While watching a well known Pastor preach this last Sunday morning, I was horrified as he included in his sermon the words "Nobody cares!"
After instructing his congregation to make note of their particular issues and complaints, he paused for emphasis to say it with boldness and volume. The congregation laughed!
How is the heart of our Father hurt more than this? It is through the love and grace of His heart that He sent His only begotten son Jesus Christ to redeem us to Himself for all eternity.
To think or feel He does not care for us - in any way - I believe hurts Him, though He passionately understands and waits for us to turn to Him. He cares for us more than we can know right now, He is deeply concerned over every thing that concerns, worries, frightens, angers us - the list goes on!
He is a Father who created us in His image. His care is expressed daily in provision, patience, mercies, love, tenderness, grace - a Father who waits for any word from you no matter what you're going through.
Talk to Him right now. Just turn your face to Him. He already knows. He understands. He wants to comfort you. He wants to hear what's on your heart. He is waiting to give you guidance, wisdom and peace. That's care at it's most glorious!
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace!" - Hymn by Helen H. Lemmel 1922
We have all seen them, sitting alone on the school yard while dozens of other kids run, laugh and play. Sitting alone at a subway station, and camping under freeway overpasses. Courageously driving into the church parking lot hoping no one will really notice their imitation smile. Loneliness. It even moans when it's spoken.
It seems part of the human condition to experience loneliness at some point in this life, some experiences deeper and longer than others, but we all are familiar with the pain, the empty ache, the hope that no one will notice and yet, that someone will rescue us.
I have experienced the cold echo of my own solitary presence more than once, and had no strength to even lift my eyes to heaven for help. Times like this call for comfort, reassurance, warmth and gentleness not the cruel lashing tongue of well wishers telling us to "go, do, read, or pray" but someone who, in our place will "go or do" for us until strength returns. Jesus wants to be that someone who will!
Loneliness was not the Father's plan for us. He designed us for fellowship with Himself as well as others. In the depths of difficulties however, He may allow the experience in order to draw us to Himself to learn of Him in ways we would not have any other way. He does not want us to spend one moment in loneliness longer than it takes for us to surrender into His Hands.
It was only after I surrendered my all, my failed hopes, my needs, my fears, my anger and my lonely heart, that I knew His strength, His will, His guidance, and His arms around me. I did not feel I had the faith to move forward, but I knew Him right there. And I had His unfailing protection, provision and promises behind me. Loneliness lost its foothold on my heart.
Jesus is well aquatinted with loneliness. He wants your pain. He wants you to know Him, to actually feel His presence. He is there with you right now, just as you are, and will stay with you through this hour, the next and the next for all eternity. He watches over you every minute, listens to every word you speak, and listens to every beat of your heart. He tenderly stands guard over you while you take rest and He wants to give you peace. His peace.
Set a place for Him today, at the table, set His place at the head and talk to Him. Spell His name: J E S U S, out loud. Speak His name and repeat it. There is power in the Name of the Lord, power to cause loneliness to dissolve away and wrap a warm comforter around a wounded heart.
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
The San Francisco Bay Area was my birthplace and home through my early years of elementary school. After several moves, I returned as an adult for 20 more years.
Fishing on the bay with my father is one of my cherished memories. Rolling along the waves anchored under the Bay Bridge, fog dissolving over the city, sun shining on the water, refreshing chill to the air, feeling secure, and at peace with life.
I caught lots of fish; leopard sand sharks, striped bass and flounder. On occasion we would "go out the Gate" and drop deep weighted lines going after the salmon run. Most of the time, I just caught flounder. Rather unpleasant to look at, eyes twisted on the topside of a flattened body, but always seemed grateful to be let loose.
I would think about the kinds of fish that lived in that bay and the levels they seemed to occupy. Dolphin loved the surface, salmon ran about 40 feet, shark could be found roaming anywhere, the halibut, and flounder at bottom. The Lord created such variety, form, color and function.
After accepting Jesus as my Savior and Lord, I began to view the church in almost the same way I saw the waters I fished. The Lord created so many differing fish, why wouldn't He also create Christians' in a similar fashion? There are no bodies of water where only one kind of fish live, that I know of. How could I accept that Christians should then be the same? To be like-minded is what I read in Scripture, but still maintain His personal imprint – a one of a kind Christian.
Dolphins seem to be more attractive as they bounce along the surface, "come play! see how much fun we're having!" Mantas quietly spread their wing like fins and survey, fish of all sizes, shapes and color work diligently on coral reefs, lots of levels, and lots of variety. Then there are the bottom dwellers, the flounder and halibut among them. Added to this mix is the ever present shark lurking to devour the isolated, sick, helpless or weak. I see my journey like the halibut, on the bottom, looking up.
The study of the Lord's creation is infinite, as He is ever creating for His pleasure and I am sure, ours as well.
We easily admire the variety of fish; so as we take time to interact with each other, care should be taken to recognize the wonderful array of personalities, gifts and mannerisms built by the Lord Himself in His church body.
A very dear and precious friend of mine that came to know Jesus as his Savior passed into his Savior's arms one night after taking his own life, just a year after becoming a believer.
He had been attending the church I attended and recommended. The pain has never left me, but in his memory I pray for his sons and share some of his experience.
Seemed there were quite a few "dolphins" that called to him to come “get out and play” - all the while he suffered great personal pain and did not want to express it because his first desire was to be a "perfect" Christian. In his mind’s eye, the "perfect" Christian did not show struggle, chronic depression or pain. Following a period of trying to fit in, then isolation, the enemy found him, drug him to the bottom, lied to him and destroyed his life here.
Unfortunately for the church, we did not show him that "perfect" includes the struggles, the depressions, and the pains. We did not go the bottom and stay with him to comfort and protect.
Now I try to share with those in a crucible that when you are hurting, down, at the bottom, there are "flounders" there to assist. There to offer you comfort and point you to Jesus who is with you all along, even during the plunge downward, and He will never ever leave you or forsake you! No matter what!
Going to the dentist is not one of those widely discussed topics of pleasure, but as children we went to receive the dreaded "cavity report". I thought everyone went through the same experience.
After sitting like a stone sculpture for 45 minutes, the "nurse" would dismiss us with a smile and point to a large treasure chest in the corner of the room. That chest was captivating, awesome and mysterious. It held our childhood dreams and desires of what golden treasures could possibly be found inside. Anything! But most certainly, all of the contents was something wonderful!
During my 30 plus years as a Christian, there have been moments of finding "treasure". Little snippets of time where something small happened that impacted my life. One such treasure I found one afternoon in a restroom. I call it "Excellence".
While enjoying a fine luncheon in the restaurant of a particular upscale hotel one afternoon, of course it should follow that one would need to check appearance, wash hands, tidy up before returning to public view. I slipped in to the restroom and immediately looked in the mirror checking hair and make-up. The reflection back included several unoccupied "stalls", some silk plants and a counter with paper towels neatly folded which gave me a relaxed feeling that I was alone.
Closing the door to one for privacy I casually ran my hand through the back of my hair. It is fairly short and I wanted to reassure myself that it was laying as it should. As I returned my hand to my side, I noticed one single hair, a very light blonde, almost transparent thread floated gently and silently to the tile floor directly in front of me. As I looked there for a moment, a hand came out from underneath the next stall and swept it away!
Can you imagine the thoughts and feelings I went through in that moment?
Every bone in my body stiffened as fear took a seizing grip, then the heat of embarrassment and humiliation. I froze in amazement. Then the mind took over with no help what so ever!
How can I get out of here now? What will "they", whoever they may be, think of me? I must be a thoughtless, careless slob! How could I not notice someone else in here? Would I have picked up a hair on the floor before this? Have I ever cared?
I hadn't heard a door close, so I knew they had to still be there. Taking a deep breath I couraged myself out of my safe place hoping that whoever was there would not be in view. There standing right in front of me was the hotel maid!
Her face was more radiant and gentle than I have ever seen! A silent smile. No judgement of any kind. No words were exchanged. I was humbled, completely and utterly humbled in her presence.
Grace, kindness, gentleness, meekness, the sheer beauty of ultimate servanthood. She is greater than I could ever hope to be, and shared treasure I carry now for all eternity.
"Lay out your clothes for school tomorrow"... "Learn to save for a rainy day"... "Take care of your car, and it will take care of you"...
Sound parental advice, and certainly the bible instructs us to be wise stewards over the Lord's provision and gifts.
Somewhere along the way I became fearful and began to "lean on" and trust in the things I had rather than trust the Lord. The tiny savings account I watched grow. That last car payment. The upgraded apartment I was able to get into.
Every Christian holds precious treasure in the form of their testimony. What they have experienced and how Jesus saved and changed their lives. Bits of coal, that in His Hands, became diamonds. One of my 'bits of coal' was the time I was living without a home. At 15, I worked in convalescent hospitals to save money for an apartment.
Always thankful for every thing, a clothes washer, food on a plate, and a new bar of soap! Items that are still an amazing blessing to me, 35 years later.
Enduring struggles and hard times is extremely grievous. It can drain your strength, your hope, faith and cover you with "coal dust". The only thing I could do was talk to my Father. Every thing I felt, every thing I thought. Just as if He was right beside me all the time.
There was nothing I had power over. Nothing I could change. Nothing I could do, no where to go. I couldn't even change the thoughts I had. All I could do was talk to my Father. Take Him with me where ever I went. I gave Him my heart. He gave me His life.
There is teaching out there, in the church, in bookstores, and even among well meaning believers that; "if you want it, think it, pray it, meditate on it and that's the direction you'll go"... "name it, claim it and with enough faith you'll have it". I believe this is hurting people and the heart and grace of God.
Scripture is clear: Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
He knows very well what you need, and your desires too.
Today I have food on a plate, a new bar of soap, and my clothes are clean. I have enough for today. I praise the Lord Jesus Christ and my Father for what I have. It is by His hand that I have every thing that He knows I need, today. For tomorrow, His grace is there. That's all I need. That's all I want.
Sorrows, and they will come, break us, our hearts, minds and spirits. They seem to suck the air right from our lungs and crush us below ground. Let your sorrow draw you near Jesus. He doesn't need you to do any thing, think any thing, meditate any thing, claim any thing. He simply wants you to turn and seek. He will do the rest. He is faithful to do what he promises. To get us home. "Shall be added unto you."
Have you ever given something that you really cherished? Something you worked long hours and took pains for? Something that really cost you? Something you kept for your own needs or desires?
Love costs.
I have never seen a free gift that cost nothing, make any worthwhile impact. I think about the things I have gifted over the years, financial gifts, clothing, time, resources of a guest room and meals. I think also on the emotional cost. How did I give? Grudgingly? Willingly? Joyfully? Unconditionally?
What about the cost of "standing by" while loving someone through difficulties. Waiting to offer your resources, time, energies. The cost of a broken heart. Rejection of your care, your time, your tearful prayers.
Some of the responses to love may include, unthankfulness, being misunderstood, ignored, careless disregard, and even hostility.
What are the effects? The emotional and spiritual effect on me is the feeling of literally being knocked off my knees. The first impact I notice is that my prayer for that person is interrupted. I notice my love for them is still intact, but my feelings of closeness are damaged.
I have often wondered what our Heavenly Father must feel when we disregard Him, His son, His word, His will, His ways, His love?
Love, real love, costs.
It stands at the ready. On alert to fill emptiness. It is not intimidated. It is not self serving. It seeks to lighten, soothe, and comfort. To come underneath and bear the load. It never clucks it's tongue, rolls it's eyes. It is patient, kind, seeks the best for you.
Love, perfect love, casts out fear.
That's what scripture teaches. I wonder too, am I really loving? When I say "I love you", do I? Apart from the Holy Spirit are we capable of really loving?
One thing is certain. We all need love. We need to receive genuine love and we need to give it as well.
The Lord alone can meet that demand. He is love. He gives us His love and in return it flows through us to others. Complete satisfaction. I do not see any other way of experiencing true, lasting, genuine love. Any thing less will fail.
Weariness is my warning signal that I have been trying to extend the Father's love in my own strength. On my own, I fail loving. Trying to listen, give, forgive, and even pray.
The only way to show the Father's love, is through accepting His son. He extends His perfect love through us in the power of His Holy Spirit.
Love costs. The greatest price paid was in the life of Jesus Christ. At the foot of the cross, there is rest, refreshment, and love. Complete, lasting, ever-lasting love.
All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling
In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,
While standing in a hallway of a large local church one weekday afternoon, one that I had been visiting with the intention of making my church home, it just so happened that the Senior Pastor of that congregation was walking down this same hall straight toward me.
Not accustomed to seeing his face up close, I did not readily recognize him. He stopped and introduced himself. “Oh yes! You are the Pastor here!” I replied in surprise. I told him I had been visiting regularly and noticed he had not yet given “a call”, opening the end of the services for people in need to come forward for prayer or a pastoral touch. “Will you add this to your Sunday Services?” I asked. He looked at me with a gentle smile and said; “We do not have time for that and with two services to do, can you imagine if I did?”
Returning to my car, it struck my heart and spirit that this particular church would not be my home to serve and be fed. I grievously made a decision to move on next Sunday. This pastor had taken over “his church” as author, not authority.
Was Jesus still in control here? Does the Holy Spirit still have the right to alter any thing, any program, any schedule at any time? Were hearts still joyfully lifted up, yielded, willingly made still before our Almighty Father? Waiting before Him patiently for direction? I have only questions for a pastor I may not see again this side of heaven, but I am sure of one thing. If I do see him again, my answer to his parting question would be a resounding; “YES, yes, Pastor, I can imagine what would happen!”
In scripture I see, Matthew makes note of some very powerful statements of our Lord Christ Jesus. In the 16th chapter Matthew records Jesus saying;
16:18 “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church;
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
I wonder, do we assist in the building of these “gates of hell”?
When we allow our own ambition, our schedule, our plans to overshadow the Fathers’ will? When we feel the Lord’s call to comfort, show compassion, mercy, and forgiveness, to proclaim Him and His love, and yet say “there is no time”? To fail an opportunity to stand up for or stand by someone who is being accused, or hurt?
The last few words are like a mighty fortress to my soul;
“shall not prevail against it.”
That’s real assurance. Solid, divinely protected ground. A promise, His promise to you and to me, who actually are His church. We have every right and freedom to extend the Fathers’ love, tolerance, mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness. It is His will for us to do so.
Risk it all today by forgiving that unforgivable, loving the angry or bitter, stand alongside the attacked or accused.
What would be your finish to this opening line? If we were meeting today, over soup and sandwiches, would "but I" enter our conversation?
Many, many times I have said it, thought it, acted on it, and wrote it. Seasoned too with every possible emotion, "but I..."
Most of my life it was with attitudes and feelings of inadequacy, frustration and through rejection. "But I... have tried, given my best ", "But I can't, don't know how", "too tired, too poor, too lonely." "But I... am sick." "But I... well, you just don't know how bad I have been."
Then there are those with opposite views. Perhaps peppered with their own emotions and attitudes. "But I...am very well educated!" "But I... am born into money." But I have... I did..." "But I am good." "I've worked hard for all I have."
Oftentimes I wonder if the two "sides" meet, are they comfortable with each other? Do they allow each side counterbalance? Do they feel moved to compassion for each other as Jesus was "moved to compassion" when He spent time in the multitudes?
Psalm 139:14 "I will praise thee;
for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvelous are thy works;
and that my soul knoweth right well."
Refreshing to the spirit no matter what side of the "but I" you are struggling with.
In the light... of the Father's love, the compassion, forgiveness and mercies of Jesus, the acceptance and reassurance of the Holy Spirit... we are reminded here in David's Psalm what we really are. Through Jesus, through His supreme sacrifice, the only acceptable way to the Father, the Royalty that He gives us, His Royalty and Inheritance... His Holy Spirit to seal us and comfort us... in light of this, who can we say we are?
"Fearfully and wonderfully".... precious, tenderly, intelligently, perfectly created by the Father's own Hand! "Marvelous are Thy works"... not made by human hands, not created for our own work, our own desires, our own devices... and not left alone to suffer our own difficulties and hardships... but it says: "marvelous are Thy works"!
Where ever you are, posterity or poverty, acknowledge how the Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit love you and care for you tenderly every moment of every day. All is His, what ever your lot, share it - it's all His to work His perfect plan.
Looking back over forty eight years of life, I see, at least in my own experience, quite a lot of turmoil, stress and oftentimes painful events. Beginning as a child of two, coping with the loss of my mother. Through loneliness, losses, illness, moves, fires, step-parents, death of my father, death of relatives, death of friends... beloved pets, some of the pains and grief of this world, I have, through the grace and mercies of God Almighty, learned to see - it is well.
I say "see", because I am not always able to "say" - it is well. I have, as the Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians;
4:11 "Not that I speak in respect of want:
for I have learned,
in whatsoever state I am,
therewith to be content."
I have learned. Comforting to see that Paul learned to be content. That word content for me means; it is well. Learning that the full impact of God's grace is housing my heart, my circumstances, my life. In that knowledge and experience He brings feeling to comfort me, His Holy Spirit gives me His peace; with my soul.
In this world we will have trials and painful tribulations. That is sure. It is not the Lord's design for them to defeat or destroy us, but to draw us nearer to Himself. To teach us who He is, the full measure of His love, mercy, tender care, the character of GOD Almighty. To learn to become fully dependant on Him, completely saturated with His attributes, bringing glory to Jesus, and reflecting Him toward others in return.
"It is Well with My Soul" is a hymn - and part of our inheritance, written in 1873 by Horatio G. Spafford. Two major traumatic events in his life, the first being a great Chicago fire in October 1871 which left him ( a wealthy business man) financially ruined, and then ship wreck crossing the Atlantic killed his four daughters, his wife survived sending a telegram; "saved alone".
Please continue to read what the Lord gave him, as he learned to be content.
"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul."
Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
"Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
All that I have - I know in my heart and mind that it is the Lord's, yet I find struggle and frustration creep into these areas from time to time.
Money given to someone in a bind, time devoted to listen to someone's problems, love shown to someone who shows none in return, letters sent to encourage, gifts to bolster a lonely heart... all seem to fall on dry ground. Unthankful, unacknowledged, unappreciated, unchanged lives, in essence, no return.
The natural response is to turn from something we feel rejected our efforts, to pull back our generosity or extended energies. Even tolerance seems to be stretched to it's limit, breaking our heart's tie to that person.
Expected returns are hard to process. Are they a mark of selfishness or pride? Only prayer and seeking the Lord's direction can that be answered for each individual. As for my journey, I can only write what I have been given.
After spending time in the bible, in prayer and seeking the Lord's peace, I know that what I have done, if truly given with full assurance of His ownership, is an extension of His love and provision for the receiver. It is His fruit - love, joy, forgiveness, patience we are giving. Any expected response of gratitude or behavior change is the grip we are burdened with, but His design allows freedom by knowing, acknowledging and prayerfully remembering He is in control of the "return".
He saw what was done. It was not done in vain. He cares that you have extended His love. And He Himself, the LORD God Almighty of Glory will not allow His word or will to return to Him void! That is real release.
Producing real freedom. Genuine joy and His shower of peace that passes all our understanding.
Knowing with a full heart that all I have done is through Him, all that I am, all that I have, is His. That is part of the abundant life Jesus talked about when He said; "I came that you may have life; and life more abundantly."
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
God takes His word seriously. He honors His word. He can not deny Himself, so that if we are following His word, we are in line with His will. The return of what we do in His will according to His word then - shall not return to Him void.
Loosen the grip of expected return on someone who has broken your heart. Allow the eyes of the Lord to watch carefully over all you have, all you are, all you have given. His sweet reward is release, freedom, love and the ability to keep on showing His provision to those in your life.
During the times in my life where I had to commute some distance to work each morning and the seemingly longer drive home each evening, I tried to make sure each tank of gasoline was carefully thought out and planned so that I could remain faithful to my household budget.
I knew that every Thursday without fail I would have to gas up for the remainder of the work week, the grocery run on Saturday, to church Sunday, and through four days work until the next Thursday. It was one area of my life that was "habitually" beneficial and relatively stress free. There were some irritations that broke my routine from time to time.
Weather seemed to dampen my energies for getting out of a dry comfortable auto to fiddle with wet slippery pavement and dirty hoses, or the temperature. If it was a scorching hot day, I would just drive on home with the intention of filling up early in the morning while it was cooler. Too cold? I opted for a warmer Friday afternoon.
Too tired on Thursday evening to fight with the pumps would also break my routine. I didn't care much for stopping on the way to work on Friday mornings. Getting the gas fumes and residue on my clean clothes which never really seemed to wash off.
But the benefits to my carefully thought out and executed plan seemed to dominate and provided an element of comfort and consistency in my working years as well as my daily day. I knew where I was. I knew what I had. I knew who I was.
The seemingly little things in life turn out to be great sources of reassurance and comfort. They can even be something we try to share, pass along to lighten someone else's' load.
I wouldn't have tried to jump in my car on Sunday and drive to church with the gas gauge in the red warning area knowing sooner or later I hear the clunk thudding sound of my car starved of it's life giving liquid.
Our spiritual life is much the same. Hurried lives chase away the well thought out budgets, pain filled times erode energies, financial pressures cave in shelters where faith once held the ceiling. Bibles become dusty and dry. My own spirit has it's own clunk thudding sound when it needs the life giving water of the Word of God... loneliness, fearfulness, frustration, worry, and rejection. The desire to pick up God's word is met with a heavy down cast sigh and turning back.
I can't tell you to read, I can't tell you what to read. But I can ask you to pray about making God's word the highest of priorities. A daily routine. Morning, noon or night - what ever time you can be alone with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords... the One who made you and desires your attention more than I can ever express.
On the "LINKS" page portion of this web site, you will find a link to a bible on line if you do not have one of your own. I would suggest as soon as possible, to make the greatest investment of you life and get one of your own. If you need assistance - please email us here with any questions you may have.
Grace to you and peace in our Heavenly Father as you seek Him in your daily day.
Did you know there are several ways to spell LOVE?
Try five wonderful letters arranged: GRACE. Wonderful grace, marvelous grace, matchless grace…life giving grace, sustaining grace, cleansing grace. Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Had a wise old Pastor once confess to me during one of many conversations that during a home visit to an elderly woman he was flashed with a temptation. The tempting article was a five gallon water jog in the corner of the living room filled with coins. He said the thought instantly assaulted him, taking him by horrific surprise and was pushed aside as he finished his visit. He even pondered this incident long after he left.
Are you shocked? Are you insulted? Do you click your tongue in self-righteousness?
This kindly, gentle, seasoned Pastor told me that story to prove a point. First: no one is above the Enemy’s attack. Secondly and maybe more importantly: our own human heart is – according to scripture – desperately wicked and enmity against God.
We are by our very nature, hell-bent. We are sinners, fallen creatures of dust incapable of producing no good thing acceptable to Almighty God. The Father’s requirement for this condition is death. The wages of sin, any sin, all sin is death. We need salvation. We need a death. A perfect death, holy and acceptable to the Father. The only perfect, holy, righteous acceptable death was that of Jesus when He came to give Himself on the cross.
Without the Holy Spirit we are all capable of carrying out as much havoc as Hitler, Caligula, and Nero. Think not? Have you “civilized” your own heart’s condition? Maybe you think “not me, I’m better than that!” Better than, what? It took one sin to crucify our Lord! Everyone is subject to getting their “better than” tested. Disrespectful employees, a demanding unthankful boss, exhausted angry spouse, independent rude teenager. Just drive for ten miles and you will experience some sort of irritating “civilized” person! If that doesn’t cross your “better than” line, then may I suggest a mirror about your size and half an hour of non-stop examination? When you really see yourself clearly, truly, “self” – exalted beyond measure, your “rights” protected in defiant armor, your “reputation” polished daily with the dirty rag of pride… then perhaps, after a moment or two, you become humbly aware of your thankfulness to Jesus and His grace!
Only He, only our King and Lord of all lords can cast a verdict. Only He can pass any judgment. Only He, who on the cross took our place – can hold us accountable. Only He – and yet, in grace – His grace, He loves. He forgives. He gives. He accepts. Never condemns. Never rejects. Never casts off. His heart is pure. His heart embraces. His heart restores. His heart comforts and shields. His heart saves.
This month, look at yourself. Clearly, openly, honestly. Who is in the dungeon held for your sentence or condemnation? Who have you cast off or refuse to talk to? Whose heart is on the throne of your life? If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, is it His Heart, His Spirit? That is real grace!
"A Whole Heart"
My parents had a way of speaking that more often times than not, had little catch phrases past down through the generations. Not sure of when they originated, or exactly what meaning they carried, but I have used them also and passed them down to my children.
"She has a good heart".... "His heart just wasn't in it".... "She seems to have no heart".... "Please, have a heart, will you?".... and "That was sure a half-hearted attempt!"
Common phrases, but when prayer slows, time allows, and I examine my own life before the Lord, I can see more clearly my own heart and truth in these simple words.
What do I really give to the Lord of all creation? He asks simply for my whole heart - the spirit, soul and body of a person. All that we are. The heart is the control center of the body, as the bridge is to a ship, or cockpit to a plane. It controls our speech, our character, our faith expressed.
Likewise, it can also be a source of sin and evil.
We say easily and at times too quickly, "I love you with my whole heart".... and I have come to understand that we are mere creatures of dust, incapable of maintaining such a statement, if genuine, for long periods of time. Our natural bent is a selfish one and when weary, tested, tempted, tried, hurt, too lonely, too hungry, or pushed, scared, proud, self-centered, angry or depressed, we resort to self protection or preservation. Self. So easily besets us.
When we marry, we make vows to each other - to "love, honor, cherish..." and we accept that the words are coming from our whole heart. We even expect our spouse to give them from a whole, loving and unconditionally accepting heart. But have we ever really examined our own heart?
Without the power given to us by Jesus Himself in the Holy Spirit, there is no possible way we can manifest real love. In John 5:30 Jesus states that "I can of mine own self do nothing:" He does the Father's will. So, apart from Jesus, we can do no thing. We must abide in Him completely and seek to do His will.
We all have "tolerance barriers" in life, lines drawn in the sands of relationships that we hope and pray no one crosses. Some even dare anyone to cross them in self righteous pride so they can write others off, cast out of our life and heart. Take a moment and see where your lines are and how deep they may be. "I'll love you until...." "Friends' unless...." "I'm slow to anger until you push...." "I have to show tough love because...."
In the gift of a new year, let us stop, be still for a moment, examine our hearts to see what congestion may be there, are we really able to glorify the Lord. Without daily, or in my case minute by minute, dependence on Him, we can not experience true love or give it to anyone or anything. There is freedom in honestly coming face to face with your own heart, reduces the risk of self righteousness, and makes dependence on Jesus a joyous, fervently sought after - momentous blessing.
As Savior and Lord of your life, Jesus will give you a whole heart.
Webster's Dictionary defines "thanks" as a kindly or grateful thought or expression.
An encyclopedia states "thankfulness" as an expressed positive attitude or emotion in conscience acknowledgment of a benefit one has received, or will receive.
Genuine thanks, thankfulness, gratitude, and appreciation, all seem to have something in common: they stem from the heart. To be completely honest, sincere and true to the meaning or definitions, they must be expressed with beneficial intentions, free from any ulterior motives.
Psychological research has proven that thankful, grateful, appreciative people are more satisfied with their lives and relationships. They experience less stress, depression and illness, and have more positive ways of coping with difficulties. The "GRAT" Appreciation study measured 8 areas of life: appreciation of people, possessions, present moment, traditions, feelings, social comparisons, concerns and behaviors. Grateful people scored higher in these areas, even had a marked lack of resentment for what they do not have.
Thank-filled people sleep better, and this seems to be attributed to more positive thoughts just before going to sleep. Many emotions and personality traits are important to well-being, there is evidence that gratitude plays a unique role in our lives.
People who are more grateful are able to cope with life's transitions. They are more likely to learn from trials and difficult circumstances in life, spending more time interpreting and trying to positively deal with problems. They were less likely to deny or avoid uncomfortable issues, place blame on others or themselves, or cope through substance abuse.
A longitudinal study showed that thankful people experienced more stability and healthy sense of self control, and an overall increased value of relationships.
Grateful people also placed higher value in wise counsel, realize the cost of help and support and are more likely to seek out others in need.
Thankfulness brings perspective. It can be a tearful sacrifice. It refreshes, renews, releases. Thankfulness can be overwhelming, contagious, effervescent.
Thankfulness is a choice.
This November, find some thing, someone, somewhere to be thankful for. Start small if need be, thankful for a new bar of soap perhaps... and let that open the window to a whole world of praise.
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Striking how the end of the year seems filled with abundant goods, from toys to food... the stores are brimming even to overflowing with items on sale all designed to create a sense of need in the buyer. We just can't seem to do enough, do without, or exercise good restraint on our time and financial resources. A very tempting time of year indeed.
We seem to rush for that "good deal", the "buy one - get one free". Many things we haven't seen before - suddenly come into view as the very thing we just have to have - and have now.
Packages and bags fill our homes, our treasured items for people and pets, even some goodies we've found for ourselves. That well chosen thing is taken care of all year long, protected in many cases and even "shown off" to visitors in our homes.
The "free" things though, often times will be neglected, or given away as a "security gift", those unexpected times of gift exchange when we find ourselves short, or someone presented us with a gift and was not on our gift giving list.
Free... many times does not mean worth-less. As a nation, we were proud of our "free's". Free to worship the Lord God Almighty, Free to bear arms for protection and provision, Freedom of speech to defend ourselves or someone else, Freedom of governmental constraints and controls. Free... as a people, as a nation.
I wonder though, this time of year, if you've given much thought to the freedom that is really designed for you to live in. Freedom. To and from.
Freedom given by the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords Himself. The only One who can truly produce and provide real freedom. Freedom to live and move about in total absolute security. Freedom from the burden of loneliness, guilt, depression, fear... sin and it's blood thirsty demand for your very life.
We so easily discard or abuse things that are or seem to be given freely. Free advise, free lunch, that "free car" upon graduation from High School. Everyone has their own list, but you get the point. We just don't take the same attention and care for details when we haven't paid for it ourselves. Yet, we say we love to get something for free. We even seem angry that "you don't get something for nothing these days".
Truth is, nothing is free. Real freedom comes from the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY and He is the one who paid the dearest price for you to have it. Paid with His own life - in His son Jesus. It's not free, either, as you may have been told. It takes a repentant, broken and contrite heart on your part to be a recipient of His most precious, eternal gift.... Life everlasting... Life with Him, Life in Him.
This December, won't you consider giving Him, Jesus our Christ, your heart... your whole heart... all you are... all you ever hope to be... all you have... all to Him, anew and afresh. You and your whole life was not a free gift to Jesus... He paid with His own life for you...don't treat Him as if He is free to you either.
Do you remember the song The Coasters sang in 1958?
"Just finish cleanin' up your room
Let's see that dust fly with that broom
Get all that garbage out of sight
Or you don't go out Friday night
Yakety yak (don't talk back)"
"Get all that garbage out of sight"....good advise and very applicable for us in more than one way.
Physically, living life will naturally produce some degree of waste, or garbage. We have recepticles now in most every room to collect it. We have even found creative ways to keep our garbage from it's digressive by-product of offensive smell by making container liners that are pleasantly scented! We collect, wrap, tie and carry it out on a regular basis. At lease we should.
Garbage is very interesting. It is very demanding.
Left alone, it soon begins to decay and is very difficult to ignore. Bags break-down and can ooze waste product into the recepticle. Soon the "smell" is replaced by a rancid stench that screams for attention.
It is saught after by police during investigations. They have been known to empty a whole weeks worth from a residential can and pick through it for evidence. The information it yeilds about it's producer is amazing.
Mentally, our heads can hold more "garbage" than a landfill the size of Texas! No matter how wicked the stench, this is one area that seems to recieve the least attention. Scripture indicates that the mind needs to be renewed, and on a regular basis!
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Spiritually, we are to
James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
This is not a kindly suggestion, but a command.
How many times have I forsaken my own health and well-being over some petty thought of "she said and hurt me, how could she?" or "hmm, well if he can do that, I'm gonna just..." or "wait until they..." how about this one "well, I'll let it go cuz what goes around, comes around!"
Bits of garbage to the minds ears and eyes! The mind is a phenomenal recorder! Has much the same attitude as "Google" in that they both never forget a keystroke! The trouble with that is, the enemy of our souls loves to play with garbage and can whisper "sweet stenchy nothings" causing irrepairable damage. All we have to do is sort through the pile, find just the "right thing" and use it to hurt someone else.
We justify it gloriously by saying we're just "teaching someone a lesson"... or "getting something off our chests". Nevertheless, it is sin and the stench long lingers on our hands.
This year, beloved, I challenge you to "Take out the papers and the trash..." Begin with a clean sweep of the past, ask Jesus to cover you in His cloak of love and forgiveness for your past scars, pain and memories. Pray every day that He will sweep away the trash and renew you with His Spirit, and that you will produce the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, forgiveness.... you know the rest, it's in Galations!
Then, every day before you retire to your bed and close your eyes, make sure the garbage has been taken out so that the enemy will not have any "toys" and can not even get in a whisper! Read at least one scripture every evening to keep the mind, heart and spirit clean and smelling of a sweet offering to the Heavenly Father! When taking out the trash, sing it out...loud and strong:
The days we live are truly perilous, as scripture has warned throughout the centuries, but one thing remains constant in turbulent times, our Almighty, Unchanging, Perfect, Holy, Righteous Heavenly Father, His Son Christ Jesus, and His Holy Spirit. On Jesus alone, indwells all the power, honor, glory. If we are indeed born again in Him, we will have the only sure foundation to stand safe in these tornadic times.
Alarmingly, quite a large community of churches have adapted to the world and its rejection of absolute truth. Compromise is on the rise, and with it, many are lead astray. Churches are filled with people that think they are indeed born-again just because they attend, hear, and confess they “know about Jesus, know who He is, believe that He died on the cross”…. but, scripture tells us that even demons believe and tremble.
Hearing that the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY can be associated with, or called by any false god’s name is reprehensible and blasphemy to who He is. I see Him by His own admission give us names such as:
Elohim: “strong one” El Shaddai: “God Almighty”
El Elyon: “The Most High God”
El Olam: “The Everlasting God” Yahweh (YHWH): “self exist, to always be”
Yahweh Jireh: “The Lord will provide”
Yahweh Nissi:“The Lord is my Banner”
Yahweh Shalom:“The Lord is Peace”
Yahweh Sabbaoth:“The Lord of Hosts”
Yahweh Maccaddeshcem: “The Lord your Sanctifier” Yahweh Ro’i: “The Lord my Shepherd”
Yahweh Tsidkenu: “The Lord our Righteousness” Yahweh Shammah: “The Lord is there”
Names are indicative of the Character and Attributes of our LORD GOD. Christ Jesus, is our Savior, there is no other name, given among me, whereby we must be saved.
Acts4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Philippians 2:10
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth
Watch yourselves and listen carefully to the way Christ Jesus is discussed. Do not stand for the One who was crucified for your eternal life to be lumped in with the likes of mohammed, allah, or any other false and dead god.
There clearly is no other NAME, no other god, no other way.
Once you have bowed yourself, your heart, your mind, your will, your life to Him, to Christ Jesus, you are sealed with His Holy Spirit forever and secure from hell, and from all spiritual harm. There is no possible way in a full wholehearted commitment to Jesus,for anyone to call Him anything other than Who He really is. Because He will mean so much to you, that will be, can be your only focus. You will know you did not ask anything, anyone else to save you and be the LORD of your life.
Then, you will also have your testimony of His change in your life, your heart, your mind in order that you will share the Good News – Gospel to someone else.
If you have not yet made this commitment, I invite you, trust Him today, acknowlege your need of salvation from your sins, ask Him to come into your life, cleanse you and free you of all sin, and to be the LORD over all your life and all you have. He will save you, set you in the Heavenlies and create a new heart and new direction in Him. Email us if you have any questions. He waits beloved, He won't go where He isn't invited.
These are treacherous times beloved; hold fast, He is coming soon!
Revelation 22:12
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
