So I hated life, because all the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the work into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. For man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 2:17-23)
The first two sentences of this paragraph hit me so I decided to put them in the blog. I put the whole paragraph not so much more for me but for you reading.
So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grevious to me. The work done under the sun is still grievous to me. I don't hate but I don't understand, well sometimes I hate. I feel there is no direction I can take that I will be happy with, that will satisfy me. I've had these feelings for a while now and they tear away at me. They keep me sitting idle doing nothing but focusing on my toilsome labor and the worthlessness of it all.
I had a dream last night. This dream showed me three paths. One was a path I had been on before and I was looking to go down it again. It was a scary, long, gruelling path that lead to nowhere. I did not want to go on this path however this is the path I was drawn to in my dream. Another path directly behind me was a very steep difficult path. This path was shorter and on the other side there was nothing but sinking mud. I could find quick self-worth on this path by running to the top and showing everyone I could do it. I knew I could make it to the top but that would be the end of it. I could run and repeat this however I would never be able to go any further, only up, down, up and so forth. The praise and recognition I would receive would feel nice but would only deteriate, and was not what I was seeking. The third path was not really a path. It was more like a place. I never walked to this place but just seemed to be there. I was happy, full of joy, holding on and living in innocence. There was a game, practice maybe, of volleyball going on. It seemed juvenile and misguided however the people were doing the best they could. I felt challanged to join but I didn't. I was with most of my family, across the court my Grandpa watched the game being played, cheering with the crowd. I sat content with my niece speaking to me and us laughing together. I didn't want this to ever end.
I believe this last place represents the church, the body. The game being played is life. Here is where I will find myself and my calling. I am an intricate piece of the puzzle in the body. I do not know where that is but I know the body is where I belong.
Gods Love
Hosea 11:1-4: When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more I called Israel, the further they went from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck an bent down to feed them.
Commentary from "Today in the Word" regarding Hosea 11:1-4:
"Israel failed to know and understand God, both before and after Hosea's message and the ensuing Exile. Today's reading portrays Israel's sinfulness as even more disappointing when contrasted with God's tender love. Hosea has given us multiple perspectives of God's love and our relationship to Him, including the image of God as husband, master, and provider.
In Hosea 11, God is depicted as a loving father in an endearing image of teaching His child to walk. God not only gave life to Israel but he also reared them gently and personally. God didn't force His children to survive and grow on their own; He came alongside them and helped them in love.
Hosea reiterated the image of Israel as a beast of burden, this time describing God as a compassionate master who eased the burden and kindly fed them. Despite all the myriad of ways God showed love to His people, they did not recognize Him as the One who loved them. Israel fled from His calls and showed their love to other gods, a reaction to which many parents can sadly relate. The verse describing God's call to His rebellious children was also prophetic of Jesus' return from Egypt after fleeing with Joseph and Mary from Herod's wrath (cf.Matt. 2:15). Israel lefty Egypt only to fall into idolatry immediately, but Jesus returned to save His people from their sin. Both times, Israel failed to recognize the merciful love of the Father."
More....
Commentary from "Today in the Word" regarding Hosea 11:1-4:
"Israel failed to know and understand God, both before and after Hosea's message and the ensuing Exile. Today's reading portrays Israel's sinfulness as even more disappointing when contrasted with God's tender love. Hosea has given us multiple perspectives of God's love and our relationship to Him, including the image of God as husband, master, and provider.
In Hosea 11, God is depicted as a loving father in an endearing image of teaching His child to walk. God not only gave life to Israel but he also reared them gently and personally. God didn't force His children to survive and grow on their own; He came alongside them and helped them in love.
Hosea reiterated the image of Israel as a beast of burden, this time describing God as a compassionate master who eased the burden and kindly fed them. Despite all the myriad of ways God showed love to His people, they did not recognize Him as the One who loved them. Israel fled from His calls and showed their love to other gods, a reaction to which many parents can sadly relate. The verse describing God's call to His rebellious children was also prophetic of Jesus' return from Egypt after fleeing with Joseph and Mary from Herod's wrath (cf.Matt. 2:15). Israel lefty Egypt only to fall into idolatry immediately, but Jesus returned to save His people from their sin. Both times, Israel failed to recognize the merciful love of the Father."
More....
Unplowed Ground
Hosea 10:12: Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, & break up your unnplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes & showers righteousness on you.
Where is your unplowed ground?
The True God
In my reading today I was focused on Hosea 10:1-10. After reading the scripture I read the "Daily Bread" commentary and this stuck out...
"It had been a long time since a good and wise king ruled over Israel, and that appears to have fostered their dependence on foreign gods..."
This struck me and made me reflect on my walk.
The devotional goes on to say about Hosea 10:1-10:
"It had been a long time since a good and wise king ruled over Israel, and that appears to have fostered their dependence on foreign gods rather than pursuing political reform. They mourned the loss of their idols. They ignored the loss of courage like David's or wisdom like Solomon's. Israel didn't place their hope in God or even in kings...they put their faith in manmade objects of worship. As a result of their foolishness, their government was rendered irrelevant (v.7) and their gods were proven disgraceful (v.6)."
So much can be drawn from this single paragraph, from my walk to how I see our country going and what we tend to worship.
"It had been a long time since a good and wise king ruled over Israel, and that appears to have fostered their dependence on foreign gods..."
This struck me and made me reflect on my walk.
The devotional goes on to say about Hosea 10:1-10:
"It had been a long time since a good and wise king ruled over Israel, and that appears to have fostered their dependence on foreign gods rather than pursuing political reform. They mourned the loss of their idols. They ignored the loss of courage like David's or wisdom like Solomon's. Israel didn't place their hope in God or even in kings...they put their faith in manmade objects of worship. As a result of their foolishness, their government was rendered irrelevant (v.7) and their gods were proven disgraceful (v.6)."
So much can be drawn from this single paragraph, from my walk to how I see our country going and what we tend to worship.
Judge Not
I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.
But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp--
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The murderers, the trash
There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.
Herb, who I always thoughtWas rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well
I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.
'And why's everyone so quiet,
So somber?
Give me a clue.
''Hush, child,' said He, 'they're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you.'
Judge NOT.
Mundane
“Long before I landed in Portland but shortly after my conversion to Christian spirituality, I experienced periods of affinity with God.
I would lie on my bedroom floor, reading my Bible, going at the words for hours, all of them like arms wrapped tightly around my chest.
It seemed as though the words were alive with minds and motions of their own, as though God were crawling thoughts inside my head for guidance, comfort, and strength. For a while, I felt as though the world was a watch and God had lifted the lid so I could see the gears.
The intricate rules of the sociospiritual landscape were something like a play to me, and I was delighted at every turn in the plot.
The truths of the Bible were magic, like messages from heaven, like codes, enchanting codes that offered power over life, a sort of power that turned sorrow to joy, hardship to challenge, and trial to opportunity. Nothing in my life was mundane.
Early on, I made the mistake of wanting spiritual feelings to endure and remain romantic.
Like a new couple expecting to always feel in love, I operated my faith thinking God and I were going to walk around smelling flowers.
When this didn’t happen I became confused.”
Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller (59-60)
I would lie on my bedroom floor, reading my Bible, going at the words for hours, all of them like arms wrapped tightly around my chest.
It seemed as though the words were alive with minds and motions of their own, as though God were crawling thoughts inside my head for guidance, comfort, and strength. For a while, I felt as though the world was a watch and God had lifted the lid so I could see the gears.
The intricate rules of the sociospiritual landscape were something like a play to me, and I was delighted at every turn in the plot.
The truths of the Bible were magic, like messages from heaven, like codes, enchanting codes that offered power over life, a sort of power that turned sorrow to joy, hardship to challenge, and trial to opportunity. Nothing in my life was mundane.
Early on, I made the mistake of wanting spiritual feelings to endure and remain romantic.
Like a new couple expecting to always feel in love, I operated my faith thinking God and I were going to walk around smelling flowers.
When this didn’t happen I became confused.”
Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller (59-60)
Crucible for Silver and the Furnace for Gold
Proverbs 17:3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.
The Quest study bible adds commentary on this stating, "...suffering allows the moral impurities in our character to surface. The heat of the hard times is designed to improve us, drawing us closer to the heart of the God."
The Quest study bible adds commentary on this stating, "...suffering allows the moral impurities in our character to surface. The heat of the hard times is designed to improve us, drawing us closer to the heart of the God."
Wait
I will wait for Him.
Though I feel crushed, I am not.
Though I feel lost, I am found.
Though I feel out of touch, He is beside me.
Though I feel impatient, He has His best waiting.
My mind races, yet I have peace in Him.
I want to work to be made righteous, but he tells me I already am.
I want to 'do' so He will answer me, He tells me to wait on His will.
I have to be something, yet He tells me I already am.
He tells me to love. This alone will guide me.
I will wait for Him.
Though I feel crushed, I am not.
Though I feel lost, I am found.
Though I feel out of touch, He is beside me.
Though I feel impatient, He has His best waiting.
My mind races, yet I have peace in Him.
I want to work to be made righteous, but he tells me I already am.
I want to 'do' so He will answer me, He tells me to wait on His will.
I have to be something, yet He tells me I already am.
He tells me to love. This alone will guide me.
I will wait for Him.
The Patience of Faith
THE PATIENCE OF FAITH
"Because thou hast kept the word of My patience." Revelation 3:10
OSWALD CHAMBERS
Patience is more than endurance. A saint's life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says - "I cannot stand any more." God does not heed, He goes on stretching till His purpose is in sight, then He lets fly. Trust yourself in God's hands. For what have you need of patience just now? Maintain your relationship to Jesus Christ by the patience of faith. "Though He slay me, yet will I wait for Him."
Faith is not a pathetic sentiment, but robust vigorous confidence built on the fact that God is holy love. You cannot see Him just now, you cannot understand what He is doing, but you know Him. Shipwreck occurs where there is not that mental poise which comes from being established on the eternal truth that God is holy love. Faith is the heroic effort of your life, you fling yourself in reckless confidence on God.
God has ventured all in Jesus Christ to save us, now He wants us to venture our all in abandoned confidence in Him. There are spots where that faith has not worked in us as yet, places untouched by the life of God. There were none of those spots in Jesus Christ's life, and there are to be none in ours. "This is life eternal, that they might know Thee." The real meaning of eternal life is a life that can face anything it has to face without wavering. If we take this view, life becomes one great romance, a glorious opportunity for seeing marvellous things all the time. God is disciplining us to get us into this central place of power.
"Because thou hast kept the word of My patience." Revelation 3:10
OSWALD CHAMBERS
Patience is more than endurance. A saint's life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says - "I cannot stand any more." God does not heed, He goes on stretching till His purpose is in sight, then He lets fly. Trust yourself in God's hands. For what have you need of patience just now? Maintain your relationship to Jesus Christ by the patience of faith. "Though He slay me, yet will I wait for Him."
Faith is not a pathetic sentiment, but robust vigorous confidence built on the fact that God is holy love. You cannot see Him just now, you cannot understand what He is doing, but you know Him. Shipwreck occurs where there is not that mental poise which comes from being established on the eternal truth that God is holy love. Faith is the heroic effort of your life, you fling yourself in reckless confidence on God.
God has ventured all in Jesus Christ to save us, now He wants us to venture our all in abandoned confidence in Him. There are spots where that faith has not worked in us as yet, places untouched by the life of God. There were none of those spots in Jesus Christ's life, and there are to be none in ours. "This is life eternal, that they might know Thee." The real meaning of eternal life is a life that can face anything it has to face without wavering. If we take this view, life becomes one great romance, a glorious opportunity for seeing marvellous things all the time. God is disciplining us to get us into this central place of power.
Death to Self
In reading this morning I came across this scripture:
Revelation 12:11 "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."
What struck me was the word "death". I don't believe the scripture is talking about getting killed but rather about dying to self, taking up our cross. THIS is how they overcame the enemy.
Am I willing to die to self and take up my cross? What does that look like? What does that entail? How would I and my life change? I am worried about the challenges I would have to face, like persecution from my peers. Who would I become? Would God have me do something I wouldn't like? These are some questions that pop in my mind. His word answers all of them.... Do I believe it? Can I hold on to the word and die without having all the answers? This is up to me. I choose "yes", but I have not let go completely. How do I let go? How do I give it to Him? How do I know I have? Do I really mean "yes", or am I really just wanting a taste before I truly commit?
I have many questions but for now I choose "yes" and will try and do the best I can.
Revelation 12:11 "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."
What struck me was the word "death". I don't believe the scripture is talking about getting killed but rather about dying to self, taking up our cross. THIS is how they overcame the enemy.
Am I willing to die to self and take up my cross? What does that look like? What does that entail? How would I and my life change? I am worried about the challenges I would have to face, like persecution from my peers. Who would I become? Would God have me do something I wouldn't like? These are some questions that pop in my mind. His word answers all of them.... Do I believe it? Can I hold on to the word and die without having all the answers? This is up to me. I choose "yes", but I have not let go completely. How do I let go? How do I give it to Him? How do I know I have? Do I really mean "yes", or am I really just wanting a taste before I truly commit?
I have many questions but for now I choose "yes" and will try and do the best I can.
Live Like a Champion
Seeing Adversity The Right Way
Anytime God is about to take you to a new level you’re going to face opposition. There will be new battles to fight and new obstacles to overcome. It’s easy to get discouraged and think, “Why is this happening?” But we have to change our thinking and focus on the fact that on the other side of those challenges is a new level of victory—a new level of success. David would only be known as a shepherd boy if it weren’t for Goliath. David’s enemy became the tool that God used to promote him. And God will do the same in your life today. He’ll use those challenges and difficulties in your life to catapult you towards success! If you are going through a hard time today, if things look impossible, don’t give up now. Change your perspective and believe that God is working behind the scenes. Put a smile on your face and stand in confidence knowing that you are a child of the Most High God. When all is said and done, you’re not just going to come out of that difficulty, but you’re coming out stronger, wiser, and better than you were before! That problem is going to be the catalyst for God to open supernatural doors of opportunity for you! Stand strong in the Lord today and trust that what the enemy meant for your harm, God will turn around and use to your advantage. He’ll take you places you never dreamed and cause you to rise higher and higher in every area of your life!
-Joel Osteen
Anytime God is about to take you to a new level you’re going to face opposition. There will be new battles to fight and new obstacles to overcome. It’s easy to get discouraged and think, “Why is this happening?” But we have to change our thinking and focus on the fact that on the other side of those challenges is a new level of victory—a new level of success. David would only be known as a shepherd boy if it weren’t for Goliath. David’s enemy became the tool that God used to promote him. And God will do the same in your life today. He’ll use those challenges and difficulties in your life to catapult you towards success! If you are going through a hard time today, if things look impossible, don’t give up now. Change your perspective and believe that God is working behind the scenes. Put a smile on your face and stand in confidence knowing that you are a child of the Most High God. When all is said and done, you’re not just going to come out of that difficulty, but you’re coming out stronger, wiser, and better than you were before! That problem is going to be the catalyst for God to open supernatural doors of opportunity for you! Stand strong in the Lord today and trust that what the enemy meant for your harm, God will turn around and use to your advantage. He’ll take you places you never dreamed and cause you to rise higher and higher in every area of your life!
-Joel Osteen
The Bigger Picture
Reading an article by James McDonald called "Facing Uncertainty" he talks about Matthew 8:23-27:
Then He got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!"
James McDonald has much to say about this scripture however his very last statement is what caught my attention. He says, "Let’s get our theology straight. Sometimes Jesus disguises exciting opportunities for personal growth as difficult circumstances. We would choose to avoid trials at all costs, but Jesus sees the bigger picture."
What is your bigger picture?
I think the next thing I will look at are the total paradigm shifts we face as Christians.....
Then He got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!"
James McDonald has much to say about this scripture however his very last statement is what caught my attention. He says, "Let’s get our theology straight. Sometimes Jesus disguises exciting opportunities for personal growth as difficult circumstances. We would choose to avoid trials at all costs, but Jesus sees the bigger picture."
What is your bigger picture?
I think the next thing I will look at are the total paradigm shifts we face as Christians.....
Like Adam
We are like Adam. God had created Adam in His own likeness and image. Then Satan came along and told Adam, "If you'll do this, you will be like God." Adam already was like God, but he fell because he simply did not believe it. In the same way, we have been made righteous in Jesus. The tempter says to us, "If you will do this, it will make you become like Jesus." We are like Jesus already; yet we fall into his trap because we just don't believe it. So instead of what we do stemming from who we are, we try to make who we are the product of what we do.
If I think I must become something to be acceptable to God, then I must also believe that I am not acceptable to God in my present state. Hence, low self-worth, rejection, and fear rule in my heart instead of peace. I find myself striving instead of resting, doubting instead of believing. - The Gospel of Peace Dr. James B. Richards
The Year of Jubilee
Luke 4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
I am currently reading a book titled The Gospel of Peace by Dr. James B. Richards in which he explains the "acceptable year of the Lord" or the "Year of Jubilee". He says "Every fifty years all debts were canceled. Regardless of how legitimate a debt might be, it was canceled. The individual was free from the debt without any effort or merit on his part. The debt was canceled. By the debt being canceled, the penalty of the debt was also canceled. Every good Jew knew the penalty for breaking the law was the curses, as described in the old covenant. When those curses came, he knew he deserved it, He could in no way hold God responsible for the curse of the law."
Today, we still deserve it, but, as Jesus says he came to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Meaning through him we are forgiven. The debt is paid in full. There is no curse over us.
The song days of Elijah brings new meaning:
Behold He comes riding on the clouds,
Shining like the sun,
at the trumpet call;
Lift your voice,
it's the year of jubilee,
And out of Zion's hill salvation comes.
Because of what Christ did on the cross for us it is the Year of Jubilee, NOW!!!
I am currently reading a book titled The Gospel of Peace by Dr. James B. Richards in which he explains the "acceptable year of the Lord" or the "Year of Jubilee". He says "Every fifty years all debts were canceled. Regardless of how legitimate a debt might be, it was canceled. The individual was free from the debt without any effort or merit on his part. The debt was canceled. By the debt being canceled, the penalty of the debt was also canceled. Every good Jew knew the penalty for breaking the law was the curses, as described in the old covenant. When those curses came, he knew he deserved it, He could in no way hold God responsible for the curse of the law."
Today, we still deserve it, but, as Jesus says he came to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Meaning through him we are forgiven. The debt is paid in full. There is no curse over us.
The song days of Elijah brings new meaning:
Behold He comes riding on the clouds,
Shining like the sun,
at the trumpet call;
Lift your voice,
it's the year of jubilee,
And out of Zion's hill salvation comes.
Because of what Christ did on the cross for us it is the Year of Jubilee, NOW!!!
Revelation in Love
I never felt like I could love. I could see my heart and hear the voices telling me what my TRUE motives behind my love were. I never felt secure or pure in my love.
So I met with my pastor last night. He is a pastor I have a relationship with, we went to Africa together, he and my girlfriend collided in a friendly football game and her nose bled all over her. He gives hugs like a big Alaskan snow bear, picking you up and shaking you around like a piece of small game, but with the love, warmth and heart of the smiling Coke Cola Christmas bear gently sipping a cola, with her youth and releasing a heart felt smile under the bright moon lit night surrounding them.
My friend encouraged me to visit him, saying "Pastor's have a very special calling on their life. For these things, that is why they are here." So I went, praying God would show up and I would say or hear what he wanted. Maybe, I thought, I am going just to encourage him.
I will not go into all the talk however later in the conversation, me trying to find why I was in his office, not wanting to waste his time, he looks at me and quotes Matthew 22:37 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." He then asks me if I do. It took me a minute because I was having thoughts about being there and wasting his time, however when I realized he asked me a question I promptly said "Yes" because I know this to be true. He encouraged me by saying he knows that as well and can see it in my actions. He then asked me the second part of the scripture, I know this scripture very well because it was given to me when I was first saved and is the greatest commandment in the bible. I always struggle with the second part, and it has become somewhat an area of discouragement, because of how I felt about myself. I did not like myself, many times, I hated myself. Yet my Pastor told me I did like myself and I must like myself very much because I treat others with such love. Have you ever seen the rays of the sun fighting behind the cloud coverage trying anywhere to sneak out and touch the earth's surface? You stare, knowing the sun is there, hoping and praying it will win the battle and escape from the wall that holds it back. A ray escapes for a moment and then is gone then another and then... and then it seems like the sky is ripped open by the suns force revealing its majesty. This is how my heart felt! I was in awe of the entire revelation and could barely contain myself. Pastor kept speaking right into my heart telling me there was more to me, there was something wanting to break. He told me to let it go, to be who I was meant to be, the person God created me to be. He gave me a little of his story of how he was someone else and it was not until he got comfortable in his new shell that he was able to relax and be who he really was. I could feel all of this resonating in my body. I wanted to stand up, give out a shout, stomp my foot and run like Elijah coming down from Mt. Carmel to Jezreel (he out ran Ahab's chariots being pulled by horses!!!!).
We continued to talk and the pastor prayed for me. I am so thankful for having that meeting and thank God for speaking to me as he did. I am who I am, this is good, and I am able to love as God intended for me to love, this is really good. :)
I end by praying for continued guidance, wisdom and discernment for all our pastors and leaders in the church. I pray for the rest of the body as well. May WE walk in obedience to our Lord and Savior and continue all our days in love. This is all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
So I met with my pastor last night. He is a pastor I have a relationship with, we went to Africa together, he and my girlfriend collided in a friendly football game and her nose bled all over her. He gives hugs like a big Alaskan snow bear, picking you up and shaking you around like a piece of small game, but with the love, warmth and heart of the smiling Coke Cola Christmas bear gently sipping a cola, with her youth and releasing a heart felt smile under the bright moon lit night surrounding them.
My friend encouraged me to visit him, saying "Pastor's have a very special calling on their life. For these things, that is why they are here." So I went, praying God would show up and I would say or hear what he wanted. Maybe, I thought, I am going just to encourage him.
I will not go into all the talk however later in the conversation, me trying to find why I was in his office, not wanting to waste his time, he looks at me and quotes Matthew 22:37 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." He then asks me if I do. It took me a minute because I was having thoughts about being there and wasting his time, however when I realized he asked me a question I promptly said "Yes" because I know this to be true. He encouraged me by saying he knows that as well and can see it in my actions. He then asked me the second part of the scripture, I know this scripture very well because it was given to me when I was first saved and is the greatest commandment in the bible. I always struggle with the second part, and it has become somewhat an area of discouragement, because of how I felt about myself. I did not like myself, many times, I hated myself. Yet my Pastor told me I did like myself and I must like myself very much because I treat others with such love. Have you ever seen the rays of the sun fighting behind the cloud coverage trying anywhere to sneak out and touch the earth's surface? You stare, knowing the sun is there, hoping and praying it will win the battle and escape from the wall that holds it back. A ray escapes for a moment and then is gone then another and then... and then it seems like the sky is ripped open by the suns force revealing its majesty. This is how my heart felt! I was in awe of the entire revelation and could barely contain myself. Pastor kept speaking right into my heart telling me there was more to me, there was something wanting to break. He told me to let it go, to be who I was meant to be, the person God created me to be. He gave me a little of his story of how he was someone else and it was not until he got comfortable in his new shell that he was able to relax and be who he really was. I could feel all of this resonating in my body. I wanted to stand up, give out a shout, stomp my foot and run like Elijah coming down from Mt. Carmel to Jezreel (he out ran Ahab's chariots being pulled by horses!!!!).
We continued to talk and the pastor prayed for me. I am so thankful for having that meeting and thank God for speaking to me as he did. I am who I am, this is good, and I am able to love as God intended for me to love, this is really good. :)
I end by praying for continued guidance, wisdom and discernment for all our pastors and leaders in the church. I pray for the rest of the body as well. May WE walk in obedience to our Lord and Savior and continue all our days in love. This is all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Consonant with God
John 12:6: These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and [that] they had done these things unto him.
Mathew Heny Commentary concerning John 12:6
IV. The remark made by the evangelist respecting the disciples (v. 16): They understood not at first why Christ did this, and how the scripture was fulfilled; but when Jesus was glorified, and thereupon the Spirit poured out, then they remembered that these things were written of him in the Old Testament, and that they and others had, in pursuance thereof, done these things to him.
1. See here the imperfection of the disciples in their infant state; even they understood not these things at first. They did not consider, when they fetched the ass and set him thereon, that they were performing the ceremony of the inauguration of Zion’s king. Now observe, (1.) The scripture is often fulfilled by the agency of those who have not themselves an eye to the scripture in what they do, Isa. 45:4. (2.) There are many excellent things, both in the word and providence of God, which the disciples themselves do not at first understand: not at their first acquaintance with the things of God, while they see men as trees walking; not at the first proposal of the things to their view and consideration. That which afterwards is clear was at first dark and doubtful. (3.) It well becomes the disciples of Christ, when they are grown up to maturity in knowledge, frequently to reflect upon the follies and weaknesses of their first beginning, that free grace may have the glory of their proficiency, and they may have compassion on the ignorant. When I was a child, I spoke as a child.
2. See here the improvement of the disciples in their adult state. Though they had been children, they were not always so, but went on to perfection. Observe,
(1.) When they understood it: When Jesus was glorified; for, [1.] Till then they did not rightly apprehend the nature of his kingdom, but expected it to appear in external pomp and power, and therefore knew not how to apply the scriptures which spoke of it to so mean an appearance. Note, The right understanding of the spiritual nature of Christ’s kingdom, of its powers, glories, and victories, would prevent our misinterpreting and misapplying the scriptures that speak of it. [2.] Till then the Spirit was not poured out, who was to lead them into all truth. Note, The disciples of Christ are enabled to understand the scriptures by the same Spirit that indited the scriptures. The spirit of revelation is to all the saints a spirit of wisdom, Eph. 1:17, 18.
(2.) How they understood it; they compared the prophecy with the event, and put them together, that they might mutually receive light from each other, and so they came to understand both: Then remembered they that these things were written of him by the prophets, consonant to which they were done to him. Note, Such an admirable harmony there is between the word and works of God that the remembrance of what is written will enable us to understand what is done, and the observation of what is done will help us to understand what is written. As we have heard, so have we seen. The scripture is every day fulfilling.
Mathew Heny Commentary concerning John 12:6
IV. The remark made by the evangelist respecting the disciples (v. 16): They understood not at first why Christ did this, and how the scripture was fulfilled; but when Jesus was glorified, and thereupon the Spirit poured out, then they remembered that these things were written of him in the Old Testament, and that they and others had, in pursuance thereof, done these things to him.
1. See here the imperfection of the disciples in their infant state; even they understood not these things at first. They did not consider, when they fetched the ass and set him thereon, that they were performing the ceremony of the inauguration of Zion’s king. Now observe, (1.) The scripture is often fulfilled by the agency of those who have not themselves an eye to the scripture in what they do, Isa. 45:4. (2.) There are many excellent things, both in the word and providence of God, which the disciples themselves do not at first understand: not at their first acquaintance with the things of God, while they see men as trees walking; not at the first proposal of the things to their view and consideration. That which afterwards is clear was at first dark and doubtful. (3.) It well becomes the disciples of Christ, when they are grown up to maturity in knowledge, frequently to reflect upon the follies and weaknesses of their first beginning, that free grace may have the glory of their proficiency, and they may have compassion on the ignorant. When I was a child, I spoke as a child.
2. See here the improvement of the disciples in their adult state. Though they had been children, they were not always so, but went on to perfection. Observe,
(1.) When they understood it: When Jesus was glorified; for, [1.] Till then they did not rightly apprehend the nature of his kingdom, but expected it to appear in external pomp and power, and therefore knew not how to apply the scriptures which spoke of it to so mean an appearance. Note, The right understanding of the spiritual nature of Christ’s kingdom, of its powers, glories, and victories, would prevent our misinterpreting and misapplying the scriptures that speak of it. [2.] Till then the Spirit was not poured out, who was to lead them into all truth. Note, The disciples of Christ are enabled to understand the scriptures by the same Spirit that indited the scriptures. The spirit of revelation is to all the saints a spirit of wisdom, Eph. 1:17, 18.
(2.) How they understood it; they compared the prophecy with the event, and put them together, that they might mutually receive light from each other, and so they came to understand both: Then remembered they that these things were written of him by the prophets, consonant to which they were done to him. Note, Such an admirable harmony there is between the word and works of God that the remembrance of what is written will enable us to understand what is done, and the observation of what is done will help us to understand what is written. As we have heard, so have we seen. The scripture is every day fulfilling.
Time/Now
Quote from a friend who quoted it from a book paraphrased by myself. :)
If you could take a single moment, hold on to it, be 100% committed to it, squeeze every ounce of life out of it, shouldn't that moment be in the future and not in the past?
Love where you are and those who are there with you, take ownership of today, of every moment as it is its last, because it is. Is tomorrows mundane day at work going to be the same? No, you will encounter new problems, have new conversations, pass new people on the way to here and there. Today is a new day, this moment is a new moment. I may never have another chance to grow like I had at this very moment. I may never have another chance to tell that person the one special thing they needed to hear or give them a smile as I pass letting them know everything is ok with this world. I may never get out of my truck and see the sky painted as beautiful as it is today, or feel the breeze touch me in the way it did this morning. What if I can't run up the stairs as I did today, or walk into my workplace. The drive in was peaceful this morning with different thoughts and conversation taking place. The goals, my prayers for today all unique for this moment. Yesterday is gone, how can I learn, how can I grow, how can I seize this moment, this time of life. How do I hold on to it so I don't find myself tomorrow wondering what happened today. What slipped by, what could have been. How can I find myself in February 14th, 2008 saying I lived that day!? When someone asks me what I did today how can I actually answer them and not just say "worked", or "I don't remember" or "nothing". What nook or cranny can I grab and hold as a precious gem making this day the best day of any before it? Did I inch forward to knowing my creator better? Did I overcome a trial or temptation, even for a brief second, better then I have done in the past? In the midst of the mundane, the mediocrity, the grind, did I have a thought of hope of perseverance, of growth. Was I able to apply the word in some way, anyway? Was there anything about today that was better then the last? ANYTHING?
I like this scripture Phillipians 4:8 "Finally, brother, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
If you could take a single moment, hold on to it, be 100% committed to it, squeeze every ounce of life out of it, shouldn't that moment be in the future and not in the past?
Love where you are and those who are there with you, take ownership of today, of every moment as it is its last, because it is. Is tomorrows mundane day at work going to be the same? No, you will encounter new problems, have new conversations, pass new people on the way to here and there. Today is a new day, this moment is a new moment. I may never have another chance to grow like I had at this very moment. I may never have another chance to tell that person the one special thing they needed to hear or give them a smile as I pass letting them know everything is ok with this world. I may never get out of my truck and see the sky painted as beautiful as it is today, or feel the breeze touch me in the way it did this morning. What if I can't run up the stairs as I did today, or walk into my workplace. The drive in was peaceful this morning with different thoughts and conversation taking place. The goals, my prayers for today all unique for this moment. Yesterday is gone, how can I learn, how can I grow, how can I seize this moment, this time of life. How do I hold on to it so I don't find myself tomorrow wondering what happened today. What slipped by, what could have been. How can I find myself in February 14th, 2008 saying I lived that day!? When someone asks me what I did today how can I actually answer them and not just say "worked", or "I don't remember" or "nothing". What nook or cranny can I grab and hold as a precious gem making this day the best day of any before it? Did I inch forward to knowing my creator better? Did I overcome a trial or temptation, even for a brief second, better then I have done in the past? In the midst of the mundane, the mediocrity, the grind, did I have a thought of hope of perseverance, of growth. Was I able to apply the word in some way, anyway? Was there anything about today that was better then the last? ANYTHING?
I like this scripture Phillipians 4:8 "Finally, brother, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
The Cave is Where God Resurrects Dead Things!
I couldn't think of the best way to write this so I will write it as the author has...
The Son of David also lost his position, his status as a teacher, his safety and security. He lost not only his best friend, but all his friends, in spite of his teaching and warning. His life, too, was endangered. But his failure got worse. he went to a cross and died. All his dreams, and all the dreams he inspired, appeared to die with him. What started as a shining success ended in ignoble failure.
And then they put his body in a cave. That was their big mistake. Hos body was there for three days. But they could not keep him there. They forgot that God does some of his best work in caves.
The cave is where God resurrects dead things.
(If You Want to Walk on Water You've Got to Get Out of the Boat p151)
Elijah in the cave of Horeb
And the word of the Lord came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
He replied, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
Do you ever feel like the "ONLY ONE".....?
The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah"?
He replied, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected you covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me."
In typing this I am now caught in the thought as to why the Lord asked Elijah twice what he was doing there? And twice Elijah answered. The answer didn't change yet I feel much more of a peace, a quitness, in Elijah's response the second time.
Another thought runs through my mind reminding me of my feelings and actions before and after typing the above words. I started this blog with an attitude of wanting to hurry up and finish the blog on Elijah's cave so I could get on with the next cave entry. Even before that I started reading If You Want to Walk on Water You've Got to Get Out of the Boat where I left off reading yesterday, thinking about breakfast, if I even wanted to read this book, if I should wait on a friend before I read the rest of the book, if I should start over and try to take more notes and blog more concerning my readings, if I should email my small group and ask if this is something they would want to do together, if I should finish my blog from yesterday, how I will handle tonight, how I need to get ratchet straps at lunch or if I should even take lunch and use that time to make up some hours I took off, if I should pray or be praying rather than reading and if maybe I should start by reading the bible. This was all going through my mind, after two pages into my reading. As you can probably discern for yourself, I was not receiving a whole lot from where my attention was supposed to be.
After typing the above scripture containing the question from God to Elijah and thinking about Elijah's answer to Him, again, I wonder if maybe Elijah was a little more focused the second time around? I wonder if my thoughts when trying to focus on God this morning were not the wind, the earthquake and the fire. Could I hear His voice in all I was thinking and doing? Now that I have slowed down maybe I can start this quiet time over and listen for His voice.
He replied, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
Do you ever feel like the "ONLY ONE".....?
The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah"?
He replied, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected you covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me."
In typing this I am now caught in the thought as to why the Lord asked Elijah twice what he was doing there? And twice Elijah answered. The answer didn't change yet I feel much more of a peace, a quitness, in Elijah's response the second time.
Another thought runs through my mind reminding me of my feelings and actions before and after typing the above words. I started this blog with an attitude of wanting to hurry up and finish the blog on Elijah's cave so I could get on with the next cave entry. Even before that I started reading If You Want to Walk on Water You've Got to Get Out of the Boat where I left off reading yesterday, thinking about breakfast, if I even wanted to read this book, if I should wait on a friend before I read the rest of the book, if I should start over and try to take more notes and blog more concerning my readings, if I should email my small group and ask if this is something they would want to do together, if I should finish my blog from yesterday, how I will handle tonight, how I need to get ratchet straps at lunch or if I should even take lunch and use that time to make up some hours I took off, if I should pray or be praying rather than reading and if maybe I should start by reading the bible. This was all going through my mind, after two pages into my reading. As you can probably discern for yourself, I was not receiving a whole lot from where my attention was supposed to be.
After typing the above scripture containing the question from God to Elijah and thinking about Elijah's answer to Him, again, I wonder if maybe Elijah was a little more focused the second time around? I wonder if my thoughts when trying to focus on God this morning were not the wind, the earthquake and the fire. Could I hear His voice in all I was thinking and doing? Now that I have slowed down maybe I can start this quiet time over and listen for His voice.
Elijah's Cave
Speaking of caves:
Elijah shows up out of nowhere in 1Kings 17 to tell Ahab, the king of Israel, "As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word." Then the word of God came to Elijah and he left that place.
So what is so significant about this? In my bible it talks about the message Elijah brought to Ahab was in the form of an oath, an oath being the "most solemn form of binding obligation between parties." It goes on to say "In this case it was sanctioned by God, given as his challenge to Baal, who was represented by Ahab. If the Lord withheld the rain, rendering Baal - considered the god of fertility and lord of the rain clouds - powerless, he would be proven the true God and Elijah the true prophet of his word." A SHOWDOWN!
Elijah is called back by the Lord three years later, still no rain anywhere. Elijah walks straight up to Ahab the king of Israel and tells him "'I have not made trouble for Israel,' Elijah replied. 'But you and your father's family have. You have abandoned the Lord's commands and have followed the Baals. Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred propets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table.'" (1Kings 18:18-19) Jezebel is the kings wife.
What happens next, WOW!!! You read it for yourself. :)
So now Elijah is under a broom tree in the desert praying he may die (1Kings 19:4) "'I have had enough, Lord' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'" Just a minute ago he was one top the mountain, jeering baal and asherah worshipers, summoning the power of his God, our God, and out running chariots of horses from Mt. Carmel to Jezreel! Now he is in the desert wanting to die. Elijah travels in the desert for forty days and nights and spends the night in Horeb, the mountain of God, in a cave.
Will continue this tomorrow....
Elijah shows up out of nowhere in 1Kings 17 to tell Ahab, the king of Israel, "As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word." Then the word of God came to Elijah and he left that place.
So what is so significant about this? In my bible it talks about the message Elijah brought to Ahab was in the form of an oath, an oath being the "most solemn form of binding obligation between parties." It goes on to say "In this case it was sanctioned by God, given as his challenge to Baal, who was represented by Ahab. If the Lord withheld the rain, rendering Baal - considered the god of fertility and lord of the rain clouds - powerless, he would be proven the true God and Elijah the true prophet of his word." A SHOWDOWN!
Elijah is called back by the Lord three years later, still no rain anywhere. Elijah walks straight up to Ahab the king of Israel and tells him "'I have not made trouble for Israel,' Elijah replied. 'But you and your father's family have. You have abandoned the Lord's commands and have followed the Baals. Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred propets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table.'" (1Kings 18:18-19) Jezebel is the kings wife.
What happens next, WOW!!! You read it for yourself. :)
So now Elijah is under a broom tree in the desert praying he may die (1Kings 19:4) "'I have had enough, Lord' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'" Just a minute ago he was one top the mountain, jeering baal and asherah worshipers, summoning the power of his God, our God, and out running chariots of horses from Mt. Carmel to Jezreel! Now he is in the desert wanting to die. Elijah travels in the desert for forty days and nights and spends the night in Horeb, the mountain of God, in a cave.
Will continue this tomorrow....
David's Cave
Reading the book If You Want to Walk on Water You've Got to Get Out of the Boat today Ortberg spoke about failing. This portion started with using David, from the bible, as an example. "He was anointed by Samuel to be king Israel. As a boy he defeated Israel's most formidable enemy - Goliath. King Saul chose him as a warrior and musician. The army loved him, the people wrote songs about him... David knew what it was to walk on water. he trusted God, and for along time everything he touched turned to gold. He was on his way to the palace." Then everything went bad. Saul became jealous of David and wanted him dead. Now David is out of the palace, with the king after him. He ends up losing his wife Michal, Saul's daughter. David fled to Samuel but Saul soon found out where he was so David fled from there. David then went to Jonathon, Saul's son, but Jonathon would not go against his father. David then went to Gath, the hometown of Goliath. "David was very much afraid of King Achish of Gath. So he changed his behavior before them; he pretended to be a mad when in their presence. He scratched marks on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle run down his beard." David did this to get away from there and King Achish ended up just tossing him out. David found himself in a cave, the cave of Adullam (1Samuel22). Ortberg calls this "The Cave Named Failure". David was not through the rut yet because the tribe he would begin to lead, when there wives and children were taken away, they found this out after returning from some time away, they wanted to kill and stone David.
In the discussion all of the pain and discouragement David must have been feeling Ortberg talks about something wonderful that happens in this cave. He says David "gets quiet enough before the Lord to get to the bottom of his pain and discouragement." He uses Psalm 142 as an example of Davids crying out to the Lord. The title of the psalm is "A maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer". Orteberg goes on to mention how "many people never have the courage to do this. Instead, they seek to bury their discouragement deep down inside. They put on a stoic exterior. They force a few smiles, but in doing so they avoid experiencing the pain inside." He goes on to say his biggest regret, in the times he failed or felt like a failure, was not that he failed, but it was that he felt the pain so keenly that he backed away from owning it and learning from it, "so I could not heal and move on." "I wanted to bury it so deeply that no one would ever guess it was there - not even me."
In the discussion all of the pain and discouragement David must have been feeling Ortberg talks about something wonderful that happens in this cave. He says David "gets quiet enough before the Lord to get to the bottom of his pain and discouragement." He uses Psalm 142 as an example of Davids crying out to the Lord. The title of the psalm is "A maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer". Orteberg goes on to mention how "many people never have the courage to do this. Instead, they seek to bury their discouragement deep down inside. They put on a stoic exterior. They force a few smiles, but in doing so they avoid experiencing the pain inside." He goes on to say his biggest regret, in the times he failed or felt like a failure, was not that he failed, but it was that he felt the pain so keenly that he backed away from owning it and learning from it, "so I could not heal and move on." "I wanted to bury it so deeply that no one would ever guess it was there - not even me."
Never try to have more faith.....
In reading the book If You Want to Walk on Water You've Got to Get Out of the Boat at the end of chapter 4 one of the questions read "Never try to have more faith. Instead, just get to know God better." It then went on to ask "How would you describe your faith these days? What might help you get to know God better?"
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