Thursday, June 17, 2010

DISCONNECTED

On TV a few months ago, I heard someone say "you need feedback from others to get in touch with your reality".  Another way of saying that is, if you stay disconnected from others, you will not be in touch with reality.  I know that's hard for some people to hear because they think they don't need anyone and they're doing just fine. It is a very dangerous place to be on so many levels.

It is in our connectedness with people where we are filled and healed (James 5:16). We need to PRACTICE connection. It's not always the natural thing to do, so we have to work at it. We have to do it “on purpose”. Because we’re gun-shy from all the disappointments in life and all the hurts we've encountered along the way, disconnection seems the best thing to do to prevent further disappointment. It's the wrong way to go. Disconnection hurts you in so many ways. You can't be the person you were meant to be from the foundations of this world. Without allowing others to invest in your life, you won't learn and grow as it was intended when you were formed in your mother's womb.

So, if you know someone who doesn’t “connect” with many people, they are very out of touch with reality.  They have been wounded and don’t want to hear what anyone has to say.  They don’t want to hurt anymore, so they disconnect.  Disconnection is losing your lifeline.  God put us on this earth for each other.  We are created to be relational. Get connected to others and stay connected.

THE POTTERY

One day I was sitting in my house, minding my own business, when I heard this horrible smash with multiple clanging sounds.  My washer had been overloaded, and the spin cycle shook things up more than usual.  Apparently it vibrated the refrigerator enough to cause a nice piece of glazed pottery to walk right off the top.  That was only possible because the refrigerator wasn’t level.
 
As I was cleaning it up, I couldn’t believe how far pieces scattered and how much of it there was!  In my mind, there was no way that piece of pottery could have taken that much material to make it!  But, my mind knows that all the sum of the parts equal the whole. So, it all had to be from the same piece of pottery.

I was able to clean it up without help, but it took some time to find those small splintered chards. It didn't happen all in one day either. I kept finding little chards throughout the next few weeks. I was aware they were probably there and would see something glistening in the light. It was easy to spot them when the light reflected off them. It was very important to cover a large area to pick up the tiniest chard, because those are the ones that can hurt and go in so deeply to the bottom of your feet. Even worse, the chards may get into the feet of your friends. When your feet are in pain, you can't walk, you can't accomplish what you had intended to accomplish. That's a good reason to have someone else help you clean up the mess. Another pair of eyes is always better, because they can see things that we sometimes can't see. You really want to prevent those chards from imbedding in your feet or the feet of your friends.

This all brought to mind how we sometimes look at things in our lives.  Many times things fall apart in our lives and look so big and seem to spread so far into other areas of our lives and the lives of others. It can be very painful if we don't clean it up properly. We can easily see the big pieces and take care of them, but those tiny chards....those small “foxes that spoil the vine” (Song of Solomon 2:15“Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.”) are sometimes hard to see without another pair of eyes. Because we weren't able to get all the chards, we step on a few here and there and cause ourselves or our friends some hurt. Then, we definitely need another pair of eyes to find that chard that is causing so much pain. When we expose things to the Light, it is easier to spot.

Things shatter because we're not level or balanced. The vibrations of life...the trials and adversities... are able to shake some things up in our lives to the point of causing us to crash. When we “crash”, it seems overwhelming. We have to reach out for help when we're hurting (“Galatians 6:2 “Bear ye one another's burdens...”)

When we can't seem to accomplish what we intended to accomplish, it's our pain that keeps us from walking where we need to walk. We are more focused on the “why” we can't get where we're going than to the “how” can we get where we're going. The “why” is because we're wounded and need healing to walk properly before God and man. The “how” is to reach out to our brothers and sisters to be healed so we can walk the narrow path as God has intended.

James 5:16 tells us that we need to
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
The healing comes with facing the situation and having prayer. As long as that chard stays buried and you don't tell anyone it's there, it will remain buried and fester, causing more pain and then infection. Sometimes it will works it's way out with the festering...do you want to have everyone see that festering. It's at that point you will HAVE to have antibiotics...some kind of care from someone else other than yourself. Why let it go that far?

You think you can walk this life alone? Not a chance. We desperately need each other.

A SUBTLE SIN

1 Samuel 12:23  Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way.   Sinning by ceasing to pray? …………………………………hmmmmmmm  

THE LION OF JUDAH

I was watching a program about African animals the other day.  Have you noticed how all the animals scatter when the lion comes around?  Even if he is not hungry at the time.  Maybe he’s just going to the watering hole.  Doesn’t matter.  All other animals scatter except, of course, those in his den.

The lion is the king of the jungle.  It’s just something the other animals know.  It was born in them to fear the king of the jungle.

Then I started thinking about The Lion of Judah.  Judah means “praise”.  Remember the lion causes anything in its way to scatter.  So, doesn’t it bless you to know that our “Judah”,our “praises”, cause those things in our way to scatter and dissappear.  He makes a path for our provision.
 
Psalm 68:1 Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered: let them also that hate Him flee before Him.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

FLIGHT FEATHERS

In Psalm 91:4, we are told that God will “cover us with His feathers (or pinions) and under His wings we may seek refuge”.

So many times I’ve pictured that Scripture like the mother hen covering her chicks during the storms or other dangers. They are all cozy and protected, unaware of what is going on around them.

But, when I read the whole of Psalm 91, I get another scenario that makes more sense.
Psalm 91 (AMP)
1HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].
2I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!
3For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.
4[Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.
5You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day,
6Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.
7A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you.
8Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked.
9Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, 10There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent.
11For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].
12They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.(B)
13You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot.
14Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never].
15He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.

I decided to check out the function of feathers and pinions. I noted there was a slight difference in what feathers do and what pinions do.

The flight feathers or wings are symmetrically paired and their primary function is to aid in the generation of thrust and lift, thereby enabling flight. Flight feathers can perform other functions: territorial displays, courtship rituals, feeding methods. The primaries are connected to the bird’s manus or “hand”. They can be rotated individually. These feathers are especially important for flapping flight, as they are the principal source of thrust. On the upstroke, when the bird often draws its wing in close to the body, the primaries are separated and rotated, reducing air resistance while still providing some thrust. The flexibility on the wingtips of large soaring birds allows for the spreading of the feathers which helps to reduce the creation of wingtip vortices, thereby reducing drag. The pinion is the outermost part of the primary wing. The pinion is connected to the phalanges. (That’s like our fingertips.) (Wikipedia 2010).

If the Scripture truly does mean He is covering us with His “pinions”, then we can look at this in quite a different way. Pinions are the most flexible parts of the wings. They help maneuver the bird wherever he wants to go. It’s not possible to “hide” from view under them. They were meant to keep the bird moving, which also “protects” the bird by getting him out of harm's way.

Could it be that when we are “under His wings” we are soaring? We are soaring above all those things: the terror of night, the arrow, the pestilence, the destruction. When we lean on Him and rely on Him, we are protected from the negative effects of the things that happen. Protected in the sense expressed by the Apostle Paul… “and none of these things move me”. No matter what the circumstances are, I will keep soaring. I will keep moving. I will let nothing distract me from what I am to do and where I am to go.

In my minds eye, I see a tandem hang-glider, soaring up and down the currents of air. You are “fixed and stable” under him. You are depending on him to steer and trusting him that he knows what he is doing. You are under his wings and guidance. He is moving the apparatus to maneuver where he wants to go. You’re under the wings and have refuge from all the earthly things below. I know I sure need refuge under His Wings. I need help to soar above it all.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

ARE WE SKATING BY?

As I watch the skaters in the Winter Olympics, I’m amazed at their strength and stamina. What amazes me even more is how they get back up when they fall (Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.) (Psalm 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.),
and they keep going to finish their course. (1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.) They know that even though they’ve made mistakes, they get credit if they keep going.

Someone is keeping score of each individual performance. They aren’t getting compared to another skater. They are being compared to the qualifications and standards of the sport (2 Timothy 2:5 Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.).

They don’t get high scores for just “skating” and not doing anything of “value”. To get the high scores and the great reward, they have to “do” feats that seem impossible to many of us. (James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.) They train and train and try and try again and again to accomplish those great leaps and spins and stretches. They don’t give up. They have faith that their practice will pay off in the end. (Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.) They push themselves beyond their limits it seems. They have to keep going. They’re headed for the GOLD (Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.) They are focused on one thing: finishing the course to obtain the award (2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.)

It’s not enough to be on skates. You have to build up strength and stamina to qualify to be a contender in the sport and skate according to the rules. It is constant pushing the flesh beyond limits (Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.) and doing warfare (Ephesians 6:11-18 - 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;). Again, it’s not just about us, it’s doing it for our brothers and sisters. Just like the athletes represent their country, we are a part of each other. What we do affects the honor of the whole.

You are still a skater (still in the family of God), but will not receive the reward and will not please the Father. You say, “why do I need a reward or win the prize?” It’s not about you! It’s all for the Glory of God. Not for your glory. It’s all about bringing honor to Him, not to yourself. It’s about expressing your love for the One Who loved you beyond measure.

Revelation 4: 10-11 - 10The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on The Throne, and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before The Throne, saying, 11Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

COMMUNICATING IS SUCH A SACRIFICE!

Hebrews 13:15-16
15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

So, what are the sacrifices here? Praising, doing good, and communicating. Let’s focus on “communicating” as a sacrifice to God. I think of communicating as an investment of time and energy, and sometimes a hassle. God’s Words tells us we need to do this to please Him. Yet, we’re reluctant to take the time and energy many times.

Communicate in the Greek for this particular verse is “koinonia” which means to communicate, fellowship, communion, partnership, participation, distribution.

Communicate: www.thefreedictionary.com
1) to convey information about; make known; impart knowledge or exchange thoughts, feelings, or ideas
2) to spread to others; transmit as in an infectious disease/virus; to transfer
3) to have an interchange, as of ideas
4) to express oneself in such a way that one is readily and clearly understood
5) to be connected with one another; to make or have a connecting passage or route; to connect or join

Aren’t there people that you have cut off communicating with because it’s way too much work?...way too much hassle?...way too much energy?...you’re too tired to take time for someone? …too busy to keep up relationships? ...too tired or busy to attend or plan times of fellowship?

Maybe we’ve been hurt, so we avoid communication. We think it saves us from more hurt, yet, because we’re God’s creations, created for relationship, we’re shooting ourselves in the foot on this one. We are His family. We cannot live without communion, fellowship, communication, and relationship with one another and Him and expect to be healthy in body, soul, and spirit.

God brings people across our paths on purpose that He wants us to “communicate” with for some reason. We need to embrace the opportunities to “please” God. And, “communicating” pleases Him well.

Definition of “sacrifice”: www.thefreedictionary.com
noun:
1) the act of offering, losing, surrendering something to a deity in propitiation or homage
2) forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a great value or claim
3) relinquishment of something at less than its presumed value
4) a loss entailed by giving up
5) the act of killing
6) in baseball, an “out” that advances the base runners
verb:
1) to forfeit one thing for another thing considered to be of great value
2) to endure the loss of
3) to give away for the sake of something or someone else
4) to dedicate, to give thought to, to give priority to, to pay attention to
5) kill or destroy
6) sell at a loss
7) in baseball, make a sacrifice bunt or sacrifice fly
8) in chess, to permit or force one’s opponent to capture a piece freely

As I pondered this Scripture and each definition of the key words, sacrifice and communication, it opened my mind and heart to a new realm of understanding.

The definition of sacrifice that stood out like a bolt to me was: in baseball, an “out” that advances the base runners. If we put ourselves “out” or “sacrifice”, it would advance the runners! Aren’t we all runners is the race? The sacrifice to honor God by obeying His Word, advances the runners. Wow!
1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

The definition of communicate that stood out was: to spread to others; transmit as in an infectious disease/virus; to transfer. Aren’t we supposed to spread God’s love? Shouldn’t we be infectious to all those around us? Can’t do that without communicating.

Does the schedule you keep please God? If you aren’t fitting in the communication, fellowship, participation, relationships, etc., how can you be pleasing God? He asks us to praise Him, do good, and communicate. That’s what pleases Him.

Pleasing the Father: Heb. 11:6; Heb. 13:16; Prov. 16:7; Rom. 8:8; 2 Tim. 2:4

Friday, February 5, 2010

DEN OF THIEVES

I recently got a new perspective on the following Scripture:

Matthew 21: 12-13
12And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

There are two phrases in this Scripture passage that I’ve never heard anyone address: “…and cast out ALL them that sold and BOUGHT in the temple” and “…YE have made it a DEN OF THIEVES”.

Why those who BOUGHT in the temple? I’m thinking Christ was disgusted with those who were lazy worshipers. By the Law of Moses (given by God) and tradition, they were expected to BRING a sacrifice TO the temple to have the priest make a sacrifice for their sins. Instead of making preparation and bringing God their best, they were settling for whatever was available at the last minute. They weren’t taking this seriously. It was very “routine” for them. They weren’t prepared in their hearts for true repentance. They weren’t prepared to worship Him as a Holy God deserved. They were ROBBING God of His deserved honor and worship…therein, the “den of thieves”. They were disrespecting His provision for them…forgiveness of sin…and so much more.

When you honor someone else in this life, don’t you shop for just the right card? Don’t you shop for just the right gift? Don’t you make effort to think and prepare to do something to honor them, to bless them? The Bible tells us “to give honor to whom honor” is due (Romans 13:7). When someone has been a great blessing in many lives, don’t they hold big celebrations of honor? Doesn’t God deserve our honor more than any man? When we gather together, isn’t that what we’re supposed to do? Isn’t that what “church” is about?...to bring God honor as His Body…to celebrate Him…to offer Him our sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15) and worship?

Romans 12:1 – “I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Since we no longer bring animals for sacrifice, because Jesus was the Ultimate Sacrifice, we are instructed to be LIVING SACRIFICES. Since we no longer need an earthly priest to stand between us and God, because Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 3-7) and Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5), don’t we need to prepare our hearts? Everything in the Old Testament was a shadow of things to come. Didn’t the priests of old have a high price to pay for not preparing as instructed? Their lives were required of them when they did not prepare and honor God as instructed. We are priests and kings in His Kingdom here on earth. Much is required of us as well. This has been very sobering to me.

I’m thinking He’s not very happy with lazy worshippers. And, I’m thinking there is a price to pay for not preparing our hearts and worshiping Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

Sunday, January 17, 2010

PAIN

If you hear a gut-wrenching scream in the hospital...it makes a difference if it's coming from the cancer ward or the maternity ward: one is life and one is death.

In our pain, we can't tell the difference. The enemy of our souls wants us to think it's the cancer ward, but the Holy Spirit wants us to know it's the maternity ward.

Read Romans 8.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Remember Noah

After many of the past events in my life, I was discouraged about many things. As I brought them before the Lord as Psalm 142:2 says..." I poured my complaint out before the Lord"...He just said, "Remember Noah".

So, I'm passing it on to you. Noah just obeyed God. No one "heard" what he had to say. No one was changed by what he preached or taught. No one encouraged him. No one helped him. He preached a tough message. He continued on in his mission. He was obedient through it all. No matter what it looked like to other people. No matter who came against him. No matter who gossiped about him. No matter who slandered him. No matter who or what opposed him, Noah didn't let it deter him from what God had instructed. He kept plugging along day after day for 120 years! But, the day came...the destiny of that mission came to fruition.

Be encouraged.