Sonsofthesea.org

"Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

Tag: Holy Spirit (Page 11 of 11)

“A Way”… Proverbs 14:12

July 30, 2017 /

 “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”

How do you react, what do you do, when your miracle, your Word from God—comes to you seemingly—too late? When it offers you—no tah-dah  moment? No sharp intake of astounded breath—rather it offers, brings along with it—a heavy, still, disappointing silence. It leaves you staring off, befuddled, clueless—that’s it? Really?

You know that look. Certainly, you’ve witnessed it.  it’s disappointment—unfulfilled expectation. Instead of going left, it went right—way right! How do you handle disappointment and its emotional fallout?

We all have expectations—all of us. Even the most spiritual. Try as we might to live minus our faulty human ideals—our faultier still ungrounded expectations, we have them—we do. We even expect things from Jesus. And, to a certain extent, we’re right to. We, as His children, should expect things. Things like a certain measure of faith, His protection and provision, His presence, and the fulfillment of every promise He has ever made—to name but a few.

But here’s the catch—they’ll come His way, and, in His timing. Not ours.

Adding to this—don’t allow, you mustn’t allow, foolish expectations—self-serving expectations, to lead you down the wrong path. Proverbs 14:12 makes that abundantly clear, listen: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”  Don’t allow presupposition to pervade your relationship with Jesus—a wrong move—bad! It will cause you, most assuredly, to fall—headlong, into sin. And, following quickly behind that sin—comes sins cronies—heartache and disaster.

By allowing for a—He’s my buddy, He’s got this for me—irreverent way of thinking to creep in, exist, between the two of you—you and Jesus that is  you open the door for a mighty hard fall! Think of the leaven of the Pharisees here—a little of it in your relationship with Jesus can—will eventually, kill it.

Judas Iscariot is just such an example of what happens to us when we go, head-long, our own way.  Judas had a definite, ‘my buddy’ mindset. From perhaps the outset of his relationship with Jesus he allowed seeds of irreverence and a lust for the things of this world to grow within. He had Jesus all figured out. He, Jesus, had come to do Judas’s will, Judas’s way. Jesus would raise up an army to demolish the tyrannical, brutal, socially unjust, Roman reign over Israel. Jesus, according to Judas, was going to restore home rule, order, and power. And then Judas would get a hefty slice of that pie. Finally, order restored, surely then he’d have  real power and a secure place all for himself. His expectations weren’t only wrong and unwise—they were sin-filled.

His greed, arrogance, and lust for the riches of this world robbed Him of the True prize that was ever before him. Ever with him. Jesus.

He traded the eternal for the temporal. Jesus in exchange for a few pieces of silver…

Watch out for your faulty expectations…

There’s a saying that goes, Things are not always as they appear. When we focus on what we see, the tangible—rather than using our eyes of faith, looking out for the potential, the possible— we will always—always, be left disappointed by what we see. Just ask Judas. Seldom does anything end-up lining up exactly the way we’ve expected it to. See that’s the thing about this faith we possess—we’re called to walk by it—not by what we see…

Walking by sight is the way of Judas—not Jesus.  Steady your focus on The Giver and not His gifts. All we need do is read Judas’ outcome to learn what happens when we allow ourselves to be overcome by the lusts of our flesh. By what seems right. It’s okay to want things but there’s a line that when crossed it will blind us from being able to distinguish The Way from any way; from our own way…

Our Scripture bears repeating here:  “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”

Don’t follow Judas into a fate of certain death, spiritually certainly, perhaps physically also. Ask The Holy Spirit to search you out. To bring to mind anything in you that may be headed in the wrong direction. Fueled by the wrong desires, the wrong motives. And, when He does, repent, on the spot, and course correct. We serve a loving Father who patiently awaits our coming to Him to ask for His help to do it His way. To surrender our temporal for His eternal.

There is only one right way and it’s not the way of Judas…

 

“Everything” Philippians 3:7-8

July 9, 2017 /

“But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life]. But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled].”

One of the greatest lessons I am learning—becoming filled with, to the exclusion of all else in Autumn of my life is this: Nothing, let me stress that—nothing, is more valuable to me than God. Knowing and being known by Him is my greatest gift, greatest joy—the prize above every prize, and He has blessed me with some amazing gifts over the years!

Yet by far—without comparison—in a league all by itself, is my relationship with Jesus. More accurately, it’s His choosing to have one with me. There is nothing more valued, more treasured, or near to my heart than loving and be being loved by God. Period. This is my truth.

Now, this great love of my life—this great prize without measure, this God who is the Light of my life, has allowed me to experience some of the lowest, most pain filled, tear-filled moments in of my life. Not everything I’ve experienced with Him has been a honeymoon high. There have been deaths, implausible loss, sickness, abandonment, betrayal, abuse, disgrace—and great pain. Some—a lot, came at the hands of my choices—bad ones. Other stuff came because that’s life—they come at the expense of being alive. They are the salt in the sugar…

I share this with you to portray, as realistically as I know how, that this same God who showered me with the blessings of three amazing children, a grandchild that has my heart, parents that I love, siblings I am grateful for, health, strength, peace, and, provision that some would only hope for—all of this and more than our limited time together and these pages have room for, I would give up, hand it and them all back—if it meant I couldn’t have, if it meant, losing Jesus. That’s not easy to say mind you—and truth be told, I’m not even sure what saying it truly means.

I know only this: I never want a life without Jesus as the center of it…

And as scary as it is to say that I count it all loss, and it is scary (which doesn’t mean I don’t have faith. Contrary to what you may have been told you can have faith and be afraid. Often actually faith requires you to press forward on shaky legs).  I’ve seen in my life; a sampling of what God will take away from us as we walk through the firing process of being shaped and molded into the image and likeness of His Son. Much like what a clay pot endures in the furnace to finish it in something solid and lasting. Yet, still I trust God. I know the plans He has for me are for my good, not to kill me—even if it feels that way at times.

But let’s get back to the blessings. Let’s look at the many blessings that each of us have. And, although some may have what the world calls “more” in terms of material possessions—status, beauty, intelligence, toys, etc. If you are reading this now, we are each equal in that we share breath, life, and opportunity. The possibilities are endless in what you might accomplish having possession of these blessings.

If you think I’m wrong—remember, the moment God takes them back, and He will, (it’s another thing we all have in common)—the blessings end, life ends—we will all be required to return the gifts we’ve been entrusted with. See, they were always only on loan. In our humanity, we forget that and we get attached to them and think that they are our possessions—and that we have a right to them.

There’s a lesson there for someone—for me…

Jesus has given us all innumerable gifts, blessings, and, opportunities. Paul knew this. And in today’s passage he forced me to re-member this—refocus. Why? Because as much as I love Jesus—and I do. As much as I am willing to say yes, as scary as saying yes can be—and I am and it is, I still, in my humanness, get distracted by ‘things.’ The gifts, the people, the stuff—the blessings. And I need to be re-minded—to refocus. To never lose sight of the One who blesses, who chose me for Himself—who willingly laid His life down on a Cross He held like a lover, so that I could have a new life in and with Him. Both now and in Heaven…

And that is why friends—in the autumn of my life, I am asking Jesus to prune me deeply. Is that scary, as I’ve already said—you bet it is! At almost 60 I’ve tasted enough of loss to not take saying this lightly or the sting—the sometimes-paralyzing effects, on a life losing something or someone can have. But I trust God despite how I may feel. Feelings change, God alone is eternal. And I believe with everything in me—in paying it forward. Of my life benefitting another’s. I believe that to gain one must be willing to pay a dear price—to suffer loses. I didn’t always have this wisdom—and I can’t claim what I’ve learned as mine. That credit goes to The Holy Spirit. To a God who’s walked with me through the train-wreck I had turned my life into, and said, “Trust Me, I have such great plans for you.” And, even the trust it took to trust Him—He alone provided!

Perhaps the reason I am here today and you are here today—is that God is still working in us both? Or, maybe He is calling you to Himself for the first time and you needed to hear this (remember the breath, life, and, opportunity?) …

Perhaps you needed to be reminded—as I certainly do, as Paul is reminding us all— to stay focused on the Giver and not on HIs gifts. On The One—and not the stuff the One provides. As I said earlier, one day He will ask each of us for all His stuff back. The only “forever” things we get to keep are, primarily, our relationship with Him. Then, the lasting effects of those things that we give away (the good we do for others). Those actions are forever multiplying. And love. That, like it’s creator—is eternal. We each have choices to make. Where and how to spend our time, talents, and the resources we’ve been entrusted with. Greater still, the choice of what it is we hold dear—our best thing if you. What ‘everything’ are you willing to let go of today that you may gain Christ—or more of Him. Remember, to gain you must be willing to lose something.

With trembling human legs—I count it all joy that I may lose all things and gain Christ Jesus my Lord. Not even fully understanding the scale of my words, I choose to profess them nonetheless. I do not need to see to believe…

Friend, what about you? Are you too willing to count it all a loss to gain God? He is looking for hearts that are willing to say, “yes to your will and ways Lord.”

I am praying your strength because I know what it is to have a heart that is willing but also flesh that is so weak. Yet greater than my prayers are the prayers of Jesus sitting at the Right Hand of the Father praying for you—cheering you on. Because He so wants you to lose it all that you would gain Him. Trust Him today. Take the first—or maybe the 101st step, and say yes Lord, be my everything. I count it all loss that I might gain you. He’s waiting…

Then buckle up and enjoy the journey—and Love, of a lifetime…!

“They traded the truth about God for a lie. So, they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen” Romans 1:25

“The Voice” Isaiah 30:21

June 11, 2017 /

 “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

We each must decide—make the choice to listen to something—someone. Some compass we’ve come to rely on for direction, for guidance. We all have one—that go to person, that voice of reason we’ve grown to trust. There comes a moment—or many moments, in our lives, when the path we’re on will have an off-shoot—and a choice must be made. Either stay the course, or explore this new or, ‘other’ way. It’s in that moment, consciously or otherwise—that we respond to the voice of our dominate guide. Some call that internal voice instinct, some knowledge. For others, it’s an actual person they’ve come to rely on—trust in.

The Jews knew that voice as; Bath Kol, the daughter of the voice. It was believed to be a divine admonition that pointed one toward the ‘right’ way—the straight path…

Teachers often stand behind their students. Their eyes alert—they’re watching to ensure that their charges remain attentive to their tasks. That their minds don’t wander, foolishly distracted—wasting valuable time, allowing for correction. Should a head pop up, looking left to a neighbor, or right to the other neighbor, the teacher’s voice would be heard from behind, perhaps a simple clearing of the throat, some small sound that would indicate a refocusing needing to occur—redirecting the student to keep their eyes front. And in that moment a choice would be made. Obey or accept the consequences of their rebellion—their choice.

Remember, we all must decide what it is we will listen to.

Isaiah 30—for the most part, speaks to, about—Israel’s obstinate nature. The Prophet Isaiah expounds throughout this chapter on their wayward, rebellious, behaviors. He tells of their running to others, instead of God, as their source—for comfort. Of them relying on themselves, doing as they please. Deliberately closing themselves off to what they knew was right and who it was they should be listening to—following (vs’s 10-11). We are given guides—teachers, instructors, for a reason. We do not—contrary to our lofty, over-inflated, opinions of ourselves—have all the answers. Nor do we know what is ahead of us. What will the consequences be for the choices we make today? And how those choices will affect our tomorrow?

Much like the Shepard’s that stand behind their flocks ensuring—providing safety, safe passage, for their sheep, God The Holy Spirit provides safety, and guidance, for His children—those called by His Name.

As often as Israel went astray—was taken captive by their enemies, the lusts of their flesh, contrary to how often they wandered away from God in willful rebellion verse 18 speaks to us of God longing to be gracious to them—to show them compassion. In His just nature God must allow them—us, to feel the consequences of rebellion against His Sovereign Will. Yet in His infinite mercy—and abounding in great grace, He longs, it is His nature to, protect, forgive, and love His children—those people called by His name.

And so, we, His children, have His—God’s, Spirit within us—given to us as a deposit. He is our Teacher, our Guide, That Still Small Voice within us that says; go this way—not that way, be still, don’t touch that!  He is our loving parent, our Daddy, The Lover of our souls, The Just Judge, The All-Knowing One, He is God all by Himself. He sees our beginning from our end. He not only stands behind us—He has gone before us—knowing all that will happen to us. And so, He whispers—guides, instructs, calls to, offers us His Wisdom—to share in His Knowledge. So that we will we be ever vigilant—straining to hear His voice behind us saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

God will allow us to feel the weight of our sin, our rebellion against Him, not to kill us or crush our Spirits, but rather to correct us, like those teachers spoken of earlier, or the Shepherd’s—He wants to save us from a world of hurt, pain, guilt, and disappointment. Save us from separation from Him…

Guilt can eat away at the spiritual vitality of a Christian like a raging cancer. It causes a person to lose control of life; it leads to a desire to quit or retire from spiritual activity; and, finally, it brings on physical pain and disease. Like cancer, guilt feeds upon itself until all spiritual life is gone, and the result is weakness and a sense of shame and failure.” Davidson Wilkerson, World Challenge Ministries.

It is the voice of the one who calls you away—to stray from the straight path that is trying to kill you. That’s his mission—he is the father of lies, the original deceiver. He met Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and convinced each of them to turn away from God—to rebel, to listen to his voice, not God’s Truth. And they did, and rebellion and shame entered the world. “At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they strung fig leaves together around their hips to cover themselves. Toward evening they heard the LORD God walking about in the garden, so they hid themselves among the trees.” Genesis 3:7-8

As believers in Jesus, those who have accepted Him as The Lord and Savior of their lives—we have been given His Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16). His voice lives—is alive and well within us. Somethings bear repeating. We each must decide—make the choice to listen to something—someone. Some compass we’ve come to rely on for direction, for guidance. We all have one—that go to person, that voice of reason we’ve grown to trust. There comes a moment—or many moments, in our lives, when the path we’re on will have an off-shoot—and a choice must be made. Either stay the course, or explore this new or, other way. It’s in that moment, consciously or otherwise—that we respond to the voice of our dominate guide. Some call that voice instinct, some knowledge. For others, it’s a person they’ve come to rely on—trust in.

Choices. We each have them. You must decide who it is you will listen to—and then set a course in their direction– following them with all your might…

As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” (Hebrews 3:15)

 

Newer posts »

© 2024 Sonsofthesea.org

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑