The Lineage of Christ (Reposted): Page 127

It’s Christmas time!  Literally, the World celebrates!  Here, at home, we decorate; we host festivals and enjoy festivities.  It’s a time for family!  We give gifts; we go to church.  We sometimes find peace-but many times we just feel pressure!  We unbox decor, purchase and write greeting cards, place gift orders, move through shops and crowds.  We’re living in the season and it’s meant to be a time of joy and holiness… but we bump into an unspoken emptiness; seeking good cheer- we press on!

Humanity can sense the deep meaning of the season but with the passing of time we forget!  We forget that this time of year is steeped in ancient traditions and beliefs!  We forget that this holy time is derived from ancient writings of the ancient Jewish faith that birthed prophesy whispering about a coming Savior!  Here is just one of those prophesies:

“For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace

There will be no end!

He will reign on David’s throne

And over his kingdom,

Establishing and upholding it

With justice an righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

Will accomplish this.”

Isaiah 9: 6-7

This was written about 700 BC!

Two thousand Seven-hundred and Seventeen years ago!

Our modern-time Christmas season has been “accomplished” and firmly established by The Lord, Almighty! Remembering this brings holiness back to our December!

The genealogy of Adam is listed in Genesis 5.  As a child I wondered why this was so important.  Now, I understand that it graciously has to do with verifying prophesy and being able to look back through History and find truth; to find God! 

The genealogies of Israel are listed in 1st Chronicles 1:1 all the way through to 1^st Chronicles Chapter 8.  The first verse of 1^st Chronicles 9:1 says this:

“All Israel was listed in the genealogies

 recorded in the book of the kings of Israel.”

The genealogy continues in Chapter 9!  On and on it goes, leading us ...leading us…leading us to Truth; To Christ! Does this interest you during the Christmas season?  I pray it does!!

Let’s move from 700 BC  to approximately A.D. 60 or so (that’s 760 years)! In the very first book of the New Testament, Matthew Chapter One gives the Genealogy of Jesus- beginning with Abraham and moving through to King David - which is important because of the scripture, above, in Isaiah 9!  The genealogy continues all the way through to the lineage of….

“Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary,

of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.”

Matthew 1:16

Let’s remember that God has stretched His Hand through human History to bring us this Christmas Season!  Our modern Christmas was carved and etched out through centuries of time, through the lives of hundreds and hundreds of people, through literal Kings, God’s prophets, scribes, and historians! We have all of this knowledge due to the meticulous  census-keeping of people from time-past and from our God, who made it so!  Interestingly, the reason Mary and Joseph were traveling and Jesus was born in a stable was due to a mandatory government census that was taking place: 

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree

 that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee

to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David,

because he belonged to the house and line of David.

He went there to register with Mary,

 who was pledged to be married to him

and was expecting a child.

While they were there,

The time came for the baby to be born,

And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

She wrapped him in cloths and

placed him in a manger,

Because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Luke 2: 1-7

The AWE of these details is what makes our Christmas season so holy! It’s what God has accomplished through the workings of fallible man that is breath-taking.  History has worked its way to December 2018 and still man rejoices over the birth of Jesus.  The Christ-child took His first breath then exhaled and an entire new way of life was birthed!  Let’s remember the reason for the season- for it ushers into the history books Jesus’ birth!  But, Jesus’ birth also culminates the story of life on earth and proclaims the return of God’s kingdom, as written about in Revelations Chapter 22 (the last chapter in the Bible):

Behold I am coming soon!

Blessed is he who keeps the words of prophecy in this book.”

Verse 7

“Behold, I am coming soon!

My reward is with me and I will give to everyone

 according to what he has done.

 I am the Alpha and the Omega,

 the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

Verses 12-13

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches.

  I am the Root and the Offspring of David,

and the bright Morning Star.”

Verse 16

Song Recommendation:

Mary Did You Know

By:  Danny Gokey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zybbNvK25Y 

 

A Falling Out of Hope: PAGE 126

ELPIS
ANTICIPATION, EXPECTATION, CONFIDENT EXPECTATION. 

Elpis implies that something is going to happen, 

and the subject is anticipating it with confidence.

Google Search

In the original Greek language, the definition of hope is not simply wishful thinking, as we utilize it here in the U.S., but a faithful stance that believes something good is on its way. There is a huge difference between the two. You see, hope is a faithful expectation that anticipates God’s goodness and recognizes, through spiritual eyes, that He is working things out for our good. Wishful thinking is a stance that is uncertain and somewhat apathetic. I believe many of us have the latter view of hope and therefore do not fully understand certain scriptures and the whispers of godly anticipation they quietly pour into our lives.

All this said, I want to share about a time I was struggling through what I can now describe as ‘A Falling out of Hope’. For you to follow along I have to take you back a bit. You see, for years I had a skip in my step and an unwitting grasp on the true meaning of hope. My heart was light and therefore my attitude was right and I’d wake up each day with a faithful expectation that asked, “What’s going on today, Lord?” With this mindset, my life had a hope that was experiential and I enjoyed the daily happenings that would move to, and through me. I was living inside the gift of hope, and its joyful cadence.

But, as life often does, something changed. There was a gradual shift that slowly drained the hope right out of me. Over time my outlook diminished and I began to ask a different question. Honestly, it is hard to be this transparent; however, my goal is to share my spiritual lessons through these writings, so I’ll say that my unexpected query became, “Lord, when are you coming back because I don’t wanna live like this anymore.” Looking back, that question is somewhat shocking, even to me. And, I know it sounds fatalistic but let me clarify; I wasn’t having an emotional breakdown ... but a spiritual one. I couldn’t pin-point what I was lacking...but one day I heard a teaching on the definition of Hope, using the original language of scripture, and it opened my heart and ushered in the ability to find my personal hope again. 

You see, when we believe hope is about an outlook that is based on positive thinking and we build our lives on that form of optimism, any change in our lifestyle or state-of-mind can diminish hope’s effect on our lives. This is what happened to me. Not until I learned the actual meaning of hope did I recognize that I could, indeed, find hope again by aligning myself to its true meaning.

Hope is a promise that God is up to something good in our lives. Hope is not wishful thinking but a firm and faithful stance inside our mind. When we can lift our heads and literally look out, beyond our circumstances, and choose to stand on the foundation of the original meaning of Hope...this shift in thinking becomes foundational. We then have the knowledge and resolve to set the course of our day through faith that believes that God is actively up to something good, and, no matter what, we will have the ability to station ourselves in a position of faithful optimism. Not because of circumstance but because of God’s goodness and because of our faith in God’s faithfulness. It’s a beautiful weaving of a belief system that changes our hearts and minds. Believe me, this shift in thinking is healing. 

When we are mentally standing on the fact or, drum roll please, hope that God sees, knows and is actively meeting our needs, then we have found true Hope. It’s hard to switch gears and see hope for what it really is because it is a mental modification of old belief systems that must take place, but, we can liken it to a light switch on a wall. We can flip it on by a quick change of our minds. 

Listen, we will expend the same amount of energy sitting inside the thoughts that worry us as we will if we switch over to the belief that God is who He says He is and does what He says He will do. He is the foundation of our Hope. He is creating and expending and weaving inside our minds the true emotion of faithful expectation that solidifies the belief system that allows us to expect good things are flowing our way. It is present-tense and active. 

Remaining in the current movement of thought, the point of this writing is to help us both return the Biblical definition of Hope. To repeat myself, once we know what Hope is we can understand how to find it again. Remember, Hope is the faithful expectation that God is up to something good; and it is presently on its way. I pray you can toggle over to the fact that God is working in your life and something good is on its way to you this very moment. Use your faithful expectation; feel it, see it, believe it, receive it. Hope it ... because God's Word is trustworthy and true!

"O Lord, you alone are my hope.

I've trusted you since childhood."

Psalm 39:7

"The hopes of the godly result in happiness,

but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing."

Proverbs 10:28

"Rejoice in our confident hope.

Be patient in trouble,

and keep on praying."

Romans 12:12

"Faith shows the reality 

of what we hope for;

it is the evidence

of things we cannot see."

Hebrews 11:1 NLT

Footnotes for Hebrews 11:1 in NLT

"We have faith in God to do what he has promised, 

and we can be absolutely sure that he will.  

So our hopes are not idle hopes, 

but they are built on the solid foundation

of his trustworthiness."

SONG RECOMMENDATION:

Breakthrough

BY: Red Rocks Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhyVW6sbZeA

Only God: PAGE 125

.... “Not by might nor by power,
but by my Spirit,’
says the LORD Almighty.”

ZECHARIAH 4:6

Over-thinking can render us exhausted.  We can use our mental power to summons all our tenacity and might hoping to overcome certain situations. Our plan: to fix it, outwit it or out-maneuver it. Yet we end up empty-handed and dumb-founded, realizing we have expended our hopes and dreams and used every human resource yet found neither a productive path nor a beneficial outcome. I’ve spent years doing this.  Literally years.  

When we set out to set things straight we usually have our own agenda; we know what needs to be done and we’re on it.  We believe we can conquer it so we gear up. We believe we can master it so we educate ourselves.  We believe we have the mental and even physical agility to get the job done so we push and challenge our capacities just to prove we’re self-reliant. Our heart is in it; we’re deeply invested. Unfortunately, there are real limits to human abilities and that which we deem do-able with our own power and might just is not. 

Here we are, at the end of ourselves! We knew we were struggling but we refused to expose weaknesses so we hid behind the barrier of isolation filled with regret, embarrassment, shame, and heart-brokenness.  Oh, the pride that refuses to reveal a weakness. It’s interesting, but being unwilling to reveal a weakness is in itself a weakness. Yet with a stealth agenda, we set out to prove our capabilities and, therefore, our worth using our wit to accomplish what only God can do. 

Sooner or later we see the writing on the wall. Exhausted we drop our weary hands and re-think it.  Winded we use our breath to pray and now we’re getting somewhere.  There is a thought-provoking scripture that says, “How long will you waver between two opinions?” 1 Kings 18:21. We can either continue to press using our opinions, thought processes and man-power or stop and confess that we need to choose another way. Perhaps we need another opinion.  

I am living proof that at times, we get in our own way. There is another way! In whatever state we find ourselves, whether it is disillusionment or sheer exasperation, we must let go and let God. If we don’t, we may never find the answer we seek.  With our own power we can beat our heads against walls or simply  wish on shooting stars. Still another path is to have hope against hope that thing will change, our answer will come, our dreams will be realized. But, until we come to the place on our journey where we know there is not one more inch of dirt to step out on, not one more physical thing we can do..... until then, we won’t recognize that we need the Holy Spirit to empower us with strength we do not have and do that which we cannot do. Until then, we will continue to generate the same ole results; Our vision will be limited, our faith will turn cold and even the personal tenacity that once inspired us will be ground out. It’s time to step into the spiritual. 

Let’s go back to the scripture at the top of the page and use it as a prayer;

“Lord God, I cannot do this with my personal tenacity and might.
I cannot outwit this with my own power or sheer will.
I need an influx of understanding that is beyond me.
May your Spirit be my catalyst.
May my life and my deepest concern
Be attended to by your Spirit, O Lord.
Fill me with your knowledge.
Lead me in Your ways.
Open my mind to your wisdom
And strengthen me in my inmost being
That I may know that you have rescued me this very day.”

Don’t wait till you’re on the edge of a metaphorical cliff that is disintegrating into an abyss.  Let’s just take this one moment to admit that some things are beyond us.  This one thing of which I write about is beyond me.  That one thing that you’re deeply concerned about-it’s beyond you.  Let’s now seek the Spirit of God to attend to us right now, in this moment. Our faith makes this possible and His power makes it so!

We have the choice to stubbornly hold to our current course or we change the premise of our plan from the physically complex to the spiritually omnipotent, tapping into God's unlimited power, with one quick change of the mind; “Not by might, not by power but by your Spirit Lord.” 

SONG RECOMMENDATION:
Your Spirit
By: Tasha Cobbs Leonard

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZT8jqsc8lQ

Signs and Wonders PAGE 124

“It is through my union with Jesus Christ
that I enjoy an enthusiasm and confidence
in my ministry for God.
And I will not be presumptuous to speak of anything
except what Christ has accomplished through me.

For many non-Jewish people are coming into faith’s obedience

by the power of the Spirit of God,

which is displayed through mighty signs and amazing wonders,

both in word and deed.”

Romans 15:17-18

The scripture above, tells us that the Power of the Spirit of God is displayed through signs and wonders, by word and deed. With earth spinning in its current state, we wonder if God actually shows up in such bold ways.  To find out, we can choose to look at life from the perspective of watching for God’s signs and wonders. The more we do this the more we will see what God can do.

The Holy Spirit shows up in our lives in many ways.  When I receive a confirmation regarding big or small things in life, my first instinct is to notice it quickly and then thank the Lord for it. Confirmations are a gift from the Holy Spirit. He is saying, “I am with you.”  When I bump into things that seem ironic, I instantly understand that it was not irony but alignment created by the Living God showing up in specific ways to guide me.  I receive it for what it is; the presence of the Holy Spirit once again saying, “I am with you”.  

Signs are indicators.  There lead us.  Wonders can be things that give us pause or things that ask us to stand in awe.  God can be found inside these types of scenarios.  It is an amazing time in life when we begin to see God Almighty draw close to us in this way.  It can be a small blessing, an encouragement, an answered prayer, a moment of peace, a piece of clarity, a joyful ah-ha moment, a huge display of favor, or a small but new understanding.  Within these types of things, God’s friendship begins to grow within us and we know that we are cared for in a profound way.  

Here is my recent example: the other day I had listened to an interview regarding end- times prophesy and the speaker spoke of the ‘falling away’ that is referenced in scripture, regarding people leaving their faith behind during end-times.  This concerned me.  I was trying to understand how or why this would happen. Within just a few minutes a good friend texted me a scripture that said,

 “Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away

and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence

without a single fault.”
Jude 1:23 NLT 

To tell you the truth, I was shocked. This was a sign and wonder. This one scripture instantly told me that God, Himself, was going to attend to me and that I would be found without one single fault.  For a girl who struggles with fears, I was so surprised how quickly my query was answered through the deed of my sweet friend, who just happened upon that scripture and decided to send it to me. She didn’t have a sign that her text would usher an ah-ha moment into my day and clear up a huge doubt, but it certainly did.  It was a spiritual moment, a God thing; a sign and a wonder. 

It is such a gift to be close to God in Spirit and in truth.  When we make it a point to seek spiritual things we cannot help but find them.  May this encourage you to open your heart and mind to God’s signs and wonders.  In doing so you will be assured and comforted, blessed and loved in a way that you’ve never experienced before.  

Song Recommendation:
So Will I
By: Hillsong United

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfVd5x9W1Xc

Prayer is Relational: PAGE 123

I heard somewhere that “Truths never experienced are just theory.” This is an incredible way to weigh our faith in God.  It begs the question, Have you ever seen the truth of God’s Word work within your prayer life? What do you believe about God’s ways?  Do you actually believe you can experience the reality of God or do you just live inside the theory of God and only attribute a token reverence to His sovereign abilities.  

Here are a few truths that seem obvious, but aren’t; ‘You will never see if you are not looking’ and ‘You will not look if you’re not interested’.  Also, ‘You won’t hear if you’re not listening’ and ‘You won’t listen if you’re not engaged’. Curiosity inspires. I receive answers to my prayers because I am looking for the answers to my prayers by engaging with God.  I do this in many ways; by remembering what I prayed, by trusting that God shows up and wants to give me answers. By believing God specifically and especially cares for me. By recalling scripture that states that God is a good Father who wants to give me good things.  These are promises found in the Bible and are not just theories. 

If wanted, how do we put this to the test?  By praying over something specific...then confessing our trust in God by affirming our belief that God cares. Then, with conviction, stand on the promises found in the Bible-meaning count them as Truth. Purposely lean in and count on our heavenly Father to attend to us as an earthly father would care for his child.  It’s familiar and familial; the same steps we take when we are counting on a family member to be there for us, supporting our hopes, needs and requests. It is relational. 

Understanding how to receive answers to prayer includes activating profound truths that are faith-based.  Perhaps, like me, you have been uttering prayers since childhood...or maybe you’re new to prayer life. Either way, now is the time to begin having two-way conversations with the Lord. He wants us to pray to Him and He wants to answer. To hear Him we must be bold enough to ask and receptive to the peace that comes from being heard. Knowing we've been heard changes everything. Answers flow from there! Activate your faith; engage! Remember, it's relational!

“Let us therefore come boldly
Unto the throne of grace,
That we may obtain mercy,
And find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4;16 KJV

“Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God
and the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding
will guard your hearts and your minds
In Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4: 6-7

“Call to me and I will answer you
And tell you great and unsearchable things
You do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:3

SONG RECOMMENDATION:

Breakthrough

By:  Red Rocks Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhyVW6sbZeA

I AM: PAGE 122

“God said to Moses,
“I AM WHO I AM. 
This is what you are to say 
To the Israelites:
‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

The above scripture is flooring.  When God responded to Moses’ question regarding the authority by which Moses was to go before the Children of Israel, and prepare them for freedom from captivity, Moses was told to tell them he was sent by the authority of I AM. What an interesting name! It’s as if THIS name stands, without saying; and needs no other quantifiers.  Within those two words we understand that there is an infinite quality (or unique qualifier) about God that shall not be questioned.  

Let’s learn more about I AM. With amazement, the following scriptures were written over 600 years apart by two different men. In them we get a description of God: 

“I kept looking 

Until the thrones were set up,
And the Ancient of Days took His seat;
His vesture was like white snow
And the hair of His head like pure wool.
His throne was ablaze with flames,
Its wheels were a burning fire.”
Daniel 7:9

Written approximately 536 BC

“His head and His hair were white 
like white wool, like snow; 
and His eyes were like a flame of fire.
His feet were like burnished bronze,
when it has been made to glow in a furnace,
And His voice was like the sound of many waters.”
Revelation 1:14-15
Written approximately AD 95

Within these scriptures we find another name for God; “Ancient of Days”.  If you think about it, this name is also descriptive. I find that eternally fascinating. Also, we’re told that God’s voice sounds like the natural movement of many waters.  Think about the powerful images of a breath-taking waterfall or a fast-moving mountainous stream ..... or the roar of the ocean as the waves crash in.  Envision it if you must..... THEN make sure you think of God.  Lean in, with spiritual eyes and ears, and imagine the voice of God speaking to you within those sounds. For those looking and listening, God uses scripture and nature and says, "I AM relatable; here I AM." His voice beckons us all and says, “I AM ancient. I AM Powerful. I AM ever-flowing. I AM eternally strong. I AM part of nature, I AM WHO I AM; listen up.”

Let’s recognize that God is speaking to us through all of creation and His voice is as silent as a full moon rising and as alluring as rushing water.  Listen with the intent of hearing and you will not be disappointed.  

“The heavens declare the glory of God;
The skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
Night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language
Where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth,
Their words to the ends of the world.” 
Psalm 19: 1-4

Song Recommendation:
Sovereign Hands
BY:  Hillsong United

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k18uM6ArspI

The Space of the In-between: PAGE 121

 

My family and I have moved through a lot over the last few years-including an actual move. I've come to notice that I’ve mentally chosen to not settle in; curiously, it just seems unwise. Instead, I’ve chosen to keep a steady eye out for more unwanted changes. Because of this I’ve remained inside the uncertainty of uncertainty. Imagine that! For the most part, daily life has returned to normal, but I’ve found it hard to relax into a new normal when things just don’t feel as if they are. Instinctively, I've remained on high-alert.  

However, recently, in my daily devotional, the question was asked, “What has been harassing your mind?” The writer then instructed the reader to replace the harassing thought with a promise from God’s Word.  You know, a foundational truth that gives assurance.  From the top of my head I chose:

“You are my rock and my redeemer;

my God in whom I trust.”

Finding that scripture was easy and the assignment did its job. I quickly recognized why I am still feeling unsettled. I am not trusting the outcome. Though time has passed,  I still sense the aftermath of a devastating storm.  Certain foundational provisions, that provided protection and stability were blown away and I feel scattered. It is hard to put into words, but for anyone who has gone through any form of devastation, you know what I mean. There is always a great amount of work to be done after big events and it can be overwhelming. I don't trust that the clean-up is complete.  It seems there are still some things to be worked out, and worked on. In my mind's eye, we haven’t gotten to the bottom of it. 

This reminds me of being a little girl and taking outings to this very large, local pool; I believe it was 12 feet deep.  My friends and I would take turns swimming to the bottom.  I’d dive with all the courage I could muster and then take a huge push off the floor and begin to make way back to the surface.  I’d look up and see the sunlight flickering off the top of the water and feel the breath trapped in my lungs.  I’d start to kick faster, feeling the desperate need to inhale. It felt like an eternity and I’d feel great joy and huge relief as my head burst through that gap between total silence and fresh air. 

I’m only now recognizing that this is the state of my current being: I feel as if I’m still underwater. Like that little girl, I fear I haven’t touched bottom and I know I’m gonna need a huge push off when I get there. I’m holding my breath and feel a little panicked right now. How much harder do I need to swim to get there?  Should I turn around now?  When is that push-off gonna happen?  Wait, is it going to?  

You see, I’ve been wondering if things are going to return to “normal” and with lack of breath and capacity, I’m inwardly screaming, ‘The sooner the better’. Every aspect of our family life is different now.  Mentally and emotionally, I’m still swimming through water, living inside that gap, where I can literally see life as it was and also sense that my life isn’t quite where it should be. I’m treading within some sort of flux where panic and confidence both want to be part of the story.  

Living in the space of the “in-between” isn’t for the faint of heart.  It is times like this when life tests one’s faith. It all comes down to an issue of trust.   It is amazing how the lack of trust can play havoc on one’s life, if we allow it. The question now becomes, “Do I trust the One I call my Rock?”  You see, trust is a choice and the human mind uses all sorts of analytics to determine if it could and should be extended. This is what I’ve been doing with the God of the Universe. 

I must humbly accept that I cannot stay in this state of fluidity, treading between panic and trust.  Feeling this personal pressure, as if stuck under water, will inevitably bring with it a desperate need for air. While gasping with clarity, I must confess that some life-events are beyond my mind’s width and breath. Remaining in this place of uncertainty will drown out my very life force. My immediate choice has become this:  To choose to trust God or stay stuck in the in-between. It’s actually easy to see which one is the better choice. It’s time for me to push up, using the faith I profess and trust that God is in control.  I must decide, this very moment, to trust the One I intuitively call “my Rock and my Redeemer”. 

Actually, this is the choice for all of us. Our human heart has the capacity to believe and trust in God even when we're treading in the depths of uncertainty; however, the question is, will we? The power of the mind 'to choose' brings with it the issues of life and death. Scripturally, we are called to choose life and live. In doing so we usher in the power of God to make His move on our behalf.  Let’s courageously take a big gulp of air and choose well. 

Song Recommendation:

It Is Well

BY:  Kristene DiMarco

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0dIWJ4t4Jg

“This day I call the heavens and the earth 

as witnesses against you

That I have set before you

life and death, blessings and curses.

Now chose life,

So that you and your children may live.”

Deuteronomy 30:19

"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress

and my deliverer; My God, my strength,

in whom I trust;"

Psalm 18:2 KJV

 

You Haven't Missed A Step: PAGE 120

 

As with most of my writings, I post this page as a reminder to myself-

and especially to those whose hope feels lost to the unimaginable.

May we all find a revelation today!

“Lord, make it so!”

___________________________________

While reading this morning, I came upon a piercing proclamation, which stated, “You haven’t missed a step”.  I really took this to heart because it was a pivotal piece of information I’ve been waiting for. This is profound news for all of us who find ourselves in a place of uncertainty. We wandering Christians can trust this statement because we believe in a sovereign God who pays attention to details. We just forget sometimes!

Due to said forgetfulness, we are prone to ask the opposite question:  Did I miss something?  I’ve been asking myself this question as well as others such as “What did I overlook, fail to do or even fail to believe that landed me in my current state”. My circumstance is different than yours but we’ve all found ourselves in a place where we’ve asked searching questions, even if just inwardly, as we desperately look for an answer or just some understanding about our current issue.  

Here, in the middle of my life, I’d hit a wall.  My personal journey has always been based on faith in God and propelled by the belief in a sovereign God. But recently, I’d come to a place where I felt I’d missed something important; the sustainability of my faith had come to a place filled with inner conflict and I began to doubt.  Today’s good news, that I have not missed a step, stopped me in my tracks and gave me comfort.  It allowed me to sidestep doubt and keep moving forward in faith. I realigned myself with the fact that my life has great purpose and chose to step back into the provision and protection of God's sovereignty.  

As God would have it, on this very day, I have come to an important realization; Not everything is in my control.  If it were, I’d be God, Himself. For those of us who are desperate for some form of control....my advice is this; surrender your tender heart and troubled mind to the One who sustains our very existence. Do I realize that to do so will feel contrary and heartbreaking? Oh, YES I do!  I know this by recalling the lack of control I felt when I watched one of my best friends bury her teenaged son and the years it took her to find a way to live without him.  I can look to my long-time friend who has been in a wheel-chair for over 22 years and say I get that some things are infuriating to accept. I can pour tears of heartbreak and loss over my sister and not one but two brothers, and their wives, who lost a child and confess I know this pain well.  This world can dish out vengeance and our courageous self wants to rise up and fight to the gates of death, battling to outwit these outrageous situations. To NOT do so could inevitably keep us in a position where we'd never rise again. 

But, like the events above, what can we actually do if we find ourselves in mind-bending circumstances that are out of our control?  The only insight I have found is that we must surrender any idea of control over these types of circumstances to a power beyond us. Sometimes we have to admit we’ve reached the limits of our personal power and in doing so we free ourselves to step straight into the supernatural. I had a personal moment with God during the loss of one of my nephews where the Holy Spirit led my brother and then myself to the scripture in Isaiah 43:13 that states “yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act who can reverse it.” THAT is profound and spoken with true authority that is completely sovereign! Pause for moment and think about that! 

 In times like this and with no other choice we surrender to God.  With all other hope extinguished we seek The Lord.  With nothing else to battle with we fall to our knees and admit we are powerless as we turn to the supernatural abilities of God. The Commander of an Army of Angels meets us in THIS place.  It is not a visible meeting but a spiritual one that brings with it a battle plan.  It is not with tangible tools we gain some understanding but with intangible things such as faith, hope, trust and prayer.  It is not with great courage but with bravery to admit we are frightened that we do such things.  

I say to you, “Open up you Living Gateways” (see 2 Corinthians 6:11-13).  Make room for the ultimate control you are looking for.  Your greatest and best hopes cannot rise above the unimaginable dreams God has for you.  Do not be dismayed, for "The Lord your God is with you; He is a mighty warrior who saves" Zephaniah 3:17 He is your Creator, your Father, your Redeemer, your Healer, your very present help in times of trouble. Place your hope and your literal life into the hands of God, for He is Spirit and it is within the sovereignty of His Sanctuary that you will "live, move and have your being".

"The commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua,

'Take off your sandals from your feet

for the place where you are standing is holy.'

Joshua 5:15

"God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble."

Psalm 46:1

"For in him we live move and have our being."

Acts 17:28

"God is spirit, and his worshipers must 

worship in Spirit and truth."

John 4:24

Song Recommendation:

This is a Move

BY:  Brandan Lake & Tasha Cobbs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLkHygFqQno&list=RDEM9oHtDtDU6gfs_tKC33RLwA&index=12

A Privilege To Pray PAGE 119

 “You cannot repeat the name of Jesus too often.

  What a privilege it is to kneel
and get right into heaven the moment we pray, 
Where glory descends, the fire burns,
Faith is active and the light dispels the darkness.”1

The above quote is a beautiful word-picture of what happens when we open our mouths and minds to pray. Following the pattern of the sentences, we see that we evoke a privilege when we pray.  We step into a heavenly place, with spiritual significance.  The Power of God arrives, described as glory.  When I think of God’s glory, I imagine an awe that is indescribable.  So, with prayer we find ourselves in an indescribable place of holiness and awe, where the presence of The Holy Spirit brings forth the passion, or fire, of our holy God. 

As we draw close to the Lord with prayer, we ignite hope that all our fears and deepest needs are heard. The righteousness of God frees our very being as we step out of the darkness of our concern into the lightness and weightlessness of his love.  Prayer is other-worldly and with great faith we open ourselves up to be instilled with an unfathomable understanding that God cares, hears and knows our deepest needs. With reverence, I've learned there is healing found here!

 Prayer is a fascinating conversation-for we are speaking with God.  It is a holy meeting that trumps all other forms of communication.  With our first words, “Dear Heavenly Father” we step into another realm. Indeed, we can pray in such a way that we are sure our words have reached heaven.  It’s a spiritual knowing that takes us into a place where we are stunned into quietness. No other words are needed and a peaceful assurance sits within our minds; we have no other thoughts, just a stillness and relief. 

Scripture says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Prayer is a heart issue; a sincerity issue. Our prayer life is important; it is relational and it builds intimacy. Allow your prayers to reach heaven.  Don’t let your words bounce off the ceiling because of doubt; seek Him with all your, heart, soul and strength.  Be purposed and intentional. Be honest with yourself and transparent with God.  Our Father knows our needs, even before we pray yet still wants to hear our prayers.  Trust and begin. Pour out your prayers like water. Let your words easily flow, as from a waterfall of truth, and allow God to peer into your trembling heart.  I am certain that the moment you sincerely pray you are sincerely heard.  Why? Because He cares for YOU! 

“Humble yourselves, therefore,
 under God’s mighty hand
That he may life you up in due time.
Cast all your anxiety on him
 because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7

“Call to me and I will answer you
And tell you great and unsearchable things
You do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:3

“Arise, cry out in the night,
As the watches of the night begin;
Pour out your heart like water
In the presence of the Lord.” 
Lamentations 2:19

Song Recommendation:
You are For Me
BY: Kari Jobe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbSMfL5LuSo

To inspire HB:

The Lord cares for you and hears YOUR prayers!

 

"The Lord your God is with you,

the Might Warrior who saves."

 Zephaniah 3:17

1-Smith Wigglesworth Devotional; 1999 by Whitacker House

Don't Hesitate At Thresholds PAGE 118

 "God is able to do far more

than we could ever ask for or imagine.

He does everything by his power that is working in us."

Ephesians 3: 20

I’ve been praying for a long while now seeking God’s counsel on many things.  Frankly, I’ve been seeking His counsel on most things.  But what I’ve also done is sit still in uncertainty as time passed.  My sitting still included some suffering and my suffering became “long suffering”, which is self-explanatory.

What do we do after we seek the Lord through prayer and petition? Do we wait? Do we wonder? Do we worry? Do our thoughts become twisted inside our minds leading to uncertainty? I’ll confess this has happened to me many times. In fact, due to lack of knowledge, I’ve taken this approach for years. Then, I’d be forced to wait for my life's circumstances to unravel, then begin again, not really making much progress along the way. 

 But through wise counsel I’ve come to some sage advice that makes sense for all of us in the modern world: Once we have an issue on our mind, and we’ve prayed, studied, and even waited to hear a clear directive, the next step of obedience is to rise up and literally take the next step.  Decision-making is part of the path in walking this out, but we often wonder to ourselves, “What is God’s will?”, making His wisdom seem difficult to understand or implement.  I’ve even used the analysis paralysis technique which included logical thoughts such as, “How can I be obedient to God when I cannot hear his audible voice?”.

Recently, I was advised to stop seeking revelation because I already have godly knowledge and that it is time for me to move out, to move on, to do the very thing I know I need to do. Simply put, I needed to start; just begin. Frankly, this advice seemed too simple and certainly gave me pause. For years, I'd chosen the self-righteousness path.  What is that?  I tried to position myself into the right standing.  I tried, through my own tenacity, to make myself smart enough, righteous enough, holy enough. I was trying to do what could only be accomplished through the bestowed grace of God. My self-righteous attitude was wrong and therefore my action plan was off.

A while back, I came across an interesting quote that I jotted down, “Don’t hesitate at thresholds.” In its context, it is a poetic way to say "Step into the room" or “Take the next step!” It was a wake-up call of sorts pointing out that when I choose to sit still in indecision I am actually hesitating in doubt. Regarding spiritual purposes, I needed to accept that I was not going to be righteous enough using my own intellect or logic. This is called surrender. To the contrary, my Wait-It-Out mode of operation, which included counting on me to eventually feel up to the task, spiritually or otherwise, was wasting my time. Note: Waiting till we feel qualified enough or prepared enough to meet certain standards will keep all of us in a perpetual state of waiting. This is truly a vicious cycle that can lead to inaction; and that is exactly what I've been doing, making my being qualified for godly pursuits contingent on me. With my hang-ups and insecurities, sitting in a posture of “wait & see” seemed like a good idea. I was waiting on God; however, God was waiting on me.  

In regards to this writing, what are some examples of thresholds? For me the answers are: Longing to be good enough, righteous enough, qualified enough, etc.  I’m speaking to both of us when I say, we don’t need to wait for a holy push.  We can just take the next, small step of faith by doing the next propelling  thing and watch as God provides for us inside our current circumstances. It’s easy and not complicated.  It’s safe and not overwhelming.  We can do it. We can accomplish godliness safely within our lives with one decision to just start.  Take one step.  One step at a time, in the right direction. One choice with the faith that God is with us and He is speaking to us in our circumstances, in our daily lives, in these exact choices. Just trust that He will show up where we are, within the need that seems so pressing at the moment.  

One of the keys to stepping out is actually trust.  It’s about faithfulness in and of God.  Where there is faith there is trust and therefore a confidence that allows us to move forward.  We must trust our God enough to start.  AND, we must trust that God trusts us enough to honor our decisions, especially the hard decisions and circumstances in which we find ourselves.  

In summary, my latest revelation is this: Because I trust God...I can trust ME.  I can move out doing the next correct thing.  I can just simply start; my next project, my next goal, my next writing, or even my next dream.... and as I do so blessings flow from there. God steps out with me. The courage of God propels me and the protection of God provides for me.  It is all present-tense. These types of provisional stepping stones build upon each other...but they will never reveal themselves if we do not move out, in the moment and just start. Once we do, all our necessary provisions will be provided. Our very faith in God tells us ‘anything is possible’.  Personally, I have missed the clarity of this for years. 

SONG RECOMMENDATION:

More Than Able

BY: Elevation Worship

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ1xxoP7NJk

Words to More Than Able:

“I’ve come along way...

I’ve seen how you work.

There’s so much goodness and grace...

much more than I deserve....

‘cause I know who I am...

and I can’t stay where I’m at.

We’ve come this far by faith

and I just can’t turn back!

‘Cause You're not done with me yet.

You're not done with me yet.

There’s so much more to this story....

You’re not done with me yet.”

“Who am I to deny what the Lord can do”

BY THE GRACE OF GOD PAGE 117

 

It took years for me to understand a deep spiritual truth regarding my life in contrast and in conjunction to Jesus Christ.  When I first begin the journey of understanding Christianity, as a kid, the entire function seemed to target getting a confession of sin through the bold preaching and the verbal confirmation, “I am a sinner.” As a child, it felt shame-based and condemning.  At the same time, it was conflicting because I was supposed to feel “joy, joy, joy, joy down in my soul”.  If you were raised in church you’ll get that little tune stuck in your head today. 

Bear with me as I hone in on an idea:  There is a premise put forward in a famous book that implies that once we recognize something within ourselves, on conscious level, we can overcome it, as needed. I recognized that I was a sinner using my logical mind and reason but truthfully the logic of it was as deep as I could get so I ruminated there for years, never overcoming.  Looking back, I do wonder how a child is to understand deep spiritual truths except by blind faith.

The truth I lived out was "I am a sinner". I simply didn't move beyond that. As I got older, my life-style  confirmed I was a sinner so I sinned. It seemed self-fulfilling and it was.  I soon recognized that I was going to feel guilt and shame no matter what I did so sin was perpetuated. The next steps in theology didn't penetrate my heart or soul.  My ole friend, condemnation, was always there to shine an inner spotlight on my failings and I just assumed this was a normal part of the Christian process. This is an awful way to live. Obviously, I was missing something pivotal as a "Christian" as I paved my way to hell. 

 When processing through the steps of faith we can get stuck in the sinner's section and believe we deserve it;  I’ll confess that I did. The process really must go further than that.... but I stayed imprisoned in the realm of sin and often heard voices shouting “You need a savior”, which only reminded me of what I already knew; I wasn’t good enough. 

Why after all those years of church attendance did I not know about the Grace of God?  Why was I never directed to the true path of redemption and restoration?  The answer is, “I don’t know.” All I can say it I was blinded to that truth. Yes, I know this is shocking, because the point of Christianity is that I am to find The Way.  I am supposed to find the light, the hope and the love of it all.  But, for years and years I didn’t.

I believe that the teachings we receive can keep us chained in condemnation and never move us into the grace phase and this is what happened. I wonder if you can relate to this.  I internalized condemnation for years. I was very well versed in the sinner/sinning, "the wages of sin is death", the “we have all fallen short of God’s glory” phase and never knew or recognized the HUGE mechanism of God's Grace which when finally grasped was the very door I was worthlessly beaten up and thrown against. It was there that I met my Savior. 

Sure, I needed to recognize I was a sinner but I also needed to have the light of grace seek and find me, like the lost child I was. When I became consciously aware of God's Grace, His Light moved into my spirit and after years of being lost I was found.  It was the very moment I had been waiting for; the mechanism of a Spiritual Truth that I had been reckless to find. 

 I found this verse and it became a beacon of hope:

“But for the Grace of God I am what I am 

and His grace to me has not been without effect”. 

1 Corinthians 15:10

The point of the writing is for us to recognize that there is a way out of the pit of sin and a path to restoration that begins with grace.  It is through the recognition of a spiritual truth that it is only through the bestowed Grace of God we are saved.  There is nothing I could ever do or strive to become to earn it.  There was nothing that I could ever find intellectually that could explain it for me ..... for grace doesn’t seem logical to a dying person.  It is spiritually discerned and received. A gifting of something we can never earn but only accept with our heart and mind, when we come to the end of logic itself! THAT IS GRACE. 

“For it is by grace you have been saved,

through faith--

and this is not from yourselves

it is the gift of God.”

Ephesians 2:8

SONG RECOMMENDATION:

HOLY WATER

BY: WE THE KINGDOM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC93W6EqH3c