"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV)
Dr. David Faust, CCU, recently spoke at Cobblestone and challenged us to find our "GOP" -- He defined GOP as the intersection of your gifts, opportunities, and passion. When those three things come together (or intersect), we ignite! I think he was trying to say that our GOP needs to be our priority -- we need to find that intersection; and throw off everything else that hinders or gets in the way of running the race marked out for us.
I've been asking God about my gifts -- I'm not musical, athletic, scientific, or craftsman material. I can get lost on a one-way street. I often refer to myself as directionally-challenged. I cannot put together a bookshelf or other piece of equipment without very clear directions, complete with pictures and lots of arrows. And, even then, I have to turn the diagram so that it lines up with what's in front of me.
On spiritual gift assessments, I consistently score high in faith, intercession, discernment, leadership, and wisdom. But, my passion is prayer; both in the secret place (or prayer closet); and in more public settings (praying over & laying hands on others). Since we're all called to pray without ceasing, I ask, "Is it possible to be gifted in prayer?" Or, is prayer the passion, and faith & discernment the gift that makes it powerful? These are the kinds of questions I've been pondering of late.
Today's prayer: "God, thank you for calling me by name and preparing a plan for my life in advance of my birth. Thank you for directing my steps along that path and steering me back when I veered off that path. You, by your Spirit, have ignited a passion for prayer in me and I thank you. It was not always that way. You have selected my gifts and I am grateful for your wisdom. O, Lord, now I ask you to set before me opportunities in which my 'GOP' will glorify your Holy Name."
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Deep Secrets
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him (wow, that includes me)...But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God's deep secrets." (1 Cor. 2:9-10)
I love this scripture. The Message Bible says that since I'm spiritually alive, I have access to everything God's Spirit is doing and that I cannot be judged by unspiritual critics. Do you dream big with God? I do. Sometimes, my dreams are so big that I have to ask God if He's really talking to me or if I'm eavesdropping on a conversation meant for someone else. My eye has not seen everything revealed to me by his Spirit; my ear has not heard everything; and certainly my mind has not imagined (or has not grasped hold of) what God has prepared for me. But, the Scripture says I KNOW these things because God has revealed them to me by his Spirit. How do I know them? That's what I've been pondering. I know them because his WORD tells me that I will heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, and cure those with leprosy. I know them because his WORD says that the Holy Spirit will give me power to do these things. I know them because the WORD says that my God gives me counsel in the night. I also know them because I am one of his sheep and I know his voice; a stranger's voice I will not follow. I know them because he speaks to me in a still small voice and then confirms his voice in numerous ways. I know them because on occasion he uses people or circumstances to shout them to me. And lately, my dream life is overrun with the deep secrets of God, revealed by his Spirit; confirmed in his WORD, through his voice, and through circumstances. WOW, my God cares for me that much. He cares that much for you too. His thoughts toward us are innumerable. How many of those thoughts are you catching?
Today's Prayer: "God, I've been pondering many things in my heart over these past several months. I admit I don't know the future, but I say YES to you. Even when I'm slow to respond or obey, my answer is always YES. Even when the things I sense you saying seem scarey or unattainable, my answer is YES. My answer can only be YES because of your amazing love. Where else would I go? Who else would I turn to? You are the Faithful One, the Holy One, the One I cling to. So, again, I say YES. Oh, and what was the question? Doesn't matter; the answer is still YES!"
I love this scripture. The Message Bible says that since I'm spiritually alive, I have access to everything God's Spirit is doing and that I cannot be judged by unspiritual critics. Do you dream big with God? I do. Sometimes, my dreams are so big that I have to ask God if He's really talking to me or if I'm eavesdropping on a conversation meant for someone else. My eye has not seen everything revealed to me by his Spirit; my ear has not heard everything; and certainly my mind has not imagined (or has not grasped hold of) what God has prepared for me. But, the Scripture says I KNOW these things because God has revealed them to me by his Spirit. How do I know them? That's what I've been pondering. I know them because his WORD tells me that I will heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, and cure those with leprosy. I know them because his WORD says that the Holy Spirit will give me power to do these things. I know them because the WORD says that my God gives me counsel in the night. I also know them because I am one of his sheep and I know his voice; a stranger's voice I will not follow. I know them because he speaks to me in a still small voice and then confirms his voice in numerous ways. I know them because on occasion he uses people or circumstances to shout them to me. And lately, my dream life is overrun with the deep secrets of God, revealed by his Spirit; confirmed in his WORD, through his voice, and through circumstances. WOW, my God cares for me that much. He cares that much for you too. His thoughts toward us are innumerable. How many of those thoughts are you catching?
Today's Prayer: "God, I've been pondering many things in my heart over these past several months. I admit I don't know the future, but I say YES to you. Even when I'm slow to respond or obey, my answer is always YES. Even when the things I sense you saying seem scarey or unattainable, my answer is YES. My answer can only be YES because of your amazing love. Where else would I go? Who else would I turn to? You are the Faithful One, the Holy One, the One I cling to. So, again, I say YES. Oh, and what was the question? Doesn't matter; the answer is still YES!"
Monday, April 13, 2009
Hiding and Spying
I'm currently reading a book by Edward T. Welch, "When People Are Big and God Is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man"
I was particularly struck by a comment the author made about the way in which we hide behind walls. He implies we all do it to some degree; some walls are thicker than others. But in our hiding, we peek out through the cracks in our walls to "spy" on the lives of others. This spying takes on many forms. Two examples given by Welch: 1) following TV reality shows; and 2) reading "people-type" magazines. We feel as if we "know" these people if we can just get a glimpse into their lives. And, in truth, it makes us feel better about ourselves when we find out that others struggle with some of the same issues.
And then, it struck me, what about Facebook? Isn't Facebook a form of hiding and spying? We often friend people we barely know; maybe in hopes of actually getting to know them! I recently had someone "unfriend" me and it nearly drove me crazy trying to figure out WHO it was. Never did figure it out. That's absurd; ridiculous even. Apparently, someone I barely knew "unfriended" me and I took it personal. God, help me!
Today's prayer: "God, I pray that my hiding will occur in the secret place of the Most High! I pray that my spying will be done in the enemy camp in order to know and thwart the plans of the evil one. I pray for the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord to fall on me and remain. I pray that I will not succumb to the fear of man. I pray that I will live a life worthy of being spied upon, for the purpose of advancing the Kingdom and bringing encouragement and edification to the Body of Christ. All my hope is in you, the Light of the World."
I was particularly struck by a comment the author made about the way in which we hide behind walls. He implies we all do it to some degree; some walls are thicker than others. But in our hiding, we peek out through the cracks in our walls to "spy" on the lives of others. This spying takes on many forms. Two examples given by Welch: 1) following TV reality shows; and 2) reading "people-type" magazines. We feel as if we "know" these people if we can just get a glimpse into their lives. And, in truth, it makes us feel better about ourselves when we find out that others struggle with some of the same issues.
And then, it struck me, what about Facebook? Isn't Facebook a form of hiding and spying? We often friend people we barely know; maybe in hopes of actually getting to know them! I recently had someone "unfriend" me and it nearly drove me crazy trying to figure out WHO it was. Never did figure it out. That's absurd; ridiculous even. Apparently, someone I barely knew "unfriended" me and I took it personal. God, help me!
Today's prayer: "God, I pray that my hiding will occur in the secret place of the Most High! I pray that my spying will be done in the enemy camp in order to know and thwart the plans of the evil one. I pray for the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord to fall on me and remain. I pray that I will not succumb to the fear of man. I pray that I will live a life worthy of being spied upon, for the purpose of advancing the Kingdom and bringing encouragement and edification to the Body of Christ. All my hope is in you, the Light of the World."
Monday, April 6, 2009
Dynamite
"But you shall receive power [dunamis: dynamite miraculous power, force, might, strength, enabling power through the Holy Spirit] when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." (Acts 1:8)."
"I get excited about the dunamis power of God. With God's power (dynamite!) all things become possible. God takes ordinary people and through the Holy Spirit brings power to their speech, their preaching, their witness, their worship, their prayers, and their life. The Spirit of God and power go hand-in-hand. Paul himself said that his speech and preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (see 1 Cor. 2:4).
Today's prayer: "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I give thanks to you for your incredible working in and through my life. I give thanks that you allow me to participate in what you're doing. I give thanks that you called my name before time began. I give thanks to you for orchestrating the events in my life to bring me to this particular place in time. I again say YES to your plan for my life. I know it's going to be a wild ride."
"I get excited about the dunamis power of God. With God's power (dynamite!) all things become possible. God takes ordinary people and through the Holy Spirit brings power to their speech, their preaching, their witness, their worship, their prayers, and their life. The Spirit of God and power go hand-in-hand. Paul himself said that his speech and preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (see 1 Cor. 2:4).
Today's prayer: "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I give thanks to you for your incredible working in and through my life. I give thanks that you allow me to participate in what you're doing. I give thanks that you called my name before time began. I give thanks to you for orchestrating the events in my life to bring me to this particular place in time. I again say YES to your plan for my life. I know it's going to be a wild ride."
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Counsel You Keep
Psalm 1: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish."
I attended a Casting Crowns concert last week. It was AMAZING! Mark Hall described the song "Slow Fade" by linking it to Psalm 1. If we aren't being intentional in our walk with God, we begin a slow fade. We begin to walk in the counsel of the wicked. He stated that it's all about the company we keep (i.e. the counsel we choose; the people we surround ourselves with). If we get slack in this area, pretty soon we won't be walking anymore, but "standing in the way of sinners." Standing means no movement; we've become lukewarm; and a danger to sinners. We're neither hot nor cold and they're confused by us and WE trip them up. Next thing happens is we SIT DOWN with the mockers and scorners. Be careful, it's a SLOW FADE when we give ourselves away. POWERFUL STUFF!
Lyrics:
"Slow Fade" (Casting Crowns)
Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade
Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day
Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
I attended a Casting Crowns concert last week. It was AMAZING! Mark Hall described the song "Slow Fade" by linking it to Psalm 1. If we aren't being intentional in our walk with God, we begin a slow fade. We begin to walk in the counsel of the wicked. He stated that it's all about the company we keep (i.e. the counsel we choose; the people we surround ourselves with). If we get slack in this area, pretty soon we won't be walking anymore, but "standing in the way of sinners." Standing means no movement; we've become lukewarm; and a danger to sinners. We're neither hot nor cold and they're confused by us and WE trip them up. Next thing happens is we SIT DOWN with the mockers and scorners. Be careful, it's a SLOW FADE when we give ourselves away. POWERFUL STUFF!
Lyrics:
"Slow Fade" (Casting Crowns)
Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade
Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day
Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Compassion
After Jesus heard the news of John the Baptist's beheading, he was greatly grieved and went off to be alone and pray. A vast crowd followed Jesus and he had compassion on them and healed all their sick (Matthew 14:13-14). Jesus set aside his own grief and had compassion on the people. I've seen this type of servant-leadership demonstrated in my pastors. Day after day and week after week they set aside their own grief to minister to the needs of the people. God, I'm asking for a special blessing on these mighty servants who LIVE OUT LOUD the compassion of Christ.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Sweep Me Away
I love the lyrics to the song, Sweep Me Away, by Bryan Duncan. And, today that's my hearts cry. Sweep me away Lord. Hide me from the dungeons of evil where the captives lay. I'm growing weary from the arrows that fly. Yet, I will stay, patiently watching the sky.
Lyrics:
Sweep me away
To an all new horizon on a brighter day
Sweep me away
From the dungeons of evil where the captives lay
Carrying on but waiting
Always ready, willing, I watch the sky
I'm in hope of seeing your face returning
I could never live here without you
I'm just waiting for the day you sweep me away
Like a sail in the ocean, on a windy day
Sweep me away
In the sparkle of sunlight on a distant bay
My ties here are temporary
I know that we're all running out of time
But I'm not gonna cry out to the rocks to hide me
Patiently I'm waiting here for you
Until there's nothing left to do but sweep me away
Sweep me away!
Coming back for me
I don't know when
But you'll have my allegience until then
Promises are true
They've always been
And I will live or die to honor you, yeah
Sweep me away
To an all new horizon
Sweep me away
From the dungeons of evil
Sweep me away
Like a sail in a the ocean
Sweep me away
In a sparkle of sunlight
Sweep me away!
Lyrics:
Sweep me away
To an all new horizon on a brighter day
Sweep me away
From the dungeons of evil where the captives lay
Carrying on but waiting
Always ready, willing, I watch the sky
I'm in hope of seeing your face returning
I could never live here without you
I'm just waiting for the day you sweep me away
Like a sail in the ocean, on a windy day
Sweep me away
In the sparkle of sunlight on a distant bay
My ties here are temporary
I know that we're all running out of time
But I'm not gonna cry out to the rocks to hide me
Patiently I'm waiting here for you
Until there's nothing left to do but sweep me away
Sweep me away!
Coming back for me
I don't know when
But you'll have my allegience until then
Promises are true
They've always been
And I will live or die to honor you, yeah
Sweep me away
To an all new horizon
Sweep me away
From the dungeons of evil
Sweep me away
Like a sail in a the ocean
Sweep me away
In a sparkle of sunlight
Sweep me away!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Eagles and Buzzards
Do you soar with the eagles or hover with the buzzards?
Eagles spend their time soaring and when they’re not, they’re solitary, off some where in a high place waiting. This reminds me of Psalm 91: "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty!"
Buzzards spend more time on the ground than they do in the heavens. In fact, buzzards like to live in places like garbage dumps. They hang around the side of the road waiting for an accident. A buzzard’s discernment is not that accurate but it is trained to smell death. And that is the only thing a buzzard is interested in. It is interested in death. It is interested in rotten flesh and it likes to feed on it. It thinks it’s found a prize when it finds something that’s dead. Buzzards rejoice when they find death and gossip and slander.
An eagle on the other hand will not eat anything dead. They focus on life. They see past the problem and see the potential that the Lord has hidden in people. We have to make a commitment to look for the good, to soar high with the eagles, and to stay away from the garbage dump where the buzzard lives.
The only thing it takes to see what’s wrong with someone is a critical mind and one working eye. Let's strive to look at each other through the loving eyes of God. Each person is more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows. Let's soar with the eagles!
Eagles spend their time soaring and when they’re not, they’re solitary, off some where in a high place waiting. This reminds me of Psalm 91: "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty!"
Buzzards spend more time on the ground than they do in the heavens. In fact, buzzards like to live in places like garbage dumps. They hang around the side of the road waiting for an accident. A buzzard’s discernment is not that accurate but it is trained to smell death. And that is the only thing a buzzard is interested in. It is interested in death. It is interested in rotten flesh and it likes to feed on it. It thinks it’s found a prize when it finds something that’s dead. Buzzards rejoice when they find death and gossip and slander.
An eagle on the other hand will not eat anything dead. They focus on life. They see past the problem and see the potential that the Lord has hidden in people. We have to make a commitment to look for the good, to soar high with the eagles, and to stay away from the garbage dump where the buzzard lives.
The only thing it takes to see what’s wrong with someone is a critical mind and one working eye. Let's strive to look at each other through the loving eyes of God. Each person is more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows. Let's soar with the eagles!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Warfare Worship
Spiritual Weapons
(2 Corinthians 10:4) Let's remember some of the weapons that pertain to warfare worship:
Playing an instrument like David did (1 Samuel 16:23).
Psalms 144:1 says, "God has trained our hands for war and our fingers for battle." Singing praises silences the enemy (Psalms 8:2).
Shouting scatters the enemy (Joshua 6:20) and brings down the walls of strongholds like Jericho.
Clapping strikes the enemy (Psalms 47:1).
Dancing places the enemy under our feet (Malachi 4:3) and rhythm creates the tempo for God to beat the enemy through our praise (Isaiah 30:32).
Prophecy is the voice of the Lord that shatters the enemy (Isaiah 30:31).
The ultimate weapon is the presence of God which causes the enemy to melt like wax (Psalm 68:2).
Today's prayer: "God, I will sing praises to you and my enemies shall be silenced; I will shout loud praises to you, yes, and they shall scatter; I will clap my hands and dance before my God, placing the enemy under my feet; and I shall seek your presence, which will cause them to melt like wax. For you alone are God and you are the one I praise."
(2 Corinthians 10:4) Let's remember some of the weapons that pertain to warfare worship:
Playing an instrument like David did (1 Samuel 16:23).
Psalms 144:1 says, "God has trained our hands for war and our fingers for battle." Singing praises silences the enemy (Psalms 8:2).
Shouting scatters the enemy (Joshua 6:20) and brings down the walls of strongholds like Jericho.
Clapping strikes the enemy (Psalms 47:1).
Dancing places the enemy under our feet (Malachi 4:3) and rhythm creates the tempo for God to beat the enemy through our praise (Isaiah 30:32).
Prophecy is the voice of the Lord that shatters the enemy (Isaiah 30:31).
The ultimate weapon is the presence of God which causes the enemy to melt like wax (Psalm 68:2).
Today's prayer: "God, I will sing praises to you and my enemies shall be silenced; I will shout loud praises to you, yes, and they shall scatter; I will clap my hands and dance before my God, placing the enemy under my feet; and I shall seek your presence, which will cause them to melt like wax. For you alone are God and you are the one I praise."
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Weapons of War
As long as we're doing what God wants us to do we're going to continue being attacked, but "when the enemy comes in like a flood the Lord will raise a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19)
John Wesley's Explanatory Note on this scripture: "When" - At what time soever the devil, or his instruments shall make violent irruptions upon the church. "A standard" - God shall make known himself to take their part and defend them, by his spirit alone.
Today's prayer: God, it seems like the enemy is coming in like a flood. Therefore, I KNOW that you will raise a standard against him. Thank you for the promises in your WORD. I cling to them; I cling to You; I will not be defeated. Amen.
John Wesley's Explanatory Note on this scripture: "When" - At what time soever the devil, or his instruments shall make violent irruptions upon the church. "A standard" - God shall make known himself to take their part and defend them, by his spirit alone.
Today's prayer: God, it seems like the enemy is coming in like a flood. Therefore, I KNOW that you will raise a standard against him. Thank you for the promises in your WORD. I cling to them; I cling to You; I will not be defeated. Amen.
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