirmation, the affirmation and the clarity I crave are coming. God may not always send bulleted list via email, but He is not lacking in communication skills - or methods! It's been my experience that when I move forward prayerfully and with a surrendered heart, I always get the information I need. When certain roadblocks come up, the Spirit whispers inside me, "press on." Yet, other diversions sometimes produce sometime more like, "When you're in His will, things aren't this hard." I can't explain it, and I certainly can't articulate it. And, love Him as He is, we all know there are no rules we can use to box Him in.
The point is just this: when I doubt, or feel unclear in my pursuits, I can just trust in His faithfulness. The verse that inspired these thoughts today is Exodus 3:12 which reads, "And God said, 'I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain'" (NIV).
At the insightful & Spirit-led suggestion of a friend, I've been pondering this verse. Moses was given direction, and even a promise for confirmation - but his confirmation wasn't to come until after he'd led them out of Israel! I think about the tough roads I've walked, and all the challenging moments I've lived through - most of which were not accompanied by an explicit promise from God that the end of that situation would bring proof of His companionship through my journey. That said, as I look back on those times and experiences, I am absolutely convinced He was next to me in my inmost; about that, there are no doubts.
Lord, in your abundant wisdom and grace, You teach me to trust even in times where another task seems to be the thing at hand. Help me to learn Your lessons always, and Lord, thank You for never leaving my side. When I am unsure of my footsteps, help me to see Your hand in guidance, and to walk forth in boldness. I can do all things through Christ! Amen.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Hearts Cry Out
Although some days are truly amazing, wonderful days - days filled with laughter, excitement, peace and fun, we all have those other days - lonely, frustrating, scary or just plain hard days. The verse below reminded me this morning of a very basic truth:
"And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, 'Abba, Father'" Galatians 4:6 (NLT).
In context with the scriptures on either side of this verse, Paul is writing about what it means to be full sons and to be in relationship with a father. His parallels of earthly father/son (child) relationships are used to demonstrate and better explain what it means to be heirs of the one true Father above.
What spoke to me in this verse today was something just as true, but slightly tangential given the original context. It was the last part of this verse...And it resonated in me, because of those days I wrote about above - days that feel like we're all alone, days that feel like there is something missing and that it was never meant to be this way. I say "feel" with intention, because those of us in Christ are never alone, and believers or not, we are never outside the loving heart of our God's care and concern. But, let me be honest, be that as it may, I certainly have had days - sometimes long stretches of them - that felt very, very alone. And that's what this verse said to me: it is precisely because I am His daughter that when I forget to cry out for Him, and forget to stay close to Him, I do feel alone. His Spirit is in our hearts, and that is what prompts us to long for His presence in our lives.
Now, just to be clear, I do not mean to say that if we're hurting or feel lonely or sad, we're not doing a "good job" of calling out to God. All I'm saying is that the ache that emanates in those times is about separation from God, which, as is often said, is the very definition of sin. It's because of sin in the world, and because of sin in our own fleshly nature that we experience the gut wrenching pain of certain things in life. And please know, I don't write this as a Biblical scholar or even Biblically knowledgeable person. I consider myself an absolute novice, just trying to learn through His word and the Spirit in me. But, from what I can tell (so far! I may disagree with myself in a couple years!), this is part of what's implicit truth in this verse. We cry out to Him, and we're caused to do so precisely because He is our Father.
So, what I can take from this for myself today is that when I feel lonely, when I feel that distance and isolation, I must remember that it is just another way for Him to remind me to lean on Him, to seek His face and, of course, His grace. All hurting and pain cannot be stopped in this lifetime; it's the nature of a fallen world. BUT, I have never felt pain and sorrow that wasn't eased or accompanied by greater peace when I sought His presence in the midst of it. And all that said, I don't know about you, but even amidst a very joyful time in my life, I'm sure I can use the reminder.
"And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, 'Abba, Father'" Galatians 4:6 (NLT).
In context with the scriptures on either side of this verse, Paul is writing about what it means to be full sons and to be in relationship with a father. His parallels of earthly father/son (child) relationships are used to demonstrate and better explain what it means to be heirs of the one true Father above.
What spoke to me in this verse today was something just as true, but slightly tangential given the original context. It was the last part of this verse...And it resonated in me, because of those days I wrote about above - days that feel like we're all alone, days that feel like there is something missing and that it was never meant to be this way. I say "feel" with intention, because those of us in Christ are never alone, and believers or not, we are never outside the loving heart of our God's care and concern. But, let me be honest, be that as it may, I certainly have had days - sometimes long stretches of them - that felt very, very alone. And that's what this verse said to me: it is precisely because I am His daughter that when I forget to cry out for Him, and forget to stay close to Him, I do feel alone. His Spirit is in our hearts, and that is what prompts us to long for His presence in our lives.
Now, just to be clear, I do not mean to say that if we're hurting or feel lonely or sad, we're not doing a "good job" of calling out to God. All I'm saying is that the ache that emanates in those times is about separation from God, which, as is often said, is the very definition of sin. It's because of sin in the world, and because of sin in our own fleshly nature that we experience the gut wrenching pain of certain things in life. And please know, I don't write this as a Biblical scholar or even Biblically knowledgeable person. I consider myself an absolute novice, just trying to learn through His word and the Spirit in me. But, from what I can tell (so far! I may disagree with myself in a couple years!), this is part of what's implicit truth in this verse. We cry out to Him, and we're caused to do so precisely because He is our Father.
So, what I can take from this for myself today is that when I feel lonely, when I feel that distance and isolation, I must remember that it is just another way for Him to remind me to lean on Him, to seek His face and, of course, His grace. All hurting and pain cannot be stopped in this lifetime; it's the nature of a fallen world. BUT, I have never felt pain and sorrow that wasn't eased or accompanied by greater peace when I sought His presence in the midst of it. And all that said, I don't know about you, but even amidst a very joyful time in my life, I'm sure I can use the reminder.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Great Delight & Rejoicing
Zephaniah 3:17 says, "The Lord your God is with you, he is might to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing" (NIV).
Can you imagine?!? The Lord God most high is going to take great delight in us! He is going to rejoice over us!?! Is it just me, or does that not seem just a little bit backward? I suppose that's the great part; just as I can delight in Him (and, Lord, thank You! I have many reasons to do so), He can delight in me. And, seriously, doesn't that just make you want to delight in Him all the more?!
And just as we join together in corporate and private worship, signing our little hearts out, He, too, rejoices over us. It may be a little silly, but I can't help but picture myself in church, my church family surrounding me and all of us lifting up our voices as we rejoice over Him with singing. And, friends, don't you think it's possible that He might just rejoice over us in that moment all the more? It's like a little rejoicing and singing fest between us and our Lord. I am feeling a little silly today, but nonetheless, the thought makes me smile! I hope He is smiling too!
This verse from Zephaniah is so rich! I know many of us are familiar with the phrase "Might to Save" thanks to some great worship music. And there is rich promise in those words too! Not to mention the promises that He is with us, and will quiet us with His love. What an amazing God we serve; in one teenie verse, we are given so much promise, so much adoration and affirmation! Only a God like Him could inspire such words and wonder!
It's a beautiful day here in Kansas City - cold, but beautiful! I hope your heart can rejoice with me today in absorbing the pure love of His adoration and delight in us!
Can you imagine?!? The Lord God most high is going to take great delight in us! He is going to rejoice over us!?! Is it just me, or does that not seem just a little bit backward? I suppose that's the great part; just as I can delight in Him (and, Lord, thank You! I have many reasons to do so), He can delight in me. And, seriously, doesn't that just make you want to delight in Him all the more?!
And just as we join together in corporate and private worship, signing our little hearts out, He, too, rejoices over us. It may be a little silly, but I can't help but picture myself in church, my church family surrounding me and all of us lifting up our voices as we rejoice over Him with singing. And, friends, don't you think it's possible that He might just rejoice over us in that moment all the more? It's like a little rejoicing and singing fest between us and our Lord. I am feeling a little silly today, but nonetheless, the thought makes me smile! I hope He is smiling too!
This verse from Zephaniah is so rich! I know many of us are familiar with the phrase "Might to Save" thanks to some great worship music. And there is rich promise in those words too! Not to mention the promises that He is with us, and will quiet us with His love. What an amazing God we serve; in one teenie verse, we are given so much promise, so much adoration and affirmation! Only a God like Him could inspire such words and wonder!
It's a beautiful day here in Kansas City - cold, but beautiful! I hope your heart can rejoice with me today in absorbing the pure love of His adoration and delight in us!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Keeping it Simple
Sometimes I need it to be really. I feel like it's probable that God, in His kindest tone, is sometimes probably talking to me in a really, really slow voice... maybe even that slow and loud voice we all seem to use when we're talking to people that we're pretty sure have zero comprehension of what we're saying. Sometimes, that person who just doesn't "get it" is me. Actually, lots of times...
I know I've written a lot about my fear; I have a lot of fear. And I KNOW that the antidote is believing God - believing all He says. So, as I strive to believe more and ever more, sometimes I need a really simple, straightforward reminder. (And I am SO grateful that the Word provides both deeply complex and stirring food for thought in addition to that which is sometimes best read in a slow and loud voice). ;) Better yet, sometimes those two passages are one-and-the-same. Here's what I needed today:
"But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one" 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV).
You may note, as I did, that no where in that clean, crisp sentence is the word "maybe" used. Nor does it refer to "sometimes" or "if you're lucky." He is FAITHFUL. Period. He WILL strengthen and protect us from the only enemy we really have. He strengthens and protects us. He strengthens and protects me. He strengthens and protects you.
Thank You, Lord. Let this sweet word simmer and live deeply in my heart; help me to believe and to know in every fiber of my being. You are faithful; I praise You! You strengthen me! I thank You! You protect me! May my walk along the protected path bring You glory! I love You, Lord! Thank You!!!
I know I've written a lot about my fear; I have a lot of fear. And I KNOW that the antidote is believing God - believing all He says. So, as I strive to believe more and ever more, sometimes I need a really simple, straightforward reminder. (And I am SO grateful that the Word provides both deeply complex and stirring food for thought in addition to that which is sometimes best read in a slow and loud voice). ;) Better yet, sometimes those two passages are one-and-the-same. Here's what I needed today:
"But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one" 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV).
You may note, as I did, that no where in that clean, crisp sentence is the word "maybe" used. Nor does it refer to "sometimes" or "if you're lucky." He is FAITHFUL. Period. He WILL strengthen and protect us from the only enemy we really have. He strengthens and protects us. He strengthens and protects me. He strengthens and protects you.
Thank You, Lord. Let this sweet word simmer and live deeply in my heart; help me to believe and to know in every fiber of my being. You are faithful; I praise You! You strengthen me! I thank You! You protect me! May my walk along the protected path bring You glory! I love You, Lord! Thank You!!!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
HIS Power?
I was talking with a beloved friend earlier this evening about accepting God's power as our source of strength. In all honesty, friends, I will confess that while I am "pretty good" at looking to God's Word for my standard of living, and looking to His will for my strategy in each day, I tend to look to Him for strength when, and only when, I am out of other options.
*sigh*
I'm not saying this to sound brash or bold, and I don't say it lightly. I am terribly self-reliant, and God has been convicting my heart with this fact and working on this with me in recent weeks. In regular practice, I turn to Him only as a last resort. And yet, not only is this not the way my life is supposed to be lived, it's not the way it has to be lived! And let me tell you, if you haven't tried living on your own steam, I can assure you that you shouldn't! It makes life really, really hard!
Habakkuk 3:19a says, "The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights..." (NIV).
I might suggest that you just let that sink in a little bit. This, I think, is my favorite part: "he enables me to go on the heights." Ah... let your imagination capture that one. That's what life in the Spirit is about; living beyond what I can do on my own. The subtle trick, however, is that I don't only have to rely on Him when I am all tapped out. I can begin there. I can start with His power and let it carry me through, and not only through, but also far beyond where I could go when I start out on my own steam.
Don't we all want to go to the heights? Whatever that may mean for you, don't you thirst for it? Whether it be the Freedom of fully victorious life in Christ, or the ability to forgive supernaturally or love supernaturally, or even to just laugh with the joy that comes from not having to try so darn hard... don't you just want it? Friends, I am starting to believe with some certainty that one of the keys to that life, the life He intended for us to live, is in letting Him be our source for strength...and our only source, not just a back up.
I wish I had something more profound and "wise" to say about this; but as much as any thing I've written, this is a lesson I need to absorb and let dwell richly in my own heart.
Lord, show us what You want us to see; point us where You want us to go. I praise You and thank You for giving us what we need. Help us learn to not only accept, but to throw wide the floodgates and accept You as the foundational power for our life... Lord, life my heart up to the heights...I wanna live in the heights, Lord. I believe You, God, for my strength. Help me let go and receive Your precious gifts of love. I love You, Lord! I love You so!
*sigh*
I'm not saying this to sound brash or bold, and I don't say it lightly. I am terribly self-reliant, and God has been convicting my heart with this fact and working on this with me in recent weeks. In regular practice, I turn to Him only as a last resort. And yet, not only is this not the way my life is supposed to be lived, it's not the way it has to be lived! And let me tell you, if you haven't tried living on your own steam, I can assure you that you shouldn't! It makes life really, really hard!
Habakkuk 3:19a says, "The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights..." (NIV).
I might suggest that you just let that sink in a little bit. This, I think, is my favorite part: "he enables me to go on the heights." Ah... let your imagination capture that one. That's what life in the Spirit is about; living beyond what I can do on my own. The subtle trick, however, is that I don't only have to rely on Him when I am all tapped out. I can begin there. I can start with His power and let it carry me through, and not only through, but also far beyond where I could go when I start out on my own steam.
Don't we all want to go to the heights? Whatever that may mean for you, don't you thirst for it? Whether it be the Freedom of fully victorious life in Christ, or the ability to forgive supernaturally or love supernaturally, or even to just laugh with the joy that comes from not having to try so darn hard... don't you just want it? Friends, I am starting to believe with some certainty that one of the keys to that life, the life He intended for us to live, is in letting Him be our source for strength...and our only source, not just a back up.
I wish I had something more profound and "wise" to say about this; but as much as any thing I've written, this is a lesson I need to absorb and let dwell richly in my own heart.
Lord, show us what You want us to see; point us where You want us to go. I praise You and thank You for giving us what we need. Help us learn to not only accept, but to throw wide the floodgates and accept You as the foundational power for our life... Lord, life my heart up to the heights...I wanna live in the heights, Lord. I believe You, God, for my strength. Help me let go and receive Your precious gifts of love. I love You, Lord! I love You so!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Old Stuff
It seems the Lord is running with a theme of new insight into familiar passages with me these days. I've had another "a ha" moment while reflecting on a scripture that's probably familiar to many of us:
"Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 (MSG).
It's a passage about new life.... I must share that my own tendency has been to think of this in very simple terms. We get a "do-over" with God. The slate is clean and we start fresh in His eyes. Or, at least, that's the way in which I've thought of it for the most part. I've thought that it indicated change, and starting from a new foundation - and, of course, it does, but what I haven't really pondered ever is all that can be included in that. New life means all of it. Every single element of my life
This verse affirms for us that we are given the gift of ultimate liberty. Not that it isn't the "ultimate" gift, but this verse extends far beyond eternal salvation. This reminds me that I can let go of my old beliefs - about the world, about God even... and especially, about myself. I can release my old and existing fears. Friends, there are so many fears that cycle through my thinking; so many familiar voices trying to get a spot on the main stage. This verse fortifies me as I allow rebuke the enemy in His name.
I am made new in His. Hallelujah, but more than only that, my life is made new. In her study about the fruit of the spirit, Beth Moore talks about how God doesn't just want to change our lives; He wants to change our days. Amen! By that same token, He isn't only a God of eternal salvation. Don't get me wrong; He is that... but, please hear my heart when I say that He is also SO MUCH MORE. And there is more!
I think sometimes we "in the church" feel pressured to concern ourselves only with the heavenly things. The things of eternal vision are important, the most important. And, my daily life is on my radar too; I'd be lying if I tried to pretend otherwise. And I don't think that it makes me less set-apart or Godly minded to acknowledge that. Our lives on earth are a large part of our current experience. Praise God that it's not the limit of our experience... but it is still part of my today!
Jesus was concerned with the heavenly, of course. He was also concerned in intimate ways with the daily. Bless His loving heart for just that! So, for me today, I'm letting this verse soak into me beyond the eternal. I'm remembering that not only am I not bound to this earth in the larger sense, but I am no longer bound to the fears and failures of yesterday - even the tiny ones. I am a new creation. God, help me not to limit what that really means.
Friends, He's the One who dreamed the earth and everything in it into existence. Let Him re-create You in ways that are just as profound; it's part of the gift!
Love you, Lord! You are SO good!
"Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 (MSG).
It's a passage about new life.... I must share that my own tendency has been to think of this in very simple terms. We get a "do-over" with God. The slate is clean and we start fresh in His eyes. Or, at least, that's the way in which I've thought of it for the most part. I've thought that it indicated change, and starting from a new foundation - and, of course, it does, but what I haven't really pondered ever is all that can be included in that. New life means all of it. Every single element of my life
This verse affirms for us that we are given the gift of ultimate liberty. Not that it isn't the "ultimate" gift, but this verse extends far beyond eternal salvation. This reminds me that I can let go of my old beliefs - about the world, about God even... and especially, about myself. I can release my old and existing fears. Friends, there are so many fears that cycle through my thinking; so many familiar voices trying to get a spot on the main stage. This verse fortifies me as I allow rebuke the enemy in His name.
I am made new in His. Hallelujah, but more than only that, my life is made new. In her study about the fruit of the spirit, Beth Moore talks about how God doesn't just want to change our lives; He wants to change our days. Amen! By that same token, He isn't only a God of eternal salvation. Don't get me wrong; He is that... but, please hear my heart when I say that He is also SO MUCH MORE. And there is more!
I think sometimes we "in the church" feel pressured to concern ourselves only with the heavenly things. The things of eternal vision are important, the most important. And, my daily life is on my radar too; I'd be lying if I tried to pretend otherwise. And I don't think that it makes me less set-apart or Godly minded to acknowledge that. Our lives on earth are a large part of our current experience. Praise God that it's not the limit of our experience... but it is still part of my today!
Jesus was concerned with the heavenly, of course. He was also concerned in intimate ways with the daily. Bless His loving heart for just that! So, for me today, I'm letting this verse soak into me beyond the eternal. I'm remembering that not only am I not bound to this earth in the larger sense, but I am no longer bound to the fears and failures of yesterday - even the tiny ones. I am a new creation. God, help me not to limit what that really means.
Friends, He's the One who dreamed the earth and everything in it into existence. Let Him re-create You in ways that are just as profound; it's part of the gift!
Love you, Lord! You are SO good!
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