This morning on my way to drop my lovey bears off at daycare I spotted a disheveled looking young man in ragged clothing walking along the viaduct in the pouring rain. Immediately my heart stopped and I knew I had to find out how I could help him. I didn’t have any cash on me and I had my children in the car (let’s face it people, we live in a scary world) so I hurried and dropped my kids off with barely a peck goodbye and sped off to try to find this man. I wanted to pray with him, buy him breakfast, something - anything! My heart was jumping out of my chest! I drove back to the area where I had seen him and he was not there. I assumed he must have gone into the gas station to get out of the rain so I pulled in and frantically roamed through the aisles looking for him and he wasn’t there. I’m so bummed out! I blew it! God was handing me what I know would have been an incredibly powerful experience [because when God’s involved it’s ALWAYS powerful!] and I missed it!! I drove to work feeling heavy hearted and grieving the loss of my opportunity to witness to this person the love of Jesus. Waah!
May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. (Psalm 20:1)
Thursday
Wednesday
Possessing Nothing to Possess All
Mark Earley - President, Prison Fellowship
July 11, 2008
1948 was the year the "Big Bang" theory was introduced, the game "Scrabble" was first played, and state of Israel was established [in accordance with biblical prophesy]. It was also the year that A. W. Tozer wrote The Pursuit of God—a small book, but one that has profoundly influenced Christians for the past 60 years. It has challenged me, and I hope this summer you give it a chance to challenge you.
Ken Boa, who features The Pursuit of God this month in his tremendous "Great Books Audio CD" series, says that Tozer was "a modern mystic who had given priority to the lost art of meditation." Tozer, a self-taught pastor in the Chicago area, was not known among those in his congregation as the most gregarious man. In fact, it was rumored that Tozer rarely visited his congregants unless they were deathly ill. But his aloofness was simply the product of a man relentlessly chasing after God.
Boa explains that when Tozer prayed, he would often put on a ragged pair of pants—what became known as his "prayer pants"—and spend hours in solitude with God. In fact, it was during one solitary train ride from Chicago to Texas that Tozer penned The Pursuit of God—all of it!
Tozer's behavior might seem a bit strange to us today, but his words offer timeless significance. In The Pursuit of God, Tozer tramples on mediocrity in the Christian life. He wrote: "The way to deeper knowledge of God is through the lonely valleys of soul poverty and abnegation of all things. The blessed ones who possess the kingdom are they who have repudiated every external thing and have rooted from their hearts all sense of possessing."
Here, Tozer confronts what he called the "tyranny of things"—in other words, the subtle way that materialism can take us captive. He asks readers to consider whether they are willing to walk through sadness, suffering, and solitude in order to know God deeply. This he calls "the blessedness of possessing nothing."
He explains that man can discover this blessedness only by wholeheartedly running after God. "The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One," he wrote. "Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness."
Much of what Tozer had to say slaps modern man in the face. He calls into question the materialism and idolatry that continue to infect our churches and our lives. He asks us to question why we have difficulty spending time in solitude. And, he gives us the opportunity to return to a place of "meekness and rest," where Christ becomes all that we need.
I highly recommend you pick up this book this summer and read it. It is quite short, but I guarantee you will be surprised by its depth and profundity. But also prepare to be challenged by what it truly means to pursue God.
The full text of Tozer's short book "The Pursuit of God" can be read by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/Tozer-AW/PursuitOfGod/0.htm
July 11, 2008
1948 was the year the "Big Bang" theory was introduced, the game "Scrabble" was first played, and state of Israel was established [in accordance with biblical prophesy]. It was also the year that A. W. Tozer wrote The Pursuit of God—a small book, but one that has profoundly influenced Christians for the past 60 years. It has challenged me, and I hope this summer you give it a chance to challenge you.
Ken Boa, who features The Pursuit of God this month in his tremendous "Great Books Audio CD" series, says that Tozer was "a modern mystic who had given priority to the lost art of meditation." Tozer, a self-taught pastor in the Chicago area, was not known among those in his congregation as the most gregarious man. In fact, it was rumored that Tozer rarely visited his congregants unless they were deathly ill. But his aloofness was simply the product of a man relentlessly chasing after God.
Boa explains that when Tozer prayed, he would often put on a ragged pair of pants—what became known as his "prayer pants"—and spend hours in solitude with God. In fact, it was during one solitary train ride from Chicago to Texas that Tozer penned The Pursuit of God—all of it!
Tozer's behavior might seem a bit strange to us today, but his words offer timeless significance. In The Pursuit of God, Tozer tramples on mediocrity in the Christian life. He wrote: "The way to deeper knowledge of God is through the lonely valleys of soul poverty and abnegation of all things. The blessed ones who possess the kingdom are they who have repudiated every external thing and have rooted from their hearts all sense of possessing."
Here, Tozer confronts what he called the "tyranny of things"—in other words, the subtle way that materialism can take us captive. He asks readers to consider whether they are willing to walk through sadness, suffering, and solitude in order to know God deeply. This he calls "the blessedness of possessing nothing."
He explains that man can discover this blessedness only by wholeheartedly running after God. "The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One," he wrote. "Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness."
Much of what Tozer had to say slaps modern man in the face. He calls into question the materialism and idolatry that continue to infect our churches and our lives. He asks us to question why we have difficulty spending time in solitude. And, he gives us the opportunity to return to a place of "meekness and rest," where Christ becomes all that we need.
I highly recommend you pick up this book this summer and read it. It is quite short, but I guarantee you will be surprised by its depth and profundity. But also prepare to be challenged by what it truly means to pursue God.
The full text of Tozer's short book "The Pursuit of God" can be read by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/Tozer-AW/PursuitOfGod/0.htm
Monday
I Wanna Know You
Our relationship with God begins the very moment we trust in Christ for salvation. But of course, coming to really know God does not happen with just one single encounter with Him. Truly *knowing* God involves a relationship of both commitment and time. The same is true in human relationships - we typically get to know a person better by spending quality time with them. Relationships also involve communication. I don't know of any healthy relationships that involve people who do not speak to each other. The way we are able to communicate with God by prayer.
Prayer is nothing more than having a conversation with your Father. That's it. It doesn't require long repetitive religious words or phrases like 'therefore thou art' or anything like that. It is a simple, honest and intimate conversation with Him.
When we come to God in prayer we can expect that he hears us and he knows the intentions of our hearts. Prayer that does not come from our hearts is not effective. Our attitude in prayer should be an attitude of acceptance. "God, this is what I would like and what I think that I need. I'm asking you to provide it. But if it is not what is best for me in the long run, help me to accept whatever comes."
God ALWAYS answers prayer. ALWAYS. He will choose one of three answers:
1) Yes. You are ready for this right now.
2) Wait. The timing is not quite right yet. I'm still doing a work inside of you.
3) No. This is not what is best for you. You'll likely be able to look back and thank Him for unanswered prayers in this case.
Even an effective prayer might not always alter the circumstances of your life, but at the very least it can produce the power necessary for you to cope with your situation and live in TRUE peace, joy, and contentment.
In Phillipians 4:6-9, the apostle Paul says:
Prayer is nothing more than having a conversation with your Father. That's it. It doesn't require long repetitive religious words or phrases like 'therefore thou art' or anything like that. It is a simple, honest and intimate conversation with Him.
When we come to God in prayer we can expect that he hears us and he knows the intentions of our hearts. Prayer that does not come from our hearts is not effective. Our attitude in prayer should be an attitude of acceptance. "God, this is what I would like and what I think that I need. I'm asking you to provide it. But if it is not what is best for me in the long run, help me to accept whatever comes."
God ALWAYS answers prayer. ALWAYS. He will choose one of three answers:
1) Yes. You are ready for this right now.
2) Wait. The timing is not quite right yet. I'm still doing a work inside of you.
3) No. This is not what is best for you. You'll likely be able to look back and thank Him for unanswered prayers in this case.
Even an effective prayer might not always alter the circumstances of your life, but at the very least it can produce the power necessary for you to cope with your situation and live in TRUE peace, joy, and contentment.
In Phillipians 4:6-9, the apostle Paul says:
“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Then you will experience God's peace,
which exceeds anything we can understand.
His peace will guard your hearts and minds
as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable,
and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.
Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—
everything you heard from me and saw me doing.
Then the God of peace will be with you.”
* * *
Further down in Philippians 4:10-13, Paul goes on to attest personally to the truth of this passage as he writes from a Roman prison. From behind bars Paul says, “I’ve learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little … I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little" (Phil. 4:11-12). Paul LEARNED how to be happy and content. It didn’t just happen once he reached his goals. In fact, he claims his ability to be happy and content had absolutely nothing to do with his situation, or circumstances, but rather his increased trust in and reliance on Christ. So happiness and contentment are not things that come once our house is furnished, our lawns are lush, we own a nice car or our dreams are fulfilled. Instead it is learned as we become prayerful (verse 6) and thankful (verse 6), as we practice positive spiritual thinking (verse 8), and as we trust fully and completely in Christ (verse 13). Start practicing Paul’s process of prayer, thankfulness, and positive thinking today and begin to find joy, peace, and contentment in your life.
Saturday
Slightly Non-Quotable Quote
I think Joyce Meyer said this, but I've read so many books over the course of the past two years, I honestly can't remember for sure, thus don't quote me on the author of this particular quote:
"Unforgiveness is like drinking poison
and then hoping your enemy will die"
* * *
Friday
Walking on Water
And in the fourth watch [between 3:00--6:00 a.m.] of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, it is a ghost! And they screamed out with fright. But instantly He spoke to them, saying, take courage! I AM [it is me]! Stop being afraid! And Peter answered Him, Lord; if it is You, command me to come to You on the water. He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus. But when he perceived and felt the strong wind, he was frightened, and as he began to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me [from death]! Instantly Jesus reached out His hand and caught and held him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt? And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Matthew 14:25-32
Peter walked on water with the sole purpose of going to Jesus. Christ told Peter come, not only so he would walk on the water, and thus know his Lord's power, but that he might know his own weakness. Now Peter had to step out of the boat *before* he could walk on the water. He had to have faith that if he put the sole of his foot onto the sea, he would not fall.
As soon as Peter began to doubt he began to fall. When we turn away from Christ, and look at the obstacles facing us, we will begin to fall; but when we call to him, he will stretch out his arm, and save us.
Peter walked on water with the sole purpose of going to Jesus. Christ told Peter come, not only so he would walk on the water, and thus know his Lord's power, but that he might know his own weakness. Now Peter had to step out of the boat *before* he could walk on the water. He had to have faith that if he put the sole of his foot onto the sea, he would not fall.
As soon as Peter began to doubt he began to fall. When we turn away from Christ, and look at the obstacles facing us, we will begin to fall; but when we call to him, he will stretch out his arm, and save us.
I Can't Get No - Satisfaction
I just need to give a shout out to two of the most amazing people I know and love dearly. They have been weighing heavily on my heart and on my mind for quite some time.
Question: Why would a group of people take time to travel thousands of miles and live in nearly primitive conditions for 2 weeks? Why would they choose to live on a diet that would cause them to drop 10 or more pounds in 2 weeks? Why would they put up with fire ants, scorpions, lizards, or tarantulas? Why would the choose to look into the face of impending death? Why would they do any of this just for themselves?
The answer is clear: They wouldn't.
Recently my brother and sister [Donny and Maria] returned from a spirit led mission trip to Africa. (check out www.mariaonamission.blogspot.com for the absolutely amazing and still unfolding story) Now of course, there are certainly easier ways to get that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from helping those in need than giving up your life for 2 weeks, spending 2 months worth of your household income, and throwing yourself smack dab in the center of a community dying of AIDS in Africa. But if you want to walk on water, you simply must step out of the boat. You have to take that first step of faith in order to grow. Donny & Maria were able to draw on something far stronger than their own "charitable" natures. They were able to discover the satisfaction that comes when you reach out for your God-given purpose in life. They were able to harness in the power of our living God and witness his presence and his movement in Africa. The children they came into contact with will be changed as a result. Think about it....if you are a 6 year old, in an orphanage, dying of AIDS, you probably don't have a whole lot of "good days" to remember. Maria blew bubbles and painted children's faces. She made them smile. She showed them joy, a little bit of what it should be like to be a kid, more importantly she showed them the light and love of Jesus Christ, by serving them in the same way that Christ did. Donny played soccer with children, sang songs with them, held them, smiled at them and showed them the love of Jesus that is in him. These kids received something amazing from Donny and Maria. Something that no one else may ever give them again. Their time spent in joy and fun with Donny and Maria may well be the last hopeful thing on their minds as they drift from this world into the hands of their loving Father in Heaven. What these children gave Donny and Maria is far beyond human comprehension. It is something that is only known to those who follow Christ in the same way that Donny and Maria do. Known only to those who step out of the boat - those who walk on water.
Talk about satisfaction!
Question: Why would a group of people take time to travel thousands of miles and live in nearly primitive conditions for 2 weeks? Why would they choose to live on a diet that would cause them to drop 10 or more pounds in 2 weeks? Why would they put up with fire ants, scorpions, lizards, or tarantulas? Why would the choose to look into the face of impending death? Why would they do any of this just for themselves?
The answer is clear: They wouldn't.
Recently my brother and sister [Donny and Maria] returned from a spirit led mission trip to Africa. (check out www.mariaonamission.blogspot.com for the absolutely amazing and still unfolding story) Now of course, there are certainly easier ways to get that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from helping those in need than giving up your life for 2 weeks, spending 2 months worth of your household income, and throwing yourself smack dab in the center of a community dying of AIDS in Africa. But if you want to walk on water, you simply must step out of the boat. You have to take that first step of faith in order to grow. Donny & Maria were able to draw on something far stronger than their own "charitable" natures. They were able to discover the satisfaction that comes when you reach out for your God-given purpose in life. They were able to harness in the power of our living God and witness his presence and his movement in Africa. The children they came into contact with will be changed as a result. Think about it....if you are a 6 year old, in an orphanage, dying of AIDS, you probably don't have a whole lot of "good days" to remember. Maria blew bubbles and painted children's faces. She made them smile. She showed them joy, a little bit of what it should be like to be a kid, more importantly she showed them the light and love of Jesus Christ, by serving them in the same way that Christ did. Donny played soccer with children, sang songs with them, held them, smiled at them and showed them the love of Jesus that is in him. These kids received something amazing from Donny and Maria. Something that no one else may ever give them again. Their time spent in joy and fun with Donny and Maria may well be the last hopeful thing on their minds as they drift from this world into the hands of their loving Father in Heaven. What these children gave Donny and Maria is far beyond human comprehension. It is something that is only known to those who follow Christ in the same way that Donny and Maria do. Known only to those who step out of the boat - those who walk on water.
Talk about satisfaction!
Check Ya' self
How to know if the Bible and God are becoming more relevant in your life? Ask yourself this simple question: AM I GROWING FOR THE BETTER? As the Bible and God become more relevant to you, you will naturally act, think, and react in ways that demonstrate your growing faith. Imagine the difference that can make in your life and those you come into contact with!
Thursday
Quotable Quote
Isaac Newton said,
"There are more sure marks of
authenticity in the Bible
than in any profane history."
* * *
*the use of "profane" here means: all other things in history that do not pay respect to God or holy things.
Wednesday
Study Buddies
I remember my first bible studies. Specifically being asked, "Jodi could you please read from First John Two, Three through Five?" HUH? Could you say that in English please? And just where might I find this John guy in the Bible? How embarrassing! Fortunately my church family has been patient with my ignorance and has helped me clumsily fumble my way from Genesis to Revelation.
The basis of Christianity is framed around John 3:16 [this is the verse that is on the signs that the crazy multi-colored afro guy is always holding up at Vikings games]
This is a verse to know and remember. It's a huge deal. God sent Jesus here for many reasons, our salvation being the biggest, but the one that I like to continually remind myself of is that Jesus came to show us how to live in a way that is pleasing to our God, and thus results in His blessings. Jesus lived a life of humility, servitude, patience, authority, sacrifice, and prayer. All of these characteristics presented with the sole purpose of glorifying God.
So, now that we understand the "basis" for Christianity {if it can possibly be simplified in one biblical verse} I would like to share with you the basis of my personal faith journey.
Let's turn to the book of Acts. It's about 2/3rds of the way through the bible right after the gospel of John....(Jesus was crucified on the cross and the rock was removed from in front of the tomb, and then Jesus was seen several times by his best friends who knew him well, he even had breakfast with them.)
The book of Acts, written by Luke (a doctor, a former *non-believer*, and the same guy who wrote the gospel of Luke) is the account of the disciples receiving what Jesus received in order to do what Jesus did.
Just moments before ascending to heaven to be with His Father, Jesus told his disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them. He explained to them that they would receive *power* when the Holy Spirit came. Pretty much he didn't want them trying to heal people, turn water into wine, part the seas, or raise up anyone from the dead until they had received the power of the Holy Spirit...presumably because they would not have been very effective in doing these good works, without the power of God to back them up.
This is something that I am continually aware of in my life. I am *nothing* without God backing me up. It is only by his grace that I have my children, my job, my finances, my marriage (especially that one), or any kind of peace and contentment in my heart. All that I have and all that I am I lay it down before Him as a living sacrifice. I want to glorify Him in all that I am and all that I do, because without Him I am nothing. I have nothing.
In Acts 2:2, on the day of Pentecost, there were about 120 people gathered together in waiting, not really knowing what would happen, but knowing that Jesus told them to stay there until it did, when "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Acts 2:2-4
This is the bible's first account of the Holy Spirit being poured out on the people as was prophesied throughout the bible, and promised by God through Jesus Christ. Now you might be thinking...wow, that must have been really weird. Stuff like that doesn't happen today. Wrong. It happens EVERY day. God is living and breathing his Spirit into his people today. His power is yours for the taking.
The basis of Christianity is framed around John 3:16 [this is the verse that is on the signs that the crazy multi-colored afro guy is always holding up at Vikings games]
"For God so loved the world
that He gave His only Son
that whoever believes in Him
shall not perish
but have everlasting life." John 3:16
This is a verse to know and remember. It's a huge deal. God sent Jesus here for many reasons, our salvation being the biggest, but the one that I like to continually remind myself of is that Jesus came to show us how to live in a way that is pleasing to our God, and thus results in His blessings. Jesus lived a life of humility, servitude, patience, authority, sacrifice, and prayer. All of these characteristics presented with the sole purpose of glorifying God.
So, now that we understand the "basis" for Christianity {if it can possibly be simplified in one biblical verse} I would like to share with you the basis of my personal faith journey.
Let's turn to the book of Acts. It's about 2/3rds of the way through the bible right after the gospel of John....(Jesus was crucified on the cross and the rock was removed from in front of the tomb, and then Jesus was seen several times by his best friends who knew him well, he even had breakfast with them.)
The book of Acts, written by Luke (a doctor, a former *non-believer*, and the same guy who wrote the gospel of Luke) is the account of the disciples receiving what Jesus received in order to do what Jesus did.
Just moments before ascending to heaven to be with His Father, Jesus told his disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them. He explained to them that they would receive *power* when the Holy Spirit came. Pretty much he didn't want them trying to heal people, turn water into wine, part the seas, or raise up anyone from the dead until they had received the power of the Holy Spirit...presumably because they would not have been very effective in doing these good works, without the power of God to back them up.
This is something that I am continually aware of in my life. I am *nothing* without God backing me up. It is only by his grace that I have my children, my job, my finances, my marriage (especially that one), or any kind of peace and contentment in my heart. All that I have and all that I am I lay it down before Him as a living sacrifice. I want to glorify Him in all that I am and all that I do, because without Him I am nothing. I have nothing.
In Acts 2:2, on the day of Pentecost, there were about 120 people gathered together in waiting, not really knowing what would happen, but knowing that Jesus told them to stay there until it did, when "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Acts 2:2-4
This is the bible's first account of the Holy Spirit being poured out on the people as was prophesied throughout the bible, and promised by God through Jesus Christ. Now you might be thinking...wow, that must have been really weird. Stuff like that doesn't happen today. Wrong. It happens EVERY day. God is living and breathing his Spirit into his people today. His power is yours for the taking.
Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matt 7:7
* * *
Bible Basics
Napoleon said, "The Bible is no mere book,
but it is a living creature,
with a power that conquers all that oppose it".
To live a life of faith one must first understand the Bible. For thousands of years the Bible has shaped the beliefs and lives of generations of people. When it comes to understanding faith and its role in daily life, there is no better place to go than to the Bible for inspiration. That said, many people shy away from reading it due to its sheer size and the assumption that they won't understand it. Thankfully there are lots of modern day translations making it much easier to explore than before.
* Note: translations do not vary in meaning...just in word usage. I always thought that people "translated" the Bible into various forms and ultimately changed the meaning...not so. Just different word order and usage to help the reader comprehend what the Bible is saying.
But why is the Bible so special?
The Bible was written over the course of 2000 years by more than 40 separate authors and yet it is an integrated message system. Every passage, every word, every number, every name and every place is there for a specific reason - and they all tie together. The difficulty for many is realizing that this "message system" is from outside our dimensions of space and time. We need to understand that the visible, tangible world surrounding us is not the all that indeed exists. Particle physicists in the 21st century now believe that the universe has 10 dimensions but only four of them are directly measurable.
For example: Physics textbooks will often use the hypothetical example of twin brothers. Let's say that one twin is sent to our nearest star (which is 4 1/2 light years away) as an astronaut. Let's say he travels at 50% of the speed of light...his round trip would then take 18 years...BUT when he got back to earth he would be 2 YEARS and 5 MONTHS YOUNGER than his twin brother.
Stunning? You bet! And it confirms that time is not linear [it doesn't have a specific beginning point and a specific ending point] as we once thought. That said, we can be confident that God is not confined by time itself and we can see how he uses that very attribute to prove the authenticity of his Word.
Einstein is quoted as saying,
"People like us who believe in physics, know that the distinction between the past, the present and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion."
Intriguing? I think so!
The Bible has more than earned its right to be called Holy. There is no other book that has endured for so many centuries, that address so many diverse needs and concerns - including financial issues, marital issues, sexuality, coping with fear & anxiety, and international conflicts - and that continues to have a dramatic, life-altering and positive impact on those who follow its teachings.
So let's dive in!
This Faith I Speak Of
There's a story about a young boy who after falling over a cliff, grabbed a branch to stop his fall. When some hikers saw him, they offered to help. Yet, he refused to accept their reach, demanding instead that they go and get his father. When is father appeared he lifted his son to safety. When asked why he would only accept the reach of his dad, the boy replied, "Because I know that he loves me and wouldn't let me go."
Hope for the future, trust in others, wishful thinking - all these things come to mind when people talk about having faith. Faith in the living God though, is something different...something more. It has a real and tangible life-changing impact on all those who choose to embrace it.
Many people who live their lives with common sense have no problem trusting in faith as well. The two aren't mutually exclusive. However, people don't choose to have faith because it can be proven in a lab or a court of law (for if that were the case, it wouldn't be faith would it?) So, people choose faith because they have *experienced* its impact in their daily lives. They are sure and certain because they've actually lived it! They know in their hearts and minds that God can be trusted. He will do what the bible says he will do. To them, faith isn't "blind' to reality nor is it illogical. It is a reasonable, personal response to experiencing God firsthand. Faith is not equal to feelings. Feelings can wax and wane, but faith is based on the unchanging promises of God.
Think I'm crazy yet? Ha! Read on.
There are 7 guiding principles to living a spiritual life:
1) God said, "I am God and you're not". Ha! Enough said. If you can grasp that fundamental truth, the rest of spirituality is easy!
2) God does not need us. But, we desperately need Him...whether we want to need Him or not. We can choose to seek Him or not seek Him, but it doesn't change the fact that we, as human begins created in his likeness - NEED Him. Desperately. When we were created, God planted a seed in us that makes every human being curious about Him...and desirous to know Him, and Who He is. Even IF He is. How He works. What it all means. Whether we choose to follow him or not...we desperately need Him. His grace, His mercy, His peace. We need it. We long for it. In times of crisis, when faced with imminent danger or death, it is then that human beings will assuredly and instinctively cry out "OH GOD!"
3) What God demands, He supplies. Ooh this is a toughie for those of us who are control freaks and think we have all the answers - or those of us who think...if I work hard enough I will get what I want and be - - - can I get a drum roll please - - - "satisfied!" Ha! The only things worth having are those which money can not buy. If God demands our faith, He also supplies it. If God demands that we move mountains, he also supplies the power to move them. By the way, when talking about moving mountains, please do not let your mind drift to the Appalachians...the mountains that God speaks of are obstacles in our life that keep us from living the joyful and abundant life that he intended for us (see John 10:10). For instance, strongholds, addictions, bad attitudes, negativity - can all be considered mountains that need to be moved and CAN be moved with God's power and grace. More on power later (you will see that the real and tangible power of God is by far my favorite subject!! It gets me all goosebumpily!)
4) What you seek, you find. Now there's a truth worth talking about. If you're the kind of person that lives a life of oppression, in constant turmoil because life isn't fair, or nothing good ever happens to you, you will certainly FIND negativity swirling all around you because that is what you yourself are spewing around in your life, in other words, it is what you are seeking. Now listen up! If you SEEK the Kingdom of God, you WILL FIND IT. It's not hypothetical. It's real - but you have to seek in order to find. I'll help you find it if you will take the time to follow my blog and have an open mind. I promise you, It'll be worth it!
5) There is no growth without struggle. True true. How unfortunately true. Yup, sometimes we have got to get completely and utterly to the end of our rope before we'll find another way to hoist ourselves back up to where we can breathe deeply and find peace. To increase in faith means stepping out of your comfort zone regularly. If you're a scientific thinker, it means accepting things you can not see as being nonetheless real! Seriously, if you're so closed minded to think that what you *see* is all there is, you have a quite a bit to learn about reality! If you were to ask a recovered alcoholic how they did it, they would likely say something to the effect of, "I had to hit rock bottom before I could see which way was up". There is no growth, no forward progression without some sort of struggle.
6) What God starts, He finishes. One thing to get straight is if God didn't START it, he is not obligated to finish it. Nowhere in the bible does it say that if you make a complete mess of your life screwing up relationships left and right, using people, spewing criticism and pride around you like fountains of vomit, is God obligated to clean up your mess. Sorry, it's not in the Book. What it does say is that if you screw up, forgiveness is available to you...but you must come to him in humility (meaning in humbleness, not by being humiliated) and with reverence (respect, admiration) and with faith (that He is who he says he is and does what he says he will do). That said, what God starts, he WILL see to fruition. If God calls you to do something, for instance, my brother and sister-in-law recently felt called to Africa on a missions trip (extreme example...but applicable), He will see it to completion against all obstacles, if you are willing to have *real* faith! I wanted kids - any natural and artifical means of conception didn't work (doing it MY way). Adoption started out as a mess (doing it MY way), but when I finally surrendered my life to the Lord EVERYTHING fell into place. No obstacles could come between me and the children meant to be mine. What GOD starts, he finishes. That is why it is so important to discern his will for your life and live it out....it makes life SO much easier, believe me! More on that later!
7) Active faith releases God's power. Ok....here's where I go insane. Off my rocker. They're coming to take me away ha ha ho ho hee hee! This is for real ya'll. There is POWER in living a faith filled life! I'm not teasing. You all KNOW me and you know I'm not some kind of freakish follower of the next big fad that comes along. It takes some convincing to get me to believe ANYTHING. But the proof is in the proverbial pudding. All my life I wanted proof that there IS a God. The proof my friends, is in the POWER. Believe me - you will WANT to harness this in at your first chance. But you need to follow along as we discover it and how we go about bringing the power of heaven to earth! I'm about to get a little funky with this! You won't want to miss it! Stay tuned....
Hope for the future, trust in others, wishful thinking - all these things come to mind when people talk about having faith. Faith in the living God though, is something different...something more. It has a real and tangible life-changing impact on all those who choose to embrace it.
Many people who live their lives with common sense have no problem trusting in faith as well. The two aren't mutually exclusive. However, people don't choose to have faith because it can be proven in a lab or a court of law (for if that were the case, it wouldn't be faith would it?) So, people choose faith because they have *experienced* its impact in their daily lives. They are sure and certain because they've actually lived it! They know in their hearts and minds that God can be trusted. He will do what the bible says he will do. To them, faith isn't "blind' to reality nor is it illogical. It is a reasonable, personal response to experiencing God firsthand. Faith is not equal to feelings. Feelings can wax and wane, but faith is based on the unchanging promises of God.
Think I'm crazy yet? Ha! Read on.
There are 7 guiding principles to living a spiritual life:
1) God said, "I am God and you're not". Ha! Enough said. If you can grasp that fundamental truth, the rest of spirituality is easy!
2) God does not need us. But, we desperately need Him...whether we want to need Him or not. We can choose to seek Him or not seek Him, but it doesn't change the fact that we, as human begins created in his likeness - NEED Him. Desperately. When we were created, God planted a seed in us that makes every human being curious about Him...and desirous to know Him, and Who He is. Even IF He is. How He works. What it all means. Whether we choose to follow him or not...we desperately need Him. His grace, His mercy, His peace. We need it. We long for it. In times of crisis, when faced with imminent danger or death, it is then that human beings will assuredly and instinctively cry out "OH GOD!"
3) What God demands, He supplies. Ooh this is a toughie for those of us who are control freaks and think we have all the answers - or those of us who think...if I work hard enough I will get what I want and be - - - can I get a drum roll please - - - "satisfied!" Ha! The only things worth having are those which money can not buy. If God demands our faith, He also supplies it. If God demands that we move mountains, he also supplies the power to move them. By the way, when talking about moving mountains, please do not let your mind drift to the Appalachians...the mountains that God speaks of are obstacles in our life that keep us from living the joyful and abundant life that he intended for us (see John 10:10). For instance, strongholds, addictions, bad attitudes, negativity - can all be considered mountains that need to be moved and CAN be moved with God's power and grace. More on power later (you will see that the real and tangible power of God is by far my favorite subject!! It gets me all goosebumpily!)
4) What you seek, you find. Now there's a truth worth talking about. If you're the kind of person that lives a life of oppression, in constant turmoil because life isn't fair, or nothing good ever happens to you, you will certainly FIND negativity swirling all around you because that is what you yourself are spewing around in your life, in other words, it is what you are seeking. Now listen up! If you SEEK the Kingdom of God, you WILL FIND IT. It's not hypothetical. It's real - but you have to seek in order to find. I'll help you find it if you will take the time to follow my blog and have an open mind. I promise you, It'll be worth it!
5) There is no growth without struggle. True true. How unfortunately true. Yup, sometimes we have got to get completely and utterly to the end of our rope before we'll find another way to hoist ourselves back up to where we can breathe deeply and find peace. To increase in faith means stepping out of your comfort zone regularly. If you're a scientific thinker, it means accepting things you can not see as being nonetheless real! Seriously, if you're so closed minded to think that what you *see* is all there is, you have a quite a bit to learn about reality! If you were to ask a recovered alcoholic how they did it, they would likely say something to the effect of, "I had to hit rock bottom before I could see which way was up". There is no growth, no forward progression without some sort of struggle.
6) What God starts, He finishes. One thing to get straight is if God didn't START it, he is not obligated to finish it. Nowhere in the bible does it say that if you make a complete mess of your life screwing up relationships left and right, using people, spewing criticism and pride around you like fountains of vomit, is God obligated to clean up your mess. Sorry, it's not in the Book. What it does say is that if you screw up, forgiveness is available to you...but you must come to him in humility (meaning in humbleness, not by being humiliated) and with reverence (respect, admiration) and with faith (that He is who he says he is and does what he says he will do). That said, what God starts, he WILL see to fruition. If God calls you to do something, for instance, my brother and sister-in-law recently felt called to Africa on a missions trip (extreme example...but applicable), He will see it to completion against all obstacles, if you are willing to have *real* faith! I wanted kids - any natural and artifical means of conception didn't work (doing it MY way). Adoption started out as a mess (doing it MY way), but when I finally surrendered my life to the Lord EVERYTHING fell into place. No obstacles could come between me and the children meant to be mine. What GOD starts, he finishes. That is why it is so important to discern his will for your life and live it out....it makes life SO much easier, believe me! More on that later!
7) Active faith releases God's power. Ok....here's where I go insane. Off my rocker. They're coming to take me away ha ha ho ho hee hee! This is for real ya'll. There is POWER in living a faith filled life! I'm not teasing. You all KNOW me and you know I'm not some kind of freakish follower of the next big fad that comes along. It takes some convincing to get me to believe ANYTHING. But the proof is in the proverbial pudding. All my life I wanted proof that there IS a God. The proof my friends, is in the POWER. Believe me - you will WANT to harness this in at your first chance. But you need to follow along as we discover it and how we go about bringing the power of heaven to earth! I'm about to get a little funky with this! You won't want to miss it! Stay tuned....
Tuesday
To Make a Long Story Short
Super quick recap for anyone who doesn't know. My husband and I had a fortunate bout with infertility a number of years ago {that's right I said *fortunate*}. Want the long story? - buy the book! Short story - pain, suffering, agony, and despair led to the truth that we had nothing left in this cold cruel world but God himself. We realized, as the pieces of our broken bleeding hearts lay dying on the floor, that crying out to God was all we could do since nothing else that man has created could help us conceive a child. Ultimately our journey of infertility led us to a cool little church where we came to learn that there is more to God than the 10 commandments and eternal punishment for our sins.
Side note: By the way - our fortunate bout with infertility led us not only to the Lord, but to 2 amazingly incredible kids who were created by Him for us and weaved into our lives delicately and perfectly according to His will and plan...which has proven itself much better than mine! What's that saying; "the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry". True true. Praise God for that!
Side note: By the way - our fortunate bout with infertility led us not only to the Lord, but to 2 amazingly incredible kids who were created by Him for us and weaved into our lives delicately and perfectly according to His will and plan...which has proven itself much better than mine! What's that saying; "the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry". True true. Praise God for that!
Coloring Outside of the Lines
First of all - a warning! This is probably well beyond *radical* for most of you. I tried to start a blog awhile back, but ultimately was left feeling unsatisfied with it because I was holding back, reserved, and not really being fully real and candid about my faith. I suppose I didn't want to freak anyone out. But since then, my sister in law, a recent radical convert to Christianity, has inspired me to go the "full monty" so to speak and lay it all out there....take it or leave it, it's my faith and I'm living it. I'm going to go ahead and assume I will offend some of you and most certainly I will have many of you believing I've gone and lost my marbles - I'm willing to take that risk in hopes that you too might find somewhere within you a mustard seed of faith to be cultivated.
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