He Makes A Way

God has surely been working on me on the inside this year. He has challenged me in what I say I believe about  Him verses the beliefs held in the depths of my heart. How can I tell people He is worthy of our trust and is a faithful Father if I question if He will be faithful to me?  I have seen His goodness and how He can bring beauty from ashes in the past, but how quickly I can forget His faithfulness. My life can display the lack of faith like the Israelites, who just experienced deliverance of captivity and saw mighty miracles by the hand of God, begin to grumble and complain against the God who saved them. Hebrews 4:1-2 says the redeemed Israelites gave up their promised land to wonder through the wilderness because "the word which they heard...[was not] mixed with faith," Jeremiah 17:23 says "Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck, that they might not hear and receive instruction."

How desperately I need The Lord's instruction.

I am thankful for a God who is not finished with me and He continues to carve away and working a new thing in my heart. There are times of darkness where I can't find the light and it feels like a wasteland. He really is there in every season of the soul, faithfully loving me, and He is teaching me to trust Him more.  In the unseen and times where I wonder if He is done with me, He makes a way.

"Behold I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up! Can you not perceive it? I am making a  way in the wilderness, and streams in the wasteland to give drink to my chosen people, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise." Isa 43:19-21

 



 

Where are  you chosen one? Maybe you are in your own desert places. He is a God who sees (Gen. 16:13)  and He rejoices over you with singing (Zep. 3:17) even when we cannot see it. He may be making a new thing in you.



The verse earlier on in Isaiah chapter 43:2 says ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.’  It’s not  ‘if you pass through waters'  but ‘when’.  It will happen. You will go through difficult, dark times but He will be with you, making a way to the praise of His glory and grace.

And when we are brought out of the wilderness into the promised land, we are equipped to comfort others as we have been comforted (2 Cor 1:3-4) and strengthen our brothers (Luke 22:32). No dark night of soul is ever wasted in God's economy. “It is God who is at work in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” (Phil. 2:13,14)

 

I want to trust in His faithfulness even when I don't understand. I want to trust Him even when I cannot see. I want my life to line up with what I say I believe. I pray that for you too, chosen one. Let's lean in hard to the presence of God in this New Year. Let's give Him open ears and heart to hear Him teach us through His Word what it means to follow Him and trust Him with our lives. Let's give Him open eyes that we may see others around us in their own wasteland to remind them God has not forgotten them. He is still there during obstacles, emotional upheavals, loneliness and devastating circumstances. If everyone walks away in your life, He is there. He is there in your desert places even when those places last weeks or years. He is God in your wasteland and God in your promise land so that we may proclaim His praise.



The lyrics from 'Steady Heart' by Steffany Gretzinger

I can't see what's in front of me.
Still I will trust you.
Steady heart that keeps on going,
Steady love that keeps on holding,
Lead me on.
Steady grace that keeps forgiving,
Steady faith that keeps believing
Lead me on

Verse 2
Though the sky is dark,
And the wind is wild
You'll never leave me
Though the night is long
There is a coming dawn
The light is breaking

Verse 3
And as the dawn breaks
And the clouds clear
In an open space
Together we will run

 

Teach Us To Number Our Days

I am sick of what the Enemy is doing to steal the hearts and minds of young people. I am sick of looking at the news and seeing death and destruction. I am begging for His grace to live wisely and be about the things that are of first importance.  This is a spiritual war.  Do not be deceived. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11) Take up the shield of faith brothers and sisters. The Enemy wants to take you down and he wants to take me down but faith in Jesus Christ will extinguish all the flaming darts he has in his hand. Take up the helmet of Salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:17)  Our days have been numbered by the Lord. May He teach us to number our days and see the brevity of life and live in wisdom given by God in our days on this earth.



Two years ago, I remember having a conversation with a pastor and  we were discussing the readying of the people for persecution. It seemed that many anointed leaders in the Church were preparing the people for persecution. Sometimes like the weeping prophet, giving  a voice to something no one wants to hear and making the teacher look like an end time doomsday freak.

Friend, it is coming. So get ready. What you believe will be tested. It probably already has.

Persecution is rampant in our world. ISIS is after annihilation of anyone who does not abide to the caliphate and sharia law. Please hear me, annihilation. Then there is Boko Haram and other terror organizations. Increasingly, there is hatred of Christians in America.

Persecution of Christians is nothing new but what will be new will be with greater force and authority and hatred for that which we stand on by those in our own country. Increasingly, those under the Lordship of Jesus will live in opposition to our countries leaders. Our lives will be obviously against the cultural grain. We will increasingly be foreigners and exiles on this earth.  For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20)  This push back against the culture will be labeled hatred and intolerant. If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:18-19) 

We are all sinners. We are all created in God's image. We are sinners by birth and by choice. We have fallen hearts and flesh turns toward sin, all kinds of sin. How do we know what sin is? The Bible, the revealed Word of God states it clearly. He would not leave us wondering what is good and bad and how we should live. We are called by God to turn away from sin and seek after Him. Why? He loves us. Heaven and hell are real and eternity is forever.  There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end is death. (Proverbs 14:12) What may be seen as our individual freedom will bring people into bondage of sin. For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)  Jesus says, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) His way is better.  The message is the same to all of us no matter what the sin is. Repent and believe the gospel. By grace we are saved through faith. How do we know about grace? The revealed Word of God. Don't celebrate sin, rationalize or justify it. Turn from sin and trust Him. Trust that Jesus is the Son of God who came into the world to save sinners. Sinners like me. He rose from the grave, defeating death, sin and hell so we could be with Him forever. God takes sin seriously. Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? ..but the life you live, live to God. So you must also consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6)  You can sow to your flesh or sow to the Spirit. You must choose one and fight the other. But fight! He is a gracious loving God and when we fall, the call is the same, repent, trust God, get back up and get in the fight.

I have wasted so much time living in the flesh. I don't have this thing figured out but I know that Jesus is life and I want to walk in knowledge and wisdom of The Lord. Each day is a struggle to "create in me a clean heart and renew an upright spirit within me."  I fail, sometimes in big ways, but by His grace, I ask to be used as a living sacrifice unto the Lord. Sometimes I think, how could He use someone who has denied Him and sinned against Him. But He picks me up, turns me around and places my feet on solid ground. His mercy is there waiting and He is teaching me what it means to follow Him. The same grace that taught my heart to fear and brought me safe thus far is the same grace that will lead me home.

This is a fight that is not easy. Salvation is a free gift. Living is a disciple of Jesus, it is costly. Then He said to them all, "If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:11-12)

The only thing that will carry us through this time, is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His revelation to us through the Truth of His Word. The grace that saves, is the grace that sustains. The grace that accepts you  just as you are, will not leave you as you are but will transform you from the inside out. That same grace will carry you when you face a decision and choose to obey God rather than men. The same grace through the power of the Holy Spirit will give you strength to speak the word with all boldness. It will be a fight but as the circumstances, temptations, persecutions, around us pull our eyes downward and the world grows increasingly dark, may we lift our eyes to the heavens, our help comes from the Lord. Encourage each other to Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)  

We are here, in this time and in this place to make Jesus known. We are here as the light in an increasingly dark world to point to the Savior King, Jesus Christ and His Kingdom that has no end. By His grace, may we do our part to push back the kingdom of darkness and be faithful to what He has entrusted us with and live as both salt and light to our families, workplaces and communities. God's purposes will prevail. All of history is moving to the day when Jesus returns. He is preparing His Bride. I don't want to live deceived and I don't want you to either. These are days of drawing near. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your  hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8  Brothers and sisters, be ready. Jesus is King and will be worshipped. He is coming to judge the living and the dead. 

"I am coming soon. Hold on to to what you have so that no one will take your crown." Revelation 3:11

Partners In The Gospel

No man is an island. That's a saying you've probably heard before. We don't operate all alone. We bump into each other and yes, we even need each other. We were created with a need for community. Jesus Christ redeemed us for community into His own body. The body of Christ is to love, serve and give and make the gospel known.  Personally, we are hands and feet of Jesus as well as corporately. Community is the place where we experience transformation and sancification and share the Good News of the Gospel. That's the church's mission. To make Jesus Christ known among the nations as we grow in grace and knowledge of The Lord, together. 

I ran into a friend I haven't seen in awhile this evening. We reminisced about our time together in youth ministry. We both agreed, those were extraordinary days. God was at work in our lives and the lives of our students. We all rushed to get there on Wednesday evenings, excited and ready to see each other and the students. We laughed and cried together, danced together, served together, traveled together, encouraged and supported each other as well as held each other accountable and in love, pointed out when we were getting off track. We saw students come to know Jesus as Lord and grow in grace and knowledge. We saw the glory of The Lord and once you see His glory, you will long for it. It will keep you up at night and all you can think about and it's what you will want to talk about.

It was only by God's grace any of us were saved and were all surprised we were ministering to anyone. None of us had it all together and there was no need to try and pretend.  I can remember thinking, any moment now, a deacon would remove me from the youth room proclaiming me to be unworthy of serving. If they only knew what I have done in my life. But in Christ, I was made new, standing in His righteousness, an heir, adopted into the Kingdom. Life was not my own, it was now His. Together, we were seeking to know God more, experience Him and point students to the life in Christ we had received. Serving is an overflow of the grace and mercy shown to us through our Salvation. Any fruit was the result of who Christ is, not anything we did. We brought our gifts to the table, each serving in a very unique way. We were honest with our student's and each other about our lives and struggles and they loved and accepted us. It was far from perfect, we made many mistakes but we were partners in the Gospel. We were on mission and we mattered to each other.

God is still at work across the earth, drawing people to Him and transforming lives for His glory.
The mission goes on.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

There have been winning athletic teams and work projects that have brought success and created community but there is no comparison in partnering in the gospel. For we are co- workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building. 1 Corinthians 3:9  Paul has been credited with writing 13 books of the Bible but he was not alone. Many times his partners in the gospel were transcribing for him. He mentioned many people throughout the Scriptures who were serving beside him or that he was encouraging in their service. Philippians 1:3-6, Paul states, "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." 

Every day I talk to many faithful servants who are all in for the Kingdom of Heaven. Partners in The Gospel encourage one another even more as the day approaches as the Spirit continues to purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. To those partners in the Gospel, YOU ARE NOT ALONE and you matter to Christ and you matter to me. Keep running the race and fight the good fight of faith. Jesus is worthy.

 "It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus And this is may prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God."  
Philippians 1:7-11

A Call To Pray For God's People. The Church

John 17:6-19
⁶ I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. ⁷ Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. ⁸ For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. ⁹ I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. ¹⁰ All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. ¹¹ And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. ¹² While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. ¹³ But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. ¹⁴ I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. ¹⁵ I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. ¹⁷ Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. ¹⁸ As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

 

 

Sovereign God, we are your people, the church. You have redeemed us. You choose us.  Our lives or not our own, they have been bought by the blood of Jesus Christ. You have saved us by grace through faith, not of works, We are your workmanship and you have ordained good works for us to walk in them and experience the fullness of your joy . Help us ,oh God, to walk in them as the Bride of Christ.

God humble us and break us so you can mold us, fill us and use us.

God free us from habits of self preservation  and going through the same motions.  Free us in our churches to humbly receive your Word. Free us to sing and make music to you from our hearts. Free us to be open to whatever you want to do in our midst. Father we repent today. We repent for playing church, We repent of the lack of affection for you and your people. We repent of  the sin of racism. Free us from racial division in  the church.  Father break down these divisions of white, black, latino so that our identity is solely in Christ, not the color of our skin. And we see each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, created in the image of God.

Forgive us for tearing each other down, comparing and competiveness. Forgive us for wasting moments and money on things that do not matter for eternity. Forgive us father for being preoccupied with our own agenda rather than matters of justice, mercy and faithfulness. Forgive us for being about every other thing but the mission you gave us, to make disciples of all nations. Forgive us for being more preoccupied with programming, buildings and budgets than your beauty. Forgive us when our committee meetings out number our prayer meetings.  Forgive us for our unbelief. Forgive us for exchanging the truth of God for a lie.

Father, I give up. I surrender myself  to you. You are more beautiful than any other pursuit.  Forgive me, Father, I have sinned against you and you alone. You are a good, good Father. Restore to me and to your church the joy of our Salvation. Restore our love relationship with you. Return us to our first love. I am asking you, to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine through your church. May the church be a redemptive presence in the culture. Open doors that no one can shut. Father it is not my church, it is your church. You build your church in broken places to bring your Salvation, healing and deliverance. Jesus you are the builder of ancient ruins, the repairer of broken walls, and the restorer of streets.

Father, I pray for the persecuted church throughout the world. Grant grace and peace and your Holy Spirit protection especially for the children. The children, O God. How long o lord. Have mercy O Lord.

Sprit of the living God, fall fresh on us, fall fresh on me. Humble us and center us on Jesus and the truth of your word that is the same yesterday today and forever. Jesus, you are who you say you are and you are still doing what you said you would do. You are making all things new. With the power of the gospel – send your church out for the work of your kingdom wherever  we are, in this community, your cities and among the nations. Empower us with your Holy Spirit to do your will as we partner with your heart. Father, by your grace and for your glory, revive us, transform us and free us for your  purposes.  May the church rise up and takes it’s place as we look for the day you return to gather your people  to reign with you forever.  You are already  victorious. You have already overcome the grave.  Help us fight not for victory but from victory.  Deepen and strengthen our faith in you  Jesus. Help us remain steadfast in the truth of your word. We pray that Jesus is high and lifted up in your church. We exalt your name Jesus. You are worthy.

Pray for the persecuted church.  As the church, the body of Christ, He has sent us out into the world. Pray for specific names of people that He has sent you to point them to Jesus.

Hope That Disappoints

The Wikipedia definition of  Hope is an optimistic attitude of mind based on an expectation of positive outcomes related to events and circumstances in one's life or the world at large. As a verb, its definitions include: "expect with confidence" and "to cherish a desire with anticipation"  There are many references to hope in the Bible. The Greek and Hebrew words translated to hope can also be translated in some instances as trust, assurance, confidence.

Have you ever prayed for something so hard and it didn't turn out the way you had hoped? Ever hoped and hoped with great anticipation but nothing? Ever had something happen in your life that left you in despair and feeling hopeless?

My girls arrived several weeks early through much prayer by friends, family and even strangers and care by the wonderful doctors. I should have been grateful after my initial visits with a different group of doctors had recommended I terminate Baby B, now known as Hannah. After a week of being in the hospital before delivery to develop their little lungs, I was tired of all the attention. Nurses in and out constantly, all hours, poking and prodding and I really missed my 4 year old boy at home. I had tremendous mommy guilt from leaving him. I was told when I left to go to the hospital, he pulled a chair up to look out the front door and said, "I'll just wait right here for mommy." I was ready to go home. Let's get these babies out. Hannah had much difficulty breathing and was placed on a ventilator for several days. I could not see them for a day and then wasn't able to hold them for a week. I was completely unprepared for the amount of tubes, lines and alarms. And I'm a nurse!  They brought in paper work to sign for a PICC line, a catheter to run in Hannah's vein from her leg to near her heart. A common procedure for preemies. But nurses know too much. I vividly remember leaving the hospital without my babies.  Sitting in the wheelchair while my husband got the car and as I waited, a smiling mom with her baby was wheeled beside of me. That is not fair, I thought. I was pretty mad at the person I had been praying to for so long. You were supposed to come through. I hoped for two healthy babies to be in my arms already. We left the hospital and I noticed the seasons had changed in the week and a half in the hospital. Spring had come and the Bradford pear trees lining the street were in full bloom. The sky was blue and the sun that seemed like forever since I had felt, was warm.  God's grace. He was still in control. I knew that somewhere deep but in that moment, I didn't want to talk to Him. A friend drove me to the hospital the next day to see my babies as I still couldn't drive and she said, "I've been praying for Sarah and Hannah." I said, "Good, because I can't."

I was disappointed in hope.

At 2 AM, I called my friend while sitting in her driveway. Overcome with emotion of a marriage I thought was over. She brought me in, got me some coffee a box of tissues and  listened to the whole ordeal and said,
"Let's pray."
Bless her heart.
I replied, "I don't want to pray."
"I'll pray." she said.
"No thanks." I replied, " I am done.
I am the children's church director. I teach Sunday School. I am supermom. I workout. Cook supper. Really? This is not how it's supposed to be. This is what happens. I. Am. Done. I am going back to doing whatever I want to do. And that includes a few margaritas and a couple shots with a friend. So goodbye, but can I come back and sleep on your couch?"

I was disappointed in hope.

Thank you Jesus for intercessors in the body of Christ who don't listen. My friends prayed and kept praying when I could not or would not.

"Where then is my hope? Who will see my hope?" Job 17:15

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:1-5

Our hope can rest in Christ, in His glory and His love of me.  He promised that those with faith in Christ by grace will be glorified and perfected on the day He returns. Through the Holy Spirit working in my heart, I discovered that He was with me, that He saw me, that He loved me and I fell completely in love with Him.

Suffering, is difficult to explain and even harder to understand. Imagine as a child having severe trauma occur in your life and being taught, God allowed this to happen. How disappointed in hope and in God would that child be?  God "allowing" something terrible to happen does not mean it is His desire to have children or anyone to experience trauma. God is certainly soverign over all. He is not shocked by what takes place and it is not an interruption to His eternal plan. Everything that touches us comes through His hands. But God is not the author of confusion. (1Corinthians 14:33)  He is not the author of evil. God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. (1John 1:5)  It was not His desire for man to leave the Garden of Eden, but Adam and Eve made the choice to sin. God has no part with evil. He has no part with sin. God gives us all a choice to choose life  or to choose death and desires for us all to choose Him.  No wonder we have trouble hoping in God’s unfailing love when we are confused by man's choice of sin. How many times have we wondered why in the world Adam ate the fruit. Why did God "allow" that to happen? God doesn't want puppets that are made to love Him. We are given a choice. He loves us first. Sometimes sufferings happen because of our choices, sometimes they happen because of our sin or the sin of others, sometimes they just plain happen for no explainable reason at all. We live in a fallen world where horrendous things happen. No reason, it just happens and it's terrible and we can make no sense of it. None.

John Calvin  stated it this way,
"...the Lord had declared that "everything that He had made...was exceedingly good." (Gen 1:31). Whence then comes this wickedness to man, that he should fall away from his God? Lest we should think it comes from creation, God had put His stamp of approval on what had come forth from Himself. By his own evil intention, then, man corrupted the pure nature he had received from the Lord; and by his fall drew all his posterity with him into destruction. Accordingly, we should contemplate the evident cause of condemnation in the corrupt nature of humanity-rather than seek a hidden and utterly incomprehensible cause in God's predestination."

Sometimes there is just no reason other than the fall of humanity and sin entering the universe. But then we choose to hope in His glory because we have received God's love and His promise that we stand firm and safe through eternity. We have that peace. Pardoned offenders covered by the blood of Jesus we can rest in His sweet amazing grace. A life of security knowing, "when justice called for all our debts, a friend of sinners came instead." As believers who experience trials, we can grow so much spiritually, we can look for more spiritual benefit in trials to come. I have no desire for trials to arrive in my life or in your life. Maybe you are at the point that you can rejoice in trials. I have not yet arrived, pray for me. But one thing I do know is that  His grace can work in and with the trials and bring us to our feet to stand and truly all things can work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)  That verse use to make me cringe because surely some things just don't work for good. There is just no way. But God can turn ashes into beauty. (Isaiah 61:3) He is still able and working in all things for His glory and good pleasure and our good. His purposes will be accomplished. (Isaiah 4:9-10)  Redemption may not fully take place until we see glory but glory we will see! Remind each other of the gift of grace. Remind each other of hope. Remind each other we don't have to understand it all and He can take our brokenness. He is with us. Our weakness thrown into His greatness. Through laughter, tears, joy and heartache, we are reminded as people of God, the promise of His love, mercy, everlasting kindness, His grace and His hope. Our standing before Christ is secure.

That is hope that will not disappoint.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Surely He Is Coming Soon

I'm always uncertain when hit publish if I should really hit publish. I write a lot and some things are just between me and God and some things I share with  me and the 2 people who may read this place on the Internet. Nevertheless, whether this blog is more for me or to serve someone, I will continue to write as things stir in my heart. I could be talking to myself but  maybe just maybe, someone else is listening and will be blessed or changed or inspired or challenged. Or, it could be to change me.

All the many global events of late have me searching the Scriptures for a word from the God of the universe. Who is like my God? He created the Heavens and the earth, tells the sun when to rise. He makes the mountains stand. The Lord is high above the nations. He puts rulers in their place. His greatness is unsearchable. Who am I that He should care for me? I am like dust, but a puff of smoke, my life stands as a mere breath. Here and gone. I most certainly am often jacked, poor and needy and yet, His love is relentless. Who is this King of glory? He thinks of me. He knew me before I was born and numbers the very hairs on my head.  He pursues with His unfailing love. He sees everything I do and every step I take. Nothing is hidden from Him. He knows the depths of my heart. He knows me more than I know me. Again, I remind you that I have been jacked up, and yet, His mercy remains. His steadfast love endures forever. Surely goodness and mercy follow me, all the days of my life.

He is coming for me. I don't know when but He is coming. We see Scripture from Matthew 24, 2 Timothy 3, 2Peter 2, Zechariah 9 and Daniel 2, 7, 12, unfold before us. I cannot help but look for Him. That day when He says, "Come." That day when we see His face and night will be no more. That day when saints will be throwing crowns singing, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they existed and were created." Rev 4:11

That moment when His eyes like blazing fire meet mine, how will He see me?

Faultless.

Just typing those words make tears come to my eyes. After the many times I denied Him like Peter, spit upon Him like the crowd, was an adulterer like the woman brought to His feet, abandoned His work like Mark, a betrayer like Judas, His kindness brings me to repentance. If  He counted my sins, I could not stand but in Him is forgiveness and life eternal. He died  to rescue me. He did not abandon me when I did not call Him Lord. He loves me with an everlasting love. Covered in His righteousness He will see me as blameless. This compels me to worship His Great Name.  For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. He is worthy of all praise.

How can I not live for Him? His life for my life.  The same mercy and grace given to me  is available to everyone who calls  upon the Name of the Lord. "For this is the will of my Father that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." (John 6:40)

How great is His love. Never changing. Never wavering. Never tiring. Never failing. The great love that saves and redeems.

In these days there is a call to persevere. Hold on to the testimony of Jesus Christ.  Believer, we have read the end of the Book. We know how it ends.

Because of that, Believer, pray. Pray like you never have. If you don't know the words to pray, groan with the Spirit as He prays to our Father for His will to be done.  As Daniel prayed, "O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for you own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name." Daniel 9:18-19

Surely, He is coming soon.

To Whom Shall We Go?

The Bible, was written over a span of some 1,600 years, by approximately 40 authors from all walks of life, in three different languages, on three different continents. Despite all that diversity, the Bible is one complete book with each of it's parts coming together.  Many evidences from history and archaeological matters support the Bible's self claim that it is the authoritative, reliable and true word of God. Ultimately, we come to know the Scripture to be of Divine authorship from more than an intellectual argument or persuasion. The Holy Spirit reveals it to us. "But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth." (John 16:13)  Even Jesus loving people may have doubts of the reliability of Scripture and if this is all worth it. Is Jesus worth giving my life for? After all, it is no longer the most popular choice to be a follower of Christ. Following Christ is not chocolate and roses. In fact, it may cost you friends, family, your job and even your life.  It is not easy and faith is something that is fought for. "Though tossed about with many a conflict many a doubt, fighting's within and fears without." Just as you are, come!  If that is you, by grace through faith that seeks understanding in the words, "I believe, help my unbelief." (Mark 9:24)  A broken and contrite heart, He will not despise! (Psalm 51:17) 

 In John 6, Jesus had a crowd of thousands listening to His every word. By the end of the chapter, after some hard teaching from Jesus, the large crowd walks away. Jesus asks His 12 disciples, "Do you want to go as well?" (John 6:67)  Peter says,"Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. and we have believed and have come to know, that You are the Holy One of God"
(John 6:68-69)

Peter's question is one we each have to answer. Many voices demand our attention.  In these days, Many will fall away and not hold to the teachings and commandments of God. (Matthew 24:10)  Who will we listen to?  What voice will guide our lives?  What authority will we follow?   If Jesus is right and He is who He says He is, if the Scriptures are "God Breathed", He has already spoken on the issue of marriage as well as many other issues the culture brings to question today, "He answered, "Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? and this is the place to end, as "Scripture cannot  be broken." (John 10:35)  Love is a person, God, (1John4:8)  and we do not have the authority to define love according to our standards. The Supreme court gave their definition but it will never change what the God of the Universe states. His Word is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)  Thankfully, I do not serve a God bound by the whims of culture or the opinions of man. The issue of Biblical authority must be resolved in our heart and life. Will the Bible, the book centered on Jesus, be the one true voice in your life that you submit to by grace and through the power of the Holy Spirit?


If ever there were a time to trust and obey the Truth of God's Word, live intentionally on mission, love our neighbors well, and leverage our life for the glory of God, it is now.  Loving our neighbor well is loving them as they are, while offering truth with grace, love and humility and point to freedom, forgiveness and life found in a relationship with King Jesus and the truth of His Word. With speech gracious, knowing how to answer each person. (Col. 4:6) Knowing it is God who saves, convicts and transforms a life.  "Remember beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. they said to you, "In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions. But you, beloved building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by flesh." (Jude 9:17-23)  By receiving mercy, we offer mercy. Between the wrath of God and people, is the Cross. There will be a great and awesome day of the Lord where the sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood. (Joel 2:31) And people will be without excuse. (Romans 1:20)  This is the world to which we are called to serve. The Light shines bright in a dark world as we cry, "O Lord, save Your people." (Jeremiah 31:7)

"Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen"
(Jude 1:24-25)

Chief Of Sinners

There was no life. I was a walking dead person. I can remember sitting in church thinking that I would hear someone call me out as "a fraud and a poser" and they would have been right. I would read in the New Testament about the lives of the disciples and the church that lived empowered by the Holy Spirit to war against sin and advance the Kingdom of Heaven but there was no supernatural power in my life.  But, you know, I was okay, not too bad of a person. His Word clearly states, Anyone who does not have the Sprit of Christ does not belong to Him. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. (Rom. 8:9,14) I could not even recognize that my every decision, thought, action was made living according to the flesh. My problem was not simply I lived okay with a few bad decisions out weighed by good ones or that I was a little off course or somewhat messed up. I was lost, separated from God, a child of wrath, lover of darkness, slave to sin, destined for hell.

This saying is trustworthy, Jesus came into this world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief. (1Timothy 1:15)

Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought, us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned-every one- to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:4-6)

He redeemed my life.

He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. (Psalm 40:2)

That day when mercy called my name, God became real to me. On my knees in my dining room, I surrendered. No more running, hiding or pretending. I confessed, repented, called on Jesus to rescue me and placed my faith in Jesus Christ. I'm trusting in His death and resurrection that took away my punishment for the wrong I have committed, so that in Him I have become the righteousness of God.

I got up a new person, transformed,  risen to walk in a new life in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The old had gone, the new had come.

His work in my life and around me was tangible. I was blown away by the glory of God. He peeled the scales off my eyes so I could see for the first time the depths of my sin and the lengths Jesus went to save me. My knowledge of God, turned into an experience of God when He came down in power.

The response to this great love, the Salvation offered by Jesus Christ, is praise to the God and Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, praise to His glorious grace and obedience to His will.  Now a child of God, He sent His Spirit to dwell in my heart crying, "Abba, Father."

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Gal. 2:20)

Since that day of meeting a beautiful God who breathed life back into my lungs, it has been an incredibly beautiful and brutal journey. Purifying the conscience from dead works to serve the living God and growing in grace and knowledge is not without discomfort and certainly not easy. But there is joy and peace living with the expectation of divine interruption in the day to join in God's mission to restore and heal while trusting that Christ Himself is my help and strength. Embracing the gospel as the power of God in our present lives and our future hope, means we become extensions of grace as part of the global story of God redeeming the Earth. Clearly, through Scripture, Christians have a part to play. God doesn't need us, we have been invited into this mission. Grace receivers become grace givers through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In pressing on to the upward prize of Christ Jesus, I  am continually reminded I have not yet arrived or taken hold of the goal and He continues to work in me. I am reminded of how helpless I am, reminded of darkness, sorrow and pain of people around me. I am reminded of my need for repentance, reminded of my falleness, reminded that this world is not my home, reminded that my life is like a cloud that is consumed and vanished away. I am reminded there is no good in me.

What a wretched person I am but by the grace of God and the power of the life giving Spirit.

He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor. 12:9-10)

My story will fade away, but the redemption story of Jesus Christ will go on forever.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. (2 Cor.4:7)

If you have a placed your faith in Jesus Christ, you have a Salvation story. Some are dramatic rescues from a life of rebellion in deep and flagrant sin, while others may be a constant posture toward Jesus with a steady maturity in Christ with no date to point to that you received the Spirit of God. It seems like you have always known Christ and the power of His resurrection. At some point, you understand that Jesus Christ is who He says He is and you are no longer your own; you have been blood bought by Christ.

You could be the chief of sinners or a rule keeper. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Rom 3:23)  Each one of us is in need of a Savior. Do you recognize that you are a sinner? But God show His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8)  Do you know Jesus Christ personally as your Lord and Savior?  Are you known by God?  Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ, that He lived the life we could not live, died the death we should have died, and rose again to give us new life?  Do you trust Him to save you? Completely. Fully. Wholy. Jesus is the way the truth and the life. There is no other way but through Him. (John 14:6) None. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Rom. 10:9-10)  Freedom, forgiveness and life is found in Jesus Christ.  He loves you that much. He made a way. Seek the Lord and call upon His Name.

Let him who is thirsty come. Whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely. (Rev. 22:17)

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen

Name Calling, Shame and Accusations

Within the span of a week, I spoke to 8 people who were distraught by the negative berating, extremely personal comments or accusations by a peer both online and in person. With the most destruction and impact to the individuals from online comments.

 



My own child came home crying over being called a name. She is the sensitive and gentle hearted one, always trying to make sure everyone is alright. She notices my facial expressions and is the first to ask, "Mom, are you OK?" If dinner is before Dad gets home, she is the one that always makes sure there is plenty left for Dad. She is the peacemaker and the one who crosses clique boundaries to talk to the kid sitting by themselves. When I saw her tears, I really wanted to go give the kid a piece of my mind but I realized this would not be the last time she would be called a name. Name calling, shaming and accusations are still a thing in the adult world. So as with the 8 people that sat in front of me in a mess of tears, anger and hurt and now my daughter, let's talk about how we can deal with words in a healthy way.

I took her by the hand and said, "You are who Christ says you are. You are a daughter of the Most High God, forgiven, loved and accepted by the King. He knew you before you were born. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, created for His purposes."  And then I gave my best words of wisdom from the great theologian Taylor Swift, "Haters gonna hate and fakers gonna fake," to which she finished, "But I'm gonna shake it off, shake it off."  Her spirit was lifted quickly but it's not always so simple.

Words can tear down and destroy and also can encourage and build up. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21  Our words have power and the Bible has much to say about how we use our words.

Name calling, shaming and accusations have been around forever. Joseph was accused of raping the wife of his master. David was falsely accused by King Saul of trying to dethrone him. Job's friends told him he was guilty of great sin. Now in a world of anonymous posting apps like  Kik, Snapchat and Yik Yak, kids especially fall victim to unfiltered vicious words aimed at ripping a persons soul. Adults troll the internet making degrading and inflammatory comments sometimes in the name of defending Jesus. And good luck if you make a stupid decision. Remember that time you got drunk and passed out beside the toilet when you were 18?  Yeah, I don't either but now if that happens, someone could and probably will snap a picture and thousands of people will know about it before you wake up. A picture now public forever.

There has been much needed conversation lately about this issue. Check out this message from Matt Chandler and check out #CTShame on twitter for some great conversation addressing Christian involvement in online shaming.

What to do? How to respond to the explosiveness and viciousness of online or face to face shaming? Talk to your children, your grandchildren, your friends children, your children's friends. Educate them on social media skills. Educate them on the risks of the so called anonymous apps. If you don't know these apps, have your children teach you. Be in the know about the social lives of your children, both online and offline. Back in the day, if we dealt with a bully or mean kid at school, we could safely escape home each day. These days, kids take the bully home with them via their phone. Unlimited access day and night. Taunting words that can be seen by hundreds in permanent black and white. Use the blocking feature. Check the  phone. Consider gathering the phone when they come home. Teach kids to tell someone if they are being harassed online or face to face. Remind them always, their identity is rooted in Christ. Offer encouragement and empathy. Often, a word of encouragement at the right time can dispel the darkness of shame. Model online behavior and how to handle conflicts without resorting to name calling and online accusations. The Bible gives us a model to handle conflicts in Matthew 18.

The outside world is to know us by our love.

If your vocabulary is filled with accusations, name calling and shaming others, it may be time to check your heart. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34  Toxic words will change into words that encourage and heal when our hearts are transformed. For harsh, unkind and hateful words to be replaced with ones that edify, our hearts must be overwhelmed by who Jesus is and who we are in Christ.

Jesus did some name calling Himself. He did, after all call the Pharisees "brood of vipers" "hypocrites" "blind  guides" "fools" "serpents." Even His name calling was done in perfect righteousness.  In calling out the religious leaders, His sharp words declared their character in hopes they would come face to face with the Truth. Jesus knows the character and heart of everyone. His name calling was done in love so that His kindness would bring them to repentance.

Sometimes calling out is necessary, even required of us as Christians. Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it. Psalm 141:5   There are times when a rebuke or a corrective word is the most kind and loving thing to do. Faithful are the wounds of a friend. Proverbs 27:6  When we approach a brother or sister to call them out personally, whether online or in person it should be done with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  Without love, our words are a noisy gong or a clanging symbol. The intent of calling out a brother or sister in Christ should always be to bring them closer to Christ. Redemption is the goal.

I have been on both sides, both the one falsely spoken of and the one who falsely speaks. I have been betrayed and have betrayed. If you live long enough, you will too. There are times to go to friends or family and ask forgiveness, there are times to offer mercy and forgiveness.

If you are the subject of online or face to face shaming, name calling or accusations that is not done in loving humility, give it little consideration before it sinks into your soul. Nothing is wasted for a follower of Christ. Even if the words are false and unfair, there still may be lessons to learn.  For a child or teenager, it could be learning  skills to handle unkind words or to help them have compassion to not use degrading and negative words on others. For an adult, perhaps it is to abide securely in Christ, dependent on  His great grace. If you are wounded by false words, let Christ cover you in His healing through your standing as a Child of the King. Redemption is always found in Him. If the words spoken to you are in loving humility, take them to the Cross. Seek Godly counsel and let Jesus reveal all truth and sift your heart. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

If you are shaming, name calling or accusing out of malice, contempt, insecurity or jealousy, if words are spoken or typed to wound someone, to make yourself feel better or to one up someone, stop, repent, and be restored. Meditate on the Truth of God's Word and let the love, mercy and grace of Jesus Christ reign in your heart.

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18  

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. Proverbs 17:27-28

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

People Of The Cross

21 of our Egyptian Christian brothers were beheaded on Sunday, just because they were Christians. The images released by ISIS are powerful as they are mocked by the terrorist calling them "people of the Cross." The Cross, "foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who  are being saved it is the power of God." (1Cor 1:18)  And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (Rev 12:11)


Here are the names of these saints who now reign with Christ. Let us pray that their families receive sufficient grace to help them to hold onto their faith and stand in this time of need.





We declare our commitment by going to church on Sunday, putting a tattoo on our wrist, going to a Christian conference and quoting some verses on social media and yet God knows the commitment of our heart beyond our behavior. Have we really surrendered all, every part of our lives to the Lordship of Jesus?  Yes, most of us won't be imprisoned, violently persecuted or killed for our faith, but we all should be ready.

Jesus said, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters- yes even their own life- such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:26-27

"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2Timothy 3:12

"I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God...they came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years." Rev 20:4

"Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God." John 16:2

"If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." 1Peter 4:16

"There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword..-the world was not worthy of them." Hebrews 11:35-38

This is the Truth of God's Word.

Early Christians were bold and brave, loved sacrificially and lived with purpose empowered by the Holy Spirit, because they knew that Jesus was who He said He was and did what He said He would do. They trusted in the finished work of Jesus. They knew that "to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Phil 1:21) Their eyes were turned to Jesus as the things of this earth grew strangely dim. They were fueled by the  eternal hope of life with Christ. They were not seeking comfort, approval or security. They lived to bring God glory. They expected suffering.

ISIS meant to cause fear that causes hearts and feet to fail. Yet, God is victorious even when evil seems to cover the earth and darkness is widespread. He "does not desire that any should perish, but everyone come to repentance." (2Peter 3:9) God can make persecution serve the Great Commission. Look at the book of Acts. When persecution comes because of faithfulness to God, God is honored and the gospel spreads.


And yet, how long, O Lord?