Unveiling Hope

No Magic Potions

I’ve never met a satisfied believer and I hope I never do. I’ve never heard a believer say, “I’ve had enough. We’re good. I’m completely happy with the level of intimacy I enjoy with the Lord.”

Jesus said all the law and prophets hinged on His two greatest commandments. God is love and there is nothing more important to Him than love. He is all about entering into and maintaining intimate relationships; His ten commandments are evidence of this. The first four commandments concern our relationship with Him and the last six involve how He wants us to relate to each other. It’s altogether uncomplicated. He wants us to get life right.

I’m not one for making generalized statements about any given group of people but in this case I’m going to make an exception. I find far too many people, myself included, make being in relationships complicated particularly relationships with God.

He made it so easy for us. He gave us His Spirit and His Word yet so often we participate in conversations, and read book after book, in order to determine how best to relate with Him, how to take our relationship with Him to the next level. The truth is, there is no magical potion or formula, He’s been upfront on what to do and how to do it.

Jesus made that way for us; He is The Way. The Spirit of God is our Helper and there is nothing He wants more than to guide us in this most important and excellent endeavour. There is only one thing that we can do to grow in our intimacy with Him: “draw near to God and He will draw near to you,” James 4:8. All we have to do is want it.

He’s already done His part, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness,” Jer. 31:3.

This is how we draw near to Him:

·         Read His Word

·         Study His Word

·         Speak His Word

·         Meditate on His Word

·         Behave in accordance with His Word

He said it, not me. “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful,” Joshua 1:8.

Be unsatisfied and love it.

Flying Solo

I’m a lover of nature – of God’s creation. It doesn’t take much to amaze me. I feel His presence most when I am appreciating the splendour of His work. He often speaks to me when I take the time to observe and ruminate, or meditate, on what He’s showing me.

A few weeks ago, while taking a walk, I heard a sound I had never heard before. When I looked up I saw a goose – one goose – flying very low and in the wrong direction. In Canada, when spring rolls around, we see geese – in flocks – flying home from their winter stay in the south. They honk from on high in unison; that sound is unmistakeable. On this particular day however I heard what one single goose sounds like. Had I not looked up, I would have never known it was a goose. It was the distance that made the difference. And why was he flying so low? Why was he alone and going in the wrong direction?

I wondered what I sound like to God when my voice is more distant than usual, when I’m calling to Him from the ground instead of meeting Him in the spirit? I wonder what He thinks when He sees me in my low times, moving about in the wrong direction, alone instead of in the flock He placed me in.

That goose was separated from his flock. Perhaps this was by choice. Maybe he thought he could wing it alone. There are times when I think the same way. I tend to distance myself from the flock because I’m naturally a loner. But too much time alone usually disorients me; I lose touch, my flight path changes and the next thing I know I’m having a long distance relationship with God.

The flock flies together; they look out for each other. They hold each other accountable and though they travel long distances – they don’t have a long distance relationship with their Creator. They soar when they are together and low when flying solo.

Are you flying solo? It's the distance that makes the difference.

“And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2:22 NIV.

Make the Call

Have you been in that dark place? Maybe you're there now? The place where solitude has a strangle hold on your life? With every breath you breathe you long to reach out, but with each passing breath it becomes more and more difficult. The paralysis of loneliness has set in; the enemy has all but snuffed out every ounce of hope from your spirit. You cling to your faith with your very life. You’re battle-fatigued.

You have some great friends. They pray for you, they call or email you. They know you can’t make it through this crisis alone. They’ve all but begged you to call them when you need them, whether it’s to vent, to cry, or just to get away from your situation for an hour. You wanted to make one of those calls last week, but you thought – all I ever do is talk about the same problem, ask for the same prayers. You don’t want to be a burden. You don’t want to bother them, they all have issues and concerns to tend to in their own lives.

So you don’t call. You need to be the strong one in this situation. The pressure seems to lay squarely on your shoulders. You know God is working things out, but you just can’t hold yourself together anymore.

Have you been in this situation before? Are you in this position now? Can you, just for a moment, put one of your friends in your situation? Now, answer this question: wouldn’t you want them to call you? Would you think your friends are burdensome? Would you tire of listening to them, or would you just want to lavish your love, support, and encouragement on them? I thought so. Do yourself a favour, make the call. Let your friends fulfill their callings.

“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Gal. 6:2.

Putting a New Spin on Life

Life Centre has been doing a series of talks entitled Whispers. During the first talk I found myself feeling pretty proud (oh oh); thinking I really don’t have a problem hearing God. This past Sunday however, I was humbled to tears.

This past year or so has been tremendous as far as spiritual seasons have been concerned. God has faithfully brought me and my family through some pretty tight and tough spots. He has been more faithful than I. In this last month or so I have heard Him speaking to me but have failed to listen and obey.

I’m a doer. I shamefully admit that rather than seek my value and worth in God, I – all too often – find my value in what I accomplish. Summer has always been a difficult time for me, both in the spiritual and natural realms. Overachievers do not fair well with times of refreshing. I should be brutally honest in my confession; I feel completely useless and without value during the natural season of summer. I feel off kilter, out of sorts, and I don’t know how to relax.

On Sunday, Pastor Jason so eloquently spoke of how many people go through life trying to seek a natural balance by spinning the plates that represent the facets and priorities of their lives. I’ve become quite adept at spinning, but I understand completely now that even when the process appears to be working, it doesn’t – not for the long haul. 

God has been trying to impress upon me that He has placed me in a season of rest. This past Sunday, He stopped talking and took matters into His own hands. He showed me that I have been rebellious. You can be a consummate professional at spinning plates, but when God can’t get your attention by speaking to you – He might just very well remove a plate or two. That’s what got my attention.

Are you spinning?

“So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." 1 Samuel 3:9-10 ESV.

Where Was He Then?

When my first born son was in primary school I used to pack him a lunch every morning. I  included a napkin on which I would write, “I love you!” and I’d draw little hearts on it. I wanted him to know that even if we weren’t together, I was always there with him. All he had to do was seek me. Those memories are engrained in his mind and he often recalls them with great joy.

Only days ago, a woman was recounted some of her childhood memories to me. Like too many people, some of those memories were not as pleasant as the one my son has stored away. After sharing her memories she asked, “Where was He then? What kind of god would allow these things to happen to a child?”

I don’t have those answers. I don’t think anyone of us does. I also think that to try and answer for Someone else is presumptuous and dangerous. All I could do was draw upon my own experiences of having asked those very same questions. The key to finding answers is asking them of the Right One.

In my case, over time, I had learn to trust and give the power of those memories to Him. Today, I can say with all assurance, that He was there. In seeking and finding God, His power reigned. The memories will never leave. The last thing we want to do is negate or diminish someone’s experiences and paint over them as if they never existed; choice is involved. Someone who is pushed off a precipice by a loved one will never forget that experience, but will they chose to remember the details surrounding who pushed them, why, and what more could have happened, or will they chose to remember that His mighty hand caught them and broke their fall?

The last thing I can comfortably say to a hurting soul is that God will not waste their pain, but that is something they need to find out in an intimate relationship with Him; that’s when those questions are answered. So what does a person respond to that question? All we can do is show His love, mercy and compassion until they are ready to receive it directly from the source. That is why we’re here.

Christ came as the expression of His Father’s love and when He returned to be with Him, He left that honourable task with us.

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart,” Jer. 29:13 ESV.

Some People Stink

The other day a beautiful young woman confided "Love sucks.” My heart almost broke for her. Her statement resonated deeply inside my heart, my close-to-being-healed heart. What can hurt more than to see such a young person say something like that with such conviction? I believe, with everything in me, that she honestly believed what she was saying. I remember – not all that long ago – holding close that exact sentiment.

What makes us like that? I never wanted to live with such a cynical disposition, but I did. I never wanted to build a fortress around my heart and close myself off from the potential of experiencing love – giving and receiving, but I did. I never wanted to spend countless hours convincing myself that love sucks – that it stinks – but I did; I didn’t feel as if I had a choice. People have been used and abused, hurt and disrespected, cheated on and lied to – some people have experienced it from parents, boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses and even friends and children. Please note: I am in no way advocating anyone remaining in a relationship where they are currently being abused.

It’s what I learned of the love of God that changed my perspective – not overnight – slowly and surely. It’s knowing that no matter who hurts me, or how deeply, He never will and He’ll always be there. I know that He loves perfectly because He is the expression of love – He is love. Because I trust him – that He’ll guide me in relationships, teach me about healthy love and boundaries, and that He’ll be there for me – I’m now willing to risk loving and being loved.

Love doesn’t suck, but some people do things that suck. Love doesn’t stink, but some people just stink at loving others – usually because of how they were loved. We don’t have to walk around the rest of our days on this earth hiding the scabs, bruises and scars that “love” has left on our hearts. God’s love is a healing love, it’s anointed with grace and forgiveness. We cannot accept His love when we harbour unforgiveness for our past hurts nor can we heal when we hang on to the pain and isolate ourselves, presuming that history will always repeat itself. As God’s love grows in us we grow in love.

“If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath,” Psalm 34:18 MSG.

Life Apps

 

Several people I know own iPhones . I think that’s great – if you’re technically inclined that is. I’m still trying to figure out how a picture is transmitted through a fax machine and comes out the other end whole again. I have a fear of technology. Oh sure, I use a laptop with various applications. I have a Blackberry, a DVD player and even an iPod . It’s my personal experience however that the more technology I have, the more confused and frustrated I get.

I’m a simple girl. I like paper. I have an electronic agenda, but I don’t trust it – I write everything down on my paper agenda just in case. I use the calculator and I always double or triple check to make sure I get the same answer every time. Yes, technology is wonderful.

I’ve been looking at the iPhone online lately – ah don’t ask me why and forget what I just said. You can purchase what I call Life Apps. Oh, some of them look super! They have apps for entertainment. They have directional apps (yup – apps for maps). They have educational apps such as dictionaries, and they even have apps that help you get yourself fed.

So, I was thinking about what a great tool this might be for me, (if I wasn’t so afraid of the “T” word), until it dawned on me – I already have one Life App that provides all those things and more. My Bible gives me direction, it feeds me, it even entertains me. It educates and encourages me. It provides wisdom and counsel. It gives me courage and strength. It’s my 9-1-1 direct line 24/7. There are always 5 bars going strong with no re-charging required.

Maybe for now I’ll just hold off on the iPhone  – but in case you’re wondering – if and when I ever buy one – my first Life App will the the Holy Bible!

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful,” Joshua 1:8.

What Are You Thinking About?

A friend of mine and I were having a little chat after the service on Sunday.We got onto the topic of feelings and how some of them can overwhelm us and subsequently control us. I used to despise being what most people call a “feeler”. Naturally, that’s because most of the feelings I had were self-involved, negative, and growth-stunting.

We discussed how to discern what is a useful feeling and what is not. Sidebar if you will; I can give some pretty solid advice from time to time, but believe me, I don’t always use the wisdom God gave me and follow it. Maybe writing about it will root it a little more deeply into my character.

I believe that all feelings originate as the product of the thoughts we entertain. What we see and hear can often be what seeds a thought into our minds. We don’t have to water those seeds. We know that there is one who travels to and fro upon the earth seeking that which he can destroy. It takes very little effort for that guy to plant rotten seeds, but we are the only ones who have the power to decide whether they will grow in the fertile soil of our minds.

Thoughts that encourage, edify, and exalt others, ourselves, and God are worthwhile. We can express them and make them fruitful. We can meditate on them day and night. We help others grow, we grow ourselves, and relationships with God flourish.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things,” Phil. 4:8 ESV

Where Were His Hands?

A couple of weeks ago, I was introduced to a sister in Christ for the first time. I haven’t seen this much sadness in a sister’s eyes in a very long time. Looking into her eyes were like looking inside a very deep and dry well. She was hurting and I hurt for her. I had barely introduced myself to her when she began to share her wound with me. I asked her if she would like me to pray for her; her eyes filled with tears. She had been walking alone in a spiritual desert for almost 2 months. She looked away and whispered, “No one has offered to pray for me for six weeks. I haven’t gone to church during this time and no one’s even called.” She was broken and I felt as if I had swallowed my heart. I can only imagine how she must have felt. My sister in Christ, sitting in a room filled with almost two hundred women, hadn’t been prayed for in six weeks. She had to bear her soul to a complete stranger; where were His hands?

Yes, there was sadness in this woman’s heart. I know it won’t last because God stands firm on His promises to answer our prayers. I think that somewhere deep inside her soul she knew this truth as well. She knew the way, she just needed to feel His hands reaching out to hold her. My burden is not just for my hurting brothers and sisters, but also for those who don’t know The Way, The Truth and the Life. If you’re part of His Body, please don’t assume that you’re not needed or valuable; you have a calling that is part of something bigger. It doesn’t take great talent or treasure to be His hands and to hold them out to one person in a hurting world.

Giving our hearts to God doesn’t mean we are spared from tragedy or pain. God rains upon the just and the unjust. Look at Job, he was blameless and upright before God. Look at Jeremiah, all those years of obedience and not one heart won over. Surrendering our hearts to God means – or what it is supposed to mean – is that we are part of something bigger – a body – a community – that is meant to function with one heart, one mind, and one spirit.

“When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.’” John 13:12-15 ESV.

Missing the Mark

Everyone has some kind of “mark” they are trying to hit. For some of us, life is one big target practice. In my BC days, I was constantly in training – always trying to out do others – always trying to outdo myself – and always missing the mark.

I wish that I could say all that stopped after giving my heart to the Lord. It didn’t – at least not right away and not completely. I came to the Lord having been steeped in sin. I believed there was nothing of any value in me as a person. I believed I was unworthy. I would look around at other people in my church community and think that they were righteous and unblemished – that they couldn’t possibly feel the way I felt. I was wrong.

The wonderful thing about living authentically in a community that does the same is that it becomes abundantly clear that we are more alike than different. I take no consolation in other’s misery; it doesn’t make me feel better about myself to hear that someone else struggles in their journey toward Christ-like character. What brings me consolation is the comfort I can bring to another who is frustrated by their journey by sharing my frustrations. It’s very difficult to be around people who hide their shortcomings beneath a mask. We all know that only Jesus has a perfect character so the masked individual is only hiding from themselves when they look in the mirror.

It is what makes us the same that grows us together in relationship and there is one thing we all share: we all miss the mark when it comes to the nature and things of God. Relationship is the place where we encourage ourselves by encouraging others in truth and in love. There is no better training for Christ-likeness than in authentic relationship with others.

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins,” Romans 3:23-24.