He will Give You Rest: Intervention 17

His Rest becomes Your Rest

Finding God in the Daily

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden 
 and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

Spiritual rest gives hope and peace in God.

EVER WATCH SOMEONE ASLEEP, napping, snoozing—a baby, a child, a mate? Your heart is moved as you watch them. You identify with your caring for that person. It is calm.

God wants us to find our rest in Him,
-not in circumstances,
     -not in temporary fixes,
          -not in things,
               -not in money,
                     -not in fame,
                           -not in pursuits,
                                -not in people.

At times, we get on a treadmill of busyness rather than resting in Him. A person may not understand their rest in Him and wonder what this means. Maybe they don’t know how to implement it or rest in it. The thought of rest is elusive or not on their radar.

Some in the Christian community give up trying to find God. They find substitutes. Some get enmeshed in addictive alternatives as a way to remediate the inner deadness rather than realizing the solution is in God.

 I think this is common when discouragement or depression looks for something that makes one feel better. This is the path of least resistance, the natural, untreated path that self-medicates rather than looks for a better solution. Spiritual rest is also not found in substitutes, including friendships, no matter how fulfilling and strong they may be.

Spiritual rest is cultivated and is a result of the Spirit's peaceful state. Jesus' rest is internal in us and eternal in God. Spiritual rest is peaceful, knowing, certain. It faces adversity and knows all will be well. All is well when anchored fast in Christ. He is our rest.

True nurturing rest is found in God and God alone.

God is a God of tranquility and peace. He offers us soul-rest. It is a supernatural rest only found in God’s presence after His healing grace has touched the inner places. 

This type of rest is in answer to the weariness of
-our souls,
     -our burdens,
           - our hearts.

The more we seek God the more we experience access true restfulness. It is a form of trust mixed with love that has found itself joined in a trusting relationship with Father God.

Once you know this centered rest in the Divine,
-life takes on a new flavor,
     -a spiritually alive direction,
          -a greater sense of harmony with God.

Peaceful presence is connected to its Source, His presence in you and with you. This happens as you open the door to your heart all the way. God floods its interior, enters every room and takes up residence. You no longer withhold or erect barriers in the relationship. You and your soul enter into full fellowship, caring connection, and friendship with each member of the God-Head.This is life, and this is rest.

To God be the Glory

† † †

When Christianity Leaves a Void -- Intervention no. 7

 Why the Religious Thing Unravels

Finding God in the Daily

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, 

so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, 

work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 

for it is God who works in you, 

both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 

Philippians 2:12,13  ESV

God is in the life-changing business. What He does when we let Him minister to us is absolutely wonderful.

  
A SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIP that is health-giving and health-receiving provides the impetus to live a genuine Christian life that has victory and power in its inner workings, its out workings, and in a satisfying, refreshing, and real way. However, this is not the case for many in the church.

The reasons for this phenomenon has to do with their spiritual life itself. If it isn't changing the person and isn't ministering to them in a life-giving way, then it is self-limiting and spiritual-limiting. This has consequences. Dullness, despair, and areas of unmet needs and unresolved issues begin to bog down weary Christians.

Those who do not function well within the church’s parameters may eventually abandon their faith or head in another direction. The church fails at times to address those troublesome gray areas. In particular, sometimes it fails to help those wounded by life or struggling with areas of bondage. They need something more than the church is offering. But sadly, the church is not equipped to help them. 

This is one of the flaws that trips up many a person and keeps them from returning to the "fold." The unfortunate side to this is when hurting people are convinced they may never measure up or be good enough to enter fully in the Christian community unless they attempt to pretend the part.

The equation of "being spiritual" with a list of specific spiritual behaviors is an end in itself--a performance-based Christian lifestyle. This can fall flat. As I have mentioned before, Christianity is not limited to salvation, obedience, service, prayer, bible reading and bible study, though, they are important spiritual disciplines and a Christian needs them and won't grow without them.

But there's more, and this is where all these other things sweeten the deal into a beautiful work of God. The Christian who desires to be alive and tender to the things of God seeks to grow and develop their relationship with Christ. This is where it's at and where the healing and promise of inner freeing begins.

This makes all the difference in
    how they live it,
           how they manage it, and
                how they are empowered to heal, grow, and thrive in it.

God is in the life changing business. He takes us, problems and all, and ministers to us. He holds up a mirror, with His illumination, He lets us see into our soul. We see the big picture--our scars, self-centeredness, lacks, strengths, and talents--and He helps us deal with them. God asks us to seek Him. When we do, it opens wide out. We begin to get real with God. We stop hiding and pretending. We take our salvation and spiritual life to a new level. It is wonderful! So very wonderful. I can't state how wonderful it becomes when our life with God becomes a warm and loving experience full of trust and joy.

Dear Father God, I want this sort of relationship for all my readers. May they know You, trust You, and abide in You. They will be blessed and enriched by Your loving Presence. Amen

To God be the Glory

A Message of Life.

Inspiration 45

I'm Free Today: Intervention, no. 4

Bound Yesterday, Free Today

Finding God in the Daily

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

 John 8:36

The destination of the spiritual sojourner unfolds as it is lived out. 

I AM A FREE PERSON TODAY.  It hasn’t always been this way. Life used to be confusing and less fulfilling. Through a soul-changing process over time God brought me to a place of freedom and joy. It's changed my life and my perspectives. 

My point of view has altered somewhat as to what it is to be a sweet aroma of Christ in the world, church, and community. Love and grace are spiritually endued gifts of any Christian. 

God uses us.

The more we develop our spiritual, emotional, mental, and intellectual lives,
   the more we rely on the Spirit to guide and enable us,
      the more we are in-tune with others,
          the more we exhibit the fruits of the spirit,
              > the more we can expect God to use us in others' lives.

The time comes, though, when there is a drain on personal energy and supply: Some whom we help take advantage, some have physical, mental, and emotional needs, not to mention their addictions and dysfunction. As much as we may want to, we can't meet every need nor are we equipped to do so.

Two concerns
1) We can't help everybody nor would it be wise to do so. Common sense is needed.
2) We can't give them what we don't have ourselves. Platitudes mean little.

Two solutions
1) Use discernment and godly wisdom and follow your gut feeling. Be wise spiritually.
2) Share what you have those times God puts someone in your path. Be pro-active.

Like much in Christian life, we can't do this kind of thing in our own strength (unless our talents are in that area). It is best to rely on God to facilitate the discussion. This enables us to do and say what we didn't think ourselves capable of doing and saying. It is a beautiful thing to be used by God-- wherever it takes us, to assist whomever.

God loves others through our obedience to Him. God uses what we know and the power of our transformation to be lights in the world. This has everything to do with our embracing Christ and His embracing us back. God is in control. He is the loving controller of our lives and all things. Notice where He is at work.

After experiencing my spiritual transformation--from a spiritual life based on duty and performance to a spiritual life based on love and God’s goodness--I can look at my back trail and see parallels in my choices and the way God uses them for the better good.

God healed pockets of painful emotions within me. These areas blinded me to the true condition of my inner self. Now that I'm free from their bondage I can speak to the need. I promised God I would do so back in 2002. This is why I want other silent suffers to tap into real, loving, enlivened, spiritual life.

Dear Father, You are a good God. You make us to lie down by still waters. You restore our souls. You lead us in the paths of righteousness for Your name's sake and our betterment. Praise and thanksgiving. Amen

More to come.

To God be the Glory

A message of life.

Inspiration 43

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

Your Crazy World -- Inspiration 31

When Life Gets Complicated

Finding God in the Daily

 But be ever mindful of the days gone by in which, 

after you were first spiritually enlightened, 

you endured a great and painful struggle.

Hebrews 10:32

Life gets complicated very quickly sometimes. Usually we aren't prepared for the unexpected. Rather than wallow in your despairing, one has an opportunity to repair, get their bearings, revive and rejuvenate; and they become stronger than they were before the incident.

HOW DO YOU MAKE SENSE of your world when it is seemingly spinning out of control?  Pretty hard stuff comes on a frequent basis. The situation can be looked at subjectively or objectively. Objectivity shows what is going on. It is like taking your temperature. The reading on the thermometer tells the truth, if there is a fever or not. Similarly, a person looks at the factors in their life. If they're "sick" they will have to remedy the situation, take care of it and do whatever is necessary to remediate "fix" the issue.

On the spiritual side, when life gets crazy the situation needs to be stabilized. Acknowledging the chaos is not enough. Take action. It may take prayer, fortitude, counseling, and common sense. God is the 'go to' entity in this case. His Word has answers. He has answers. His people have answers. Spiritual resources provide help. Best of all is when the individual is able to get a handle on things by going to God and asking Him to show them what they need to know. God provides the strength to manage it, the necessary provision to abide for their needs during the difficulty and the endurance it takes until they are stabilized and secure.

Many of God's answers come in waves, in piecemeal, over the course of time, and not as immediate, one time solutions. The struggle's solution may take days, months, or years. It may require great patience on the inside and major trust in God on the outside. Once on the other side of the issue, they can look back and see how they've grown and bloomed as a person. God is faithful.

Dear Jesus, we don't always know how to go on. We get confused and discouraged. Life is so complicated. Help us with our problems. Show us the way. Thank you for hearing us and giving us solutions. We love You. Amen.

To God be the Glory

When in Doubt -- Inspiration 25

The Problem with Doubt

Doubt is hard to figure out. Some doubt is of the natural flesh, other doubt is from an outside influence like Satan in the Garden, and some doubt is like a caution from God. It can be confusing to discern the origin of the doubtful thought.

 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

1 Corintians 14:33  NASB

DOUBT DISTRESSES and may cause disruption and discouragement. Yet doubt is part of life. A message is pondered and considered. Then the doubt comes in. Some doubts get people off-track. They shed light on some entity that should not be pursued. Doubts should be considered in prayer. God gives wisdom and understanding. God can be asked for confirmation of His will. Doubts that originate from selfishly or sinfully motivated actions cannot be from God. God never contradicts His nature, Himself, or His will. The best way to address doubt is to stay close to God so there is nothing between the person and Him. God delivers. If the doubt is against God and God's ways, then Satan may be influencing an outcome. Beware of his tactics. In contrast, God's influences are centered, peaceful and life-giving. Doubts come to all. Use them as a stepping stone in the right direction. Seek wisdom and pray for discernment. Pay attention and listen. Allow time. God will come along side, help you move in the right direction, and He will strengthen you in the process.  

Heavenly Father, we know not because we ask not. During times of doubts, we can be confused and unsettled. Please help us know what is of You and what is not of You. Thank you, dear Father. 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

In Failure's Wake -- Inspiration 23

When You Fail

How we hate to fail. Failures are like calamities that come unexpectedly and consequentially. But all is not lost. God is present and able to help when we fail.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified 
because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; 
he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6  NIV

FAILURE CAN DEVASTATE. No one plans or wants to fail. People work toward a predetermined outcome though it may not turn out quite the way they planned. Christians are known to walk by faith. The way of faith is to first discern the will of the Father before making concrete plans. But failures still happen. A failure's devastating effects requires the person become active in their own recovery. This means there will be a mix of some or all of the following processes: Grieve the loss, deal with the aftermath; acknowledge the person's part in the failure, also the parts they could not control; look to the future; take steps forward; access recovery in part and in whole; and pray for help and wisdom. God is a helping partner in life's negative, troubling, experiences. These are set-backs but not defeats. God is able to teach to strengths and encourage to weaknesses. Trust placed in God matures the person in their spiritual life. Another benefit is the humbling of self. This gentles the spirit. Credit is given to God when He has helped them in their situation. Others notice their hope is placed and then actualized. Never give up. Most victories are hard won. God is with you all the time even when He seems absent and it may not seem like He cares. He does care and promises to never leave you. You can take that to the bank. Trust Him.

Father God, You know the reason for everything even those things that hurt us. You heal broken people and fix shattered lives. You carry us through the difficulty and strengthen our lives. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. 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

WHAT ROCKS? A Spiritual Awakening

 Spiritual life has the power to rock your world.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. ---John 10:10

Deeper Spiritual Life is the Abundant Life

 

I didn't tap into the deeper spiritual life until I was in my late forties. It rocked my world.

How do we get to where our spirituality becomes real, deep, life-giving and free? The process is one of going from "doing" religiously to one of "being" authentically.

When troubles come, we can be decimated by the events. But, but . . . but what does that say about our spirituality? You and I can live through events on two levels, human vs spiritual, but it is best when they are blended together as one.

Our spiritual journey begins with a decision to believe, accept, and acknowledge belief in God, Christ, and salvation. This is a "by faith" transaction, choosing to believe by faith in the gospel, and accept the salvation offered to us -- whereby we receive redemption for our soul. Our soul awakens.

A baby is born ready to be shaped, loved, and nurtured. They grow and become within the context of human stepping stones on their way to becoming a functioning adult.

Spiritual life has its own stepping stones to mature spirituality. The place of worship, study of scripture and doctrine, dedication of heart and mind to truth, obedience to the Savior, Father God, and Holy Spirit--are all part of the spiritual path.

The issue is this. All those good endeavors may miss the point--and they have made many a Pharisee--when they may miss the mark of what it is to be enlivened spiritually. What is missing is a pursuit of God in a living and breathing relationship with him, formed within the context of becoming Christ-like.

We are "becoming" Christ-like through a constant growing relationship with the Divine. When we are connected through the heart with the Savior, we begin living in him, not living intellectually in him--although we are intellectually stimulated by this holy alliance.

Here is the secret. Christ's life awakening in us changes us into living, authentic spiritual beings.

Here's how it's done. To get there takes stripping away all our arguments and biases to look fully on the Savior. We open our mind, heart, and soul to God. We let him teach us and reveal his love and kindness, truth, and character to us, day after day.

His life will rock you. Get alone with God and use this time to focus your thoughts on him, his word, and his truth. Let his being ripple in you. Do this without preconceived conventions and barriers. This will awaken your soul into the deeper spiritual life--where one lives and thrives, where one experiences the greater love and being.

The problem is, it is easier to live our spiritual lives in our own strength, with its limited parameters and rigid beliefs. Christ came to free us from that way of thinking and living. He is the way, the truth, and the life.

This spiritual life is known by its life-giving qualities. Spirituality that is centered in Christ is known by its love, humility, purity, and strength. This kind of spiritual life is liberally living within a sense of "being" through an interactive walk with God.

Here's the deal. The joy, peace, love, and spirituality that I mentioned in last week's writing is not automatic for any of us, but it is possible for all of us. It is the greatest thing that could ever happen to you.

True spirituality is commiserate with an interactive relationship with the Father, Son, and Spirit through praying, listening, and pursuing living relationship. I find it easiest to do in the silences, in nature, in a room by myself, alone with my own thoughts, centered and focused on the Divine. Prayer, scripture, and meditation facilitate this process.

Our anchor in life is in the One who is the Anchor. The deeper our relationship, the more assurance we have during all our moments, even those with adverse circumstances.

 Spiritual life when lived well is peace-giving, strong, loving, and kind. I no longer worry if I'm living my spiritual life in a right way. The living relationship with God is life-giving and real. He ministers to me and teaches me. In the process, I am becoming more fully his. He is my light and life-giver. I am blessed. This is a beautiful way to live every day.

This is my wish for you.

Any questions?