The Incredible Flavor of the Lord

Since I started eating healthy a few years ago, I have begun doing a lot more cooking from scratch. Because I am avoiding many common additives to foods, we no longer buy premixed packages. This means putting together my own seasonings and making my own dressings, sauces, and marinades. I always did this to some degree, but generally started with a premix and enhanced it from there.
Today I made a new sauce/dressing by mixing some homemade mayonnaise and a honey mustard dressing that I had previously put together. When I got it to just the right blend, the taste was exquisite. It almost made me want to do a little dance. (If you have ever watched the television show, Restaurant Impossible, Chef Irvine does a little hopping dance when he has created a new recipe with amazing flavors.) The taste was sweet and creamy and tangy all in one.
Contemplating all the wonderful tastes I have found in the last couple years, I thought about my walk with God in the same light. Much like using prepackaged foods we can come up with religious practices and rituals to follow. We can become so accustomed to these that we do not take the time to truly hear from God. We may even take a little bit of the Word that we study and edit it into our routine, but to simply concentrate and focus on God with no additives may be difficult.

Don't get me wrong, I believe in discipline in the Christian walk. Setting aside time for prayer and study is among these. Regularly serving and meeting with other believers to worship and share life is also critical to a mature walk with Jesus. But sometimes we can let these become more routine then real. Because we sit down and read the Bible does not mean that our hearts are truly open to hear what the Spirit would teach us. Jesus spoke of this very problem with His disciples when they did not understand His words. “Having eyes, do you not see [with them], and having ears, do you not hear and perceive and understand the sense of what is said? And do you not remember?” (Mark 8:18 AMP) Our prayers can become merely the listing of needs both in our lives and that of others. Jesus also warned against this as He taught His disciples to pray. “And when you pray, do not heap up phrases (multiply words, repeating the same ones over and over) as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:7 AMP) Even though time is spent, little true communication with God may be accomplished.

When you truly start allowing God to bring Scriptures to life as you read, Bible times become exciting. It can actually become the most looked forward to time of the day. When prayer truly becomes talking with and not at the Father it also takes on a new, exciting dimension. The most exciting thing to me recently has been when God begins to connect the truths He has taught me from one scripture to another. We can have a ‘Woah, I never realized that!’ moment when we see deeper meaning in the Scriptures. Then we have another and another. When we see how each of these fit together, the truth is amazing. The first burst of understanding was like my homemade mayonnaise. The second is the honey mustard dressing. When they connect, the greater understanding of the heart and intent of God tastes so great it makes us want to get up and praise Him.

King David understood this when he wrote, “O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP) David also understood what it was like to dance before the Lord with joy. (See 2 Samuel 6:14) He truly understood the heart of God in a way that few people take the time search for. Quoting God’s own words through Samuel, the prophet, (See 1 Samuel 13:14) the apostle Paul declared, “And when He had deposed him, He raised up David to be their king; of him He bore witness and said, I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart, who will do all My will and carry out My program fully.” (Acts 13:22 AMP) David tasted of the Lord’s truth and goodness and spent a life praising Him.

So take advice from Jesus, David and Paul and open your hearts to hear the pure message of the Holy Spirit to you. He desires that you know God more and more each day. And when you taste of the truth, rejoice in Him!

A Way Through the Mountains

Driving through the mountains while I was working in Yellowstone National Park, I was repeatedly amazed and how the roads were carved out of the mountainside. Men with axes and shovels would never have been able to build some of these magnificent roads.
Historical shows about building the railroad detail the use of dynamite in mountainous areas. Explosions were used to bring down portions of the obstacles in the railroads preselected path. Charges of dynamite were strategically placed to blast through a specific portion of the mountain without damaging the rest. Once the blast occurred men could go in and clean out the rocks revealing the newly leveled ground. This was done section by section to avoid harming the natural beauty of the remainder of the mountains. Thus the railroad was able to run from coast to coast across the United States. Many roads were built in this same way.
Dynamite comes from the root word dunamis. Dunamis is a Greek word that refers to might, power, or miraculous works. The word appears 120 times in the New Testament. It describes the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  “And [as to His divine nature] according to the Spirit of holiness was openly designated the Son of God in power [in a striking, triumphant and miraculous manner] by His resurrection from the dead, even Jesus Christ our Lord (the Messiah, the Anointed One).” (Romans 1:4 AMP) It also refers to the anointing of power that enabled Jesus to go around helping people. “How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38 AMP)

As believers we are told that we have received the same power when we received the Holy Spirit. “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) It is the power that enables us to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. It enables us to fulfill whatever calling God has upon our lives.

So why do we often go around attempting to do things on our own. Jesus told us that with faith we could move mountains. “Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him.” (Mark 11:23 AMP) Yet instead of believing in the dunamis power of God, we often chip away at the mountains in our life as with a pick and shovel. One word from God can reduce a mountain to rubble yet we strive to accomplish tasks in our own human power. It is rather tiring work.
After a charge of dynamite has exploded a pile of rocks and rubble stands in the place where the mountain once stood intact. This pile of rubble in no way resembles the smooth road that will be the final outcome of all this work. Sometimes the aftermath of God’s mighty works may possibly look a little like this pile of rubble. Although His strategic use of His power has opened a portion of the mountain, the path to walk through is not yet clear.  Now is the time that we can obediently follow through with the work that God gives us to do. He allows us to be a part of His mighty work. “For we are fellow workmen (joint promoters, laborers together) with and for God; you are God’s garden and vineyard and field under cultivation, [you are] God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9 AMP)
Whether we are facing a personal struggle, attempting to share the Gospel or engaging in blessing others, we can rely on the dunamis power of God to make a way for us. We can also be invited to share in the labor of the Lord’s work. This labor will be fulfilling but not overwhelming. When Jesus called us to take His yoke and become co laborers with Him, He gave this promise. “For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.” (Matthew 11:30 AMP)
As you go about your day allow God to display His mighty power to demolish the mountains before you. Then follow His directions to work with Him and walk through.

Spark the Memories

I regularly spend time with a 94 year old woman named Helen. Helen has significant difficulties with her memory. Often, she has forgotten many years of her life and believes that she is either a child or a young woman again. When this happens she is devastated by the fact that her parents have been dead for many years. She has to process the loss and accept her advanced years and missing memories.
As Helen and I were talking the other day, I began telling about her wonderful life. She has six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren with two more on the way. She has outlived two husbands. As I told her this, she looked at me with fear in her eyes and stated that she did not remember either husband.
At this point I pulled out a box of pictures that spanned the last 20+ years. There were pictures of her grandchildren from when they were very young along with both she and her second husband. We laughed at some of the antics that were displayed in these photos. When certain photos of her husband were in front of us, Helen would remember and relate to me some specific facts about him. One of these occurred when he was on the floor playing with his young grandson. Helen remembered that when the little ones were over, his favorite spot was on the floor playing with them. She also remembered a night spent with some friends as we looked at the photos. She even remembered that her husband had preferred shirts with collars over t-shirts.
Do we sometimes struggle with our spiritual memories? Do we look back to the times we were first born again and remember the newness of our relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, only to forget everything that God has done in our lives since that point? And when we have forgotten, does that same fear show in our eyes?
When we are in the heat of struggles it can be easy to forget the miracles that we have been experienced. We can be overwhelmed in the moment and lose our focus of Almighty God. Fear of the future seems to overpower memories of the past. We wish to retreat to a safe time when we were young and protected.

When times like these occur we need to take a moment and pull out or spiritual photo albums. We need to flip through page after page of how the Word of God has been true in our lives. Like the psalmist, Asaph, we must purposefully remember God’s deeds. “I will [earnestly] recall the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will [earnestly] remember the wonders [You performed for our fathers] of old. I will meditate also upon all Your works and consider all Your [mighty] deeds.” (Psalms 77:11-12 AMP)

We can also get together with friends and discuss the experiences that we have had together. “Remember the time when God did...” can be a very encouraging and strengthening conversation. “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) This reminiscing will encourage all to remember God’s goodness and deep love.

But even more then remembering the mighty deeds of our Heavenly Father, we need to remember Him. We need to know Him afresh. This can be accomplished only by spending time and Hs presence and in Hs precious word. “Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].” (Hebrews 12:2a AMP) When we look and remember we will be encouraged and strengthened in all we do. Constantly spending time in the Scriptures will also help us to keep from forgetting. “But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).” (James 1:25 AMP)

So pull out the photo album of your life with God. Spend time gazing into His loving word. And renew the memory of your beloved.

A Series of Confusing Turns

Many years ago my family took a trip up north for one of my brother's wedding. Because of the number of people going we were in 2 separate cars. My oldest brother, Dave, and his family let the pair. Before we were even out of our neighborhood Dave made several crazy, random turns. He made a series of rights followed by lefts and more rights. There was no rhyme or reason to where he was going. He was simply driving around the neighborhood.
My other brother Phil, who was driving the car in which I was, finally pulled up beside Dave to ask what in the world he was doing. Dave replied, “I was attempting to find out just how good a follower you are.” Because this was a time before cell phones, it was imperative that we stuck together and did not get separated on the road. My brother wanted to be sure that if he suddenly exited the highway at an unexpected location or turned down the wrong road, our car would follow him. He wanted to determine this before we ever reached the highway that would begin our journey north.
As confused as Phil had been, he had passed the test. Dave`s vehicle had never left our sight. Despite the lack of understanding and mild frustration that had been building, our car had stuck with the leader. Our leader was now confident that we would arrive together.
Sometimes we may feel God`s path for us is taking random, strange turns through the familiar areas of our lives. Lessons that we thought we had already learned maybe put to test again through new trials. We may be asked to do the same type of service as we have many times before. We may even feel as though we've taken several steps forward, when God turns around and goes in a direction that we would consider backward.
How well do we follow when we do not understand? Solomon, in his great wisdom wrote, “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP)

Jesus repeatedly told people to follow him. “And He said to them, Come after Me [as disciples—letting Me be your Guide], follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men!” (Matthew 4:19 AMP)  We do not read in Scripture that He told people exactly where they would be going. He simply told them to follow and that there would be a purpose. We are referred to as sheep and He is the Good Shepherd. “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 AMP)  Sheep will follow the Shepherd's voice without question. This same obedience must apply to us.

The hotel where a wedding would take place was the destination of this trip. That was never in question. We even had a map and a planned route. God has provided a destination of His perfect plan for our lives. He has also given us a road map of sorts in His Word. We follow the instructions found in Scripture. Sometimes the leading of the Holy Spirit will be understandable and other times we will take many confusing turns. In all times following is key.
In order to follow we must remain attentive. We can do this by daily prayer and Bible study. We do not want to let these become lax. We also want to keep our hearts sensitive to His voice throughout the day. When we are not in constant contact with God it is easy to miss a turn. We also want to remain close so that He is ever in our line of vision. Allowing God out of sight, even for a short time, can have serious consequences.

There are many promises when we follow the Lord completely. The prophet Isaiah wrote these. “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) “I will go before you and level the mountains [to make the crooked places straight]; I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut asunder the bars of iron.” (Isaiah 45:2 AMP) Solomon tells us, “A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.” (Proverbs 16:9 AMP) These are just a few. All are exciting and encouraging.

So if your life seems to be taking unexpected turns, stick close to the leader and follow His every turn. He knows the way and will make sure you arrive safely.

Stickers on the Car.

As I drove into a crowded parking lot I began to search for my son's vehicle. His car is silver therefore there were many vehicles that looked similar. Long before I could see the emblem of the car’s make, I noticed some decals that he had placed on the rear of his vehicle. With these stickers he had customized his ride with evidence of one of his favorite pastimes.
How about us? Most of the Christian life is filled with ordinary, everyday things. We may go to work or school or work at home. We shop, pay bills, spend time with family, and many more simple, ordinary things. But is there anything in our lives to show where our true passion lies? Do our lives bear the markings of our passion for Jesus? When someone who does not know us personally watches our actions and listens to our everyday speech, can they tell we belong to Him? The scripture tells us that we have been sealed by God. “[He has also appropriated and acknowledged us as His by] putting His seal upon us and giving us His [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as the security deposit and guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise].” (2 Corinthians 1:22 AMP) This seal is visible in the spiritual realm. Our speech and actions are the key to this becoming visible to all those with whom we have contact.

Is a sticker of love displayed in our lives? Jesus spoke these words concerning how to identify His true disciples. “By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].” (John 13:35 AMP) God's nature is love. “He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love.” (1 John 4:8 AMP) As we imitate Jesus we will engage in behavior that is motivated by compassion and concern for others; not selfishness. “Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.” (Romans 12:10 AMP) Selfless love is a definite ‘sticker’ that a child of God should display in his/her life.

Another sticker that should always be displayed in our lives is obedience. “But this thing I did command them: Listen to and obey My voice, and I will be your God and you will be My people; and walk in the whole way that I command you, that it may be well with you.” (Jeremiah 7:23 AMP) We are to follow the command of the Lord, whether it is easy or hard, convenient for inconvenience. Obedience should always be complete. An obedient heart does not try to see how much it can get away with. It pushes to see how completely it can fulfill God's will. This includes obeying those who have authority over our lives in this world. “Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord. (1 Peter 2:13a AMP)

Perseverance is another mark of a true believer. Do we lose hope when our trials are not resolved quickly? God may not always work on the timetable we would choose. His plan may take longer then we expect. We must continue to believe during these times. “Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward.” (Hebrews 10:35 AMP)

One more sticker of our passionate relationship with God is an attitude of praise. How do we look at life situations? Do we look at the struggle or do we gratefully look to the mighty Father who is always caring for us? Do we complain about the present trial or recount God’s prior deeds and ponder His mighty attributes? “Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness!” (Psalm 150:2 AMP)

People are always watching us to see if our faith is real. When we proudly display these marks of true, passionate faith, those who see us will know that we belong to God. We will not have to preach but can simply live our lives before them. By these marks our true passion will be obvious to all.
So proudly display the marks or stickers placed on you by our loving Lord. Let the world recognize that you belong to him.

Keep Knocking; the Door is Already Cracked Open

One afternoon I let my dogs out into the backyard. Kari came back much sooner than Beamer did. I left the sliding door open a crack and stepped into the kitchen. The crack was not quite large enough for Beamer to get through. He stood there waiting on the back deck until I came. When I arrived at the door, I found his nose sticking through the open space. He was trying to wiggle his way in because I have not returned soon enough.

Normally my dogs will stand at the back door jumping and scratching until someone lets them in. Because the door was partially opened, Beamer did not scratch as usual. Instead, he stuck his nose in the small opening and was attempting to move the glass door. His little head did not have the leverage to slide at door open and give him access to the house. Instead, he stood there struggling while I was only a few feet away ready to open the door for him. Yes, he stood outside waiting.

In the Bible, prayer is compared to knocking at the door. Jesus said to knock and the door will be opened. “Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 AMP) We are also told by the Apostle Paul to pray continually. “Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 AMP) This should be our attitude toward approaching our heavenly Father.

 Do we sometimes pray but quit after only a few attempts? Teaching about prayer, Jesus tells the story of a widow. She needs help from a judge and refuses to give up until he gives her justice. She comes day after day until he finally gives in. (See Luke 18) God is righteous and loving. He does not answer prayers because he gets tired of us. He wants to see our faith and trust displayed in the persistence of praying over and over again. When we pray repeatedly we show God that we trust that He will answer.

 Sometimes our answer does not come after just one prayer. God may answer our prayer in small increments until the full answer comes. In parables Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God. Using a farming analogy He said, “The earth produces [acting] by itself—first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.” (Mark 4:28 AMP)  Our prayers may be answered in the same way. It may take time to see the full answer. During this time we are to keep praying and trusting God to finish His work. He will bring it to maturity.

Instead of continuing to pray and trusting God, we may be tempted to take His partial answer and attempt to finish the work ourselves. Like Beamer put his nose in the opening of the door and tried to push his way in, we try to push our way to the results we have asked God for. Like Beamer failed to alert me of his presence at the door, we may stop praying just when God has planned to answer. He is always close and ready to respond to us. He simply wants to hear from us. He wants to open the door for us. He will not leave a work undone but will slide the door wide open as we pray.

 So do not stop praying. God will answer and open the doors you cannot.

Little Walks With the One I Love!

My husband and I sometimes take walks together. Quite often we have the dogs with us. Our goal is simply a little bit of exercise and time together. When we reach the end of our street we do not have a specific destination in mind. We may turn left or we may turn right. Since our neighborhood is a collection of cul-de-sacs, we may choose to wander through one or more of them, or we may choose to just follow the main road. We may also choose to get off the road altogether and walk around the grassy areas that include two ponds. Sometimes we leave our neighborhood all together and drive to a park or walk along Lake Michigan. The purpose of these walks is simply time together.

This time together does not have to have a significant purpose. It is a time when we can talk about the day’s events. We can share hopes and dreams for the future. And often we can just laugh and appreciate the little things of life and each other. This casual time together always brings refreshment to us.

In my last post (January 18, 2015) I spoke about getting off the treadmill and beginning to walk with true purpose under the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is a long, directed walk with God. It is the path that our lives take. We travel down this road a little bit every day for our entire life. Along this path we will also have opportunities to take little side trips. These can be aimless with no real direction in mind. It is simply a walk for enjoyment and companionship.

The Lord also loves spending time together with His children. Just as a dad comes home and plays with his little ones, God wants to just spend time with us. “For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!”  (Romans 8:15 AMP) Abba means daddy. Do we cry out, “Daddy! Daddy!” when we have an opportunity to spend time with our Heavenly Father?

Christ, our bridegroom, desires to spend time alone with us. The Song of Solomon contains the musings of a bride concerning her love. “My beloved speaks and says to me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.” (Song of Solomon 2:10 AMP) She is excited and wants only for time to hurry until they can be together. Is this our response to setting aside time to spend with Jesus? Are we excitedly anticipating the presence of God?

Making a priority to spend some time to just hang out with God will cause these times to occur more frequently. These times of God can be spontaneous. It can be merely a few minutes in the middle of our busy schedule. It can also be a sudden change of plans that would allow more time alone with God. Scheduling these times apart is also important. Scheduling times to simply enjoy God’s presence will enhance everything else in life.

It is the desire of the Lord to share His heart with us. “And I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, Who calls you by your name.”

(Isaiah 45:3 AMP) Isn’t it amazing that He calls us each by name? No matter how long we have walked with God there’s still more things He wishes to share with us. “Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).” (Jeremiah 33:3 AMP) In all things and at all times God desires to express His love to us. “The Lord appeared from of old to me [Israel], saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” (Jeremiah 31:3b AMP)

If time passes and David and I have not had our walks or other times to just talk, we can really feel the effects relationship. We need that time to set aside the business of life and just hang out together. The same is true when we neglect our times with God. In addition to communication concerning the pressing issues of our lives, we need to spend time sharing secrets and just hanging out with our heavenly Father. We cannot neglect these times for they will refresh our souls. “…that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of  reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord;” (Acts 3:19b AMP)

Take a little stroll with God today. Share your hopes and dreams and simply walk hand-in-hand with the one you love. He is calling to you, “Come away with Me!”