Acts 26
Food for Life:
Acts 26
"Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently...I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me...I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds..that is why the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me."(26:3b, 17b-18, 20b).
I love the humility of Paul. He was a highly educated, well trained, accomplished man...who was knocked of his horse by the Presence of Christ through bright, blinding Light. He had every earthly reason to be puffed up...and perhaps he was until he was 'knocked of his horse.' After Jesus' intervention and transformation of his life, he was humble. "...I beg you to listen to me patiently", that is a powerful way to open up a defense. It recognizes that the person before him has a choice not to listen to him (and from an earthly perspective, Agrippa had the right to have him executed...). Paul knew that his life was in the Lord's hands, yet he was humbly respectful of the earthly position of Agrippa. More than that, Paul was humble before 'the least of these' with whom he interacted. Paul was being "[obedient ] to the vision from heaven" that was given to him directly from Jesus (19b). It was Jesus, it was the vision that he was given and the Holy Spirit's continued presence within him that enabled him to be humble in the face of impending death and in the face of those who had absolutely no power over him.
Humility. Being humble. Humility is recognizing who God is, who I am and the difference between the two. It is also recognizing that regardless of the earthly position one is in, we are all on a level field - we are all Image Bearers of God - and it is only by His Grace that we stand.
"Thank You Lord. Let the humility of Christ be pervasive in and through our lives - help us to 'see' the vision You have for each one of us, that we might be obedient to it, to You. Thanks for loving us Lord. I love You."
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The Days Ordained for Us
Dear Ones,
It has been several days since I've sent out the daily readings and comments! I apologize - I've been in Chicago the last 10 days and haven't been able to take the time to write and send out! I pray you all are experiencing growth and blessing to be a blessing to others in your journey with Jesus! I hope to write a piece on my time in Chicago as I went to work with Safe Families for Children, but also participated in the Memorial Service for a young man whose earthly journey with Jesus ended - his family and friends heartbroken - as is the case of those of us who are 'left behind' when a loved one goes on.
I'd love to hear from you!
Blessings and prayers,
Robin
Acts 25
Food for Life:
Acts 25
BUT GOD and Paul. In Acts 25 we see that Paul's trials continue - literally and spiritually! He continues to be brought before the politicians by the religious leaders and crowds. 2 years have gone by, he is still imprisoned and the Jewish leaders are still looking for a way to ambush/kill Paul. BUT GOD and Paul continue to thwart their plans! Because it is not yet Paul's time to go on to Jesus.
Saints, I do not understand how this works together, But God is sovereign, God's plan will prevail, even when people are working against God. The Word says that the times and places, the day's of our lives, are ordained by God, even before there was yet one (Psalm 139)! I don't know how that exactly works - I know that God is good and He does not plan for us to sin, be sinned against, for pain and suffering and heart ache to be part of our earthly experience. But it is. And yet, in this world we will have trouble, but (God), take heart because Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33)! This is our hope! And it is a hope that is anchored in The Anchor (Hebrews 6:19). It is the hope that is anchored in Truth. In the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)!
But God - I recall when my mom passed on to be with the Lord. I was living in New Jersey, she was in Maine. We (family, friends, medical folks) did not expect her to die. She had under gone successful surgery to remove cancer from her body. She was undergoing chemo-therapy treatments as a prevention mention. Something went wrong, very quickly. The hospital/medical personnel made errors - there was grave incompetence - within 5 days my mom went from being on the road to recovery, to death.
I was driving from New Jersey to Maine (11 hour drive) in the middle of the night, alone. I was praying and asking God to let her 'go home', to heal her and let her go home. I sensed a peace in the midst of tears that God had answered my prayer. I received a call, with still 6 hours to drive, that my mom died. I pulled over and wept. Crying out to the Lord. I didn't understand, this wasn't what I prayed!?! I didn't even get to say goodbye!
As time unfolded, I saw that indeed the Lord did answer my prayer. My mom was healed. And, she was home. She was/is experiencing no more pain and suffering or tears. She is where we are intended to be for eternity, where are citizenship resides. With Christ in God (Colossians 3:3,4). Weeping endures for a night (sometimes years) but Joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). I still miss my mom, but I know that one day I will be with her forever. In our True home. Our eternal home. Where we were created to live (Philippians 3:20).
But God. I don't understand how it all works together. I don't understand how human incompetence unto fatality fits into God's sovereignty and appointed time and place for each person's ordained days. But God. I know that God is True. And I know that God is all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere all at the same time (Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent). I know that God is in control and that our best is in God's heart - because He loves us.
What does my experience with my mom have to do with God and Paul as recorded in Acts 25? It has to do with your life and mine and the lives of our loved ones. God is Sovereign and Good. Paul's time was not dictated by those who were seeking to kill him. His time was dictated by God. Paul fit into God's story, History, His-story. Romans 8:28. We only know in part today (we only see in part) but one day we will see/understand completely (1 Corinthians 13:12).
"God, help us to trust You, help us to believe You, help us to see the way You do. We love You. Thank You for loving us. Even so come Lord Jesus come."
It has been several days since I've sent out the daily readings and comments! I apologize - I've been in Chicago the last 10 days and haven't been able to take the time to write and send out! I pray you all are experiencing growth and blessing to be a blessing to others in your journey with Jesus! I hope to write a piece on my time in Chicago as I went to work with Safe Families for Children, but also participated in the Memorial Service for a young man whose earthly journey with Jesus ended - his family and friends heartbroken - as is the case of those of us who are 'left behind' when a loved one goes on.
I'd love to hear from you!
Blessings and prayers,
Robin
Acts 25
Food for Life:
Acts 25
BUT GOD and Paul. In Acts 25 we see that Paul's trials continue - literally and spiritually! He continues to be brought before the politicians by the religious leaders and crowds. 2 years have gone by, he is still imprisoned and the Jewish leaders are still looking for a way to ambush/kill Paul. BUT GOD and Paul continue to thwart their plans! Because it is not yet Paul's time to go on to Jesus.
Saints, I do not understand how this works together, But God is sovereign, God's plan will prevail, even when people are working against God. The Word says that the times and places, the day's of our lives, are ordained by God, even before there was yet one (Psalm 139)! I don't know how that exactly works - I know that God is good and He does not plan for us to sin, be sinned against, for pain and suffering and heart ache to be part of our earthly experience. But it is. And yet, in this world we will have trouble, but (God), take heart because Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33)! This is our hope! And it is a hope that is anchored in The Anchor (Hebrews 6:19). It is the hope that is anchored in Truth. In the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)!
But God - I recall when my mom passed on to be with the Lord. I was living in New Jersey, she was in Maine. We (family, friends, medical folks) did not expect her to die. She had under gone successful surgery to remove cancer from her body. She was undergoing chemo-therapy treatments as a prevention mention. Something went wrong, very quickly. The hospital/medical personnel made errors - there was grave incompetence - within 5 days my mom went from being on the road to recovery, to death.
I was driving from New Jersey to Maine (11 hour drive) in the middle of the night, alone. I was praying and asking God to let her 'go home', to heal her and let her go home. I sensed a peace in the midst of tears that God had answered my prayer. I received a call, with still 6 hours to drive, that my mom died. I pulled over and wept. Crying out to the Lord. I didn't understand, this wasn't what I prayed!?! I didn't even get to say goodbye!
As time unfolded, I saw that indeed the Lord did answer my prayer. My mom was healed. And, she was home. She was/is experiencing no more pain and suffering or tears. She is where we are intended to be for eternity, where are citizenship resides. With Christ in God (Colossians 3:3,4). Weeping endures for a night (sometimes years) but Joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). I still miss my mom, but I know that one day I will be with her forever. In our True home. Our eternal home. Where we were created to live (Philippians 3:20).
But God. I don't understand how it all works together. I don't understand how human incompetence unto fatality fits into God's sovereignty and appointed time and place for each person's ordained days. But God. I know that God is True. And I know that God is all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere all at the same time (Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent). I know that God is in control and that our best is in God's heart - because He loves us.
What does my experience with my mom have to do with God and Paul as recorded in Acts 25? It has to do with your life and mine and the lives of our loved ones. God is Sovereign and Good. Paul's time was not dictated by those who were seeking to kill him. His time was dictated by God. Paul fit into God's story, History, His-story. Romans 8:28. We only know in part today (we only see in part) but one day we will see/understand completely (1 Corinthians 13:12).
"God, help us to trust You, help us to believe You, help us to see the way You do. We love You. Thank You for loving us. Even so come Lord Jesus come."
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Of Great Value and Worth
Leviticus 27
Acts 24
Food for Life:
Acts 24
"So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and all people" (24:16). What an excellent check and matter of prayer for God's grace to have this be so in our lives! In this chapter, once again, Paul is giving a defense for his actions and for the Hope he has within.
He is humble as he presents himself before the governmental and political authorities. He is respectful, he doesn't call names or sling accusations back at his accusers. He is positive and points out the praiseworthy aspects of the Felix's reign and his accomplishments. He is honest, he recounts how he was before Jesus apprehended him :), and how he has conducted himself after being brought into the Kingdom of Light. He seeks to be unifying, he speaks to the aspects of faith in which there is agreement with the very people who are calling for his killing. He brings an excellent defense for himself, but he is not defensive!
"Lord, I pray as you call us to be ready to give an answer in season and out, for the Hope which resides within us, we would take on the example of Paul - by Your Grace and Power. Thank You Lord. Please forgive us for the times when our individual or collective actions as believers has been less than Paul's example - and has actually given cause for others to accuse us. We love You Lord, thank You for loving us."
Leviticus 27
The end of Leviticus!! Wow, we made it - this can be a difficult book to get through. I'm thankful to the Lord for help me and I trust you, to glean what He had for us that is used to help us 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!'
Redeeming what is the Lords'. This final chapter delineates, as most chapters in Leviticus, God's guidelines, commands, and instruction for the given subject. I am so thankful to Jesus that you and I do not have a value which can be counted as monetary. God revealed what value was and is placed on us as Image Bearer's of God. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself. "He who had no sin, became sin FOR US so that we could become the righteousness of God" ( ).
The next time you have a thought, or the demonic plagues you with a thought, or someone speaks or acts toward you in a manner that says, "you are worth nothing, you are no good, you are_________", I pray you and I recall, by the Power of the Holy Spirit, "no, that is a lie, the TRuth is that Jesus Christ laid down His life for me...I' m to DIE FOR!!!" As Image Bearer's of God, we are of immeasurable value and worth. Renounce the lie, and proclaim the Truth - allow the Holy Spirit to speak deeply in you spirit the specific Truth for the specific lie. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, He is the lie buster and effects what Jesus did on the Cross...setting us free!
Thank You Lord!!!
Acts 24
Food for Life:
Acts 24
"So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and all people" (24:16). What an excellent check and matter of prayer for God's grace to have this be so in our lives! In this chapter, once again, Paul is giving a defense for his actions and for the Hope he has within.
He is humble as he presents himself before the governmental and political authorities. He is respectful, he doesn't call names or sling accusations back at his accusers. He is positive and points out the praiseworthy aspects of the Felix's reign and his accomplishments. He is honest, he recounts how he was before Jesus apprehended him :), and how he has conducted himself after being brought into the Kingdom of Light. He seeks to be unifying, he speaks to the aspects of faith in which there is agreement with the very people who are calling for his killing. He brings an excellent defense for himself, but he is not defensive!
"Lord, I pray as you call us to be ready to give an answer in season and out, for the Hope which resides within us, we would take on the example of Paul - by Your Grace and Power. Thank You Lord. Please forgive us for the times when our individual or collective actions as believers has been less than Paul's example - and has actually given cause for others to accuse us. We love You Lord, thank You for loving us."
Leviticus 27
The end of Leviticus!! Wow, we made it - this can be a difficult book to get through. I'm thankful to the Lord for help me and I trust you, to glean what He had for us that is used to help us 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!'
Redeeming what is the Lords'. This final chapter delineates, as most chapters in Leviticus, God's guidelines, commands, and instruction for the given subject. I am so thankful to Jesus that you and I do not have a value which can be counted as monetary. God revealed what value was and is placed on us as Image Bearer's of God. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself. "He who had no sin, became sin FOR US so that we could become the righteousness of God" ( ).
The next time you have a thought, or the demonic plagues you with a thought, or someone speaks or acts toward you in a manner that says, "you are worth nothing, you are no good, you are_________", I pray you and I recall, by the Power of the Holy Spirit, "no, that is a lie, the TRuth is that Jesus Christ laid down His life for me...I' m to DIE FOR!!!" As Image Bearer's of God, we are of immeasurable value and worth. Renounce the lie, and proclaim the Truth - allow the Holy Spirit to speak deeply in you spirit the specific Truth for the specific lie. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, He is the lie buster and effects what Jesus did on the Cross...setting us free!
Thank You Lord!!!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Blessing in Obedience
Leviticus 26
Food for Life:
Leviticus 26
"But (God) if you will not listen to Me..."(26:14), "But (God ) if they will confess their sins and the sins of their fathers..."(26:40).
But God. Remember? God is the game changer. When He 'shows up', when He intervenes, when we consider Him, God changes everything. God never changes, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. But God. He changes you, me, situations, outcomes, results, the journey, the heart. God is the Original Transformer; not transforming Himself (for He is Perfection), but changes you and me.
Remember God. Actually, that is what is being said in this chapter of Leviticus. God is letting the Israelites know how they were made to live, which would result in great blessing. It is quite logical in many ways. We were designed by God. We are God's Image Bearers. God knows precisely how we are made to live so that we blossom, grow, thrive, remain in joy, and bring Him Glory.
God also knows when we don't remember Him; when we don't follow Him, how destructive and harmful it is for us, for those around us, and even for those who are our inherit-ants. The Lord shows us how going off course from Him causes us to crash and burn (not always immediately, but inevitably); God also shows us, as He did the Israelites, time and time again, how to get back on course - 26:40 reveals that to confess our sin/repent/ turn/ renounce the disobedience/ and that "of our fathers", we will receive forgiveness, refreshing, revitalization. 1 John 1:9 is like this revelation - "If you confess your sin, He is faithful and just to forgive your sin and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness."
What about the sins of "our fathers?" This reveals the reality that what we do effects those that come after us; and we are effected by those who went before us - our parents, grandparents... . Why confess their sin? Because in so doing, the power of the sin, the curse if you will, is broken - we can be set free of the destructive generational patterns (you know what I'm talking about) - and begin afresh and anew.
"THank You Lord for showing us Yourself and The Way. Thank You that we don't have to sin, that it isn't our destiny, and that through the Power of the Cross and the Holy Spirit, we can break the destructive patterns that came before us and we can walk in freedom - not passing them on down one more generation. Hallelujah! Thank You for Your great Love with which You love us..."
Food for Life:
Leviticus 26
"But (God) if you will not listen to Me..."(26:14), "But (God ) if they will confess their sins and the sins of their fathers..."(26:40).
But God. Remember? God is the game changer. When He 'shows up', when He intervenes, when we consider Him, God changes everything. God never changes, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. But God. He changes you, me, situations, outcomes, results, the journey, the heart. God is the Original Transformer; not transforming Himself (for He is Perfection), but changes you and me.
Remember God. Actually, that is what is being said in this chapter of Leviticus. God is letting the Israelites know how they were made to live, which would result in great blessing. It is quite logical in many ways. We were designed by God. We are God's Image Bearers. God knows precisely how we are made to live so that we blossom, grow, thrive, remain in joy, and bring Him Glory.
God also knows when we don't remember Him; when we don't follow Him, how destructive and harmful it is for us, for those around us, and even for those who are our inherit-ants. The Lord shows us how going off course from Him causes us to crash and burn (not always immediately, but inevitably); God also shows us, as He did the Israelites, time and time again, how to get back on course - 26:40 reveals that to confess our sin/repent/ turn/ renounce the disobedience/ and that "of our fathers", we will receive forgiveness, refreshing, revitalization. 1 John 1:9 is like this revelation - "If you confess your sin, He is faithful and just to forgive your sin and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness."
What about the sins of "our fathers?" This reveals the reality that what we do effects those that come after us; and we are effected by those who went before us - our parents, grandparents... . Why confess their sin? Because in so doing, the power of the sin, the curse if you will, is broken - we can be set free of the destructive generational patterns (you know what I'm talking about) - and begin afresh and anew.
"THank You Lord for showing us Yourself and The Way. Thank You that we don't have to sin, that it isn't our destiny, and that through the Power of the Cross and the Holy Spirit, we can break the destructive patterns that came before us and we can walk in freedom - not passing them on down one more generation. Hallelujah! Thank You for Your great Love with which You love us..."
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Rhythm of Life
Leviticus 25
Acts 23
Food for Life:
Leviticus 25
"...The land is to have a year of rest...Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the Lord your God..." (25:5,17). Even the land was to rest. Every seven years there was to be a year of rest for the land when no crops were to be planted or harvested. This chapter also describes the Year of Jubilee, when every 50th year, land was returned to original owners (according to a detailed order), slaves or workers and families could be set free, debts forgiven.
God instructs regarding the rhythm of life, "because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants" (25:23). The people are reminded that whatever they have acquired of property, materially, and to include themselves - are not their own - everything was created by God, and for God. He designed everything and knows how best to care for all things.
He is the Potter and we are the clay (Isaiah 64:8, Jeremiah 18). The earth belongs to the Lord and everything it contains (Psalm 24:1). We are told that in Jesus, we are God's children, God is not only our Creator but God is our Parent...God is the perfect Parent. Not like us who have imperfections, who sin, who don't always get everything right...human and finite. God knows what is best for everything created and for all those - everyone - made in God's Image - we are God's Image bearers. Wow.
"Lord, what security and trust we can have in the reality of Who You are and Whose we are! I pray we would but seek You. And seek Your ways related to everything of life. We don't have to worry and fret about what to do and which way to go, we can seek You, read Your Word for guidance, depend and rely on You for You know the way we should go. "There seems a way that is right to man, but in the end brings death" (Proverbs 14:12). Help us to rest in You and follow You. Thank You Lord."
Acts 23
"But when the son of Paul's sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul" (23:16). Paul's nephew learned of the conspiracy Paul's enemies had to kill him. He went into the barracks to tell his Uncle, who sent him to the commander with the information. What a brave young man! God gave courage and boldness to this young one. This is a glimpse of why Jesus tells us that we must have 'faith as a child'...trusting, believing, and acting on faith.
"It is easy to overlook children, assuming that they aren't old enough to do much for the Lord. But a young boy played an important part in protecting Paul's life. God can use anyone, of any age, who is willing to yield to him. Jesus made it clear that children are important (Matthew 18:2-6). Give children the importance God gives them" (pg 2010, NIV Study Bible).
"Help us Lord to value those You value and to have this child-like faith that trusts You, believes You, and acts out of that trust and faith. Thank You Lord."
Acts 23
Food for Life:
Leviticus 25
"...The land is to have a year of rest...Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the Lord your God..." (25:5,17). Even the land was to rest. Every seven years there was to be a year of rest for the land when no crops were to be planted or harvested. This chapter also describes the Year of Jubilee, when every 50th year, land was returned to original owners (according to a detailed order), slaves or workers and families could be set free, debts forgiven.
God instructs regarding the rhythm of life, "because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants" (25:23). The people are reminded that whatever they have acquired of property, materially, and to include themselves - are not their own - everything was created by God, and for God. He designed everything and knows how best to care for all things.
He is the Potter and we are the clay (Isaiah 64:8, Jeremiah 18). The earth belongs to the Lord and everything it contains (Psalm 24:1). We are told that in Jesus, we are God's children, God is not only our Creator but God is our Parent...God is the perfect Parent. Not like us who have imperfections, who sin, who don't always get everything right...human and finite. God knows what is best for everything created and for all those - everyone - made in God's Image - we are God's Image bearers. Wow.
"Lord, what security and trust we can have in the reality of Who You are and Whose we are! I pray we would but seek You. And seek Your ways related to everything of life. We don't have to worry and fret about what to do and which way to go, we can seek You, read Your Word for guidance, depend and rely on You for You know the way we should go. "There seems a way that is right to man, but in the end brings death" (Proverbs 14:12). Help us to rest in You and follow You. Thank You Lord."
Acts 23
"But when the son of Paul's sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul" (23:16). Paul's nephew learned of the conspiracy Paul's enemies had to kill him. He went into the barracks to tell his Uncle, who sent him to the commander with the information. What a brave young man! God gave courage and boldness to this young one. This is a glimpse of why Jesus tells us that we must have 'faith as a child'...trusting, believing, and acting on faith.
"It is easy to overlook children, assuming that they aren't old enough to do much for the Lord. But a young boy played an important part in protecting Paul's life. God can use anyone, of any age, who is willing to yield to him. Jesus made it clear that children are important (Matthew 18:2-6). Give children the importance God gives them" (pg 2010, NIV Study Bible).
"Help us Lord to value those You value and to have this child-like faith that trusts You, believes You, and acts out of that trust and faith. Thank You Lord."
Monday, May 10, 2010
Compelled by the Holy Spirit
"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships, are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace" (Acts 20:24).
When was the last time you were 'compelled by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16-18)?
This writing is prompted by a sense of being 'compelled by the Spirit.' I am on route to home, sitting in the Cleveland airport, awaiting my flight. Funny place to be compelled by the Spirit...? As I was walking, escalating, and walking on the 'people mover' from one end of the airport to the other, the Holy Spirit birthed from within me a 'new song of praise to our God'!
It was 'an original'...words of Praise about: God's Worthiness, His Love, His pursuit of me, and the precious cross on which my Savior gave His life for mine! It was a new tune - it just came 'out of the overflow of my heart!'(Proverbs 4:23…if you read this Mia, I know you love it and know what I mean!!)
How do I know the new song of praise was from the Holy Spirit? Well, I pray you know through your own experience, it is hard to describe 'how I know', but here it goes: The praise pointed to Jesus Christ; the song was unencumbered - it was not thought through for censorship of it's perfection, correctness, or form before the singing of it - it was joy flowing from within and brought great delight to my soul, it drew me closer to Jesus even as it was an expression of my relationship with Jesus, initiated and empowered by Him; it was fruit born from the Outpouring.
The Outpouring? This was the gathering that brought me to Cleveland and from where I was traveling. We are admonished to not forsake/neglect our gathering together as the body of Christ. This gathering was purposed in the heart of God for believers to come together to worship, pray, and wait on the Lord; to wait on the Lord with expectancy on the Holy Spirit to come amongst us and move by His presence and power. And He came. (Acts 1:8, Galatians 5).
There was worshiping in Spirit and Truth. There were people being set free (Isaiah 61:1-3). There was freedom of expression, pointing to Jesus and our Sovereign God. There were prayers of intercession - personal, family, community, nation, and world - send revival in the land, Lord (2 Chronicles 7:14). People were ministering to others with the gifts the Lord deposited in them. There was challenge to return to the places where God has positioned each one of us and to seek the Lord in evidencing the Fruit of His Spirit (Galatians 5, 25, 26). And to share what the Lord did during the Outpouring time - as the Apostle Paul declared, "testifying to the good news of God's grace" (Acts 20:24).
So, the song came, an new song - as a testimony of God's marvelous grace - the movement of His presence and power. I wait, we wait now, to see the evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence and power through the fruit to be born as a result of His movement during the Outpouring. Revive us O Lord. Bring Revival to your church.
When was the last time you were compelled by the Holy Spirit? When was the last time you said, 'Come, Holy Spirit' and waited for the presence of the Lord to move in power?
When was the last time you were 'compelled by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16-18)?
This writing is prompted by a sense of being 'compelled by the Spirit.' I am on route to home, sitting in the Cleveland airport, awaiting my flight. Funny place to be compelled by the Spirit...? As I was walking, escalating, and walking on the 'people mover' from one end of the airport to the other, the Holy Spirit birthed from within me a 'new song of praise to our God'!
It was 'an original'...words of Praise about: God's Worthiness, His Love, His pursuit of me, and the precious cross on which my Savior gave His life for mine! It was a new tune - it just came 'out of the overflow of my heart!'(Proverbs 4:23…if you read this Mia, I know you love it and know what I mean!!)
How do I know the new song of praise was from the Holy Spirit? Well, I pray you know through your own experience, it is hard to describe 'how I know', but here it goes: The praise pointed to Jesus Christ; the song was unencumbered - it was not thought through for censorship of it's perfection, correctness, or form before the singing of it - it was joy flowing from within and brought great delight to my soul, it drew me closer to Jesus even as it was an expression of my relationship with Jesus, initiated and empowered by Him; it was fruit born from the Outpouring.
The Outpouring? This was the gathering that brought me to Cleveland and from where I was traveling. We are admonished to not forsake/neglect our gathering together as the body of Christ. This gathering was purposed in the heart of God for believers to come together to worship, pray, and wait on the Lord; to wait on the Lord with expectancy on the Holy Spirit to come amongst us and move by His presence and power. And He came. (Acts 1:8, Galatians 5).
There was worshiping in Spirit and Truth. There were people being set free (Isaiah 61:1-3). There was freedom of expression, pointing to Jesus and our Sovereign God. There were prayers of intercession - personal, family, community, nation, and world - send revival in the land, Lord (2 Chronicles 7:14). People were ministering to others with the gifts the Lord deposited in them. There was challenge to return to the places where God has positioned each one of us and to seek the Lord in evidencing the Fruit of His Spirit (Galatians 5, 25, 26). And to share what the Lord did during the Outpouring time - as the Apostle Paul declared, "testifying to the good news of God's grace" (Acts 20:24).
So, the song came, an new song - as a testimony of God's marvelous grace - the movement of His presence and power. I wait, we wait now, to see the evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence and power through the fruit to be born as a result of His movement during the Outpouring. Revive us O Lord. Bring Revival to your church.
When was the last time you were compelled by the Holy Spirit? When was the last time you said, 'Come, Holy Spirit' and waited for the presence of the Lord to move in power?
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Faithful Creator
Leviticus 24
Acts 22
Food for Life:
Leviticus 24
Wow - an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth law...remember the grace of God through Jesus Christ and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to thwart the plans of the evil one. The Lord says that vengeance is His (Hebrews 10:30)... so whenever thoughts of pay-back, retaliation, revenge, or 'putting someone in his/her place' come to mind - call on the Name of Jesus, ask for the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit to enter in...and depend on God to pour out Himself in the place of all that...and trust the Lord of the universe to do what is right.
"....[Continue] to entrust yourself to a faithful Creator in doing what is right' (1 Peter 4:19).
"Help us Lord to look to you in all things. When we have been wronged, help us to seek Your Face, depending on You to 'take care of the situation'...help us to pray for those who wrong us, so that Your Glory will be evident. Thank You for Your Grace toward me Lord, when i wrong others. Help me to recognize my wrong/offense, apologize to the one I've wronged, ask forgiveness of her/him and of You, - so that we might all grow up in You, and that You might be glorified. Thank You God."
Acts 22
Wow - I use that exclamation a lot as I read Scripture! Not very original, but expresses my first reaction! Paul describes for those listening, those who want to harm him, what took place in his life that brings him to the point of that day. He goes into his defense - he is honest about 'who he use to be' and what happened, what Jesus did, and as a result 'who he is today.' Now one would hope that by Paul laying everything out on the table, that folks would at least not want to harm him any longer - if not rejoice and say 'what must I do to be saved?!' BUT GOD, that is not the case.
They want to kill him! But aren't we told that telling the truth is always best? Isn't everything suppose to be okay if we tell the truth?....yes. And in the end...everything will be 'okay' if we tell the truth! BUT GOD...in living in this world where sin abounds, where people want their own way (don't you want your way sometimes...I do...), where we combat the three enemies of God - the world, the flesh, the devil - folks don't respond the right way, the God way....
SO, 1 Peter 4:19 comes in to this picture too...Paul continues to entrust himself to the faithful One and continues to speak and 'do the right thing' - trusting that God will see him through - even if through hardship, trial, and in Paul's case, impending death. But remember, Paul is the one who said that his life was nothing compared to the glorious riches in Christ Jesus...
"Oh God, I pray today that we would be a people that would not shy away from what the world, flesh, and devil have to offer, But like Paul, we would be a people that would continue to entrust ourselves to You, The Faithful One, in doing what is right; being convinced that in due time, in the fullness of time, we shall see Your Face - we shall see the recompense of the Lord. Help us to call on You and walk in the presence and power of Your Holy Spirit!"
Acts 22
Food for Life:
Leviticus 24
Wow - an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth law...remember the grace of God through Jesus Christ and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to thwart the plans of the evil one. The Lord says that vengeance is His (Hebrews 10:30)... so whenever thoughts of pay-back, retaliation, revenge, or 'putting someone in his/her place' come to mind - call on the Name of Jesus, ask for the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit to enter in...and depend on God to pour out Himself in the place of all that...and trust the Lord of the universe to do what is right.
"....[Continue] to entrust yourself to a faithful Creator in doing what is right' (1 Peter 4:19).
"Help us Lord to look to you in all things. When we have been wronged, help us to seek Your Face, depending on You to 'take care of the situation'...help us to pray for those who wrong us, so that Your Glory will be evident. Thank You for Your Grace toward me Lord, when i wrong others. Help me to recognize my wrong/offense, apologize to the one I've wronged, ask forgiveness of her/him and of You, - so that we might all grow up in You, and that You might be glorified. Thank You God."
Acts 22
Wow - I use that exclamation a lot as I read Scripture! Not very original, but expresses my first reaction! Paul describes for those listening, those who want to harm him, what took place in his life that brings him to the point of that day. He goes into his defense - he is honest about 'who he use to be' and what happened, what Jesus did, and as a result 'who he is today.' Now one would hope that by Paul laying everything out on the table, that folks would at least not want to harm him any longer - if not rejoice and say 'what must I do to be saved?!' BUT GOD, that is not the case.
They want to kill him! But aren't we told that telling the truth is always best? Isn't everything suppose to be okay if we tell the truth?....yes. And in the end...everything will be 'okay' if we tell the truth! BUT GOD...in living in this world where sin abounds, where people want their own way (don't you want your way sometimes...I do...), where we combat the three enemies of God - the world, the flesh, the devil - folks don't respond the right way, the God way....
SO, 1 Peter 4:19 comes in to this picture too...Paul continues to entrust himself to the faithful One and continues to speak and 'do the right thing' - trusting that God will see him through - even if through hardship, trial, and in Paul's case, impending death. But remember, Paul is the one who said that his life was nothing compared to the glorious riches in Christ Jesus...
"Oh God, I pray today that we would be a people that would not shy away from what the world, flesh, and devil have to offer, But like Paul, we would be a people that would continue to entrust ourselves to You, The Faithful One, in doing what is right; being convinced that in due time, in the fullness of time, we shall see Your Face - we shall see the recompense of the Lord. Help us to call on You and walk in the presence and power of Your Holy Spirit!"
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
God's Will Be Done
Leviticus 23
Acts 21
Food for Life:
Leviticus 23
God recounts through Moses the reasons for and ways to celebrate holidays instituted as Israelites - set apart, holy people, from the Egyptians and pagan cultures around them. There was balance between confession and celebration - confession for disobedience, celebration for who God is and what He has done. One author asks, 'What do your holidays look like? What traditions have you set forth? What do they signify?" Excellent to think about. Perhaps if your holiday celebrations do not reflect what you truly value, you might start some new traditions and ways to celebrate - ways that are God honoring, filled w/thankful and grateful hearts for Who God is and what He has done!
Acts 21
"The Lord's will be done" (21:14). Powerful words. Jesus said that this is what He came to do, God's will. The believers with Paul tried to persuade him not to go to Jerusalem because of the prophecy that he would be bound. The believers took the prophecy and came to the conclusion that it meant that Paul shouldn't go. Paul did not discount the prophecy, he disagreed with their conclusion based on the prophecy. Finally, they said, OK..."The Lord's will be done."
Have you been there? Realizing the heart ache, pain, conflict, and trouble involved in a decision or action - and then surmising, therefore, that the decision which would entail this trouble, should not be carried out? Paul's example, recognizing the trouble he would encounter - even to his own life being threatened - did not deter him from following through on what he believed the Lord had for him. Even in the face of influential peer pressure! Peers that were God-honoring and who loved Paul!
"The Lord' will be done." The believers with him concluded that they could not deter Paul, so they said, "The Lord's will be done." Sometimes this is said from the heart, like Jesus' in the Garden of Gethsemane - He struggled with His Father, asking that the cup be taken from Him, yet what he wanted most was for the Father's will to be done.
There are times "The Lord's will be done" is said in resignation and defeat...like, "I've tried everything I know how, it isn't working, so, oh well...God's will be done!"
See the difference? The Scripture indicates that the believers, when they saw Paul would not be dissuaded, "gave up"...and said, "The Lord's will be done." We assume that this giving up was not in defeatist resignation because they clearly were not running from persecution themselves in living/dying for Jesus' sake...but God only knows their hearts. God knows our hearts. I confess that I've had times when my, "God's will be done" proclamation and prayer has been more from a feeling and thought of resignation and defeat, than from a heart filled with faith that God's will, will be done and it is best!
And then I ask God to help me. Fill me with the Holy Spirit in a way that will renew and strengthen my faith for the journey. How about you? Have you 'fallen' into this trap? If so, please join me in asking God, "to fill us Lord with Your Spirit freshly and anew; increasing our faith in You...that our hearts can proclaim, "none the less Lord, Your will be done, not my own!"
Acts 21
Food for Life:
Leviticus 23
God recounts through Moses the reasons for and ways to celebrate holidays instituted as Israelites - set apart, holy people, from the Egyptians and pagan cultures around them. There was balance between confession and celebration - confession for disobedience, celebration for who God is and what He has done. One author asks, 'What do your holidays look like? What traditions have you set forth? What do they signify?" Excellent to think about. Perhaps if your holiday celebrations do not reflect what you truly value, you might start some new traditions and ways to celebrate - ways that are God honoring, filled w/thankful and grateful hearts for Who God is and what He has done!
Acts 21
"The Lord's will be done" (21:14). Powerful words. Jesus said that this is what He came to do, God's will. The believers with Paul tried to persuade him not to go to Jerusalem because of the prophecy that he would be bound. The believers took the prophecy and came to the conclusion that it meant that Paul shouldn't go. Paul did not discount the prophecy, he disagreed with their conclusion based on the prophecy. Finally, they said, OK..."The Lord's will be done."
Have you been there? Realizing the heart ache, pain, conflict, and trouble involved in a decision or action - and then surmising, therefore, that the decision which would entail this trouble, should not be carried out? Paul's example, recognizing the trouble he would encounter - even to his own life being threatened - did not deter him from following through on what he believed the Lord had for him. Even in the face of influential peer pressure! Peers that were God-honoring and who loved Paul!
"The Lord' will be done." The believers with him concluded that they could not deter Paul, so they said, "The Lord's will be done." Sometimes this is said from the heart, like Jesus' in the Garden of Gethsemane - He struggled with His Father, asking that the cup be taken from Him, yet what he wanted most was for the Father's will to be done.
There are times "The Lord's will be done" is said in resignation and defeat...like, "I've tried everything I know how, it isn't working, so, oh well...God's will be done!"
See the difference? The Scripture indicates that the believers, when they saw Paul would not be dissuaded, "gave up"...and said, "The Lord's will be done." We assume that this giving up was not in defeatist resignation because they clearly were not running from persecution themselves in living/dying for Jesus' sake...but God only knows their hearts. God knows our hearts. I confess that I've had times when my, "God's will be done" proclamation and prayer has been more from a feeling and thought of resignation and defeat, than from a heart filled with faith that God's will, will be done and it is best!
And then I ask God to help me. Fill me with the Holy Spirit in a way that will renew and strengthen my faith for the journey. How about you? Have you 'fallen' into this trap? If so, please join me in asking God, "to fill us Lord with Your Spirit freshly and anew; increasing our faith in You...that our hearts can proclaim, "none the less Lord, Your will be done, not my own!"
Monday, May 3, 2010
Finishing the Race
Leviticus 21,22
Acts 20
Food for Life:
Leviticus 21, 22
More instructions for the priests to live out the holy position - the 'set apart' position - in which God has placed them!
Acts 20
"I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace" (20:23,24). Wow. We are reminded of the persecution and outright death threats Paul faced at every turn, every city he was journeying with Jesus to, in order to share "the gospel of God's grace." Paul's 'however' here is like BUT GOD - this 'however' changes everything that came before it!
Last night I was tossing and turning as I thought about some ministry issues that were concerning to me. The sssues aren't (don't seem to be...) related to being persecuted for Christ's sake. They are mundane and really inconsequential compared to the matters Paul faced and the dynamics of his relationships. And yet, I am reminded by the Lord even this morning about what is important, what is priority as it concerns God's Kingdom. Even as I cried out to the Lord from Psalm 142,143, I am told by the Lord that He cares about all things pertaining to our lives. And that our lives in Him are about displaying His Glory, for our good, and the good of others.
So I can pour my heart out to the Lord with 'whatever concerns me today' because I am God's concern - you can pour out your heart today to the Lord about 'whatever concerns you today because you are God's concern. And then, the Lord will bring us to another place in Him, one that I believe Paul speaks of...being determined to 'know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified' (1 Corinthians 2:2) and considering his 'life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.'
"Oh God, I pray today that I, like Paul - we, like Paul - would consider my/our life on this earth nothing compared to finishing the journey/race and 'good works that You created for me/us to walk in' (Ephesians 2:10) and that I,we would complete that work - even as You promise to 'complete the good work You have begun in us' (Philippians 1:6). Thank You Lord! Thank You that You are faithful! Thank You that You see the beginning from the end and that all things are present to You, You are outside of this human finite time and yet You work in and through us in this time! Your love is better than life Lord (Ps 63)!"
Acts 20
Food for Life:
Leviticus 21, 22
More instructions for the priests to live out the holy position - the 'set apart' position - in which God has placed them!
Acts 20
"I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace" (20:23,24). Wow. We are reminded of the persecution and outright death threats Paul faced at every turn, every city he was journeying with Jesus to, in order to share "the gospel of God's grace." Paul's 'however' here is like BUT GOD - this 'however' changes everything that came before it!
Last night I was tossing and turning as I thought about some ministry issues that were concerning to me. The sssues aren't (don't seem to be...) related to being persecuted for Christ's sake. They are mundane and really inconsequential compared to the matters Paul faced and the dynamics of his relationships. And yet, I am reminded by the Lord even this morning about what is important, what is priority as it concerns God's Kingdom. Even as I cried out to the Lord from Psalm 142,143, I am told by the Lord that He cares about all things pertaining to our lives. And that our lives in Him are about displaying His Glory, for our good, and the good of others.
So I can pour my heart out to the Lord with 'whatever concerns me today' because I am God's concern - you can pour out your heart today to the Lord about 'whatever concerns you today because you are God's concern. And then, the Lord will bring us to another place in Him, one that I believe Paul speaks of...being determined to 'know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified' (1 Corinthians 2:2) and considering his 'life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.'
"Oh God, I pray today that I, like Paul - we, like Paul - would consider my/our life on this earth nothing compared to finishing the journey/race and 'good works that You created for me/us to walk in' (Ephesians 2:10) and that I,we would complete that work - even as You promise to 'complete the good work You have begun in us' (Philippians 1:6). Thank You Lord! Thank You that You are faithful! Thank You that You see the beginning from the end and that all things are present to You, You are outside of this human finite time and yet You work in and through us in this time! Your love is better than life Lord (Ps 63)!"
Saturday, May 1, 2010
The Unthinkable
Leviticus 20
Food for Life:
Leviticus 20
God lays down more instructions that will help the Israelites to separate themselves from the pagan culture around them and to separate, be holy, to the Lord. A particular unsettling and unimaginable ritual that the Ammonites' practiced was sacrificing their children to Molech! Molech was their national god and they did this in order to either appease angry gods or ward off evil spirits. God made/makes it clear in both the Old and New Testaments that human sacrifice is unthinkable!
I have committed the unthinkable. It is hard for me to write these words, as I think about having aborted my baby when I was young and before I knew Love and the grace and forgiveness of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have received forgiveness from Jesus, and the Lord has brought healing in my life. He gave me opportunity to minister to others who were in similar situations as I was in. YET, this grace does not remove the fact of my actions and being able to remember what took place. The blood of Christ and receiving Him, His forgiveness does remove the spiritual consequence of my sin, which is death (Romans 6:23). But it does not remove the fact that there is one less person on earth - one less person to be revealed as the image bearer - one made in the image of God - on this earth.
Today America and many parts of the world are like the pagan cultures described in the days of old. While abortion is not a sacrifice to Molech for the warding off of evil spirits or to appease angry gods, it is a sacrifice to selfishness....remember, I committed this 'sacrifice' myself so I'm not pointing my figure at others...I have great compassion for those who are faced with situations that are difficult and for others who have aborted their babies, or who have encouraged mothers to do so. Yet, most times, the act of abortion stems from acts that are not what God intends for us. Acts of sexual immorality - either our own sin or the sins of others against us.
There are many victims in abortion. The baby's life is taken. The mother goes through tremendous grief, turmoil, and resultant consequences (even if she is not aware of it at the time); a father is without his child, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins, all are without a loved one. God has been sinned against because each baby is a gift from God, regardless of the circumstances of the baby's conception. The world is without a person who would have contributed to society. Each person is valuable regardless of circumstances of life, because each one of us are created, from conception, in the image of God.
So, even as I read about the Ammonites sacrificing their children to Molech, the unthinkable - I pause because of my action and because of America's (governmental) sanction on abortion. Not only in this country, but our promotion of abortion in other countries. God help us. God have mercy.
"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). This is a life-giving verse for me. I pray it would be for you - for those of you reading this that have, like me, been party to aborting a baby. The blood of Jesus has come for one such as me, such as you. This is why we need Jesus. Because we were born with sin nature and because we take actions into our own hands to manage situations in our lives that are outside of, that are an offense to, that are not the ways God intends.
And we are not condemned if we have received the gift of forgiveness through the grace in faith, the tender mercy of God. The only condemnation that stands is for those who have rejected Christ (John 3:17,18 - "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son").
"Thank You Lord for Your unfathomable forgiveness and mercy. Thank You Lord for the Love You poured out and continue to do so for me, for us, who act selfishly, unthinkingly, ignorantly, knowingly, and with disobedience. Who act in ways that are not made for us, that go against who we are created to be in You. Thank You that You have set us free from the power of (this) darkness and have brought us into Your marvelous Light. Bring healing Lord into the hearts and minds of those, who like me, have sacrificed their baby(s) at the seat of selfishness, fear, ignorance, pressure from others, and whatever other reasons contributed to their act. OH God, how we need You, thank You for rescuing us...from ourselves, for Your Glory, our good, and the good of others."
Food for Life:
Leviticus 20
God lays down more instructions that will help the Israelites to separate themselves from the pagan culture around them and to separate, be holy, to the Lord. A particular unsettling and unimaginable ritual that the Ammonites' practiced was sacrificing their children to Molech! Molech was their national god and they did this in order to either appease angry gods or ward off evil spirits. God made/makes it clear in both the Old and New Testaments that human sacrifice is unthinkable!
I have committed the unthinkable. It is hard for me to write these words, as I think about having aborted my baby when I was young and before I knew Love and the grace and forgiveness of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have received forgiveness from Jesus, and the Lord has brought healing in my life. He gave me opportunity to minister to others who were in similar situations as I was in. YET, this grace does not remove the fact of my actions and being able to remember what took place. The blood of Christ and receiving Him, His forgiveness does remove the spiritual consequence of my sin, which is death (Romans 6:23). But it does not remove the fact that there is one less person on earth - one less person to be revealed as the image bearer - one made in the image of God - on this earth.
Today America and many parts of the world are like the pagan cultures described in the days of old. While abortion is not a sacrifice to Molech for the warding off of evil spirits or to appease angry gods, it is a sacrifice to selfishness....remember, I committed this 'sacrifice' myself so I'm not pointing my figure at others...I have great compassion for those who are faced with situations that are difficult and for others who have aborted their babies, or who have encouraged mothers to do so. Yet, most times, the act of abortion stems from acts that are not what God intends for us. Acts of sexual immorality - either our own sin or the sins of others against us.
There are many victims in abortion. The baby's life is taken. The mother goes through tremendous grief, turmoil, and resultant consequences (even if she is not aware of it at the time); a father is without his child, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins, all are without a loved one. God has been sinned against because each baby is a gift from God, regardless of the circumstances of the baby's conception. The world is without a person who would have contributed to society. Each person is valuable regardless of circumstances of life, because each one of us are created, from conception, in the image of God.
So, even as I read about the Ammonites sacrificing their children to Molech, the unthinkable - I pause because of my action and because of America's (governmental) sanction on abortion. Not only in this country, but our promotion of abortion in other countries. God help us. God have mercy.
"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). This is a life-giving verse for me. I pray it would be for you - for those of you reading this that have, like me, been party to aborting a baby. The blood of Jesus has come for one such as me, such as you. This is why we need Jesus. Because we were born with sin nature and because we take actions into our own hands to manage situations in our lives that are outside of, that are an offense to, that are not the ways God intends.
And we are not condemned if we have received the gift of forgiveness through the grace in faith, the tender mercy of God. The only condemnation that stands is for those who have rejected Christ (John 3:17,18 - "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son").
"Thank You Lord for Your unfathomable forgiveness and mercy. Thank You Lord for the Love You poured out and continue to do so for me, for us, who act selfishly, unthinkingly, ignorantly, knowingly, and with disobedience. Who act in ways that are not made for us, that go against who we are created to be in You. Thank You that You have set us free from the power of (this) darkness and have brought us into Your marvelous Light. Bring healing Lord into the hearts and minds of those, who like me, have sacrificed their baby(s) at the seat of selfishness, fear, ignorance, pressure from others, and whatever other reasons contributed to their act. OH God, how we need You, thank You for rescuing us...from ourselves, for Your Glory, our good, and the good of others."
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