I've been doing some chewing on the life of David. He was called "A man after God's own heart" (Acts 13) and yet we know he was so far from keeping the Law of Moses and seemed to willfully choose sin. It would seem that his decisions would have doomed him to a passionless relationship with God but we see the just the opposite is true in his life. How did this man under the Old Covenant (keeping the Law) seem to grasp the concept of God's grace?
In Psalm 16:5 is a clue for us. "LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure" David had a revelation that he was not producing his own righteousness. He somehow knew that keeping the Law was not his security. Many times we read that "David inquired of the LORD." He had developed a relationship not based on rules but KNOWING his Father's heart. David messed up more than ANY other person we read about in the Word of God and yet he was abundantly blessed.
David was also a man of war. I've been focused on one particular verse of scripture for quite some time now near the end of the famous story of David defeating Goliath. This one verse has opened up an understanding for me about what David knew as a man of war and what it means to go forth victorious with a defeated enemy underfoot.
"David took the Philistine’s head and brought it to Jerusalem; he put the Philistine’s weapons in his own tent." Ps 17:54
Now I should give you a little background info. You know the story of David choosing a smooth stone and with a sling that stone SUNK into the forehead of the giant named Goliath. Interestingly enough, the same word for SUNK is used in Exodus 15 when the Egyptian army sunk into the floor of the Red Sea before they drown. The Hebrew people crossed with no problem--millions crossing to safety BUT the enemy was SUNK. This is how God chose to deliver David's enemy to him. David only flung the stone but God caused it to be SUNK into his skull.
David then picked up the sword of his enemy and removed his head.(this word for head is ro'sh and means a top of a mountain or the most important part of something.) This is significant since it demonstrated to those looking on that not only did David conquer the champion of the Philistine's but also the whole Philistine army. This signaled to Saul's army that they were already victorious. God had DELIVERED their enemy into their hand. It also foreshadows that God would use the enemy's weapon (the Cross) to destroy our enemy. No coincidence that Goliath's sword (kept in David's tent) stood end to end would have appeared as a very large cross. That little detail alone should excite you!
It says that David took the head to Jerusalem. But it was not just that simple. First of all Jerusalem was at that time still in occupied territory. We have to read in 2 Samuel 5:6–10 paralleled in 1 Chronicles 11:4–9 that David did not capture and make Jerusalem the capital of Israel until a much later date.
For a season the head was with Saul. It was kept as an artifact just gathering dust. But David used the head (by this time a skull with no flesh upon it) as a symbol to those who followed David that the ENEMY of God is a defeated foe. God delivered Goliath into David's hand and the Philistine army into the hands of God's people.
The head of Goliath remained with Saul until David was King. You know what? I bet there were lots of folks who wondered if David really did kill this infamous enemy. So being a man of war, David took the head of Goliath paraded it all around the divided kingdom (Judah and Israel) and eventually buried it in a place that became known as Golgotha or the Place of the Skull in Jerusalem.
So for centuries before Jesus the Messiah came on the scene this place had a reputation of being where the enemy was put under foot. Defeated! And the whole army of Israel paraded this head with David to it's final destination and it became known as the Place of the Skull.
Our enemy was defeated at the Cross. Jesus said, "It is finished". We have heard the Good News that He paid for all our sin, sorrow, sickness and any lack. But what are we parading around? Are we parading around a defeated enemy or parading our lack? David knew as a man of war that he needed to parade around the head of his enemy.
Okay, time to start a parade. Jesus removed the head of our enemy 2000 years ago at the cross. He delivered the death blow. Now we confess what we believe --not to convince the enemy of his defeat---he's needs no convincing---not to convince God--NO! Our Father in Heaven needs no convincing. But to convince ourselves and encourage those around us. We need to be fully persuaded about what Jesus has accomplished on our behalf.
"And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." Romans 4:21
Here's the definition of Salvation in case you need a refresher:
Soteria or Sozo (saved) From the Strong's concordance.
to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction
a) one (from injury or peril)
* to save a suffering one (from perishing), i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health
* to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue
Jesus said, "It is FINISHED" so start parading around the head of your enemy! You ARE VICTORIOUS! Jesus paid the price for you to have 100% salvation in any area of your life. You just need to know it for yourself.
Psalms 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Excerpt Chapt 5: "Hedged in by God's Grace" Establishing My Heart for Healing
Excerpt chapt 5 Establishing My Heart for Healing
The Holy Spirit wanted me to learn to take control of my sloppy boundaries with friends and family issues. I was also getting a glimpse of truth that God wanted me to discontinue allowing Satan to bully me by stealing my peace, joy and health. The Holy Spirit continued to encourage me to believe for a life free from depression and severe anxiety.
Although the depression was better, and I was having less anxiety due to the new medication, I continued with the bouts of an overly sensitive immune system. I had sore throats and swollen glands nearly all the time. My neck and shoulders felt like they were tied in knots and tenderness ravaged my joints. Pain and fatigue were a constant companion.
The pains that attacked my body, can only be explained as non-localized pain that bounced from one part of my body to another. I had a good idea why some people think that pain, coinciding with depression, is just in a person’s head. There was no way to point to an exact place in my body where I felt the pain. Stress headaches and intestinal issues were a daily problem. All of this misery was lumped together as symptoms of depression. I have to tell you that at age 38, I felt very old.
So what happened between my 39th and 40th birthdays to make such a huge difference in my life?
I recognized the years of trying to unrealistically please people and please God had taken its toll, and I wanted to be healthy for the next season of my life. I didn’t know if this meant I would be free from depression, but I knew that God wanted something better for me. I had a renewed hope since the new medication was working relatively well.
This lull in my brain chemical storm, allowed me to study God’s Word in a depth. I had not been able to study God’s Word with that type of fervor since my college years and the experience of the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit”. Confusion was replaced with a fire that burned in my soul.
I felt led by the Holy Spirit to do a study in the Bible on the words “gate, hedge, wall, and boundary”. Hundreds of scriptures were posted to my computer screen after inputting these words into an online Bible database.
After months of studying these scripture, it became evident to me that Psalm 16 was to become the outline for what a person needed to know about God’s safety zone or hedge of protection. I knew there were dozens of good books written by professionals concerning healthy boundaries and I had read most of them published. However, those books written were about healthy boundaries in relationships, but none were about the hedge of grace that God desires for His people.
The issue of knowing our authority in Jesus’ Name and recognizing when Satan has crossed the Christian’s boundaries, seemed to be nonexistent in any of those other very good books. I was seeing a trilateral purpose in Psalms 16 to accomplish the work that was needed in my heart. In this chapter from the Psalms, I saw a perfect example for healthy boundaries with our Heavenly Father, our relationships with people and understanding when Satan tried to cross our boundaries to steal what belonged to us as God’s children.
So for nearly a year, I poured over these scriptures and prayed for wisdom to know how to overcome the unhealthy tendencies in my life. Like a seed of hope that had started to grow, it was then I had some optimism for the first time in many years. I knew that the principles I was discovering were key to me living a victorious life. My heart had become established to receive the manifestation of God’s healing. Hope moved into faith. In Proverbs 13:12 it states, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes it is a tree of life.”
In April 2008, with my doctor’s cooperation, I started the process of weaning myself off the depression medication. By the end of June, I no longer needed the medication. I knew I was free. It was scary and exciting at the same time. At age 40, and the first time in my adult life, I was no longer dependent on medication to function and live my life.
I wondered if it was similar to how Peter felt when he stepped out of the boat and walked on water with Jesus. But just like Peter, Jesus would have to teach me more about faith and how to stand on my healing to maintain the good work that He had begun in me.
The Holy Spirit wanted me to learn to take control of my sloppy boundaries with friends and family issues. I was also getting a glimpse of truth that God wanted me to discontinue allowing Satan to bully me by stealing my peace, joy and health. The Holy Spirit continued to encourage me to believe for a life free from depression and severe anxiety.
Although the depression was better, and I was having less anxiety due to the new medication, I continued with the bouts of an overly sensitive immune system. I had sore throats and swollen glands nearly all the time. My neck and shoulders felt like they were tied in knots and tenderness ravaged my joints. Pain and fatigue were a constant companion.
The pains that attacked my body, can only be explained as non-localized pain that bounced from one part of my body to another. I had a good idea why some people think that pain, coinciding with depression, is just in a person’s head. There was no way to point to an exact place in my body where I felt the pain. Stress headaches and intestinal issues were a daily problem. All of this misery was lumped together as symptoms of depression. I have to tell you that at age 38, I felt very old.
So what happened between my 39th and 40th birthdays to make such a huge difference in my life?
I recognized the years of trying to unrealistically please people and please God had taken its toll, and I wanted to be healthy for the next season of my life. I didn’t know if this meant I would be free from depression, but I knew that God wanted something better for me. I had a renewed hope since the new medication was working relatively well.
This lull in my brain chemical storm, allowed me to study God’s Word in a depth. I had not been able to study God’s Word with that type of fervor since my college years and the experience of the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit”. Confusion was replaced with a fire that burned in my soul.
I felt led by the Holy Spirit to do a study in the Bible on the words “gate, hedge, wall, and boundary”. Hundreds of scriptures were posted to my computer screen after inputting these words into an online Bible database.
After months of studying these scripture, it became evident to me that Psalm 16 was to become the outline for what a person needed to know about God’s safety zone or hedge of protection. I knew there were dozens of good books written by professionals concerning healthy boundaries and I had read most of them published. However, those books written were about healthy boundaries in relationships, but none were about the hedge of grace that God desires for His people.
The issue of knowing our authority in Jesus’ Name and recognizing when Satan has crossed the Christian’s boundaries, seemed to be nonexistent in any of those other very good books. I was seeing a trilateral purpose in Psalms 16 to accomplish the work that was needed in my heart. In this chapter from the Psalms, I saw a perfect example for healthy boundaries with our Heavenly Father, our relationships with people and understanding when Satan tried to cross our boundaries to steal what belonged to us as God’s children.
So for nearly a year, I poured over these scriptures and prayed for wisdom to know how to overcome the unhealthy tendencies in my life. Like a seed of hope that had started to grow, it was then I had some optimism for the first time in many years. I knew that the principles I was discovering were key to me living a victorious life. My heart had become established to receive the manifestation of God’s healing. Hope moved into faith. In Proverbs 13:12 it states, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes it is a tree of life.”
In April 2008, with my doctor’s cooperation, I started the process of weaning myself off the depression medication. By the end of June, I no longer needed the medication. I knew I was free. It was scary and exciting at the same time. At age 40, and the first time in my adult life, I was no longer dependent on medication to function and live my life.
I wondered if it was similar to how Peter felt when he stepped out of the boat and walked on water with Jesus. But just like Peter, Jesus would have to teach me more about faith and how to stand on my healing to maintain the good work that He had begun in me.
Monday, December 20, 2010
A Key to Spiritual Maturity...For God So Loved...
What is a answer or the key to obtaining spiritual maturity? What will allow a person to cross from carnal (living from their human perspective) to a grounded or mature faith? Is it passion for the things of God? Is it disciplining oneself in the things of God? Is it daily dying to self?
It's Christmas time and I'm musing over so many wonderful Christmas classics. I was a music major when I started college and loved going daily to choir rehearsal. We performed Handel's Messiah during the Christmas season and it was a highlight of my college experience. I was somewhat ignorant to the fact that these amazingly beautiful songs were written by a man who was inspired by the Bible and the truth in the scriptures. Previous to college I had barely read any of the Bible. I had a knowledge based on what others told me the Scripture said.
I did know a few scriptures and one was "For God so loved the world that he gave is only Son that whoever would believe on Him would not perish and have everlasting or eternal life." (John 3:16) Many people on the planet know this verse of scripture and I think most who do know it take it for granted. But there is power in this--the gospel. It says in Romans 1 that "gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Imagine for a moment if you had no knowledge of the Father's love toward you.
So if this truth--knowing of His love to send Jesus is so essential, why does it seem to be such a neglected subject in the Church? When was the last time we heard a sermon or a series preached in worship service about the Father's Love?
We hear about repenting and service and dedicating our lives to prayer. We have it preached many times a year about the importance of the Great Commission. All these subject are indeed important. But none of these subjects will penetrate and CHANGE or TRANSFORM the human heart.
Knowing or experiencing the Love of God is what will penetrate a heart. Knowing His Passion for you will bring you to life. Preaching it to others will ignite a zeal within you that cannot be quenched. All those other subject (all important) will not cause you to become intoxicated by His purpose for your life.
I challenge you this Christmas season to meditate and speak aloud "The Father loves me...He loves me...He sent His Son --my Savior--for me. He loves me and desires me." Speaking this aloud causes a fresh belief within your soul. It changes you...it will change you and bring you passion in your heart and soul.
Here is a new song I discovered that stirs the Gift within me. Beloved by Tenth Avenue North
It's Christmas time and I'm musing over so many wonderful Christmas classics. I was a music major when I started college and loved going daily to choir rehearsal. We performed Handel's Messiah during the Christmas season and it was a highlight of my college experience. I was somewhat ignorant to the fact that these amazingly beautiful songs were written by a man who was inspired by the Bible and the truth in the scriptures. Previous to college I had barely read any of the Bible. I had a knowledge based on what others told me the Scripture said.
I did know a few scriptures and one was "For God so loved the world that he gave is only Son that whoever would believe on Him would not perish and have everlasting or eternal life." (John 3:16) Many people on the planet know this verse of scripture and I think most who do know it take it for granted. But there is power in this--the gospel. It says in Romans 1 that "gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Imagine for a moment if you had no knowledge of the Father's love toward you.
So if this truth--knowing of His love to send Jesus is so essential, why does it seem to be such a neglected subject in the Church? When was the last time we heard a sermon or a series preached in worship service about the Father's Love?
We hear about repenting and service and dedicating our lives to prayer. We have it preached many times a year about the importance of the Great Commission. All these subject are indeed important. But none of these subjects will penetrate and CHANGE or TRANSFORM the human heart.
Knowing or experiencing the Love of God is what will penetrate a heart. Knowing His Passion for you will bring you to life. Preaching it to others will ignite a zeal within you that cannot be quenched. All those other subject (all important) will not cause you to become intoxicated by His purpose for your life.
I challenge you this Christmas season to meditate and speak aloud "The Father loves me...He loves me...He sent His Son --my Savior--for me. He loves me and desires me." Speaking this aloud causes a fresh belief within your soul. It changes you...it will change you and bring you passion in your heart and soul.
Here is a new song I discovered that stirs the Gift within me. Beloved by Tenth Avenue North
And the Government Shall be Upon His Shoulder
Handel's Messiah is my favorite Christmas music and the song "For Unto Us a Child is Born" is top of the list in my opinion. The fluid harmony touches my heart in a profound way.... "And the government shall be upon His shoulders...." And then the list of the Names that we know Him by: Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, the Everlasting Father the Prince of Peace. There should be no doubt our God has plans to bless His people not curse.
But the phrase "and the government shall be upon His shoulders" does make one wonder the meaning. I used to thinking that Rome was cruel and the phrase meant that Jesus would be put to death by an actual government. That makes some sense... but it did not bring me hope. It was just an explanation.
The word dominion if you look it up in the original language is misrah which means "rule, dominion, government" This word misah is from a root word sarah which means "contend, have power, contend with, persist, exert oneself, persevere to persevere, contend with." So dominion shall be upon His shoulders.
His sacrifice conquered or took dominion over everything that appears to be a curse in my life.
I was worried this morning that some junk from my past would continue to follow me and my children for the rest of my life. It was heavy on my heart and I heard over and over the part of the song "And the government shall be upon His shoulders" So I looked up the word government...I will tell you it set me free. It did give me HOPE.
We have to accept as the truth that what Jesus did at the cross HAS given us ETERNAL life and that starts today. If it was meant just for heaven then it would be called life for tomorrow. But it's LIFE for NOW. If something looks like a curse in my life then I will just BELIEVE that my Savior carried that on His shoulders 2000 years ago and paid the price. I choose to believe that He already took care of it for me.
The scripture from Isaiah is prophecy about what our Messiah would accomplish...But we know He's already did it. All the promises of God are in HIM (Jesus) yes and Amen! Done! He said Himself from the Cross "It is finished". But will I choose to believe and receive or doubt and go without? I am not waiting for Him to save me from my ignorant mess....I've believing that what He did on the cross already delivered me and I am walking in a victorious life. He came to set the captives free and I declare I am free and so are my children! AMEN!
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.
But the phrase "and the government shall be upon His shoulders" does make one wonder the meaning. I used to thinking that Rome was cruel and the phrase meant that Jesus would be put to death by an actual government. That makes some sense... but it did not bring me hope. It was just an explanation.
The word dominion if you look it up in the original language is misrah which means "rule, dominion, government" This word misah is from a root word sarah which means "contend, have power, contend with, persist, exert oneself, persevere to persevere, contend with." So dominion shall be upon His shoulders.
His sacrifice conquered or took dominion over everything that appears to be a curse in my life.
I was worried this morning that some junk from my past would continue to follow me and my children for the rest of my life. It was heavy on my heart and I heard over and over the part of the song "And the government shall be upon His shoulders" So I looked up the word government...I will tell you it set me free. It did give me HOPE.
We have to accept as the truth that what Jesus did at the cross HAS given us ETERNAL life and that starts today. If it was meant just for heaven then it would be called life for tomorrow. But it's LIFE for NOW. If something looks like a curse in my life then I will just BELIEVE that my Savior carried that on His shoulders 2000 years ago and paid the price. I choose to believe that He already took care of it for me.
The scripture from Isaiah is prophecy about what our Messiah would accomplish...But we know He's already did it. All the promises of God are in HIM (Jesus) yes and Amen! Done! He said Himself from the Cross "It is finished". But will I choose to believe and receive or doubt and go without? I am not waiting for Him to save me from my ignorant mess....I've believing that what He did on the cross already delivered me and I am walking in a victorious life. He came to set the captives free and I declare I am free and so are my children! AMEN!
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Psalms 37 Countering Worry and Fear
The beginning of this Psalm encourages us to not fret if people wrong us or if it seems like evil doers are getting ahead. To me fretting is a form of worry and can lead to feelings of anxiety. Anxiety robs the believer of the fullness of joy and living the way the Father intends for His People. Since I lived with severe anxiety for so many decades I want to know what the Word says about countering it.
There are seven verbs in the first few verses of Psalms 37 that help us to counter fretting. These actions should be building one upon the other with trusting or having confidence in our Heavenly Father as our firm foundation.
Trust: "batach" To have confidence in our LORD which should lead us to doing good. The trusting or confidence is in the character of our LORD. This doing good would be the same as a healthy plant producing fruit. The plant does not set out to work doing good but produces based in how the plant is rooted. This trusting should also lead us to dwelling where God intends for us and being fed properly. Isn't that what we all need, to feel established and satisfied?
Delight: "anag" To be delicate or to be pampered in the LORD which leads to Him giving us our desires. Delight also means to enjoy. It has an intimate quality like a husband and wife enjoying the company of each other. This word "gives" is the same as giving a gift or bestowing on someone a blessing. When you really enjoy the company of an other, it is a natural thing to desire to lavish them with gifts.
Commit: "galal" To roll away or roll together your ways to the LORD. This implies that you both have the same goals or plans. If two people have the same purpose they will not be countering what one another is saying or doing. Agree with God! Agree with Him that the relationship you both have is based on your trust in what Jesus accomplished for you through His sacrifice. If you are trying to work to please God and He is trying to show you that the price is already been paid for you then this will be counterproductive.
Rest: "damam" quietness, stillness, literally not speaking in the LORD and at the same time "wait patiently" or "chuwl" which is a word that means to dance or whirl about... one of the definitions is "to be born" like it's a struggle to get out of the womb. There are seasons when stuff is flying at you and it seems like speaking to it would be the best defense but this part of the structure (strong tower) of defeating anxiety is to just zip the lip and use your energy to see whatever it is that the LORD is birthing in your life.
Cease "raphah" from anger: which means to sink or slack. Forsake "azab" wrath....abandon venomous poison. There will be days you would love to be angry until you see 100% deliverance from whatever might be causing you to feel fretful. But this encourages us to just not attempt to fix it our self. Abandon poisonous stuff that would keep us bound to the situation.
The remainder of the Psalm is about knowing that God will deliver us out of our troubles and that evil will not win. Well, guess what?!!! I have really Good News for you. In 2 Corinthians 1 Paul explains that all the promises of God (all the Bible) are in Him (our Savior Jesus) yes and Amen! Jesus made it clear from the cross that what He accomplished by His sacrifice is a finished work. We don't have to wait for God to deliver us from evil or send healing or any other answer to prayer because Jesus did everything necessary for life and godliness. (2Peter 1:3)
As New Testament saints, we don't wait for Him to do anything more, but believe what He has already done. Believe and receive.
There are seven verbs in the first few verses of Psalms 37 that help us to counter fretting. These actions should be building one upon the other with trusting or having confidence in our Heavenly Father as our firm foundation.
Trust: "batach" To have confidence in our LORD which should lead us to doing good. The trusting or confidence is in the character of our LORD. This doing good would be the same as a healthy plant producing fruit. The plant does not set out to work doing good but produces based in how the plant is rooted. This trusting should also lead us to dwelling where God intends for us and being fed properly. Isn't that what we all need, to feel established and satisfied?
Delight: "anag" To be delicate or to be pampered in the LORD which leads to Him giving us our desires. Delight also means to enjoy. It has an intimate quality like a husband and wife enjoying the company of each other. This word "gives" is the same as giving a gift or bestowing on someone a blessing. When you really enjoy the company of an other, it is a natural thing to desire to lavish them with gifts.
Commit: "galal" To roll away or roll together your ways to the LORD. This implies that you both have the same goals or plans. If two people have the same purpose they will not be countering what one another is saying or doing. Agree with God! Agree with Him that the relationship you both have is based on your trust in what Jesus accomplished for you through His sacrifice. If you are trying to work to please God and He is trying to show you that the price is already been paid for you then this will be counterproductive.
Rest: "damam" quietness, stillness, literally not speaking in the LORD and at the same time "wait patiently" or "chuwl" which is a word that means to dance or whirl about... one of the definitions is "to be born" like it's a struggle to get out of the womb. There are seasons when stuff is flying at you and it seems like speaking to it would be the best defense but this part of the structure (strong tower) of defeating anxiety is to just zip the lip and use your energy to see whatever it is that the LORD is birthing in your life.
Cease "raphah" from anger: which means to sink or slack. Forsake "azab" wrath....abandon venomous poison. There will be days you would love to be angry until you see 100% deliverance from whatever might be causing you to feel fretful. But this encourages us to just not attempt to fix it our self. Abandon poisonous stuff that would keep us bound to the situation.
The remainder of the Psalm is about knowing that God will deliver us out of our troubles and that evil will not win. Well, guess what?!!! I have really Good News for you. In 2 Corinthians 1 Paul explains that all the promises of God (all the Bible) are in Him (our Savior Jesus) yes and Amen! Jesus made it clear from the cross that what He accomplished by His sacrifice is a finished work. We don't have to wait for God to deliver us from evil or send healing or any other answer to prayer because Jesus did everything necessary for life and godliness. (2Peter 1:3)
As New Testament saints, we don't wait for Him to do anything more, but believe what He has already done. Believe and receive.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Is Happiness a Choice?
Is happiness a choice? I will say, yes. If everything in our life is going along fairly smoothly and we hit a bump in the road, like a flat tire or an unexpected bill then, yes--Most of us can choose to be happy. Some of us have walked with the Lord long enough to know that He will carry us through these days of trouble.
But what if a person struggles with depression? Is it fair to say happiness is choice? A person with debilitating depression lives day to day with a feeling of physically carrying a burden on their body. They really do feel like they are wearing a lead blanket.
Is it fair to just tell this person, who may be a Christian that happiness is choice? If they had cancer, would way say "praise God you can choose to be happy"? No, most realize how very insensitive that would be.
What about sin? Is sin a choice? Again, I will answer yes. If we are faced with a choice in our life to lie or cheat on our taxes then I would say, YES that is a choice. But what about the person who is bound by sin? What about the person who craves to commit a sexual sin or is driven by greed? Even if that person is a Christian they may feel completely helpless to their fleshly desires.
When it gets right down to it, if a person--Christian or non-believer-- is bound by sin or sickness it is them same result. They will not see freedom just by choosing to be free.
What will bring freedom, you may ask? Freedom comes only one way. Healing comes only one way. Believing in the finished, complete and perfect sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. He came to earth as a baby -- 100% man and 100% God to die a death meant for a sinner. He became our substitute for sin. He took all the wrath that was due to humankind so that we could have His Righteousness.
Many accept the fact that we need Jesus to save us from our sin, but how many are trying to do good works to try to please God enough so He will heal or deliver them completely out of their sinful lifestyle?
I did this for decades. I thought if I prayed enough, or served enough or gave enough of my time or money then it would get me ticket for my healing. I was jumping through hoops trying to prove my love and dedication to my God when the only thing He desired was for me to BELIEVE that Jesus already did everything for me.
It's not by might nor power but by My Spirit says the Lord...this mountain of sin or sickness or lack shall be removed. As New Testament BELIEVERS it's not obey and be blessed but BELIEVE and RECEIVE!
But what if a person struggles with depression? Is it fair to say happiness is choice? A person with debilitating depression lives day to day with a feeling of physically carrying a burden on their body. They really do feel like they are wearing a lead blanket.
Is it fair to just tell this person, who may be a Christian that happiness is choice? If they had cancer, would way say "praise God you can choose to be happy"? No, most realize how very insensitive that would be.
What about sin? Is sin a choice? Again, I will answer yes. If we are faced with a choice in our life to lie or cheat on our taxes then I would say, YES that is a choice. But what about the person who is bound by sin? What about the person who craves to commit a sexual sin or is driven by greed? Even if that person is a Christian they may feel completely helpless to their fleshly desires.
When it gets right down to it, if a person--Christian or non-believer-- is bound by sin or sickness it is them same result. They will not see freedom just by choosing to be free.
What will bring freedom, you may ask? Freedom comes only one way. Healing comes only one way. Believing in the finished, complete and perfect sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. He came to earth as a baby -- 100% man and 100% God to die a death meant for a sinner. He became our substitute for sin. He took all the wrath that was due to humankind so that we could have His Righteousness.
Many accept the fact that we need Jesus to save us from our sin, but how many are trying to do good works to try to please God enough so He will heal or deliver them completely out of their sinful lifestyle?
I did this for decades. I thought if I prayed enough, or served enough or gave enough of my time or money then it would get me ticket for my healing. I was jumping through hoops trying to prove my love and dedication to my God when the only thing He desired was for me to BELIEVE that Jesus already did everything for me.
It's not by might nor power but by My Spirit says the Lord...this mountain of sin or sickness or lack shall be removed. As New Testament BELIEVERS it's not obey and be blessed but BELIEVE and RECEIVE!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
If It's Not Good News, It's Not Jesus
I had a dream about five years ago and it is only recently that I understand it. It was somewhat disturbing at the time I had the dream probably due to the constant struggle of depression and the anxiety disorder that pummeled my mind daily.
I dreamed I was running from something or someone. I was unfamiliar with where I was at. I eventually realized I was in a maze of some sort. The people I saw were people I knew but no one would talk to me. It was like I was a stranger to them. I would ask them a question about how to get out of the maze and they all looked at me like that was a stupid question to ask. Some looked at me in disgust and acted like they were afraid to get too close. I began to feel a lot of shame and felt like people were pointing and whispering all the while I felt like something or someone would soon "catch" me if I didn't keep moving.
The dream was one of those bottomless pits of uncertainty. I felt anxious and confused. I am the type of person who prefers to plan my route and this was one uncertain turn after another.
I finally got to a clearing. It was like a round courtyard. There were several other openings that came from the same maze that I had just tried to escape. In the center of the courtyard, up on a small platform was who I thought was Jesus. His back was to me so I was unsure it was really Him. So I ran to Him. I cried out His name as soon as I saw His face. BUT He was scowling at me. There was a look of contempt on His face. I wept bitter tears, kneeling in front of my savior... I felt hopelessness and began to feel a dark gloomy cloud was settling on my body.
My dear friend of many years appeared to me in the dream as I was weeping before this angry god. She told me to get up and this was NOT Jesus.
I awoke with extreme emotion.
I now know that if it is not Good News, it is not Jesus. That dream was a revelation from my Savior that He is not hard to find and not angry with me. He paid all the price so I could come boldly before the Throne of Grace. I'm set free by His love and He would never leave me, reject me or put my to shame. All my sin was removed from me as far as the east is from the west. I now realize I do not need to feel driven by someone or something and I am free to love and be loved.
I dreamed I was running from something or someone. I was unfamiliar with where I was at. I eventually realized I was in a maze of some sort. The people I saw were people I knew but no one would talk to me. It was like I was a stranger to them. I would ask them a question about how to get out of the maze and they all looked at me like that was a stupid question to ask. Some looked at me in disgust and acted like they were afraid to get too close. I began to feel a lot of shame and felt like people were pointing and whispering all the while I felt like something or someone would soon "catch" me if I didn't keep moving.
The dream was one of those bottomless pits of uncertainty. I felt anxious and confused. I am the type of person who prefers to plan my route and this was one uncertain turn after another.
I finally got to a clearing. It was like a round courtyard. There were several other openings that came from the same maze that I had just tried to escape. In the center of the courtyard, up on a small platform was who I thought was Jesus. His back was to me so I was unsure it was really Him. So I ran to Him. I cried out His name as soon as I saw His face. BUT He was scowling at me. There was a look of contempt on His face. I wept bitter tears, kneeling in front of my savior... I felt hopelessness and began to feel a dark gloomy cloud was settling on my body.
My dear friend of many years appeared to me in the dream as I was weeping before this angry god. She told me to get up and this was NOT Jesus.
I awoke with extreme emotion.
I now know that if it is not Good News, it is not Jesus. That dream was a revelation from my Savior that He is not hard to find and not angry with me. He paid all the price so I could come boldly before the Throne of Grace. I'm set free by His love and He would never leave me, reject me or put my to shame. All my sin was removed from me as far as the east is from the west. I now realize I do not need to feel driven by someone or something and I am free to love and be loved.
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