Deep Cleaning (11/10/14)

Recently, my husband and I began a cleaning project in the kitchen. We pulled out the refrigerator and stove. We proceeded to deep clean the floors, counter sides, appliances and walls. (Thankfully it was not as bad as I had anticipated.) In order to do this, we pulled everything from the top of the refrigerator and counters. We also gathered the bags from behind the refrigerator and the large cookie pans that slide vertically beside the stove. All were placed on the table and another countertop across the room. We swept and scrubbed everything.

After pushing the clean appliances back into the place and scrubbing wall and counter tops, I looked around the kitchen. At this point, the kitchen looked messier than it had been before the deep clean had begun. Despite the energy put into sweeping and scrubbing, most of the completed work was hidden when the appliances were moved back into position. I knew that progress has been made, but all that met my eye was what still needed to be done. Knowing how clean the hidden crevices were did nothing to improve the view before me.

Do you ever feel that this is what is going on in your spiritual life? God is responsible for doing the cleanup work in our hearts. We come to Him with all our failures, bad habits and wrong attitudes. If we present these before Him and request His work in our lives, He will make something beautiful out of us. We are promised, “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].” (1 John 1:9 AMP) We admit and confess our sin and wrongdoing. God forgives and cleans us up. 

After he sinned, King David was well aware that he could not clean himself up. He knew that a true heart clean could only be formed by Almighty God. Therefore he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10 AMP) This can also be the daily cry of our hearts. As we desire to be more like Jesus we ask that He clean anything that detracts from achieving this transformation. 

We may dedicate time to the renewal of our minds to the word of God. We may endure trials and testing while relying on the Lord. We can even know that bad habits are changing and our hearts are becoming softer. So why does it seem that when we look ahead all we see maybe how far we still have to go? As we grow more mature, we may find unpleasing attitudes that we were not even aware are inside us. Like the bags behind my refrigerator, these had remained unseen but now require action. Becoming aware of them is actually proof of the deep work that is in progress. So quickly we forget the work and progress and look only at what remains to be overcome. 

Regarding this progress in our lives, we can consider Jesus’ teaching of the kingdom. “… The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed upon the ground, And then continues sleeping and rising night and day while the seed sprouts and grows and increases—he knows not how. The earth produces [acting] by itself—first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.” (Mark 4:26-29 AMP) The word of God that has been planted in our hearts is accomplishing its purpose even when we do not see it. After time we will see the first signs of character growth. This growth will continue until we see fully developed fruit in our lives. 

It was fairly discouraging to continue cleaning the kitchen when our progress remained unseen. Step-by-step, piece by piece, wipe by wipe; the work continued until the visible areas where as clean as the hidden. By the time the kitchen had been fully cleaned, a great sense of satisfaction had replaced the discouragement. It took time and considerable effort, but the result was quite gratifying. 

Likewise, in our spiritual lives we continue, day by day and decision by decision, choosing to follow God’s plan. We will find that God will finish every work that He begins and us. “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMP) We can be grateful and satisfied with the work that has already been done to bring about maturity as we stride toward the beauty of this completion. We will one day see that, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11a AMP) 

As you evaluate your life, rejoice in what God has already done in you. As you become aware of them, bring other areas before the Lord for cleaning. And look expectantly to all that God can and will accomplish in your life.

What Are You Wearing Today? (2/11/15)

There are several, common sayings about clothing. ‘The clothes make the man.’ ‘Dress for success.’ These are just two. First impressions are often determined in part by the attire that we have chosen to wear.

Every morning we get up and choose what will wear for today. Work attire may be a uniform, dress clothes or casual. Whichever it is, we reach for that outfit and put it on. When we stand before our closets deciding which clothing we will put on for the day, we are making a decision about how we will be perceived by everyone we see. The clothes that we put on do not change the person we are. Our true identity is constant, whether we are wearing dress clothes, casual or even pajamas. We are who we truly are inside.

The same is true of God. He is the almighty King of the universe at all times. Regardless of what anyone thinks or says about Him, He remains supreme. He wears clothes of royalty.  “The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is robed, He has girded Himself with strength and power; the world also is established, that it cannot be moved.” (Psalms 93:1 AMP) God rules at all times.

Jesus was still all God when He walked this earth. He took off the royal appearance and put on humility in the appearance of man. ^“ But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.  And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!” (Philippians 2:7-8 AMP) He was no less God but chose to dress in the skin of man instead of the robes of majesty.

We have been made royalty when we became children of God. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 AMP) Spiritually we wear the robes of royalty yet we are told to put on humility. “Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]” (Philippians 2:5 AMP)

Another item of clothing that we are to take out of our spiritual closet is love. Love and concern for others must be worn at all times. “And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].” (Colossians 3:14 AMP) This may not always be the easiest piece of clothing to wear when others are difficult to serve. But considering the great love of Jesus we can choose to keep wearing love.

 Praise and so much more have been given to us by the sacrifice of Jesus. He stated that He was sent, “To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion—to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3 AMP) We have been given beauty, joy and praise to wear. We can wear them proudly as signs of royalty and bring glory to our Father, the King.

 The armor given to us by the Holy Spirit is unseen apparel that we must wear daily.  “Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11 AMP) The lies and attacks that come against us cannot stand up to the armor we have been given.

Whether God is dressed as a man as Jesus was when He walked this earth, in full battle array or sitting on the throne, shining in all His splendor at the final judgment, He remains unchangeable. “For I am the Lord, I do not change;” (Malachi 3:6a AMP) Even if others see our acts of kindness and humility as displays of weakness rather than kingly obedience to the Almighty King, our royal identity remains intact.

What will you wear today? What will others see?

Listen to Your Directions

This past weekend, I again served on the tech team for the weekly services of our church. Although I am also trained to operate a camera and serve as stage manager, my duties this weekend were centered behind a computer. Song lyrics, video and other slides appropriate to the service are run through this computer. My specific set of duties when running computer are very different from those of either the camera operator or the stage manager.
Because the tech team operates as a unit to enhance the worship service, we are all connected via radio headsets. When the director speaks we can all hear his voice. It is important to listen to our call sign to know when he is talking to us and when he is talking to someone else.
Because I have been a camera operator or stage manager at other times, I have to be extremely careful to listen to my current call sign. It is easy for me to desire to look up when one of the others are mentioned. Yet in doing so, I run the risk of missing my own responsibilities. By paying too much attention to the camera directions, I can miss putting up the correct lyrics during worship. It is imperative that I stay in the moment with the task that is in my hand.

As brothers and sisters in Christ we are to act together as a unit to bring the kingdom of God to this earth. Our hearts all pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10 AMP) We are to play a role in bringing this to pass. In order to perform the work that God has for us, we must each work at the task to which we have been called. “For as in one physical body we have many parts (organs, members) and all of these parts do not have the same function or use, So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].” (Romans 12:4-5 AMP) We all must work together using our gifts and talent to promote the kingdom of God here on earth.

At different times, God may call and enable us to various forms of service. “To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMP) As we move on to another task, it is important to focus on the new task. To do so we cannot allow ourselves to be too tied to other tasks we have performed in the past. The Lord says, “Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19a AMP) We must pay attention to the “now” things of God.

Another important factor is to avoid paying too much attention to what God is directing others to do. Paul told Timothy, “Look well to yourself [to your own personality] and to [your] teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4:16 AMP) When Peter asked Jesus about John’s future, “Jesus said to him, If I want him to stay (survive, live) until I come, what is that to you? [What concern is it of yours?] You follow Me!” (John 21:22 AMP) Great advice to follow. We must each listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and follow Jesus. While following Jesus, we allow others to follow Him in the unique paths that He sets before them. Together we love and support each other, watching how God causes us to fit together in His beautiful plan. “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 AMP)

Just as the seasons change and return each year, we may be led back to previous areas of service at various times. Following Jesus requires both listening and a willingness to let the journey wind around as He desires. At every turn we must be present and alert to the directions for that day.

Today, listen to the Holy Spirit and follow His leading for today, whether it is continuing faithfully on a set path or taking a new turn. Do not be distracted by the path of another, but support them in prayer.

Change the Tune in Your Heart (5/9/14)

Change the Tune in Your Heart (5/9/14)

Have you ever had a song stuck in your head? No matter how many distractions your thoughts create, the melody and lyrics continue to play on. Often the tune is from a catchy commercial or an old song that you never really cared for. All it takes is a word or phrase. Before you are aware of it, the tune has planted itself in your mind to stay.

 A song like this can come into our mind via someone else. A friend states that he or she has had a particular song in their mind and later that day we find that the same song has jumped into the auto recall of our mind as well. If it was a pleasant song this is no real consequence. But when it is not a tune that we enjoy, it will hardly foster fond feelings toward the friend who shared it with us. 

We can also become trapped by wrong thinking that plays over and over in our minds. Like a broken record, these lying thoughts keep repeating themselves. The verse of this song may say that God has forgotten His promises to us. The chorus may resound with thoughts that we are not going to make it through this particular trial. And the bridge can simply continue repeating fear, self-doubt and futility. 

Throughout Scripture we are encouraged to sing a new song. Even King David who God called ‘a man after My own heart’ (1Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22) declared several times that he also would sing a new song. These new songs can be songs of thankfulness and praise to God. “Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; sing praises to Him with the harp of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully [on the strings] with a loud and joyful sound.”  (Psalm 33:2-3 AMP) These songs can proclaim God’s mighty nature and deeds. “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be reverently feared and worshiped above all [so-called] gods.” (Psalm 96:3-4 AMP) 

The apostle Paul instructs us, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16 AMP) and “Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord,” (Ephesians 5:19 AMP) I believe the key to this is found in verses that speak of singing a new song. When we sing songs of thankfulness and praise they have a positive effect on others and ourselves. Our song can encourage others to trust God. ^“And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord.” (Psalm 40:3 AMP) We can also encourage others to join in our song. ^“Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, praise Him in the assembly of His saints! Let Israel rejoice in Him, their Maker; let Zion's children triumph and be joyful in their King! Let them praise His name in chorus and choir and with the [single or group] dance; let them sing praises to Him with the tambourine and lyre!” (Psalm 149:1-3 AMP) The song becomes a concert for our God.

Sometimes we may wonder why we should change the tune at all.  We may be singing a song of thanks and praise. But this may be an old song. It was appropriate for a time, but today is a new day with new demands. “Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth! You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, the islands and coastal regions and the inhabitants of them [sing a song such as has never been heard in the heathen world]!” (Isaiah 42:9-10 AMP) God is unchanging, but what He does in our life may take on a new path.  When our master director, the Holy Spirit, changes the tune we must then sing and believe with Him.  The song and direction of our lives may be about to change. This new path may lead to those who have not heard of the mighty deeds of our God.  We can introduce the song to them.

So as you go about this life, do not allow the wrong vocal coach to place his song in your mind.  Let the Holy Spirit lead you in His song and you will grow in peace and trust.  Spend your days “…and making melody with all your heart to the Lord,” (Ephesians 5:19b AMP) Sing it loud!

Look to the Hand (6/18/14)

A while back there was a brief trend to raise a hand and say, “Talk to the hand.” This indicated that person being addressed was not inclined to pay attention to the speaker. I really disliked this extremely rude statement. When my son was little we had another habit in our home.  We called it, “Look to the hand.”

The other day I was sharing this hand with a friend. The hand was a symbol for true obedience, each finger representing one characteristic. Beginning with the thumb, they were named 1. Yes, mom. 2.  I will obey. 3.  Right away. 4. All the way. 5. In a cheerful way. Without all five fingers you do not have a complete hand. Without all of these five aspects of obedience, we do not have true and complete obedience. 

Whenever one of these facets of obedience was missing, all I did was wiggle the finger that represented the lacking quality.  This eliminated the need to raise my voice to my son. There was no confusion about what required improvement. The needed correction was clear and awaited his response.

Studying the characteristics of obedience to God our Father, I see a similarity. We are children of God and He expects complete obedience from us. The five steps of the ‘obedience hand’ apply to all of us.

“Yes, God.”  We first acknowledge the authority of the Lord. We listen and recognize His voice. Jesus stated, “The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27 AMP) We accept and follow the Word of God and His direction in our life.

“I will obey.” We can trust that God has only our best interest at heart. “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP) Therefore, whatever God asks us to do is for our benefit. Whining or asking God if we have to do what He says is totally inappropriate. Willing obedience is the only proper response.  “I opened my mouth and panted [with eager desire], for I longed for Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:131 AMP)

“Right away.”  When God gives direction for our lives, we should be quick to follow Him.  King David, a man with a heart after God, had this attitude. “I made haste and delayed not to keep Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:60 AMP) We would do well to follow this example. The longer we delay in following God’s direction, the longer we rebel.

“All the way.”  Partial obedience to the Father is disobedience. Our actions are to reflect what God has said and not what we think He should have said. King Saul learned this lesson when he did not totally destroy the Amalekites. (See 1 Samuel 15) He interpreted God’s command in his own way, allowing the king of Amalek to live and not destroying all of the possessions. For this reason, God took the kingdom from Saul’s descendants and passed it on to David. How often do we rationalize that God surely could not have meant what He spoke to us?  We tread on dangerous ground when we do what we think He meant rather than what He actually said, both in Scripture and the personal promptings of the Holy Spirit.

“In a cheerful way.”  God does not wish us to obey simply because we must or we fear He will punish us for disobedience. If we are truly serving God because we love Him, we will obey cheerfully. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV) This applies to all aspects of giving, even of giving our willing obedience.

We can see God’s handiwork throughout Scripture.  His hand represents His power and actions. “When I view and consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained and established, What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4 AMP) Amazingly, He cares for us! We are instructed to, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,” (1 Peter 5:6 ESV) Humbling ourselves, we will become truly obedient.

As you go about your day, look to the ‘obedience’ hand and see that all five facets are in place. If any finger is wiggling, respond accordingly. Obey God completely and live life to the fullest.

Not the Only One

My family recently went on a road trip to Tennessee. Driving down rural Illinois roads in the early hours of the morning, I found myself amazed that even at a speed limit of 70 miles per hour, other cars would periodically pass me. Seventy is a reasonably fast speed, and somehow I felt that more people would drive abiding by the speed limit. It surprised me how many cars I witnessed approaching in the rear view mirror and soon disappear on the road in front of me.
In the moments when other cars speed by, I almost felt as though I was the only one obeying the law. Because it was very early in the morning, there were not yet many cars on the road. That is what made the speeding cars all the more obvious. Soon I realized that there were probably many other cars occupied by drivers who were driving just as I was and following the speed limit. Because we were all driving at the same speed, we would remain out of each other's line of vision. It was only when another car was traveling faster or slower than the posted speeds that we would encounter each other.

On the path of our lives we may sometimes feel that we are the only ones seeking God and following His ways. Even the Prophet Elijah felt like this when he was being hunted by Queen Jezebel. He ran from this evil queen.
“There he came to a cave and lodged in it; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, What are you doing here, Elijah?  He replied, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, thrown down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I, I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” (1 Kings 19:9-10 AMP) Even though God that just performed an incredible miracle through Elijah and the people of Israel it followed after to seize and defeat the evil prophets, Elijah told God that he was the only one left.

The Lord's response was to assure him that many others, whom he knew nothing about, still honored and obeyed God. “Yet I will leave Myself 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (1Kings 19:18 AMP) Fear and weariness had caused Elijah to believe this lie. All he could see was his own life and those who were against him. Yet there was not only a few who were also faithful, but thousands.

When times are tough and it appears that others are compromising their values, we may begin to feel that we also are among the only ones staying true to the Lord. But we have a limited line of vision. Throughout the world many are facing difficult situations and not stepping back from their commitment to the Lord. We can take courage that others are also seeking the will of God and purposing their lives to follow His direction daily.

We are never alone in our struggles because God is always with us. “…for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” (Hebrews 13:5 AMP) In this we can take courage. “So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6 AMP) As members of the Body of Christ we can seek encouragement from each other and we must strive to be the encouragement to others as well. “Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 AMP)

Seen or unseen by us, many follow God daily. We may see sin and those who oppose God all around, but we must not forget those who are with us and standing strong.

You are not alone. So keep on in your walk with God and encourage those along the way who may feel that they are alone.

That Does Not Sound like Him. (God’s Voice: Part Two) (05/22/16)

Has anybody ever related to you something that another person supposedly said, but the content of the words just really did not match up with the character of the person being spoken about? In times like this a further investigation of the actual conversation may show that the person said nothing of the sort. Even if a similar statement was made, the context of the situation indicates an entirely different meaning to the actual comment. For whatever reason, the statement, “did you hear that…” was completely incorrect. Unfortunately, others who may not know this person may actually believe this wrong information and tarnish a person’s reputation.

If someone were to approach me with a statement that my husband or son supposedly made, it would be fairly easy for me to determine if the statement was feasibly true or not. I know both their attitudes and their patterns of speech pretty well. If something does not sound like a thing either of them would say, a little investigation would reveal an error in either the actual words used or the context and true meaning of the statement. For someone that I am less familiar with this process is not as easy. Our best course of action is to try to avoid gossip at all costs. When this is not possible praying for and seeking out the truth about another is imperative. We cannot simply believe statements that may be incorrect.

We may often hear incorrect statements about Almighty God. Even in the Garden of Eden the serpent began his attempt to twist God’s words. “Now the serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he [Satan] said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the garden?” (Genesis 3:1 AMP) Since that time man has been bombarded with lies concerning both God’s character and the content and meaning of His Word. We must be careful when accepting statements that may or may not be biblical.

Studying and knowing God’s character will help us to distinguish false statements. God’s nature is love and He cares deeply about His children. Psalm 139 tells us how well God knows us. He knows everything we do and everything we say. And this is the result, “How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” (Psalm 139:17 AMP) Thoughts or words of condemnation and worthlessness are never from this loving Father. God calls us to be holy. “For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16 AMP) Yet King David acknowledged that God also forgives every sin that we confess to Him. “Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits - Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities,” (Psalm 103:2-3 AMP) We are precious to the Lord. Self-condemnation and worthlessness are a familiar twisting of God’s statements that must not be believed but rather rejected and exposed as lies.

Our Lord is a God of hope and desires for us to be hopeful as well. This was the apostle Paul’s prayer, “May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.” (Romans 15:13 AMP) When situations are difficult we must always remember that nothing is hopeless. Our future is secure and nothing that we have done or are experiencing is so bad that God cannot bring us through. “Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39 AMP) Nothing we have done and no obstacles in our way can defeat us. “But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] …” (2 Corinthians 2:14a AMP)

 We can be confident in all circumstances because God has promised that he will always be with us. We are never alone. “Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” (Hebrews 13:5 AMP) Any words to the contrary simply do not sound like something God would say.

 So whether it is thoughts in your mind or statements from others, double check that everything lines up with the word of God. Know the Lord and His Word and reject anything that doesn’t sound like Him.

This Sounds like Something You Would Say! (God’s Voice: Part One) (5/20/16)

I was recently browsing through Facebook and saw one of those pictures with a funny saying. It reminded me so much of a friend of mine, that I reposted it with the inscription, “This sounds like something you would say.” She laughingly responded to this by saying, “So true!”

This funny statement reminded me of my friend only because I know her so well. We have had numerous conversations concerning the very topic that the picture referred to. When I had first seen that post, I literally could hear her voice in my mind speaking those words. I also knew how she would respond upon seeing the post. There was no fear that she would be offended by my statement, but rather that she would laugh just as I had. And laugh she did.

Sometimes we may see or hear something that reminds us of the word of God. A loving attitude displayed through the actions of another, a statement of wisdom or sometimes just a random thought may put us in mind of the Lord. This sounds like something You would say, Holy Spirit. This sounds like something You would do, Jesus. This sounds like something You have done for me, Father. If we open our eyes and ears we can see and hear behavior that imitates God every day.

Do we know the Lord well enough to recognize Him in what others have said? Have we studied His Word well enough to know when wisdom lines up with the true wisdom that He has taught over and over again in the Scriptures? Have we studied His character so well that we see it shining through people we have never even met before?

The best way to know if what we hear sounds like what the Lord would say is to study what He has actually said. By studying the Scriptures, we learn what God has spoken to His people through the years. We have been instructed to not simply read but to study. ^“Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP)

God has called His people, His sheep. “Then shall they know [positively] that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the house of Israel, are My people, says the Lord God, And that you, My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, are [only] men and I am your God, says the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 34:30-31 AMP) Jesus explained that His sheep know the voice of their shepherd and will follow it. As we become more familiar and knowledgeable of all that the Lord has said, we will actually begin to hear His voice and recognize it. “The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27 AMP) We recognize not only what He says, we follow Him.

When others speak to us with wisdom, we will know because true wisdom agrees with the Word of God. If the counsel given does not agree with what is written in the Scriptures, we can know that that is not coming from the Father of light. Anything that truly comes from Him will sound just like something He has already said. The church at Berea was praised for checking the Gospel against the Scripture. “Now these [Jews] were better disposed and more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they were entirely ready and accepted and welcomed the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] with inclination of mind and eagerness, searching and examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11 AMP) They recognized the sound of truth in Paul’s teaching, but they tested it against the truth of that they already knew was from God. We must do the same.

Know the Lord and His word well. Then test everything you hear by asking, “Does that sound like something the Lord would say?”

Tell Them the Truth. (1/9/15)

Even though my son is now an adult I tend to hear lines from childhood movies in my head. For some reason Aladdin has had many of the lines that have sparked truths of God in my life.

I hear the genie’s voice telling Aladdin to, “Tell her the truth!” In the movie Aladdin is trying to be someone that he is not. He has all the appearance of a prince, but he is still a street boy. Because he is afraid of the response of the princess, he is reluctant to let her know just who he really is. He does not feel that the truth will be well received. Fearing rejection, he holds his tongue and tries to keep up appearances.

How often do we find ourselves in situations at work, out in public or even with friends when we have an opportunity to share the truth with others? We do not speak the truth of the salvation of Jesus Christ to them because we fear they will reject us along with the message. We may believe that they are not interested in the things of God and therefore our comments will only push them even farther off.  Claiming that we are trying to shove the gospel down their throats they may reject our friendship. All of these thoughts can come at us when we have an opportunity to speak about the wonderful love of God to those around us. What will we choose to do at these times?

The genie’s voice now turns into the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit as He pleads with us to “Tell them the truth!” People are hurting all around us and need to hear of God’s power and love. “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples.” (Palms96:3 AMP) We have much to tell if we will just open our mouths. ^“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; no one can compare with You! If I should declare and speak of them, they are too many to be numbered.” (Psalm 40:5 AMP)

After living with and sharing for three years with His disciples. Jesus had this instruction. “And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race].” (Mark 16:15 AMP) His instructions are true for us today. We do not have to fear as we speak to others.  Jesus also gave this promise. “But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 AMP) We have everything we need to share of the great work of Jesus Christ with others.

The benefits of sharing are great.  The Bible promises, “All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall bow down and worship before You,” (Psalm 22:27 AMP) We may not see the results of our words at the time we speak them. Often a person may need time to comprehend the love of God. The Lord will do the work in the hearts of man.  “So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11 AMP) When we share the good news of God’s love we are blessed. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7 AMP)

Aladdin found victory and peace only when the truth came out.  He could have avoided difficulty had he told the truth sooner. We should likewise speak the truth as soon as we hear the prompting of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.  He will do the work in another’s life.

If you hear these words “Tell them the truth!” do not keep silent. Tell others of the love of God.   

Lessons from a Blue Tang Fish Named Dory (6/27/14)

In the movie “Finding Nemo” is the delightful character of Dory. Dory is a comical Blue Tang Fish who suffers from a short term memory disorder. Other fish are constantly re-introducing themselves to her, because only moments after an initial introduction, she will completely have forgotten that they have just met. Knowing some people who actually have short term memory problems, this is quite humorous. Dory’s actions are an extreme exaggeration of the real issues involved in short-term memory loss. She provides an opportunity to laugh at some struggles we face each day.

Sometimes I wonder if I have a spiritual, short term memory problems. How quickly I can forget all that God has done in my life. Over the years there have been many great displays of God’s power and love to me. I try to remember and be grateful for them, but at times I forget the everyday blessings, both big and small that He provides.  Scripture encourages us, “[Earnestly] remember the marvelous deeds that He has done, His miracles and wonders, the judgments and sentences which He pronounced [upon His enemies, as in Egypt].” (Psalm 105:5 AMP) A difficult time comes and I can forget just how mighty the God I serve is and all that He has already done for me.  “[Earnestly] remember the former things, [which I did] of old; for I am God, and there is no one else; I am God, and there is none like Me,” (Isaiah 46:9 AMP) We are wise to recount God’s greatness and what He has done in our lives.

Despite Dory’s inability to remember things, she continually keeps going by reminding herself of her purpose. Her motto that she repeats over and over again is, “Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming.” Whether it is to remind herself of her purpose, or that she just likes the sound of her own voice, Dory continually tells herself to keep on. Swimming is therefore something she does not ever forget to do.

We can follow Dory’s example. God has given us a great purpose on this earth.  Regardless of whether our day is going well or falling apart we can remind ourselves to walk in this purpose one step at a time. Just keep praying, praying, praying… Just keep trusting, trusting, trusting…Just keep obeying, obeying, obeying… Just keep thanking, thanking, thanking… “And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.” (Galatians 6:9 AMP) Just keep on and do not quit.

A time comes in the movie when Dory must remember an important address.  Nemo’s life is at stake. To the surprise of everybody, including herself, she cries out “P Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney.” Only seconds before she had no recollection of what the address was. Trying with all her strength, she could not remember. Then suddenly the address springs from her mouth. 

Jesus told his disciples that there would be times in the future when they would not know what to say or how to respond in circumstances that they encountered. Like the disciples, we are not to worry about what we will say at these times. “For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour and moment what [you] ought to say.” (Luke 12:12 AMP) Jesus later stresses that we must not attempt to preplan our own answers. “Resolve and settle it in your minds not to meditate and prepare beforehand how you are to make your defense and how you will answer. For I [Myself] will give you a mouth and such utterance and wisdom that all of your foes combined will be unable to stand against or refute.” (Luke 21:14-15 AMP) What comes out of our mouths will amaze all, especially us. 

Who knew a little Blue Tang Fish with memory problems could teach us so many lessons?  We can see some of our weakness in this little fish. Like Dory, we can overcome our tendencies to forget what God has done by reminding ourselves to do what He has called us to do. We can also be confident that as we follow Him, He will put the words in our mouths when they need to be spoken. We have confidence that even when we are weak, He is strong in us. 

Just keep on…

More Than a Magic Carpet Ride (10/9/13)

“Do you trust me?”  Aladdin speaks these words to Princess Jasmine as she ponders getting on the magic carpet.  She decides to take the chance and steps on.   In the Disney movie, the song, ‘A Whole New World’ plays as the princess discovers all the wonders of the kingdom. This kingdom already belongs to her by her royal birth, but she has been sheltered within the palace. She has crept out in secret before, but only caught small glimpses of the outside world. She has no idea all that is actually hers, simply because of who she is.  She is the daughter of the sultan who rules this kingdom.  She is his heir.

Followers of Jesus Christ are called children of God and heirs of a heavenly kingdom.  “And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory.”  (Romans 8:17 AMP) Many opportunities and benefits are available to us as heirs.  We find these in the Word of God.  Yet many Christians never step out into what God has planned. We may venture out for a taste of that plan, but don’t fully step out.

 I am reminded of Peter, sitting fearfully in a boat on a stormy sea. Then he sees Jesus out on the water.   “And Peter answered Him, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.  He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus.” (Matthew 14:28-29) He was unhappy in that boat, which was being tossed around.  He heard the invitation of Jesus and responded. 

 Jasmine did not step out because flying carpets were known to be safe modes of transportation.  Peter did not step out of the boat because stormy seas had been proven to support a man’s weight.  When analyzed by previous their experiences, stepping out did not make sense.  They both stepped out because they knew and trusted the one who was inviting them to come along.

 Do you know and trust the one who calls to you?  He is trustworthy. “God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:9AMP) He can be counted on to fulfill every promise He has made.  Jesus is always a faithful companion.

The Lord desires to show you what He has in store for you.   ^“Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.” (Jeremiah 33:3NLT) Ask Him.  Then as He reveals these things, you can begin to walk with Him as you experience them.  The magic carpet provided a great view of the kingdom.  But Jasmine had to step off the carpet to experience what was hers.  You can enjoy the view that God’s promise provides, but to experience what you have in Christ, you have to take a step in the direction of the promise.  Only then can you walk out the plan you are called to.  He promises to be with you every step.  “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18b AMP)

So what are some ways the Spirit of God is calling you to step out?  What dreams of your heart have yet to be explored?  These can be small or large. It can be a baby step of obedience that doesn’t seem to make sense.  It could be changing the entire path your life is on. It can be reviving a dream you thought was lost. It can be a multitude of things somewhere in between. 

 Making a commitment to write three stories a week for this blog took stepping out.  It had nothing to do with confidence in my creative abilities.  Reviving my dream to write, was not something that I had even considered at this stage of my life.  Yet, here I am, with an assurance that these story ideas are coming from God, and that He wants me to share them.  The challenge still seems a bit daunting. (I asked repeatedly if three stories a week was really His plan and never felt differently.)  So I will trust His faithfulness to provide. I will continue to write as He leads.  Without a doubt, responding with trust to this call has brought joy and satisfaction.

 So Jesus poses the question to you each day.  “Do you trust me?”  Take His hand.  See, trust and walk in all He has for you.

Illustrated Instructions Available (7/3/15)

Recently an ink cartridge in my printer ran out of ink. I had asked my husband to replace it because he and my son had replaced the prior ones and I was unsure how the process worked. Other commitments that day had prevented him from changing the cartridge. When I attempted to use the printer the following day, I found that the “change cartridge soon” had now become “change cartridge now” and the printer would not work until action was taken.

 Changing the cartridge itself did not appear to be extremely difficult. The problem I encountered was that I was totally unable to comprehend how to open the printer to reach the cartridge holder. I felt around the sides, front, top and everywhere I could think of to no avail. I found no apparent way to open it. It is a newer printer. I was perfectly capable of exchanging the cartridges in the old printer. It was simply the unfamiliarity of this machine that had me at a loss. I began pushing buttons on the help screen and still had not found directions for changing the cartridge. Becoming frustrated, I tried one more arrow. This arrow took me not only to directions to change the cartridge but also to a video that illustrated the entire process in. It showed how to open the door on the machine, release the used cartridge, and install the new one. It could not have been simpler once I looked in the right place.

We often find ourselves in similar situations in life. Seasons change and like my new printer, things are now different. They can be unfamiliar and difficult to understand. At times like this it is not inappropriate to turn to a trusted friend for help. Rather than allowing this friend to do things for us, it is better to learn from his/her expertise. A mature believer can lead us to spiritual principles and God’s wisdom, but we must learn to follow God on our own.

Sometimes assistance is not available from people. We need to know where to go to get the knowledge we require. God's Word is an instruction manual for everything we need in this life. He provides not only the instructions, but also illustrates the steps we are to take. Jesus told parables to give pictures of spiritual principles. Throughout the Old and New Testament, prophets and teachers have also used pictures to relate God’s plan. The Scriptures are an illustrated guide book intended to make God’s will understandable to man.

In a new season of life, we must know exactly where to go to find the instructions for the next step. God's Word is always where we need to look. If we continue to pursue His wisdom, the Holy Spirit will direct us to the exact picture that we need. “I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8 AMP) God reveals Himself to us through His Word and by the Holy Spirit. “But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].” (John 16:13 AMP)

When things appear to be dark, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 AMP) Scripture provides direction to those who search for it. “Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13 AMP) Scripture will lead us to Jesus who is the door. “So Jesus said again, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that I Myself am the Door for the sheep.” (John 10:7 AMP) We can release the old. “Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old.” (Isaiah 43:18 AMP) And learn to walk in a new plan of God. “Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19 AMP)

When life becomes confusing look for your direction in God’s Word. You will find the way to proceed in all of your decisions.

What Does Your Eye Spy? (3/3/14)

A game that is often played by preschoolers is “I Spy With My Little Eye.” The leader starts the game by choosing an item. He or she then says the words, “I spy with my little eye something that is…” A characteristic of the item is inserted into the statement. This can be color, size or anything else that describes the item chosen. Everyone else then looks around the room and guesses what that item might be. The game continues until someone guesses what the leader actually originally picked. That person is the winner and receives the benefit that was determined before the game began.

It is very interesting to watch as each child picks an item for their guess. For example, the statement may be “I spy with my little eye something that is green.” One child who is particularly fond of dinosaurs may guess the green dinosaur in the corner. Another child who loves flowers could pick the leaves on the plant by the window. Still others will find favorite toys or other cherished items that display the color green.

Moses sent twelve men from the wilderness into the promise land to spy out all of the land. (Numbers 13 - 14) All twelve came back and reported what they had seen. All of the reports included things that were huge. They even brought back a branch with only one bunch of grapes that had to be carried on a pole because of its size. They all described a land that was flowing with milk and honey.

When Moses inquired as to what they had spied, ten of the men spoke in detail of giants and strongholds and challenges. They acknowledged the huge benefits of this land. But they could not get over the challenges they would be required to overcome. By focusing on these they saw their own lack and all the things that instilled fear. This led to seeing themselves as grasshoppers by comparison.

Two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, had a different perspective. They described in detail the land that was flowing with milk and honey. They acknowledged the challenges but were focused on the huge benefits. Despite the giants and the strongholds, “Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once and possess it; we are well able to conquer it.” (13: 30 AMP) The reason for the confidence of Joshua and Caleb is summed up in this statement.  “And they said to all the company of Israelites, The land through which we passed as scouts is an exceedingly good land.  If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land flowing with milk and honey.  Only do not rebel against the Lord, neither fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their defense and the shadow [of protection] is removed from over them, but the Lord is with us. Fear them not.” (14:7-9 AMP)

David, still a young shepherd boy, displayed the same confidence in the presence of the giant Goliath.  “Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the ranks of Israel, Whom you have defied.  This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will smite you and cut off your head. And I will give the corpses of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” (1 Samuel 17:45-46 AMP) Although the entire Israelite army shook was terror at the sound of Goliaths voice, this young boy conquered the giant with a slingshot, a stone and confidence in the power of the Most High God.

Throughout the ages people have accomplished great things when they looked to the power and promise of Almighty God instead of the circumstances before them. Our little eyes can see problems that will make us tremble. But the eye of faith in a faithful God will see the victory. Victory follows the heart that sees as God sees. 

Of all the Israelites, only Joshua and Caleb entered that land.  The other spies and everyone who believed their report died without ever seeing the promise.

Spy out each day of your life with eyes that see that the promises of God are larger than the trials ahead. You will work with God and receive the benefits promised by God.