(NIV)Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
As I was praying this morning, I felt that we need hope. Our God is the God of Hope! We need Him. We need to have hope overflowing out of us, by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that others, who have no hope, can partake in that which overflows from us. As we encounter the God of Hope, our hearts will be filled with peace and joy! Amen Lord Jesus! We all need a hope infusion, and You are the God of Hope so we turn towards You, asking that You pour hope into us!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
God Qualifies Us
As I was just thinking about the fact that I am unqualified of being called to be a witness to Him, the Lord reminded me that many of his apostles were fisherman, and other common men. Paul was a tentmaker, others as well. I felt encouraged that I am not to disqualify myself because of my position, but that in this place, I am dependent on Him for any real effectiveness.
I am reminded of Is 49:
(NIV)Isaiah 49:4, 6, 8-9
But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all. Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with my God.” [6] he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
[8] This is what the Lord says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, [9] to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ “They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill.
And also...
(NIV)1 Corinthians 1:20-21, 25-31
Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? [21] For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
[25] For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. [26] Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. [27] But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. [28] God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things---and the things that are not---to nullify the things that are, [29] so that no one may boast before him. [30] It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God---that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. [31] Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Lord, it really is only about You. It is because of You that I am here. Your call in my life caused me to come into relationship with You. Everything good comes from You and everything good points back to You, for You are the source of all good things. If you say I am qualified to be Your follower and witness to others, who am I to argue? All I am that's good, comes from You.
I am reminded of Is 49:
(NIV)Isaiah 49:4, 6, 8-9
But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all. Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with my God.” [6] he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
[8] This is what the Lord says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, [9] to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ “They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill.
And also...
(NIV)1 Corinthians 1:20-21, 25-31
Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? [21] For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
[25] For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. [26] Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. [27] But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. [28] God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things---and the things that are not---to nullify the things that are, [29] so that no one may boast before him. [30] It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God---that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. [31] Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Lord, it really is only about You. It is because of You that I am here. Your call in my life caused me to come into relationship with You. Everything good comes from You and everything good points back to You, for You are the source of all good things. If you say I am qualified to be Your follower and witness to others, who am I to argue? All I am that's good, comes from You.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Jesus Walks On By...
Last night while preparing for bed, I was reading through Acts 3:
(NIV)Acts 3:1-10
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer---at three in the afternoon. [2] Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. [3] When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. [4] Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” [5] So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
[6] Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” [7] Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. [8] He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. [9] When all the people saw him walking and praising God, [10] they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
As I was reading this, I realized that Jesus had probably walked right by this beggar, since he went to the temple in Jerusalem several times. The man seemed to be known to most people (verse 9&10), and as such must have been a permanent fixture outside the temple. I think that Jesus had opportunity to heal him, but didn't while present on earth, so it makes me wonder why?
I am reminded of a few other verses:
John 5 where Jesus walks into the area surrounding the pool of Bethesda, and only healed the one man, but there probably tens if not hundreds of other sick people near by.
Mark 10:46-52 where Jesus walked by blind Bartimaeus. He healed him, because Bartimaeus cried out and wouldn't stop calling, once he heard that it was Jesus, but Jesus still walked right by him initially.
In all these instances, Jesus must have been being obedient to the Father - see John 5:19 - and the Father's purpose at that time, not healing these other people, or the lame man outside the temple. We know that sickness is not from God, being the fruit of sin and rebellion (thanks Adam and Eve) and as such something that Jesus came to address. In every case, Jesus healed everyone that was brought to Him or came to Him to be healed, but He clearly didn't heal everybody that was sick in the geographical region. I can imagine Him walking by these sick people and longing to heal them, because of His love and compassion for them, but being obedient to the Father who has a plan that He is following.
For those of us that have been praying for healing or miracles, we should take heart, for the Father's will is clearly that we should be healed, the timing is one of the things that we need to trust to Him. The lame man outside the temple could have been healed by Jesus personally, instead he was healed by the apostles, and it was one of the cornerstone healing for the young church, demonstrating that Jesus was the son of God, and had authority to heal. The seeming delay in his healing brought greater glory to Jesus.
I think of it this way, Jesus' healing ministry was meant to be a catalyst to the healing ministry of the church. Jesus could only physically touch so many people in his brief ministry period. The remaining sick were for the church to heal! I can almost see one of the first healing outreaches of the young church being the area around the pool of Bethesda, completing the work that Jesus began by healing everyone that was gathered there.
In now way should we interpret a delay in our healing as proof that God doesn't want to heal us, or doesn't plan to heal us. Part of the mystery of the Father is that He is God and His purposes and thoughts are so much higher than ours that we can't grasp them fully. We can understand His nature, but His perfect timing is probably beyond our grasp, but that doesn't change His will to heal us. So let us keep trusting in His Love and Compassion and continue to call out to Him, like Bartimeaus, and expect that He will heal us.
(NIV)Acts 3:1-10
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer---at three in the afternoon. [2] Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. [3] When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. [4] Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” [5] So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
[6] Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” [7] Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. [8] He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. [9] When all the people saw him walking and praising God, [10] they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
As I was reading this, I realized that Jesus had probably walked right by this beggar, since he went to the temple in Jerusalem several times. The man seemed to be known to most people (verse 9&10), and as such must have been a permanent fixture outside the temple. I think that Jesus had opportunity to heal him, but didn't while present on earth, so it makes me wonder why?
I am reminded of a few other verses:
John 5 where Jesus walks into the area surrounding the pool of Bethesda, and only healed the one man, but there probably tens if not hundreds of other sick people near by.
Mark 10:46-52 where Jesus walked by blind Bartimaeus. He healed him, because Bartimaeus cried out and wouldn't stop calling, once he heard that it was Jesus, but Jesus still walked right by him initially.
In all these instances, Jesus must have been being obedient to the Father - see John 5:19 - and the Father's purpose at that time, not healing these other people, or the lame man outside the temple. We know that sickness is not from God, being the fruit of sin and rebellion (thanks Adam and Eve) and as such something that Jesus came to address. In every case, Jesus healed everyone that was brought to Him or came to Him to be healed, but He clearly didn't heal everybody that was sick in the geographical region. I can imagine Him walking by these sick people and longing to heal them, because of His love and compassion for them, but being obedient to the Father who has a plan that He is following.
For those of us that have been praying for healing or miracles, we should take heart, for the Father's will is clearly that we should be healed, the timing is one of the things that we need to trust to Him. The lame man outside the temple could have been healed by Jesus personally, instead he was healed by the apostles, and it was one of the cornerstone healing for the young church, demonstrating that Jesus was the son of God, and had authority to heal. The seeming delay in his healing brought greater glory to Jesus.
I think of it this way, Jesus' healing ministry was meant to be a catalyst to the healing ministry of the church. Jesus could only physically touch so many people in his brief ministry period. The remaining sick were for the church to heal! I can almost see one of the first healing outreaches of the young church being the area around the pool of Bethesda, completing the work that Jesus began by healing everyone that was gathered there.
In now way should we interpret a delay in our healing as proof that God doesn't want to heal us, or doesn't plan to heal us. Part of the mystery of the Father is that He is God and His purposes and thoughts are so much higher than ours that we can't grasp them fully. We can understand His nature, but His perfect timing is probably beyond our grasp, but that doesn't change His will to heal us. So let us keep trusting in His Love and Compassion and continue to call out to Him, like Bartimeaus, and expect that He will heal us.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
God's Footprints
I was just reading Psalm 77 and verse 19 really caught my eye this morning.
(NIV)Psalm 77:19 Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.
I really like this statement. It is talking about how God led the people through the Red Sea, and how He was present to them in that moment. He was present, they followed closely behind Him, but were unable to discern His footsteps. His presence was so real that they were looking for His footprints.
What an awesome picture of God's intervention and presence in the middle of difficult circumstances. He is there! He is leading the way! You can almost see His footprints - but you can certainly discern His path, for it opens before Him. So if we find ourselves in a difficult place, God will be present and will provide a way out.
Lord, thank You for Your love and faithfulness.
(NIV)Psalm 77:19 Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.
I really like this statement. It is talking about how God led the people through the Red Sea, and how He was present to them in that moment. He was present, they followed closely behind Him, but were unable to discern His footsteps. His presence was so real that they were looking for His footprints.
What an awesome picture of God's intervention and presence in the middle of difficult circumstances. He is there! He is leading the way! You can almost see His footprints - but you can certainly discern His path, for it opens before Him. So if we find ourselves in a difficult place, God will be present and will provide a way out.
Lord, thank You for Your love and faithfulness.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Concerning Shepherds and Sheep
Yesterday while talking about the Church, I had an important thought, that in the shepherd and sheep analogy, the value is not in the shepherd, but rather in the sheep.
In many churches, they have it the other way around, they think the shepherd is the important and valuable one, so much so that there is almost a pastor worship in some churches.
Lord, help us to restore right order to the Body of Christ, giving honor to all, but especially seeing and believing in the value of the people. The shepherd, serves and encourages and feeds, but its ultimately about the sheep. We, as sheep, don't need to take our identity from who our shepherd is, because we have our own value and identifty in who we are.
I am reminded of a passage from Ezekiel, concerning shepherds and sheep:
(NIV)Ezekiel 34:1-6
The word of the Lord came to me: [2] “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? [3] You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. [4] You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. [5] So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. [6] My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.
Thankfully, Jesus desires to be our shepherd and calls us His sheep. He knows our value and was willing to die for us. In that action - we can find our true value. The Son of God laid down His life for us.
(NIV)John 10:11-15
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. [13] The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. [14] “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--- [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father---and I lay down my life for the sheep.
In many churches, they have it the other way around, they think the shepherd is the important and valuable one, so much so that there is almost a pastor worship in some churches.
Lord, help us to restore right order to the Body of Christ, giving honor to all, but especially seeing and believing in the value of the people. The shepherd, serves and encourages and feeds, but its ultimately about the sheep. We, as sheep, don't need to take our identity from who our shepherd is, because we have our own value and identifty in who we are.
I am reminded of a passage from Ezekiel, concerning shepherds and sheep:
(NIV)Ezekiel 34:1-6
The word of the Lord came to me: [2] “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? [3] You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. [4] You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. [5] So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. [6] My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.
Thankfully, Jesus desires to be our shepherd and calls us His sheep. He knows our value and was willing to die for us. In that action - we can find our true value. The Son of God laid down His life for us.
(NIV)John 10:11-15
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. [13] The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. [14] “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--- [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father---and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Friday, June 22, 2012
When God Comes in Vengeance - He Fights FOR Me!
This morning I have been reading a few verses that have to do with God coming and fighting for me, coming in vengeance.
(NIV)Psalm 35:1-3 Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. [2] Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. [3] Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, “I am your salvation. ”
(NIV)Isaiah 35:1-10 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, [2] it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. [3] Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; [4] say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” [5] Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. [6] Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. [7] The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. [8] And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. [9] No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, [10] and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
So often when I think of God coming in vengeance, I think its to punish me for something wrong I did (which by the way is not true at all - see my earlier post on punishment and discipline). Anyway, as I was reading these verses I realized that He is not coming to fight against me, rather He is coming to fight for me! I am not His enemy, I am the object of His affection!
When He comes, He is brings defeat to the enemy, and salvation and healing to those He is fighting for...
Amen - Come Lord!
(NIV)Psalm 35:1-3 Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. [2] Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. [3] Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, “I am your salvation. ”
(NIV)Isaiah 35:1-10 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, [2] it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. [3] Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; [4] say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” [5] Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. [6] Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. [7] The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. [8] And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. [9] No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, [10] and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
So often when I think of God coming in vengeance, I think its to punish me for something wrong I did (which by the way is not true at all - see my earlier post on punishment and discipline). Anyway, as I was reading these verses I realized that He is not coming to fight against me, rather He is coming to fight for me! I am not His enemy, I am the object of His affection!
When He comes, He is brings defeat to the enemy, and salvation and healing to those He is fighting for...
Amen - Come Lord!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Transformed and Renewed
This morning I have been reading and thinking about a renewed mind.
(NIV)Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God---this is your true and proper worship. [2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Lord, I know that I need to learn to think rightly. I need my mind to be renewed, and in that to be transformed. We are not supposed to think or act like the rest of the world, but rather to think and act with a heavenly perspective. So much of the time I have the question of what is God's will, and here Paul writes that in the renewal of our mind, we will be able to understand and know what His will is. As we know what His will is and are renewed in our mind, our behavior is also supposed to change - which Paul writes about in his letter to the Colossians.
(NIV)Colossians 3:9-14
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. [11] Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. [12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Lord, help me to walk in this new reality, not just through diligent effort on my behalf, but because I have been truly transformed and renewed
(NIV)Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God---this is your true and proper worship. [2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Lord, I know that I need to learn to think rightly. I need my mind to be renewed, and in that to be transformed. We are not supposed to think or act like the rest of the world, but rather to think and act with a heavenly perspective. So much of the time I have the question of what is God's will, and here Paul writes that in the renewal of our mind, we will be able to understand and know what His will is. As we know what His will is and are renewed in our mind, our behavior is also supposed to change - which Paul writes about in his letter to the Colossians.
(NIV)Colossians 3:9-14
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. [11] Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. [12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Lord, help me to walk in this new reality, not just through diligent effort on my behalf, but because I have been truly transformed and renewed
Monday, June 18, 2012
Pets, Servants and Sons and Daughters
This morning I am meditating on sonship and I had a couple of thoughts and verses. As I was sitting here praying one of our cats came and sat down next to me, and was purring away, apparently glad to be by me. I was thinking about how much interaction we have as pet and owner, how the pets are completely dependent on me to provide for their food, shelter, etc. And how even though they don't fully understand me, there is a communication of affection. I realized that many people don't even have that type of relationship with the Lord.
Then I started thinking about some of the verses describe the relationship that God want to have with us. We are so much more than just created beings, like animals with little or no interaction with God. We are called to be more than just servants or slaves. In Matthew 6, Jesus is describing how much more valuable we are than animals. In Romans 8, Paul talks about how we are adopted into a place of sonship or daughtership. In Matt 7, Jesus talks about how we as sons and daughters can expect the Father to answer prayers. In John 15, Jesus calls us friends, elevating us from any type of servant role. So, if we look at the summary - the Father considers us His sons and daughters, and He wants to give us good things. Jesus, as The Son, calls us His friends and we are invited into the intimate relationships He has with the Father. What an awesome reality! He wants us to know that we are Sons and Daughters, and that we can live in the reality of that relationship!
(NIV)Matthew 6:25-27
“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 than food, and the body more than clothes? [26] 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? [27] Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life ?
(NIV)Romans 8:14-17
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. [15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
(NIV)Matthew 7:7-11
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. [9] “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? [10] Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? [11] If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
(NIV)John 15:14-17
You are my friends if you do what I command. [15] I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. [16] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit---fruit that will last---and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. [17] This is my command: Love each other.
Then I started thinking about some of the verses describe the relationship that God want to have with us. We are so much more than just created beings, like animals with little or no interaction with God. We are called to be more than just servants or slaves. In Matthew 6, Jesus is describing how much more valuable we are than animals. In Romans 8, Paul talks about how we are adopted into a place of sonship or daughtership. In Matt 7, Jesus talks about how we as sons and daughters can expect the Father to answer prayers. In John 15, Jesus calls us friends, elevating us from any type of servant role. So, if we look at the summary - the Father considers us His sons and daughters, and He wants to give us good things. Jesus, as The Son, calls us His friends and we are invited into the intimate relationships He has with the Father. What an awesome reality! He wants us to know that we are Sons and Daughters, and that we can live in the reality of that relationship!
(NIV)Matthew 6:25-27
“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 than food, and the body more than clothes? [26] 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? [27] Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life ?
(NIV)Romans 8:14-17
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. [15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
(NIV)Matthew 7:7-11
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. [9] “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? [10] Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? [11] If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
(NIV)John 15:14-17
You are my friends if you do what I command. [15] I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. [16] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit---fruit that will last---and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. [17] This is my command: Love each other.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Surrounded By Trouble - Peace!
As I was reading Psalm 27, I was encouraged by the David's prayer for intimacy with God, while he is surrounded by enemies and troubles.
(NIV)Psalm 27:1-14
The Lord is my light and my salvation---whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life---of whom shall I be afraid? [2] When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. [3] Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. [4] One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. [5] For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. [6] Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. [7] Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. [8] My heart says of you, “Seek his face! ” Your face, Lord, I will seek. [9] Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. [10] Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. [11] Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. [12] Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. [13] I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. [14] Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
He speaks of being surrounded by an army, and not fearing, though a war breaks out against him, standing in confidence, and in al this turning to the Lord, desiring a place of face to face intimacy and worship. He learned that in the place of intimacy there was protection and peace. I think from that place, he was able to gain God's perspective (raising his head above his enemies). Its amazing that his response is singing and making music to the Lord, as if an army wasn't surrounding him, and he wasn't in the day of trouble. I am reminded of Paul's statement about peace that is beyond understanding:
(NIV)Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Lord, we pray for this type of peace in our lives. We are so often overwhelmed, surrounded, harassed and fearful, but in You is a place of peace and intimacy. We long for that Lord.
(NIV)Psalm 27:1-14
The Lord is my light and my salvation---whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life---of whom shall I be afraid? [2] When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. [3] Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. [4] One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. [5] For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. [6] Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. [7] Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. [8] My heart says of you, “Seek his face! ” Your face, Lord, I will seek. [9] Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. [10] Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. [11] Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. [12] Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. [13] I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. [14] Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
He speaks of being surrounded by an army, and not fearing, though a war breaks out against him, standing in confidence, and in al this turning to the Lord, desiring a place of face to face intimacy and worship. He learned that in the place of intimacy there was protection and peace. I think from that place, he was able to gain God's perspective (raising his head above his enemies). Its amazing that his response is singing and making music to the Lord, as if an army wasn't surrounding him, and he wasn't in the day of trouble. I am reminded of Paul's statement about peace that is beyond understanding:
(NIV)Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Lord, we pray for this type of peace in our lives. We are so often overwhelmed, surrounded, harassed and fearful, but in You is a place of peace and intimacy. We long for that Lord.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
When Jesus Waits...
This morning I am reading from John 11:
(NIV)John 11:1-7, 40
Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [2] (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) [3] So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
[4] When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” [5] Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. [6] So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, [7] and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”
As i was reading through these verses this morning, I was struck be verses 5 & 6. Read together they are a powerful statement about God's love for us. It says Jesus loved All three of them, Lazarus, Martha and Mary and He waited to go to them.
So often we associate delayed answers to prayers as a some indication of the degree that God loves us. But here it clearly states that Jesus loved them. In fact later in verses 33, 35 & 38 we are told that Jesus was deeply moved by their sorrow, and that He even wept. There is no judgement of them associated with His delay. We need to understand that delayed answers does not mean that God doesn't hear, or that God doesn't care, or that God doesn't have a plan. Also, Jesus was being obedient to the Father in waiting...for He knew the Father would be glorified, and that this was the Father's will.
Its hard to know all the reasons for the delay, but it might be because He loved them so much that He wanted them to experience His greatest glory. He had previously raised others to life, Jairus's daughter, the widows son in Nain, but those were all very recent deaths. Here Lazarus was dead 4 days, and decomposition would have already been at work, for they did not practice embalming as we do. The person was often buried the same day they died, to help avoid the stench that would surely come. So, in raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus demonstrated God's power to not only speak life back into a dead body, but restoration of those things that have experienced death and decay. In other cards, nothing is too far gone for the Lord to move.
How often do we think things are too far gone and give up our hope in God, or think because He didn't answer immediately that He doesn't care? The Lord loves us deeply, and feels real concern and knows our pain, for He lived as we do.
Lord, help us to hold onto You, in faith, trusting that You do love us, and do have a plan for us!
(NIV)John 11:1-7, 40
Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [2] (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) [3] So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
[4] When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” [5] Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. [6] So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, [7] and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”
As i was reading through these verses this morning, I was struck be verses 5 & 6. Read together they are a powerful statement about God's love for us. It says Jesus loved All three of them, Lazarus, Martha and Mary and He waited to go to them.
So often we associate delayed answers to prayers as a some indication of the degree that God loves us. But here it clearly states that Jesus loved them. In fact later in verses 33, 35 & 38 we are told that Jesus was deeply moved by their sorrow, and that He even wept. There is no judgement of them associated with His delay. We need to understand that delayed answers does not mean that God doesn't hear, or that God doesn't care, or that God doesn't have a plan. Also, Jesus was being obedient to the Father in waiting...for He knew the Father would be glorified, and that this was the Father's will.
Its hard to know all the reasons for the delay, but it might be because He loved them so much that He wanted them to experience His greatest glory. He had previously raised others to life, Jairus's daughter, the widows son in Nain, but those were all very recent deaths. Here Lazarus was dead 4 days, and decomposition would have already been at work, for they did not practice embalming as we do. The person was often buried the same day they died, to help avoid the stench that would surely come. So, in raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus demonstrated God's power to not only speak life back into a dead body, but restoration of those things that have experienced death and decay. In other cards, nothing is too far gone for the Lord to move.
How often do we think things are too far gone and give up our hope in God, or think because He didn't answer immediately that He doesn't care? The Lord loves us deeply, and feels real concern and knows our pain, for He lived as we do.
Lord, help us to hold onto You, in faith, trusting that You do love us, and do have a plan for us!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
The Gift of Forgiveness
I am reading in Luke 7 this morning:
(NIV)Luke 7:37-38, 44-50
A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. [38] As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
[44] Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. [45] You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. [46] You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. [47] Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven---as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” [48] Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” [49] The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” [50] Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
The last line - speaking of how her Faith has saved - Greek word: sozo - her. Her faith is demonstrated by her actions, her love for Him, her humility before Him. Although not mentioned here, in John 11:2, written many years later, He identifies this women as Mary. We know that she spends the rest of Jesus' life, serving and following Him. Her expression of love and devotion, here explained as a result of her forgiveness for her sins, should give us pause to consider.
I know that sometimes I forget what my sins would have wrought in my life and beyond. I sometimes forget the great gift I have been given in forgiveness of my sins. Clearly Mary never forgot, and she continued to serve Jesus unrelentingly. Lord, I ask You to forgive me for my ungratefulness and lack of love for You.
(NIV)Luke 7:37-38, 44-50
A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. [38] As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
[44] Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. [45] You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. [46] You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. [47] Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven---as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” [48] Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” [49] The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” [50] Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
The last line - speaking of how her Faith has saved - Greek word: sozo - her. Her faith is demonstrated by her actions, her love for Him, her humility before Him. Although not mentioned here, in John 11:2, written many years later, He identifies this women as Mary. We know that she spends the rest of Jesus' life, serving and following Him. Her expression of love and devotion, here explained as a result of her forgiveness for her sins, should give us pause to consider.
I know that sometimes I forget what my sins would have wrought in my life and beyond. I sometimes forget the great gift I have been given in forgiveness of my sins. Clearly Mary never forgot, and she continued to serve Jesus unrelentingly. Lord, I ask You to forgive me for my ungratefulness and lack of love for You.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Old and New Wineskins
This morning I am reading from Matthew:
(NIV)Matthew 9:14-17
Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” [15] Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. [16] “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. [17] Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
As I was reading this I was reminded of the word I received several years ago about the new wine and wineskins. At the time, I was looking at it with a particular perspective, which I think is still accurate. This morning I was focusing on the last verse, specifically the last statement - and both are preserved! This is a clear statement about the value of both, the old and the new, but the recognition about the fact that sometimes new ideas don't fit in old ways, but that doesn't mean the old is worthless, nor the new. Both are valuable, but the new needs new wineskins to mature, and be preserved.
When I look at the present outflow of the young adults from the church in this light, I see a waste of good people, that are not fitting in the old wine skins, the old ways of doing things. We must develop new wine skins to help preserve them, help them mature and grow into all they are meant to be. Lord, we pray for this new wine-skin, so that we would be able to preserve this new wine.
Just thinking about the reality of the wineskin, literally being the skin of an animal, that was eaten by the makers of the old wine. It might just be the skin of one of the "sacred cows". In other words, related to something from the previous generation, but now just empty and waiting to be filled. By the way, the wineskins of Jesus time were not these nice little wineskins we buy today, but literally the skin of a sheep, the whole sheep! That is much wine!
Lord send us understanding of these "new wineskins" so that this new wine can be preserved
(NIV)Matthew 9:14-17
Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” [15] Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. [16] “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. [17] Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
As I was reading this I was reminded of the word I received several years ago about the new wine and wineskins. At the time, I was looking at it with a particular perspective, which I think is still accurate. This morning I was focusing on the last verse, specifically the last statement - and both are preserved! This is a clear statement about the value of both, the old and the new, but the recognition about the fact that sometimes new ideas don't fit in old ways, but that doesn't mean the old is worthless, nor the new. Both are valuable, but the new needs new wineskins to mature, and be preserved.
When I look at the present outflow of the young adults from the church in this light, I see a waste of good people, that are not fitting in the old wine skins, the old ways of doing things. We must develop new wine skins to help preserve them, help them mature and grow into all they are meant to be. Lord, we pray for this new wine-skin, so that we would be able to preserve this new wine.
Just thinking about the reality of the wineskin, literally being the skin of an animal, that was eaten by the makers of the old wine. It might just be the skin of one of the "sacred cows". In other words, related to something from the previous generation, but now just empty and waiting to be filled. By the way, the wineskins of Jesus time were not these nice little wineskins we buy today, but literally the skin of a sheep, the whole sheep! That is much wine!
Lord send us understanding of these "new wineskins" so that this new wine can be preserved
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Hearing God and Cell Phones
First, before sharing the analogy, let me say that I am a telecommunications engineer working in the cellular and wireless network segments of that market, so although hopefully understandable, this analoy draws from that field.
This morning, at breakfast with three good friends, we were talking for some reason about how cell phones work, and being the one with Telecom experience at the table, I was sharing some of the complexities of how things work. One of the things I mentioned was the fact that phones from Sprint use something called long-codes so that they have a unique address for communications with the network. This address is one of 4,398,046,511,104 (that's 4 Trillion) possible combinations and is used for the phones communications to the network, and communications from the network to the phone. So, this basic technology that we use every day is capable of idenitfying the unique identity of each phone, and be able to communicate with that phone directly, even while communicating to hundreds and thousands of other devices at the same time.
So, do you get the picture?
One network able to talk to 4 trillion devices concurrently, and the devices can talk back, each in a unique and secure manner.
We have no problem believing this can work, in fact most of us are totally unaware this is happening. We just assume that when we turn on our cell phone it will work.
I think of communication with God and being able to hear His voice in these same ways. God is capable of speaking to us each in a unique way, all at the same time, and in a such a way that we can hear His voice speaking to us, and He hears us.
I have heard some people say they don't hear God. I have heard some people say they don't hear God the same way I do. I know there are many people who don't even know God is speaking.
The reality is that God desires to speak to us all. He is speaking, and we just need to learn how to hear Him. He is constantly speaking to us all - whether we perceive this or not, just like cell phone signals are there whether we know they are or not.
We don't need to try and hear Him the way He speaks to someone else, because He speaks to us in the way He meant and created us to hear Him. Some people see pictures, some people hear words, others hear a still, small voice, others hear God in dreams, some hear Him by reading the Bible, and some people hear Him in all those ways.
God longs for us to hear His voice, calling to us, telling us of His love for us, speaking words of life and blessing to us. Whether you believe that's true or not doesn't mean its not happening. Billions of people have heard His voice, and responded, and heard even more from Him.
(NIV)John 10:27-28
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.
Learning to hear God is one of the most important things we can do in our lives. Let us learn to hear Him, and recognize how He chooses to speak to us, and help others learn how to hear Him too.
This morning, at breakfast with three good friends, we were talking for some reason about how cell phones work, and being the one with Telecom experience at the table, I was sharing some of the complexities of how things work. One of the things I mentioned was the fact that phones from Sprint use something called long-codes so that they have a unique address for communications with the network. This address is one of 4,398,046,511,104 (that's 4 Trillion) possible combinations and is used for the phones communications to the network, and communications from the network to the phone. So, this basic technology that we use every day is capable of idenitfying the unique identity of each phone, and be able to communicate with that phone directly, even while communicating to hundreds and thousands of other devices at the same time.
So, do you get the picture?
One network able to talk to 4 trillion devices concurrently, and the devices can talk back, each in a unique and secure manner.
We have no problem believing this can work, in fact most of us are totally unaware this is happening. We just assume that when we turn on our cell phone it will work.
I think of communication with God and being able to hear His voice in these same ways. God is capable of speaking to us each in a unique way, all at the same time, and in a such a way that we can hear His voice speaking to us, and He hears us.
I have heard some people say they don't hear God. I have heard some people say they don't hear God the same way I do. I know there are many people who don't even know God is speaking.
The reality is that God desires to speak to us all. He is speaking, and we just need to learn how to hear Him. He is constantly speaking to us all - whether we perceive this or not, just like cell phone signals are there whether we know they are or not.
We don't need to try and hear Him the way He speaks to someone else, because He speaks to us in the way He meant and created us to hear Him. Some people see pictures, some people hear words, others hear a still, small voice, others hear God in dreams, some hear Him by reading the Bible, and some people hear Him in all those ways.
God longs for us to hear His voice, calling to us, telling us of His love for us, speaking words of life and blessing to us. Whether you believe that's true or not doesn't mean its not happening. Billions of people have heard His voice, and responded, and heard even more from Him.
(NIV)John 10:27-28
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.
Learning to hear God is one of the most important things we can do in our lives. Let us learn to hear Him, and recognize how He chooses to speak to us, and help others learn how to hear Him too.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Settling for Less Than Scraps
The danger of a religion is that we become satisfied with relationships with each other, our programs and good sounding music, and lose our sense of need for relationship with God. We must cultivate this higher call, this constant understanding of our need for Him. I could almost see a meeting of the church, standing around talking to each other, doing church, never even aware of the fact that the Lord's presense wasn't there, and being satisfied with the meeting.
Lord, how can we meet in Your living room, and not miss Your presense? We have become a church that is empty of the Your life. We must have Your presense restored to us, or we will become satisfied with the lesser things. We will settle for dog food, or less when you have a banquet prepared for us. I am reminded of the interaction You had with the Caananite woman:
(NIV)Matthew 15:21-28
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. [22] A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” [23] Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” [24] He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” [25] The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. [26] He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” [27] “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” [28] Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
In Mark its slightly different:
(NIV)Mark 7:27-30
“First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” [28] “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” [29] Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” [30] She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
Lord, I think that we have learned to settle for less then scraps, but we could eat all that we wanted, for You have prepared a banquet for us. Help us to be hungry for You, and never rest until we are satisfied!
Lord, how can we meet in Your living room, and not miss Your presense? We have become a church that is empty of the Your life. We must have Your presense restored to us, or we will become satisfied with the lesser things. We will settle for dog food, or less when you have a banquet prepared for us. I am reminded of the interaction You had with the Caananite woman:
(NIV)Matthew 15:21-28
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. [22] A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” [23] Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” [24] He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” [25] The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. [26] He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” [27] “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” [28] Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
In Mark its slightly different:
(NIV)Mark 7:27-30
“First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” [28] “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” [29] Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” [30] She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
Lord, I think that we have learned to settle for less then scraps, but we could eat all that we wanted, for You have prepared a banquet for us. Help us to be hungry for You, and never rest until we are satisfied!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Let Life Flow Out of Us!
Last night I was listening to a teaching by Heidi Baker, talking about being fountains of living water. She spoke out of John 4 & 7 as follows:
(NIV)John 4:10-14
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” [11] “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? [12] Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” [13] Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, [14] but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
(NIV)John 7:37-39
On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. [38] Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” [39] By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
This morning I woke up thinking about being a fountain of living water, and that to do so I need to open my mouth more, so that I can speak life to those around me. I recognize that I don't affirm people enough, I don't say the things I think enough, and I don't anticipate having the Word of Lord for people enough. Lord, help me to start with my family and build this into a lifestyle and gift that I operate in consistently.
Lord, help me to be a river of living water to those around me. Help us all to be fountains of life!
(NIV)John 4:10-14
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” [11] “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? [12] Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” [13] Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, [14] but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
(NIV)John 7:37-39
On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. [38] Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” [39] By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
This morning I woke up thinking about being a fountain of living water, and that to do so I need to open my mouth more, so that I can speak life to those around me. I recognize that I don't affirm people enough, I don't say the things I think enough, and I don't anticipate having the Word of Lord for people enough. Lord, help me to start with my family and build this into a lifestyle and gift that I operate in consistently.
Lord, help me to be a river of living water to those around me. Help us all to be fountains of life!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Discipline or Punishment?
Over the last few weeks I have been reading about discipline, punishment, and our thinking about these things. Discipline has many definitions to many people, and is often used when they really mean punishment for doing something wrong, which in this context would be sin. I think this is illustrated well in the following verses:
(NIV)Hebrews 12:6
"...because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
In this verse the author of Hebrews is quoting from Proverbs. The word chasten, could be renedered punishment, flogging, or other form of punishment. This is not the sense that the word is used in for the following verses and so should not be understood as the definition for the author's further discussion on the topic. The next several verses talk about discipline, but always using the same Greek word.
(NIV)Hebrews 12:7-11
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? [8] If you are not disciplined---and everyone undergoes discipline---then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. [9] Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! [10] They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. [11] No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
The Greek word translated discipline is as follows:
Paideia - pahee-di'-ah
Parts of Speech TDNT Noun Feminine
Definition
1. the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment) It also includes the training and care of the body
2. whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, esp. by correcting mistakes and curbing passions. a. instruction which aims at increasing virtue
b. chastisement, chastening, (of the evils with which God visits men for their amendment)
Whereas the common English translation of discipline is as follows:
noun
1 : punishment
2 obsolete : instruction
3 : a field of study
4 : training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character
5 a : control gained by enforcing obedience or order
b : orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior
c : self-control
So the original Greek talks primarily about training and education, correcting mistakes, and instruction - teacher to pupil if you may. When I read these verses from a strictly English definition, the first thing I think is punishment.
I don't think this - seeing discipline as punishment - is the right perspective at all. I can't imagine as a father, ever disciplining my children with any other motivation than love, and desire for their best. Looking closely at the verse above, God's motivation is clear - its about our relationship to Him as His children, its for our good, and ultimately bears good fruit in our lives. It doesn't mean its not sometimes painful, some times difficult, but always with a motivation of producing in us our best.
It is not punishment for doing something wrong or sin!
Lord, help us to rightly understand Your purpose and plan, and specifically Your heart towards us. Help us to understand how You choose to discipline us, teaching us and helping us to grow into the people that You desire.
(NIV)Hebrews 12:6
"...because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
In this verse the author of Hebrews is quoting from Proverbs. The word chasten, could be renedered punishment, flogging, or other form of punishment. This is not the sense that the word is used in for the following verses and so should not be understood as the definition for the author's further discussion on the topic. The next several verses talk about discipline, but always using the same Greek word.
(NIV)Hebrews 12:7-11
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? [8] If you are not disciplined---and everyone undergoes discipline---then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. [9] Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! [10] They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. [11] No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
The Greek word translated discipline is as follows:
Paideia - pahee-di'-ah
Parts of Speech TDNT Noun Feminine
Definition
1. the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment) It also includes the training and care of the body
2. whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, esp. by correcting mistakes and curbing passions. a. instruction which aims at increasing virtue
b. chastisement, chastening, (of the evils with which God visits men for their amendment)
Whereas the common English translation of discipline is as follows:
noun
1 : punishment
2 obsolete : instruction
3 : a field of study
4 : training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character
5 a : control gained by enforcing obedience or order
b : orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior
c : self-control
So the original Greek talks primarily about training and education, correcting mistakes, and instruction - teacher to pupil if you may. When I read these verses from a strictly English definition, the first thing I think is punishment.
I don't think this - seeing discipline as punishment - is the right perspective at all. I can't imagine as a father, ever disciplining my children with any other motivation than love, and desire for their best. Looking closely at the verse above, God's motivation is clear - its about our relationship to Him as His children, its for our good, and ultimately bears good fruit in our lives. It doesn't mean its not sometimes painful, some times difficult, but always with a motivation of producing in us our best.
It is not punishment for doing something wrong or sin!
Lord, help us to rightly understand Your purpose and plan, and specifically Your heart towards us. Help us to understand how You choose to discipline us, teaching us and helping us to grow into the people that You desire.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
On Suffering, Judgment and Punishment
This morning I was reading some scripture that mentioned judgement. It got me thinking about several things, including this verse from 1 Peter:
(NIV)1 Peter 4:16-17
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
I really like the comments of David Guzik on this verse, especially point two - see below:
For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God: In the context of suffering, Peter tells us that judgment begins at the house of God. God uses suffering as a judgment (in a positive, purifying sense) for Christians (the house of God) now.
i. Now is our time of fiery trial (1 Peter 4:12); the ungodly will have their fire later. The fire we endure now purifies us; the fire the ungodly will endure will punish them.
ii. We must always remember that there is never any punishment from God for us in our sufferings, only purification. For the Christian, the issue of punishment was settled once and for all at the cross, where Jesus endured all the punishment the Christian could ever face from God.
iii. The same fire that consumes straw will purify gold. The fire is the same, but its purpose in application is different, and its effect is different upon the straw and the gold. Even so, Christians do suffer some of the same things the ungodly do, yet the purpose of God is different, and the effect is different.
I think many times, we are apt to think in our difficulties that God is punishing us, but that is never true, as David says in point two. Jesus bore the punishment for us all, so that we would never need to be punished by God. God's motivation towards us is always Love.
(NIV)1 Peter 4:16-17
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
I really like the comments of David Guzik on this verse, especially point two - see below:
For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God: In the context of suffering, Peter tells us that judgment begins at the house of God. God uses suffering as a judgment (in a positive, purifying sense) for Christians (the house of God) now.
i. Now is our time of fiery trial (1 Peter 4:12); the ungodly will have their fire later. The fire we endure now purifies us; the fire the ungodly will endure will punish them.
ii. We must always remember that there is never any punishment from God for us in our sufferings, only purification. For the Christian, the issue of punishment was settled once and for all at the cross, where Jesus endured all the punishment the Christian could ever face from God.
iii. The same fire that consumes straw will purify gold. The fire is the same, but its purpose in application is different, and its effect is different upon the straw and the gold. Even so, Christians do suffer some of the same things the ungodly do, yet the purpose of God is different, and the effect is different.
I think many times, we are apt to think in our difficulties that God is punishing us, but that is never true, as David says in point two. Jesus bore the punishment for us all, so that we would never need to be punished by God. God's motivation towards us is always Love.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
We Receive the Blessings of the Righteous
I was just reading through Proverbs 10, and came across verse 6, which started me thinking:
(NIV)Proverbs 10:6-7
Blessings crown the head of the righteous.... [7] The name of the righteous is used in blessings....
As I was reading this, I thought about the fact that in Jesus, I am righteous, for His righteousness has been applied to me - see Romans 3:21-26, and Romans 5:18-19. I was thinking about all the different promises that made to the righteous I the old testament. I have always read them, and thought I didn't quite qualify as righteous. However, in light of the truth that we are considered righteous, because Jesus righteousness is applied to us.
(NIV)Romans 3:21-24
But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. [22] This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
(NIV)Romans 5:18-19
Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. [19] For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
So in other words, because of Jesus' righteousness which is applied to us, we get to particpate in and claim all the promises we read. I know the list is long, but just let the promises wash over you, and claim them as true for your life. Here are some of the promises:
(NIV)Psalm 1:6
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
(NIV)Psalm 5:12
Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
(NIV)Psalm 14:5
.... for God is present in the company of the righteous.
(NIV)Psalm 34:15, 17, 19
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;
[17] The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
[19] The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;
(NIV)Psalm 37:25, 29-30
I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
[29] The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.
[30] The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.
(NIV)Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
(NIV)Psalm 64:10
The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will glory in him!
(NIV)Psalm 85:13
Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.
(NIV)Psalm 92:12-15
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; [13] planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. [14] They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, [15] proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him. ”
(NIV)Psalm 97:11
Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.
(NIV)Psalm 118:15-17, 20
Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! [16] The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” [17] I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
[20] This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter.
(NIV)Psalm 140:13
Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.
(NIV)Psalm 146:8
the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.
(NIV)Proverbs 3:33
The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
(NIV)Proverbs 10:3
The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry...
(NIV)Proverbs 10:28
The prospect of the righteous is joy...
(NIV)Proverbs 13:21
Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things.
(NIV)Proverbs 20:7
The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
(NIV)Proverbs 10:6-7
Blessings crown the head of the righteous.... [7] The name of the righteous is used in blessings....
As I was reading this, I thought about the fact that in Jesus, I am righteous, for His righteousness has been applied to me - see Romans 3:21-26, and Romans 5:18-19. I was thinking about all the different promises that made to the righteous I the old testament. I have always read them, and thought I didn't quite qualify as righteous. However, in light of the truth that we are considered righteous, because Jesus righteousness is applied to us.
(NIV)Romans 3:21-24
But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. [22] This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
(NIV)Romans 5:18-19
Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. [19] For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
So in other words, because of Jesus' righteousness which is applied to us, we get to particpate in and claim all the promises we read. I know the list is long, but just let the promises wash over you, and claim them as true for your life. Here are some of the promises:
(NIV)Psalm 1:6
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
(NIV)Psalm 5:12
Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
(NIV)Psalm 14:5
.... for God is present in the company of the righteous.
(NIV)Psalm 34:15, 17, 19
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;
[17] The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
[19] The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;
(NIV)Psalm 37:25, 29-30
I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
[29] The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.
[30] The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.
(NIV)Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
(NIV)Psalm 64:10
The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will glory in him!
(NIV)Psalm 85:13
Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.
(NIV)Psalm 92:12-15
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; [13] planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. [14] They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, [15] proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him. ”
(NIV)Psalm 97:11
Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.
(NIV)Psalm 118:15-17, 20
Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! [16] The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” [17] I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
[20] This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter.
(NIV)Psalm 140:13
Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.
(NIV)Psalm 146:8
the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.
(NIV)Proverbs 3:33
The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
(NIV)Proverbs 10:3
The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry...
(NIV)Proverbs 10:28
The prospect of the righteous is joy...
(NIV)Proverbs 13:21
Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things.
(NIV)Proverbs 20:7
The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Give What We Have
On my drive home from the airport last evening I had an interesting exchange with the Lord. I was thinking about some of the things I had read in Bill Johnson's book, and thinking about how we should have access to the same miracle working power that Jesus demonstrated, through the power of the Holy Spirit. I felt like the Lord said to imagine what it would be like having the world's richest father, and he assigned the role to you to spend or give away all his wealth. My first thought was that I would be driving a nice expensive car. Then I thought, no that would be selfish, and pointless. What would be better would be if I was just able to walk up to people and take care of whatever financial need they had, regardless of how big. As I started thinking about that, the Lord jumped back in and said, "that's what I want you to walk in, in the area of healing and miracles." He immediately brought to mind several scriptures:
(NIV)Acts 3:1-8
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer---at three in the afternoon. [2] Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. [3] When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. [4] Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” [5] So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
[6] Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” [7] Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. [8] He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.
(NIV)James 4:3
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
(NIV)John 14:12-14
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. [13] And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
(NIV)Luke 11:9-13
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. [11] “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? [12] Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
I felt like the Lord said that His desire was for us to walk in the assurance of His heart motives, and know that He will work through us to touch those around us. He wants us to be as confident in that, as if we really were the children of the richest man in te world, for we really are. His resources are beyond our comprehension, and He really is sovereign over all things. As Graham Cooke has said, anything we can imagine is not anywhere near as big as God thinks and dreams for us.
Lord, help us to walk in this reality!
(NIV)Acts 3:1-8
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer---at three in the afternoon. [2] Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. [3] When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. [4] Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” [5] So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
[6] Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” [7] Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. [8] He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.
(NIV)James 4:3
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
(NIV)John 14:12-14
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. [13] And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
(NIV)Luke 11:9-13
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. [11] “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? [12] Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
I felt like the Lord said that His desire was for us to walk in the assurance of His heart motives, and know that He will work through us to touch those around us. He wants us to be as confident in that, as if we really were the children of the richest man in te world, for we really are. His resources are beyond our comprehension, and He really is sovereign over all things. As Graham Cooke has said, anything we can imagine is not anywhere near as big as God thinks and dreams for us.
Lord, help us to walk in this reality!
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