WITH US IS GOD!

Emmanuel: The name means “God with us.” But the unusual and emphatic position of the words making up the name show it should be understood, “WITH US is God!”

Thus, the name Emmanuel captures the awe and wonder of the incarnation, and the unimaginable fact that the God of the universe entered the stream of time to become one with us.

So often we hear from people that it is such a magical season...and I agree. 

There is a wonder, a joy, a hope, and a peace...and it blazes a trail through all that that is tarnished, sorrowful, hopeless, and turbulent. 

What really hurts is that our culture tries to sweep the truth under the rug of tolerance.

But on the day we celebrate Jesus' birthday, on the birthday of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, on this day that He should be recognized and honored for his coming into the world....He hardly enters our minds at all. 

It’s all about the bottom line...we go through the parade of Christmas dressed in a costume of materialism. 

But I love how Brennan Manning balances this: 

“Once a year the Christmas season strikes both the sacred and the secular spheres of life with a sledgehammer force:  suddenly Jesus Christ is everywhere.

           

For approximately one month His presence is inescapable.  You may accept him or reject him, affirm Him or deny him, but you cannot ignore him.  Of course He is proclaimed in speech, song, and symbol in all the Christian circles.  But he rides every red-nosed reindeer, lurks behind every cabbage patch doll, and resonates in the most desacralized “season’s greetings” and “happy holidays.”  Remotely or proximately He is toasted in every cup of Christmas cheer.  Each sprig of holly is a hint of his holiness, each cluster of mistletoe a sign he is here.

For those who claim His name, Christmas heralds this luminous truth:  The God of Jesus Christ is our absolute future.  Such is the deeply hopeful character of this sacred season.  By God’s free doing in Bethlehem, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.  Light, life and love are on our side.”

Emmanuel: With us is God. Merry CHRISTmas.

Marketing the Holy Spirit?

 “The fresh air we need is the air of the Holy Spirit “breathing where He pleases,” which means that the windows must be open and we must expect Him to come from any direction. The error is to lock the windows and doors in order to keep the Holy Spirit within our house. The very action of locking doors and windows is fatal.” Thomas Merton

Pharisees

Sometimes I feel choked by the unclean air of pharisaical Christians who “honor God with their mouths, but their hearts are far from Him.” In Isaiah 29:13 the prophet writes, “And so the Lord says, ‘These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man- made rules learned by rote.’” There is no fresh air. No fresh wind of the Spirit. No real gut-wrenching sorrow that leads to repentance. No true freedom (although that word is bounced around and “experienced” more than a basketball at a Knicks overtime game!). In 2 Peter 2:19 Peter writes, “They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption; for people are slaves to whatever masters them.” No true holiness…just a “happy face at any cost” facade. Jesus referred to them as “white-washed tombs full of dead man’s bones.”

Subtly

There is one thing I have seen over the years and frankly, it scares me. It is subtly deceptive. It is almost too close to call. It feels so good as it woos us, but eventually when the dust of it settles, it leaves us flat and dry and back to where we were. Almost like a drug to get you high (I smoked a lot of pot over 33 years ago, so I know!)…you always come back to reality. Could we be setting the stage for shallow ground? “Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn't have deep roots, they died.” (Matthew 13:5-6)

Knowing Christ

It’s all about reaching people with the truth of the Gospel and discipling them into intimacy with Jesus. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19) To enable them to know Christ, not just know about Christ! Paul’s goal in life was to know Christ: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10-11) It’s not a perfect world and we’re not perfect people. It boils down to discipling His people in such a way that whatever curveballs life throws at them they will always hold on to Jesus.  The goal being that we all would be a people who, in the storms of life, hold on to the Anchor even when it appears that He is asleep in the boat! (Luke 8)

Tiffany’s

Here's what I have discerned: Marketing the Holy Spirit is like putting Him in a Tiffany’s gift box that is exquisitely wrapped, and upon opening it, discovering it empty. The Holy Spirit cannot be marketed by the likes of a Madison Avenue ad agency. Please understand that I am not talking about advertising for our church and the use of social media and other avenues to stay connected and advertise your church family. I’m mostly talking about the manipulation I have seen in worship/teaching/retreat/training venues. (Oh God, that we be men and women of integrity!) Don't get me wrong, we can use computer technology, music, videos (if Holy Spirit led), and powerful, humble preachers for God's glory. However, there's a fine line between human manipulation and Holy Spirit consummation. I’ve seen it in youth ministry and in churches. Now don’t get me wrong…the church must be relevant to the culture without compromise…we must be accepting, comforting and welcoming. “To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some.” (1Cor. 9:22) Many have used very progressive methods, led by the Spirit, who are successful having many people become fully devoted followers of Jesus.

Spiritual Eyes

However, when you see it, really see it (this marketing/manipulation), you’ll know it. You’ll need the discernment of spiritual eyes to see it and when you do, the Spirit within you will grieve. I can’t tell you how many times I have grieved. I’ve seen the life preservers thrown out to the waters where people are drowning. We bring them aboard our “Gospel Ship” and let them cope alone, cold and shivering, thinking that the warmth of discipleship will happen by some sort of spiritual osmosis. Oh sure, our numbers of the “saved” increases, but not our number of “disciples.”

The Preacher/Pastor/Prophet

"I have not sent these prophets, yet they run around claiming to speak for me. I have given them no message, yet they go on prophesying. If they had stood before me and listened to me, they would have spoken my words, and they would have turned my people from their evil ways and deeds. (Jeremiah 23:21-22)… "Let these false prophets tell their dreams, but let my true messengers faithfully proclaim my every word. There is a difference between straw and grain! Does not my word burn like fire?" says the LORD. "Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:28-29)

There’s also that idolatrous image of a pastor/preacher whom we “seat at the right hand of the Father.” All the time he/she is really, in all actuality, and personal admission, simply a desperate human being in desperate need of a Savior. Many preachers have led the sheep astray and many have let them down through some sort of moral failure. The preacher must not be put on a holier than thou pedestal. Tim Keller sums up a lot of what I am saying: “Preaching is compelling to young secular adults not if preachers use video clips from their favorite movies and dress informally and sound sophisticated, but if the preachers understand their hearts and culture so well that listeners feel the force of the sermon’s reasoning, even if in the end they don’t agree with it.”

Building Relationships

It’s really about building intentional relationships. Authentic, no holds barred, all walls down, vulnerable, non-judgmental, loving, caring, compassionate, merciful, accountable, and understanding relationships. And not being afraid to build those same kind of relationships with people outside the faith to love them into faith. Listen to these wise words from Brennan Manning.  “To open yourself to another person, to stop lying about your loneliness, to stop lying about your fears and hurts, to be open about your affection, and to tell others how much they mean to you-this is the triumph of the child over the Pharisee and the dynamic presence of the Holy Spirit at work.”

“There are also all sorts of things in our own spiritual life where a thing has to be killed, and broken, in order that it may then become bright, and strong, and splendid.” wrote CS Lewis.

Maybe the church needs to kill marketing. Church: OPEN THE WINDOWS.

LABELS

I’m sick and tired of “ists”: Leftists, rightists, extremists, lobbyists, political activists, Wall Streetists, Hollywood and media elitists, racists, abortionists, anti-abortionists, masochists, feminists, hedonists, nihilists, narcissists, atheists, religionists, animal activists, spiritualists, gay activists, and any other “ists” you can imagine. Frankly, I’m sick of all of it. What this world needs is more “Jesus-ists.” A people who live non-judgmental, unconditional lives of love, forgiveness, mercy, grace,  and compassion. And more people who are willing to “give up their own lives” and agendas for Jesus. When we look to Him, we will find the Truth. But it is so unfortunate that our own agendas blind us to the Master’s agenda of providing true peace, hope, love, freedom and reconciliation. Let’s stop making God in our own image and live lives conformed to His.

“The terrible thing is that our society, which pretends to be Christian, is in fact rejecting the word of God, enabled to do so by the all-pervading, suffocating noise of its own propaganda, able to make itself believe whatever it wants.” Thomas Merton

Matthew 10:34, 39 "Don't imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword…If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” Jesus

And yes...I'm an IDEALIST!

Depression Slapped in the Face! PLEASE First Read Sunday July 21 "Game Plan" Blog for Context!

Monday, July 22. Wow…God is faithful! After my rant on Sunday, this is especially powerful. The next day, Monday morning during my time with God, I read the passage below (during my daily Bible reading) from the Gospel of Luke. He knew I needed this! Now this all may sound manic but it’s awesome to me how God’s timing has pinpoint accuracy, especially considering my blog/journal from Sunday. Every day, before I read my Bible, I also read from four different daily devotional books. At the end of this blog, I included from the same date, what Brennan Manning wrote from the collection, “Reflections for Ragamuffins.” My God, who knows me better than anyone else does, heard my heart’s cry. The bedrock of my worry, fear, and depression is lack of faith and trust. As I read the words in Luke I was comforted and convinced that I have nothing to worry about! He will meet all my needs. Again…I’ve known and experienced His supernatural provision for years . So why does it seem the older I get, the more faithless I get? 

I guess I’m learning that I must react differently to each little challenge that comes my way. It’s kind of like each little test is like adding one little pebble to another little pebble that morphs into a seeming insurmountable wall. The challenge really is “one day at a time.” One pebble at a time so it doesn’t even reach the heights of a curb. And to continue with Sunday’s analogy of “game plan”…stay on the field during the game because if the game plan changes, I need to be ready to pounce. One play at a time to victory.

Luke 12:22-34 ²² Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life- whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. ²³ For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. ²⁴ Look at the ravens. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! ²⁵ Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? ²⁶ And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things? ²⁷" Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. ²⁸ And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? ²⁹ "And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. ³⁰ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. ³¹ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. ³²" So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. ³³ "Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. ³⁴ Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

When will I learn?! Worry is a sin because it is a lack of trust in God and putting myself in the driver’s seat. I worry because I’m trusting in me and I know I can never manipulate life and events to go in my favor. Only God can do that as I walk in submission to Him and His will. And I would so much rather Him be driving than me. HE REALLY DOES CARE! His GPS will never lead to a wrong turn.

Brennan Manning, Reflections for Ragamuffins, July 22 -- “Let me  make  a  suggestion.  Each day take a little time to pause and pray, "Jesus, I thank you for everything ." In this simple prayer there is humility, a deep trust in his love, surrender,  and thanksgiving. It glorifies Jesus and pleases the Father. It is a cry of abandonment. Actually, it is nothing more than what Paul asked of the Ephesians in chapter 5, verse 20: "Always and everywhere giving thanks to God who is our Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ .” As you pray daily in this way, I believe you will hear the Father say something like this: ‘My child, fan the flame of your confidence in me. Keep it burning . I want you to be happy, to come back again and again to this feeling of trust until you are never without it. Trust is an aspect of love. If you love me and believe in my love for you, you will surrender your whole self into my hands like a little child who doesn't even ask, 'Where are you taking me?' but sets off joyously, hand in hand with his mother. How many blessings this happy confidence wins for you, my little one." 

I have practiced Brennan’s suggestion for two days now and I’m telling you, it’s turning things around. With each moment of stressors or conflict before my mind reacts with mental cussing or complaining, I actually say/think, “Jesus, I thank You for everything.” All a part of renewing the mind and creating a heart of gratitude to the One with limitless Love.

Torn Up Game Plan

Psalm 143:4-8 ⁴ I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear. ⁵ I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. ⁶ I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain…⁷ Come quickly, LORD, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don't turn away from me, or I will die. ⁸ Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. 

Yes…I have felt like I have lost all hope, was paralyzed with fear, contemplated on the past, lifted my hands (and heart) in prayer, and thirsted for God. And yet it seems indeed like my depression deepens, my trust wavers, my patience thinned. I feel like I have no direction, no plan, no peace. Oh how I need a sense of His unfailing love. A waterfall of renewal. A submergence of trust. “SHOW me where to walk. I give myself to You.” 

I want God to show me where to walk but so often I feel like I turn off His GPS. I want to walk this journey on my own. Yet deep down I know my need for Him because I get lost so easily. I don’t give myself fully to Him. I give myself conditionally and don’t take up my cross daily to follow Him. I hate that about me. I know He has an awesome plan for me but I can’t see it. Not even glimpses. And that’s when the depression deepens. It’s all about trust. 

Then, a few days later I read this by Brennan Manning:

“Concretely, abandonment to the will of God consists of finding His purpose for you in all the people, events, and circumstances you encounter. If God tears up your beautiful game plan and leads you into a valley instead of onto a mountaintop, it is because He wants you to discover His plan, which is more beautiful than anything you or I could have dreamed up. The response of trust is, “Thank You  Jesus,” even if it is said through clenched teeth.”

God tore down my game plan…the perfect family, successful ministry, financial security. All of it gone. As if almost overnight. This isn’t self-pity (I know that all too well!) It’s just been the reality of my life in the past 6+ years since “Forgiven Ministries” was dissolved. It avalanched after that. It has been a long, hard, stressful road and through it all, I haven’t been very appreciating, so now…I thank you Jesus through clenched teeth and I lift my heart to you as King David did in Psalm 143:10-11 ¹⁰ Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. ¹¹ For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.

FAITHFUL LOVE

Psalm 138:8 – “The LORD will work out his plans for my life - for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me.”

This verse seems like a dichotomy. On one hand, David has the faith to know that God will work out His plans for his life because he knows in the depth of his being that God’s faithful love endures forever. Then obviously he is concerned that God has the potential to abandon him. This is what I love about the humanness of the Psalms! David’s vulnerability, authenticity and bare naked truth telling are beautiful traits of which I have an unfathomable longing. Deep down I can’t help but wonder if David knew in own soul that God would never abandon him, even though he pleads with God not to leave him to his own devices, and even worse, the devices of those who don’t like him.

In the depths of my being I know that God will work out His plans for my life. He is sovereign. He knows. He is God. I am not. And I am happy with that. I have seen firsthand God’s faithfulness in my life and in so many lives of people I know personally. Through tragedy, suffering, loss, pain, and all that life throws at me, I can say with Job, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” (19:25) And that is enough for me. I am also convinced of His faithful love. FAITHFUL LOVE. I’ve been chewing on these two words for days. Faithful…God’s love is absolutely trustworthy. His faithful love has been a constant in all my successes, failures, loneliness, hopes and dreams, family and friends, victories and defeats, betrayal…in life. And I KNOW that He will never abandon me. Even if people are not faithful or loving, it doesn’t matter because God is both. We desperately need godly people today who are filled with faithful love. Love that I know is true and committed and real and unconditional. 

There’s a huge difference between “love” and “faithful love.” “Love” will abandon. Faithful love won’t. I “love” pizza but I’m not faithful to it. Faithful love stands with you in all the ups and downs of life. God loves me no matter what. He loves me period. He may not be pleased with me all the time, but His love never changes! I’m not always pleased with my children similarly to the way I’m sure my dad was not always pleased with me. But one thing my children know is that I love them period. No matter what they’ve done doesn’t change one iota my love for them. I love them for who they are (my children) not what they are or for what they do or don’t do. And they know how much I love them and how I will always support them and “have their backs.” How much more a loving Heavenly Father loves us!! This sacred, passionate, reckless, unbridled, eternal, scandalous, unconditional love is true and amen. 

I have never been motivated by money, almost to a fault, and I am learning to be satisfied with what I have and who I am in Christ. GRACE. Upon my recent move almost a year ago, filling 5 dumpsters of accumulated “stuff” and 3 trucks of donated goods were some of the most liberating things I ever did. Whoever said, “He who dies with the most toys wins” was a liar. What really counts in life is far beyond what we accumulate in this life. Hebrews 13:5-6, “Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’  So we can say with confidence, ‘The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?’"

I can never shake my fist with questions of “why.” Knowing that most of them might never be answered this side of heaven. I will not fear the future, knowing that as He has been, He is there already.

The bottom line is that I am content with the faithful love, verdicts, and direction of my Master.

TRUE FREEDOM

So grateful to God to be born and raised in this amazing country. And I am also grateful for all of the men and women who fought and continue to fight for our Freedom. Unfortunately, it often seems our Freedom is attacked from inside and outside our blessed nation. But national freedom doesn’t compare to personal freedom that God provides…Freedom to be His children in the “soul playground” of our loving Father.

TRUE FREEDOM is found in no other: “God sent Jesus to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.  And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.” Galatians 4:5-7

Poverty Stricken

“Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don't drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.” Colossians 1:22-23

To believe this truth and stand firmly in it, I must be totally and absolutely emptied of self. Poverty stricken. I’ve known this theologically since I’ve been a Christian…almost 35 years. I’ve preached it, taught it, tried to live it but my meager attempts were all wrong. There was little room for grace. I was too hard on myself when I didn’t “live up to the expectations” of the religious people I was surrounded by. Even my own efforts to be good and do the right thing always came up short. I feel like I can never measure up. That is such a difficult place to be. I wasn’t standing firm in the truth that Jesus; because of His shed blood, sinless life, and taking on my sin; is the One whom all my righteousness is cloaked. I was living on my own merits….wearing my own “good deed doer” cloak. You would think after 35 years of this “knowledge,” I would have walked in the truth of His grace. NOTHING I do that is good will ever be good enough. The prophet Isaiah said it: Isaiah 64:6 We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. And the apostle Paul said it: Romans 3:9-12, 18 “… for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin.  As the Scriptures say, ‘No one is righteous-not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.’… They have no fear of God at all.’"

Now I am beginning to be free from the bondage of the cloak of “good deed doer.” Jesus dealt with my sin once and for all on the Cross. I am beginning to live in His grace…His righteousness…His freedom. Now this doesn’t mean I can do whatever I want and God will forgive me (of course He will!). What it does mean is that love is my motivation to wear His cloak. To live in His cloak and never take it off. Love others in this cloak (whether or not they love me). Judge not in this cloak. Serve others in this cloak.  Be gracious in this cloak. Be merciful in this cloak. Forgive in this cloak. Be compassionate in this cloak. Be thankful for all things in this cloak. Jesus’ cloak of righteousness will always be pure. And that frees me from becoming a people pleaser to live for an audience of One. I may get dirty, but His cloak is pure and righteous and holy and still covers me. The Father sees me in the righteous, blood soaked cloak of Jesus…no matter how smelly my undergarments may become.

Brennan Manning writes about this poverty: “The awareness of our innate poverty, that we were created from the clay of the earth and the kiss of God’s mouth, that we came from dust and shall return to dust, pulls away the mask of prestige, of knowledge, of social class, or of strength—whatever it is we use to command attention and respect…Poverty of spirit breaks through our human pretenses, freeing us from the shabby sense of spiritual superiority and the need to stand well with persons of importance…Poverty brings us to the awareness of the sovereignty of God and our absolute insufficiency. We simply cannot do anything alone. Any growth or progress in the spiritual life cannot be traced to our paltry efforts. All is the work of grace…I am convinced that without a gut level experience of our profound spiritual emptiness, it is not possible to encounter the living God.”

Being Heavenly Minded in Earthly Battles

For the last 4½ years, I have to admit, I have not been living in the heavenly places the way I know I should have been. And I miss it.  After re-watching “The Apostle” with Robert Duvall a couple of weekends ago, I want, no I need, that constant communication with my God.  Even though he was somewhat of a nut job in the movie…you can sense his battle with the flesh and the Spirit. But on the Spirit side of things, Sonny was portrayed as a man in constant verbal communication with God (especially when no one else was around). I envied that. I used to talk to Jesus like that.

This morning I read the following passage from Ephesians with new eyes. I preached and taught from this passage many times through the years. Paul prays earlier in Ephesians that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened. “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.”

Ephesians 6:10-19

¹⁰A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹²For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

¹³Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ¹⁶In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. ¹⁷Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

¹⁸Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Being strong in the Lord is so much better than trying to be strong in myself. Because my “self” is so weak. I know that in my weakness is God’s strength.

There were times over the past few years that I was often neglecting to put on my armor on. I was vulnerable and bare-chested before the enemy as he shot fiery arrow after fiery arrow. So many days I felt bloodied and defeated, depressed and fog-like. However, all of those arrows but one missed my heart. You see, through it all, my heart belonged to God. He was protecting it. Something I couldn’t do on my own. The only arrow that pierced my heart was betrayal. And since that happened, God has healed it. I wrote in my journal on March 24, 2009 that, “There really is a fate worse than death…betrayal.  There is nothing worse to penetrate the heart of a man then when the arrow of betrayal strikes it.  Rivers of blood flow impacting and rippling to the far reaches.  It is unfathomable.  It’s beyond empty.  It’s beyond the need to be healed.  It’s beyond any sense of human emotion. How did Jesus feel when He was betrayed by a close friend and confidant of 3 years?”

In my recent spiritual process of decompression and compass bearing, slumber is turning to full consciousness…the spiritual cataracts have scabbed and are falling off. Clarity is taking over and faith is being built up again. Spiritual fervor, praying in the Spirit with consistent communication, verbal gratitude, and even praise are being awakened.

I’m beginning to recapture the truth that my life is a spiritual battlefield. Anyone to whom God is going to use powerfully must first be broken.  I battle in this heavenly realm fully clothed in the spiritual armor God provides.  As I walk in spiritual nakedness it is so easy to get sidetracked, attacked, and lose the battle. But as I trust in Him I realize that I am clothed with His righteousness for the war. He has given me every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). He has seated me with Him far above all rule, power, authority and dominion (Ephesians 1:21; 2:6). I am prepared to defend (the clothing) and attack (the Sword – The Word of God).  Always remembering that no weapon formed against me will prosper and that the battle is the Lord’s.

I choose to live in victory. The arrow of betrayal was gently pulled out by the Master Surgeon and He filled in that hole with a heart of forgiveness providing healing, freedom and unconditional love.

Sinking Like an Ax Head?

Did you ever feel like a sinking hunk of 5 lb. iron in a river of darkness? Doomed to land and sink into the murky seabed? That no one else really cares about the practical side of life to reach out a hand to pull you out of the mire?

And speaking of practical, did you ever borrow anything and lose it and had to explain to the lender that you lost it, even if it wasn’t your fault? Who can help you? Does God really care about things that seem so trivial?

Well, God does care. In the book of 2Kings Elisha was informed by a bunch of prophets that they need a bigger place to meet. So they all went down by the Jordan River because that was a good place to procure and cut logs. So Elisha went with them and they started cutting down trees. Then something interesting occurred:

2 Kings 6:4-7

 “When they arrived at the Jordan, they began cutting down trees. But as one of them was cutting a tree, his ax head fell into the river. "Oh, sir!" he cried. "It was a borrowed ax!" "Where did it fall?" the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface.  "Grab it," Elisha said. And the man reached out and grabbed it.”

This passage really struck me on Friday morning.

Allow God to even use someone to “throw a stick in the water” to bring you up out of the seabed  (requires humility) and never question the method (seemed kind of silly to throw a stick in the water!).

Sometimes I feel like the ax head, sometimes I feel like the borrower.  The beautiful thing is that not only is God the God of the supernatural, He is the God of the practical.

The Sparrow's Crumb and Dying to Self -- Friday, June 7, 2013

Yesterday (Thursday) morning I had a terrible attitude. It was Wednesday’s leftovers. I was still sour even after having my alone time with God. I know He is in control, but my heart is always so heavy and self-pitiful. Mostly work related…low pay, hard work, but grateful for a job. You would think that I would have learned by now…It’s the “poor me,” self-pity bullshit all over again. (Sorry if you’re offended by that last sentence, but sometimes there are no better words to describe what it really is!) When will I learn not to be selfish, not strive to impress others, consider others better than myself, look out for other’s interests other than my own? (Philippians 2) When will I truly die to self?!

In the morning as I was walking on my way to the subway on W. 43^rd Street, I saw a sparrow hopping around on the sidewalk. He was battling a crumb to eat that was bigger than his beak, and he won! Quickly I was reminded the words of Jesus…“Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Matthew 6:26-27) That sparrow had more faith and courage than me. 

God will meet my needs. I will battle the crumb and win!

Before I left for work that same morning, I read this in Psalm 119.

⁶⁵You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised.⁶⁶I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. ⁶⁷I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. ⁶⁸You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. ⁶⁹Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. ⁷⁰Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. ⁷¹My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. ⁷²Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.

These verses really spoke to me about my attitude regarding God’s discipline and the importance of having a teachable spirit. Am I going to allow my sufferings to cause me to shake my fist at God? Or will I see suffering as an avenue to a deeper intimacy, obedience and wake up call to pay attention to His decrees? I won’t push the snooze alarm. His instructions are priceless.

I also read this the same morning from Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32: “And ‘don't sin by letting anger control you.’ Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷for anger gives a foothold to the devil…³¹Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. ³²Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

• Don’t be angry? “But life is unfair!” Let it go before bedtime. 
• Rid myself of all bitterness? “But it’s fun to stew!”  That stew will slowly boil your soul to death. 
• Rid myself of harsh words, slander, other types of evil behavior? “Killjoy!” These may seem right and even fun, but they’re not. Putting others down doesn’t really make me feel better about myself. 
• Be Kind? “I’m a pretty nice guy.”  But it’s hard to really be kind. Bite me. 
• Be Tenderhearted? “How about someone healing my tender heart?”  Selfish prig. 
• Forgive? “Do you mean actually ask God to bless someone I can’t stand?” Yes. 

As you see…it’s all a process of dying to self.

On Wednesday, June 5, I texted my friend Marisa to pray for me. Told her I was not in a good place.  She texted back, “Romans 12:17-21.” I read it right away…

 ¹⁷ Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. ¹⁸ Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge; I will pay them back," says the LORD. ²⁰ Instead, "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads." ²¹ Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

When I read it, I was cut to the core. All day I kept hearing God say, “Die to self. Die to self.” Honestly, I hate dying to self. 

In the end, I would rather "die" a death to self than "die" a slow stew soul death.

TRUST in Unconditional Love (May 26 - June 2)

TRUST in Unconditional Love 5-26-2013

Psalm 118:8-9

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes."

Refuge: A place of safety. Shelter from hardship or danger. SomeOne we turn to for security.

Am I really taking refuge in the Lord? Is He really the one I trust? Is my trust ruthless, at any cost, absolute, undeniable, fearless? I’m afraid not.

My tendency is to trust in people. And my expectations are lowering. I am told to trust in our government. That’s just a bold-faced lie no matter your political leanings. I’ve trusted in institutions, marriage, parenting, children, churches, pastors, teachers, women, friends, and employers. And you know what? One way or the other they have all let me down. And you know what’s even worse? I’ve played those roles one way or the other and I have let people down.

You knew this was coming…there is only One in whom I ultimately place my trust, but I waver so often. It’s not a lack of faith because I know in my heart God can do anything. The problem is me.

Ultimately my trust is in the love of Jesus. He is the only One who has loved me unconditionally.

On May 31, during our office pizza party, I had the opportunity to share what unconditional is all about. A young author’s girlfriend was starting to have concerns about her future relationship with her boyfriend. The publisher was expressing to her the importance of being his major source support and encouragement. There was another young author eaves dropping on our conversation. The publisher then asks me if I had any input, prefacing the statement to the young woman by introducing me as a man of faith. So God gave me the words from Scripture. I shared about the three types of love: Eros, or erotic love; Phileo, or brotherly, or deep friendship love; and Agape; unconditional love…the love that says, “I love you period. My love for you is based on love for who you are, not what you are or what you do.”

The love that Jesus expressed on the cross, providing the most unconditional form of love providing absolute forgiveness. Dying and rising from the dead…that we may be forgiven and live. That is the  unconditional love of Whom I place my trust.

Then I used an illustration of a young engaged couple who are on a ski trip. The man gets involved in a ski accident and becomes paralyzed from his waist down and will never walk again. If the woman sticks with her fiancé because she loves him is her expression of unconditional love. She loves him for who he is, not what he is or what he can or cannot do (walk). If she didn’t stick with him because of his paralysis, then she didn’t love him unconditionally. Well…all three were dumfounded by my (God’s) revelation. And when I looked over at the concerned woman, she looked like she had some sort of epiphany. She now had some serious food for thought. The other author had never heard anything like that and kept saying, that is so rich, so amazing.

“God loves us you as you are and not as you should be. Do you believe this? That God loves you beyond worthiness and unworthiness, beyond fidelity and infidelity, that He loves you in the morning sun and the evening rain, that He loves you without caution, regret, boundary, limit, or breaking point?” Brennan Manning

Then I read this from Brennan Manning on June 1:

“Faithfulness to Jesus implies that with all our sins, scars, and insecurities, we stand with Him; that we are formed and informed by His Word; that we acknowledge that abortion and nuclear weapons are two sides of the same hot coin minted in hell; that we stand upright beside the Prince of Peace and refuse to bow before the shrine of national security; that we are a life-giving and not a death-dealing people of God; that we live under the sign of the Cross and not the sign of the bomb.”

Even though my trust isn’t perfect, I choose to place my trust in the only true Prince of Peace. He is the one Who will NEVER let me down or put me in any situation where His unconditional love is not trustworthy. He is truly my refuge, strength, and shelter in any of life’s storms and the only One I turn to for security.

Salt or Pepper

“(Food) does not show its real taste till you have added the salt.” (C.S. Lewis)

I love salt…on just about everything one would expect to put salt on. Especially margaritas and street pretzels!  And having somewhat (controlled) high blood pressure, I know it’s not really good for me. But to be honest,  it’s just such an amazing flavor enhancer. Chocolate covered pretzels? Shoot me now!

In my life, I want to be a flavor enhancer. Jesus called us the salt of the earth. "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?” (Matthew 5:13)

After four years of literally the most stressful time in my life, I’ve taken the last few months to spend a lot of time alone to decompress. Been doing a lot of writing, praying, and reading. Admittedly, some wasteful moments catching up on movies and TV.  Both of which really do have a way of speaking to the soul especially if one discerns some redemptive qualities. I’m not making excuses…there is a lot of redemption out there if we look for it. Too many “Christians” criticize the media and entertainment as luring us into its secular trap (and sometimes it does). And this is the exact place I sense God wants us to be as true salt…flavoring the industry with His presence. Not unlike Mark Burnett and Roma Downey did with The Bible series on the History Channel.  

In the process of stressors and decompression over the recent past, I feel in many ways, I have lost my saltiness. I’ve been walking around with self-pity, lack of trust, grumbling and complaining (if even to myself), yet knowing through this all God loves me unconditionally, even granted me peace and allowed me to wallow in my disillusionment. More like pepper than salt. Frankly, the last five or six months the focus has been on restoring my soul. Breathing. Breathing in the breath of God. And my lungs are filling up again. It has been awesome to walk in praise and thanksgiving and see Him use me to shatter stereotypical illusions that people have about Western Evangelical Christians, and more importantly, Jesus.

The transformation from pepper to salt isn’t easy. It’s painful actually. In the natural I want to think that the world and God owe me something. (Pretty idiotic!) The world owes me nothing and I don’t deserve anything from God who already paid everything and expressed His unconditional love, mercy and grace through Jesus. He is the focus; not the world, not religion, it’s all about Jesus. My life verse for over 30 years has been Philippians 3:10 – “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death...".

I’ve been learning that one can’t experience resurrection power without experiencing suffering and death to self. If I want to be salty again, I must continue to die to self and live for God. It’s so liberating when I reach the place of thinking no one owes me anything, that self-pity is a mask of selfishness, and that grumbling and complaining are masks of distrust. The masks are off. 

And salt has never tasted so good.

“Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again?" (Mark 9:50)

Crown of Beauty

Crown of Beauty

Jesus’ promises are true

He saves, heals and delivers

He truly makes all things new

He binds up the broken hearted

He turns my sorrow into dancing

I dance with joy that my Savior lives

For He has granted me His favor with Light

In paths of darkness

No longer in despair

I’m robed in a garment of praise

He’s called me to be an oak of righteousness

For the obvious display of His splendor

I’ve seen my life an ash heap

Burned so much…I’m dry

He blew away the smoldering dust

Bids me to come and bow

As I bow He lifts my head and

Looks in my tear filled eyes

And bestows on me a crown

And then I hear His voice, “Because of Me,

you are beautiful, and here’s your crown to prove it.”

“The crown I wore for you bloodied and

Painful

is replaced by the one I bestow on you as

Beautiful.”

 CVA 5/7/2013

Inspired by Isaiah 61:1-3

Let's Get Real

4/29/13 Let’s get real.

"It is useless to break your head over the same old details week after week and year after year, pruning the same ten twigs off the top of the tree. Get at the root: union with God….drop everything and hide yourself to find Him in the silence where He is hidden within you, and listen to what He has to say. There is only one thing to live for: love. …what pains me is to see my own soul so full of movement and shadows and vanities, cross-currents of dry wind stirring up the dust and rubbish of desire. I don’t expect to avoid this humiliation in my life, but when will I become cleaner, more simple, more loving? ‘Have mercy on me O God. My sin is always before me.’” Thomas Merton

Even though I know that I have been cleansed of my sin by the forgiving blood of Jesus, doesn’t mean I’m (we’re) perfect. But His mercy is perfect. His grace is perfect. His love is perfect.

Mercy-Refuge

2-21-12 Mercy-Refuge

Psalm 57:1 “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. (New Living Translation)

"Be good to me, God—and now! I've run to you for dear life. I'm hiding out under your wings until the hurricane blows over." (The Message)

Sometimes when I feel like I’m smothered, it’s not from the things of life…It’s that He’s sheltering me in the shadow of His wings. Sometimes He has to squeeze hard to keep me in His wings, for all too often I want to go out into the middle of the storm on my own…And He knows I’ll get eaten alive.