Several of the pray-ers met for a luncheon on the last day of our prayer time in Acts 29. It was good to hear from all of you who shared. I received guidance from the words spoken: boldness, expectation, repentance, hunger & thirst, revival, prophetic & supernatural signs.
Dream teams are being formed to take this prayer to the next level, the level of action. 2009 is the 30 year anniversary of lay involvement in healing for FUMC Tulsa. I wonder how God will lead us in the next several years? Let's keep praying and find out.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Godly Invasion Through Worship
God invade our worship, privately and corporately according to your plans and purposes. Give us new hearts to worship you and fill us with new wine that brings glory to you, drawing new believers unto you and believers into deeper relationship with you. Invade our hearts, our sanctuary, and our worship as never before that you may be glorified as never before. Revive us, oh Lord, as your kingdom comes through annointed worship that overpowers, overcomes and sets the captives free. In the mighty name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen & amen.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Weapons of our warfare
I was blessed to find Cheri Fuller's devotion in The One Year Book of Praying Through the Bible yesterday, right in line with our prayer effort. The scripture she quoted was:
II Corinthians 10:3,4
We are human, but we don't wage war with human plans and methods. We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds.
She then used a quote from Oswald Chambers:
THE PRAYER OF THE FEEBLEST SAINT ON EARTH WHO LIVES IN THE SPIRIT AND KEEPS RIGHT WITH GOD IS A TERROR TO SATAN. THE VERY POWERS OF DARKNESS ARE PARALYZED BY PRAYER. . . . NO WONDER SATAN TRIES TO KEEP OUR MINDS FUSSY IN ACTIVE WORK TILL WE CANNOT THINK IN PRAYER
Here is Cheri's prayer from yesterday:
LORD, thank you for your weapons of warfare, which are mighty, invincible, and supernatural. Teach me to wield them as I stand against the enemy. Strengthen me as I intercede for others. I pray that you will demolish the devil's dark strongholds and estabish your kingdom of light and truth.
Here is my prayer as we come to the end of our 50 days of prayer:
LORD, we have come to you, seeking your face, seeking to hear your voice. May we be singleminded in our purpose as we come together to share what you have been speaking to our hearts. May our hearts be undivided and may we find unity as we move forward in this ministry. Your heartbeat is our priority. We lay down all of our lofty plans, ideas, and anything from our flesh to find your purpose for this time in this ministry in this church. Pour your love out in our hearts according to your WORD in Romans 5. Bring "every thought (and project) into captivity to the obedience of Christ. . . "(II Cor. 10:5)
Lead on O King eternal.
In the Name of Jesus and under His authority, Amen
II Corinthians 10:3,4
We are human, but we don't wage war with human plans and methods. We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds.
She then used a quote from Oswald Chambers:
THE PRAYER OF THE FEEBLEST SAINT ON EARTH WHO LIVES IN THE SPIRIT AND KEEPS RIGHT WITH GOD IS A TERROR TO SATAN. THE VERY POWERS OF DARKNESS ARE PARALYZED BY PRAYER. . . . NO WONDER SATAN TRIES TO KEEP OUR MINDS FUSSY IN ACTIVE WORK TILL WE CANNOT THINK IN PRAYER
Here is Cheri's prayer from yesterday:
LORD, thank you for your weapons of warfare, which are mighty, invincible, and supernatural. Teach me to wield them as I stand against the enemy. Strengthen me as I intercede for others. I pray that you will demolish the devil's dark strongholds and estabish your kingdom of light and truth.
Here is my prayer as we come to the end of our 50 days of prayer:
LORD, we have come to you, seeking your face, seeking to hear your voice. May we be singleminded in our purpose as we come together to share what you have been speaking to our hearts. May our hearts be undivided and may we find unity as we move forward in this ministry. Your heartbeat is our priority. We lay down all of our lofty plans, ideas, and anything from our flesh to find your purpose for this time in this ministry in this church. Pour your love out in our hearts according to your WORD in Romans 5. Bring "every thought (and project) into captivity to the obedience of Christ. . . "(II Cor. 10:5)
Lead on O King eternal.
In the Name of Jesus and under His authority, Amen
Thursday, September 4, 2008
God is Moving!
One of the many results of our prayer time is....more prayer. You may have heard Dr. Paschal announce Sunday that we are having a week of 24-7 prayer in October. Stay tuned for more information.
Some of us are praying with and for the church each Wednesday evening in the 24-7 Prayer room. All are welcome to join us and pray for our church and our world. By the way, if you haven't been in the Prayer Room lately, stop by. Kelly Junk, Elizabeth Hughes, and Margaret Nunnery have been decorating in preparation for prayer for Muslims in September/October.
Also, FUMC Healing Prayer teams are participating in a training collaborative with Heritage United Methodist, Potter's Hand Ministries and Abba's Family in September.
Our prayers are having an impact. Let's keep pressing on for the next 10 days!
Some of us are praying with and for the church each Wednesday evening in the 24-7 Prayer room. All are welcome to join us and pray for our church and our world. By the way, if you haven't been in the Prayer Room lately, stop by. Kelly Junk, Elizabeth Hughes, and Margaret Nunnery have been decorating in preparation for prayer for Muslims in September/October.
Also, FUMC Healing Prayer teams are participating in a training collaborative with Heritage United Methodist, Potter's Hand Ministries and Abba's Family in September.
Our prayers are having an impact. Let's keep pressing on for the next 10 days!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Don't Walk Alone
One of the blessings of praying Acts 29 this time is sharing my experiences with other pray-ors. I am blessed to have several persons working with me with whom I can share each day. Thank God for the support of others. In reading another chapter of "Introduction to the Devout Life" today the topic is "The need of a guide for those who would enter upon and advance in the Devout Life". How true this is for me! I must have someone to share my devotional experiences with for confirmation or discussion.
Are you sharing your insights with others? Do you have a spiritual guide to help instruct you in the Christian walk?
I trust that you are keeping the insights written down so we can discuss them together on September 14.
Here is Chapter 4:
CHAPTER IV. The Need of a Guide for those who would enter upon and advance in the Devout Life.
WHEN Tobias was bidden to go to Rages, he was willing to obey his father, but he objected that he knew not the way;--to which Tobit answered, "Seek thee a man which may go with thee:" [10] and even so, daughter, I say to you, If you would really tread the paths of the devout life, seek some holy man to guide and conduct you. This is the precept of precepts, says the devout Avila,--seek as you will you can never so surely discover God's Will as through the channel of humble obedience so universally taught and practised by all the Saints of olden time.
When the blessed Teresa read of the great penances performed by Catherine of Cordova, she desired exceedingly to imitate them, contrary to the mind of her Confessor, who forbade her to do the like, and she was tempted to disobey him therein. Then God spoke to Teresa, saying, "My child, thou art on a good and safe road:--true, thou seest all this penance, but verily I esteem thy obedience as a yet greater virtue:"--and thenceforth S. Teresa so greatly loved the virtue of obedience, that in addition to that due to her superiors, she took a vow of special obedience to a pious ecclesiastic, pledging herself to follow his direction and guidance, which proved an inexpressible help to her. And even so before and after her many pious souls have subjected their will to God's ministers in order the better to submit themselves to Him, a practice much commended by S. Catherine of Sienna in her Dialogues.
The devout Princess S. Elisabeth gave an unlimited obedience to the venerable Conrad; and one of the parting counsels given by S. Louis to his son ere he died was, "Confess thyself often,--choose a single-minded, worthy confessor, who is able wisely to teach thee how to do that which is needful for thee." [11]
"A faithful friend," we are told in Holy Scripture, "is a strong defence, and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure;" [12] and again: "A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lord shall find him." [13] These sacred words have chiefly reference, as you see, to the immortal life, with a view to which we specially need a faithful friend, who will guide us by his counsel and advice, thereby guarding us against the deceits and snares of the Evil One:--he will be as a storehouse of wisdom to us in our sorrows, trials and falls; he will be as a healing balm to stay and soothe our heart in the time of spiritual sickness,--he will shield us from evil, and confirm that which is good in us, and when we fall through infirmity, he will avert the deadly nature of the evil, and raise us up again.
But who can find such a friend? The Wise Man answers:--"He that feareth the Lord:" [14] that is to say, the truly humble soul which earnestly desires to advance in the spiritual life. So, daughter, inasmuch as it concerns you so closely to set forth on this devout journey under good guidance, do you pray most earnestly to God to supply you with a guide after His Own Heart, and never doubt but that He will grant you one who is wise and faithful, even should He send you an angel from Heaven, as He sent to Tobias.
In truth, your spiritual guide should always be as a heaven-sent angel to you;--by which I mean that when you have found him, you are not to look upon him, or trust in him or his wisdom as an ordinary man; but you must look to God, Who will help you and speak to you through this man, putting into his heart and mouth that which is needful to you; so that you ought to hearken as though he were an angel come down from Heaven to lead you thither. Deal with him in all sincerity and faithfulness, and with open heart; manifesting alike your good and your evil, without pretence or dissimulation. Thus your good will be examined and confirmed, and your evil corrected and remedied;--you will be soothed and strengthened in trouble, moderated and regulated in prosperity.
Give your guide a hearty confidence mingled with sacred reverence, so that reverence in no way shall hinder your confidence, and confidence nowise lessen your reverence: trust him with the respect of a daughter for her father; respect him with the confidence of a son in his mother.
In a word, such a friendship should be strong and sweet; altogether holy, sacred, divine and spiritual. And with such an aim, choose one among a thousand, Avila says;--and I say among ten thousand, for there are fewer than one would think capable of this office. He must needs be full of love, of wisdom and of discretion; for if either of these three be wanting there is danger. But once more I say, ask such help of God, and when you have found it, bless His Holy Name; be stedfast, seek no more, but go on simply, humbly and trustfully, for you are safe to make a prosperous journey.
Are you sharing your insights with others? Do you have a spiritual guide to help instruct you in the Christian walk?
I trust that you are keeping the insights written down so we can discuss them together on September 14.
Here is Chapter 4:
CHAPTER IV. The Need of a Guide for those who would enter upon and advance in the Devout Life.
WHEN Tobias was bidden to go to Rages, he was willing to obey his father, but he objected that he knew not the way;--to which Tobit answered, "Seek thee a man which may go with thee:" [10] and even so, daughter, I say to you, If you would really tread the paths of the devout life, seek some holy man to guide and conduct you. This is the precept of precepts, says the devout Avila,--seek as you will you can never so surely discover God's Will as through the channel of humble obedience so universally taught and practised by all the Saints of olden time.
When the blessed Teresa read of the great penances performed by Catherine of Cordova, she desired exceedingly to imitate them, contrary to the mind of her Confessor, who forbade her to do the like, and she was tempted to disobey him therein. Then God spoke to Teresa, saying, "My child, thou art on a good and safe road:--true, thou seest all this penance, but verily I esteem thy obedience as a yet greater virtue:"--and thenceforth S. Teresa so greatly loved the virtue of obedience, that in addition to that due to her superiors, she took a vow of special obedience to a pious ecclesiastic, pledging herself to follow his direction and guidance, which proved an inexpressible help to her. And even so before and after her many pious souls have subjected their will to God's ministers in order the better to submit themselves to Him, a practice much commended by S. Catherine of Sienna in her Dialogues.
The devout Princess S. Elisabeth gave an unlimited obedience to the venerable Conrad; and one of the parting counsels given by S. Louis to his son ere he died was, "Confess thyself often,--choose a single-minded, worthy confessor, who is able wisely to teach thee how to do that which is needful for thee." [11]
"A faithful friend," we are told in Holy Scripture, "is a strong defence, and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure;" [12] and again: "A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lord shall find him." [13] These sacred words have chiefly reference, as you see, to the immortal life, with a view to which we specially need a faithful friend, who will guide us by his counsel and advice, thereby guarding us against the deceits and snares of the Evil One:--he will be as a storehouse of wisdom to us in our sorrows, trials and falls; he will be as a healing balm to stay and soothe our heart in the time of spiritual sickness,--he will shield us from evil, and confirm that which is good in us, and when we fall through infirmity, he will avert the deadly nature of the evil, and raise us up again.
But who can find such a friend? The Wise Man answers:--"He that feareth the Lord:" [14] that is to say, the truly humble soul which earnestly desires to advance in the spiritual life. So, daughter, inasmuch as it concerns you so closely to set forth on this devout journey under good guidance, do you pray most earnestly to God to supply you with a guide after His Own Heart, and never doubt but that He will grant you one who is wise and faithful, even should He send you an angel from Heaven, as He sent to Tobias.
In truth, your spiritual guide should always be as a heaven-sent angel to you;--by which I mean that when you have found him, you are not to look upon him, or trust in him or his wisdom as an ordinary man; but you must look to God, Who will help you and speak to you through this man, putting into his heart and mouth that which is needful to you; so that you ought to hearken as though he were an angel come down from Heaven to lead you thither. Deal with him in all sincerity and faithfulness, and with open heart; manifesting alike your good and your evil, without pretence or dissimulation. Thus your good will be examined and confirmed, and your evil corrected and remedied;--you will be soothed and strengthened in trouble, moderated and regulated in prosperity.
Give your guide a hearty confidence mingled with sacred reverence, so that reverence in no way shall hinder your confidence, and confidence nowise lessen your reverence: trust him with the respect of a daughter for her father; respect him with the confidence of a son in his mother.
In a word, such a friendship should be strong and sweet; altogether holy, sacred, divine and spiritual. And with such an aim, choose one among a thousand, Avila says;--and I say among ten thousand, for there are fewer than one would think capable of this office. He must needs be full of love, of wisdom and of discretion; for if either of these three be wanting there is danger. But once more I say, ask such help of God, and when you have found it, bless His Holy Name; be stedfast, seek no more, but go on simply, humbly and trustfully, for you are safe to make a prosperous journey.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Waiting, praying and praising!!
I was reminded this third time around that praise is a powerful weapon against Satan. I found great encouragement in Ruth Myers' book, 31 Days of Praise. In it Ruth emphasizes that any praise thwarts Satan. She suggests that combining praise with God's Word, especially with verses that magnify Jesus as Victor; praise for the blood of Christ;the victory won on the Cross; and the triumph of the Resurrection, lifting up His name in triumphant faith, will send him cowaring away! This is nothing new to any of us, it is just that we get distracted with all the stuff going on that the enemy sends our direction and we so easily forget to stop, pray, and PRAISE!!
As we continue in this prayer effort, we have all experienced attacks. I could certainly add several to Jerry's list--things that have tried to irritate, grab my attention, and frustrate life on a daily basis. Ruth Myers quotes someone who said, "It's a serious mistake to underestimate the power of Satan; it's a tragedy to overestimate it"--and she adds that it is also a mistake to be overly occupied with it.
So we have two more cycles to go and I sense that the Lord is ready to speak if we are listening and in an attitude of worship.
As we continue in this prayer effort, we have all experienced attacks. I could certainly add several to Jerry's list--things that have tried to irritate, grab my attention, and frustrate life on a daily basis. Ruth Myers quotes someone who said, "It's a serious mistake to underestimate the power of Satan; it's a tragedy to overestimate it"--and she adds that it is also a mistake to be overly occupied with it.
So we have two more cycles to go and I sense that the Lord is ready to speak if we are listening and in an attitude of worship.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Day Twenty-Five: Midway
What an interesting trip this is becoming! There have been all types of mechanical difficulties at our house, some I handled well, others I lost it over. Beth and I have decided that these things are attempts by the enemy to steal our joy, especially during our time of prayer for the church. I praise God for the church, Celebrate Recovery and my sponsor at times like this.
Things are stirring, I feel it and I trust that you are as well. Thanks for praying and post your insights as they arise.
We are half-way through the journey. Watch and see what happens next!
Things are stirring, I feel it and I trust that you are as well. Thanks for praying and post your insights as they arise.
We are half-way through the journey. Watch and see what happens next!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Day Eighteen: Be Devoted Where You Are!
As the days continue in prayer, I see the lack of devotion in my life, primarily focused on the issue of time. God is faithful to me, and has presented several prayer options during this time that have impacted my life in wonderful ways. One is to practice regular times of prayer during the day, focusing on adoration to God and praise to him. I've found that short times of prayer, offered several times a day, add up to extensive prayer time, and help me maintain a devotion that offers strength in my troubles. Phyllis Tickle's book "The Divine Hours" is an excellent guide to practicing constant prayer.
Here is another chapter from Francis de Sales "Introduction to the Devotional Life"
CHAPTER III. Devotion is suitable to every Vocation and Profession.
WHEN God created the world He commanded each tree to bear fruit after its kind; [8] and even so He bids Christians,--the living trees of His Church,--to bring forth fruits of devotion, each one according to his kind and vocation. A different exercise of devotion is required of each--the noble, the artisan, the servant, the prince, the maiden and the wife; and furthermore such practice must be modified according to the strength, the calling, and the duties of each individual.
I ask you, my child, would it be fitting that a Bishop should seek to lead the solitary life of a Carthusian? And if the father of a family were as regardless in making provision for the future as a Capucin, if the artisan spent the day in church like a Religious, if the Religious involved himself in all manner of business on his neighbour's behalf as a Bishop is called upon to do, would not such a devotion be ridiculous, ill-regulated, and intolerable? Nevertheless such a mistake is often made, and the world, which cannot or will not discriminate between real devotion and the indiscretion of those who fancy themselves devout, grumbles and finds fault with devotion, which is really nowise concerned in these errors.
No indeed, my child, the devotion which is true hinders nothing, but on the contrary it perfects everything; and that which runs counter to the rightful vocation of any one is, you may be sure, a spurious devotion. Aristotle says that the bee sucks honey from flowers without damaging them, leaving them as whole and fresh as it found them;--but true devotion does better still, for it not only hinders no manner of vocation or duty, but, contrariwise, it adorns and beautifies all. Throw precious stones into honey, and each will grow more brilliant according to its several colour:--and in like manner everybody fulfils his special calling better when subject to the influence of devotion:--family duties are lighter, married love truer, service to our King more faithful, every kind of occupation more acceptable and better performed where that is the guide.
It is an error, nay more, a very heresy, to seek to banish the devout life from the soldier's guardroom, the mechanic's workshop, the prince's court, or the domestic hearth. Of course a purely contemplative devotion, such as is specially proper to the religious and monastic life, cannot be practised in these outer vocations, but there are various other kinds of devotion well-suited to lead those whose calling is secular, along the paths of perfection. The Old Testament furnishes us examples in Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, David, Job, Tobias, Sarah, Rebecca and Judith; and in the New Testament we read of St. Joseph, Lydia and Crispus, who led a perfectly devout life in their trades:--we have S. Anne, Martha, S. Monica, Aquila and Priscilla, as examples of household devotion, Cornelius, S. Sebastian, and S. Maurice among soldiers;--Constantine, S. Helena, S. Louis, the Blessed Amadaeus, [9] and S. Edward on the throne. And we even find instances of some who fell away in solitude,--usually so helpful to perfection,--some who had led a higher life in the world, which seems so antagonistic to it. S. Gregory dwells on how Lot, who had kept himself pure in the city, fell in his mountain solitude. Be sure that wheresoever our lot is cast we may and must aim at the perfect life. __________________________________________________________________ [8] Gen. i. 12. [9] It is probable that S. Francis here means to indicate Amadeo IX., Duke of Savoy, who died 1472.
Here is another chapter from Francis de Sales "Introduction to the Devotional Life"
CHAPTER III. Devotion is suitable to every Vocation and Profession.
WHEN God created the world He commanded each tree to bear fruit after its kind; [8] and even so He bids Christians,--the living trees of His Church,--to bring forth fruits of devotion, each one according to his kind and vocation. A different exercise of devotion is required of each--the noble, the artisan, the servant, the prince, the maiden and the wife; and furthermore such practice must be modified according to the strength, the calling, and the duties of each individual.
I ask you, my child, would it be fitting that a Bishop should seek to lead the solitary life of a Carthusian? And if the father of a family were as regardless in making provision for the future as a Capucin, if the artisan spent the day in church like a Religious, if the Religious involved himself in all manner of business on his neighbour's behalf as a Bishop is called upon to do, would not such a devotion be ridiculous, ill-regulated, and intolerable? Nevertheless such a mistake is often made, and the world, which cannot or will not discriminate between real devotion and the indiscretion of those who fancy themselves devout, grumbles and finds fault with devotion, which is really nowise concerned in these errors.
No indeed, my child, the devotion which is true hinders nothing, but on the contrary it perfects everything; and that which runs counter to the rightful vocation of any one is, you may be sure, a spurious devotion. Aristotle says that the bee sucks honey from flowers without damaging them, leaving them as whole and fresh as it found them;--but true devotion does better still, for it not only hinders no manner of vocation or duty, but, contrariwise, it adorns and beautifies all. Throw precious stones into honey, and each will grow more brilliant according to its several colour:--and in like manner everybody fulfils his special calling better when subject to the influence of devotion:--family duties are lighter, married love truer, service to our King more faithful, every kind of occupation more acceptable and better performed where that is the guide.
It is an error, nay more, a very heresy, to seek to banish the devout life from the soldier's guardroom, the mechanic's workshop, the prince's court, or the domestic hearth. Of course a purely contemplative devotion, such as is specially proper to the religious and monastic life, cannot be practised in these outer vocations, but there are various other kinds of devotion well-suited to lead those whose calling is secular, along the paths of perfection. The Old Testament furnishes us examples in Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, David, Job, Tobias, Sarah, Rebecca and Judith; and in the New Testament we read of St. Joseph, Lydia and Crispus, who led a perfectly devout life in their trades:--we have S. Anne, Martha, S. Monica, Aquila and Priscilla, as examples of household devotion, Cornelius, S. Sebastian, and S. Maurice among soldiers;--Constantine, S. Helena, S. Louis, the Blessed Amadaeus, [9] and S. Edward on the throne. And we even find instances of some who fell away in solitude,--usually so helpful to perfection,--some who had led a higher life in the world, which seems so antagonistic to it. S. Gregory dwells on how Lot, who had kept himself pure in the city, fell in his mountain solitude. Be sure that wheresoever our lot is cast we may and must aim at the perfect life. __________________________________________________________________ [8] Gen. i. 12. [9] It is probable that S. Francis here means to indicate Amadeo IX., Duke of Savoy, who died 1472.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Settled
"Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" Acts 10:15... Thank you Father for opening our eyes to you... to enable us to see you and those that you place before us. Protect our prayers, Father help us to listen for your quiet voice, give us clarity on how to pray... remind us that we are not and do not have to be a judge... that is your responsibility not ours. Provide to us faith, sufficient faith to understand you have hands and a heart that are more than capable to handle, in your time, anything that we well give to you fully. Help us to make mighty warriors of our children and children's children... Convert the homes and families that are now walking with you into families that are walking IN YOU... Help me to introduce families that do not know you to your Holy Face... reveal to me how I am to increase the Kingdom this day and the next, for the remainder of the life you have given me. Keep me humble, keep me ever vigilant... keep my armor strong... help me feel your presences in Jesus... let your Spirit flow... AMEN
Thursday, August 7, 2008
How Much of God is in a Single Day?
I was reading John Eldredge's blog today and particularly liked this part:
For the past couple days, I’ve been aware (again) of how I hurl myself at life. My ethic is “Stay on top of things.” This I have known for sometime. But the newer revelations have to do with this nagging sense of “I’m blowing it” (this is the G rated version). I often feel that I’m blowing it. I wondered what this had to do with the anxiousness. What do I pray, Lord? “Ask my life to come in. My life.” Yes, it’s about the life of God. So laying there in bed, I’m praying for the life of God to come in.
Later, I am saying my morning prayers. And what is becoming clear to me is how in my youth, through my wounds, I came to believe life is up to me, and how I turned to self-preservation through striving and staying on top of things. I felt I needed to repent of that, right now. I knew how the Enemy gets a stronghold in our lives when we come to these deep resolutions toward self-preservation (they are godless, whatever form they take). I did not turn to God in my youth; I turned to myself. It created an awful burden, to stay on top of things. Now I am anxious. Is there any real wonder why? It felt like a continuation of the prayer time in bed. Jesus, forgive me. Come into this. Cleanse me, heal me.
What was so right on about God’s guidance to invite his life in is that when we live by the life of God, he the Vine and we the branches, then we are connected as we were meant to be, and life is not up to us. So I prayed for the Life of God to come into all these anxious places.
For the past couple days, I’ve been aware (again) of how I hurl myself at life. My ethic is “Stay on top of things.” This I have known for sometime. But the newer revelations have to do with this nagging sense of “I’m blowing it” (this is the G rated version). I often feel that I’m blowing it. I wondered what this had to do with the anxiousness. What do I pray, Lord? “Ask my life to come in. My life.” Yes, it’s about the life of God. So laying there in bed, I’m praying for the life of God to come in.
Later, I am saying my morning prayers. And what is becoming clear to me is how in my youth, through my wounds, I came to believe life is up to me, and how I turned to self-preservation through striving and staying on top of things. I felt I needed to repent of that, right now. I knew how the Enemy gets a stronghold in our lives when we come to these deep resolutions toward self-preservation (they are godless, whatever form they take). I did not turn to God in my youth; I turned to myself. It created an awful burden, to stay on top of things. Now I am anxious. Is there any real wonder why? It felt like a continuation of the prayer time in bed. Jesus, forgive me. Come into this. Cleanse me, heal me.
What was so right on about God’s guidance to invite his life in is that when we live by the life of God, he the Vine and we the branches, then we are connected as we were meant to be, and life is not up to us. So I prayed for the Life of God to come into all these anxious places.
Day Two Revisited
Now that we are in the second cycle of our prayer journey the Lord is convicting me of hypocrisy. As I have revisited old habits of performance, even in prayer and acts of devotion, I have been hungry and thirsty for that sweet fellowship and rest in God's presence, where the flow from His heart comes naturally and easily and seems to be reciprocal. Jerry's blog yesterday made me realize that even in devotion I can be a hypocrit, and how much more so as I consider deeds of kindness, mercy and compassion, but often do not act on them?
hypocrisy: assuming of false appearance of virtue.
Psalms 51 has been my prayer today:
(beginning in verse 6)
"Surely You desire integrity in the inner self, and You teach me wisdom deep within. Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt.
God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not banish me from your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore the joy of Your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit.
Then I will teach the rebellious Your ways, and sinners will return to You." (vs.13 end)
May our pulpit continually lift up the Name of Jesus, that the Gospel will be proclaimed, many come to repentance, and may we all learn discipleship without hypocrisy, but with fervency and purity of heart.
Carol (CR)
hypocrisy: assuming of false appearance of virtue.
Psalms 51 has been my prayer today:
(beginning in verse 6)
"Surely You desire integrity in the inner self, and You teach me wisdom deep within. Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt.
God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not banish me from your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore the joy of Your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit.
Then I will teach the rebellious Your ways, and sinners will return to You." (vs.13 end)
May our pulpit continually lift up the Name of Jesus, that the Gospel will be proclaimed, many come to repentance, and may we all learn discipleship without hypocrisy, but with fervency and purity of heart.
Carol (CR)
Day Twelve: The Quest for True Devotion
I continue to see my sin and lack of devotion to my Lord. How easy it is to play with religion and not allow the love of Christ to have an affect on my life. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Here is Chapter 2 of Francis de Sales (1567-1622) "Introduction to the Devotional Life" http://www.ccel.org/download.html?url=/ccel/desales/devout_life.txt
CHAPTER II. The Nature and Excellence of Devotion.
THOSE who sought to discourage the Israelites from going up to the Promised Land, told them that it was "a land which eateth up the inhabitants thereof;" that is, that the climate was so unhealthy that the inhabitants could not live long, and that the people thereof were "men of a great stature," who looked upon the new-comers as mere locusts to be devoured. It is just so, my daughter, that the world runs down true devotion, painting devout people with gloomy, melancholy aspect, and affirming that religion makes them dismal and unpleasant. But even as Joshua and Caleb protested that not only was the Promised Land a fair and pleasant country, but that the Israelites would take an easy and peaceful possession thereof, so the Holy Spirit tells us through His Saints, and our Lord has told us with His Own Lips, that a devout life is very sweet, very happy and very loveable.
The world, looking on, sees that devout persons fast, watch and pray, endure injury patiently, minister to the sick and poor, restrain their temper, check and subdue their passions, deny themselves in all sensual indulgence, and do many other things which in themselves are hard and difficult. But the world sees nothing of that inward, heartfelt devotion which makes all these actions pleasant and easy.
Watch a bee hovering over the mountain thyme;--the juices it gathers are bitter, but the bee turns them all to honey,--and so tells the worldling, that though the devout soul finds bitter herbs along its path of devotion, they are all turned to sweetness and pleasantness as it treads;--and the martyrs have counted fire, sword, and rack but as perfumed flowers by reason of their devotion. And if devotion can sweeten such cruel torments, and even death itself, how much more will it give a charm to ordinary good deeds?
We sweeten unripe fruit with sugar, and it is useful in correcting the crudity even of that which is good. So devotion is the real spiritual sweetness which takes away all bitterness from mortifications; and prevents consolations from disagreeing with the soul: it cures the poor of sadness, and the rich of presumption; it keeps the oppressed from feeling desolate, and the prosperous from insolence; it averts sadness from the lonely, and dissipation from social life; it is as warmth in winter and refreshing dew in summer; it knows how to abound and how to suffer want; how to profit alike by honour and contempt; it accepts gladness and sadness with an even mind, and fills men's hearts with a wondrous sweetness.
Ponder Jacob's ladder:--it is a true picture of the devout life; the two poles which support the steps are types of prayer which seeks the love of God, and the Sacraments which confer that love; while the steps themselves are simply the degrees of love by which we go on from virtue to virtue, either descending by good deeds on behalf of our neighbour or ascending by contemplation to a loving union with God. Consider, too, who they are who trod this ladder; men with angels' hearts, or angels with human forms. They are not youthful, but they seem to be so by reason of their vigour and spiritual activity. They have wings wherewith to fly, and attain to God in holy prayer, but they have likewise feet wherewith to tread in human paths by a holy gracious intercourse with men; their faces are bright and beautiful, inasmuch as they accept all things gently and sweetly; their heads and limbs are uncovered, because their thoughts, affections and actions have no motive or object save that of pleasing God; the rest of their bodies is covered with a light shining garment, because while they use the world and the things of this life, they use all such purely and honestly, and no further than is needful for their condition--such are the truly devout.
Believe me, dear child, devotion is the sweetest of sweets, the queen of virtues, the perfection of love. If love is the milk of life, devotion is the cream thereof; if it is a fruitful plant, devotion is the blossom; if it is a precious stone, devotion is its brightness; if it is a precious balm, devotion is its perfume, even that sweet odour which delights men and causes the angels to rejoice.
Here is Chapter 2 of Francis de Sales (1567-1622) "Introduction to the Devotional Life" http://www.ccel.org/download.html?url=/ccel/desales/devout_life.txt
CHAPTER II. The Nature and Excellence of Devotion.
THOSE who sought to discourage the Israelites from going up to the Promised Land, told them that it was "a land which eateth up the inhabitants thereof;" that is, that the climate was so unhealthy that the inhabitants could not live long, and that the people thereof were "men of a great stature," who looked upon the new-comers as mere locusts to be devoured. It is just so, my daughter, that the world runs down true devotion, painting devout people with gloomy, melancholy aspect, and affirming that religion makes them dismal and unpleasant. But even as Joshua and Caleb protested that not only was the Promised Land a fair and pleasant country, but that the Israelites would take an easy and peaceful possession thereof, so the Holy Spirit tells us through His Saints, and our Lord has told us with His Own Lips, that a devout life is very sweet, very happy and very loveable.
The world, looking on, sees that devout persons fast, watch and pray, endure injury patiently, minister to the sick and poor, restrain their temper, check and subdue their passions, deny themselves in all sensual indulgence, and do many other things which in themselves are hard and difficult. But the world sees nothing of that inward, heartfelt devotion which makes all these actions pleasant and easy.
Watch a bee hovering over the mountain thyme;--the juices it gathers are bitter, but the bee turns them all to honey,--and so tells the worldling, that though the devout soul finds bitter herbs along its path of devotion, they are all turned to sweetness and pleasantness as it treads;--and the martyrs have counted fire, sword, and rack but as perfumed flowers by reason of their devotion. And if devotion can sweeten such cruel torments, and even death itself, how much more will it give a charm to ordinary good deeds?
We sweeten unripe fruit with sugar, and it is useful in correcting the crudity even of that which is good. So devotion is the real spiritual sweetness which takes away all bitterness from mortifications; and prevents consolations from disagreeing with the soul: it cures the poor of sadness, and the rich of presumption; it keeps the oppressed from feeling desolate, and the prosperous from insolence; it averts sadness from the lonely, and dissipation from social life; it is as warmth in winter and refreshing dew in summer; it knows how to abound and how to suffer want; how to profit alike by honour and contempt; it accepts gladness and sadness with an even mind, and fills men's hearts with a wondrous sweetness.
Ponder Jacob's ladder:--it is a true picture of the devout life; the two poles which support the steps are types of prayer which seeks the love of God, and the Sacraments which confer that love; while the steps themselves are simply the degrees of love by which we go on from virtue to virtue, either descending by good deeds on behalf of our neighbour or ascending by contemplation to a loving union with God. Consider, too, who they are who trod this ladder; men with angels' hearts, or angels with human forms. They are not youthful, but they seem to be so by reason of their vigour and spiritual activity. They have wings wherewith to fly, and attain to God in holy prayer, but they have likewise feet wherewith to tread in human paths by a holy gracious intercourse with men; their faces are bright and beautiful, inasmuch as they accept all things gently and sweetly; their heads and limbs are uncovered, because their thoughts, affections and actions have no motive or object save that of pleasing God; the rest of their bodies is covered with a light shining garment, because while they use the world and the things of this life, they use all such purely and honestly, and no further than is needful for their condition--such are the truly devout.
Believe me, dear child, devotion is the sweetest of sweets, the queen of virtues, the perfection of love. If love is the milk of life, devotion is the cream thereof; if it is a fruitful plant, devotion is the blossom; if it is a precious stone, devotion is its brightness; if it is a precious balm, devotion is its perfume, even that sweet odour which delights men and causes the angels to rejoice.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Day Eleven: True Devotion
I continue to experience purging of my spirit in my prayer time. Evil attitudes are boiling to the surface and continually need to be scraped off. Thank you Lord for purifying me in this process!
I have been reading "An Introduction to the Devout Life" by Francis de Sales. By the way, you can find many Christian Classics online at http://www.ccel.org
Here is a provoking reading from chapter 1 about the difference between loving God and being devoted to him.
PART I. COUNSELS AND PRACTICES SUITABLE FOR THE SOUL'S GUIDANCE FROM THE FIRST ASPIRATION AFTER A DEVOUT LIFE TO THE POINT WHEN IT ATTAINS A CONFIRMED RESOLUTION TO FOLLOW THE SAME. _________________________________________________________CHAPTER I. What true Devotion is.
YOU aim at a devout life, dear child, because as a Christian you know that such devotion is most acceptable to God's Divine Majesty. But seeing that the small errors people are wont to commit in the beginning of any under taking are apt to wax greater as they advance, and to become irreparable at last, it is most important that you should thoroughly understand wherein lies the grace of true devotion;--and that because while there undoubtedly is such a true devotion, there are also many spurious and idle semblances thereof; and unless you know which is real, you may mistake, and waste your energy in pursuing an empty, profitless shadow.
Arelius was wont to paint all his pictures with the features and expression of the women he loved, and even so we all colour devotion according to our own likings and dispositions. One man sets great value on fasting, and believes himself to be leading a very devout life, so long as he fasts rigorously, although the while his heart is full of bitterness;--and while he will not moisten his lips with wine, perhaps not even with water, in his great abstinence, he does not scruple to steep them in his neighbour's blood, through slander and detraction. Another man reckons himself as devout because he repeats many prayers daily, although at the same time he does not refrain from all manner of angry, irritating, conceited or insulting speeches among his family and neighbours. This man freely opens his purse in almsgiving, but closes his heart to all gentle and forgiving feelings towards those who are opposed to him; while that one is ready enough to forgive his enemies, but will never pay his rightful debts save under pressure.
Meanwhile all these people are conventionally called religious, but nevertheless they are in no true sense really devout. When Saul's servants sought to take David, Michal induced them to suppose that the lifeless figure lying in his bed, and covered with his garments, was the man they sought; and in like manner many people dress up an exterior with the visible acts expressive of earnest devotion, and the world supposes them to be really devout and spiritual-minded, while all the time they are mere lay figures, mere phantasms of devotion. But, in fact, all true and living devotion presupposes the love of God;--and indeed it is neither more nor less than a very real love of God, though not always of the same kind; for that Love one while shining on the soul we call grace, which makes us acceptable to His Divine Majesty;--when it strengthens us to do well, it is called Charity;--but when it attains its fullest perfection, in which it not only leads us to do well, but to act carefully, diligently, and promptly, then it is called Devotion.
The ostrich never flies,--the hen rises with difficulty, and achieves but a brief and rare flight, but the eagle, the dove, and the swallow, are continually on the wing, and soar high;--even so sinners do not rise towards God, for all their movements are earthly and earthbound. Well-meaning people, who have not as yet attained a true devotion, attempt a manner of flight by means of their good actions, but rarely, slowly and heavily; while really devout men rise up to God frequently, and with a swift and soaring wing. In short, devotion is simply a spiritual activity and liveliness by means of which Divine Love works in us, and causes us to work briskly and lovingly; and just as charity leads us to a general practice of all God's Commandments, so devotion leads us to practise them readily and diligently. And therefore we cannot call him who neglects to observe all God's Commandments either good or devout, because in order to be good, a man must be filled with love, and to be devout, he must further be very ready and apt to perform the deeds of love. And forasmuch as devotion consists in a high degree of real love, it not only makes us ready, active, and diligent in following all God's Commands, but it also excites us to be ready and loving in performing as many good works s possible, even such as are not enjoined upon us, but are only matters of counsel or inspiration. Even as a man just recovering from illness, walks only so far as he is obliged to go, with a slow and weary step, so the converted sinner journeys along as far as God commands him but slowly and wearily, until he attains a true spirit of devotion, and then, like a sound man, he not only gets along, but he runs and leaps in the way of God's Commands, and hastens gladly along the paths of heavenly counsels and inspirations. The difference between love and devotion is just that which exists between fire and flame;--love being a spiritual fire which becomes devotion when it is fanned into a flame;--and what devotion adds to the fire of love is that flame which makes it eager, energetic and diligent, not merely in obeying God's Commandments, but in fulfilling His Divine Counsels and inspirations. __________________________________________________________________
I have been reading "An Introduction to the Devout Life" by Francis de Sales. By the way, you can find many Christian Classics online at http://www.ccel.org
Here is a provoking reading from chapter 1 about the difference between loving God and being devoted to him.
PART I. COUNSELS AND PRACTICES SUITABLE FOR THE SOUL'S GUIDANCE FROM THE FIRST ASPIRATION AFTER A DEVOUT LIFE TO THE POINT WHEN IT ATTAINS A CONFIRMED RESOLUTION TO FOLLOW THE SAME. _________________________________________________________CHAPTER I. What true Devotion is.
YOU aim at a devout life, dear child, because as a Christian you know that such devotion is most acceptable to God's Divine Majesty. But seeing that the small errors people are wont to commit in the beginning of any under taking are apt to wax greater as they advance, and to become irreparable at last, it is most important that you should thoroughly understand wherein lies the grace of true devotion;--and that because while there undoubtedly is such a true devotion, there are also many spurious and idle semblances thereof; and unless you know which is real, you may mistake, and waste your energy in pursuing an empty, profitless shadow.
Arelius was wont to paint all his pictures with the features and expression of the women he loved, and even so we all colour devotion according to our own likings and dispositions. One man sets great value on fasting, and believes himself to be leading a very devout life, so long as he fasts rigorously, although the while his heart is full of bitterness;--and while he will not moisten his lips with wine, perhaps not even with water, in his great abstinence, he does not scruple to steep them in his neighbour's blood, through slander and detraction. Another man reckons himself as devout because he repeats many prayers daily, although at the same time he does not refrain from all manner of angry, irritating, conceited or insulting speeches among his family and neighbours. This man freely opens his purse in almsgiving, but closes his heart to all gentle and forgiving feelings towards those who are opposed to him; while that one is ready enough to forgive his enemies, but will never pay his rightful debts save under pressure.
Meanwhile all these people are conventionally called religious, but nevertheless they are in no true sense really devout. When Saul's servants sought to take David, Michal induced them to suppose that the lifeless figure lying in his bed, and covered with his garments, was the man they sought; and in like manner many people dress up an exterior with the visible acts expressive of earnest devotion, and the world supposes them to be really devout and spiritual-minded, while all the time they are mere lay figures, mere phantasms of devotion. But, in fact, all true and living devotion presupposes the love of God;--and indeed it is neither more nor less than a very real love of God, though not always of the same kind; for that Love one while shining on the soul we call grace, which makes us acceptable to His Divine Majesty;--when it strengthens us to do well, it is called Charity;--but when it attains its fullest perfection, in which it not only leads us to do well, but to act carefully, diligently, and promptly, then it is called Devotion.
The ostrich never flies,--the hen rises with difficulty, and achieves but a brief and rare flight, but the eagle, the dove, and the swallow, are continually on the wing, and soar high;--even so sinners do not rise towards God, for all their movements are earthly and earthbound. Well-meaning people, who have not as yet attained a true devotion, attempt a manner of flight by means of their good actions, but rarely, slowly and heavily; while really devout men rise up to God frequently, and with a swift and soaring wing. In short, devotion is simply a spiritual activity and liveliness by means of which Divine Love works in us, and causes us to work briskly and lovingly; and just as charity leads us to a general practice of all God's Commandments, so devotion leads us to practise them readily and diligently. And therefore we cannot call him who neglects to observe all God's Commandments either good or devout, because in order to be good, a man must be filled with love, and to be devout, he must further be very ready and apt to perform the deeds of love. And forasmuch as devotion consists in a high degree of real love, it not only makes us ready, active, and diligent in following all God's Commands, but it also excites us to be ready and loving in performing as many good works s possible, even such as are not enjoined upon us, but are only matters of counsel or inspiration. Even as a man just recovering from illness, walks only so far as he is obliged to go, with a slow and weary step, so the converted sinner journeys along as far as God commands him but slowly and wearily, until he attains a true spirit of devotion, and then, like a sound man, he not only gets along, but he runs and leaps in the way of God's Commands, and hastens gladly along the paths of heavenly counsels and inspirations. The difference between love and devotion is just that which exists between fire and flame;--love being a spiritual fire which becomes devotion when it is fanned into a flame;--and what devotion adds to the fire of love is that flame which makes it eager, energetic and diligent, not merely in obeying God's Commandments, but in fulfilling His Divine Counsels and inspirations. __________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Day Ten: Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
Tim wrote earlier about hungering and thirsting for righteousness and I realize how little I hunger for anything. In the reading for today, I was again impressed with the spiritual battle and how the enemy will come to offend, or attempt to offend. We stand against the enemy in all his forms. I refuse to be offended, and Lord, stir my hunger for you and your word.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Day Nine: Worship Evangelism
I was reflecting today how worship is an attitude of my heart, and yet I often feel that someone needs to lead me in worship. Forgive me Lord for looking to others to lead me to worship you. If Paul and Silas can worship in prison, in the dark, I can worship in any setting also.
Lord Jesus, today I lift my heart in worship to you. You alone are God, you alone deserve worship and praise! Bring into your presence those who need your touch!
I worship you.
Lord Jesus, today I lift my heart in worship to you. You alone are God, you alone deserve worship and praise! Bring into your presence those who need your touch!
I worship you.
Friday, August 1, 2008
The Road to Guymon?
Wednesday evening, I was driving to Guymon, Oklahoma for business. I've made this trip many times and it's about 6 hours one way from Tulsa, with a stop for a drive-thru meal along the way. It's important to note, at this point in this posting, that I just love coffee, particularly Starbucks. Well, the last Starbucks (and the last great cup of coffee before I would return to Tulsa the next day) is in Enid. But I hit Enid around 6:00pm, and my plan was to get into the motel, catch up on my Acts 29 reading and prayer, and hit the rack early. So, I resisted, knowing the cup of joe would keep me up much later than I wanted. Well, 15 miles past Enid, I could literally taste and smell the cup of coffee back in town. I craved it and regretted my decision to drive past. I could think of nothing else.
Then the Holy Spirit spoke to me, and brought my mind and heart to Matthew 5:6. In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, He says: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Quickly I remembered my conversation with a friend the day before. He had just been through the first couple weeks of a new diet that severely restricted carbs. He lamented that after a week or so on the diet, a wood pencil started to look tasty...all he could think of was Carbs!!!!
This is the way we are to seek Righteousness! Like we can't think of anything else, like we can smell it in the air, remembering the "taste" of it, and nothing will satisfy us but Righteousness. I confess, I've missed the mark here. Consider later in the same chapter, Matthew 5:20, "For I tell you, (Jesus talking here) unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." And one of my most cherished verses, Matt. 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Well, this was an awakening for me, and I was so thankful for the illumination of the Spirit that the rest of my drive was just so rich with communion and thankfulness. But God wasn't done yet.
Around 9pm, I arrived at my motel, quickly checked in and went to my room. There, on the desk, under a small table lamp, was the obligatory Gideon Bible. But this Bible was opened, to Psalm 34. After being reminded that my life's goal should be attaining to righteousness, that I should seek it as a thirsty man seeks a cold drink, as a beggar seeks a morsel of food to ease his pangs, God shows me this, which I will gladly quote with my emphases:
Psalm 34
Taste and See That the LORD Is Good
Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.
1I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.2My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. 3Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
4I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 5Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!9 Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! 10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. 11Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12 What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. 16 The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 17 When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. 20 He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. 22The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
God has called me to "change my behavior", to seek righteousness as the primary thing to be gained. He has reminded me that He is good! And he reminded me that as I seek righteousness, he will protect me, hear my cry, deliver me from troubles, and that His eyes will be toward me.
I'm not sure if Damascus and Guymon have any actual similarities, but as I read the Psalm in that motel room, something like scales fell from my eyes and my life changed.
2 Cor. 4:6: "For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Amen.
Then the Holy Spirit spoke to me, and brought my mind and heart to Matthew 5:6. In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, He says: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Quickly I remembered my conversation with a friend the day before. He had just been through the first couple weeks of a new diet that severely restricted carbs. He lamented that after a week or so on the diet, a wood pencil started to look tasty...all he could think of was Carbs!!!!
This is the way we are to seek Righteousness! Like we can't think of anything else, like we can smell it in the air, remembering the "taste" of it, and nothing will satisfy us but Righteousness. I confess, I've missed the mark here. Consider later in the same chapter, Matthew 5:20, "For I tell you, (Jesus talking here) unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." And one of my most cherished verses, Matt. 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Well, this was an awakening for me, and I was so thankful for the illumination of the Spirit that the rest of my drive was just so rich with communion and thankfulness. But God wasn't done yet.
Around 9pm, I arrived at my motel, quickly checked in and went to my room. There, on the desk, under a small table lamp, was the obligatory Gideon Bible. But this Bible was opened, to Psalm 34. After being reminded that my life's goal should be attaining to righteousness, that I should seek it as a thirsty man seeks a cold drink, as a beggar seeks a morsel of food to ease his pangs, God shows me this, which I will gladly quote with my emphases:
Psalm 34
Taste and See That the LORD Is Good
Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.
1I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.2My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. 3Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
4I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 5Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!9 Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! 10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. 11Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12 What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. 16 The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 17 When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. 20 He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. 22The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
God has called me to "change my behavior", to seek righteousness as the primary thing to be gained. He has reminded me that He is good! And he reminded me that as I seek righteousness, he will protect me, hear my cry, deliver me from troubles, and that His eyes will be toward me.
I'm not sure if Damascus and Guymon have any actual similarities, but as I read the Psalm in that motel room, something like scales fell from my eyes and my life changed.
2 Cor. 4:6: "For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Amen.
The road to Damascus
This morning as I was reading Acts 9, the story of Paul's conversion, my heart was moved toward repentance about a recent experience. Someone had given my number to a man at the Day Center for the homeless. This man called me and claimed to be ready for change and wanted to know about Celebrate Recovery. Of coarse I spoke with him and encouraged him to come, but in the back of my mind I was doubting his sincerity. I was surprised when he did show up to our meeting, but once again I doubted the sincerity of his over enthusiastic talk, and wondered what his real motives were. Today I realized I was just like the disciples doubting Paul's conversion. Were my feelings right or wrong, I don't know. Only time will tell. I do know though that I was wrong for putting this man in the same category as others I had seen before, that went as quickly as they came. It is not for me to judge. Maybe he really had his Damascus road experience, and if he didn't, how do I God doesn't want to use me to help him get to that point. I think the tiredness I spoke of yesterday clouds my vision. Discernment or judgement? I really don't know which it was. Either way my repentance comes for doubting God's plan for someone, simply because they made me feel uncomfortable. Maybe I need a new Damascus road experience to see more clearly.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tired of being tired
I won't speak for the whole church although I do see this happening. I have spent way to much time and energy focused on the "how to do it", that there hasn't been much energy left for the "what to do". In fact I get so tired that I probably miss some of the open windows God puts before me. I know today that my "what to do" is to simply be ready for every opportunity to tell the good news of what Jesus has done in my life. That's it! That's what I am here for. Yes I do have a job and a family and tasks to accomplish but its funny when priorities are in order how much smoother that goes. Father I ask today that you give me the opportunity to tell someone the good news about Jesus. I trust you that any thing else I need to do today will be done.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Day Four: Deliver Us From Evil
I was reflecting on today's prayer time as I walked to work, wondering how we managed to allow satan's strongholds to redevelop at FUMC after working to cast them down. It came to me that just like weeding the garden or trimming trees, without regular maintenance sin begins to creep back in and left alone will grow until it begins to choke out the life of Christ in me/us again.
I am repenting today from the stronghold of Religion, allowing the religious spirit to come back into our midst unopposed. Lord Jesus, I seek your Presence, that you and you alone lead and guide our church. I pray that we may see you face to face.
The stronghold of Pride was also pointed out to me today in this video from Francis Chan on being rich and lukewarm, and actually preferring being lukewarm to being on fire. Lord Jesus forgive my tendency to trust in my wealth for security and not being dependent on you for my daily needs. Lord, do whatever it takes to bring my heart back to you in Brokenness in order for me to be saved by your grace.
I also was convicted of gossiping about persons in the Body of Christ that I disagreed with, and allowing the stronghold of Accusation to redevelop. Here is a great sermon from Bill Johnston of Bethel Church on why he supports Todd Bentley. Great talk on standing together as a Body. I know better and I repent today, Lord Jesus of being offended by brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray Honor for your Body, especially those that you have put in authority over us. I pray protection and wisdom for them in order for us to live in your favor.
The stronghold of Prejudice is cast down by praying for unity in the Body of Christ through a prayer of Agreement that allows God to pour out his blessing for revival. Lord Jesus, forgive my feelings of superior wisdom of you to separate me from those who are gifted differently. I repent of my arrogance and seek your blessing on us.
The stronghold of Judgement is allowed to come in when self-righteous Christianity begins to set works above grace. Lord forgive me and us from judging others walk with you, praying instead for compassion as your grace is all we need.
Lastly, Fear as a stronghold is allowed when I attempt to control what God is doing. I repent of attempting to control the movement of the Holy Spirit because of what people may think. Lord Jesus, I trust you in faith that you will control things according to your will, not mine. Bring your peace as I trust you.
I am curious about your reflections on today's prayer. What has God spoken to you?
I am repenting today from the stronghold of Religion, allowing the religious spirit to come back into our midst unopposed. Lord Jesus, I seek your Presence, that you and you alone lead and guide our church. I pray that we may see you face to face.
The stronghold of Pride was also pointed out to me today in this video from Francis Chan on being rich and lukewarm, and actually preferring being lukewarm to being on fire. Lord Jesus forgive my tendency to trust in my wealth for security and not being dependent on you for my daily needs. Lord, do whatever it takes to bring my heart back to you in Brokenness in order for me to be saved by your grace.
I also was convicted of gossiping about persons in the Body of Christ that I disagreed with, and allowing the stronghold of Accusation to redevelop. Here is a great sermon from Bill Johnston of Bethel Church on why he supports Todd Bentley. Great talk on standing together as a Body. I know better and I repent today, Lord Jesus of being offended by brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray Honor for your Body, especially those that you have put in authority over us. I pray protection and wisdom for them in order for us to live in your favor.
The stronghold of Prejudice is cast down by praying for unity in the Body of Christ through a prayer of Agreement that allows God to pour out his blessing for revival. Lord Jesus, forgive my feelings of superior wisdom of you to separate me from those who are gifted differently. I repent of my arrogance and seek your blessing on us.
The stronghold of Judgement is allowed to come in when self-righteous Christianity begins to set works above grace. Lord forgive me and us from judging others walk with you, praying instead for compassion as your grace is all we need.
Lastly, Fear as a stronghold is allowed when I attempt to control what God is doing. I repent of attempting to control the movement of the Holy Spirit because of what people may think. Lord Jesus, I trust you in faith that you will control things according to your will, not mine. Bring your peace as I trust you.
I am curious about your reflections on today's prayer. What has God spoken to you?
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Today from Acts 3
I had a great time reading the text today and seeing again the power that comes to us from the name of Jesus. I found it interesting that I was praying about our city government on the day of the primary election.
What did you experience about the name of Jesus today?
What did you experience about the name of Jesus today?
It's Happening
Hello Fellow Pray-ers:
Thanks for starting this prayer adventure for the 50 days from July 27 to September 14, 2008. Let's use this site to keep track of what we hear and see from God during this time.
Watch and see what happens!
Jerry
Thanks for starting this prayer adventure for the 50 days from July 27 to September 14, 2008. Let's use this site to keep track of what we hear and see from God during this time.
Watch and see what happens!
Jerry
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