I watched Jenny's serice today online. It was aired from Richland Hills Church. Very emotional and moving service. Her 2 younger brothers did most of the service. I can't imagine how hard that would be, but they were both so postive. Just reminded me how lucky I am and how lucky we are as children of Christ. There is no death.
"I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."
John 8:51
We weren't promised life after death, we were promised LIFE.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Beyond Grief
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5
Grief visits all of us who live long and love deeply. When we lose a loved one, or when we experience any other profound loss, darkness overwhelms us for a while, and it seems as if our purpose for living has vanished. Thankfully, God has other plans.
The Christian faith, as communicated through the words of the Holy Bible, is a healing faith. It offers comfort in times of trouble, courage for our fears, hope instead of hopelessness. For Christians, the grave is not a final resting place, it is a place of transition. Through the healing words of God's promises, Christians understand that the Lord continues to manifest His plan in good times and bad.
God intends that you have a meaningful, abundant life, but He expects you to do your part in claiming those blessings. So, as you work through your grief, you will find it helpful to utilize all the resources that God has placed along your path. God makes help available, but it's up to you to find it and then to accept it.
First and foremost, you should lean upon the love, help, and support of family members, friends, fellow church members, and your pastor.
Be mindful of this fact: As a wounded survivor, you will have countless opportunities to serve others. And by serving others, you will bring purpose and meaning to the suffering you've endured.
Psalm 30:5
Grief visits all of us who live long and love deeply. When we lose a loved one, or when we experience any other profound loss, darkness overwhelms us for a while, and it seems as if our purpose for living has vanished. Thankfully, God has other plans.
The Christian faith, as communicated through the words of the Holy Bible, is a healing faith. It offers comfort in times of trouble, courage for our fears, hope instead of hopelessness. For Christians, the grave is not a final resting place, it is a place of transition. Through the healing words of God's promises, Christians understand that the Lord continues to manifest His plan in good times and bad.
God intends that you have a meaningful, abundant life, but He expects you to do your part in claiming those blessings. So, as you work through your grief, you will find it helpful to utilize all the resources that God has placed along your path. God makes help available, but it's up to you to find it and then to accept it.
First and foremost, you should lean upon the love, help, and support of family members, friends, fellow church members, and your pastor.
Be mindful of this fact: As a wounded survivor, you will have countless opportunities to serve others. And by serving others, you will bring purpose and meaning to the suffering you've endured.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
REJOICE!
Are you living a life of agitation, consternation, or celebration? If you're a believer, it should most certainly be the latter. With Christ as your Savior, every day should be a time of celebration.
Oswald Chambers correctly observed, "Joy is the great note all throughout the Bible." C.S. Lewis echoed that thought when he wrote, "Joy is the serious business of heaven." But, even the most dedicated Christians can, on occasion, forget to celebrate each day for what it is: a priceless gift from God.
Today, celebrate the life that God has given you. Today, put a smile on your face, kind words on your lips, and a song in your heart. Be generous with your praise and free with your encouragement. And then, when you have celebrated life to the full, invite your friends to do likewise. After all, this is God's day, and He has given us clear instructions for its use. We are commanded to rejoice and be glad. So, with no further ado, let the celebration begin...
From 100 Verses Every Dad Needs To Know
Oswald Chambers correctly observed, "Joy is the great note all throughout the Bible." C.S. Lewis echoed that thought when he wrote, "Joy is the serious business of heaven." But, even the most dedicated Christians can, on occasion, forget to celebrate each day for what it is: a priceless gift from God.
Today, celebrate the life that God has given you. Today, put a smile on your face, kind words on your lips, and a song in your heart. Be generous with your praise and free with your encouragement. And then, when you have celebrated life to the full, invite your friends to do likewise. After all, this is God's day, and He has given us clear instructions for its use. We are commanded to rejoice and be glad. So, with no further ado, let the celebration begin...
From 100 Verses Every Dad Needs To Know
Some of us seem so anxious about avoiding hell that we forget to celebrate our journey toward heaven. - Philip Yancey
More on Prayer
The Kitchen:
God's Abundant Table
by Max Lucado
"Give us this day our daily bread..."
Your first step into the house of God was not to the kitchen but to the living room, where you were reminded of your adoption. "Our Father who is in heaven." You then studied the foundation of the house, where you pondered his permanence. "Our Father who is in heaven." Next you entered the observatory and marveled at his handiwork: "Our Father who is in heaven." In the chapel, you worshiped his holiness: "Hallowed be thy name." In the throne room, you touched the lowered sceptor and prayed the greatest prayer, "Thy kingdom come." In the study, you submitted your desires to his and prayed, "Thy will be done." And all of heaven was silent as you placed your prayer in the furnace, saying, "on earth as it is in heaven."
Proper prayer follows such a path, revealing God to us before revealing our needs to God. (You might reread that one.) The purpose of prayer is not to change God, but to change us, and by the time we reach God's kitchen, we are changed people. Wasn't our heart warmed when we called him Father? Weren't our fears stilled when we contemplated his constancy? Weren't we amazed as we started at the heavens?
Seeing his holiness caused us to confess our sin. Inviting his kingdom to come reminded us to stop building our own. Asking God for his will to be done placed our will in second place to his. And realizing that heaven pauses when we pray left us breathless in his presence.
By the time we step into the kitchen, we're renewed people! We've been comforted by our father, conformed by his nature, consumed by our creator, convicted by his character, constrained by his power, commissioned by our teacher, and compelled by his attention to our prayers.
The prayer's next three petitions encompass all of the concerns of our life. "This daily bread" addresses the present. "Forgive our sins" addresses the past. "Lead us not into temptation" speaks to the future. (The wonder of God's wisdom: how he can reduce all our needs to three simple statements.)
First he addresses our need for bread. The term means all of a person's physical needs. Martin Luther defined bread as "Everything necessary for the preservation of this life, including food, a healthy body, house, home, wife and children." This verse urges us to talk to God about the necessities of life. He may also give us the luxuries of life, but he certainly will grant the necessities. Any fear that God wouldn't meet our needs was left in the observatory. Would he give the stars their glitter and not give us our food? Of course not. He has committed to care for us. We aren't wrestling crumbs out of a reluctant hand, but rather confessing the bounty of a generous hand. The essence of the prayer is really and affirmation of the Father's care. Our provision is his priority.
From The Great House of God
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1997) Max Lucado
God's Abundant Table
by Max Lucado
"Give us this day our daily bread..."
Your first step into the house of God was not to the kitchen but to the living room, where you were reminded of your adoption. "Our Father who is in heaven." You then studied the foundation of the house, where you pondered his permanence. "Our Father who is in heaven." Next you entered the observatory and marveled at his handiwork: "Our Father who is in heaven." In the chapel, you worshiped his holiness: "Hallowed be thy name." In the throne room, you touched the lowered sceptor and prayed the greatest prayer, "Thy kingdom come." In the study, you submitted your desires to his and prayed, "Thy will be done." And all of heaven was silent as you placed your prayer in the furnace, saying, "on earth as it is in heaven."
Proper prayer follows such a path, revealing God to us before revealing our needs to God. (You might reread that one.) The purpose of prayer is not to change God, but to change us, and by the time we reach God's kitchen, we are changed people. Wasn't our heart warmed when we called him Father? Weren't our fears stilled when we contemplated his constancy? Weren't we amazed as we started at the heavens?
Seeing his holiness caused us to confess our sin. Inviting his kingdom to come reminded us to stop building our own. Asking God for his will to be done placed our will in second place to his. And realizing that heaven pauses when we pray left us breathless in his presence.
By the time we step into the kitchen, we're renewed people! We've been comforted by our father, conformed by his nature, consumed by our creator, convicted by his character, constrained by his power, commissioned by our teacher, and compelled by his attention to our prayers.
The prayer's next three petitions encompass all of the concerns of our life. "This daily bread" addresses the present. "Forgive our sins" addresses the past. "Lead us not into temptation" speaks to the future. (The wonder of God's wisdom: how he can reduce all our needs to three simple statements.)
First he addresses our need for bread. The term means all of a person's physical needs. Martin Luther defined bread as "Everything necessary for the preservation of this life, including food, a healthy body, house, home, wife and children." This verse urges us to talk to God about the necessities of life. He may also give us the luxuries of life, but he certainly will grant the necessities. Any fear that God wouldn't meet our needs was left in the observatory. Would he give the stars their glitter and not give us our food? Of course not. He has committed to care for us. We aren't wrestling crumbs out of a reluctant hand, but rather confessing the bounty of a generous hand. The essence of the prayer is really and affirmation of the Father's care. Our provision is his priority.
From The Great House of God
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1997) Max Lucado
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Prayer
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
---(Matthew 6: 5-14)
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it. ---(1 Corinthians 10:13)
"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
---(Matthew 6: 5-14)
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it. ---(1 Corinthians 10:13)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Blind Intersections
I'm currently reading Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado. It's been great so far. It's a look into David's life and it also talks about identifying and facing your own giants. I highly recommend it.
http://www.maxlucado.net/_product_30305/Facing_Your_Giants
The chapter I read last night was called Blind Intersections. Max starts off the chapter talking about how he always gets lost. Whether it be with driving directions or in buildings, etc. Fortunately, I've always been pretty good with directions and having a good idea of where I'm going. I got that from my dad. However, Max also refers to the crossroads in your life. Now that's completely different for me. We've all come across those times where we have to make a decision to go one way or the other. Take the job or leave it? Leave home or remain home? Build or buy? etc. I've always been terrible at making decisions. One of life's giant-size questions is "How can I know what God wants me to do?" Great question. And one that is right in line with the topics I've posted about Hearing God. David asked God the same question.
David has just learned of Saul and Jonathan's death. Suddenly the thrown was empty and David's options are wide open. But before David makes a decision he asks God.
In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. "Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?" he asked. The Lord said, "Go up." David asked, "Where shall I go?" "To Hebron," the Lord answered. ---(2 Samuel 2:1)
David makes a habit of asking for God's opinion but he does so with a tool called an ephod. An ephod is an ornate vest, woven of white linen, in-wrought with threads of blue, purple, scarlet, and gold. A breastplate bearing twelve precious stones adorned the vest. The breastplate contained one or two, maybe three, resplendent diamonds or diamondlike stones. These stones had the names Urim and Thummim. No one knows the exact meaning of the terms but "light" and "perfection" lead the list. Here is an idea pictured below.
God revealed his will through these stones. They illuminated when God said yes as well as a few other methods. The method is a bit speculative but we don't need to guess at the value. What a great tool. When faced with a problem David could simply ask God and get the answer. Wouldn't it be awesome if God would do the same for us. We could simply ask a question and get the answer. Wouldn't you love to have an ephod? Who's to say we don't? God still promises to guide us:
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. ---(Psalm 32:8)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. ---(Proverbs 3:5-6)
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying "This is the way; walk in it." ---(Isaiah 30:6)
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ---(John 10:27)
The God who guided David guides us as well. All we have to do is ask. We may not have an ephod but we do have the Bible. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" ---(Heb. 4:12)
We have the tool, all we have to do is use it. God tells us "I will never fail you. I will never forsake you" ---(Heb. 13:5). "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Phil 4:6). Don't make a decision, large or small, without sitting before God with open Bible, open heart, and open ears. You have a Bible? Read it.
What an awesome God we serve.
http://www.maxlucado.net/_product_30305/Facing_Your_Giants
The chapter I read last night was called Blind Intersections. Max starts off the chapter talking about how he always gets lost. Whether it be with driving directions or in buildings, etc. Fortunately, I've always been pretty good with directions and having a good idea of where I'm going. I got that from my dad. However, Max also refers to the crossroads in your life. Now that's completely different for me. We've all come across those times where we have to make a decision to go one way or the other. Take the job or leave it? Leave home or remain home? Build or buy? etc. I've always been terrible at making decisions. One of life's giant-size questions is "How can I know what God wants me to do?" Great question. And one that is right in line with the topics I've posted about Hearing God. David asked God the same question.
David has just learned of Saul and Jonathan's death. Suddenly the thrown was empty and David's options are wide open. But before David makes a decision he asks God.
In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. "Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?" he asked. The Lord said, "Go up." David asked, "Where shall I go?" "To Hebron," the Lord answered. ---(2 Samuel 2:1)
David makes a habit of asking for God's opinion but he does so with a tool called an ephod. An ephod is an ornate vest, woven of white linen, in-wrought with threads of blue, purple, scarlet, and gold. A breastplate bearing twelve precious stones adorned the vest. The breastplate contained one or two, maybe three, resplendent diamonds or diamondlike stones. These stones had the names Urim and Thummim. No one knows the exact meaning of the terms but "light" and "perfection" lead the list. Here is an idea pictured below.
God revealed his will through these stones. They illuminated when God said yes as well as a few other methods. The method is a bit speculative but we don't need to guess at the value. What a great tool. When faced with a problem David could simply ask God and get the answer. Wouldn't it be awesome if God would do the same for us. We could simply ask a question and get the answer. Wouldn't you love to have an ephod? Who's to say we don't? God still promises to guide us:I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. ---(Psalm 32:8)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. ---(Proverbs 3:5-6)
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying "This is the way; walk in it." ---(Isaiah 30:6)
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ---(John 10:27)
The God who guided David guides us as well. All we have to do is ask. We may not have an ephod but we do have the Bible. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" ---(Heb. 4:12)
We have the tool, all we have to do is use it. God tells us "I will never fail you. I will never forsake you" ---(Heb. 13:5). "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Phil 4:6). Don't make a decision, large or small, without sitting before God with open Bible, open heart, and open ears. You have a Bible? Read it.
What an awesome God we serve.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Guard Your Heart
Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. Proverbs 4:23
You are near and dear to God. He loves you more than you can imagine, and He wants the very best for you. And one more thing. God wants you to guard your heart.
Every day, you are faced with choices...more choices than you can count. You can do the right thing, or not. You can be prudent, or not. You can be kind, generous, and obedient to God. Or not.
Today, the world will offer you countless opportunities to let down your guard and, by doing so, make needless mistakes that may injure you or your loved ones. So be watchful and obedient. Guard your heart by giving it to your Heavenly Father; it is safe with Him.
---------from 100 Verses Every Dad Needs To Know
The God who dwells in heaven is willing to dwell also in the heart of the humble believer.
-Warren Wiersbe
To lose heart is to lose everything.
-John Eldredge
Today, think about the value of living a life that is pleasing to God. And while you're at it, think about the rewards that are likely to be yours when you do the right thing day in and day out.
You are near and dear to God. He loves you more than you can imagine, and He wants the very best for you. And one more thing. God wants you to guard your heart.
Every day, you are faced with choices...more choices than you can count. You can do the right thing, or not. You can be prudent, or not. You can be kind, generous, and obedient to God. Or not.
Today, the world will offer you countless opportunities to let down your guard and, by doing so, make needless mistakes that may injure you or your loved ones. So be watchful and obedient. Guard your heart by giving it to your Heavenly Father; it is safe with Him.
---------from 100 Verses Every Dad Needs To Know
The God who dwells in heaven is willing to dwell also in the heart of the humble believer.
-Warren Wiersbe
To lose heart is to lose everything.
-John Eldredge
Today, think about the value of living a life that is pleasing to God. And while you're at it, think about the rewards that are likely to be yours when you do the right thing day in and day out.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Some mornings I wish my alarm would say "You have nothing to do today, go back to sleep." Unfortunately that has yet to happen. However, every morning you have a choice. You can choose to have a good day or a bad day. I'm choosing to have a good day. 10% of Life is what happens to you, 90% is how you handle it. See the video below. Really makes you appreciate the small things in life and how lucky we are.
http://blutube.policeone.com/Media/5148-Officer-who-almost-burned-to-death-gives-inspirational-speech/
http://blutube.policeone.com/Media/5148-Officer-who-almost-burned-to-death-gives-inspirational-speech/
Monday, January 25, 2010
To Him Be Glory
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3: 20-21
Ephesians 3: 20-21
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Hearing God's Voice
More on Hearing God's Voice from allaboutprayer.org
Hearing God's Voice - Are You Ready to Listen?
Hearing God's voice is something we all long for-but did you know that it's not hard to do? In fact, God wants you to hear His voice! He doesn't speak to us through a quiver in our liver or through vibes or mediums. Hearing the voice of God is as natural as hearing your best friend talk to you. What's more, we can hear Him everyday and not just on special occasions or by chanting special incantations. He speaks to us in the natural moments of life. Do you want to hear God's voice? Then you must be ready to listen.
Hearing God's Voice - Why Do You Want to Hear Him?
Why do you want to hear God's voice? That may sound like a silly question, but motives are important in anything we do. The Bible says this about God's Word: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
Do you want to hear God's voice? If you do, it's possible you're hearing Him already, for He may be the one giving you the longing to hear Him.
Hearing God's Voice in the Bible
In his book Knowing God, J. I. Packer says, "God has spoken to man, and the Bible is His Word, given to us to make us wise unto salvation."
The Bible itself declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). In another place, we read: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16).
You may hear people say that the Bible is just a book written by men, but the Bible itself claims to be God's Word! Can we rely on it? The evidence of history, archaeology, fulfilled prophecy and personal testimony over thousands of years is overwhelming that the Bible is, indeed, God's Word. Do you want to hear God's voice? Then read the Bible. Find a good daily reading plan, and stick to it.
Hearing God's Voice through Prayer
When you want to have a conversation with someone, how do you begin? Do you stand in front of the person and hope they will talk to you? That might work, if the other person is outgoing enough, but usually we begin a conversation by opening our own mouths and talking, engaging the other person's attention. It's the same with God! He loves to hear us talk to Him, and it's in those moments that we prepare ourselves to hear the voice of God. Prayer is like saying, "Hello, God, it's me. I believe You created me and that You know way more about how I should live my life than I do. I'd like to get to know You better. Here's what's going on in my life, and I'd sure like Your thoughts on how to handle it. Would You please speak to me about this today?"
In an ordinary conversation, we speak, then listen for the response of the other person. It's the same with God! Once we've prepared our hearts to listen through prayer, we're more likely to hear the voice of God. Does He speak to us through an audible voice? Some claim He does, but usually that's not the case. We may not actually "hear" the voice of God, but He speaks to us in many ways. Here are some of them:
God speaks through His Word
God speaks through our thoughts
God speaks through conversations with others
God speaks through circumstances
Hearing God's Voice through Jesus
The Bible also tells us that Jesus is God in the flesh. Therefore, if you want to hear the voice of God, you must study and know the teachings of Jesus. Here's how John describes Him: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the Word of life." (1 John 1:1). You must also have a personal relationship with Jesus. Have you ever tried to carry on a conversation of any depth with a person you did not know? It doesn't usually go very far.
Shortly before He was crucified, Jesus met with His disciples to reassure them of what would happen after He was gone. He promised them a helper: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17). The Holy Spirit, then, is the fulfillment of the way we hear God's voice!
Hearing God's Voice with the Help of the Holy Spirit
"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26). The second chapter of Acts describes the events that occurred on the day of Pentecost, after Jesus ascended into Heaven. Verse 3 says they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, the Counselor promised by Jesus. This unique aspect of God's personality did not come to them as someone they could see and touch, but rather He came to live inside them. That same Spirit is available to you and me today. Are you a Christian? If so, you already have the Holy Spirit available to you. Ask God for a fresh filling everyday, and He will prepare your heart to hear God's voice. His Spirit, that still, small voice inside you, is the One who will remind you of what God said, and help you recognize God's opportunities in your life.
Hearing God's Voice - Conclusion of the Matter
So we have the Bible, prayer, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and our own hearts to help us in hearing God's voice. Do you want to hear God's voice? That is the final question, for God responds to willing hearts. In the book of Revelation, we read: "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 him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20). God will never force you to obey Him, but waits for your willing response to His call. Are you hearing His voice right now? Don't let your final answer be the wrong one.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
More on Hearing God
Here are some thoughts from Mark Virkler.
Christianity is unique among religions, for it alone offers a personal relationship with the Creator beginning here and now, and lasting throughout eternity. Jesus declared, “This is eternal life – that they may know God” (Jn. 17:2). Unfortunately, many in the Church miss the great blessing of fellowship with our Lord because we have lost the ability to recognize His voice within us. Though we have the promise that “My sheep hear My voice,” too many believers are starved for that intimate relationship that alone can satisfy the desire of their hearts.
I was one of those sheep who was deaf to his Shepherd until the Lord revealed four very simple keys (found in Habakkuk 2:1, 2) that unlocked the treasure of His voice.
Key #1 – God’s voice in your heart often sounds like a flow of spontaneous thoughts.
Habakkuk knew the sound of God speaking to him (Hab. 2:2). Elijah described it as a still, small voice (I Kings 19:12 ). I had always listened for an inner audible voice, and God does speak that way at times. However, I have found that usually, God's voice comes as spontaneous thoughts, visions, feelings, or impressions.
For example, haven't you been driving down the road and had a thought come to you to pray for a certain person? Didn’t you believe it was God telling you to pray? What did God's voice sound like? Was it an audible voice, or was it a spontaneous thought that lit upon your mind?
Experience indicates that we perceive spirit-level communication as spontaneous thoughts, impressions and visions, and Scripture confirms this in many ways. For example, one definition of paga, a Hebrew word for intercession, is "a chance encounter or an accidental intersecting." When God lays people on our hearts, He does it through paga, a chance-encounter thought “accidentally” intersecting our minds.
Therefore, when you want to hear from God, tune to chance-encounter or spontaneous thoughts.
Key #2 – Become still so you can sense God’s flow of thoughts and emotions within.
Habakkuk said, "I will stand on my guard post..." (Hab. 2:1). Habakkuk knew that to hear God's quiet, inner, spontaneous thoughts, he had to first go to a quiet place and still his own thoughts and emotions. Psalm 46:10 encourages us to be still, and know that He is God. There is a deep inner knowing (spontaneous flow) in our spirits that each of us can experience when we quiet our flesh and our minds. If we are not still, we will sense only our own thoughts.
Loving God through a quiet worship song is one very effective way to become still. (Note II Kings 3:15 .) After I worship and become silent within, I open myself for that spontaneous flow. If thoughts come of things I have forgotten to do, I write them down and dismiss them. If thoughts of guilt or unworthiness come, I repent thoroughly, receive the washing of the blood of the Lamb, putting on His robe of righteousness, seeing myself spotless before God (Is. 61:10; Col. 1:22).
To receive the pure word of God, it is very important that my heart be properly focused as I become still because my focus is the source of the intuitive flow. If I fix my eyes upon Jesus, the intuitive flow comes from Jesus. But if I fix my gaze upon some desire of my heart, the intuitive flow comes out of that desire. To have a pure flow I must become still and carefully fix my eyes upon Jesus. Again, quietly worshiping the King, and receiving out of the stillness that follows quite easily accomplishes this.
Fix your gaze upon Jesus (Heb. 12:2), becoming quiet in His presence and sharing with Him what is on your heart. Spontaneous thoughts will begin to flow from the throne of God to you, and you will actually be conversing with the King of Kings!
Key #3 – As you pray, fix the eyes of your heart upon Jesus, seeing in the Spirit the dreams and visions of Almighty God.
Habakkuk said, "I will keep watch to see," and God said, "Record the vision" (Hab. 2:1,2). Habakkuk was actually looking for vision as he prayed. He opened the eyes of his heart, and looked into the spirit world to see what God wanted to show him. This is an intriguing idea.
God has always spoken through dreams and visions, and He specifically said that they would come to those upon whom the Holy Spirit is poured out (Acts 2:1-4, 17).
I had never thought of opening the eyes of my heart and looking for vision. However, I have come to believe that this is exactly what God wants me to do. He gave me eyes in my heart to see in the spirit the vision and movement of Almighty God. There is an active spirit world all around us, full of angels, demons, the Holy Spirit, the omnipresent Father, and His omnipresent Son, Jesus. The only reasons for me not to see this reality are unbelief or lack of knowledge.
In order to see, we must look. Daniel saw a vision in his mind and said, "I was looking...I kept looking...I kept looking" (Dan. 7:2,9,13). As I pray, I look for Jesus, and I watch as He speaks to me, doing and saying the things that are on His heart. Many Christians will find that if they will only look, they will see, in the same way they receive spontaneous thoughts. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us (Matt. 1:23 ). It is as simple as that. You can see Christ present with you because Christ is present with you. In fact, the vision may come so easily that you will be tempted to reject it, thinking that it is just you. But if you persist in recording these visions, your doubt will soon be overcome by faith as you recognize that the content of them could only be birthed in Almighty God.
Jesus demonstrated the ability of living out of constant contact with God, declaring that He did nothing on His own initiative, but only what He saw the Father doing, and heard the Father saying (Jn. 5:19,20,30). What an incredible way to live!
Is it possible for you to live out of divine initiative as Jesus did? Yes! Fix your eyes upon Jesus. The veil has been torn, giving access into the immediate presence of God, and He calls you to draw near (Lk. 23:45; Heb. l0: 19-22). “I pray that the eyes of your heart will be enlightened….”
Key #4 – Journaling, the writing out of your prayers and God’s answers, brings great freedom in hearing God’s voice.
God told Habakkuk to record the vision (Hab. 2:2). This was not an isolated command. The Scriptures record many examples of individual’s prayers and God’s replies (e.g. the Psalms, many of the prophets, Revelation).
I call the process "two-way journaling," and I have found it to be a fabulous catalyst for clearly discerning God's inner, spontaneous flow, because as I journal I am able to write in faith for long periods of time, simply believing it is God. I know that what I believe I have received from God must be tested. However, testing involves doubt and doubt blocks divine communication, so I do not want to test while I am trying to receive. With journaling, I can receive in faith, knowing that when the flow has ended I can test and examine it carefully, making sure that it lines up with Scripture.
You will be amazed when you journal. Doubt may hinder you at first, but throw it off, reminding yourself that it is a biblical concept, and that God is present, speaking to His children. Relax. When we cease our labors and enter His rest, God is free to flow (Heb. 4:10 ). Sit back comfortably, take out your pen and paper, smile, and turn your attention toward the Lord in praise and worship, seeking His face. After you write your question to Him, become still, fixing your gaze on Jesus You will suddenly have a very good thought. Don't doubt it; simply write it down. Later, as you read your journaling, you, too, will be blessed to discover that you are indeed dialoguing with God.
Some final notes: Knowing God through the Bible is a vital foundation to hearing His voice in your heart, so you must have a solid commitment to knowing and obeying the Scriptures. It is also very important for your growth and safety that you be related to solid, spiritual counselors All major directional moves that come through journaling should be confirmed by your counselors before you act upon them.
Christianity is unique among religions, for it alone offers a personal relationship with the Creator beginning here and now, and lasting throughout eternity. Jesus declared, “This is eternal life – that they may know God” (Jn. 17:2). Unfortunately, many in the Church miss the great blessing of fellowship with our Lord because we have lost the ability to recognize His voice within us. Though we have the promise that “My sheep hear My voice,” too many believers are starved for that intimate relationship that alone can satisfy the desire of their hearts.
I was one of those sheep who was deaf to his Shepherd until the Lord revealed four very simple keys (found in Habakkuk 2:1, 2) that unlocked the treasure of His voice.
Key #1 – God’s voice in your heart often sounds like a flow of spontaneous thoughts.
Habakkuk knew the sound of God speaking to him (Hab. 2:2). Elijah described it as a still, small voice (I Kings 19:12 ). I had always listened for an inner audible voice, and God does speak that way at times. However, I have found that usually, God's voice comes as spontaneous thoughts, visions, feelings, or impressions.
For example, haven't you been driving down the road and had a thought come to you to pray for a certain person? Didn’t you believe it was God telling you to pray? What did God's voice sound like? Was it an audible voice, or was it a spontaneous thought that lit upon your mind?
Experience indicates that we perceive spirit-level communication as spontaneous thoughts, impressions and visions, and Scripture confirms this in many ways. For example, one definition of paga, a Hebrew word for intercession, is "a chance encounter or an accidental intersecting." When God lays people on our hearts, He does it through paga, a chance-encounter thought “accidentally” intersecting our minds.
Therefore, when you want to hear from God, tune to chance-encounter or spontaneous thoughts.
Key #2 – Become still so you can sense God’s flow of thoughts and emotions within.
Habakkuk said, "I will stand on my guard post..." (Hab. 2:1). Habakkuk knew that to hear God's quiet, inner, spontaneous thoughts, he had to first go to a quiet place and still his own thoughts and emotions. Psalm 46:10 encourages us to be still, and know that He is God. There is a deep inner knowing (spontaneous flow) in our spirits that each of us can experience when we quiet our flesh and our minds. If we are not still, we will sense only our own thoughts.
Loving God through a quiet worship song is one very effective way to become still. (Note II Kings 3:15 .) After I worship and become silent within, I open myself for that spontaneous flow. If thoughts come of things I have forgotten to do, I write them down and dismiss them. If thoughts of guilt or unworthiness come, I repent thoroughly, receive the washing of the blood of the Lamb, putting on His robe of righteousness, seeing myself spotless before God (Is. 61:10; Col. 1:22).
To receive the pure word of God, it is very important that my heart be properly focused as I become still because my focus is the source of the intuitive flow. If I fix my eyes upon Jesus, the intuitive flow comes from Jesus. But if I fix my gaze upon some desire of my heart, the intuitive flow comes out of that desire. To have a pure flow I must become still and carefully fix my eyes upon Jesus. Again, quietly worshiping the King, and receiving out of the stillness that follows quite easily accomplishes this.
Fix your gaze upon Jesus (Heb. 12:2), becoming quiet in His presence and sharing with Him what is on your heart. Spontaneous thoughts will begin to flow from the throne of God to you, and you will actually be conversing with the King of Kings!
Key #3 – As you pray, fix the eyes of your heart upon Jesus, seeing in the Spirit the dreams and visions of Almighty God.
Habakkuk said, "I will keep watch to see," and God said, "Record the vision" (Hab. 2:1,2). Habakkuk was actually looking for vision as he prayed. He opened the eyes of his heart, and looked into the spirit world to see what God wanted to show him. This is an intriguing idea.
God has always spoken through dreams and visions, and He specifically said that they would come to those upon whom the Holy Spirit is poured out (Acts 2:1-4, 17).
I had never thought of opening the eyes of my heart and looking for vision. However, I have come to believe that this is exactly what God wants me to do. He gave me eyes in my heart to see in the spirit the vision and movement of Almighty God. There is an active spirit world all around us, full of angels, demons, the Holy Spirit, the omnipresent Father, and His omnipresent Son, Jesus. The only reasons for me not to see this reality are unbelief or lack of knowledge.
In order to see, we must look. Daniel saw a vision in his mind and said, "I was looking...I kept looking...I kept looking" (Dan. 7:2,9,13). As I pray, I look for Jesus, and I watch as He speaks to me, doing and saying the things that are on His heart. Many Christians will find that if they will only look, they will see, in the same way they receive spontaneous thoughts. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us (Matt. 1:23 ). It is as simple as that. You can see Christ present with you because Christ is present with you. In fact, the vision may come so easily that you will be tempted to reject it, thinking that it is just you. But if you persist in recording these visions, your doubt will soon be overcome by faith as you recognize that the content of them could only be birthed in Almighty God.
Jesus demonstrated the ability of living out of constant contact with God, declaring that He did nothing on His own initiative, but only what He saw the Father doing, and heard the Father saying (Jn. 5:19,20,30). What an incredible way to live!
Is it possible for you to live out of divine initiative as Jesus did? Yes! Fix your eyes upon Jesus. The veil has been torn, giving access into the immediate presence of God, and He calls you to draw near (Lk. 23:45; Heb. l0: 19-22). “I pray that the eyes of your heart will be enlightened….”
Key #4 – Journaling, the writing out of your prayers and God’s answers, brings great freedom in hearing God’s voice.
God told Habakkuk to record the vision (Hab. 2:2). This was not an isolated command. The Scriptures record many examples of individual’s prayers and God’s replies (e.g. the Psalms, many of the prophets, Revelation).
I call the process "two-way journaling," and I have found it to be a fabulous catalyst for clearly discerning God's inner, spontaneous flow, because as I journal I am able to write in faith for long periods of time, simply believing it is God. I know that what I believe I have received from God must be tested. However, testing involves doubt and doubt blocks divine communication, so I do not want to test while I am trying to receive. With journaling, I can receive in faith, knowing that when the flow has ended I can test and examine it carefully, making sure that it lines up with Scripture.
You will be amazed when you journal. Doubt may hinder you at first, but throw it off, reminding yourself that it is a biblical concept, and that God is present, speaking to His children. Relax. When we cease our labors and enter His rest, God is free to flow (Heb. 4:10 ). Sit back comfortably, take out your pen and paper, smile, and turn your attention toward the Lord in praise and worship, seeking His face. After you write your question to Him, become still, fixing your gaze on Jesus You will suddenly have a very good thought. Don't doubt it; simply write it down. Later, as you read your journaling, you, too, will be blessed to discover that you are indeed dialoguing with God.
Some final notes: Knowing God through the Bible is a vital foundation to hearing His voice in your heart, so you must have a solid commitment to knowing and obeying the Scriptures. It is also very important for your growth and safety that you be related to solid, spiritual counselors All major directional moves that come through journaling should be confirmed by your counselors before you act upon them.
Hearing God
Lately "hearing God" has really been on my mind. I want to hear God but I want to make sure it is God that I'm hearing and not something or someone else. My prayers have been to help me hear God and know that it's God. But how do we know? I'll be posting some different thoughts and scriptures the next few days about this topic.
I see to it that I do not refuse Him who speaks. Heb 12.25
I hear the voice of Jesus my shepherd. He calls me by name and leads me out. Jn 10.3
I follow Jesus for I know His voice. Jn 10.4
I will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for I do not know the voice of strangers. I will not listen to evil spirits. I will not obey evil spirits. I will not submit to evil spirits. Jn 10.5
I am of God and I hear God's words. Jn 8.47
I am able to understand Christ's speech because I am able to listen to His Word. Jn 8.43
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit is with me. 2Cor 13.14
Today I will to hear His voice, and I do not harden my heart as in the rebellion. Heb 13.15
I hear the Beloved Son of God. Mt 17.5
God makes known to me what His thoughts are. Amos 4.13
God awakens me morning by morning. He awakens my ear to hear as the learned. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away. Is 50.4
God gives me the word of wisdom.
God gives me the word of knowledge.
God gives me prophetic utterance.
God gives me the gift of faith. 1Cor 12.8-8.10
God has given me the gift of interpretation of tongues. 1Cor 14.13
I hear the instruction of my Father, God. Pr 1.8
I obey the voice of God. Jer 11.4
I choose to live uprightly and now God's secret counsel is with me. Pr 3.32
The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him. I fear the Lord and His secrets are with me. He also shows me His covenant. Ps 25.14
I fear the Lord and He teaches me in the way He chooses. Ps 25.12
My eyes shall see my Teachers. My ears shall hear a word behind me, saying, "This is the way, walk in it, whenever I turn to the right hand or whenever I turn to the left." Is 30.20 30.21
The words of Jesus abide in me. Jn 15.7
I listen to God's words; I bow my ear to what God says. I will not let God's words depart from my eyes; I will keep them in the centre of my heart. They are life to me and health to all my flesh. Pr 4.20 - 4.22
I see to it that I do not refuse Him who speaks. Heb 12.25
I hear the voice of Jesus my shepherd. He calls me by name and leads me out. Jn 10.3
I follow Jesus for I know His voice. Jn 10.4
I will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for I do not know the voice of strangers. I will not listen to evil spirits. I will not obey evil spirits. I will not submit to evil spirits. Jn 10.5
I am of God and I hear God's words. Jn 8.47
I am able to understand Christ's speech because I am able to listen to His Word. Jn 8.43
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit is with me. 2Cor 13.14
Today I will to hear His voice, and I do not harden my heart as in the rebellion. Heb 13.15
I hear the Beloved Son of God. Mt 17.5
God makes known to me what His thoughts are. Amos 4.13
God awakens me morning by morning. He awakens my ear to hear as the learned. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away. Is 50.4
God gives me the word of wisdom.
God gives me the word of knowledge.
God gives me prophetic utterance.
God gives me the gift of faith. 1Cor 12.8-8.10
God has given me the gift of interpretation of tongues. 1Cor 14.13
I hear the instruction of my Father, God. Pr 1.8
I obey the voice of God. Jer 11.4
I choose to live uprightly and now God's secret counsel is with me. Pr 3.32
The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him. I fear the Lord and His secrets are with me. He also shows me His covenant. Ps 25.14
I fear the Lord and He teaches me in the way He chooses. Ps 25.12
My eyes shall see my Teachers. My ears shall hear a word behind me, saying, "This is the way, walk in it, whenever I turn to the right hand or whenever I turn to the left." Is 30.20 30.21
The words of Jesus abide in me. Jn 15.7
I listen to God's words; I bow my ear to what God says. I will not let God's words depart from my eyes; I will keep them in the centre of my heart. They are life to me and health to all my flesh. Pr 4.20 - 4.22
Friday, January 22, 2010
First Blog - Introduction
I've been posting inspirational sayings or Bible verses on my Facebook page and several people were following them and asking for more so I decided to start a blog site and try to post daily thoughts or quotes that may be on my mind or that I think may help to encourage others. Hope you enjoy and please share your feedback and/or requests.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
