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

Tag: Obedience (Page 9 of 10)

Picking Up Crosses

August 8, 2020 /
people standing on road close up photography
MaryEllen Montville

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” –Matthew 16:24.

So, what does it look like to pick up your cross? What was Jesus trying to get us to understand? Taking up your cross equates to laying down your life. It means, in part, handing your will, your hopes for how it will turn out over to God, and willingly, lovingly entrusting yourself wholly into His Providential care. It means living a 365 surrendered life. Yielding into His hands whatever it is God may ask of you, unto your very life. It means modeling Jesus’ example of self-sacrifice to a lost and dying world.

Last week I started this two-part teaching on what this Scripture teaches concerning denying ourselves. Today I will conclude by delving into what it is this Scripture teaches, in part, about taking up our crosses. Jesus’ willingness to sacrifice His life in exchange for ours teaches us at least three key Truths. Three essential requirements needed by any disciple who seeks to follow after Him with the “all-in” commitment Peter and John, Andrew, Matthew, and Paul had. Obedience is the first requirement we learn from Christ’s willingness to take up His Cross. Self-sacrifice (denying self) is another. They’re partners—the two inextricable. They are indelibly united—eternally coupled by the third requirement, Love. And some may say this Love is the most enduring requirement needed by far as it is the architect of self-sacrifice and obedience. Jesus’ life and death exemplify—is a Living testament to—what can be accomplished when these three forces unite becoming one in devotion to God. Love for, and obedience to the will of the Father led Jesus to willingly lay down His own life. To set to one side momentarily, His being seated with God in heavenly places so that the Father’s will be accomplished in and through Him. He tells us our love and obedience to the Father then, must also empower us to sacrifice whatever it is God may ask us to take our hands off—entrust into His Providential care as well. If you continue reading Matthew’s Gospel, you’ll hear Jesus confirm this Truth to His disciples—to you. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” –Matthew 16:25.

That was tough for them to hear at first—it’s hard for you and me to hear it as well. Jesus knew this. He knew it because while remaining fully God, He was born fully man (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9; Isaiah 9:6). We have a High Priest who knows the weakness of our frame (Hebrews 4:14-16). Yet knowing our frailty, this same High Priest demonstrated obedience and pointed the way for us to follow Him straight back to the Father. Jesus knew man’s fallen nature would not allow for any of us to put aside our wants and feelings, our me-first mentality, our thoughts, and plans about the way it should all go and choose instead to follow His example of forsaking all in obedience to God. He knew that if He did not place His Spirit within us, we would be powerless to deny ourselves, to choose God’s will for our lives over our own. The Apostle Paul testified to this Truth in his letter to the Philippian Church, listen: “For it is God Himself whose power creates within you the desire to do His gracious will and also brings about the accomplishment of the desire” –Philippians 2:13.

Friends, many have professed to follow Jesus. And they did. They walked with Him until the path they were on became far too challenging for them to continue. Until denying themselves became just too high a price to pay to gain Him. It was at this juncture in their walk with Christ that those who had professed knowing Him were set apart from those who truly did. The same is true today. Discipleship demands sacrifice. Following Jesus is guaranteed to bring trials into our life. Jesus prepared us beforehand to expect these trials if we were going to follow the same path He chose—obedience to the will of the Father. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” –John 16:33. We catch a clear glimpse of those who followed only so far in Luke 9:57-62. Within these verses, we witness three separate individuals who claim to want to follow Jesus. Yet they were only willing to go so far before finding some reason to return to what was familiar—comfortable, safe. Return to their stuff. To what they felt was best for their life. The moment Jesus pointed towards the cross they would have to carry, should they decide to follow Him, their lukewarm faith turned cold. The genuineness of that faith, exposed. “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” –Luke 14:27.

Conversely, it’s here then that we witness the final requirement needed by anyone determined to become Jesus’ disciple. A personal relationship with Him. Those we read about in Luke 9 failed to pick up their cross because they were trying to do so in their strength—apart from Him. Remember, Philippians 2:13 taught us that it is God alone who can create within us—through the power of His Holy Spirit—the desire to do His will. And, our having His Spirit within us requires that we have a relationship with Jesus—because picking up crosses on our own is impossible. Their weight too great for our frail, human frame to carry alone. So thank God for the Good News of the Gospel because it assures us we will never have to pick up a single cross by ourselves ever again! Jesus wants to bear their weight with you. Are you willing to let Him? What if it meant losing your friends? Your home? Forfeiting all those plans you have for your life? How about losing your job? What if family members walked away from you? What about losing your reputation or ministry? Would you be willing to pick up your cross and continue to follow Him even then? How about following Him if meant losing______________(you fill in the blank). “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” –Matthew 16:25-26.

Be encouraged my brother, take heart dear sister! Remember, as you walk through your darkest of hours, as you face each new cross on your journey home Jesus promised to never leave you nor forsake you! His promises are personal. They are all yours! You must remind yourself daily that He is nearer to you than your breath. A friend who sticks closer than a brother. Your ever-present help in times of trouble. The One who opens, and no man can close, and who closes, and no man can open. He is both your Alpha and your Omega—your beginning and your appointed end. He has gone before you to prepare a place for you so that where He is, you will be also—eternally. He is the One who will wipe every tear from your eyes—take away every sickness. In Him, all things, you included, are made new.

And friend, are you tired of struggling under the weight simply living day-to-day requires of you? Are you burnt-out from grappling on your own? Ask Jesus to come into your life. Ask His forgiveness for wanting to control your life, hand it over to Him instead. He’s already made the way for you to do this by picking up His Cross. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” –Matthew 11:28-30.

He Wants It All…

August 1, 2020 /
MaryEllen Montville




Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” –Matthew 16:24.

Have you ever felt led to watch something on television? A movie or some television show perhaps? I have too. Last night I felt led to watch The Passion of the Christ. It was during those first opening moments of the movie when Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane with Peter, James, and John that Holy Spirit spoke to me and I began to understand why I was led to watch this particular movie. Knowing I would lead you here tonight, this is why I drew your attention to that Scripture earlier today. I wanted to open-up my Word before you. To show you: This is what it looks like to deny yourself. The standard I had in mind when I inspired Matthew to pen My Words.

Earlier this same day I had been reading Matthew 16. My eyes being repeatedly drawn back to those words “deny themselves.” He also drew my attention back to “take up their cross” too, but that is for another day. I knew Holy Spirit was enlivening His Word as only He can. He was calling us into a greater surrender of ourselves. A greater denial of our wills and wants—into surrendering ourselves to Jesus in these, our final hours. I knew the type of denial He was speaking of was far greater than just giving up coffee for a few days. Greater than sacrificing Netflix or television, sleep, or a meal. Those things a mere training ground for that deeper, more intimate denial.

In part, the Word makes clear we must be willing to give up even our best intentions. Bringing those acts born of love, even our deepest desire of wanting the absolute best for those we love—under the authority of our Father as painful as that may be. We are not God. We do not see all that He sees. Neither do we know a things intended end. And yet, it is so counter to our nature to not simply react without first taking a breath. Not automatically think and feel that we know best. Not defend, block, save from harm those we love. Or at least try to. Just ask Peter. What parent can’t relate to this feeling when left helplessly watching their beloved child headed for a stone wall at full throttle? Making a choice that runs contrary to every fiber of our being. However, this is the exact example of “denying ourselves” Jesus had just taught His beloved Peter, His Rock, a few verses before our own. Don’t take my word. Go and read Matthew 16:21-23 for yourself.

So then, using Jesus’ rebuke of Peter as our guide, we may feel confident in defining this “denying ourselves” to include in part, anything that not only hinders our walk with God, more, as any-thing that stands in the path of God’s perfect will being fully accomplished—period. Regardless of how we may feel about it. “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.

This “denying” Jesus is speaking of is so much bigger than just the temporary giving up of “stuff”—even that stuff we need to live. Jesus Himself confirms this Truth in Matthew 6:31-33. “Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and our heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” And yet, it was not until watching that particular scene unfold in the garden during the movie last night, the scene where Jesus pours Himself out to the point of sweating blood before the Father, that I more fully caught what Holy Spirit was pointing me towards earlier in the day…

If we genuinely want to be His disciple, we must be willing to wring-out at the Father’s feet that very last drop of self-left in us. Lovingly, wholeheartedly, willingly, by the power of His Holy Spirit—just as Jesus did.

Using Jesus as our standard then, and by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us, we must be wholly committed to surrendering every crevice of our lives where self may seek to sneak away and hide. Carving out for itself some little corner in which it may well set up a throne on which to sit, seeking its own will. It is time to let it go. It is time to surrender those habits—those not-so-holy vestiges of ourselves. It is time to “put up or shut up”, as the saying goes. That shaking you have been sensing, that is an inner sifting taking place. A separating of wheat and chaff. Holy Spirit is letting you know you need to dig deeper, ridding yourself, once in for all, of what does not align with God’s will for your life. Complete surrender is the standard our hearts must be willing to reach for. Not perfection. Surrender. Withholding no-thing. This is the mark set before all who will seek to follow Jesus, the will of the Father…

Let me ask you, friend: “What is Satan trying to stop you from laying down? What is he attempting to keep you from fully surrendering to God?” Is it a spirit of religion? Is it drugs? A Savior complex? Are you full of pride? Control perhaps? Is it sex outside of marriage? A homosexual lifestyle maybe? Are you drinking too much? Maybe food has become your god of late? Whatever it is, I encourage you to follow Jesus’ example and pour it out in obedience at the Father’s feet now—don’t sleep on it. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” –Matthew 16: 25-26.

Friends, remember this as you lay in all down before the Lord, Love has won in every garden He has ever entered. Both in Eden and Gethsemane. Allow this to encourage you. Give you the strength you may be lacking in yourself.

If we were paying attention back in Eden, we would have caught our first glimpse of this moment, of this Living definition of denying oneself unfolding now, in Gethsemane. A foreshadowing of what must unfold, be sacrificed, that God’s plan for His children is fulfilled. Our first glimpse of this final sacrifice then, those bloody skins that were thrown over the naked frames of Adam and Eve back in Eden. “And Jehovah Elohim made Adam and his wife coats of skin, and clothed them” –Genesis 3:21. In each garden, Jesus went before us—our Guide, our Good Shepherd demonstrating just what it is this “denying ourselves” must look like. This all or nothing commitment, even unto death. And in each garden, Love won. Give it all to Him today friends. Jesus demonstrated for us that holding back any-thing, even unto the laying down of our very lives, is as withholding back every-thing.

There is no such thing as halfway in…

I encourage you today brothers and sisters; if you are struggling under the weight of denying your flesh, get up! Try again! Cry out to God again and again and again if need be. He is faithful to respond to the cries of His children. The Israelites will testify to this Truth! Do not allow Satan to use that one thing God is asking you to entrust into His care to stop you from fully surrendering all-of-you to God. Even your love for another. Even your “best” thing. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” -2 Corinthians 4:7-9.

And know, new friend, that your being here today is not by accident. God has led you here. He is asking you to deny yourself—those feelings, struggles, and situations that have been ruling over you—and follow Him, instead. Won’t you say yes to Him? If you have never asked this Jesus to be Lord of your life, ask Him now. He wants to help you to surrender into His care every-thing that stands in the way of the two of you being as close as He desires to be with you.

Nets & Fruit. John 21:6

April 25, 2020 /
And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.”

Okay, so what do nets, and fruit have in common? And where-on-earth is she going with this? I’m delighted you asked! Why don’t you grab your coffee, settle in, and allow me to explain? Ready? I’ll start with the answer to your question, then dig-in from there. So, it turns out that the answer to what connects nets and fruit is twofold—a mirror image. The cornerstone of their relationship is obedience & connection! Let’s continue, and we’ll see where this twofold relationship leads us…

The heart of scripture—a very large part of it at least—is steeped in this one foundational and eternal Truth found in 1 Samuel 15:22. God wants our love (heart, mind, soul, and strength), our obedience, over some gift or service we might offer Him.  “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.

But why? Why are obedience and connection so important to God? I believe scripture bears out that the answer to this is, in part, triune. Its first strand, the life-giving heartbeat of obedience, is a genuine love for our Beloved. Thus, our love of God compelling us to obey Him. Obedience’s very breath—surrender. Its thoughts, the sole joy its meekness offers our beloved. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” –1 John 5:3. And the second strand, faithfulness, comes then, and, wrapping itself around such a love says, “I too love deeply and seek only to remain bound to my beloved.” “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”—1 John 2:3-6. And, then, lastly, obedience’s’ final and most reflective quality is that of honor. And the eyes of honor cast their light in such a way that only the beloved is illumined in their stare. “And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.…”–Colossians 1:18. These triune strands perpetually interlocking, one with the other—resilient. Fixed in their fidelity and devotion, a bond fashioned by their common cause, obedience. Their fibers fixed, yet flexible, always seeking to accommodate each new command of the Beloved—His every desire.

And, when they’re cast then, where the Lover of our soul’s bids us cast them, His blessings inevitably flow—our nets overflowing then, receiving from His never-ending source. “Then the Lord your God will prosper you abundantly in all the work of your hand, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your cattle and in the produce of your ground, for the Lord will again rejoice over you for good, just as He rejoiced over your fathers; if you obey the Lord your God to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the law, if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.” –Deuteronomy 30:9-10.” In plain speak: obedience will cause your nets to become so full they’ll be bulging at the seams! And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.” –John 21:6.

Now, alongside the fundamental lesson obedience teaches in today’s verse, ever generous, it goes further still by introducing us to connection, its sacred companion. And, as a result of this one introduction, our souls will soon be thusly fortified. The question posed this day, soon answered. Obedience will have succeeded in pointing us towards the mysterious, life-giving consequence of having a connection with the Beloved.

In today’s verse, we witness the bountiful catch the disciples shared when they obeyed Jesus’ command. Certainly, our Father delights in blessing His children in numerous ways—material blessings, much like this catch, being but one of them. The disciple’s nets would never have been filled so had they not listened to—been connected to, obeyed the One who instructed them exactly where to cast those nets. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.” –John 21:3. There’s a lesson in this verse for each believer. For every pastor and evangelist and teacher and prophet. We are not our own. We have been bought with a great price. And nothing—not one thing we do will ever have an eternal impact—aid in helping to escort one soul from death to life, if it’s us deciding where it is we’ll go, and what it is we’re willing to do. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” –John 15:1. We must be wise and guard our heart’s friends. We must be ever mindful of our motives for seeking after God. May our obedience to, and our desire for, our Beloved, never spring-up, like some unruly weed, from a place of self-seeking. Obeying Him simply because we might somehow be rewarded. Remember this, we serve El Roi—the God who sees me—who knows my heart, and its every desire. May our obedience then, my obedience, be born from a genuine desire to draw ever closer to the One from who all blessings flow…

And, as with obedience so too connection. We are reminded throughout Scripture of the supreme importance—the intrinsic necessity of remaining connected—joined—united—intertwined with, a literal part of, our Beloved. Quite literally infused with His very essence. “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.

He tells us quite clearly that without this connection to Him, in Him, with Him—outside of this life-giving union—we can do nothing. Not one thing of eternal value that is. We can do plenty in terms of being selfish and destructive. Just ask Adam and Eve. They can tell you firsthand about what happens to a soul that chooses to break its connection with its source—with El Roi. “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” –Genesis 3:17-19. And in Matthew 7, we hear Jesus share His heart on the absolute, paramount importance of our maintaining our connection with Him. Equally, however, He makes crystal clear the eternally, terrifying consequences of our having deluded ourselves into thinking that we are in fact connected—have this relationship—are grafted into Him simply because we’ve served on a few committees. Went on a missions trip or two. Or have prayed for the sick and lost even. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”—Matthew 7:21-23.

If we were paying attention to what happened in the Garden right before Adam and Eve were banished for their disobedience, then we witnessed the Father’s eternal connectedness to His creation on loving display. (This Messiah who came, and will come again, that all men might have access to a connection with Him—made possible through the obedient sacrifice of Jesus Christ, by the Blood He shed on His Cross for all mankind, putting an end to death and the grave once, for all.) Even here, amid Adam and Eve’s dis-obedience, their deliberate dis-connect, we witnessed this God that so loved the world making a way for us, His children, to be able to return back to Him. In the thick of man’s rejecting their Divine connection, in the very epicenter of man’s disobedience, we witnessed God’s, unfathomable love. His redemptive plan, even then, to offer Jesus to this sin-full, dis-obedient, world on display—so that you and me and him and her might be able to come home again. He shed blood. A foreshadowing of Christ. Putting to death animals that He might wrap Adam and Eve in their bloody skins. “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”–Hebrews 9:22.

God did this so that you and I, if we’ll but obey and slip-on Christ’s Bloodied sacrifice, His Righteousness, might be re-connected eternally, back to the Father.

Friend, if anything you’ve read here today has touched your heart, know that it’s because God loves you and is offering Himself to you. Asking you to connect with Him directly—sincerely, as your Lord and Savior. I pray that you’ll obey. I’d love nothing more than to meet you soon and very soon when we have all been gathered up in Him. “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” –Romans 10:9-10.

In Order To Release. Luke 18:18-30.

October 19, 2019 /
When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

We are nowhere near as altruistic as we imagine ourselves. Scripture asserts that the human heart is deceitful beyond our understanding—it is incurable. In it lives the ability to commit every type of sin. “For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness” –Mark 7:21-22. In our own strength, we are powerless to overcome these evil thoughts and longings. Part of the ‘all things’ Jesus strengthens us to do includes giving us His strength in exchange for our weakness so that we can release into His loving care those things that can harm us or no longer benefit us. Contrary to how we may feel about them…

Much like this rich young ruler, we cannot give back to God any-thing He may ask us to give up or over to Him, minus the power of His Holy Spirit at work within us. It simply isn’t in our nature. Self-love will always so powerfully contend against the love of God that, even in the believer, it is often necessary to stir up our minds, by way of remembrance, the will of God that commands us to give and to sow. Having a knowledge of God, being a ‘good’ person, simply knowing about God, about His Word and will and desire for our lives will never give us the grace needed—the will required to release into God’s hands those things He may ask of us—from us. We see evidence of this in the rich young ruler. Likely a leader in the local synagogue. He knew enough about God to recognize in Jesus a man well-versed in the way and words of God—a true Rabbi. Thus he came to Jesus, sincerely some say, seeking to add more, some-thing else to what was already his. He had no idea that the ‘more’ he sought after would actually require him to leave behind what he valued the most.

With all he owned, all he had been given, he was the very poorest of men. Poor in that he was unwilling to exchange these worldly possessions for the eternal treasure being offered him. Christ in Him. Christ’s Life in Him and with Him—always. Of God living and ruling and leading and guiding and adding and taking away. Matthew Henry says it like this: Can a man lose by doing that with which God is pleased? He is able to make all grace abound towards us, and to abound in us; to give a large increase of spiritual and of temporal good things. He can make us to have enough in all things; and to be content with what we have. God gives not only enough for ourselves, but that also wherewith we may supply the wants of others, and this should be as seed to be sown.

Yet outside of a genuine relationship with Jesus, minus the deposit of the internal treasure of great value, the Holy Spirit in us, willing us to want what God wants, we too are inclined to turn and walk away from the future and promise the Lord has for us; choosing also, only those things which we can see and touch and hold on to. Those things we’ve deemed as beneficial to our overall wellbeing. Saying no thank you to God because we are too busy playing God…

This thought of freely releasing into God’s hands whatever it is He asks us to give up or over to Him, struck me as I was reading 2 Corinthians 9. Why did those believers in Corinth that had long since decided to give, need to be reminded of the commitment they had made? Wouldn’t they simply just give over the monies they had set aside when Titus and the witness arrived to collect it?

In Paul’s stirring words, a great spiritual Truth is revealed. Even the greatest of Christian men are simply that—men. And, as such, are susceptible to both falling and falling short. Fortunately, for those men and women whose lives have been surrendered to God, they, by His grace, through His election of them, are lifted up again and again and again, set aright, never to be left alone in the place they stumbled or fell short. As a result, when they fail God, and they will, by His strength in them, they are able to get up and continue on in Him. To keep fighting, keep giving up and over to. Keep standing in the face of what may feel like a great personal loss because their trust and love and heart and mind are fixed on the Gift they were given in exchange for the life they turned over to God when they heard Him say, “Come, follow me…”

Jesus is a master at revealing our hypocrisy, our humanness. Not to shame us but rather out of a deep and abiding love for us. A love He desires to share with all those who will receive it. With the precision of a gifted surgeon, He will expose our inability to keep the perfect Law of God; just as He did with this rich young ruler. By claiming to have kept all the commandments he revealed that he had in fact, failed to keep them. From the young man’s first words, Jesus begins to challenge his thinking by correcting his basic understanding of what is good. Jesus informs him that only God is good. Thus setting the standard we must use when measuring what we’ve falsely come to believe is good in others. In answering His disciples’ question on which is the greatest commandment, Jesus informs us that the core of—the very heart of all of the commandments is summed up in these two: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets”—Matthew 22:36-40.

For some of us here today, Jesus may be asking us, as He did our young ruler, to release material possessions He’s allowed us use of. For others, maybe it’s a job or a relationship that He’s asking you to let go of? Is God calling you to move to another church home? Maybe He’s calling you to a new city or state? Is He asking you to bless a person, a family, or some organization financially, and you just can’t see how you’ll see your way clear to do it? Is He asking that you entrust Him with your opinions of yourself, who you think you are, that you might see yourself as He sees you? Is He asking you to hand over your vision in exchange for His? Those wounds that have had you bound, are keeping you isolated and joyless, that you may have the joy and freedom that is found only in a relationship with Him?

The rich young ruler wouldn’t do it. He chose the here and now—what he believed he needed instead of what God was offering him. Left to ourselves we will always choose what pleases us. The power essential to give over to God any-thing He may require of us is found only in the person of the Holy Spirit. And it is in our relationship with Christ Jesus that the Spirit is given us, comes and lives within us—enabling us to do those things we simply cannot do on our own. He alone empowers us to obey God and to release into His Providential care every-thing God may desire from us—up to and including our very lives. But, we must accept His free gift. The rich young ruler knew of Jesus, but He did not know Jesus. So when asked to give over something he felt he could not live without—he had no choice but to walk away. He was power-less.

Do you have the power to release into God’s hands whatever it is He may be asking you to let go of?

If you are His, I pray that you turn to the only One who can strengthen you, brothers, and sisters. I am here to remind you and me of the commitment we made long ago—or not so long ago, to God. To have ready what we have pledged to Him when He comes for it…

Friend, if you have felt God calling you don’t turn away as the rich young ruler did. Don’t think you know enough about Jesus to get by when He is here offering you all of Himself right here, right now. Don’t turn away, please. Just ask Him, from your heart, to come into your life and do what only He can for you. He’s right here waiting to give you what you need, Himself, so you will release, into His care, what no longer serves you…

Exodus 14:22. In Spite of The Fear…

September 7, 2019 /
“So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!”





They did this, it’s true. Yet, they didn’t do it alone. God had safely hemmed them in as they walked across this parted sea on a dry seafloor. It was so dry, in fact, that neither carriage wheel nor full-grown man was lost to its once sopping, sandy, sea bottom. We can read the account of their crossing over and the subsequent death of their captors in the Scriptures —Exodus 13:17-22;14.

As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land. –Exo. 14:16.

There’s a Word of confirmation for someone in today’s verse: Just take that next step regardless of how things might look to you. Even though your flesh may be screaming, “this is crazy!” Choose to believe instead, that God’s got your best interest at hand. Just as the Israelites had the choice to cross over or to stay put; so do you. Even when the path He’s chosen for you looks both frightening and unappealing, just keep moving in the direction He’s led you and trust Him; in spite of your fears.

If I were to stop here, life and hope and confirmation have been tossed out like a life ring to that one soul that was in jeopardy of going under. Yet the Holy Spirit isn’t finished speaking with us…

Their prayers had been answered. God sent them a man to help deliver them from days of brutal oppression and unalleviated struggles. God had sent Moses to free His people from Pharaoh’s tyrannical grip. How apt that this man who had gone from freely strolling the opulent halls of Egypt’s palaces, to spending 40 something years in Midian’s wilderness as a shepherd, be called to return to the very place and people he’d fled from; in fear for his very life. This same man who knew well the deadly ire of Pharaoh was being used to deliver and lead a people he was born kin to, out from under Pharaoh’s despotic grip.

Here’s a lesson to us all: God can send the very one that once hung out in your enemy’s house to save you. Not that Moses was such a one, mind you. Nevertheless, don’t judge who or how God has chosen to save you. – Exodus 14:2-4; Isaiah 45:1–8.

And so they stood, leader and followers; much like a ship that has gone aground. Momentarily hemmed in before this outwardly impossible path which led to their safety. Moses at the fore, the lion’s share of those following him at the aft. Each facing the near mile divide of salty sea that separated them from the safety they so desperately longed for, there on its other side. (To put this in perspective, safety loomed some 17.6 football fields across a seemingly impassable sea!) All the while behind them, a demented Pharaoh with his army of Egyptian fighting men were rapidly closing in. Doggedly eating up the ground that stood between them both. This blood-thirsty band of despots locked onto them, like some weapon of mass annihilation, determined to land a swift and deadly blow.

Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward –Exodus 14:12;15.


As it was with Moses and the Israelites, so it is with us. Our enemy Satan seeks not to simply destroy us rather annihilate us –John 10:10.
Yet when all appeared hopeless, when the scent of defeat rose thick above any other scent in the very air they breathed, God did what only God can do. He made a way where, just a nano-second before, one simply had not existed.

And, He’ll do the same for you and me!

Now God may have used Moses to lead His people to the very edge of their deliverance, but He alone would save them from certain death. This is simply who our God is. He alone is mighty to save! God will use any man He so chooses to take us so far. But He will not share His glory with another…

It is at the end of Chapter 13 that we begin to catch a glimpse of God’s perfect plan of deliverance for His people. In His Sovereignty, God chose to lead these people to freedom via the long way home, when a much shorter route was available. But why? Why would God place these worn and weary people He had sent Moses to free in such a seemingly indefensible position?

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt. But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt –Exodus 13:17-18.

Here is where we clearly see that God’s ways are so far beyond us. And, also, why we are instructed to walk by faith, and not by sight. Not allowing ourselves to be led, like one with a ring through their nose, by our fickle feelings. God knew that His people would be weary from wear after leaving Egypt. He also knew a formidable enemy lay in wait for them. Being tried in the wilderness would help to prepare them for the fight that lay ahead— for those events just beyond their knowing. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it –1 Corinthians 10:13.

So, now, seeing the sea parted some mile wide before them, these frail, frightened souls numbering 2-3 million, men, woman, and children, had each to decide whether they would take their chances walking between these walls of towering seawater, or stay put and do battle with a known and deadly enemy.

And so will we…

Friends, there will be times in our walk with the Lord, when, in His leading us towards the fulfillment of His promises for us, in His shaping and reshaping of us, we, like these Israelite’s, must decide if we’ll also take that next step of faith. In spite of how things around us might appear. Even though our flesh may be screaming, “this is crazy!” We must choose to believe instead, that God has our best interest at hand. Just as the Israelites had the choice to cross over or stay put; so do you and me.

Even when the path He’s chosen for us looks both frightening and unappealing, just keep moving in the direction He’s led you and trust Him; despite the walls of water that surround you. In spite of all your fears...

But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant –Exodus 14: 29-31.

Friend, if you’re here today and have not yet met the One who will never leave you alone in your wilderness. Never abandoned you to fight one single battle on your own; won’t you ask this Jesus to come into your life and show Himself real to you, now? Ask Him to take up your fight for you. He will if you’ll but sincerely ask…

Going His Way… Proverbs 16:9.

August 31, 2019 /
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”

In considering our plans, dreams, and desires, Solomon informs us that not one of them will flourish or prosper if God is not their Source. If He has not added His amen to their propose…

We see the nascent beginning of this truth revealed in the lives of Adam and Eve. In their desire to do things their way. To deliberately ignore God’s clear counsel and commands. And, we continue this day to see the fruit of their choice evidenced in the heart of every man —Genesis 2:15-17; 3:6; Proverbs 16:25; Romans 5:12.

Man can think up, lay down, prepare for, plot and plan all he likes…

And, doing some of that is both necessary and scriptural. But here’s the bottom line. We were never created to live rogue lives outside of God’s will. Nor are we capable of making any lasting or fruitful plans of our own. –John 15:5. God knows that left to the devices of our fallen nature we simply aren’t capable of seeing beyond the end of our own noses! Beyond our selfish wants and desires. Hence, we’ll constantly run after not only what isn’t best for us, more, we’ll chase after the very things that might kill us! –Genesis 2:17; Jeremiah 17:9.

Our original parents being the perfect example of where following our most base desires will lead us; away from God’s best for us. Having been ruled by their own, they rebelled against God. Against His Sovereign providential care. His plan that is both pure and, at its core, empowering.

All that they might chase after sin, instead. Going their own deadly way…

And, If we aren’t intentional in our desire to do life God’s way—we too, will predictably end up just running about aimlessly chasing after all that we think we want. Blindly making plans for our lives. Plans for where we’ll live and work. How we’ll acquire all that we need. That promotion—that home. What ministry we will serve in—head up. Who we will marry and when? Do I have children? And, if yes, how many? Forgetting entirely that God is in control. And, that He has a plan far greater for our lives than anything we could spend the currency of this lifetime chasing after.

Here then, in part, is God’s answer to our striving; made plain in His Word…

1). Commit everything, every-single-thing, each plan, every desire, that thing or the person you want, that place you’d love to live, the church you’d like to be a part of, to the Lord: Proverbs 16:3; 12:15; Psalm 37:4-5. 2). Then, and only then, craft a way to realize your Godly desires: Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 20:18; 15:22; Jeremiah 29:13. And, then, once you have entrusted your plan to God, take your hands off of it; trusting Him instead, with its every detail: Ecclesiastes 11:3–6; Psalm 37:5; 84:11; John 16:13.

All of this begins, however, with a truly clear understanding that we are no longer in charge of our lives. If that is, we’ve committed them to, surrendered them over to, God…

And, If we have entrusted the Lord with our lives, isn’t it just plain foolish not to entrust our every plan to Him as well? Before that is, we run off half-cocked trying to set them in motion on our own?

Christian, would hold back some piece of yourself from God? Close some chamber of your heart or life off from His loving counsel as Adam and Eve did? Are you attempting to cover the shame of your wanting what you know God has said no to, with some hastily stitched together fig leaves? Don’t you know there are no amount of leaves sufficient enough to hide your rebellious desire? Learn from our first parents and expose them instead! Submit them, willingly, lovingly as children of the Light and of the day, to God. Asking Him which way you should go; what it is that’s best for you. After all, He alone holds that answer.—Proverbs 16:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:5.

Follow instead, in the footsteps of Ruth. A gentile widow who, not even knowing God’s law or His plan for her life, determined in her heart to follow after and care for Naomi, her widowed, childless mother-in-law. —Ruth 1:14-16.

She choose what she knew to be right and just over sticking to the safe and familiar. Over making a way for herself. God took Ruth’s simple heartfelt plan and not only did He bless it for her good by leading her into Boaz’s field, but He also multiplied it as our loving and benevolent Father so often does. –Ephesians 3:20-21. From the union of Ruth and Boaz came Obed. Thus Ruth’s desire that Naomi be cared for until the Lord called her home, is fulfilled in Him. Additionally, she’d have this child now, to love and comfort her in her old age. She too then, had been restored through Ruth’s simple, selfless love. And, this same child would grow up to be the father of Jesse, the grandfather of King David; a man after God’s own heart. Obed, an ancestor of Jesus. We find his name in both Luke and Matthew’s account of Jesus’ genealogy…

All this because one woman determined in her heart to seek the best for another. And God, seeing her heartfelt desire to fulfill the law of Love, blessed it. —Ruth 3:10-4:17; Matthew 1:5-6; Luke 3:32.

When choosing God’s plans over our own, look also towards Esther example. Witness her choices to do what was right and good in the eyes of God,—Esther 5:1–7:10. Consider also, our brother Joseph. –Gen 45:4-8; 50:19-21. Study the life and works and sacrifices of the apostles. Look towards Paul and Peter and Philip. –Acts 9; 16:6-34; 10:1-4; Acts 8.

Each of these had plans of their own. A way they thought things should be and go. Yet, because they belonged to God, each determined in their own hearts to love Him, first. To choose His way over their own. Following after all He had for them. Leaving their plans to die an unattended death. And, as a result of their submission and obedience to His plan; His Church was born. Thus we, the gentiles, were brought into the covenant God had made with Abraham. –Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-21. Further, we have the great benefits and honor of knowing the will and Word of our Lord, through His written Word. –John 14:26; 21:25; Revelation 21:5.

My brothers and sisters, I challenge you to ask this question of yourselves:

What is true about me? What is fixed?

Do you wholly believe that God has a plan for your life? Do you wholly believe that there is not one accident or misstep in His plans? Do you believe wholeheartedly that God has established your steps? That He goes before you making even the crooked paths straight? Making ways out of no way? Do you believe, from the very core of your being, that you are loved and cherished by God? And, that there is not one thing outside of His will for you, that could ever remotely satisfy you? If so, your heart is properly postured to seek the Lord will, making your requests known to Him. –Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 1:4; 2:13; 4-24.

If you are wavering at all, decide to be fully in. Then, all else will fall into place. Remember, there is Only One Right Way. One Established Way. Seek this Way with all of your heart—all ways. Hebrews 11: 6.

Then, come what may, your steps will be firmly established. –John 14:1-6.

Beloved, you’re going to be okay. You are not alone. These Truths are your birthright as a son or daughter of the Living God. Let that soak into you for a moment…

And, dear friend, if you don’t yet know the Lord, believe, please, that He has led you here today because He loves you. And, understand this: He is tugging at your heart that you might surrender it to Him and His established good and perfect plan for your life. A life spent with Him requires you to take this step of trusting Him. He will do all the rest. Don’t hesitate, I pray! Take that step of faith today. Choose Jesus! –He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. –Titus 2:14.

It Will Not Return Void. 2 Chronicles 3:1

June 9, 2019 /
 “Then Solomon began to build the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord had appeared to his father David. It was on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, the place provided by David.”

Whether there were 42 generations between the time Abraham took his son, Isaac, to Mount Moriah and the day Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, freely laid down His life for the sins of the whole world there, is a debate I will leave for those theologians far more learned in deciphering biblical genealogy than myself. What I am clear on is this: Before time as we understand it began, God had chosen this plot of the earth as holy ground. He had a plan for Jerusalem and a purpose for this mountain. And, as we know, “God’s will cannot be thwarted”—Job 42:2. Before He stood over the dark void, before Daniel had written a word of what was yet to come—Paul either, God knew—Daniel 9; 2 Thess. 2:1-4.

There is nothing random with God. No—thing. Nothing has, nor ever will, catch Him unawares. No outcome or nanosecond in time happens outside of His purview.

And, just as surely as Jerusalem and this mountain have a place in God’s plan, He too has chosen those He would call to this mountain as part of that plan. This place of reconciliation and restoration, of sacrifice and testing. This exacting rough country where He first led Father Abraham that he might sacrifice his son, Isaac—Genesis 22:1-19. Then after Abraham, Jacob came here and prayed. He sought the Lord for reconciliation with his estranged brother, Esau—Genesis 32:1-21. Then came David. He would be led to this very mountain after receiving a word from Gad, the prophet. An angel had told Gad to instruct David to build an altar on this mountain. To buy a specific plot of ground from the Jebusite Araunah, a gentile, so that he might offer sacrifices and offerings to the Lord there on behalf of himself and his people—2 Samuel 24: 10-25; 1 Chronicles 22:1. And, though it was David who desired to build the Temple for the Lord it would be David’s son, Solomon, whom God would entrust to build His holy Temple on this site—this threshing floor which David had purchased from Araunah, the Jebusite —2 Chronicles 3:1. Solomon’s temple, destroyed by the Roman army led by Titus, was rebuilt by Nehemiah and those Jews who had been delivered from Babylonian captivity—Nehemiah 2:1-20. And, then, God Himself, the Living Temple, would ascend this mountain. His every step a declaration of His love for, and obedience to, the Father. Wrapped in flesh, Jesus, our Messiah, would climb Moriah carrying His Cross towards its peak, Mount Golgatha. Now, in Christ, “it is finished.” The single-greatest demonstration of love and obedience the world will ever know was witnessed on this very mountain. One far surpassing the splendor and majesty of anything built by human hands—Jesus. Far greater than Abraham’s obedience. Jacob’s and David’s too. Gods great love—His Perfect redemptive plan on display for all to see—John 3:16. God’s very character, His attributes, the sheer essence of who God is hung here for all to see. His redemptive sacrifice changing lives for all eternity. Abraham named this place “The LORD Will Provide.” And He did. Even now people say, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided” –Genesis 22:14.

God has chosen Jerusalem as His own. This place, and its people, a template He repeatedly uses to display His great love, His redemptive plan, both for Jerusalem and for the whole world. What God set in motion, “In the beginning” continues to expand and grow and thrive and live and breathe and reproduce, to this very day. His every desire for His creation—His chosen, is being accomplished—still. Soon and very soon, a new Jerusalem will descend from heaven. No longer will there be a need for Solomon to lay one stone nor for any temple made by human hands. Soon and very soon there will be a new heaven and a new earth. “The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” –Revelation 21:22.

What was set into motion long before Father Abraham took one step of obedience on Moriah’s rugged terrain, before Solomon’s laborers had laid one stone, lives and thrives and calls to hearts, still. More, those that our Lord has chosen in Himself to live in obedience to His will, are, much like Solomon and Abraham, Jacob, and David before them, seeking after Gods will for their lives too. Lovingly, obediently, they offer their own living sacrifices before Him. Their very lives. Their hopes, and dreams, wants and wills, each laid lovingly, on the altar. Each soul seeking out their Moriah. That place where they too will do the work God has destined for their hands alone to do; for His Kingdom and glory. What was set into motion long ago pulses across time and space still. Words were spoken, His will. They will not return to Him void. And, it will continue this way until that moment when all they were sent out to do has been accomplished in the One who stood over the void and said, “let there be.” Until that glorious final Sabbath day when our mortal tents are taken down and we find our eternal rest in Him; God has placed a pledge in our hungry belly—a promise, a foretaste. His Spirit in us. The sure promise of what is yet to come for those who love the Lord and follow His commands.

The final battle is near—though when no man knows. God has set in stone the smallest of details that must yet come to pass. Each life chosen in Him as well; destined to receive His glorious, free gift of salvation. Every ministry that will flourish and thrive and grow and feed His sheep—His lambs—under His watchful, providential eye. In the meantime brothers and sisters, as surely as God has a purpose for Moriah, for Jerusalem, as certainly as Solomon was chosen to do the work God had equipped him for—created him to do, so too is your Moriah waiting for you…

That place that calls to you like no other, that floods your heart with a God-given longing to go and give and build and serve and love and spend yourself on. That people group or country, those prisoners, or refugees, the elderly or the infirm. Those widows and orphans and homeless men and women—the veteran and those who are mentally or emotionally challenged, the teen or the addict, those single mothers, and the prostitutes. Every child stolen and sold for sex. The everyday man whose heart and soul are hungry for something they can’t yet put a name to. These are the callings sent out by God. Ministry’s each. They’re His will for your life’s work placed deep within your bowels; awaiting that one moment in time when He would call you to serve and build and do with the tools and materials provided you by another. The One who died for you. You are not your own. Neither was Abraham or Solomon or Jacob or David before you. They were, as you are, part of Gods eternal plan. And, as we know, “God’s will cannot be thwarted”—Job 42:2. Build wisely with what has been given to you. One day, soon and very soon, you will have to give an account for it all…

Beloved, God has blessed you with gifts and talents and ministry’s, use them wisely—as good stewards should. Remembering always: You may well reap what another has planted. “I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”—John 4:38.

Friend, if you are here today and have not asked Jesus into your life, know that He has led you here that you might ask Him in now, this day. He is waiting for you to open your heart and life to Him—asking Him to be Lord of all. Won’t you please ask Him to show you the work He has destined solely for your hands to accomplish, for His Kingdom and glory?

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” –Romans 10:9.

Its A Battle and A Journey Both…

February 17, 2019 /

 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” –John 16:33.

There are many I know, or know of these days, that are dealing with, praying through, simply just trying to press through their share of the Truth contained in this Scripture.

“You will have…”

Friends just lost their 20-year-old son. And, though he is now with the Lord—and they know that, still, they must walk into his now empty room and face the fact he will never again occupy it. They must wait to see Him, as they wait to see their Lord, face to face in heaven. And, then, there’s a 30 something sister from my college days who recently lost her fight to a life-long illness. My mother is battling heart disease. A sister in Christ whose husband of 25 plus years, refuses to keep his vow to the Lord—or to her, and continues to stray—unrepentant. To say nothing of the murders and wars and rumors of wars one hears of nightly on the news. Is it any wonder that Paul the Apostle cautioned us to remain strong in the Lord? To rely on Him. To stay fully clad in the power and covering of the armor God has graciously provided for us? It is our only hope for any peace or joy as we navigate our “trials and sorrows.” We simply can’t pilot any of this and not end up on some rock—shipwrecked, without Jesus! We were never intended to…

In today’s Scripture Jesus isn’t saying that bad things won’t happen to good people. He, more than anyone, knew first hand they would. They do. And, that they will continue to. These “things” however, often come to try our faith—ridding it, our faith that is, of the burdensome will and dross of the flesh that pollute it. That seeks its own desires. Refining it then, as by fire.

Call to mind here Jesus’s plea in the garden as He faced His own, “you will have” moment.

They come, these trials, perhaps to add to us a strength, some fixed resolve we would not have had they not come our way. And, as with Jesus, we need that final resolve so that we may move forward in complete surrender and faith. Though we often feel as though they, our trials, and sorrows, are robbing us of our life—when I ponder the miracle of His empty tomb, and all those it affects still, I see the pain these trials and sorrows exact have the potential to actually add to life, and not take life away. I do admit however, this is a lesson that is far beyond my ability to comprehend. It’s more an intrinsic knowing I hope will encourage you as much as it does me. This great privilege of sharing in Christ’s suffering. I know, it’s not the most folks favorite part of the Gospel Truth. Yet it is a privilege nonetheless. And, though we cannot see these trials and sorrows for what they have the potential to produce in us, more, through us, while they are exacting their desired end—if we give them all over to the Lord, He is faithful to draw beauty from our ashes. As unbelievable as that may feel while we’re walking through the full force of their crushing pain…

What Jesus was saying in our Scripture is this:

I’m telling you now to expect it—it’s going to come. All these things I’ve spoken of in my Word. They have to. You live in a fallen world. You possess a fallen nature. Trials and sorrows and troubles of all types will beset you. But when that happens, any of it, all of it, any-thing that disturbs your peace, causes fear to grip your heart or riddles your mind with anxiety; look to me. Look to my example of obedience to the Father and, then, call out to me for my help, wisdom, and guidance. And, remember this too, you won’t be navigating any of these “things” in your own strength—rather, you’ll be doing all things in my strength, with my peace—if, you’ll but trust me. I will never leave you. That’s my promise. I love you with an everlasting love. Therefore, regardless of what may be swirling all around you—fix your eyes and heart and mind—your every thought, on me. And, then, trust me to bring something unimaginably wonderful, something unfathomably beautiful out of all you will endure for my name sake. And know this, your life will be a fluid mix of battles and joy unspeakable both. A journey of refinement and faith. An adventure chuck-full of laughter and tears. Some of which you’ll understand, most you won’t. Nevertheless, remember what I’ve told you about my ways being far different from yours. Remember I told you that I possess the ability to make everything—every-thing, work together for your good, and my glory. I know pain will try to rob Truth. Yet remember, please. Then, when you do, trust in my love for you. Yet, if you’ve forgotten, allow me to re-mind you now that I love you so very much, I laid willingly on my Cross that I might offer up my life in exchange for yours…

We get tripped up—caught off guard, blindsided even—but not Jesus. Ever!

He knew every detail of every event long before He ever stood before His friends informing them of His imminent return to the Father. He knew the troubles they’d soon face because of their love for Him—because they were His own. He knew of ours too. The troubles we’d face that is. Even to the loss of our very lives. Nothing, not one thing, has ever escaped Him! He also knew of the inexpressible joy they’d one day share in also. Perhaps it was His focus on this, on all that the Father had prepared for them, on Gods will alone being accomplished—regardless the cost, and, on the coming joy they’d soon know that prompted Jesus to share these Words of love and encouragement with His friends? If so, we’d be wise to cherish them—more, to use them as a piloting Light when all that we’ve been forewarned of suddenly happens.

And it will happen suddenly, more often than not…

So, with that in mind, let us use this promise from our Savior to shine His Light into these dark days of heartache and the deep loss experienced when a loved one is taken from us. When a child has been suddenly taken from our arms. When the uncounted multitude of someone’s nameless children die as the result of war—or abuse, neglect, or starvation. When a husband or wife’s side of the bed is now empty—no longer warm and scented by their presence. When addiction destroys our loved ones and we are helpless to stop its insidious devouring of them. When alcohol robs a nascent life of its promise and joy—leaving it dried-up and deadpan. Or, when fear wraps its icy fingers around our throats, threatening our very life breath because any one of these, “in this world” suddenly befalls us. When we find ourselves on our knees, cheeks wet with tears of confusion watching our dream die or the door of our business or home close for a final time.

“Why!” “I don’t understand!” “God please! Help me! This is too much, too big, too heavy, I was never meant to carry this, I can’t! Help!”

Let’s shine Jesus’ Words into the very thick of all trials and sorrows. Into every other thing that threatens to rob us of our peace and joy, of our breath, of the very faith Christ alone affords us—if that were even possible. Let’s take every thought captive and force it to bow its knee before the authority of heaven. Let’s tell our wills that they too must surrender—completely. We will never pass this way again friends. Though Jesus promised us we’d go through these fiery trials, let’s not forget, as we reflect on His life, what a wonderful journey, what a great privilege, we’ve been afforded also. “But fear not, for I have overcome the world.”

Allow me to remind you as you walk through your pain and loss, that you’ve been chosen by God—to walk with Him. You are never alone beloved. Let’s  remember the Words of our Savior and be encouraged by them when these trials come. Because my friends, they have come, these trials, and will continue to do so for as long as you and I live. And, it’s when we’re in the thick of it, preoccupied with just trying to put one foot in front of the other and simply breath that we need to be reminded of this the most. You are loved. And, you are not alone. Just breath beloved—trusting God has not forgotten your pain. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Beloved, if you are in the midst of a season of fiery trials or loss, take heart, that’s hard to hear in your pain I know, yet it must be said. I offer this Truth in love. The prayers of the faith-filled are with you and, more, Jesus is praying for you and the arms of our Father are enveloping you. Giving you His strength in exchange for your current weakness.

And friend, if you don’t know Jesus personally and you’re trying to press through this life on your own know this: God has led you here today that you might have a relationship with Him. He is offering you the opportunity, right now, to ask Him into your heart. To acknowledge your need of Him. He wants nothing more than to freely give you Him. His love, forgiveness, peace, healing, and strength that He may walk with you—lifting the heaviness of your burdens from you. Won’t you ask Him into your heart today?

The Promise… Deuteronomy 4:30-31.

February 3, 2019 /

 “In the distant future, when you are suffering all these things, you will finally return to the Lord your God and listen to what he tells you. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors.”

This world  surrounds us with evidence that God is who He says He is. Its inescapable. God is Creator of heaven and earth. Of the sky and sea and everything in, and on, and under them. Without a voice of its own the very wind sings His praises! And, each leaf adds its amen in its rustling. “…Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world” –Psalm 19:2-4.

At the base of a mountain called Sinai,  shrouded now in dark clouds, fire, shooting skyward from its peak, God has allowed the Israelite’s to hear Him speak—to know the sound of His voice! How fortunate for these chosen few—this nation who has stolen the very heart of God to have heard Him for themselves! This people, so deeply loved by Him; loved as one loves an only child.  “The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said” –Exodus 19:9. They had endured such privation at the hands of a merciless Pharaoh. Evil is relentless by its very nature. Its only joy is found in torment. Its driving force, its sole hope, to exact death and destruction. And yet through Moses, God reminds His people who He alone delivered them from: “the iron-smelting furnace of Egypt in order to make them His very own people and His special possession…” –Deuteronomy 4:20.

And, as God did for each one standing at the base of Sinai, He does for us too. Our Lover pursues us. Hems us in. Still. Because of this joyful Truth it’s here where I say Hallelujah! I too have been delivered from Egypt’s chains. So then, it’s here I join my whispered “thank you Lord” to the deep night. Weaving my gossamer thread into the brilliant tapestry of thank you’s. I join it to the millions who have gone before me—and, with those whispering their thank you, now, still.  We each, trembling, yet certain the Lord catches our offerings with His own hands; pressing them to His heart. Cherished. Its my love song, a heart posturing itself in adoration—in recognition that He first loved me, chose me.  A heart that admits that He alone has opened this one heart to be able to hear His voice calling in the night.

As it was in their wilderness, so it was in my own; yours too I’d imagine. Sin isolates us. Yet, because of His great love for us, we, like the Israelite’s before us, mustn’t take this love we’ve been afforded for granted. We must never forget  He is a jealous lover who will not tolerate our “flirting” with another. After-all, how would you, a mere man, react to your beloved playing the harlot with another? Making room in her heart for someone other than yourself, the one she has vowed to remain faithful to—’til death part you? And yet they did. We do too. Take His great love for us for granted that is. Though forewarned of the consequences of their actions, they allowed their ardor for the One who loved them like no other to wax cold. And, in their luke-warm-ness, they soon found themselves following after the culture of the peoples around them. Cultures filled with foreign gods and moral compromise. A tainted world comprised of second-bests. They had forgotten they were called to come out from them and be separate. They had for gotten they were the chosen of the Lord. They were not created—never intended, to live with second best. After all, they were His beloved. But they forgot that. They allowed themselves to relapse into the “mentality of captivity.” And so do we. At least I have, momentarily…

Let me ask you Christian; after having been freed, have you ever felt the chains of captivity threatening to bind you once again? Felt it’s fetters searching you out? Wanting to bind, once again, what God had freed you from? Moses, through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, was allowed to see the future fate of those gathered before him. Those God had instructed him to pronounce liberty over. Yet the Israelite’s freedom was not the result of Moses showing up on the scene, nor of Pharaoh’ agreeing to release them.  Rather, the Israelite’s would gain their freedom because God, through His election of them, and, in His infinite wisdom and great mercy towards, saw fit that they would be His chosen people. “A chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” –1 Peter 2:9-10. And, though Peter was speaking to us here, the gentile nations, still, all of us, all those “chosen” in Christ, whether Jew or the grafted in gentile, would never have tasted His Truth, known His freedom, had we not first been chosen by Him…

Fidelity and integrity are non-negotiable; they are the very ink with which the covenant between God and man has been written. Sealed by Loves promise, His bond irrevocable!

And still we fall short. Still we rebel. Much like Lots wife we each stop and look back toward the Egypt God has delivered us from. And, though we aren’t instantly turned to a pillar of salt—we do not escape the consequences of our rebellious actions. God is just. We tend to forget that fact. As His children, we sometimes close our eyes to this Truth as it applies to our own lives. Consequences and discipline are for others, we becry, God’s grace covers me! And that’s true.  It does. He is merciful beyond measure. Yet, it is equally true that God disciplines His children; listen: And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, or lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father…?” –Hebrews 12:5-7.

Moses foresaw the Israelite’s’ wondering around in a wilderness for 40 years. Many died there. Never to see, touch, nor taste, the fruit of this beautiful promised land God swore to give them. Their dreams dying a barren death. They’d bore no fruit. They had chosen to come away from the True vine, lusting instead after the gods of Asherah poles and the Baals. This jealous Lover of our souls will not be mocked! “Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God” –Deuteronomy 4:23-24. And, yet, inconceivably, even though God knew His own would reject Him, turn away from Him and towards the gods of money and greed, of pride; even though we’d blindly run after the god of “more”, nonetheless, He loves us still. Died for us. Gave His only begotten Son for us, still. He’s here now. Available to all who will, today. Even when we are Gomers, He remains our Hosea. In their shame and rebellion—and in ours, Moses comforts us each with the words he spoke to those who followed, and follow still, the Pillar of Cloud by day and of Fire by night: “When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath” –Deuteronomy 4:30-31.

My beloved brothers and sisters, consider these words shared by our older brother, Peter, concerning our living in a pagan society, and, as you do, ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes that you might reflect on the condition of your life: “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” 1 Peter 2: 11-12. Beloved, as iron sharpens iron, allow me to urge you to seek the Lord today. Asking Him to revel all un-confessed sin before Him. And then, repent, quickly; remembering His mercy and His promise to forgive. And please, tuck His Words of assurance to Joshua into your heart. In today’s world, we need  to hold more tightly than ever to His promise! “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” Deuteronomy 31:6.

Dear friend, if you’re visiting us for the first time, welcome! Know that Jesus has called you here today to confirm what He has been pointing you towards—Himself. He loves you with a love that we’ll never fully be able to take in this side of heaven! Won’t you accept His invitation to share Himself, His time, His love with you today? “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me” –Revelation 3:20

If You’ll Just Follow… Mark 8:36

December 23, 2018 /

 “For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world [with all its pleasures], and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul and eternal life [in God’s kingdom]?”

If you’d be so kind as to indulge me for a moment or two—I promise you, by the time we part company today, we’ll have discovered some Truths together…

Today I was led to the book of Zechariah.

It’s where my journey with the Lord began this morning. But, before I get into what He revealed, allow me to share just how joy-filled it is to sit at the feet of the Lord and have Him open the eyes of my understanding to His Truth! It’s as humbling today as it was the very first time the proverbial light-of-my-understanding was flicked on! Just like that, out of seemingly nowhere, bam! Truth is realized! And, as a result, I am forever changed in some great or small way. And so are you! Or, you certainly can be! Take a moment to think about that the next time you’re in your Word. The Creator of the universe is right there with you whispering His Truth into your spirit; causing your belly to jump in response to His presence with you!

Elizabeth knew a thing or two about this…

But it was the mention of being “brought through the fire” in verse 9 of Zechariah 13 that caused me to pause today. It resonated with me. In its reading I was reminded of a Word the Lord had spoken to me almost a year ago now concerning my imminent relocation. Sitting with Him one morning I had heard the Word ‘crucible’ drop in my spirit. I knew this was a Word concerning the season He was leading me into.  Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve been walking with the Lord long enough to know that when you hear a Word like that drop in your spirit—buckle up! This was not going to be a mountaintop season—no refreshing time by the brook for this gal! This was going to be one of those walking through the shadow of the valley of death deals! Mine that is. I knew God was about to do a deep work in me. I also knew it was time…

Let us be re-minded that in this season of giving the very act of giving itself is designed to cost us something…

My first clue came in a “suddenly” moment. Standing at my kitchen island I heard the Lord say, “take your hands off of it.” Foolishly in the moment I thought He was referring to the new home He had just provided. In other words, “don’t get too attached to it.” See He’d dealt with me in the past about making idols of “things”. So, it was easy for me to see this as a reminder: This is a gift, NOT a possession!

Hence the hands-off thing…

I had no idea in that moment however, that in a just a few short months, not only would I leave that new home behind but with it my family, friends, my church family, my ministry work, and, the islands I so love. Those same Islands God has been bringing me back and forth between for the past 27 years! Would I ever come back?  Like I said, I had no idea this was coming. His ways are surely not mine!I would love to tell you that I was all super-spiritual and instantly—joyfully obeyed His command to pack it up, give it away, and go where He was leading me. But that would be a lie. However, I did pack. I did give away what I was told to, and I did go amid one of the worst hurricanes the Islands had seen in years. So severe was this storm that just 48 hours prior to my departure there were no flights off the islands due to the menacing wind. Only by Gods divine Hand was the storm turned away and literally swept out to sea.

His Word will not return to Him void…

Allow me to pause here and clarify something important: I was joy-filled to hear from God; that is my Spirit-man was. My flesh on the other hand, not so much.

Now you may be thinking, nice testimony, but what does this have to do with today’s scripture, or to your earlier reference of being led to the book of Zechariah? It’s here then that I will thank you for patiently following along. More, where I will start filling in the pieces of this puzzle for you…

In this season when everyone is running around searching for the perfect gift to give, it was in and through each of these passages that the Lord re-minded me of that one “perfect gift” He requires from us—from me, His children. A heart of obedience. One completely surrendered to His Lordship. After-all, it’s a large part of the reason He came for you and me. Why He chose us. Why He allowed Himself to be wrapped in milk rags and sleep in the leftover straw meant for animals. It’s why He gave up heaven and took on human flesh. It’s why that same flesh was ripped open by the Roman lictors whips. Why He held His Cross as one would hold their lover. It’s why He laid down upon it—willingly, stretching Himself wide; He wanted there to be room “for all who will” inside the Inn of His Body. It’s why this Spotless One took on every filthy thing I have ever done, said, thought. You too. He did this, and so much more, for us both. He did it for each soul that has ever been, is now, and those yet to be called by His great name.

Is there anything we might gain that is worth having outside of Jesus?

Is a fine home, a car, beautiful furnishings, cash in the bank, exotic destinations, the best of spouses or a house filled with children; never mind some finely wrapped gifts given us at Christmas worth having if our not knowing Jesus is the price we must pay to have them?

I say no. There is nothing. No thing I would exchange for knowing, and being both known and loved by my Lord. Nothing. And, that’s scary to say out loud. Though I know that I know He works all things together for my good—those “things He’s working with” are often exacting. Yet still, it’s on trembling knees I lovingly say, “not my will but Thine be done.” After all, I am His. Who else is there for me but Him?

It was in reading Zechariah 13 verse 8 that I was re-minded I have been chosen in Christ Jesus. Saved to serve my Savior. And, in verse nine how it is through this fire of adversity spoken of—this election of sacrifice and refining, that He burns off my dross. One day we will—I will, stand before Him spotless and without wrinkle. Oh, glorious day! It was during this same time that a verse we sing at this time of the year found its way into my heart. Thinking of it again now I am brought to my knees: “Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth…”

Oh, night divine! Oh, holy night…!

And there is it. My life, your life, the greatest gift we will ever receive laid out for us in nine simply profound and life-changing words. My worth—your worth, is found in Christ alone! Be re-minded of that in this season of hope beloved! Receive this precious gift friend. Is there any “thing” He might ask of us that is too great to give back to the One who came as Gods greatest, most costly gift to the world?

Friend, if you’ve yet to meet Him—to experience the life-changing joy of His birth, don’t let this Christmas pass without finding your way to His side and bow before Him in humble adoration. And, if you’re unsure just how to find Him, fear not, He is as faithful to guide you today as He was to those lowly shepherds so long ago… “And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests” … Luke 2:12-14!

And, to my brothers and sisters I welcome you to join me in worshiping anew our King. The greatest gift we will ever be given, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. May His star burn brightly in your hearts. And, may it be used as it was that first night to lead those who will to Him…

 

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