Just read Matthew 13. It is a chapter full of great parables and instructions from Christ. It is also a very long chapter, and one that I could immerse myself in for days. There is such depth in it. But three verses in particular caught my eye. They are two very short parables that have never meant much to me, because no one ever talks about them and they are small. And, as we know, what is small is also invariably insignificant. NOT SO! After reading them over the first time, I thought to myself "these must be important... they are in the Bible. They MUST be important, even though they seem so trivial at first glance."
It hit me after reading them over a few more times. They are two images of just how valuable the kingdom of God is. This is more than religious dogma we are talking about. This is something worth living and dying for! The parables depict something so great and costly that it is worth selling all you have in exchange for it. It is truly treasure, one that is greater than all other things. The gospel. The cross. The kingdom. This magnificent kingdom is something that our simple brains cannot fathom. It is only when "the veil is removed" that we even begin to understand the extravagance and wealth that is in God.
There is so much more. I know there is so much more. I'm having trouble even wording what it is that I'm understanding and hearing right now. I can really relate to this chapter in Matthew, because it speaks a lot about the people who heard Jesus, "and did not hear", who saw him "yet did not see." The disciples questioned Jesus as to why he spoke in parables, and his answer was "because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, more will be given, and he will have abundance. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." I believe this scenario occurs often even still... among non-believers, whose spiritual eyes have not yet been opened to the truth; and among believers who either do not understand how to "see" spiritually, or choose to use logic as their only guide. These are just my musings. Maybe I'm off on this point. I have been in several different situations lately, however, where I end up getting sad in knowing that I can't make anyone "see" anything via fancy words or convincing arguments. It's a God thing. Not to say that logic is to be abandoned; my mind comes alive when I choose to press in to the things of the Spirit. It is for that purpose that my mind was created. JESUS....
May we live with eyes wide open.
May we see.
May we hear.
May we taste.
May we know.
May we spread the revelation across the nations like wild fires.
This is the pearl of great price.
This is the hidden treasure.
Matthew 13:44-46
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls; who, when he has found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
How We Think
I felt compelled to write this page down from the awesome book "The Supernatural Ways of Royalty" by Kris Vallotton and Bill Johnson. It has really been speaking to me a lot lately. I keep coming back to this one passage every time I open the book; I've read it three or so times already haha. The way they word things... often times makes things just click in my head. It is like my head can finally get over all the confusion and come into agreement with the truth my heart has already accepted. I have found this to be the case with every book that I've read from Bethel, which is why I keep buying and reading them hahaha. I believe God has given a lot of wisdom to the leaders in Redding. One thing I really love about reading the books is that it confirms to me that there are people out there living as I desire to live. In devotion to the Lord, living in constant relationship with him and constantly listening to his Spirit's voice. It gives me great courage to step out of the norm and just love and live in the true freedom.
How We Think
The mind set on the flesh is death and at war with God. That is the "unrenewed" mind. In essence, the renewed mind is the mind of Christ. It is able to demonstrate the will of God, which is best described in the prayer, "Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matt 6:10). The exhortation of Scripture is clear, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5 NKJV). The renewing of the mind begins with our new identity obtained at the cross. We were once slaves of sin, but are now slaves of righteousness. Our thought life must support that reality. The apostle Paul emphasized that in his letter to the church at Rome, saying, "Even so, think of yourself dead to sin" (Rom 6:11). It's an attitude... a way of thinking... an evidence of repentence.
The mind has a power to affect our behavior either positive or negatively. But it does not possess the power to change our nature. That alone is accomplished when we are born again. When people are born again, they are transformed from the inside out. It is not the external things that are likely to change first. God takes up residence in our hearts, transforming us, as it really is an inside job. On the other hand, religion works on the outside. While it can bring conformity, it is powerless to bring transformation.
"For as he thinks within himself, so he is" (Prov. 23:7). When we are charged to think of ourselves as dead to sin, it is more than a suggestion to think positively about our conversion. It is an invitation to step into the momentum of a reality made available only through the cross. The supernatural power released in this way of thinking is what creates a lifestyle of freedom. It is able to do this because is it TRUTH. To say that I have sinned is true. To say that I am free of sin is truer still. The renewed mind is necessary to more consistently taste the supernatural life, which God intended to be the normal Christian life.
~~Bill Johnson, The Supernatural Ways of Royalty; page 56.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Refuge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io4tDMLQICA
"Come to me with all of this.
Tell me your stories. Don't bottle it up, my friend. Don't harden your heart against me, love. I have tasted death for you.
I know you.
I am well acquainted with who you are, the ins and outs of your personality. I know what you feel and how your emotions work. And I can take care of them. I can protect you and your heart. You are safe in my arms. I know your burdens. Thank you for giving them over. Because you're right-- you can't take this...
But I can. And I have."
O boundless love divine! How shall this tongue of mine/To wondering mortals tell the matchless grace divine-- That I, a child of hell, should in His image shine!
The Comforter has come!
"Come to me with all of this.
Tell me your stories. Don't bottle it up, my friend. Don't harden your heart against me, love. I have tasted death for you.
I know you.
I am well acquainted with who you are, the ins and outs of your personality. I know what you feel and how your emotions work. And I can take care of them. I can protect you and your heart. You are safe in my arms. I know your burdens. Thank you for giving them over. Because you're right-- you can't take this...
But I can. And I have."
O boundless love divine! How shall this tongue of mine/To wondering mortals tell the matchless grace divine-- That I, a child of hell, should in His image shine!
The Comforter has come!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Delight.
I am just so thankful for God, and for my relationship with him. As I survey the past ten days, I can see already how things have changed slightly; the consistency is something new to me. I really enjoy it. I enjoy coming to him day after day and seeing what he has to say and how I am growing in our relationship. It is not static, but changes as I do. He is so amazing. There is nothing-- absolutely nothing-- that is boring or typical about him. Thank you, Lord, for being everything I need. Thank you for laying hold of my heart and never letting me down. You are awesome.
For those who haven't heard "Can't Stop" by Leeland, do. I love that song!
1 Samuel 2:1-2
"My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.
No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God."
Your beauty stands out like a bright light shining through the clouds/ It's overwhelming just to be with you now.
For those who haven't heard "Can't Stop" by Leeland, do. I love that song!
1 Samuel 2:1-2
"My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.
No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God."
Your beauty stands out like a bright light shining through the clouds/ It's overwhelming just to be with you now.
Monday, July 27, 2009
ALL. SURPASSING. POWER.
!!!
Oh man. Second Corinthians is one of my favorites. When I read it, I have a thousand little mind explosions every single time. I am not even doing devotions there (I'm in Matthew) but my mom drew reference to it yesterday, so I looked up the passage she read and my life hasn't quite been the same since... hahahahahah!!!
So I started out in Matthew 11-- also a great favorite. In it, we are told that "blessed is he who is not offended because of Me" (Jesus speaking in verse 6: NKJV) I have never read this passage in this translation. It takes on a whole different tone than "Blessed is he who does not fall away because of me." (NIV). To me, this speaks of not letting Christ offend you and shake your faith just because the message he brings is so controversial. It speaks of blessing when we simply believe that Christ brought a greater message than that of salvation through works, and sought, not to deceive us, but to bring us into the glorious truth that is available to us. One that is so mind-blowing in its greatness; simple at its core, and yet immeasurable in its depth and vastness.
Later in the chapter, Jesus says, "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it" (verse 12, NIV.) In NKJV, the same verse reads, "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." Is this a bad thing? Or good? After all, Jesus himself has told us to pray that "your kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10). I believe that God is calling us to claim what is ours, the great gift that he has given to us. There is a kingdom that is available to us NOW.... that if we were only to lay hands on it, would enable us to raise the dead and cast out demons and every infirmity. But it will not come to the passive. It requires action on our part. It requires spiritual violence: action that is spurred by conviction that God is alive in me and has enabled me to carry out great works for the glory of his name!! What can stand against that? I am further convinced of this point from reading in Second Corinthians.
Right after some of my favorite verses of all time (Second Corinthians 3:16-18... I will blog about it some other time, most likely :) comes one which has beautiful imagery of who we are called to be. "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2 Corinthians 4:7) ...................... WHAT??!!!! Let's review.
All-surpassing power. The treasure within us. That we are supposed to SHOW. I am personally going to take this as a challenge, to step out TODAY and into the life that Christ has called me to live. A life that doesn't abuse God's righteousness by claiming it as her own, or pervert the kingdom of God by claiming it is available only to those with a special calling. No. This is for each of us. There is power in each of us the moment we ask Christ to live inside of us. Whether we choose to believe or acknowledge or live in that is our choice. If we expect to see salvation of the nations through persuasive words or kind deeds, how much more can we expect through amazing displays of His power, and personal experiences with a living God?
He has not called me to heal people. He has called me to step out in faith and believe that He will do it. I cannot save anyone. But I can share the gospel and the power behind it and believe that He will.
Oh, King of Glory, have your glory....
2 Corinthians 4:7
For we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
Matthew 11:3-6
"Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"
Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."
Oh man. Second Corinthians is one of my favorites. When I read it, I have a thousand little mind explosions every single time. I am not even doing devotions there (I'm in Matthew) but my mom drew reference to it yesterday, so I looked up the passage she read and my life hasn't quite been the same since... hahahahahah!!!
So I started out in Matthew 11-- also a great favorite. In it, we are told that "blessed is he who is not offended because of Me" (Jesus speaking in verse 6: NKJV) I have never read this passage in this translation. It takes on a whole different tone than "Blessed is he who does not fall away because of me." (NIV). To me, this speaks of not letting Christ offend you and shake your faith just because the message he brings is so controversial. It speaks of blessing when we simply believe that Christ brought a greater message than that of salvation through works, and sought, not to deceive us, but to bring us into the glorious truth that is available to us. One that is so mind-blowing in its greatness; simple at its core, and yet immeasurable in its depth and vastness.
Later in the chapter, Jesus says, "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it" (verse 12, NIV.) In NKJV, the same verse reads, "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." Is this a bad thing? Or good? After all, Jesus himself has told us to pray that "your kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10). I believe that God is calling us to claim what is ours, the great gift that he has given to us. There is a kingdom that is available to us NOW.... that if we were only to lay hands on it, would enable us to raise the dead and cast out demons and every infirmity. But it will not come to the passive. It requires action on our part. It requires spiritual violence: action that is spurred by conviction that God is alive in me and has enabled me to carry out great works for the glory of his name!! What can stand against that? I am further convinced of this point from reading in Second Corinthians.
Right after some of my favorite verses of all time (Second Corinthians 3:16-18... I will blog about it some other time, most likely :) comes one which has beautiful imagery of who we are called to be. "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2 Corinthians 4:7) ...................... WHAT??!!!! Let's review.
All-surpassing power. The treasure within us. That we are supposed to SHOW. I am personally going to take this as a challenge, to step out TODAY and into the life that Christ has called me to live. A life that doesn't abuse God's righteousness by claiming it as her own, or pervert the kingdom of God by claiming it is available only to those with a special calling. No. This is for each of us. There is power in each of us the moment we ask Christ to live inside of us. Whether we choose to believe or acknowledge or live in that is our choice. If we expect to see salvation of the nations through persuasive words or kind deeds, how much more can we expect through amazing displays of His power, and personal experiences with a living God?
He has not called me to heal people. He has called me to step out in faith and believe that He will do it. I cannot save anyone. But I can share the gospel and the power behind it and believe that He will.
Oh, King of Glory, have your glory....
2 Corinthians 4:7
For we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
Matthew 11:3-6
"Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"
Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sabbath/ Glimpse Into The Past
I have been asking Papa what he wants me to share today. But I keep on hearing that today is the Sabbath, and that I need to take it as one. So I am not going to write anything original. Instead, I am going to share with you an old journal entry, taken from an evening when I saw God's glory and power the clearest. This is the God I know, and can never deny.
6/8/08
Treasure Hunting
After viewing the amazing movie "Kung Fu Panda" at the Emagine Theatre in Novi, a group of seven of us decided to stay in Fountain Walk to pray for and bless people. The sky was already dark, and the atmosphere had changed markedly since we entered the cinema. Looking across the courtyard, all that could be seen were clubs and a Hooters restaurant-- and people. Lots and lots of people. To stand in that place was to feel a sea of emotions eminating from the people around us. Confusion, escape, shame, depression. Would these people even be receptive to what we carry?
We lapped the buildings, praying and searching for people to pray for. Hoping that an "easy target" would show themself. None did, and we were back where we began. Some of the others in our group had engaged in conversation with (and prayed for) some people, but we were all holding out for a healing. Our collective faith level was very high, and we knew this was God's intent. Several times, we approached people to pray for them, and you could tell they were blessed by the gesture. But beyond that, we had very little evidence from the supernatural realm that we were achieving anything for Christ. Then, something weird happened...
Four of us stood outside a building, "Club 66," while many people lined up at the door, and others passed by on their way to or from somewhere. All of a sudden, a loud, obnoxious voice came from a guy rounding the corner. He was obviously wasted, and his shirt was wet. "I'm going to Club 66 to worship the devil!" he declared. By this time we, as well as many others, were staring at the man. He looked right at us defiantly, and asked, "do you love the devil?" We said no, and he replied with, "Well f- you, f- you, f- you, and f- you!" pointing at each one of us as he cursed us and passed us by. We stood there, dumbstruck. We had not said a word to provoke the question. OUr of the masses, this guy had singled us out, and pointed directly at us as he cursed us. Wow. If that isn't a supernatural sign of God's amazing power shifting the atmosphere, then I don't know what is!
Soon after this incident, we decided to head out. All of us joined up and were heading out to the parking lot, when we saw a young guy walking with a limp. We chased him down, and saw that he had a brace on his foot. Upon speaking with him for a minute, we learned that his name was Anthony and he had a fractured ankle. We asked if we could pray for him. He said that we could, but that we couldn't put our hands on his ankle in prayer. So we began praying for Anthony, and after a while, asked if he was feeling anything different. He said that his ankle felt different-- that it felt good. He moved it around a little bit, said that it was still broken, but that it did feel better than before. We began praying some more, and checked back after a few more minutes. He once again said that it felt like it was getting better- this time, he was clearly shocked and taken aback. Michael proclaimed that God wanted to heal Anthony's ankle right there, and could we please put our hands on his ankle while we prayed. This time, Anthony said yes. We spent a short time praying and healing his ankle, and this time, he said there was no pain! He walked to one of us and back again with his brace off, and was able to do so with no limping. Praise Jesus, he was completely healed!
During this time, some more young men stood at a distance and watched what was going on. A guy named Brandon approached us afterward, and asked who we were and whether we did this sort of thing often. Through talking with him, we found out that he was a believer, but that this sort of healing ministry was something that he wasn't familiar with. We were able to really share with him, and told him about our church and our Friday night worship and healing services. He said that he was going to come and bring his sister with him. He even exchanged information with Christian.
Hallelujah for open hearts!
Praise God for faith!
It was an incredible evening, and our lives-- as well, I believe, as many others-- were changed forever.
(Lord, today, I am open to whatever encounters you have for me!)
6/8/08
Treasure Hunting
After viewing the amazing movie "Kung Fu Panda" at the Emagine Theatre in Novi, a group of seven of us decided to stay in Fountain Walk to pray for and bless people. The sky was already dark, and the atmosphere had changed markedly since we entered the cinema. Looking across the courtyard, all that could be seen were clubs and a Hooters restaurant-- and people. Lots and lots of people. To stand in that place was to feel a sea of emotions eminating from the people around us. Confusion, escape, shame, depression. Would these people even be receptive to what we carry?
We lapped the buildings, praying and searching for people to pray for. Hoping that an "easy target" would show themself. None did, and we were back where we began. Some of the others in our group had engaged in conversation with (and prayed for) some people, but we were all holding out for a healing. Our collective faith level was very high, and we knew this was God's intent. Several times, we approached people to pray for them, and you could tell they were blessed by the gesture. But beyond that, we had very little evidence from the supernatural realm that we were achieving anything for Christ. Then, something weird happened...
Four of us stood outside a building, "Club 66," while many people lined up at the door, and others passed by on their way to or from somewhere. All of a sudden, a loud, obnoxious voice came from a guy rounding the corner. He was obviously wasted, and his shirt was wet. "I'm going to Club 66 to worship the devil!" he declared. By this time we, as well as many others, were staring at the man. He looked right at us defiantly, and asked, "do you love the devil?" We said no, and he replied with, "Well f- you, f- you, f- you, and f- you!" pointing at each one of us as he cursed us and passed us by. We stood there, dumbstruck. We had not said a word to provoke the question. OUr of the masses, this guy had singled us out, and pointed directly at us as he cursed us. Wow. If that isn't a supernatural sign of God's amazing power shifting the atmosphere, then I don't know what is!
Soon after this incident, we decided to head out. All of us joined up and were heading out to the parking lot, when we saw a young guy walking with a limp. We chased him down, and saw that he had a brace on his foot. Upon speaking with him for a minute, we learned that his name was Anthony and he had a fractured ankle. We asked if we could pray for him. He said that we could, but that we couldn't put our hands on his ankle in prayer. So we began praying for Anthony, and after a while, asked if he was feeling anything different. He said that his ankle felt different-- that it felt good. He moved it around a little bit, said that it was still broken, but that it did feel better than before. We began praying some more, and checked back after a few more minutes. He once again said that it felt like it was getting better- this time, he was clearly shocked and taken aback. Michael proclaimed that God wanted to heal Anthony's ankle right there, and could we please put our hands on his ankle while we prayed. This time, Anthony said yes. We spent a short time praying and healing his ankle, and this time, he said there was no pain! He walked to one of us and back again with his brace off, and was able to do so with no limping. Praise Jesus, he was completely healed!
During this time, some more young men stood at a distance and watched what was going on. A guy named Brandon approached us afterward, and asked who we were and whether we did this sort of thing often. Through talking with him, we found out that he was a believer, but that this sort of healing ministry was something that he wasn't familiar with. We were able to really share with him, and told him about our church and our Friday night worship and healing services. He said that he was going to come and bring his sister with him. He even exchanged information with Christian.
Hallelujah for open hearts!
Praise God for faith!
It was an incredible evening, and our lives-- as well, I believe, as many others-- were changed forever.
(Lord, today, I am open to whatever encounters you have for me!)
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The wages were taken for me.
I've half a mind to not blog tonight, just because I have some really good reasons not to (but, obviously, I will hahaha). I went to work this morning at 5:30 AM. I got off at 12:45, went home to take a shower, and headed out to Saline to go about some very sad family business. We were packing up a house, every last belonging from the place that they had moved into only months before. As their possessions disappeared from the floors and walls, so too did the last shred of hope for a certain future. I literally felt dreams shatter and break as I picked up objects, from the sentimental to the ordinary. I was flooded with emotion. It was a very sobering and draining time. By the time we were done at around 8 PM, I was absolutely exhausted, and somewhat on edge. The uncertainty of tomorrow, let alone next year, can be so daunting at times. But I know God has us in his hands. Safe in his hands. Actually, the day allowed me a chance to reflect on some ideas that have been brought to me recently. I will briefly share some of them.
We all know that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23...) but I have been discovering more about what this means, and how it can affect even Christians who are unrepentant or have not accepted the grace extended to them. I have seen, in very practical terms, how the area in which you sin is the very area in which you die. For example, if you abuse your health in a specific way, your health will fail you in that specific way. Likewise, if you betray someone in a relationship, the relationship will suffer and perhaps die. The death often occurs where the sin occured, and to the degree that the sin was committed. This is the way of the world. The more you sow, the more you reap. The more you work at something, the greater the wages that you earn. Sin leads to death, both in the spirit and the physical realms.
BUT... the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. How glorious! Eternal life that starts today! As one who has accepted the gift, I have the privilege of living life IN Jesus Christ. Effective immediately. All of the life that he has, as one who has already died and now lives in his immortal body, is mine to live. He has grafted me into his miraculous body, a precious adoption that I could never earn. But will always accept. Always. I am fully alive to Him, just as He is fully alive to me. We are dead to the world, and it is dead to us. There is no power of sin or death over us! In snatching us from the fire, he has redeemed us and claimed that our sin is not counted against us. Indeed, the instant that we repent and accept his forgiveness is the instant Jesus wipes our sin from his record. No longer will the punishment fit the crime. What Jesus accomplished on the cross was no small task; there is power to live and heal and be delivered. There is power to be whole and holy. To become "the righteousness of God." This, friends, is something worth sharing....
2 Corinthians 5:21
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
We all know that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23...) but I have been discovering more about what this means, and how it can affect even Christians who are unrepentant or have not accepted the grace extended to them. I have seen, in very practical terms, how the area in which you sin is the very area in which you die. For example, if you abuse your health in a specific way, your health will fail you in that specific way. Likewise, if you betray someone in a relationship, the relationship will suffer and perhaps die. The death often occurs where the sin occured, and to the degree that the sin was committed. This is the way of the world. The more you sow, the more you reap. The more you work at something, the greater the wages that you earn. Sin leads to death, both in the spirit and the physical realms.
BUT... the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. How glorious! Eternal life that starts today! As one who has accepted the gift, I have the privilege of living life IN Jesus Christ. Effective immediately. All of the life that he has, as one who has already died and now lives in his immortal body, is mine to live. He has grafted me into his miraculous body, a precious adoption that I could never earn. But will always accept. Always. I am fully alive to Him, just as He is fully alive to me. We are dead to the world, and it is dead to us. There is no power of sin or death over us! In snatching us from the fire, he has redeemed us and claimed that our sin is not counted against us. Indeed, the instant that we repent and accept his forgiveness is the instant Jesus wipes our sin from his record. No longer will the punishment fit the crime. What Jesus accomplished on the cross was no small task; there is power to live and heal and be delivered. There is power to be whole and holy. To become "the righteousness of God." This, friends, is something worth sharing....
2 Corinthians 5:21
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Friday, July 24, 2009
Known and Loved.
This week has been so loaded. It feels like what I share in this blog is just a small portion of all the things that God has been showing me. He has been coming to me this week as the Bridegroom; he speaks to me out of intimacy and love. This has not been the case through much of the past year, where I have been taken by his kingly majesty, his wonderful fathering ways and his fear-inspiring power. But now he sees me, so vulnerable in my places of weakness and humanity, and he lets me know that I am never alone. I am, indeed, surrounded by the very being of Love. Even when I feel pushed aside or taken for granted by the people in my life (from time to time) I know that He is always available, always waiting and eager for me to come and talk with him. I know there is a special place in His heart just for me. Each of us is loved just as greatly, and yet loved in a unique way, as we are unique people.
Add to this knowledge the fact that I am so far from deserving of His love (yes... I very much know this) and it becomes something new and beautiful and messy and moving. There are no words for the way God wrecks me for Himself. There is no other Love. He loves me for my heart and in spite of my heart. He is ravished by us, by the light of our eyes and the aroma of our prayers. He chooses us, knowing that we have been unfaithful. Knowing that we will never measure up. He knows me. He knows me better than I know myself, and he is never surprised by anything that I do or say or think. Oh, that I should know him as it promises in Hosea 2!
Even today, I came to Him and lamented a situation that was causing me pain. I was in a lot of conflict as to what to do and whether I should argue or submit to an opinion that I don't agree with. But he came to me and simply said, "You told the truth. You chose the fruit of your new nature, truth, rather resort to the deceit that has been broken off of you. I know that was hard. Well done." And then the peace surrounded me and I fell apart in His arms.
I am so undone.
Hosea 2:19-20
I will betroth you to Me forever;
Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice,
in lovingkindness and mercy;
I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness,
and you shall know the Lord.
You see the depths of my heart and you love me the same/ You are amazing, God.
Church, here's what I think of your religion...
If it's not in the Bible.... I don't want it.
If it is in the Bible.... I do want it.
The End.
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
If it is in the Bible.... I do want it.
The End.
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
FAITH INCREASE!!!!
It has been another magical day. I love life. I have been blessed with the most amazing people to share life with. My sister's kids were so cute today. I feel as though I meet them anew every single time I am with them. They are always saying the craziest, most unexpected things. They always have something new that they can do or like or know. I love them more all the time, and I would do anything for those kids. And I can tell that they are getting more familiar and comfortable around me. It is such an honor to be a part of these people's lives from such an early age, and to have some sort of influence on them. They love with such abandon, and it is the simplest of things that gives them the greatest joy. All I have to do is tackle or tickle, and all of a sudden I'm their hero. It's a wonderful feeling :)
Liam (age 3) has been having nightmares, apparently. One day when he was spending the night, my Mom told him that he should just pray to Jesus and that he would keep the bad dreams away. The next evening, my mom and sister were talking about prayer and faith, and Liam piped up "last night, I prayed that Jesus would take my nightmares away, and then I wasn't afraid anymore!" I was struck by his level of faith without understanding or depth of knowledge. This from the kid who, at times, is barely coherent in his animated rambling.
Today I was studying in Matthew 9. This is such crazy, challenging stuff. It brings me back to the base of it all-- that full understanding is not a requirement to receiving the Kingdom of God in your life (and therefore giving it away.) God chose to heal those who came with a desperation and a simple belief that Jesus was able to heal them through the power of God. Never once did he say, "you are healed because you are a good person" or "because you know a lot about God" even. Three times in the chapter, Jesus credits the faith of the recipient (or even the recipient's friends!) as the reason for their healing.
Lord, I ask for an increase of child-like faith. For even faith itself is a gift from You. I pray that on the days when I don't even physically feel your presence or feel like ministering to people, that I will stand firm in You and know that your presence is with me! Your victorious love and the faith that you have set in my heart overcomes all obstacles in my path-- including my own emotions and logical reasoning. May it always be so. Give me opportunities even today to step out into the discomfort of the unknown to bring You to people in incredible ways. You are the only one worth believing.
Matthew 9:2
"Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 'Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.'"
Matthew 9:22
"Jesus turned and saw her. 'Take heart, daughter,' he said, 'your faith has healed you.' And the woman was healed from that moment."
Matthew 9:29
"And he touched their eyes and said, 'According to your faith will it be done to you.'"
Don't be afraid of your blind belief/ Because the more you fly the more you'll see
Liam (age 3) has been having nightmares, apparently. One day when he was spending the night, my Mom told him that he should just pray to Jesus and that he would keep the bad dreams away. The next evening, my mom and sister were talking about prayer and faith, and Liam piped up "last night, I prayed that Jesus would take my nightmares away, and then I wasn't afraid anymore!" I was struck by his level of faith without understanding or depth of knowledge. This from the kid who, at times, is barely coherent in his animated rambling.
Today I was studying in Matthew 9. This is such crazy, challenging stuff. It brings me back to the base of it all-- that full understanding is not a requirement to receiving the Kingdom of God in your life (and therefore giving it away.) God chose to heal those who came with a desperation and a simple belief that Jesus was able to heal them through the power of God. Never once did he say, "you are healed because you are a good person" or "because you know a lot about God" even. Three times in the chapter, Jesus credits the faith of the recipient (or even the recipient's friends!) as the reason for their healing.
Lord, I ask for an increase of child-like faith. For even faith itself is a gift from You. I pray that on the days when I don't even physically feel your presence or feel like ministering to people, that I will stand firm in You and know that your presence is with me! Your victorious love and the faith that you have set in my heart overcomes all obstacles in my path-- including my own emotions and logical reasoning. May it always be so. Give me opportunities even today to step out into the discomfort of the unknown to bring You to people in incredible ways. You are the only one worth believing.
Matthew 9:2
"Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 'Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.'"
Matthew 9:22
"Jesus turned and saw her. 'Take heart, daughter,' he said, 'your faith has healed you.' And the woman was healed from that moment."
Matthew 9:29
"And he touched their eyes and said, 'According to your faith will it be done to you.'"
Don't be afraid of your blind belief/ Because the more you fly the more you'll see
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Extravagant Love.
I just deleted everything I was going to post, because I read it over and deemed it inappropriate to tell the world... lol. Not that it was bad. Just something that should be kept between God and myself. But the title remains the same.
Today has been a series of heart-wrenching moments. I have felt so supremely cared for, which is so good. When you know that you are cared for, you know that you can care for others. This is what today has been about for me. The realization of how love acts. You receive so that you can give. How amazing it is that, as a lover of Christ, we keep receiving and receiving and receiving, so that we can give without measure to others. This is the glorious power behind our message. We come to God as our source, day after day after day, knowing that he will supply us with everything we need. Knowing that he will give us more than enough, so that we can pass on the blessing and will never be in lack of anything. We truly are the body; pumping life-blood through the entire system so that everything remains alive and growing and thriving. Life in Christ is not just having enough to get by; it is having more than you know what to logically do with. It is having to ask the Holy Spirit where he wants you to offload some of the immeasurable wealth that he has given to you. It is knowing that wealth is more than green paper that will burn or pretty houses that will crumble. We hold the keys to life and reality.
Matthew 6 has been looping in my mind for the past few days. I have read the passage so many times, and have been comforted by the "do not worry about tomorrow" part. But what I never have quite grasped before now was the verse that succeeds it: "but seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all of these things will be added to you." It comes with a command and a promise. This is what life is about. Seeking his Kingdom and his righteousness. Not one without the other, which would be lacking in either power or obedience... but both, together. Complete. Relationship with the righteous King. And he promises provision of every kind.
Sooooooooooo gooooooooood!!!
Matthew 6:31-34
Therefore, do not worry, saying "what shall we eat?" or "what shall we drink?" or "what shall we wear?"
For after all these things the Gentiles (pagans) seek. For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Today has been a series of heart-wrenching moments. I have felt so supremely cared for, which is so good. When you know that you are cared for, you know that you can care for others. This is what today has been about for me. The realization of how love acts. You receive so that you can give. How amazing it is that, as a lover of Christ, we keep receiving and receiving and receiving, so that we can give without measure to others. This is the glorious power behind our message. We come to God as our source, day after day after day, knowing that he will supply us with everything we need. Knowing that he will give us more than enough, so that we can pass on the blessing and will never be in lack of anything. We truly are the body; pumping life-blood through the entire system so that everything remains alive and growing and thriving. Life in Christ is not just having enough to get by; it is having more than you know what to logically do with. It is having to ask the Holy Spirit where he wants you to offload some of the immeasurable wealth that he has given to you. It is knowing that wealth is more than green paper that will burn or pretty houses that will crumble. We hold the keys to life and reality.
Matthew 6 has been looping in my mind for the past few days. I have read the passage so many times, and have been comforted by the "do not worry about tomorrow" part. But what I never have quite grasped before now was the verse that succeeds it: "but seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all of these things will be added to you." It comes with a command and a promise. This is what life is about. Seeking his Kingdom and his righteousness. Not one without the other, which would be lacking in either power or obedience... but both, together. Complete. Relationship with the righteous King. And he promises provision of every kind.
Sooooooooooo gooooooooood!!!
Matthew 6:31-34
Therefore, do not worry, saying "what shall we eat?" or "what shall we drink?" or "what shall we wear?"
For after all these things the Gentiles (pagans) seek. For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Christians are so afraid of Christ.
Once in a while, I really come to terms with how inconsistent most Christians are with living through Christ. It is so uncomfortable to live a Christian lifestyle. SO uncomfortable!!! It doesn't resemble anything normal or cool or trendy, and Jesus said the most whacked out stuff. Ever.
But religion has made Christianity so comfortable. I wish I had more time to elaborate on what I really mean by this. Most Christians have reduced the gospel down to a bunch of rules and rituals. The Holy Spirit is the person who lives inside of you and acts as your conscience. End of story? How dare we!
I crave reality. That is all I desire. Just give me what is real and righteous. I seek His kingdom and His righteousness, to bring his presence to more people here on the earth!!! This is not something you can just toss around logically in your mind, this is radical stuff! It is how the Christian life was meant to be lived. Radically. We began as a small group of persecuted radicals. Why have we become so acceptable to the world? They are supposed to hate us!! But then, we are bringing nothing confrontational to their realm; nothing that ruffles their fur. All we have to show for our faith are dry church services, most of which never affect anyone who doesn't attend them. We have not healed their sick, fed their poor, or cast out their demons. Doctors and lawyers and psychiatrists are still a necessity in the lives of many. If all we have is this religion that contains God in a box and harbors all that he wishes to do for us and through us, then we aren't fighting the enemy, but fighting for him.
Jesus was the perfect model for which we are to aim. So why don't we dare step out in faith, and believe that God will follow through? This is the reality of which I speak. I have seen, with my own eyes, healings of many kinds. I have been in the presence of demons and angels alike, and I have heard prophecy that could not have been from the mind of a man. I cannot hold this in. God MUST have his way! His kingdom WILL come on earth!!! And I am determined to see it! If the Spirit of Christ lives in me, what power can stand against me?
One of the main things that brought about these thoughts is seeing amazing acts of God, such as the YouTube videos on the healing revivals at Disneyland, and realizing that the harshest and most frequent critics are other Christians. It is good to test the spirits and make sure that something is of God, yes. But what of people who don't test the spirits, and judge it to be a false spirit? This is so common, and so scary. The spirit of religion is the most imprisoning and terrifying spirit of all...
Matthew 12:31-32
Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.
Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done... On Earth as it is in Heaven.
But religion has made Christianity so comfortable. I wish I had more time to elaborate on what I really mean by this. Most Christians have reduced the gospel down to a bunch of rules and rituals. The Holy Spirit is the person who lives inside of you and acts as your conscience. End of story? How dare we!
I crave reality. That is all I desire. Just give me what is real and righteous. I seek His kingdom and His righteousness, to bring his presence to more people here on the earth!!! This is not something you can just toss around logically in your mind, this is radical stuff! It is how the Christian life was meant to be lived. Radically. We began as a small group of persecuted radicals. Why have we become so acceptable to the world? They are supposed to hate us!! But then, we are bringing nothing confrontational to their realm; nothing that ruffles their fur. All we have to show for our faith are dry church services, most of which never affect anyone who doesn't attend them. We have not healed their sick, fed their poor, or cast out their demons. Doctors and lawyers and psychiatrists are still a necessity in the lives of many. If all we have is this religion that contains God in a box and harbors all that he wishes to do for us and through us, then we aren't fighting the enemy, but fighting for him.
Jesus was the perfect model for which we are to aim. So why don't we dare step out in faith, and believe that God will follow through? This is the reality of which I speak. I have seen, with my own eyes, healings of many kinds. I have been in the presence of demons and angels alike, and I have heard prophecy that could not have been from the mind of a man. I cannot hold this in. God MUST have his way! His kingdom WILL come on earth!!! And I am determined to see it! If the Spirit of Christ lives in me, what power can stand against me?
One of the main things that brought about these thoughts is seeing amazing acts of God, such as the YouTube videos on the healing revivals at Disneyland, and realizing that the harshest and most frequent critics are other Christians. It is good to test the spirits and make sure that something is of God, yes. But what of people who don't test the spirits, and judge it to be a false spirit? This is so common, and so scary. The spirit of religion is the most imprisoning and terrifying spirit of all...
Matthew 12:31-32
Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.
Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done... On Earth as it is in Heaven.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
"Give me forty days" (and so it is...)
Hello.
It's Abby. This is my first blog entry of many-- forty at least. This blog has very little to do with myself and needing a blogging vent to get my angst out (which has been the primary purpose for all of my previous blogs.) Instead, it has everything to do with commitment; being intentional in my devotion to Christ, and being open with you about what He is sharing with me. It started a few days ago...
My darling friend Cari mentioned that she had deactivated her facebook account (yet again...) but has been blogging a lot. She told me I should get one. I didn't reply, but rejected the idea in my heart. I have had blogs before. They made me analyze everything. I felt like such an emo kid. Even still, I only post notes up on facebook when I really can't hold something in any longer. Sometimes I do get the urge to write something, but I shrug it off with the notion that I don't have anything important to share with everyone.
But I do. God gives us new manna every day. This living bread is the only thing that will satisfy your spirit and soul. He is so good, and he does indeed share new things with me every single day. Some days I listen and dwell in his wonder for a long while. Other days, I barely give it a thought as I wander about my day. But this is not how I want my life to go. I don't want to be inconsistent in my walk. I want to listen, and I want to share. Every day.
So this is my little outlet. A few days ago, as I was wondering whether a blog might not be such a bad idea after all, I heard that voice in my head... "Give me your mind for forty days; spend forty uninterrupted days with me. Come away with me." He knows I need it. This is the summer that never quite feels like summer, and I'm not just talking about the weather.
Life is so up and down, so chaotic. I have grown up a lot in the past couple of months. I am no longer a child, and there are very few adolescent characteristics left in me. God has matured me, and I have let him into every area of my life. Circumstances right now are so, so hard. My old nature screams for "justice". It screams at me to hate, to give in to consuming anger, and to hold on to every grudge. My old nature would justify the anger by calling it protection. But it is a perversion of protection and justice. There is no malice left in my heart, and the anger is directed at the world and its ways. Today, in the car, I realized what I had not done and needed to do. What thought I had played in my mind over and over again, I had never thought to speak to the wind. So I did. I opened my mouth, and wailed, "I forgive you!" What followed was a little pained squeak of a sound. It made me laugh. Something had just died. That part of me that wanted to be selfish and self-righteous. Who wanted everyone to play life by my rules. It died right there and then in the car.
Here's a passage from church this morning. Taken from my new NKJV, which I love.
Colossians 3:1-2
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."
Have I told you that I love you yet today? Well, I do.
There is truth all around you. Not the sort that the world tells you will enlighten you. There is truth that will satisfy more than your mind. Accept the grace. There is peace on the other side.
Sweetly broken, wholly surrendered.
It's Abby. This is my first blog entry of many-- forty at least. This blog has very little to do with myself and needing a blogging vent to get my angst out (which has been the primary purpose for all of my previous blogs.) Instead, it has everything to do with commitment; being intentional in my devotion to Christ, and being open with you about what He is sharing with me. It started a few days ago...
My darling friend Cari mentioned that she had deactivated her facebook account (yet again...) but has been blogging a lot. She told me I should get one. I didn't reply, but rejected the idea in my heart. I have had blogs before. They made me analyze everything. I felt like such an emo kid. Even still, I only post notes up on facebook when I really can't hold something in any longer. Sometimes I do get the urge to write something, but I shrug it off with the notion that I don't have anything important to share with everyone.
But I do. God gives us new manna every day. This living bread is the only thing that will satisfy your spirit and soul. He is so good, and he does indeed share new things with me every single day. Some days I listen and dwell in his wonder for a long while. Other days, I barely give it a thought as I wander about my day. But this is not how I want my life to go. I don't want to be inconsistent in my walk. I want to listen, and I want to share. Every day.
So this is my little outlet. A few days ago, as I was wondering whether a blog might not be such a bad idea after all, I heard that voice in my head... "Give me your mind for forty days; spend forty uninterrupted days with me. Come away with me." He knows I need it. This is the summer that never quite feels like summer, and I'm not just talking about the weather.
Life is so up and down, so chaotic. I have grown up a lot in the past couple of months. I am no longer a child, and there are very few adolescent characteristics left in me. God has matured me, and I have let him into every area of my life. Circumstances right now are so, so hard. My old nature screams for "justice". It screams at me to hate, to give in to consuming anger, and to hold on to every grudge. My old nature would justify the anger by calling it protection. But it is a perversion of protection and justice. There is no malice left in my heart, and the anger is directed at the world and its ways. Today, in the car, I realized what I had not done and needed to do. What thought I had played in my mind over and over again, I had never thought to speak to the wind. So I did. I opened my mouth, and wailed, "I forgive you!" What followed was a little pained squeak of a sound. It made me laugh. Something had just died. That part of me that wanted to be selfish and self-righteous. Who wanted everyone to play life by my rules. It died right there and then in the car.
Here's a passage from church this morning. Taken from my new NKJV, which I love.
Colossians 3:1-2
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."
Have I told you that I love you yet today? Well, I do.
There is truth all around you. Not the sort that the world tells you will enlighten you. There is truth that will satisfy more than your mind. Accept the grace. There is peace on the other side.
Sweetly broken, wholly surrendered.
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