God

September 2007 | Posted in • God | (0) Comments |

“Everything has its own time, and there is a specific time for every activity under heaven.“
Ecclesiastes 3:1

God talks to us about there being “a time to be born and a time to die…...a time to cry and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…...a time to start looking and a time to stop looking…...a time to keep quiet and a time to speak out…...“ and so forth.  Ecclesiastes 3:4-8

His word expresses that there are various seasons of time. “It is beautiful how God has done everything at the right time.“ Ecclesiastes 3:11

Don’t we wish we could say we have done everything at the right time in our lives! 

Over the years, both as a parent and as a youth pastor, I have received two very important revelations about timing….through experience! First, for everything there is a right time. Second, it is critical to every outcome that certain events take place in that right time.

God speaks about timing throughout His word. He has put a sense of eternity in our minds; yet mortals still can’t grasp what God is doing “from beginning to end” (of time). Eccl 3:11

While we may not be able to grasp everything about what God is doing in the big picture of eternity, I believe that through the Spirit of God in us, we believers can know the right timing to do those things God tells us to do. This holds true in our personal lives as believers, in our families as parents and spouses, and in our professions and ministries as well. 

It’s interesting how God gave us different personalities and how we respond to God through those personalities.  Yet, with all our differences, we each have within us the same Holy Spirit, Who will help us understand God.  We can learn to trust that inner voice in us…Holy Spirit.  When I need help, I ask for it and I get it.  When I need wisdom, I ask for it and I get it. I have learned to be dependent on God to tell me when, where, and how to live my life. To reach this place, I had to start with the small things of life and go through the process of building my trust in God.

There are those who may think that we shouldn’t bother God with the small, unimportant things of life, the things that we can do for ourselves. But God believes you are special. He cares about the little things in your life as much as the big things. God is a very personable Father, Who likes us as well as loves us. He wants to be involved in every part of our lives. 

In the past, I have asked for help when I should have been gone ten minutes ago but couldn’t find my car keys. And God through Holy Spirit gently spoke to me with an impression to go look so-and-so…and I did, and there they were…it was so cool!!! The impression was gentle, one you would miss unless you were listening.  I learned from those times that if He loves me enough to help me in the little things, He will help me in the bigger things also.

So often we ask God a question, and then don’t wait for His answer. How many good things have we missed because of that? Learning to wait for the right time can be as challenging as learning what is the right thing!  Both require us to trust, to be patient, and not to be in control of what is going on. That is really scary for many people, because control is a comfortable place. Both fear from the past and the unknown of the future can hinder our trust in God.  However, IF you can be courageous enough to allow God to take the controls and direct your footsteps, you will open yourself up to the unlimited opportunities of life that He has waiting for you.

God will instruct you what to do and when to do it through developing the ability to listen to that small, inner voice inside of you. God knows everything, from the beginning to the end, and He sees all eternity. In comparison, our lives are mere moments.  But as we trust God and yield our lives to Him, we will REST, knowing that… “everything has its own time, and there is a specific time for every activity under heaven…it is beautiful how God has done everything at the right time.“

Posted in • God | (0) Comments |

I walked through my life desiring success,
But with the choices I made, I only hoped for the best.
The weight of the world increased the weight of my stress.
I dreamed for the most yet settled for less.

I lived how I lived just to pass through the time.
When thoughts of wickedness passed through my mind,
I stepped to the wrong side one inch at a time.
And the light that was there could no longer shine.

I made my own rules so that I could survive.
No cares, no regrets . . . then the pain arrived.
The pain, starting so small, became too large to hide,
So, in order to mask it, I started living a lie.

I smoked and I drank and the curses did grow.
My burdens grew heavy, and my hurts didn’t slow.
I moaned and I cried but continued to show
That the man I could be was a man I didn’t know.

I went on that way through the pain and the tears,
Lost respect for my family and replaced it with fear.
I couldn’t give love without my hate going near
To the ones that I cared for but mistreated for years.

I began to have thoughts of ending it all,
And with all my burdens, I continued to fall.
I could see no light; I felt surrounded by walls;
But when I finally gave up, I heard His voice call:
“I know how you’re feeling. I’ve watched as you tried
To live your own way and get swept by the tide.
The tears in your eyes I felt as you cried.
You were never alone - it was Me by your side.

“I saw how you drank. I saw how you smoked.
I heard all your cursing, knew inside you were broke.
I called and I called, but your ears wouldn’t hear.
You had to give up before you could come near.

“My arms are open, there’s a smile on my face.
My love will not fade no matter what you face.
I want to forgive you and help you replace
The pain that you feel and all your mistakes.

“I know where you’ve been, and I know where you are.
I’ve seen all the hurt, and I see all your scars.
You see what you’ve done, but I can see far.
Just trust in the One that made you and the stars.

“I was there when you fell.
I was there when you lied.
I could see all,
But you continued to hide.

“You are my child. I gave you free will.
I watched you the first time you started to steal.
I heard all the things you said in the dark.
The pain you felt was the pain from My heart.

“I wanted to save you and lift you up high
And give you My joy to replace all your cries.
I wanted to bless you and destroy all the stress,
Let you see your potential and forget all the rest.

“I wanted to tell you how much you do mean,
Cast away all your fears and replace them with dreams.
But the one thing that stopped me is the lesson you’ve learned:
You must ASK for salvation. It cannot be earned.“

July 2007 | Posted in • God | (0) Comments |

When we talk about tithing, what are we really talking about? As born again believers, we are taught to give 10% of our income to the Lord. Do you think the Lord needs this? Do you feel you will get a “That a boy!“ when you get to heaven? It is time the church has a heart check. The tithe is not about ten percent of your income; it is about trusting the Lord 100%.

When you trust the Lord 100%, you know that the 90% of your income will produce more than all of it together. One of my favorite verses is Malachi 3:10: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.“ The tithe is about trust. When we tithe, we show God that we put Him first place in our finances, so we honor and worship Him with the first 10%.

When I first started tithing, I was inconsistent. I would tithe for a while and then question whether or not we should give before or after taxes. If I gave a gift to a ministry, I would count that as part of the tithe. That is not being a good steward of the tithe, which belongs in the local church.

The Lord does not need your money. His needs are met. We need to give so our needs are met.  Isn’t it amazing how, when you are finally hooked up with the love of tithing, the car seems to need fewer repairs, and the electric bill is not quite so high? The tithe shows God that you love and appreciate Him, and that you want to spread the gospel all over the world.

I know that some people just can’t understand how they could tithe if they can’t pay their bills. They wonder, “How on earth could I do it if I tithed?“ I have been there; I understand. However, we the church need to start living in the supernatural, not the natural. The natural way of thinking says that tithing is crazy. People have told me I am crazy.  I don’t take my council from people; I take council from God.

The church should not be deceived by Satan, the ruler of the natural world. Galatians 6:7 says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.“ The principles of seed time and harvest were created by God and are always at work in the earth. The tithe is a starting place that puts these principles into motion for your finances. 

Galatians 3:14 says, “that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.“ Jesus died on the cross so that we can receive the blessing of Abraham. I don’t know about you, but I want some of that! It all starts with the tithe. Trust the Lord 100%. I dare you to start tithing and see the power of God move in your life!

SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON:

• Deuteronomy 8:18
• Mark 4:8
• Deuteronomy 28:2-8
• Matthew 6:33
• Psalm 112:3
• Luke 6:38
• Proverbs 3:9-10

Posted in • God | (0) Comments |

This story, which was actually received as a vision, was related by Cathy Lechner, a guest speaker at an EFI women’s conference in the mid-1990’s. It is retold using the author’s own wording and comments.

The Vision

She had known the battle was coming, and was thoroughly prepared. So she thought. Intense interims of prayer brought forth a knowing, not a dreading, but a sure knowledge of the coming warfare. How would she fare? What would be the outcome? All she could do was trust the Shepherd. He never failed.

And so it came about that one dawn she found herself in a vast armory. Swords to the right, swords to the left, a seemingly endless array of grandeur in cutlery. Each one oiled, sheathed, and ready.

The Lord had led her here to choose a weapon. But such variety!

Curved blades, straight blades, colored scabbards, jeweled hilts, flared handles, every size and weight ..... her head spun. So she stepped back for a moment to peruse. That’s when she saw it.

Beautiful. Almost luminous, it seemed to glow with a light all its own, somehow flowing from within. Could a sword pulse with life? Scanning the rows of weapons, though placed in the middle, she sensed it stood apart.

Gems were so intricately set in the hilt that they were almost hidden, rendering it even more stunning with the marked absence of gaudiness. The blade, bold and true, slimmed to infinitesimally thin edges. The lightest touch would sever. Such craftsmanship, such power. Oh, such a weapon! Did she dare?

“This is the one I want, Lord!“ He was there and nodded encouragement. Eagerly grasping the hilt, she began to withdraw the sword from its scabbard. Suddenly, pain shot through her hand! Instantly she cried out and released the heavy sword, as it slid back into its holder.

The edges of the handle were so sharp that they had cut her hand! Stunned, she clutched her bleeding palm and stared aghast at the Lord. What?!

Warm eyes met her gaze. Inside she knew, without Him uttering a word out loud, that this was the sword He had chosen for her.

“Lord, I can’t use this sword. It cuts my hand!“ Unthinkable. I must have misunderstood. The Lord knows no one can fight with a sword like that!

And so up and down the rows she meticulously searched. Trying this blade, then that one, choosing carefully, for the battle still loomed, and the right weapon was critical. It must fit her perfectly.

Finally the choice was made, and it did fit her perfectly. Light, easily wielded, with a comfortable hold, balanced in her hand, the blade seemed designed specifically for her. Ah, such movement, such freedom it allowed. Surely the enemy would fall quickly before this sword! Armed with her choice, she emerged from the armory to confront the enemy. And the battle began.

For most of the day she stood her ground, and for most of the day she fought. Oh, how she fought! She lunged, feinted, swerved, lunged again; hour after hour she thrust over and over. But after all the effort, all her maneuvers, all the agonizing energy she had poured into the long battle, the enemy remained.

Now frantic and exhausted, she withdrew and fell on her knees before the Shepherd, crying desperately, “Lord, I have fought so hard, please tell me, how does the enemy remain?“

In the sun’s slanting rays, the Lord gently led her back into the armory and silently pointed to that sword. “Lord, you can’t be serious! I can’t use that sword; it cuts my flesh. I won’t be able to fight with it!“

Those warm eyes did not offer an explanation, only a promise ... His Presence. And the assurance of what He wanted her to do. Reluctantly releasing the sword she had chosen, she walked to the one the Shepherd still indicated ... and grasped it. It was just as sharp, and as her hand closed around the hilt, its edges slit the flesh of her palm once again. Struggling, she just managed to slip the heavy sword from its scabbard.

Wearily stumbling outside, she once again took her stand on the battlefield. Now as the daylight waned, using every particle of her remaining strength, fighting to maintain her hold even as blood slid down her arms and she shook with fatigue, she was just barely able to raise the sword .......  and the enemy took one look ......... and fled.

The Challenge

Are we ever insistent on fighting life’s battles OUR way? Will we take the challenge to submit to the Lord’s choice of weapons for us? How boldly do we declare, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the Word of their testimony ...“ So true! But the verse continues, “and they loved not their own lives even unto death.“ (Revelation 12:11)

Is it possible that we can become partial to certain Scriptures, perhaps ignoring others, maybe the ones that cut the flesh? God’s wisdom for living life is found in embracing the beautiful balance of the whole counsel of His Word. We must both “Submit yourselves to God” AND “Resist the devil” before “he will flee from you.“ (James 4:7)

I challenge myself foremost, along with you - Let’s open our hearts and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal blind areas in which we have disregarded His wooing, perhaps unwittingly. We can be certain that discovering the results will be an adventure!

May 2007 | Posted in • God | (0) Comments |

Supper’s over, dishwasher and bellies are full, and it’s time to finish cleaning up. What’s left? That stubborn casserole dish. Dipped clean by the family, but ringed with crusty burned-on remains.  So what do we do? Immediately tackle those edges with fresh zeal and abounding elbow grease? No. If we’re smart, we fill it with hot water and let it soak.

Is this an excuse for not completely cleaning up the kitchen? No, it’s actually an investment. We know that later, after the water has done its job, the particles will be softened and loosened, and we can just about wipe them out. In the long run, we’ve saved time and energy, and the vessel emerges much cleaner.

So it is with our spiritual lives.  How many of us are disgusted with the dirty “edges” of our lives. God has done such tremendous work, but there’s this . . .  “If I could just get that area straight, I’d be getting somewhere!“ Can you relate? Maybe it’s just little stuff. Attitudes, a secret habit, whatever … we long to be completely clean!  The answer is in the soaking. For the Lord to do that thorough cleansing work we so long for, we must wait in His presence. Listening. Open. That’s what enables Him to go deep and loosen the burned-on edges.

Just like soaking the casserole dish, it’s an investment. The kitchen doesn’t look clean with that dirty dish still sitting in the sink. But, hey, the time to sparkle is coming, when our vessel has been cleansed by His presence. THEN our “leftovers” won’t be mixed into what He’s using us to prepare for others! Waiting in God’s presence is never wasted time. Even for a task-oriented person like myself.  Whose standards do we want to embrace anyway? That time is most important to God!

Let’s make time to wait on the Lord daily. We’ll all be cleaner for it!

Posted in • God | (0) Comments |

In II Samuel 24 and in I Chronicles 21, we find parallel versions of the same story. In verse 24 of each chapter, King David makes the statement, “I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings with that which cost me nothing.“ When King David spoke this to Araunah, I believe it was from the heart, with reference to his love for God. It is not my intention to expand on II Samuel 24:24 or I Chronicles 21:24, but to examine where we as Christians and worshipers are in relation to David’s declaration.

This statement has lately captured my attention in my devotional and quiet time. Since coming across it, I’ve been led to evaluate my own life and my own walk with the Lord. In doing that, I’m realizing how much I want to be like King David, saying to my Father that, indeed, I will not give You back anything that has cost me nothing. Because You deserve everything and nothing less!

How many times have we stood during worship and lifted our hands and our songs, just going through motions because it’s what we do? Do we give back that which costs us nothing?

Of course, each of us can only answer this question from our own heart. I know that in my life, when Jesus saved me, He paid the ultimate price and gave the ultimate sacrifice, declaring to everyone that He would not give anything that cost Him nothing.  Have you ever thought about this statement from Jesus’ standpoint? When I do, it brings tears to my eyes, and I’m moved to worship God. Not just a song and a dance, not just two fast and two slow songs - I’m moved to worship in spirit and in truth!

In sharing this, my intent is not to point a finger or to condemn anyone, but to merely pose a challenge to all believers and worshipers: let’s examine ourselves in regards to who and what we put before God. What kinds of activities and pleasures do we substitute for intimacy and quiet time?  Can we boldly look Jesus in the eye and say, “Lord and Savior, I have not given unto You that which has cost me nothing?“ When we worship, do we give our all, or are we just running through a motion? I believe there is more. We serve an awesome God, a God that is merciful and just in all His ways. He requires and deserves more!

As we move on throughout these days, months, and years of our lives, I pray that we press in to the fullness of God even more than we ever have. Our very being depends on getting on our faces and becoming more passionate and more aware of what God is doing in these last days. It is in Him that we live and move and have our being! It is time that we, as believers and worshipers, seek the face of God, listen for the sound of His voice, and wait in His presence. We need to pray that the Holy Spirit reveals to us the things that keep us from experiencing the total fullness of God in our lives, our homes, and in our families.

He desires to be with us, and that we be with Him. He makes a way when there seems to be no way. God is asking for intimacy and relationship. I’m so thankful that all I have to do is ask and cry out, and He’s there to meet the need, answer my heart’s cries, and comfort me in all areas of my life. I owe Him my life and my worship. He is everything!  I love Him so much.

I want to end with a prayer: “Lord, help me and everyone else that reads this to examine the offerings and worship that we bring to You. Let us not give that which is heartless and meaningless, but help us to give You our all. Give us a greater intimacy and revelation of You. We desire to see Your face and feel Your embrace. Give us greater passion and fire, like we have never had before. Let revival start in the hearts of Your sons and daughters, and let our hearts beat for You stronger than ever before. We love you, Lord. Amen.“