I was having lunch with a friend a few weeks back. We were munching our salad and catching up with old times. She mentioned she met a friend of a friend of mine and she heard some very disappointing news. She only told me what her very good source told her.
What she said, hurt me very deeply. Not that what she said was not the truth but that I knew this person and he was in my book one of the "good guys". I put him in a category of being a hero and a loyal friend. Someone whom I would call if I ever needed anything.
I don't blame my friend for believing this piece of information. It might have even been 100% true.... but I knew 99 things about this person from personal experience that shows me that he is of a good character. Not perfect --but in his heart always trying his best.
I was so glad that I was able to tell my friend that the one bad thing she had heard was not the whole truth about my other long-time friend. I was glad to point out to her that he is my friend and I like him even though he's not perfect and if he was her next-door neighbor, she would be glad as well. This one bad report is not even close to the truth about who my friend is in reality.
I was driving home and was mulling over this 90 second part of my conversation with my friend of many years. I don't think ill of her for having this opinion. After all the person who told her was one that would know the truth. Unfortunately that person who gave the information had hurt and bitterness in his heart. He came to this opinion because he had been hurt by my friend. That's natural to focus on the hurt and not see the good.
Then I was thinking about how our God has got a bad rap. Every day on TV, movies, in books, radio etc we hear of "Acts of God" or horrible world events that bring about such pain and sorrow. Earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, fires, and tragedies of all sorts are blamed on our God everyday. People even kill other people in the Name of our God. It should break our hearts when people blame our Heavenly Father for such events.
I'm not here to try to convince you that God's in control or not in control. He's God and I don't have to defend Him to anyone who does not know His true nature. But just like my friend I've known since childhood, I know my Heavenly Father's true character. He's not out punishing or hurting people to show His wrath on a sinful world. If he wanted to send a message to Japan, or America or any other place in the world, he would not do it by slaughtering people. Dead people cannot repent. But we do God no favors by saying He's out to punish sinful people.
I know many see the Old Testament of the Bible and say that is who God is.... but God so loved the world that He GAVE is only Son that whoever would BELIEVE (on what Jesus accomplished) would have ever lasting life. (John 3:16)
Maybe it's true that God was mad at humankind.... I'm not a theologian, I'm just a person who believes in what Jesus did for me. And since Jesus took all the sin, sorrow, shame of the whole world for all of time, I know that all of that has been taken care of.... no more payment necessary. So that means God is not mad anymore. Jesus took care of it.
Mercy is about not getting what we deserve. My kids do naughty things sometimes and I don't punish them. They might deserve to be grounded or have a privilege revoked, but I'm merciful and just don't punish them. That's a good thing in their eyes. But even when they are not doing what I like, I still give them everything they need and even things they want. (shocking isn't it!) I love them and go beyond mercy and give them grace. I think it's that grace I extend that allows them to see--even on the roughest of days--how much I love them.
Don't worry. I do discipline them as necessary because I love them and don't want their wrong-doings to negatively affect them. So far, they have always made good choices after they have seen the truth about what could hurt them. That' what good parents do. They help their children make good and healthy choices in life.
Grace is about getting what we don't deserve. We are saved by grace (unmerited, unearned favor) by faith in what Jesus accomplished for us so that none of us can boast in our own good deeds. (Ephesians 2:8) The gospel or the Good News of what Jesus did is the power of God unto salvation to all who choose to believe. We forget that it's the Good News about what He did that can change our hearts and transform our lives. Knowing He loves us makes us want to do good. Doing good is a natural bi-product of knowing His love and grace.
Fear of punishment might sway us not to do bad....but it won't encourage us to do good. What if my children heard that I was going to harm them after a mistake? They probably would not come home if they believed that type of lie. Perfect love casts out fear....my children don't fear punishment even if they do wrong and they will run to us to help them rather than run away fearing punishment.
Hearing bad news about God will only hinder people from receiving His goodness and grace. They will run away from Him due to a mis-representation of Him. Sad that He's got such a bad rap-- People will fear Him and avoid Him.
The Good News (Gospel) is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who BELIEVES. Romans 1:16
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.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
A Picture of God's Grace
A mom is sitting in the family room attending her little ones when the younger one hits the older. Tears flow and anger is obvious. The mom says to her youngest, "You hurt your sister. " NO! I didn't did it!" "Can you give your sister a hug?" NO! I don't have any hugs in my heart!" Mom sighs and hears that small voice inside of her...."Come here then, baby. I will give you a hug so you will have one in your heart to share with your sister."
Isn't that a perfect picture of God's grace? We can go to the source --our Jesus--for a hug in our hearts to pass on to those who need it most. We can't do that in the natural....it's supernatural.
The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) We believe that Jesus did everything we need for life and godliness. We can believe that He did the work so that we can rest in His goodness and grace.
Isn't that a perfect picture of God's grace? We can go to the source --our Jesus--for a hug in our hearts to pass on to those who need it most. We can't do that in the natural....it's supernatural.
The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) We believe that Jesus did everything we need for life and godliness. We can believe that He did the work so that we can rest in His goodness and grace.
Friday, February 18, 2011
The Center of His Will Even on "Bad" Days.
Psalm 139: 11-12
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
I was having a rough day yesterday. I felt full of fear and not at all spiritually mature. Someone suggested that I ask the Father to minister to my heart. Sounded way too simple. This is what He did for me.
I was weepy and feeling like I must be out of His will since I was looking at what seemed like failures. A bad day seems to magnify our weakness and cast light on our doubts and fears rather than on the Good Work that He continues to do in us.
My husband offered to rub my neck since it has been bothering me this past week. My husband was praying in the Spirit for me and in complete gentleness the Holy Spirit asked me why I felt like I was out of His will.... I had no real answer -- a messy week of blunders. Then he brought back to my remembrance a day 16 years ago.
Back then I was struggling with severe daily depression so badly it was hard to get out of bed and get dressed. I had a beautiful toddler and she was the center of my human existence. We went to Walmart for some diapers and some supplies. I was standing in line to purchase what was in my cart and I was playing "peek-a-poo" and have a good time with my little girl. She was smiling and I was smiling. It was a heaven on earth moment that I took for granted.
I made my purchase and left the store. I was putting my precious child in her car seat when He said to me. "A woman decided to keep her baby because she saw how much you loved your little girl."
Talk about a burst of ETERNAL LIFE! I wept for a minute and thanked Him for using me that way.
Last night the Father reminded me of that day 16 years ago. You know what? It gave me that same explosion of Eternity shining into my existence. It made me see that "bad" days and good days are all the same to God. He said to me that I'm right in the center of His will even if I feel like a bug or a bug's spittle.
Yesterday my feelings lied to me and I chose to believe them. But when I asked the Father to show me the truth it was BEAUTY in me that I had no idea about. He showed me that I am right in the center of His will even on those days. He looked ahead and knew that I would whisper a prayer, or smile at someone, or hand them just a few dollars for lunch. Even these things that seems so tiny in the universe, can make a UNIVERSE of difference to someone.
I will never know their name but there is a young man or young woman out there in the world today because I was in the center of His will and purpose even in a season that looked like garbage to me.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
I was having a rough day yesterday. I felt full of fear and not at all spiritually mature. Someone suggested that I ask the Father to minister to my heart. Sounded way too simple. This is what He did for me.
I was weepy and feeling like I must be out of His will since I was looking at what seemed like failures. A bad day seems to magnify our weakness and cast light on our doubts and fears rather than on the Good Work that He continues to do in us.
My husband offered to rub my neck since it has been bothering me this past week. My husband was praying in the Spirit for me and in complete gentleness the Holy Spirit asked me why I felt like I was out of His will.... I had no real answer -- a messy week of blunders. Then he brought back to my remembrance a day 16 years ago.
Back then I was struggling with severe daily depression so badly it was hard to get out of bed and get dressed. I had a beautiful toddler and she was the center of my human existence. We went to Walmart for some diapers and some supplies. I was standing in line to purchase what was in my cart and I was playing "peek-a-poo" and have a good time with my little girl. She was smiling and I was smiling. It was a heaven on earth moment that I took for granted.
I made my purchase and left the store. I was putting my precious child in her car seat when He said to me. "A woman decided to keep her baby because she saw how much you loved your little girl."
Talk about a burst of ETERNAL LIFE! I wept for a minute and thanked Him for using me that way.
Last night the Father reminded me of that day 16 years ago. You know what? It gave me that same explosion of Eternity shining into my existence. It made me see that "bad" days and good days are all the same to God. He said to me that I'm right in the center of His will even if I feel like a bug or a bug's spittle.
Yesterday my feelings lied to me and I chose to believe them. But when I asked the Father to show me the truth it was BEAUTY in me that I had no idea about. He showed me that I am right in the center of His will even on those days. He looked ahead and knew that I would whisper a prayer, or smile at someone, or hand them just a few dollars for lunch. Even these things that seems so tiny in the universe, can make a UNIVERSE of difference to someone.
I will never know their name but there is a young man or young woman out there in the world today because I was in the center of His will and purpose even in a season that looked like garbage to me.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
When Life is OVER your Head.
A memory from when I was a little girl in the 1970s. All the snow our country is experiencing brought back this memory to me and I though maybe someone would be encouraged by it as well.
We awoke and opened the door to the porch and the snow was over the door way. I have never seen before or since then such snow drifts. I was only about 10yo and my only thought was the poor dogs!
I said, "Dad, our poor dogs are buried!!!" He said, "Well, start digging little girl!"
He had a shovel and me with my mittens (I was bundled up like a northern girl would be). We dug and dug and 150 feet later we made it to the hunting dog's little huts. They were so glad to see us! Dad brought out warm water and slop for them.
I played with them for a little bit and we went inside for lunch. I was so worried but my Dad knew the whole time they were all cozy in their beds of straw. The dogs didn't look too worried either.
This memory just reminds me of how much our Heavenly Father has it all under control even when things are over our heads, He's got a plan.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Place of the Skull--Parading around the head of your enemy
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.
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.
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
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