All day it felt like I was caught in a spiritual tug o' war. In the early morning, waves of depression swept over me, bringing a temptation to despair! As I drove to meet a friend, I prayed earnestly, "Lord, pull me from this pit today." The next hour was one of encouraging conversation with a friend who shares my passion for God and His work. Later in the day I learned of silly criticism leveled against an associate in ministry for whom I care deeply. It made me angry, but I forced a smile! Another situation required restraint as I was confronted with selfishness in a situation that made me want to scream - "what is the matter with you? Can't you forget yourself for even one moment?"
In between those frustrations, I experienced the exact opposite. There was the moment when a generous donor offered to provide a sizeable financial gift to meet a need for a family under my pastoral care. This demonstration of selflessness caused tears of joy and gratitude. As I prayed for the criticized friend, the Holy Spirit ministered to my heart with gentle grace so that my forced smile transformed into genuine joy. In the afternoon, another man called "just to let you know how much you mean to me and to tell you that God uses you to touch my life." When the call ended, once again tears filled my eyes. His heart-felt words were heaven sent, another reminder that God cares for the little things, too. In the evening, I watched an ABC News feature story on the new Billy Graham Library. As they lauded Graham's integrity and influence, it was like God was sending me a message - "Just do the right things moment to moment and leave life up to me! Finish well." As I rolled into bed, I thought to myself- "The Evil One gave it a good shot today, but God won - by a long stretch!"
If you think I'm over-spiritualizing my experiences through that day, consider this passage from the Bible - "Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8, NKJV) How do you think he tries to destroy us? He'll use critics, depression, people who are self-absorbed. These tactics, if not met with prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, will make us ineffective, or fill us with rage, or cause us to run from responsibilities! The full passage, in the contemporary translation, The Message, reads: "God’s strong hand is on you. . . Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith." (1 Peter 5:6-9, The Message)
Believer, do not let yourself think that the Devil only works in gross sins or major moral failures. His desire is to hinder God's work and often he enjoys greater success in the many little frustrations of our lives. We are aware that evil is afoot when we feel great temptations of lust, greed, hatred, and things of that nature. We resist him in those moments equipped with the Sword of the Spirit and the battle shield of Faith. But, he does often catch us napping when he sneaks up on us when we read a critical note and we are tempted to think, "They are right, I am incompetent." He tiptoes into our life when we are fatigued from doing what needs to be done. In those moments, he whispers - "Why are you doing this? Who cares? Life is short, shouldn't you be having more fun?" The temptation is so ordinary often we don't even recognize the hiss of the Snake!
The word from the Word - "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you." (James 4:7-8, NLT) "We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up." (Hebrews 12:2-3, NLT)
________________
God is great,
But sometimes life ain't good,
when I pray,it doesn't always turn out like I think it should!
But I do it, anyway.
Yeah, I do it anyway, yeah.
You can pour your soul out singin'a song
you believe in,
that tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang,
Sing it anyway!
Yeah, sing it anyway.
Yeah, yeah.I sing,
I dream, I love - Anyway.
Yeah.
-- Martina McBride
Hear her sing it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2kJr0VFRyc
Friday, June 01, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
All grown up!
Each time we see our kids these days, it becomes more real that they are all grown up! The youngest is 25, and they have all been out of our house for 5 years or more, so perhaps I'm just slow to recognize the obvious. What I mean is that they are fully into their own lives, with their own circle of friends, financially independent of their parents, pursuing their dreams, with their own opinions and ideas about the world. And here's the best part - I am thrilled for them! Sure, I miss the days when they came home from school and filled the house with noise. Sometimes I get lonely and wish they were closer to home. I worry about some of their choices, too. What parent doesn't? But, they are all grown up just as we wanted them to be. We worked to get them to maturity, to help them become independent adults, because we knew that is how they would make their own contribution to the world and the kingdom of God. Jay, Sean, Chrissie, and Maribel will always be our kids, but they are no longer our dependent children - and that is as it should be.
Some parents 'hover.' They are so afraid to let their offspring experience disappointment or pain, so worried about a 'wrong choice' that they stay inappropriately involved in their kids' lives. They keep on making decisions for their child, long after the time when that growing person should be choosing his own road. They provide too much support which perpetuates unhealthy dependence and stunts both emotional and spiritual growth. They remain in full parental roles long after their child should have become self-sufficient.
Did you know that our Heavenly Father wants us to grow up? Several passages in the Word refer to the importance of spiritual maturity.
Ephesians tells us that we should grow up in Christ so we are not subject to being misled by frauds who claim to be spiritual, but who are just out to take advantage of us. "We will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." (Ephesians 4:14-15, NIV) Tragically, some Believers won't grow up. They remain totally dependent on spiritual leaders to tell what to do, how to live, where to go, how to serve. This place of perpetual spiritual infancy is sometimes created by pastors and teachers who want to stay in control. Sometimes is the result of Believers refusing the responsibility that come with maturity. God says, "grow up in Christ and learn to discern!" Interestingly, that same passage in Ephesians says that maturity has a most desirable by-product: unity in the Body. People who are mature know how to get along, how to blend their gifts and abilities into the Church, for the benefit of all. Dependence becomes independence which matures into inter-dependence.
Hebrews urges maturity in our spiritual experience that moves us beyond the basics. "For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God." (Hebrews 5:13-6:1, NLT) Believers need to move into a Kingdom life. Some just come to Christ as Savior, and think that is it, the whole experience. They never deal with their sinful nature, never do the work of applying spiritual principles to their lives which allow them to become holy adults. Instead, they fall into a 'sin, repent' cycle; for they are unwilling to really deal with the sinful habits that cripple them. They do not want to mature with the help of the Spirit bringing about the end of childish ways. Mature Believers are not sinless, but they are increasingly spiritual! They grow 'from glory to glory,' learning to live in the Spirit, learning to use the gifts of the Spirit, and becoming productive in God's work.
James observes that maturity brings 'completeness.' "You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (James 1:3-4, The Message) That is so practical, isn't it? There is no easy road to being an 'all grown up' Christian! We walk out our faith and step into places where we experience pressure, disappointment, and even confusion. But, there in that kind of stress, we also discover what real faith is. As we work with God, pray and persevere, a completeness of character and faith emerges. We are ready to serve Him in an effective and productive way.
Are you a mature Believer, or are you still a spiritual infant?
Part of that answer will be determined by when you came to Christ. If you become a Believer last week, we stand ready to encourage you, to help you, to care for you as you grow. If you came to faith a decade ago, you should be well on your way - growing in Christ - and making a Kingdom difference.
Here's a word from the Psalms about the quality of life that the spiritually mature enjoy. Let it speak to your life today.
" Blessed is the man (mature person)
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper." (Psalm 1:1-3, NKJV)
Amen
Some parents 'hover.' They are so afraid to let their offspring experience disappointment or pain, so worried about a 'wrong choice' that they stay inappropriately involved in their kids' lives. They keep on making decisions for their child, long after the time when that growing person should be choosing his own road. They provide too much support which perpetuates unhealthy dependence and stunts both emotional and spiritual growth. They remain in full parental roles long after their child should have become self-sufficient.
Did you know that our Heavenly Father wants us to grow up? Several passages in the Word refer to the importance of spiritual maturity.
Ephesians tells us that we should grow up in Christ so we are not subject to being misled by frauds who claim to be spiritual, but who are just out to take advantage of us. "We will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." (Ephesians 4:14-15, NIV) Tragically, some Believers won't grow up. They remain totally dependent on spiritual leaders to tell what to do, how to live, where to go, how to serve. This place of perpetual spiritual infancy is sometimes created by pastors and teachers who want to stay in control. Sometimes is the result of Believers refusing the responsibility that come with maturity. God says, "grow up in Christ and learn to discern!" Interestingly, that same passage in Ephesians says that maturity has a most desirable by-product: unity in the Body. People who are mature know how to get along, how to blend their gifts and abilities into the Church, for the benefit of all. Dependence becomes independence which matures into inter-dependence.
Hebrews urges maturity in our spiritual experience that moves us beyond the basics. "For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God." (Hebrews 5:13-6:1, NLT) Believers need to move into a Kingdom life. Some just come to Christ as Savior, and think that is it, the whole experience. They never deal with their sinful nature, never do the work of applying spiritual principles to their lives which allow them to become holy adults. Instead, they fall into a 'sin, repent' cycle; for they are unwilling to really deal with the sinful habits that cripple them. They do not want to mature with the help of the Spirit bringing about the end of childish ways. Mature Believers are not sinless, but they are increasingly spiritual! They grow 'from glory to glory,' learning to live in the Spirit, learning to use the gifts of the Spirit, and becoming productive in God's work.
James observes that maturity brings 'completeness.' "You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (James 1:3-4, The Message) That is so practical, isn't it? There is no easy road to being an 'all grown up' Christian! We walk out our faith and step into places where we experience pressure, disappointment, and even confusion. But, there in that kind of stress, we also discover what real faith is. As we work with God, pray and persevere, a completeness of character and faith emerges. We are ready to serve Him in an effective and productive way.
Are you a mature Believer, or are you still a spiritual infant?
Part of that answer will be determined by when you came to Christ. If you become a Believer last week, we stand ready to encourage you, to help you, to care for you as you grow. If you came to faith a decade ago, you should be well on your way - growing in Christ - and making a Kingdom difference.
Here's a word from the Psalms about the quality of life that the spiritually mature enjoy. Let it speak to your life today.
" Blessed is the man (mature person)
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper." (Psalm 1:1-3, NKJV)
Amen
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The best you can be
Over the years I've read dozens of self-help books- how to be visionary, how to be a good parent, how to lead a church, how to be a better spouse, etc. Many rehash the obvious. Others are one person's experience re-packaged. A few are truly helpful. Covey's book, 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, is one that comes to mind. His simple principles, things like "Think Win-Win," or "Seek first to Understand, then to be Understood," have stayed with me. What I've known for a long time is that being the best person I can be will never be the result of 'self-help' alone! In fact, the brokenness of my human nature goes so deep that despite my best and highest intentions, I fail to reach the lofty goals to which I aspire. I needed an intervention and God stepped in!
There is a passage that describes what happened to me (and to millions more!) by the grace of God. Here are excerpts. "You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. ... By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that ... he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) ... So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. ... For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:1-10, NLT)
We can be the best person possible only when we are loved by God and love Him in return. Do not confuse that with being religious or church-going. Plenty of miserable people, who are living far below their God-given potential, sit through church services week after week, year after year - untouched by the majesty of the message of Christ! Do not mistakenly think that loving God equates with becoming a religious fanatic who spouts Bible verses endlessly, either. We love God by surrendering ourselves to Him and accepting Christ's love and mercy by faith, by pondering His mighty works worshipfully, and by allowing the Spirit to move deeply in us, transforming us - over time- from sinners to saints.
There is nothing in this world that brings out the best in us like the love of God. Being spiritual healthy as a result of receiving God's grace work and practicing the disciplines of the Spirit as taught in the Scripture opens the door to maximum living, the best you can be! Because of Christ, you can be a forgiving, gentle, loving parent and spouse. In Christ, you will find hope to overcome the sense of futility that often turns others into cynics. In Christ, you are connected to the Creator of the Universe, inspired to come up with creative solutions to the challenges of life that abound on this broken planet. In Christ, you have the ability to say "no," to a life of endless consumption to satisfy sensual appetites and "yes" to the Spirit's way of giving more than you take.
In the Word, there is this prayer that Pastor Paul offered up for those he loved in the church in Ephesus. Receive this prayer for yourself today-
"I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength— that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in.
And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:16-19, The Message)
Begin to thank God for the potential He's given you. Ask Him to inspire you to be the best you can be in His grace. Never just settle for what is easy, or natural! Let God create a masterpiece of humanity in you. Then others will say, "Thank God!" and the world will be improved by your existence. Is there anything truly better than that?
There is a passage that describes what happened to me (and to millions more!) by the grace of God. Here are excerpts. "You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. ... By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that ... he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) ... So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. ... For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:1-10, NLT)
We can be the best person possible only when we are loved by God and love Him in return. Do not confuse that with being religious or church-going. Plenty of miserable people, who are living far below their God-given potential, sit through church services week after week, year after year - untouched by the majesty of the message of Christ! Do not mistakenly think that loving God equates with becoming a religious fanatic who spouts Bible verses endlessly, either. We love God by surrendering ourselves to Him and accepting Christ's love and mercy by faith, by pondering His mighty works worshipfully, and by allowing the Spirit to move deeply in us, transforming us - over time- from sinners to saints.
There is nothing in this world that brings out the best in us like the love of God. Being spiritual healthy as a result of receiving God's grace work and practicing the disciplines of the Spirit as taught in the Scripture opens the door to maximum living, the best you can be! Because of Christ, you can be a forgiving, gentle, loving parent and spouse. In Christ, you will find hope to overcome the sense of futility that often turns others into cynics. In Christ, you are connected to the Creator of the Universe, inspired to come up with creative solutions to the challenges of life that abound on this broken planet. In Christ, you have the ability to say "no," to a life of endless consumption to satisfy sensual appetites and "yes" to the Spirit's way of giving more than you take.
In the Word, there is this prayer that Pastor Paul offered up for those he loved in the church in Ephesus. Receive this prayer for yourself today-
"I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength— that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in.
And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:16-19, The Message)
Begin to thank God for the potential He's given you. Ask Him to inspire you to be the best you can be in His grace. Never just settle for what is easy, or natural! Let God create a masterpiece of humanity in you. Then others will say, "Thank God!" and the world will be improved by your existence. Is there anything truly better than that?
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
"Why bother? Who will even notice?"
Philip Yancey's use of words on the printed page is a thing of wonder. Bill Hybels' creativity in leadership is enviable. Dallas Willard's insights on Christian discipleship are so deep! Billy Graham's influence for Christ is amazing. Were I to focus on the gifts these men bring to the work of Jesus in the world, comparing myself to them, I would be unable to continue in my own work. Why? Because, in terms of results, what I do for God is inconsequential by comparison to what they accomplish. But God has not called me to fill their place; He has given me a place of my own. Someday when I stand before Jesus for the great and final performance review, He will not measure me against anyone else- great or small. He will evaluate my faithfulness to use the gifts and abilities He invested in me in the place to which He called me.
Why am telling you that? Because, I know that there are Believers who are doing little or nothing for God because they are convinced they have to be a super-saint in order to be of value to the Lord. They do not contribute anything, thinking that what they could do is meaningless. They are sidelined by a lie. Those who are not doing what they could do, are leaving gaps in the work of the Kingdom! In addition, they never realize their full potential because they will not start a small work!
When Judah was destroyed by invaders, the city of Jerusalem, along with the Temple of God, was reduced to rubble. Many said it would not, indeed, it could not, be rebuilt! A man named Zerubbabel committed himself to the task and many mocked his starting efforts, small as they were. But God's spokesman told them, "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand." (Zechariah 4:10, NLT) The Lord promised Zerubbabel that the work would be finished, but not because he was strong or smart! Rather, his true strength came from the Lord. "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty." (Zechariah 4:6, NIV)
Believer, God has a place in which you can serve. Look around you. See the opportunities to do what you can do, then do just do it. (apologies to Nike!) Forget about the size of the crowd. Forget about how many will notice or even if anyone notices. Just ask God, "what do you want me to do?" If you sense that He is commissioning you to the work, then do for Him. His approval makes the most obscure act of service into something of worth.
Mark tells us about a woman found Jesus at dinner in the home of Simon. As the men ate, she approached Jesus and broke open an expensive alabaster jar of perfume, which she poured on his head. The men at the gathering were annoyed and criticized her for her 'foolish waste' of a thing of so great a cost. "Why," they said, "she could have sold it and fed a lot of hungry people." But Jesus saw it differently! He commended her act of love and reminded the men that as foolish as it seemed to them, "She did what she could. .... I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." (Mark 14:8-9, NIV)
If you want to please God, serve! Don't wait for the BIG moment, for the opportunities to change the world. You will die waiting. See the need that exists, right where you are. Present yourself to the Lord, as a servant, and prepare to let Him use you. Be faithful, even when few notice, fewer still express thanks, and even fewer results are measurable. Ignore the critics. Pray for the strength of the Spirit. Receive God's gifts and do everything you are able to do to become as skillful as you are equipped to be. And, God will reward your faithful work. That's guaranteed by His promise!
_________________________
Does the place you're called to labor
Seem so small and little known?
It is great if God is in it
And He'll not forget His own.
Little is much when God is in it,
Labor not for wealth or fame;
There's a crown and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus' name.
When the conflict here is ended
And our race on earth is run;
He will say if we are faithful,
Welcome home, My child, well done!
Little Is Much When God Is In It
© 1969 Stamps - Baxter Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)CCLI License No. 810055
Why am telling you that? Because, I know that there are Believers who are doing little or nothing for God because they are convinced they have to be a super-saint in order to be of value to the Lord. They do not contribute anything, thinking that what they could do is meaningless. They are sidelined by a lie. Those who are not doing what they could do, are leaving gaps in the work of the Kingdom! In addition, they never realize their full potential because they will not start a small work!
When Judah was destroyed by invaders, the city of Jerusalem, along with the Temple of God, was reduced to rubble. Many said it would not, indeed, it could not, be rebuilt! A man named Zerubbabel committed himself to the task and many mocked his starting efforts, small as they were. But God's spokesman told them, "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand." (Zechariah 4:10, NLT) The Lord promised Zerubbabel that the work would be finished, but not because he was strong or smart! Rather, his true strength came from the Lord. "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty." (Zechariah 4:6, NIV)
Believer, God has a place in which you can serve. Look around you. See the opportunities to do what you can do, then do just do it. (apologies to Nike!) Forget about the size of the crowd. Forget about how many will notice or even if anyone notices. Just ask God, "what do you want me to do?" If you sense that He is commissioning you to the work, then do for Him. His approval makes the most obscure act of service into something of worth.
Mark tells us about a woman found Jesus at dinner in the home of Simon. As the men ate, she approached Jesus and broke open an expensive alabaster jar of perfume, which she poured on his head. The men at the gathering were annoyed and criticized her for her 'foolish waste' of a thing of so great a cost. "Why," they said, "she could have sold it and fed a lot of hungry people." But Jesus saw it differently! He commended her act of love and reminded the men that as foolish as it seemed to them, "She did what she could. .... I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." (Mark 14:8-9, NIV)
If you want to please God, serve! Don't wait for the BIG moment, for the opportunities to change the world. You will die waiting. See the need that exists, right where you are. Present yourself to the Lord, as a servant, and prepare to let Him use you. Be faithful, even when few notice, fewer still express thanks, and even fewer results are measurable. Ignore the critics. Pray for the strength of the Spirit. Receive God's gifts and do everything you are able to do to become as skillful as you are equipped to be. And, God will reward your faithful work. That's guaranteed by His promise!
_________________________
Does the place you're called to labor
Seem so small and little known?
It is great if God is in it
And He'll not forget His own.
Little is much when God is in it,
Labor not for wealth or fame;
There's a crown and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus' name.
When the conflict here is ended
And our race on earth is run;
He will say if we are faithful,
Welcome home, My child, well done!
Little Is Much When God Is In It
© 1969 Stamps - Baxter Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)CCLI License No. 810055
Monday, May 28, 2007
Oxygen for my soul
Without oxygen our bodies begin to die in minutes. If our air supply is cut off, within seconds, our brain notifies us to remedy the situation for, in a very short time, unconsciousness and death will follow. Remember when you went swimming as a kid and each kid attempted to be the one who could stay underwater the longest? That was a game I always lost! The need to breathe was far more important to me than the need to win. After 20 or 30 seconds, I was headed to the surface, gasping for air. In the Summer of 2005, when we vacationed in Colorado, we drove to the summit of Pike's Peak. There, at 14000 feet above sea level, the air is crisp, clean, and thin! I felt light-headed. If I had attempted to run a distance in that atmosphere, I would have probably fainted. Just walking made me aware that my body was having a problem getting the oxygen it needed.
My soul needs the Spirit, like my body needs oxygen. Serving God with strength, living fruitfully, wholly, and holy demands a fresh, recurring supply of the air of the Spirit in my life. In the Bible, one of the descriptive words used for the Holy Spirit is "pneuma," a Greek word which means "air" or "breath." The Breath of God makes us spiritually alive! But, we can cut off the Supply!
A tragic figure in the Scripture is a flawed leader named Samson. He was called by God at an early age, but did not treasure the call or the gifts of God that came with that call. He mixed great service with low living, winning victories for the people of God while living with prostitutes from their enemies! God was patient with him for a long time, but then Samson went too far. His final love from the Philistines was a beauty named Delilah. Night after night, he lay his head in her lap, knowing that he was breaking the law of God. She pressed him for the secret of his strength, why he could defeat her people in battle time and time again. After playing games with her, he finally told her that his strength came from the Lord, that he was a man called and gifted by God, and that his hair was a symbol of that calling. After he had fallen asleep, she cut off his hair and God, seeing Samson's willingness to profane the holy calling, withdrew His Spirit from him, leaving him just an ordinary man. The King James Version of the Bible uses a quaint phrase -- "And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him." (Judges 16:20, KJV) The breathe of the Spirit was taken from Samson and he was then weak, subject to the enemies of Israel, made a slave to the Philistines for years. Until he got up to fight them off, like he had always done in the past, he did not realize that his Supply of Breath had been cut off by his disobedience.
Believer, we can become weak, gasping for the Breath of Life, if we cut off the flow of the Spirit with our disobedience, too. It need not be some flagrant act of moral failure. Just ignoring Him, covering His voice with the loud music of daily life is enough to cause Him to withdraw His fellowship from us. When He lifts from us, we are weakened - and we suffer. The Word says, "do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30, NIV) Do not cause the Spirit to lift from your by treating Him with casual contempt! When He speaks to you about some behavior that needs to change, when He calls on you to give yourself in some specific service, when He says "don't" or "do," respond with obedience. "Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted. " (Ephesians 4:30, The Message)
Breathe deeply of the Breath of God.
Be strengthened.
Let the Pneuma fill you with vitality today, as you live closely, intimately with Him.
______________________
This is the air I breathe,
This is the air I breathe,
Your holy presence living in me.
This is my daily bread,
This is my daily bread,
Your very word spoken to me.
And I, I'm desp'rate for You.
And I, I'm lost without You.
Breathe © 1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
My soul needs the Spirit, like my body needs oxygen. Serving God with strength, living fruitfully, wholly, and holy demands a fresh, recurring supply of the air of the Spirit in my life. In the Bible, one of the descriptive words used for the Holy Spirit is "pneuma," a Greek word which means "air" or "breath." The Breath of God makes us spiritually alive! But, we can cut off the Supply!
A tragic figure in the Scripture is a flawed leader named Samson. He was called by God at an early age, but did not treasure the call or the gifts of God that came with that call. He mixed great service with low living, winning victories for the people of God while living with prostitutes from their enemies! God was patient with him for a long time, but then Samson went too far. His final love from the Philistines was a beauty named Delilah. Night after night, he lay his head in her lap, knowing that he was breaking the law of God. She pressed him for the secret of his strength, why he could defeat her people in battle time and time again. After playing games with her, he finally told her that his strength came from the Lord, that he was a man called and gifted by God, and that his hair was a symbol of that calling. After he had fallen asleep, she cut off his hair and God, seeing Samson's willingness to profane the holy calling, withdrew His Spirit from him, leaving him just an ordinary man. The King James Version of the Bible uses a quaint phrase -- "And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him." (Judges 16:20, KJV) The breathe of the Spirit was taken from Samson and he was then weak, subject to the enemies of Israel, made a slave to the Philistines for years. Until he got up to fight them off, like he had always done in the past, he did not realize that his Supply of Breath had been cut off by his disobedience.
Believer, we can become weak, gasping for the Breath of Life, if we cut off the flow of the Spirit with our disobedience, too. It need not be some flagrant act of moral failure. Just ignoring Him, covering His voice with the loud music of daily life is enough to cause Him to withdraw His fellowship from us. When He lifts from us, we are weakened - and we suffer. The Word says, "do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30, NIV) Do not cause the Spirit to lift from your by treating Him with casual contempt! When He speaks to you about some behavior that needs to change, when He calls on you to give yourself in some specific service, when He says "don't" or "do," respond with obedience. "Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted. " (Ephesians 4:30, The Message)
Breathe deeply of the Breath of God.
Be strengthened.
Let the Pneuma fill you with vitality today, as you live closely, intimately with Him.
______________________
This is the air I breathe,
This is the air I breathe,
Your holy presence living in me.
This is my daily bread,
This is my daily bread,
Your very word spoken to me.
And I, I'm desp'rate for You.
And I, I'm lost without You.
Breathe © 1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
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