CHERRY PICKING

REFLECTIVE THOUGHTS

PAUSE & CONSIDER

BOOKS FOR PRISON
For several months I've wished to donate some of my books to the prison population, particularly those in solitary. The content is inspirational, spiritual in harmony with nature. What the research turns up shows religious gifts are discouraged. I need a lead. Can anyone help me?

MADE ANEW
God transforms a hard heart into a tender one once His love is received.

CHRISTIANITY
Christianity seems to be all over the map these days. Its beliefs, purpose, practices, doctrine, theology, the spiritual-social connection, and it's biblical interpretations are varied. Some common ground is needed as a uniter. What common ground? Christ with His message of life.

TRUTH TALKERS
I think it's important to be a truth talker. There's lots of pressure to say what society wants you to say ... at all times. That's not freedom, it's control. I've noticed the insincerity of it all. It's hard to be a truth talker when you know you'l  get stomped on. Still do it.

HEALING PLACES
How beautiful it is when the church lives its mission with compassion, grace, hope, love and acceptance. Christ lived it, modeled it, offered it. His arms are open for all.

CHARACTER
Interesting how this works. At 90 my dad's character still comes through. Today one of his new friends where he now lives had this to say, "I like your dad. He has a clean mind. He wouldn't hurt anyone." She's noticed his graciousness. My dad loves the Lord. His life speaks to it.

WHEN IT'S HARD
God is good. God is faithful. God is just. Somehow the knowing of these truths is freeing to me. I know I can trust Him no matter what, no matter how hard it is, no matter how contradictory it may seem from my perspective. Like others, I stress, get confused, despair. Nevertheless, through it all I know God knows what I do not. I can rest in that knowledge.

Where Unity in the Faith Lives

Where is true oneness found? Those who believe in the salvation that Christ offers through His death, burial, and resurrection; who believe through the eyes of faith, united in Christ--may know the perfect oneness of unity formed 'In Christ.'

Those who believe this truth are not of only one religious viewpoint or affiliation.

Truly, oneness is a matter of faith, belief, and soul. We are united in one faith--through belief in Jesus Christ--the presence and filling of the Holy Spirit--the love of God the Father--the redemptive work of Jesus Christ--and our hope for eternity.

. . .

I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me;that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

-John 17:20-23 KJV

The Need to be Wanted -- Part 1

‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, 

for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’”

 Matthew 19:14 ESV

The inner renewal cycle has happened to me and to many others.  Rejection marks people, but it need not keep them trapped in its pain. Fortunately, every person can find help, and they can ask God to help them.

A healthy ‘self’ is one aspect to the spiritual side of the human condition. God is in the restoration business. He helps, in a highly personal way, those who are willing to do the hard work necessary to achieve this healthy state. God’s children are wanted, and not only wanted, they are loved with pure, holy, unconditional love. God never forsakes, and he always loves the object of his affection.
     Knowing God in this way produces inner peace and fullness of joy. The soul-need, being loved, valued, and wanted, is met and satisfied. Wholeness brings richness to the inner self. Healthy spiritual life is actualized through the transforming love of God. God doesn’t withhold affection from the poor performers or the ones struggling with life. Instead, he assists them as he welcomes them on the spiritual journey of life.

With the innocent trust of a child, every person, with child-like faith, is welcomed into Father God’s warm embrace, much like that of a kind, loving, doting parent. For those who have yet to experience what it is like to be loved without strings, they are in for a treat. That kind of love is found in Christ Jesus. Yes, people mess up, but that is not cause for them to be discarded or unwanted in God’s kingdom. “For God so loved the world.”

All are wanted and all are loved.  That’s you and that’s me.

God's Quality is Gentle and Applicable: Intervention 20

When We Learn from Christ, We Become more like Him

Finding God in the Daily

For I am gentle and lowly in heart.
Matthew 11:29

Christians are image bearers. Their lives reflect Christ to the world. They are being changed from the inside to out, and it shows.

God's character-likeness influences our character and likeness.

A fully surrendered life has healing and cleansing. This life is pliable, moldable, and fluid. The resistance is gone. The inward places are healthy. Their focus is changed from ordinary spiritual living to a serious bent toward loving God with all their heart, mind, and soul.

God enables His life to live freely in those who turn their attention to receive of Him. God is the change agent in a caring, loving, interactive, Father-to-child relationship with His children. God is a gentle, kind Papa.

He is humble,
-wise,
     -trustworthy,
            -strong,
                   -caring,
                           -helpful.

Those who find God, whom have really found Him in this way, are different from others in the Christian family. They have a quality about them, like a softness indicative of quiet strength. It show outwardly when there is free access in an interactive relationship.

These followers are gentle and humble in heart. In truth, what they have is a Divine Presence in them shining forth, a beauty that originates from within that lights the eyes with life and peace. Their's is an inner radiance that spills forth in splashes of joy and inner delight that never draws attention to itself but arrests others' attention. 

In His gentle way, God cleanses souls, mends hearts, and heals wounds.

This is God’s loving intervention for dealing with the presence of pain and inner isolation in His followers. He desires our life that He might redeem every part of it. God touches us where we have been wounded by thoughtless words and unkind actions. He also brings to the forefront those times when we have acted in wrong-minded self-interest through self-serving, unkind words and actions.

Therapists guide us,.
-Friends love us,
     -Family supports us,
           -Pastors counsel us,
                  -Many pray for us,
But only God heals us. 

God meets us in the inner recesses of our hearts when we are open enough to let Him. The process can be painful, especially when past experiences have piled up like a formidable fortress walling emotions inside that have fermented in harmful destructive ways. It is okay to say, I can’t do this anymore, God. I can’t deal with this any longer. Take it. I need your help. I give up. I give it to You and ask You to take it. You to do it. I trust You.I want you. .

What came next in my life was extremely painful but worth it.

One by one as He revealed them to me, I gave my hurts and fears to God. It was a process of God showing me my heart. I saw how my wounds and self-imposed limitations were enclosed beyond my human ability to expose or remediate. Sadness, repentance, and sorrow mingled together overwhelming my spirit. God gently released their hold on me. God met me there as I revisited the ache in my heart, holding me in His tight embrace as He wiped my endless tears from swollen eyelids. His love was warm and comforting, kind and forgiving. His Father-love enveloped me, touched my wounds, lifted my sorrows, healed my hurts—and set me free. I understood that while on the cross, Christ shared in my suffering. My sadness gave way to relief then peace. The freedom was as if a burden had lifted and the monkey was off my back. The sorrow disappeared out of my heart until only a scar remained. I have never been the same. The pain has not returned. The deep sense of sorrow is gone.

† † †

Why a Yoke is Essential: Intervention 18

A Yoke is a Tool for Working Together

Finding God in the Daily

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, 
for I am gentle and lowly in heart

 and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:29

God's yoke binds us with Him in a secure relationship that cannot be broken.

TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU is the whole man active. Active again? Absolutely.

The yoke has a function that acts in a spiritual fashion. We take it upon us.

But why? 
     -Why would we want to do this?
           -Why do we do this?
                  -Why the symbolism in the word, yoke?

Christ tells his children to take his yoke upon us and in doing so we will learn from him. That's a pretty sweet reason. A yoke suggests a joining, a binding together, a union. At salvation, when we chose Christ, we were bound in a heavenly relationship with our heavenly Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Triune, three-in-one, God. The yoke that we take upon us, has a purpose, it instills a relationship which tethers the Trinity and Christ's followers together. The relationship is a living reality and needless-to-say, an interesting concept.

When my father was a boy, my father's dad had a team of horses for working the many functions of a dairy farm. Then one horse from the team died. The other horse was calm until they removed the dead horse from the corral. The live horse went crazy-like and panicked. The newly purchased horse for the team was young and willful. It wanted to pull faster than its partner. Dad's mother or father would have to slow him down so the two would pull together in tandem while pulling the implement.

Metaphorically, God tethers us to the yoke and then we get to the business of learning how to live this spiritual life God's way. Once yoked spiritually as one together, we follow God and are unable to act independent of God without a responding action. When we pull ahead of God, He slows us down. When we fall or drag behind, God lifts us up and helps carry us along. God is in us, with us, and we are dependent on His presence.

God's yoke is a gift. It keeps us on track, and it helps us when we are weak or self-willed. Just watch a team of horses or cattle bound with a harness or yoke, and you will see that they must work together or they will be at odds, which means little will be accomplished and much will be confused.

Christ's followers desperately need His tempering and guidance. This is a kindness to us, not a burden that inhibits our progress. God is becoming our strength as we learn to depend on Him.

We are able then,
-to place our trust in Him
      -with our daily stuff
           -our scary stuff
                  -and even our good stuff.

And that's a good thing.

To God be the Glory

† † †

Christ in You - Intervention, no. 5

 As It Were

 Finding God in the Daily

To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles 

are the riches of the glory of this mystery, 

which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 

Colossians 1:27

Spiritual approaches are not all alike, not even close. The motivators differ.

LIKE MANY RAISED in the faith community, my childhood was happy. I had loving parents who lived the walk, were faithful, true and consistent. It was a good home.

I was a devoted Christian and consistent churchgoer and was an active participant in the on-going liveliness found in the faith-based community.  My religious background sheltered me and my family life protected me. It was a good life and a conservative life.

Because of my background and my own desire to live a holy life, a blind-spot arose regarding an area of human struggle within this same spiritual community. Much of my religious instruction was shaped around two fundamental beliefs that provided the framework for our Christian lives. 

First, we learned that we needed to be saved. This was taught and preached faithfully and frequently. The church community shared with its people what scripture teaches, that salvation of a soul comes through saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Second, Christians were to live a moral, separate from the world, holy life. We lived in obedience to God as set forth in the Holy Word. Close adherence to certain standards of action and behavior were expected. This structure didn’t have much bend or wiggle room, but I accepted it and did my best to abide by its teachings. It bothered me that some in the church struggled to abide by its teachings

Much later, I began to understand why they struggled. The church’s beliefs were not where it fell short, even though it had a legalistic bent. I now believe its motivation was off. People were working hard for God, but they could never do enough. In this case, the focus was on Christian work and obedience, not on the God of the work and relationship with Him. There is a distinction between the two approaches.

Life in the spirit is its own motivator. When the Spirit leads, it is then the base for action and behavior set in God. Christians are best served when their actions stem from their relationship with God rather than trying hard to live the best they can in every way they can. They will either fail and feel miserable or they will look good and become prideful or somewhere in the middle.

Christ first. Christ always. Christ in you.

Dear Gracious Father, Help us to get this right. We want to be salt and light in the world, the best we can be. But without you we are unable, and we can't hope to get it right. Be our motivation. Amen

To God be he Glory

A Message of Life
Inspiration 44

A 'Let's Get Real' Conversation -- Inspiration 38

Finding God in the Daily

It's Not Too Late

And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Mark 16:15  NASV

We think the time has passed, but thinking like that is in error. Christians have a mission to speak life to others. It is up to them to get past shut doors to enter the public arena.

PEOPLE BELIEVE what they want to believe even if it isn't true. For them, validity comes when others agree with them or they agree with others. The more they hear a set view the more they believe it is true until someone upsets the apple cart. Beliefs are that way. Some current spiritual beliefs are out of sync with culture at large. Christianity, for instance, has lost favor these days.

Many are conditioned to hold Christian belief in contempt. Recent church scandals shore up this thinking to some degree. I believe some of this suspicion is the fault of Christians for not being salt and light in the world, and some of it thrives in a cultural system that denigrates Christian belief as contemptible nonsense. A lack of Christian love towards others makes the gospel unreadable for persons without faith. (How we need people who walk the walk like Keith Green did.)

Instead of going into hiding, I sincerely believe the bearers of the message of Christianity need to find a better way to communicate its truth to the masses. Let's look at Christ's actions. Jesus stood up to the bullies, called a spade, a spade, helped the poor, loved the unlovely, ministered to the spiritually hungry, and was true to His Father in Heaven. He was a man on a mission and wouldn't take any guff. Jesus was gentle in spirit and welcomed the children. His compassion and truth-talk defined Him.

Maybe more people would be challenged in their fixed beliefs about Christianity if  they could actually see the God-person of Christ in His followers. Maybe the skeptics would be impressed by the warmth of the gospel and in the Christ-followers. Maybe, just maybe, Christians can learn how to articulate the message of life in a way that people can hear, to a world that desperately needs it--that's on life support--that needs a hope and a promise for a better tomorrow. Christ promises living water for those who are thirsty. Are you thirsty? Quench your thirst in Christ. Come alive. Be blessed.

Dear Father God, Your message is life. We pray for those who can't hear Your message. May we articulate it to others in a way they can receive. May we be love to all. Amen

To God be the Glory

God Alone, Really? -- Inspiration 37

The Trouble with Idolizing

Finding God in the Daily

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Exodus 20:3  KJV

It creeps me out when I see Christians idolize pastors and leaders with celebratory status. They are not gods. It concerns me when parents idolize their children to the extreme. I think we must be careful lest we worship a person or thing rather than God. It's called idolatry. Let's be free of it.

A FORM OF IDOLATRY happens in some Christian homes. Idolizing someone or some thing leads to wrong-minded thinking about the person or thing. This type of idolizing occurs when the person or thing is put on a pedestal and viewed worshipfully and possessively. God says that He alone is to be worshiped. A parent may idolize their talented child and attribute over-zealous attention to the child's success. In a relationship, one friend can idolize the other friend and practically worship the ground they walk on. Almost anything is subject to this temptation i.e. politics, religion, nature, culture, pleasures.

Families can idolize their roots; 

     churches, their denominations; 

          institutions, their status; 

               sports, their heroes;

                    individuals, their achievements.

To revere and hold in high regard any of these is fine. Heroes and such are important to the conversation. People's passions are fine, as well. Spiritually speaking, the problem surfaces when people, things, and accomplishments are elevated to god-like status. They probably don't know they're doing that nor do they know that idolizing can become a form of idolatry, which is offensive to God. It is a subtle thing that as it grows gets out of hand. Attention placed where it belongs and according to God's truths keeps a right focus. Little gods have no place in the Christian life. And that's a good thing. God alone deserves our praise and worship.

Dear Father God. We're sorry for idolizing people and other things. Forgive us, we ask. Thank you. You are holy. You are mighty and just. Praise Your holy name. In Jesus name, Amen.

God is Greater than the Enemy -- Inspiration 34

Greater is He that is in You

Finding God in the Daily

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, 

for he who is in you is greater than 

he who is in the world. 

1 John 4:4  ESV

Christians can be easily defeated until they claim the scriptural promises that speak truth in the situation. God is greater than he that is in the world.

GOD IS GREATER than he that is in the world. During times of what is called 'spiritual warfare,' it is a comfort and encouragement to know God is on the winning side against evil and injustice. Christians can claim this while in the middle of a battle where the enemy is using his tricks to trip us up. There is power in the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus you can confront the wicked and dismantle the traps put in your path. You can orally say Jesus' name. Name it and claim it. You can pray for protection. You can focus your mind on Jesus. Speak to Him and picture yourself kneeling humbly before Him, asking for help. Saying, "Jesus" gives strength and banishes fear. Claim this promise and believe. Receive His blessedness.

Dear Father in Heaven, praise to Father, Son, and Spirit. We are thankful for Your protection, love, and kindness. You are greater than he that is in the world. This comforts us. Wonderful You are to us. Amen

To God be the Glory

Unconventional Christianity -- Inspiration 30

Go For It!  

  You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual 

house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual 

sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:5

Our gifts and talents mixed with the Holy Spirit's promptings make for an interesting life. Sensitivity to the Spirit's quiet voice and active listening and then acting on the promptings means you're becoming real. The focus changes from self to others.
 
THE UNCONVENTIONAL CHRISTIAN doesn't do Christianity the traditional way. They walk the walk according to the Spirit's compelling. Once they realize it is God giving these thoughts to them, they begin to be responsive. The thought comes in. Immediately or as soon as possible they go into action, no matter what it is. Every day meets with surprises.

Go here, go there. *Talk to that man over there, he's having a hard time. *Remember the announcement in church? Send $60 to the Smith family. *You need to go visit your auntie in the hospital. Right now. Drop everything and go. *See that woman over there, help her with her groceries. *You know, Mike? Send him an encouragement card. He needs to know he's appreciated. *And Pastor So and So, he would sure be tickled to get a home-baked strawberry pie, especially because it means you care. *Fast for a week for greater sensitivity in your ministry. *Commit to volunteering at the soup kitchen every week. *See over there on the park bench, give that homeless person your lunch. He's not eaten today. *Smile at people--because you love me. *Sing because you are my light to others. *Love on everyone you meet, the cashier, people at work, the little ones, your difficult relative, boss, co-worker. *Take a meal to your new neighbors, welcome them. *Call your sister. Pray with her, she's going through a rough patch. *Invite the young mother you met at church to your house for coffee; she's struggling and frazzled. It would mean a lot to her. *Time to get involved with the city park cleanup. *Share Christ with your grandpa. He's ready to listen now. *You really should make that call. *Mop the floor, clean toilets, wash dishes for Me and with a cheerful attitude. *Give thanks for My provision. *You need to forgive her, it's robbing your joy. *Stop complaining, it's finding fault with what I have made. *Pray for one hour every day for the needs in your family, country, world. And so the unconventional Christian life goes.

Want to have an unconventional spiritual life? Start listening to the Holy Spirit and follow the prompts. You'll be blessed (and surprised).

Dearest Father in heaven, it is joy to serve You. You receive the glory in all. Praise You. May Your love flow freely in all we do. Amen

To God be the Glory

Mind Reform -- Inspiration 29

Reforms of the Mind are Possible

 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, 

whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, 

whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—

think about such things.

Philippians 4:8  NIV

The mind is where decisions are made. It is powerful and has the power to make or break us in our spiritual lives.

THE MIND acts like a control center that directs incoming and outgoing traffic. It deciphers, decodes and makes sense of what comes in and what goes out. It works efficiently or inefficiently according to variant factors and stimuli. What is for sure, the mind is always busy doing its job. It constantly sorts, absorbs, decides, judges, compartmentalizes, likes, dislikes, considers, memorizes and so forth. In addition to the normal cause and effect, subliminal messages also give and leave impressions on the mind in addition to other influences. Some of these press the emotions into formulating a response. One has to be careful when evaluating content that is opinion-based. Cognitive functions interact with the message's suggestion.

For the Christian, the need to align beliefs and Scriptural teachings with life is paramount to God-centered spiritual growth. Wrong thinking and harmful considerations affect the whole person, in their emotions, intellect, and behavior. What goes in, then comes out. Positive behaviors are learned as well. Fill the mind with what is pure, healthy and good, what is honoring to God, and the outcome is to the positive and spiritual. To reform the mind of the presence of any internalized wrong-mindedness requires a vigilant, conscious effort to flush out what is not okay to fill up on what is okay. God empowers the refining.

There is a shortcut that facilitates this process in an easier manner. Those who seek God with their whole heart and God becomes close to them are sensitive to things of God and more aware of their own spiritual condition. It is like a flashlight turns on to highlight what needs to change. The mind then engages with their inner culture. That is one of the ways this sensitivity is developed. The Holy Spirit is involved in the enabling of God-actualized behaviors, where God leads and the Spirit influences an action.

Dear Father, help us to desire what You desire. Bring us in to a right relationship with You. Amen.

To God be the Glory 

God First -- Inspiration 24

When God Comes First

You can tell the authentic Christians from the pretenders by how they live and in the choices they make. It is apparent when God comes first in their lives. They don't have to say a word, but you know.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul 

and with all your mind and with all your strength.'

Mark 12:30

LIFE CHANGES dramatically when God comes first. The only way God can be first is when He is on the throne in a person's life. The only way God can be on the throne of a life is if the person surrenders their all to Him. To surrender their all to Him requires giving up doing everything their own way to do it God's way. An act of the will takes mind, body, and soul awakened in living relationship with God. First, a person much be saved from their sins by salvation of their soul. Second, they must live in close relationship with God by active seeking God through prayer and reading of God's Word. Confession and repentance are components in prayer. Loving God helps make it possible to put God first in daily living. When God comes first the choices to the good are easy to figure out, but they don't come easily. God does not demand obedience of His followers, but it is the expectation. Holiness is God-inspired living. God is holy, just, and righteous. He is also loving. Christ lives in the heart of a true Christian. Christians will be a reflection of God to the world. They listen for the Holy Spirit's leading and are able thusly to discern of God's ways. 

Dear Father in heaven, We can be so small in how we think of You. We're sorry for when we fail You and are self-centered. Please help us to see Your way and know Your truth. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Your Spiritual Reality -- Inspiration 21

  Your Reality and God

Your reality is linked to your spiritual life. The influence of God in your life is commiserate with your view of belief, whether it is lifeless and dead or life-giving and real.

Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, 

for out of it flow the springs of life. 

Proverbs 4:23 NIV

REALITY of what matters in life is directly related to God. Life is a mystery. God is a mystery. People are a mystery. How it all works together is the quintessential mystery. God can be known in part but not in whole by finite creatures. Those who seek God to know Him will find riches, blessings, and truth. This takes active imploring, scripture knowledge, praying, asking, loving, and consecration plus a willingness to learn and apply, listen and meditate, contemplate and consider. Spiritual truth is a reality that spills over in all areas of existence. The physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual overlap and influence the whole. The person who believes God exists and has an individual plan for their life will seek to honor God with their attitudes, pleasures, and purpose. Rather than live to please self, they live to please God. Their reality is bound to the Source with eternity in view. Heavenly minded, their earthly concerns are of less importance. What a person values most is where their 'reality' lies. Pursue what matters most, Father, Son, and Spirit, and therein you will find living reality.

Dear Father in Heaven, Thank you for everlasting life. You give living truth to us in Your Word and in Your Holy Being. We are in awe of Your presence and appreciate the interest You place in Your spiritual children. We praise You, thank You, and adore You. Amen

For your listening pleasure: Holy, Holy, Holy  

To God be the Glory

Jesus' Name -- Inspiration 18

Sweet Jesus

"What about you?" he asked them. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah."  --Luke 8:29

"SWEET JESUS, SWEET JESUS, He's the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star," flow the lyrics in circles of joy. "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there's just something about that name. Master, Savior, Jesus, let all heaven and earth proclaim," joyful words of praise in worship of His holy name. Attributes to Jesus burst forth in musical score: Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord, Immanuel, God is with Us; Gentle Shepherd; King of kings and Lord of lords. In Jesus' day people would say of Him: Son of man, Good Teacher, Master, Lord, Jesus. Because of His death and resurrection we say: Savior, Christ, Redeemer, God the Son. The Old Testament prophets foretold Jesus' future appearance as a Messiah. The beautiful words of Isaiah spoken at Christmastime and sung in Handel's Messiah give praise and honor, "Unto us a Son is given. . . and His name shall be call-ed, Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Many are the musical phrases that celebrate our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: "God with Us, Blessed Redeemer, Living Word; Man of Sorrows acquainted with Grief." Each name represents a unique aspect of Jesus' divinity, too many to name in this short writing. Light of the world, Bread of Life, Living Water, to name a few more. Jesus' name fills the worshiper with awe, praise, thankfulness, and love, that which is holy, devout, full of grace, goodness, and greatness. "Majesty, worship His majesty."

Dear Jesus, You are the Savior of the World. You are the Lover of our souls. You redeemed a lost people. You changed our identity from a lost sinner to a child of God. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen.

To God be the Glory

For your listening pleasure: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Defending Faith -- Inspiration 15

Do I Make Myself Clear?

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone 

who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 

1 Peter 3:15 NIV

TWITTER, FACEBOOK and a vast network of social media outlets provide places for people to share, talk about, explain, give argument, or vent their personal opinions, feelings, and beliefs. Political, social, and religious views can be cause for some to spew sharp criticisms and to levy ugly attacks when in disagreement with others' views. The tit for tat becomes unpleasant when opposite opinions are discounted and rebuked as absurd, using harsh, condemning, and foul language. Hateful. Parameters would help. Free expression needs civility and respectful exchange. Should the spiritual person defend their faith? Scripture defends itself quite adequately. It states truth explicitly, forthrightly, without any unjust attack. Christians are to answer the reason for the hope that is within them. Christ Himself acknowledged who He was as in stated factual information. He let His words and actions speak for themselves. His parables, expressions, and miracles were offered to make people think, to help them see the big picture, to answer spiritual questions, to point them to God, and to draw their attention to truth. Christ was direct. His words penetrated beneath layers of confusion and wrong-minded thinking. Today, the expressions of faith on social media should be likewise: truth-filled, gospel-filled, love-filled, words of life. Defend the faith on social media, if you will. But do it God's way. When you do, be prepared to take some heat. Represent Christ in the way He represented Himself, with truth, love, and honest care and compassion for all who would listen.

Father God, how we need You in times like these. Help us to portray You as You would want us to. May our words speak life to those who need You. Amen

To God be the Glory

Mysterious Prayer -- Inspiration 13

Prayer is the Life-Blood

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

And he said unto them, When you pray, say, Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.

Give us day by day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Luke 11:1-4  KJV 2000

PRAYER EXPRESSES the thoughts and intents of the heart to God. Prayers define themselves in many distinct ways from simple to complex, from rote, memorized text to pleas for redemptive pardon, to words of thanksgiving and praise. Some deep prayers are wordless from the severely wounded soul or from the effervescent joy-filled soul. Communing through prayer and meditation is another form where the individual encounters God in a manner awash with understanding centered in divine Presence. Genuine prayer said from the heart, mind, and soul is honest communication with God. Confession, praise, adoration, gratefulness, love, truthfulness, requests for guidance and help, which asks for God's intervention are petitions to the Source, God Almighty. Christians are called upon to pray. Jesus showed His followers how to pray. Present day followers are encouraged to follow His example.

Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of calling on Your holy name as we offer our petitions to You. You are a great God, worthy to be praised. And we thank You, worship You, and love You. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Heart Belief -- Inspiration 11

Belief Takes Many Shapes

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:9-10. NIV

YOU believe a chair will support your weight when you sit in it. You believe this because it is a known fact. The chair is sturdy and in good repair. It gets the job done. In that case, belief is based on what is known, tested, tried. Besides the known facts, much of belief is based on what a person has been taught, their familial beliefs, cultural beliefs, national beliefs and even spiritual beliefs. Many beliefs go through changes as more is discovered about the 'why' in life. In the spiritual, God draws the individual to Himself.  His Word draws them. His teachings illumine them. His Spirit strives with them. God persists but doesn't force. Belief based in the knowledge of God and His ways may contribute to their understanding of spiritual truth. But a leap of faith is taken as the person knows in their heart that this is true, that God is real, that God is interested in their soul and being. Genuine heart belief is a 'knowing,' through and through. Like C.S. Lewis said, he knew it was true (not fanciful imaginations). The first step is to by faith believe there is a God. Second is to believe God loves in a personal way. Third, is to by faith believe and trust God. Heart belief is genuine.  

Dear Father God, I believe in You. You are real. We sense Your divine presence here with us. How pleased we are that You are with us throughout every day. Praises! Amen

To God be the Glory

Grace Giver -- Inspiration 10

Grace Gives Grace

Image from the recent Northern California Camp Fire 

-Beauty from Ashes-

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:19

O LOVING GRACE, beautiful grace, bountiful grace. What would the world do without grace? When grace is given it is received but not necessarily deserved. A prodigal son receives grace when he is welcomed home. Sinners are given grace when their sins are forgiven them. A recipient of an act of grace, do welcome it. Grace plays out in a myriad of ways. They could have gotten in trouble but they didn't, they've been given a second chance after a mess-up,  they are forgiven a wrong, or when they are loved just because. That's grace giving from out of its nature, extending grace because that is what grace does. Helping someone who is hard to help, like a person suffering with Alzheimer's Disease, is on the grace side of giving. God's grace is even greater. His grace chooses to redeem rather than punish, to set free rather than encage, to give to rather than to break down. Grace is greater than all our sin. We repent. God forgives. Grace pardons the offense. Grace covers with His feathers. Frequently grace carries an individual through a difficulty. They are given grace when they could have lost their job, a friendship, a relationship, or their reputation. Grace says they are worth it. They were worth a Son to Him. That's a hard understanding. Ultimate grace becomes human reality from its Giver of the divine Gift. Grace grows and blesses as God's grace multiplies in the interior self.

Dear Father in Heaven, spiritual life has many benefits and grace is one of them. You give grace to the humble, You give grace to us, You show us the ways of grace. Thank you for Your grace that welcomes us as part of Your family. Amen

To God be the Glory

Evoking Compassion -- Inspiration 9

Compassion Stems From The Heart

Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
"Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”
Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Matthew 20:32-34. NIV

COMPASSION initiates in the heart. Acts of kindness toward those in need stems from a loving outlook. Christ's compassion for the needy, unwell, hungry, distraught, unclean, beggar, and persons without hope is well documented. His heart was big, He ministered to physical needs as well as spiritual needs. The person in need of Jesus' touch were asked to respond to Him. Their response was a step toward their healing. Today is no exception. Christ begins to reveal who He is to someone in need of His loving touch. He asks them to believe. A response is requested of them. People are given choices. Will they act or won't they? Will they believe or will they make excuses? Some will, some won't. That's free will. Not much has changed since Jesus' day. To choose Jesus as the way, truth, and life, is to receive the wondrously marvelous gloriousness of spiritual life. Spiritual life softens a person's heart as compassion flows out of their being. The more they know God--learn of Him and seek His face--the more they will care about people, animals, and the earth. For God has made all.  A life lived in God's presence loves Him and what He has made. Real Christianity is not cruel. Christ's love initiates love in His true followers. This is blessedness.

Gracious Father, May we love You more deeply, follow You more truly, and embrace You more dearly. May You flow through our lives to others with eyes that see the wounded, weary, and distraught. Make us more compassionate, helpful, and caring. May we be like Thee. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Spiritual Life--Inspiration 8

Spiritual Life Speaks Life to the Soul

 

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and Thou shalt be saved. --Acts 16:31 KJV

 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. --Romans 10:10 NIV

SPIRITUAL LIFE is a gift. God offers spiritual life to anyone who by faith believes in Christ's offer of salvation. However, this faith is sincere in its belief. Christians are Christ Followers. They have trusted in Christ, received forgiveness for their sins, and have eternal life. Spiritual life has lasting value according to John 3:16, which says "whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." That which is eternal is in them. It is amazing how this comes to pass. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the three persons of God. Each has their own function and all three are active. In the rebirth of a soul, as the soul comes spiritually alive, it goes from spiritually dead to spiritually alive. As children of God, these baby Christians have a new identity. They are now in Christ. We could say their identity is changed from lost sinners to that of kingdom saints. Life in Christ is of the heart, mind, and soul as the spirit awakens to the truth found in the salvation of their soul. True belief is of heart, mind, and soul and is not an isolated process of intellectual apprehending of belief nor is it mumbling the right words without it involving their heart. Faith that is real believes in the unseen God and knows that without a doubt He lives. God is active in calling, redeeming, setting free, and restoring. Rich are those who are recipients of such a miraculous gift. All are welcome to enter into this blessedness.

 Dear Father God, we are astounded with Your grace. You have given us supernatural life where before we had emptiness and death. Thank you for this great gift. Amen.

To God be the Glory