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Saturday, August 9, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
A Burning Ring of Fire
Do you remember the words to The Love Boat theme song, “Love is in the air?” Lately I’ve had the same sense; love is in the air or rather the presence of the Lord is all around. I can barely go a day without tears welling up, as I sense all around God’s love for His children. His presence hovers over me and I am undone.
This morning during worship, I found that all I could do was cry. My tears were tears of awe and thankfulness for a God whose kindness leads us to repentance, whose love prunes us to take us higher. I’ve experienced some long painful seasons of pruning, but we are in a season of grace. If we respond to the Lord’s presence we will experience “suddenlys.” All we have to do is respond in obedience!
Last week when I was driving in the fast lane, my speed was greatly curtailed by a truck piled so high with tree cuttings I could barely even see it. While other cars whizzed by I noticed something so unreal that it drew my attention. Sitting on top of the high pile of green foliage was a ladder that looked as if it ascended into the sky. At that very moment the Lord seemed to say to me, “You feel as if others are whizzing by next to you on a lateral plane, but the purpose of pruning is so that you can go up higher.”
Because of the Lord’s love He is forever desiring and working toward the end that we would triumph in every situation. Sometimes we feel absolutely boxed in by our circumstances, but if we look closely we would see that He has drawn a circle around us in the sand and set it ablaze. We are owned by The Consuming Ring of Fire who always seeks to lead us higher in His ways. It is His grace, mercy and kindness that leads us into greater places of intimacy that our hearts have yet to encounter.
This morning during worship, I found that all I could do was cry. My tears were tears of awe and thankfulness for a God whose kindness leads us to repentance, whose love prunes us to take us higher. I’ve experienced some long painful seasons of pruning, but we are in a season of grace. If we respond to the Lord’s presence we will experience “suddenlys.” All we have to do is respond in obedience!
Last week when I was driving in the fast lane, my speed was greatly curtailed by a truck piled so high with tree cuttings I could barely even see it. While other cars whizzed by I noticed something so unreal that it drew my attention. Sitting on top of the high pile of green foliage was a ladder that looked as if it ascended into the sky. At that very moment the Lord seemed to say to me, “You feel as if others are whizzing by next to you on a lateral plane, but the purpose of pruning is so that you can go up higher.”
Because of the Lord’s love He is forever desiring and working toward the end that we would triumph in every situation. Sometimes we feel absolutely boxed in by our circumstances, but if we look closely we would see that He has drawn a circle around us in the sand and set it ablaze. We are owned by The Consuming Ring of Fire who always seeks to lead us higher in His ways. It is His grace, mercy and kindness that leads us into greater places of intimacy that our hearts have yet to encounter.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Pearl
What a great picture there is in the parable of the Costly Pearl. (Matthew 13:45)
The story goes that a merchant was seeking fine pearls and upon finding one pearl of great value he sold all that he had and bought it.
This is a picture of what the kingdom of heaven is like. When we find something of such great value we are willing to give up all that we have to obtain it. Jesus is that pearl. However, Jesus was willing to give up His very life on the Cross to obtain the priceless value that He saw in us. So great is our value that He gave His life, so that we might become children of God.
Imagine if we lived our life daily in such a way that nothing mattered, but that one Pearl and all that He values. If we lived that way our choices would become so much simpler.
Because the One who is love bears all things, I can cease from striving and put those that I care about in his hands. He gave up everything for all fine pearls.
“Love bears all thing, believes all things and hopes all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7
The story goes that a merchant was seeking fine pearls and upon finding one pearl of great value he sold all that he had and bought it.
This is a picture of what the kingdom of heaven is like. When we find something of such great value we are willing to give up all that we have to obtain it. Jesus is that pearl. However, Jesus was willing to give up His very life on the Cross to obtain the priceless value that He saw in us. So great is our value that He gave His life, so that we might become children of God.
Imagine if we lived our life daily in such a way that nothing mattered, but that one Pearl and all that He values. If we lived that way our choices would become so much simpler.
Because the One who is love bears all things, I can cease from striving and put those that I care about in his hands. He gave up everything for all fine pearls.
“Love bears all thing, believes all things and hopes all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7
Monday, July 14, 2008
Free Falling
As I danced along to the great songs of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Saturday night at their concert, singing Refugee, and Free Falling, I remembered the zeal of my early adulthood driving through the streets of LA chasing down my dream.
When my kids were young I fell for the trap of wanting them to be well-behaved robots that made me look good, like June Cleaver. I mimicked the other Christians I saw, believing if I did everything right my kids would be perfect little saints, so perfect in fact we wouldn’t need a savior. Isn’t that often our mindset, forgetting that Christians are no different than the rest, far from perfect, pure or righteous apart from God?
Oh how our Western culture has tried to civilize God, but He isn’t to be tamed. Have we forgotten that the God of Israel commanded Abraham to head across the desert with all of his belongings, a way he hadn’t seen or known? Then God informed aged Abraham and his wife that they were expecting a baby and in an unbelievable wild act, God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son.
This is the unrestrained free God trying to teach us about freedom, the freedom to choose. He loves us so much that He is willing to take the risk that we might choose incorrectly. And that we might not choose Him. But He still gives the choice, because He will not take part in what is not free. Maybe because without true freedom love cannot exist, only counterfeits based in fear, duty and obligation. God doesn’t love us because He has to and He doesn’t want our nice acts of worship that are not freely given.
God never wanted cookie cutter people who are to afraid to think for themselves. He was never after a stiff lifeless religion that stifles. God wants passionate Joshua’s and Calebs who are bold enough to take mountains. And those are often made from rough and rowdy misfits the Lord transforms into champions of faith.
If God is raising a champion army, do we really imagine that in preparation He wants us to abandon passion and placidly sit home until one day there is greatness? Rather I think there might be a little muck in the stall before Thoroughbreds turn into Derby winners.
God is the one who fashions greatness in our lives. And it doesn't come by playing it safe hiding out from the big dangerous world. True faith is being released to follow a dream and trusting God with the freedom He authored.
When my kids were young I fell for the trap of wanting them to be well-behaved robots that made me look good, like June Cleaver. I mimicked the other Christians I saw, believing if I did everything right my kids would be perfect little saints, so perfect in fact we wouldn’t need a savior. Isn’t that often our mindset, forgetting that Christians are no different than the rest, far from perfect, pure or righteous apart from God?
Oh how our Western culture has tried to civilize God, but He isn’t to be tamed. Have we forgotten that the God of Israel commanded Abraham to head across the desert with all of his belongings, a way he hadn’t seen or known? Then God informed aged Abraham and his wife that they were expecting a baby and in an unbelievable wild act, God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son.
This is the unrestrained free God trying to teach us about freedom, the freedom to choose. He loves us so much that He is willing to take the risk that we might choose incorrectly. And that we might not choose Him. But He still gives the choice, because He will not take part in what is not free. Maybe because without true freedom love cannot exist, only counterfeits based in fear, duty and obligation. God doesn’t love us because He has to and He doesn’t want our nice acts of worship that are not freely given.
God never wanted cookie cutter people who are to afraid to think for themselves. He was never after a stiff lifeless religion that stifles. God wants passionate Joshua’s and Calebs who are bold enough to take mountains. And those are often made from rough and rowdy misfits the Lord transforms into champions of faith.
If God is raising a champion army, do we really imagine that in preparation He wants us to abandon passion and placidly sit home until one day there is greatness? Rather I think there might be a little muck in the stall before Thoroughbreds turn into Derby winners.
God is the one who fashions greatness in our lives. And it doesn't come by playing it safe hiding out from the big dangerous world. True faith is being released to follow a dream and trusting God with the freedom He authored.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Fresh Wind
I just returned from a two week trip with my father and daughter. One of the most inspiring things we came across on the big trek across country to take Chloe to college in LA was the plethora of wind farms strung across the landscape and open plains of our country.
I loved seeing these modern windmills up close and in person. The magnificent beings stood white and erect, obedient to the movement of the wind. When first they sensed the sweet rush of breeze they’re arms sprang up as their heads dipped down and in a beautiful dance made one rotation after another inspired by the wind.
The beautiful thing about this dance was the power it released through this ever ready, ever attentive instrument of grace creating fuel for others.
When we are sensitive to the touch of the spirit in our lives, ever ready to listen to the rumblings of the wind, to sense the faintest touch, and bow our heads in obedience and surrender, to lift our arms in praise, we too are participating in the heavenly dance of the spirit that releases life to others.
I loved seeing these modern windmills up close and in person. The magnificent beings stood white and erect, obedient to the movement of the wind. When first they sensed the sweet rush of breeze they’re arms sprang up as their heads dipped down and in a beautiful dance made one rotation after another inspired by the wind.
The beautiful thing about this dance was the power it released through this ever ready, ever attentive instrument of grace creating fuel for others.
When we are sensitive to the touch of the spirit in our lives, ever ready to listen to the rumblings of the wind, to sense the faintest touch, and bow our heads in obedience and surrender, to lift our arms in praise, we too are participating in the heavenly dance of the spirit that releases life to others.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Childlike Lenses
This week the Lord gave me a glimpse into a part of my heart that He adores. It’s the same part that He loves in you, that childlike enthusiasm about life. The problem is this quality can easily be snuffed out.
At times I get weary when it seems that everything and everybody is working to blow that fire out. Even this week when the winds of opposition were blowing, I thought to myself, what is the use? And then the Lord seemed to turn on the light and show me the childlike awe I often feel for life. He loves to see my enthusiasm for what He’s created. In turn it releases creativity in me and the game begins.
The way it works is simple. At times I might see a picture of the beach or hear the sound of the ocean in my head and experience jitters of exaltation, or see the color orange, fresh flowers, vibrant butterflies, or even luscious fabrics and feel my stomach jump.
When you pay attention to your senses, you will notice these things too. The Lord loves the very unique childlike way we each see the world. This may have dulled overtime, but He longs to see our youthful spunk recaptured and thriving.
The things that spark my heart may seem ridiculous to you, but there are things in your own heart that resonate in your being and light up your senses. If you become aware of your own heartbeat a whole world of exploration into the mystery of God will open up to you.
God doesn’t want us to surrender our childlikeness to appease others who are rigid and unwilling to live in their hearts. He wants us to guard those areas and find ways to let the child inside out to play.
This takes intention. And at times it can be a lonely path when others aren’t so high on life. If you are facing that dilemma, ask yourself what is standing in the way of your experiencing wonder and enthusiasm for life and then take responsibility to do something about it. God is inviting you out to play!
At times I get weary when it seems that everything and everybody is working to blow that fire out. Even this week when the winds of opposition were blowing, I thought to myself, what is the use? And then the Lord seemed to turn on the light and show me the childlike awe I often feel for life. He loves to see my enthusiasm for what He’s created. In turn it releases creativity in me and the game begins.
The way it works is simple. At times I might see a picture of the beach or hear the sound of the ocean in my head and experience jitters of exaltation, or see the color orange, fresh flowers, vibrant butterflies, or even luscious fabrics and feel my stomach jump.
When you pay attention to your senses, you will notice these things too. The Lord loves the very unique childlike way we each see the world. This may have dulled overtime, but He longs to see our youthful spunk recaptured and thriving.
The things that spark my heart may seem ridiculous to you, but there are things in your own heart that resonate in your being and light up your senses. If you become aware of your own heartbeat a whole world of exploration into the mystery of God will open up to you.
God doesn’t want us to surrender our childlikeness to appease others who are rigid and unwilling to live in their hearts. He wants us to guard those areas and find ways to let the child inside out to play.
This takes intention. And at times it can be a lonely path when others aren’t so high on life. If you are facing that dilemma, ask yourself what is standing in the way of your experiencing wonder and enthusiasm for life and then take responsibility to do something about it. God is inviting you out to play!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Colorful Pages
Mark and I went to see the movie, The Son of Rambow, this past week. Yes, it is spelled, Rambow and not Rambo. It is a great indie film well worth the price of the ticket.
In the story two boys are thrown together to make a film, one tenderhearted and the other deceptive. In the process they each are reconnected to their hearts that had been buried and neglected do to loss.
One boy was raised by his well meaning single mom who struggled to live within the confines of her religion. In the mean time her compliant son awakened in his world. Constant inspiration flowed throughout his mind and emerged into vivid illustrations on every page of his Bible. Story lines with magnificent images flashed upon the screen in contrast to the dead religion that kept his mother’s life bound in black and white pages.
The other boy, defiant and disillusioned was being raised by his indifferent older brother in a world with no parents or boundaries. Amidst his angst he found himself being loved and accepted by his new friend.
Together they poured out their young confused hearts into the film making project that gave their lives purpose and meaning. Through their humorous escapades the audience can quickly identify the emptiness found in a loveless life of religious works, as well as the battering of a world with misused freedom.
This movie makes you want to jump and leap and do everything in your power to stay free from a pseudo religiosity that stifles, but doesn’t give life. As beautifully illustrated, life comes in the midst of relationship, not works.
In the story two boys are thrown together to make a film, one tenderhearted and the other deceptive. In the process they each are reconnected to their hearts that had been buried and neglected do to loss.
One boy was raised by his well meaning single mom who struggled to live within the confines of her religion. In the mean time her compliant son awakened in his world. Constant inspiration flowed throughout his mind and emerged into vivid illustrations on every page of his Bible. Story lines with magnificent images flashed upon the screen in contrast to the dead religion that kept his mother’s life bound in black and white pages.
The other boy, defiant and disillusioned was being raised by his indifferent older brother in a world with no parents or boundaries. Amidst his angst he found himself being loved and accepted by his new friend.
Together they poured out their young confused hearts into the film making project that gave their lives purpose and meaning. Through their humorous escapades the audience can quickly identify the emptiness found in a loveless life of religious works, as well as the battering of a world with misused freedom.
This movie makes you want to jump and leap and do everything in your power to stay free from a pseudo religiosity that stifles, but doesn’t give life. As beautifully illustrated, life comes in the midst of relationship, not works.
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