Category: Spiritual Formation

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Godliness

“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.

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Awareness

The recent joy of our niece’s high school graduation was also wrapped in sorrow because of passing of our last uncle.  Family members are experiencing different and varied streams of emotions of joy, sadness, pride, regret, fear, guilt, love and hope.  Life transitions should increase our awareness and reflection, if we are to learn and grow from them.  If not, the law of diminishing returns will activate, and those clanging bells and cymbals will captivate our thoughts like a video game filled with a vortex of fragmented situations and circumstances.

In the midst of the joyous, and the profound, stop, and allow God’s wisdom to guide you.  Hidden within each experience is God.  His presence shining through reminds us that all things are His, and on loan to us. This is His time, His people, His world.

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Clean Heart

“Create in me a clean heart, so that I may serve thee… ” Become my sweet heart song O’ Lord, fill me with your joy. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  Forgive me Oh God for my sins…only you….only you can cleanse me.  You, O’ Lord are mighty.  You, Oh God are awesome. You Oh God are worthy of all the honor, and all the praise.  You, O’ Lord can heal me, restore me.  Create in me a clean heart so that I may serve you. This is my prayer.  This is my heart song.

Amen.

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Prayer

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.

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Cleaning House

Ever spent days getting ready for guests?  You clean and clean, but there always seem to be more and more dirt.  Things overlooked due to our over committed schedules get attention.  Piles of things that needed to be put away or organize, are now a priority because someone’s coming.  Increased time and energy is expended to make the house sparkle and shine.   With laser focused eyes, you notice every little speck, and the whole place gets a deep cleaning.    Everything gets put in its place-all neatly tucked away or displayed.  What about you?  How are you looking?  Do you need a deep cleaning?  Is there a blemish in your character that needs some attention?  Are there piles and piles of issues that should have been put away, or better yet throw out?  What thing have you buried so deep that needs the cleansing power of Christ ?

I remember for years mom would have us do a spring cleaning.  We spent days getting into every nook and cranny of the house.  Everything was completely washed. Walls scrubbed, mattresses aired out, nothing was off-limits.  We clean the house from top to bottom.   It was an annual ritual.  We didn’t like doing it, or the amount of time it took, but in the end when all was completed there was contentment, and blessed peace.   And it looked good.

Sometimes, we need to do a “deep cleaning” on our body temple.  This physical space our spirits occupy belongs to God, and He expects us to keep it clean and in good condition for His work.

When was the last time you did a deep cleaning?  If it hasn’t happened in a while, then I recommend you start today.  Get into every crack and crevice.  Wash your mind, body and spirit with the healing power of Christ’s living water.   God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind [2 Tim 1:7].   Use the power of God and begin cleaning your spiritual house today, and experience the blessed peace of Christ.  You will look good inside and out. Romans 12:1-2

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The Game-Postscript

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.

 

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The Game

Recently, I watched an old movie starring Hayley Mills “Pollyanna”, who came to live with her maiden aunt after the death of her missionary father.  Her aunt Polly was extremely wealthy and ran the town.  Its citizens followed a strict code of conduct and weren’t particularly happy. Pollyanna’s character, upon arrival introduced the philosophy of “The Game.”  Her father taught her to look at the bright side of things, even when disappointed in circumstances, or in people.  “If you look for the good in people, you are sure to find it” was the inscription on the necklace given to her by her father.  There are more than 800 happy texts in the Bible Pollyanna told the Pastor portrayed by the late actor Karl Malden.  He went and looked up every single one of these “happy texts” and it dramatically changed his ministry, and relationship with the townspeople.

Cynicism, malaise is creeping into our thoughts, actions, and deeds.   Are you looking for the good in people at the home, the supermarket, store, bank, school or on your job?  You might say, you don’t understand what I’m going through.  You don’t understand the news I just received.  My kids, my spouse, my job, my work, my life….there is nothing good here now.  You are so wrong.  Good is always present.  “Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from Heaven above, with wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God” are lyrics from a song sung by Helen Baylor.  Our awesome God has given abundant life.  He has given us the perfect planet in which to live.  He has given us his Only begotten Son Jesus to rescue us from the wages of sin and the grave.  He has given us family, opportunity to use our gifts and abilities, and so much more.   We are his beloved children, stewards and ambassadors who should be looking for the good in others.  The world needs us looking through the lens of good so they can have hope.  So go find a happy text in the Bible, and then play the Game.   Remember: When you look for the good, you will surely find it.

1 Corinthians 13

 

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The Second Read

My husband taught a class entitled, “The Power in God’s Word“.   He used the first five chapters of Genesis to get the class to understand how important it is to read the Bible, not just for the sake of reading, but also for understanding.  He used the illustration of Seth (Cain and Abel’s brother) to show how easy it is to miss connections and relationships between events, timeframes, and biblical figures.  So how should one read the Bible? Pray first and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding, read slowly, and do a second read.

Let’s face it. We won’t truly understand who we are and our purpose with a cursory read of God’s Holy Word.  The average 21st Century Christian is woefully lacking in their knowledge, and understanding of God’s Word.  They pick up some bits and pieces, but not enough to produce the Power they should have.

The Bible said “my people perish from a lack of knowledge.”  That lack of knowledge is evident in our daily walk, and in our homes, schools, communities, businesses, and even in the church. The body of Christ does not reflect the Power of God. Just take a look around you.  Do you see evidence of the awesome power of God?

Taking time to study is part of our responsibility as servants, and inheritors of the Eternal blessing. Study helps us to rightly divide the word of truth.  As a consequence, we regain power that was lost, when our fore-parents sinned in the Garden of Eden.  We re-gain lineage [family line, ancestry, roots] and heritage [legacy, birthright, inheritance] from the power in God’s Word.

Do a second read for understanding, and for the power in God’s Word.

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Happiness

“Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul”. Democritus

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:9-11 The abundant life has nothing to do with possessions and everything to do with what possesses our soul.  On long walks I often marvel at God’s creations, because in nature, and in our lives there are lots of opportunity to discover and maintain real lasting happiness.  It begins and ends with our relationship with God, which points us to those things that makes us happy, such as family, friends, compassionate service to others, and being with precious Jesus.  Think of it, God formed us to worship and be with Him.  He created a way to have an eternal relationship through His Son. There is nothing quite like deep abiding sacred place of happiness formed by God.  Satisfaction in knowing that if you had a Job experience, it would still result in happiness because you have God.  To know nothing can separate you from the love of God, from Christ our Savior is a wonderment, and a blessing.  We have happiness.  We have abundant life.  We have all we will ever need for our soul.  So take a moment to slow down, breathe and say Amen for being abundantly happy in God.

Photo taken by Denise L. White
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Deep Knowing

My husband and I made an 11 hour road trip yesterday to see our granddaughter perform in a dance recital.  Watching her and others dance, I thought, at what moment do we recognize our special gift or talent? What triggers the thought this is what I want to do, this is who I am, this is what I came to do?   I’ve read that some can recall in vivid detail the moment they realized their gift or purpose.  They called it a “deep knowing” which they stated made them realized this is why God made them.  With this knowing they move into the flow of their giftedness.

There are plenty of distractions, lost opportunities which delay, or prevent this discovery.  Lots of people go through life feeling there is nothing special about them.  That they are not valued, and have nothing to contribute. Some abused, and discarded souls fail to launch sensing their only purpose is to experience pain, and not to experience the feeling of being in their destiny.

What I witnessed yesterday was the beginning stages of recognition.  It was evident on some dancer’s faces, in their movements and in their eyes. There was a yes, this is what I am supposed to do.

Why is this important?  God wants us to recognize who and what we are.  He wants us to express our gifts and talents.  Expressing our gifts shows our gratitude to Him, and give the world a chance to experience more of God.  The Bible tells us, “Every good and perfect gift comes down from Him”. Our source and connection to the Creator and Source of All Things is the creative lifeline. We were made in his likeness and image, and because of it, there is a longing to express beauty, love, peace. [Genesis 1:25-27] 

The moment you begin the journey of discovery you change.  Life flows differently.  Just as some of those young people yesterday began discovering their gifts, it can happen to you.
It has been a joy and privilege to watch the flower of discovery unfold in our grandchildren.   I believe their journey of learning who they are, and what God made them for will culminate in pure joy.  As they move forward, and they will come closer to God, and their purpose. Ecclesiastes 8:6 states, “to every purpose there is a time”, and there is an eternal plan for us.  While we are here, we are called to demonstrate to the world who we truly are [Ephesians 3:11].

Everyone was given something unique in which to express their connectedness to the Holy One.  It’s quite remarkable.  Just as Jesus’ purpose was to reveal His deity, and destiny to mankind, so to are we.  Do you know your purpose?  Are you expressing your true gifts and talents? Do you know what they are? If not, take the journey of discovery.  The world needs to experience those precious gifts.  Don’t hide them under a bushel.

Liturgical Dance performed by Elder Cassandra Henry. All rights reserved. Oshkosh, Wisconsin. 2008.