"If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3) I have seen God's promises having read God's word. I have arranged my prayers accordingly and now I wait, but waiting is hard. I pray concerning things that are beyond my control. I pray concerning things that hurt my heart.
As I wait I ask the God of hope to fill me with all joy and peace in believing. I am bound by time. I see what is presented to me and sometimes what I see steals my joy and robs me of peace. I need something beyond myself so I cry out and ask that the power of the Holy Spirit would fill me so that I may abound in hope. Then I wait with a sense of expectation.
I think sometimes it would be easier to wait if I understood what was going on. I look at the requests I bring to God for myself and those I love. They seem like good requests and, to be honest, I don't understand the delay. I see in the book of Habakkuk not only the admonition to wait but also that, "the righteous shall live by his faith." By faith I sink my anchor deep into the person and promises of God. I focus the eyes of my spirit on the faithfulness of God and I wait.
There is something about waiting that humbles me. Maybe it's because waiting reminds me that I am not in control. Waiting causes me to shift my attention from myself to the one on whom I wait. I come to recognize my pride and my great desire to be in control! I want to protect the ones I love. I want to do good things, is that wrong? But, I am not in control. This fact could cause me to despair, yet when I turn to God in prayer I hear His reassuring voice whisper to my spirit, "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." (Psalm 27:14)
Lord, by your grace you change my places of weeping to places of rejoicing. When I come to you and give you my weakness, you give me your strength. When I wait for you I discover for myself what Habakkuk discovered so long ago. "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places." (Habakkuk 3:17-19) Lord, I come to you and wait with expectation.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Seeing Beyond the Veil
In order to know that God is your strength you cannot have myopic vision. When your vision is myopic you cannot see beyond your struggles, your disappointments or your failures. When your vision is myopic the solution to your problems is limited by finite resources. It takes two eyes in order to see width and height and depth, one eye open to the world around you but the other open to the spiritual world as well.
There was a golden alter that stood before the veil. Though the veil hid from sight the Holy of Holies, still twice daily a priest would carry the live coals from the sacrificial alter and carefully place them on the Alter of Incense. The people of the covenant believed that as the incense ascended an angel would carry their prayers before the throne of God. They could not see this with the eyes of flesh but only with the eyes of faith.
To be selected to burn the incense on the golden alter was a once-in-a-lifetime event for a priest. Zechariah had been chosen by lot. A whole multitude of people were praying outside at the hour of incense watching for the holy smoke that would signify that their prayers had been carried to God in His heavenly sanctuary. The petitions that they were bringing on this day reflected the very real needs that they had, burdens that broke them, grief that caused them to cry in the night. Through their prayers, they chose to look beyond their own weakness and call on the strength of their God.
To believe that an angel will carry your prayers before the throne of God is one thing, to see an angel standing in front of you is another thing entirely! Zechariah did see an angel and he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. Zechariah's name means "YHVH Has Remembered". The angel's message was that God had heard his prayers and that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son, who he was to call John. He was promised joy and gladness and was told that many would rejoice at his son's birth. But Zechariah had become accustomed to disappointment, what he had experienced in life had crushed him. His vision had been too often blurred by tears for him to see clearly. But the angel who stood before him was Gabriel. The Gabriel who stands in the presence of God had been sent to Zechariah to bring him good news.
When faith became sight and when he heard the cry of his long awaited son, Zechariah's tongue that had been muted was set free. Now he could see clearly the width and height and depth of the love of God. Filled with the Holy Spirit he spoke of, "the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and guide our feet into the way of peace."
There was a golden alter that stood before the veil. Though the veil hid from sight the Holy of Holies, still twice daily a priest would carry the live coals from the sacrificial alter and carefully place them on the Alter of Incense. The people of the covenant believed that as the incense ascended an angel would carry their prayers before the throne of God. They could not see this with the eyes of flesh but only with the eyes of faith.
To be selected to burn the incense on the golden alter was a once-in-a-lifetime event for a priest. Zechariah had been chosen by lot. A whole multitude of people were praying outside at the hour of incense watching for the holy smoke that would signify that their prayers had been carried to God in His heavenly sanctuary. The petitions that they were bringing on this day reflected the very real needs that they had, burdens that broke them, grief that caused them to cry in the night. Through their prayers, they chose to look beyond their own weakness and call on the strength of their God.
To believe that an angel will carry your prayers before the throne of God is one thing, to see an angel standing in front of you is another thing entirely! Zechariah did see an angel and he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. Zechariah's name means "YHVH Has Remembered". The angel's message was that God had heard his prayers and that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son, who he was to call John. He was promised joy and gladness and was told that many would rejoice at his son's birth. But Zechariah had become accustomed to disappointment, what he had experienced in life had crushed him. His vision had been too often blurred by tears for him to see clearly. But the angel who stood before him was Gabriel. The Gabriel who stands in the presence of God had been sent to Zechariah to bring him good news.
When faith became sight and when he heard the cry of his long awaited son, Zechariah's tongue that had been muted was set free. Now he could see clearly the width and height and depth of the love of God. Filled with the Holy Spirit he spoke of, "the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and guide our feet into the way of peace."
Monday, December 8, 2014
The Weary Soul Finds Rest
When did weariness enter the human experience? When did life begin with labor, relationships involve struggle, work accomplished by the sweat of the brow, and when did the thorns come to choke vegetation? When did weariness become a foreshadow of death? It happened when man decided to be his own god. In the cool of the evening when God came to the garden with the offer of fellowship, man was hiding.
But God who is rich in mercy continued to offer rest. Rest from labor, rest from worry, rest for the soul. But the rest that God offered came with it an invitation to enter into his provision by trusting him. Every seventh year was to be a year of rest. A year to humbly cease from labor and believe that God would provide what was needed. An invitation for a weary soul to find refuge in the cool of the evening fellowshipping with God. This invitation to rest that God offered was rejected.
There was an even deeper rest that God invited man to enjoy. It was called the year of his favor. Every fifty years the land was to rest, slaves were to be set free, debts were to be forgiven. A time of release, a time of healing, a time to enjoy deep peace and restoration, this year was a gift offered by the heart of a loving God to a weary people. But it was a gift that could only be accepted by a humble heart that would trust God. This invitation to enter into the year of God's favor was also rejected.
Finally, God himself became a man. The angels announced his coming with these words, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men upon whom his favor rests!" When Jesus began his ministry he came to his hometown of Nazareth and was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled it and found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."(Luke 4:18,19) When he finished reading he told them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." And how did the people respond to this good news, this invitation to liberty, vision and freedom from oppression? "They rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could through him down the cliff."(Luke 4:29,30)
Lord Jesus, echoing in my soul and spirit are your words, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew11:28) At your invitation Lord I come. I come to you leaving behind me deep weariness and finding in you peace and rest for my soul.
But God who is rich in mercy continued to offer rest. Rest from labor, rest from worry, rest for the soul. But the rest that God offered came with it an invitation to enter into his provision by trusting him. Every seventh year was to be a year of rest. A year to humbly cease from labor and believe that God would provide what was needed. An invitation for a weary soul to find refuge in the cool of the evening fellowshipping with God. This invitation to rest that God offered was rejected.
There was an even deeper rest that God invited man to enjoy. It was called the year of his favor. Every fifty years the land was to rest, slaves were to be set free, debts were to be forgiven. A time of release, a time of healing, a time to enjoy deep peace and restoration, this year was a gift offered by the heart of a loving God to a weary people. But it was a gift that could only be accepted by a humble heart that would trust God. This invitation to enter into the year of God's favor was also rejected.
Finally, God himself became a man. The angels announced his coming with these words, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men upon whom his favor rests!" When Jesus began his ministry he came to his hometown of Nazareth and was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled it and found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."(Luke 4:18,19) When he finished reading he told them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." And how did the people respond to this good news, this invitation to liberty, vision and freedom from oppression? "They rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could through him down the cliff."(Luke 4:29,30)
Lord Jesus, echoing in my soul and spirit are your words, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew11:28) At your invitation Lord I come. I come to you leaving behind me deep weariness and finding in you peace and rest for my soul.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
With Eyes Wide Open
The day was nearly over except for the last flurry of activity. I walked outside and lifted my eyes. The billowing gray clouds were tinged with silver and it looked at if they were being gently blown across the sky by the breath of God. As the sun slipped behind the mountain it gilded the sky with a warm and beautiful glow. I paused and received the gift.
As I stood there gazing into the heavens I was reminded again of the extravagant love that God lavishes on us day after day. How often are the skies painted with love and yet we don't take the time to receive the gift? Day after day utters speech and night after night knowledge, yet we miss it if we are not listening or looking. I think that must have been the way it was on that first Christmas night so long ago.
How silently the extravagant love of God was lavished on His creation. In the small and seemingly insignificant town of Bethlehem, the quiet of the night was broken by the cry of a newborn babe. There had been no room in the inn as the town finished its last flurry of activity for the day. No one had time to pay attention to the young woman in labor. She and Joseph were alone in the stable when the child was born.
It was because of the tender mercy of our God that we were visited by the sunrise from on high. The angels who had attended their Lord from eternity past came to break the solemn stillness with their praise. And to whom did they come? To shepherds who were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flocks. "Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!" (Luke 2:13,14)
Lord Jesus, let me keep watch in the night because I know that there still remains a promise of your return. The angels sang of peace on earth. I wait for when the new heaven and earth shall claim you as The Prince of Peace their King. For today, Lord, let my heart be open to receive your lavish gift of love.
As I stood there gazing into the heavens I was reminded again of the extravagant love that God lavishes on us day after day. How often are the skies painted with love and yet we don't take the time to receive the gift? Day after day utters speech and night after night knowledge, yet we miss it if we are not listening or looking. I think that must have been the way it was on that first Christmas night so long ago.
How silently the extravagant love of God was lavished on His creation. In the small and seemingly insignificant town of Bethlehem, the quiet of the night was broken by the cry of a newborn babe. There had been no room in the inn as the town finished its last flurry of activity for the day. No one had time to pay attention to the young woman in labor. She and Joseph were alone in the stable when the child was born.
It was because of the tender mercy of our God that we were visited by the sunrise from on high. The angels who had attended their Lord from eternity past came to break the solemn stillness with their praise. And to whom did they come? To shepherds who were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flocks. "Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!" (Luke 2:13,14)
Lord Jesus, let me keep watch in the night because I know that there still remains a promise of your return. The angels sang of peace on earth. I wait for when the new heaven and earth shall claim you as The Prince of Peace their King. For today, Lord, let my heart be open to receive your lavish gift of love.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
More than a Stump
All that was left was a stump, but wait a minute. That's not completely accurate. There was also a promise, a prophecy that, "There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, a branch from his roots shall bear fruit." (Isaiah 11:1) The stump represented what was left of the glorious kingdom God had built through David, Jesse's son. That kingdom had been devastated as a result of sin. But the sin of man cannot negate the promise of God because His love is eternal. "Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever." (2 Samuel 7:16) And so it was that a tender shoot was seen sprouting from the stump of Jessie.
I wonder if the exiles thought perhaps Zerubbabel was the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy as they were returning to Jerusalem after seventy years in Babylon. After all, he was a descendant of King David. However, they lost heart when they got to Jerusalem and saw the rubble and devastation. What they saw discouraged them. Their enemies mocked their dreams and crippled their resolve. Their lofty dreams were crushed and all that they could see was a stump, just a stump - the thing left over when dreams are crushed. But man's discouragement cannot negate the promise of God because his love is eternal.
God sent His prophets Haggai and Zechariah to pull back the curtains of eternity and show his people a glimpse of his eternal love. He gave the promise to Zerubbabel that he was chosen and that God's plan was to make him, "like a signet ring."(Haggai 2:23) Ancient kings used signet rings to designate authority, honor, or ownership. With eyes of flesh, Zerubbabel could only see the remnants of broken dreams but by faith he received the grace to believe that the stump would send forth a shoot. What is seen with eyes of flesh cannot negate what God has promised because His love is eternal.
The New Testament begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Tucked into the ancestry of Jesus is a name that is often skimmed over as the reader hastens to get to the meat of the story. Notice that Jesus Christ is a descendant of Zerubbabel. It was by faith in the promises and prophecies of God that Zerubbabel received the grace to fulfill the good works that God had prepared beforehand for him to do. It is only by grace through faith that God opens our spiritual eyes so that we can receive his promises and recognize that his love is eternal.
Lord Jesus, you are the rod of Jessie, you are the branch that was promised to bear fruit, yet still we wait. We wait for the whole prophecy to be fulfilled. We wait now for your second coming when, "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea."(Isaiah 11:9) But as I wait, help me remember what you taught Zerubbabel. Nothing can negate the promises you have made because your love is eternal.
I wonder if the exiles thought perhaps Zerubbabel was the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy as they were returning to Jerusalem after seventy years in Babylon. After all, he was a descendant of King David. However, they lost heart when they got to Jerusalem and saw the rubble and devastation. What they saw discouraged them. Their enemies mocked their dreams and crippled their resolve. Their lofty dreams were crushed and all that they could see was a stump, just a stump - the thing left over when dreams are crushed. But man's discouragement cannot negate the promise of God because his love is eternal.
God sent His prophets Haggai and Zechariah to pull back the curtains of eternity and show his people a glimpse of his eternal love. He gave the promise to Zerubbabel that he was chosen and that God's plan was to make him, "like a signet ring."(Haggai 2:23) Ancient kings used signet rings to designate authority, honor, or ownership. With eyes of flesh, Zerubbabel could only see the remnants of broken dreams but by faith he received the grace to believe that the stump would send forth a shoot. What is seen with eyes of flesh cannot negate what God has promised because His love is eternal.
The New Testament begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Tucked into the ancestry of Jesus is a name that is often skimmed over as the reader hastens to get to the meat of the story. Notice that Jesus Christ is a descendant of Zerubbabel. It was by faith in the promises and prophecies of God that Zerubbabel received the grace to fulfill the good works that God had prepared beforehand for him to do. It is only by grace through faith that God opens our spiritual eyes so that we can receive his promises and recognize that his love is eternal.
Lord Jesus, you are the rod of Jessie, you are the branch that was promised to bear fruit, yet still we wait. We wait for the whole prophecy to be fulfilled. We wait now for your second coming when, "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea."(Isaiah 11:9) But as I wait, help me remember what you taught Zerubbabel. Nothing can negate the promises you have made because your love is eternal.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Sometimes
Sometimes there is a window that you can only find through the mystery of pain and suffering. Annie Johnson Flint not only found that window and looked through it, but she shared with others what she saw. Her's was a life of pain. But though the pain caused her body to be crippled, by faith her spirit soared through that open window into a world of grace. Spiritual truths were the reality in which she lived.
Come and look through the window that Annie opened.
He Giveth More Grace
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendest more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy;
To multiplied trails, His multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limit; His grace has no measure.
His pow'r has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!
Annie Johnson Flint
Sometimes with the mystery of pain and suffering comes the mystery of Redemption.
https://youtu.be/93D1S0BztJ8
Come and look through the window that Annie opened.
He Giveth More Grace
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendest more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy;
To multiplied trails, His multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limit; His grace has no measure.
His pow'r has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!
Annie Johnson Flint
Sometimes with the mystery of pain and suffering comes the mystery of Redemption.
https://youtu.be/93D1S0BztJ8
Monday, November 17, 2014
With Unveiled Faces
I brought a linen napkin for each one in class. I had each person cover their faces with the cloth. Looking through the cloth represented how our vision is shrouded by the worries and concerns and difficulties of life. I too covered my face. My vision was blocked and in a room filled with people I could feel the smothering, isolating effects of looking through a shroud. Next, I instructed everyone to slowly lift the veil as I read, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)
So how do we lift the veil from our eyes, how do we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, and exactly what are we to be thankful for? We have examples of those who have gone before us. "Women received their dead raised to life again. Some men were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain another resurrection, and others experienced mocking and scourging, as well as bonds and imprisonment." (Hebrews 11:35-36) What these men and women saw with their physical eyes would filled their hearts with dread but they were living with their spiritual eyes wide open. With the eyes of the spirit unveiled by faith they were able to be sure of what they hoped for and confident about what their physical eyes couldn't see.
When I allow my vision to become shrouded by my failures or the failures of those around me I become blinded to spiritual truth and my focus becomes myopic. However, I have found that when by faith I open my heart to a spirit of gratitude I begin to see more clearly. As I open my spiritual eyes with thanksgiving I become aware that I am part of a bigger story. Keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus I realize that He is not only the author of my faith but He is perfecter of it. The more I am aware of what He has done for me the more I am filled with gratitude. The more I am filled with gratitude the sharper my spiritual vision becomes.
When I turn to the Lord the veil is removed. It is the Lord who removes the veil from our faces in the same way that the bridegroom lifts the bride's veil. "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Lord Jesus, with a heart filled with gratitude I come to You. Please let me by faith continue to lift my unveiled eyes to you.
So how do we lift the veil from our eyes, how do we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, and exactly what are we to be thankful for? We have examples of those who have gone before us. "Women received their dead raised to life again. Some men were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain another resurrection, and others experienced mocking and scourging, as well as bonds and imprisonment." (Hebrews 11:35-36) What these men and women saw with their physical eyes would filled their hearts with dread but they were living with their spiritual eyes wide open. With the eyes of the spirit unveiled by faith they were able to be sure of what they hoped for and confident about what their physical eyes couldn't see.
When I allow my vision to become shrouded by my failures or the failures of those around me I become blinded to spiritual truth and my focus becomes myopic. However, I have found that when by faith I open my heart to a spirit of gratitude I begin to see more clearly. As I open my spiritual eyes with thanksgiving I become aware that I am part of a bigger story. Keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus I realize that He is not only the author of my faith but He is perfecter of it. The more I am aware of what He has done for me the more I am filled with gratitude. The more I am filled with gratitude the sharper my spiritual vision becomes.
When I turn to the Lord the veil is removed. It is the Lord who removes the veil from our faces in the same way that the bridegroom lifts the bride's veil. "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Lord Jesus, with a heart filled with gratitude I come to You. Please let me by faith continue to lift my unveiled eyes to you.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Darkness Surrenders to the Light
In the beginning the darkness surrendered to the light. The light was given a name when the light overcame the darkness. It was called "day" and the the darkness was called "night". The first day began in darkness until God said, "Let there be light."
"Because of the tender mercy of God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." (Luke 1:78) Once again the darkness surrenders to the light. The night gives way to day. God's mercy is new every morning reminding us day after day with the rising of the sun that light has been given to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death that there is a light that shines to guide us into the way of peace.
In the fullness of time, wise men came seeking a king. They came because they had seen his star in the east. The morning star rises in the east and heralds the coming of a new day. The star led them to the place the child was. Darkness attempted to extinguish the light when Herod tried to kill the child. But Jesus had come as a light that shines in the darkness and the darkness could not overcome it.
When Jesus began his ministry he went to his own hometown, opened the book of Isaiah and read, "The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."(Matthew 4:16,17) The light had dawned, the power of darkness was broken and an invitation issued.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the declaration in the last chapter or the Bible that you are the bright morning star. You are the true light.
"Because of the tender mercy of God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." (Luke 1:78) Once again the darkness surrenders to the light. The night gives way to day. God's mercy is new every morning reminding us day after day with the rising of the sun that light has been given to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death that there is a light that shines to guide us into the way of peace.
In the fullness of time, wise men came seeking a king. They came because they had seen his star in the east. The morning star rises in the east and heralds the coming of a new day. The star led them to the place the child was. Darkness attempted to extinguish the light when Herod tried to kill the child. But Jesus had come as a light that shines in the darkness and the darkness could not overcome it.
When Jesus began his ministry he went to his own hometown, opened the book of Isaiah and read, "The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."(Matthew 4:16,17) The light had dawned, the power of darkness was broken and an invitation issued.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the declaration in the last chapter or the Bible that you are the bright morning star. You are the true light.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Peace Beneath His Wing
We were talking about what peace looks like and my friend shared with me the story she had told the children at church. She spoke of an art contest to illustrate peace. Many people entered the contest some with beautiful pastoral scenes, some showed pictures of people playing along a seashore but the picture that won the contest portrayed a violent storm. All around there was chaos and confusion produced by the howling winds and the turbulent waters but in the corner of picture a mother bird sat on her nest in the cleft of a rock with her protective wing sheltering a baby bird who was sleeping peacefully oblivious of the storm raging all around.
I believe this is the kind of peace God invites us to experience in the midst of the turbulence we often find in life. Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts you." This doesn't speak of an absence of trouble but of a mind that is staying focused on something other than the insecurity that comes the tempestuous storms of life. In fact Isaiah goes to tell us that we are to trust in the Lord forever, because the LORD God is an everlasting rock. He is not only our place of protection but He Himself is the LORD of the storm. He will give us the peace we crave when we give Him our trust.
Being still in the middle of a storm is not natural. I have know what it is to cry out in the night overwhelmed by threatening circumstances beyond my control. I understand how a small child feels who is awakened in the night by the crashing sound of thunder and the blinding sight of a lightning flash. However, I also know the comfort that a child feels when her cries are met with the kind and comforting presences of her father. In Psalms I find an invitation not only to trust in the Lord at all times but also to pour out my heart to Him. I can trust Him and I can pour out my heart to Him because, "God is out refuge." (Psalm 62:8)
I see the storms not only in my own life but in the lives of those around me. I want to call out from this place of safety that there is a peace that surpasses all comprehension. This is a peace that is not only found in the quiet places in our lives but also in the places that bring with them deep anxiety. There is a rock of salvation who offers us a hiding place. Christ Jesus stands with arms opened wide offering the peace of God to all who will put their trust in Him. Though the storm of life is raging all around us He will guard both the heart and mind of those who seek shelter beneath His wing of protection.
I believe this is the kind of peace God invites us to experience in the midst of the turbulence we often find in life. Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts you." This doesn't speak of an absence of trouble but of a mind that is staying focused on something other than the insecurity that comes the tempestuous storms of life. In fact Isaiah goes to tell us that we are to trust in the Lord forever, because the LORD God is an everlasting rock. He is not only our place of protection but He Himself is the LORD of the storm. He will give us the peace we crave when we give Him our trust.
Being still in the middle of a storm is not natural. I have know what it is to cry out in the night overwhelmed by threatening circumstances beyond my control. I understand how a small child feels who is awakened in the night by the crashing sound of thunder and the blinding sight of a lightning flash. However, I also know the comfort that a child feels when her cries are met with the kind and comforting presences of her father. In Psalms I find an invitation not only to trust in the Lord at all times but also to pour out my heart to Him. I can trust Him and I can pour out my heart to Him because, "God is out refuge." (Psalm 62:8)
I see the storms not only in my own life but in the lives of those around me. I want to call out from this place of safety that there is a peace that surpasses all comprehension. This is a peace that is not only found in the quiet places in our lives but also in the places that bring with them deep anxiety. There is a rock of salvation who offers us a hiding place. Christ Jesus stands with arms opened wide offering the peace of God to all who will put their trust in Him. Though the storm of life is raging all around us He will guard both the heart and mind of those who seek shelter beneath His wing of protection.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Prophetic Perspective
"I have never really read the "Revelation."' I could tell she felt a since of embarrassment in this confession yet I also understood her hesitation to open the door into the world of prophecy. There are two things that draw me into this book. The first is the way the book begins, "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place." The word revelation means, an unveiling, uncovering, revealing. I open the book with the anticipation that my spirit will also be open to this unveiling, uncovering, revealing, this revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to me the things must soon take place.
The second reason I plunge myself into this spiritual place is the promise I find in the third verse. "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and those who keep what is written in it, for the time is near." Without this blessing I'm not sure I would have the courage to venture into this unseen world where spiritual truths and judgments are revealed.
When an infant is born into the world they do not come fully comprehending the mystery of language. Words wash over them but in time they begin to connect meaning to the sounds they hear. Parents understand that the process of revealing their thoughts to their children will take time. Like a child I do not fully comprehend the mystery set before me but I put my trust in the one who has promised a blessing and I listen and I read and I let the words of the prophecy wash over me.
John was told in Revelation to write the things he saw, and the things which are, and the things that were to take place in the future. John wrote as the Spirit led unveiling to those who read aloud and to those who hear all these things from a prophetic perspective. The natural mind cannot comprehend the Spiritual truths reveled in Revelation. However, to those who have called on the name of Jesus as Savior He has given to them His Spirit. It is through the Spirit both blessing and understanding comes for all who will open the book and read.
The second reason I plunge myself into this spiritual place is the promise I find in the third verse. "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and those who keep what is written in it, for the time is near." Without this blessing I'm not sure I would have the courage to venture into this unseen world where spiritual truths and judgments are revealed.
When an infant is born into the world they do not come fully comprehending the mystery of language. Words wash over them but in time they begin to connect meaning to the sounds they hear. Parents understand that the process of revealing their thoughts to their children will take time. Like a child I do not fully comprehend the mystery set before me but I put my trust in the one who has promised a blessing and I listen and I read and I let the words of the prophecy wash over me.
John was told in Revelation to write the things he saw, and the things which are, and the things that were to take place in the future. John wrote as the Spirit led unveiling to those who read aloud and to those who hear all these things from a prophetic perspective. The natural mind cannot comprehend the Spiritual truths reveled in Revelation. However, to those who have called on the name of Jesus as Savior He has given to them His Spirit. It is through the Spirit both blessing and understanding comes for all who will open the book and read.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
The MMP Test
I held the old cat on my lap as we made, what I thought would be, it's last visit to the vet. As I rubbed my hand along his fur I could feel the unpadded bones of the cat. When we got to the vet Steve gently took Mistletoe from my lap. When the vet finished her examination we waited to hear the results. I was stunned when she said she didn't think Mistletoe needed to be put to sleep. Instead she explained that we had an MMP, a multi-medical problem-ed cat. I thought that meant dead cat but when I saw the kind and gentle expression on my husband face I knew otherwise.
For weeks now I have been studying, memorizing and meditating on Colossians chapter three but it seemed like God had chosen a cat to test me concerning this passage. At the heart of this passage it talks about qualities we are to put on; compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other. I had a complaint I thought it was time to put the cat to sleep and I could feel the anger rising up in me.
On the return trip from the vet with cat on my lap the question rose in my mind, who was right me or my husband? Is it right to keep a MMP cat alive or when a cat starts having multi-medical problems is it time to put the cat to sleep? I came to the conclusion that it simply depends on who you talk to. When situations like this arise it can cause marital strife. Someone has to let go of their right to be right.
My sister said that it is good for the soul to take care of a old pet, my sister is a nicer person than I am. However, I want to be a more compassionate person. I want to be kind not always having to have my own way. I want to be gentle and patient and so I choose to put on these qualities as I make room in my life for a MMP cat whose name is Mistletoe.
Lord Jesus, in life's laboratory where I make choices in how I respond to the circumstances I find, please help me put on love which binds everything together. Help me remember that as I yield my right of choice to my husband I am not only choosing to be kind and compassionate to a cat I am also choosing to be kind and compassionate to my husband.
For weeks now I have been studying, memorizing and meditating on Colossians chapter three but it seemed like God had chosen a cat to test me concerning this passage. At the heart of this passage it talks about qualities we are to put on; compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other. I had a complaint I thought it was time to put the cat to sleep and I could feel the anger rising up in me.
On the return trip from the vet with cat on my lap the question rose in my mind, who was right me or my husband? Is it right to keep a MMP cat alive or when a cat starts having multi-medical problems is it time to put the cat to sleep? I came to the conclusion that it simply depends on who you talk to. When situations like this arise it can cause marital strife. Someone has to let go of their right to be right.
My sister said that it is good for the soul to take care of a old pet, my sister is a nicer person than I am. However, I want to be a more compassionate person. I want to be kind not always having to have my own way. I want to be gentle and patient and so I choose to put on these qualities as I make room in my life for a MMP cat whose name is Mistletoe.
Lord Jesus, in life's laboratory where I make choices in how I respond to the circumstances I find, please help me put on love which binds everything together. Help me remember that as I yield my right of choice to my husband I am not only choosing to be kind and compassionate to a cat I am also choosing to be kind and compassionate to my husband.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Saints in Light
She sat across from me in her specially made wheel chair. When we began to pray she began to weep. I could not understand her words but I could see the compassion of her heart as she poured out her prayer. Her mother, who was beside her, stood and embarrassed her. I saw in them the qualities of both compassion and kindness.
After our prayer time was over I went to Rachel to ask what she had been praying about. She told me that she had heard about children, who had been born with special needs like hers, that were abandoned. Her heart was touched in a special way because she understood what it was like to be helpless and dependent. Her compassion turned to kindness as she brought their needs before the throne of grace.
The children were not the only ones she wept for, she also felt compassion for the mothers who abandoned their babies. She spoke through a voice choked with tears about how great their grief must be to have a child they felt incapable of caring for. That night her mother had been leading a Bible study on the third chapter of Colossians. We had talked about what it means to put on compassion and kindness. I saw that night in both Rachel and her mother saints in light who illuminated for me the meaning of the words compassion and kindness.
Rachel began to weep again as we talked together but this time her tears were tears of gratitude. She told me how very grateful she was for the love and care that she had been given. I wrapped my arms around her aware that I had been given a special gift that night. God had allowed me to see the words I had read only moments before fleshed out in the lives of both Rachel and her mother.
Lord Jesus, thank you for Your saints in light that illuminate the truth of Your word. Teach me by their example!
After our prayer time was over I went to Rachel to ask what she had been praying about. She told me that she had heard about children, who had been born with special needs like hers, that were abandoned. Her heart was touched in a special way because she understood what it was like to be helpless and dependent. Her compassion turned to kindness as she brought their needs before the throne of grace.
The children were not the only ones she wept for, she also felt compassion for the mothers who abandoned their babies. She spoke through a voice choked with tears about how great their grief must be to have a child they felt incapable of caring for. That night her mother had been leading a Bible study on the third chapter of Colossians. We had talked about what it means to put on compassion and kindness. I saw that night in both Rachel and her mother saints in light who illuminated for me the meaning of the words compassion and kindness.
Rachel began to weep again as we talked together but this time her tears were tears of gratitude. She told me how very grateful she was for the love and care that she had been given. I wrapped my arms around her aware that I had been given a special gift that night. God had allowed me to see the words I had read only moments before fleshed out in the lives of both Rachel and her mother.
Lord Jesus, thank you for Your saints in light that illuminate the truth of Your word. Teach me by their example!
Friday, October 31, 2014
Have You Ever Wrestled with God?
Have you ever wrestled with God? I mean if you believe God is Sovereign over the affairs of mankind, possessing extreme and ultimate power, and that He also loves you do you struggle with things happening in your life? For example, if you are longing to be married yet year after year you are alone how does that fit into your understanding of a Sovereign, loving God? If your arms are empty and you know God's word says that children are a gift from the Lord and yet you have asked for this gift but He has not given you a child how do you respond to your disappointment? If your marriage seems war torn and the trajectory of life spent with this other person seems more than you can bear do you ever wonder where God is?
I wonder if the people who received the letter from Jeremiah wrestled with what they read? They had been taken from their home. They were in a foreign land and all they wanted was to go home. Yet the message God sent them through Jeremiah was that they were to settle in this land where they had been taken captive against their will. But He also added, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."(Jeremiah 29:11) The real question was, could they trust God if His will for them was so contrary to their own will?
How do you respond to this wrestling match with a Sovereign loving God who sometimes allows things in your life that seem unbearable? If you have surrendered your will to God and yet have found yourself held captive by circumstances not of your choosing perhaps these words from Jeremiah will bring you comfort. "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:12,13)
"Lord, here I hold within my trembling hand,
This will of mine--a thing which seemeth small;
And only Thou, O Christ, canst understand
How, when I yield Thee this, I yield mine all.
It has been wet with tears, and stained with sighs,
Clenched in my grasp till beauty hath it none;
now, from Thy footstool where it prostrate lies
The prayer ascendeth. Let Thy will be done." D.M. MacItyre
I wonder if the people who received the letter from Jeremiah wrestled with what they read? They had been taken from their home. They were in a foreign land and all they wanted was to go home. Yet the message God sent them through Jeremiah was that they were to settle in this land where they had been taken captive against their will. But He also added, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."(Jeremiah 29:11) The real question was, could they trust God if His will for them was so contrary to their own will?
How do you respond to this wrestling match with a Sovereign loving God who sometimes allows things in your life that seem unbearable? If you have surrendered your will to God and yet have found yourself held captive by circumstances not of your choosing perhaps these words from Jeremiah will bring you comfort. "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:12,13)
"Lord, here I hold within my trembling hand,
This will of mine--a thing which seemeth small;
And only Thou, O Christ, canst understand
How, when I yield Thee this, I yield mine all.
It has been wet with tears, and stained with sighs,
Clenched in my grasp till beauty hath it none;
now, from Thy footstool where it prostrate lies
The prayer ascendeth. Let Thy will be done." D.M. MacItyre
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
The Mystery
For almost fifty years now my days have begun by opening God's word and listening for His voice. Day after day, month after month, year after year I have returned to the same book. This is a mystery to me because I've never grown tired of it in fact it's just the opposite. In some ways it must be like drinking water and eating bread I have never grown tired of water or bread either. But it's more than that.
This is a book I have read the majority of my life almost every day of my life yet it always seems new and fresh. It is the story of God's love. The more I read the more I am drawn into the fathomless depths of this love. It is as impossible to measure the depth of this book as it is to measure the depth of His love.
This morning as I listened to His voice I heard, "Look, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything to difficult for me?" again I heard, "The LORD who made the earth, the LORD who forms it to establish it, the LORD is His name, says this: Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and wonderful things you do not know." (Jeremiah 32:27, Jeremiah 33:2) It was as if I had been issued an invitation to view life from an eternal, heavenly perspective.
I know that there are those who read the Bible and consider it foolishness. They consider people who base their lives on what is written within it's pages as unintelligent. They cannot understand nor can they make since of what is being said. This is completely understandable because the person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. God's word is not human wisdom but instead it is taught by the Spirit combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. No natural, unbelieving man can understand these things.
Heavenly Father, once more I have come to Your living word to be refreshed by the living water and the living bread I find there. I humble myself before You who are the God of all flesh. I call to You who made the earth and established it because You have invited me to call to You through Your word. Show me by the power of Your Holy Spirit the great and wonderful things hidden within it's pages.
This is a book I have read the majority of my life almost every day of my life yet it always seems new and fresh. It is the story of God's love. The more I read the more I am drawn into the fathomless depths of this love. It is as impossible to measure the depth of this book as it is to measure the depth of His love.
This morning as I listened to His voice I heard, "Look, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything to difficult for me?" again I heard, "The LORD who made the earth, the LORD who forms it to establish it, the LORD is His name, says this: Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and wonderful things you do not know." (Jeremiah 32:27, Jeremiah 33:2) It was as if I had been issued an invitation to view life from an eternal, heavenly perspective.
I know that there are those who read the Bible and consider it foolishness. They consider people who base their lives on what is written within it's pages as unintelligent. They cannot understand nor can they make since of what is being said. This is completely understandable because the person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. God's word is not human wisdom but instead it is taught by the Spirit combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. No natural, unbelieving man can understand these things.
Heavenly Father, once more I have come to Your living word to be refreshed by the living water and the living bread I find there. I humble myself before You who are the God of all flesh. I call to You who made the earth and established it because You have invited me to call to You through Your word. Show me by the power of Your Holy Spirit the great and wonderful things hidden within it's pages.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
With the String of a Kite
I realized a gorge had developed between me and another person. I stood at the edge of the steep narrow cliff and looked across it to where they stood and wondered how this great divide happened. To again stand together as friends seemed an impossibility. I was ready to shrug my shoulders and walk away, but the Holy Spirit brought to my mind a story that gave me hope that a bridge could be built that would span the distance and bring us together.
Charles Ellet Jr. had been awarded the contract to build a suspension bridge across the Niagara River. In order to do this he had to first stretch a line across the 800-foot wide gap that was 225 feet above the turbulent waters of the Whirlpool Gorge. It seemed an impossible task. He considered many possibilities but finally settled on a most unusual solution. He decided to host a kite-flying contest. The first kite to span the distance between the Canadian side to American side would be the winner!
Homan Walsh was fifteen years old when he decided to take the challenge in January of 1848. Holman took his kite that he had named Union and crossed to the Canadian side of the gorge by ferry just below Niagara Falls, and walked two miles along the top of the cliff till he reached the place the bridge was to be built. He flew his kite all day and night but it failed to reach the other side because the string broke on the sharp edge of either the rocks or the ice. But Holman didn't quit. He made his way back to the U.S. side, retrieved his kite, and repaired it. Then he made his way back to the Canadian cliff side and tried again. This time he was able to fly his kite to the opposite bank and thus the bridge that crossed the Niagara River began.
Lord Jesus, by faith I lift my kite Union and I ask that the wind of your Spirit would blow it to its destination. Help me not give up if my first attempt does not succeed but instead help me remember that with you all things are possible.
Charles Ellet Jr. had been awarded the contract to build a suspension bridge across the Niagara River. In order to do this he had to first stretch a line across the 800-foot wide gap that was 225 feet above the turbulent waters of the Whirlpool Gorge. It seemed an impossible task. He considered many possibilities but finally settled on a most unusual solution. He decided to host a kite-flying contest. The first kite to span the distance between the Canadian side to American side would be the winner!
Homan Walsh was fifteen years old when he decided to take the challenge in January of 1848. Holman took his kite that he had named Union and crossed to the Canadian side of the gorge by ferry just below Niagara Falls, and walked two miles along the top of the cliff till he reached the place the bridge was to be built. He flew his kite all day and night but it failed to reach the other side because the string broke on the sharp edge of either the rocks or the ice. But Holman didn't quit. He made his way back to the U.S. side, retrieved his kite, and repaired it. Then he made his way back to the Canadian cliff side and tried again. This time he was able to fly his kite to the opposite bank and thus the bridge that crossed the Niagara River began.
Lord Jesus, by faith I lift my kite Union and I ask that the wind of your Spirit would blow it to its destination. Help me not give up if my first attempt does not succeed but instead help me remember that with you all things are possible.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Removing Grave Cloths
I decided to memorizes the third chapter of Colosians but instead of starting with the whole chapter or even a whole verse I started with the first word picture. I let the thought grow and take shape in my mind. There was no hurry only the paint brush of God's Word washing over the other thoughts in my mind and replacing them with this, "If then you have been raised with Christ."
As I considered what it would be like to be raised with Christ suddenly I thought of Lazerus. He knew what it was like to be dead and and then to be raised. As I meditated on this it was as if I was there with Jesus on the hillside. I could almost hear him shout, "Lazerus, come out. " Then in my mind I saw Lazerus, a man once dead now raised to life.
Lazerus was alive! "The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth." (John 11:44) As I looked at this picture of Lazerus raised with Christ yet bound by grave cloths my mind began to trace through the epistles. Again and again we are encouraged to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Yes, Lazerus was alive but those grave cloths needed to be removed.
I heard a man giving his testimony. He had an addiction that caused him agony. He prayed and pleaded with God to take the addiction away. Then one day he understood the gospel. He saw his sin and addiction nailed to the cross, he heard Jesus cry, "It is finished! " But that is only part of the gospel. By faith he was buried and raised with Christ. He like Lazerus knew what it meant to be raised with Christ.
People asked him," Were you free from you addiction immediately or was it a process?" His answer was simply, "Yes." When Jesus sets you free you are free indeed. Just look at Lazerus, for four days his body lay rotting in the tomb but when he heard Jesus' voice calling to him he was alive even though he was bound by grave cloths! The man went on to say he no longer identified himself by his temptations but by his new life in Jesus Christ. I doubt Lazerus was identified as a man once bound by grave cloths but instead I believe he was known as the man who was raised from the dead by Jesus Christ.
As I considered what it would be like to be raised with Christ suddenly I thought of Lazerus. He knew what it was like to be dead and and then to be raised. As I meditated on this it was as if I was there with Jesus on the hillside. I could almost hear him shout, "Lazerus, come out. " Then in my mind I saw Lazerus, a man once dead now raised to life.
Lazerus was alive! "The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth." (John 11:44) As I looked at this picture of Lazerus raised with Christ yet bound by grave cloths my mind began to trace through the epistles. Again and again we are encouraged to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Yes, Lazerus was alive but those grave cloths needed to be removed.
I heard a man giving his testimony. He had an addiction that caused him agony. He prayed and pleaded with God to take the addiction away. Then one day he understood the gospel. He saw his sin and addiction nailed to the cross, he heard Jesus cry, "It is finished! " But that is only part of the gospel. By faith he was buried and raised with Christ. He like Lazerus knew what it meant to be raised with Christ.
People asked him," Were you free from you addiction immediately or was it a process?" His answer was simply, "Yes." When Jesus sets you free you are free indeed. Just look at Lazerus, for four days his body lay rotting in the tomb but when he heard Jesus' voice calling to him he was alive even though he was bound by grave cloths! The man went on to say he no longer identified himself by his temptations but by his new life in Jesus Christ. I doubt Lazerus was identified as a man once bound by grave cloths but instead I believe he was known as the man who was raised from the dead by Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
The Mystery of Love
From the womb of the dawn the Sun of Righteous rose with healing in his wings. It was then that the people who walked in darkness saw a great light; on those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness a light shown. This is the mystery of love.
What did it take to rescue those who were held captive in the domain of darkness and transfer them into the kingdom of light, the kingdom of God's beloved Son? This is the mystery of love. Jesus left his father's throne and emptied himself of all but love and on the cross the immortal died. Then there was darkness over all the land.
Darkness as black as night covered all the earth because it seemed that darkness had overcome the light and that life had been swallowed up by death. Those who were bound by sin and nature's night groaned and felt all hope was lost. The truth was revealed when Jesus rose from the dead and his glory shown upon us. The mystery of love was that light overwhelmed the darkness and life swallowed up death.
The great mystery of God's love is this He lavished His love on us when we were His enemies. Jesus died for those who caused his pain. When we were alienated and hostile in our minds against the love of God and engaging in evil deeds God gave His son to reconcile us to Himself. To all who recieved him, to those who believed in his name he gave the right to become children of God. The right to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
Lord Jesus, I wake before the dawn and watch as the Sun rises remaining me of a deeper reality. Because of you I am a child of the light, a child of the day. I no longer belong to the night and it's darkness. I wait for the dawn of a new day when You will come with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. On that day I will join with the redeemed and meet You in the air. Until You come I will comfort myself with this mystery.
What did it take to rescue those who were held captive in the domain of darkness and transfer them into the kingdom of light, the kingdom of God's beloved Son? This is the mystery of love. Jesus left his father's throne and emptied himself of all but love and on the cross the immortal died. Then there was darkness over all the land.
Darkness as black as night covered all the earth because it seemed that darkness had overcome the light and that life had been swallowed up by death. Those who were bound by sin and nature's night groaned and felt all hope was lost. The truth was revealed when Jesus rose from the dead and his glory shown upon us. The mystery of love was that light overwhelmed the darkness and life swallowed up death.
The great mystery of God's love is this He lavished His love on us when we were His enemies. Jesus died for those who caused his pain. When we were alienated and hostile in our minds against the love of God and engaging in evil deeds God gave His son to reconcile us to Himself. To all who recieved him, to those who believed in his name he gave the right to become children of God. The right to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
Lord Jesus, I wake before the dawn and watch as the Sun rises remaining me of a deeper reality. Because of you I am a child of the light, a child of the day. I no longer belong to the night and it's darkness. I wait for the dawn of a new day when You will come with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. On that day I will join with the redeemed and meet You in the air. Until You come I will comfort myself with this mystery.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Delivered from the Dominion of Darkness
If I were to gaze into the Sun I would loose my vision. Even if I could approach the Sun I would be consumed by it's brilliance.
There was once an angel who dwelt in the presence of unapproachable light. But this angel did not understand that he was the servant and not the master. When cast out of the presence of God the one who once was an angel of light became darkness itself. A kingdom was given to him a septer was placed in his hand. He is the ruler of darkness and blinds the minds of those who follow him.
The prince of darkness is powerful. Those who belong to his dominion walk with eyes cast down lest they are blinded by the Sun. Their minds are held captive by the Liar who feeds them thier daily rations of despair. "You have no hope. There is no one who can deliver you. " So shackled by the guilt that darkness brings they are held captive in the dominion of darkness.
The power of every lie is that there is a little bit of truth mingled in it. The Liar whispers,"You are too dark to approach the Light. You would be consumed!" This is true. But in the fullness of time, in the Kingdom of Heaven a shout was heard from the throne ,"Go get my children! " The Sun of Righteous cloaked His glory in a robe of human flesh. The deliverer had come.
Lord Jesus, you are the image of the invisible God. Only you could deliver me from the domain of darkness and transfer me into the kingdom of light. In your light I see light. Thank you for coming to me because I could not have come to you.
There was once an angel who dwelt in the presence of unapproachable light. But this angel did not understand that he was the servant and not the master. When cast out of the presence of God the one who once was an angel of light became darkness itself. A kingdom was given to him a septer was placed in his hand. He is the ruler of darkness and blinds the minds of those who follow him.
The prince of darkness is powerful. Those who belong to his dominion walk with eyes cast down lest they are blinded by the Sun. Their minds are held captive by the Liar who feeds them thier daily rations of despair. "You have no hope. There is no one who can deliver you. " So shackled by the guilt that darkness brings they are held captive in the dominion of darkness.
The power of every lie is that there is a little bit of truth mingled in it. The Liar whispers,"You are too dark to approach the Light. You would be consumed!" This is true. But in the fullness of time, in the Kingdom of Heaven a shout was heard from the throne ,"Go get my children! " The Sun of Righteous cloaked His glory in a robe of human flesh. The deliverer had come.
Lord Jesus, you are the image of the invisible God. Only you could deliver me from the domain of darkness and transfer me into the kingdom of light. In your light I see light. Thank you for coming to me because I could not have come to you.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Mercy That Sets the Captive Free
Who can appreciate the gift of mercy who has not first been confronted with guilt? I watched as they came into the court room. Their eyes were down cast, their hands and feet were shackled. One by one they came before the judge. With heads bowed they stood while all that they had done was exposed to the court. Because of their guilt they lost their liberty.
The pain was still in her voice as she remembered how hopeless she felt in her addiction. Night after night she wept begging God to release her from this thing that kept her captive. She wanted a clean heart but all she had to offer was a broken one. All she had to offer was her sorrow and regret. Who can appreciate the gift of mercy who has not first brought before the Lord the sacrifice of a broken spirit and known the bitterness of a broken and contrite heart?
He had chosen blindness rather than to acknowledge his guilt. But God sent Nathan the prophet to confront David about his sin. When his eyes were open and he realized that he could no longer hide he begged God to do for him what he could not do for himself. "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from my iniquity, and cleans me from my sin! "(Psalm 51:1, 2) It was only when David acknowledged his guilt that he could recieve the gift of mercy.
Who can appreciate the steadfast love of God who has not first acknowledged his own lack of love? Who can appreciate the grace of God who has not recognize his poverty? Who can begin to rest in God's great faithfulness who has not first seen his own unworthiness? Our great need simply opens our eyes to God's great gift of mercy.
Lord Jesus, you came to proclaim good news to the poor. You came to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, and to set at liberty those who are oppressed. Thank you for your gift of mercy.
The pain was still in her voice as she remembered how hopeless she felt in her addiction. Night after night she wept begging God to release her from this thing that kept her captive. She wanted a clean heart but all she had to offer was a broken one. All she had to offer was her sorrow and regret. Who can appreciate the gift of mercy who has not first brought before the Lord the sacrifice of a broken spirit and known the bitterness of a broken and contrite heart?
He had chosen blindness rather than to acknowledge his guilt. But God sent Nathan the prophet to confront David about his sin. When his eyes were open and he realized that he could no longer hide he begged God to do for him what he could not do for himself. "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from my iniquity, and cleans me from my sin! "(Psalm 51:1, 2) It was only when David acknowledged his guilt that he could recieve the gift of mercy.
Who can appreciate the steadfast love of God who has not first acknowledged his own lack of love? Who can appreciate the grace of God who has not recognize his poverty? Who can begin to rest in God's great faithfulness who has not first seen his own unworthiness? Our great need simply opens our eyes to God's great gift of mercy.
Lord Jesus, you came to proclaim good news to the poor. You came to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, and to set at liberty those who are oppressed. Thank you for your gift of mercy.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Waiting for the Dawn
I had gone to bed the night before fighting with the darkness. I was grateful when sleep came but I know how this works. When you go to sleep fighting the darkness it will wake you back up. I heard the oppressive voice of darkness but I chose not to listen. Instead I focused my mind on truth and waited for the dawn.
I love to watch the sunrise. It is a daily reminder to me of the tender mercy of God. No matter how dark the night may be I am visited in the morning by the sunrise. The Sun rises and the shadows flee. The morning brings me word of God's unfailing love.
Sometimes there is weeping in the night. I am aware of the suffering of the world around me. I see the news. I see the power of evil. But joy comes in the morning. I know the promise, I know the truth. "The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays." (Malachi 4:2) This is the tender mercy of God, He gives light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, He guides our feet into the way of peace.
I wake while it is still dark knowing that the dawn is coming. This is the truth that anchors my days; light conquers the darkness. Morning by morning I open God's word while waiting for the dawn. His word is a lamp shinning in a dark place. I am reminded of the prophetic word that there is a day that will dawn when the morning star will arise in my heart.
Lord Jesus, You are the bright and morning star for whom I wait. In Your word I find the promise that You are coming. And so as I wait for the dawn my pray is, "Come Lord Jesus! "
I love to watch the sunrise. It is a daily reminder to me of the tender mercy of God. No matter how dark the night may be I am visited in the morning by the sunrise. The Sun rises and the shadows flee. The morning brings me word of God's unfailing love.
Sometimes there is weeping in the night. I am aware of the suffering of the world around me. I see the news. I see the power of evil. But joy comes in the morning. I know the promise, I know the truth. "The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays." (Malachi 4:2) This is the tender mercy of God, He gives light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, He guides our feet into the way of peace.
I wake while it is still dark knowing that the dawn is coming. This is the truth that anchors my days; light conquers the darkness. Morning by morning I open God's word while waiting for the dawn. His word is a lamp shinning in a dark place. I am reminded of the prophetic word that there is a day that will dawn when the morning star will arise in my heart.
Lord Jesus, You are the bright and morning star for whom I wait. In Your word I find the promise that You are coming. And so as I wait for the dawn my pray is, "Come Lord Jesus! "
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Finding Comfort
Years now separate me from that night when the darkness was like a shroud to my soul. I had received news that like a thief had stolen all possibility of sleep from me. I went out into the night. I was to crushed by my brokenness to stand so I lay on the concrete sidewalk and wept. I looked into the deep darkness of the night searching for light. If I could speak to my former self I would say, "The darkness that you feel tonight might hide the light but the light still shines."
"Go ahead and cry. Let the salt in your tears wash the wound. Cry and cry til the tears are spent. When your grief is exhausted and you enter into the stillness of the night let that stillness seep into your soul. Be still and know that the God you trust is worthy of your trust. Tonight you are aware of the darkness but I am the voice of your future and I know the truth of redemption."
The comfort I long to share with others is the comfort I have received. If I had never known what is like to cry in the night I would not know the deep comfort that comes in the morning. I have watched my dreams shattered only to find the truth of what it means to have a redeemer. Though I have stumbled along the way I have never been hurled headlong into the abis because God has been holding my hand. True comfort is not always found in the moment. The truest comfort is found in the perspective of eternity.
As I look back on that night of brokenness I can still feel the weight of my sorrow yet with the perspective of years I can also see the gracious hand of God. Faith is to be sure of what you hope for and confident about what you don't see. Years ago I put my faith in the unfailing love of God I have chosen to base my life not on what my physical eyes can see but instead on what I believe. But sometimes I can look back on a time I walked by faith and smile because now I am a witness to what once I could only see by faith.
O Holy Comforter, Your love is steadfast, I can never use up Your mercy, each morning I am met with a new supply. Though my faith my grow weak Your faithfulness never let's go. Because You are my portion l put my hope in You and find deep comfort.
"Go ahead and cry. Let the salt in your tears wash the wound. Cry and cry til the tears are spent. When your grief is exhausted and you enter into the stillness of the night let that stillness seep into your soul. Be still and know that the God you trust is worthy of your trust. Tonight you are aware of the darkness but I am the voice of your future and I know the truth of redemption."
The comfort I long to share with others is the comfort I have received. If I had never known what is like to cry in the night I would not know the deep comfort that comes in the morning. I have watched my dreams shattered only to find the truth of what it means to have a redeemer. Though I have stumbled along the way I have never been hurled headlong into the abis because God has been holding my hand. True comfort is not always found in the moment. The truest comfort is found in the perspective of eternity.
As I look back on that night of brokenness I can still feel the weight of my sorrow yet with the perspective of years I can also see the gracious hand of God. Faith is to be sure of what you hope for and confident about what you don't see. Years ago I put my faith in the unfailing love of God I have chosen to base my life not on what my physical eyes can see but instead on what I believe. But sometimes I can look back on a time I walked by faith and smile because now I am a witness to what once I could only see by faith.
O Holy Comforter, Your love is steadfast, I can never use up Your mercy, each morning I am met with a new supply. Though my faith my grow weak Your faithfulness never let's go. Because You are my portion l put my hope in You and find deep comfort.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
What Angels Long to See
They stood East of Eden. The cherubim had been stationed by God to guard the way to the tree of life with a flaming, whirling sword. They were guardians to the throne of God. The cherubim were a protective bearer of God's holines. When God made a way for us to eat of the tree of life and come boldly to His throne the angels desired to look into these things.
When God sent His angels with a message to men it often resuled in the one who received the message being filled with fear. But when Elisha's servant was afraid of the army and the horses and chariots that surrounded them Elisha prayed that the man's eyes would be opened. "Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."(2Kings 6:17) The angels of God were more fear inspiring than any army of men. These angelic beings, who caused fear in the hearts of men, longed to look into the salvation God had prepared for those who had been created lower than themselves.
"The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. "(Psalm 99:1) The cherubim had been with Jesus in His preincarnate state. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. And then they came to minister to him after he had been tempted in the wilderness by a fallen angel. They were there in the garden to minister to their Lord the night before he gave his life as a sacrifice for sinful men. These same angels longed to look into this gospel that had been sent down from Heaven.
When man sinned God drove him out of the garden of Eden, "He stationed cherubim with a flaming, whirling sword to guard the way to the tree of life."(Genesis 3:24) There were two golden cherubim in the two ends of the mercy seat. "And the cherubim shall stretch forth their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; towards the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be."(Exodus 25:21) I wonder were the golden cherubim representative of the two angels Mary saw sitting one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus' body had been lying. The angels who had longed to look into this salvation asked the question, "Woman, why are you crying?"
Lord Jesus, the cherubim were stationed at the mercy seat where once a year the high priest came to make atonement for sin with the blood of a sacrifice. The cherubim were at the empty grave, witnesses to the sacrifice you made for sinful man and the blood you sprinkled on heaven's mercy seat. They long to look into the salvation I have received. Open my eyes and let me see my salvation from their perspective.
When God sent His angels with a message to men it often resuled in the one who received the message being filled with fear. But when Elisha's servant was afraid of the army and the horses and chariots that surrounded them Elisha prayed that the man's eyes would be opened. "Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."(2Kings 6:17) The angels of God were more fear inspiring than any army of men. These angelic beings, who caused fear in the hearts of men, longed to look into the salvation God had prepared for those who had been created lower than themselves.
"The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. "(Psalm 99:1) The cherubim had been with Jesus in His preincarnate state. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. And then they came to minister to him after he had been tempted in the wilderness by a fallen angel. They were there in the garden to minister to their Lord the night before he gave his life as a sacrifice for sinful men. These same angels longed to look into this gospel that had been sent down from Heaven.
When man sinned God drove him out of the garden of Eden, "He stationed cherubim with a flaming, whirling sword to guard the way to the tree of life."(Genesis 3:24) There were two golden cherubim in the two ends of the mercy seat. "And the cherubim shall stretch forth their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; towards the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be."(Exodus 25:21) I wonder were the golden cherubim representative of the two angels Mary saw sitting one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus' body had been lying. The angels who had longed to look into this salvation asked the question, "Woman, why are you crying?"
Lord Jesus, the cherubim were stationed at the mercy seat where once a year the high priest came to make atonement for sin with the blood of a sacrifice. The cherubim were at the empty grave, witnesses to the sacrifice you made for sinful man and the blood you sprinkled on heaven's mercy seat. They long to look into the salvation I have received. Open my eyes and let me see my salvation from their perspective.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Do Not Fear
It happened again this morning the darkness could not keep the day from dawning. However, last night seemed to last a long time. I had seen the images of hatred and darkness ;images of evil acts against innocent children. My heart was grieved and I found it hard to sleep but through out the night I remembered the truth. The darkness does not win.
The horrors that are being done to innocent children are the product of darkness. Those who have become slaves of darkness are trying to produce terror in the hearts of those who see the way they worship evil. You become like the thing you worship. But the darkness can never overcome the light and hatred never triumphs over love.
Sometimes it seems that hatred is stronger than love. The acts of hatred are brutal and cruel. There are those who worship at this alter believing that it gives them strength. But the essence of strength was when Jesus gave his life and then gave forgiveness to those who had brutally crucified him. The God of love triumphed over the god of hatred.
The god of darkness and hatred uses terror to bend the knees of all who worship at his alter. However, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. "( 1 John4:18) When Jesus hung on the cross He took the punishment for my sin. It's a response to perfect love that bends the knees of those who worship Jesus the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
Jesus, You are the bright and Morning Star. Day after day I am reminded of the truth that You have triumphed over darkness. Your love has conquered hate. You truth exposes lies that are perpetrated to bind us. I worship at Your alter and ask that you would unbind those who worship the god of darkness.
The horrors that are being done to innocent children are the product of darkness. Those who have become slaves of darkness are trying to produce terror in the hearts of those who see the way they worship evil. You become like the thing you worship. But the darkness can never overcome the light and hatred never triumphs over love.
Sometimes it seems that hatred is stronger than love. The acts of hatred are brutal and cruel. There are those who worship at this alter believing that it gives them strength. But the essence of strength was when Jesus gave his life and then gave forgiveness to those who had brutally crucified him. The God of love triumphed over the god of hatred.
The god of darkness and hatred uses terror to bend the knees of all who worship at his alter. However, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. "( 1 John4:18) When Jesus hung on the cross He took the punishment for my sin. It's a response to perfect love that bends the knees of those who worship Jesus the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
Jesus, You are the bright and Morning Star. Day after day I am reminded of the truth that You have triumphed over darkness. Your love has conquered hate. You truth exposes lies that are perpetrated to bind us. I worship at Your alter and ask that you would unbind those who worship the god of darkness.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Because I Believe
Because I believe that I have access to the living word of God I rise before the dawn to listen for his voice. I sit in silence for a moment and let the wonder penitrate my soul that I have been invited to breathe the breath of God. The world around me is dark but what I hold in my hands illumines my darkness.
Because I believe I have an invitation to come boldly to the throne of grace I humbly go there. In my spirit I see what Daniel saw, "As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire."(Daniel 7:9) I have come into this holy place because I was invited yet I am painfully aware of my unworthiness. But it is here I encounter the tender mercy of a mighty God and every morning he assures me I can never exhaust its supply.
Because I believe I will find grace to help me in my time of need I find the courage to speak. I feel my own inadequacy but by faith I take hold of promises I find in God's Word and I chose to base my actions not on how I feel but what I believe. There are many unknowns in my life that make me tremble yet I have been promised a wisdom not my own if only I will ask. And so I ask.
Because I believe that my Redeemer lives and that one day I will see him face to face I lift before him all my grief and disappointments. There is so much I do not understand. I chose today to offer before his throne the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving because I trust in the unfailing love that has been offered to me.
Lord Jesus, sometimes I come with a heavy heart because what I see fills my heart with sorrow. But because you have invited me to come I come confident in your love and comforted by your promises because I believe.
Because I believe I have an invitation to come boldly to the throne of grace I humbly go there. In my spirit I see what Daniel saw, "As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire."(Daniel 7:9) I have come into this holy place because I was invited yet I am painfully aware of my unworthiness. But it is here I encounter the tender mercy of a mighty God and every morning he assures me I can never exhaust its supply.
Because I believe I will find grace to help me in my time of need I find the courage to speak. I feel my own inadequacy but by faith I take hold of promises I find in God's Word and I chose to base my actions not on how I feel but what I believe. There are many unknowns in my life that make me tremble yet I have been promised a wisdom not my own if only I will ask. And so I ask.
Because I believe that my Redeemer lives and that one day I will see him face to face I lift before him all my grief and disappointments. There is so much I do not understand. I chose today to offer before his throne the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving because I trust in the unfailing love that has been offered to me.
Lord Jesus, sometimes I come with a heavy heart because what I see fills my heart with sorrow. But because you have invited me to come I come confident in your love and comforted by your promises because I believe.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Seeing the Unseen
I cried on my way home from the memorial service. I could feel the weight of sadness turning into depression. I don't believe that I have to be held captive to the darkness that sometimes seems to haunt my thoughts, however, the death of a friend brings with it genuine sorrow. But the taste of tears does not have to make me a prisoner of depression.
How do I process the loss of a friend without being crippled by it? I believe the answer is found in the lens I choose to look through. If I only focus on what my physical eyes can see I begin to loose heart. But I have been invited to look at not only what is seen but what is unseen. What I see now is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Ecclesiastes says, "It is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laugher, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth."(Ecclesiastes 7:2-4) My friend and I were the same age. Going to the house of mourning made me pause and consider the use of my days.
I have been given the treasure of eternal life but I hold it in a jar of clay. If I loose sight of eternity I am very tempted to despair. I am more and more aware that my outer person is aging but at the same time I choose not to give up but instead to take hold of the promise of life. By God's grace my inner person is being renewed day by day as I choose to focus not on what is seen but on what is unseen.
Lord Jesus, you wept at the grave of your friend and then called him to life. Please help me to see with my spirit what is hidden from my eyes. Thank you for showing me how to grieve but to hope at the same time.
How do I process the loss of a friend without being crippled by it? I believe the answer is found in the lens I choose to look through. If I only focus on what my physical eyes can see I begin to loose heart. But I have been invited to look at not only what is seen but what is unseen. What I see now is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Ecclesiastes says, "It is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laugher, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth."(Ecclesiastes 7:2-4) My friend and I were the same age. Going to the house of mourning made me pause and consider the use of my days.
I have been given the treasure of eternal life but I hold it in a jar of clay. If I loose sight of eternity I am very tempted to despair. I am more and more aware that my outer person is aging but at the same time I choose not to give up but instead to take hold of the promise of life. By God's grace my inner person is being renewed day by day as I choose to focus not on what is seen but on what is unseen.
Lord Jesus, you wept at the grave of your friend and then called him to life. Please help me to see with my spirit what is hidden from my eyes. Thank you for showing me how to grieve but to hope at the same time.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
The Fellowship
There is a mist that blankets the farm today. I have no doubts about what is hidden from my view. I know the deer are grazing in the field beyond where I can see. I realize that though my eyes can only see dimly what is before me the Sun will reveal the truth of what is really there.
Today the mist reflects my feelings. Today I will go to a memorial service for my friend. As I sit here surrounded by this curtain that dims my view of what is before me my mind plays back the times we spent together. She was my prayer partner. During my last pregnancy when there was a cloud of doubt surrounding the health of my unborn child she and I prayed. With eyes closed and hearts wide open we boldly went together before the throne of grace.
Walking in the mist we shared a special fellowship. Faith is being sure of what you hope for and confident of what you don't see. There is a special fellowship you share when you walk together with someone in prayer. Patti made a cross stitch picture for me that put my feelings into words. "Fellowship is the oneness of spirit that is enjoyed by friends on the same side of the struggle."
The years passed our paths parted. I remember clearly the last time I saw Patti not because of the depth of the conversation we had but because it was the last time we would have together. We talked on the phone later and she told me about her illness. The last time we spoke she told me she wanted to get together and share with me the things she had learned through her suffering but that meeting never happened.
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me friends with whom I can have fellowship here. Thank you for letting me see beyond the mist with eyes of faith the fellowship my friend now has with you in your presence.
Today the mist reflects my feelings. Today I will go to a memorial service for my friend. As I sit here surrounded by this curtain that dims my view of what is before me my mind plays back the times we spent together. She was my prayer partner. During my last pregnancy when there was a cloud of doubt surrounding the health of my unborn child she and I prayed. With eyes closed and hearts wide open we boldly went together before the throne of grace.
Walking in the mist we shared a special fellowship. Faith is being sure of what you hope for and confident of what you don't see. There is a special fellowship you share when you walk together with someone in prayer. Patti made a cross stitch picture for me that put my feelings into words. "Fellowship is the oneness of spirit that is enjoyed by friends on the same side of the struggle."
The years passed our paths parted. I remember clearly the last time I saw Patti not because of the depth of the conversation we had but because it was the last time we would have together. We talked on the phone later and she told me about her illness. The last time we spoke she told me she wanted to get together and share with me the things she had learned through her suffering but that meeting never happened.
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me friends with whom I can have fellowship here. Thank you for letting me see beyond the mist with eyes of faith the fellowship my friend now has with you in your presence.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
The Covering
Guilt brought with it naked shame that stripped away all dignity. They stood before their creator with no excuse. Exile then death were the penalties for their choice but His choice was to provide a covering. However, for their sin to be covered there was a price that had to be paid. The blood of the innocent was shed to cover the shame of the guilty. Love covers a multitude of sins but not without a price.
The Mercy-Seat was the covering of the ark of the covenant. The Hebrew word used for the Mercy-Seat means a cover, but contains an allusion to the covering or forgiving of sins. Once a year the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies on the day of Atonement and sprinkle the Mercy-Seat with the blood of a sacrifice to cover the guilty to make atonement for sin. Once a year the high priest would come into the Holy of Holies seeking a calm and sure retreat from the shame and guilt of sin before the Mercy-Seat.
It was at the cross where mercy and faithfulness met together; it was at the cross where righteousness and peace kissed each other. When Jesus cried, "It is finished! " he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. The drops of blood that fell from his thorn pierced brow sprinkled the ground beneath the cross. Jesus our high priest sprinkled his own blood on Heaven's Mercy-Seat.
There are times the acussor comes to remind us of our guilt and shame. He comes to call attention to our failure but we have an invitation to come boldly to the throne of grace so that we can find grace and mercy to help us in our time of need. At the throne of God's mercy Satan is silenced. The blood of Jesus has covered us.
Lord Jesus, at the Mercy-Seat You gave, joy to the desolate, light to the straying, hope to the penitent. Because of Your mercy earth has no sorrows Heaven cannot heal my sin is covered and I have access to your throne.
The Mercy-Seat was the covering of the ark of the covenant. The Hebrew word used for the Mercy-Seat means a cover, but contains an allusion to the covering or forgiving of sins. Once a year the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies on the day of Atonement and sprinkle the Mercy-Seat with the blood of a sacrifice to cover the guilty to make atonement for sin. Once a year the high priest would come into the Holy of Holies seeking a calm and sure retreat from the shame and guilt of sin before the Mercy-Seat.
It was at the cross where mercy and faithfulness met together; it was at the cross where righteousness and peace kissed each other. When Jesus cried, "It is finished! " he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. The drops of blood that fell from his thorn pierced brow sprinkled the ground beneath the cross. Jesus our high priest sprinkled his own blood on Heaven's Mercy-Seat.
There are times the acussor comes to remind us of our guilt and shame. He comes to call attention to our failure but we have an invitation to come boldly to the throne of grace so that we can find grace and mercy to help us in our time of need. At the throne of God's mercy Satan is silenced. The blood of Jesus has covered us.
Lord Jesus, at the Mercy-Seat You gave, joy to the desolate, light to the straying, hope to the penitent. Because of Your mercy earth has no sorrows Heaven cannot heal my sin is covered and I have access to your throne.
Monday, July 21, 2014
God Provided an Ark
There was a time when the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. God judged the world for it's corruption and violence but He also provided an ark. There was a time when the Pharaoh commanded all his people that, "Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile..." (Exodus 1:22) But before Moses was cast into the Nile he was first placed into an Ark which is the Hebrew word for basket. In the holy of holies the mercy seat was placed upon the ark of Lord.
The Ark of the Covenant contained the two unbroken tablets of stone. There had been two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God but when Moses had seen the sin of the people he had thrown the tablets down and broken them at the foot of the mountain. The unbroken tablets of stone represented the grace of God. In the ark was a golden pot containing an omer of manna. Manna was a memorial of God's provision. The third item in the ark was Aaron's rod that budded showing once and for all that Aaron was God's choice for the priesthood.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son..." (John 3:16) How did God respond to the wickedness of man? Yes, there was judgment but there was also an ark. At the same time the punishment for sin was proclaimed there was also the promise of a savior. The Ark of the Covenant represents Jesus. The unbroken tablets reflect what the Bible says about Him; He "committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth." The manna speaks of Jesus as the bread of life. When Aaron's rod budded something that had died was supernaturally brought back to life this points to Jesus' resurrection. God's response to a sinful world was to provide an ark.
For several nights I have been thinking about this ark and the role it plays in my own worship. God provided the ark and the promise that, "whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Jesus said that He came to give abundant life but He didn't say it would be an easy life. In fact He said, "In this life you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."(John 16:33)
Lord Jesus, I am so grateful that God provided an ark and a refuge agianst the storms of life . In You I find strength for today and hope for tomorrow.
The Ark of the Covenant contained the two unbroken tablets of stone. There had been two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God but when Moses had seen the sin of the people he had thrown the tablets down and broken them at the foot of the mountain. The unbroken tablets of stone represented the grace of God. In the ark was a golden pot containing an omer of manna. Manna was a memorial of God's provision. The third item in the ark was Aaron's rod that budded showing once and for all that Aaron was God's choice for the priesthood.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son..." (John 3:16) How did God respond to the wickedness of man? Yes, there was judgment but there was also an ark. At the same time the punishment for sin was proclaimed there was also the promise of a savior. The Ark of the Covenant represents Jesus. The unbroken tablets reflect what the Bible says about Him; He "committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth." The manna speaks of Jesus as the bread of life. When Aaron's rod budded something that had died was supernaturally brought back to life this points to Jesus' resurrection. God's response to a sinful world was to provide an ark.
For several nights I have been thinking about this ark and the role it plays in my own worship. God provided the ark and the promise that, "whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Jesus said that He came to give abundant life but He didn't say it would be an easy life. In fact He said, "In this life you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."(John 16:33)
Lord Jesus, I am so grateful that God provided an ark and a refuge agianst the storms of life . In You I find strength for today and hope for tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
The Darkness could not Overwhelm It
The sun could not perpetrate the thick covering of the Holy of Holies. The flickering glow of the candles was not seen. The light shone in the darkness yet the darkness did not overcome it. The light that overcame the darkness in the Holy of Holies was the Shekanah glory of God.
When Jesus was transfigured on the mountain what did Peter, James and John see? "His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light." (Matthew 17:2) This was the same Shekinanh glory that illuminated the Holy of Holies yet when he came down from the mountain his glory was cloaked by human flesh.
At the foot of the mountain where Peter, James and John had seen Jesus transfigured a desperate father knelt before him begging for mercy for his son. While Jesus had been on the mountain his disciples had tried unsuccessfully to release this man's son from the demons that tried to destroy him. With one eye on Jesus and and the other eye on his son the father poured out his heart. He explained how the evil spirits would often cast his son into fire and into water to destroy him. Then he said "But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."
"The light shines in the darkness yet the darkness has not overcome it...The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. "(John 1:5, 9, 10) Jesus who moments before had shone with Shekinanh glory responded to the question of "if you can" by saying, " If you can! All things are possible for one who believes."
Lord Jesus I confess that I too like the father in this story am sometimes more aware of the power of the darkness than I am of your Shekinanh glory. Thank you for giving me this honest prayer, "Lord, I believe help thou my unbelief." Please let me behold You glory with an unveiled face.
When Jesus was transfigured on the mountain what did Peter, James and John see? "His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light." (Matthew 17:2) This was the same Shekinanh glory that illuminated the Holy of Holies yet when he came down from the mountain his glory was cloaked by human flesh.
At the foot of the mountain where Peter, James and John had seen Jesus transfigured a desperate father knelt before him begging for mercy for his son. While Jesus had been on the mountain his disciples had tried unsuccessfully to release this man's son from the demons that tried to destroy him. With one eye on Jesus and and the other eye on his son the father poured out his heart. He explained how the evil spirits would often cast his son into fire and into water to destroy him. Then he said "But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."
"The light shines in the darkness yet the darkness has not overcome it...The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. "(John 1:5, 9, 10) Jesus who moments before had shone with Shekinanh glory responded to the question of "if you can" by saying, " If you can! All things are possible for one who believes."
Lord Jesus I confess that I too like the father in this story am sometimes more aware of the power of the darkness than I am of your Shekinanh glory. Thank you for giving me this honest prayer, "Lord, I believe help thou my unbelief." Please let me behold You glory with an unveiled face.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
The Man Among the Tombs
He lived among the tombs and no one could bind him though they had tried. They had tried to bind him with chains but but he had wrenched the chains apart. They had bound him with shackles but he had broken the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him yet they had tried. So night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones. He provoked fear, he provoked pity but did anyone really care about the storm that raged within him? Did anyone really care about
the man who was free from chains and shackles yet deeply bound by the tormentors of his soul?
When the evening had come Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go across to the other side." A great windstorm arose. The winds howled the waves were breaking into the boat. All light seemed to be blotted out by the blackness of the storm. These were seasoned fishermen and they knew how deadly this storm was. But Jesus was not participating in their struggle in fact he was in the stern asleep on a cushion.
In their panic they screamed against the wind, "Don't you care that we're perishing? " When he awoke he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still! " The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith? " The fear they felt in that great calm surpassed the fear they had felt in the storm. They looked at each other and asked, "Who is this that even the wind and the sea obey him." But Jesus was about to show them that he was more than just the Lord of external storms.
The dark of night had come by the time they reached the other side of the sea but what they saw coming toward them would have provoked fear even in the brightest part of the day. Wild eyed, bruised and bloodied by self inflected wounds he came running to them from the direction of the tombs. The demons that had long ago taken possession of his voice screamed, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me." Jesus had come to still the storm that raged within the man who lived among the tombs. He spoke the word and the demons had no choice but to obey the one who was Lord. Great fear came upon the town folk when they saw the demon possessed man sitting quietly at the feet of the one who had cared enough to come and still the storm within him.
Lord Jesus, please forgive me for my lack of faith when I am more aware of the power of the storm than I am Your power and I dare to ask the question, Do you care? Please forgive me when I see those around me who seem to be hopelessly lost and I forget that you cared enough to come and seek and save the lost.
the man who was free from chains and shackles yet deeply bound by the tormentors of his soul?
When the evening had come Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go across to the other side." A great windstorm arose. The winds howled the waves were breaking into the boat. All light seemed to be blotted out by the blackness of the storm. These were seasoned fishermen and they knew how deadly this storm was. But Jesus was not participating in their struggle in fact he was in the stern asleep on a cushion.
In their panic they screamed against the wind, "Don't you care that we're perishing? " When he awoke he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still! " The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith? " The fear they felt in that great calm surpassed the fear they had felt in the storm. They looked at each other and asked, "Who is this that even the wind and the sea obey him." But Jesus was about to show them that he was more than just the Lord of external storms.
The dark of night had come by the time they reached the other side of the sea but what they saw coming toward them would have provoked fear even in the brightest part of the day. Wild eyed, bruised and bloodied by self inflected wounds he came running to them from the direction of the tombs. The demons that had long ago taken possession of his voice screamed, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me." Jesus had come to still the storm that raged within the man who lived among the tombs. He spoke the word and the demons had no choice but to obey the one who was Lord. Great fear came upon the town folk when they saw the demon possessed man sitting quietly at the feet of the one who had cared enough to come and still the storm within him.
Lord Jesus, please forgive me for my lack of faith when I am more aware of the power of the storm than I am Your power and I dare to ask the question, Do you care? Please forgive me when I see those around me who seem to be hopelessly lost and I forget that you cared enough to come and seek and save the lost.
Monday, July 7, 2014
When the Veil was Torn
There was a divider a separator a veil that shielded a holy God from sinful people. God's eyes are too pure to look on evil and He cannot tolerate sin so the veil created a barrier to make sure man did not carelessly or irreverently enter God's presence. There were figures of cherubim embroidered onto the dividing curtain. These embroidered cherubim were the reminder of the cherubim God had placed east of the garden of Eden. Cherubim who had a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life. The cherubim on the veil represented those who stood guarding the Holy of Holies the throne room of God.
In the East men expressed their sorrow by rending their garments. When Jesus hung on the cross and gave up His spirit crying, "It is finished!" the veil was torn from top to bottom. Access was gained into the Holy of Holies. "Shocked at the sin of man, indignant at the murder of its Lord, in it's sympathy with Him who is the true temple of God, the outward symbol tore its holy vestments from top to bottom." Spurgeon
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, his body---let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith." (Hebrew 10:19-22) To understand somethings value you must understand the cost. Jesus gave Himself fully so that we could boldly enter into God's presence, "the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf." (Hebrews 6:19-20)
Jesus removed the veil. The shekinah glory with illumined the Holy of Holies was now accessible not only to the High Priest once a year but to all who by faith would draw near. And when we with unveiled faces behold the glory of the Lord we do not remain the same. We are, "changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Cor. 3:18)
Lord Jesus like a bride looks at her groom may I look upon you with an unveil face.
In the East men expressed their sorrow by rending their garments. When Jesus hung on the cross and gave up His spirit crying, "It is finished!" the veil was torn from top to bottom. Access was gained into the Holy of Holies. "Shocked at the sin of man, indignant at the murder of its Lord, in it's sympathy with Him who is the true temple of God, the outward symbol tore its holy vestments from top to bottom." Spurgeon
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, his body---let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith." (Hebrew 10:19-22) To understand somethings value you must understand the cost. Jesus gave Himself fully so that we could boldly enter into God's presence, "the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf." (Hebrews 6:19-20)
Jesus removed the veil. The shekinah glory with illumined the Holy of Holies was now accessible not only to the High Priest once a year but to all who by faith would draw near. And when we with unveiled faces behold the glory of the Lord we do not remain the same. We are, "changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Cor. 3:18)
Lord Jesus like a bride looks at her groom may I look upon you with an unveil face.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
I have been listening to this song as I study going into the Holy of Holies and I wanted to share it with you.
For Your Name Is Holy - I Enter The Holy of Holie…: http://youtu.be/s4CRvAPzxjI
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
At the Golden Alter
There was a sanctuary in the wilderness. In this holy place you could worship God with all your senses. The light of the lampstand reflected the warm golden glow of the wall and by it's light you could also see the embroidered wings above you. You could taste the bread of the Presence and touch the ornate rim of the table. As you neared the holy of holies the sweet smell of incense filled the air with the faint sound of crackling glowing embers beneath it.
Twice daily the priest would go to the Golden Alter and burn incense. The fire for the alter of incense had to come from the alter of sacrifice. This was a reminder that before attempting to approach God in prayer and worship there had to be repentance. The composition of the four sweet spices used for this incense was to be holy to the LORD, this perfume was only to be experienced in this place of worship.
Our sense of smell comes from our olfactory bulb. It is part of the brain's limbic system and is so closely associated with memory and feeling it's sometimes called the "emotional brain." "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." (Psalm 141:2) The incense unlocked the emotional brain and the prayers and worship that were presented to a Holy God deeply effected the one who offered them.
The Golden Alter of Incense giving off the odor of sweet perfume in the holy place was a shadow of another alter spoken of in Revelations 8:3,4 "And another angel came and was given much incense to offer with the prayers of the saints on the golden alter before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints rose before God from the hand of the angel." Jesus is our high priest who invites us to draw near to God, since he always lives to make intercession on our behalf.
Father, just as You provided a sanctuary for the children of Israel to worship You in the wilderness I seek sanctuary in my worship of You. The world presses in and I cry out. Let my prayers not simply be words but the deepest plea of my heart and let them be counted as incense before You.
Twice daily the priest would go to the Golden Alter and burn incense. The fire for the alter of incense had to come from the alter of sacrifice. This was a reminder that before attempting to approach God in prayer and worship there had to be repentance. The composition of the four sweet spices used for this incense was to be holy to the LORD, this perfume was only to be experienced in this place of worship.
Our sense of smell comes from our olfactory bulb. It is part of the brain's limbic system and is so closely associated with memory and feeling it's sometimes called the "emotional brain." "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." (Psalm 141:2) The incense unlocked the emotional brain and the prayers and worship that were presented to a Holy God deeply effected the one who offered them.
The Golden Alter of Incense giving off the odor of sweet perfume in the holy place was a shadow of another alter spoken of in Revelations 8:3,4 "And another angel came and was given much incense to offer with the prayers of the saints on the golden alter before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints rose before God from the hand of the angel." Jesus is our high priest who invites us to draw near to God, since he always lives to make intercession on our behalf.
Father, just as You provided a sanctuary for the children of Israel to worship You in the wilderness I seek sanctuary in my worship of You. The world presses in and I cry out. Let my prayers not simply be words but the deepest plea of my heart and let them be counted as incense before You.
Friday, June 27, 2014
The Table in the Wilderness
"Come, to the table that's been prepared for you." This is an invitation to have the deepest hunger of your soul satisfied. Coming to the table represents not only nourishment it represents communion and fellowship. Each Sabbath twelve loaves of shewbread covered with frankincense were placed on the golden table in the Holy Place. The Hebrew word for shew is peneh, which means countenance, presence, or face. The first time bread is mentioned in the Bible is when God sent Adam out of the Garden and told him that by the sweat of his face he'd eat bread until the day he died. The bread on golden table was a gift.
I can still remember when I was a little girl spending the Summers with my grandmother what it was like to wake up to the smell of fresh baked bread. She would always bake twelve loaves. Grandmother's bread was meant to be shared. One of my jobs was to take her bread throughout the "patch" to waiting neighbors. There was always enough. There was always bread on the golden table in the Holy Place.
"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life; he that comes to me shall never hunger...I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:35,51) "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."(Luke 22:19)
What happens when we come to the table that has been prepared for us? What happens when we come to have fellowship and communion by eating the bread of life? The Shewbread, the Bread of the Presence was covered in pure frankincense. "Thanks be God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ." (2 Corinthians 2:14-15)
Lord Jesus I thank You that You have not sent me from Your presence to eat bread by the sweat of my face but instead You welcome me to come and have communion with You. The first table was set in a wilderness but Your word speaks of a table in the future that will have a wedding feast prepared on it; until then I will eat my daily bread and remember You.
I can still remember when I was a little girl spending the Summers with my grandmother what it was like to wake up to the smell of fresh baked bread. She would always bake twelve loaves. Grandmother's bread was meant to be shared. One of my jobs was to take her bread throughout the "patch" to waiting neighbors. There was always enough. There was always bread on the golden table in the Holy Place.
"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life; he that comes to me shall never hunger...I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:35,51) "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."(Luke 22:19)
What happens when we come to the table that has been prepared for us? What happens when we come to have fellowship and communion by eating the bread of life? The Shewbread, the Bread of the Presence was covered in pure frankincense. "Thanks be God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ." (2 Corinthians 2:14-15)
Lord Jesus I thank You that You have not sent me from Your presence to eat bread by the sweat of my face but instead You welcome me to come and have communion with You. The first table was set in a wilderness but Your word speaks of a table in the future that will have a wedding feast prepared on it; until then I will eat my daily bread and remember You.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Not to Harm You
I
had just finished reading a description of an automated call from
someone calling from a prison when my telephone rang. I heard the
same words I had read moments before. "If you would like to
accept this collect call, please press 1. If you would like to refuse
this collect call, please press 2. If you would like to block this
caller from calling you again, please press 3" Like the woman in
the book I punched 1.
I had a hard time hearing her even with my good ear. Her voice was soft and broken, a reflection of her heart. She told me how lost and alone she felt. "Will you help me?" she asked with tears in her voice. "There is a place called 'Center of Hope' will you see if they would be willing to let me go there?"
After I hung up the phone I went back to reading my book, "Out of a Far Country". In it Christopher Yuan described how despondent he felt as he look around his prison cell. The walls were laden with graffiti, gang symbols and obscenities. He said, "I scanned the drawings and words on the rusty metal sheet above me, and my eyes were drawn to the far corner. The words were barely legible, and the letters were hastily scribbled. It was messy but I could make out the words; If you're bored, read Jeremiah 29:11"
These words in Jeremiah were written to a people who had been in rebellion against God and as a consequence of that rebellion they were on their way to captivity. The words in Jeremiah shows God's heart. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD,' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
In Genesis when God had come in the cool of the day to find fellowship with Adam and Eve He found rebellion instead. Yet in the same chapter that tells them the consequences for their sin He also promises a way of restoration. Even though they had to leave the garden as a result of their sins His plans were not to harm them but to give them hope and a future.
I had a hard time hearing her even with my good ear. Her voice was soft and broken, a reflection of her heart. She told me how lost and alone she felt. "Will you help me?" she asked with tears in her voice. "There is a place called 'Center of Hope' will you see if they would be willing to let me go there?"
After I hung up the phone I went back to reading my book, "Out of a Far Country". In it Christopher Yuan described how despondent he felt as he look around his prison cell. The walls were laden with graffiti, gang symbols and obscenities. He said, "I scanned the drawings and words on the rusty metal sheet above me, and my eyes were drawn to the far corner. The words were barely legible, and the letters were hastily scribbled. It was messy but I could make out the words; If you're bored, read Jeremiah 29:11"
These words in Jeremiah were written to a people who had been in rebellion against God and as a consequence of that rebellion they were on their way to captivity. The words in Jeremiah shows God's heart. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD,' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
In Genesis when God had come in the cool of the day to find fellowship with Adam and Eve He found rebellion instead. Yet in the same chapter that tells them the consequences for their sin He also promises a way of restoration. Even though they had to leave the garden as a result of their sins His plans were not to harm them but to give them hope and a future.
2014
is the 100th
anniversary of World War 1. It is the 75th
anniversary of World War 2. I am constantly being reminded that
freedom isn't free. It comes at price. The hope and future that God
offers us comes at a price as well. To understand somethings value
you must first understand it's cost. We can begin to understand that
cost when we see the picture God gave us in the tabernacle.
Just
as God came to Adam and Eve in the Garden seeking fellowship He came
to His people in the wilderness after they had been set free from
Egypt. God came to Moses and said,” Let them make me a sanctuary,
that I may dwell in their midst.” (Exodus 25:8) They were to be
very careful in following the instructions God gave because this
tabernacle was a shadow of what is in Heaven.
I
only have time today to describe the two articles in the outer court,
the Bronze Alter and the Bronze Laver but I think it will be enough
to begin to understand this hope and future that is given to us by
God and it's amazing value.
In
the Courtyard of the Tabernacle stood a Broze Alter. It was here that
those who were seeking to come to God would bring their sacrifice.
They would bring the bullock, the goat, or lamb and place their hand
on the animal's head. With their hand on the animal's head they would
begin to confess their sins--not generically, but specifically. Then
standing there they would watch as the animal's neck was slit and
it's blood was drained. "Without the shedding of blood the is no
forgiveness of sins." (Hebrew 9:22) To understand the value of
being forgiven you must first understand what it cost.
The Bronze alter was a place of repentance. It was a place to come and confess. A place to be honest with God. When David had sinned with Bathsheba he had attempted to hide his sin. But when the prophet Nathan confronted him, David finally confessed openly that he had sinned. In Psalm 51 he says, "Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being...Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in me...The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
Jesus is a picture of one sacrificed on our behalf. "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) John recognized the sacrificial lamb; the one who was sent to die in our place. "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth." (Isaiah 53:7) Like King David we have gone astray and have chosen our own rebellious way. But when we come to this place of sacrifice with a broken and contrite heart and recognize that Jesus died in our place we find forgiveness
The Bronze Alter is not only a place of sacrifice it is a place of repentance. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleans us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) This word "if" is a conditional particle. To confess is to say the same thing God says. At the Bronze Alter those who came with their sacrifice would place their hand on the head of the sacrificial animal and confess their specific sins in the same way we are to come to the cross with a humble and repentant heart.
The Bronze alter was a place of repentance. It was a place to come and confess. A place to be honest with God. When David had sinned with Bathsheba he had attempted to hide his sin. But when the prophet Nathan confronted him, David finally confessed openly that he had sinned. In Psalm 51 he says, "Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being...Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in me...The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
Jesus is a picture of one sacrificed on our behalf. "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) John recognized the sacrificial lamb; the one who was sent to die in our place. "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth." (Isaiah 53:7) Like King David we have gone astray and have chosen our own rebellious way. But when we come to this place of sacrifice with a broken and contrite heart and recognize that Jesus died in our place we find forgiveness
The Bronze Alter is not only a place of sacrifice it is a place of repentance. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleans us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) This word "if" is a conditional particle. To confess is to say the same thing God says. At the Bronze Alter those who came with their sacrifice would place their hand on the head of the sacrificial animal and confess their specific sins in the same way we are to come to the cross with a humble and repentant heart.
Before
the door of the Holy Place there stood the Bronze Laver. Only priests
were allowed to enter the Holy place but not before they washed at
the Bronze Laver "lest they die," (Exodus 30:20) There was
to be no trace of uncleanness in the presence of a Holy God. The
command was, "Be holy as I am holy." In the courtyard there
was cleansing both by blood and by water, the blood shed by the
sacrifice at the Bronze Alter and the water used for washing in the
Bronze Laver.
The Bronze Laver was a place of reflection. It was made by the mirrors given by the Israelite women. When the priests dipped their hands into the water they saw themselves. They had already been anointed and consecrated by Moses yet at the Bronze Laver they were to wash their hands and feet. This was a daily cleansing for those who had been chosen for a holy work. At the Bronze Laver they were to reflect on every thing they did and every where they went and cleanse themselves with the water they found there.
The water in the laver represents Jesus, the living Word of God. Daily we are to come to the water of life the living Word of God and reflect. We are not only to hear God's word, we are to act on it. "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing." (James 1:23-25)
"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep my judgment and do them." (Ezek 36:25-27) The Jewish leaders were pouring water from the pool of Siloam (Heb. Sent) onto the pavement of the temple symbolizing that someday God would pour out real water from heaven on His people as He had promised by His prophet Ezekiel when Jesus stood and cried, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink." (John 7:38) Only those who were washed by the blood and the Lamb and cleansed with living water could go into the presence of a Holy God.
The Bronze Laver was a place of reflection. It was made by the mirrors given by the Israelite women. When the priests dipped their hands into the water they saw themselves. They had already been anointed and consecrated by Moses yet at the Bronze Laver they were to wash their hands and feet. This was a daily cleansing for those who had been chosen for a holy work. At the Bronze Laver they were to reflect on every thing they did and every where they went and cleanse themselves with the water they found there.
The water in the laver represents Jesus, the living Word of God. Daily we are to come to the water of life the living Word of God and reflect. We are not only to hear God's word, we are to act on it. "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing." (James 1:23-25)
"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep my judgment and do them." (Ezek 36:25-27) The Jewish leaders were pouring water from the pool of Siloam (Heb. Sent) onto the pavement of the temple symbolizing that someday God would pour out real water from heaven on His people as He had promised by His prophet Ezekiel when Jesus stood and cried, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink." (John 7:38) Only those who were washed by the blood and the Lamb and cleansed with living water could go into the presence of a Holy God.
The
girl who called me was thirsty she was suffering the consequences for
the bad choices she had made she wanted to know if there was hope if
she still had a future. I called the number that she gave me the next
morning. I told the man who answered about how the book I was reading
and the telephone call intertwined. He laughed and then said, “If
she comes here she will find Jeremiah 29:11 written on every wall
because that is the motto of the Center of Hope.
“For
I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare
and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call
upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek
me and find me, when you seek me with all of your heart.” (Jeremiah
29:11-13)
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Where Light Shines Out of Darkness
There have been times I have felt like the darkness would suffocate me. I have known seasons in my life when there were so many layers of darkness that the eyes of my heart were blinded. I have sat with my friends weeping in the pitch blackness of night when there seemed to be no hope of dawn. Because I have experienced deep darkness I can bear witness to the light. I have known the One who is the light of men. "That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it." (John 1:5)
The tabernacle did not have a solid ceiling instead there were four large canopies draped over the top that hung down the north, west, and south sides. No outside light could penetrate the thickness of this covering. But within this Holy Place there was light. The light that illuminated the darkness shown from the Golden Lampstand. The Lampstand was the only source of light in the Holy Place.
The light that shines in the darkness represents Jesus Christ. "Then Jesus spoke to them again: 'I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12) "For God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness'--He has shone in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6)
I am grateful for the light that darkness cannot overcome. This picture of the Golden Lampstand giving light to the Holy Place gives me great comfort. This tabernacle is a shadow of Heavenly things. This Golden Lampstand reminded me of the promise I find in the last chapter of the book of Revelation. "They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. Night will no longer exist, and people will not need lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will give them light."
Lord Jesus, I wait with great anticipation when I will see Your face and night will be no more but for today I thank You that no darkness is ever so great that Your light is unable to penetrate it.
The tabernacle did not have a solid ceiling instead there were four large canopies draped over the top that hung down the north, west, and south sides. No outside light could penetrate the thickness of this covering. But within this Holy Place there was light. The light that illuminated the darkness shown from the Golden Lampstand. The Lampstand was the only source of light in the Holy Place.
The light that shines in the darkness represents Jesus Christ. "Then Jesus spoke to them again: 'I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12) "For God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness'--He has shone in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6)
I am grateful for the light that darkness cannot overcome. This picture of the Golden Lampstand giving light to the Holy Place gives me great comfort. This tabernacle is a shadow of Heavenly things. This Golden Lampstand reminded me of the promise I find in the last chapter of the book of Revelation. "They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. Night will no longer exist, and people will not need lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will give them light."
Lord Jesus, I wait with great anticipation when I will see Your face and night will be no more but for today I thank You that no darkness is ever so great that Your light is unable to penetrate it.
Monday, June 16, 2014
When Stories Entertwine
I had just finished reading a description of an automated call from someone calling from a prison when my telephone rang. I heard the same words I had read moments before. "If you would like to accept this collect call, please press 1. If you would like to refuse this collect call, please press 2. If you would like to block this caller from calling you again, please press..." Like the woman in the book I punched 1.
I had a hard time hearing her even with my good ear. Her voice was soft and broken, a reflection of her heart. She told me how lost and alone she felt. "Will you help me?" she asked with tears in her voice. "There is a place called 'Center of Hope' will you see if they would be willing to let me go there?"
After I hung up the phone I went back to reading my book, "Out of a Far Country". In it Christopher Yuan described how despondent he felt as he look around his cell. The walls were laden with graffiti, gang symbols and obscenities. He said, "I scanned the drawings and words on the rusty metal sheet above me, and my eyes were drawn to the far corner. The words were barely legible, and the letters were hastily scribbled. It was messy but I could make out the words; If you're bored, read Jeremiah 29:11"
These words in Jeremiah were written to a people who had been in rebellion against God and as a consequence of that rebellion they were on their way to captivity. The words in Jeremiah shows God's heart. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD,' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Lord, she asked me to help her find the "Center of Hope" please draw her to Yourself. Help me to share the promise in Your word that if she will call upon You and come and pray to You that You will listen. Lord, I ask that she would seek you with all her heart because then I know that she will finally find all that she is looking for.
I had a hard time hearing her even with my good ear. Her voice was soft and broken, a reflection of her heart. She told me how lost and alone she felt. "Will you help me?" she asked with tears in her voice. "There is a place called 'Center of Hope' will you see if they would be willing to let me go there?"
After I hung up the phone I went back to reading my book, "Out of a Far Country". In it Christopher Yuan described how despondent he felt as he look around his cell. The walls were laden with graffiti, gang symbols and obscenities. He said, "I scanned the drawings and words on the rusty metal sheet above me, and my eyes were drawn to the far corner. The words were barely legible, and the letters were hastily scribbled. It was messy but I could make out the words; If you're bored, read Jeremiah 29:11"
These words in Jeremiah were written to a people who had been in rebellion against God and as a consequence of that rebellion they were on their way to captivity. The words in Jeremiah shows God's heart. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD,' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Lord, she asked me to help her find the "Center of Hope" please draw her to Yourself. Help me to share the promise in Your word that if she will call upon You and come and pray to You that You will listen. Lord, I ask that she would seek you with all her heart because then I know that she will finally find all that she is looking for.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
A Shadow of Heavenly Things
It was more than a place it was a picture. Moses was to carefully follow the pattern God gave him for the tabernacle because it was a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. Blue, purple and scarlet cherubim were woven into white linen on the holy place's ceiling. David responded to what this picture represented when he said, "Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!" (Psalm 61:4)
Thinking about this pattern God gave Moses I am reminded of what I have read in Psalm 91."He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." However, this was more than simply a place of refuge it was a place of intimacy, a place to experience God's unfailing love. "How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings." ( Psalm 36:7)
When the Word became flesh, in the person of Jesus Christ, and took up residence among us we observed the glory as of the one and only son of the Father. He was in the world and it didn't recognize Him. He came to His own and His own people didn't receive Him. At the end of Jesus' earthly ministry He cried out this lament, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wing, and your were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37,38)
The tabernacle was built in the wilderness but God came to His people and invited them to find refuge under His wing. Jesus came to a broken and hurting world and opened His arms and spread wide His wings of love and protection. All who came to Jesus were invited to sing in the shadow of His wings. To those who received Him He gave them the right to be children of God.
Lord Jesus, in the world around me I often encounter hurt and suffering but I come to You and find refuge. Sheltered in You faithfulness I experience Your unfailing love. Beneath Your wing I feel the beat of Your heart.
Thinking about this pattern God gave Moses I am reminded of what I have read in Psalm 91."He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." However, this was more than simply a place of refuge it was a place of intimacy, a place to experience God's unfailing love. "How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings." ( Psalm 36:7)
When the Word became flesh, in the person of Jesus Christ, and took up residence among us we observed the glory as of the one and only son of the Father. He was in the world and it didn't recognize Him. He came to His own and His own people didn't receive Him. At the end of Jesus' earthly ministry He cried out this lament, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wing, and your were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37,38)
The tabernacle was built in the wilderness but God came to His people and invited them to find refuge under His wing. Jesus came to a broken and hurting world and opened His arms and spread wide His wings of love and protection. All who came to Jesus were invited to sing in the shadow of His wings. To those who received Him He gave them the right to be children of God.
Lord Jesus, in the world around me I often encounter hurt and suffering but I come to You and find refuge. Sheltered in You faithfulness I experience Your unfailing love. Beneath Your wing I feel the beat of Your heart.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Reflections at Bronze Laver
Before the door of the Holy Place there stood the Bronze Laver. Only priests were allowed to enter the Holy place but not before they washed at the Bronze Laver "lest they die," (Exodus 30:20) There was to be no trace of uncleanness in the presence of a Holy God. The command was, "Be holy as I am holy." In the courtyard there was cleansing both by blood and by water, the blood shed by the sacrifice at the Bronze Alter and the water used for washing in the Bronze Laver.
The Bronze Laver was a place of reflection. It was made by the mirrors given by the Israelite women. When the priests dipped their hands into the water they saw themselves. They had already been anointed and consecrated by Moses yet at the Bronze Laver they were to wash their hands and feet. This was a daily cleansing for those who had been chosen for a holy work. At the Bronze Laver they were to reflect on every thing they did and every where they went and cleanse themselves with the water they found there.
The water in the laver represents Jesus, the living Word of God. Daily we are to come to the water of life the living Word of God and reflect. We are not only to hear God's word, we are to act on it. "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing." (James 1:23-25)
"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep my judgement and do them." (Ezek 36:25-27) The Jewish leaders were pouring water from the pool of Siloam (Heb. Sent) onto the pavement of the temple symbolizing that someday God would pour out real water from heaven on His people as He had promised by His prophet Ezekiel when Jesus stood and cried, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink." (John 7:38) Only those who were washed by the blood and the Lamb and cleansed with living water could go into the presence of a Holy God.
Lord Jesus, because You came to me I can come to You. I believe You are the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world and by You blood I have been been forgiven. I come daily, to Your living Word. Daily I reflect not only on who I am but who You are and like the woman at the well I have come to drink the Living Water.
The Bronze Laver was a place of reflection. It was made by the mirrors given by the Israelite women. When the priests dipped their hands into the water they saw themselves. They had already been anointed and consecrated by Moses yet at the Bronze Laver they were to wash their hands and feet. This was a daily cleansing for those who had been chosen for a holy work. At the Bronze Laver they were to reflect on every thing they did and every where they went and cleanse themselves with the water they found there.
The water in the laver represents Jesus, the living Word of God. Daily we are to come to the water of life the living Word of God and reflect. We are not only to hear God's word, we are to act on it. "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing." (James 1:23-25)
"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep my judgement and do them." (Ezek 36:25-27) The Jewish leaders were pouring water from the pool of Siloam (Heb. Sent) onto the pavement of the temple symbolizing that someday God would pour out real water from heaven on His people as He had promised by His prophet Ezekiel when Jesus stood and cried, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink." (John 7:38) Only those who were washed by the blood and the Lamb and cleansed with living water could go into the presence of a Holy God.
Lord Jesus, because You came to me I can come to You. I believe You are the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world and by You blood I have been been forgiven. I come daily, to Your living Word. Daily I reflect not only on who I am but who You are and like the woman at the well I have come to drink the Living Water.
Friday, June 6, 2014
The Bronze Alter
To understand somethings value you must first understand what it cost. In the Courtyard of the Tabernacle stood a Brass Alter. It was here that those who were seeking to come to God would bring their sacrifice. They would bring the bullock, the goat, or lamb and place their hand on the animal's head. With their hand on the animal's head they would begin to confess their sins--not generically, but specifically. Then standing there they would watch as the animal's neck was slit and it's blood was drained. "Without the shedding of blood the is no forgiveness of sins." (Hebrew 9:22) To understand the value of being forgiven you must first understand what it cost.
The Bronze alter was a place of repentance. It was a place to come and confess. A place to be honest with God. When David had sinned with Bathsheba he had attempted to hide his sin. But when the prophet Nathan confronted him, David finally confessed openly that he had sinned. In Psalm 51 he says, "Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being...Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in me...The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
Jesus is a picture of one sacrificed on our behalf. "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) John recognized the sacrificial lamb; the one who was sent to die in our place. "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth." (Isaiah 53:7) Like King David we have gone astray and have chosen our own rebellious way. But when we come to this place of sacrifice with a broken and contrite heart and recognize that Jesus died in our place we find forgiveness.
The Bronze Alter is not only a place of sacrifice it is a place of repentance. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleans us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) This word "if" is a conditional particle. To confess is to say the same thing God says. At the Bronze Alter those who came with their sacrifice would place their hand on the head of the sacrificial animal and confess their specific sins in the same way we are to come to the cross with a humble and repentant heart.
Lord Jesus, I am humbled at what my forgiveness cost. I come today and bow before Your cross. In the quiet of this moment I ask that You would show me if there is any place in my life where I am not walking in Your light. Where there is sin I ask that You would give me a broken and contrite heart. I ask that my heart would be humble and that I would say the same thing about sin that Your word does.
The Bronze alter was a place of repentance. It was a place to come and confess. A place to be honest with God. When David had sinned with Bathsheba he had attempted to hide his sin. But when the prophet Nathan confronted him, David finally confessed openly that he had sinned. In Psalm 51 he says, "Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being...Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in me...The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
Jesus is a picture of one sacrificed on our behalf. "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) John recognized the sacrificial lamb; the one who was sent to die in our place. "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth." (Isaiah 53:7) Like King David we have gone astray and have chosen our own rebellious way. But when we come to this place of sacrifice with a broken and contrite heart and recognize that Jesus died in our place we find forgiveness.
The Bronze Alter is not only a place of sacrifice it is a place of repentance. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleans us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) This word "if" is a conditional particle. To confess is to say the same thing God says. At the Bronze Alter those who came with their sacrifice would place their hand on the head of the sacrificial animal and confess their specific sins in the same way we are to come to the cross with a humble and repentant heart.
Lord Jesus, I am humbled at what my forgiveness cost. I come today and bow before Your cross. In the quiet of this moment I ask that You would show me if there is any place in my life where I am not walking in Your light. Where there is sin I ask that You would give me a broken and contrite heart. I ask that my heart would be humble and that I would say the same thing about sin that Your word does.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Enter In
As the Sun rose in the East the colors of blue, scarlet, purple and white were reflected in it's bright rays. The beauty that was seen was in stark contrast to the wilderness around them. God had chosen to take up residence among His people. In the Tabernacle they were seeing a shadow of the heavenly things. God had instructed Moses to make everything according to the pattern that he was shown on Mount Sinai.
They were to, "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving" (Psalm 100:4) The gate was beautiful! God had chosen a man named Bezalel and filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship. The gate was of fine woven linen. In the heart of the camp there was a place to meet with God. This was the one and only way by which men and women could draw near to God and it was beautiful and caused the heart to be overwhelmed with gratitude.
The colors of the gate were not chosen by man but by God. The colors were more than beauty they were a message, a shadow of heavenly things. The blue spoke of deity; this was the gate to the courts of God. The purple spoke of the royalty of the King of Kings. The scarlet was a reminder of the blood sacrifice. The white was symbolic of holiness.
The day came when, "The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, that glory as of the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14) He was not the shadow; He was the substance. He said of Himself, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6) and "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved." (John 10:4)
Lord Jesus, I see in the tabernacle a picture of You. I am filled with gratitude as I enter into the dwelling place of God through the true and living way.
They were to, "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving" (Psalm 100:4) The gate was beautiful! God had chosen a man named Bezalel and filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship. The gate was of fine woven linen. In the heart of the camp there was a place to meet with God. This was the one and only way by which men and women could draw near to God and it was beautiful and caused the heart to be overwhelmed with gratitude.
The colors of the gate were not chosen by man but by God. The colors were more than beauty they were a message, a shadow of heavenly things. The blue spoke of deity; this was the gate to the courts of God. The purple spoke of the royalty of the King of Kings. The scarlet was a reminder of the blood sacrifice. The white was symbolic of holiness.
The day came when, "The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, that glory as of the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14) He was not the shadow; He was the substance. He said of Himself, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6) and "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved." (John 10:4)
Lord Jesus, I see in the tabernacle a picture of You. I am filled with gratitude as I enter into the dwelling place of God through the true and living way.
Monday, June 2, 2014
More Than Friends
I wonder how often the her mind went back and relived the memory. He had come to the garden at dusk, in the cool of the day. This had always been a time of delight when He would come to share fellowship with them except this time when they heard His footsteps they hid. This place of sanctuary had been defiled. Shame had entered the garden. The memory caused her soul to ache with longing for the broken fellowship.
When the children of Israel were set free from Egypt even before they came to the Promised Land God came to Moses and said, "And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst." (Exodus 25:8) A sanctuary, a consecrated holy place, an asylum in the wilderness, a place to meet with God. Once more it was God who came to man.
"The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole world, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless towards him." (2 Chronicles 16:9) He came to the garden. He came to them in the wilderness showing them how to make a sanctuary so that He could dwell in their midst. But here we see that the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole world looking for a heart that is blameless toward Him. Can anything surpass that? Yes, yes there is something that surpasses all this.
"The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him but to all who did receive him, who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:19-13) Once more the creator had come seeking fellowship.
Lord Jesus, You were in the beginning with God and all things were made through You. Yet, You not only came to seek fellowship with us, You came to take away our shame. Through You we not only have fellowship with God but through You we receive the right to become children of God.
When the children of Israel were set free from Egypt even before they came to the Promised Land God came to Moses and said, "And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst." (Exodus 25:8) A sanctuary, a consecrated holy place, an asylum in the wilderness, a place to meet with God. Once more it was God who came to man.
"The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole world, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless towards him." (2 Chronicles 16:9) He came to the garden. He came to them in the wilderness showing them how to make a sanctuary so that He could dwell in their midst. But here we see that the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole world looking for a heart that is blameless toward Him. Can anything surpass that? Yes, yes there is something that surpasses all this.
"The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him but to all who did receive him, who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:19-13) Once more the creator had come seeking fellowship.
Lord Jesus, You were in the beginning with God and all things were made through You. Yet, You not only came to seek fellowship with us, You came to take away our shame. Through You we not only have fellowship with God but through You we receive the right to become children of God.
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