To Know Him Better

"I pray for you constantly,

asking God,

the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

to give you spiritual wisdom and insight

so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light

so that you can understand the confident hope he has given

to those he called--

his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

I also pray that you will understand

the incredible greatness of God's power

for us who believe him.

This is the same mighty power that raised Christ

from the dead and seated him in the place of honor

at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.

Now he is far about any ruler or authority

or power or anything else--

not only in this world but also in the world to come."

Ephesians 1:16b-21 NLT

To be known and loved; that is the cry of every human heart.  We desire to enjoy intimacy with another in such a way that we are fully understood, yet completely accepted and embraced.  Knowing that we were created in the image of God, I can safely assume that this desire must originate with the Creator himself.  

He desires that we know Him, as well.  Not as a distant God who rules benevolently over us, but as an intimate Father who walks beside us, guiding and directing our paths in His ways, loving our silly quirks and enjoying the delight of our heart.  To be known and loved is the cry of every human that comes from the heart of God.

Enlightenment

I see things through the eyes of a sinful, jaded human who has been hurt, has fallen many times, and who suffers from many fears.  Consequently, I mostly see the product of sin all around me; noticing all the pain and suffering, dangerous pitfalls, and threats that loom.

When I ask God to open the eyes of my heart, as the worship song declares, I begin to come into the light.  It is then that I see the tender care of a mother for her autistic child instead of the unfairness of a disability that I used to notice, or the kindness of a stranger ministering to the outcast where I used to see only futility, or the power of God changing the heart of a loved one where all I once saw was stubborn insolence. 

As I learn more about God, I find that He opens the eyes of my heart to see with His eyes.

Riches

Treasures beyond compare.  The resources to buy anything I want.  Enough income to be able to splurge on luxuries.  The ability to go where I want, when I want.   Many people think of something like this when they see the word "riches."

God, however, has something far more valuable in mind when He uses the word "prosperity."  To Him, His people are His treasured possession (Deuteronomy 7:6).  The fact that He loved me enough to send Jesus to die so that I can inherit His kingdom gives me hope and God pleasure (Colossians 1:12,19-20).

Remembering this wealth that God has bestowed upon me helps when I'm down in the trenches sweating it out.  What I have to look forward to far outweighs any suffering I can endure here on earth, and this gives me incentive to keep moving forward toward what I cannot see but know is there (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

As I learn more about God, I grow in the hope I have in the eternal heritage I can claim through Jesus Christ.

Power

I could hear the energy crackling and humming as it surged through the giant power lines raised high above the ground.  Walking under the enormous robot-like structures, I considered all the energy that was being delivered to thousands of people so they could run their appliances, heat their homes and burn their lights.  The amount of power located above my head was awe-inspiring.

This power, however, is nothing compared to the might of God.  Not only can He speak the world into existence (Genesis 1), part the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) and raise the dead to life (Luke 24:5-6), but He can also transform a heart of stone (Ezekiel 36:26), mend a broken marriage (Psalm 34:18), and break the bonds of debt.

As I learn more about God, I realize the incomparable mighty strength He pours into my life.

Just as I want to be known and loved, God shares this desire even though He is in need of nothing.  As I walk with Him, getting to know Him better and growing in my love for Him, He opens the eyes of my heart, reminds me of the hope I have in Him, and provides a continuous flow of His incomparable power.  To know Him better is the cry of my heart!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can seek to know God with all of my heart.

When do I look at situations using my eyes instead of God's?

How does His strength make a difference in my life?  

Originally published on March 15, 2013

How to Boast

"This is what the LORD says:

'Don't let the wise boast in their wisdom,

or the powerful boast in their power,

or the rich boast in their riches.

But those who wish to boast

should boast in this alone:

that they truly know me and

understand that I am the LORD

who demonstrates unfailing love

and who brings justice and

righteousness to the earth,

and that I delight in these things.

I, the LORD, have spoken!'"

Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT

Everyone boasts at one time or another. In fact, I live in a culture that encourages me to look out for my own self-interests before I consider anyone else, to promote my own agenda, toot my own horn, boost my self-confidence by extolling my own virtues.  It shouldn't be surprising, then, that those who brag the most are the most full of themselves and their own wisdom, power and riches, who bought into the lie that the world is their oyster and it revolves around them.  

If I'm ever tempted to boast, I want to do it in a way that pleases God, not in order to pump myself up.  Here is how to do it.

Intimate Knowledge.  The more I know, the more there is to talk about.  As I walk with the Lord my Shepherd in humble submission, I learn more about Him and what makes Him tick.  I discover all the ways He accomplishes the impossible as I witness the work of His hands in the everyday.  Resting in all Jesus has already done for me, I am filled with awe when I behold my Father's loving care and the patient, gentle way He molds me into the image of His Son.

The more I know of God, not as book knowledge stored in my head for future reference, but as a greater awareness that forms as I undergo on-the-job training in how to operate according to His Spirit, cooperating with Him and letting Him have His way, the more I have to tell (Romans 8:14).  As He becomes bigger and I become smaller, He takes up more of my consciousness and I start to think about Him more and more (Matthew 6:24) .  I realize everything points to Him and His majesty, and I can't help but sing His praises, taking after David who relished every opportunity to tell about God's greatness (Acts 4:20, Psalm 36:5-9).

If I want to boast, may I boast in all I am learning about God and who He is to me.

Unfailing Love.  There is much talk as of late about love.  I hear people say that people can't help who they love, that love makes the world go 'round, and that tolerance of one another's lifestyles is a way to demonstrate love.  While love between two people is a beautiful thing, it is far inferior to God's brand of love.

His love never runs out and bides its time, isn't rude, pushy or selfish and doesn't have a thin skin.  There is never a worry that God is taking inventory of all my failings because this goes against His character of love.  He's not happy to see me fall, but lives to witness me grasp the truth and rise out of the ashes.  With His love, I am strengthened and can face anything, never feeling doubt or despair, and I discover that there is no end to its power (1 Corinthians 13:3-8).  It's the greatest of all that exists in the here and now yet lasts forever (1 Corinthians 13:13), and it was best proven when Jesus died for sinners on the cross (Romans 5:8).  God's love gives me something to talk about (Psalm 89:1)! 

If I want to boast, may I boast in God's unfailing love (Isaiah 54:10)!

Justice and Righteousness.  Without God, I have no idea what is right and what is wrong.  If I depend upon my own sense of righteousness, I judge inaccurately every time, with me coming up smelling like a rose and everyone else stinking up to high heaven.  If it wasn't for God writing His law on my heart, I wouldn't know truth from fiction and I'd be destined to bear the consequences of my own destructive fate (Romans 2:15).  As it is, I'm dead in the depravity of my flesh, unable to stop from doing what I've been shown is wrong (Ephesians 2:1, Romans 7:21).

Thankfully, through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, the penalty for my sin has been paid through His sacrifice on the cross (1 Peter 2:24, 1 Timothy 2:6).  In God's perfect sense of justice, my sin must be dealt with (Romans 6:23a, James 1:15).  It cannot go unpunished.  Out of love and obedience to His Father, Jesus took my sins upon Himself and His righteousness is then transferred from Jesus to me by faith (2 Corinthians 5:21).  In this way, God's justice is served and I'm made right with God, though sinful to the core.  I'm deemed as righteous by faith and I can now rest easy that I can live the rest of my days in peace, connected to Him.  No more must I fear death and the judgement that comes after (Hebrews 9:27), because Jesus stands as a advocate, pleading my case before the One whose wrath I fear with a holy respect (1 John 2:1-2).

If I want to boast, may I boast in the fact that God's justice has been satisfied and righteousness delivered through the person of Jesus Christ.

It's easy to talk about myself when my own selfish desires take up most of the scope of my vision.  My own plans, my accomplishments, my dreams are my favorite topic.  Since I'm so bent on tooting my own horn, I might be surprised to discover boasting is not a bad thing.  As long as I'm at the center of my world, however, I won't see any other reason to brag.  Once God replaces myself as the sun in my universe, I'll take every chance I can to tell others about all I've learned of His greatness, of His unfailing love and how He has satisfied His own sense of justice and given me His righteousness through repentance and faith in Jesus.  Now this is something about which I can boast without guilt!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to let Him take up more of my vision.  

When do I focus only on myself?

How am I intent on tooting my own horn?   

  

Danger in Confidence

"But when he had become powerful, he also became proud,

which led to his downfall.

He sinned against the LORD his God

by entering the sanctuary of the LORD's Temple

and personally burning incense on the incense altar."

2 Chronicles 26:16 NLT

His approval ratings would have been high if they had possessed such a tool back in Uzziah's time.  As the leader of Judah, he sought God, pleasing Him with his wholehearted devotion.  As a result, the first half of his reign was quite successful.  Uzziah was victorious in battle against the Philistines and Arabs, constructed towers in Jerusalem and the desert, improved the living situation of his people by getting them to work the soil so the vineyards, farms and outlying fertile lands flourished. Since water is vital in that region, he irrigated the lands and increased his herds of livestock.  He developed the armed forces, equipping them well and bolstering the strength of his tiny nation even more by designing machines to help protect his cities.  In all, he must have been a well-loved king.

Admired, that is, until his fame spread and the popularity and power went to his head.  Then he became overconfident and prideful, overstepping his God-given boundaries by taking on the role of the anointed priests.  Consequently, he lived out the rest of his years in exile, suffering with leprosy while his son took the throne (2 Chronicles 26).

I am equally at risk of falling into such foolishness.  When God gives me great blessing, whether it be in the responsibility of leadership, worldly success, wisdom or riches, I will grow confident.  As I grow in strength, it is very easy to forget Who is responsible for my position.  Then I am in trouble.  Thankfully, there is a way to avoid such peril.

Stay Faithful.  There is a reason I am advised to keep my eyes on Jesus who both generates and develops my faith.  There is so much in this world to distract me from wholehearted devotion to God.  I easily get off-track by becoming involved in worldly pursuits that turn my attention away from my First Love, getting caught up in activities that are good in themselves but take up too much importance in my heart, and spending more time on developing my character than on sitting at the feet of Jesus.  As a result, I find my heart straying.

In order to stay true to God as my highest pursuit, I must always keep Jesus in my line of sight.  How was He able to endure such torture, being abandoned by those who claimed allegiance to Him at His hour of greatest need?  And who bore such suffering on the cross, paying no attention to the shame of such a death?  Keeping His focus on His true identity as Son of God, remembering His rightful place at His Father's right hand, knowing the joy of the reunion awaiting Him, Jesus endured.

Jesus gives me the inspiration and ability to stay faithful to the God who loves me.

Keep Humble.  Uzziah got a little too big for his britches.  He probably started off knowing full well that he was nothing apart from God.  Then, as people and nations began to sit up and take notice of his success, he might have started thinking there was something great in him that enabled such notoriety.  He could have went from believing God was his only hope to wondering if maybe his own intelligence and ingenuity got him to where he was.  It's not hard to become prideful since I'm stuck in this fleshly abode that is so conscious of self.

As a result, I must never forget my true identity as a sinner.  I am completely incapable of pleasing God in my own power or wherewithal (Romans 3:23).  As a result, I am utterly lost because of my sin.  Thankfully, the other part of my description is of one who is made righteous by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24).  I am not left in my sin that earns me eternal death, but instead have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus.  Therefore, I am wholly dependent upon the grace of God.

Jesus keeps me humble as I keep in mind that I am nothing without Him.

Soften my Heart.  I find it hard to take constructive criticism, especially when I know in my heart it is true.  I know in my head that I need to follow the advise given, but it is hard to admit that I am wrong, let alone consider the fact that I need to change.  Realizing that I am no different from anyone else, though, seems to help me let go of my desire to defend myself.  

Sin is a disease I share with all of mankind.  The only difference between each individual is whether or not one is willing to admit to that sin.  Once I do own up to my wrong behavior, thoughts and beliefs, I can turn away from what is coming between me and God.  Since Jesus already died for that sin so that I could be forgiven, mercy from God through Christ is guaranteed.  The only thing keeping me from receiving that forgiveness, then, is my own unwillingness to confess (1 John 1:9).

Jesus delivers forgiveness to me when I am willing to admit to my sin.

It is all too easy to tread on perilous ground when God blesses me greatly.  As I grow in confidence, it is important that I train my eyes on Jesus who enables me to stay faithful to God, keep humble by remembering my true identity, and am open to admitting my sin whenever it comes up.  In vigilantly maintaining these habits, I'll protect myself from falling into the danger that is found in strength.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes on Jesus.

When do I get distracted from Him?

How am I hard-hearted toward my own sin?

Solid Rock

"As he was leaving the temple,

one of his disciples said to him,

'Look, Teacher!  

What massive stone!

What magnificent buildings!'

'Do you see all these great buildings?' replied Jesus.

'Not one stone here will be left on another;

every one will be thrown down.'

Mark 13:1-2

It's hard not to be impressed by the Cathedral of Notre Dame, a 12th to 13th century example of French Gothic architecture and one of the most widely recognized Christian structures in the world.  It was one of the first buildings to use the impressive flying buttress system, allowing for the massive vaulted roof.  The building itself extends to a length of 420 feet while the two towers in front stand 226 feet high.  As if the enormity, beauty and intricate detail were not enough to drop a tourist's jaw, Notre Dame also sits on one of the most scenic spots along the Seine River, making it an impressive example of the feats of man.

The Ancient Greeks created a list of the Seven Wonders of the World which categorizes the most impressive man-made structures in their known world.  Since then, more modern versions have been created to highlight amazing feats of architecture.  Some of the common entries include the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Egyptian Pyramids and the Roman Colosseum.

Man has always been amazed by works of their own hands.  Even in Jesus' times, His disciples were in awe of the temple that stood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.  Jesus put things into perspective, however, by reminding them that the temple would be destroyed, as it was by the Romans in 70 AD.  As easy as it is to put my faith in things that seem indestructible and sturdy, everything that is not based on the solid rock of Jesus will one day be turned to ashes.  (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

I can admire and wish to emulate the lives of successful people I see on television, or even sitting in the pew beside me, but if they are not pointing me to Christ, then my focus is off.  Instead, it is my desire to base my life on Him.

Righteousness

I have heard it said more than once that the church is filled with hypocrites who are quick to point out the sin of others but slow to look inward toward their own filthy heart.  This does not make for a welcoming atmosphere.

When I think I'm pretty good in my own right, I can easily see the sins of others while ignoring what's wrong within my own life.  But when I remember my true identity; a sinner saved by grace, then I will be less likely to judge others.

Paul explained to Titus that, "he saved us, not because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."  (Titus 3:5-7)

I am made right with God by the blood of Jesus, not due to anything that is within me.  As Paul goes on to say,  "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so no one can boast."  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

I can easily admire others' accomplishments, gentle spirits or tenacious attitudes, but my real foundation for righteousness comes not in trying to be what I think I should be, but in embracing my true identity.  I am a wretched sinner who is saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Basing my life on the solid rock of Jesus means I will always remember that my righteousness comes from Him.

Power

"The Power of Positive Thinking"

"The Magic of Thinking Big"

"How to Attract Health, Wealth, Love and Luck into Your Life Immediately"

"The Art of Happiness"

"The Power of Now"

"The Gateway:Discover the Power to Create an Outrageously Prosperous and Happy Life"

The bookstore is chock-full of ideas of how to tap into some hidden power source to reach the life you've always wanted to live.  The books promise fulfillment, peace, happiness, ambition and new-found energy.  As much as I've tried to will myself to do better, there are always areas in which I struggle and fail. (Romans 7) I just don't have it within me to become the woman God created me to be.

When I took Jesus to be my Savior and committed my life to Him, He gave me the gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells within me.  (Acts 3:38  2 Timothy 1:14)  God's Spirit produces all kinds of fruit when I allow Him to rule my life.  (Galatians 5:22-23)  This love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control will be evident to all those around me.  This fruit does not exist when I live by my own effort or when following my heart.  Instead, it comes when I submit my life to God and let Him lead.

The ability to live a life pleasing to God does not exist within my natural self.  Instead, it is an extension of His indwelling Spirit.  "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."  (2 Timothy 1:7)  He is the source of the power to live a godly life.  

Oswald Chambers breaks it down to understandable terms, pointing out the difference between human effort and His supernatural work.  Mr. Chambers says, "It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him."

Basing my life upon the solid rock of Jesus means the power to live a successful life pleasing to God will come from Him.

Teachings

There is nothing more gratifying than in seeing my daughters follow my teachings.  Not only am I thankful to know they were actually listening all those years, but to see them put the wisdom into action means that they have faith in me as their mother.  It is then that I know that they love me.

It is the same with Jesus who heard from a lot of people who claimed to love Him.  Jesus said that those who truly love Him will do as He says.  Those who don't obey His teachings don't really love Him.  This, Jesus said, is all according to the Father who sent Him.  (John 14:23-24)

Jesus set the bar pretty high.  He said I need to turn the other cheek, love my enemies, pray for those who persecute me, and forgive others that hurt me.  (Matthew 5)  I can't even get past my first example because it is in my nature to stand up for myself.  I've never been one to back down from a good fight!

Thankfully, He doesn't expect me to follow His teachings in my own strength.  Instead, He taught that He is, "the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

As I read God's Word, I must take it seriously and apply it to my life.  When I come across a directive that I've neglected to employ in my own life, I can either ignore it, or put it into use.  If I'm rightly related to Jesus at the time, I will want to decide to obey Him and He will give me the ability to do so.

If, however, I've strayed from His side and am following my own lead, then I will easily pass over the directive found in the passage I just read.

Basing my life upon the solid rock of Jesus means I'll have the desire to do what He says.

There are many people, beliefs, movements or lifestyles I may admire in this life.  But basing my life on any of the above will lead to disaster.  Building my life upon the solid rock of Jesus, however, means I'll be made pure and clean by His blood, will have the power to please God, and will be given the desire and ability to follow His teachings.  In this way, I will be placing my hope on things that will last an eternity instead of building a life on things that are weak and temporary.  In the end, God's kingdom is the only thing that will last.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will build my life on Jesus.

How do I get distracted by things I'm doing for God and forget about my relationship with Him?

When do I fail to take a step of faith because I think it depends on my own power?

   

Courageous

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

There is a powerful movie recently released called, "Courageous," which is a kind of call-to-action for fathers.  But the message, and the song of the same name, is a call to each one of us who follows Christ.  As you read some of the words of the Casting Crowns song*, think of it in light of 2 Timothy 1:7, and as it applies to our position as light in a dark world.

We were made to be courageous
We were made to lead the way
We could be the generation
That finally breaks the chains
We were made to be courageous
We were made to be courageous

We were warriors on the front lines
Standing, unafraid
But now we're watchers on the sidelines
While our families slip away

Where are you, men of courage?
You were made for so much more
Let the pounding of our hearts cry
We will serve the Lord

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

This is our resolution
Our answer to the call
We will love our wives and children
We refuse to let them fall

We will reignite the passion
That we buried deep inside
May the watchers become warriors
Let the men of God arise

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

In the Fight  God did not give us a timid spirit, yet it is so easy to be a watcher in this culture of political correctness that is hostile to the Christian worldview.  But we are not called to be spectators, standing on the sidelines as our culture crumbles around us.  We are called to be in the fight, salt and light in a lost world.  How can we break free from our timidity and embrace the power, love and self-discipline that is within us?

Stay in Jesus   In the American culture, it is dangerously easy to do things on our own.  But Jesus was clear in His teaching of how to live a fruitful life in a world that hates us.  He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)  If we are to have any hope of accomplishing any Kingdom work in our neighborhoods, workplaces, or schools, we must follow Jesus closely. We cannot make an impact in our culture in our own strength.   If it is not Jesus doing the work through us, it does not count. 

Stand Firm   After giving a preview of things to come in eternity, Paul exhorts us to, ". . . stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."  (I Corinthians 15:58)  Knowing that the sacrifices made here will not be in vain gives us strength and courage to lovingly take a stand for the Truth.  We are called to love, but love does not back down.  Rather, "Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (I Corinthians 13:6-7)  Don't give up! 

Spotlight the Kingdom   As we witness all the evil around us, it is easy to get drawn into a campaign to change the world.  But that is not our role.  God is the One who changes hearts and lives.  We are to live our lives in such a way that those around us are profoundly affected when coming into contact with us.  As we focus on God's Kingdom, He goes about drawing the hearts of those who are being salted by our lives.  It is more of a roundabout change that occurs, not as direct result of us working to change our coworkers, neighbors and friends, but in God working through us. 

Real Change  When we draw on God's power, love and self-discipline in order to answer His calling in our lives, He will work to change the world around us.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will stay true to Jesus and the principles He has taught me.

Where have I compromised God's teachings in my life?

How have I allowed the world around me to influence the way I think, act or speak?  Am I willing to be courageous in this area?


 
*lyrics for Courageous from  http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=683