Yesterday I wrote about our adventure in Wyoming back in 1978. Sensing that the Spirit was leading us to that place, Bev and I went willingly. Once there, we experienced a mixture of experiences of our lives. The first week we lived in Gillette, I went to work supporting my family in heavy construction, gone for 12 hours a day! My wife, home with an infant in a strange town, endured terrible loneliness. That winter, our baby son, 9 months old, developed a kind of pneumonia that nearly took his life in just hours, landing him in the hospital for 5 days. Because I didn’t know and follow the proper transfer protocols within my church organization, I was called on the carpet by the district leadership and almost lost my ministerial credentials. To top it off my first encounter with a pastor there revealed an insecure man, fearful of any perceived threat. That’s just some of the bad stuff! There were good things, too. About six weeks after we moved, a young Christian I met there gave me his job, literally; working as a quality control inspector on construction sites. It was work with flexible hours and a company truck. Another loving pastor took me under his wing and taught me the meaning of grace. He guided me through my youthful foolishness. We never missed a meal or rent payment as God provided for us, often just in time. We began to discover what it meant to live by faith!
One significant result of that adventure was pointed out to me by my brother-in-law, who pastors a church here in New Jersey. He wrote the following: “If you hadn’t gone to Wyoming – I don’t suppose we would have gone. If we hadn’t gone – I might have taken a job with Johnson and Johnson in their lab. Hence, we wouldn’t be in the ministry today. So your obedience to Wyoming had a direct effect on our being in the ministry today. Domino effect!” A couple of months after we went to Gillette, John and Jeanne followed. There John met a man who opened doors to a career where he gained the skills that provided the skills that allowed them to go several years later to serve as missionaries in India for five years. That led to preparation for ministry in the church they serve today.
The Psalmist exults in the purpose and quality of a life that is committed to God’s guidance. "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." (Psalm 37:23-24, NLT) I am not a fatalist! There are choices we each make to walk with the Lord or to walk in our own way. The priority choice to be made every morning is obedience. Presenting our head, hands, and heart to Him in a conscious way helps us to listen with ears that are more sensitive to the Spirit’s voice. And, when we are listening and responsive, we find the pathway that leads us to the place of maximum effectiveness and fruitfulness in the Kingdom. It’s not always the easy way, the way of comfort, or even the way that appears to be the walk of the prudent! But, His way is always the best way!
The wisdom of the Word urges us to integrity. We are reminded "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25, NIV) I love The Message’s way of presenting that Truth. "Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives." (Galatians 5:25, The Message)
Walk with God, friend. Walk in His general will that applies to us all, revealed in the Scripture, summarized by Jesus Christ in these two statements; “Love the Lord with your whole being. Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” The Word fills in details, calling us to honesty, to be committed to moral purity, to be people who seek justice, to be people of mercy and gentle grace. Beyond that, walk in His specific will. Maybe He will whisper a call to a town in Wyoming, with consequences you can’t begin to fathom. No, that was for me, probably not for you! But, He may lead you to a new ministry, or a renewed relationship with an old friend, or a career change, or…. I can’t begin to even imagine what He can do with a heart that is open to His will, but I can tell you that God’s will and your obedience will produce amazing results; in your life and in the lives you touch.
Here’s a word from the Word. Revel in the truth it declares.
"I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God,
the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God." (Ephesians 1:16-17, NLT)
"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20, NLT)
________________
Spirit of God
Descend upon my heart,
wean it from earth,
through all its pulses move.
Stoop to my weakness
mighty as Thou art,
and make me love Thee
as I ought to love.
Hast Thou not bid us
love Thee, God and King?
All, all Thine own --
soul, heart, and strength and mind.
I see Thy cross --
there teach my heart to cling,
O let me seek Thee
and O let me find.
Teach me to feel that
Thou art always nigh,
Teach me the struggles
of the soul to bear ---
To check the rising doubt,
the rebel sigh:
Teach me the patience
of unanswered prayer.
Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart
George Croly
© Public Domain
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Spirit-led in mind and heart!
One Summer afternoon in 1977, I picked up a copy of Time magazine. It contained an article about a town in Wyoming that was booming due to coal mining. A sleepy cow town had sprouted overnight to become home to thousands of young workers. As I read it, I sensed an inner calling - "Jerry, take your wife and baby son to Gillette!" It didn't go away. Days later I approached my wife with the idea of tearing ourselves away from family, friends, and church to go to do ministry in that town. Late August found us traveling halfway across these United States in an old school bus that was packed with our possessions. We had no job waiting for us, very little money to sustain us, and a big dream pulling us westward!
The year that followed was full of experiences we have never forgotten, lessons that shaped us, and people who taught us in ways that continue to influence us to this very day. In September, 1978, we moved back to New Jersey and became the Associate Pastor of the Assembly there. Our year in Wyoming looked like a fool's errand. I am convinced that it was God's way of helping us to become more useful in His kingdom. I believe we were led there by the Spirit, but not for the purpose which I thought - establishing a ministry in Gillette, WY- but rather so He could mature us in faith.
Almost every day people use this phrase about their decisions: "I feel led..." It explains their choice to seek out a new church, to justify their purchase of a new car, to make all kinds of important life choices. Most disciples who claim to 'feel led' by the Lord are as sincere in their intent and motive as I was when I ‘felt led’ to move to Wyoming all those years ago. The Bible teaches us that Spirit-filled Christians should be led by the Spirit. Paul says that "those who are led by the Spirit are children of God." (Gal. 6.14) I am not taking issue with that idea, but I do want to argue with the erroneous idea that being led by the Spirit is just a feeling, a hunch, an intuition that ignores or replaces good sense and wise counsel!
Rick Nanez writes - "Waves of romanticism, relativism, individualism, and New Age teachings have unleashed a rising emphasis on feelings over thinking, emotions over doctrine, and experience over intellect. Wherever these find an inroad, it comes at the expense of casting away our rational rudders. In turn, this steers many Believers into the currents of waywardness - into the vast sea of subjectivity, where the drizzling clouds of mysticism dictate their spiritual journey. ... the turbulent winds of half-truth blow these helpless castaways into the vicious crags of confusion and mindless spirituality."
- Full Gospel, Fractured Minds? - Zondervan, 2005
Mature and effective disciples need to know that God gave them both mind and heart! God's Spirit operates through both equally to bring about His purposes and will. God’s invitation is "Come now, let us reason together.” Isaiah 1:18 (NIV) The word, 'reason' is a word meaning, "argue your case, talk it over, work it out!" God asks Spirit-led people to live with a deep, life-shaping faith but not a blind one! Paul encourages us to "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1 (NKJV) Note the word, "reasonable." In the original language of the Bible it is the word, ‘logikos,’ from which we get our word, logical. As we serve God, we do so with reason intact.
Perhaps you are wondering -"What of faith? Are we to act on only what can be proven or tested by natural means?" No, friend. We, both individuals and the Church must be open to receiving truth that is revealed by Him to us in ways outside of the usual channels of discovery and learning. Some say that claiming to hear from God, being led by Him, is a marker of mental instability or is some sort of self-deception based in our psychological need to have a god. Yet, I am convinced - both by my experience and the testimony of the Scripture- that God speaks to His people, individually and collectively. There will be moments when His leading defies our natural reasoning powers, when what we believe God is asking of us flies in the face of the facts that surround us.
When someone claims to have a ‘revelation’ we do right when we evaluate what they claim as being ‘of the Spirit.’ Asking God to give us discerning minds, to keep us from impulse or gullibility is not the same as refusing to follow His lead. It is a humble recognition that we are imperfect, that we can get it wrong. I can tell many stories of unstable people who were given too much credence, who led God’s people into silly, foolish, even destructive places. That is why John gives us this warning: "do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world." 1 John 4:1 (NLT) The passage goes on to say that the primary test to determine who is a genuine 'prophet' - that is one who is claiming to hear from God and speak for God- is the way he conducts himself day to day. Is there strong evidence of submission to Jesus Christ as Lord? There is no one so dangerous to your spiritual health as the person who is a rebellious rogue, who recognizes no authority but himself. Paul likewise urges discernment about those who claim to be speaking for God. He says "Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said." (1 Corinthians 14:29, NIV)
Next time you’re ready to say, “I’m led…” make sure you really are hearing from the Lord! When someone urges you to take some action based on a ‘word from the Lord’ don’t be shy about telling them you want time to evaluate and test the word! Let's be people of the Spirit, led by Him into works of faith, using the wonderful powers of reason that He has given to us. By this God will be glorified and His kingdom built strong.
________________
He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where-e'er I be,
Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.
Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content whatever lot I see,
Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict'ry's won,
E'en death's cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.
He Leadeth Me O Blessed Thought
Gilmore, Joseph H. / Bradbury, William B.
© Public Domain
The year that followed was full of experiences we have never forgotten, lessons that shaped us, and people who taught us in ways that continue to influence us to this very day. In September, 1978, we moved back to New Jersey and became the Associate Pastor of the Assembly there. Our year in Wyoming looked like a fool's errand. I am convinced that it was God's way of helping us to become more useful in His kingdom. I believe we were led there by the Spirit, but not for the purpose which I thought - establishing a ministry in Gillette, WY- but rather so He could mature us in faith.
Almost every day people use this phrase about their decisions: "I feel led..." It explains their choice to seek out a new church, to justify their purchase of a new car, to make all kinds of important life choices. Most disciples who claim to 'feel led' by the Lord are as sincere in their intent and motive as I was when I ‘felt led’ to move to Wyoming all those years ago. The Bible teaches us that Spirit-filled Christians should be led by the Spirit. Paul says that "those who are led by the Spirit are children of God." (Gal. 6.14) I am not taking issue with that idea, but I do want to argue with the erroneous idea that being led by the Spirit is just a feeling, a hunch, an intuition that ignores or replaces good sense and wise counsel!
Rick Nanez writes - "Waves of romanticism, relativism, individualism, and New Age teachings have unleashed a rising emphasis on feelings over thinking, emotions over doctrine, and experience over intellect. Wherever these find an inroad, it comes at the expense of casting away our rational rudders. In turn, this steers many Believers into the currents of waywardness - into the vast sea of subjectivity, where the drizzling clouds of mysticism dictate their spiritual journey. ... the turbulent winds of half-truth blow these helpless castaways into the vicious crags of confusion and mindless spirituality."
- Full Gospel, Fractured Minds? - Zondervan, 2005
Mature and effective disciples need to know that God gave them both mind and heart! God's Spirit operates through both equally to bring about His purposes and will. God’s invitation is "Come now, let us reason together.” Isaiah 1:18 (NIV) The word, 'reason' is a word meaning, "argue your case, talk it over, work it out!" God asks Spirit-led people to live with a deep, life-shaping faith but not a blind one! Paul encourages us to "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1 (NKJV) Note the word, "reasonable." In the original language of the Bible it is the word, ‘logikos,’ from which we get our word, logical. As we serve God, we do so with reason intact.
Perhaps you are wondering -"What of faith? Are we to act on only what can be proven or tested by natural means?" No, friend. We, both individuals and the Church must be open to receiving truth that is revealed by Him to us in ways outside of the usual channels of discovery and learning. Some say that claiming to hear from God, being led by Him, is a marker of mental instability or is some sort of self-deception based in our psychological need to have a god. Yet, I am convinced - both by my experience and the testimony of the Scripture- that God speaks to His people, individually and collectively. There will be moments when His leading defies our natural reasoning powers, when what we believe God is asking of us flies in the face of the facts that surround us.
When someone claims to have a ‘revelation’ we do right when we evaluate what they claim as being ‘of the Spirit.’ Asking God to give us discerning minds, to keep us from impulse or gullibility is not the same as refusing to follow His lead. It is a humble recognition that we are imperfect, that we can get it wrong. I can tell many stories of unstable people who were given too much credence, who led God’s people into silly, foolish, even destructive places. That is why John gives us this warning: "do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world." 1 John 4:1 (NLT) The passage goes on to say that the primary test to determine who is a genuine 'prophet' - that is one who is claiming to hear from God and speak for God- is the way he conducts himself day to day. Is there strong evidence of submission to Jesus Christ as Lord? There is no one so dangerous to your spiritual health as the person who is a rebellious rogue, who recognizes no authority but himself. Paul likewise urges discernment about those who claim to be speaking for God. He says "Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said." (1 Corinthians 14:29, NIV)
Next time you’re ready to say, “I’m led…” make sure you really are hearing from the Lord! When someone urges you to take some action based on a ‘word from the Lord’ don’t be shy about telling them you want time to evaluate and test the word! Let's be people of the Spirit, led by Him into works of faith, using the wonderful powers of reason that He has given to us. By this God will be glorified and His kingdom built strong.
________________
He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where-e'er I be,
Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.
Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content whatever lot I see,
Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict'ry's won,
E'en death's cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.
He Leadeth Me O Blessed Thought
Gilmore, Joseph H. / Bradbury, William B.
© Public Domain
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Devotion check-up
After a long meeting, I sat down for lunch yesterday with a tall, good-looking guy, whom I’ll call John, to talk about his work as a missionary. As casually as we might discuss the weather, he told about his calling to a sensitive part of the world, about taking his wife and little children to live in a place where becoming a martyr was a daily possibility. His best friend was martyred there last year! John is not crazy. He is devoted, in love, to Christ and ready to die to take the Gospel to one of the places on earth where there are almost no professing Christians. I wish I could tell you more details, but to do so would jeopardize this man and his family.
While he talked about his mission, I could not stop the tears from welling my eyes as I thought about what it would mean to send my own son or daughter, my own grandchildren, to face death daily for the sake of Jesus. That man’s embrace of a high and holy calling made him a walking sermon, his life text the words of Jesus: “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" (Matthew 16:24-26, NLT)
Don’t descend into false guilt over this story! John’s calling is not your calling, but the same devotion that leads him to serve with great joy in a difficult and dangerous place, should be ours. Disciple, what love is strongest for you; your love of Self, or your love of Jesus Christ? There is an old song that captures the truth about true devotion. It says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim; in the light of His glory and grace.” We will never completely serve Him with joy and complete devotion until we are captivated by Him!
I asked John how he came to choose to go to that hard place. His answer was not about sacrifice or wrestling himself into submission. He told about hearing the Lord’s call, about being overwhelmed by the Spirit’s Presence in a way that made the calling irresistible! My prayer (and may it be yours, too) is that the Lord will be able to capture my heart in that way. After experiencing that devotion check-up over Chinese food at a table with a man who loved Jesus with more than his words, I invited the Lord to take my life, to renew my love and devotion, to send me to my city with a magnificent obsession to serve in His kingdom. Care to join me in that prayer?
Heavenly Father, I love You.
I am so thankful for Your promise of life – abundant now and eternal by and by.
I confess that all kinds of things try to gain my attention.
Here, right now, I give myself to You, anew.
My hopes, my dreams, my stuff, my reputation, my future plans – Make them Yours!
Captivate me! Let me be so loved that loving You without reservation is irresistible.
Send me – across the street or to the ends of earth – and help me to gladly say,
“Yes,” to whatever You desire.
For Jesus’ sake. Amen
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” -Isaiah 6:8, NIV
_______________________
Give me one pure and holy passion,
Give me one magnificent obsession.
Jesus give me one glorious ambition for my life.
To know and follow hard after You.
To know and follow hard after You,
To grow as Your disciple in the truth.
This world is empty, pale, and poor,
Compared to knowing You my Lord.
Lead me on and I will run after You.
One Pure And Holy Passion
Altrogge, Mark
Word Music Group, Inc.
© 1988 PDI Praise (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) / Dayspring Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
While he talked about his mission, I could not stop the tears from welling my eyes as I thought about what it would mean to send my own son or daughter, my own grandchildren, to face death daily for the sake of Jesus. That man’s embrace of a high and holy calling made him a walking sermon, his life text the words of Jesus: “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" (Matthew 16:24-26, NLT)
Don’t descend into false guilt over this story! John’s calling is not your calling, but the same devotion that leads him to serve with great joy in a difficult and dangerous place, should be ours. Disciple, what love is strongest for you; your love of Self, or your love of Jesus Christ? There is an old song that captures the truth about true devotion. It says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim; in the light of His glory and grace.” We will never completely serve Him with joy and complete devotion until we are captivated by Him!
I asked John how he came to choose to go to that hard place. His answer was not about sacrifice or wrestling himself into submission. He told about hearing the Lord’s call, about being overwhelmed by the Spirit’s Presence in a way that made the calling irresistible! My prayer (and may it be yours, too) is that the Lord will be able to capture my heart in that way. After experiencing that devotion check-up over Chinese food at a table with a man who loved Jesus with more than his words, I invited the Lord to take my life, to renew my love and devotion, to send me to my city with a magnificent obsession to serve in His kingdom. Care to join me in that prayer?
Heavenly Father, I love You.
I am so thankful for Your promise of life – abundant now and eternal by and by.
I confess that all kinds of things try to gain my attention.
Here, right now, I give myself to You, anew.
My hopes, my dreams, my stuff, my reputation, my future plans – Make them Yours!
Captivate me! Let me be so loved that loving You without reservation is irresistible.
Send me – across the street or to the ends of earth – and help me to gladly say,
“Yes,” to whatever You desire.
For Jesus’ sake. Amen
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” -Isaiah 6:8, NIV
_______________________
Give me one pure and holy passion,
Give me one magnificent obsession.
Jesus give me one glorious ambition for my life.
To know and follow hard after You.
To know and follow hard after You,
To grow as Your disciple in the truth.
This world is empty, pale, and poor,
Compared to knowing You my Lord.
Lead me on and I will run after You.
One Pure And Holy Passion
Altrogge, Mark
Word Music Group, Inc.
© 1988 PDI Praise (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) / Dayspring Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
The "right" answers?
While he installed my new garage door, Greg asked me questions about my faith. He obviously had past exposure to Christian teaching based on the way he formed his questions. "Do you believe in 'once saved, always saved'?" An interesting way to inquire about the security of the Christian's salvation, isn't it? What about 'name it and claim it'?" he asked. I knew he was asking about my view of the prosperity teachings. I like to talk about faith and how I understand the Scripture. But the way Greg asked the questions, it seemed to me that he was looking for a certain set of 'right' answers, giving me a test. We had a good time, and I think we ended up on the same page!
As I thought more about our conversation, I thought about the way we sometimes ask the Lord our questions about life. Do we put Him to the test, not just seeking an answer, but pressing for the 'right' answers? Which do we desire more; to know and understand Him or to see if He will give us what we want, if He can pass our test? Do we understand the importance of humility? James reminds us that "God opposes the proud but favors the humble. ... Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor." (James 4:10, NLT)
Humility is not an easy thing to grasp. Some think that being humble means losing any sense of self-worth and/or dignity. Others believe that creating beauty or pursuing excellence is not compatible with real humility. Truthfully, humility is about having an honest understanding of one's self, keeping pride in check, and adopting an unassuming attitude.
A king can be humble! Jesus proved that! He never thought of Himself as worthless, as unworthy of love. At the same time, He never was too good to speak to anyone, too self-important to care for those of low position. When the Father asked the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus chose the path of humility, setting His own will aside to be obedient. His humility is revealed in His willingness.
Let's invite the Spirit to search our heart attitudes today. Shall we invite Him to put us to the test? Pray with David, "Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about; See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong- then guide me on the road to eternal life." (Psalm 139:23-24, The Message) From this prayer, may true humility find a place in our lives that allows us to know, to accept, and to live in the sweet will of our Father.
Here are several passages from the book of Wisdom! May they inform us today.
"The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor." (Proverbs 15:33, NIV)
"Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life." (Proverbs 22:4, NIV)
"Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor." (Proverbs 29:23, NLT)
_________________
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me Jesus take me now.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me Savior wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!
I surrender all,
I surrender all.
All to Thee my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
I Surrender All
Van De Venter, Judson / Weeden, Winfield S.
© Public Domain
As I thought more about our conversation, I thought about the way we sometimes ask the Lord our questions about life. Do we put Him to the test, not just seeking an answer, but pressing for the 'right' answers? Which do we desire more; to know and understand Him or to see if He will give us what we want, if He can pass our test? Do we understand the importance of humility? James reminds us that "God opposes the proud but favors the humble. ... Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor." (James 4:10, NLT)
Humility is not an easy thing to grasp. Some think that being humble means losing any sense of self-worth and/or dignity. Others believe that creating beauty or pursuing excellence is not compatible with real humility. Truthfully, humility is about having an honest understanding of one's self, keeping pride in check, and adopting an unassuming attitude.
A king can be humble! Jesus proved that! He never thought of Himself as worthless, as unworthy of love. At the same time, He never was too good to speak to anyone, too self-important to care for those of low position. When the Father asked the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus chose the path of humility, setting His own will aside to be obedient. His humility is revealed in His willingness.
Let's invite the Spirit to search our heart attitudes today. Shall we invite Him to put us to the test? Pray with David, "Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about; See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong- then guide me on the road to eternal life." (Psalm 139:23-24, The Message) From this prayer, may true humility find a place in our lives that allows us to know, to accept, and to live in the sweet will of our Father.
Here are several passages from the book of Wisdom! May they inform us today.
"The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor." (Proverbs 15:33, NIV)
"Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life." (Proverbs 22:4, NIV)
"Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor." (Proverbs 29:23, NLT)
_________________
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me Jesus take me now.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me Savior wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!
I surrender all,
I surrender all.
All to Thee my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
I Surrender All
Van De Venter, Judson / Weeden, Winfield S.
© Public Domain
Monday, March 08, 2010
Living in the Questions?
Questions are a part of my life. Since I was a little boy I wanted to know how things worked. My curiosity caused me to destroy many toys that I took apart! I want to know what works in life, why things happen. Most of us want those answers, don’t we?
Disciple, don’t just live in the questions. Yes, go ahead, ask them! Ponder the mysteries of life. Seek to understand. Learn about your world, yourself, and our God. A person who will not acknowledge the questions, who attempts to make life a simple set of ‘if, then’ propositions, misses out on finding a deeper faith! Asking the questions and choosing to trust Him while seeing the world as it really is allows for us to come to know God in a richer, fuller way. But, remember the answers, too. Let a solid foundation of God’s faithfulness and His promises in the Word be the bedrock on which you build the rest of your life.
Here’s an affirmation from the Word that I encourage you to take with you today. When the questions come, find refuge in this.
"I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." (2 Timothy 1:12, NKJV)
"That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us." (2 Timothy 1:14, NKJV)
___________________
Sweet Jesus Christ, my sanity.
Sweet Jesus Christ, my clarity.
Bread of heaven, broken for me.
Cup of salvation, held out to drink.
Jesus, mystery!
Christ has died, and
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again!
Christ has died, and
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again!
Celebrate His death and rising!
Lift your eyes, proclaim His coming!
Celebrate His death and rising!
Lift your eyes, lift your eyes!
Sweet Jesus Christ, my sanity.
Mystery
Charlie Hall
© 2008 worshiptogether.com songs
sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
(Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
- A man at church told me how his Dad searched to find an explanation for his health issue which even the doctors could not explain.
- Two families in our congregation are facing economic stress, one facing the bankruptcy court this week; the other the immanent loss of their home this month. When they told me, my head wanted to try to understand ‘why.’ I wrestled to trust the Lord for them and with them much of last night!
- Reading in the book of Numbers this morning, I came to the fifth chapter which is one of those, “What did he say?” kind of passages. I’m still pondering that one!
Disciple, don’t just live in the questions. Yes, go ahead, ask them! Ponder the mysteries of life. Seek to understand. Learn about your world, yourself, and our God. A person who will not acknowledge the questions, who attempts to make life a simple set of ‘if, then’ propositions, misses out on finding a deeper faith! Asking the questions and choosing to trust Him while seeing the world as it really is allows for us to come to know God in a richer, fuller way. But, remember the answers, too. Let a solid foundation of God’s faithfulness and His promises in the Word be the bedrock on which you build the rest of your life.
Here’s an affirmation from the Word that I encourage you to take with you today. When the questions come, find refuge in this.
"I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." (2 Timothy 1:12, NKJV)
"That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us." (2 Timothy 1:14, NKJV)
___________________
Sweet Jesus Christ, my sanity.
Sweet Jesus Christ, my clarity.
Bread of heaven, broken for me.
Cup of salvation, held out to drink.
Jesus, mystery!
Christ has died, and
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again!
Christ has died, and
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again!
Celebrate His death and rising!
Lift your eyes, proclaim His coming!
Celebrate His death and rising!
Lift your eyes, lift your eyes!
Sweet Jesus Christ, my sanity.
Mystery
Charlie Hall
© 2008 worshiptogether.com songs
sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
(Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
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