Today when I was listening to a lesson on prayer, we read Revelation 12:11 which says, "And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved their lives even unto death." We were discussing how faith in Christ that is rooted in the Word, coupled with the blood of Christ and the word of our testimony will give us daily victory over the enemy of our souls.
In the class the instructor, John, shared with us some instances of new believers who upon their salvation picked up and traveled all over the country sharing their testimony with others. Yet, because they only had the "word of their testimony" their "ministries" quickly perished and some of them are unheard of today.
It was after John had told us this that I was reminded of the daily commitment that God is wanting from me. The "word of my testimony" can only take me so far. I must plunge deeper in the living Word of God so that my roots will be secured in the Word's unshakeable foundation. In doing so, I will be unmoved when the winds and storms do blow...because they most certainly will. Not only will I be firmly planted in Truth, but the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart will be the very words of the Father. Men will only hear Truth uttered from my lips as I feast upon the precious Word.
Jesus promised us times of testing, persecution, and natural disasters. Yet, those who set their hope and meditation in the Word of Truth will not perish but inherit everlasting life. Oh, how I pray that my ultimate delight would be in the Word! Let us be like the pslamist who wrote of the blessed man, "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers" (Psalm 1:2,3).
Go now...be with Jesus.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Communion Results in Community
I am not entirely sure why I am choosing to blog in this moment because so much has been on my heart and mind over the past few weeks. I think I avoid blogging because I fear spoiling the beauty of God's work with my monotonous commentary. Yet, I must record my thoughts.
Hmm...where to begin. I have been prayerfully contemplating the idea of communion with the Father. In my attempts to find balance between intimate communion with Him and involvement in community, I have discovered that there is much needed work to be done in my heart.
Beginning with community...I have come to a continual awareness of its importance. For Christians, intentional and meaningful relationships are essential in growing in grace, love, and in a knowledge of God. Healthy community encourages honesty, embraces the brokenness and sinfulness of others, and creates space for forgiveness and redemption. Yet so often I find that in the midst of performing tasks, following up on responsibilities, and fulfilling my "duties," I dilute the significance of these relationships. Or rather, these interactions with others are no longer enjoyable but are "demanding," "time-suckers," or "distractions." What the heck is that all about?!
Now, let me compare this mentality with that of my Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. During Jesus' three-year ministry, we only see a small portion of the many interactions he had with the people as recorded in the Synoptics and the book of John. Yet, what humbles me and leaves me bewildered is that Jesus had compassion and genuine understanding toward those that he interacted with during his journey. Knowing full well that the crowds would despise him, even those from within his inner circle would deny him, Jesus still continued to pour out love and grace and mercy to these individuals.
I could reference so many accounts of where this is demonstrated by Jesus. In actuality, his whole life epitomizes compassion and forbearance. Yet, I am reminded of Gethsemane. We read in Mark's account starting in 14:33, "And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.'" Only moments prior to his arrest, Jesus is in earnest intercession with the Father. What were the disciples doing? Sleeping! They had no comprehension of the anguish and turmoil that their Master was facing. Yet, Jesus persevered and accomplished the will of his father because he knew the joy and freedom that would result in his obedience.
Concerning communion, I am more and more aware of the Father's constant pursuit of His children. I am desperate for daily communion with the Godhead. In prayer and meditation I find strength and renewal for my soul. Though my soul clings to the dust, the Word of God gives me life! It is in communion that I gain greater understanding of the knowledge of God and I am encouraged and strengthened in my faith. As a result of communion, my soul rejoices and my heart is glad and I desire to pour out to others. When I see Jesus and read of his many characteristics, among them the "suffering servant," I am reminded that true joy and hope are not found in this life but in the life to come. Yes, this "suffering servant" was full of long-suffering, compassion, mercy, and love. He loved and still is loving the worst of sinners, tax collectors, and prostitutes. Jesus poured out his very life and gave all of himself to his disciples despite the fact that they were too weak or ashamed to acknowledge their association with him at the time of his greatest need.
Jesus example reminds me that I ought always to seek, watch, and pray. That in doing so, I will be overwhelmed with everlasting joy that will sustain me through every trial and tribulation. Yet, I must not stop there. I must press on and share that joy with others that they too may experience the joy of knowing Christ in the midst of a perverse and crooked generation. Paul was constantly overwhelmed with joy when he would hear of his churches pressing on in the faith for the sake of the gospel. Paul not only shared Jesus with the people, but he shared himself as well. He did this in order that they too would endure with patience the temporal trials of this life in order that their joy might be full and God might be most supremely glorified.
With that, I leave you with the most eloquent words of the apostle Paul to those in the city of Ephesus and its surrounding area, "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestine according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of this will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory" (Ephesians 1:11-14).
Hmm...where to begin. I have been prayerfully contemplating the idea of communion with the Father. In my attempts to find balance between intimate communion with Him and involvement in community, I have discovered that there is much needed work to be done in my heart.
Beginning with community...I have come to a continual awareness of its importance. For Christians, intentional and meaningful relationships are essential in growing in grace, love, and in a knowledge of God. Healthy community encourages honesty, embraces the brokenness and sinfulness of others, and creates space for forgiveness and redemption. Yet so often I find that in the midst of performing tasks, following up on responsibilities, and fulfilling my "duties," I dilute the significance of these relationships. Or rather, these interactions with others are no longer enjoyable but are "demanding," "time-suckers," or "distractions." What the heck is that all about?!
Now, let me compare this mentality with that of my Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. During Jesus' three-year ministry, we only see a small portion of the many interactions he had with the people as recorded in the Synoptics and the book of John. Yet, what humbles me and leaves me bewildered is that Jesus had compassion and genuine understanding toward those that he interacted with during his journey. Knowing full well that the crowds would despise him, even those from within his inner circle would deny him, Jesus still continued to pour out love and grace and mercy to these individuals.
I could reference so many accounts of where this is demonstrated by Jesus. In actuality, his whole life epitomizes compassion and forbearance. Yet, I am reminded of Gethsemane. We read in Mark's account starting in 14:33, "And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.'" Only moments prior to his arrest, Jesus is in earnest intercession with the Father. What were the disciples doing? Sleeping! They had no comprehension of the anguish and turmoil that their Master was facing. Yet, Jesus persevered and accomplished the will of his father because he knew the joy and freedom that would result in his obedience.
Concerning communion, I am more and more aware of the Father's constant pursuit of His children. I am desperate for daily communion with the Godhead. In prayer and meditation I find strength and renewal for my soul. Though my soul clings to the dust, the Word of God gives me life! It is in communion that I gain greater understanding of the knowledge of God and I am encouraged and strengthened in my faith. As a result of communion, my soul rejoices and my heart is glad and I desire to pour out to others. When I see Jesus and read of his many characteristics, among them the "suffering servant," I am reminded that true joy and hope are not found in this life but in the life to come. Yes, this "suffering servant" was full of long-suffering, compassion, mercy, and love. He loved and still is loving the worst of sinners, tax collectors, and prostitutes. Jesus poured out his very life and gave all of himself to his disciples despite the fact that they were too weak or ashamed to acknowledge their association with him at the time of his greatest need.
Jesus example reminds me that I ought always to seek, watch, and pray. That in doing so, I will be overwhelmed with everlasting joy that will sustain me through every trial and tribulation. Yet, I must not stop there. I must press on and share that joy with others that they too may experience the joy of knowing Christ in the midst of a perverse and crooked generation. Paul was constantly overwhelmed with joy when he would hear of his churches pressing on in the faith for the sake of the gospel. Paul not only shared Jesus with the people, but he shared himself as well. He did this in order that they too would endure with patience the temporal trials of this life in order that their joy might be full and God might be most supremely glorified.
With that, I leave you with the most eloquent words of the apostle Paul to those in the city of Ephesus and its surrounding area, "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestine according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of this will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory" (Ephesians 1:11-14).
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Vulnerability. Man... being vulnerable is one of the most uncomfortable, utterly exposed positions one can find herself in. I am vulnerable. I am naked and found out. Nothing is hidden, everything is disclosed.
I thought I understood that God sees all things. He knows man's heart better than man himself. Yet, often this is not a reality in my life. The fact that God knows my innermost thoughts and motives does not always resonate in my mind. Until I find myself face to face with reality, His omniscience becomes real to me.
With aches that came from the depth of my being, I once again felt the sorrow that had once made its home within me years ago. I questioned whether or not I had learned from my past mistakes as I met this "friend" once again. By "friend" I refer to "pain." Though initially I did not perceive pain to be my friend, light shined into my heart and soul during the manifestation of this pain. Pain led me to see my depravity. I am utterly and hopelessly selfish.
In light of the suffering my Savior experienced on the cross, my ache is 1/1,000,000 of the pain caused by a tiny paper cut. Yet, I have the audacity and boldness to cry out and question my Creator. Does not suffering result in joy in my God? Does not affliction lead me to the throne of my Maker? How then can I despise this menial burden?
Knowing my frailty and lack of strength, He has been gracious and merciful toward me. He sent me a friend who was battling with her flesh and spirit in the moment of my anguish (or rather, pity). Gently, He confronted me with reality. Indeed, He is ever interceding for me at the right hand of the Father. He is not content that I find my pleasure and delight in what is earthly or temporal. My ultimate joy must reside in Him, my Sustainer and Source. He is not willing that I remain in this state of flux, rather that I rest upon the solid rock and sing His praise. He is worthy of all praise.
Seeing my friend's struggle, I was reminded that we are not alone in this battle. Truly affliction and discomfort bring about greater faith, greater hope, greater joy, and greater praise. Oh, that I would hold my tongue and not look inward but toward Him who formed me. Jesus is truly the Hound of Heaven. He is closing in on me, and allowing my world to cave in, in order that He might be adored above all else. May all of my affections be cast upon His sweet face as He leads me through the trials of this life.
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