Truth Rebellion

So here we go. The first mention of rebellion, revolt, revolution. It was bound to happen so I'm getting it out of the way. I can hear the glycerin pills being swallowed already.

The Truth Rebellion - not a rebellion against truth. It's a rebellion FOR truth. This is what JGen is all about. It's a new reformation, it's getting God out from behind all the things we use to block Him and the work of His Spirit. I guess it's simply an attitude. But it's an attitude with desire and hunger. An attitude that is angry about what our faith has become because of choosing to ignore His truth. It's an attitude that is fed up with seeing diluted worship and a quenched Spirit. So we put the attitude to work.

Truth is absolute - not relative. It doesn't apply differently to each situation. It is the standard. I don't want an ever-changing standard. I want one that is unmoveable. And that is what God's truth is. Unchangeable. As things start to change around us I hope we all stay focused on the truth as it is in Him.

Starting Point

So it's okay to be angry, but it's not enough. You have to do something about it, and you have to start with yourself. - Ms. Mays

I've been thinking alot about the emerging young adult ministry we're starting and the whole birth of this thing this week. It's been an amazing work of God, and to see and be part of it is really unexplainable. From ideas to actions, He has given the same inspiration to those of us involved. Only He can do that.

But there's a catch. As we plan and build this ministry, I couldn't help but think about myself. What I mean is my spiritual condition. I am probably closer to God than I've ever been. So, green light, right? Go forth. Not necessarily.

God wants me to use times like this to check myself. As with all things God brings us to, there are personal reasons, too. I can plan and preach and pray all I want but God wants me to keep an eye on my own heart as well. If I'm not where I'm supposed to be, I could seriously cripple this ministry. My sin and rebellion could affect the course the ministry takes. I don't want that. I don't want to be a "curse" on something with so much potential.

So I pray. I've been asking God to straighten me out - more. I don't want to feel like I've achieved some state of accomplishment. I want to be ever-growing in Him. Anything we do for God must begin with searching our own hearts for things that He doesn't want there. We have to start with ourselves.

It's an Isaiah kind of day

So will My Word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

God continually stresses, in His Word, that it is His word that speaks for Him. Here it is viewed as a messenger of sorts. It carries His desires, His instructions and then returns in the fruits of His message. It returns in our prayers, through the Holy Spirit's intervention. It is His Word and His Spirit that teach us what to pray:

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings to deep for words. (Romans 8:27)

One of the workings of the Spirit is to communicate to us and for us. That intercession allows us to hear Him in prayer and the Word. It's nearly impossible to separate the two means of communication.

Think of all we ask for when talking to God. We need so many answers for the questions in our lives. The good news is that the answers are there, when we need them. He has promised that. We may not like what He tells us, but as I said in a previous post, in His ways we will find what we are looking for.

I must say, I'm pretty happy right now. God has been telling me some things that, frankly, aren't easy. But they match up with His Word. That means He cares enough about me to show me His word in action in my life. Just between you and me, that's exciting. The creator of ALL things is moving in my life. Kinda hard to argue with that.

His Ways

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8,9)

We talk alot about understanding God and His will and what He's doing in and with our lives. I have struggled with this more in recent months than ever before. Once we get that warm, fuzzy feeling inside, we start telling ourselves God has revealed all to us. The problem is that feeling is just a feeling. It's our human emotions, our ways and thoughts. God warns us not to trust them. His Word also tells us trust in Him and not our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Only He knows the way. Only He can lead and guide. We can only follow. We will fail ourselves, and Him, every time.

The only hope is to follow Him. Sure, this takes discernment and wisdom but He promises to give these freely if we will only ask. The important thing is to listen and hear Him, and not assume we know what He is saying just because it makes us feel good. Again, His word is the standard. If what we hear doesn't match up with that, then we are just plain wrong. Yeah, I don't like that either. But what I do like is knowing that only in His ways will I find everything I could ever dream of. Peace, joy, abundant life are there for the receiving if I can only put aside my desires and my human ways.

We're all young

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

You're never too young to make a difference. Timothy was young, yet Paul had made him sort of a ministerial representative to the Ephesian church. He received at least two letters from Paul and probably knew Paul better than anyone else. Paul considered Timothy a son.

Too often we make the mistake of thinking that age and spiritual maturity are linked. That's true to some extent. I know things about God and His ways now that even ten years ago I would have disagreed with. Growth does take time and experience only comes from living through experiences. But that's not a reason to write off a generation, especially when God has charged that generation with making a difference for Him. There's a movement afoot, y'all.

Paul told his "son" to set an example; in the way he talked, loved, lived, and believed. You don't have to set examples for those who are getting it right, so, obviously, this church had some shortcomings. They needed to see someone who was doing things God's way. Sound familiar?

Don't be afraid to set an example. Even to those who should be our example. They need a nudge every now and then. We know the basics of how to live, and we most likely know more than that. Let God grow you through time and experience. Our minds and hearts will change as that growth takes place. It's just us being formed into His likeness. It's all there in His Word for us to read and study and apply. For the young and growing.

What's really important

The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your Name." And He said to them, "I was watching Satan fall from Heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in Heaven." (Luke 10:17-20)

I love how Jesus casually tells His disciples that it's really no big deal that they can cast out demons. It's almost like He is saying, "So? I defeated him a long time ago. I saw Him fall then and I see him falling now as he suffers defeat at your hands. It's My power, not yours, so don't get all cocky. Just be glad that you are going to heaven." I paraphrased.

Man's salvation is more important than power to overcome the enemy. That power comes from Jesus and His sacrifice. It may be ours to use but it's only obtainable through acceptance of the sacrifice. We should be thankful, not of the ability to resist, but of the chance to spend eternity with Him.

That is Sovereignty

He communicated to them arithmetic, and delivered to them the science of astronomy; for, before Abram came into Egypt, they were unacquainted with those parts of learning. Josephus -first century Jewish historian

Did you catch that? Josephus said that the Egyptians, renowned for their sciences and study of astronomy, had no knowledge of them before Abram came to Egypt and taught them. He brought this knowledge from the Chaldeans. Josephus has long been considered a reliable source for history outside the Bible. Here's what I think makes this really cool:

For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My Name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth." (Romans 9:17)

The Bible testifies to the fact that God raised Egypt up to the status of the world's first empire so that He might use them to show His power. That's nearly 1000 years prior to Moses and the deliverance of the Israelites.

Just a friendly reminder that God has it under control. Then, now, and later.

What's Your Price?

"A woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table. But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, "Why this waste? For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor." But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me. For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me." (Matthew 26:7-12)



What happens when the religion becomes bigger than the God? What about when the acts of service start to become more important than serving Him? That's what is going on with the disciples in this passage. Maybe they were looking for Jesus' approval, maybe a word of praise from Him. It's like they were writing scripture while the Word was right there with them. In any case, Jesus quickly corrects them. And I must say I love what He is saying to them. True worship. Him first. That's what He is looking for. Not rituals, not service, not witnessing, not anything. Just Him. The first and most important thing to God is our relationship with Him. He wants that above all. When He says we will always have the poor with us, substitute any word you want in place of poor; sick, hurting, fallen, lost, sinners, any of them. I believe He wants us to understand that without our relationship with Him being whole, it won't matter what we do. He'll take care of them in His time. We must have Him in His rightful place.



Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?" And they weighed our thirty pieces of silver to him. From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus. (vv. 14-16)



So it's still about the money. Or is it? Maybe it doesn't have anything to do with monetary gain. I think it's just about being weak. "Weak, unspiritual people all have a price to turn their backs on Jesus." So says the Reverend Benji Fowler. For Judas, money was the gratification. What about you and I? Money, success, career, fame, personal glory, relationships, people, church? You name it. Anything can be an idol. Any one of these things can cause us to sell Him out for our own gain. The only hope of avoiding this is to keep Him in the center of our lives. Not our rules, religion, or our own chosen direction, but just simply Him.

What's your price? Have you already named it?

Prayer

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:16-19

Within

"Today I have got out of all trouble, or rather I have cast out all trouble, for it was not outside, but within and in my opinions." The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

Wise words. Of course, you wouldn't expect a second century Roman Emperor to be filled with the wisdom of God, but valid words, nonetheless.

I wonder how much of our own trouble is from within. Not in the actions of others but in the reactions of ourselves. I'll bet anyone who reads this has certain issues that are gnawing at their peace, even if they won't admit it. That's the problem isn't it? If we would admit it, then we might address those issues. But it's easier to place the blame outside. It's like I was saying Sunday night, change the inside and the outside changes, too. Look within, search your heart and look for the things you're denying. Seek peace. I want it for you.

My thoughts on "Pandemonium"

I thought I'd weigh in on this, too, because it's enlightening. (see Blessed Ministries for more).

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." (John 10:27)

"We are only right when we listen, when we hear." I think Heather's right about that. We aren't capable of guiding ourselves, that is why the Holy Spirit was sent after Jesus ascended. He knew we would need a Helper, a Counselor to lead us. In ancient Palestine, and maybe still, shepherds don't drive their flocks; they lead them. They walk ahead of them. It's not forced, it's voluntary, so to speak. But they follow only one voice, that of the shepherd they know. They will not follow a stranger (John 10:4,5).

So, yeah. We have to listen to hear. But hearing is useless if we don't follow. We have to hear to follow, but only in the following are we fulfilling His wishes. And, again, it's voluntary.

I don't think God is casual about speaking to us. I think He wants us to hear and follow so badly that He sometimes screams.
Maybe that is the pandemonium. Maybe it isn't a bunch of voices trying to have their say. Maybe it's one Voice coming from all different directions, with one message.

"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." (John 16:13)

Prayer Request

Last night, I was asked to pray for someone. I usually don't go public but, hey, it's my blog. Heather requested prayer for her Granny Ruth. She is dealing with complications from some treatments and procedures and is not quite herself. I've asked God to lift her spirits and return her to her stubborn self, just like her family needs her to be. She is a one-of-a-kind treasure. So, if you see this, please say a prayer for G.R. Trust me, God will know EXACTLY who you're talking about. Thanks.

Some Assembly Required

I was thinking about God, (I know weird, huh?), and I got an image in my head of a child sitting in the floor with a toy train set. All the pieces are strewn about on the floor around him just waiting to be assembled. He takes the first two pieces and, click, they are together. Click, click. Two more join them, adding to the length of the track. This goes on for awhile until soon there is quite a path assembled, winding and twisting, inclining and declining. Some of the pieces are straight, some have quick bends, others have long, sweeping curves. There are some "S" curves that will momentarily change the direction of the train, only to quickly return it to the same direction. There are some steep grades, there are dark tunnels, shortcuts through the mountains, there are bridges to carry the train across the deep gorges. But all the pieces must be in place. The train can only journey until the next piece is there to fill the gap. If the train jumps off the track, He gently places it back on the track at the spot it derailed. But to complete the trip, all the pieces must be there.

Life. Some assembly required.

Click.

Hackers

Screwtape to Wormwood: "What we want, if men become Christians at all, is to keep them in the state of mind I call 'Christianity And'. You know - Christianity and the Crisis, Christianity and the New Psychology, Christianity and the New Order, Christianity and Faith Healing, Christianity and Psychical Research, Christianity and Vegetarianism, Christianity and Spelling Reform. If they must be Christians let them at least be Christians with a difference. Substitute for the faith itself some Fashion with a Christian colouring. Work on their horror of the Same Old Thing." C.S.Lewis - The Screwtape Letters

I like it. I like it, alot. This is the church - my church, your church, every church. All congregations have a sect of people that think this way. Let's call them the Improvers. They are always trying to make everything better, or so they think. They are the ones afraid of change but they are also never content. Their discontentment shows in the way they try new things that are really recycled old things. It's usually the same thing with a different name. The solution?

The Hackers. Strip it down, shake it out, back to basics kind of Faith. (Can I get a amen?) Yeah, I think that's us. Those of us who just want it to be real. Real worship, real teaching, real God. One word: rel-e-vant. Not Sunday morning only stuff but a daily, moment-by-moment walk with the Holy One. We don't care what it's called as long as it's real. Chill. I'm not looking for a revolution, I'm talking about a revelation. Him revealed. It's time.

Christianity doesn't need any help. No sideshows, no fireworks, no smoke and mirrors. No "and." God said, "I am." If that's true, then "Christianity is."

What Lies Beyond

"I'm tired of feeling on the edge of nothing. I'd rather be on the edge of something." Credit to Heather Mays for the quote of the day.

I started thinking about our church and what edge we are on. Because we have most definitely been on an edge for a while. But we are moving - from the edge of nothing to something. That is all too clear. Tonight was a night where hearts broke, tears fell, relationships mended, and walls fell. Tonight, God showed up. Benji confirmed this by telling me of several other conversations he had. God is doing something.

But it's not the edge that is changing, it is what is over that edge. What lies beyond? Revival? Awakening? Does it matter what it's called? Of course not. What matters is that hearts are changing from within. God is moving, not in programs or methods or guidelines, but in the hearts of the servants. He is changing people on the inside and that certainly changes the outside. What do you do to make an egg stronger? Boil it. The inside changes and the whole darn thing goes from fragile to maddeningly tough. (I sometimes have trouble peeling them. Don't make fun of the slow boy).

So, yeah. Let's boil! If that is what it takes. Strengthen the whole by strengthening the parts. Our part is being strengthened. Why? Because, I think, we are not afraid of what lies beyond the edge. We, the hungry and thirsty ones, welcome it.

I got dibs

I'm calling dibs on the C.S. Lewis quote of the day before someone else steals it for their blog. (jab for the day).

"Do not let us mistake necessary evils for good."

I like that. It's back to that whole justification thing, I think. We try to convince ourselves that we must do some things, even if we know we shouldn't, and usually because it's easier for us. It keeps us from doing the difficult things and we like that, right? We want a calm sea, a smooth road, and an unwinding path. So we take the way that has the least obstacles. Self-deception is what Spurgeon called it. Making ourselves believe it's right so we don't have to face what's wrong. Because, usually, what's wrong is us. We have followed through with something and now we are stuck. If we believe the evil is good, what could possibly be wrong?

Truth

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Christ Jesus. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. (1 Corinthians 3:11-13)

I was thinking about this verse and my life, what my foundation is. I think right now I'm closer to God than I have been in the past and that makes it easier for me to see some of my past mistakes. I see my foolishness and the things I had made myself believe. I see how I had tried to justify my actions and feelings. The big one? Twisting the Scriptures to fit my plan and what I wanted.

The re-defining of our faith. Times when we take everything we believe and all we know about God and start turning it, molding it into something more suitable for us. Something that fits better into our lifestyle and makes us feel better about the choices we are making. What could God possibly detest more? To take His gift, His love, grace, mercy, and compassion and spin it for our own benefit. And for what? To ease our consciences? To avoid facing His conviction? To keep our precious pride intact by never having to admit we're wrong? To allow us to live in ways we shouldn't be living anyway? It's practically laughing off everything He has done for us, including Jesus' sacrifice. A crucifixion that meant nothing - how does that sound?

It's no wonder we encounter hard times because we bring them on ourselves. We leave God no choice but to exercise judgment on us. And then we have the nerve to ask why it's happening. A little awareness and recognition of ourselves wouldn't hurt, would it?

"The truth shall set you free." There is one foundation, one truth. Everything we are and do must fit into the pattern already provided by Him. We can try our best to change His way of doing things but it is unchanging. Only in His ways will we find freedom, joy and happiness. Only on the foundation that has already been laid.

Priori Incantatem

God's will - the great mystery of life, the elusive answer to all of life's struggles. Yeah, no. I don't think so. I used to think this was the key. If I could only discern His will for me then life would be a breeze. Not so much any more. I don't think it's that great of a mystery at all.

Adrian Rogers said:

1. The will of God is for your welfare. It is not something you have to do; it is something you get to do.
2. The will of God will never take you where the power of God and the grace of God cannot enable and keep you.
3. God will not force His will on you. You are free to choose. But you are not free to choose the consequences of your choice.

I tried the whole "convincing everyone I knew God's will for me when really it was just me making my own decisions and disregarding Him completely" thing. Didn't quite work out so well. I think it ticked Him off. He jerked me back from my rebellion and showed me the truth - His truth. I feel like He was saying, "I'm tired of you putting this off on me. I want you to be better and you are nowhere close. Are you going to keep following your road or are you going to choose Mine?" I saw the consequences of my decisions. All the hurt and frustration and disappointment I had caused. My own little priori incantatem - the things I had taken from others because of my own stupid selfishness. Needless to say, I chose to follow His path. And now, I think I'm better, if only better than I was. But it's not about knowing how long the path is or where it ends. It's about following Him today, in this situation, and behaving like He wants me to. It's about seeking His will for what He has brought to me now. If Abraham knew God would spare Isaac, would he have bothered going to the mountain? Seriously, it is a choice. It's called following for a reason. Follow the map - His word - because it's all right there. He has told us how to live and what decisions to make. Make the choices that reflect Him. He made the rules and true joy, true peace, and true contentment are found in following them. He knows what will keep us close to Him and that, in essence, is His will.

Props to Heather

...for God is not a God of confusion but of peace. (1Corinthians 14:33)

God doesn't bring confusion. He isn't a cosmic chess player, He doesn't put us in an invisible labyrinth and leave us to find our way into His will if we're lucky. No. Jesus said it only takes the faith of a child to come to salvation. Why should we think it takes anything more to live the rest of our life following Him. Life is complicated because people are confusing. But He is a God of peace. That means the choices we face and the decisions we make are probably much simpler than we make them. The simplest part of this is that if we live by His word, we will be living in His will.

When Paul wrote this passage, he was talking about strife in the church. God's family should be acting in unity and harmony. He wants peace among His children. Not disorder and self-seeking. I think we should all re-examine our hearts, take a closer look to see if we are part of the confusion-making or the peace-making. As His children we share a common bond that cannot be broken, even by eternity! Is it really so hard to love each other that way?

Another Friday night story

We had another gathering tonight at the Fowler's and I couldn't help but notice that there was a different mood in the room. Maybe it was just the weather or a bad week. But something felt different to me. Like last week, I took inventory of those present and felt that same deep appreciation for these people and how very glad I am that these are my likeminded "brethren." I love them all very much and when they discuss their hurts and fears and worries, I find myself hurting and worrying along with them. If someone tells me their day was not so good, I'm sad for them. I want to make it better. I pondered this connection for a while and came up with this explanation:

They aren't just people I go to church with. They are the ones I pray for. Some I have prayed with many times. They pray for me as well. They lift me when I am down and they look to me when they need lifting up. They advise me and listen to my advice. They study the Bible with me. They have the same desires for our church that I do. They want to walk with God just like I want to and they make me feel peaceful when I am around them. And they make me laugh, the real kind. This is the core. These are the ones I miss when they are not there. This is my family.

All of you, again, I love you and I am praying for you this week. As for the mood, I guess someone needs that prayer. And to think I almost didn't even go tonight.

Restoration

He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. (Psalm 23:3)

Have you ever sinned? Silly question, isn't it? Because of course you have. King David sinned, too. Maybe He didn't write this particular verse due to his sin but it speaks to me in a certain way.

Sin takes us out of fellowship with God. I confess that my sin-plagued life has been spent probably more out of fellowship than in it. But He restores me. He has restored me many, many times. There were times in my life when, because of my lifestyle of sin, I felt tainted, corrupted, unworthy of His love. I have done so many bad things that at times I still feel I don't have the right to even call His name. Sin does that. It makes us see ourselves in a different light. God wants us to see ourselves in His light, through His eyes. That is a vision of love and purpose, designed for worship and fellowship with Him. He convicts us of our sins so that we will look at ourselves by His standards and seek to rejoin Him in that fellowship.

Here's the point: maybe you feel like you have really messed up. Messed up so bad that you have convinced yourself that you no longer are fit to do what God has planned for you to do. Please hear this! It doesn't matter what you have done. No sin is beyond God's forgiveness and no heart is beyond His love. Whatever mistakes you have made you are not ruined. All it takes is repentance and you will be restored. No matter what hurt you have caused or what morals you have compromised, you are still His beautiful one. He sees beauty and what He wants is your relationship with Him to be restored.

Life Preserver

I love moments like these. Times when everything is going wrong and I can't figure anything out and then God clarifies it all. This happened today.

I'm feeling sort of a push/pull thing right now. I want run but God wants me to stay. I've duked it out with Him for months - futile, by the way - trying to make sense of it all. It's difficult, He knows that. It's depressing, He knows that, too. It's maddening, yeah, that also. "Please let me off the hook, God. You picked the wrong guy." I've prayed that alot. I feel like Jonah, who "rose up to flee from the presence of the Lord." Jonah didn't want to do his job, either. He looked for a way out. He asks to be thrown overboard during a storm, assuring the other sailors that this will calm the seas. I think he maybe saw another way to get away from God there but God isn't swayed quite so easily, trust me. So "the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah." Do you think he was relieved or disappointed? God commanded a fish to be Jonah's rescuer and to deliver him to where God wanted Him. That is divine purpose.

So today I tell God I'm tired of being a Jonah, trying to run from what He wants me to do, and could He please make a little more sense of this for me. Yes, it really was that whiney. I go on with my day and then come home. Then I saw some clouds breaking.



"So you think you are a Jonah?"



"Yes, Lord. I feel like Jonah."



"Interesting."



"What do you mean interesting? How should I feel?"



"Jonah will be along shortly. You're My fish."

Sharing

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." (James 5:16)



I want to be a righteous man. High standards, huh? It's true. I "hunger and thirst after righteousness." I just want to be a better man of God, it's that simple. But, why? Well, I want to please God, of course. But, honestly, that isn't the whole reason. I want my prayers to accomplish much. I want to go before God with my concerns and desires and know that I am telling Him what He wants to hear. I want my concerns and desires to be His concerns and desires. That is praying in accordance with His will. And that is when we see things happen. Being a more righteous person brings us closer to Him, therefore we will know Him better. But this post is really about something else. It's about bearing burdens. Why don't we do more of that? Do we not care enough about the people we love to come around them and help them with their load? I don't mean "thinking of you" cards and prayer lists. No, I'm talking about asking God to lift some of the strain off of them and placing it on our shoulders. Not so willing to actually bear it, are we? Let's face it, I can pray for you from a distance and see God move. No problem there. But I want to see your eyes light up immediately when you feel your burden lift and come over to me. I want to see the tears of sorrow turn to joy in that moment of prayer. Yeah. That's what I'm talking about!



"Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

Remain

Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4,5)

That last part is what I want to stress. We can do nothing without Him. We must stay attached to Him to do anything ... to BE anything. We have been talking alot about abiding, remaining, in Him on Sunday nights. Personally, I want to be fruitful - to the church, my friends, family, those I love the most, and the lost. But fruitful FOR Him. Later, in verse 8, John writes that Jesus said, "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit." I want God to be glorified through my life. Why else would I even bother with this? Earlier tonight, I had an unexpected chance to see God glorified. It was nothing I did, I assure you. But I felt like God was giving me the words to say to someone I care about very, very much. I hope I helped, really don't know much about it. But the important thing is that when the opportunity arose, God showed up so that He would be glorified. I have no doubt that He will be. Remaining in Him at all times allows Him to work through us instantly, spur of the moment, even when we aren't looking for it.

I guess I'm just chatty today

On Friday night, a group of us gathered in what feels like the start of something amazing. If you weren't there, this probably won't mean alot to you. I just feel like sharing about it.
It was the re-launch of SCBC's college ministry. Some of us lucky ones who are older but don't act like it get to be involved as leadership. It just felt good to be around people that sincerely love each other and are willing to remove the communication barriers so we can help each other. And be helped. I walked away from this believing that we will strengthen the whole by strengthening the parts. And we strengthen the parts by strengthening the individuals. It's a simple theory and I do love simplicity. If we are a body, then each individual part must work correctly for the body to function. When one part falters, the others must compensate until the part is healed.
We must pick each other up. All of those who were present are old friends. I am actually the newest to everyone. But for five years I have known these people, you people. A half dozen or so of you read this so let me say that I love each of you dearly. My circle at Stock Creek has become my life's blood. You are the ones that keep me centered, that let me see God when I am having trouble finding Him. I fail you all miserably and often but I seek to be a source of strength for you. I want to be the compensating part for you when you need to rest and heal. We are a family. I have spent so much time with you all and made so many memories with you that I honestly can't remember not knowing you. We agree that SCBC is in a state of transition but that only means that we are on the move - upward. Man, I'm really sappy, huh? Must be the painkillers talking.

When things get out of hand with life, we can draw inward and be restored. That is what the fellowship is all about. I, personally, am available for any of you at anytime. Because I know you are available for me, also. None of us are perfect which makes us good for each other. We will fall away sometimes but it's good to know that we can fall back in to open arms. I'm done, now. I'll just have to be a little extra cynical tomorrow to make up for this.

Quite possibly the Key to Life

But we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him,"
but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 2:7-11

God's secret wisdom that is destined for our glory. That excites me. He wants us to have His wisdom! Wouldn't that make life a little easier? If we had God's wisdom to use in our decision-making, in our trials, don't you think we would make better decisions? Wouldn't the trials be a little more joyful? James said, "if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (ch.1, v.5) We can receive His wisdom simply by asking for it and believing He will give it. This is not the world's wisdom. Dr. Phil can't give you anything close to this. This is the wisdom of the ages. This is the counsel of God Himself.

Paul also quotes Isaiah here. We cannot begin to imagine the plans God has for us. We try because we want to know. But, as Matthew Henry said, "there are things which sense cannot discover. The great truths of the gospel are things lying out of the sphere of human discovery." They are revealed by His Spirit. The Spirit comprehends the depth of God's nature so He is competent to make these revelations. Only God's Spirit knows the thoughts of God, but they can be revealed to us.

I gotta tell you, I like knowing that I can't imagine what God has in store, for this life and the next. Rev. Fowler is fond of saying that to try to portray Heaven through drama is very near to blasphemy. We can't comprehend how it will be. I like that because I can imagine some pretty wonderful things for myself. To know that God has plans far beyond my imagination is great comfort.

I've been trying to pray for wisdom lately. I honestly can see a difference. I've seen some changes in my behavior that make me more like myself. I mean myself in God, of course. I've felt more peace and I've started acting instead of reacting. I feel more like the old me. There was a time when I walked closer to God and made a difference in the lives of those around me. I want to get there again. All in due time, I suppose. One of these days I'm gonna have to suck it up and write about patience.

Humiliating moment of the day #1

This story will probably get out anyway so I'm going to spill it, in advance, just to protect my dignity. I went to an oral surgeon this morning for two, yes two, root canal procedures. Not a fun morning, by my standards. After FINALLY being taken to a room, the surgeon came in and described in disturbing detail what would be going on in my mouth for the next hour and a half. He then proceeded to numb the entire left side of my head from nose to ear. The shots weren't a big deal. They never have been for me. But today, after a few seconds, I started feeling...funny. My skin got clammy and I started sweating like I was running a marathon. My heart rate was around 220, I think, and my vision, which isn't exactly eagle-like anyway, became spotty. The doctor asked if I was okay (duh) to which I replied, "You're kidding, right?" I asked if I could sit up for a minute since my head was declined two yards below my feet. They, he and the hygienist, sat me up and, sure enough, I passed out. Head over right there on his little table of tools. The next thing I remember is being laid back again and the surgeon smacking me on the shoulder, "Mr. Carver? Chuck? Can you hear me?" I slowly regained consciousness and realized what had happened. My pasty white and moist face instantly turned red from embarrassment. I looked over at the hygienist, who was pale and TERRIFIED, and watched her finally take a breath after half a minute or so. "Wow! I've never had anyone black out on me before. I'm really glad we got you back!"

Yeah. Me, too. An oxygen mask and an hour later, I left. Procedure complete. Those of you who know me can confirm that I am the biggest nerd/geek/dork that ever lived and this story is not that surprising to you, I'm sure. Dignity intact.

Something for Sarah

Proverbs 19:22 - "What a man desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar."

Hmm. That is a quandry. It really didn't make alot of sense at first. This is from the NIV so I went to other translations for help. (I know, I know. The eleventh commandment forbids this but throw me a bone.)

"What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and it is better to be a poor man than a liar." NASB
"What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar." NKJV
"The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar." KJV

Now we have something to work with. It seems kindness is a recurring theme, here. I would agree, as a man, that kindness is a desirable quality. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit which means that it comes from God upon salvation. The KJV, in Galatians, calls it gentleness, which sort of re-defines it for me. I've always thought of kindness as the quality that makes charity possible. You know, being a kind person means having a heart for giving, whether through monetary gifts or spending time giving our talents, blah, blah, blah. But gentleness is a different bird altogether. Gentleness, to me, is like humility. It's like having the ability to handle situations or people gently by putting aside our own wants or feelings, (see Philippians 2:3,4).

D.L. Moody said that gentleness is "love in society." That makes sense, I think. It is an open expression of love, observable in public which is exactly what we need if we are going to show Christ in us. Here's Matthew Henry's commentary on this verse:
"It is far better to have a heart to do good and want ability for it than to have ability for it and want a heart to do it. The poor man wishes you well, but can promise you nothing, because he has nothing to be kind with. The liar makes you believe he will do mighty things, but, when it comes to the setting, will do nothing."

The Carver commentary says, in summary, that it's better to be kind and have nothing to be kind with than to say you are kind without actually being that way.

I'm obviously no expert on Scripture, but I hope this helps, Sarah. And anyone else who reads this, pray for my dear friend Sarah who is away at school and I miss terribly. She's my only equal at "Cranium."

Perspective

Luke 15:11-32 tells of Jesus speaking one of my favorite parables in the entire Bible. It is the story of the Prodigal Son, who took his inheritance and left his father's house to go on his own. He soon squandered everything and ended up impoverished to the point of being willing to eat after the pigs just for food. Here's the enlightening part:

When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger. I will get up and go to my father and will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight...' "



I guess it didn't take long for him to change his mind when he went from wealthy to poor. The important thing is that he recognized how he had changed. He became aware of where he was, as opposed to where he used to be. The next step was the always difficult "swallowing of pride." If you read on, you will find that his father received him back with open arms, just as God receives us - unconditionally. Honestly, I've been there. God gave me wealth and I squandered it thinking I knew what I was doing.



"...poverty has changed my view of what true riches are."



Impoverished? Yes. But with a different perspective. One that keeps me aware of the riches.

Approaching the Unapproachable

Well, I am thrilled that I am getting a response to this blog in just a few short weeks. I'm very glad to know that not only do some people like it, I've actually been told it is helpful to them (thanks, Amy). So, with renewed confidence, my latest installment:



Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:15, 16



Honestly, this has been one of my favorite verses for a few years. I love the whole book of Esther because it's more of a story like you would find in a bookstore somewhere. Here's some background on her life.



Esther was a Jewish girl, named Hadassah by her parents. She was raised by Mordecai, her cousin, who had taken her as his own daughter when her mother and father died. Mordecai's family had been carried into exile, from Jerusalem, by king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Babylon had since fallen to Persia and Mordecai and Esther now lived in the capital city of Susa. The king decides it is time to find himself a wife so he has all the hotties brought from all over the empire to the royal palace. Each girl received a twelve month beauty make-over, (really, it's in the Bible), and then she was taken to the king for one night. She would not return to him unless he was pleased with her and summoned her by name. Lo, and behold, Esther won his favor and approval more than any other girl, and she was made queen.



Now the king had an official named Haman who disliked the Jews and sought to destroy them. He contrived a plan to rid the entire kingdom of all Jews. Mordecai learns of this plot and sends word to Esther asking her to speak with the king and intervene on behalf of her people. Up to this point, she had kept her nationality hidden from everyone. She sends word back to Mordecai that approaching the king without being summoned was against the law and she would be put to death. Mordecai again sends word to her saying, "If you remain silent, deliverance will come from another place, but you and your family will die. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Yeah, he did! He called her out. It is then that Esther calls for a fast, and decides to approach the king even if it means her death. "If I perish, I perish."



OK, let's get real specific. Confrontation. Do you have a hostile audience to confront? Maybe there is a friend or loved one you need to talk to about a delicate subject. Regardless of what the circumstances are, Esther provides an inspiring example of stepping up in the most difficult personal affairs. We can follow this by trusting God, knowing that He has our best interests in mind, and that He will accomplish His purposes. Setting aside our fears and putting our faith in Him will free us to "face the king", so to speak. God knows our human frailties. He is faithful to give us His strength to overcome them and He will go before us, preparing the way and softening the hearts of those we must confront.



Oh, and by the way, the Bible says that when the king saw Queen Esther, he was pleased with her and told her he would give her anything she requested, even up to half of the kingdom. The Jews were saved and Haman was hanged. Man, I love a happy ending.

Flocks

Tonight the youth played a game that was cheesy while at the same time very enlightening. It was called "Sheep, Wolves, and Shepherds." Two "wolves" armed to the teeth with foam balls try to attack the blindfolded "sheep" while the two "shepherds" fend them off with their shepherd's hook brooms. The wolves had a very easy time of this usually. I say usually because as long as the shepherd could successfully keep his flock herded together (they are blindfolded, remember) then they could pretty easily keep the wolves away.

In case you don't see where I'm going with this, let me explain. Sheep=us, body of Christ. Wolf=the devil. Shepherd=God. Satan will have a Fourth of July picnic with us if we are divided. He infiltrates the church with little resistance most of the time. But if the church sticks together, unified, then Satan has a harder time finding a weakness.

Individually, we are not as strong as we are with our church family. We are more prone to be led astray by Satan's temptations. "Spiritual drift", as I like to call it, is a reality. It happens more than we like to admit. We drift too much from God, and very quickly. I think our own desires cloud our judgment far too often. All the enemy wants is one little schism to squeeze into.

Stay close to your church family. No group will ever love you more. And they are always there to love you back. Like the Bible says, "if two or more agree."

And, yes. I read "schism" this morning and I've been wanting to use it all day.

Warnings

Isaiah 14:12-14

"How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, you who have weakened the nations!
"But you said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north.
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' "

I helped someone find this passage the other night and realized I hadn't thought about it in while. So, naturally, that got me thinking about it. One word comes to mind: yeah, that one. Pride.

Let's face it, pride is it; the big one. Pride says, "I know what I'm doing. I know better than you, God. I'm doing this for me, all the while telling everyone it's for You, when deep down I know better. I'll give the impression that You are behind this when actually I'm behind it. And I do this so well that I actually believe it myself."

How is that any different from what Satan did? Isn't it all blasphemy, just the same? Isn't that substituting ourselves for God? Yep. I'm afraid it is. God will give us warnings to try to wake us up to our rebellion. He gave me several. Take it from me, don't ignore the warnings.

No Equal

Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than He blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
"To whom will you compare Me? Or who is My equal?" says the Holy One.
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

Amen.

Fear.

Are you afraid of anything? I don't mean boogey-men, monsters under the bed, spiders (eeek!), or the dark. I mean deep down there is something that you know you just cannot face,some situation in your life that makes you ball up when you think of it. Sure you are. I am so I hope you are or I'm just a wuss.

Fear has kept me from doing something for a long time, something that needs to be done. Oh, I've already gone through the whole "God hasn't burdened me" thing. Funny how God gets more blame than glory most of the time. I have looked for any reason I can think of to get out of it but, the simple fact is, I must confront my fear. When, I don't know. The timing is up to God but I must commit to Him that I will take His opportunity when it comes. The real fear? The consequences.

We want guarantees, don't we? I admit I do. But faith isn't about guaranteed outcomes. Faith, real mountain-moving, God-glorifying faith is about knowing that the outcome is His. He will handle the details. Honestly, I am terrified of what will happen because my faith is that weak. I am ashamed. But neither I, nor you, should fear when we are trusting God. At church Sunday, the preacher said, "God wants to help you, not harm you." Those words rang in my ears for a while. I know this but it was as if he were saying it directly to me. What God wants for me will happen if I am faithful to Him and follow His guidance. The choices others make can affect that but He restores us. He doesn't throw up His hands and say, "Sorry. Didn't work out." No, no, no, no, no. He loves us. I repeat, He loves us. What He wants is for us to put our faith out there, take a step and watch Him work, regardless of the consequences.

Like Noah, Abraham, Moses, etc., follow Him and "He will direct our paths." Maybe, like me, you need to speak up. Maybe you have an ultimatum to give, or maybe you have to stop drifting and turn around and face God. It doesn't matter. He loves you. And He will not contradict His word, which says:
"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:16-18)

There you have it. "Perfect love drives out fear." No gray area there. It's His word, and that is absolute.

Sweet Surrender

For all of my thirty-six years, I have heard stories and testimonies from wonderfully godly people about how they and others have turned things over to God. Some say surrender, release, let go, lay it down, and so on. I have always had trouble understanding this. I am not proud of this, mind you. I'm just being honest. I've never figured out how to do that.

Most of the issues that I've faced have been, well, crippling is the word that comes to mind. When I am troubled by something, something major, it consumes me. This is where I've been for awhile now. Until yesterday. I heard from the Lord on my lunch break. Yes, scoffers, I have been hearing from Him a lot lately and it is awesome. I am enjoying a fellowship with Him that previously I had only dreamed of. So mock me if you will but I sincerely pray for this to happen to you.

Back to yesterday. In reading a book about the power of the Holy Spirit, I was fascinated by how the first century Christians lived and walked in the Spirit. As a believer, I have the Holy Spirit dwelling in me; so do you if you have trusted Christ. But what about the Spirit ON me? What about being Spirit-filled? Hmmmm.

Me? Negative. I confess that I have not been and could not be filled with the Spirit because my heart has been filled with other things. Our hearts are not limitless. There is only so much room in there and the space has to be shared. Some months ago I rid my heart of many things that were, frankly, in God's way. I had chosen to devote only some of my heart to Him. Yesterday, He spoke to me and asked when I was going to release that one last thing. "What?? You mean actually turn loose of it? But I want it. I believe You want me to want it. We've talked about this, God. You gave me these desires, now you want me to give up?"
Then God said, "No. Don't ever give up on what I give you. Just give in...to Me."

Then the Word came:
"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding, who set its measurements, since you know?" Job 38:4,5

Then I said:
"I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know." Job 42:3

So, surrendered I am. Wow. I am free to be me again, the me that God wants, only now with His desires in place. And I have freed Him to do want He wants, in me and around me. Total surrender clears the way for the Spirit. His promise is that I will have those desires that are His desires. This is the awakening.

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20, 21

I deserve this.

For all of you "I told you so" types, you are right. I am saying it now to keep you from telling me later. I just had a tooth pulled, more like pried, jerked, and yanked out of my dang head. The relief is wonderful but man does it feel nasty. I'm numb from chin to ear. Yes, this is my fault. Years of neglect and tobacco use have left my teeth in a mess. But I am taking steps, finally, to remedy all of that. Oh, and I've given up the tobacco, too. No small miracle. So, there. When I can eat again, I'll make sure it is humble pie.

Love

" The fruit of the Spirit, as you find it in Galatians, begins with love. There are nine graces spoken of in the sixth chapter, and of the nine different graces, Paul puts love at the head of the list; love is the first thing - the first in that precious cluster of fruit. Someone has put it in this way: that all the other eight can be put in the word "love." Joy is love exulting; peace is love in repose; long-suffering is love on trial; gentleness is love in society; goodness is love in action; faith is love on the battlefield; meekness is love at school; and temperance is love in training. So it is love all the way; love at the top; love at the bottom, and all the way along down these graces."

From "Secret Power" by D.L. Moody



I have been learning alot about love lately. I think Moody's words sum it up. Love never fails.

Go or Whoa?

Dilemma - at what point do we toss in the towel? How long do we beat our heads against a wall before we admit defeat and concede that the wall is just never going to crumble?

As I pray, fast, ponder, meditate, and over-analyze, I find this question doesn't have a cut and dried answer. Let's take a closer look at the wall. We'll call it "Stubborn" from now on.

For self-doubting me, I always end up questioning if Stubborn came from God. So that's the real question, isn't it? Because if Stubborn came from God then, of course, the towel is never thrown in until He says it is. We don't walk away from obedience just because it gets tough or seems to be going against us. With that established, we can now focus on who brought Stubborn to us.

James 1:17 tells us every good thing comes from above. Is Stubborn good? Only if "it":

• glorifies God
• increases our desire to know Him more
• intensifies our walk
• leads us to recognition of our sin and repentance
• gives us a greater peace with God
• most importantly, agrees with God's Word

What about the other option? Satan wants to weigh in on this, too. Maybe Stubborn:

• doesn't resemble God
• keeps us from the things of God and causes us to drift away
• interferes with our service and worship
• leads us to compromise and acceptance of our sin
• causes strife, with God and others
• most importantly, is in opposition to God's Word

Hmm. That clears things up a bit. I'm just thinking out loud here. But I think I'll keep trying that wall. God says it will crumble.

The inmates are running the asylum.

So I have just finished up some committee work for church and can't help wondering, "who the crap do we think we are"? I've been reviewing e-mails that pertain to a situation that occurred before I was on the committee. Apparently the situation may be revisited so I needed to be brought up to speed. Well, lucky me! Eye-opener to say the least.



I'm terribly disappointed in the existing leadership, or so it's called. What is it about being on a committee that makes someone power trip as soon as they are elected? IT'S JUST A COMMITTEE, FOLKS!!! It is called serving. You know, like Jesus did!?! You remember Him, don't you? Son of God, spotless lamb, died for our sins and all that? He came to serve, said that Himself. So why do we think we are here to rule?



Committees are necessary. Call them teams if you want to. The truth is when you have 300 people together you have to delegate duties and responsibilities. Nothing wrong with that. But if it causes you to think you are the leader of the free world then SCRAM! Check yourself, judge yourself.

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned."

"...For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."



Alright, I think I'm better now. Sorry for venting. No, actually I'm not. That's what this blog is for. But here's free advice and it comes straight from the Word of God:

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal inetersts, but also for the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3,4)

Simplicity. Oh, how I do love simplicity!

More from Spurgeon
To try to win a soul to Christ by keeping that soul in ignorance of any truth, is contrary to the mind of the Spirit; and to endeavor to save men by mere claptrap, or excitement, or oratorical display, is as foolish as to hope to hold an angel with a bird-line, or to lure a star with music. The best attraction is the gospel in its purity. The weapon with which the Lord conquers men is the truth as it is in Jesus. The gospel will be found equal to every emergency; an arrow that can pierce the hardest heart, a balm which will heal the deadliest wound. Preach it and preach nothing else. Rely implicity upon the old, old gospel. you need no other nets when you fish for men; those your Master has given you are strong enough for the greatest fishes, and have meshes fine enough to hold the little ones. Spread those nets and no others, and you need not fear fulfillment of His Word, "I will make you fishers of men."

Relevant, to say the least

From Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Judas was a preacher; nay, he was a foremost preacher. "He obtained part of this ministry," said the Apostle Peter. He was not simply one of the seventy; he had been selected by the Lord Himself as one of the twelve, an honorable member of the college of the apostles. Doubtless, he had preached the gospel so that many had been gladdened by his voice, and miraculous powers had been vouchsafed to him, so that at his word, the sick had been healed, deaf ears had been opened, and the blind made to see. Nay, there is no doubt that he, who could not keep the devil out of himself, had cast devils out of others. Yet how are you fallen from Heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! He that was as a prophet in the midst of the people, and spake with the tongue of the learned, whose word and wonders proved that he had been with Jesus and had learned from Him-he betrays his Master. Understand, my brethern, that no gifts can ensure grace, and that no position of honor or usefulness in the Church will necessarily prove our being true to our Lord and Master. Doubtless, there are bishops in Hell, and crowds of those who once occuied the pulpit are now condemned forever to bewail their hypocrisy. You that are Church-officers do not conclude that because you enjoy the confidence of the Church, therefore there is an absolute certainty the grace of God in you. Perhaps it is the most dangerous of all positions for a man to become well known and much respected by the religious world, and yet to be rotten at the core. To be where others can observe your faults is a healthy thing, though painful; but to live with beloved friends who would not believe it is possible for us to do wrong, and who, if they saw us err, would make excuses for us-this is to be where it is next to impossible for us ever to be aroused if our hearts be not right with God. To have a fair reputation and a false heart is to stand upon the brink of Hell.
No wonder he was called the "Prince of Preachers"

Awakening

Webster's defines awake as: to cease sleeping, to become aroused or active again, to become conscious or aware of something; to stir up! This word has been used alot lately in my circles. Myself, the people I love, and the ministries I serve in are undergoing an awakening. What does this mean to me?



I first used this word to describe a moment I had with God a few months ago. He awakened me to many things. Mostly what a complete fool I had been by showing me my pride and selfishness. Then, my minister and dear brother Rev. Benji Fowler chose this word to title his Wednesday and Sunday night curriculum. Since then it has popped up regularly in conversation and Scripture. I have even found it in past bible studies of mine.



So what awakens us? What do we do to be awakened? First, it is God who awakens us but not through anything of our own. For me it was simply a recognition that I was drifting from Him. I didn't pray a heartfelt prayer to Him begging Him to restore me. That came later. No, I simply noticed that I was away from Him and wondered how I could get back. I had been aware all along of my actions but my pride stood in the way of admitting it. So I questioned myself and God took the ball and ran with it. I could expound all day about the whys and hows but I don't need to. He showed up and I have been changed ever since. Humility replaced pride, brokenness replaced selfishness, and most importantly, love replaced fear. (1 John 4:18)



Now I seek to obey, to follow and not lead. I have a new freedom that is based on forgiveness. I don't feel guilty for my actions anymore. My sensitivity to the Spirit is heightened and I make no decisions without prayerful consideration and an earnest desire to please God. Yes, I do fail frequently. Self-doubt is my worst enemy. But God is faithful. He has given me love, new love. He has awakened me.

SMACKED!

Have you ever had an experience, a moment, that you just knew you were in the crosshairs of God? I've had two. Recently. "What the crap?", I say. "Isn't this supposed to be for those men of God? Those ordained men who pray and fast and seek God 24/7 ?"



Apparently not. Last night as I was turning in, I had a feeling that I needed to pray a little harder. So I did. I simply told God that I wanted to be a little nearer to Him. Not much, just a small portion more. He obliged. Within seconds I was face down and "the word of the Lord came to Chuck." Hardcore.



In the following moments I was torn to shreds, spiritually, by the overwhelming conviction that Jesus bled and died, suffered a horrific death for.....me. No kidding, right? I mean, this was nothing new to me. I was saved at seven years of age, and , even through my wandering years, I professed Him. I know the crucifixion forward and back. So why did God choose to remind me of His gift? Don't know. Doesn't really matter.



What matters is that God "...created in me a clean heart and renewed a steadfast spirit within me. He restored to me the joy of His salvation" (Psalm 51:10, 12). That's what it feels like to me, anyway.



Next, I was pelted with burdens. Prayer burdens for all manner of things. Some I had been praying fervently for months. This time I was praying them differently. Other things were new. My church, for instance, is going through a tough time. I found myself crying out to God to break hearts in my church the way he had, or has, broken mine. And the big deal about all of this isn't me, (shucks). It is that when I was done, He was done, and I was finally drifting off to sleep, I had the impression that God was saying, " I'm coming to Stock Creek. Got some things I want to do."



Holy Father, thank You for Jesus and His willingness to be the perfect sacrifice, the final sacrifice. Thank You for looking down on me in Your infinite love and blessing me with a new and fresh perspective on why and how I am yours. I praise You for all things and right now especially for knowing that You are on the way, in Your time. Keep me close and hear the burdens and desires of my heart. In Jesus' name.

Welcome, me.

I am certainly no writer. However, I always seem to have much to say about everything and I've always been told that I am extremely opinionated. This blog is simply a place for me to voice those opinions. Hopefully truths more than opinions, since my aim is to write on spiritual matters. It is my hope that someone at some point will find these helpful or at the very least cause for meditation.