A Phrase can Change Everything
From time to time the Lord will drop into my heart a phrase that compels me to focus on a particular area of my life. The first one I received was about 12 years ago and was simple and easy to understand: "Keep your mouth shut." This phrase was paramount in my learning to have restraint when advising my young adult sons. Now, I believe I'm like most mothers as I struggle with knowing when to offer advice and when to keep quiet. It's just not as easy as it sounds, is it? And like most mothers, I did not realize that some of the things I was saying were doing more harm than good. I thought if I could just help my sons understand how they were hurting themselves and their future, and of course me, they would 'see the light' and change their behavior. Sounds reasonable, doesn't it? Exactly! Reason and logic will sometimes do more damage than we could ever imagine.
Galatians 6:8 - For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Because we want so much to spare our children unnecessary pain and suffering, we can often be shaken by fear into believing the lies of the enemy. Once we have considered and believed the lie, it's down hill from there. We begin to sow to our own flesh. From the fear deep within us we spout forth destructive council that, while sounding wise and logical, will ultimately reap decay and ruin. We try to reason and persuade our children into 'seeing' things from our perspective, yet the frightening reality is that if we are successful, it is to our own glory. The situation may look better right away, and you may feel better for having spoken your mind, but don't be deceived, it will be only temporal. The temporary peace is not true peace. If we have given council apart from the leading of the Holy Spirit, and they heed this council, we have destined our children for sure defeat in the matter, and ourselves to prolonged grieving over their future.
In addition to our grief, we will also be held accountable for our careless words (the flesh cannot produce things of the spirit) and thus the hindering of God's will for our children. Yes, our unbelief can and does hinder God's will for our children. That's why the lunatic son's father asked Jesus to help his unbelief; Jesus was willing to heal his son, yet, He required of the father to answer this question first, "...Can you believe?"
The Word of God spoken in faith, at the leading of the Holy Spirit, are the only words that have eternal value. And, as with all sowing and reaping, the harvest is not immediate. In order to reap Spiritual fruit this time next year, next month, next week, tomorrow, we must sow Spiritual seed today. In most cases, we will be better off next year, next month, next week, tomorrow, if we just 'keep our mouths shut' today. Instead of believing the lies of the enemy, we can begin today believing the Truth of what God's Word says concerning our children. We can agree with the Word, today, and reap an awesome harvest down the road, all to the glory of God.
The next time you find yourself giving council to your adult children, stop, pray. Pray with them; pray for them, but don't let another suggestion, regardless of how reasonable or logical it may sound, leave your lips without first lining it up with the Word of God. As parents, we are to follow the example of the lunatic's father. We must first find Jesus and realize our total helplessness without Him. Then with arms wide open, we are to lay our children at His feet, and ask the Lord to help our unbelief.
God may tell you, like He's told me many times, sweetly, but honestly, 'Keep your mouth shut.'
James 1:19 - Understand this, my beloved brethren, Let every man be quick to hear (a ready listener), slow to speak...
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Right Place at the Right Time
Acts 3:1 - Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer...
Sometimes it just pays to go to church.
One Sunday morning in 1974, I went to First Church of the Nazarene in Columbia, SC, with a girlfriend of mine. I never had a clue that my life would change forever that day. Usually, I attended a Baptist church with my family, but had visited this church several times before because quite a few people I knew went there.
One of the people that I knew there was Ray Whisennant. I had met Ray five years before at this church at a youth event. I was immediately attracted to him, and now can admit, it was as much due to the way he looked in his navy uniform as it was his sweet personality. However, he hardly noticed me. Every year after this first meeting, for some reason, I always remembered that April 11, was his birthday, and I would give him a call and wish him Happy Birthday. He told me later that while he thought I was real sweet and he kinda liked it that I remembered his birthday, he really had no interest in me.
A lot happened in both of our lives during the years leading up to 1974. We rarely saw each other and were in totally different circles of friends, but now and again we would run into each other at a ballgame or just around town. Of course, Ray would only say hello and keep on moving.
The girlfriend that I was with that Sunday morning had actually dated Ray a couple of times, so it didn't surprise me at all when he spotted us in the sanctuary and began to work his way down our pew. But, low and behold he didn't sit down beside her, but moved past her and sat next to me. Honestly though, I wasn't too impressed at that moment because I was in the third year of a serious relationship of my own. (even during those years I called Ray on his birthday)
...to be continued
Sometimes it just pays to go to church.
One Sunday morning in 1974, I went to First Church of the Nazarene in Columbia, SC, with a girlfriend of mine. I never had a clue that my life would change forever that day. Usually, I attended a Baptist church with my family, but had visited this church several times before because quite a few people I knew went there.
One of the people that I knew there was Ray Whisennant. I had met Ray five years before at this church at a youth event. I was immediately attracted to him, and now can admit, it was as much due to the way he looked in his navy uniform as it was his sweet personality. However, he hardly noticed me. Every year after this first meeting, for some reason, I always remembered that April 11, was his birthday, and I would give him a call and wish him Happy Birthday. He told me later that while he thought I was real sweet and he kinda liked it that I remembered his birthday, he really had no interest in me.
A lot happened in both of our lives during the years leading up to 1974. We rarely saw each other and were in totally different circles of friends, but now and again we would run into each other at a ballgame or just around town. Of course, Ray would only say hello and keep on moving.
The girlfriend that I was with that Sunday morning had actually dated Ray a couple of times, so it didn't surprise me at all when he spotted us in the sanctuary and began to work his way down our pew. But, low and behold he didn't sit down beside her, but moved past her and sat next to me. Honestly though, I wasn't too impressed at that moment because I was in the third year of a serious relationship of my own. (even during those years I called Ray on his birthday)
...to be continued
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Our Promise Land is a Place of Possession
We are Takers
Joshua 1
Joshua 1:9, 11 - Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go...Pass through the camp and command the people, Prepare your provisions, for within three days you shall pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.
Our promised land is a place of possession!
"Take, take, take!"
We most often think of that expression in a negative context, however, when applying it to our spiritual lives, it must be our battle cry. Taking possession is exactly what God intended for the children of Israel to do when they crossed the Jordan into their promised land, and that is also God's intention for us.
"...within three days you shall pass over this Jordan and go in to take possession..."
Taking is not a passive word, but an action word. Taking what belongs to us from within the walls of the enemy's camp requires a heart that is not only bold and courageous, but also one that has self-restraint and discipline. "Takers" must be prepared for action, fearless and alert.
God has given the land to us, yet He commands us to take it away from the enemy. For us this promised land is not Eden and neither is it Heaven. It is the Kingdom of God here on this earth which we have been instructed to take by force. Thus, we are apprehending that for which we were apprehended, the promises, truths and blessings purchased for us at Calvary and ordained before the foundation of the world.
Jesus said, "I came that you might have life, and have to the full, overflowing..." God is glorified in our lives when we are enjoying the benefits of the Cross; when Jesus Christ is lifted up. This sounds so strange: taking free gifts, righteousness, peace and joy, by force. I really can't explain it, but in God's plan He requires, no, He commands us to first take, and then, enjoy the promised land. We cannot possess what we will not take for ourselves by faith.
Joshua 1
Joshua 1:9, 11 - Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go...Pass through the camp and command the people, Prepare your provisions, for within three days you shall pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.
Our promised land is a place of possession!
"Take, take, take!"
We most often think of that expression in a negative context, however, when applying it to our spiritual lives, it must be our battle cry. Taking possession is exactly what God intended for the children of Israel to do when they crossed the Jordan into their promised land, and that is also God's intention for us.
"...within three days you shall pass over this Jordan and go in to take possession..."
Taking is not a passive word, but an action word. Taking what belongs to us from within the walls of the enemy's camp requires a heart that is not only bold and courageous, but also one that has self-restraint and discipline. "Takers" must be prepared for action, fearless and alert.
God has given the land to us, yet He commands us to take it away from the enemy. For us this promised land is not Eden and neither is it Heaven. It is the Kingdom of God here on this earth which we have been instructed to take by force. Thus, we are apprehending that for which we were apprehended, the promises, truths and blessings purchased for us at Calvary and ordained before the foundation of the world.
Jesus said, "I came that you might have life, and have to the full, overflowing..." God is glorified in our lives when we are enjoying the benefits of the Cross; when Jesus Christ is lifted up. This sounds so strange: taking free gifts, righteousness, peace and joy, by force. I really can't explain it, but in God's plan He requires, no, He commands us to first take, and then, enjoy the promised land. We cannot possess what we will not take for ourselves by faith.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
God is good to those who "seek" Him
The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him (inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God's Word). -Lam. 3:25
"...require Him..." - Require - to seek, seek after, to require, demand.
When God reveals to us a promise or a truth from His Word, with this revelation comes the fact that God cannot lie. Therefore, He is bound to His Word and must perform it. Our task is to declare the promise or truth as ours and require God to keep His Word. It pleases the Lord for us to "seek" Him in this way, when we "demand" of Him to meet our needs. When we seek God with a humble heart on the authority of His Word, we can "expect" Him to bless us through some action on our behalf.
God is not offended at our boldness. He instructs us to come boldly before the Throne of Grace. The power of life and death is in the tongue. We can demand that the promises, truths and blessings revealed in His Word, and accomplished at Calvary, be manifested in our lives. Yet, Jesus said that we have not because we ask not. Those things which already exist in the spiritual realm we are to require, to demand, to come forth into the natural realm on our behalf and for His Glory.
Yes, God is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly on Him, to those who seek Him.
I really believe this, and this is how I pray for my children. It sounds like this:
"God, you must come and be glorified in my life today and in the lives of my children. You must be glorified in my marriage, my ministry, my relationships. Your Name is higher than any other name. My children hear Your voice only, and no other, because You are the Good Shepherd. Their minds are clear and focused, and their hearts are pure and humble, because this glorifies You. Those appetites that do not glorify You are fading, and good, healthy, pleasing appetites are filling their lives. Father, You must be lifted up in our home, You must be praised in our mouths, You must be glorified today. Today, Lord, You must come and be glorified."
Our faith in God to perform His Word is measured by our ability to rest, and to enjoy perfect peace of mind. Knowing that He is dispatching ministering angels and warring angels on my behalf, that He is extending His mighty Right Hand into the mirky areas of my need, and that He is pleased to remember me, gives me the hope through which I can live my life in peace.
Yes, God is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly on Him, to those who seek Him.
"...require Him..." - Require - to seek, seek after, to require, demand.
When God reveals to us a promise or a truth from His Word, with this revelation comes the fact that God cannot lie. Therefore, He is bound to His Word and must perform it. Our task is to declare the promise or truth as ours and require God to keep His Word. It pleases the Lord for us to "seek" Him in this way, when we "demand" of Him to meet our needs. When we seek God with a humble heart on the authority of His Word, we can "expect" Him to bless us through some action on our behalf.
God is not offended at our boldness. He instructs us to come boldly before the Throne of Grace. The power of life and death is in the tongue. We can demand that the promises, truths and blessings revealed in His Word, and accomplished at Calvary, be manifested in our lives. Yet, Jesus said that we have not because we ask not. Those things which already exist in the spiritual realm we are to require, to demand, to come forth into the natural realm on our behalf and for His Glory.
Yes, God is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly on Him, to those who seek Him.
I really believe this, and this is how I pray for my children. It sounds like this:
"God, you must come and be glorified in my life today and in the lives of my children. You must be glorified in my marriage, my ministry, my relationships. Your Name is higher than any other name. My children hear Your voice only, and no other, because You are the Good Shepherd. Their minds are clear and focused, and their hearts are pure and humble, because this glorifies You. Those appetites that do not glorify You are fading, and good, healthy, pleasing appetites are filling their lives. Father, You must be lifted up in our home, You must be praised in our mouths, You must be glorified today. Today, Lord, You must come and be glorified."
Our faith in God to perform His Word is measured by our ability to rest, and to enjoy perfect peace of mind. Knowing that He is dispatching ministering angels and warring angels on my behalf, that He is extending His mighty Right Hand into the mirky areas of my need, and that He is pleased to remember me, gives me the hope through which I can live my life in peace.
Yes, God is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly on Him, to those who seek Him.
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