"You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance." Psalm 65:11 (NLT)
Those who are fitness addicts are very familiar with the phrase, "no pain. no gain" and rightfully so. It speaks to those who go from a static lifestyle to one of fitness. In the transition you experience a lot of pain caused by the lactic acid which is causing your muscles to stretcg. It's really an interesting concept of how God designed our bodies to consistently handle an increase in pressure physically.
The same can be said for our emotional and spiritual fitness. I look back and think of all the draining moments of my life. Times of war, where despair was evident. Times of lack, thinking of how I was going to make it through some agonizing moments of my life. As I thought back on what I navigated in life, I think about the fact that though those things were afflicting me at that moment, I grew a tolerance to it. Perhaps at some other time in my life I wouldn't have been able to handle it, but at that moment I could and I did. My spiritual and emotional muscles were flexing and the pain caused by the "lactic acid" was an indicator that I can take on "more weight."
I think of those who want the God of abundant provision without them having a need, or those who want God to be the healer without there being anything to heal. For God to move there has to be something He needs to move in or towards. For there to be a credit there must be a deficit.
What if we really understood that he wants to make the hard pathways turn decidedly in our favor? Would we really get the fact that growth comes with pain, but in the midst of this pain there is overflow and abundance? I know it runs counter to anything that many people can reason, but that's the breeding ground for God's impossible nature. He desires to make something out of nothing...that's His expertise. He just asks us to trust along the way. To give up our tendency for self-preservation when things get tough and rely on those hard pathways to overflow with our abundance.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Pass the Test
Genesis 16:2-3 "And Sarai said to Abram, "Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; to may be that I shall obtain children by her." And Abram listen to the voice of Sarai. So after Abram had lived 10 years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram's wife took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife."
This passage is known by many and often elicits strong feelings from lots of people, the truth of the matter is Abram and Sarai (their names had not been changed by God yet) were desperate for an heir (an answer to their problem). Sarai was looking for a resolution by adopting a common practice in their society in those days, giving the maid servant to the husband for children. In fact, this was a practice that Rachel (Abraham's granddaughter-in-law) practiced when she couldn't have children. Oftentimes these children would be the property or dedicated to the maid or slave owner and they would be treated as their own children (prehistoric adoption if you will). In Sarai's mind this is what would take place with the child of Hagar.
After reading this passage several times in the past, this particular time something stood out to me... the number 10, as in the years Abram had lived in Canaan when Sarai decided to take matters into her own hand. The number 10 is significant because it is the number of testing. It is God's number to use and see if what He has pronounced over your life has taken any effect. In Abram's case, this was the 10th year of living in the land of promise God had given him, but still Abram saw no fruit of the promise God had given to him 10 years before (sure he was wealthy but he wanted the promise of an heir). However, it wasn't Abram who acted on the impatience it was Sarai.
What ensues may be misconstrued to have people think that the result was Sarai's punishment. I don't think so. I think that when Hagar gives birth to Ishmael, Sarai recognized that her methods were not the solution to the problem she had. I tweeted the other day that, "exceptional people have exceptional problems, but recognize that the exceptional solution is not them."I believe that part of Sarai and Abram's exceptional quality was recognizing their mistake and believing for a greater solution to their promise. (Side note: if your test comes and you're tempted to use the best methods of society at the time... don't... you'll save yourself angst in the future.)
My purpose for all who may read this is not to condemn you for your mistakes in anyway. I hope that if you find yourself in the midst of the test, I would urge you to not respond the way you feel best. That is not an exceptional quality, recognizing that you can't solve it on your own...is.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
The Hiding Spot
"You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance." Psalm 32:7 ESV
When I was a little boy I used to love playing hide and seek. I mean, who didn't right? I always used to carefully select a place that would be very inconspicuous and neglected thinking that if I hid there no one would find me. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't but typically when I felt like I selected the right place I felt safe and secure with my decision.
As I grew older I began to play hide and seek of a different sort. One in which I would select a path for my life that would be as Robert Frost once coined, "was less traveled." I felt like there was more to life than what most people aspired for and as I realized that God was the owner of this path. For me it became a place replete with safety and security.
God is looking to be the hiding place not only for me, but for those who really want to understand the comforts of safety in the midst of trial and trouble. He wants to be the safety for us that we cannot be for ourselves. I realize however, that the only way for this place to be utilized is that it must be sought for first.
When I was a little boy I used to love playing hide and seek. I mean, who didn't right? I always used to carefully select a place that would be very inconspicuous and neglected thinking that if I hid there no one would find me. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't but typically when I felt like I selected the right place I felt safe and secure with my decision.
As I grew older I began to play hide and seek of a different sort. One in which I would select a path for my life that would be as Robert Frost once coined, "was less traveled." I felt like there was more to life than what most people aspired for and as I realized that God was the owner of this path. For me it became a place replete with safety and security.
God is looking to be the hiding place not only for me, but for those who really want to understand the comforts of safety in the midst of trial and trouble. He wants to be the safety for us that we cannot be for ourselves. I realize however, that the only way for this place to be utilized is that it must be sought for first.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Continuously Perfected
"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me..." Psalm 138:8a (NKJV)
This particular passage of scripture really grips my consciousness. For one I'm amazed at how good God is to me sometimes. Sure I know I'm the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus and all that but sometimes just reflecting on His love for me in spite of me is enough to leave me...well...speechless.
I suppose the biggest reason why I'm gripped by this passage is the simple usage of the word perfect. Put in a different context, this Psalm speaks about what God will do (future) in spite of what is happening (present).
I imagine David writing this with a bit of distress upon his life. After all, he tips his hand in v.7 by saying, "Though I walk in the midst of trouble." I guess the juxtaposition of what he is enduring to what he has endured is really shaping what he believes will happen next to him. For if God did not abandon him in his past why would he do so in his future?
Many of us have to see God in the same way. Enough with us allowing our present challenge dictate what we believe for our future. If we are in Christ and we have seen the exploits of God in our past...then why can't we believe that He will perfect or in other translations "complete" our future. Trust can be the issue, but if God has the track record then why is it so difficult for some to continue to trust Him?
I think the warring factions of doubt and faith have a lot to do with that. But like David I want to remind myself of the past victories God has accomplished for me to enhance my faith in spite of the doubt that wants to overcome me. This I believe will cause me to trust fully that He will perfect everything that concerns me.
-Amen
This particular passage of scripture really grips my consciousness. For one I'm amazed at how good God is to me sometimes. Sure I know I'm the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus and all that but sometimes just reflecting on His love for me in spite of me is enough to leave me...well...speechless.
I suppose the biggest reason why I'm gripped by this passage is the simple usage of the word perfect. Put in a different context, this Psalm speaks about what God will do (future) in spite of what is happening (present).
I imagine David writing this with a bit of distress upon his life. After all, he tips his hand in v.7 by saying, "Though I walk in the midst of trouble." I guess the juxtaposition of what he is enduring to what he has endured is really shaping what he believes will happen next to him. For if God did not abandon him in his past why would he do so in his future?
Many of us have to see God in the same way. Enough with us allowing our present challenge dictate what we believe for our future. If we are in Christ and we have seen the exploits of God in our past...then why can't we believe that He will perfect or in other translations "complete" our future. Trust can be the issue, but if God has the track record then why is it so difficult for some to continue to trust Him?
I think the warring factions of doubt and faith have a lot to do with that. But like David I want to remind myself of the past victories God has accomplished for me to enhance my faith in spite of the doubt that wants to overcome me. This I believe will cause me to trust fully that He will perfect everything that concerns me.
-Amen
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Why we hope
"But I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: the stedfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23 (ESV)
This passage is written from a very dark place. In the previous passages, the writer (Jeremiah) is engrossed in lamenting the failed glory of a once vibrant republic (Israel and Judah). At present, the writer is faced with peril at every turn and even worse a company of his own people clamoring for his life. In his darkest hour, he begins to think about the one thing that has never failed him, his God.
Fast forward to the present day as I am completely drawn to the fact that though the writer faced perilous times his reason for hope is just as relevant to me. I stop to think for a moment why God does what he does. (don't we all?) One fact is inescapable to me...His faithfulness still is great! I don't know how one argues against that. After all, the sun still rises in the morning, the flowers still bloom in the spring, and the seasons keep changing.
What's my point? I guess its to say that if the seemingly mundane has a rhythmic resonance to it, that no matter what, it will still come to pass. What is to make me think that I'm going to be left abandoned to the situation that seems bleak around me? As I grow older I understand more what the writer pens, "but I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope." Or as another writer put it, "And if God cares so wonderfully for the wildflowers that are here to day and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you..." (Matthew 6:30) This my friends is why we hope.
-Amen
This passage is written from a very dark place. In the previous passages, the writer (Jeremiah) is engrossed in lamenting the failed glory of a once vibrant republic (Israel and Judah). At present, the writer is faced with peril at every turn and even worse a company of his own people clamoring for his life. In his darkest hour, he begins to think about the one thing that has never failed him, his God.
Fast forward to the present day as I am completely drawn to the fact that though the writer faced perilous times his reason for hope is just as relevant to me. I stop to think for a moment why God does what he does. (don't we all?) One fact is inescapable to me...His faithfulness still is great! I don't know how one argues against that. After all, the sun still rises in the morning, the flowers still bloom in the spring, and the seasons keep changing.
What's my point? I guess its to say that if the seemingly mundane has a rhythmic resonance to it, that no matter what, it will still come to pass. What is to make me think that I'm going to be left abandoned to the situation that seems bleak around me? As I grow older I understand more what the writer pens, "but I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope." Or as another writer put it, "And if God cares so wonderfully for the wildflowers that are here to day and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you..." (Matthew 6:30) This my friends is why we hope.
-Amen
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Sought and found
"Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13 AMP
I remember years ago I lost a set of my car keys and I went about the entire house searching for it. The search was so pronounced that I looked in places that I haven't even looked at in years. Unfortunately, my search produced no results and I was left wondering and searching for something that could not be found.
While I would never liken my search for car keys to a search for God I won't forget the sentiment of loss I experienced looking for what I thought was a vital necessity for my life to function properly. A car was necessary to get me to work, and to places of commerce where I could purchase things that were of importance to me, or even go to places of worship. Though I needed to get around in my car without my key I was completely at a loss, until I was able to replace the key.
I wonder if sometimes our search for the practical things we believe are of vital importance for us could be diverted to seeking God in the same manner. It's hard to comprehend how one can look for something replaceable with such fervor and not devote that same focus to seeking God. It's truly an indictment on the status of what we elevate as important.
Each time I lose my way, I stop to reflect on that feeling I had when I looked for those keys, and it helps me recalibrate my focus on what's most important. I start to think about if I lost my connection to God like I loss that key I would be worse off than anything that key would ever provide me. The great thing about God is that He always makes himself available for us. Never once in any passage of scripture can you find where God does not make himself available to those who seek Him. That is a tremendous encouragement and comfort. Makes me want to undergo the search daily, so that I experience the things that are truly vital and necessary for my life.
I remember years ago I lost a set of my car keys and I went about the entire house searching for it. The search was so pronounced that I looked in places that I haven't even looked at in years. Unfortunately, my search produced no results and I was left wondering and searching for something that could not be found.
While I would never liken my search for car keys to a search for God I won't forget the sentiment of loss I experienced looking for what I thought was a vital necessity for my life to function properly. A car was necessary to get me to work, and to places of commerce where I could purchase things that were of importance to me, or even go to places of worship. Though I needed to get around in my car without my key I was completely at a loss, until I was able to replace the key.
I wonder if sometimes our search for the practical things we believe are of vital importance for us could be diverted to seeking God in the same manner. It's hard to comprehend how one can look for something replaceable with such fervor and not devote that same focus to seeking God. It's truly an indictment on the status of what we elevate as important.
Each time I lose my way, I stop to reflect on that feeling I had when I looked for those keys, and it helps me recalibrate my focus on what's most important. I start to think about if I lost my connection to God like I loss that key I would be worse off than anything that key would ever provide me. The great thing about God is that He always makes himself available for us. Never once in any passage of scripture can you find where God does not make himself available to those who seek Him. That is a tremendous encouragement and comfort. Makes me want to undergo the search daily, so that I experience the things that are truly vital and necessary for my life.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Thank God!
"Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done." 1 Chronicles 16:8 (NLT)
At the end of the day what matters most in life is us taking a moment to appreciate what God has done for us. Many of us begrudge this fact by saying, "well my life isn't what it's supposed to be, and things around me aren't all that great." My answer to you is...perhaps that's true, but is that a result of what God has done? Or what you have done yourself?
I've grown to find that at least in my life when things go wrong, I had a lot to do with it. Conversely, when things start breaking my way, curiously I had nothing to do with it. I maintain that typically the cause of my demise is... well... Me. I guess that's what compels me to write. Not because I want people to read about me for me, but instead serve as a warning for what not to do when all you want to do in your life is work out your own problems and issues.
This passage of scripture matters in life because it sums up the purpose of why we live. It gives us perspective that in this world there IS a greater power at work within us, doing things we can't even come close to doing on our own merit if we allow it.
I stand in awe of the greatness of God because he took a guy like me and placed me in places I never dreamed I would have been. The world needs to know this because this is actually a person giving credit to someone other than themselves, which was supposed to be the point all along.
At the end of the day what matters most in life is us taking a moment to appreciate what God has done for us. Many of us begrudge this fact by saying, "well my life isn't what it's supposed to be, and things around me aren't all that great." My answer to you is...perhaps that's true, but is that a result of what God has done? Or what you have done yourself?
I've grown to find that at least in my life when things go wrong, I had a lot to do with it. Conversely, when things start breaking my way, curiously I had nothing to do with it. I maintain that typically the cause of my demise is... well... Me. I guess that's what compels me to write. Not because I want people to read about me for me, but instead serve as a warning for what not to do when all you want to do in your life is work out your own problems and issues.
This passage of scripture matters in life because it sums up the purpose of why we live. It gives us perspective that in this world there IS a greater power at work within us, doing things we can't even come close to doing on our own merit if we allow it.
I stand in awe of the greatness of God because he took a guy like me and placed me in places I never dreamed I would have been. The world needs to know this because this is actually a person giving credit to someone other than themselves, which was supposed to be the point all along.
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