Sharing the Love of God
Despite the heat wave, Fourth of July celebrations, picnics, barbeques, and other forms of summer amusement continue in earnest. I am grateful for our precious freedom and liberty, and for those who risked everything, so I can live in this country. Enjoy the fun, and remember we’re celebrating “Liberty and Justice for all.” A divine freedom given to us by God.
Happy Fourth of July. 
Raging fires, power outrages, water and gas shortages, soaring temperatures…people seeking and needing shelter. Much of the country was affected by the damage caused by the recent storm, while some are dealing with aftermath of the Colorado fires. As the impact continues to be felt, organizations and the public are working together to provide much-needed resources. The need is great. And as the power is being restored, those returning to their homes and businesses are accessing the damage and beginning repairs.
As we returned home to clean up and toss out food, I considered our need for God. When the storms of life are raging, the need to seek God should stir up our internal engines to run to Him. When our spiritual tanks get low or run dry, instead of running to the nearest “good time” we should fill up at God’s service station. Our “battery” power is short, and ill-equipped to handle all of life’s challenges. The enemy wants to burn us up, drain us dry, and turn off our lights. We can’t live this life and survive without God.
Become a first responder. Go to the Fountain of Living Water which nourishes, refreshes and powers our mind, body and soul. Plus, it never, ever runs dry. It puts out the raging fires. It fuels our lives, and lights our way. This source-the only true Source provides, protects, and prospers. Our need for Christ and His wonderous, working power is needed daily. He satisfies, and shelters us during life’s storms.
So, no matter what is happening, or what will happen, seek Christ. As the old hymn states,” I need thee, O’ I need thee. Every hour I need thee. Bless me now my Savior. I come to thee”. Go to Christ our Savior. We need Him. Luke 5:31-32
“Godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing in the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.” 1 Timothy 6:6-7 NASB
Godly contentment seems like a lofty goal since we are plagued with constant messages of volatile markets, and ever – changing political climates both here and aboard. The harbingers of doom and gloom-the news and entertainment media fill the airwaves with images of death, destruction, grief, sorrow. And along with these are the conveyors of every conceivable pleasure laden items, and substances, all waiting to snatch away our peace of mind. “Vanities of vanities, all is vanity.” How can one expect to maintain a sense of peace within or achieve Godliness? 1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace – as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.” NIV
God promised our minds would flow and remain in perfect peace and harmony when we focus on Him. We will never be content with this world’s vain riches. Nor can our minds withstand the endless onslaught of messages and images designed to attract and distract us from our divine purpose. Our soul craves for the living, soothing water of Christ-the Prince of Peace. It is His message, and His image that establishes contentment and peace. Only with the power and presence of Christ can we place all things and experiences in their proper place. “The earth is the Lord and the fullness thereof.” Recognizing everything belongs to the Lord, and that we are merely His stewards means freedom. So let go of the entanglements, and the sin that so easily besets us, and lay hold of the peace and contentment that passes all understanding through Christ, our King.
In Prayer and the Coming Revival by Andrew Murray, he wrote “Prayer is the one power on earth that commands the power of heaven. (paraphrased). The one power that bring heavenly power to earth. The one power which combines the natural and supernatural. It gives light and peace, joy, and all the benefits of heaven. James 1:17 states, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” [NKJV]
To receive the glorious benefits of heaven, to transform the world around us prayer is needed. Take note my dear brothers and sisters we need to pray more. Prayers like that of Hannah, whose barren womb was opened up to receive the good gift of a son. We need to pray like Nehemiah, who when he heard of the conditions in Jerusalem prayed and receive wisdom to begin restoring the walls. We need to pray like David, whose prayers filled the pages of our Bible with words of repentance, despair, hope, compassion, love and appeal for others. These prayers and others changed the lives of the one who prayed, as well as recipients. We are told to pray without ceasing…to make our petitions known to God. To pray is to invite heaven to reside on earth – the corrupt to know the incorruptible. Through it [prayer] our feeble hands touch the hem of His garment and receive power. Amazing Prayer transforms our minds, and prepares our spirits to become better instruments for His use. At our church we have a motto: Prayer, Praise, and Participation = Power. Focus on your prayer time, and strive to really pray, so more of those good and perfect gifts can be realized in your life.
In my last post I incorrectly quoted from the movie Pollyanna. The inscription on her necklace was “If you look for the bad in people you shall surely find it”, Abraham Lincoln. The major theme of the movie was to look for the good, not the bad. Whatever you look for in people, you will see it.
Philippians 4: 8 [KJV] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Form an opinion of those things which heighten, elevate us and those around us. People need to see the true, see integrity, see justice, purity, beauty, and the good. They need to see they are made in the image of God.
The moment we behold [with our soul] as with the clear light of Christ, we are transformed, and so is our world. Light removes the darkness. It penetrates the heart and spirit, and take us to the sacred place of forgiveness and love.
Your good eyes shining on the poor soul who has lost their way will be like a drop of water in the dry desert. Let resolve ourselves to see the good, and share the Good News today.
First Lady Michelle Obama was on The View sharing her new book, “American Grown” and recipes on healthy eating. As I briefly watched I thought about how sick our country is health wise. More and more of our children are obese along with their parents and guardians, and how difficult it is for our minds and spirits to be healthy when our bodies aren’t.
I encourage all of us, including myself to take another look at ways to create all around health.
“You surely know that your body is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives. The Spirit is in you, and is a gift from God. You are no longer your own.” I Corinthians 6:19 CEV
Our bodies are temples of the living God, entrusted to us to create love and life on earth. We dishonor the sacred trust God granted us when we chose not to maintain these bodies as best we can. From the beginning God gave us a plan for life-healthy life and living which included the body, the mind and the spirit. Failure to follow the plan leaves us to the mercy of the enemy whose mission it is to kill, steal and destroy.
However, even small, incremental steps can minimize and in some cases reverse the damage done. The choice is up to us. We can have a more abundantly life filled with all the best things God want for us. And at the same time, have a strong body ready prepared and ready to meet those divine assignments.
Ask God to help you get your whole body prepare for what lies ahead, and then follow the plan. Your body will thank you.
“It is not too much to say that all real growth in the spiritual life-all victory over temptation, all confidence and peace in the peace in the presence of difficulties and dangers, all repose of spirit in times of great disappointment or loss, all habitual communion with God-depend upon the practice of secret prayer.” Author unknown.
Recently, my meditation readings have focused on peace-peace within, bold peace. “Where there is peace, God is” said George Herbert. Our minds are kept in perfect peace, when we focus on Him, not them. Romans 12: 1-2, strongly encourages us to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Him. Do not be conformed to the same manner of thinking, behaving and reacting to the world. How can this be achieved? Peace.
There comes a peace that even in the face of tremendous pain or challenges we can experience a peace that passes all understanding. That peace is the peace of Christ, since he is the Crown Prince of Peace. Peace is part of His divine nature, His essence. The Lord blesses his people with peace (Psalm 29:11). It is Peace that rides along side us and hovers over us when we rest at night filling our soul and spirit with blessed assurance. Peace gives us strength from day-to-day. Peace strives to keep unity and does not create strife. Peace is never anxious, because with prayer and supplication and thanksgiving, petitions, requests are made known to God, knowing full well He can handle it. Peace is the legacy Jesus leaves with his children (John 14:27), “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” Peace, glorious peace. As this day unfolds, rely on that peace. Fill every corner of your mind with peace, knowing all is well your soul.
The heavens declare my glory. I’m still God.
My loved one has died. I’m still God.
I lost my job. I’m still God.
My business is failing. I’m still God.
This is our wedding day. I’m still God.
Our daughter graduated. I’m still God.
I went on a mission trip to Haiti. I’m still God.
Our home was destroyed. I’m still God.
It’s a boy! I’m still God.
My candidate won. I’m still God.
The team lost. I’m still God.
Dad doesn’t remember me. I’m still God.
He ran away. I’m still God.
They loved my new book. I’m still God.
Lord, I’m lost. I’m still God.
Lord, thank you. I’m still God.
God is still God regardless the common property of our everyday experiences. Whether delight or despair, triumph or tragedy God is and always be. This knowledge should strengthen our faith that no matter the circumstance God is and will always be.
A gracious friend recently shared she is studying and working on the spiritual discipline of humility. 1 Peter 5:5 [NIV] states, “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” Familiar with some works by noted author and theologian Jonathan Edwards, I reviewed an article he wrote on the subject, and found it to be in alignment with this passage. Edwards stated that, “The man who is under the influence of a humble spirit is content with such a situation among men, as God is pleased to allot to him, and is not greedy of honor, and does not affect to appear uppermost and exalted above his neighbors.” Humility is not arrogant, proud, exalted, it does not seek to be in the front row. Humility is no respecter of person. It lovingly considers our status to be equal children made in the image of God. Edwards summarized his article by pointing out that humility:
Self-examination and quiet reflection is designed to gain insights. I certainly have and will continue to do so on the topic. For in looking at this essential characteristic, I know I must continue work on being more humble. Our culture does not extol this virtue. Let’s face it, there are not as many stories shared about the truly humble. Could you, at this moment name 10 people who you consider to be humble? Who would be on your list? Family members, celebrities, sport figures, politicians, historical personages, etc? Right now millions of people around the world, myself included have spent precious resources developing and organizing information to promote themselves, their causes or interests. Self promotion is the new normal, and much of it does not lend itself to being humble. As children of God, we are instructed not to think more highly of ourselves. Because there is an inherent danger in promoting a message, and being the messenger. Even Jesus, at different times told those he healed to not broadcast who healed them to others. Clearly, our Lord understands the insidious temptations involved, as well as our own self-interests. He experienced it during his earthly ministry. There were those ready to thrust Him into being a King even among his disciples. But Christ came to serve.
In Isaiah 57:15, scripture tells us God inhabits the humble, and requires us to walk humbly with Him Mic.6:8. Our Lord gave us the perfect portrait of humility when He emptied himself, and became a willing servant, even to the cross. Picture the evening when he washed the disciples’ feet. How could the Lord stoop to do such a thing? Our Lord is always the benchmark. Humility speaks to us to open a space in our hearts for others. The disciples needed an example, and now in this age there are many, many others needing real life examples of Christ-like humility. When we perform our work with a humble spirit we bring glory unto the Lord. No matter the occupation, season, calling or the recipient, it is to be carried out just as Jesus washing those feet. Oh yes, humility is an essential part of the Christian experience, and it creates true servants of the most High God.
I recently watched a movie,” The Grey” depicting a story of survival. The storyline was about a group of men survived an airplane crash in Alaska, but were pursued by a pack of big grey wolves. One by one the wolves encountered and killed members of the group, except those who succumbed to the elements, until only the skilled hunter was left. The final scene showed the hunter played by Liam Neeson surrounded by the pack. As he prepared for the final battle, you saw him remembering his wife, father, and words from a poem his father wrote..”Live and die each day.” He recited the words as he looked at his main pursuer, a huge grey wolf. Each staring at each other the hunter took a breath, weapons in his hands then the scene went black leaving the audience to draw their own conclusion to the end of the story. I thought the enemy uses similar tactics on us. The pack attacked in large and small hunting parties. Sometimes the attacks were in the daylight, sometimes at night. The enemy does the same. Sometimes there are sneak attacks. The calm before the storm, then he strikes. Sometimes the enemy stares you in the face taunting you, as if to say you aren’t going to win this fight. But it is not true. Jesus left us an inheritance…His last will and testament written with his precious blood. He left us His all-consuming power, and glory. He left us His peace that passes all understanding. The enemy is powerless AGAINST JESUS. He does pursue, and uses every weapon in his arsenal. But he has already been defeated by our risen Savior who sits on the right hand in glory. No weapon formed against us can prosper. Each and every day we are to put on the whole armor of God to stand and look the enemy squarely in the eye and say take your best shot. And he will take the shot, and fall down in defeat. You will stand as the victor. You win because of Jesus.
Jesus defeated death and everything that will come against us. It may be grey in your life today, but take hope and strength in your rightful inheritance, and in the knowledge that Jesus won, which means we have the victory. “Be strong and very courageous”…Joshua 1:8-9
Loving God with Excellence 
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