Friday, December 3, 2010

Revelation of God

     I love reading the Psalms of David because they are such sincere words - the cries of a sinful man longing to be redeemed, the prayers of a man desperately seeking after God, and the praises of man who's greatest desire is to know God more. David was a man after God's own heart, yet he was just as human as we are. In Psalm 19, David writes a beautiful poetic verse about how God reveals himself to mankind. When I first read through this chapter I was in awe. The same God who created this universe wants to reveal Himself to me?! Yes... God yearns to speak to us just as He did with David. In fact,  He seeks to speak to us through the everyday miracles of His creation - but how often do we take the time to listen? Not only does He speak to us through the beauty of nature, but He has also given us the Holy Bible, the written words of God, to guide us through life - and yet we continue to wander around aimlessly? The word revelation is defined as the "showing of divine will or truth" - God longs to reveal His divine truth to us! The same God who put the sun and moon in place, wants to speak to you today! He wants to reveal His divine truth to you, and He wants you to understand His will for your life. But in order to understand how to listen, you must first understand how He speaks...

Revelation of God through His Creation
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech, nor language, where their voice is not heard."
-Psalm 19:1-3

     Before I read this passage I had never considered the idea of nature as a universal language - but it is! Nature is able to break through the barriers of mixed languages and speak to every human heart. God speaks to us through His creation every day. He speaks through the cool morning breeze, the falling leaves, the chirping birds, the rushing water, the setting sun, the full moon, the shooting stars... He has so much to show you! I challenge you to spend some extra time outside this week. Go for walk and spend some time talking to God, or find a quiet spot where you can have your personal devotion time. Open your eyes, ears, and heart to receive all that God has to reveal to you.

Revelation of God through His Word
"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward."
-Psalm 19:7-12
     Everything you will ever need to know about how to live and how to serve God can be found in the Holy Bible. His word has the power to save and redeem sinful people. It is a roadmap to life. No matter what trial or tribulation you are going through, as long as you open your heart to receive the words of God - He will speak. He will reveal Himself to you in unimaginable ways! The Bible is God's word, written from the pen of faithful servants, and passed down through generations to speak to your heart today! He has so much to reveal, if only you will open your heart to receive.

Now that you understand how God speaks, how do you respond?
     David was in awe when he opened his heart to receive what God had to reveal. His only response was to humble himself before the almighty God and utter a simple prayer. He prayed, "Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Basically, he is saying, "Forgive me God. Forgive when I fail you, whether intentionally and unintentionally. Cleanse my heart. Let all that I say and do bring honor and glory to your name, for you are my strength and my redeemer." It is such a simple prayer of submission, but it is all that God desires. He wants to speak to you, and He wants to hear what you have to say. Spend some time with Him today; open your eyes, ears, and heart to receive His divine revelation in your life.  

Thursday, November 18, 2010

His Story in the Making

     History is God's story. It is written as a trilogy (three parts), about the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and depicts the three major steps in Christian living (faith, salvation, and peace). Three is the number of divine completeness and perfection. God's story is divine, complete, and perfect. He has already written the beginning and the end - it is up to you to live out what He has written for your life now!

1. His Story of Faith in the Father
 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..."
-Hebrews 12:2
     God is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the beginning, the end, and everything in between. Everything is created, written, and inspired by Him. He breathed life into it all. Romans 10:17 says, "So faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." God's Word (His Story) is the source of our faith. Hebrews 11:1-3 tells us that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen..." and "through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God."

2. His Story of Salvation through the Son
"And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation..."
-Hebrews 5:9
     It is important to note that faith is the prequel to salvation. Without faith, salvation is not possible. Faith sets up the story for salvation. Faith is the building block and foundation for salvation. Most importantly, God is the author of faith and salvation. Romans 10:9-10 tells us, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

3. His Story of Peace through the Holy Spirit
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace..."
-1 Corinthians 14:33
     Peace is the final installment of God's trilogy. It is the "happily ever after" to His Story. God left us His Holy Spirit to be our comforter until his return. When He returns to take us Home, we will experience His never-ending peace. In the meantime, the Holy Spirit is meant to comfort us in our moments of brokenness and guide us in the right paths when we lose our way. His Word offers peace and clarification in our moments of chaos and confusion. Seek to do His will, pray for discernment, and place your trust in Him. Peace will follow.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

In the morning...

     I am not, nor have I ever been, a "morning person" - and often times I believe this particular characteristic of mine conflicts with my spiritual walk. Countless times I've heard the phrase "Start your morning with Jesus!" Well, my morning time with Jesus usually consists of a five second prayer as I run out the door with a pop-tart in my hand. Don't get me wrong, I spend quality, one-on-one quiet time with Christ, but it usually occurs around 11 p.m. while I'm sitting on the bed about to fall asleep. And, if I'm not completely focused and prayed up, I usually do end up asleep before it's over. God has shown me some amazing messages in those late night studies, but what good is a message if I learn it and fall asleep immediately after? If I start my morning with God, and receive the message first thing in the morning, then I have all day to practice it. This is not only a lesson God has been trying to instill in me recently, it is a message He has tried to instill in all of His children since the days of the Old Testament...

     *Joy comes in the morning (Psalms 30:5)
              If you are a child of God, then you have a reason to be joyful. God has forgiven you, delivered you, restored you, and set you on a new path. He has given you new life, and a new song to sing. Above all He has given you the hope of an eternal life with Him. Wake up every morning ready to serve Christ with a smile on your face and joy in your heart!
     *Pray & cry aloud in the morning (Psalm 55:17)
              Start the morning on your knees, seeking God. Ask for forgiveness from yesterday's mistakes and failures. Ask for direction and discernment in the day ahead. Make your requests known to Him. But above all, simply praise Him for His undeserved and continual acts mercy.
     *Sing of His mercy in the morning (Psalm 59:16)
              Make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Begin your morning by giving God the praise He deserves.
     *Show His lovingkindess in the morning (Psalm 92:2)
              God's love for us is beyond comprehension. His kindness and mercy towards us is far beyond what we deserve. We are so unworthy, yet He continues to bestow blessings upon our lives. If you woke up this morning with breath in your lungs, then you have something to be thankful for. He has given us a reason to smile, so wake with a smile on your face and joy in your heart. If we live a defeated life, then nonbelievers have nothing to desire. Show them of the Love of God daily through your words and through your actions.
     *Hear His lovingkindess in the morning (Psalm 143:8)
              Every morning God desires to speak to you - be sure to take the time and listen. Don't let the distractions of the busy morning drown out His still small voice. Open His word, open your ears, open your heart, and let Him speak. He wants to tell you of His love and offer you guidance and direction for the day ahead. He will not lead you astray - listen to His voice, and follow in the direction of His words.
     *Sow thy seed in the morning (Ecclesiastes 11:6)
              The word "sow" means to "plant seeds in the ground for future growth." In other words, start your morning by being a witness for Christ. If you woke up this morning, it was for a reason - the reason we are alive is to share the Good News of Christ. Colossians 3:17 says, "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." In other words, if you let all that you say and do be to glorify Christ then seeds will be planted in the hearts of nonbelievers. Eventually, those seeds will take root and become salvation. In that moment you will be able to take pride in the fact that you were a part of that individual's salvation, all because you obeyed the will of God and began your morning by helping to sow the seed.
     *Execute judgment in the morning (Jeremiah 21:12)
              The word judgment often times has a negative connotation, but it simply means to to do what is right and fair. Seek justice in the morning; let your actions be just. Isaiah 1:17 says, "Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." In other words, seek do the right thing every morning, make the right decisions, and follow through with those decisions.
     *The Lord's mercies are new every morning (Lamentation 3:23)
              Because of God's immense mercy and compassion towards us, every day is new beginning. Begin each morning by asking for God's forgiveness, then forgive yourself and move on. Don't go through the day feeling defeated about something that happened yesterday - start the day fresh. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new."
     *Prepare an offering every morning (Ezekiel 46:15)
               God doesn't want you to offer a lamb as a burnt sacrifice every morning before you leave for school or work; he simply wants you to make a sacrifice. Psalms 51:16-17 says, "For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart." In other words, humble yourself before God every morning. If you are a born again believer, then you've already given Him your heart, so give Him your life as well. Begin each day by surrendering yourself completely to God. Ask for His will to be done throughout the day, and offer to be His hands and feet.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Anchor of Hope


"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure..."
-Hebrews 6:19

     I find it amazing how at times our spiritual journey almost seems to parallel our earthly journey (or vice versa). As part of my personal bible study recently, I have been studying the hope we have in Christ. In my search, I became increasingly interested in the idea of the anchor as a symbol for hope. As a born-again Christian I do not believe in "coincidence" - I prefer to use the phrase "It's a God thing!" God works in mysterious ways, and sometimes He uses "coincidence" or "irony" to reveal his plan to us. Well, shortly after I began my study on hope, we began to study early Christian symbolism in my art class. One day while studying I found the sketching of an anchor in my workbook with the word "hope" written below. It's a God thing!
     It is believed that the symbolism of the anchor began with a simple play on words in the Greek language. The Greek word for anchor is "ankura" and the Greek phrase "en kurio" means "in the Lord". Early Christians were persecuted for their beliefs, and therefore were forced to use metaphorical symbols to signify their beliefs. The epitaphs of many early Christians were engraved with the image of an anchor - suggesting that they now rested "in the Lord".
     So how does the anchor relate to the Christian faith nowadays? The shape of the anchor and it's resemblance to the cross of Christ is a reminder of where our hope lies. Galations 2:20 says, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live..." and Romans 8:24 says, "For we are saved by hope..." Without Christ's death on the cross, we would be hopeless. Not only is the shape of the anchor important, but the literal purpose and function of the anchor in important to the Christian faith as well. The anchor is designed to secure a ship, especially in the midst of a storm, and can also be used to control a drifting vessel. The earliest forms of anchors were made of solid rock. Christ is our solid rock, and just as the house built on solid rock will remain firm, so will the anchor of solid rock. Christ is neverchanging - He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. If we place our hope in Him, we will be assured calmness in the midst of storm because of His steadfast and unwavering love. We are the vessels of Christ, and even when we stray, His anchor of hope will pull us back in and secure us firmly in Him.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Plead for More: Become Addicted to God

God moment!
I've already got Blogger opened, I've got my favorite grooveshark playlist on shuffle, I'm about to begin my study on becoming "addicted to God" - and guess what song begins to play?? "Better than Drugs" by Skillet... no lie! Needless to say, God has given me confirmation.

The idea for this study came to me a few years ago while on a mission trip with my youth group. During one of the evening services the worship leader prayed "God, we plead for more of you." That phrase stuck with me for a long time - plead for more. What did it mean? As always, God revealed himself to me through His Word. He led me to Psalms 63. The first verse reads, "O God , thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is."

God moment #2!
"Core of my Addiction" by Fireflight just started playing... no lie! You can't tell me God doesn't speak through music!

First of all... the dictionary definition of "plead" its to "beg earnestly" ("earnestly" is defined as "serious and sincere in you actions, words, or intentions; in a determined and purposeful way"). If you have ever read through the book of Psalms then you know that David understood the definition of pleading with God. Poem after poem, song after song - David cries out for help, comfort, and restoration from God. He begged earnestly - and he received. Psalm 63 was written while David was in the wilderness of Judah. Despite being in a "dry and thirsty land where no water is", David is thirsting only after the Living Water. In verse 3 he says, "Thy loving-kindness is better than life". In other words, as long as he had the Love of God, he didn't care whether he lived or died. David was living a life of continuous praise -"early will I seek thee" (v.1) and "mediatate on thee in the night" (v.6). David wasn't just sold out for God, he was addicted. To be "addicted" is to be "dependent" or "very enthusiastic or interested in a particular thing; devoting a lot of time to it." David was completely and totally dependent upon God alone. He devoted every moment of his day to giving God praise - God was the first thing on his mind in the morning, and the last thing on his mind at night. Even in the desert, he sought God above his own physical needs. He literally loved God more than life itself. If you want revival in your personal relationship with God then follow in David's foosteps - plead for more & become addicted to God.

*Reading Recomendation:
     -Psalm 63
     -Psalm 42
*Music Recomendation:
     -"Better than Drugs" by Skillet
     -"Core of My Addiction" by Fireflight

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

God Never Fails!

Does this sound familiar?
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
This is a portion from one of the more familiar passages of scripture, 1 Corinthians 13 (NIV). It is commonly used as the scripture reading of weddings, for obvious reasons. And though it teaches a powerful message of love, I interpret it in a slightly different form. When I read this passage I am reminded of 1 John 4:8 which states that God is love. By substituting the two synonyms, God revealed a slightly different message of Love to me...
  1. Without God, I have nothing (v.1)
  2. Without God, I am nothing (v.2)
  3. Without God, I profit nothing (v.3)
  4. God is patient and kind (v.4)
  5. God is not easily angered; He keeps no record of wrongs (v.5)
  6. God does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth (v. 6)
  7. God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres (v.7)
  8. GOD NEVER FAILS! (v.8)

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Today's Sorrow, Yesterday's Joy

"The biggest thing in today's sorrow is the memory of yesterday's joy."
-Kahlil Gibran

     This is one of those "something to think about" quotes. Is there a certain memory from your past that you wish you could relive? I find it amazing how a certain song, a certain smell, or a certain place can send your mind to a completely different time in history. If you have ever lost a loved one, then this feeling is far too familiar. So many memories, and you wish you could just relive one. I have learned that time does not ease the pain of losing someone you love; but have you ever wondered why some days are easier to bear than others? I believe that many times sorrow comes from the joyful memories of the past, the precious memories that you know can never again be repeated. You can laugh through the tears for a while - but eventually there will come a time when you are alone with your memories, and in those moments the sorrow seems almost overwelming. First of all, know that you are not alone in your sorrow. Jesus, Himself, wept when Lazarus died. Sorrow is nothing to be ashamed of. But, don't let sorrow ovecome you. God has promised not to put more on you than you can bear. He has offered you hope and a future. He has assured you that joy will come in the morning. God's plan is perfect - He will use your sorrow to mold you and shape you in to the person He desires you to be.

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
-Romans 8:18

Friday, October 29, 2010

Redeeming Love

    "She drank in the words of salvation and redemption though she felt she had no right to them. She was so hungry and thirsty, she panted like a deer after the water of life."

     I recently read Francine Rivers' novel Redeeming Love for the second time. Once again I was completely captivated - not only by the story and the characters, but by God's all-consuming love for us. Francine Rivers is an inspiration to me as a writer because her stories are truly InspiredByGod. God's breath is evident on every word. By the time I finished reading the book (both times), I had a newfound hunger and a thirst for more of God's Word. This time in particular, I had a greater desire to learn more about the depth of God's love. That is when is discovered Isaiah 43... God's love letter to us.  He begins by saying,

"...Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name: thou art mine."

     First of all, what exactly does it mean to be "redeemed"? Well, some definitions include: to pay for, to set free, and to make up for. This tells me that 1.) God paid the price for me. Though I was completely worthless, God looked beyond my faults and saw something redeemable. He shed His blood and paid the ultimate price, all so that He could call me His. 2.) God set me free from the bondage of my sin and shame. I was bound by own chains, but His death on the cross loosened the chains and allowed me to expereince His saving freedom. 3.) God made up for my mistakes. I was the one to blame, but God took my sin upon His shoulders so that I could be found blameless in the Father's eyes. And finally... to redeem is "to save from a state of sinfulness and its consequences; to restore the honor, worth or reputation of." In other words, God is saying, "Don't be afraid. I have already paid your debt, and set you free from bondage. Not only have I saved you from your past and the consquences that followed, but I have restored your honor and reputation as well. I love you that much! I saw something in you that was worth suffering and dying for. You are worth the cost of redemption! I see the potential for greatness in you, and I have a purpose for you that only you can fulfill. GOD LOVES YOU! The creator of the universe called you out by name, just so He could tell you He loved you. He paid the ultimate price by eduring death on a cross, just so He could call you His own.

*Reading Recomendation:
     -Isaiah 43
     -Ephesians 2:4-10
     -Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
*Music Recomendation:
     -"How He Loves" by John Mark McMillian

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Weakness in the Spirit: Where do I find my strength?

Last night I found myself on my knees, pleading with God for revelation, restoration, and revival in my spiritual walk. I felt weak spiritually, and I longed for the same hunger and desire I used to have for God's Word. I found myself wondering, "Where did the strength I one time had come from? And how do I get it back?" God led me to Psalm 27:1 which reads, "The Lord is my light; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" As I read, there was one part in particular which stood out to me - "the Lord is my strength". In other words, God doesn't just give me strength; He is my strength. And so much more...

1. "God is my strength and POWER..." (2 Samuel 22:33)
          * Without Him I am powerless, and away from Him I am weak.
2. "With Him is WISDOM and strength..." (Job 12:13)
          * Strength, without the wisdom to understand it, is useless.
3. "...My God, my strength, in whom I will TRUST..." (Psalm 18:2)
          * If we don't put our trust in Him, our weakness will be revealed.
4. "God is our REFUGE and strength..." (Psalm 46:1)
          *In the midst of our weakness and fear, the strength of God is there to protect and comfort us.
5. "The Lord is my strength and SONG..." (Psalm 118:14)
          *Strength comes from giving prasie to the One who is our strength.

By this time I had come to the realization that I find strength, power, wisdom, and refuge in God alone. I had also learned that in order to receive strength from God, I must first place my trust completely in Him and give Him all the praise. But one key component to my question was missing: Where?

6. "...Strength and beauty are in His SANCTUARY." (Psalm 96:6)
          *When we enter the sacred place of worship, we find beauty and strength in the arms of God. This sancuary is not just referring to the physical church or the Sunday morning service. This sanctuary, is one in which you experience personal, one-on-one time with God throughout the week - this is where the true strength of God is revealed.

And finally...

7. "...His strength is in the CLOUDS." (Psalm 68:34)
          *Lift up your eyes! If you are searching for strength with your head down in defeat, you will never find it.