Hello again! I hope this day finds you well and enjoying life. I think it's important that we really do try to enjoy life. It fades so fast. The other day I was shooting some hoops with my sons. After sinking some pretty sweet shots from the baseline I looked at my youngest son and said, "Not bad for your going on 50 year old dad, is it?" He laughed, I laughed, but I found myself thinking about what I had just said. Almost 50. Wow. How fast life is going. How many years did I waste by not following the Lord like I could have been. I'll do everything I can to make sure that doesn't happen anymore. Thank God he promises to "restore the years that the swarming locust has eaten." (Joel 2:25) And the more I follow the Lord, the more I enjoy life. The two kind of go hand in hand.
Ok, enough of that. Those were just some random thoughts in my mind as I sat down to the keyboard. I do have something very much on my heart that I couldn't wait any longer to share with you. A short while ago I was spending some time with someone who is both, a friend and brother who I love very much. He had come to a place where he wanted to share with me a very personal and intimate time that the Lord had allowed him to experience. For a time this was so personal that, like Mary when Jesus was born, I think he "kept all these things and pondered them in (his) heart." I am so glad that my friend came to a place where he could share this very personal vision. It has already impacted my life and there have been a few others that have already heard what you are about to read and they have been moved, also. I am about to share the vision in my friend's own words. I received his permission to put this on the blog and I hope it moves you as well. This man is one with solid faith, loves Jesus very much and absorbs the word of God as much as he can. He soaks himself in prayer and whenever he tells me that he has heard something from the Lord, I pay close attention. Be blessed:
To See & Be Seen................. Saturday, 5-22-10
During Wednesday prayer time the Holy Spirit spoke this phrase into my spirit- "to see and be seen."
Saturday morning, while I was alone at the church in prayer, I was laying on my face asking Jesus to show me the Father and to help me understand the phrase"to see and be seen". As I was asking Jesus to see the Father I felt that He took me by the hand and started leading me toward a large red curtain. As we walked I became younger and younger to the point that when we got to the curtain I was a small child and He was holding me in His arms. As we went through the curtain I knew that we had just passed through the blood of Jesus and had entered the throne room of the Father.
As Jesus took me over close to the Father I had now become a small baby, but was very aware of my surroundings. Jesus then laid me before the Father. I just looked at the Father's eyes. I then saw a large warrior standing to the right of the Father and watching both of us with great intensity. Without a word from me the Father spoke and said "welcome, this warrior is you,and you are always in My presence in the spirit realm." I knew immediately that I had just become aware for the first time of who I was in the spirit. I actually was seeing my spirit being standing next to the Father and I was amazed at how focused he was.
I then understood that the baby I had become in the presence of the Father represented everything I was in the flesh. I was being shown that even though I am a full-grown man on earth, in heaven this fleshly person has only the wisdom and maturity of a small baby. I then knew that for me to make decisions based on my human knowledge and wisdom was equivalent to this small baby trying to tell this mighty warrior about anything. I knew that this warrior was who I was created to be from the moment of conception and that this was how the Father always saw me. I also knew that this warrior was not complete but, even though he already appeared as a valiant warrior, he was still in the process of being transformed into the full image of Jesus. I then began to cry out for the Spirit to not only transform me so that I would always remember who I was in the spirit and quit walking according to the flesh, but to also transform this warrior into the full image of my Lord & King Jesus.
The Spirit spoke to me and said that my spirit man was always in the Father's presence and as He said this I began to feel the great intensity of my spirit, this warrior, waiting to hear anything that the Father would say or even think. It was bread for my spirit man to consume. As this mighty warrior I stood by the Father desiring Him to speak a word, think a thought, or give a command as any of these from Him would feed me. I just kept crying out to the Father for more of His commands so that I could be fed. I now understood better the verse "man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God". And "I have meat to eat that ye know not of...my meat is to do the will of Him that sent me,and to finish His work." I then asked the Father if He would also show me (his wife's) spirit. As soon as I had spoken this, I saw the most beautiful woman coming toward the Father. She was reclining on what looked like a mist of cloud and was several feet off the ground. I immediately knew that this was my wife in the spirit. She would come close to the Father and then move away as if just wondering around the throne room. I watched the Father's eyes as He watched her with great compassion and joy. It was like a young child being observed by their parent as they rode a bicycle past them several times. The Father was so enjoying just watching His child. (My wife) would come close and then move away and just continued to relax in His presence and do this. The only time she changed positions was when we began to worship the Father, then she would come as close as possible to Him and get on her knees with her head bowed. You could tell that this was what she loved.
As I continued to observe this warrior (me) standing and communing with the Father I knew that this was the Spirit teaching me how to first see the kingdom as a little child, so that I could then be seen as I truly am in the spirit. I realized that the man I thought I was on earth was nothing compared to who I truly was in heaven. I am truly seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:6). Each of us needs to first see the kingdom so that we can be seen as we truly are. I now want to see every Christian that I meet as they truly are seen in heaven before the Father's throne. I want to know the person in the spirit, not just according to the flesh any more(2 Cor. 5:16).
Sunday morning during worship I felt an unction from the Spirit to go forward and lay before the Lord. I hesitated and the Holy Spirit immediately took me back to the scene with my warrior spirit next to the Father. This time the warrior was laying on his face before the Father and worshipping Him, the only choice is will your soul and flesh yield and join what your spirit man is already doing or will you grieve and fight against your own spirit and this mighty warrior. I immediately went forward and laid on my face before the Father and wept for how many times I must have fought against this mighty warrior that was trying to do everything that pleased the Father, without any hesitation. The Father showed me that when we yield to an unction from the Holy Spirit to do anything, it is simply coming in line with our spirit man that is already doing it. It also gave me understanding of the scripture "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father" in spirit and in truth."
Later, during prayer time, I began to pray for a financial need I had in my life and again was immediately taken back to this same scene. The warrior was standing next to the Father listening for every word from the Father. I could also understand that because this warrior was in heaven at the throne he had access to all of heaven's resources; healing,deliverance,finances,......everything heaven had was available to him. I then wondered why, if my spirit warrior had access to all of heaven's resources and I was praying for finances, he wasn't going and retrieving the finances for me. The Spirit then spoke to me and said "the spirit man only moves at the will of the Father , not prayers form the soul". I knew that the finances I was praying for were available, but that it wasn't the Father encouraging me to ask for them but just my soul praying out of a need. I knew that when the finances were needed the warrior would hear the Father's command and the resources would be made available. This also made me realize that everything that comes from heaven is from the Father's will and is actually a part of the Father himself, as He is the creator of all things. Anything that gets poured out from heaven is the Father pouring Himself out upon His children (every good and perfect gift). What a blessing to know that if I listen and come in line with my spirit man that I will only respond to the Father's words.
I am now beginning to look to my spirit man much more often. Always watching to see what he is doing and how he is responding to situations. His only place to respond from is before the throne of God. How differently we would respond to every situation if we only became aware that our responses are while we stand before the God of all creation. It's truly amazing how many situations that happen here on earth, and so easily distract the fleshly-side of us, never even got so much as a flinch out of this great warrior. His eyes remained fixed on the Father, waiting for the next piece of food. The things on this earth just are not important compared to what the next morsel of bread is coming from the kingdom.
I am so excited to be able to share this with you. Now while for both me and my wife, visions and revelations are becoming more and more the norm for our lives, at one time I didn't understand them and wasn't sure how they happened, so for someone this might stretch you a bit. If that is you then you should pray and search the scriptures pertaining to things such as dreams and visions. A good place to start is Joel 2:28-29 and Acts 2, especially around verse 14 and on into the chapter. Also, if you go to the "Right On The Mark" archives and the month of June, you will find a post titled "Dreams" in which I share my thoughts on the subject of dreams and visions.
I pray that you have been blessed today. God wants to work so powerfully in our lives, yours and mine. Maybe in ways that we never would see as possible. Remember, if God is in something, you have no reason to fear.
Once again I am going to have a video for you right after this post. After reading of my friend's vision of the throne room, you HAVE to check it out. Even though you may have heard this song, don't pass on this. A few minutes into it, the entire atmosphere becomes extremely intense, not only in the video, but I believe it will wherever you are at in this very moment. In knowing that this is just a taste of what is to come, I very much want to get on my knees, stretch for heaven and cry out, "My Lord and my God................................."
Peace and love. God is moving in a new way in someone's life right now. Is it you????
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
CHANGING LIVES AND SLAYING GIANTS
Shortly after I woke up this morning, an old song started running through my mind. I think I probably first heard it as a boy and the words go something like this:
In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus,
We have the victory.
In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus,
satan will have to flee.............
I started thinking about the words that speak of victories that can be had in Jesus and those of a fleeing satan. (I refuse to capitalize the s in satan. He doesn't deserve it and is a coward at even the mention of the name of Christ. I have heard him in the voice of a demon manifesting through a man and believe me, he understands that when you are under the blood of Christ that he cannot touch you. I am to the point to where I get really mad when he tries to scare or intimidate and I will use, not my own power, but the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit on him every time.)
Wow, that was a quick rabbit trail that I hadn't planned on, so I will now take a deep breath..................and do my best to stick to the original topic.
The apostle Paul talked an awful lot about the need to mature in Christ. That can be a challenge at times, but it can be done. The more we mature; the more we learn how to experience those victories. I have seen too many Christians enjoy singing songs about "victories in Jesus" only to sink into despair and depression when a trial comes. Friend, that kind of thing needs to stop. It presents a concept of a weakened God who is over-ruled by earthly principalities and that is not right. God is much more powerful than any situation that we can possibly face. Loss of job, cancer, other sickness or disease, separation, divorce, being stabbed in the back(figuratively), stress in the workplace, the list can go on and on, disguise themselves as harassing giants that need to be slain in the name of one Jesus of Nazareth. Now before you say something like, "That's easy for you to say. It sounds like everything is well in your world..........", you need to stop. My wife and I have been down those roads and some of them more recently than we would like. They come with the territory of being a God chaser; a follower of Jesus. Now I'm not saying that we have it all together. I'm learning everyday and hope I keep WANTING to learn everyday how to beat the challenges of adversity. I have learned that God is the giant and everything else is simply a situation waiting to be resolved. When we walk as His child, God is for us. He isn't against us. He wants us to walk in the overwhelming love, peace, power and ultimately victories in Jesus.
Now here is my very compassionate heart. I know life can hit hard. Walking the road isn't always easy and if yours is a difficult road right now, I would like to help you walk it. That's what a brother is for. Right now, if this is you, I am praying for you. Before I publish my posts I ask God to anoint them and allow the power of the Holy Spirit to work through them. I have confidence in this: God is working for you right now. Encouragement is coming; healing is coming; strength to endure is coming. If you need someone to be a prayer warrior for you, feel free to click on my profile at the top and upper right of this blog page. After you do you will then be able to find my email address. I will go to the throne room with you everyday and together we will stand until you experience the breakthrough you need.
Read the Word daily, pray daily, worship Him daily and walk with Him daily. And whatever you do, never be afraid to allow Him to stretch your faith. After all, He wants you to grow. There are giants of circumstance that have been trying to mock the armies of God for way too long. Join with me now and let's go slay us some giants!!!
Make sure you watch the video that follows this post and listen carefully to every word! DO NOT miss the end.
Signs and wonders are coming to a life near you. Maybe even your very own!
Much love,
Mark S.
In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus,
We have the victory.
In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus,
satan will have to flee.............
I started thinking about the words that speak of victories that can be had in Jesus and those of a fleeing satan. (I refuse to capitalize the s in satan. He doesn't deserve it and is a coward at even the mention of the name of Christ. I have heard him in the voice of a demon manifesting through a man and believe me, he understands that when you are under the blood of Christ that he cannot touch you. I am to the point to where I get really mad when he tries to scare or intimidate and I will use, not my own power, but the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit on him every time.)
Wow, that was a quick rabbit trail that I hadn't planned on, so I will now take a deep breath..................and do my best to stick to the original topic.
The apostle Paul talked an awful lot about the need to mature in Christ. That can be a challenge at times, but it can be done. The more we mature; the more we learn how to experience those victories. I have seen too many Christians enjoy singing songs about "victories in Jesus" only to sink into despair and depression when a trial comes. Friend, that kind of thing needs to stop. It presents a concept of a weakened God who is over-ruled by earthly principalities and that is not right. God is much more powerful than any situation that we can possibly face. Loss of job, cancer, other sickness or disease, separation, divorce, being stabbed in the back(figuratively), stress in the workplace, the list can go on and on, disguise themselves as harassing giants that need to be slain in the name of one Jesus of Nazareth. Now before you say something like, "That's easy for you to say. It sounds like everything is well in your world..........", you need to stop. My wife and I have been down those roads and some of them more recently than we would like. They come with the territory of being a God chaser; a follower of Jesus. Now I'm not saying that we have it all together. I'm learning everyday and hope I keep WANTING to learn everyday how to beat the challenges of adversity. I have learned that God is the giant and everything else is simply a situation waiting to be resolved. When we walk as His child, God is for us. He isn't against us. He wants us to walk in the overwhelming love, peace, power and ultimately victories in Jesus.
Now here is my very compassionate heart. I know life can hit hard. Walking the road isn't always easy and if yours is a difficult road right now, I would like to help you walk it. That's what a brother is for. Right now, if this is you, I am praying for you. Before I publish my posts I ask God to anoint them and allow the power of the Holy Spirit to work through them. I have confidence in this: God is working for you right now. Encouragement is coming; healing is coming; strength to endure is coming. If you need someone to be a prayer warrior for you, feel free to click on my profile at the top and upper right of this blog page. After you do you will then be able to find my email address. I will go to the throne room with you everyday and together we will stand until you experience the breakthrough you need.
Read the Word daily, pray daily, worship Him daily and walk with Him daily. And whatever you do, never be afraid to allow Him to stretch your faith. After all, He wants you to grow. There are giants of circumstance that have been trying to mock the armies of God for way too long. Join with me now and let's go slay us some giants!!!
Make sure you watch the video that follows this post and listen carefully to every word! DO NOT miss the end.
Signs and wonders are coming to a life near you. Maybe even your very own!
Much love,
Mark S.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
AN ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE HUMBLE (and to stay that way)
....therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time....(1 Peter 5:6)
The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way. (Psalm 25: 9)
....but, He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)
As I read these verses this morning, I found myself absorbing how very much God really does desire for His people to walk in humility. If you are a disciple of Jesus, the truths of the Gospel and of the Kingdom of God are very different than how we learned things BEFORE understanding Jesus. Leave it to God to use a humble heart as one of His ways to grow His kingdom, to strengthen and change lives. In all other kingdoms, the idea is to be the strongest, the fastest, the smartest and the richest. The most handsome or the most beautiful so as to stand out above all others. If we are completely honest though, we will admit that it can be frustrating at times to see the proud and loud, or the person that could care less about God, seemingly get a head in life. It's hard to keep in mind that those ways are ALWAYS temporary. In some cases even though they may even seem to last a lifetime, the bottom line is that the ways of the proud are the ways of the earth and they will remain with earth. Just like our mortal bodies return to the ground from where they came, so the riches of this world remain constrained by the boundaries of this earth. They will never be permitted to enter the realm of the eternal. God resists the proud, but gives grace and even promises to exalt the humble. Breath in.....relax.....and just think about that for a moment. The very creator of the universe delights in giving grace to the humble. By stark contrast, many of the people who strive to get a head and obtain riches by doing it the "American way" are often very envious, even jealous of the people who find contentment and peace with what they have, or even what they don't have. They can't understand the concept of not always wanting more, especially if it is only for self pleasure. I'm not saying that God doesn't want us to enjoy life and to have things that we enjoy. He surely does, but with the right motives. The concept of this kind of peace often elusive to those that think Jesus was off His rocker! How much better it is to live according to God's principles, instead of the ones that belong to the ways of the world. Sometimes, though, we need to encourage or remind each other of these God things. I hope to do just that for you today!
I really enjoy the Word of God. That is no secret. So it is only natural for me to get excited when I see the Word being lived out in someones life. Recently, I breathed in a deep breath of fresh air from, of all places, the sports world. My love of sports, especially baseball, is no secret either! In the middle of the relentless arrogance that we see day after day from athletes who think that they are bigger than life, there is a story that I want to tell you about. One that has intrigued a city and is even reaching beyond. It's the story of the underdog, the story of a man who believes in never giving up, who believes in the hard work ethic. It's the story of a baseball player and his wife who believe its better to treat others well, than to worry about how others treat them. I will say that I don't know this family on a personal level, even though that would be nice, but I have read enough and seen enough interviews with them that I am able to recognize the finger print of God smudged upon their lives. As I have become more aware of the name Erik Kratz and his family, I am reminded once again that when things are done God's way, that it is much better for everyone in the long run and makes for great inspiration. God's kingdom will be advanced and peoples lives will be touched.
Up until recently, Erik Kratz was a career minor leaguer. At 30, most guys in the minors would have called it quits by now. Erik, a catcher, played in the minor leagues for seven years in the Toronto Blue Jays organization before joining the Indianapolis Indians in 2009, the Triple A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik, though, was recently rewarded with a call up to the Pirates and actually played his first major league game last Saturday in Pittsburgh. Kratz, who was having a pretty solid year with Indianapolis when he was called up, now looks like that kid in the candy store as the saying goes. It's not just that a 30 yr. old finally gets his shot at the majors, which in itself makes for a great story, but everything I read about Kratz is something worth mentioning. Kratz has worked in construction in the winter besides playing baseball, in order to keep food on the table. His teammates in Indianapolis, many who are now with the Pirates, speak very highly of him and I really enjoyed some of the quotes that the Pittsburgh Post Gazette printed from him. Kratz was quoted as saying that, "There are only a couple of things that we can control, how we treat other people and how hard we work at what we are trying to accomplish." His wife had this to say according to the Post Gazette: "We are taking this one day at a time, it is God's plan for us. I just can't tell you how much I admire and respect my husband for never getting negative about things and always staying positive." Pedro Alvarez, the Pirates new third baseman added: "He's a great human being and a family person and more people like that deserve an opportunity like this. I can't find a better person who is more deserving."
I wish I could say to Kratz, who graduated from a Mennonite college, "Way to go Erik! Your perseverance and faith are a great testimony to the teachings of Christ. Nobody can tell me that God isn't now rewarding and lifting Eric up. My wife Kay, son Matthew and I are committed to praying for this man and his family on a regular basis. We even praised the Lord for the opportunity Erik had to be the starting catcher for the Pirates on Saturday night and I found myself praying for him with every pitch. (By the way, Kratz went 2 for 5 with an RBI and a run scored on Saturday, not bad for a major league debut!!) We are praying not only for God to bless him in baseball, but to guard his heart and his testimony. Praise the Lord!
Why do I share this story with you? Maybe it doesn't mean as much to you as it does to this long suffering Pirate fan, but it reminds me once again that God's Word is true. You and I may never have the chance to be in the spotlight on a professional sports level, but if we continue to walk with our God and to walk humbly with Him, He will reward us. There WILL be a time, or times, when He chooses to exalt you!! Yes, YOU!! God does those things just because He is God and because He can. I am reminded right now of yet another verse that comes out of the book of Micah: "He has shown you, oh man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) Keep going after Him with a passion, my friend.
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
Peace.
The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way. (Psalm 25: 9)
....but, He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)
As I read these verses this morning, I found myself absorbing how very much God really does desire for His people to walk in humility. If you are a disciple of Jesus, the truths of the Gospel and of the Kingdom of God are very different than how we learned things BEFORE understanding Jesus. Leave it to God to use a humble heart as one of His ways to grow His kingdom, to strengthen and change lives. In all other kingdoms, the idea is to be the strongest, the fastest, the smartest and the richest. The most handsome or the most beautiful so as to stand out above all others. If we are completely honest though, we will admit that it can be frustrating at times to see the proud and loud, or the person that could care less about God, seemingly get a head in life. It's hard to keep in mind that those ways are ALWAYS temporary. In some cases even though they may even seem to last a lifetime, the bottom line is that the ways of the proud are the ways of the earth and they will remain with earth. Just like our mortal bodies return to the ground from where they came, so the riches of this world remain constrained by the boundaries of this earth. They will never be permitted to enter the realm of the eternal. God resists the proud, but gives grace and even promises to exalt the humble. Breath in.....relax.....and just think about that for a moment. The very creator of the universe delights in giving grace to the humble. By stark contrast, many of the people who strive to get a head and obtain riches by doing it the "American way" are often very envious, even jealous of the people who find contentment and peace with what they have, or even what they don't have. They can't understand the concept of not always wanting more, especially if it is only for self pleasure. I'm not saying that God doesn't want us to enjoy life and to have things that we enjoy. He surely does, but with the right motives. The concept of this kind of peace often elusive to those that think Jesus was off His rocker! How much better it is to live according to God's principles, instead of the ones that belong to the ways of the world. Sometimes, though, we need to encourage or remind each other of these God things. I hope to do just that for you today!
I really enjoy the Word of God. That is no secret. So it is only natural for me to get excited when I see the Word being lived out in someones life. Recently, I breathed in a deep breath of fresh air from, of all places, the sports world. My love of sports, especially baseball, is no secret either! In the middle of the relentless arrogance that we see day after day from athletes who think that they are bigger than life, there is a story that I want to tell you about. One that has intrigued a city and is even reaching beyond. It's the story of the underdog, the story of a man who believes in never giving up, who believes in the hard work ethic. It's the story of a baseball player and his wife who believe its better to treat others well, than to worry about how others treat them. I will say that I don't know this family on a personal level, even though that would be nice, but I have read enough and seen enough interviews with them that I am able to recognize the finger print of God smudged upon their lives. As I have become more aware of the name Erik Kratz and his family, I am reminded once again that when things are done God's way, that it is much better for everyone in the long run and makes for great inspiration. God's kingdom will be advanced and peoples lives will be touched.
Up until recently, Erik Kratz was a career minor leaguer. At 30, most guys in the minors would have called it quits by now. Erik, a catcher, played in the minor leagues for seven years in the Toronto Blue Jays organization before joining the Indianapolis Indians in 2009, the Triple A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik, though, was recently rewarded with a call up to the Pirates and actually played his first major league game last Saturday in Pittsburgh. Kratz, who was having a pretty solid year with Indianapolis when he was called up, now looks like that kid in the candy store as the saying goes. It's not just that a 30 yr. old finally gets his shot at the majors, which in itself makes for a great story, but everything I read about Kratz is something worth mentioning. Kratz has worked in construction in the winter besides playing baseball, in order to keep food on the table. His teammates in Indianapolis, many who are now with the Pirates, speak very highly of him and I really enjoyed some of the quotes that the Pittsburgh Post Gazette printed from him. Kratz was quoted as saying that, "There are only a couple of things that we can control, how we treat other people and how hard we work at what we are trying to accomplish." His wife had this to say according to the Post Gazette: "We are taking this one day at a time, it is God's plan for us. I just can't tell you how much I admire and respect my husband for never getting negative about things and always staying positive." Pedro Alvarez, the Pirates new third baseman added: "He's a great human being and a family person and more people like that deserve an opportunity like this. I can't find a better person who is more deserving."
I wish I could say to Kratz, who graduated from a Mennonite college, "Way to go Erik! Your perseverance and faith are a great testimony to the teachings of Christ. Nobody can tell me that God isn't now rewarding and lifting Eric up. My wife Kay, son Matthew and I are committed to praying for this man and his family on a regular basis. We even praised the Lord for the opportunity Erik had to be the starting catcher for the Pirates on Saturday night and I found myself praying for him with every pitch. (By the way, Kratz went 2 for 5 with an RBI and a run scored on Saturday, not bad for a major league debut!!) We are praying not only for God to bless him in baseball, but to guard his heart and his testimony. Praise the Lord!
Why do I share this story with you? Maybe it doesn't mean as much to you as it does to this long suffering Pirate fan, but it reminds me once again that God's Word is true. You and I may never have the chance to be in the spotlight on a professional sports level, but if we continue to walk with our God and to walk humbly with Him, He will reward us. There WILL be a time, or times, when He chooses to exalt you!! Yes, YOU!! God does those things just because He is God and because He can. I am reminded right now of yet another verse that comes out of the book of Micah: "He has shown you, oh man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) Keep going after Him with a passion, my friend.
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
Peace.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
AN AMAZING LOVE
I hope I can clearly say what I am feeling tonight. I want to talk with you about the love of God, but God's love is so very vast, so magnificent and so powerful that I'm not sure how I can even come within a fraction of even touching on how much God loves you. How He loves us, His creation. What has stirred these recent thoughts within me is a fairly new song by Kari Jobe. For those of you not familiar with Kari's music, she is an extremely talented and anointed worship leader who has the gift to be able to bring you more deeply into God's presence just by listening to her songs. She appears to be very humble and sincere and you get that sense just by watching or listening to her sing. "You are for Me" is a tender song that talks about God's faithfulness, steadfastness God's love towards those who love Him. As I listened to this song a couple of nights ago, my heart began to break for people who think that God is mad and angry either with them or with the nation. God is not mad. God is full of love.
Over the past several years whenever there has been a huge disaster like 911 or Katrina, you often hear certain preachers talk about how God is judging, or pouring out His wrath on America. Now while I respect the man and the opinion, I find myself questioning that approach to disasters with much concern. I think it breeds the wrong message. Is that the nature of God? We do see the judgement of God quite often under the old covenant; before Christ. We see God wiping out nations and threatening Israel for their unfaithfulness going back to when they were wandering around the desert. The prophets warned over and over of the judgement and wrath of God.
But then something happened. The incarnation. Jesus happened. The cross happened. I believe that changed everything. Before Christ there was nothing that blocked God's eyes from staring directly with anger at His people when they sinned. But then we had the Great Exchange. The price was paid. Now I know that God still hates sin. I'm sure it makes Him angry and we need to knock sin out of our lives. We still need to do our part, but when God looks at our sin, there is a filter. A filter of red. The blood of Jesus. The trail of blood left by the Messiah that began in the garden when He wept. Have you ever really thought about how the pouring out of Jesus blood began when He prayed with so much agony in the garden? Luke records how Jesus sweat "became like great drops of blood falling to the ground." It started in the garden and those first drops were not in vain. It is because of that blood and for this reason that I find it so hard to believe that things like 911 or Katrina are God's wrath being poured out. Romans 5 is a great chapter which speaks of God's love. The entire chapter is excellent, but I will highlight for you verses 6-9: "When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, no one is likely to die for a good person, though someone might be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's judgment." (New Living Translation) Did you catch the end of that passage? The New King James says it this way: "...,we shall be saved from wrath through Him." The Greek word for saved (sozo) in that verse means much more than just being saved from eternal judgement. Perhaps one day we will talk about the word sozo, but not this time. This time is to share the love of God.
There is a lot of ugly in this world. Sometimes there are people that don't even act human by performing hideous acts and crimes. Mixed in with that ugly, though, are a lot of people ready to rise up under the banner of Jesus Christ and proclaim the good news of our God. God's love is powerful and piercing. It cannot be overpowered by sin. The word for this kind of love is "agape" and agape describes the unconditional love God has for the world. If we can begin to really grasp what this love is all about it will change lives. If we carry it out to the streets it will begin to change people and people will change cities and cities will change states and states will change a nation. In spite of what some may say, this nation is not going down. No, not yet. Because of people like you and me this nation is going to be turned upside down as we walk in the power of God's love. We are on the verge of the next Great Awakening as more and more people experience for the very first time the force that is behind God's love.
And this great love is for you. Maybe it even starts with you. Intimately for you. (And if you are a tough guy reading this, get over it. God wants to shower His love over you, too.) God's gaze is so full of love for you. You are the apple of His eye. Do you need to be reminded of that? To borrow a thought from Kari Jobe, I want to remind you that God is so passionately and madly in love with you; He's not mad at you. No matter what level your faith is at, sometimes we all need to be reminded of that. A couple of nights ago, as I watched and listened to Kari sing "You are for me," I couldn't contain the tears that welled up in my eyes. You see, I too, need to be reminded that God's love will never let me go. I need to be reminded that God is indeed for me and that He is faithful and ever present, even when it doesn't feel that way. Sometimes it is just so good and right to let your guard down and just fall into His presence. May you allow that to happen to you now and in fact know that it is happening. Kari's video can be played at the end of this writing. Watch it and experience His warmth and love as it pours all over you!
Peace.
Over the past several years whenever there has been a huge disaster like 911 or Katrina, you often hear certain preachers talk about how God is judging, or pouring out His wrath on America. Now while I respect the man and the opinion, I find myself questioning that approach to disasters with much concern. I think it breeds the wrong message. Is that the nature of God? We do see the judgement of God quite often under the old covenant; before Christ. We see God wiping out nations and threatening Israel for their unfaithfulness going back to when they were wandering around the desert. The prophets warned over and over of the judgement and wrath of God.
But then something happened. The incarnation. Jesus happened. The cross happened. I believe that changed everything. Before Christ there was nothing that blocked God's eyes from staring directly with anger at His people when they sinned. But then we had the Great Exchange. The price was paid. Now I know that God still hates sin. I'm sure it makes Him angry and we need to knock sin out of our lives. We still need to do our part, but when God looks at our sin, there is a filter. A filter of red. The blood of Jesus. The trail of blood left by the Messiah that began in the garden when He wept. Have you ever really thought about how the pouring out of Jesus blood began when He prayed with so much agony in the garden? Luke records how Jesus sweat "became like great drops of blood falling to the ground." It started in the garden and those first drops were not in vain. It is because of that blood and for this reason that I find it so hard to believe that things like 911 or Katrina are God's wrath being poured out. Romans 5 is a great chapter which speaks of God's love. The entire chapter is excellent, but I will highlight for you verses 6-9: "When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, no one is likely to die for a good person, though someone might be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's judgment." (New Living Translation) Did you catch the end of that passage? The New King James says it this way: "...,we shall be saved from wrath through Him." The Greek word for saved (sozo) in that verse means much more than just being saved from eternal judgement. Perhaps one day we will talk about the word sozo, but not this time. This time is to share the love of God.
There is a lot of ugly in this world. Sometimes there are people that don't even act human by performing hideous acts and crimes. Mixed in with that ugly, though, are a lot of people ready to rise up under the banner of Jesus Christ and proclaim the good news of our God. God's love is powerful and piercing. It cannot be overpowered by sin. The word for this kind of love is "agape" and agape describes the unconditional love God has for the world. If we can begin to really grasp what this love is all about it will change lives. If we carry it out to the streets it will begin to change people and people will change cities and cities will change states and states will change a nation. In spite of what some may say, this nation is not going down. No, not yet. Because of people like you and me this nation is going to be turned upside down as we walk in the power of God's love. We are on the verge of the next Great Awakening as more and more people experience for the very first time the force that is behind God's love.
And this great love is for you. Maybe it even starts with you. Intimately for you. (And if you are a tough guy reading this, get over it. God wants to shower His love over you, too.) God's gaze is so full of love for you. You are the apple of His eye. Do you need to be reminded of that? To borrow a thought from Kari Jobe, I want to remind you that God is so passionately and madly in love with you; He's not mad at you. No matter what level your faith is at, sometimes we all need to be reminded of that. A couple of nights ago, as I watched and listened to Kari sing "You are for me," I couldn't contain the tears that welled up in my eyes. You see, I too, need to be reminded that God's love will never let me go. I need to be reminded that God is indeed for me and that He is faithful and ever present, even when it doesn't feel that way. Sometimes it is just so good and right to let your guard down and just fall into His presence. May you allow that to happen to you now and in fact know that it is happening. Kari's video can be played at the end of this writing. Watch it and experience His warmth and love as it pours all over you!
Peace.
Friday, July 9, 2010
THE SELF CENTERED (KING?) Thoughts on LBJ
I really wanted the Cavaliers to win a title this year, not just because I am a fan, but also for my son who loves basketball and the Cavaliers, and also for my friends who are longtime Cleveland sports fans. I sincerely want them to be able to experience the thrill of following a team that wins it all. I have been fortunate enough to have experienced that thrill many times with my beloved Pittsburgh sports teams. I can remember very clearly sitting 4 rows off the field at Three Rivers Stadium in 1980 as the Pirates received their World Series rings. So, I was extremely disappointed with the Cavs and Lebron James when they fell apart during the Boston series this year. Now with the departure of James, it will take much longer to get back to a championship type level and we know the Browns and Indians have a long way to go, although I do believe the Browns are on the upswing.
In a way, though, I am glad that James is gone. I would always feel a twinge in my stomach whenever he was referred to as "the chosen one," the messiah," or "the king." I hate it when something or someone is thought of or referred to in that way. I have often sincerely prayed for Lebron, but it has nothing to do with basketball or championships. It has to do with his soul and for him to realize that he is not a king and not even close to being worthy of being called a king. At times I have been very concerned for him, because he not only goes right along with this image, but seemingly does everything he can to add to it. There was a king I've read about back in the B.C. days who learned a hard lesson in humility after he exalted himself to a place where he thought he was worthy of worship and praise. Now I'm not saying that the same thing will happen to Lebron; that he will have to start eating grass like the oxen, be wet with dew and start looking like some crazy creature (Daniel 4:33) and I certainly don't wish any harm on him, but I believe one day he will somehow be driven to his knees, humbled and brought to a place of humility. As I read about kings and think about kings throughout history, you can easily tell who was a good king and who was a bad king. I'm afraid that Lebron James would fall in the not so good category. Think about it; he makes the decision that he thinks is best for him, cares only about winning a championship (even one that could be practically hand picked) and has no sense of loyalty. He really did embarrass Cleveland fans, let down his teammates, (have you seen Mo William's twitter comments?) and dump on a city on national television in order to bring more attention and glory to himself. Not a king for the people by any means. Now think about what some of the good kings in history were like. One of the reasons I really enjoy the movie "First Knight" is because of the way that Sean Connery portrays King Arthur as a caring and compassionate king. One of love and loyalty for his people.
Think about the impact of a king who doesn't make the best decision for his own well being. A king who instead would put other people first and make the best decisions for THEIR well being, even if it meant going as far as his own death. Think about a king who would say to his people, "No matter how bad things get for you or for me, I will never leave you or turn away from you." Think about a king who would say, "It's not all about me. I am going to prepare a place for YOU, so that YOU can come and live with me." Think about a king who would prepare a way for his people to experience an eternity of goodness, health and a joy so deep and rich that words can't even describe it. Now that would be a king! Give me a king like that and I will follow him, no matter what someone else might say about him. If he would be that faithful in watching over my well being, then he would be worthy of all my praise and I would be honored and humbled to indeed give it to him.
To my friend who might be visiting this blog for the very first time, who might not be sure what I am getting at, let me say right now; that king really does exist and everything I just described is just a tiny bit of what He offers you and me. He is a lover of people and even watches over our souls. He is a king who is worth dying for and yet He died for us. Even as I think about Him and write about Him I find it hard to control my emotions. There was a time when I never knew someone could love me this much. He truly is a King to follow and the good news is that we don't have to go to South Beach to follow Him. He is the CHOSEN ONE,indeed and if you want it, I am ready to help you learn how to find this King.
"I am with you always; even to the end of the age."---Jesus
In a way, though, I am glad that James is gone. I would always feel a twinge in my stomach whenever he was referred to as "the chosen one," the messiah," or "the king." I hate it when something or someone is thought of or referred to in that way. I have often sincerely prayed for Lebron, but it has nothing to do with basketball or championships. It has to do with his soul and for him to realize that he is not a king and not even close to being worthy of being called a king. At times I have been very concerned for him, because he not only goes right along with this image, but seemingly does everything he can to add to it. There was a king I've read about back in the B.C. days who learned a hard lesson in humility after he exalted himself to a place where he thought he was worthy of worship and praise. Now I'm not saying that the same thing will happen to Lebron; that he will have to start eating grass like the oxen, be wet with dew and start looking like some crazy creature (Daniel 4:33) and I certainly don't wish any harm on him, but I believe one day he will somehow be driven to his knees, humbled and brought to a place of humility. As I read about kings and think about kings throughout history, you can easily tell who was a good king and who was a bad king. I'm afraid that Lebron James would fall in the not so good category. Think about it; he makes the decision that he thinks is best for him, cares only about winning a championship (even one that could be practically hand picked) and has no sense of loyalty. He really did embarrass Cleveland fans, let down his teammates, (have you seen Mo William's twitter comments?) and dump on a city on national television in order to bring more attention and glory to himself. Not a king for the people by any means. Now think about what some of the good kings in history were like. One of the reasons I really enjoy the movie "First Knight" is because of the way that Sean Connery portrays King Arthur as a caring and compassionate king. One of love and loyalty for his people.
Think about the impact of a king who doesn't make the best decision for his own well being. A king who instead would put other people first and make the best decisions for THEIR well being, even if it meant going as far as his own death. Think about a king who would say to his people, "No matter how bad things get for you or for me, I will never leave you or turn away from you." Think about a king who would say, "It's not all about me. I am going to prepare a place for YOU, so that YOU can come and live with me." Think about a king who would prepare a way for his people to experience an eternity of goodness, health and a joy so deep and rich that words can't even describe it. Now that would be a king! Give me a king like that and I will follow him, no matter what someone else might say about him. If he would be that faithful in watching over my well being, then he would be worthy of all my praise and I would be honored and humbled to indeed give it to him.
To my friend who might be visiting this blog for the very first time, who might not be sure what I am getting at, let me say right now; that king really does exist and everything I just described is just a tiny bit of what He offers you and me. He is a lover of people and even watches over our souls. He is a king who is worth dying for and yet He died for us. Even as I think about Him and write about Him I find it hard to control my emotions. There was a time when I never knew someone could love me this much. He truly is a King to follow and the good news is that we don't have to go to South Beach to follow Him. He is the CHOSEN ONE,indeed and if you want it, I am ready to help you learn how to find this King.
"I am with you always; even to the end of the age."---Jesus
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