“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” - Anais Nin (Num 13:28-33)

There are all kinds of amazing phenomena that occur when people get together.  Things can go from calm to raucous in a matter of seconds. Things can be transformed from somber to jubilant just as quickly.  Things can escalate to a point of being beyond control. And things can become calm and quiet and receptive to influence.

People can also influence one another to the point of changing our vision.  We literally begin to see things differently.  Im talking about the abilitiy and the impact of negativity on a person or people.  The quote at the title of this blog is spot on I think.  We are nearly always in complete control of our ultimate outcomes in life.  We may not be able to control the circumstances but we have exclusive control over our individual response to those circumstances.  The external evidence may be that things are not good. That things are in fact very bleak and our personal situation is becoming darker and darker because of these circumstantial clouds rolling in. Its then that when our control kicks in.

Unfortunately that control is not limited to only help us to see or find the positive in our situation. No, very unfortunately it would seem that our natural human response would be to take the low road of interpretation and anticipation. We would look at the clouds and feel a complaint rise up in our spirits - something to do with the rain that is coming , or the cold that will follow, or the impact all this has on our plans for today and beyond.  A favorite perception is that this kind of thing always happens to me. Like that old Hee Haw Show song, "If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all".  I mean we are wired by our old nature to see things like a victim sees things. Not like someone in control or someone who can take the proverbial lemons and make lemonade.

The scripture reference in the title is just a part of an interesting story from the old testament.  As a little background (Cause you need to read this chapter for your self and reflect on it), Israel was standing on the doorstep of the promise of God.  They had been traveling out of Egypt and gone through a little bit of testing and sorting along the way, but here they were. The whole reason they left Egypt was to get a land that one of their dead ancestors had walked around and all over to claim the promise the His God had made and given to Him.  It had been a long time ago though.  They had some bones that went a long way back, but they were  just bones.  Abraham was declared righteous because of his faith in God and the promises bestowed on generations were first laid on this patriarchs shoulders like a mantle.  And here they were getting ready to spy out the land.

In short they did spy out the land for a few days and brought back evidence of this land that flowed with milk and honey.  Amazingly though the thing that stuck in their minds the most and that colored their account of the land was not the plenty but rather the strength of the current inhabitants of that land. It would be one thing to just call it like it was. The land was well fortified and their were some really big dudes their and end it at that, but they went on to comment on their stature as well. In fact they said that ,"We were as grasshoppers in our own sight". After that admission the expeditions outcome was sealed.

There is no record of the days and nights spent in the land during this recon trip, but I would imagine that around the fire at supper the 10 low thinkers would recount how high the walls of the city were. How many guards there were on the walls.  How big the men seemed to be, I mean giants they were.  They took note of the blessings that waited and brought some back, but I think that was only because Moses had told them to do so.  What dominated their thinking and I would imagine their conversations was the size and difficulty of the challenge that faced them.  Dont forget (if you read this chapter) that these were not youngsters who hadn't seen a thing or two already.  The instruction was to select leaders out of every tribe to spy out the land.  We can assume that these were wise men and they were God fearing men but they were more fearing of what they saw. So afraid that it changed the very perception that they had of themselves.  WE WERE LIKE GRASSHOPPERS IN THEIR SIGHT.  How did they know that was how they saw them?? They took counsel with their own thinking I am afraid on the matter.

So each night around the fire the conversation would turn to hand wringing and woe is me talk about this beautiful and dangerous land.  I can also imagine that two of the spy's at some point couldn't take it any more and would get up from the fire and go off somewhere out of ear shot and talk about the possibilities and the promises.  They would recount what they had seen and how God had promised all of it to them. I would imagine that they were house hunting as they spied.  Thats the one for me!  As soon as I can I am movin into that one!!  But they couldn't talk like that around the 10.  That conversation would have been quenched by the majority so they got up and built up their faith while the other 10 slowly and personally dismantled their own faith bit by bit by the negative imaginations and confessions of their own lips. Lets look at a few definitions of the word NEGATIVE and see of any of them apply:

• expressing or containing negation or denial - YES
• refusing consent, as to a proposal - YES
• Expressing refusal to do something:  - YES
• prohibitory, as a command or order.
• characterized by the absence of distinguishing or marked qualities or features; lacking positive attributes ( opposed to positive) - YES
• lacking in constructiveness, helpfulness, optimism,cooperativeness, or the like - YES
• being without rewards, results, or effectiveness - YES

The question that you have to ask yourself was were these men aware of what they were doing to their own personal faith in God? Joshua and Caleb must have felt the effects begin to have an impact, because somehow they insulated themselves from the negative aura that the 10 created and carried with them throughout the spy mission.  Lets say it again.  These were not novices. These men were selected for maturity and for their experiences, in life and with the Almighty.  If the people who saw the Red Sea parted and Pharaoh destroyed could conclude that God could not deliver these people into their hands then something had taken place in their hearts that was not there when they started their mission.

I dont think that we are always aware of when we are thinking or speaking negative words.  Believe me negative words have their own kind of faith attached to them as well.  Henry Ford said, "whether you think you can, or you think you cant, you are probably right".  Powerful words really.  Faith to believe or faith to accept defeat.  We are instructed in James about the power of the tongue, but I would suggest that before a word is formed by the tongue it is conceived and gestates in our spirit until it reaches a state of maturity and then it comes forth.  Its hard to put tooth paste back into a tube and its hard to un-believe a negative thought that has come to fruition as a word spoken that you believe.

What constitutes a negative thought is the question that we will explore in the next blog, because as I said I dont believe that we always know when we have given over our faith to unbelief. Simple words yes but powerful words that hammer our spirit and faith into a certain shape. Simple words that strike harshly on the parts of our tender soul that trusts God.  The onslaught is constant too and unless we shelter our faith from the attack a dent can become a bend and bend can become an entirely new angle on things.

If we believe ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. That is what the Master said and that is the truth.  But I know from experience that no sooner has the prayer of faith left my lips that I have looked at the one prayed for and thought " They dont look any better" and my faith takes another hammer strike and as the quote said "we dont see things as they are, we see them as WE are".

God Bless you and lets pray that the Master can build us up in this reflection. If we can believe, then All things are possible to us!!!  That is a promise for sure!!  I will return to this for at least one more night.  Thanks for reading.  Jim

What is Man ? Job 7:17 (Part 2)

"What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?"




You know what?  I think these are some really good questions that Job is asking the Almighty.  "Why would you want to spend the time and the energy on man? Man that is, you know, "man". Not just thinking about him/them/us but making him/them/us better than could be without you. You give them your gifts and favor to improve thier situation, forever. I think you even love them the way that you are always thinking about them and how you can impart to them some divine part of yourself."


In fact I think that man was created for Greatness in God.  Man was the only part of God's Genesis creation that was made with a purpose mentioned.  Everything that the Lord made was good! But when he made the man and woman and He surveyed everything that He had created it was Very Good.  I take that to mean that once man and woman were added to the entirety of creation it was complete. It was finished by the addition of these two living souls. 


This man and woman were created to dress and to keep the garden.  They had jobs to do that were important to God. I don't know what you think the Garden of Eden was like.  Was it like a vegetable garden with rows of neatly aligned plants and trees? Was it like an old English rose garden with a hedge maze? Was it a rock garden like a Zen practitioner keeps, with tiny stones raked to reflect tranquility and order?  I dont know either. We do know that it had trees and that some of the trees at least bore fruit. 


I have in my minds eye the garden being more like a secret garden than a massive plantation. I see it as being more an intimate place of meeting and communing than an agricultural industry. I have been in gardens, usually at special hotels or tourist locations, that are like a place within a place.  You enter the garden through the gate and you leave behind everything else.  There is something, for me anyway, about these places that quiets me on the inside. 


My idea of Eden is smaller than you might believe.  I don't mean small because of mans inability to maintain a larger area, but because in a small garden it would be easy to find each other. The man and the woman would just be a word away from each other.  Not a shout or a scream but even a whisper of their names and their heads would turn from the work they were about to take the time to be with the One who made and gave them the garden to work in. 


The job of Dressing the Garden, for me, takes on a very personal importance when it's a smaller place; a personal place.  The flowers should be trimmed just so and the trees and their limbs providing shade but not obstruction.  Adam did this for Eve's enjoyment of the Garden, and Eve did this to bless Adam's time in the Garden and they both did this to Serve the One!  They wanted the garden to be a welcoming place and they wanted it to reflect their appreciation for it and for its Creator.  Dressing or working in this place was not a job, it was a ministry of service to each other and to God. 

The job of Keeping the Garden, for me is also very personal.  Keeping the garden meant to defend and protect the garden. To keep IN the things that blessed the Garden and its visitors and to keep OUT the things that were a threat to the blessing of the garden. This is an important idea because something that should not have been allowed to remain in the garden got in and was able to take up residence.  I'm speculating a bit here but I would guess that the enemy really took up a "sleeper cell" role in the garden. See him off to the side; no noise, no threats, just hanging day after day and then a conversation and the rest is, as they say, history. 


This isn't about the deception and the disobedience that cost the man and woman their intimate garden of communion.  It is about God's intention for us.  He has made available for us exceeding great and precious promises so that we could be become partakers of His divine nature.  Think of that for a second.  We have been given promises that will make us direct partners with God in his character. Partakers of His divine nature.  This one idea should occupy our thoughts and prayers for a good long while.  We ask God for so many things in prayer;  some noble, some foolish, some well intentioned, but erroneously sought.  This one verse in 2 Peter 1:4 informs us that we have been given promises that make up all of the differences in our lives to enable us to share in God's own nature.  What better thing could I ask Him for than what he has already promised me?  


I know Him and sometimes I know so little of Him.  What does He want for me, for you?  That you would prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers.  I have to believe that if God wants me to prosper then the only thing that can keep me from prospering is, well, me.  Why would God think about man in the manner that he does? Because he Loves us and he desires us to know Him as we were meant to in the Garden. Intimately, not hurried or lusting for more than what he was gladly providing. Closely, so that His whispering of our names would turn our heads to Him and move our steps in his direction.  How heartbreaking it must have been and is today, to know that God came walking into the cool of the garden and called His Beloved's by name and they did not answer, but rather hid. This was not how it was designed.


The veil that was torn from top to bottom when the Master cried out that it was finished brought back into our lineage the entirety of His best for his Beloved.  How much more could he love us? When we were unlovable and were in fact enemies of God, he laid down his life and gave mankind an alibi by saying that the murderers didn't know what they were doing.  But He did. He knew that at the end of that terrible trial there was a Joy waiting for Him and for us that resulted from a completely restored relationship. 


We were without Christ and were aliens from Israel and strangers from the covenants and promises, having no hope and without God in the world.  But now we are made close, very close to Him buy the very blood he shed and that we were guilty off shedding. But He loved us and gave himself for us.


OK, I don't think I can fully convey the awesome place that we have in God because of His love for us and because of His plans and intentions for our lives.  We are no mistakes. We are created with purpose, and with divine purpose.  If we can accept the fact that it is not about us and how much or how long or how little we do, but it is because His Grace allows it, enables it,  empowers it. His Grace doesn't just open the doors to us, it blows them off the hinges. In Him!! In Him we are no longer strangers but we are partakers of His divine nature. Accept the idea that He knows what he is doing. Accept that he has the ability to restore anything he chooses. Accept the notion that He had you in mind before time, before the cross, and before you read this!  Accept the promises provided by His sacrifice and His Awesome Grace!


God Bless you and take what He is giving!

What Is Man ? Job 7:17 (Part 1)

The question is What is man?  It would seem a fair question to ask, of ourselves, and of the Lord really. If we start really basically the answer is pretty simple. We are made out of stuff.  OK, maybe not that simple. Here is a break down that you are probably more familiar with.  The human body is primarily composed of 65-90% water.  The explains our inability to tolerate too long a time spent without  water doesn't it and why becoming dehydrated has such a detrimental effect on our human performance. 

Another way to measure the stuff we are made of is to look at the various elements that make us up. Incredibly the entire human body is made up of just 6 elements - oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus.  The thing that is surprising to me, is because of this kind of consideration the human body is composed primarily of oxygen. Approximately 60-65% in fact. 

In Genesis 2:7 we read how God scraped up some dirt and molded it into His own image and blew into this dirt scuplture's nostrils the breath of life and he (the dirt-man) became a Living Soul.  The breath of God changed the idea of a man into a Man.  It changed the non living dust into a living soul and created Adam. It still changes man today.

Its not so surprising to me that we are nearly 90% water then because Jesus said to the woman at the well that if she knew who it was that was talking to her, she would ask Him (Jesus) and He would give her Living Waters to drink. This Living Water is even more important to our ultimate health than mere h2o.  Its also not surprising to me that we are made up of nearly 60% oxygen at the same time since it was the Breath, the nesh-aw-maw, the Spirit of God that brought Adam alive.  It is the Word of God that gives us Life. Jesus said that the Words he spoke were both Spirit and Life.  It is the Spirit that quickens or makes alive completely. 

The question was What is man? Well I would suggest that we were primarily designed to be made up of the Spirit of God - Living Water and Life giving Breath/Words.  I need things broken down simple for me to really get it, and this is pretty simple indeed. We need the Word of God to become, and stay alive. At least alive (quickened) so that we can and will be ready when He comes for us at the close of this age or at the end of our race. 

What is man?

Footprints - Psalm 37:23

If you think about it, man has left footprints in some amazing places; in  wonderfully inviting places like the beach, or the golf course, in terribly hostile places like in, on, and around volcanoes, and in very alien places like the bottom of the ocean or on the moon.  

Remember in the movie "Forrest Gump" when Forrest was sitting on the bench talking about his magic shoes.  He said his Momma had told him that a person could tell a lot from a person's shoes. "Where they been. Where they going".  The bottoms of a person's shoes or feet do tell a lot about where they have been or where they have taken them selves.  There maybe stains or scars on the soles of the feet. 

Some steps were planned, maybe some were not; but the sole is evidence of steps taken.  I walk a little pronated so the bottoms of my shoes wear unevenly (I wear the outside of the heels more). The evidence of my steps is in the sole.  Man the analogies are so thick here you have to brush them away from your mind just so you can keep reading.  Keep reading, this is going to be a short one. 

If you have been around toddlers there have been times when you have held your hand out to them to take that step away from the table, couch, or chair that is providing them stability.  They see your hand and it's just out there. Not so far that the idea of taking it is too risky but not close enough to grip them before they let go of their perceived safety.  But, if they trust you, if you have held them up as they have learned to stand and take the first tentative steps, then they trust.  That doesn't make the letting go any less scary, but the fear of letting go is outweighed by the confidence in that outstretched hand. Before you know it, they are in the kitchen cupboards or playing in the toilet water (you know what I'm talking about).

Long after you are a toddler some steps are still scary to take.  On my bucket list is Skydiving.  I really want to do that; but I have no doubt that the first step out of the plane is going to be contrary to every instinct and impulse in my body. I will do it! I will!!  Some steps aren't that dramatic but they are no less scary.  Like that first step down the aisle; you are sure that you love this person and that it is the right decision, but you know everything changes with that first step. Or that last step that we all must take, if the Lord tarries, from this life to the next.  Will there be a hand outstretched for us that we will see or know is there?  Will we hesitate to let go of this mortality and take hold of immortality?? I dont know.  I do know that some steps are scarier than others. 

Psalm 37:23 says that, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delighteth in his way".  I was swept up by that scripture today. I dont know about anyone else, but it's easy for me, when I read a promise like this, to get hung up on the conditional nature of the promise. It's in there, the steps of a GOOD MAN are ordered by the Lord.  Well, that leaves me out then. I guess I am on my own, because I know how not-good I am or I can be.  

That was the line I was offered immediately following the sweetness of the promise that came to my soul.  I could not be qualified for that kind of direction or support given what I know about myself.  Thankfully, Jesus just kept talking to me. "Jim do you think that the Good Man is someone who does it all right? or makes no mistakes regarding Me and my instruction?"  In short that was what I thought.  I made this promise about me and not about Him. See I wasn't good enough to have it apply to my life.  Well that thinking was vain and foolish. If I could just be a little better then I could pay the price of admission. VANITY!! 

I was reminded by the Righteous Judge, that the only way I qualify is because of Him and His sacrifice and seal on my life. I have "right standing with God" not because of anything that I do or don't do, but because he makes up the difference in my life with His Grace.  That's hard to accept if you have fed yourself a steady diet of self-abasement and self-loathing.  Strong words I know but thinking that we aren't or we can't because we don't do something is trying to take the Glory away from God, and He is the Lord and His Glory He will not give to another! 

Giving God the Glory due His Name, takes a lot of pressure off of us, and the focus off of us too. So back to footsteps and footprints.  Some times the step that faces you next looks so scary you end up looking for a reason NOT to let go.  It's not that I don't trust you Lord, it's just well, I'm not that good and I'm not sure this step is ordered by you or not.  Imagine the calamity that might occur if it is not?!?  VANITY!  It is scary. It is a very short long way. But He that Promised is Faithful to keep that promise if we will keep the focus on Him.  He is really just asking for one more step anyway.  Sure it's a long way. It's a long life.  But it's all lived out one step at a time; by design and promise and by His Grace upon the lives of His children, each step is ordered-set-prescribed-determined-established-planned-assured-safe-forward-toward home. 

Focus on the hand that is outstretched and the voice of the One assuring us that the next step will be alright because He has made it right for you.  In fact it could not be a better step. It's the perfect step.  That's a whole "nother" blog isn't. I will end here with this. 

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." Martin Luther King
God Bless you and don't be afraid to take the next step.

Secret Recipe - II Cor 4:3

My what a great weekend my wife and I enjoyed with so many family and friends, celebrating the ministry of my Brother in Law and Sister and their retirement from Pastoring the church in La Crosse, Wisconsin.  Retired from Pastoring but not the work of God. 


Like most really good church functions there was plenty to eat afterwards.  One of the prize dishes, and the one that "I" found the empty Crockpot of, was Gumbo made by a special someone who will remain unnamed (but you know who you are!!)  As I savored the one bowl of Gumbo I was able to get, I was reminded of a scripture, "freely you have received, freely give" Matthew 10:8.  


What does Gumbo have to do with the Bible you may ask? Well it really has to do with the wink-and-a-nod answer we got when we asked about the recipe. Seems it was an old secret recipe. Mmm-Hmmm! So I just went home hungry for more Gumbo and not in possession of my own Gumbo DIY instructions. 


Now that I think about it there have been a lot of those things that people have tried to finagle and sneak outta folks.  There is the secret Coke recipe, and that secret baked bean recipe and the most secretest secret recipe of them all Kentucky Fried Chicken (11 herbs and spices).  That thing is kept in a locked safe, is mixed in parts in different factories and then all the parts come together in another factory where they are mixed together for shipment to the stores and buckets the world over.  You know, I guess even Victoria has a secret.


A secret recipe is really alright when it comes to soup or bread or pies and cakes. I mean everybody likes it when they have done good work and nothing says well done like an empty crockpot.  Too, its good to be special and be the one who is known for bringing the good stuff.  Man what if this brother had brought a fruit cake? He'd be taken fruit cake home again later that day. (oops did I say brother? - well its still mostly a secret who made the Gumbo) Like I said sometimes a secret is OK. 


Imagine though if some other things were kept secret, the problems it would create.  What it the police and fire department phone numbers were kept secret? or the doctor or the hospital numbers?  What if everyone kept their names a secret? Confusion and disaster would reign.  No, some things are just not meant to be secret.  The whole idea of 911 was to make it as simple for people to contact emergency assistance as possible. It was a great idea that I am sure has saved many, many lives. 


The dictionary sheds just a bit more light on this word Secret:

1. Kept hidden from knowledge or view; concealed.
2. Dependably discreet.
3. Operating in a hidden or confidential manner: a secret agent.
4. Not expressed; inward: their secret thoughts.
5. Not frequented; secluded: wandered about the secret byways of Paris.
6. Known or shared only by the initiated: secret rites.
7. Beyond ordinary understanding; mysterious.
8. Containing information, the unauthorized disclosure of which poses a grave threat to national security.

n.

1. Something kept hidden from others or known only to oneself or to a few.
2. Something that remains beyond understanding or explanation; a mystery.
3. A method or formula on which success is based: The secret of this dish is in the sauce.

Its not really a new definition to anyone I am sure, but think about this idea of secret and the idea of the Gospel.  Paul said if our Gospel is hidden, it is hidden from them that are lost (para).  I like the way the New Living Translation says this verse, "If the Good News we preach is veiled from anyone, it is a sign that they are perishing".  I think its important to remember that according to the Word "this thing was not done in a corner".  In other words it wasnt performed secretly in the shadows but in the middle where it could be seen!  In another place it says that Jesus "spoiled principalities and powers" and made an example of them openly. He grabbed them by the back of the neck and shook them for everyone to see that all their teeth and claws were removed and all they had left was a roar(which they kept to themselves at that moment I am sure). 


Even the heavens declare His glory.  The heavens, the visible sky, the entire universe DECLARE - State, Restate, Count and Recount - they say it over and over and over again. IT IS NOT A SECRET!!


So, if the Gospel is hidden how is that possible?  Clearly it was demonstrated by the Author and Finisher of our faith openly. Plainly if we are blessed enough to name the Name of Christ and to be called Friend by Him, then this truth was not kept secret from us?  Understandably some are willingly ignorant and others are blinded by the god of this world to the truth for a season, but if the Gospel is a secret, I would propose that perhaps it is us who are keeping it so.  


The scripture says that Whosoever shall call upon on the name of the Lord shall be saved! Simple enough I would say, but then matter becomes contingent. It becomes dependent on others. Not to save! That is not our business or ability. God only can forgive sins! But we are needed, and it is made clear if we will read with an open heart.  The power of these words is enough to break you down even as you read them:
"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed ? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? and how shall they hear without a preacher ?And how shall they preach , except they be sent ? as it is written , How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" 
Its simple isn't it? They cant call if they dont believe. They cant believe if they have not heard. They cant hear unless someone tells them. No one can tell them unless someone goes. And when the one not willing to keep it a secret shows up, well it is a beautiful thing.!



We cant keep the Good News a secret! Love kept secret does not edify anyone. But love shared blesses everyone.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the completeness of loves manifestation. For God so loved the world  - didnt keep it a secret. Paul said I gave you that which I myself received at the beginning, how that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and on the third day rose again.  No secrets there.  Peter told the gawkers that became seekers in Jerusalem in the upper room that they should Repent of their sins. Be baptized in the Name of Jesus for the washing away (Remission) of those sins. And be filled with the Holy Ghost!.  This was the fulfilling of a promise made before generations to all generations, as many as the Lord could get the Word out to.  Not a secret.   


There is so much more here, but if you have followed me this far you deserve a rest.  If you have not received the New Birth as Jesus planned it and promised it (Acts 2:38) then I dont want to keep it a secret from you.  You can have a completely new life with all of the old shame and stain washed away.  I cant tell you how good it really feels to be free and know it, but you can feel it for yourself if you have that desire.  Let me know if I can share what I have been given and not keep it a secret.  Thanks for reading and may the Lord lead you into His Truth and Marvelous Light. 


Jim

Deepest Darkness - Psalm 23:4

I dont know this for certain, but I would guess that the 23rd Psalm has to be one of the most widely read, quoted, printed and clung to scriptures of the bible.  Its a good one, there is no doubt about it. From the opening stanza to the final refrain, it is back to back to back promise and encouragement. I like it!

The interesting verse is this 4th verse.  "Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid. Lord you are with me.."   This Psalm opens up with the declarative statement that "The Lord is my Shepherd".  These few words are packed with imagery and indicative ideas about the speakers role and the Lords role.  Sheep and Shepherd.   The idea of being a sheep under the care of a shepherd is ripe with positive ideas and imagery.  The Shepherd, as Jesus says, lays down his life for the sheep. It is also plain that the shepherd leads the flock to the places he desires them to go.  He knows what is best for the sheep and His leadership takes them to places that they will prosper and grow fat (thats a symbolic term for blessed).

Then in the middle of this Psalm the "sheep" makes an interesting statement. "It looks like we are going to walk through some very scary places".  What would be the reason for this path? Is this a detour or is this a planned walk though the deep and the dark. The sheep makes a statement that the Shepherds rod and staff are a comfort to the sheep, but every step through the dark makes the next one harder.  Freeze or run? Both seem like good choices compared to walking calmly beside the shepherd.

What can we conclude from this verse? That there are dark places for the believer even when they are being led by the Spirit? That some places of blessing are just on the other side of a deep dark place?  That to say that we trust is one thing and to trust in the shadow of death are sometimes not the same thing?

Look I dont have all or even most of the answers. I do have opinion though.  Jesus said that he would never leave or forsake us.  We are instructed that the steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord.  Can we conclude from these scriptures that this Dark Path is part of the plan for us in Christ.  I guess that this blog is really intended to get you thinking. I believe that the Lord leads us and being led some times means that we have to go to places we would rather not go.  We are promised the Masters fellowship but we are not promised a bump free journey. What do troubles teach us in Christ?  What do difficult places do to our relationship with Christ?

The Shepherd of our lives has a plan for us. Every step, every valley has a purpose for our lives.  To resist or to run in the face of danger would be to unplug the plan that the Master has for his sheep.  Dont hold back or run for "your life".  There is blessing waiting for us if we simply follow the Shepherd to where he is leading us.

Before......... - Proverbs 15:33

You know one thing that most people are not very good at is waiting. The modern times that we live in are not helping this innate trait either.

The average wait time for the service agent to take your call is going to be 6 minutes.  The person in the express lane at Walmart CLEARLY has more than 20 items!!!! The lights have just turned RED and you are already running late. All of the elevators are everywhere but where you are waiting!! You wont get a table for 30-45 minutes.

Honestly, we can wrap our lives completely around the axle just because we have had to wait minutes. A few hundred seconds. Our heart rates will go up. Our toes will tap and we will invariably glance at our watch or Blackberry at least once while we wait.  It's crazy. We're crazy (personal opinion).

There are some good things that everyone would like to have in their lives; a good job and a comfortable salary, we would like to have the 20% down payment for that dream house, we would like to have the way that the Lord has mapped out for our lives made plain for us, we would like to get the Gifts and Promises that we read about in the Bible.

Know that the promise is really only somewhere near the end of the process. We have to make room in our heart and inner life for the promise. We have to unlearn the things that will rob us of our ownership.  We must understand what the promise or the gift is for. We must understand what our role as possessor of the promise or the gift means to us, to God, to the world. These things all take time and that's when the frustration begins (it only begins with waiting).

The Bible plainly and clearly instructs us in this verse that BEFORE we can know Glory, we must face and accept humility.  Understand that we cannot seperate these two states. Glory and Humilty are near cousins just as Mercy and Truth are.  "Why" is always going to be the wrong question to ask if you want to make progress in the attainment of His most precious promises.  Go ahead and ask though and get ready to wait longer.

Before honour is humility.  The verse gives the idea that these two places or states are not seperate, rather they are points along a spectrum.  Humility can mean a lot of things to different people. God has a very special appreciation for the humble.  The humble are not afraid to acknowledge that they are needy, poor, weak, afflicted (by pride and selfishness), and they are lowly and meek.  These are not new ideas to the believer but they are secret strongholds that keep us back from the very best that God has in reserve.  It would be foolish to say that we are not holders of these groves and high places set up to ourselves.  They have to come down.

Ken Blanchard said that, "Humility doesn't mean that we think less of our selves, it just means that we think of ourselves less". True!!  Think of the prodigal for a moment. Try not to focus on the rioteous living and squandering of his fathers living.  Think of the hours spent in the mud with the hogs. Think of the personal persecution that this young man must have laid on himself day after day. Then think of that day and moment when he said to himself, " I am who and what I am! If I can just be a servant in my fathers house I will have improved my living state more than I can now imagine.  I will go to my father and tell him I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Let me be a servant in your house only."

Before honour is humility. The path to a robe that was appreciated. To a ring that was valued. To a seat at the banquet table was prefaced by a complete and utter breaking down of the groves and high places of self worship.  I personally believe that the reason that this young man asked for his inheritance was because of a really, really bad sibbling relationship. Everyone was excited to hear that the prodigal had returned except one person, the older brother.  That's probably another devotion isn't it?

The Church is more than promised to be the place of the miraculous manifestation of God. It is the expected platform where God can display his providence and divine plan for using the weak to confound the wise. Believe me; healings and prophecies, and everyday demonstrations of the gifts of the spirit are true examples of God's glory on desplay (and his Glory he will not give to another).  If we will be the vessel then before glory there is humility.

Bring the humility God.  Send your searching eye through out the lands of my life and point out the groves, altars and high places and I will burn them down. I will not leave one stone upon another. They are an abomination to your name and every memory of them must be purged.  We are weak and needy. We have allowed these things and we cannot remove them without you Lord!  Cleanse to the utmost and then allow these clay pots to be holders of your Glory and show it strong!

E Plurbis Unum - Psalm 133

You know for the longest time growing up I thought that the Latin words on our coins and currency, "E Plurbis Unum", were saying "In God We Trust" in another language.  I cant really tell you where or how I made that connection but one day it changed. I dont recall the reason for my understanding to be corrected but it was.  Actually the Latin "E Plurbis Unum" out dates "In God We Trust" in the history of the United States by nearly a hundred years on coins  and over a hundred years for currency. The phrase E Plurbis Unum actually means, "Out of many, One". The phrase was a dictum for the United States and adopted by an act of Congress in 1782.  It was never formalized by law until 1956 when the phrase In God We Trust was adopted as the official motto of the US by congress H.J Resolution 396.  The phrase Out of many, One was originally intended to symbolize the union of the 13 original colonies emerging as a single nation.  Recently it has taken on a more pluralistic interpretation of the US being the "Great Melting Pot" of immigration.  Both uses have merit I would have to say.  E Plurbis Unum was struck on US coins as early as 1786.

Coins and Motto's! A strange way of starting a devotional blog probably.  As I was reading this morning in Psalms I had to pause and reflect on the first verse of the 133rd Psalm.. This particular verse is widely quoted and preached within the church and for sure it will preach. It is in harmony with many other scriptures and Divine principles, so preach that.  The Psalm talks about brethren (male and female believers) dwelling, or abiding and remaining, in Unity.  The somewhat unfortunate thing was that I got hung up on the very first word of that Psalm 133, Behold.

The doctrine of unity is unquestionable in our faith in Christ.  Let me share a few references to illustrate the frequency of its reference and breadth of this coverage:

• John 17:22-24
• Romans 15:5-7
• 1 Corinthians 1:10
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-26
• Ephesians 4:1-3
• Philippians 2:1-3
• Colossians 3:1:14

Although is no where near a complete list of Unity Doctrine supporting scriptures it does give a relatively full idea that a body of believers that exists and functions in submission to the One who called us and in singleness of mind and purpose and unity with and among each other is not just a suggestion but a requisite condition.  Requisite to please God, to accomplish His will for His Glory, to demonstrate His character to each other, and to be another Witness of Jesus influence on the lives of the believers. 

See this is where that little word BEHOLD hung me up.  If I have read the commentaries correct David was overjoyed that the tribes of Israel were uniting under his leadership.  He was so inspired that he wrote a song to express his appreciation to his God for this marvelous transformation.  BEHOLD - Take a look. Behold - see just how good,,,,. Behold - notice the pleasantness ,,,,,,,,. Behold - unity among brothers is a hallmark. It takes US and THEM and makes WE. E Plurbis Unum!!! Out of many, ONE!

The Behold thing though (scratch my head just now)?. Man I dont believe that this scripture is making an abstract observation about a potential state of people. I dont believe that it is a momentary expression of a super glad king at seeing nations come together.  I think it is a critical piece of the machine. It is what allows the most productive state to exist for the body that enjoys this state. It is a demonstration and reflection of the blue printed design for the Church.   Head and Body in union. No discontent or contention in the body so that the head has to suffer the inefficiencies of wandering or misbehaving members.  Involuntary actions on the part of most body parts (Lets exclude breathing and heart beating and functions like that), is considered by the medical community as abnormal and potentially dangerous.

"Movement disorders are neurological conditions that affect the speed, fluency, quality, and ease of movement. Abnormal fluency or speed of movement (dyskinesia) may involve excessive or involuntary movement (hyperkinesia) or slowed or absent voluntary movement (hypokinesia)."

Even if I get the benefits of Unity and I accept the requirement for it in the Body, I continue to be struck with this little work BEHOLD.   God wants people to see it.  Of course we have to understand it. Of course our obedience to it is greatly enhanced if we understand its importance in the Masters eyes and plans. But too often we come together as just brother so and so and sister so and so and dont look at ourselves as a body, fittly joined together. Each piece important to the others and worse still we dont acknowledge that without this unity we are a sputtering, noisy, breakdown prone machine that God has to perform repairs on continually.  Pull us off to the side pop the hood and dedicate an entire gathering to point out the crap that we have been willingly putting into ourselves. Get it cleaned out, close the hood and start us back up, oooops, time to go home- see you next week.  Think about it we call it a Church Service dont we. You take your vehicle in for service too or repairs when it is misbehaving.  Preventative mainanence is ok and necessary.  Tuning the components to get the best and most productive performance is desired and those are service calls too. But week after week of spending two hours checking 100 check engine lights? 

We are called to be Witnesses is another clear doctrine.  I would hazard a guess that when we read or hear that verse we envision our single self approach the Witness Stand to swear to tell the truth and take a seat by the judge.  But isnt the church, not me ornot they, but aren't WE called to approach the Witness Stand and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help is God!!  Look man I am not casting stones at anyone, but I cant get past that Behold.  "Take a look ladies and gentlemen at just how good and pleasing it is when My people determine that they are going to abide, continue, remain, tarry, to abide in Unity.  

Yikes! People are watching. Oh yeah God is watching, He's always watching, but he saw and heard what brother so and so said or did and well He has to understand my reaction to that.  Oh he understands it alright.  Just who do we think it is that Jesus is going to say " I knew you not"? Did WE not do all these things in your Name?  I am not a judge and that Great White Throne is only made for One, but come on, when we read these scriptures too dont we really quickly think its another denomination or some group with part of the truth alone?  

Would the witness, the Body of Christ, please approach the bench and take the witness stand! BEHOLD!  Look I am not an "all together Christian" meaning I am not perfect in my execution. I still have things and people that get under my skin and bring out the "best in me" (Sarcasm). But I acknowledge that this is a serious undertaking, taking the Name of Christ.  The witness stand is out there waiting for us. It may be to offer testimony on a trial we endured, or a hurt that we had healed, or a recounting of our own salvation experiences.  But I think that the local assembly is called up to the witness stand as well (we may not know it) and at that time what is the testimony that we might give?  Thats enough from me today.  Who would have thought that out of 66 books in the Bible today I was going to get brought to a stop by a simple BEHOLD? 

God Bless You 

Jim