Set a Fire Down in My Soul

     As you can tell from the title of my previous post, this song has been on my heart a lot lately. The lyrics keep ringing over and over again in my mind, "Set a fire down in my soul, that I can't contain and I can't control. I want more of you, God." I am a strong believer in the power of music. I believe that music speaks what words can't express. I also believe, with all my heart, that God speaks to us through music. God has used this song to speak to me this week. Not only did He give me a fresh desire for "more" of Him, but He also "set a fire" in my soul. In fact, the simple word "fire" has surrounded me this week. I've seen it in scripture. I've heard it in songs. I've even seen a few of my friends on Facebook refer to the "fire" in their own personal status. I usually take that as a sign that God is speaking, and I don't know exactly what message God is trying to get across... but I'm ready for the fire! Amazing things happen when the fire of God begins to spread.

Rebirthing.

Reawakening.

Revival.

Resoration.

Revolution.

Radical Living: I want MORE of YOU, God!

     I recently began reading the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan, and I have been overwhelmed by its power and truth. I just finished the chapter called "Profile of the Lukewarm". Prior to reading this chapter, I honestly did not see myself as a lukewarm Christian. However, Chan writes that "Lukewarm people call 'radical' what Jesus expected of all His followers." This quote really spoke to and convicted my heart. God expects me to live radically for Him. I suddenly became curious, what exactly does it mean to be radical? My search came up with three definitions.

1.) "arising from or going to a root or source; basic"

2.) "departing markedly from the usual or customary; extreme"

 3.) "favoring or effecting fundamental, revolutionary changes in current practices, conditions, or  institutions."

    

     I was in absolute awe of God after reading these definitions. In order to live a radical life for Christ, I must first get back to the basics. This reminded me of Revelation 1:8 in which God says, "I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending." God is the source of all things. He was here before time began, he set the earth into motion. He set the stars in place; he counted every strand of hair on my head. He is the author and finisher of my faith. So, in order live radically I must first “arise” from Christ. Colossians 3:1 says, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above..." This brings me to my second point. In order to live a radical life for Christ, I must be set apart. James 1:21 says to "lay part" the things of the world and set our focus on God. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us that we are a "chosen generation" and a "peculiar people". Some people may call living a radical life for Christ strange or extreme, but "strange" is exactly what God desires of us. He called us to be a peculiar people. He wants us to stand out from the crowd. The final step to becoming a radical follower of Christ is the ability to make a revolutionary change in the world. God created us each with a particular purpose in mind that only we can fulfill. That particular purpose is your revolutionary change. Romans 12:1-2 tells us how to fulfill our purpose, how to fulfill God’s will for our life. It says we must first surrender our lives to Christ as a living sacrifice. It then says we must not be conformed to the world, but be transformed. If you want to live a radical life for Christ, then Romans 12:1-2 should be your mission statement. It is one of those important verses to memorize. Write it down on a piece of notebook paper and hang it on the fridge, write it on a note card and stick on the dashboard of your car, write in on a post-it note and stick it to your bathroom mirror. Let the words of God sink in and minister to your soul. Let it be a reminder to you of the radical life you should be living daily for Christ.

     After reading these definitions and pondering on them for a while, I suddenly had a desire for more of God. I was no longer satisfied with my spiritual walk. Being "good enough" didn't seem good enough anymore. I wanted to live a radical life for Christ. With this newfound fire in my heart, God began to speak. He showed me exactly what it meant to be a radical follower of Him...

• Radical Christians don't just talk about visions, they make them reality.
• Radical Christians don't just talk about helping those in need; they willingly reach out a helping hand.
• Radical Christians don't just say they will pray for you, they drop to their knees at that very moment.
• Radical Christians don't just say what they believe, they live it daily.
• Radical Christians don't pray to be heard, they pray out of complete surrender to the omnipresent God.
• Radical Christians don't worship to be seen, they worship out of devotion to the Lord of all.
• Radical Christians don't skim over a few verses and call it bible study; they immerse themselves daily in the word of God.
• Radical Christians don't repent to be free of guilt; they repent as a means of purifying their hearts before entering the presence of a Holy God.
• Radical Christians don't second guess God, they trust fully in his plan for their lives.
• Radical Christians don't have a Plan B; they place their faith fully in the arms of an all-powerful God.
• Radical Christians don't offer God small parts of their lives; they present themselves as a living sacrifice, devoted to obeying the will of God.
• Radical Christians don't dwell in the past; they look to the future with hope in their eyes.
• Radical Christians don't give expecting to be rewarded; they give as a means of giving back to the One who gave them all.
• Radical Christians are not satisfied with complacency; they constantly thirst after more of God.
• Radical Christians are not afraid to stand up, speak out, and take action for their beliefs.
• Radical Christians carry their cross daily and follow God without hesitation, without looking back.
• Radical Christians are not perfect in any sense of the word, but they strive daily to please the only One who ever reached perfection.
• Radical Christians fail God on a daily basis, but when they stumble they don't let it get them down. They turn back to God, repent, learn from their mistakes, and keep pressing onward.
• Radical Christians humble themselves daily before the reverent God and live with the sole purpose of bringing Him glory.

Honest to God

     I downloaded a free Bible application onto my iPod yesterday, thinking it would be a simple "pocket bible" that I could carry with me every day. Once it had finished downloading I saw that it also came with many reading plans and daily devotions. So, I began browsing through the different devotions - trying to find one that best suited me. Finally I came to the Life Application Study Bible Devotion and God began to speak. The scripture reference was Psalm 6:6 which reads, "I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears." I have read almost all of the Psalms, but I was unfamiliar with this one. However, I was completely captured by David’s honest humility before God. I highly recommend that before you continue reading this, please go read chapter 6. I hope it speaks to your heart as much as it did mine. Anyway, the devotion that accompanied the verse said,

"Pouring out his heart with tears, David was completely honest with God. We can be honest with God even when we are filled with anger or despair because God knows us thoroughly and wants the very best for us. Anger may result in rash outward acts or turning inward towards depression. But because we trust in our all-powerful God, we don't have to be victims of circumstance or be weighted down by the guilt of sin. Be honest with God, and he will help you turn your attention from yourself to him and his mercy."

-Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion

     I was amazed after reading this; it spoke great truth to my heart. Here's what I got from it... God already knows everything there is to know about us, so why do we try to conceal the truth from Him? We need to pour ourselves out to Him like David did. There is no need to paint a pretty picture for God on the outside when He already knows deepest, darkest inner secrets. Cry out to God when you're sorrowful and scream out your frustrations to Him. Don't try to be someone you're not. God knows you (and loves you) just the way you are. Being a Christian means being in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You must get to know Him personally, as well as allow Him to know you personally. Don't hide from Him like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden. Open up to Him and let Him have control in your life. God is the closest friend you will ever have. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother and He longs to be your crying shoulder. He is waiting patiently for you to cast all your cares on Him. Be honest to God and allow Him to minister in your life.

Perfectly Imperfect

     I am not perfect. Every day I fail God in one way or another - it is a simple Biblical truth. Romans 3:23 tells us "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." God saved my life four years ago and I still don't fully understand the depth of His love. I can't comprehend how a perfect God could love me despite my many imperfections, or how He could use my imperfections for His glory. But that is exactly what He does.

"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Hebrews 13:20-21

     

     1 Corinthians 1:27 tells us that God has chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. This verse has proved true time after time in my life. God loves me and He chose me, with all my foolish imperfections, because he has a perfect plan for my life. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:48 to "be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." My life will never be perfect on this side of Heaven, but while I'm here I can work through my imperfections towards the perfect plan God has for me. Hebrews 2:10 says that our salvation is made perfect through suffering, but Psalms 37:37 says that the lives of the upright will end in peace. Matthew 19:21 tells us that in order to be perfect (meaning: complete in various applications of labor, growth, mental, and moral character) we must follow Jesus and give to those in need. This form of perfection, the perfection that is only available through the forgiveness and salvation of Jesus Christ, is how we will receive our treasure in Heaven.

     Many people have been mislead to believe that perfection means without fault or failure, but that is not always the case. For example, the Bible calls Noah a "perfect and just" man. If you have ever read the book of Genesis then you know that Noah was not without fault. Genesis 6:9 tells us that Noah was perfect in that he "walked with God." In the same way God tells Abraham in chapter 17 to "walk before me and be thou perfect". Abraham and Noah were imperfect people, but because they chose to walk with God, they were made perfect and were able to fulfill God's plan for their lives. God wants to work in your life the same way He did in Noah and Abraham's lives. Come to Him just as you are - perfectly imperfect. Surrender you life to Christ and watch as He transforms your imperfections into perfect vessels that can be used for His glory.

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.  

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.

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.