His Purposes are not our purposes

When the unfortunate moments come, many times we pray for relief. Popular Christian music even has lyrics praying for circumstances to change. While not all circumstances are equal and started from the same point, if we look deep enough we may see it has a separate purpose. I found this point in my own devotional reading 1 Chronicles. I was questioning in my mind where Samaria came about in the Biblical timeline, which led down a rabbit hole of investigating through the scriptures. Eventually I settled on the chasm set forth between Rehoboam and Jeraboam.

As I read into it Rehoboam sought advice for his troubles with dealing with laborers from his father’s (Solomon the wise) advisors. They gave advice to work with them. Then instead of following their advice he chose to ask and trust his own young advisors. They steered him wrong as one might expect. Soon the northern tribes of Israel rebelled and split, placing Jeroboam as king. The kingdom of Israel was split. Rehoboam thinking he needed to resolve this, gathered him mighty warriors to resolve the conflict. As many of us do when we experience conflict, we go to war. We develop our battle strategy and plan. I’m going to get an extra job, we will shift the responsibilities, I will put these protective measures in place, etc. One might look at this particular situation and believe they knew the root cause of why the kingdom split. Simply evaluating Rehoboam’s response would show a king who is harsh and unkind, not benevolent and compassionate. So of course, the response of the tribes would be to overthrow his power. Yet, this was only part of it. God’s purposes are not our purposes, God’s ways are not our ways.

Keeping God’s purposes in mind it wasn’t hard to search earlier in the text reign of Solomon to find it. 1 Kings 11:9-13 we read, “The LORD was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. He had warned Solomon specifically about worshipping other gods, but Solomon did not listen to the LORD’s command. So now the LORD said to him, “Since you have not kept my covenant and have disobeyed my laws, I will surely tear your kingdom away from you and give it to one of your servants. But for the sake of your father, David, I will not do this while you are still alive. I will take the kingdom away from your Son. And even so, I will let him be king of one tribe, for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, my chosen city.”

Rehoboam’s decision while harsh wasn’t ultimately the root for the change. Yet sometimes we see our current circumstance and believe we know the way out. Rehoboam knew the way out was to fight. He didn’t realize until later it was the will of the Lord for this to happen. (1 Chronicles 10:15b). So when Rehoboam assembled the battle plans and troops for war, he must have been surprised when the Lord told him, “Do not fight your relatives. God back home, for what has happened is my doing!” (1 Chronicles 11:4. What a surprise that must have been on two fronts.

Finally brothers and sisters, the question of purpose comes up. Yes, all things work for the good of those who love the Lord, but what is the purpose. And yet we must also acknowledge, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) But the Lord sometimes does give an explanation. When he does we should always take note. Wherever that circumstance is in scripture we can get a glimpse into the purposes of God. Rehoboam received an answer later in his life for some of God’s purposes. After turning away from the Lord’s commands, just as his father had done, he found himself on the receiving end of the spear of Egypt. Egypt was invading, the Pharoah, Shishak, conquered all of Judah’s fortified cities and was moving in on Jerusalem. It wasn’t until this point that Rehoboam responded in surrender. It took the words of God through the prophet Shemaiah to bring sense to him. You abandoned the Lord, so now he will abandon you to Shishak. (paraphrased, 1 Chronicles 12:5) This is the point where many step back and say where is the compassion? Where is the love from God? The mercy? Yet, this is precisely when we see the discipline and the heart behind it. “I will not use Shishak to pour out my anger on Jerusalem. But they will become his subjects, so they can learn how much better it is to serve me than to serve earthly masters.” (1 Chronicles 12:7b-8)

We see Paul preach to this same cause in Romans. We can be a slave to sin, which results in death, or to obedience which results in righteousness. (Romans 6:16-18) So my brothers and sisters, sometimes our difficulties, our exiles, our struggles are our own plans to run our lives taking the foreground. Sometimes they are the results of our years of planning our lives only to find that we can’t actually manage them through the hardships. I know I’ve found that, by living my own purposes and plans, my life fell apart. When I started walking in His purposes and plans I found a fulfilling life. Can you see past the current struggles and see into His purpose of drawing you to Him? If you can, would you draw near to His Word, and to Him in prayer?

The Child who Wasn’t Becomes Seen

Many stories and movies aim to depict the imagination of the author. What better author than the Holy Spirit? When I think of the new life we have in the Lord, I am often falling short adequately describing it all. In a devotion time months ago I thought of a story picture that helped me see even smallest surface of what this new life looks like. It falls short of the expansiveness of the Biblical narrative. To fully grasp it, we must use His word. But in my imagination this story helped me see the aspect of Redemption, Adoption, and Justification. This falls short on Regeneration and Reconciliation though.

Imagine for a moment, a child. This child is living in a kingdom where the King is revered and where they don’t seem to fit. The child has no family, and have lived on their own, scavenging, stealing, and begging. This child knew some of the laws, for merchants would often scream at them for breaking them, seeking the law enforcement officials. The child had been caught, beaten, shamed, until they had little left in the way of dignity, purpose, or identity. They were simply surviving. Written off by society and the rest of the kingdom, their only thoughts were survival. Each day brought new ways of surviving, though nothing was ever seen as right in the eyes of the law. But then one day things changed.

A royal pronouncement was made. All peoples of the kingdom were to assemble for the King’s pronouncement at the palace court. The child neither knew where that was, nor what a pronouncement was, but curiosity caused them to follow the crowds.

As the child entered the palace, for the first time, a fear gripped them. “I don’t belong here. They will catch me. Others know what I am, what if the guards know? They will surely take me away.” Yet, wonder struck them as the continued to walk. Not paying attention to the crowds or anything, the sheer beauty of the palace, the walls, the windows, the decoration gripped the child. Then the child noticed a voice yelling at them. Another in the crowd whispered for them to get off the royal dais. As the child looked down and realized he was standing on ornate rugs, fit for a king, fear gripped him even more. The fanfare sounded.

The child looked over, as did the rest of the people, at the royal court coming forth. Shame then settled on the child. He wasn’t supposed to be here. He would be beaten, or worse, for standing where he was. But the child’s legs would not move. Their heart raced as people in the crowd angrily pleaded with him to move. The child desperate to leave the palace, but finding their body would not do it. With the royal entourage just paces away the child knew it was too late; looking towards their doom. Presently, one of the party pointed to them. The child recognized looks of others and could read the faces of people, yet this countenance was not anger or malice. The child couldn’t recognize the look, but the man motioned for him to come towards their group. Knowing that this would mean his last breath, his body still frozen, a victim of fear. The man approached, with royal ornament adorning him. He came closer. When he was close enough he could hear those behind him call him the Prince of the House of the Lion.

The Prince walked up to the child, knelt down, and smiled. He nodded and then removed his own ornamental cape, and placed it on the child. As he did this the Royal Chancellor pointed and announced to all present, “Today the child known as Invisibilis, has been welcomed into the Royal Family. His status as a son shall be complete, his name shall now be called Videri.” As he continued the pronouncement, the child hadn’t even recognized the name. Yet memories reclaimed, he realized that his family had called him that once. This couldn’t be real. Yet here was the Prince standing before him. He gave the choice, to receive the robe and follow them back into the palace, or to continue on in this current life.

The gasps of the crowd seemed to match his own thoughts. All he had ever done was break the laws, yet the King and royal family was making him one of them. He had said, “A royal child in both legal status, as well as positionally.” After moments of standing and wondering if this could be real, could it be a dream, a nightmare? Could they all be waiting for the moment in which hope was shown only to take it away by placing him in the stocks for all the crimes he had committed?

Yet, something was different about this. So the child followed the prince back. The King himself embraced the child, though the child’s own clothing was ragged and dirty, yet the royal robe covered it all. The child could not believe it. Nothing he had done earned them this status, yet he was chosen. Later expecting this to only last a moment he found their habits coming back. Survival had been all they knew, so he began finding items of value, or food to take. He was called to a late meal as the sun was setting. Escorted to the dining hall, all waited for the King. He found pieces of food on the ground and quickly grabbed them and ate them. He longed for the pests that must roam the halls for the nutrients they might give him. Desperation for the comfort of the rodent that he had managed to catch sparsely. Yet as his thoughts wandered to the meals of the past, this table was set before them. Elegant plates, meats, bread, vegetables, and fruits the likes the child had never seen, nor dreamed. As the king entered all were seated. The child, realizing their own dirtiness, waited along the wall. The king took notice, asked one of those seated near Him to escort the child to seat close to the king himself.

The child sat and listened to the words of the King. He told him of the life he would have in his Kingdom. Of his son, the Prince. He told him of the palace, and all its wonder. Day by day this continued, as the child assumed it would eventually stop. Yet he kept returning to the king’s table, and hearing the words of the king, and of the prince. Month by month the words, the confirmation, the identity began to stick. The child thought about the king’s words even after the meals. He stayed in the courtyard and pondered their meaning. “If this is true, and it seems so, then I truly am a child of the King.” Yet, it took the words of the king, reminding him daily to reshape his identity. The old memories and hauntings of the past, the starvation, the beatings, the crimes, the hurts, the loss, were still in his mind. Those never went away, but every time the king spoke, or the prince spoke those became less painful, and the old habits of survival became less and less. Until the day came when the child no longer looked at a rodent as their last meal, but as a creature. He no longer looked at an item of value, as a measure of how long he might live, but as a creation of beauty. It wasn’t immediate, but the transformation eventually came.

My brothers and sisters, we are the child. Through no merit or action of our own we were chosen by God. He knew our names, chose us despite all our crimes against his law, and made us legal standing children, co-heirs with Christ. But take note, it wasn’t a quick transition. The child still struggled with those all memories. It wasn’t the child choosing not to do them anymore, but rather the words and confirmation of the King and the Prince that transformed their thoughts. Brothers and sisters, we cannot, in our own strength destroy the habits we learned in the flesh. Our sin nature is dead and gone as Reborn children, but those habits are still present in our flesh. The only way to find them removed is through reading God’s word and understanding who we are, who He is, and understanding this crazy long plan He put into motion to bring us into His Kingdom. His love drove that, not obligation. Don’t think you can change yourself to be better for him. Understand only he can transform you, to be all He called you to be. Surrender to Him and Submit your life to Him and you will see what the Child saw.

Home is Where the Heart is

Philippians 3:20 - For our Citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Imagine that you are a U.S. Citizen, but you have been called to study/work in another country. The prospect of this has you so excited, and you accept it willingly. You arrive in this country, and find it is very different than what you have known to be true in your life as a U.S. citizen. Your customs, your values, your truths are different than those that are around you. However, you continue on with your studies/work, whatever it may be. You try to connect with those around you, but you find it hard as they may not accept you for who you are and what your values are. Some just refuse to be associated with you. As time goes by, you find yourself longing for home, for the community you once had. Maybe you brought a photo album with you, or you begin to scroll through picture on your phone that involve home. Photos of your family, friends, and memories that remind you of who you are and where you came from. So while you still fill like you are different, and maybe even an outcast, this time in reflection of photos has restored you and encouraged you to keep going. It has reminded you of who you truly are. 

Have you ever felt different as a believer in Christ? Maybe even like an outcast as you did not do the same as those around you? I know I have. I remember feeling this way for most of my young adulthood life, especially in college. 

I came from a strong community of brothers and sisters in Christ during my high school years, as I attended a small private Christian school. I was fortunate enough to have God, His Word, and community surrounding me and being discussed daily. Then, I went to a LARGE secular school. I remember being so nervous (not typical for me), that I begged my parents to stay a couple of extra days after dropping me off so I could have that comfort of home. My freshman year, I had senior teammates that took me in and led a Bible study at their home. While I was strange and different than most of my peers at that age, I wore that with confidence. I knew I was different, and I was okay with that. I rested in my Father. Unfortunately, those seniors graduated and the true test began. 

1 Peter 2:11 says, "Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul." Man can I relate to this verse tenfold! While I continued to have community in college, I was more immersed in the world. I continued to go a different way than the world said I should; but with each passing moment, I began to move from a confidence in being a stranger, to encountering pain and longing to be "a part of the group." I found myself feeling like an outcast, and it hurt. Just as the citizen in the first example began to hurt living in a foreign country, longing for a piece of home, I remember crying in my coach's office due to the pain of feeling like I did not belong.  As time passed, and I was plagued with health issues and road blocks in my athletic career... my eyes, my mind, and my heart began to take their eyes off of God, and really see the enticement of the world. I watched those around me achieve my heart's desire, and do so in a "free" manner. While I continued to go to Church, I know my time in the Word decreased. I took my eyes off of the one thing that reminded me of who I truly am, Who my Father is, and what His plan is for me. I took my eyes off of the Word, my photo album to remind me of what my home really is like, and that it is worth waiting for.

So the war against my soul began. I thought that my so called obedience would amount in prosperity of my goals one day. My desires of my flesh heart. I thought that God would see me, and reward me with my dream of Olympics one day. I firmly planted this belief in my heart and mind. When I read of prosperity in the Bible, I interpreted it as a temporal prosperity, not that of returning to my true home in Heaven where prosperity lays in abundance with God. The seed of comparing to the world was planted and it began to sink my identity. Just as Peter sank when he took his eyes off of Jesus while walking on water, I too struggled to keep my eyes on Jesus, when the desires of my flesh heart were not being met. I began to question the worth of being a citizen of Heaven. I tried to find my purpose, meaning, and identity as an elite athlete reaching the pinnacle of their sport. The more I placed my mind and eyes on the world's definitions of who I should be, and what I should do, the more that war just raged on. I was never satisfied. 

Praise God in all his faithfulness to me, that he brought my eyes, my mind, my very being back to Him. He continues to show me who I truly am. I am a daughter of God, his princess, a heir to his kingdom. My home, my true home, is with Him. I am a citizen of Heaven, so yes, I will be an outcast in this world. I have found that I would rather live in complete dependence on God, as that is where I find purpose and meaning that does not compare to anything in this world. He fulfills me. I am like the U.S. citizen that is not living in their home. Just like they had all those photos to look at to remind them of who they are, where they come from, and encourage their steps to continue to live in that truth. I (we) have the Bible as our album, our love letter from God, telling us who we are, where we come from, Who He is, and what His plan is to redeem us. My identity is in Him, my purpose is in Him, my meaning is Him. Resting in this truth, surrendering all that my flesh was trained to do and feel over the years has been the best journey. It can be hard, but I can finally rest in being a stranger. I find joy in being a stranger, as the true "freedom" comes by letting God direct everything in our lives. He establishes our steps and delights in them (Psalm 37:23). 

Ask and you shall receive

John 14: 13 and 14 - "Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." (NASB).

John 15: 7 & 8 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to. be My disciples." (NASB).

How many sermons, Sunday school lessons, studies, discussions have been centered around these passages? I know in my lifetime, I have heard it preached and stated by the body more times than I can count.

Prior to entering into an abiding relationship with God. A relationship where I have been learning to let go of EVERYTHING and handing that back to God as I walk in dependence on Him (sweet freedom!), I can readily admit I did not apply the "ask and you shall receive" message appropriately in my life. I thought that if I ask of God anything, in Jesus' name, that he will bring it to fruition. I believed that he would fulfill the desires of my heart, but what were those desires rooted in?

As I look back, those requests of God, in all honesty, were “asks” that would bring fulfillment in this world rather than transforming my heart for Him. For example, in my competitive years as an athlete, I can tell you that my asks were definitely rooted in my desires for a specific outcome. An outcome defined as good by the world, but didn't necessarily produce fruit in me for His purpose. I can't tell you how many times I thought, "if God loves me enough, or I have proved myself worthy, that He will give this ask to me. He will give me the time/place/qualification that I desire." I truly believed that I had to earn the receiving portion of the ask from God. I believed that if I have earned God's favor, he will give me anything I wanted. If I read in the Bible enough, went to church enough, prayed enough, etc.... whatever I asked would be given to me. In reality, I internalized John 14 as... "Whatever you ask in My name,  (if you pursue me enough, if you read your Bible enough, if you attend church enough, if you display me enough), then I will do it." This isn't the Truth, it is not what is written in the Bible, yet I choose my own version of the truth over His actual Truth for so many years (hello Genesis 3). A choice that brought on not only so much heartache and exhaustion, but also disbelief in God’s word, disbelief that He heard my prayers, as I did not see the “fruit” of my ask. Fruit planted in this world, planted in my flesh…..not the spirit.

Until a year and half ago, I never looked at what I was asking and questioned what purpose does this serve? Is it for me, or is it truly for God and the transformation of my heart and mind to bear His fruit? Is what I am asking going to bring me closer to God and a reflection of my Spirit self, or is it something that I am replacing God with for identity, purpose, love? I had 33 years of being in Christ, and I never once asked these questions, nor did I submit my requests to Him and ask Him to direct me. My asks, my definition of prayers fulfilled were for circumstances or achievements in this world that would give me happiness and praise. It was for my fruit to be produced, not His. All those circumstances, all those praises, was a fruit that was always fleeting. I may get a pat on the back right after the achievement, but it would quickly fade away and leave me feeling empty and wanting more. I pursued this to a state of exhaustion, producing fruit of the flesh…anger, quarrels, and anxiety. I was seeking identity through my asks, when God was calling me to come to Him not only identity, but everything. I skipped over looking at my motives, stopping at James 4:2 in my reflection, and totally disregarded James 4:3: “And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong, you want only what will give you pleasure." (NLT). 

With recognizing the root of my asks, not only have my prayers changed, but the desire to be in prayer with God has increased tenfold. I have learned to share my feelings, thoughts, circumstances (for myself and others), and ask God to heal me, to direct me and my prayers, to provide for me. I have learned to be honest with God, to surrender even my prayer time to Him, and take the time to step into conversational prayer with Him. I think one of the coolest aspects of abiding in prayer, has been the constant response from God. As I said before, when my prayers were rooted in my desires, the fruit was disbelief that He truly heard me as I did not see the “fruit” I was asking for. Now, when I take all that I have to Him, and ask Him to take it and lead me, to sustain me, He always provides scripture for me that is the exact answer of my call to Him! It is an experience of the purest love and joy to know that He is present, He is listening, and He is answering me. Does it mean my situations always change? No. However, it does change my heart as He strengthens me, comforts me, and provides me with His truth to sustain the circumstance. I can attest, He hears us. He hears our cries, we just have to let go and surrender those cries to Him and let Him carry it for us. Let Him heal us and direct us. It truly is a sweet freedom, and I have felt so seen, known, and heard since abiding in Him that it propels me to want to talk to Him. 

God is so wonderful, filled with unfailing love, and "when we call on Him, He will answer us" (psalm 91:15). The more I step into dependence upon Him for everything, the more I see this to be true. He is sustaining me through his Word, who He is, as He works for me. It is no longer me earning favor whether from the world or God. It is no longer me working for the fruit. It is resting in who He is. It is resting in His Truth, and letting Him define who I am, what my purpose is, and provide all that I need (Genesis 2).

Planted by the stream

What does it mean to be planted by the stream, as in Jeremiah 17 and Psalm 1?

Psalm 1: “He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8: “7 The man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence indeed is the Lord, is blessed. 8 He will be like a tree planted by water: it sends its roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit.”

If we can say we are in Christ, and we are spirit led, then we would be as both Jeremiah and Psalm 1 portray. The nutrients and life come from the stream. God is the living water that brings our life-giving power. Yet there is an easy alternative to this.

When I have thought about the tree planted by the water, I think of all the maps and photographs of areas like an oasis or a plain where most of the land is grassland or desert, but around the water there are trees. The trees by the water find everything they need to thrive. In fact, looking at the surrounding area, those trees seem to do better. Now this is just an example. Are there trees away from lakes, rivers, and streams that thrive? Yes, there are. Those find themselves in regions with high precipitation or the trees have adapted to survive in the rugged terrains. But looking at the spiritual side there are no exceptions. The tree relies on the stream, just as we rely on the flowing water from Yahweh. But where do we get our identity? If we aren’t getting our life-giving power from God and His Word, then we are getting it from a secondary source. These sources always seem to dry up over time and the result is our spiritual life, and likely the rest of our life, fall with it.

Looking at our lives, maybe our marriage/relationship is our identity, we are so and so’s wife or husband. Our children are our identity, I’m Joey’s dad, or Kacie’s mom. Our identity is in our work; I am the CEO of Andromedus Enterprises, or I am the leading salesman at AB3 sales. When we identity with those things, we have to realize that those watering holes can and will dry up. The marriage struggles or dissolves. The son/daughter move away or something traumatic happens to them. We lose our job or maybe something happens and we no longer find satisfaction in it anymore. This is the outcome of putting our identity in the things that change.

On the contrary we don’t look at the tree in these verses and say the mighty tree because it is tall and strong. The tree doesn’t say look at me in my mighty splendor. The tree doesn’t say I don’t need this stream. The tree is mighty, and it has a beautiful splendor, but only because it is planted on the stream bank. That same tree planted on a rocky hill will not thrive or survive the drought. I believe this is what the Lord is showing us, again, when he teaches us in John 15 about the vine and the branch. We are to get our very identity from him.

To find our identity in Him and to retain that we must read his Word. That is the only source. It isn’t from self-help books, Christian literature, psychology, degrees, or any other source. Those can point us to his Word and ultimately act as a flashing light, but just because Christmas lights are hanging doesn’t make it Christmas. We have to know what he says we are, take a stance and believe God when he calls us something, and let that be our identity. When that happens, the storms of life can never shake us.

Be the trees planted on the stream and watch your life thrive as you live with dependence on him instead of your own abilities, titles, or accomplishments. And watch the life you live bear much fruit for the kingdom and those around you.

Lighting our own torches

Many times we talk about dependence and believe we are in it. Other times we are afraid to give something up, as if what came next wouldn’t be as good as what we had planned. I know personally when I have held onto something it has been out of fear. What would happen if I didn’t fight this, if I didn’t take a stand or hold the reins? Some has been fear of what would happen to my kids at another house. Fear of what would occur if a parent stayed sick and didn’t get the help they needed. A friend continuing down a road of harm.

All of these resulted in my flesh wanting to take control. But a life of abiding involves more than taking control of a situation and making sure it turns out for the Lord’s best will and intention. Abiding actually involves letting the Lord’s will and intention work, without us leading it. This was a hard one for me to swallow. I have spoken about dependence before, but it should always be revisited. Our best in life involves our surrender to the Lord’s will. When we walk within our means and our Will is the highest then we walk in sin. The Lord has an answer to that, he allows us to do it and feel the effects of it. Yet, in contrast, when we walk in his favor and submit our life to him we enjoy his goodness and faithfulness. A great example of this can be found in scripture through the prophet Isaiah.

In Isaiah 50­:10-11 Isaiah is given inspiration from the Lord in this arena: “Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God. But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment.”

So, what is the Lord truly telling us in this? Are you like I was, always trying to light their own torch? I found that was an exhausting way to live. And worse yet, the Lord shows us what this results in, torment. But is the Lord the tormentor? Or perhaps could it be our own circumstances creating the rift or difficulty? In scripture we see many examples of how an individual, or group in Israel’s case, did things on their own and found torment. The Israelites wanted a king, so therefore they got a king, and were worse off because of it. Adam and Eve wanted to know and define good and evil, and it brought them shame and death. Chris wanted to control a vacation and craft every part of it so his kids would have the most fun, only to find out it brought torment because no one was having fun being forced along a track. I don’t believe the Lord has to levy the torment; we are good at bringing it through our own set of circumstances.

Let’s contrast this to a well-known Psalm, Psalm 23. In it we see what a dependence on the Lord through our trials looks like. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restoreth my soul.” A sheep doesn’t exert control over the shepherd, or believe they have better plans for protecting the flock that the shepherd. They listen to the shepherd’s voice and follow them. If they don’t, they wander off to get lost inviting all the dangers that a lone helpless animal might. We aren’t any different in many senses, as far as protection is concerned. Our thinking may be more complex, but certainly not much better.

This is the contrast between control and dependence on the Lord and in Christ. So why not try letting go in the next circumstance? Or put differently, “Seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these others things will be added.” (paraphrase of Matthew 6:33)

Living each day in response to the Son

I had a conversation the other day with a beloved friend. They had mentioned how the Lord continues to move in their life, both as a parent and as an individual. As we talked, more on abiding and living in a dependent attitude towards the Lord, I began to see things as an allegory, when it comes to the kingdom of heaven. I have always appreciated the Lord’s flare for story telling and creating parables and allegories which pointed to the truth of the Kingdom. But as we develop more, and my friend is starting to see this everywhere, all of creation shows a picture of his goodness, and his compassion. 

They mentioned how staying in God’s word allows God to renew our minds, and brings us closer. In fact, in a devotion time with my own kids they decided they wanted to memorize James 1:7 NIV; “Submit therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” How else can we get closer to him than through learning about his character, and about who we are? Isn’t this the same as we might learn about a friend, or a romantic partner. Isn’t this how we learn about our parents, and about our kids? God’s word written is just as important and authoritative as if he were speaking audibly to us. The Jews understood this greatly and went to great lengths to preserve His words as treasure. So allowing God’s word to transform us, instead of giving us unique insights, allows for a complete metamorphosis. By living in this manner we are walking spiritually in the same manner as Adam and Eve walked. How amazing is that?

What’s more, I had an image of how God’s word and his work in our lives should truly change our every choice, our every thought. Picture this for one minute, when you wake and see the sun rising, or sun setting it sets into motion choices based on your observation. When the day comes we don’t say, “Oh it is day” and then do nothing. Instead the light starts all sorts of actions, reflection, and purpose. Shops open, other establishments close. Beds are made and cars are started. All in reflection and response because the say started. 

Yet in the same way, when we abide in the Lord and walk in purpose, meaning, and light we look and see the work of God in our lives. 

It shouldn’t be us looking as saying, “yup, that’s light.” 

Instead to our very core it should motivate us. 

Our shops should open (worship, praise, works borne with faith). 

Other shops in our lives should close (sins and finding our meaning in the temporal), which can only function at night. 

Beds are made, and cars started almost in the same way Paul describes the boots shod ready with the gospel (Ephesians 6). 

With this He will make our paths straight. 

When the whole of our unified being responds to the knowledge that God is working in and through us, that He is sovereign, and when that knowledge is illuminated with evidence, we can’t help but be shaken and torn from the roots that took when we were younger. 

This is a picture of what it means to be transformed by Him, and not merely to see change in our lives. Is it any wonder why the 1st century Christians were so crazy and fanatically on fire and full of love and faith even as they burned on a stake, were fed to lions or wild dogs, or staked to a crucifix? Radical faith, borne from radical transformation, from a radical God. That’s life abiding!

Mary treasures in her heart, doesn’t shout it out

During my rumination on God’s word and teachings today I had an interesting conviction come to mind. For many years I have toted when my children do something out of faith, or that I’ve taught comes from faith. When a child gives all their money to the poor beggar on the side of the road. A child praying over someone in need on the street. Sharing some words about Jesus with someone who is sad, outside of church. These things I have done, even sharing on social media. Yet, how many times has the Lord shown through his words that a man or woman of faith should treasure these things in their heart. It wasn’t until I thought on these things that I realized the heart that truly abides and finds meaning solely in the Lord our God would treasure these things in their heart rather than share with the world

In some, or most, cases I would say the idea of sharing had two purposes. There was one that was conscious and one that was subconscious. The conscious thought was that I wanted to share with others the blessing I got to see in my kids. This seems innocent enough. The subconscious thought was what my flesh really was doing, validating and asking for validation. At the same time my own flesh was affecting my thoughts, it was taking the blessings away from my kids. Matthew records the words of Jesus about a similar point, “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you… Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.” Matthew 6:2. So by trumpeting the good works my kids do I am potentially affecting their reward in heaven. I also think on this point and realize what I’m teaching my kids. When I speak about their works, I put the work as important, and not the heart behind it. 

Perhaps it’s for these reasons Mary, Jesus’ mother, “... treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Luke 2:29. Then again in Luke 3:51 Mary, “treasured all these things in her heart.” The second time was after they couldn’t find Jesus and he was found in the temple teaching about his Father. 

These can even be seen by Jesus himself when he healed lepers and the sick, telling them to tell no one of what he did, but to follow the requirements of the law upon being cleansed. 

Why would Luke focus on these? If the Bible is inspired fully by the Lord, the Spirit, then there was a reason the Spirit gave Luke the knowledge of how Mary felt and what she did, as she obviously didn’t share with others at the time. 

Can we learn something through Mary and Jesus in the book of Luke? I believe that when we bless others, or when our children so wonderful signs of faith or works, that we can focus in our mind on the one who has caused all the change, Jesus the Savior. Instead of sharing with Aunt Estus or Uncle Rico we can take it to the Lord, cherish the heart our child has and thank the Lord that you see signs he is working in their lives. I believe you will find a deeper level of faith and justification from the Lord, than you will ever receive from others in social media or at church. May your journey of abiding in the Lord be blessed this week.

Judge, Jury, and Identifier

Abiding in the Lord changes our perspective. It pulls us away from the outlook and view of Genesis 3 and places us back in Genesis 2. This may not make full sense, but I believe you will start to see it. Think about where Adam and Eve had to find their definition of everything in Genesis 2, it was fully in the Lord. He defined where to go, what to do, what to eat, and where to sleep. He gave them the boundaries to allow them to thrive. Now shift to Genesis 3, Adam and Eve save the desirous fruit that was good for wisdom and they ate. POW! Now the burden was on them. Immediately they realized their clothing was not present, they defined what to wear. Shame entered their life. Then they hid, defining what might cause them harm. When we abide we depose ourselves from the crown over our lives. We again ask God to define the who, what, when, where, why, and how’s of our lives. Allowing the Holy Spirit to communicate seemingly unrelated scripture show us how all it relates to identity is beautiful to watch and experience. Remember, the key to abiding is knowing our identity fully, and defining that by the Lord’s definition.

James 4:11-12 brings up James’ point of not judging each other. This goes two ways. The first as James explicitly points out, when we judge (or rather criticize) another brother or sister in Chris we are standing as their judge. We are defining what is good and evil and seating ourselves on the judgment seat above them. James’ tells us that this puts us now in a position to not only be a doer of the law, but a judge of the law. There is only one Judge and Lawgiver to look at the lives of people. That is the Lord Almighty. When we criticize and compare we are seating in His seat, but without the absolute knowledge, understanding, and wisdom he possess. That is the like allowing a toddler to manage the estate of a king. They do not possess the ability to even remotely manage a kingdom, so it is with us in God’s seat. The second is more implicit. Taking this idea of the judge, when I was reading James 4:12 to my kids another thought came to mind, what if this is also communicating God’s intention of us as individuals ensuring our identity comes from him? I can hear your potential thoughts at this: How can you even remotely draw that conclusion, Chris? Take a walk with me and lets discover.

If I am on the receiving side of criticism, bullying, teasing, or mean spirited jibes, I can often allow that to change my outlook. If it is from one person or two, maybe I get upset or it ruins a great day. If it comes from multitudes or is consistent each day it may start to impact how I view myself as a person. My identity may be impacted by this, whether consciously or sub-consciously. But as I explained to my kids, these people are taking the throne from God. They are putting themselves in the judgment seat. That’s on them, but what is on me is where I find my identity. I have two choices at this point; do I listen to an ephemeral being with limited knowledge of me or the world, or do I listen to the eternal judge of all things who knows all knowledge and wisdom? If I answer with the latter, then my identity comes from Him. At this point their insults and criticism aimed at my character means nothing and I can see it in light of what it is, a flesh response of a flesh being.

My identity must be defined by the Judge, the Lawgiver, the only one who can see everything and is in a place to define what is worthwhile, righteous, holy, redeemed, acceptable, and true. If I am his child (Romans 8) then he has already spoken these over me. I am righteous because of Christ’s work. I am worthwhile enough for him to create an inheritance for me. I am Holy, because my sins were washed by His blood. I was chosen by him to be redeemed. Through Christ I am acceptable to the Lord.

So how does James 4:11-12 relate to my identity? It points out who is the identifier, and the consequences of us defining others. It allows us to see both sides as the identifier and the identified. As both, let us live in peace knowing the Lord has defined the important points and boundaries. Then as we abide in Him, and he abides in us (John 14:23) let us release the control to Him.

Predestined: Fair or unfair, is that the right question?

Romans 8:29 and 30 can sometimes spark a question of the fairness of God. In our human minds this seems to be the right question. I pose a different question, If you were chosen by your king or president to be honored with a great reward, of which you didn’t earn or deserve, but that they were so sure he should receive it would you turn around and say, yeah but why? Don’t give this to me, I don’t deserve it. If so, your faith has not gotten to the point where you truly trust God gave and won’t take back, or that he made a mistake. There’s no condemnation in my statement about your faith. That is a great point where you can focus your devotion and petitionary prayers asking for your faith in that particular spot.

Today I wanted to talk about being chosen by the Almighty though. Paul reinforces this through much of Romans. Since that’s the case, and the Holy Spirit picks every word and every topic and inspires exactly when and where to use it, then we know it is important. Verses 29 and 30 coming on the heels of being told God is working out our lives just as he planned. But when did he plan it? Was it after I made that horrible mistake buying this one things, acting in a shameful manner, consuming something I knew would hurt me? Most certainly it wasn’t, for we know he is omniscient, so he sees everything from the past to the future. This is why he could bring prophetic messages to his people throughout history. That must mean he planned out our lives, who would be in them, places in which encouragement could come, and ultimately when the Holy Spirit would open our eyes and ears. Well then what was left for us? All the poor choices in the middle. That is a little jest inserted. Seriously though, he planned everything out, knowing the choices we would make (our free will). And the encouragement lies in the fact that if you have accepted Christ he chose you!!! But what’s even more encouraging, He chose you before you were ever born, and before you made any of the poor choices or sinned. So revisiting the first statement, I don’t deserve this reward. You are completely right, but that doesn’t mean the Lord isn’t 100% sure he is giving you the reward regardless!

”29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” Romans 8:29,30.

Paul makes another point on this later, in chapter 9. Remember how God brought the promise which would come from Sarah’s son. Then we saw Rebekah later with Isaac, having twins. “… when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac, 11 for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything food or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, 12 it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger.” Paul tells us that there is no injustice in it. He even quotes Exodus 33:19, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” He continues, “So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.” So is it fair? Well, coming from a God who could just as easily not provide mercy for any of us since none of us deserve it, no it is not fair. It isn’t fair I was predestined and chosen. Nor for you, but we were. So the God of everything chose you and me before we screwed up or before we were even born to be justified, to be made right with him as if we had NEVER SINNED. I’m going to focus on that, instead of whether I deserved it or why he chose me. Truth is, I don’t care why he chose me, I am thankful he did.

Now let those words from Romans 8, and 9 settle on you. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring about the truth of that point, to settle on you, to identify you, to give you meaning, purpose, and hope. Allow his word to transform you through and through. Then live out the praise knowing that he just did a work in you! Be blessed and abide in Him as you walk in his word.

The Good to those that Love God

The phrase from Romans 8:28 is oftentimes quoted in an attempt for us to cling to the silver-lining in a difficult circumstance. The hope is that better things are coming, or that He will bring something good out of the ashes. But when we say “Good” what is it we mean? Do we mean in the ashes of our marriage, God will bring me a better spouse? Do we mean in the wake of a massive heart attack God will help make me physically strong enough again to run a marathon? Do we mean the loss of a job/career to bring about a better paying position? Do we place God in a box based on our understanding? When I picture good does in coincide with society’s viewpoint on the best things in life? Or do I see things through the lens of abiding? I had the Lord walk me through this discussion a few nights ago. This came after a moment of clarity regarding how to submit or surrender fully to the Lord. That is a separate blog though.

In the ashes of my marriage and subsequent divorce I had very little idea of what was best or good in my life. I had my kids, a decent job by the world’s standards, and good physical health. As I came out of a depression I started to see what I desired, or rather my flesh desired, for good. It was to own a house again. It was to get married to someone who would value me and serve the Lord with me. Also, to become debt free and live financially as the Lord would want. Now these sound like great things, but are they best for my life? Who would know that? The Lord of course would know.

As I defined my life and what would be a good life, then reconciled slowly with his Word I realized something that Paul realized, those could never be best because each will fail or decay. So when the Lord and I discussed this (I read and asked the Holy Spirit to continue to bring about the truth as I talked it out in my head) I realized I am not meant to define good. Adam and Eve tried that. They had everything they needed, yet the wanted to define good and evil for the sake of their own wisdom. And it brought about the fall of mankind. So why should I make the same mistake? “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” I surrendered a difficult continuous relationship with an ex-spouse. I thought about it and my prayers and instead of asking him to take the contention away or for something to happen to her, I asked him to use this thorn (the contention in the relationship) to bring me to a closer dependence on him. And of course he did 3 days later. The point is sometimes we see the “good” in a situation as being out of the situation or the situation getting “fixed”. I’m just not sure that’s always how God sees the good. The good may bring us to depend completely on him due to financial ruin (usually brought on by sin, either others against us or by our own choosing). It may keep us sick or crippled because without our dependence on our own strength we submit to the Lord fully. This doesn’t mean the Lord enjoys the pains we go through, but he will certainly use them on his plan to bring about the best. So what is the best. When we take John 15, it is us living as a branch of the vine and finding all of our source, identity, and meaning from the Lord. THAT IS BEST! THAT IS GOOD!

Remember to abide is to live in surrender, submission, and total dependence on the Lord. When we can pray for that in our lives, we can depend on his answer following shortly. But how can we do that? Paul mentions that in the previous two verses, “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weaknesses; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” What tool did he give us? The Holy Spirit of course. That’s how we can know he is working for our good. He knows what we need and desire. He knows what will happen when we get what we need and if we get what we desire. He has taken that into his wisdom and made a plan for us. So much more that could be said, but ending with this: Can you look at your circumstances and realize that even in your pain and hurt God’s plan is better than yours? If so, surrender it. If not, ask Him to show you why, then surrender it.

Identity- Who are you?

As I sat this evening in a devotion with my children wondering how I could reach to them with the absolute importance of identity I came up with a thought. At the ages of 10,8,8,7 it is hard to keep them engaged. One was diagnosed with ADHD and the other, his twin, likely has it as well. I have tried different approaches but came to a thought tonight that was different. We decided to make a list of all the different things that came to mind in which we can find our identities. Among this list were: Money, House, Relationships, our own abilities, job, cars, animals, family, games/electronics, sports, school grades, where you live, and how you look. This list seemed to be a good grasp. Some of these they mentioned, some were inferred. The point was not to get a list of talking points, but to see where our sources of identity COULD come.

As we continued talking about identity, we tried to think of all the potential good and benefits that might come from each of these. Some gave us influence or new friends, or happiness, or a feeling of worth, others gave respect, or brought popularity. It was interesting to hear what my kids thought walking through this exercise.

The list got long but was a decent look at what many would think as well. Then we talked about what happens when those dry up. If the dream house we put everything into burns down or is lost due to financial issues. If the family is lost, either moving away, death, or divorce. Or if your looks were lost because of an injury. Maybe if your strength that you depended on and were known for was lost due to a tragic accident. Or the intelligence you had and were so keen on suddenly lost the battle to Alzheimer or dementia. This was a little harder as my kids lack the vocabulary for all of the things that could have come through that. These ranged from feeling abandoned or alone, losing friends, getting angry, sad, or heart broken. Blaming self came up, worthlessness came up on quite a few, though their terms were slightly different in verbiage but synonymous. Some had no hope, or not feeling like they would belong, self-doubt, or even violence. Are any of these hitting home? They did for me. Many of these could easily define us in our traumas. My trauma was a divorce and all the conflict that typically comes during and after. Others may find it comes from a death, a disease, a job loss, but regardless I think many of these could be shared sentiments.

So why did I go over these? In the moments after I let those settle the question came up, in all these sources, which can we depend on to never change? If it will not change that means I can be sure if I put my identity into that I won’t be disappointed. Even my kids recognized that all would change. Money could be lost, family split up, abilities lost, grades failed, looks fading, so there was no hope for identity in these things. Then the key question for kids to grasp, what then can we find identity where it will not change and therefore, we would never deal with the negatives?  CHRIST JESUS! That’s right. 2 gold stars for each of my kids.

We can smile at their innocence and wonder if their answer will be the same when the difficulties hit. But that’s not how God intended it. When we are truly abiding in him then we find our identity is solid on his cornerstone. 1 Corinthians 3:11 Paul talks about the foundation, which no one can lay a different one. Again, in Ephesians 2:20 the foundation of the apostles and the prophets with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone. With a foundation that does not shift at the whim of anything outside of our control we can be sure that our house will not topple. If we hope for the kids to learn this, and smile at all they will see, why can’t we look at that in our own lives? Is it too much to believe the God who engineered a plan of salvation over thousands of years, who ensured all his words were recorded exactly how he intended, that the source would survive millennia without alteration or destruction, and ultimately to live the life required could possibly be telling us one thing in the Bible because we can actually live it? I believe in the inerrancy of his word and the divine authority of it. Since this is true, then I believe that I can truly live the life he has called us to in His power, not in mine. I hope all of you will join me in that!

Zealous vs Abiding

When looking through the lens of abiding at Romans 3, I look at where I am now from 2 years ago. I start to see what Paul is talking about. According to Romans 3 there is no one righteous, not even one. Before I made the profession of faith, Romans 3 pinned me down. It wasn't that I had egregious or great sins that the world might judge me for acting on. No, it was an affront to God himself on how I lived my life on my own terms. Oddly, even after accepting Christ I did this out of ignorance. I walked with a zeal for God, but acted on my own. I walked the "Christian walk" in judgment and condemnation of others who wouldn't accept what I knew was right. As I look back at that and even to the past year, 2019, I can see how I tried to use the law to bring justification with others. I wasn't saved by the Law, and the law is incapable of saving anyone. The law simply brings the realization of our sins to the forefront of our mind and lives. This most certainly has for me.

Understanding what sin really is, finding meaning and definition outside of the Lord, I can see how the Law brings up how I have missed the mark. And this would be a depressing fact if it weren't for verses 21 on. As easily as Paul brings up how the Law brings no justification he brings the solution right afterwards, Righteousness apart from God's Law. This is where freedom was found in my life. And I walked in this freedom at various levels of my walk with Christ. You see, when I put my faith in the works and person of Jesus Christ justification came. What the Law couldn't do in my life, the Holy Spirit's work through my faith in Christ did. This was a gift of grace given to me by the Trinity. Even in my walk this was not fully understood. I spent years knowing this fact, but not walking in this truth. It was not until I fully learned what this meant. This really did mean I was no longer a sinner saved by grace, but a Saint redeemed and justified by the Lord of Hosts. This was available to me, not because of who my family was or what my origins were, but because I possessed the same faith as Abraham. Since I had that, I was now brought into faith with Abraham and therefore ushered into the kingdom promises.

I hope and pray you can see that the Law is still alive and well, but its purpose is to point us to the only source of meaning that brings about life, righteousness, and healing. When we abide in Him, as Jesus showed throughout the Gospels, but seen beautifully through John, we realize the power of Paul's words. "But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known... This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe... all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." You could not do it, you should not do it, you wouldn't do it, but HE did. Stop trying to earn your way, you cannot. Stop believing you aren't worthy of it, it's not based on you or what YOU did. Abide in Him as He did in the Father. Love you all.

Reading His word in a new way

The life of abiding takes a drastic turn from the normal when we open scripture. I used to see scripture as a source of information and directions on how to live. In a way, this is true, but it waters down the totality of the Word. Throughout the Word of God we see a theme. It is common, from Genesis 2 to 1 and 2 Kings, through the Psalms, and into Ezekiel and Micah. We see it most clearly when we watch the 2nd member of the Trinity walking this Earth. It is in abiding that we note life is prosperous.

As I was reading tonight I felt led to dive into Deuteronomy 8 with my kids. This seems an odd bit of scripture to dive into with kids. I feel most avoid Deuteronomy, except maybe 10. Though our commission as parents can be found in 6 and 11. But in 8 we see the Lord talking through Moses and showing His ultimate goal and purpose for us, DEPENDENCE on HIM. This is the key to abiding.

There are two main skills that we develop as Christians who abide in Him as He abides in us. The first comes when we change how we view scripture. This book is not just information, this collection of the very Words of God, inspired through the Spirit of God, contain everything for us to understand what to do. And understanding these very words have the power to change us, transform us, we must read them for transformation and not simply for information. I accepted Christ at the ripened medium rare age of 15ish. Until I was 35, so 20 years, I had not read the Bible for transformation. What do you mean by transformation Chris? Just that… Am I reading the statutes with the heart of Psalm 119, expecting and demanding my flesh to change with every word, every sentence? If I am not, then where can the transformation occur? The Bible was not meant to be read. It was meant to be prayed, sang, and worshipfully recited out. This is to hide it in our hearts so we might not sin against Him. But it is also to realign our thoughts, to the mind of Christ as Paul calls out in 1 Corinthians 2:16. This skill of learning to step through the Bible in a completely different way, in hopefully expectation of how the Holy Spirit will use it has led to some interesting choices of scripture to walk my kids through. It has increased our time in devotion at night too, sometimes resulting in 4 sleeping kids and a joyfully contented father. But we come back to Deuteronomy 8 tonight.

Many might read the first verse and get turned off, “Be careful to obey all the commands I am giving you today.” I hear that. Paul talks about the fact that we are not under law, but grace. He shouts this from the prison rooftops in Romans 7 and 8. But let us look at the life of Jesus. He led a life willingly submitted to the Father. He had power enough, and though he was fully human, he was fully God. He could have done each and every one of those miracles in His own power. But time and time again he repeats, “I speak not my own words, but the Father’s”, “Not my will but the Father’s”, “What I speak and do I do of the Father and not of my own”. So he submitted in everything to the Father. Strange, right? So why do we find that so difficult? We try to build our own kingdoms with our jobs, families, and legacies, while God is asking something simpler, something even easier. Let us look at the rest of 8.

In the first 5 verse God is reminding Israel of their salvation and discipline. But the Lord’s discipline is never without purpose. So what is his purpose in it all? Vs 3b, “He did it to teach you that people need more than bread for their life; real life comes by feeding on every word of the Lord.” And why does this ring a bell? Could it be the very affirmation that Jesus made to strengthen himself when the deceiver tried to get him to turn rocks into Tuscan style bread? Yes, it was. It gets better y’all, keep up with the Spirit as he guides us through this. For all these forty years your clothes didn’t wear out, and your feet didn’t blister or swell. Guess what this is a sign of? When the normal physics do not apply to your situation and you find things that should have worn out, broken, or ran out continue to work, that is a sure sign of an intentional God with compassion working. So why all of this? What is he calling us to? DEPENDENCE. He wants us to live spiritually as Adam and Eve (Woman at the time) did in Genesis 2. Who brought the water to the land? God. Who planted the plants? God. Who made the fruit trees and orchards with delicious fruits and veggies? God. Who brought the fun animals who did not try to eat Adam? God. Who made sure he had not invented weeds at that point? God. So, let me get this straight, Adam and Eve lived in a garden they did not plant, nor water, nor cultivate, and all they had to do was name animals, eat the fruit and walk with the Lord? So, they depended on God for their very life, food, shelter, companionship, and breath. And what was the result of this dependent relationship? Genesis 2:25, “Now although Adam and his wife were both naked, neither of them felt any shame.” Living without shame, can any of us admit to living in the same light? Chances are good, that is not the case. Where does shame come from then? It comes from us not being able to accomplish something due to lack of ability, skill, or resources. So, did Adam or his wife have trouble accomplishing anything in the garden? NO, but why? Because they depended solely on the Lord for EVERYTHING!

We depend on Him for our needs, both intrinsic and extrinsic, we find that shame has no place in our life anymore. Why? I lost my job, but I depend on the Lord for money and not a person. He will sustain me through this as I walk according to how He speaks through His word. My marriage dissolved and I tried everything. As I give that trauma and difficulty to Him I find that he can fill that gap and shame has no place because he in his ability, skill, and resources will bring me through it. I screamed at my kids in rage because they did not do what I asked. I was upset because they did not do what I wanted, and I felt out of control. Yet, when I abide in Him, control is no longer what I seek, but to please Him who brought me out of the dark. So, yelling at my kids decreases, and praising my God increases as he provides me with the wisdom and discernment to parent their hearts righteously. Wow!

Thank God we have such an intentional compassionate savior who calls us out of our lack and shame, and into his provision and strength. I pray all of you can walk in this truth of his word. May you decrease and He increase! Love you all in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Secret Garden

When I first read the account in the Garden of Eden I read it for the purpose of understanding what happened. Much like the rest of the Bible I read it so I could know the history of God working in the world, and universe. I found it interesting, in that God decided to create, but nothing else stood out. It wasn’t until 2019 that I started to read the Word of God differently. I stopped reading for information, and started reading for transformation. Once I did, Genesis 2 changed everything!

My last blog was on dependence, and this is a continuation of that. Think about the garden and what occurred? Why was the so important? Forget that the creation occurred and the sin occurred. Neither of those in this moment are what we are going to focus on. Let’s say for a second that the Lord revealed a character of His and a distinguishing characteristic of ours (Humans) that would and could change our lives if we understood it. Jesus even showed it in the entirety of His ministry on earth as fully man and fully God. Looking at Genesis 2 through the transformative lens of abiding we see things a little differently. Take a second and read Genesis 2. I know, a blogger asking you to read scripture. My words won’t ever impact you nearly as much as His words, so indulge me.

Now I have some questions:

Who brought the water to the land? God. Who planted the plants? God. Who made the fruit trees and orchards with delicious fruits and veggies? God. Who brought the fun animals who did not try to eat Adam? God. Who made sure he had not invented weeds at that point? God. So, let me get this straight, Adam and Eve lived in a garden they did not plant, nor water, nor cultivate, and all they had to do was name animals, eat the fruit and walk with the Lord?

They depended on God for their very life, food, shelter, companionship, and breath. And what was the result of this dependent relationship? Genesis 2:25, “Now although Adam and his wife were both naked, neither of them felt any shame.” Living without shame, can any of us admit to living in the same light? Chances are good, that is not the case. Where does shame come from then? It comes from us not being able to accomplish something due to lack of ability, skill, or resources. So, did Adam or his wife have trouble accomplishing anything in the garden? NO, but why? Because they depended solely on the Lord for EVERYTHING! So, as we depend on Him for our needs, both intrinsic and extrinsic, we find that shame has no place in our life anymore. Why? I lost my job, but I depend on the Lord for money and not a person. He will sustain me through this as I walk according to how He speaks through His word. My marriage dissolved and I tried everything. As I give that trauma and difficulty to Him I find that he can fill that gap and shame has no place, because he in his ability, skill, and resources will bring me through it. I screamed at my kids in rage because they did not do what I asked. Yet, I was upset because they did not do what I wanted, and I felt out of control. Yet, when I abide in Him, control is no longer what I seek, but to please Him who brought me out of the dark. So, yelling at my kids decreases, and praising my God increases as He provides me with the wisdom and discernment to parent their hearts righteously.

Wow! Thank God we have such an intentional compassionate Savior who calls us out of our lack and shame, and into his provision and strength. I pray all of you can walk in this truth of his word. May you decrease and He increase! Love you all in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Declaration of Dependence?

The life of abiding takes a drastic turn from the normal when we open scripture. I used to see scripture as a source of information and directions on how to live. In a way, this is true, but it waters down the totality of the Word. Throughout the Word of God we see a theme. It is common, from Genesis 2 to 1 and 2 Kings, through the Psalms, and into Ezekiel and Micah. We see it most clearly when we watch the 2nd member of the Trinity walking this Earth. It is in abiding that we note life is prosperous.

As I was reading during my devotion time I felt led to dive into Deuteronomy 8 with my kids. This seems an odd bit of scripture to dive into with kids. I feel most avoid Deuteronomy, except maybe 10. Though our commission as parents can be found in 6 and 11. But in 8 we see the Lord talking through Moses and showing His ultimate goal and purpose for us, DEPENDENCE on HIM. This is the key to abiding.

There are two main skills that we develop as Christians who abide in Him as He abides in us. The first comes when we change how we view scripture. This book is not just information, this collection of the very Words of God, inspired through the Spirit of God, contain everything for us to understand what to do. And understanding these very words have the power to change us, transform us, we must read them for transformation and not simply for information. I accepted Christ at the ripened medium rare age of 15ish. Until I was 35, so 20 years, I had not read the Bible for transformation. What do you mean by transformation Chris? Just that… Am I reading the statutes with the heart of Psalm 119, expecting and demanding my flesh to change with every word, every sentence? If I am not, then where can the transformation occur? The Bible was not meant to be read. It was meant to be prayed, sang, and worshipfully recited out. This is to hide it in our hearts so we might not sin against Him. But it is also to realign our thoughts, to the mind of Christ as Paul calls out in 1 Corinthians 2:16. This skill of learning to step through the Bible in a completely different way, in hopefully expectation of how the Holy Spirit will use it has led to some interesting choices of scripture to walk my kids through. It has increased our time in devotion at night too, sometimes resulting in 4 sleeping kids and a joyfully contented father. But we come back to Deuteronomy 8 tonight.

Many might read the first verse and get turned off, “Be careful to obey all the commands I am giving you today.” I hear that. Paul talks about the fact that we are not under law, but grace. He shouts this from the prison rooftops in Romans 7 and 8. But let us look at the life of Jesus. He led a life willingly submitted to the Father. He had power enough, and though he was fully human, he was fully God. He could have done each and every one of those miracles in His own power. But time and time again he repeats, “I speak not my own words, but the Father’s”, “Not my will but the Father’s”, “What I speak and do I do of the Father and not of my own”. So, he submitted in everything to the Father. Strange, right? So why do we find that so difficult? We try to build our own kingdoms with our jobs, families, and legacies, while God is asking something simpler, something even easier. Let us look at the rest of 8.

In the first 5 verses God is reminding Israel of their salvation and discipline. But the Lord’s discipline is never without purpose. What is His purpose in it all? Vs 3b, “He did it to teach you that people need more than bread for their life; real life comes by feeding on every word of the Lord.” And why does this ring a bell? Could it be the very affirmation that Jesus made to strengthen himself when the deceiver tried to get him to turn rocks into Tuscan style bread? Yes, it was. It gets better y’all, keep up with the Spirit as he guides us through this. For all these forty years your clothes didn’t wear out, and your feet didn’t blister or swell. Guess what this is a sign of? When the normal physics do not apply to your situation and you find things that should have worn out, broken, or ran out continue to work, that is a sure sign of an intentional God with compassion working. So, why all of this? What is he calling us to? DEPENDENCE. He wants us to live spiritually as Adam and Eve (Woman at the time) did in Genesis 2.

Let’s continue in this light. A dependent relationship with the Lord of Hosts and discover truly what freedom looks like in the Lord!

Is The Battle really His?

In our walks on this world we are constantly bombarded with a message of independence. In America this ideal rings out as one of the top ideals. You never want to be beholden to another. Or even in our ally to the East, Great Britain, this ideal holds true. In the poem Invictus, by William Ernest Henley, he states, “It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” But where does this get us? During my abiding walk I have fought many battles, won some, lost many. But each victory brings about another battle. And each loss brings about sorrow and shame. In an overwhelming time what did my fight get me? I contemplated this when the question came to mind, “If you say the Lord will fight your battles, why are you still making battle plans?”

When we are abiding in the Lord three skills define our relationship. The first skill has to deal with reading His word for transformation. The second, Dependence on the Lord. The third, learning to listen to His illumination. When I choose to fight these battles on my terms, through the work of my flesh, I don’t rely on either of these. I get my nutrients from myself, rather than the vine Jesus talks about in John 15. Whenever I try to define a new way to deal with a problem, read this self-help book, try this new psychological method, attend this group, talk to this person, give charitably, these are methods developed with my own flesh. They may be positive responses to a flesh issue, some poor coping skill or defense mechanism, or deal with my poor response to an external issue, an ex, an obstinate child, a violent coworker, etc. But all of these methods have one thing in common; I am dealing with them in my own sovereignty.

As Christians we are called to have the Lord fight our battle. We are called to take refuge in Him. He has been called the fortress in our weakness, a mighty tower, our refuge, told to hide in his secret pavilion. He has been named the Mighty One of Israel, the Avenger, our ever-present help in time of trouble. He has been spoken of as our protector, one who walks with us through the valley of death, that He will uphold us with His righteous right hand. Any Christian who has sat in church for years might have heard one or more of these names or titles for Jehovah Nissi. Yet I posit the question to you, When was the last time you surrendered your life to this Mighty One?

When I talk about surrender, I don’t mean the initial bowing or bending your knee to acknowledge his Lordship and his salvation, though that was the start. When I have an ex-wife/husband who exploits me or talk negatively about me do I surrender my validation and vindication to Him? When my child won’t listen or says they hate me, do I bend my knee in response to the one who loved me so much He died on a cross and took the curse of my obstinance on himself? When a co-worker or close friend insults me behind my back or talks slanderously about my work ethic, my ministry, or my parenting, do I call on the Lord to bring my identity and value? Or in these cases do I let the flesh determine who I am? Do I respond in anger, put them in their place, tell everyone around me who I really am and that they are making it all up? That is an easy place to start, as our flesh knows that strategy, they learned it well from the sin nature. Yet according to Paul our sin nature died with Christ. So why should that be my response?

The point is, any response to these “triggers” or temptations that is outside of complete surrender to the Lord is sin. That’s right I said it, S…I…N. Jesus modeled how to respond to these, just as he modeled abiding in the Lord. “He was oppressed and afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth.” Isaiah 53:7. Jesus went to the Sanhedrin and was called everything under the Roman and Jewish sun, yet he allowed the Father to defend his name. Can we?

To abide is to surrender our circumstances to Him. To do that we build faith in his response. We find hope in his word. We learn how to respond through it as well. Follow Jesus’ path. Let the Lord fight your battle. Shame disappears, sorrow disappears, and regret falls off.

The Need of Control or the Necessity for Abiding?

Before Jesus I was a husk of a man. I sought to make things about me, even when I wasn't trying. I lived as the old man. The man who has little hope, little purpose, little meaning outside myself. It led me a few times to seriously contemplate suicide. It led me to hurt others so I could feel. I wanted to be known for what I did. I had hurts from childhood, though I haven't been able to point to the biggest. I struggled as Adam and Eve did after the fall, and every person not born of the spirit since then. I had a huge hole in my soul and a desire for a father who really truly knew me and cared for me. Then I turned 15 and everything changed.

Those behaviors and my desire for control can all be seen through the lens of psychology as defense mechanism or in some cases with my responses to relationships, a stunted emotional growth or immaturity.

This view of defense mechanisms and stuck points go back to our hollow search for meaning. This is rooted in the first sin where Adam and Eve wanted to create their own definition of good and evil and took from the fruit. When they were cast out they did find meaning and definition in themselves, though it was void of substance and power. Since they lost that connection, that true synchronization with the Lord of Hosts and his creation they lost an important feature, their spiritual root. They were mere flesh and bone. The hurt, the pain, the misunderstandings, the curses of the earth were all laid out for them. This was something they and their progeny would live with forever. Since then, man has been unable on his own to find a meaningful purpose that will fill his soul, bring true joy to his heart, and satiate his longings. But then Jesus descended, being born of a virgin from the Holy Spirit. And that all had the potential for change. With the new Adam, where 1 transgression brought death to all, 1 man through his righteous sacrifice brought life and justification to all who would believe. Where there was no meaning, no substance to our hope before, it could now be found in him. The law had not the power to save but to increase sin, for in it one found what sin was. Because of this the new man was able to be led by his spirit, as he now had one. The new man could find meaning, purpose, and security in the Lord. He wanted to, needed to. The new man was free from his bondage and because of that earnestly desires to follow after the Lord and his commands. This obedience comes, not from obligation, but from reconciliation and justification. He wants to follow the Lord because the Lord has brought him out of the dark. He has freed him. So the new man looks at the allures, the temptations of the old man and what he struggled with in the past and says, "Lord, I give this to you as I give everything I am. I find meaning in you. This isn't me nor does it get to define me. But you do. So use this however you want." The temptation has no effect. The old man's hauntings and past fails to take root, because something better has come. There is something the old nature couldn't fulfill, couldn't satisfy. The new man can feel it. And in this process the new man will teach the flesh how good the honey is and bring them into the land promised by God.

The strongest is the need for control. Many of my defense mechanisms and personality flaws are rooted in that old desire for control of life and to hold the key to it all. I can see this everyday. It is interesting to see it, because I can view it from a different perspective. Whereas 3AD me would have not noticed and continued in the actions, 4AD (after divorce) me abides in Him more and has greater understanding, I see the potential temptation of taking control and I look at it and shake my head. That's not for me. What good would that do in my life. The Lord has shown me he can handle it, he can bring me through. I showed him I can't. Knowing that, let's let this one go and watch how miraculously the Lord works today. And it happens as such. I do truly see this and wonder. Sometimes the back of my mind wonders if what I am doing is right or if it just me avoiding feeling it. But when I see the Lord bring me through it and feel a sense of satisfaction that He is taking care of me those thoughts peel off like dead skin. The temptations of old haven't held the same power. The desire rises every once in a while, but even now my flesh talks it down logically. Now to stay consistent in this day to day.

Time to live Genesis 2. Have you wanted to live in the life fitting a child of the Most High? "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.