So, I have been quiet lately, the weather has been amazing and our days our busy with trying to enjoy every moment. I have been pondering many things and growing in my hunger for more of GOD, His Presence and His power to breakthrough in my life. That said, we are in the midst of a storm that the enemy wants to overtake us, but Jesus wants to calm and have His peace and power triumph!
I won't go into details here, but I do share this to be honest and real and to seek prayers from wherever I can get them!! I am learning how much our enemy Satan hates us, and hates the message of grace and will do anything to keep us from going forward in it and truly living in the freedom Christ has purchased for us. I refuse to let my life be robbed over and over again of victory, joy, peace and miracles both physical and spiritual!!! I won't give up hoping in the One who has final authority and power over the enemy, who has already been defeated once and for all at the cross. My God reigns, Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father, with the earth as his footstool and ALL things under his feet, interceding for me and for you!!!! I WILL experience BREAKTHROUGH - Why? Because, what is the Gospel for if we can't live in the fullness of our salvation?! Wholeness, healing, preservation....not just sins forgiven!!
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places......"
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us......"
"And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God......"
Monday, April 28, 2008
In need of a Breakthrough....
So, I have been quiet lately, the weather has been amazing and our days our busy with trying to enjoy every moment. I have been pondering many things and growing in my hunger for more of GOD, His Presence and His power to breakthrough in my life. That said, we are in the midst of a storm that the enemy wants to overtake us, but Jesus wants to calm and have His peace and power triumph!
I won't go into details here, but I do share this to be honest and real and to seek prayers from wherever I can get them!! I am learning how much our enemy Satan hates us, and hates the message of grace and will do anything to keep us from going forward in it and truly living in the freedom Christ has purchased for us. I refuse to let my life be robbed over and over again of victory, joy, peace and miracles both physical and spiritual!!! I won't give up hoping in the One who has final authority and power over the enemy, who has already been defeated once and for all at the cross. My God reigns, Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father, with the earth as his footstool and ALL things under his feet, interceding for me and for you!!!! I WILL experience BREAKTHROUGH - Why? Because, what is the Gospel for if we can't live in the fullness of our salvation?! Wholeness, healing, preservation....not just sins forgiven!!
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places......"
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us......"
"And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God......"
I won't go into details here, but I do share this to be honest and real and to seek prayers from wherever I can get them!! I am learning how much our enemy Satan hates us, and hates the message of grace and will do anything to keep us from going forward in it and truly living in the freedom Christ has purchased for us. I refuse to let my life be robbed over and over again of victory, joy, peace and miracles both physical and spiritual!!! I won't give up hoping in the One who has final authority and power over the enemy, who has already been defeated once and for all at the cross. My God reigns, Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father, with the earth as his footstool and ALL things under his feet, interceding for me and for you!!!! I WILL experience BREAKTHROUGH - Why? Because, what is the Gospel for if we can't live in the fullness of our salvation?! Wholeness, healing, preservation....not just sins forgiven!!
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places......"
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us......"
"And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God......"
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Power of Testimony....
Many of you who have followed my blog may already know how much I value the sharing of testimonies. I have shared a bit of my own personal testimony and love to hear the testimony of what God is doing, and has done in the lives of others. It is such a blessing and encouragement to see God truly at work in our lives. This past summer when Keith and I were still wading through some of the difficulties we were in, a couple we had recently spent time with, called us out of the blue, and wanted to come visit us in New York. (we were in the process of packing up our house and waiting for settlement.) They felt very strongly that they needed (wanted) to share their testimony, of what God did in their lives and marriage, and that sharing it with us would impart life to us in the midst of our trial. Of course we were more than thrilled that they were coming, as we knew we needed fellowship and to hear about the victory they were living in. The timing couldn't have been more perfect, and we have now become dear friends with this couple. I am so grateful for their willingness to pass on what they had received from God to us, by the sharing of their testimony.
Interestingly, just last week at City Church International, Rob Rufus had just gotten back from a conference held in Sydney, Australia, and had numerous testimonies to share with the folks of his church in Hong Kong. He spent some time teaching on the "power of testimony", which was what we had experienced over the summer with our friends. He said this, "Testimony, means to do it again. When you share your testimony, you are in a sense prophesying. Sharing your testimony carries with it the power to duplicate what you are testifying happened to you."
So when I share how God transformed my marriage the way He did, the power that is in my testimony duplicates itself in your life and can transform your marriage as well. I think for me hearing the testimony of our friends helped me to have faith to believe and ask God for a miracle and know He indeed would grant it! It also helped me to not give up and grow weary and just be passive and accept my current circumstances, instead I held out for hope in what God would do in our lives! And He did not disappoint!! He is still transforming our marriage in many ways, it's truly wonderful! The awesome thing is, it's all for God's glory!!
You just can't refute someone's personal testimony!!
Interestingly, just last week at City Church International, Rob Rufus had just gotten back from a conference held in Sydney, Australia, and had numerous testimonies to share with the folks of his church in Hong Kong. He spent some time teaching on the "power of testimony", which was what we had experienced over the summer with our friends. He said this, "Testimony, means to do it again. When you share your testimony, you are in a sense prophesying. Sharing your testimony carries with it the power to duplicate what you are testifying happened to you."
So when I share how God transformed my marriage the way He did, the power that is in my testimony duplicates itself in your life and can transform your marriage as well. I think for me hearing the testimony of our friends helped me to have faith to believe and ask God for a miracle and know He indeed would grant it! It also helped me to not give up and grow weary and just be passive and accept my current circumstances, instead I held out for hope in what God would do in our lives! And He did not disappoint!! He is still transforming our marriage in many ways, it's truly wonderful! The awesome thing is, it's all for God's glory!!
You just can't refute someone's personal testimony!!
The Power of Testimony....
Many of you who have followed my blog may already know how much I value the sharing of testimonies. I have shared a bit of my own personal testimony and love to hear the testimony of what God is doing, and has done in the lives of others. It is such a blessing and encouragement to see God truly at work in our lives. This past summer when Keith and I were still wading through some of the difficulties we were in, a couple we had recently spent time with, called us out of the blue, and wanted to come visit us in New York. (we were in the process of packing up our house and waiting for settlement.) They felt very strongly that they needed (wanted) to share their testimony, of what God did in their lives and marriage, and that sharing it with us would impart life to us in the midst of our trial. Of course we were more than thrilled that they were coming, as we knew we needed fellowship and to hear about the victory they were living in. The timing couldn't have been more perfect, and we have now become dear friends with this couple. I am so grateful for their willingness to pass on what they had received from God to us, by the sharing of their testimony.
Interestingly, just last week at City Church International, Rob Rufus had just gotten back from a conference held in Sydney, Australia, and had numerous testimonies to share with the folks of his church in Hong Kong. He spent some time teaching on the "power of testimony", which was what we had experienced over the summer with our friends. He said this, "Testimony, means to do it again. When you share your testimony, you are in a sense prophesying. Sharing your testimony carries with it the power to duplicate what you are testifying happened to you."
So when I share how God transformed my marriage the way He did, the power that is in my testimony duplicates itself in your life and can transform your marriage as well. I think for me hearing the testimony of our friends helped me to have faith to believe and ask God for a miracle and know He indeed would grant it! It also helped me to not give up and grow weary and just be passive and accept my current circumstances, instead I held out for hope in what God would do in our lives! And He did not disappoint!! He is still transforming our marriage in many ways, it's truly wonderful! The awesome thing is, it's all for God's glory!!
You just can't refute someone's personal testimony!!
Interestingly, just last week at City Church International, Rob Rufus had just gotten back from a conference held in Sydney, Australia, and had numerous testimonies to share with the folks of his church in Hong Kong. He spent some time teaching on the "power of testimony", which was what we had experienced over the summer with our friends. He said this, "Testimony, means to do it again. When you share your testimony, you are in a sense prophesying. Sharing your testimony carries with it the power to duplicate what you are testifying happened to you."
So when I share how God transformed my marriage the way He did, the power that is in my testimony duplicates itself in your life and can transform your marriage as well. I think for me hearing the testimony of our friends helped me to have faith to believe and ask God for a miracle and know He indeed would grant it! It also helped me to not give up and grow weary and just be passive and accept my current circumstances, instead I held out for hope in what God would do in our lives! And He did not disappoint!! He is still transforming our marriage in many ways, it's truly wonderful! The awesome thing is, it's all for God's glory!!
You just can't refute someone's personal testimony!!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Basking in His Presence....
On my way to church today, I found myself having a conversation with God that went sort of like this. "I really want you to show up God, cause what is church without you there. I just want to sense your manifest Presence. I know you are always with me, and I know where two or three are gathered there you are amidst them, but can you give me a taste, tangibly, please." That was the gist. I mean what's it all for, the routine of going to church every week. The best way I can think of, to glory in God more and more, is to experience HIM and get to know HIM!
Well, God, as He is so kind and loving and wants to be known for his grace and glory more than anything, did not disappoint this hungry soul!
Worship was fine, the message was good, but what God did was great! He truly showed up in a tangible way. At the end of the message I sensed Him remind me "Enter in, enter into my presence...the veil was torn in two, just so you can come in and enter into my presence, so come on in and enjoy and be with me....." Thankfully, worship was extended after the message, and I really felt the tangible presence of God - I had a shakiness and felt at any time I may fall over - as I worshipped with the congregation, I just basked in His presence, kind of like laying on the beach with the bright sun blazing all around, praying it wouldn't end anytime soon. As worship ended I just felt so peaceful and refreshed. Standing in His Presence is quite wonderful! Thank you Jesus that you made a way, that we can enter in anytime!!!
Anyway, I share this to journal my own experience of God because it is an answer to the pray and cry of my heart. I just want God - to know Him, and be more in awe of Him. And He longs for me (or anyone in Christ for that matter) to praise Him and bring Him the glory due His name! So I praise Him, He is a good, faithful, loving Father, who delights in us and wants us to delight in Him. All for His own Glory, and so He may become more and more glorious to us!!
Well, God, as He is so kind and loving and wants to be known for his grace and glory more than anything, did not disappoint this hungry soul!
Worship was fine, the message was good, but what God did was great! He truly showed up in a tangible way. At the end of the message I sensed Him remind me "Enter in, enter into my presence...the veil was torn in two, just so you can come in and enter into my presence, so come on in and enjoy and be with me....." Thankfully, worship was extended after the message, and I really felt the tangible presence of God - I had a shakiness and felt at any time I may fall over - as I worshipped with the congregation, I just basked in His presence, kind of like laying on the beach with the bright sun blazing all around, praying it wouldn't end anytime soon. As worship ended I just felt so peaceful and refreshed. Standing in His Presence is quite wonderful! Thank you Jesus that you made a way, that we can enter in anytime!!!
Anyway, I share this to journal my own experience of God because it is an answer to the pray and cry of my heart. I just want God - to know Him, and be more in awe of Him. And He longs for me (or anyone in Christ for that matter) to praise Him and bring Him the glory due His name! So I praise Him, He is a good, faithful, loving Father, who delights in us and wants us to delight in Him. All for His own Glory, and so He may become more and more glorious to us!!
Basking in His Presence....
On my way to church today, I found myself having a conversation with God that went sort of like this. "I really want you to show up God, cause what is church without you there. I just want to sense your manifest Presence. I know you are always with me, and I know where two or three are gathered there you are amidst them, but can you give me a taste, tangibly, please." That was the gist. I mean what's it all for, the routine of going to church every week. The best way I can think of, to glory in God more and more, is to experience HIM and get to know HIM!
Well, God, as He is so kind and loving and wants to be known for his grace and glory more than anything, did not disappoint this hungry soul!
Worship was fine, the message was good, but what God did was great! He truly showed up in a tangible way. At the end of the message I sensed Him remind me "Enter in, enter into my presence...the veil was torn in two, just so you can come in and enter into my presence, so come on in and enjoy and be with me....." Thankfully, worship was extended after the message, and I really felt the tangible presence of God - I had a shakiness and felt at any time I may fall over - as I worshipped with the congregation, I just basked in His presence, kind of like laying on the beach with the bright sun blazing all around, praying it wouldn't end anytime soon. As worship ended I just felt so peaceful and refreshed. Standing in His Presence is quite wonderful! Thank you Jesus that you made a way, that we can enter in anytime!!!
Anyway, I share this to journal my own experience of God because it is an answer to the pray and cry of my heart. I just want God - to know Him, and be more in awe of Him. And He longs for me (or anyone in Christ for that matter) to praise Him and bring Him the glory due His name! So I praise Him, He is a good, faithful, loving Father, who delights in us and wants us to delight in Him. All for His own Glory, and so He may become more and more glorious to us!!
Well, God, as He is so kind and loving and wants to be known for his grace and glory more than anything, did not disappoint this hungry soul!
Worship was fine, the message was good, but what God did was great! He truly showed up in a tangible way. At the end of the message I sensed Him remind me "Enter in, enter into my presence...the veil was torn in two, just so you can come in and enter into my presence, so come on in and enjoy and be with me....." Thankfully, worship was extended after the message, and I really felt the tangible presence of God - I had a shakiness and felt at any time I may fall over - as I worshipped with the congregation, I just basked in His presence, kind of like laying on the beach with the bright sun blazing all around, praying it wouldn't end anytime soon. As worship ended I just felt so peaceful and refreshed. Standing in His Presence is quite wonderful! Thank you Jesus that you made a way, that we can enter in anytime!!!
Anyway, I share this to journal my own experience of God because it is an answer to the pray and cry of my heart. I just want God - to know Him, and be more in awe of Him. And He longs for me (or anyone in Christ for that matter) to praise Him and bring Him the glory due His name! So I praise Him, He is a good, faithful, loving Father, who delights in us and wants us to delight in Him. All for His own Glory, and so He may become more and more glorious to us!!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Don't despise small beginnings.....
Since this past summer, and my encounter with God revealing himself and his grace and the glorious good news of the gospel, I have been so eager for more of Him! I have become voraciously hungry for God and for more revelation of the truth of His Word and His amazing Grace. Additionally, I have become insatiable for His manifest presence in my life. Lonely for Him, longing for Him to come and touch me. Not only that I am desirous to see more of the supernatural power of God transform lives through healing and outpourings of His Spirit however that may come!!! At times, I wonder if I am too zealous for this - but I just can't help it! I want Him! I do not want to grow weary or lose heart as I seek to see God reveal more of who He is to me, and for the Holy Spirit to reveal more of who He is to me and to know the very person of Jesus more and more! I honestly dont' know these "guys" very well yet. Oh, I know about them a bit, but that's not where the life transforming comes from. Knowledge puffs up....Many know about God so much so that they can teach about Him endlessly if they want, but it won't do anyone any good. They have to actually get to know the person of God!!! This is what matters!
So, anyway, I am always encouraged these days when I find out about men and women who have gone from burnout and truly been touched by God's supernatural transforming power and now minister to others all over the world. I'd like to introduce you to Randy Clark.
About Randy Clark
“There..there it is, take it. The power of God is all over you! In the name of Jesus I ask for Your healing power to fall…saturate…consume; make him whole!”
As Randy Clark utters yet another powerful prayer, this meeting, similar to his others, promises to be filled with tremendous works of healing and awesome manifestations of the Lord.
An international itinerate ministry birthed from a 4-day retreat in Canada, Randy Clark illustrates perfectly the aphorism, “don’t despise small beginnings.” The son of a poor oil-worker, Randy, like most from his generation, learned the importance of perseverance.
“Don’t despise small beginnings”
For 18 long years he struggled with his purpose, his calling, but then, after his miraculous healing from a car accident, he felt led to go into the ministry. Since that day, Nov. 20th, 1970, Randy’s involvement in ministry soared. Shortly after graduating with a B.S. in Religious Studies, Randy went on to receive his Masters of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before graduating from seminary with his M.Div, Randy had already been a pastor for 7 years.
Although Randy’s educational background helped him battle many theological issues his congregation would have, his schooling did nothing to prepare him for the despair he felt when the presence of God had left. This despair would promise to be the fulcrum point in Randy’s ministry.
After months of prayer and fasting, Randy got touched by the Lord mightily. And, on January 20, 1994, this unassuming pastor from St. Louis walked into a small storefront church near the Toronto airport. Originally scheduled for 4 days, his meetings have turned into a worldwide revival that has impacted millions of people!
Now an international speaker, Randy Clark demonstrates the Lord’s sovereign power to heal, with great tenacity. With more than 30 years of pastoral experience, Randy’s love for people exudes. The length of time he stays with the hurting and broken confounds the mind, praying sometimes for hours with one person.
Randy’s anointing in healing is only surpassed by his unmistakable teaching gift. Using his extensive educational background, Randy delineates even the most difficult concepts to the lay person. Messages like God Can Use Little Ole Me, which illustrates the agonies of defeat and the thrills of victory inherent in the healing ministry and Spend and Be Spent, a call to capture your destiny, make it easy to see where Randy’s heart resides.
Toronto airport, originally scheduled for 4 days, these meetings have turned into a worldwide revival that has impacted millions!
Because of his uncanny humility, Randy’s ministry crosses denominational lines. From the Westminster Chapel in London, to the St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Australia, Randy has been welcomed into a plethora of different streams.
Randy has come a long way since his birth in the church. Like many Christians, he suffered persecution, experienced failures, and witnessed disappointments, but Randy let none of these detour his heart’s course. He stood steadfast in his beliefs and resolved to see the Lord’s blessing in his life.
As Randy stands at the platform, voice boisterous and arms animated, the shadow of the man Randy used to be has vacated, replaced with the visage of a man self-affirmed and confident in his place with the Lord.
Since that life-changing night, January 20, 1994, Randy has traveled to over 36 countries and continues to travel extensively to see that God’s mandate on his life be fulfilled. He resides in Harrisburg, PA, with his wife, DeAnne, and 4 children: Joshua, Johannah, Josiah, and Jeremiah.
Check out his ministry Global Awakenings....
Don't despise small beginnings.....
Since this past summer, and my encounter with God revealing himself and his grace and the glorious good news of the gospel, I have been so eager for more of Him! I have become voraciously hungry for God and for more revelation of the truth of His Word and His amazing Grace. Additionally, I have become insatiable for His manifest presence in my life. Lonely for Him, longing for Him to come and touch me. Not only that I am desirous to see more of the supernatural power of God transform lives through healing and outpourings of His Spirit however that may come!!! At times, I wonder if I am too zealous for this - but I just can't help it! I want Him! I do not want to grow weary or lose heart as I seek to see God reveal more of who He is to me, and for the Holy Spirit to reveal more of who He is to me and to know the very person of Jesus more and more! I honestly dont' know these "guys" very well yet. Oh, I know about them a bit, but that's not where the life transforming comes from. Knowledge puffs up....Many know about God so much so that they can teach about Him endlessly if they want, but it won't do anyone any good. They have to actually get to know the person of God!!! This is what matters!
So, anyway, I am always encouraged these days when I find out about men and women who have gone from burnout and truly been touched by God's supernatural transforming power and now minister to others all over the world. I'd like to introduce you to Randy Clark.
About Randy Clark
“There..there it is, take it. The power of God is all over you! In the name of Jesus I ask for Your healing power to fall…saturate…consume; make him whole!”
As Randy Clark utters yet another powerful prayer, this meeting, similar to his others, promises to be filled with tremendous works of healing and awesome manifestations of the Lord.
An international itinerate ministry birthed from a 4-day retreat in Canada, Randy Clark illustrates perfectly the aphorism, “don’t despise small beginnings.” The son of a poor oil-worker, Randy, like most from his generation, learned the importance of perseverance.
“Don’t despise small beginnings”
For 18 long years he struggled with his purpose, his calling, but then, after his miraculous healing from a car accident, he felt led to go into the ministry. Since that day, Nov. 20th, 1970, Randy’s involvement in ministry soared. Shortly after graduating with a B.S. in Religious Studies, Randy went on to receive his Masters of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before graduating from seminary with his M.Div, Randy had already been a pastor for 7 years.
Although Randy’s educational background helped him battle many theological issues his congregation would have, his schooling did nothing to prepare him for the despair he felt when the presence of God had left. This despair would promise to be the fulcrum point in Randy’s ministry.
After months of prayer and fasting, Randy got touched by the Lord mightily. And, on January 20, 1994, this unassuming pastor from St. Louis walked into a small storefront church near the Toronto airport. Originally scheduled for 4 days, his meetings have turned into a worldwide revival that has impacted millions of people!
Now an international speaker, Randy Clark demonstrates the Lord’s sovereign power to heal, with great tenacity. With more than 30 years of pastoral experience, Randy’s love for people exudes. The length of time he stays with the hurting and broken confounds the mind, praying sometimes for hours with one person.
Randy’s anointing in healing is only surpassed by his unmistakable teaching gift. Using his extensive educational background, Randy delineates even the most difficult concepts to the lay person. Messages like God Can Use Little Ole Me, which illustrates the agonies of defeat and the thrills of victory inherent in the healing ministry and Spend and Be Spent, a call to capture your destiny, make it easy to see where Randy’s heart resides.
Toronto airport, originally scheduled for 4 days, these meetings have turned into a worldwide revival that has impacted millions!
Because of his uncanny humility, Randy’s ministry crosses denominational lines. From the Westminster Chapel in London, to the St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Australia, Randy has been welcomed into a plethora of different streams.
Randy has come a long way since his birth in the church. Like many Christians, he suffered persecution, experienced failures, and witnessed disappointments, but Randy let none of these detour his heart’s course. He stood steadfast in his beliefs and resolved to see the Lord’s blessing in his life.
As Randy stands at the platform, voice boisterous and arms animated, the shadow of the man Randy used to be has vacated, replaced with the visage of a man self-affirmed and confident in his place with the Lord.
Since that life-changing night, January 20, 1994, Randy has traveled to over 36 countries and continues to travel extensively to see that God’s mandate on his life be fulfilled. He resides in Harrisburg, PA, with his wife, DeAnne, and 4 children: Joshua, Johannah, Josiah, and Jeremiah.
Check out his ministry Global Awakenings....
Monday, April 7, 2008
Spreading the Love......
Thoughts are flying through my head this morning about all the people in the world that are not living in an understanding of God's love for them. ( and there is no judgement in this statement, my heart is filled with compassion as I write this..)
I mean how can anyone make it in life without an awareness of pure love and acceptance? I couldn't!
Why is it that so many Christians can dispense solutions, advice, council and strategies when people are suffering, but not radically share the amazing breadths, depths and heighths of God's vast all encompassing LOVE! Haven't we all heard enough advice over the course of our lives. Don't people have a hard enough time by beating themselves up over what they aren't getting right in life? I just want to see people get so saturated in God's Love for them that they become confident in who they are in Christ and know God's wonderful thoughts about them, truly know, in the revelation way of knowing - and when that happens, I believe their lives will transform in ways they never imagined!!! ( Like mine is!!!)
Could it be that many have not come to a revelation of God's LOVE for themselves! Because if they have, wouldn't that be the first thing to lavish on someone who is hurting?
Only God can truly shower His Love on us in a way that impacts us - but we as Christians, can talk about it to others, to help open up hearts and minds to the truth that God is waiting to pour out on everyone who would come to Him ready to receive!
I am only beginning to truly truly taste of God's awesome, amazing, (no human words can truly describe the truth of) -of His LOVE!!! I mean isn't it the cry of every human heart to be loved truly, for who they are? And who better to love and accept us for who we are, than the one who made us just as we are! He knows us full well, every hair on our heads, he knit us together, he has loved us before the foundation of the world! So, does this truth rock YOUR world, or are you still thinking I am not worthy of His Love..?? That is not the point - You don't have to be worthy, You never will be!!! He just simply loves you, because HE DOES!!!
YOU ARE PRECIOUS TO HIM - YOU ARE DEAR TO HIS HEART - YOU ARE THE APPLE OF HIS EYE - YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL IN HIS SIGHT - YOU ARE ALWAYS ON HIS MIND - YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING THAT WILL CAUSE HIM TO TURN HIS BACK ON YOU EVER - HE IS PLEASED WITH YOU - HE HAS TENDER AFFECTION FOR YOU - HE IS IN LOVE WITH YOU!!!!
It is my sincere hope that someone who reads this today will be touched in a fresh way by the truth of God's abounding love for them ....may God captivate and dazzle YOU with His love today!!!
I mean how can anyone make it in life without an awareness of pure love and acceptance? I couldn't!
Why is it that so many Christians can dispense solutions, advice, council and strategies when people are suffering, but not radically share the amazing breadths, depths and heighths of God's vast all encompassing LOVE! Haven't we all heard enough advice over the course of our lives. Don't people have a hard enough time by beating themselves up over what they aren't getting right in life? I just want to see people get so saturated in God's Love for them that they become confident in who they are in Christ and know God's wonderful thoughts about them, truly know, in the revelation way of knowing - and when that happens, I believe their lives will transform in ways they never imagined!!! ( Like mine is!!!)
Could it be that many have not come to a revelation of God's LOVE for themselves! Because if they have, wouldn't that be the first thing to lavish on someone who is hurting?
Only God can truly shower His Love on us in a way that impacts us - but we as Christians, can talk about it to others, to help open up hearts and minds to the truth that God is waiting to pour out on everyone who would come to Him ready to receive!
I am only beginning to truly truly taste of God's awesome, amazing, (no human words can truly describe the truth of) -of His LOVE!!! I mean isn't it the cry of every human heart to be loved truly, for who they are? And who better to love and accept us for who we are, than the one who made us just as we are! He knows us full well, every hair on our heads, he knit us together, he has loved us before the foundation of the world! So, does this truth rock YOUR world, or are you still thinking I am not worthy of His Love..?? That is not the point - You don't have to be worthy, You never will be!!! He just simply loves you, because HE DOES!!!
YOU ARE PRECIOUS TO HIM - YOU ARE DEAR TO HIS HEART - YOU ARE THE APPLE OF HIS EYE - YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL IN HIS SIGHT - YOU ARE ALWAYS ON HIS MIND - YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING THAT WILL CAUSE HIM TO TURN HIS BACK ON YOU EVER - HE IS PLEASED WITH YOU - HE HAS TENDER AFFECTION FOR YOU - HE IS IN LOVE WITH YOU!!!!
It is my sincere hope that someone who reads this today will be touched in a fresh way by the truth of God's abounding love for them ....may God captivate and dazzle YOU with His love today!!!
Spreading the Love......
Thoughts are flying through my head this morning about all the people in the world that are not living in an understanding of God's love for them. ( and there is no judgement in this statement, my heart is filled with compassion as I write this..)
I mean how can anyone make it in life without an awareness of pure love and acceptance? I couldn't!
Why is it that so many Christians can dispense solutions, advice, council and strategies when people are suffering, but not radically share the amazing breadths, depths and heighths of God's vast all encompassing LOVE! Haven't we all heard enough advice over the course of our lives. Don't people have a hard enough time by beating themselves up over what they aren't getting right in life? I just want to see people get so saturated in God's Love for them that they become confident in who they are in Christ and know God's wonderful thoughts about them, truly know, in the revelation way of knowing - and when that happens, I believe their lives will transform in ways they never imagined!!! ( Like mine is!!!)
Could it be that many have not come to a revelation of God's LOVE for themselves! Because if they have, wouldn't that be the first thing to lavish on someone who is hurting?
Only God can truly shower His Love on us in a way that impacts us - but we as Christians, can talk about it to others, to help open up hearts and minds to the truth that God is waiting to pour out on everyone who would come to Him ready to receive!
I am only beginning to truly truly taste of God's awesome, amazing, (no human words can truly describe the truth of) -of His LOVE!!! I mean isn't it the cry of every human heart to be loved truly, for who they are? And who better to love and accept us for who we are, than the one who made us just as we are! He knows us full well, every hair on our heads, he knit us together, he has loved us before the foundation of the world! So, does this truth rock YOUR world, or are you still thinking I am not worthy of His Love..?? That is not the point - You don't have to be worthy, You never will be!!! He just simply loves you, because HE DOES!!!
YOU ARE PRECIOUS TO HIM - YOU ARE DEAR TO HIS HEART - YOU ARE THE APPLE OF HIS EYE - YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL IN HIS SIGHT - YOU ARE ALWAYS ON HIS MIND - YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING THAT WILL CAUSE HIM TO TURN HIS BACK ON YOU EVER - HE IS PLEASED WITH YOU - HE HAS TENDER AFFECTION FOR YOU - HE IS IN LOVE WITH YOU!!!!
It is my sincere hope that someone who reads this today will be touched in a fresh way by the truth of God's abounding love for them ....may God captivate and dazzle YOU with His love today!!!
I mean how can anyone make it in life without an awareness of pure love and acceptance? I couldn't!
Why is it that so many Christians can dispense solutions, advice, council and strategies when people are suffering, but not radically share the amazing breadths, depths and heighths of God's vast all encompassing LOVE! Haven't we all heard enough advice over the course of our lives. Don't people have a hard enough time by beating themselves up over what they aren't getting right in life? I just want to see people get so saturated in God's Love for them that they become confident in who they are in Christ and know God's wonderful thoughts about them, truly know, in the revelation way of knowing - and when that happens, I believe their lives will transform in ways they never imagined!!! ( Like mine is!!!)
Could it be that many have not come to a revelation of God's LOVE for themselves! Because if they have, wouldn't that be the first thing to lavish on someone who is hurting?
Only God can truly shower His Love on us in a way that impacts us - but we as Christians, can talk about it to others, to help open up hearts and minds to the truth that God is waiting to pour out on everyone who would come to Him ready to receive!
I am only beginning to truly truly taste of God's awesome, amazing, (no human words can truly describe the truth of) -of His LOVE!!! I mean isn't it the cry of every human heart to be loved truly, for who they are? And who better to love and accept us for who we are, than the one who made us just as we are! He knows us full well, every hair on our heads, he knit us together, he has loved us before the foundation of the world! So, does this truth rock YOUR world, or are you still thinking I am not worthy of His Love..?? That is not the point - You don't have to be worthy, You never will be!!! He just simply loves you, because HE DOES!!!
YOU ARE PRECIOUS TO HIM - YOU ARE DEAR TO HIS HEART - YOU ARE THE APPLE OF HIS EYE - YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL IN HIS SIGHT - YOU ARE ALWAYS ON HIS MIND - YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING THAT WILL CAUSE HIM TO TURN HIS BACK ON YOU EVER - HE IS PLEASED WITH YOU - HE HAS TENDER AFFECTION FOR YOU - HE IS IN LOVE WITH YOU!!!!
It is my sincere hope that someone who reads this today will be touched in a fresh way by the truth of God's abounding love for them ....may God captivate and dazzle YOU with His love today!!!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
A comment from Pete Day.....
From time to time I often find a good healthy discussion/debate going on over at my friend Dan Bowen's blog, "Life on Wings. A tribute to Ern Baxter." Dan's friend (pastor and blogger) Pete Day, writes a post here and there on the blog, yet he always comments when there seems to be a debate going on. I have found his comments to be very gracious, insightful and confident in the grace of God. I have been blessed time and time again by his words. Today, I decided to put up one of his comments that I believe is worthy of it's own post! His comment was in response to those who seem to think that if we preach grace solely without pursuing holiness we are in danger
So why does grace set us free not to sin? I would suggest several reasons:
1) One of the greatest tools of satan to promote sin is a sense of condemnation. If we sin, we fall under condemnation; condemnation leads to a defeatest attitude like "I can't help sinning", or "I'm such a failure, why bother trying any more". Or more subtly, believers want to stop sinning but guilt keeps them from pressing through into the presence of God and so they don't catch glimpses of His glory and are not transformed.
2) Another power behind sin is pride. Grace destroys pride, because grace says I can contribute nothing to my salvation, my flesh cannot make me holy. Grace says you have a righteousness that is not your own - a free gift which is failure-proof, sin-proof, disappointment-proof, and devil-proof. Grace leads us to magnify the wonder of God's amazing love, to be impressed with Him and His gift of righteousness, to base our relationship totally upon the finished work of Jesus and nothing of our performance. Knowing therefore we can contribute nothing leads to a hunger for Him, a yieldness to Him and practical holiness is a natural side-effect.
3) One of the most powerful motivations to holiness is love (Jesus said - 'If you love Me you will keep My commandments'). Grace releases love rather than terror and condemnation. God is SO SO SO good. I love Him. I don't WANT to sin. Grace release such worship and joy that there is superior pleasure now!
4) Declaring "I am the righteousness of God in Christ" is not positive confession but a declaration of truth. It is faith building. So if I sin, I stand in faith on what Jesus has done in me. That has two effects - I am free from every condemning accusation; and, secondly, I am starting to believe I am righteous, so I start, naturally, living out that righteousness as well. We are NOT justified by grace and sanctified by our efforts. We are justified by grace through faith AND we are sanctified by grace through faith.
5) The teaching of grace does not lead to an attitude of winking at sin. God did not wink at sin, He dealt with it on the cross 100%. There is not one ounce of punishment left, it has all been taken upon the cross. God no longer sees our sin!!! We need to stop living like there is some punishment left, but in the freedom of His resurrection power.
6) We need to move out of an old covenant mindset (if I do these things God will bless me) to a new covenant mindset, which says that every blessing flows to me because Christ has obeyed the law on my behalf. This moves us out of striving in our own fleshly effort in any area of the Christian life - not only holiness, but signs and wonders. These things come, not because we perform for God, but because of Christ's totally perfect performance on our behalf. As we stand in faith on what HE has done, I believe we will know the tangible presence of God and see the manifest power of God more and more.
7) Grace shows that holiness flows not from focussing on my sins, but focussing on Jesus.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly agree with your comment:
"I am jealous for myself and all my brethren to enter into the fullness in this vital hour."
Amen! But I also need to say - there is no question of tolerating carnality and saying "we are living in grace". No, we have tolerated carnality for too long through trying to overcome it through different disciplines and man-made laws. It is time to walk in the freedom of grace, and to prove the truth of Gal 5v16 "Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
So why does grace set us free not to sin? I would suggest several reasons:
1) One of the greatest tools of satan to promote sin is a sense of condemnation. If we sin, we fall under condemnation; condemnation leads to a defeatest attitude like "I can't help sinning", or "I'm such a failure, why bother trying any more". Or more subtly, believers want to stop sinning but guilt keeps them from pressing through into the presence of God and so they don't catch glimpses of His glory and are not transformed.
2) Another power behind sin is pride. Grace destroys pride, because grace says I can contribute nothing to my salvation, my flesh cannot make me holy. Grace says you have a righteousness that is not your own - a free gift which is failure-proof, sin-proof, disappointment-proof, and devil-proof. Grace leads us to magnify the wonder of God's amazing love, to be impressed with Him and His gift of righteousness, to base our relationship totally upon the finished work of Jesus and nothing of our performance. Knowing therefore we can contribute nothing leads to a hunger for Him, a yieldness to Him and practical holiness is a natural side-effect.
3) One of the most powerful motivations to holiness is love (Jesus said - 'If you love Me you will keep My commandments'). Grace releases love rather than terror and condemnation. God is SO SO SO good. I love Him. I don't WANT to sin. Grace release such worship and joy that there is superior pleasure now!
4) Declaring "I am the righteousness of God in Christ" is not positive confession but a declaration of truth. It is faith building. So if I sin, I stand in faith on what Jesus has done in me. That has two effects - I am free from every condemning accusation; and, secondly, I am starting to believe I am righteous, so I start, naturally, living out that righteousness as well. We are NOT justified by grace and sanctified by our efforts. We are justified by grace through faith AND we are sanctified by grace through faith.
5) The teaching of grace does not lead to an attitude of winking at sin. God did not wink at sin, He dealt with it on the cross 100%. There is not one ounce of punishment left, it has all been taken upon the cross. God no longer sees our sin!!! We need to stop living like there is some punishment left, but in the freedom of His resurrection power.
6) We need to move out of an old covenant mindset (if I do these things God will bless me) to a new covenant mindset, which says that every blessing flows to me because Christ has obeyed the law on my behalf. This moves us out of striving in our own fleshly effort in any area of the Christian life - not only holiness, but signs and wonders. These things come, not because we perform for God, but because of Christ's totally perfect performance on our behalf. As we stand in faith on what HE has done, I believe we will know the tangible presence of God and see the manifest power of God more and more.
7) Grace shows that holiness flows not from focussing on my sins, but focussing on Jesus.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly agree with your comment:
"I am jealous for myself and all my brethren to enter into the fullness in this vital hour."
Amen! But I also need to say - there is no question of tolerating carnality and saying "we are living in grace". No, we have tolerated carnality for too long through trying to overcome it through different disciplines and man-made laws. It is time to walk in the freedom of grace, and to prove the truth of Gal 5v16 "Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
A comment from Pete Day.....
From time to time I often find a good healthy discussion/debate going on over at my friend Dan Bowen's blog, "Life on Wings. A tribute to Ern Baxter." Dan's friend (pastor and blogger) Pete Day, writes a post here and there on the blog, yet he always comments when there seems to be a debate going on. I have found his comments to be very gracious, insightful and confident in the grace of God. I have been blessed time and time again by his words. Today, I decided to put up one of his comments that I believe is worthy of it's own post! His comment was in response to those who seem to think that if we preach grace solely without pursuing holiness we are in danger
So why does grace set us free not to sin? I would suggest several reasons:
1) One of the greatest tools of satan to promote sin is a sense of condemnation. If we sin, we fall under condemnation; condemnation leads to a defeatest attitude like "I can't help sinning", or "I'm such a failure, why bother trying any more". Or more subtly, believers want to stop sinning but guilt keeps them from pressing through into the presence of God and so they don't catch glimpses of His glory and are not transformed.
2) Another power behind sin is pride. Grace destroys pride, because grace says I can contribute nothing to my salvation, my flesh cannot make me holy. Grace says you have a righteousness that is not your own - a free gift which is failure-proof, sin-proof, disappointment-proof, and devil-proof. Grace leads us to magnify the wonder of God's amazing love, to be impressed with Him and His gift of righteousness, to base our relationship totally upon the finished work of Jesus and nothing of our performance. Knowing therefore we can contribute nothing leads to a hunger for Him, a yieldness to Him and practical holiness is a natural side-effect.
3) One of the most powerful motivations to holiness is love (Jesus said - 'If you love Me you will keep My commandments'). Grace releases love rather than terror and condemnation. God is SO SO SO good. I love Him. I don't WANT to sin. Grace release such worship and joy that there is superior pleasure now!
4) Declaring "I am the righteousness of God in Christ" is not positive confession but a declaration of truth. It is faith building. So if I sin, I stand in faith on what Jesus has done in me. That has two effects - I am free from every condemning accusation; and, secondly, I am starting to believe I am righteous, so I start, naturally, living out that righteousness as well. We are NOT justified by grace and sanctified by our efforts. We are justified by grace through faith AND we are sanctified by grace through faith.
5) The teaching of grace does not lead to an attitude of winking at sin. God did not wink at sin, He dealt with it on the cross 100%. There is not one ounce of punishment left, it has all been taken upon the cross. God no longer sees our sin!!! We need to stop living like there is some punishment left, but in the freedom of His resurrection power.
6) We need to move out of an old covenant mindset (if I do these things God will bless me) to a new covenant mindset, which says that every blessing flows to me because Christ has obeyed the law on my behalf. This moves us out of striving in our own fleshly effort in any area of the Christian life - not only holiness, but signs and wonders. These things come, not because we perform for God, but because of Christ's totally perfect performance on our behalf. As we stand in faith on what HE has done, I believe we will know the tangible presence of God and see the manifest power of God more and more.
7) Grace shows that holiness flows not from focussing on my sins, but focussing on Jesus.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly agree with your comment:
"I am jealous for myself and all my brethren to enter into the fullness in this vital hour."
Amen! But I also need to say - there is no question of tolerating carnality and saying "we are living in grace". No, we have tolerated carnality for too long through trying to overcome it through different disciplines and man-made laws. It is time to walk in the freedom of grace, and to prove the truth of Gal 5v16 "Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
So why does grace set us free not to sin? I would suggest several reasons:
1) One of the greatest tools of satan to promote sin is a sense of condemnation. If we sin, we fall under condemnation; condemnation leads to a defeatest attitude like "I can't help sinning", or "I'm such a failure, why bother trying any more". Or more subtly, believers want to stop sinning but guilt keeps them from pressing through into the presence of God and so they don't catch glimpses of His glory and are not transformed.
2) Another power behind sin is pride. Grace destroys pride, because grace says I can contribute nothing to my salvation, my flesh cannot make me holy. Grace says you have a righteousness that is not your own - a free gift which is failure-proof, sin-proof, disappointment-proof, and devil-proof. Grace leads us to magnify the wonder of God's amazing love, to be impressed with Him and His gift of righteousness, to base our relationship totally upon the finished work of Jesus and nothing of our performance. Knowing therefore we can contribute nothing leads to a hunger for Him, a yieldness to Him and practical holiness is a natural side-effect.
3) One of the most powerful motivations to holiness is love (Jesus said - 'If you love Me you will keep My commandments'). Grace releases love rather than terror and condemnation. God is SO SO SO good. I love Him. I don't WANT to sin. Grace release such worship and joy that there is superior pleasure now!
4) Declaring "I am the righteousness of God in Christ" is not positive confession but a declaration of truth. It is faith building. So if I sin, I stand in faith on what Jesus has done in me. That has two effects - I am free from every condemning accusation; and, secondly, I am starting to believe I am righteous, so I start, naturally, living out that righteousness as well. We are NOT justified by grace and sanctified by our efforts. We are justified by grace through faith AND we are sanctified by grace through faith.
5) The teaching of grace does not lead to an attitude of winking at sin. God did not wink at sin, He dealt with it on the cross 100%. There is not one ounce of punishment left, it has all been taken upon the cross. God no longer sees our sin!!! We need to stop living like there is some punishment left, but in the freedom of His resurrection power.
6) We need to move out of an old covenant mindset (if I do these things God will bless me) to a new covenant mindset, which says that every blessing flows to me because Christ has obeyed the law on my behalf. This moves us out of striving in our own fleshly effort in any area of the Christian life - not only holiness, but signs and wonders. These things come, not because we perform for God, but because of Christ's totally perfect performance on our behalf. As we stand in faith on what HE has done, I believe we will know the tangible presence of God and see the manifest power of God more and more.
7) Grace shows that holiness flows not from focussing on my sins, but focussing on Jesus.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly agree with your comment:
"I am jealous for myself and all my brethren to enter into the fullness in this vital hour."
Amen! But I also need to say - there is no question of tolerating carnality and saying "we are living in grace". No, we have tolerated carnality for too long through trying to overcome it through different disciplines and man-made laws. It is time to walk in the freedom of grace, and to prove the truth of Gal 5v16 "Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
...How do you view God?
I often wonder, how do people view God or how do they perceive Him? For years I had a sense that God was loving, but stern, not always happy. That's how I perceived Him to be based on how I lived my life. I would have told you I fear God, but my fear would have been, well.... the afraid kind of fear. (Sounds more like an Old Covenant Christian, huh?) Honestly, I truly had a sense of reverence for God, yet it was laced with a strict mentality, or ultimately a belief that God was shaking his finger at me. This is probably so, because most of the Christians in my life were often so serious and, pardon me, "uptight." I did not see a genuine joy and freedom in the lives of most Christians.
Does anyone know what I am talking about here? Growing up in a Christian world, going to church and private school, I always had this nervous sense of getting in trouble. Why? Is that how God truly is? He loves us, but at any time he may be unhappy with our foolishness, or silliness or wrong choices. And for some reason I could never be fully comfortable with myself for fear of some kind of rebuke or disdain. This way of viewing God followed me into my adult life, unfortunately! And for years I really was afraid God was not pleased with me. I often thought if I wasn't living a holy enough life, God might not be pleased with me. This is truly sad, considering at this point I was a truly saved regenerate Christian!
The truth is, God IS happy! And he has been all these years! God dealt with all his wrath at the cross over 2000 years ago! His wrath was totally satisfied for all sin for all time!! This fact, alone, is good news! That we have a satisfied, happy God! I think understanding this has truly given me peace and security (along with all the other wonderful truths of the Gospel) -but I seriously carried a burden around with me for so many years that kept me in bondage and an unhealthy, unnecessary fear! The truth is God has loved me before the foundations of the world, regardless of what I would do in my life! He knew one day, Jesus would pay the price for me to live in this freedom and in confidence that God is happy with me!! Thank you Jesus that you created a way for me to live in unity with my Heavenly Father, in peace and harmony and totally free from any disdain or anger towards me for how I live!!!
My current desire is to display God's heart of love and satisfaction and delight to my children! I want to save them from years of disillusionment of God's true character and true heart of love for all His children! (and the truth is God loves everyone! even those who haven't yet become true children of God.)
I know now that I was under the demands of the law until I came to Christ. But, what I don't understand is why all the adults in my life acted like they were under the law as well. (not to judge anyone here, unfortunately, I am finding all too often most Christians do not understand pure grace, it seems many Christians live as though they are still under the Law, and do not fully embrace God's New Covenant of Grace.) When I came to Christ, I died to the law. However, I did not know this truth, so I lived as though I were still under God's law, and His wrath. Confusing! So many years of my Christian life were spent in condemnation, when Christ had already purchased me freedom!! How grievous!
As a parent, I want to show my kids their current state before God. I want them to understand how they are under the law, and how the law is meant to show them their need for a Saviour. And I pray, that the Spirit would woo their hearts to God Himself. But, in the meantime. I do not want to give them the impression that God is angry. I want them to have an awesome view of a Amazingly loving God!!!
These are just the thoughts that were blazing through my mind this morning. I am still contemplating how I view God and how to be a loving example to my children, only by His grace and the power of the Spirit is this possible. Boy am I grateful, he didn't leave it up to me!!!
Does anyone know what I am talking about here? Growing up in a Christian world, going to church and private school, I always had this nervous sense of getting in trouble. Why? Is that how God truly is? He loves us, but at any time he may be unhappy with our foolishness, or silliness or wrong choices. And for some reason I could never be fully comfortable with myself for fear of some kind of rebuke or disdain. This way of viewing God followed me into my adult life, unfortunately! And for years I really was afraid God was not pleased with me. I often thought if I wasn't living a holy enough life, God might not be pleased with me. This is truly sad, considering at this point I was a truly saved regenerate Christian!
The truth is, God IS happy! And he has been all these years! God dealt with all his wrath at the cross over 2000 years ago! His wrath was totally satisfied for all sin for all time!! This fact, alone, is good news! That we have a satisfied, happy God! I think understanding this has truly given me peace and security (along with all the other wonderful truths of the Gospel) -but I seriously carried a burden around with me for so many years that kept me in bondage and an unhealthy, unnecessary fear! The truth is God has loved me before the foundations of the world, regardless of what I would do in my life! He knew one day, Jesus would pay the price for me to live in this freedom and in confidence that God is happy with me!! Thank you Jesus that you created a way for me to live in unity with my Heavenly Father, in peace and harmony and totally free from any disdain or anger towards me for how I live!!!
My current desire is to display God's heart of love and satisfaction and delight to my children! I want to save them from years of disillusionment of God's true character and true heart of love for all His children! (and the truth is God loves everyone! even those who haven't yet become true children of God.)
I know now that I was under the demands of the law until I came to Christ. But, what I don't understand is why all the adults in my life acted like they were under the law as well. (not to judge anyone here, unfortunately, I am finding all too often most Christians do not understand pure grace, it seems many Christians live as though they are still under the Law, and do not fully embrace God's New Covenant of Grace.) When I came to Christ, I died to the law. However, I did not know this truth, so I lived as though I were still under God's law, and His wrath. Confusing! So many years of my Christian life were spent in condemnation, when Christ had already purchased me freedom!! How grievous!
As a parent, I want to show my kids their current state before God. I want them to understand how they are under the law, and how the law is meant to show them their need for a Saviour. And I pray, that the Spirit would woo their hearts to God Himself. But, in the meantime. I do not want to give them the impression that God is angry. I want them to have an awesome view of a Amazingly loving God!!!
These are just the thoughts that were blazing through my mind this morning. I am still contemplating how I view God and how to be a loving example to my children, only by His grace and the power of the Spirit is this possible. Boy am I grateful, he didn't leave it up to me!!!
...How do you view God?
I often wonder, how do people view God or how do they perceive Him? For years I had a sense that God was loving, but stern, not always happy. That's how I perceived Him to be based on how I lived my life. I would have told you I fear God, but my fear would have been, well.... the afraid kind of fear. (Sounds more like an Old Covenant Christian, huh?) Honestly, I truly had a sense of reverence for God, yet it was laced with a strict mentality, or ultimately a belief that God was shaking his finger at me. This is probably so, because most of the Christians in my life were often so serious and, pardon me, "uptight." I did not see a genuine joy and freedom in the lives of most Christians.
Does anyone know what I am talking about here? Growing up in a Christian world, going to church and private school, I always had this nervous sense of getting in trouble. Why? Is that how God truly is? He loves us, but at any time he may be unhappy with our foolishness, or silliness or wrong choices. And for some reason I could never be fully comfortable with myself for fear of some kind of rebuke or disdain. This way of viewing God followed me into my adult life, unfortunately! And for years I really was afraid God was not pleased with me. I often thought if I wasn't living a holy enough life, God might not be pleased with me. This is truly sad, considering at this point I was a truly saved regenerate Christian!
The truth is, God IS happy! And he has been all these years! God dealt with all his wrath at the cross over 2000 years ago! His wrath was totally satisfied for all sin for all time!! This fact, alone, is good news! That we have a satisfied, happy God! I think understanding this has truly given me peace and security (along with all the other wonderful truths of the Gospel) -but I seriously carried a burden around with me for so many years that kept me in bondage and an unhealthy, unnecessary fear! The truth is God has loved me before the foundations of the world, regardless of what I would do in my life! He knew one day, Jesus would pay the price for me to live in this freedom and in confidence that God is happy with me!! Thank you Jesus that you created a way for me to live in unity with my Heavenly Father, in peace and harmony and totally free from any disdain or anger towards me for how I live!!!
My current desire is to display God's heart of love and satisfaction and delight to my children! I want to save them from years of disillusionment of God's true character and true heart of love for all His children! (and the truth is God loves everyone! even those who haven't yet become true children of God.)
I know now that I was under the demands of the law until I came to Christ. But, what I don't understand is why all the adults in my life acted like they were under the law as well. (not to judge anyone here, unfortunately, I am finding all too often most Christians do not understand pure grace, it seems many Christians live as though they are still under the Law, and do not fully embrace God's New Covenant of Grace.) When I came to Christ, I died to the law. However, I did not know this truth, so I lived as though I were still under God's law, and His wrath. Confusing! So many years of my Christian life were spent in condemnation, when Christ had already purchased me freedom!! How grievous!
As a parent, I want to show my kids their current state before God. I want them to understand how they are under the law, and how the law is meant to show them their need for a Saviour. And I pray, that the Spirit would woo their hearts to God Himself. But, in the meantime. I do not want to give them the impression that God is angry. I want them to have an awesome view of a Amazingly loving God!!!
These are just the thoughts that were blazing through my mind this morning. I am still contemplating how I view God and how to be a loving example to my children, only by His grace and the power of the Spirit is this possible. Boy am I grateful, he didn't leave it up to me!!!
Does anyone know what I am talking about here? Growing up in a Christian world, going to church and private school, I always had this nervous sense of getting in trouble. Why? Is that how God truly is? He loves us, but at any time he may be unhappy with our foolishness, or silliness or wrong choices. And for some reason I could never be fully comfortable with myself for fear of some kind of rebuke or disdain. This way of viewing God followed me into my adult life, unfortunately! And for years I really was afraid God was not pleased with me. I often thought if I wasn't living a holy enough life, God might not be pleased with me. This is truly sad, considering at this point I was a truly saved regenerate Christian!
The truth is, God IS happy! And he has been all these years! God dealt with all his wrath at the cross over 2000 years ago! His wrath was totally satisfied for all sin for all time!! This fact, alone, is good news! That we have a satisfied, happy God! I think understanding this has truly given me peace and security (along with all the other wonderful truths of the Gospel) -but I seriously carried a burden around with me for so many years that kept me in bondage and an unhealthy, unnecessary fear! The truth is God has loved me before the foundations of the world, regardless of what I would do in my life! He knew one day, Jesus would pay the price for me to live in this freedom and in confidence that God is happy with me!! Thank you Jesus that you created a way for me to live in unity with my Heavenly Father, in peace and harmony and totally free from any disdain or anger towards me for how I live!!!
My current desire is to display God's heart of love and satisfaction and delight to my children! I want to save them from years of disillusionment of God's true character and true heart of love for all His children! (and the truth is God loves everyone! even those who haven't yet become true children of God.)
I know now that I was under the demands of the law until I came to Christ. But, what I don't understand is why all the adults in my life acted like they were under the law as well. (not to judge anyone here, unfortunately, I am finding all too often most Christians do not understand pure grace, it seems many Christians live as though they are still under the Law, and do not fully embrace God's New Covenant of Grace.) When I came to Christ, I died to the law. However, I did not know this truth, so I lived as though I were still under God's law, and His wrath. Confusing! So many years of my Christian life were spent in condemnation, when Christ had already purchased me freedom!! How grievous!
As a parent, I want to show my kids their current state before God. I want them to understand how they are under the law, and how the law is meant to show them their need for a Saviour. And I pray, that the Spirit would woo their hearts to God Himself. But, in the meantime. I do not want to give them the impression that God is angry. I want them to have an awesome view of a Amazingly loving God!!!
These are just the thoughts that were blazing through my mind this morning. I am still contemplating how I view God and how to be a loving example to my children, only by His grace and the power of the Spirit is this possible. Boy am I grateful, he didn't leave it up to me!!!
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