There’s a strong force in my will coming up against a sliver of a desire in my heart for humility. This force beckons me to seemingly better things. It taunts and tantalizes my senses with false promises of increased happiness. The thing is, I’m so used to it that I unwittingly succumb to its powers. It’s the teasing of unrequited, potential treasures found in the upgrade. Yes, the ability to upgrade.
And it’s everywhere. I can’t escape it. While it is permissible, at times, it is not beneficial especially with the pursuit of being conformed to Christ is taking place. Simply enough, the tangible efforts to better my surroundings, meal times, communication and overall happiness are in the balance.
For example, if my engaged roommate’s wedding date arrives surely I should call dibs on the bigger and better room available. Or if I’m enjoying a delicious bread bowl of soup, certainly a dollar upgrade to enjoy a sugary treat is acceptable anytime. Oddly enough, should my cell phone features after two years of faithful service become stunningly antiquated a slight fee will, yes, upgrade me to the up-to-date options available to the rest of the west. If suddenly I’m making six figures instead of five, I can finally move out of middle class suburbia and upgrade to a house by the lake. If a burst of increases comes an upgrade to a fifteen inch Mac Pro is obvious so that I can ditch the dinky ten inch net book I’ve been embarrassingly carting around.
But should I give in? Should I indulge every single desire of opportunity that passes before my eyes? If my wages increase, should my standard of living also rise? There’s so many options, so many opportunities. Upgrades are ingrained in our culture. Sometimes it isn’t even an option, but an obvious.
The rich increase their wealth while the poor remain stricken. Churches close their doors for lack of funding while bars and clubs continually re-open with remodeled interiors.
Simplicity is missing. Choosing to bypass the upgrade and remain with the initial decision isn’t foolishness. You may disagree, but God doesn’t. For in fact, should wages increase so should giving extravagantly to the poor and needy in the name of Jesus.
It’s not one size fits all either. Simplicity is based upon a case by case, calling by calling basis. Yet it needs to be regarded as important. The decision to buy the new, trendy kitchen table or keep the old, sturdy and reliable one is proposed or give the excess money to a missionary in need.
Knowing that this life is but a vapor. It’s only seventy years, eighty by strength. The treasure acquired here will not last, it becomes rust, eaten by moths and stolen by envious thieves. Sow into what truly lasts, the Spirit. Give unto what is much greater than an invitation to better oneself. Make choices that no one else may see, but what the Lord shall one day reveal in front of many. Small acts that separate salt and light from plain and dark.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Creation's Mystery
On my flight to Denver I just saw one of the most, if not the most, beautiful movements of creation in my life. As the plane ascended into the sky, passing through layers and layers of clouds there seemed to be a break. To my left, out of the window, a dark, deep crevice-like shape forming in the midst of soft white clouds. Yellow light slowly streamed through the midst of the center. For how large it was I do not know; however, it revealed to me mystery.
If God were like a cloud, then I’d picture a fluffy, friendly puff. If God were like the eye of a storm, then I’d picture havoc, chaos, madness and beauty.
What I just saw moments ago, took my breath away. Never before has creation ever fascinated and moved my heart as such. Most likely because the 21st century is so inundated with knowledge we have yet to experience, but are familiar with through pictures and video of someone else’s adventures into the far off reaches of the natural world. Now while we may love the advancements of technology and the like, our own fascination with the unknown hardly exists. This renders our ability of sense to become static. The sense of wonder lost in the abyss of information overload.
As I read through stories of the saints of old captivated by the stars in the night, I cannot understand the overwhelming awe they emote. I don’t have to wonder how they got there or what exactly what they are, my third grade teacher already told me, why search it out? Imagine that, a nine year old already seemingly jaded by the earth that was meant to give witness to Someone so other than. But science has explained it away and creation because obvious.
What if the sense of wonder came back? What if the answer to every question was available in mere seconds? What if the lust of man could no longer be satisfied in a matter of moments? It makes me wonder if families would be far more interactive with one another rather than their TVs. If instant gratification ceased to exist, attention to the here and now might occur.
If one glimpse of one untapped region of cloud formations provoked my heart to search out mystery, imagine if an entire generation became gripped with the beauty of Jesus; the mystery of godliness.
Jesus, the picture of love that so offends the world. Dying for love. Sacrificing self to the ones who most deserved punishment. Jesus is the name the world mocks. Half the time most don’t even know why they scoff at this blessed name. Jesus is offensive because it’s an exchange of all for all. Eternal life exchanged for temporal obedience through love. He never forces. Arms wide open and heart exposed waiting to see if just one may voluntary choose love. It is a sacrifice to lay aside every dream and desire, allowing another to give guidance. Man thinks he is the highest form of wisdom, every person does this. For example, we’re annoyed when another tells us what to do and they have no authority to give such a word. But He holds authority, after all He formed and fashioned everything we know into existence.
Every person is a soul. Every person has an eternal destiny. It’s written on the inside of us. Even if questions are asked and answers given so quickly, it’s all in vain to try and cover up the biggest question in the heart: what is the purpose of life?
I won’t answer it for anyone, it must be searched out. However, the question begs being asked.
If God were like a cloud, then I’d picture a fluffy, friendly puff. If God were like the eye of a storm, then I’d picture havoc, chaos, madness and beauty.
What I just saw moments ago, took my breath away. Never before has creation ever fascinated and moved my heart as such. Most likely because the 21st century is so inundated with knowledge we have yet to experience, but are familiar with through pictures and video of someone else’s adventures into the far off reaches of the natural world. Now while we may love the advancements of technology and the like, our own fascination with the unknown hardly exists. This renders our ability of sense to become static. The sense of wonder lost in the abyss of information overload.
As I read through stories of the saints of old captivated by the stars in the night, I cannot understand the overwhelming awe they emote. I don’t have to wonder how they got there or what exactly what they are, my third grade teacher already told me, why search it out? Imagine that, a nine year old already seemingly jaded by the earth that was meant to give witness to Someone so other than. But science has explained it away and creation because obvious.
What if the sense of wonder came back? What if the answer to every question was available in mere seconds? What if the lust of man could no longer be satisfied in a matter of moments? It makes me wonder if families would be far more interactive with one another rather than their TVs. If instant gratification ceased to exist, attention to the here and now might occur.
If one glimpse of one untapped region of cloud formations provoked my heart to search out mystery, imagine if an entire generation became gripped with the beauty of Jesus; the mystery of godliness.
Jesus, the picture of love that so offends the world. Dying for love. Sacrificing self to the ones who most deserved punishment. Jesus is the name the world mocks. Half the time most don’t even know why they scoff at this blessed name. Jesus is offensive because it’s an exchange of all for all. Eternal life exchanged for temporal obedience through love. He never forces. Arms wide open and heart exposed waiting to see if just one may voluntary choose love. It is a sacrifice to lay aside every dream and desire, allowing another to give guidance. Man thinks he is the highest form of wisdom, every person does this. For example, we’re annoyed when another tells us what to do and they have no authority to give such a word. But He holds authority, after all He formed and fashioned everything we know into existence.
Every person is a soul. Every person has an eternal destiny. It’s written on the inside of us. Even if questions are asked and answers given so quickly, it’s all in vain to try and cover up the biggest question in the heart: what is the purpose of life?
I won’t answer it for anyone, it must be searched out. However, the question begs being asked.
Friday, December 16, 2011
The Price for the Prostitute
Today I began my first day at Exodus Cry: the Prayer Movement to End Human Trafficking. My new co-workers genuinely exemplify a deep burden of injustice of the issue of sexual slavery in this day and time. Not only do they commit to excellence in the workplace, but also loving one another well out of the overflow of wells of revelation of the Father’s desire for them. By a simple six hour time span I had become convicted by my immense lack of compassion for those steeped in the atrocity of human trafficking and my helplessness apart from God to see a solution.
Max Lucado proposes 25 questions for Mary, Jesus’ mother, in his book, “God Came Near.” Question number sixteen reads, “What do you think He thought when He saw a prostitute offering to the highest bidder the body He made?”
My mind was thinking of this tonight as I asked the Lord to encounter me afresh with His burden over the injustice of human trafficking in this world and the perverse lust of my culture. There are said to be calculated some 20 million slaves in the world; uncalculated 200 million and eighty percent are sex slaves. Pornography, the gateway into the selling of bodies, grosses over 200 billion dollars a year. Truly, truly an epidemic is on our hands and blindness on our eyes.
I asked Him, what did You feel as You watched a prostitute sell her body to the highest bidder? Surely You had countless times, share with me how You felt. His answer: I was the one who paid the highest price for her body, no man can possibly out bid Me in My zeal and passionate desire that she may forever be near and for her heart to accept My love voluntarily.
No righteous man, no wicked man can outbid Jesus. False justice will not truly rescue a woman out of her depravity, even if an organization physically brings her out of chains only Jesus can set her free. No wicked man can possibly win the soul of a woman, prostituted or not.
That’s what it’s all about: Jesus paying the price. It’s not about what can man do in his own striving to liberate captives. There is One greater who has set captivity captive because of His anointing by the Father to give beauty for ashes and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
It comes by the blood of the Lamb slain for the transgressors; mocking, beating, bruising, marring Him beyond recognition. It comes by the innocent Man in whom no deceit was found in His mouth, only intercession for the transgressors that they may be with Him in paradise.
No evil thought entered His mind over the ones driving steel into flesh, only prayers supplicated to His Father. The highest price paid for each prostitute to draw near to the throne of grace with confidence to find help in their times of need.
This is the answer. Jesus Christ the Deliverer of the slave. Savior to the sick. Redeemer of the sinner. Husband of the unfaithful. Judge over injustice.
No man can match or outbid the price that Jesus has laid upon every head of every prostitute mandated to flaunt herself to the lusts of the streets of Las Vegas, Mumbai, Rio de Janero or London. The beauty is that she is not found in shame before God, but accepted as a daughter with full rights to the kingdom of heaven.
Max Lucado proposes 25 questions for Mary, Jesus’ mother, in his book, “God Came Near.” Question number sixteen reads, “What do you think He thought when He saw a prostitute offering to the highest bidder the body He made?”
My mind was thinking of this tonight as I asked the Lord to encounter me afresh with His burden over the injustice of human trafficking in this world and the perverse lust of my culture. There are said to be calculated some 20 million slaves in the world; uncalculated 200 million and eighty percent are sex slaves. Pornography, the gateway into the selling of bodies, grosses over 200 billion dollars a year. Truly, truly an epidemic is on our hands and blindness on our eyes.
I asked Him, what did You feel as You watched a prostitute sell her body to the highest bidder? Surely You had countless times, share with me how You felt. His answer: I was the one who paid the highest price for her body, no man can possibly out bid Me in My zeal and passionate desire that she may forever be near and for her heart to accept My love voluntarily.
No righteous man, no wicked man can outbid Jesus. False justice will not truly rescue a woman out of her depravity, even if an organization physically brings her out of chains only Jesus can set her free. No wicked man can possibly win the soul of a woman, prostituted or not.
That’s what it’s all about: Jesus paying the price. It’s not about what can man do in his own striving to liberate captives. There is One greater who has set captivity captive because of His anointing by the Father to give beauty for ashes and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
It comes by the blood of the Lamb slain for the transgressors; mocking, beating, bruising, marring Him beyond recognition. It comes by the innocent Man in whom no deceit was found in His mouth, only intercession for the transgressors that they may be with Him in paradise.
No evil thought entered His mind over the ones driving steel into flesh, only prayers supplicated to His Father. The highest price paid for each prostitute to draw near to the throne of grace with confidence to find help in their times of need.
This is the answer. Jesus Christ the Deliverer of the slave. Savior to the sick. Redeemer of the sinner. Husband of the unfaithful. Judge over injustice.
No man can match or outbid the price that Jesus has laid upon every head of every prostitute mandated to flaunt herself to the lusts of the streets of Las Vegas, Mumbai, Rio de Janero or London. The beauty is that she is not found in shame before God, but accepted as a daughter with full rights to the kingdom of heaven.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
The Glory of Humility
Humility on earth is possible for a few reasons. The first being that God Himself became man, in and of itself is a vast expanse of humility to search out. The second is that humility is only possible if one is set on eternity, on eternal riches. The third, a strong, man-pleasing will. The last, supernatural help from the Spirit.
Lowliness isn’t limited in that it begs insecurity, it’s confidence. Meekness isn’t weakness, but rather control over the impulses of the flesh. The way to humility is to study the life of Jesus and how He embodies humility, depths can be searched out simply through the fact that Creator became creation. There is such an empowering to be humble, after all God beautifies the humble, why would He expect it to be perfected in the flesh? The Helper comes to reveal the true nature.
In Sermon on the Mount the meek inherit the earth, in part now but in fullness in the age to come. All of the beatitudes have partial fulfillment now, but will see the true blessedness when the veil is lifted between God and man. There is hope to walk humbly before God. Real belief of the meaning of life and the purposes that follow are needed, which are only found in the Man Christ Jesus.
Jesus was well aware of His former glory, of His role as King forever while walking among man in Jerusalem, yet not once did He boast of it. Not once did He stop the men who beat Him because of the immense power He possessed. He remained humble, never attaining it for it is who He is. It’s okay to feel the tension of this scandalous truth; God becoming man and producing a back to be beaten in order that humanity may be brought near. Again, it is such a vast and deep subject that should be discussed with the Lord in deep, prayerful communion in the Word.
I just want to offer the reality that this mind of humility needs to be in the Church, just as it was in Christ Jesus. Do not lookout for self, but for the interest of others. God never once demanded that He be honored, understood or viewed rightly as He was manifested in the flesh. He embraced a lifestyle in which everyone underestimated Him.
If Jesus is the pearl of great price then surely it’s worth it to store up my treasure in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves can’t break in and steal it. Earthly wealth, man’s praise, riches, all of it fades away. But the Lord strengthens the weak and beautifies the humble. Why worry about the reputation that man has? It’s not the actually evaluation of identity and value given anyways. Humility is where it’s at, not insisting on fairness and rights. Not demanding fame and acclaim.
The Servant of all rulers, the One who comes up under the government on His shoulders rather than lording His power over it. For he who is greatest among shall be the servant, whoever desires to be first shall be the slave. Slavery isn’t a choice, bondservants choose.
Lowliness isn’t limited in that it begs insecurity, it’s confidence. Meekness isn’t weakness, but rather control over the impulses of the flesh. The way to humility is to study the life of Jesus and how He embodies humility, depths can be searched out simply through the fact that Creator became creation. There is such an empowering to be humble, after all God beautifies the humble, why would He expect it to be perfected in the flesh? The Helper comes to reveal the true nature.
In Sermon on the Mount the meek inherit the earth, in part now but in fullness in the age to come. All of the beatitudes have partial fulfillment now, but will see the true blessedness when the veil is lifted between God and man. There is hope to walk humbly before God. Real belief of the meaning of life and the purposes that follow are needed, which are only found in the Man Christ Jesus.
Jesus was well aware of His former glory, of His role as King forever while walking among man in Jerusalem, yet not once did He boast of it. Not once did He stop the men who beat Him because of the immense power He possessed. He remained humble, never attaining it for it is who He is. It’s okay to feel the tension of this scandalous truth; God becoming man and producing a back to be beaten in order that humanity may be brought near. Again, it is such a vast and deep subject that should be discussed with the Lord in deep, prayerful communion in the Word.
I just want to offer the reality that this mind of humility needs to be in the Church, just as it was in Christ Jesus. Do not lookout for self, but for the interest of others. God never once demanded that He be honored, understood or viewed rightly as He was manifested in the flesh. He embraced a lifestyle in which everyone underestimated Him.
If Jesus is the pearl of great price then surely it’s worth it to store up my treasure in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves can’t break in and steal it. Earthly wealth, man’s praise, riches, all of it fades away. But the Lord strengthens the weak and beautifies the humble. Why worry about the reputation that man has? It’s not the actually evaluation of identity and value given anyways. Humility is where it’s at, not insisting on fairness and rights. Not demanding fame and acclaim.
The Servant of all rulers, the One who comes up under the government on His shoulders rather than lording His power over it. For he who is greatest among shall be the servant, whoever desires to be first shall be the slave. Slavery isn’t a choice, bondservants choose.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Real Intercession
The glory of intercession is the gory of a heart being rend. You can't fake deep emotions, deep feelings. Some do, but that doesn't move the heart of God. That's not real intercession. Real intercession consumes the mind, overwhelms the heart and moves light and dark.
Tapping into the wells of God cannot be done by man's strength, it is an utter letting go of self and giving in to the Spirit's guidance of decision. Simply opening up and allowing sweet Jesus to have all. The joy of partnership is found in the pain of bearing griefs together. For there is a time to laugh and a time to cry, a time to mourn and a time to dance. It's about sensitivity to the One in relationship with.
The mind can comprehend pain, suffering, evil and darkness. The heart, however, never willfully chooses to give in to such sorrow. Especially when the pain addressed isn't for a loved one or even someone in your city, but halfway around the world; a complete stranger.
There you are pleading with God. Standing in the gap between wrath and love, demanding mercy. Asking for light. Crying out for justice, true justice. Not just money or a helping hand, but a real way out of hell on earth and in the age to come. Jesus is justice. Salvation is the only true freedom, no matter how free one may get from physical chains, beatings, bondage and oppression. It's a matter of the heart.
Still, it's good and right to stand in the gap and plead someone's case before God even if you aren't necessarily "feeling" it. Demons move and angels win, light breaks in. But had you never taken a stand time and time again there wouldn't be a chance to weep with the Lamb of heaven over injustice.
Months and months have gone by and I hadn't felt deep intercession, I hadn't been moved by the heartbeat of heaven. Pressing through the mundane in genuine, sincere intercession finally my heart moved. Finally tears dropped. Finally emotions pushed through the block of my busy mind. The months of standing on truth were well worth the fifteen minutes of bearing the burden of the Lord for His heart for children in Mumbai, India trapped in human trafficking.
No, I didn't see immediate breakthrough. But history with the Lord happened. Partnership with His heart occurred.
I want to encourage every weary intercessor to keep pushing through. Continue praying, asking the Spirit to give you the gift of intercession, to teach you how to pray, to feel how God feels about injustice.
I heard the Lord say Isaiah 45:3, I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret place, that you may know that I, the Lord, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel.
To the darkness I declared, "you cannot have them, give them up!"
I saw this picture of a little girl; so innocent, so precious yet preyed upon by wicked men. Everytime "let there be light" was sung I would see this "rope" of children holding one another's hand. They were coming out of this deep, dark pit and into light by every chorus and every prayer, conveyed into the arms of Christ.
I then saw the prayers of the saints releasing light around individual children in their beds, in cages, behind bars. It's all by the name of Jesus. Every chain is broken by the blood of the Lamb.
The darkness must give up these treasures, they cannot have them. They are our sons, our daughters, our brother, our sisters.
Letting Jesus hold my heart makes me a lover. Jesus letting me hold His heart makes me an intercessor.
Tapping into the wells of God cannot be done by man's strength, it is an utter letting go of self and giving in to the Spirit's guidance of decision. Simply opening up and allowing sweet Jesus to have all. The joy of partnership is found in the pain of bearing griefs together. For there is a time to laugh and a time to cry, a time to mourn and a time to dance. It's about sensitivity to the One in relationship with.
The mind can comprehend pain, suffering, evil and darkness. The heart, however, never willfully chooses to give in to such sorrow. Especially when the pain addressed isn't for a loved one or even someone in your city, but halfway around the world; a complete stranger.
There you are pleading with God. Standing in the gap between wrath and love, demanding mercy. Asking for light. Crying out for justice, true justice. Not just money or a helping hand, but a real way out of hell on earth and in the age to come. Jesus is justice. Salvation is the only true freedom, no matter how free one may get from physical chains, beatings, bondage and oppression. It's a matter of the heart.
Still, it's good and right to stand in the gap and plead someone's case before God even if you aren't necessarily "feeling" it. Demons move and angels win, light breaks in. But had you never taken a stand time and time again there wouldn't be a chance to weep with the Lamb of heaven over injustice.
Months and months have gone by and I hadn't felt deep intercession, I hadn't been moved by the heartbeat of heaven. Pressing through the mundane in genuine, sincere intercession finally my heart moved. Finally tears dropped. Finally emotions pushed through the block of my busy mind. The months of standing on truth were well worth the fifteen minutes of bearing the burden of the Lord for His heart for children in Mumbai, India trapped in human trafficking.
No, I didn't see immediate breakthrough. But history with the Lord happened. Partnership with His heart occurred.
I want to encourage every weary intercessor to keep pushing through. Continue praying, asking the Spirit to give you the gift of intercession, to teach you how to pray, to feel how God feels about injustice.
I heard the Lord say Isaiah 45:3, I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret place, that you may know that I, the Lord, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel.
To the darkness I declared, "you cannot have them, give them up!"
I saw this picture of a little girl; so innocent, so precious yet preyed upon by wicked men. Everytime "let there be light" was sung I would see this "rope" of children holding one another's hand. They were coming out of this deep, dark pit and into light by every chorus and every prayer, conveyed into the arms of Christ.
I then saw the prayers of the saints releasing light around individual children in their beds, in cages, behind bars. It's all by the name of Jesus. Every chain is broken by the blood of the Lamb.
The darkness must give up these treasures, they cannot have them. They are our sons, our daughters, our brother, our sisters.
Letting Jesus hold my heart makes me a lover. Jesus letting me hold His heart makes me an intercessor.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
A New Adventure
I'm embarking on writing a book.
I expected that in my fifties I would be released to begin, once wisdom from life settled in and I gained so much insight and revelation after decades of following Jesus.
Maybe the young can teach the young. Maybe God would use a twenty year old to touch the heart of this generation in her generation.
Lou Engle humorously stated, "You can't live your life off a prophetic word, but sometimes you just have to try!"
I'm going to try. I may not have any college experience or a degree, but I know I have a voice.
I expected that in my fifties I would be released to begin, once wisdom from life settled in and I gained so much insight and revelation after decades of following Jesus.
Maybe the young can teach the young. Maybe God would use a twenty year old to touch the heart of this generation in her generation.
Lou Engle humorously stated, "You can't live your life off a prophetic word, but sometimes you just have to try!"
I'm going to try. I may not have any college experience or a degree, but I know I have a voice.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The Doorway of Depravity
At times it can seem like frustration overtakes the mind when the standards of my own heart I cannot seem to live up to. The sense of never attaining perfection annoys and wearies me. Why can I not sanctify myself through simple disciplines and rigors?
The truth is that disciplines are tools to remaining in conversation with the Spirit, not the religion itself. How easily tools distract. How prone to make disciplines and schedules the one I’m in relationship with, rendering me an idol worshipper. And it is this sense of falling short that my depravity bleeds through.
Even when looking at this depravity, my utter helplessness, I become even more sickened by my own self. Yet I forget to look at the fact that my depravity is the key that unlocks the door to the throne of mercy. It’s the entry way in which I need God. For if I were not hungry, I would not run to bread for life and sustenance.
If in my depravity of sin He wanted me near, how much more in my depravity of sanctification? If I were perfect, flawless in every way, I would not run to Him in my time of need to obtain mercy and grace.
My depravity isn’t meant to lock me in shame away from Him. It’s meant to unlock mercy.
My depravity doesn’t keep me at an arm’s distance away, it draws me into the embrace of lovingkindness.
I was made to be a companion, not an acquaintance.
That’s why He created. The Creator created in order to love. Paul was given a thorn in his side so that pride would not overtake him. Humanity exists because Jesus breathes. How weak is flesh that I cannot provide breath for myself.
Constant struggle, consistent battle of the flesh, all for what? All to run to Love. All to depend on One who longs to be called on. The One who longs to respond to my cry of help.
Depravity is not coming to a dead end, it’s the doorway into communion.
The truth is that disciplines are tools to remaining in conversation with the Spirit, not the religion itself. How easily tools distract. How prone to make disciplines and schedules the one I’m in relationship with, rendering me an idol worshipper. And it is this sense of falling short that my depravity bleeds through.
Even when looking at this depravity, my utter helplessness, I become even more sickened by my own self. Yet I forget to look at the fact that my depravity is the key that unlocks the door to the throne of mercy. It’s the entry way in which I need God. For if I were not hungry, I would not run to bread for life and sustenance.
If in my depravity of sin He wanted me near, how much more in my depravity of sanctification? If I were perfect, flawless in every way, I would not run to Him in my time of need to obtain mercy and grace.
My depravity isn’t meant to lock me in shame away from Him. It’s meant to unlock mercy.
My depravity doesn’t keep me at an arm’s distance away, it draws me into the embrace of lovingkindness.
I was made to be a companion, not an acquaintance.
That’s why He created. The Creator created in order to love. Paul was given a thorn in his side so that pride would not overtake him. Humanity exists because Jesus breathes. How weak is flesh that I cannot provide breath for myself.
Constant struggle, consistent battle of the flesh, all for what? All to run to Love. All to depend on One who longs to be called on. The One who longs to respond to my cry of help.
Depravity is not coming to a dead end, it’s the doorway into communion.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Awake! Slumbering Hearts
What a slumbering heart have I.
Wake up Your bride. Cause apathy to leave by the mighty breath.Open up the windows of heaven over this place. Light come down. Fire burn away all the dross.
Wake, oh wake you slumbering messengers!
Now is the time. Lift up your voice with strength, lift it up; be not afraid. All that's needed is hope. Ask for life from the One who gives breath.
Holy Spirit, come.
Look upon the hearts of men. Call forth the weary hearts into strength by the light of the countenance of Christ.
Now is the time. Awakening has arrived. Heaven is brought near. Reach up, oh you saints and call down the ministry of heaven!
Close this gap. Shake off unbelief. Stand by faith. Call upon the name of the Lord that many souls may be saved.
Open up you heavenly gates. Lift up your heads you ancient doors. Let the King of glory come in. Forerunners take your place before He treads upon Jerusalem.
Declare the words of truth. No other religion, no idol can change the hearts of men. A city in a day can be turned upside down by a mere word from His mouth.
Shall the Bride arise from the ashes and take her rightful place yet?
Wake up Your bride. Cause apathy to leave by the mighty breath.Open up the windows of heaven over this place. Light come down. Fire burn away all the dross.
Wake, oh wake you slumbering messengers!
Now is the time. Lift up your voice with strength, lift it up; be not afraid. All that's needed is hope. Ask for life from the One who gives breath.
Holy Spirit, come.
Look upon the hearts of men. Call forth the weary hearts into strength by the light of the countenance of Christ.
Now is the time. Awakening has arrived. Heaven is brought near. Reach up, oh you saints and call down the ministry of heaven!
Close this gap. Shake off unbelief. Stand by faith. Call upon the name of the Lord that many souls may be saved.
Open up you heavenly gates. Lift up your heads you ancient doors. Let the King of glory come in. Forerunners take your place before He treads upon Jerusalem.
Declare the words of truth. No other religion, no idol can change the hearts of men. A city in a day can be turned upside down by a mere word from His mouth.
Shall the Bride arise from the ashes and take her rightful place yet?
Nothing Greater
Inhabit my heart
Catch me up in Your glory
No greater love
None deeper
None wider
None truer
The purest One I know
Mark me
That I may be part
Of Your story
For to live
Is to love
No riches, no fame
No honor
Is above loving You
Primary occupation
To stand, minister and burn
Before the Holy One
Is mine
None like You
Love's arms outstretched
Towards humanity's feeble frame
One single act
All debts wiped away
Because of the bleeding Man
I stand in awe Jesus
Love redefined by death
I believe I said it afore
None deeper
None wider
None truer
Than the love of Christ
Catch me up in Your glory
No greater love
None deeper
None wider
None truer
The purest One I know
Mark me
That I may be part
Of Your story
For to live
Is to love
No riches, no fame
No honor
Is above loving You
Primary occupation
To stand, minister and burn
Before the Holy One
Is mine
None like You
Love's arms outstretched
Towards humanity's feeble frame
One single act
All debts wiped away
Because of the bleeding Man
I stand in awe Jesus
Love redefined by death
I believe I said it afore
None deeper
None wider
None truer
Than the love of Christ
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Pencil Sketch
As I read the Word, scenarios and stories appear as pencil sketches; vague and dim with subtle yet noticeable outlines. David in a jumping freeze frame as he welcomes the Ark of the Covenant back to Israel. Mary of Bethany sitting before a Jewish Man, eyes intent on Him. Ox, man, eagle, lion seraphs mid-flight around a glistening, burning Throne.
Luckily a pencil sketch begets a colorful oil painting.
The oil painting begets a 30 second moment of action.
A video clip begets a feature length film complete with subtitles.
Film begets real life.
Real life.
Real life on the glassy sea, surrounded by multitudes wearing a white linen robe praising the Lamb for His worthiness.
I’m grateful for the pencil sketch. It’s better than an empty canvas.
Luckily a pencil sketch begets a colorful oil painting.
The oil painting begets a 30 second moment of action.
A video clip begets a feature length film complete with subtitles.
Film begets real life.
Real life.
Real life on the glassy sea, surrounded by multitudes wearing a white linen robe praising the Lamb for His worthiness.
I’m grateful for the pencil sketch. It’s better than an empty canvas.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The Simple
"It is amazing and delightful to see that it is the simplest Christians who often progress farthest in an inner relationship with Jesus Christ! Why? Because the Spirit of God simply does not need our tapestry!"
- Madame Jeanne Guyon
The inner relationship with Jesus gets lost so easily amidst the chaos of systematic theology, doctrinal differences and denominational strife.
Let's just love Jesus for what He's done on the Cross and love one another well. Place yourself in the wound of Christ, hide in the cleft of the rock and let Him wash you. Then declare His goodness, mercy and love to all.
Every human being will end up either in the pit or the heavens. The simple get God and the complex forget Him all together.
- Madame Jeanne Guyon
The inner relationship with Jesus gets lost so easily amidst the chaos of systematic theology, doctrinal differences and denominational strife.
Let's just love Jesus for what He's done on the Cross and love one another well. Place yourself in the wound of Christ, hide in the cleft of the rock and let Him wash you. Then declare His goodness, mercy and love to all.
Every human being will end up either in the pit or the heavens. The simple get God and the complex forget Him all together.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Pure and Undefiled Religion
What is pure religion?
What is undefiled worship?
Unto what must the sacrifice take place?
Why has the mark been missed?
Pure religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble.
Undefiled worship to God and the Father is to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
Sacrifice takes place because deception sets in if hearing the word only trumps doing the word.
The mark is missed because culture seeps into our services, prayer and relationships when our faith was meant to overcome the world not conform to it.
What is undefiled worship?
Unto what must the sacrifice take place?
Why has the mark been missed?
Pure religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble.
Undefiled worship to God and the Father is to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
Sacrifice takes place because deception sets in if hearing the word only trumps doing the word.
The mark is missed because culture seeps into our services, prayer and relationships when our faith was meant to overcome the world not conform to it.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
A Trip to Millersville, Missouri
Glorious Praise has a church and House of Prayer with two sets a week. We had the opportunity to minister at the Feast of Joy Conference and keep the fire on the altar for 48 hours straight. The Inkenbrandt's were wonderful hosts, visit http://www.gloriouspraise.com/
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Missed Connection
The inner chamber of the soul is where God is found. It’s in the deepest part of the heart where communion is really reached. I find that even in the most anointed atmosphere I can remain completely unattached from the presence of Jesus.
The reality of distractions sets in. I forget that there’s one reason, one desire, one passion and it’s for Jesus. I didn’t move to Kansas City to make friends. I didn’t leave my father and mother’s house just to pretend I was praying. I came to Kansas City to sacrifice my youth. I came to lay down, what the world calls, the best years of your life just to have God fill me up. Just to know who this Man is. Just to know what the purpose of life is.
I’m made to love God and be loved by Him. Even in the prayer room, six hours passes and all I’ve really accomplished is answering a few emails, reading a couple passages in the Bible and singing my favorite worship songs.
It’s in the dialing down of my mind. To ignore every distraction and just listen to Him. To stop the traffic and listen. It takes time. Sometimes hours of serious focus on Jesus and His sacrifice. Whispering gently, Jesus, I love You. This is when I find the inner peace, the inner joy, and the moments of communion.
Every day it’s an act of re-signing up to let Jesus have first place, not my schedule, relationships with friends or even the allotted chapters to read in the Word. It’s Him and Him alone. I must realign my heart with this truth and not let anything else take preeminence. No longer a missed connection.
The reality of distractions sets in. I forget that there’s one reason, one desire, one passion and it’s for Jesus. I didn’t move to Kansas City to make friends. I didn’t leave my father and mother’s house just to pretend I was praying. I came to Kansas City to sacrifice my youth. I came to lay down, what the world calls, the best years of your life just to have God fill me up. Just to know who this Man is. Just to know what the purpose of life is.
I’m made to love God and be loved by Him. Even in the prayer room, six hours passes and all I’ve really accomplished is answering a few emails, reading a couple passages in the Bible and singing my favorite worship songs.
It’s in the dialing down of my mind. To ignore every distraction and just listen to Him. To stop the traffic and listen. It takes time. Sometimes hours of serious focus on Jesus and His sacrifice. Whispering gently, Jesus, I love You. This is when I find the inner peace, the inner joy, and the moments of communion.
Every day it’s an act of re-signing up to let Jesus have first place, not my schedule, relationships with friends or even the allotted chapters to read in the Word. It’s Him and Him alone. I must realign my heart with this truth and not let anything else take preeminence. No longer a missed connection.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Flattering Lips
Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men. They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. Psalm 12
Help me Lord in my ungodly speech. How intricately laced is faithfulness to speech. It's so easy to speak idly, to go on and on about useless information, to waste time disclosing other's business. How simple it is to flatter someone without a genuine spirit. Often times flattery is manipulation just to get approval, attention and a nice reputation.
I want to be godly. I want to be set apart. I want my silence to become louder than my words.
A desperate cry rises up within my spirit pleading with God that He may help me in the area of speech. Aside from the obvious obscenities and inappropriate language there is so much purifying that I need. Truly no spring yields both salt water and fresh.
I pray May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things (Psalm 12). This may seem strange yet the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force. To be full of wisdom, a perfect man, who can tame the tongue and steer my spirit into righteousness, joy and love of Christ.
In the same Psalm, David reveals his revelation of the Lord's words, The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. The Lord will not relent. The Lord will not go back on His promises. When this generation boasts with the tongues, speaks with flattering lips and declares the pride of life surely the Lord shall preserve the righteous.
O that the Lord may give grace for speech. That He may unite my heart with His. I cannot become the keeper of my soul, no amount of striving or zeal can cleanse my lips. From the overflow of my heart does my mouth speak. Only the Spirit that searches the deep things of God can reveal my lack to me and strengthen feeble knees.
Flattering lips, idle speech, boastful tongue are just as offensive to the Lord. Humanity places degrees and levels of correctness. We think we've written the line in the sand, which is sin and which is not. That's the problem, Jesus is the Judge. Not my pastor, not my parents, not my mentor.
Only Jesus. It's only going to be His last say on that last day.
Help me Lord in my ungodly speech. How intricately laced is faithfulness to speech. It's so easy to speak idly, to go on and on about useless information, to waste time disclosing other's business. How simple it is to flatter someone without a genuine spirit. Often times flattery is manipulation just to get approval, attention and a nice reputation.
I want to be godly. I want to be set apart. I want my silence to become louder than my words.
A desperate cry rises up within my spirit pleading with God that He may help me in the area of speech. Aside from the obvious obscenities and inappropriate language there is so much purifying that I need. Truly no spring yields both salt water and fresh.
I pray May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things (Psalm 12). This may seem strange yet the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force. To be full of wisdom, a perfect man, who can tame the tongue and steer my spirit into righteousness, joy and love of Christ.
In the same Psalm, David reveals his revelation of the Lord's words, The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. The Lord will not relent. The Lord will not go back on His promises. When this generation boasts with the tongues, speaks with flattering lips and declares the pride of life surely the Lord shall preserve the righteous.
O that the Lord may give grace for speech. That He may unite my heart with His. I cannot become the keeper of my soul, no amount of striving or zeal can cleanse my lips. From the overflow of my heart does my mouth speak. Only the Spirit that searches the deep things of God can reveal my lack to me and strengthen feeble knees.
Flattering lips, idle speech, boastful tongue are just as offensive to the Lord. Humanity places degrees and levels of correctness. We think we've written the line in the sand, which is sin and which is not. That's the problem, Jesus is the Judge. Not my pastor, not my parents, not my mentor.
Only Jesus. It's only going to be His last say on that last day.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Perspective of Manifestations of the Holy Spirit Clip
This is a concise, clear and quick teaching of manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Mike Bickle, founder of IHOP-KC, reveals his heart and past experience on manifestations. He highlights funny, serious and spiritual sides of manifestations as well as some stories.
Enjoy!
Just to give you an idea of how good it is, here's my favorite quote from the clip:
"I don't want a manifestation culture, but a Holy Spirit culture- and they are not the same thing." - MB
http://mikebickle.org/resources/resource/3131?return_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmikebickle.org%2Fresources%2Fsearch%2F%3Fsearch_terms%3Dmanifestations%26x%3D0%26y%3D0
Enjoy!
Just to give you an idea of how good it is, here's my favorite quote from the clip:
"I don't want a manifestation culture, but a Holy Spirit culture- and they are not the same thing." - MB
http://mikebickle.org/resources/resource/3131?return_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmikebickle.org%2Fresources%2Fsearch%2F%3Fsearch_terms%3Dmanifestations%26x%3D0%26y%3D0
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The Road to Inexpressible Joy
How is the road to inexpressible joy paved? I believe there is one singular truth that must rend the heart and bring light to the soul. The truth is that in Jesus Christ is eternal life. Apart from believing His word there is no life. There is no redemption. All hope is vain and helpless without Creator God becoming creation and bearing my sin, shame and guilt.
My inexpressible joy is found because I deserved hell yet one Man found me and wanted my love. My inexpressible joy consumes my life because no longer must I give way to what culture deems as "acceptable" or "right." I know I'm beautiful, regardless if I'm not a double zero, blond, outgoing and dress scandalously. I know this because Jesus has declared it. Precious in the sight of the Lord is a women full of grace and wisdom, with a gentle yet sharp spirit.
When my life no longer becomes my own is when I'm free to live. When I'm not tied down by insecurities or the thoughts and opinions of man, can live extravagantly abandoned to Jesus. I don't need the newest iPhone or cutest shoes anymore just to be satisfied or feel accepted. All I need is an open heart to Jesus. All I want is daily and constant communion with Holy Spirit.
My desires become less about what I can get to show off to people my importance. I instead turn to serve and love my family and friends in hopes that they may see how valued they are before the eyes of the Lord. To lay my life down. To let another get promoted above me. To keep silent when my pride wants to lash out with my opinions. To love with genuine Christian love.
This is the road to inexpressible joy. John the Baptist was a man of transcendence. He never had to self-promote his anointing. The people of Israel come out to see him because of the love in his eyes and the grace upon his teaching. John the Baptist had nothing. What can you take away from a man who has nothing? His locusts?
The anointing didn't come from years of bible college and seminary, but from the wilderness lifestyle. Listening to only one voice. Studying only one book. Living for only one Man.
The wilderness was not glorious. It's a harsh landscape. Not much socializing either, not too much networking happens in an empty, hot desert. John the Baptist said yes in the mundane. He said yes to year after year of rigor and discipline. He said no to the spirit of the age and yes to the Holy Spirit. The message was not a culturally relevant message. It didn't have quirky stories or good puns. He simply called the people of God to repentance. To turn from wickedness and acknowledge the hour they were living in. The hour of salvation. The hour of Messiah.
The mundane life of discipline works the muscle of joy in the heart which in turn causes an obedient willingness and trust to go where the Lord tells me and to die to my self when I must. This is joy! I no longer sit as king of my own life. Yet is why it's such a narrow road, many never find it for they're too busy running around.
My inexpressible joy is found because I deserved hell yet one Man found me and wanted my love. My inexpressible joy consumes my life because no longer must I give way to what culture deems as "acceptable" or "right." I know I'm beautiful, regardless if I'm not a double zero, blond, outgoing and dress scandalously. I know this because Jesus has declared it. Precious in the sight of the Lord is a women full of grace and wisdom, with a gentle yet sharp spirit.
When my life no longer becomes my own is when I'm free to live. When I'm not tied down by insecurities or the thoughts and opinions of man, can live extravagantly abandoned to Jesus. I don't need the newest iPhone or cutest shoes anymore just to be satisfied or feel accepted. All I need is an open heart to Jesus. All I want is daily and constant communion with Holy Spirit.
My desires become less about what I can get to show off to people my importance. I instead turn to serve and love my family and friends in hopes that they may see how valued they are before the eyes of the Lord. To lay my life down. To let another get promoted above me. To keep silent when my pride wants to lash out with my opinions. To love with genuine Christian love.
This is the road to inexpressible joy. John the Baptist was a man of transcendence. He never had to self-promote his anointing. The people of Israel come out to see him because of the love in his eyes and the grace upon his teaching. John the Baptist had nothing. What can you take away from a man who has nothing? His locusts?
The anointing didn't come from years of bible college and seminary, but from the wilderness lifestyle. Listening to only one voice. Studying only one book. Living for only one Man.
The wilderness was not glorious. It's a harsh landscape. Not much socializing either, not too much networking happens in an empty, hot desert. John the Baptist said yes in the mundane. He said yes to year after year of rigor and discipline. He said no to the spirit of the age and yes to the Holy Spirit. The message was not a culturally relevant message. It didn't have quirky stories or good puns. He simply called the people of God to repentance. To turn from wickedness and acknowledge the hour they were living in. The hour of salvation. The hour of Messiah.
The mundane life of discipline works the muscle of joy in the heart which in turn causes an obedient willingness and trust to go where the Lord tells me and to die to my self when I must. This is joy! I no longer sit as king of my own life. Yet is why it's such a narrow road, many never find it for they're too busy running around.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Deep Calls out to Deep
A sacred space where no other can venture into is the mind, the deepest place of the soul. The heart fully articulating it's passions, desires and wants. This is reserved for God and God alone.
It's an inner chamber of solitude. Complete solice. Alone with the Creator. Connected solely to the One from everlasting.
Yet too often this place is congested with traffic. Lies permeate. The fear of man emanates and replaces the fear of the Lord. The art of taking every thought captive is not an art at all, it's a grace. Grace given when asked for, when violently fought for. Hunger drives and grace ensues.
The other side of the face is where most of life is spent, why waste it living on the outside. Live from the inside out.
Communion with the Spirit.
Text messaging proves that humanity can, in fact, carry on a continual conversation. Text messaging has stolen the sacred space praying without ceasing. No, texting is not evil. Consider the time spent. Think about the wasted hours. Remember all the hurt and misconstrued communications that have resulted from this act should one emoticon be misplaced.
The Spirit groans jealously yearning to speak. Humans are the only ones in all of creation who have the capacity to join in on ancient conversations. To listen in on the mysteries from everlasting.
I confess I've missed the mark. Turn and live. Live for the cultivated, private arena where all my innermost realities can be gripped heart to heart with the One who knit me.
Deep calls out to deep. The depth in which yearning cannot even depict the intensity of the heart calling out.
The deep of God crying out to share with me. Yes, I will quiet down. Yes, I will respond to this cry. Yes, I will actively pursue the tending of the garden within in my soul and let the Spirit preserve me.
It's just a matter of time and wisdom will be justified. This is wisdom.
It's an inner chamber of solitude. Complete solice. Alone with the Creator. Connected solely to the One from everlasting.
Yet too often this place is congested with traffic. Lies permeate. The fear of man emanates and replaces the fear of the Lord. The art of taking every thought captive is not an art at all, it's a grace. Grace given when asked for, when violently fought for. Hunger drives and grace ensues.
The other side of the face is where most of life is spent, why waste it living on the outside. Live from the inside out.
Communion with the Spirit.
Text messaging proves that humanity can, in fact, carry on a continual conversation. Text messaging has stolen the sacred space praying without ceasing. No, texting is not evil. Consider the time spent. Think about the wasted hours. Remember all the hurt and misconstrued communications that have resulted from this act should one emoticon be misplaced.
The Spirit groans jealously yearning to speak. Humans are the only ones in all of creation who have the capacity to join in on ancient conversations. To listen in on the mysteries from everlasting.
I confess I've missed the mark. Turn and live. Live for the cultivated, private arena where all my innermost realities can be gripped heart to heart with the One who knit me.
Deep calls out to deep. The depth in which yearning cannot even depict the intensity of the heart calling out.
The deep of God crying out to share with me. Yes, I will quiet down. Yes, I will respond to this cry. Yes, I will actively pursue the tending of the garden within in my soul and let the Spirit preserve me.
It's just a matter of time and wisdom will be justified. This is wisdom.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Goodmorning Earth
Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? Isaiah 40.21
The gospel isn't a New Testament revelation. It's been told to real men, real Jewish men and they believed it. So much so did they believe that it was accounted to them as righteousness.
But what is real belief?
Is it spouting of facts and exclaiming ideas? When does the idea actually become the reason all of life flows from? Rather than letting selfish and untrue emotions grip the human psyche perhaps truth of salvation should.
Not just the Cross, but Jesus' perfect life. Not just the Cross, but Jesus' resurrection. Not just the Cross, but Jesus' ascension. Not just the Cross, but Jesus' second coming.
There's more to salvation and the cleansing of sins then a 30-something Jewish man dying 2,000 years ago. It is the fact that He is fully God and fully man, all at the same time. It's not a Jackal and Hyde complex it is truly the fact that His obedience to the Father is His willful choice.
Jesus lived a sinless, perfect life. He understands my weakness in the fact that He had to search through the fog of humanity's deprivation to hear and communicate with the Father.
He rose again! Praise the Lord! If He hadn't rose, then Jesus is a failed Messiah. Yet He came up out of the grave with all power. Jesus walked the earth, ate fish and bread by the sea, He was alive after crucifixion. This is glorious!
Even more so, the God man ascended into heaven! At the right hand of the Father He sits making intercession for humanity, waiting until the day when sanctification is complete and He can rid the earth of wickedness, as He promised.
The day when the heavens open and Jesus' ascends.
But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven. Mark 13:4-27
I will see Jesus, whether I'm on the earth or in the farthest part of heaven, to come and purge the earth of sin. For why would the gospel message simply be cleansing momentarily without the reality of forever being cleansed?
So this is what I believe, without it I'm lost in sin, truly deserving hell. I have a blessed hope of a beautiful city coming down out of heaven for me where I will no longer encounter pain, sorrow, fear of man, comparison. And neither will you.
My friend, it's going to be more than words can describe. The hinge pin is do you believe? Does your lifestyle and emotions reflect the truth and reality of a real day coming in your future?
The gospel isn't a New Testament revelation. It's been told to real men, real Jewish men and they believed it. So much so did they believe that it was accounted to them as righteousness.
But what is real belief?
Is it spouting of facts and exclaiming ideas? When does the idea actually become the reason all of life flows from? Rather than letting selfish and untrue emotions grip the human psyche perhaps truth of salvation should.
Not just the Cross, but Jesus' perfect life. Not just the Cross, but Jesus' resurrection. Not just the Cross, but Jesus' ascension. Not just the Cross, but Jesus' second coming.
There's more to salvation and the cleansing of sins then a 30-something Jewish man dying 2,000 years ago. It is the fact that He is fully God and fully man, all at the same time. It's not a Jackal and Hyde complex it is truly the fact that His obedience to the Father is His willful choice.
Jesus lived a sinless, perfect life. He understands my weakness in the fact that He had to search through the fog of humanity's deprivation to hear and communicate with the Father.
He rose again! Praise the Lord! If He hadn't rose, then Jesus is a failed Messiah. Yet He came up out of the grave with all power. Jesus walked the earth, ate fish and bread by the sea, He was alive after crucifixion. This is glorious!
Even more so, the God man ascended into heaven! At the right hand of the Father He sits making intercession for humanity, waiting until the day when sanctification is complete and He can rid the earth of wickedness, as He promised.
The day when the heavens open and Jesus' ascends.
But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven. Mark 13:4-27
I will see Jesus, whether I'm on the earth or in the farthest part of heaven, to come and purge the earth of sin. For why would the gospel message simply be cleansing momentarily without the reality of forever being cleansed?
So this is what I believe, without it I'm lost in sin, truly deserving hell. I have a blessed hope of a beautiful city coming down out of heaven for me where I will no longer encounter pain, sorrow, fear of man, comparison. And neither will you.
My friend, it's going to be more than words can describe. The hinge pin is do you believe? Does your lifestyle and emotions reflect the truth and reality of a real day coming in your future?
Friday, August 26, 2011
Hunger
I want hunger. A hunger that hinges on revelation of Jesus Christ. Hunger that begets righteousness and holiness. A heavenly hunger, like the seraphim around the throne in Revelation, who after centuries of flying, searching and peering into the tangible beauty of God still cry out night and day.
Even in the most mundane moments of this life, I might reach for more. To lift up my voice and cry out for wisdom as for seeking gold and silver. I've sought gold and silver before, there's a tenacity and willingness to be unrelenting as to lay hold of more. I confess that my perception of seeking Christ does not mirror that which I lust after green paper bills and silver coins, but I want it to.
This hungering is not of my own desire. Only He who searches the hearts and minds of the men and women of the earth, can present such a gift to the human existence. My heart encounters great joy that I, a mere creature, have the capacity to respond with a yes. I say yes.
Blessed are the hungry, for they shall be filled, is my great promise. Filled with brilliant light. Filled with the knowledge of God. Filled with all boldness and understanding that I may testify of the exceedingly great wonders of His power. Filled with Spirit from on high.
Filled presupposes that I have hunger.
Even in the most mundane moments of this life, I might reach for more. To lift up my voice and cry out for wisdom as for seeking gold and silver. I've sought gold and silver before, there's a tenacity and willingness to be unrelenting as to lay hold of more. I confess that my perception of seeking Christ does not mirror that which I lust after green paper bills and silver coins, but I want it to.
This hungering is not of my own desire. Only He who searches the hearts and minds of the men and women of the earth, can present such a gift to the human existence. My heart encounters great joy that I, a mere creature, have the capacity to respond with a yes. I say yes.
Blessed are the hungry, for they shall be filled, is my great promise. Filled with brilliant light. Filled with the knowledge of God. Filled with all boldness and understanding that I may testify of the exceedingly great wonders of His power. Filled with Spirit from on high.
Filled presupposes that I have hunger.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Re-upping the Blogging
I'm going to blog again. It's a new season for me and I think I need to do this.
For the first time ever, since being in Kansas City for a year, I am
1. On full-time staff at the International House of Prayer: ihopkc.org
2. Have the best set of roommates a girl could ask for: Lauren, Jenny, Regina and Bethany
3. Encountering the love of Jesus via serving Kyl Means, the man I'm in love with
4. Have the least amount of financial stability in my life
5. Knowing that the God of the Universe, the Genesis 1 Creator and Wisdom himself, Jesus, knows me, sees me, fights for me and loves me.
I trust that plenty of hardships will come in the next months, but beautiful moments of glory trump any of that. For these momentary light afflictions are working in me an eternal weight of glory. It's the truth and reality of eternity staring me right in the face that causes my heart to burn with desire and passion to see the captive set free, the lost saved and Jesus my Bridegroom, King and Judge face to face one day.
This is what I'm made for: to love God and to receive His love for me.
Transformation. Regeneration. Sanctification.
Mercy. Compassion. Justice.
Righteousness. Humility. Hunger.
Prophecy. Weakness. Joy.
Love.
For the first time ever, since being in Kansas City for a year, I am
1. On full-time staff at the International House of Prayer: ihopkc.org
2. Have the best set of roommates a girl could ask for: Lauren, Jenny, Regina and Bethany
3. Encountering the love of Jesus via serving Kyl Means, the man I'm in love with
4. Have the least amount of financial stability in my life
5. Knowing that the God of the Universe, the Genesis 1 Creator and Wisdom himself, Jesus, knows me, sees me, fights for me and loves me.
I trust that plenty of hardships will come in the next months, but beautiful moments of glory trump any of that. For these momentary light afflictions are working in me an eternal weight of glory. It's the truth and reality of eternity staring me right in the face that causes my heart to burn with desire and passion to see the captive set free, the lost saved and Jesus my Bridegroom, King and Judge face to face one day.
This is what I'm made for: to love God and to receive His love for me.
Transformation. Regeneration. Sanctification.
Mercy. Compassion. Justice.
Righteousness. Humility. Hunger.
Prophecy. Weakness. Joy.
Love.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Cleansing Rain of Mercy
I haven't blogged lately. The truth is that my heart has been undergoing serious surgery. I wish I could say I've been a faithful bride to Jesus. In confronting my barreness, in this wilderness place where the Lord has been calling me to work through patterns and habits in my life that hinder love, I've ignored Him. I began drinking from broken cisterns, not obvious sins but slight applications of medicating the ache of love. Running around Him and not gazing at His face. I'm so used to drive- through Christianity, in which I can get what I want when I want it. Oh, but His timing and process is increasingly and altogether different than mine.
I replaced voluntary love with the rigors of striving and religiousity. I knew God as my Maker, but I did not have a revelation and experiential knowledge of God as my Husband. "For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth." Isaiah 54: 5 A lover will go farther, with intense diligence in contrast to a worker. I want to be a lover of the gospel, not just a worker.
So I've experienced an element of the Lord's kindness to which I can solemnly admit has lead me to repentence. His mercy has rained down over me, cleansed me. The other lovers promised they would cover and sustain me yet they failed me. Only Jesus satisfies. He tells me not to be afraid in coming back to Him and to just come as I am. No longer dependent on my own strengths and charisma, but leaning upon Him. Truly, truly there is rest in the midst of His will. It takes violence to get up under His yoke, but with genuine ease I remain.
In no way am I above the blood of the spotless Lamb. He keeps on taking me back. I am a trophy of His mercy, I still drip with the blood of the Lamb. Sure and steadfast mercy has never left me alone. The Cross is so beautiful, have you ever truly gazed upon it? He broke down the great wall of enminty and gave me His name. The only thing I can give to Him is the sweet fragrance of my weak but sincere love.
I replaced voluntary love with the rigors of striving and religiousity. I knew God as my Maker, but I did not have a revelation and experiential knowledge of God as my Husband. "For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth." Isaiah 54: 5 A lover will go farther, with intense diligence in contrast to a worker. I want to be a lover of the gospel, not just a worker.
So I've experienced an element of the Lord's kindness to which I can solemnly admit has lead me to repentence. His mercy has rained down over me, cleansed me. The other lovers promised they would cover and sustain me yet they failed me. Only Jesus satisfies. He tells me not to be afraid in coming back to Him and to just come as I am. No longer dependent on my own strengths and charisma, but leaning upon Him. Truly, truly there is rest in the midst of His will. It takes violence to get up under His yoke, but with genuine ease I remain.
In no way am I above the blood of the spotless Lamb. He keeps on taking me back. I am a trophy of His mercy, I still drip with the blood of the Lamb. Sure and steadfast mercy has never left me alone. The Cross is so beautiful, have you ever truly gazed upon it? He broke down the great wall of enminty and gave me His name. The only thing I can give to Him is the sweet fragrance of my weak but sincere love.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Narrow Gate
Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7.14
Am I really on the narrow path?
Am I heading down the way which leads to life or towards destruction?
Is my treasure on earth or in Heaven?
Where do I find my greatest source of joy?
What do I run to when nothing goes right?
What's my attitude like when I get humiliated?
Do I shift blame?
Am I content to keep news to myself or blurt it to everyone I see?
Would I tell a white lie to get out of trouble?
Can I truly say that I live in the spirit or have I begun to be perfected in the flesh?
When's the last time I trembled before the Lord?
Am I overconfident in works?
How often do I linger with Holy Spirit just to be in His presence?
Am I consistently breaking my fast?
Do I fast?
Have I compartmentalized my life?
Do I look to display Jesus everywhere I go?
Am I loving the least of these or sneering at them in my heart?
Is Jesus my day dream?
How do I spend the majority of my time?
To whom is all my attention going?
Is there a passage burning in my heart?
Am I really on the narrow path?
Am I heading down the way which leads to life or towards destruction?
Is my treasure on earth or in Heaven?
Where do I find my greatest source of joy?
What do I run to when nothing goes right?
What's my attitude like when I get humiliated?
Do I shift blame?
Am I content to keep news to myself or blurt it to everyone I see?
Would I tell a white lie to get out of trouble?
Can I truly say that I live in the spirit or have I begun to be perfected in the flesh?
When's the last time I trembled before the Lord?
Am I overconfident in works?
How often do I linger with Holy Spirit just to be in His presence?
Am I consistently breaking my fast?
Do I fast?
Have I compartmentalized my life?
Do I look to display Jesus everywhere I go?
Am I loving the least of these or sneering at them in my heart?
Is Jesus my day dream?
How do I spend the majority of my time?
To whom is all my attention going?
Is there a passage burning in my heart?
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Human Trafficking in Belarus
This is an article I wrote for ExodusCry on the state of human trafficking in Belarus. Belarus is located in Eastern Europe with Poland on the left and Russia on the right. Check out http://exoduscry.com/ for more on human trafficking and how you can join the prayer movement to end slavery.
The country of Belarus has been oppressed by power-hungry regimes since Stalin’s reign in the 1930’s and the following Nazi Germany invasion in 1941. In 1986 the effects of Ukraine’s nuclear explosion at Chernobyl affected hundreds of thousands of people as well as contaminated agricultural land. After becoming an independent country in 1991, Alexander Lukashenko becomes president in 1994. Despite multiple civil protests of his re-election Lukashenko remains in office for his fourth term. Belarus is a lower middle income country. National identity is weak and international isolation mandates dependence on the import of energy and raw materials. Any opposition to government order is quickly silenced and free speech suppressed. Belarus is a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking victims. Young people from low income and dysfunctional families are the most at-risk to become trapped into trafficking. Because of the demoralizing government in Belarus many do not have a voice to speak out against human trafficking.
Current Trafficking Trends
Belarus is one of the top 10 countries of origin for trafficking for prostitution in the world. Many Belarusian women and children find themselves trafficked to European countries. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain and travel restrictions reduced, Belarusian organized crime is increasing in the transporting of girls and women. Women are promised by newspaper advertisements work abroad in restaurants, bars and night clubs. Yet end up in prostitution against their will with threats of violence should they try to escape because of these illegitimate advertisements.
Children between the ages of 11 to 18 from dysfunctional or single-parent families are one of the main targets of traffickers. Many times traffickers are former victims themselves who recruit from local youth clubs, pubs and student hostels in small towns and villages. Girls in particular are manipulated and misinformed by men whose method consists of gaining a girl’s trust in order to sell her. Most often they are used in prostitution and secondarily for the production of pornography. Whereas boys are primarily trafficked eastward to Russia fueling the pornography industry.
Public awareness has been heightened by recent government programs across Belarus where training courses in preventing, combating and addressing social consequences of trafficking were taught. Government leadership has introduced legislation and amended criminal code be in intolerant of trafficking. Despite the increasing knowledge, many accept jobs uninformed whether their job is secure or reliable to remain apart from trafficking. One of the root causes of human trafficking in Belarus is unemployment among young people. Many professional training courses have been provided for the communities of Belarus in order to provide assistance to victims and prevent the increase of this atrocity.
Prayer Points
Unfortunately there is still a need in low-income families for money to eat and as the children take on familial responsibilities it’s imperative that the Church in Belarus is burning and shining to keep many from turning to prostituting themselves or others. Pray for the church in Belarus to be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ that the name of Jesus may go forth in power and truth.
The government in Belarus is corrupt and under a dominating tyrant who silences all who question the law. Pray that the government leaders may have dreams in the night and visions in the day of the Man Jesus unto salvation. Pray also that God would raise up prophetic voices in Belarus to take a place of leadership in government.
Because the majority of trafficking victims in this country are youths, pray for divine protection. Pray also for wisdom and discernment when accepting a job abroad to support their family.
The country of Belarus has been oppressed by power-hungry regimes since Stalin’s reign in the 1930’s and the following Nazi Germany invasion in 1941. In 1986 the effects of Ukraine’s nuclear explosion at Chernobyl affected hundreds of thousands of people as well as contaminated agricultural land. After becoming an independent country in 1991, Alexander Lukashenko becomes president in 1994. Despite multiple civil protests of his re-election Lukashenko remains in office for his fourth term. Belarus is a lower middle income country. National identity is weak and international isolation mandates dependence on the import of energy and raw materials. Any opposition to government order is quickly silenced and free speech suppressed. Belarus is a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking victims. Young people from low income and dysfunctional families are the most at-risk to become trapped into trafficking. Because of the demoralizing government in Belarus many do not have a voice to speak out against human trafficking.
Current Trafficking Trends
Belarus is one of the top 10 countries of origin for trafficking for prostitution in the world. Many Belarusian women and children find themselves trafficked to European countries. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain and travel restrictions reduced, Belarusian organized crime is increasing in the transporting of girls and women. Women are promised by newspaper advertisements work abroad in restaurants, bars and night clubs. Yet end up in prostitution against their will with threats of violence should they try to escape because of these illegitimate advertisements.
Children between the ages of 11 to 18 from dysfunctional or single-parent families are one of the main targets of traffickers. Many times traffickers are former victims themselves who recruit from local youth clubs, pubs and student hostels in small towns and villages. Girls in particular are manipulated and misinformed by men whose method consists of gaining a girl’s trust in order to sell her. Most often they are used in prostitution and secondarily for the production of pornography. Whereas boys are primarily trafficked eastward to Russia fueling the pornography industry.
Public awareness has been heightened by recent government programs across Belarus where training courses in preventing, combating and addressing social consequences of trafficking were taught. Government leadership has introduced legislation and amended criminal code be in intolerant of trafficking. Despite the increasing knowledge, many accept jobs uninformed whether their job is secure or reliable to remain apart from trafficking. One of the root causes of human trafficking in Belarus is unemployment among young people. Many professional training courses have been provided for the communities of Belarus in order to provide assistance to victims and prevent the increase of this atrocity.
Prayer Points
Unfortunately there is still a need in low-income families for money to eat and as the children take on familial responsibilities it’s imperative that the Church in Belarus is burning and shining to keep many from turning to prostituting themselves or others. Pray for the church in Belarus to be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ that the name of Jesus may go forth in power and truth.
The government in Belarus is corrupt and under a dominating tyrant who silences all who question the law. Pray that the government leaders may have dreams in the night and visions in the day of the Man Jesus unto salvation. Pray also that God would raise up prophetic voices in Belarus to take a place of leadership in government.
Because the majority of trafficking victims in this country are youths, pray for divine protection. Pray also for wisdom and discernment when accepting a job abroad to support their family.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Journey
Walking where I hear
The sounds of rain
I feel the drops
On my skin
Blurred vision
Tears and rain
Across a dreary meadow
Waits the place of freedom
No matter the risk
There is always life
I will never
Look back
Beauty for my ashes
Joy for mourning
A decaying body
For glory yet to be revealed
A long way to go
Climbing up the hills
A vast wilderness
That requires plowing
Fighting for freedom
Received in grace sufficient
That which I never knew
I had found
Emotions swirling
Spirit speaking
Heart beating
Eyes beholding
Passing through groaning earth
Until New Jerusalem shines
Before me
In just a little while
Face to face
The sounds of rain
I feel the drops
On my skin
Blurred vision
Tears and rain
Across a dreary meadow
Waits the place of freedom
No matter the risk
There is always life
I will never
Look back
Beauty for my ashes
Joy for mourning
A decaying body
For glory yet to be revealed
A long way to go
Climbing up the hills
A vast wilderness
That requires plowing
Fighting for freedom
Received in grace sufficient
That which I never knew
I had found
Emotions swirling
Spirit speaking
Heart beating
Eyes beholding
Passing through groaning earth
Until New Jerusalem shines
Before me
In just a little while
Face to face
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Whole Heart
Deep unto deep
How far down
What length in my soul
Every nook
Every crevice
A resounding cry
A reverberating groan
Wonders
Show me wonders
Mysteries
Reveal mysteries
Awaken the sounds of hunger
I must know
I must taste
I must handle
You're good
I know it
Stir up the stagnant waters
Here's my heart
All of it
Whole heart
Holy life
How far down
What length in my soul
Every nook
Every crevice
A resounding cry
A reverberating groan
Wonders
Show me wonders
Mysteries
Reveal mysteries
Awaken the sounds of hunger
I must know
I must taste
I must handle
You're good
I know it
Stir up the stagnant waters
Here's my heart
All of it
Whole heart
Holy life
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Vintage
The reason I like vintage so much is because it come from an era in the past where life was simpler. Immorality and wickedness weren’t as rampant as they are now. Boredom and apathy rarely occurred, fascination and wonder consumed. A time when mankind didn’t have the answers for everything and a solution to anything. There was joy and delight in invention and working hard to produce. All I see in this generation is drive-through, grab-and-go religion, going through all the semantics just to get a gold star, “Good job, you mindlessly completed another task where your heart and emotions were completely unattached and can now remain in your warm, cozy, vain, self-consuming bubble for yet another week.”
The reason I like vintage so much is because my spirit knows I was made for sinless perfection. I was made for the Holy One who creates out of love and shares His secrets to the simple ones. He doesn’t enjoy confusing, overcomplicated relationships- just pure, unadulterated, blissful communion. He likes honesty. He likes the weak lifted up. He likes joy unspeakable marinating in the heart. He likes confidence in love. He likes reality to be filled with incomparable fascination. He likes the hungry filled.
No death. No sorrow. No pain. No crying. No lying. No backbiting. No judgments. No self-seeking. No boasting. No envy. No immorality. No preying on the helpless. No false assumptions. No thieves. No cursing. No pity parties. No humanism. No good-byes.
What was lost in the garden shall be restored. There will be a new Heaven, a new earth and a grand, beautiful, breathtaking city. Our sins forever washed away and the mercy of the Lord ever on our lips. Blessed hope gives me strength to endure suffering and persecution. To let the light in me contrast with the darkness of this world. To stand firm on the truth that one day my faith will become sight. Bygone eras will lack nostalgia for the future, eternity with YHWH, I fix my gaze.
The reason I like vintage so much is because my spirit knows I was made for sinless perfection. I was made for the Holy One who creates out of love and shares His secrets to the simple ones. He doesn’t enjoy confusing, overcomplicated relationships- just pure, unadulterated, blissful communion. He likes honesty. He likes the weak lifted up. He likes joy unspeakable marinating in the heart. He likes confidence in love. He likes reality to be filled with incomparable fascination. He likes the hungry filled.
No death. No sorrow. No pain. No crying. No lying. No backbiting. No judgments. No self-seeking. No boasting. No envy. No immorality. No preying on the helpless. No false assumptions. No thieves. No cursing. No pity parties. No humanism. No good-byes.
What was lost in the garden shall be restored. There will be a new Heaven, a new earth and a grand, beautiful, breathtaking city. Our sins forever washed away and the mercy of the Lord ever on our lips. Blessed hope gives me strength to endure suffering and persecution. To let the light in me contrast with the darkness of this world. To stand firm on the truth that one day my faith will become sight. Bygone eras will lack nostalgia for the future, eternity with YHWH, I fix my gaze.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Thorns
Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. Luke 8.14
The parable of the sower contains much depth than simply surface, which is exactly why Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “What does this parable mean?” Yet many have not asked Holy Spirit the same question. I think it’s safe to say that obviously the seeds which fall by the wayside and the seeds that fall on the rock is an inherent depravity in humanity, but not the definitive seed of the Church. Sadly, I don’t think it’s the fertile soil either. There is one last option that with a distressing disposition I surrender my zeal and intercede for the bride.
Thorns, the Word has fallen on thorns and no one has even noticed.
The voice of the Church has been stifled, choked. Riches, abundance and comfort have dulled the hearts of formerly lovesick Christians. What began in the Spirit is now vainly trying to be made in the flesh. The pleasures of life, the fame of a well-known name in religious spheres prevail over the Name. Constant publishing of “How to Grow Your Church by 50” and “How Your Cell Group can Grow and Multiply” incessantly flood the mind thus the heart lacks maturity. Super pastors have begun to sweep through their congregations like a some high-profile actor or movie director while pride oozes out their pores.
I’m tired of celebrity ministers. I’m tired of cultural relevance taking preeminence. There is only one found worthy of all blessing and honor, glory and power. His name is Jesus. The Church must wake up, shake Herself from the dust of the lusts of this age and press into the Spirit.
Are we reading the Word? Are we studying the Word? Are we held accountable to a higher vision of life? Accountability does not equal talking in circles about vain, self-preserving complaints.
When Paul preached on Mars Hill, how many converted? Three. Why such a small number? Because Paul tried to make it relevant to the culture and win the approval of man. Once in Corinth, he went back to preaching the simple message of the Cross, and God birthed a whole church because there’s power in the name of Jesus. Jesus doesn’t need man’s witness, but man needs the witness of Heaven. There is life and liberty in the wounds of Christ. No matter how much charisma any preacher of the Word contains, if Christ and Him crucified isn’t first place then there is no purpose.
It’s all about Jesus. He is the mediator between God and man. Jesus is the highest expression of God to humanity and He is the highest expression of humanity to God. We need Him. We need Him preached. We need Him prayed to. We need Him adored. We need Him sacrificed.
And so as the Church we offer our humble sacrifice, a meager gift of worship. We give Him our life. We give Him our time. We give Him our rights, opinions and selfish notions. We lay it all aside and buy gold refined in the fire that we may be fit to stand, serve, minister and burn before the throne of grace. To find the Word planted in the fertile soil of the heart, cultivating a lush garden of humility, faith, joy, hope and love.
The parable of the sower contains much depth than simply surface, which is exactly why Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “What does this parable mean?” Yet many have not asked Holy Spirit the same question. I think it’s safe to say that obviously the seeds which fall by the wayside and the seeds that fall on the rock is an inherent depravity in humanity, but not the definitive seed of the Church. Sadly, I don’t think it’s the fertile soil either. There is one last option that with a distressing disposition I surrender my zeal and intercede for the bride.
Thorns, the Word has fallen on thorns and no one has even noticed.
The voice of the Church has been stifled, choked. Riches, abundance and comfort have dulled the hearts of formerly lovesick Christians. What began in the Spirit is now vainly trying to be made in the flesh. The pleasures of life, the fame of a well-known name in religious spheres prevail over the Name. Constant publishing of “How to Grow Your Church by 50” and “How Your Cell Group can Grow and Multiply” incessantly flood the mind thus the heart lacks maturity. Super pastors have begun to sweep through their congregations like a some high-profile actor or movie director while pride oozes out their pores.
I’m tired of celebrity ministers. I’m tired of cultural relevance taking preeminence. There is only one found worthy of all blessing and honor, glory and power. His name is Jesus. The Church must wake up, shake Herself from the dust of the lusts of this age and press into the Spirit.
Are we reading the Word? Are we studying the Word? Are we held accountable to a higher vision of life? Accountability does not equal talking in circles about vain, self-preserving complaints.
When Paul preached on Mars Hill, how many converted? Three. Why such a small number? Because Paul tried to make it relevant to the culture and win the approval of man. Once in Corinth, he went back to preaching the simple message of the Cross, and God birthed a whole church because there’s power in the name of Jesus. Jesus doesn’t need man’s witness, but man needs the witness of Heaven. There is life and liberty in the wounds of Christ. No matter how much charisma any preacher of the Word contains, if Christ and Him crucified isn’t first place then there is no purpose.
It’s all about Jesus. He is the mediator between God and man. Jesus is the highest expression of God to humanity and He is the highest expression of humanity to God. We need Him. We need Him preached. We need Him prayed to. We need Him adored. We need Him sacrificed.
And so as the Church we offer our humble sacrifice, a meager gift of worship. We give Him our life. We give Him our time. We give Him our rights, opinions and selfish notions. We lay it all aside and buy gold refined in the fire that we may be fit to stand, serve, minister and burn before the throne of grace. To find the Word planted in the fertile soil of the heart, cultivating a lush garden of humility, faith, joy, hope and love.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Read Church, Read
It’s not a case of rebellion that’s sweeping the youth in the Church, it’s immaturity. It’s a lack of knowledge of the Holy One. Sunday school stories aren’t the end of true understanding of the only Man worthy to take the sins of the world. There is so much depth to the Bible, much more than time is even give to it. That’s the problem. We’re illiterate. We feed on Sunday morning Bible reading and maybe a Psalm every once and a while. God’s people have quit searching the Scriptures and rely on others for insight and wisdom.
The Word is supposed to strength our faith. The Word is meant to give language to the journey to Zion. The problem is that the Church doesn’t even know about Zion, the New Jerusalem. The city coming down prepared just like a bride for her husband. It’s the eternal dwelling place of the righteous. Read the Word. Let His love break through. Let His words of life pierce the lies and the accusation against who God is. No more chasing after other lovers, no more broken cisterns.
Oh, the bride doesn’t know who she is. She hasn’t read about herself in the pages. The glorious and dramatic truths of God orchestrating His union with His children. No more veil. The more we read, the less we know. The Word is endless. There is no bottom point, no place of arrival. Each hour upon hour our mind is blown as we let love win in our hearts. Choose to believe words of life. The Word brings healing and freedom. Listen to the language of Heaven. Hear His voice.
Pray the Word back to Him. Thank Him. Lavish adoration upon His name. As He astounds your heart, astound His with your love. It’s time to read again. Swipe the dust off your heart and Bible; let Him blow your mind. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the feelings of God.
It’s time to read! It’s time to devour! It’s time to digest the scroll! Turn off the TV, there’s no eternal rewards in American Idol anyways. Log off Facebook. Block out two hours, shut the door of your room and ask the Holy Spirit if He would give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. (Ephesians 1:17) Go slow, don’t rush through and open your heart to the Lover of your soul waiting in anticipation to reveal how He feels about you.
The Word is supposed to strength our faith. The Word is meant to give language to the journey to Zion. The problem is that the Church doesn’t even know about Zion, the New Jerusalem. The city coming down prepared just like a bride for her husband. It’s the eternal dwelling place of the righteous. Read the Word. Let His love break through. Let His words of life pierce the lies and the accusation against who God is. No more chasing after other lovers, no more broken cisterns.
Oh, the bride doesn’t know who she is. She hasn’t read about herself in the pages. The glorious and dramatic truths of God orchestrating His union with His children. No more veil. The more we read, the less we know. The Word is endless. There is no bottom point, no place of arrival. Each hour upon hour our mind is blown as we let love win in our hearts. Choose to believe words of life. The Word brings healing and freedom. Listen to the language of Heaven. Hear His voice.
Pray the Word back to Him. Thank Him. Lavish adoration upon His name. As He astounds your heart, astound His with your love. It’s time to read again. Swipe the dust off your heart and Bible; let Him blow your mind. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the feelings of God.
It’s time to read! It’s time to devour! It’s time to digest the scroll! Turn off the TV, there’s no eternal rewards in American Idol anyways. Log off Facebook. Block out two hours, shut the door of your room and ask the Holy Spirit if He would give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. (Ephesians 1:17) Go slow, don’t rush through and open your heart to the Lover of your soul waiting in anticipation to reveal how He feels about you.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Questions for the Mother of Jesus
1. Did Jesus every tell you the names of the stars?
2. Did you ever call Jesus YHWH on purpose just to see if He would respond?
3. Did Jesus ever talk to you about Isaiah 7:14? Did He ever thank you?
4. Did Jesus ever prophesy over you?
5. What was it like when the wise men and their entourage showed up at your door? How did it feel to get unexpected, expensive gifts? What did your neighbors ask you about them showing up? How did you respond? Did you tell them Jesus was God?
6. How did Jesus react to girls liking Him while He was growing up?
7. Did you ask Jesus if He knew Joseph would die? Was He acting differently the weeks leading up to it?
8. How did you tell Jesus’ siblings He was God? Did you?
9. Did Jesus ever get lost?
10. How did Jesus meet people? Did He ever forget people’s names?
11. Was Jesus good at every activity? Was there anything He wasn’t the best at?
12. At the market was Jesus good at bartering for fair prices?
13. What were family dynamics like? Did Jesus make sure no one was left out? On outings was He always cheerful, talkative and fun?
14. Was Jesus introverted or extroverted? Did He spend the majority of time alone?
15. How did Jesus display humility as a child? Did He always invite outcasts home for dinner? Did He take punishments from you even when He didn’t disobey?
16. Did Jesus play music? Did He write songs? Were they about the Throne? Or the nature of the Father? Did He sing silly, improvisational songs?
17. Did Jesus collect anything? What was He fascinated with? Or did earthly treasures never interest Him?
18. Was Jesus a good cook? Did He know the way all the spices would work together?
19. Was Jesus the best carpenter in Nazareth? Did He make tables perfectly?
20. How did Jesus react to violence and anger?
2. Did you ever call Jesus YHWH on purpose just to see if He would respond?
3. Did Jesus ever talk to you about Isaiah 7:14? Did He ever thank you?
4. Did Jesus ever prophesy over you?
5. What was it like when the wise men and their entourage showed up at your door? How did it feel to get unexpected, expensive gifts? What did your neighbors ask you about them showing up? How did you respond? Did you tell them Jesus was God?
6. How did Jesus react to girls liking Him while He was growing up?
7. Did you ask Jesus if He knew Joseph would die? Was He acting differently the weeks leading up to it?
8. How did you tell Jesus’ siblings He was God? Did you?
9. Did Jesus ever get lost?
10. How did Jesus meet people? Did He ever forget people’s names?
11. Was Jesus good at every activity? Was there anything He wasn’t the best at?
12. At the market was Jesus good at bartering for fair prices?
13. What were family dynamics like? Did Jesus make sure no one was left out? On outings was He always cheerful, talkative and fun?
14. Was Jesus introverted or extroverted? Did He spend the majority of time alone?
15. How did Jesus display humility as a child? Did He always invite outcasts home for dinner? Did He take punishments from you even when He didn’t disobey?
16. Did Jesus play music? Did He write songs? Were they about the Throne? Or the nature of the Father? Did He sing silly, improvisational songs?
17. Did Jesus collect anything? What was He fascinated with? Or did earthly treasures never interest Him?
18. Was Jesus a good cook? Did He know the way all the spices would work together?
19. Was Jesus the best carpenter in Nazareth? Did He make tables perfectly?
20. How did Jesus react to violence and anger?
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Live Lovely
Sin has gripped humanity where outburst of rage and verbal abuse is the norm. There is a decline in the dignity that a human being holds to not live off of emotions and the heat of the moment. Life is consumed by comparison of one’s life versus another. Usually that other comes from tabloids, magazines and gossip television shows boasting of extravagant, self-indulgent lifestyles. In the abundance of excess, where is the heart refreshed? Where is the soul exhilarated? Where is the mind set on things above? Momentary, passing pleasures don’t satisfy. They seem inviting, a solution to the ache of excitement yet increases the longing for more. It’s a hole that doesn’t seem to be filled. A missing piece of an intricate, complex puzzle.
I’ve found the remedy.
Listen. Incline your ear to the rhythm of running. His name is Jealous Jealousy, He’s an all-consuming fire and He won’t stop pursuing His beloved ones who have strayed. No longer will He allow His bride to run after other lovers. The first commandment must return to first place.
Idol worship doesn’t exist just because this is the 21st century. Look at the monuments built to food; our god is in our belly. Consume, devour and supersize. A constant dulling of the spirit, consistent scrambling to satisfy. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5.6) Hunger, longing, fasting, praying, devotion, seeking for more. The bride is obese, no pangs of hunger found in her. She has indulged herself far beyond recognition. It’s time to fast, Church. It’s time to mourn. It’s time to be poor in spirit. It’s time to come face to face with the depravity of human vigor and strength. Oh our frame is but dust yet pride mitigates the true nature of our being.
What about the temples built to our bodies? Millions of dollars spent on clothes. Extra clothes to fill closets to the brim. Hours upon hours wasted wandering up and down streets and through malls lusting over garments to that make us feel better about ourselves because clearly there isn’t enough. There’s never enough. We want more, more, more. Filling and numbing and searching. It’s not a hobby, it’s not a fun pastime, it’s an obsession. It’s an addiction where we’ll even watch shows about it. It’s a waste of precious time. Are we asking the Lord what He thinks about the hours wasted? Are we sensitive to the Spirit on hundreds of dollars being spent?
How will the cry, “Marantha!” ever go out if the bride is perfectly content with weak prayer, prosperity messages, another round of grace for everyone and a completely culture dictated lifestyle? I thought this world wasn’t our home. Aren’t we pilgrims, sojourners passing through on our way to Zion? Why is the bride completely unrecognized in the eyes of society? Kindness is great to show to our neighbors, but why isn’t Jesus preached? Why does it all have to be so anonymous and inoffensive? If it’s not Jesus, it’s not justice.
There’s only one way, one truth, one life, one door to the Father and that’s through Jesus. Not Buddha, not Mohammad, not the Virgin Mary, not good deeds alone. It’s Jesus. He’s the only way to God. We need a right perspective of this Man.
He’s the very nature of the zealous Father of lights who loves to give good gifts to His children. Jesus needs to have preeminence once more. Christ and Christ alone preached in the churches and sung in our worship. It only comes from time in the secret place, tucked away from the eyes of man. It comes in the mundane life of an obedient lover who’s yes is weak and small, but it’s so sincere and moves the heart of God. To linger in the presence of the Lover of the soul should be the best part of the day. We should pant for this time with Him like a deer pants for water. It’s in the Word that we find refreshment, it needs to be our getaway. Sunday morning shouldn’t be the only time in communion with Jesus. Before meals and tests can’t be the only time to pray to the Creator of all.
Eternal glory rests upon this life. Proximity to Jesus forever is determined by this age. Do we truly mourn for Him? Are we truly undone by the fact that Jesus isn’t walking in the midst of us ruling and reigning in righteousness? If Jesus wasn’t in Heaven, would we even be bothered by that?
It’s about Jesus. He’s the very picture of the nature of God. And He is also the very picture of humanity’s image to God. Once saved, we’re clothed in the righteousness of Christ. It’s time to put on our heavenly garments and live lovely. To know we’re enjoyed by God, to know we aren’t condemned by God because of past failures. We repent, move on and delight in the Father delighting in us. For we are the prize of all creation, the joy set before Jesus to endure the pain of the cross. It’s time to live lovely, out of the overflow of being alive to God and dead to sin.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33) Live lovely and all else will fall in line.
I’ve found the remedy.
Listen. Incline your ear to the rhythm of running. His name is Jealous Jealousy, He’s an all-consuming fire and He won’t stop pursuing His beloved ones who have strayed. No longer will He allow His bride to run after other lovers. The first commandment must return to first place.
Idol worship doesn’t exist just because this is the 21st century. Look at the monuments built to food; our god is in our belly. Consume, devour and supersize. A constant dulling of the spirit, consistent scrambling to satisfy. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5.6) Hunger, longing, fasting, praying, devotion, seeking for more. The bride is obese, no pangs of hunger found in her. She has indulged herself far beyond recognition. It’s time to fast, Church. It’s time to mourn. It’s time to be poor in spirit. It’s time to come face to face with the depravity of human vigor and strength. Oh our frame is but dust yet pride mitigates the true nature of our being.
What about the temples built to our bodies? Millions of dollars spent on clothes. Extra clothes to fill closets to the brim. Hours upon hours wasted wandering up and down streets and through malls lusting over garments to that make us feel better about ourselves because clearly there isn’t enough. There’s never enough. We want more, more, more. Filling and numbing and searching. It’s not a hobby, it’s not a fun pastime, it’s an obsession. It’s an addiction where we’ll even watch shows about it. It’s a waste of precious time. Are we asking the Lord what He thinks about the hours wasted? Are we sensitive to the Spirit on hundreds of dollars being spent?
How will the cry, “Marantha!” ever go out if the bride is perfectly content with weak prayer, prosperity messages, another round of grace for everyone and a completely culture dictated lifestyle? I thought this world wasn’t our home. Aren’t we pilgrims, sojourners passing through on our way to Zion? Why is the bride completely unrecognized in the eyes of society? Kindness is great to show to our neighbors, but why isn’t Jesus preached? Why does it all have to be so anonymous and inoffensive? If it’s not Jesus, it’s not justice.
There’s only one way, one truth, one life, one door to the Father and that’s through Jesus. Not Buddha, not Mohammad, not the Virgin Mary, not good deeds alone. It’s Jesus. He’s the only way to God. We need a right perspective of this Man.
He’s the very nature of the zealous Father of lights who loves to give good gifts to His children. Jesus needs to have preeminence once more. Christ and Christ alone preached in the churches and sung in our worship. It only comes from time in the secret place, tucked away from the eyes of man. It comes in the mundane life of an obedient lover who’s yes is weak and small, but it’s so sincere and moves the heart of God. To linger in the presence of the Lover of the soul should be the best part of the day. We should pant for this time with Him like a deer pants for water. It’s in the Word that we find refreshment, it needs to be our getaway. Sunday morning shouldn’t be the only time in communion with Jesus. Before meals and tests can’t be the only time to pray to the Creator of all.
Eternal glory rests upon this life. Proximity to Jesus forever is determined by this age. Do we truly mourn for Him? Are we truly undone by the fact that Jesus isn’t walking in the midst of us ruling and reigning in righteousness? If Jesus wasn’t in Heaven, would we even be bothered by that?
It’s about Jesus. He’s the very picture of the nature of God. And He is also the very picture of humanity’s image to God. Once saved, we’re clothed in the righteousness of Christ. It’s time to put on our heavenly garments and live lovely. To know we’re enjoyed by God, to know we aren’t condemned by God because of past failures. We repent, move on and delight in the Father delighting in us. For we are the prize of all creation, the joy set before Jesus to endure the pain of the cross. It’s time to live lovely, out of the overflow of being alive to God and dead to sin.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33) Live lovely and all else will fall in line.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Dream from the Father
This is a dream I had on November 21, 2010
The man had Xerox copies of all my tattoos on the table; each one zoomed in, concise and clear. He had a tender heart towards me like a father to his daughter and invited me to sit with him. In his hand was a giant magnifying glass and he was scouring over each one right in front of me. The flaws glaring. It made me uncomfortable, I was oblivious the permanent fixtures on my body were so obviously imperfect.
We talked for a while about why I had chosen each tattoo. He asked me, Would you like them to be touched up. I responded with the most truthful answer I could muster up, I would, but I have no money. He smiled silently yet sweetly waiting for me to continue, wanting me to ask him if he would pay for it. I thought to myself how could I ever ask a complete stranger to throw down hundreds of dollars for me. So I proceeded to skirt around the question, I heard there were tattoo artists at IHOP that give discounts, do you know of any of them? Another smile from the man with kind eyes.
A young man walked up to the table and started looking at the Xerox papers over his shoulder. The man introduced him, This is Joe, I’ve mentored him for a while. He’s an artist. Turning to Joe, What do you think, Joe? Can you fix them for free? Joe looked at me, Yes, gladly.
Suddenly all three of us were outside in a parking lot. I was turning to leave and the older man turned to me, Would you? I didn’t understand what he was asking me. He said, Joe just asked if he could pursue you. He’s still going to fix your tattoos whether or not you say yes. There was a twinkle in his eye as he waited for me to respond to Joe’s question. I turned to Joe, Sure, I’d like that.
Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Isaiah 55:1 I have nothing, there isn’t a thing I could do to obtain the gift of being refined. The Father offered up His Son for my liberty. He set captivity captive by passing through death that I may live blameless. The seemingly permanent blemishes in my character can be fixed for free. To allow Jesus to romance me not because He demands it from me as prerequisite to life, but because He wants to. The Father sees everything wrong with me yet it doesn’t hinder Him from generously giving all that He has. My brokenness doesn’t scare Him away.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Light From the Father
In You, God, is all source of who I am. From my first breath in the morning to every sense of happiness. Every single piece of my being is wrapped up in You. How could it not? You commanded the light and put every living creature on this earth. In Your light is where I see light. I can’t even comprehend what that means. The Father of lights, where there is no variation or shadow of turning. How can it be? You are utter light and no shadow is cast from You.
Light is bright, it’s warmth. It contains all source of energy and power. Electricity come from it. The whole modern world runs off of light; every computer, television, iPhone and satellite depends on such. It detects the morning, when all rise from sleep and begin a new day. Light is a vitamin source; health to the body. A lack luminosity from the Sun sends many into a downward spiral of depression. Sunny days provoke picnics, long hours at the beach and all forms of exercise. The effect of light goes unrecognized in the routine of daily life.
You are the Giver of life, all of it You uphold by the Word of Your mouth. You keep me, sustain me, refresh me and see that I know I am loved by You. It’s Your mercy in the heavens; the grace that You’ve put forth towards me. It’s Your faithfulness that reaches to the clouds. The earth is abundantly full of Your nearness, of Your reach to humanity- the ones You’ve fashioned out of love. It’s Your righteousness like the great mountains. You constantly do good with a pure gaze and intention. Your judgments are a great deep. They aren’t shallow. There’s purpose and depth to them . You preserve me, O God, in the land of the living.
For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. Psalm 36
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Frailty in Frame
It may be clothed in weakness,
but my reach for You is sincere
I cannot help my unbelief
only to hold onto the hope
that one day I shall see
Though this tug beckons me to disbelief
my spirit witnesses One who is
altogether unknown and other than
A new creation,
set free in joy
I’ve never met another
as kind in this life
Fasten my heart to Yours
I will go the depth,
accepting of a challenge
Frailty in my frame
yet authentic in my love
but my reach for You is sincere
I cannot help my unbelief
only to hold onto the hope
that one day I shall see
Though this tug beckons me to disbelief
my spirit witnesses One who is
altogether unknown and other than
A new creation,
set free in joy
I’ve never met another
as kind in this life
Fasten my heart to Yours
I will go the depth,
accepting of a challenge
Frailty in my frame
yet authentic in my love
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