With many Christians an ice breaker is needed to get to know God, much like the games played when meeting a new group of people. It seems every time we turn around there is a book that has a new way to experience God which can be good and bad. Good if you are new to reading God’s Word or you’ve tried before and can’t seem to get anything out of it but to those who experience God’s presence fresh and new every morning these steps and labels can be very restricting. Not that we should be unteachable but don’t be so easily bent into the box where we are told God is waiting for us. This concept is difficult to describe, so let’s look at it a different way.
If I don’t know anything about deep sea fishing and therefore read a book on how to do it I would find many helpful things in it that would get me started. However, you give that same book to a boat captain who does it for a living what response do you think you’ll get? I’m not saying he wouldn’t read it, I’m not saying he wouldn’t see a different perspective but what I would expect is that very little would change in his daily activity even though when I read it I depended upon it completely to be successful. Yet when we are going through a Christian book that is intended to help us experience God I sometimes feel like I’m in a room of contortionist!
I wonder what God thinks of us bending and stretching when all along He simply waits for us to invite Him in? You know simply spending time with someone is the best way to get to know them and while books and videos can help they can never take you to the deep places because that is one man/woman’s idea about what worked best for them. Because we are all different the secret garden or the quiet meadow of experiencing God ‘s heart for us can only be shown to us by following His lead, not the path of someone else – understand God alone takes us there!
They who go down to the sea in ships, who do business in great waters; these see the works of Jehovah and His wonders in the deep. For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up its waves. They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths; their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and all their wisdom is swallowed up. And they cry to Jehovah in their trouble, and He brings them out of their troubles. He makes the storm a calm, so that its waves are still. And they are glad because they are quiet; so He brings them to their desired haven.
(Psalms 107:23-30 MKJV)
It is through life’s journey, good times and bad, walking hand in hand with God, not doubting His goodness or insight for our lives that we are able to experience God’s presence. For only by His presence do we come to recognize the character of God and once we recognize the character of God we see Him in everything we do. It is at this point that we pray without ceasing, that we enquire what God’s will is, and we are quick to follow His leading. The old saying WWJD “what would Jesus do” was so over used and misunderstood to the point that no one says it any more but much like that deep sea captain, those who follow Jesus on a regular basis neither were moved by it when it was over used or ignored it when everyone stopped using it but continued following Jesus as they always had because they knew only Jesus could lead them to their desired haven.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Knowing the Shepherd's voice
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won't follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don't know his voice."
(John 10:3-5 NLT)
What keeps us from having a personal relationship with Jesus? Is it too difficult to have the faith that is required? Are we afraid of what others might say? Are our lives too busy with other things to stop and pray? Why is it when we are in need of God’s help whether it be because of a sick family member or a loss of a dream we seem to get real spiritual but as soon as we get out of the woods we’re back to a life without Him? Don’t you know God is not mocked!
Don't be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.
(Galatians 6:7 NLT)
God does not sit in Heaven with a big stick, waiting to beat us over the head whenever we step out of line but when we are stiff-necked and try to use God like a sugar daddy neither is He fooled. For you have been lovingly created so that you may have relationship with the Father of Lights so that in Him you might discover who you are and who’s you are. For the Good Shepherd has a purpose that was designed specifically for you but you will only know that purpose through knowing who you are and who you belong to, so that you may know better the One who created you. Do you want to do big things with your life, then seek God whole heartedly!
When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
(1 Corinthians 13:11-12 NLT)
(John 10:3-5 NLT)
What keeps us from having a personal relationship with Jesus? Is it too difficult to have the faith that is required? Are we afraid of what others might say? Are our lives too busy with other things to stop and pray? Why is it when we are in need of God’s help whether it be because of a sick family member or a loss of a dream we seem to get real spiritual but as soon as we get out of the woods we’re back to a life without Him? Don’t you know God is not mocked!
Don't be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.
(Galatians 6:7 NLT)
God does not sit in Heaven with a big stick, waiting to beat us over the head whenever we step out of line but when we are stiff-necked and try to use God like a sugar daddy neither is He fooled. For you have been lovingly created so that you may have relationship with the Father of Lights so that in Him you might discover who you are and who’s you are. For the Good Shepherd has a purpose that was designed specifically for you but you will only know that purpose through knowing who you are and who you belong to, so that you may know better the One who created you. Do you want to do big things with your life, then seek God whole heartedly!
When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
(1 Corinthians 13:11-12 NLT)
Monday, November 3, 2014
Simple obedience
When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.
(Matthew 1:24 NLT)
The pain of Joseph’s soon to be wife already with child and the betrayal of his trust caused Joseph to decide to quietly divorce Mary instead of publicly shaming her but God had other plans and out of this pain and loss something wonderful was about to happen.
What do you think would have happened if Joseph decided to allow his pain to rule his actions? It is so important that we trust God in all situations, even when we do not understand. Joseph continued to be faithful to God as they were led into and out of Bethlehem; never once did Joseph argue with God or question the messenger of God but instead simply obeyed.
Sometimes the problem is we want proof to back up our faith before we are moved to action… But God if you would just do this, then I will do that. We see this when people were asking who Jesus was even though He had already told them.
The people surrounded Him and asked, "How long are You going to keep us in suspense? If You are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus replied, "I have already told you, and you don't believe Me. The proof is the work I do in My Father's name. But you don't believe Me because you are not My sheep. My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from Me, for My Father has given them to Me, and He is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."
(John 10:24-30 NLT)
But instead of believing or submitting they wanted to stone Him! What does the constant questioning and lack of faith say about a people; what does it say about God’s will being done among them?
Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family." And because of their unbelief, He couldn't do any miracles among them except to place His hands on a few sick people and heal them. And He was amazed at their unbelief. Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people.
(Mark 6:4-6 NLT)
We are to be minutemen, ready at a moment’s notice because we are practiced in obedience. As a matter of fact God said without faith it is impossible to please Him!
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.
(Hebrews 11:6 NLT)
(Matthew 1:24 NLT)
The pain of Joseph’s soon to be wife already with child and the betrayal of his trust caused Joseph to decide to quietly divorce Mary instead of publicly shaming her but God had other plans and out of this pain and loss something wonderful was about to happen.
What do you think would have happened if Joseph decided to allow his pain to rule his actions? It is so important that we trust God in all situations, even when we do not understand. Joseph continued to be faithful to God as they were led into and out of Bethlehem; never once did Joseph argue with God or question the messenger of God but instead simply obeyed.
Sometimes the problem is we want proof to back up our faith before we are moved to action… But God if you would just do this, then I will do that. We see this when people were asking who Jesus was even though He had already told them.
The people surrounded Him and asked, "How long are You going to keep us in suspense? If You are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus replied, "I have already told you, and you don't believe Me. The proof is the work I do in My Father's name. But you don't believe Me because you are not My sheep. My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from Me, for My Father has given them to Me, and He is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."
(John 10:24-30 NLT)
But instead of believing or submitting they wanted to stone Him! What does the constant questioning and lack of faith say about a people; what does it say about God’s will being done among them?
Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family." And because of their unbelief, He couldn't do any miracles among them except to place His hands on a few sick people and heal them. And He was amazed at their unbelief. Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people.
(Mark 6:4-6 NLT)
We are to be minutemen, ready at a moment’s notice because we are practiced in obedience. As a matter of fact God said without faith it is impossible to please Him!
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.
(Hebrews 11:6 NLT)
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Who God is
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
(Numbers 23:19 NIV)
For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
(Deuteronomy 4:24 NIV)
For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.
(Deuteronomy 4:31 NIV)
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
(Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV)
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.
(Deuteronomy 10:17-18 NIV)
The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul.
(Deuteronomy 13:3b NIV)
For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.
(Deuteronomy 20:4 NIV)
He said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent men you save me. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
(2 Samuel 22:2-4 NIV)
Will evildoers never learn— those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the LORD? There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.
(Psalms 14:4-6 NIV)
Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.
(Psalms 54:4 NIV)
Those who go through pain and loss only to come to the conclusion that God is unjust simply and sadly do not know God! They listen to what others in the church say, they listen to teachers and leaders of the Christian faith but the fail to know God. The problem is they have too many minds, that’s right “Too many mind” as mentioned in the 2003 movie The Last Samurai. There we follow a broken American army captain who is eventually hired to train Japanese troops during the Meiji Restoration, which spanned 1868 to 1912. It was in the first battle against the opposition that he was taken prisoner and slowly converted to their cause. During his retraining, his brokenness kept him from focusing on the task before him. As he faced the seasoned samurai in practice his own pain and loss kept him from seeing the task before him, even though he wanted to win, that’s when his trainer told him, “too many mind… mind the sword, mind the people watching, mind the enemy, too many mind… no mind. ”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbecIBvR3mE
We have to be the same way in that no matter what anyone else says all these outside influences cannot be allowed to keep us from knowing God! To know God is to love God and if we do not love Him or have a grudge against Him then in every case a wall of separation can be found between that person and God.
Matthew chapter five Jesus tells us who God is close to…
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
(Matthew 5:3-11 NIV)
Never once does Jesus say blessed are those who hold a grudge against God or are even upset at God because they believe Him to be unfair! To be in that place means you are not the things Jesus mentions here! So why am I driving this so hard? Because it is more than simply being free to express our feelings with God, to live a life in anger towards God is a lie straight from the pit of Hell and many in the church have swallowed it hook, line, and sinker! Listen, we have a Heavenly Father who wants us to express our emotions, this is a true statement but it is also true He wants us to know Him and not doubt who His Word tells us who He is when trials or difficulties or pain or loss come our way. One of God’s purposes for us living this life on earth is so that we will know Him better so that we might be prepared for the things He is preparing for us in Heaven. Which way reveals who our true friends are good times or bad? When things are going well don’t we have many “friends” but when difficulties come and we go through the valley how many of those “friends” remain with us? The same is true with God has He not been with you through your mountain top experiences, your walk through the desert, being adrift at sea, and your time in the valley? If we did not experience pain and loss how could we possibly know the depths of God’s love?
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
(Psalms 139:7-17 NIV)
Does this sound like King David held a grudge against God because he had to run for his life? David expressed himself yes but he never let himself forget who God was! All of this should bring you back to Matthew chapter five. When we go through tests and trials remember what James said…
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
(James 1:2-8 NIV)
If we doubt God’s goodness or His faithfulness to His people do we not forfeit that which He has planned for us? Does not this forfeiture lead us to go around in circles as the Israelites did for forty years in the desert? Tell me what good has your anger at God brought you? Are you any better now than you were when it first happened? God loves you and me and fortunately for us He is patient but there will come a time when our choice to set ourselves against the love of God will cause us to find ourselves on the outside looking in. Even though my words sound harsh my heart in the matter is that not one person be separated from God because of this lie from the enemy! It is however God’s great gift of free will that allows us to either have relationship with Him or pull away from Him.
Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
(Romans 1:28-32 NIV)
Did you get that “God-haters” are among those who refused to attest to the evidence of the goodness of God (Romans 1:20). Look at the company they keep: the sexually perverted, fools who claim to be wise who worship creation instead of the Creator, those who willingly exchanged truth for a lie, wickedness, evil, greed, depravity, gossips, slanders, insolent, arrogant, boastful, senseless, faithless, heartless, and ruthless. Take your anger with God to the end of that road… where does it lead you? Are these the people you want to call your friends? No, of course not, then why go down that road at all? The Bible says God is good why doubt that? If someone can’t see the whole picture who do you think that is us or God?
What else could possibly be said about this subject starting on October 22nd and running through November 2nd I have poured out my heart and it is heavy still because people don’t know God the way He wants them to know Him. If you hear nothing else consider the word of Jesus…
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
(Matthew 7:21-23 NIV)
Who do you think Jesus was referring to? Those who were surprised told their Judge “Did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?” Jesus was talking about church people who did what was expected of them but refused to take time to have relationship with Him. Look it wasn’t about what they did or did not do but rather it was about knowing Jesus and if you have something against Him then you don’t know Him! Wasn’t it Jesus that said if you have something against your brother to leave your sacrifice on the altar and go make things right with your brother first? (Matthew 5:24) Then why do we think we can do all these things for God but still have something against him in our hearts?
(Numbers 23:19 NIV)
For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
(Deuteronomy 4:24 NIV)
For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.
(Deuteronomy 4:31 NIV)
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
(Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV)
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.
(Deuteronomy 10:17-18 NIV)
The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul.
(Deuteronomy 13:3b NIV)
For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.
(Deuteronomy 20:4 NIV)
He said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent men you save me. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
(2 Samuel 22:2-4 NIV)
Will evildoers never learn— those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the LORD? There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.
(Psalms 14:4-6 NIV)
Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.
(Psalms 54:4 NIV)
Those who go through pain and loss only to come to the conclusion that God is unjust simply and sadly do not know God! They listen to what others in the church say, they listen to teachers and leaders of the Christian faith but the fail to know God. The problem is they have too many minds, that’s right “Too many mind” as mentioned in the 2003 movie The Last Samurai. There we follow a broken American army captain who is eventually hired to train Japanese troops during the Meiji Restoration, which spanned 1868 to 1912. It was in the first battle against the opposition that he was taken prisoner and slowly converted to their cause. During his retraining, his brokenness kept him from focusing on the task before him. As he faced the seasoned samurai in practice his own pain and loss kept him from seeing the task before him, even though he wanted to win, that’s when his trainer told him, “too many mind… mind the sword, mind the people watching, mind the enemy, too many mind… no mind. ”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbecIBvR3mE
We have to be the same way in that no matter what anyone else says all these outside influences cannot be allowed to keep us from knowing God! To know God is to love God and if we do not love Him or have a grudge against Him then in every case a wall of separation can be found between that person and God.
Matthew chapter five Jesus tells us who God is close to…
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
(Matthew 5:3-11 NIV)
Never once does Jesus say blessed are those who hold a grudge against God or are even upset at God because they believe Him to be unfair! To be in that place means you are not the things Jesus mentions here! So why am I driving this so hard? Because it is more than simply being free to express our feelings with God, to live a life in anger towards God is a lie straight from the pit of Hell and many in the church have swallowed it hook, line, and sinker! Listen, we have a Heavenly Father who wants us to express our emotions, this is a true statement but it is also true He wants us to know Him and not doubt who His Word tells us who He is when trials or difficulties or pain or loss come our way. One of God’s purposes for us living this life on earth is so that we will know Him better so that we might be prepared for the things He is preparing for us in Heaven. Which way reveals who our true friends are good times or bad? When things are going well don’t we have many “friends” but when difficulties come and we go through the valley how many of those “friends” remain with us? The same is true with God has He not been with you through your mountain top experiences, your walk through the desert, being adrift at sea, and your time in the valley? If we did not experience pain and loss how could we possibly know the depths of God’s love?
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
(Psalms 139:7-17 NIV)
Does this sound like King David held a grudge against God because he had to run for his life? David expressed himself yes but he never let himself forget who God was! All of this should bring you back to Matthew chapter five. When we go through tests and trials remember what James said…
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
(James 1:2-8 NIV)
If we doubt God’s goodness or His faithfulness to His people do we not forfeit that which He has planned for us? Does not this forfeiture lead us to go around in circles as the Israelites did for forty years in the desert? Tell me what good has your anger at God brought you? Are you any better now than you were when it first happened? God loves you and me and fortunately for us He is patient but there will come a time when our choice to set ourselves against the love of God will cause us to find ourselves on the outside looking in. Even though my words sound harsh my heart in the matter is that not one person be separated from God because of this lie from the enemy! It is however God’s great gift of free will that allows us to either have relationship with Him or pull away from Him.
Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
(Romans 1:28-32 NIV)
Did you get that “God-haters” are among those who refused to attest to the evidence of the goodness of God (Romans 1:20). Look at the company they keep: the sexually perverted, fools who claim to be wise who worship creation instead of the Creator, those who willingly exchanged truth for a lie, wickedness, evil, greed, depravity, gossips, slanders, insolent, arrogant, boastful, senseless, faithless, heartless, and ruthless. Take your anger with God to the end of that road… where does it lead you? Are these the people you want to call your friends? No, of course not, then why go down that road at all? The Bible says God is good why doubt that? If someone can’t see the whole picture who do you think that is us or God?
What else could possibly be said about this subject starting on October 22nd and running through November 2nd I have poured out my heart and it is heavy still because people don’t know God the way He wants them to know Him. If you hear nothing else consider the word of Jesus…
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
(Matthew 7:21-23 NIV)
Who do you think Jesus was referring to? Those who were surprised told their Judge “Did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?” Jesus was talking about church people who did what was expected of them but refused to take time to have relationship with Him. Look it wasn’t about what they did or did not do but rather it was about knowing Jesus and if you have something against Him then you don’t know Him! Wasn’t it Jesus that said if you have something against your brother to leave your sacrifice on the altar and go make things right with your brother first? (Matthew 5:24) Then why do we think we can do all these things for God but still have something against him in our hearts?
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Angry at God - Part III
If we are to ever do anything big for God then we have to get past the point of blaming God. Maturity requires that we are ready at all times to serve but blaming God can only lead to being spiritually handicapped and emotionally drained making it impossible to respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, we are to hunger and thirst for the things of God but when we blame Him it drives a wedge between us and the very light that illuminates our path in the darkness. God does not change and if that is the case then who surrenders in this battle of the wills? Will God ever respond to your accusations with, “Oh, I didn’t see it that way, I was wrong.” No! I tell you the truth if one side does not have a clear picture it is us, not God! So tell me when will being angry at God ever change the situation so that it turns out better for us? And if that is the case why go down that path at all?
Do you want to live the remainder of this life being angry and bitter or would you rather be able to look back at this journey here on earth and say, “I came through every trial holding God’s hand and He was faithful and because I trusted Him God did some mighty things through my life.” I am determined what we do in this life will echo throughout eternity. If we barely get by will we not wish to go back to do things differently but there will be no going back. And if we allow God to do His will through us will we not be rewarded for being faithful and will this not propel us on towards greater things? You see we do not know what God has in store for the things that are to come and wasting time being angry at God may cost us more than just the years here on earth! Is the ability to show God just how angry you are about a situation worth the regret you will have on the other side? Remember not to trade your birthright for the small things that make you feel good right now (Genesis 25:29-34).
So pray for understanding and the ability to trust God more. The Devil can take my life but he cannot have my soul for I was bought with a price that cost my Lord His life and nothing shall separate me from His love but if choose to walk away from Him God will not take the gift of free will away from me especially after giving everything so that I may have it but instead He will let me go so that I may discover all that I had in Him and so I may return to Him of my own free will.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
(Hebrews 12:1-4 NIV)
See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire."
(Hebrews 12:25-29 NIV)
Do you want to live the remainder of this life being angry and bitter or would you rather be able to look back at this journey here on earth and say, “I came through every trial holding God’s hand and He was faithful and because I trusted Him God did some mighty things through my life.” I am determined what we do in this life will echo throughout eternity. If we barely get by will we not wish to go back to do things differently but there will be no going back. And if we allow God to do His will through us will we not be rewarded for being faithful and will this not propel us on towards greater things? You see we do not know what God has in store for the things that are to come and wasting time being angry at God may cost us more than just the years here on earth! Is the ability to show God just how angry you are about a situation worth the regret you will have on the other side? Remember not to trade your birthright for the small things that make you feel good right now (Genesis 25:29-34).
So pray for understanding and the ability to trust God more. The Devil can take my life but he cannot have my soul for I was bought with a price that cost my Lord His life and nothing shall separate me from His love but if choose to walk away from Him God will not take the gift of free will away from me especially after giving everything so that I may have it but instead He will let me go so that I may discover all that I had in Him and so I may return to Him of my own free will.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
(Hebrews 12:1-4 NIV)
See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire."
(Hebrews 12:25-29 NIV)
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Angry at God - Part II
I don’t say these things because I’m heartless or without feeling, just the opposite! Yes pain is a part of life and we all have experienced loss and we’re going to get angry at times but we’ve got to get to a point where we completely trust God, even when we don’t understand the reasons why. The sooner we see Him as holy God and a loving Father the sooner we realize that He is our tower of refuge, our healer, and our hero.
We come to God with the understanding that He is the holy, righteous Creator of all life and only through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ are we saved – that’s level one. As we grow in relationship we have more freedom to express ourselves, this is level two. He sees our struggles and our failures, He knows our thoughts and feelings, and we are to work on growing to be more like Jesus in the things we do and say and think but growing is sometimes painful. As we go through trials, if we’re not careful we get this attitude like God owes us something special because of the time we have faithfully served Him but when something doesn’t go our way or we experience the loss of something or someone close to us and we forget the holy, righteous God we knew in level one and instead we begin to scold Him for not protecting us the way we think He should have. The only way to true maturity is that each level builds on the previous one. Yes, we are to be intimate and closer to God than any brother or friend but we can never forget who He is! This idea is not new it is from the Five Levels of Leadership, which is found in John Maxwell’s book Developing The Leader Within You. The levels go in this order position, permission, production, people development, and personhood. You start out following the leader because you have to, then because you want to, next you follow because of what they have done for an organization, next because of what he/she has done for you, finally because of who they are. Learning who God is requires the same level building and though we continue to grow closer to Him we can never forget who He is! Looking at it this way really opens your eyes and makes you think twice about throwing a temper tantrum with God. Yes, hurt and morn the loss but also let God comfort you, don’t push Him away, why would you do that?
As I think about this subject I keep seeing this image of my dogs, who get so excited when I come home from work. After all the jumping (they are both under 30lbs) they immediately go to lying on their backs wanting me to scratch their bellies but it also show submission and trust, if someone they don’t know walks in they go into attack mode! There are some similarities in the relationship between God and me. I love His presence more than anything and I take a posture of submission, knowing He is in control. You see I was in control for a long time and nothing good came of it. If my way was the best then why did I experience so much heartache? No, I long for God’s leading and direction because I trust Him, utterly and completely, with my whole life not just bits and pieces and if that is true how could I possibly ever get mad at the One who gives so much? My very existence depends on His mercy and loving kindness!
We come to God with the understanding that He is the holy, righteous Creator of all life and only through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ are we saved – that’s level one. As we grow in relationship we have more freedom to express ourselves, this is level two. He sees our struggles and our failures, He knows our thoughts and feelings, and we are to work on growing to be more like Jesus in the things we do and say and think but growing is sometimes painful. As we go through trials, if we’re not careful we get this attitude like God owes us something special because of the time we have faithfully served Him but when something doesn’t go our way or we experience the loss of something or someone close to us and we forget the holy, righteous God we knew in level one and instead we begin to scold Him for not protecting us the way we think He should have. The only way to true maturity is that each level builds on the previous one. Yes, we are to be intimate and closer to God than any brother or friend but we can never forget who He is! This idea is not new it is from the Five Levels of Leadership, which is found in John Maxwell’s book Developing The Leader Within You. The levels go in this order position, permission, production, people development, and personhood. You start out following the leader because you have to, then because you want to, next you follow because of what they have done for an organization, next because of what he/she has done for you, finally because of who they are. Learning who God is requires the same level building and though we continue to grow closer to Him we can never forget who He is! Looking at it this way really opens your eyes and makes you think twice about throwing a temper tantrum with God. Yes, hurt and morn the loss but also let God comfort you, don’t push Him away, why would you do that?
As I think about this subject I keep seeing this image of my dogs, who get so excited when I come home from work. After all the jumping (they are both under 30lbs) they immediately go to lying on their backs wanting me to scratch their bellies but it also show submission and trust, if someone they don’t know walks in they go into attack mode! There are some similarities in the relationship between God and me. I love His presence more than anything and I take a posture of submission, knowing He is in control. You see I was in control for a long time and nothing good came of it. If my way was the best then why did I experience so much heartache? No, I long for God’s leading and direction because I trust Him, utterly and completely, with my whole life not just bits and pieces and if that is true how could I possibly ever get mad at the One who gives so much? My very existence depends on His mercy and loving kindness!
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Angry at God?
Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?”
(Job 38:1-5 NIV)
Job had a lot to be angry about if he were dealing with another human that caused him this pain but that was not the case! God clearly allowed Job to be tested, seemingly without cause and when Job finally broke and began questioning God’s ability to be just and fair he received his answer beginning in chapter 38 and ending with chapter 41 and it is not a response I want to get from God.
There is much pain in the world and that includes pain among Christians. People of the world don’t know what to think or who to blame, often they refer to their circumstances as “bad luck” but Christians knowing of God we trade our belief in luck to believing in God’s purpose. Though it is seldom that we know the answer to all of our questions why at the root we know that God has allowed this pain. Too often church leaders tell their congregation it is ok to be mad at God and will often point to Psalms and King David’s struggles. What isn’t said or isn’t heard is that David always reminded himself of the goodness of God and didn’t wallow in pain and anger for very long.
I have seen it over and over again the innocent gets hurt, blames God, gets angry at God, and then gets stuck there. The result is that they cannot heal and they spend the rest of their Christian lives angry at God, broken and powerless to move on. My wife and I once knew an adult Christian lady who was molested as a child, who could not forgive God for not protecting her. As a result she had debilitating headaches that were destroying her life as a mother, wife, and friend. Though she prayed for healing and asked others to pray for the same God remained silent. She and her family eventually moved, looking for professional help; as far as I know healing never came.
Was God “big enough” to take it? Yes but who’s progress is hindered coming through the wall? Did God still love her? Yes! Why didn’t God heal her of these terrible headaches? We don’t know but I believe these are the wrong questions. Why did the Israelites wonder in the desert for forty years? Look at it this way, a godly, human father sees his twin toddlers playing with their favorite toys. They are doing nothing wrong but still he takes they toys away from his two children. What the children don’t know is that their father has something better in store. The one gets mad and throws a tantrum fit to be tied, the other hangs her head and starts to cry. Though this was a small thing it deeply impacted both children. The questions needed to be asked are these: What was in the heart of each child that caused them to respond the way they did? What would you expect the parent’s response to each one is going to be? Would he not correct the one that is displaying “justified anger” and would he not comfort the one that was weeping? And if this is the case which one do you think would begin to understand that the father is indeed good and has good intentions first? The one throwing the tantrum, I don’t think so! Another question is this: how long do you want to sulk and feel separated from God? He’s big enough to take it, are you? On the other hand when I come to a wall I want to go through it as quickly as possible. That doesn’t mean I don’t hurt or somehow lack feelings, that doesn’t mean I don’t have questions but long before I got to the wall I decided that God is good no matter what circumstance may come my way.
Time and time again God has restored me and my faith in Him whether it was watching my son almost killed from someone who fell asleep at the wheel and then being told all his dreams had been taken away to now having a full scholarship in college and a promise to be who he originally wanted to be prior to the accident and that’s just one example! There are many more stories I can share like that one but never once was I angry at God or will I be, not because I’m more righteous than someone else but simply because I know God to be good at all times, no matter what circumstances I face and I know He is faithful to grow my faith in Him and His ability and desire to save me! So if you must be angry at God, for He still loves you but if you want healing you have to let go of the anger in order to step out of that dark place so that you may grow in faith knowing God is your only hope of salvation.
Where I struggle is being angry at people when they have hurt me but even that the lesson is the same, for I cannot hold onto anger and receive healing at the same time. Forgiveness combats anger and being secure in God's love combats being easily offended and living detached from the things of this world means that I get to know God's peace.
(Job 38:1-5 NIV)
Job had a lot to be angry about if he were dealing with another human that caused him this pain but that was not the case! God clearly allowed Job to be tested, seemingly without cause and when Job finally broke and began questioning God’s ability to be just and fair he received his answer beginning in chapter 38 and ending with chapter 41 and it is not a response I want to get from God.
There is much pain in the world and that includes pain among Christians. People of the world don’t know what to think or who to blame, often they refer to their circumstances as “bad luck” but Christians knowing of God we trade our belief in luck to believing in God’s purpose. Though it is seldom that we know the answer to all of our questions why at the root we know that God has allowed this pain. Too often church leaders tell their congregation it is ok to be mad at God and will often point to Psalms and King David’s struggles. What isn’t said or isn’t heard is that David always reminded himself of the goodness of God and didn’t wallow in pain and anger for very long.
I have seen it over and over again the innocent gets hurt, blames God, gets angry at God, and then gets stuck there. The result is that they cannot heal and they spend the rest of their Christian lives angry at God, broken and powerless to move on. My wife and I once knew an adult Christian lady who was molested as a child, who could not forgive God for not protecting her. As a result she had debilitating headaches that were destroying her life as a mother, wife, and friend. Though she prayed for healing and asked others to pray for the same God remained silent. She and her family eventually moved, looking for professional help; as far as I know healing never came.
Was God “big enough” to take it? Yes but who’s progress is hindered coming through the wall? Did God still love her? Yes! Why didn’t God heal her of these terrible headaches? We don’t know but I believe these are the wrong questions. Why did the Israelites wonder in the desert for forty years? Look at it this way, a godly, human father sees his twin toddlers playing with their favorite toys. They are doing nothing wrong but still he takes they toys away from his two children. What the children don’t know is that their father has something better in store. The one gets mad and throws a tantrum fit to be tied, the other hangs her head and starts to cry. Though this was a small thing it deeply impacted both children. The questions needed to be asked are these: What was in the heart of each child that caused them to respond the way they did? What would you expect the parent’s response to each one is going to be? Would he not correct the one that is displaying “justified anger” and would he not comfort the one that was weeping? And if this is the case which one do you think would begin to understand that the father is indeed good and has good intentions first? The one throwing the tantrum, I don’t think so! Another question is this: how long do you want to sulk and feel separated from God? He’s big enough to take it, are you? On the other hand when I come to a wall I want to go through it as quickly as possible. That doesn’t mean I don’t hurt or somehow lack feelings, that doesn’t mean I don’t have questions but long before I got to the wall I decided that God is good no matter what circumstance may come my way.
Time and time again God has restored me and my faith in Him whether it was watching my son almost killed from someone who fell asleep at the wheel and then being told all his dreams had been taken away to now having a full scholarship in college and a promise to be who he originally wanted to be prior to the accident and that’s just one example! There are many more stories I can share like that one but never once was I angry at God or will I be, not because I’m more righteous than someone else but simply because I know God to be good at all times, no matter what circumstances I face and I know He is faithful to grow my faith in Him and His ability and desire to save me! So if you must be angry at God, for He still loves you but if you want healing you have to let go of the anger in order to step out of that dark place so that you may grow in faith knowing God is your only hope of salvation.
Where I struggle is being angry at people when they have hurt me but even that the lesson is the same, for I cannot hold onto anger and receive healing at the same time. Forgiveness combats anger and being secure in God's love combats being easily offended and living detached from the things of this world means that I get to know God's peace.
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