I was recently reading from Matthew 10:
(NIV)Matthew 10:1, 7-8
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. [7] As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
I was thinking about last statement 'freely you have received' and realized it was related to the proclamation that Jesus made in verse 1. It was authority that He was calling the apostles to give away. That is so different then the worldly model, where we associated authority and power and are loath to give away either.
In the Kingdom, the authority paradigm is completely different, and Jesus makes it clear that it's in giving it away, that more is given. He demonstrated this paradigm in the feeding of the five thousand - where we would normally hold onto the food we have in the midst of a crowd, if we give it to the Lord, He will provide for all.
Holding on to authority, trying to control others, thinking that power and authority are something to hoard and control, is completely wrong in the Kingdom. Authority is supposed to lead to healing, miracles, and the defeat of the kingdom of the enemy. We must learn this lesson, we must freely give away all the authority we receive, allowing the Lord to refill us of all that we give away.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Of His Thigh and Robe...
Now for something completely different...
Last night I was thinking about Revelation 19, when Jesus comes again, riding on a white horse, with writing on his robe and his thigh. Here are the verses:
(NIV)Revelation 19:11-16
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. [12] His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. [13] He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. [14] The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. [15] Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. [16] On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
king of kings and lord of lords.
As I was thinking about this all, I realized that the breast and the thigh were part of the sacrifice that were given to the priests, see the following verses:
(NIV)Leviticus 7:31-34
The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. [32] You are to give the right thigh of your fellowship offerings to the priest as a contribution. [33] The son of Aaron who offers the blood and the fat of the fellowship offering shall have the right thigh as his share. [34] From the fellowship offerings of the Israelites, I have taken the breast that is waved and the thigh that is presented and have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as their perpetual share from the Israelites.’ ”
The is no doubt that this coorelation is purposeful. I know I don't grasp anywhere near the actual realities, but here are a couple of thoughts I had:
1. Jesus was both the perfect and everlasting fulfillment of the sacrifice for atonement, and the everlasting fulfillment of the fellowship offering as well.
2. The fellowship offering is meant to be shared between God and the priests, and we are all priests 1 Peter 2:9 -"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
3. So it appears that the title that is written on Jesus' robe and on His thigh is His title which He intends to share with His bride, the church, the chosen people, holy nation, royal priesthood - us!
If this is correct, it means in a very real way we will be invited into and have fellowship in the sovereign rule of the Lord. Wow, that will mess with your mind...
Lord, my desire is to understand You more and more, to understand Your purpose for me, to walk in the fullness of all that You have for me! Lord, help me to dive deep, to understand the depth, heighth, width and breadth of Your love for me!
Last night I was thinking about Revelation 19, when Jesus comes again, riding on a white horse, with writing on his robe and his thigh. Here are the verses:
(NIV)Revelation 19:11-16
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. [12] His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. [13] He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. [14] The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. [15] Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. [16] On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
king of kings and lord of lords.
As I was thinking about this all, I realized that the breast and the thigh were part of the sacrifice that were given to the priests, see the following verses:
(NIV)Leviticus 7:31-34
The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. [32] You are to give the right thigh of your fellowship offerings to the priest as a contribution. [33] The son of Aaron who offers the blood and the fat of the fellowship offering shall have the right thigh as his share. [34] From the fellowship offerings of the Israelites, I have taken the breast that is waved and the thigh that is presented and have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as their perpetual share from the Israelites.’ ”
The is no doubt that this coorelation is purposeful. I know I don't grasp anywhere near the actual realities, but here are a couple of thoughts I had:
1. Jesus was both the perfect and everlasting fulfillment of the sacrifice for atonement, and the everlasting fulfillment of the fellowship offering as well.
2. The fellowship offering is meant to be shared between God and the priests, and we are all priests 1 Peter 2:9 -"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
3. So it appears that the title that is written on Jesus' robe and on His thigh is His title which He intends to share with His bride, the church, the chosen people, holy nation, royal priesthood - us!
If this is correct, it means in a very real way we will be invited into and have fellowship in the sovereign rule of the Lord. Wow, that will mess with your mind...
Lord, my desire is to understand You more and more, to understand Your purpose for me, to walk in the fullness of all that You have for me! Lord, help me to dive deep, to understand the depth, heighth, width and breadth of Your love for me!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
He is Coming For You...
Last night I was reading from John 5 about the man at that pool. This is one of my favorite stories, because of these two verses:
(NIV)John 5:5-6
One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. [6] When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
They are some of my favorite verses, because here is a man without hope, and Jesus sees him in his condition, and even asks about him, before the man is ever aware, apparently, for Jesus first recorded words to the man, were to ask him if wanted to get well. I think that Jesus was most likely asking someone else about the man. This speaks volumes to me about the length that Jesus will go to so that we might meet him and be healed.
I know I have written before about the fact that of all the sick people gathered around the pool this man is the one Jesus came to heal. It was Jesus initiative to find him and heal him. Jesus came just for him. The man had no hope, no idea who Jesus was, or what he could do, he just laid there. It was Jesus who sought him out, sought information about him, and then went to him.
This should bring hope to those of us who have long term affliction, or just find ourselves in a hopeless situation. God is concerned about our condition! Not only that, but even when we can't bring ourselves to seek Him out, in our hopelessness, sickness and weakness, He will come to us. This is a God who cares about us individually! Hallelujah!
(NIV)John 5:5-6
One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. [6] When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
They are some of my favorite verses, because here is a man without hope, and Jesus sees him in his condition, and even asks about him, before the man is ever aware, apparently, for Jesus first recorded words to the man, were to ask him if wanted to get well. I think that Jesus was most likely asking someone else about the man. This speaks volumes to me about the length that Jesus will go to so that we might meet him and be healed.
I know I have written before about the fact that of all the sick people gathered around the pool this man is the one Jesus came to heal. It was Jesus initiative to find him and heal him. Jesus came just for him. The man had no hope, no idea who Jesus was, or what he could do, he just laid there. It was Jesus who sought him out, sought information about him, and then went to him.
This should bring hope to those of us who have long term affliction, or just find ourselves in a hopeless situation. God is concerned about our condition! Not only that, but even when we can't bring ourselves to seek Him out, in our hopelessness, sickness and weakness, He will come to us. This is a God who cares about us individually! Hallelujah!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Of Jesus' Glory
Continuing on in John 17 this morning:
(NIV)John 17:22-23
"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one--- [23] I in them and you in me---so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
Yesterday I was looking at the call to know the Father and Jesus, today that less me to this verse on unity in the Body of Christ. According to this verse, complete and true unity will come through Jesus' glory, and that glory is given to propel us towards unity. This glory driven unity will be that which allows the world to rightly discern the Father's love.
Lord, we pray for Your glory, for the unity this will bring, and for that witness to the world.
The word for Glory in the Greek is Doxa which has several meanings:
Definition
1. opinion, judgment, view
2. opinion, estimate, whether good or bad concerning someone
a. in the NT always a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honour, and glory
3. splendour, brightness
a. of the moon, sun, stars
b. magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace
c. majesty
1. a thing belonging to God
a. the kingly majesty which belongs to him as supreme ruler, majesty in the sense of the absolute perfection of the deity
2. a thing belonging to Christ
a. the kingly majesty of the Messiah
b. the absolutely perfect inward or personal excellency of Christ; the majesty
3. of the angels
a. as apparent in their exterior brightness
4. a most glorious condition, most exalted state
a. of that condition with God the Father in heaven to which Christ was raised after he had achieved his work on earth
b. the glorious condition of blessedness into which is appointed and promised that true Christians shall enter after their Saviour's return from heaven
Clearly this glory is significant and is heavenly in nature, for it speaks of the perfectness of Christ, the radiance of angels, the resurrected condition, or our heavenly condition after Jesus return. That is amazing! The Church (we) have been given this glory, to help us step into unity. This was spoken 2000 years ago, but it is a promise that we will see fulfilled and should see fulfilled presently as well as in completeness, and I pray it will be fulfilled in my lifetime.
I definitely agree with Bill Johnson who says he feels the next revival will be one of God's glory - from this verse its apparent it must be true, for we don't see His glory manifest in the church like this yet.
(NIV)John 17:22-23
"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one--- [23] I in them and you in me---so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
Yesterday I was looking at the call to know the Father and Jesus, today that less me to this verse on unity in the Body of Christ. According to this verse, complete and true unity will come through Jesus' glory, and that glory is given to propel us towards unity. This glory driven unity will be that which allows the world to rightly discern the Father's love.
Lord, we pray for Your glory, for the unity this will bring, and for that witness to the world.
The word for Glory in the Greek is Doxa which has several meanings:
Definition
1. opinion, judgment, view
2. opinion, estimate, whether good or bad concerning someone
a. in the NT always a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honour, and glory
3. splendour, brightness
a. of the moon, sun, stars
b. magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace
c. majesty
1. a thing belonging to God
a. the kingly majesty which belongs to him as supreme ruler, majesty in the sense of the absolute perfection of the deity
2. a thing belonging to Christ
a. the kingly majesty of the Messiah
b. the absolutely perfect inward or personal excellency of Christ; the majesty
3. of the angels
a. as apparent in their exterior brightness
4. a most glorious condition, most exalted state
a. of that condition with God the Father in heaven to which Christ was raised after he had achieved his work on earth
b. the glorious condition of blessedness into which is appointed and promised that true Christians shall enter after their Saviour's return from heaven
Clearly this glory is significant and is heavenly in nature, for it speaks of the perfectness of Christ, the radiance of angels, the resurrected condition, or our heavenly condition after Jesus return. That is amazing! The Church (we) have been given this glory, to help us step into unity. This was spoken 2000 years ago, but it is a promise that we will see fulfilled and should see fulfilled presently as well as in completeness, and I pray it will be fulfilled in my lifetime.
I definitely agree with Bill Johnson who says he feels the next revival will be one of God's glory - from this verse its apparent it must be true, for we don't see His glory manifest in the church like this yet.
Monday, July 23, 2012
The Path to Eternal Life
This morning I have been meditating on two verses from John 17. In these verses Jesus lays out a very simple path to Etneral Life. He is speaking to the Father in these verses, in prayer:
(NIV)John 17:2-3
"For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. [3] Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
That is an amazing statement, that eternal life is knowing the Father and Jesus. The Greek word for eternal is Aionios :
Definition
1. without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be
2. without beginning
3. without end, never to cease, everlasting
And the word used for know is Ginosko
Definition
1. to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel
a. to become known
2. to know, understand, perceive, have knowledge of
a. to understand
b. to know
3. Jewish idiom for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman
4. to become acquainted with, to know
Clearly this is talking about an intimate relationship, and that is the key to eternal life. To know and be known, to be intimately acquainted with the Father and Jesus leads us to eternal life. This is not just head knowledge but an exchange of in depth knowledge, being able to tll how the other feels, what they are thinking, what they are feeling, understanding their motives and actions.
I think Jesus was speaking about this in Matthew, when he was asked about the greatest commandment.
(NIV)Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
This is not the language of book knowledge, but rather of love and intimacy and relationship, and I think that these two verses in John must be understood that way as well. In fact the three preceding chapters in John start with Jesus talking about love, His relationship with the apostles and the new relationship they will have with Holy Spirit. Its all about love in the context of intimate relationships.
(NIV)John 17:2-3
"For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. [3] Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
That is an amazing statement, that eternal life is knowing the Father and Jesus. The Greek word for eternal is Aionios :
Definition
1. without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be
2. without beginning
3. without end, never to cease, everlasting
And the word used for know is Ginosko
Definition
1. to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel
a. to become known
2. to know, understand, perceive, have knowledge of
a. to understand
b. to know
3. Jewish idiom for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman
4. to become acquainted with, to know
Clearly this is talking about an intimate relationship, and that is the key to eternal life. To know and be known, to be intimately acquainted with the Father and Jesus leads us to eternal life. This is not just head knowledge but an exchange of in depth knowledge, being able to tll how the other feels, what they are thinking, what they are feeling, understanding their motives and actions.
I think Jesus was speaking about this in Matthew, when he was asked about the greatest commandment.
(NIV)Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
This is not the language of book knowledge, but rather of love and intimacy and relationship, and I think that these two verses in John must be understood that way as well. In fact the three preceding chapters in John start with Jesus talking about love, His relationship with the apostles and the new relationship they will have with Holy Spirit. Its all about love in the context of intimate relationships.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Of Loaves and Fish...
I was reading from John 6 this morning and had the following meditation:
(NIV)John 6:10-13
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). [11] Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. [12] When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” [13] So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
A couple of quick thoughts about these verses:
1. Jesus did this miracle as a man, filled with the Holy Spirit, we could too.
2. Jesus recognized the importance of proofs of the miraculous, having them collect the scraps to show how much was created, and even left over
3. The scraps of the Lord's provision is so much more than (12 baskets worth) the work of man could produce
4. The Lord provides abundantly, not just enough, there were 12 baskets of scraps
5. Taking the 12 baskets of scraps and running with it, maybe that was His provision for the 12 apostles, showing how He would provide for them miraculously, and how ministering in His name, they would always be provided for...
Thank You Lord, for this example of Your ability to provide, taking even the smallest offering and meeting the needs of Your followers. Lord, help us to grab hold of this example in faith, not as a prosperity gospel mentality, but rather understanding that in Your Kingdom, there are not logical limitations.
(NIV)John 6:10-13
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). [11] Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. [12] When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” [13] So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
A couple of quick thoughts about these verses:
1. Jesus did this miracle as a man, filled with the Holy Spirit, we could too.
2. Jesus recognized the importance of proofs of the miraculous, having them collect the scraps to show how much was created, and even left over
3. The scraps of the Lord's provision is so much more than (12 baskets worth) the work of man could produce
4. The Lord provides abundantly, not just enough, there were 12 baskets of scraps
5. Taking the 12 baskets of scraps and running with it, maybe that was His provision for the 12 apostles, showing how He would provide for them miraculously, and how ministering in His name, they would always be provided for...
Thank You Lord, for this example of Your ability to provide, taking even the smallest offering and meeting the needs of Your followers. Lord, help us to grab hold of this example in faith, not as a prosperity gospel mentality, but rather understanding that in Your Kingdom, there are not logical limitations.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Acting on Our Beliefs
This morning I wsa reading out of James:
NIV)James 2:18, 22-24
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
[22] You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. [23] And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. [24] You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
I think that its clear that it is applicable to our actions in the way we live. Do we act as Christians, does our faith in God change the way we behave? Our faith and beliefs should be shown or accompanied by our actions. James finishes that section with a very sobering thought:
(NIV)James 2:26
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
In other words, if applied to the thinking above about our lives and actions being affected by our faith, the opposite is true as well. If our lives and actions don't reflect our faith, than our so-called faith is really dead and has no life within it.
This certainly gives me pause to think about my life and beliefs. Does my life and actions line up with my faith? Do I act differently because of my faith, or do I act just like others who have no faith? Could someone, through observation of my life, day to day, identify what I believed, what I have faith for?
Lord, help me to live a life of faith and faith directed action!
NIV)James 2:18, 22-24
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
[22] You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. [23] And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. [24] You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
I think that its clear that it is applicable to our actions in the way we live. Do we act as Christians, does our faith in God change the way we behave? Our faith and beliefs should be shown or accompanied by our actions. James finishes that section with a very sobering thought:
(NIV)James 2:26
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
In other words, if applied to the thinking above about our lives and actions being affected by our faith, the opposite is true as well. If our lives and actions don't reflect our faith, than our so-called faith is really dead and has no life within it.
This certainly gives me pause to think about my life and beliefs. Does my life and actions line up with my faith? Do I act differently because of my faith, or do I act just like others who have no faith? Could someone, through observation of my life, day to day, identify what I believed, what I have faith for?
Lord, help me to live a life of faith and faith directed action!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Who We Are...
I am reading from Romans 8 and its such a full chapter that its almost impossible to focus on any one thought, since there is so much richness there. I felt led to meditate on the following verses:
(NIV)Romans 8:15-17
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)Romans 8:23, 28-30
[23] Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.
[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
So we are co-heirs with Christ, children of our Father, witnessed by the Holy Spirit within us. We are also predestined to be conformed to the image of Jesus, so much so that it would be clear that He is the first born son, of many brothers and sisters. What an incredible promise! Lord, we want to experience the fullness of this Promise of sonship, being co-heirs with You!
Lord, help me to recognize and live by the reality of who You say I am! So often I don't believe this truth and instead live with a beggar mindset, thinking I have to work and claw my way to anything worthwhile, when in reality You see me as a co-heir with Jesus, a second born son, but equal heir.
(NIV)Romans 8:15-17
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)Romans 8:23, 28-30
[23] Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.
[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
So we are co-heirs with Christ, children of our Father, witnessed by the Holy Spirit within us. We are also predestined to be conformed to the image of Jesus, so much so that it would be clear that He is the first born son, of many brothers and sisters. What an incredible promise! Lord, we want to experience the fullness of this Promise of sonship, being co-heirs with You!
Lord, help me to recognize and live by the reality of who You say I am! So often I don't believe this truth and instead live with a beggar mindset, thinking I have to work and claw my way to anything worthwhile, when in reality You see me as a co-heir with Jesus, a second born son, but equal heir.
Monday, July 16, 2012
God Gives Us All Things
(NIV)Romans 8:31-32
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all---how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
I was struck by verse 32, and the simple logic of that statement. Clearly if God gave up His Son for us, why would He ever withhold anything from us. Burton Coffman writes this about verse 32:
"The confidence of the apostle in this verse is founded upon the principle of logic called a fortiori, being a progression from the great to the lesser. The great gift is that of God's only Son; and surely the love that provided such an unspeakable gift could not fail to provide whatever else might be required to accomplish his purpose of redeeming people, the particular things apparently in view here being whatever earthly encouragement and provision might be necessary to the achievement of the Christian's ultimate salvation to the uttermost."
So, God the Father is for us, Jesus died for us, is with us and is constantly interceeding for us, the Holy Spirit is within us, leading us, guiding us, teaching us, giving us His life and power, and even praying through us. On top of all that, God graciously gives us all things that we need. What an awesome promise and reality!
Lord, how can we not love You and serve You in our love. Lord, help us to see this reality more clearly and live in this reality more fully. I get this feeling that the vast majority of us only ever experience the tiniest slice of the life that You would have us experience, if we could ever just fully embrace all that You have for us. Lord, help me to grab onto Your promise, and fully plumb the depths of all that You have for me. I don't want to live my life having experienced only a slice of what You would love for me to experience, I want the whole pie! :-)
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all---how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
I was struck by verse 32, and the simple logic of that statement. Clearly if God gave up His Son for us, why would He ever withhold anything from us. Burton Coffman writes this about verse 32:
"The confidence of the apostle in this verse is founded upon the principle of logic called a fortiori, being a progression from the great to the lesser. The great gift is that of God's only Son; and surely the love that provided such an unspeakable gift could not fail to provide whatever else might be required to accomplish his purpose of redeeming people, the particular things apparently in view here being whatever earthly encouragement and provision might be necessary to the achievement of the Christian's ultimate salvation to the uttermost."
So, God the Father is for us, Jesus died for us, is with us and is constantly interceeding for us, the Holy Spirit is within us, leading us, guiding us, teaching us, giving us His life and power, and even praying through us. On top of all that, God graciously gives us all things that we need. What an awesome promise and reality!
Lord, how can we not love You and serve You in our love. Lord, help us to see this reality more clearly and live in this reality more fully. I get this feeling that the vast majority of us only ever experience the tiniest slice of the life that You would have us experience, if we could ever just fully embrace all that You have for us. Lord, help me to grab onto Your promise, and fully plumb the depths of all that You have for me. I don't want to live my life having experienced only a slice of what You would love for me to experience, I want the whole pie! :-)
Sunday, July 15, 2012
The Lord Is Our Shepherd
I was reading Psalm 95 yesterday:
(NIV)Psalm 95:1-3, 6-7
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. [2] Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. [3] For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.
[6] Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; [7] for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.
I love the whole shepherd and sheep image. We are Your sheep Lord, we are under Your care, and we say it is good, pleasant and beautiful. I am reminded of Psalm 23:
(NIV)Psalm 23:1-3
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, [3] he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Yes Lord under Your care we lack nothing we need. Your provision, peace and rest are ours, You bring refreshment to our souls. Holy Spirit You are the refreshment of our souls, You are the fountain of living water in our souls, bringing refreshement renewal and life. You also guide us and lead us on the path we should take, You are our guide!
(NIV)John 6:63
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you---they are full of the Spirit and life.
(NIV)John 14:26-27
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
(NIV)John 16:12-15
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. [13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. [14] He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. [15] All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”
(NIV)John 4:14
...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.
Lord, I desire all the fullness of all of what You promised. I know that this is Your will for me, for nothing that I think about You and desire about You ever was birthed in me, but rather in Your heart for me. Lord, lead me and guide me, fill me and use me. I give You everything, all that I am, into Your control and service. My desire is that I might know You and glorify Your Name to all.
"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. [2] Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. [3] For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. [6] Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; " Psalm 95:1-3,6
(NIV)Psalm 95:1-3, 6-7
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. [2] Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. [3] For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.
[6] Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; [7] for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.
I love the whole shepherd and sheep image. We are Your sheep Lord, we are under Your care, and we say it is good, pleasant and beautiful. I am reminded of Psalm 23:
(NIV)Psalm 23:1-3
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, [3] he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Yes Lord under Your care we lack nothing we need. Your provision, peace and rest are ours, You bring refreshment to our souls. Holy Spirit You are the refreshment of our souls, You are the fountain of living water in our souls, bringing refreshement renewal and life. You also guide us and lead us on the path we should take, You are our guide!
(NIV)John 6:63
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you---they are full of the Spirit and life.
(NIV)John 14:26-27
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
(NIV)John 16:12-15
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. [13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. [14] He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. [15] All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”
(NIV)John 4:14
...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.
Lord, I desire all the fullness of all of what You promised. I know that this is Your will for me, for nothing that I think about You and desire about You ever was birthed in me, but rather in Your heart for me. Lord, lead me and guide me, fill me and use me. I give You everything, all that I am, into Your control and service. My desire is that I might know You and glorify Your Name to all.
"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. [2] Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. [3] For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. [6] Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; " Psalm 95:1-3,6
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Seek the Lord
Yesterday morning I was reading several verses and the theme of seeking the Lord was quite prevalent. I started reading in John, and that spurred me on to pursue Him, to seek Him more.
NIV)John 14:15-21
“If you love me, keep my commands. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever--- [17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. [18] I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. [19] Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. [20] On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. [21] Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Lord, that You that You have provided a way for Your presence to be with us and in us. Lord, I know I don't need to feel this for it to be reality, but I also look at my life and realize that i am living with just a shadow of what You promised. Lord help me! Lord fill me! Lord be in me, so much so that Your presence is evident to all, not for my glory, but for Yours.
(NIV)Psalm 53:2
God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
Lord, my desire is to find You in all the fullness of Your promises, to seek You with all my heart.
(NIV)Isaiah 55:6-7
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. [7] Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
(NIV)Hosea 10:12
Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.
Yes Lord, we do seek You!
NIV)John 14:15-21
“If you love me, keep my commands. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever--- [17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. [18] I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. [19] Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. [20] On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. [21] Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Lord, that You that You have provided a way for Your presence to be with us and in us. Lord, I know I don't need to feel this for it to be reality, but I also look at my life and realize that i am living with just a shadow of what You promised. Lord help me! Lord fill me! Lord be in me, so much so that Your presence is evident to all, not for my glory, but for Yours.
(NIV)Psalm 53:2
God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
Lord, my desire is to find You in all the fullness of Your promises, to seek You with all my heart.
(NIV)Isaiah 55:6-7
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. [7] Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
(NIV)Hosea 10:12
Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.
Yes Lord, we do seek You!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Hungry For His Presence
This morning as I sit down to pray I am reminded of Andrew Murray's book "Jesus Himself", and stories from Randy Clark, Bill Johnson and Heidi Baker of being filled with Your Presence in such a way that they have never stopped or slowed down, and have an incredibly different ministry after You fill them. I am reminded of the boy in the wheel chair yesterday, the girl with the withered arm at Hy-vee, my nephew Joe and I want to be able to be Your expression of love to the people. Lord, help me in my unbelief and powerlessness. I desire to be Your servant, wholly. I want to know the fullness of Your presence inside me, knowing that I am so full of You that I overflow.
I am reminded of Pentecost.
(NIV)Acts 2:2-4
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Lord, I had never experienced Your I filling like this, but I know Your desire is to fill us and use us. I am open and desirous, I am waiting and hungry.
(NIV)Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Lord, You promise to fill those that are hungry for You, I am hungry, but help me to become more hungry.
(NIV)Exodus 33:3, 12-18
Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.”
[12] Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ [13] If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” [14] The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” [15] Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. [16] How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” [17] And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” [18] Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
Your presence is everything! Your Presence is the only thing that really differentiates the church from the world, otherwise we would just be a nice group of people getting together to do nice things. We want to be world changers! Lord, I want to be a world changer, and I know that what's in me can't even change me! I must have more of You.
I am reminded of Pentecost.
(NIV)Acts 2:2-4
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Lord, I had never experienced Your I filling like this, but I know Your desire is to fill us and use us. I am open and desirous, I am waiting and hungry.
(NIV)Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Lord, You promise to fill those that are hungry for You, I am hungry, but help me to become more hungry.
(NIV)Exodus 33:3, 12-18
Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.”
[12] Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ [13] If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” [14] The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” [15] Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. [16] How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” [17] And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” [18] Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
Your presence is everything! Your Presence is the only thing that really differentiates the church from the world, otherwise we would just be a nice group of people getting together to do nice things. We want to be world changers! Lord, I want to be a world changer, and I know that what's in me can't even change me! I must have more of You.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
God Bears Our Burdens
This morning I was reading from Psalm 68:
(NIV)Psalm 68:19-20
[19] Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. [20] Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.
AsI read verse 19 I was reminded of the following verses from Matthew:
(NIV)Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
God does desire to bear our burdens, but to do so we must unload them upon Him. We must then take, instead, the yoke He gives us, one that is easy and light. I see a divine transfer - us unloading our burdens to Him, and He giving us back something that we can carry which is light and easy.
Let us entrust our burdens to God and experience the real relief He provides. His help is real, and His desire to help us is constant.
(NIV)Psalm 68:19-20
[19] Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. [20] Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.
AsI read verse 19 I was reminded of the following verses from Matthew:
(NIV)Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
God does desire to bear our burdens, but to do so we must unload them upon Him. We must then take, instead, the yoke He gives us, one that is easy and light. I see a divine transfer - us unloading our burdens to Him, and He giving us back something that we can carry which is light and easy.
Let us entrust our burdens to God and experience the real relief He provides. His help is real, and His desire to help us is constant.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Under His Wings
This morning I was reading from Psalm 57:
(NASB)Psalm 57:1-3
Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, For my soul takes refuge in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge Until destruction passes by. [2] I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me. [3] He will send from heaven and save me; He reproaches him who tramples upon me -Selah- God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.
My old NIV translates verse 2 as, "To God, who fulfills His purpose for me." Regardless of that particulars of the translation, these are wonderful verses, as God does want to be our refuge, our place of protection, our Father that we run to. In that place, we experience His sovereignty and power to act on our behalf. Its in this place, that our God proves His existence and the fact that He is intimately involved in our lives, even to have a planned purpose for us to fulfill.
There are some who think we are mere chess pieces, most of us pawns, and that God is some far removed God, who is cold and uncerned about our situation, just having His way with us all. There are some who think that God basically started up the world and now does not intervene. There are some who don't believe in God at all. These verses address all these mis-conceptions.
God is a loving and intimate God, one who cares for and protects those that cry out to Him. He is aware of those that attack us, and He does intervene! He gathers us under His wings, a sweet picture of being in His protective embrace, guarded from the enemy. The wings here could be a picture of a mother hen with her chicks gathered under her wings, or it could be referencing the mercy seat, the place of atonement where the songs of the cherubim covered over the top of the Ark of the Covenant, intervening on behalf of those who come to God. The Mercy Seat is a picture of the ministry of Jesus, and what He accomplished through His death. I prefer the later explanation - as in Christ we are saved from all the plans of the enemy, and rescued perfectly from certain death.
In addition, He has plans for us, but does not just let us try to figure them out, but rather guides and directs and even accomplishes things on our behalf. He truly is a Father who cares for us individually, and intimately.
(NASB)Psalm 57:1-3
Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, For my soul takes refuge in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge Until destruction passes by. [2] I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me. [3] He will send from heaven and save me; He reproaches him who tramples upon me -Selah- God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.
My old NIV translates verse 2 as, "To God, who fulfills His purpose for me." Regardless of that particulars of the translation, these are wonderful verses, as God does want to be our refuge, our place of protection, our Father that we run to. In that place, we experience His sovereignty and power to act on our behalf. Its in this place, that our God proves His existence and the fact that He is intimately involved in our lives, even to have a planned purpose for us to fulfill.
There are some who think we are mere chess pieces, most of us pawns, and that God is some far removed God, who is cold and uncerned about our situation, just having His way with us all. There are some who think that God basically started up the world and now does not intervene. There are some who don't believe in God at all. These verses address all these mis-conceptions.
God is a loving and intimate God, one who cares for and protects those that cry out to Him. He is aware of those that attack us, and He does intervene! He gathers us under His wings, a sweet picture of being in His protective embrace, guarded from the enemy. The wings here could be a picture of a mother hen with her chicks gathered under her wings, or it could be referencing the mercy seat, the place of atonement where the songs of the cherubim covered over the top of the Ark of the Covenant, intervening on behalf of those who come to God. The Mercy Seat is a picture of the ministry of Jesus, and what He accomplished through His death. I prefer the later explanation - as in Christ we are saved from all the plans of the enemy, and rescued perfectly from certain death.
In addition, He has plans for us, but does not just let us try to figure them out, but rather guides and directs and even accomplishes things on our behalf. He truly is a Father who cares for us individually, and intimately.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
It is Finished
I was listening to a sermon by Bill Johnson yesterday about the New Covenant and the fulfillment of requirements of the Law by Jesus.
His foundational verses were Matt 5:17-18 and Luke 16:16-17 and John 19:30:
(NIV)Matthew 5:17-18
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. [18] For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
(NIV)Luke 16:16-17
“The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it. [17] It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.
(NIV)John 19:30
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
The word used for finished is as follows:
Teleo tel-eh'-o
Definition
1. to bring to a close, to finish, to end
a. passed, finished
2. to perform, execute, complete, fulfil, (so that the thing done corresponds to what has been said, the order, command etc.)
a. with special reference to the subject matter, to carry out the contents of a command
b. with reference also to the form, to do just as commanded, and generally involving the notion of time, to perform the last act which completes a process, to accomplish, fulfil
3. to pay
a. of tribute
"It is finished or paid" John 19:30
The basic premise is that when Jesus died He fulfilled all the requirement of the Law, and enabled us to step beyond into the new covenant. Jesus said, "it is finished." And in that statement, He was talkng about the perfect will of the Father and all He was domanded tp do, not just speaking aboutnHis life on earth. Paul talks about this in Gal 3:23-25.
(NIV)Galatians 3:23-25
Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. [24] So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. [25] Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.
So since the law was the guardian, and since faith in Jesus has come and been revealed to the world, we are no longer under the law. So many people operate with an old testament, old covenant mentality and mindset. They do not fully comprehend the new covenant, nor what Jesus has accomplished. Paul continues on in Gal 5: 1.4-6
(NIV)Galatians 5:1, 4-6
[1] "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
[4] "You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. [5] For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. [6] For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
When we think that God punishes us, when we think that our actions can influence God's perspective of us, when we think we are holier than our brothers or sisters because of our righteous lifestyle, when we are judgemental, when we require adherance to our rules for religious life, when we are more concerned about other's wrong choices or ideas, when we think the enemy has power or authority, when we think sickness and disease are the will of God, then we are living under an old testament, old covenant mindset.
Lord, help us hold tightly to You, and Your grace. Help us to live fully in faith being expressed through love. Help us to free ourselves from religious mindsets and spirits that require adherance to rules and regulations, negating Your sacrifice and the grace of God.
(NIV)Romans 3:23-26, 28
...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. [25] God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood---to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished--- [26] he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
[28] For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
His foundational verses were Matt 5:17-18 and Luke 16:16-17 and John 19:30:
(NIV)Matthew 5:17-18
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. [18] For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
(NIV)Luke 16:16-17
“The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it. [17] It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.
(NIV)John 19:30
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
The word used for finished is as follows:
Teleo tel-eh'-o
Definition
1. to bring to a close, to finish, to end
a. passed, finished
2. to perform, execute, complete, fulfil, (so that the thing done corresponds to what has been said, the order, command etc.)
a. with special reference to the subject matter, to carry out the contents of a command
b. with reference also to the form, to do just as commanded, and generally involving the notion of time, to perform the last act which completes a process, to accomplish, fulfil
3. to pay
a. of tribute
"It is finished or paid" John 19:30
The basic premise is that when Jesus died He fulfilled all the requirement of the Law, and enabled us to step beyond into the new covenant. Jesus said, "it is finished." And in that statement, He was talkng about the perfect will of the Father and all He was domanded tp do, not just speaking aboutnHis life on earth. Paul talks about this in Gal 3:23-25.
(NIV)Galatians 3:23-25
Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. [24] So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. [25] Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.
So since the law was the guardian, and since faith in Jesus has come and been revealed to the world, we are no longer under the law. So many people operate with an old testament, old covenant mentality and mindset. They do not fully comprehend the new covenant, nor what Jesus has accomplished. Paul continues on in Gal 5: 1.4-6
(NIV)Galatians 5:1, 4-6
[1] "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
[4] "You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. [5] For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. [6] For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
When we think that God punishes us, when we think that our actions can influence God's perspective of us, when we think we are holier than our brothers or sisters because of our righteous lifestyle, when we are judgemental, when we require adherance to our rules for religious life, when we are more concerned about other's wrong choices or ideas, when we think the enemy has power or authority, when we think sickness and disease are the will of God, then we are living under an old testament, old covenant mindset.
Lord, help us hold tightly to You, and Your grace. Help us to live fully in faith being expressed through love. Help us to free ourselves from religious mindsets and spirits that require adherance to rules and regulations, negating Your sacrifice and the grace of God.
(NIV)Romans 3:23-26, 28
...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. [25] God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood---to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished--- [26] he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
[28] For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Freedom
In honor of Independence day, I am reminded of this verse:
(NIV)Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Lord, thank You for our freedom! Help us to recognize, appreciate and hold tight to the gift of freedom we have in this country!
(NIV)Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Lord, thank You for our freedom! Help us to recognize, appreciate and hold tight to the gift of freedom we have in this country!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Experiencing the Presence of God
Last night I was reading from Psalm 89 the following verses:
(NIV)Psalm 89:1-2, 8, 13-18
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. [2] I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
[8] Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
[13] Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. [14] Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. [15] Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. [16] They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. [17] For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. [18] Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
I especially like verse - (NIV)Psalm 89:15
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
I have been praying that I might experience more of Your presence, Lord, and the thought of walking in the light of Your presence is awesome. Lord, my desire is to be so overwhelmed by Your presence that everything else seems empty and trivial. I want be so filled by Your presence that it overflows to those around me.
As I was thinking and praying, I was reminded of a teaching I heard from Bill Johnson on the Presence of God. Here is a link to the following short notes about Hosting the Presence of God, By Bill Johnson: http://www.bjm.org/content/10/hosting-the-presence.html
Our greatest privilege in life is to learn to be a person that God will rest upon. He is in all of us by covenant, and will never leave. But He is not upon all of us. The challenge we face is to learning to be people who host the presence of the Lord as our greatest calling in life. While He is in me for my sake, He is upon me for yours. When the Lord rests upon a person, there is actually an atmospheric change that takes place wherever that person goes.
As our own faith increases—in conjunction with our realm of authority and responsibility—we are allowed to carry a greater weight of presence into an environment. The “reach” of His presence is transformational in nature, changing the climate that people live under. It is what happened on the day of Pentecost when the Spirit of God fell on 120 people. It completely changed the appetite of a city that only days earlier rose up to crucify Jesus. After the Spirit of God began to manifest and rest upon this group of 120, thousands spontaneously dropped all they were doing to come and gather around them at nine o’clock in the morning. When the prevailing atmosphere is the presence of God Himself, hunger is created in the hearts of people. It is normal to hunger for God.
As we become faithful to host the presence of the Lord, we find a tension between two realities—that He has been given to us without measure but that we set the limits of that measure. Though all of the measurements are set up on our end of the equation, we can experience the measure of presence we are willing to jealously guard. Whatever you will jealously guard, that is the measure you will have on a consistent basis. All measurements in the Kingdom exist for us to pursue increase. The whole Kingdom is based on this principle: the faithful use of what you have been given is what qualifies you for more.
This is the process we will experience in the coming days, for the glory of the Lord will cover the whole earth!!
(NIV)Psalm 89:1-2, 8, 13-18
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. [2] I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
[8] Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
[13] Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. [14] Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. [15] Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. [16] They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. [17] For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. [18] Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
I especially like verse - (NIV)Psalm 89:15
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
I have been praying that I might experience more of Your presence, Lord, and the thought of walking in the light of Your presence is awesome. Lord, my desire is to be so overwhelmed by Your presence that everything else seems empty and trivial. I want be so filled by Your presence that it overflows to those around me.
As I was thinking and praying, I was reminded of a teaching I heard from Bill Johnson on the Presence of God. Here is a link to the following short notes about Hosting the Presence of God, By Bill Johnson: http://www.bjm.org/content/10/hosting-the-presence.html
Our greatest privilege in life is to learn to be a person that God will rest upon. He is in all of us by covenant, and will never leave. But He is not upon all of us. The challenge we face is to learning to be people who host the presence of the Lord as our greatest calling in life. While He is in me for my sake, He is upon me for yours. When the Lord rests upon a person, there is actually an atmospheric change that takes place wherever that person goes.
As our own faith increases—in conjunction with our realm of authority and responsibility—we are allowed to carry a greater weight of presence into an environment. The “reach” of His presence is transformational in nature, changing the climate that people live under. It is what happened on the day of Pentecost when the Spirit of God fell on 120 people. It completely changed the appetite of a city that only days earlier rose up to crucify Jesus. After the Spirit of God began to manifest and rest upon this group of 120, thousands spontaneously dropped all they were doing to come and gather around them at nine o’clock in the morning. When the prevailing atmosphere is the presence of God Himself, hunger is created in the hearts of people. It is normal to hunger for God.
As we become faithful to host the presence of the Lord, we find a tension between two realities—that He has been given to us without measure but that we set the limits of that measure. Though all of the measurements are set up on our end of the equation, we can experience the measure of presence we are willing to jealously guard. Whatever you will jealously guard, that is the measure you will have on a consistent basis. All measurements in the Kingdom exist for us to pursue increase. The whole Kingdom is based on this principle: the faithful use of what you have been given is what qualifies you for more.
This is the process we will experience in the coming days, for the glory of the Lord will cover the whole earth!!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Sanctified and Sent
This morning I have been reading and meditating on John 17:
(NIV)John 17:15-21
[15] My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. [17] Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. [18] As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. [19] For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
[20] “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, [21] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
I was looking at verse 17, and Jesus prayer for our sanctification. The Greek word is Hagiazo:
1. To render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow
2. to separate from profane things and dedicate to God
a. consecrate things to God
b. dedicate people to God
3. to purify
a. to cleanse externally
b. to purify by expiation: free from the guilt of sin
c. to purify internally by renewing of the soul
Reading this word in the context of the previous verses, it appears to be the second definition that Jesus is using, one of separation from the world and dedication to God. He does specify that this separation is not a withdrawing, but rather a protection while in the midst of the world. The separation He speaks of is a belonging to something else, a citizenship in His Kingdom. So in simple language, we become members of His Kingdom, in the midst of the world, protected by the Father, and living our lives in dedication to Him, sent out into the world to be examples, and guides.
(NIV)John 17:15-21
[15] My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. [17] Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. [18] As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. [19] For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
[20] “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, [21] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
I was looking at verse 17, and Jesus prayer for our sanctification. The Greek word is Hagiazo:
1. To render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow
2. to separate from profane things and dedicate to God
a. consecrate things to God
b. dedicate people to God
3. to purify
a. to cleanse externally
b. to purify by expiation: free from the guilt of sin
c. to purify internally by renewing of the soul
Reading this word in the context of the previous verses, it appears to be the second definition that Jesus is using, one of separation from the world and dedication to God. He does specify that this separation is not a withdrawing, but rather a protection while in the midst of the world. The separation He speaks of is a belonging to something else, a citizenship in His Kingdom. So in simple language, we become members of His Kingdom, in the midst of the world, protected by the Father, and living our lives in dedication to Him, sent out into the world to be examples, and guides.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
The Intercession of Christ
This morning I was reading from Hebrews 7 and these verses caused me to stop and think.
(NIV)Hebrews 7:24-25
"...but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. [25] Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them."
Here the word save is the Greek word - sozo - meaning to save the individual in every sense, and its combined with a word - panteles, which means perfectly, to completion, not just forever, which has a time reference, but perfectly which has more of a quality expression.
The Greek word for intercession is as follows:
Entugchano en-toong-khan'-o
Definition
1. to light upon a person or a thing, fall in with, hit upon, a person or a thing
2. to go to or meet a person, esp. for the purpose of conversation, consultation, or supplication
3. to pray, entreat
4. make intercession for any one
This is from two Greek words - en and tugchano
en a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest. Its definition is: 1. in, by, with etc.
Tugchano toong-khan'-o
Definition
1. to hit the mark
a. of one discharging a javelin or arrow
2. to reach, attain, obtain, get, become master of
3. to happen, chance, fall out
a. to specify, to take a case, as for example
4. to meet one
5. of he who meets one or presents himself unsought, any chance, ordinary, common person
6. to chance to be
So looking at the definition and breaking it down a bit. Jesus intercession is:
1. Personal - to light upon a person to fall in with... so if He is interceeding for us, although He is interceeding for us at God's throne of grace, He is with us, and upon us... understanding our life. Its said you don't really know a person until you walk a mile in their shoes. He is our constant companion... and knows us intimately
2. Accurate and concise - to hit the mark with an arrow - in other words directly on target, no generalisms here, and no wasted rrows. If the first time you shoot you hit the bullseye, you don't need to keep shooting.
3. Relational - He goes to the Father, specifically on our behalf - and meets us specifically for conversation. He knows us, and wants us to know Him, not just in a head knowledge way, but personally.
4. Related to our salvation, healing and redemption - because He is interceeding for us, He is able to sozo us perfectly, forever.
Lord, thank You for Your constant intercession, and interaction! You are not some distant God, but one who walks with us, speaks to us, listens to us, and goes the Father for us! You are awesome!
(NIV)Hebrews 7:24-25
"...but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. [25] Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them."
Here the word save is the Greek word - sozo - meaning to save the individual in every sense, and its combined with a word - panteles, which means perfectly, to completion, not just forever, which has a time reference, but perfectly which has more of a quality expression.
The Greek word for intercession is as follows:
Entugchano en-toong-khan'-o
Definition
1. to light upon a person or a thing, fall in with, hit upon, a person or a thing
2. to go to or meet a person, esp. for the purpose of conversation, consultation, or supplication
3. to pray, entreat
4. make intercession for any one
This is from two Greek words - en and tugchano
en a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest. Its definition is: 1. in, by, with etc.
Tugchano toong-khan'-o
Definition
1. to hit the mark
a. of one discharging a javelin or arrow
2. to reach, attain, obtain, get, become master of
3. to happen, chance, fall out
a. to specify, to take a case, as for example
4. to meet one
5. of he who meets one or presents himself unsought, any chance, ordinary, common person
6. to chance to be
So looking at the definition and breaking it down a bit. Jesus intercession is:
1. Personal - to light upon a person to fall in with... so if He is interceeding for us, although He is interceeding for us at God's throne of grace, He is with us, and upon us... understanding our life. Its said you don't really know a person until you walk a mile in their shoes. He is our constant companion... and knows us intimately
2. Accurate and concise - to hit the mark with an arrow - in other words directly on target, no generalisms here, and no wasted rrows. If the first time you shoot you hit the bullseye, you don't need to keep shooting.
3. Relational - He goes to the Father, specifically on our behalf - and meets us specifically for conversation. He knows us, and wants us to know Him, not just in a head knowledge way, but personally.
4. Related to our salvation, healing and redemption - because He is interceeding for us, He is able to sozo us perfectly, forever.
Lord, thank You for Your constant intercession, and interaction! You are not some distant God, but one who walks with us, speaks to us, listens to us, and goes the Father for us! You are awesome!
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