Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. Psalm 125:1
Trust is a hard thing to develop and grow. In many cases, it requires months, if not years of time and experience looking at and observing someone's track record, their character and qualities. In many situations in life we are required to "just trust" someone without knowing their history. In these situations, it's difficult at times to be open enough to allow yourself to trust.
Trusting in the Lord helps in many ways, including giving your trust to others. Who else has a 2,000 yr track record? Building trust in the Lord isn't necessarily easy, as it does require faith as I have written about before. But trusting in the Lord provides a foundation for you to trust others as you have a comparative subject in the Lord.
The Holy Spirit speaks to you and guides when you trust in the Lord. Offering your trust to others, through the Holy Spirit, provides protection for you against the enemy and his clan. Listening to that "wee small voice" is a skill that requires use and practice to develop, but will save you from much heart ache in your life.
The Holy Spirit, in your life, is a difference maker, a peace-bringer, a relationship-builder, a life-protector and soul-developer. Trust in the Lord with all your heart so that your heart might trust those who are trustworthy.
This is the day that the Lord has made...
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Gravity
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
So many aspects of living and being spiritually inclined require faith that without faith, it is impossible to achieve. As an intellectual, understanding Jesus, his sacrifice, the meaning of his life and death in my life and the existence of an eternal Heaven were difficult to comprehend. I come from a background of "here is why this works, look at the research and the evidence."
Living a spiritually inclined life requires a "knowing" deep in your heart and in your mind that the Scriptures, and things written about Jesus, are true. To simply know something means that you can regurgitate the fact or data correctly. On a deeper level of understanding, to "know that you know" something means that not only can you correctly reproduce the right fact or data in question, but you understand and comprehend how it came it about. And the deepest level of knowing is to "know that you know that you know." At this level there is no conscious thought or input into the fact or data, there is no need for understanding or comprehension because the fact or data is so engrained in your heart and mind that it is no longer something that you know, it has become a part of who you are. It not longer requires intentional thought to contemplate the idea in consideration. It just is.
To me, this is faith. And faith grows through experience and understanding. A great example of living in the "know that you know that you know" level of consciousness is the study of gravity. As a toddler when you were sitting in your high chair, you first "learned" about gravity, or were made aware of it, by dropping your spoon on the floor over and over and having Mom or Dad it pick it up. Right? Who didn't do this? From there it progressed to if I stand at the top of the steps and lay on my tummy, I can ride all the way down to the bottom. Then, through more experience of throwing baseballs, jumping out of trees and spitting lougies off the 5th floor balcony of your hotel room, gravity became more understood. And finally, at some point you learned that gravity actually was a force, 9.8 m/s2 and could be used to understand how other things in the universe worked. And, now, well, you don't even contemplate gravity because it is just there, a part of everyday life.
This, too, is how our faith is built. At first, we must just accept things for what they are. Jesus shed his blood for me so that I may be forgiven of my sins and have eternal life, having to never experience death. I remember hearing a story of Billy Graham being asked in an interview what changed his ministry from filling tents with people to filling giant stadiums? His response was miraculous. "My ministry took on new meaning the moment I began to believe the Scriputres in full faith."
As we experience more of the blessings and principles taught in the Scriptures, our faith grows until, hopefully, one day, we "know that we know that we know" Jesus died for me. Rev. Graham learned this and it changed his life forever. So to will it change yours and mine.
So many aspects of living and being spiritually inclined require faith that without faith, it is impossible to achieve. As an intellectual, understanding Jesus, his sacrifice, the meaning of his life and death in my life and the existence of an eternal Heaven were difficult to comprehend. I come from a background of "here is why this works, look at the research and the evidence."
Living a spiritually inclined life requires a "knowing" deep in your heart and in your mind that the Scriptures, and things written about Jesus, are true. To simply know something means that you can regurgitate the fact or data correctly. On a deeper level of understanding, to "know that you know" something means that not only can you correctly reproduce the right fact or data in question, but you understand and comprehend how it came it about. And the deepest level of knowing is to "know that you know that you know." At this level there is no conscious thought or input into the fact or data, there is no need for understanding or comprehension because the fact or data is so engrained in your heart and mind that it is no longer something that you know, it has become a part of who you are. It not longer requires intentional thought to contemplate the idea in consideration. It just is.
To me, this is faith. And faith grows through experience and understanding. A great example of living in the "know that you know that you know" level of consciousness is the study of gravity. As a toddler when you were sitting in your high chair, you first "learned" about gravity, or were made aware of it, by dropping your spoon on the floor over and over and having Mom or Dad it pick it up. Right? Who didn't do this? From there it progressed to if I stand at the top of the steps and lay on my tummy, I can ride all the way down to the bottom. Then, through more experience of throwing baseballs, jumping out of trees and spitting lougies off the 5th floor balcony of your hotel room, gravity became more understood. And finally, at some point you learned that gravity actually was a force, 9.8 m/s2 and could be used to understand how other things in the universe worked. And, now, well, you don't even contemplate gravity because it is just there, a part of everyday life.
This, too, is how our faith is built. At first, we must just accept things for what they are. Jesus shed his blood for me so that I may be forgiven of my sins and have eternal life, having to never experience death. I remember hearing a story of Billy Graham being asked in an interview what changed his ministry from filling tents with people to filling giant stadiums? His response was miraculous. "My ministry took on new meaning the moment I began to believe the Scriputres in full faith."
As we experience more of the blessings and principles taught in the Scriptures, our faith grows until, hopefully, one day, we "know that we know that we know" Jesus died for me. Rev. Graham learned this and it changed his life forever. So to will it change yours and mine.
Monday, February 14, 2011
A Time To Rest
Believe it or not, there is more to life than finishing your "to do" list or work. I can remember, way back, I mean wa-a-ay back to when I was a kid and the grocery stores closed at 9, the downtown closed at 5:30 and nobody, I mean, nobody was open on Sunday. The trend of 24 hour service and open everyday has permeated every nook and cranny of our society. It seems that we, lumping us all together (unfairly, of course), have assumed the motto, "Live to Work."
This, however, is not spiritually inclined living. At the center of a life focused on serving God and his people, there is rest. God was, and is, smart enough to know that we need to rest. He designed us, created us and built us in his image so he knows how we are to best live to get maximum benefit from life. And with that, he has said we must take time to rest.
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rest from his own work, just as God did from his. Hebrews 4:9-10
Rest has many valuable qualities: it renews the mind and spirit, it rebuilds the physical being, it reconnects individuals with God and many more! God gives us a the example and then asks that we not fall short. He worked 6 days, and on the 7th, he rested. Why?
What is the benefit of work without having the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor? Did God not rest on the 7th day so that he might enjoy what he had created?
Those who are believers and followers of Scripture know this principle, yet it is an easy one to overlook and let the enemy trick us into believing it's okay to not rest. It's not! The next verse in Hebrews tells why: Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11
Do not be fooled for the Lord, God Almighty, is forever with you and nothing is hidden from him. Something as simple as taking more time to rest and reflect can, and will, build stronger faith and a better relationship with Jesus.
This, however, is not spiritually inclined living. At the center of a life focused on serving God and his people, there is rest. God was, and is, smart enough to know that we need to rest. He designed us, created us and built us in his image so he knows how we are to best live to get maximum benefit from life. And with that, he has said we must take time to rest.
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rest from his own work, just as God did from his. Hebrews 4:9-10
Rest has many valuable qualities: it renews the mind and spirit, it rebuilds the physical being, it reconnects individuals with God and many more! God gives us a the example and then asks that we not fall short. He worked 6 days, and on the 7th, he rested. Why?
What is the benefit of work without having the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor? Did God not rest on the 7th day so that he might enjoy what he had created?
Those who are believers and followers of Scripture know this principle, yet it is an easy one to overlook and let the enemy trick us into believing it's okay to not rest. It's not! The next verse in Hebrews tells why: Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11
Do not be fooled for the Lord, God Almighty, is forever with you and nothing is hidden from him. Something as simple as taking more time to rest and reflect can, and will, build stronger faith and a better relationship with Jesus.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Love and Support
See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:12-13
Life is hard. It's even more difficult when you are all alone, without the encouragement and support of others around you. God has instructed us to care for one another, to lift each other up and to hold each other accountable. Sin and the enemy are powerful forces that can't be defeated and kept in check by yourself. It requires the work of all of his people.
It is so easy to get caught up in the modern thinking of "I". I've been engulfed in this school of thought for many, many years. Living and taking action from this perspective puts the focus of life on "I". Truly, the universe revolves around "I" in that way of living. This way of thinking and living leaves no room for a loving God. All of the positive, successful, happy and abundant moments in life are the result of "I" and the energy or thoughts of "I". In this realm of existence, God is a punisher.
When a mistake is made, or you fall short in a relationship, or your business struggles, or maybe your kid develops a behavior issue, all of a sudden it's not "I" anymore, it's God. "God is punishing me for ______" becomes a common thought. Taking all the credit for the good in life, "I" places all the blame for shortcomings and failures on God, or even worse, other people.
Having a positive mental attitude and outlook on life are necessary tools for happiness and success in life. However, replacing God with a grander vision of one's self is the result of an ego (Edging God Out) controlled by the enemy. And many, many times, the "I" is not able to see the pile of manure they are standing in because the enemy has it covered in flowers....but it's still a pile of manure.
You and I, as brothers and sisters in Christ, must be able to support one another and hold tight to the Word of the Lord. It is our duty, a command from God, that we help those around us in their walk with God. Love and support are necessary ingredients in the development of a tender heart filled with the Holy Ghost.
Life is hard. It's even more difficult when you are all alone, without the encouragement and support of others around you. God has instructed us to care for one another, to lift each other up and to hold each other accountable. Sin and the enemy are powerful forces that can't be defeated and kept in check by yourself. It requires the work of all of his people.
It is so easy to get caught up in the modern thinking of "I". I've been engulfed in this school of thought for many, many years. Living and taking action from this perspective puts the focus of life on "I". Truly, the universe revolves around "I" in that way of living. This way of thinking and living leaves no room for a loving God. All of the positive, successful, happy and abundant moments in life are the result of "I" and the energy or thoughts of "I". In this realm of existence, God is a punisher.
When a mistake is made, or you fall short in a relationship, or your business struggles, or maybe your kid develops a behavior issue, all of a sudden it's not "I" anymore, it's God. "God is punishing me for ______" becomes a common thought. Taking all the credit for the good in life, "I" places all the blame for shortcomings and failures on God, or even worse, other people.
Having a positive mental attitude and outlook on life are necessary tools for happiness and success in life. However, replacing God with a grander vision of one's self is the result of an ego (Edging God Out) controlled by the enemy. And many, many times, the "I" is not able to see the pile of manure they are standing in because the enemy has it covered in flowers....but it's still a pile of manure.
You and I, as brothers and sisters in Christ, must be able to support one another and hold tight to the Word of the Lord. It is our duty, a command from God, that we help those around us in their walk with God. Love and support are necessary ingredients in the development of a tender heart filled with the Holy Ghost.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Temptation
Temptation is everywhere. Satan is everywhere. There is not a place that you can go today where temptation itself cannot be or will not be. Just as the Holy Spirit can permeate a person, place or thing, so may the enemy.
Our human nature is to be curious and exploratory. It is this very nature that can lend a hand in the destructive process of the enemy. It is for this reason we must, as it is written, focus our thoughts and attentions on those things that are good, righteous, pure and clean. Because temptation can be so destructive, God did not leave us helpless to it.
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18
Jesus suffered, just as you and I suffer, when tempted. The suffering comes as a result of being separated from God by the desires of the flesh. The enemy doesn't tempt us with glory and the joy of the Lord, no, we are tempted with things of the flesh. Thankfully, Jesus has been there before us and is here with us to guide us through those times. He has walked a mile in our shoes. He has gone before us so that, if we choose, we can have victory over temptation...through him. The joy of life and the glory of the Lord comes through knowing Jesus Christ. However, victory, just like knowing, is the result of a choice.
Our human nature is to be curious and exploratory. It is this very nature that can lend a hand in the destructive process of the enemy. It is for this reason we must, as it is written, focus our thoughts and attentions on those things that are good, righteous, pure and clean. Because temptation can be so destructive, God did not leave us helpless to it.
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18
Jesus suffered, just as you and I suffer, when tempted. The suffering comes as a result of being separated from God by the desires of the flesh. The enemy doesn't tempt us with glory and the joy of the Lord, no, we are tempted with things of the flesh. Thankfully, Jesus has been there before us and is here with us to guide us through those times. He has walked a mile in our shoes. He has gone before us so that, if we choose, we can have victory over temptation...through him. The joy of life and the glory of the Lord comes through knowing Jesus Christ. However, victory, just like knowing, is the result of a choice.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Great Void
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews1:3
O, how we long to bask in the joy and glory of the Lord! His presence in our life brings peace and comfort, joy and fulfillment, wholeness and beauty. No thing or person can fill the spiritual void created within us, by God, for the Lord. His perfection is our pursuit, all the while knowing we will fall short, and knowing too, that He is there to pick us up.
Spiritually inclined living is grounded in the pursuit of His presence in our daily lives. We are sustained by the expressions of God, through His word and His loving Son, so that we may be a light amongst the darkness. In these troubled times of uncertainty it is comforting to know that it is well and will be well with the presence of the Lord. The Great Comforter is available to all who ask Him into their lives to fill that void and bring new life to their spirit. Seek Him today.
O, how we long to bask in the joy and glory of the Lord! His presence in our life brings peace and comfort, joy and fulfillment, wholeness and beauty. No thing or person can fill the spiritual void created within us, by God, for the Lord. His perfection is our pursuit, all the while knowing we will fall short, and knowing too, that He is there to pick us up.
Spiritually inclined living is grounded in the pursuit of His presence in our daily lives. We are sustained by the expressions of God, through His word and His loving Son, so that we may be a light amongst the darkness. In these troubled times of uncertainty it is comforting to know that it is well and will be well with the presence of the Lord. The Great Comforter is available to all who ask Him into their lives to fill that void and bring new life to their spirit. Seek Him today.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Broken Promises
What would our world be like if every politician kept every promise he/she made? I can say this, it would be a lot different than it is now. Not necessarily better or worse, but definitely different. And what about the promises that we make to one another that aren't kept? How would life be different if those promises were kept? I am certain there would be less heartache and pain if that were the case.
A promise is "an expressed assurance on which expectation is to be based" according to dictionary.com. Okay, so that means that when I am promised something, I expect the result to be just as I was told it would be. That makes sense to me. Why, then, is it so easy for us, humans in general, to make promises but hard to keep them? I believe it is because we think we have more control over life than we really do. When we promise an outcome that we truly have not control over achieving, the odds are stacked against us pretty heavily. I also think most people know this, too. It's crazy to think about, but, why then, if we know when someone makes a promise, the likelihood of it being upheld is minimal, at best? And along with that, why does it hurt so much when a promise is broken or not kept?
For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise. Galatians 3:18
A promise is built upon, solidified through and accepted based on trust. If you trust the one making the promise, then the result expected based on that promise is more likely to occur. If there is no trust, then there is no faith in the expected outcome. Therefore, if a person consistently makes promises and doesn't keep them, their credibility or trust level goes right out the window.
We have all lived with broken promises. The bad news is that as long we continue to hang out with people of this earth and this life, we will have to live with broken promises. The good news is that God keeps his promises! We can overcome this world of sin and broken promises through the gift of faith in Jesus Christ. That is the promise that God gave; the one promise we can have faith in that will not be broken; the one person we can have complete, unending trust in.
The Medieval literal translation of the word "promise" is "to send forth." God has made a promise. He has sent us his son, who has honored his promise and left us his Holy Spirit as a great comforter and friend. You can be sure that this is one promise that will not be broken.
A promise is "an expressed assurance on which expectation is to be based" according to dictionary.com. Okay, so that means that when I am promised something, I expect the result to be just as I was told it would be. That makes sense to me. Why, then, is it so easy for us, humans in general, to make promises but hard to keep them? I believe it is because we think we have more control over life than we really do. When we promise an outcome that we truly have not control over achieving, the odds are stacked against us pretty heavily. I also think most people know this, too. It's crazy to think about, but, why then, if we know when someone makes a promise, the likelihood of it being upheld is minimal, at best? And along with that, why does it hurt so much when a promise is broken or not kept?
For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise. Galatians 3:18
A promise is built upon, solidified through and accepted based on trust. If you trust the one making the promise, then the result expected based on that promise is more likely to occur. If there is no trust, then there is no faith in the expected outcome. Therefore, if a person consistently makes promises and doesn't keep them, their credibility or trust level goes right out the window.
We have all lived with broken promises. The bad news is that as long we continue to hang out with people of this earth and this life, we will have to live with broken promises. The good news is that God keeps his promises! We can overcome this world of sin and broken promises through the gift of faith in Jesus Christ. That is the promise that God gave; the one promise we can have faith in that will not be broken; the one person we can have complete, unending trust in.
The Medieval literal translation of the word "promise" is "to send forth." God has made a promise. He has sent us his son, who has honored his promise and left us his Holy Spirit as a great comforter and friend. You can be sure that this is one promise that will not be broken.
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