December 2006
December 28, 2006
Isaiah 66:2b
This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.
Phil 2:6&7
Who (Jesus), being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
James 4:10
Humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up.
(NIV)
What is the secret to living a fulfilled life? How can anyone find their full significance? Easy - look to and emulate Christ. The fullness of life was demonstrated by Him. Christ came and poured out His life for others. Not for the glory it would bring Him, though He does receive glory for it, but rather for the joy of the relationship that His sacrifice made possible. We were born for relationship and humility is the key to all relationships.
God is all about people. If you want to be esteemed in His eyes, be about people. Humble yourself to care for others the way you want to be cared for. When Jesus summed up the whole Law and the work of the prophets He said life was all about relationship: love God first, and love people the same way you love yourself. (Matt 22:37-40)
The most important relationship of our lives is the one we have with the Father. Our relationship with Him is made possible by Christ's humility at the cross and our humility to soberly admit sin and receive pardon. Once again, humility is the cornerstone. Even our victory over evil depends on our willingness to humble ourselves in submitting to God; only then that we can resist evil and win. (Jam 4:7)
Finally, humility is critical for us to fulfill our destiny. Every person longs to find significance; everyone wants their life to count. In James 4 we read, right between messages on selfishness and slander, to humble ourselves before God. In the Amplified version it reads (vs. 10) "and He will lift you up and make your lives significant". As we draw close to God in humility and surrender our lives to Him selfishness melts away and godliness forges ahead. Our lives take on new meaning as we live out each day for a noble purpose: to live as Christ.
In a day when self exaltation is so prevalent, purpose with me to look to God for the defining of and fulfillment of true greatness. Humbling our lives before Him we will find out what it really means to live!
December 26, 2006
Ez 36:26
A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Did you get what you were hoping for this Christmas? Did you find under the tree the thing that will change your life forever? God, our Father, has given a gift that pales all others, the miracle of new life in Christ. Has is been what you thought it would be, have you seen life in all it's beauty?
Sometimes the effectiveness of our reception of God's gift is hindered by distraction. Sometimes the circumstances of life become our focus and we begin to draw out of those places, highs or lows on the road of life. This year has brought some wonderful and some painful experiences for many of us. It was a year of a couple mountain tops and a myriad of valleys for me personally. I'll admit this Christmas "comfort and joy" was something that I had to determinedly set my heart on. My heart had been broken this year, embittered by disappointments I have faced.
As I was worshiping God this morning, asking Him to open my eyes to His ways, He showed up and spoke to me. I share it with you because I believe it’s a needed message for today. It's all about the core of our life - our heart.
Our heart has arteries that feed it and allow it to feed the rest of the body. God showed me the reason my heart is in its present condition is because I have had a wayward artery. Instead of taking in the thoughts and the love of God, there were still places in my life where I was receiving the mind set of the world and seeking the approval of people. Because these are not life-giving sources the result was a "hardening of the arteries". Trying to live off of worldly principles or for the approval of others is like trying to live off of donuts and chocolate milk. It may seem to work for a while but eventually there will be a break down because the body was made desiring health.
God created us from the beginning in such a way that the only thing that will satisfy and nourish our lives is HIM!! Period - end of the sentence! Not Him, plus...... OR ________ plus God. NO, we were made for relationship with Him first; everything else follows and never surpasses that goodness.
The hardening of the heart comes from eating the wrong stuff and living inactive lives. It shortens our lifespan and limits our ability. Therefore let's get this thing right, today. On the day of the year where "exchanges" are being made in stores everywhere, let's let God do the great exchange in our hearts. Let Him move the main artery from receiving from the world system to receiving life, every minute of the day, from Him.
He has offered us a new heart, soft and full of power with a supply that will never end. It will enable us in these last days to truly be Jesus to those He is calling us to. He came to bring the world mercy, to bring us mercy. With the new heart He has given us, let's draw life from the mercy of God and let it flow through us to the world. The world longs for mercy and mercy is fragile, it can only be carried by a soft heart.
"A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."
December 24, 2006
Luke 2:8-10
And in that vicinity there were shepherds living in the field, watching over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people..."
In this special time of year I believe it is the heart of God to honor those who are serving their generation, "living in the field", watching over the "sheep". It's no surprise that the first people to hear the Gospel were shepherds, those who cared for the sacrificial lambs. Who better deserved to see the first revelation of the Lamb of God than the men who had been living out their lives caring for atonement lambs. Their job was not easy or glamorous, preparing for the spiritual needs of their fellow Jews. It was to these simple shepherds that the message was the loudest!
Wherever you are, living in the fields that are "white unto harvest", be encouraged! Give yourself to the work you are called to do! Serve the Lord and your generation faithfully! Care for the lambs, feed His sheep! I believe that you will find God continuing to speak loudest to those in the field. And the message continues "Do not be afraid.... good news... great joy... for all" God bless you as you continue to serve Him and His people!
December 23, 2006
Acts 13:50
But the Jews stirred up the devout women of high rank and the outstanding men of the town, and instigated persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their boundaries.
Okay, now I know this isn't the sweet nativity message you might be expecting but it's a good time of year to be reminded of standing your ground and walking away. What? Did I just contradict myself? Let me continue.
This time of year we often gather with people we don't spend a lot of time with during the rest of the year. Usually it's a geographical issue, sometimes it's a relational issue. In these situations it's critical to do your homework, or should I say knee-work. Spending time in prayer before spending time with people is the key to success relationships. Prayer solidifies the most important relationship we have: our love with the Lord. From the strength of that relationship we can stand firm in every other encounter; firm in love, established in mercy with immoveable grace. Prayer, worshiping Him, filling up on His love, meditating on His Word and seeking His way of living, this is the key to standing firm on the grounds of love.
Although internally we always stand our ground, on love and faith, externally there are times when the situation requires someone to sense the storm and calm the sea. I'm referring to "walking away". Walking away is sometimes just as important as standing when living a life of love. Not every word you hear needs a response. Not every accusation thrown at you deserves your verbal defense. I'm not suggesting being a doormat, I promoting being a doorkeeper.
We are the gatekeeper of our soul. We choose what is worth entry and what must be denied access. Not responding doesn't mean acceptance of a curse or a "jab", it means that you are making room for mercy to touch both the other person and yourself. "He who foams up quickly and flies into a passion deals foolishly" Pr 14:17a - "...he who is slow to anger appeases contention" Pr 15:18b
When the enemy comes around during this holiday season and tries to stir up you women of God (women of high rank), stand on the ground He has given you. Be noble hearted, full of love, patient and gracious. If necessary walk away, graciously. If possible, inconspicuously turn the conversation to noble things. Be an instrument of peace at the party.
Prepare the way through prayer
Walk in love, all the way
Act out of His mercy for you
And you will stand amazed
December 22, 2006
Luke 1:67-75
Now Zachariah his (John's) father was filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and brought deliverance and redemption to His people! And He has raised up a Horn of salvation [a mighty and valiant Helper, the Author of salvation] for us in the house of David His servant - This is as He promised by the mouth of His holy prophets from the most ancient times [in the memory of man] - That we should have deliverance and be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who detest and pursue us with hatred; To make true and show the mercy and compassion and kindness [promised] to our forefathers and to remember and carry out His holy covenant. That covenant He sealed by oath to our forefather Abraham: To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our foes, might serve Him fearlessly in holiness and righteousness within His presence all the days of our lives.
Wow, after all that time of silence Zachariah sure made those first words count! Imagine the revelation and the astonishment in this man's heart! Not only was he and his wife experiencing the miracle of the gift of their own child, after years of barrenness, but greater still, the hope of all the ages was being fulfilled right before his eyes!! Right before his eyes!! Selah (pause and think about it)
Now, saved and full of the Spirit's power, we stand in a day when the former Roman Empire is being restored, the evil Babylon is prevalent and fighting to dominate our culture. We stand at the edge of the prophecy of the second coming of the Lord. We have no need to hang our heads in sorrow, or hide away in fear. The fulfillment of the first prophecy empowers us as we face the fulfillment of the second.
May each of us shake ourselves from the same doubt and fear that Zachariah faced. May we be ready and full of faith and expectancy, so that God would not need to shut our mouth while awaiting His promise. When He returns, may we be found fulfilling the final verse of Zachariah's prophecy (vs74&75): "...delivered from the hand of our foes", serving Him "fearlessly, in holiness and righteousness", living "within His presence all the days of our lives." AMEN
December 20, 2006
Luke 2:10-14 (AMP)
...Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord! And this will be a sign for you: you will find [after searching] a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor].
Joy is the sweetest thing on earth and the coming of Christ brought "great joy" to the world. In the business of their lives, the shepherds heard, for the first time, the news that the Savior had come. They stopped what they were doing and took the time to find the Gift of God, wrapped in swaddling clothes.
There are only 5 days until that special celebration that we have set aside to remember His coming. I am determined to do what I need to do to care for those around me, to leave the rest and search for the Savior. Fortunately I don't have far to go. He's right here! When I seek His presence I find myself wrapped in His love as I lay my life and every care into His hands.
Childlike hearts enter heaven. Let's guard the sweetness and wonder of this celebration. No more grumbling or complaining. Put off all the weights and COME LET US ADORE HIM!!
December 19, 2006
Phil 4:12 (Paul says) I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. (13) I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [... I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].
Even the greatest preacher, like Paul, will have times of plenty and of lack according to the Word of God. Does our fulfillment depend on the presence of possessions? Paul says not. He says our fulfillment is not to be moved by earthly conditions but settled and established in Christ.
We live in a very materialistic era - or so I thought until I began to study world history. Materialism is not new; with our credit based economy, it's just more attainable than ever. We are not immune to materialism just because we're Christians. Throughout history the church has struggled to live free from the lust for money. All the money in the world cannot produce the presence of God in a meeting or in a life. All the tithes and offerings of every church member, every Sunday, can pay the building off but it can't produce the anointing within it.
Money is like Hagar in Abraham's home; a servant. It should do it's job and be invisible with no emotional ties. When a master becomes obsessed with a desire or dream and exchanges the source of God for the source of mammon the result is a mess.
Paul's testimony of continual dependency on God and commitment to the Gospel is amazing. He must have had a significant "life-style" change when he stopped hanging out with the Pharasees to walk with the believers of Christ. He could have drawn up a "Hagar" somewhere to ensure his financial well being; maybe twisted the message just enough to satisfy those who could ensure his comfort. But no, Paul's heart and soul belonged to Christ. He found what every human being hungers for - complete unshakeable fulfillment. He said in chp 3:8 "...I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord..."
Calling all Paul's and Pauline's: Love the Lord! Stand strong in Christ! Fight the good fight of faith! Live for Christ! Preach the Word! Shine the Light!
May our lives bring others to Christ & bring Him honor, now and forever!
December 16, 2006
II Tim 4:17 The Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.
Have you ever felt like your resources didn't match up with your dreams? This is a good time of the year to be reminded that the One who changed the world did so by no earthly means.
Christ had no family ties to push him into the "right" schools or employment, no money to spread the gospel, though He did have the simple support of those around him. How then could He change the world? What He accomplished required no special status or rank, no money, no position and no doctorate or degree. What He did cost Him nothing except pride and time. He opened Himself fully to the Spirit of God and being full of the Spirit "went about doing good," bringing the healing power of God to all, doing the things that pleased the Father's heart.
In a world of high stakes, high prices and higher education, remind yourself regularly that the One who changed the world did so by the power of God, alone. You can have all the resources on earth at your fingertips, but without surrendering to the power of God, you are ineffective in His kingdom. "Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up". (Jam 4:10) He will make you a significant influence on the earth today, standing by and giving strength to spread the good news to your generation.
December 15, 2006
The Splendor of the King, Clothed in Majesty, Let all the earth rejoice, let all the earth rejoice!
How great is our God, Sing with me, How great is our God, And all will see how great, how great is our God!!
Chris Tomlin's lyrics and music so inspire the heart of every believer with this song "How Great is Our God". I post this hope today, that you will sing with me, though we are miles, states or oceans apart. Together as the body of believers, sing with me how Great! How Great is our God!
December 14, 2006
Dan 1:18-21 ...they entered the king's service...And Daniel remained there until the year of King Cyrus.
Daniel lived approximately 75 years and in that time frame we know of a dozen or less events that marked his life of service. So for approximately 60 years of service, we have a handful of history markers. I look at this time/event ratio and remind myself that Daniel wasn't making history everyday, not even once a year. The reason Daniel and other men and women like him make history is because of their everyday obedience to the word of God. People like Daniel don't set their heart on fame, but rather faithfulness. Faithfulness keeps us in a position of effectiveness to serve God and our generation, privately and openly.
Depending on your proximity to Westernized Christianity, you may find yourself occasionally measuring your effectiveness on a "notoriety" scale. If your work is recognized does that mean it is effective and pleasing to God? No! When Elijah made comment to the idea that he was the only prophet in the area based on the fact that he was the one who was well known, God corrected him and said no "I reserve seven thousand in Israel - all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal.." (I Kings 19:18) We need to remind ourselves when tempted to think to highly of our call or ability, that we are but one of multiple thousands who are serving our generation. Some of us will make history. All of us must make a difference.
Daniel's example to us is so pure. He didn't even want to be there, yet he served with humility and faithfulness. During over the 60 years of service he stepped up into the "spotlight" only a handful of times. We give him credit for those moments but let's not discount the years of prayer, commitment and service that must be found "between the lines".
I am challenged today to spend time asking God to purify my attitude; addressing why I do what I do. My driven - type A - "where's the beef'" - results focused mindset can definitely benefit from Daniel's example of what it is like to serve God; moments of triumph, years of faithfulness, a lifetime devoted to God. I believe that Daniel's joy was not found in the famous events he is best known for but was hidden in the secret place he could not resist - the presence of God.
My purpose is to be like Daniel, living the private and public moments of my life thriving from the enjoyment of that secret place and to inspire others to do the same. Settle for nothing less.
December 13, 2006
Dan 2:47 The king said to Daniel, "Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery."
Daniel is an awesome example to every servant of God. His life and ministry was dependant upon his dedication to prayer. He made seeking God the foundation and framework of everyday life. It was his practice of prayer that made him useful to the king and those within the kingdom (everyday people benefited from his influence on the king).
Too often we emphasize the natural gifting or education of a leader and therefore encourage them to also put too much emphasis on their gifting or training. Training is beneficial, Daniel was trained, but it is dependency on God that brings answers for the mysteries of life. Carry on in the studies He requires of you, but never let a degree be your source of strength. God Himself is the Wonderful Counselor bringing wisdom to who ever seeks it, educated or not.
Check yourself, your balance. Are you leaning on your own understanding and ability to solve the mysteries/issues in life? Or are you leaning on and trusting in the wisdom of God? More than ever, the world needs people who will seek the Lord and bring back answers for the mysteries of today.
The one who leans on God will never fall, except to her knees.
December 12, 2006
This is in honor of the men and women of our armed forces who are standing up for freedom around the world. Please forward this to them.
Isaiah 25:1, 3-4 O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.... Therefore strong people will honor you; cities of ruthless nations will revere you. You have been a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.
The Lord is a shelter and a shield to the upright. Commit your way and your life to God, He protects those who love Him. His Word and His Name are greater than the enemy. Lift up the Name of the Lord before every battle. The Name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous stand under the shadow of that Name and are safe.
May God reveal Himself to you and strengthen you at this time; may He give you wisdom beyond your years of experience and training; may He embrace and comfort those families who are temporarily separated during this time; and may He crown your life with honor and dignity as you stand for His righteousness and protect our freedom.
God Bless Our troops!
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December 8, 2006
2 Kings 4:1-37 The widow's Oil & the Shunammite woman
vs. 1 The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out..
vs. 30 But the child's mother said "As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you. So he got up and followed her.
Are you in the middle of a crisis? Is your head full of questions and you long to know God's answer for the circumstances you are facing? You are not alone. God has an answer for you and He is faithful to meet your needs and tend to your heart.
Today as you look to God for His help, remember that He has been faithfully answering the prayers of women for millenniums. Instead of a long exhortation to cheer you on, I am going to simply remind you of two women very much like you and me; two women who faced great difficulty and left a path that is clearly marked for us.
The widow woman's cry - Cry out to God.
Ps 118:5 In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered me by setting me free.
The Shunammite woman's tenacity - Get a grip and don't let go!
Is 50:7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set me face like flint and I know I will not be put to shame.
Women of God, rise up and encourage those with you to do the same. Stand in the grace He has given and you will see His salvation. (2 Chr 20:17) And when He has answered your prayer, respond like Jehoshaphat is vs. 18; bow down, inviting the fellow believers with you, and worship the Lord!
December 6, 2006
Psalm 26:7 ...that I may make the voice of thanksgiving heard and may tell all Your wondrous works.
Consider your voice. I don't mean the sound of it but the message you carry. Is it a song of pity and sorrow; a song of deliverance and gratitude; a lament of lack and want; a message of thanksgiving? What message do you carry?
Jesus has given us a noble purpose for our voice: to tell the world about His love and redemption. I believe the most influential moments in my life have been those moments when I have embraced the goodness of God, and responded with deep gratitude, taking that goodness to the people around me. A grateful heart makes for a great preacher!
To carry a voice of thanksgiving I have to practise living out the action of verse 6 in this same chapter. "I will wash my hands in innocence, and go about Your altar, Oh Lord." I have to continually wash my hands of the things that this world system throws at me. Not just the obvious images of immorality but even more, the subtle influences promoting selfishness. Daily I have to wash my hands and preserve the Godliness that Christ has established within me. The Godly innocence that comes from Christ requires daily protection and cherishment.
When I have washed my hands of those things and daily chosen the better part of living, I am free to pour out the love of God over everyone around me. The purity that Christ has given ignites a perpetual spring of praise within me and a voice comes out! It is the voice of thanksgiving! Joy surrounds me as I live out these verses and the result is that other people see and hear the message in my life and my voice and look to the source of my thanksgiving: GOD!!
Be attentive to the message you are carrying in the quiet moments of your life. Wash off worry and fear and trust in the Lord. Let your life overflow with the hope He brings and let your voice be heard!
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever!!
December 2, 2006
II Cor 13:8 For we can do nothing against the Truth [not serve any party or personal interest], but only for the Truth [which is the Gospel].
I've been studying world history for the past several years with a closer inspection of the history of Christianity over the past few months. I am amazed at how much and how little things have changed over the milleniums. It's been like watching a movie of someone fall into a hole and getting out and falling in again, over and over. In the past cultures have gone through dizzying cycles as man repeats the same mistakes. I used to think that modern man had completely changed but as I grow older I see Solomon was right when he said "there is nothing new under the sun".
As in Paul's time "party or personal interest or God" remains the tug of war within our soul today. It should come as no surprise that only one can be first - Truth - Jesus Christ. It should also be no surprise that when we put Truth first, we won't win popularity contests here on earth. Paul said that to try to please men disqualifies us from the ministry. We have a choice to make.
My pastor has put together a prayer he uses at the altar call each Sunday. Within that prayer he uses part of a verse that states a believers new mision "I no longer live to please myself, I make Jesus Christ the Lord of my life". That's easy to say, but challenging to live. Yet as I look back at the people who I admire most from history, it was those individuals who did not live like everyone else, and not for themselves but for the Truth.
As believers and leaders we must be sober to the age old reality: we face a battle every day for our loyalty. We will daily have to choose who we are serving. Let us choose the Truth. With God as our strength, we will overcome the inevitable disapproval of people and the discomfort of denying the flesh . The crowd, ourselves, or the Truth; we will choose the Truth.
