WEEDS

I was taking a walk the other day and a man was spraying his weeds attempting to kill them off. He was not happy with the chemicals he had and in short exchange of words I said "hopefully it will do something." Where he remarked, "it doesn't help when you have neighbors with THAT." As I glared to my right, his neighbor's yard was infested with weeds. It was so infested, it had pretty much choked out any grass from growing. I could not help but sympathize with him. It seemed even if he worked diligently at ridding his yard of the weeds, his neighbor's neglect of his weeds would inevitebly affect the maintenance of his yard.

As I walked away I was contemplating the unseen weeds in each of our lives. Those things that choke out good in our lives, the sins that so easily entangle (Heb. 12:1) us, etc. It was a reminder to be aware of who we are choosing to live life with. In some cases, as in this man, we may not have much say in who are neighbor is. However, we do have a choice who we choose to run the race of life with. Our friends, whether we like it or not, are people that influence our thinking, choices, and growth. Therefore, it is important to evaluate who we spend a lot of time with and whether or not they are attempting to rid their life of the weeds or living comfortably in them. If it is the latter, their weeds may outgrow into your life.

Not and Never

After conversing with a friend this past week I became aware how often we say "I will not," "I would never" or, "I will never." As I pondered on these phrases I began to wonder how can I really say I surrender all, if these phrases are still in my vocabulary.

Let me clarify that these phrases, when used to remove oneself from evil or sin are necessary. However, in a lot of cases, we have preferences (likes and dislikes) that may hinder God's will for our lives.

Can I hold onto my own way and will and still be clay in the Potter's hand? Relinquishing everything and being willing to hear His voice lead us in directions and ways we may not have considered requires us to let go of the "not" and "never" in our vocabulary.

God may just direct you to do the very thing you said you would "NEVER" do! He's funny like that.

Waiting

My 6 yr. old sister Michaela recently drew a picture of a tree with a nest, holding an egg and a bird sitting in the nest. Above the nest at the top of the tree were music notes. While I was thinking about the picture I was thinking about how an egg is a lot like faith. There are things moving and happening inside an egg for weeks that are completely concealed from the eye. But, the bird faithfully guards, protects, and sits on the egg waiting for the perfect moment where life will spring forth. God has many eggs being created in our lives. We don't see them, yet they are there. We must wait upon God to bring forth our future and not try to force it. If the bird were to become impatient and break open or peck the egg it would be premature and destructive to the outcome. In the same way if we are not patient and wait upon God for His outcome for things in our lives, we too will have an outcome that will be premature. Rather than bring us good it will be damaging.

Also, the music notes remind me that it is important to wait in an attitude of worship and thanksgiving. It is easy when things don't happen in our timetable to become discontent and as a result, complain and grumble. We must trust God's timing and know that the things He is working inside the egg which we cannot see are better than we can imagine!

Lord, give us the patience to wait and wait with praise and thanksgiving.

Within v. Without

Luke 17:21 "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."

I am afraid we redefine the presence of God with those things "without" rather than "within." Jesus said eternal life is to know Him and that knowing comes from within us not from outside of us. There is so much today to stimulate our senses. We rely on visual images, flashing lights, relevent music, dramatic audio versions of the Bible to draw near to God. While these things can be tools in our walk with God individually as well as corporately, we cannot depend on certain outward conditions to worship and spend time with God. The true test of our relationship is "when the music fades, and all is stripped away. . ." as the old worship song says. We must not replace our senses in the natural for the real manifest presence of God. Let us "be still and know that He is God" (Ps. 46:10). Lord, teach us to live "the inward life" in all we do, and like Brother Lawrence "practice the presence of God."

Avocado

I have been told that if you are not going to use the entire avacado you leave the center in it to prevent it from turning brown. I would like to think of this like keeping Jesus at the center of everything we do and say. If He is our source and life line we will be healthy spiritually and good will continue to come forth, but if we remove Him from His rightful place, there will be some rottenness coming out. Jesus said He is the vine and we are the branches. If a branch is removed from the vine it may last a couple days on the ground, but soon it will dry up and become brittle. It is vital that we remain in Jesus or we too may end up rotten and brittle.

Difference is Good!

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14

When I observe all the variety in flowers, trees, birds, etc. I am amazed at the unique design, colors, sounds, etc. It would appear by observation of God's creation that He enjoys variety and difference.

The same is true of you and I. We live in a society and culture that wants us to conform to one another. There is an  underlying current that says we should all live, talk, walk, like, and dislike as everyone else does so that we "fit in" or "belong." Although there is a certain amount of etiquette in each culture, etc., it is a tragedy if we begin to lose our own identity and uniqueness in trying to "fit in" with those around us. God made us each with different personalities, likes, and dislikes.  We need to express ourselves and share the TRUTH. If we say and do only what we believe others will approve of or be comfortable with then we choose to live a LIE. We should not shrink back from being ourselves within the boundaries of God's will and word. We rob ourselves of freedom and society of our unique gifts, talents, opinions, etc. when we focus on the approval of everyone around us rather than that of God. Go ahead and BE YOU, the best you that you can be!

Light

While visiting at my friend's house last week she had lit a few fragrant candles. Without her knowledge, her 5 year old daughter, with delight, went around blowing the candles out.

Her mom said that she loves blowing the candles out and it is useless to light them. In my efforts to persuade her to keep the candles lit. I was reminded of the song "This Little Light of Mine." If you are unfamiliar with the words, they are as follows:

                                               This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine,                   

                                               This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine,

                                               This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine,

                                               let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

                                               Won't let satan "blow" it out

                                                I'm gonna let it shine

As a believer, the light of Jesus resides inside us. We have to make a deliberate choice to not let anything in this world try to dim our light. There are many things that try to "blow" our light out. Discouragement, fatigue, hunger, trials, people, work, suffering, etc. etc. Unlike these candles, it is not useless to light our lamps. With the power of the Holy Spirit, the light inside is no match for the things outside of you! By keeping a steady gaze at Jesus, the light of the world, and by a consistent taking in of the word of God we can keep our lamps lit bright for the Lord. May we be like the wise virgins who kept their oil lamps filled and shining bright, ready for His return!

Faking It. . .

Tonight I was invited to an open-mic night here in Milwaukee. "Faking It" was the topic and those who have a true life story that fits the topic all place their names in the hat and then eight names are drawn. At the end of the night people pick their favorite story-teller.

It was a good experience and a reminder that we all have stories and experiences to share. We were meant to interact and to share those stories with real people who live real lives. We were never meant to be consumed with others' lives, or the lives of those in sitcoms that we lose our own lives as a result. Jesus came to give us abundant life.

I began thinking about my life and how before Christ I not only faked it, but I was fake! My life was a lie. I was searching for acceptance, security, and love so badly and the fear of not ever receiving it kept me from truly being me. I remember as a young person never speaking because I was too afraid of what others would think of me. Or saying "yes" when I really think "no" so that I would fit in. I am so thankful for the freedom Jesus Christ has brought and continues to bring to me. The more I know His love, the less I look for it anywhere else.

One of my friend's favorite quotes is "the tragedy of life is what dies within a man while he still lives." I have spent so much of my life conforming to the patterns, attitudes, opinions, and actions of others. Letting others' dogma dictate what I should or shouldn't do, say, or sometimes even think! We put far to much emphasis on people and too little emphasis on God. He says that all flesh is grass and the glory of man is like the fading of a flower. Whose opinion and approval are we really living for? God or man's?

Life is too short! God is ultimately the only one who is going to matter! It is to Him we give account. Take some risks, live boldly! Be you, after all, there will only be one you for all of eternity. Show your colors! Do not let anything or anyone hold you back! If God is for you, who can be against you?

Treasure

When God is our treasure, delight, and what we are living for, there is nothing in this world that can move or take Him away! When we can acknowledge that everything is given to us by the Lord there is nothing we have to fight to keep! If God wants you to have something, you will have it. We don't have to strive to keep anything in this life. The only thing we should be concerning ourselves with is maintaining closeness w/the Lord in everything and obedience to Him. If we are doing that, He will take care of everything else. Lord, help us abandon our lives, our reputation, our living, and all of our needs to You. God honors those who honor Him.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 KJV

Peacock

Isn't it beautiful?! God is amazing the detail of the feathers and the colors.

Today, just some interesting facts I learned about the peacock. You may wonder, why of all things are you writing about the peacock? Why not? Peacock feathers came up in conversation, which then sparked my interest, which then led to research. I know I can be a little bit of a nerd. Nevertheless, what I found out was fascinating!

We all know the male peacock puts out its feathers as a sign of courtship. According to my research it is like cupping your hand to your ear so you can hear better.

In ancient times of Christianity the peacock represented the "all-seeing church" because of the eyes on the feathers of the male. Also, renewal because they put off their feathers ever year and new ones come. The Peacock also represents eternal life and immortality because the birds were thought to have bodies that did not decay. In Babylon and Persia the peacock was guardian to royalty.

So in application, I want to be like the peacock and cup my hand to my ear so that I can hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit.

God, like the male peacock, is our bridegroom and likes us to brag on His beauty and majesty!

To be an "all-seeing church" we need to ask for our eyes to be opened and we desperately need the word of God!

As for renewal, we need the renewal of our mind with the washing of the word daily to keep us from being spotted by this world.

Eternal life and immortality our ours through Jesus Christ!

Finally, we are heirs of Jesus Christ, therefore royalty!

Name/Fame

We live in a culture that exalts people and makes idols of them. Let it not be so in the church or in our lives! Whose name are we living for? Do we truly live for His attention, praise, and glory? Are we looking to make a name for ourselves? Did not the same God make all of His servants and will He not provide all needs to those who ask? Yes, we need eachother and the body of Christ to help us grow, but we ought to remember that God who made all and works through all is the one to applaud and seek. I have met far to many believers that exalt a teacher, preacher, or ministry above God! God works through our leaders, but He gives all things to all who ask! Do we only believe God will speak to us through another? Will we really only experience God if we go to a conference or church? God promises that when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us! I am in no way saying that there are not anointed pastors, preachers, teachers, evangelists, worship leaders, and movements out there. I am thankful to God for the five-fold ministry and the grace He gives to further His purposes in our lives. HOWEVER, when we pursue them more than God Himself, we are in trouble people!

We must be careful in leading people to Christ we do not lead them to ourselves! We have to remember it is God who gives us gifts, callings, etc. for His glory to draw people closer to Him. It is the Pharisees who Jesus condemned who "loved the praise of man more than the praise of God." Paul said if he still sought to please men, he could not please God. We must promote Jesus Christ. . . our aim is Him, we make Him our affection, attention, and audience. From what I remember, Jesus' life did not end in fame and glory, but in death as a criminal, betrayed by all who followed Him. Should His SERVANTS be above their MASTER?!

Lower, Lord, bring us lower
may we get out of the way
for your glory to stay.

"Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your's; And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's."   (1 Cor. 3:21-23)

Divorce

"Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire."

As I continue my walk with Christ today, I must have Him search me and see if there be any wicked ways in me. Do I have hardness of heart about any sin in my life? Is there anything I need to divorce myself from or cut myself off from that keeps me from growing and keeps others from seeing truth and light in my life? Oh Lord, help me not to hang on to anything that hinders your love in me!

A Leak

"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38)

At one time or another, you have already had or are going to have a leak. The frustrating thing about a leak is it is so subtle that it continues to drip, on most occassions, without you having knowledge that it exists. Take for instance the plumbing under the sink. If you are like me, you may store various cleaners down there (if you have kids, not an option), nevertheless, usually not things you need on a daily basis. After a few weeks of a continuous leak, to your bewilderment there lies a puddle of water! At this point it becomes a little unnerving to gather some rags to soak up the mess, clean up the things, and get the plumbing tightened.

If you are a believer, you have Jesus, the living water living on the inside of you. There are times when we feel like our life is just making a "leak." Jesus said rivers of living water shall come out of our bellies! When I imagine a river it has movement and currents! Although we may still leave some water from our dripping, we will not cause much current or movement around us. How can God produce rivers in us?

To stop the leak of the plumbing we had to "tighten." Just the opposite must occur in our lives if we want the water to flow. In order for the Holy Spirit to have His way with us we must let go of the control we want to have over our will, time, money, relationships, etc. The more we yield and offer our body as a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1), the more the Holy Spirit within can produce that river Jesus refers to. I don't know about you, but I do not want to "tighten" within, but let the Holy Spirit loose me of those things that prevent His rivers of water from producing currents and movement that brings change to my life and those around me! Lord loosen us from the things that keep your living water from moving freely through us.

STOPLIGHTS

Stoplights bring order and safety to us and others as we navigate our way through traffic on a daily basis. This is applicable whether we are in a vehicle or traveling as a pedestrian. As we follow the traffic signals and trust those around us are doing the same, we have some sense of security everyday driving in a vehicle, walking, or cycling. Green provides us with the right of way, yellow is forwarning us to take it easy because we will be in stopping mode soon, and finally red means STOP. If we do not stop at the red light we can create an accident. How many of us really enjoy sitting still? If anyone is like me, I start getting fidgety if the red light does not change to green fast enough.

"Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the and of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God. . ." Ps. 123:2

This same principle is true of our walk with God. We are always in a hurry to get to the destination or receive the answers to our questions. Sometimes the red light can last for days, months, and even years! If we are supposed to stop and wait and we go anyway, we're asking for trouble.

This is also true if we have a green light from God and need to act. We must not shrink back in fear, but move forward with confidence. If God has instructed us to do something, we need to do it! He will honor our obedience. We cannot make excuses to God, we must put our trust in Him and do what He asks. We only have one life to give to Him. May we be found doing those things which He has revealed.

We need to trust that God's timing is perfect and He doesn't run on our timetable. He knows what is best and sees the big picture. Waiting and patience requires faith and confidence in God and His word.

It is imperative that we listen to God and obey Him and His signals. If you have been walking with God for any amount of time, the word we all have heard, probably more than any other is "WAIT."

What are you waiting on God for? Will you wait patiently upon Him and His instructions (green lights), or will you rush through the waiting times (red lights) and create some accidents. The Lord will not disappoint those who wait on Him: "for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me." Isaiah 49:23(b)

Certainty

"I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air. . ." (1 Cor. 9:26)

It was Paul's declaration that he was not going to run aimlessly or uncertainly, but with confidence and aiming in a direction. The direction and aim was God and His will above every other aim. Being certain means "without doubt or reservation." There are many things in our lives personally, as well as in the world today that cause doubt and uncertainty. However, if we are children of God, we can have certainty and assurance by putting our trust in God's word and promises that cannot fail. As we put all of our confidence in Him, it will result in peace and joy as His word guides us. As we reflect on last year and seek to set new goals, let us not forget that our aim in all things is to do ALL things to the glory of God.

Paul was fighting, but not just into the air. There are specific things we are each called to do and accomplish. It is not God's intention that any of His children lack a "fight" in their lives. What is your fight? What goals is He leading you to set? What risks has He been prodding you to take? Let's step out of our boats and walk on the water in 2012. God is waiting for us. Will we be obedient to His still small voice, those promptings that make our hearts beat? We can have certainty that He will do His part if we will do ours!