November 2006
November 29, 2006
Jer 29:11 …I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
It’s a wonderful thing to realize that God has good thoughts for us. Unfortunately it doesn’t do us a shred of good until we respond to that reality. If God’s thoughts remain in His mind alone, our lives are lost. The great news is if we take God’s thoughts and make them our own, our lives are transformed! He has gone to great lengths to make this reality possible. Now, what will we do with this gift?
We have the choice every day to live by what other people think, to live by our own thought patterns OR to renew our mind with a brand new way of thinking – God’s way! God’s thoughts are higher than ours so at first it may seem unnatural to think His way. The truth is our way is wrong and His is right. This is a simple truth that continues to inspire me to ditch my old way of thinking, everyday. His higher thoughts lead us into a higher quality of life.
If you and I are going to live in the welfare and peace and hope that God has for us (vs. 11) we will have to determinedly “set our face like flint”, directing our minds toward God-style thoughts. Whatever is honorable and considered to be a good report, we will think on these things. (Phil 4:8 paraphrased).
I have a jewelry box in my closet. Years ago, I used to try to cram everything I owned into that box. Some items just didn’t fit and often I would find a tangled mess in that box. The things I wanted to use needed to be separated from the things that were thrown in there, haphazardly. I needed to find a new system to take care of my jewelry. I needed to re-evaluate what I wanted to own. I needed to take out what didn’t fit in the box, untangle the necklaces and set up an orderly system to prevent the ongoing mess. Our minds are like that jewelry box. There is a right way of thinking, God’s way. Any thought that differs from His leads to a tangled mess of confusion. It doesn’t matter what someone else thinks. What does God think? It doesn’t matter what my flesh thinks. What does God think?
Today and everyday, let us chose to know God intimately and to pattern our lives after His thoughts. That is the recipe for success. Knowing and living the perfect will of God is as simple as surrendering our daily thought life and living with the mind of Christ. Praise God, you and I can do this and all things through Christ who gives us strength. (Phil 4:13) We can know the thoughts and plans He has for us and believe whole heartedly in His goodness. Then we will receive and enjoy the hope and future He has prepared for us. Praise the Lord!!
Happy Thanksgiving
Psalm 26:6&7 I will wash my hands in innocence, and go about Your altar, Oh Lord. That I may make the voice of thanksgiving heard and may tell all Your wondrous works.
Psalm 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise!
Isaiah 51:3 For the Lord will comfort Zion; He will comfort all her waste places. And He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song or instrument of praise.
November 22, 2006
Matt 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
How many times have I said, "Hide me, Lord!"? Why is it that I want to blend in and be invisible? Well, for me personally, the cold hard fact is this: I don't like the roller coaster of public opinion. For the same action, I can receive praise from one group and rejection from another. My natural reaction is to say "Forget it - I don't need this - I'll do what I want to do, forget you!" Isn't that nice? Stick with me, I get saved in the end.
Being a leader has nothing to do with "polling" the people, it's about serving the people. Christian leaders are called to surrender their hearts to God and their service to mankind. Approval or disapproval then, is only dependant upon obedience to God. It's much easier this way - His yoke really is easy. Leadership is soaking up the presence of God and bringing that saturation to our place of influence, while following the Lord's instructions. Great leaders don't regard the response of man as a factor in their endeavors. Whether leadership decisions cause the people to break into "fan-fare" or to "hit- the-fan" is not issue. The issue is the heart of our cause: are we humbly submitted to God and obedient to His leading?
My life has DRAMATICALLY changed by simply recognizing I live to please Him, not myself and not other people. The freedom this revelation has brought me is beyond words. I'm still growing in brightness as He continues to lead me in liberty but finally, I can shine wherever He places me; in a small room with a computer or standing before a multitude. Either way I feel the same delight, the sweetness of His pleasure, and nothing on earth beats that!
As you learn and grow as a leader, remember the old motto of the Salvation Army to give your "heart to God" and your "hand to man". When you do, you'll shine for Jesus and never burn out!
November 21, 2006
Ps 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
Ps 141:6 When their rulers are overthrown in stony places, [their followers] shall hear my words, that they are sweet (pleasant, mild and just)
Ps 141:9&10 Keep me from the trap.... let the wicked fall together into their own nets, while I pass over them and escape.
Have you ever taken note of those precious leaders who are humble and gracious? Their attitude of grace and merciful speach truly mark the soul, don't you think? Have you ever wondered what constant, great cost of surrender is required to live such a life? For a leader to grow in authority and influence, yet remain meek and gentle like the Good Shepherd is a work of the Spirit in a surrendered life. Sometimes leadership creates an atmosphere contrary to this surrender. When everyone follows every instruction given, the leader can be tempted to think too highly of themselves, and too little of others. Eventually that attitude comes out in words. Criticism of others, sugar coated of coarse to not give oneself away, can creep into conversation.
We live in a culture that has, in it's affluence, become highly critical and progressively more demonstrative of this attitude. A world leader with the potential of great influence, yet listen to speech of the average citizen. I'm grateful for this country, a wouldn't live anywhere else, however, it illustrates the point well. A common trap for every leader to avoid is that of pride and the judgement & criticism that flow from pride.
David recognized this trap in Psalm 141. It's worth reading the whole chapter. David recognized that to be a great leader, he had to guard his speech and he needed God's help to do it. Admitting that this level of excellence was beyond human endeavor, David looked to God. Even when the rulers of his enemies fell, when the average person would feel licence to make the "digging" comment, David spoke publically with words described as "sweet, pleasant, mild and just". He honored all people, friend and enemy.
As Christian leaders our job is to do the will of the Father. He is the lifter of heads, the Redeemer, the Savior. Our job at all times is to lift people, redeem and save. What does your conversation produce? Are you lifting others or promoting your own reputation? Are you redeeming and saving someone else or saving your own face?
In verses 7-8 David sees the "unburied bones" of other rulers, his enemies, no one covered them. His response is reverent, and soberly he looks to God and says (vs 8) "..in You do I trust and take refuge; pour not out my life nor leave it destitute and bare". David knows his victory comes from God. He doesn't gloat in his place of power, speaking ill of those before him, he humbly recognizes his dependancy on God.
As you continue to grow in influence, guard your heart. Stay fully dependant on God and like David, value and protect all people, even your enemies. Not only will this protect you from the waste land of fallen leaders, but it will bring the nature of God to people; the very thing we are called to do as leaders.
November 20, 2006
Jer 52:33 Jehoiachin put off his prison garments, and he dined regularly at the king's table all the days of his life.
Each day, each one of us faces the choice between the old and the new. The old way of living or the new life in Christ. It seems simple enough, life or death, blessing or cursing, how hard is that? Who doesn't desire life and blessing? So if the decision is so clear and easy, why is the realization of it sometimes so elusive?
I believe the reason that people miss out on the "king's table" is due to deception. When we think that because we desire fellowship with the "King", that the results are automatic, we are deceived. Desire is not enough. We have to let go of the old, the dead, the "prison garments" in order to receive the new, better way. So often we think good intentions are good enough. But the reality is, though desire may point us in the right direction, only the obedience of self-discipline (a fruit of the Holy Spirit) will bring us to the table.
Jehoiachin knew that he had to lay down the mourning and sorrow of defeat, the chip on his shoulder, the old kingdom mentality, in order to move into an influential position at the king's table. It didn't matter what was said to or about him, he would not put the prison clothes back on. He set his desire on the potential position ahead of him. He chose to push through the pain of discipline and take his place at the table.
I don't know what's been thrown at you lately. Maybe you feel like your world was turned upside down. Maybe your hearing bits and pieces of gossip and being misjudged by people you thought were your friends. It hurts, but you have to quickly make a choice! Will you repay evil for evil and chain yourself down, disqualifying yourself from the privelege of the king's table? Or will you hasten to obey and overcome evil with good, blessing those who curse you. It's not easy, but the power is available to do it. The sobering reality is, if we want to live a great life of influence in our generation, we will have to live above and beyond what is normal. There are not many people willing to face what is required to be a leader. Because of this I cling to grace, only His power makes it possible. "Many are called, few are chosen." (Matt 22:14)
Purpose in your heart with me today, to dare to believe that God's power could so totally transform and renew our minds that we would truly exemplify His character and love to our generation. Take off the prison clothes of grumbling, gossip, worry, discontentment, pride, whatever it is for you, and rise up into the full stature of Christ and join the King at His table. I'll see you there!
November 19, 2006
John 10:10 I have come that you would have and enjoy life to the fullest...
It never ceases to amaze me how much God cares for us and relentlessly has pursued our hearts. He has loved us with an everlasting love, for sure. There are alot of great verses that proclaim this love, but for me the one that best reveals it is this one in John 10:10 I have come that you would have and enjoy life to the fullest... This is the whole reason for all He has taught us; all the guidelines, all the truth; it directs us toward this end: having and enjoying life. Isn't interesting that the very thing every person longs for, is the very thing that God desires to give us? It's like He planned this to be a meeting place, joining our need with His desire. How awesome is that?
The only way for me to enjoy the gift is to receive the gift. Years ago, when my family moved into our home, my husband made a very romantic gesture and purchased a beautiful ring for me. It wasn't my birthday or Christmas, he was just being a sweet heart! (Everbody say "Awwww") That was a big deal for him - he's definitely a tough guy kind of man. With that personality in mind, the way he chose to give the ring to me was more from a funny angle than a romantic one. While unpacking some boxes of clothing up in our bedroom, he came in and said "Hey, look what I found in the garage." And he handed me the ring. Not in a box, nothing signifying that it was a gift for me, I thought, "Oh no, someone's lost a ring!" (Don't laugh at me). For hours, even after he had explained the whole thing a couple times, I didn't really enjoy the ring. It was beautiful, but I didn't think it was mine so I didn't mentally receive it. I know it sounds funny, but it took a long time for me to really enjoy that ring because of how I received it.
What God has purchased for us is beyond diamonds and gold - it's priceless! He has freely offered life to us, but often our sin-stained perspective gets in the way and we fail to take hold of the gift. Taking hold of what Christ has done is so critical because we don't "enjoy it" until we "have it" settled in our heart and mind. He extends the grace to receive life day by day. In the upcoming holiday season, with all the giving and receiving that goes on, let's be sure to take the time to quietly consider what He has given and check our grip. Do we have ahold of this wonderful gift? His gift to us is Himself. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. So then, what He is saying in John 10:10 is this: I have come to give you Myself and I want you to enjoy My presence in your life.
My response "Wow, it's what I've always wanted - thank you!"
November 18, 2006
I Cor 13:13 And so faith, hope and love abide... but the greatest of these is love.
When we are young, we have dreams of doing great things, making a huge difference in the world through our impressive acheivements. I have noticed that as I grow in maturity, what impresses me most is what's done for the sake of love; a gentle answer in a trying moment, a supportive smile with no strings attached, gracious forgiveness from a heart that cherishes mercy, or patience when the answer is not yet in sight. There is nothing more unique and highly valued as godly love: genuine humility expressed through kindness.
I will admit, I still have dreams of doing great things, but WOW, have I ever got ahold of this truth - the greatest acheivement and treasure is love! Creating a ministry is a piece of cake compared to creating a heart of love. That is a miraculous work of God and it is all that really matters. The way I care for people - at home, on the phone, in the store, on the road - THAT is what really matters. The greatest acheievement is not measured in books written or venues scheduled, it's just as simple as walking in love.
I purpose in my heart today, to focus on the core of life: to love the Lord, first and foremost and to love people. Whatever else I achieve in the process, I consider to be small in comparison to living a life of love. Holy Spirit, do what only You can do - create in me a heart after God, producing the fruit of intimacy with Him. The fruit of the Spirit is love...
November 14, 2006
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave....
Have you ever had one of those days when you're just not "feeling it". You know - you don't "feel" like your making an impact, like you're getting through to people. At some point in our lives we all feel that way. It can be a ploy from the enemy, trying to cause us to quit. Maybe it's triggered by a natural cause, like weariness, and you just need a nap. Maybe it's a sign that our motives are being distracted a little off course. Whatever the cause, we need to soberly remind ourselves that God has given us this sphere of influence and we are on assignment. Not to sound insensitive, but how we "feel"is so subject to change, to put any stock in feelings is a poor investment. In moments like these, we need to come back to the core of ministry. Why are we doing what we're doing? The answer is simple. LOVE.
Love must always be the motivating factor of our lives. Every person in our influence is hungry for God. They are hungry for love. God is love. John 1:16 says that from His fullness we have all received one blessing after another. God IS love, therefore all that is good in this life is an overflow of HIS love for us. Likewise, all we have to give is the overflow of what we have obtained from HIM. If we fill up on the love of God our heart attitude and motive reflects His nature. The result is, we bring people God - we bring people LOVE.
With His source of love motivating and equipping us, we will continue to do the right thing for the right reasons. The purity of the fuel of God's love will keep us burning bright regardless of the circumstances and keep us from burning out.
I Cor 13:13 ...And so faith, hope and love abide... but the greatest of these is love.
November 12, 2006
Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth
IICor 5:17 ...if any person is in Christ he is a new creation
Gen 1:31 And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good and He approved it completely...
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Day after day, during that first week of creation, He looked at His handiwork and with pleasure called it "good".
Millineums later, after sin had entered the world, God again used the power of His Word and formed a new creature, the Redeemed of the Lord. Through the saving grace of Jesus Christ, the work of redemption took the lifeless, spiritually void form of mankind and created "zoe" life. God's quality of life was restored to humanity. Now all those who choose this life are hidden in the life of Christ and once again, God looks upon His workmanship and in great pleasure, calls them "good".
Celebrate the redemptive power of God today! He has saved us, and not our own works. His power to save to the uttermost has given us the right to be called "children of God", pleasing in His sight. Join in the pleasure of the Father and celebrate what Christ has done in us, for it is truly GOOD! In Christ we are truly "good and faithful" servants of the Most High.
November 6, 2006
Ps 34:8 - O taste and see that the Lord is good!...
Ps 136:1 - O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good...forever.
Ps 145:9-12 - The Lord is good is all...Your loving ones shall bless You ... They shall speak of... make known to the sons of men God's mighty deeds...
There's nothing that produces Gospel messengers like the fresh revelation of God's goodness. Everyday tasting and recognizing God's sweetness and satisfying love transforms any ordinary human life into that of a Gospel messenger. GOOD news starts with the revelation that God is the embodiment of goodness. He IS good! And He is eternally good! We can know without question that with God in our lives goodness is always present. That wonderful realization sparks the human soul to gratitude and praise. "Give thanks". What a security to rest in the unchanging goodness of God.
That goodness not only fills and satisfies our own hearts but it compells us to action. Not only do we bless His name we bless others by carrying and proclaiming the Gospel to "the sons of men". Revealing to others the source of good. When we reveal His goodness, showing His loving kindness, the world around us will have the opportunity to then taste for themselves and see for themselves the truth... God IS good!
Let us not let a day go by without taking a fresh, new taste of the sweet, satisfying goodness of God. That "taste" will transform us again and again. It will fill us up and fire us up to fulfill the call of Christ. The Great Commission will become to us, the Great Compelling - to proclaim the goodness of our God!
