The Love Factor - Part 3 of trolling with Ogre

At last, I return, having no idea it would have taken so long for my third reply!  Ogre, I will attempt to answer the direct questions that you so kindly reiterated in your last post (Dialoguing part 3) and hopefully as Troll peers over your shoulder muttering comments in your ear, the answers will define better for you the position from which I speak.  You express surprise that we agree on the problem with the church today but it’s what I saw from the beginning as a commonality despite our differing perspectives. We definitely see that there is a problem with the church but just as an illness affects multiple areas of the body so too does the disease the church carries with it today. My thought is that it will require a team approach, not any one answer but a collection of individual pieces put together as the treatment that improves the condition of the diseased. My treatment may vary from yours but sharing our perspectives gives us an idea of the bigger picture.

With that in mind, let’s address your question regarding ongoing revelation. You ask “If your experience differs from mine, how do we know whose revelation is correct?” My response: if you and I have a conversation with the same person does one conversation negate or overrule the other? No, of course it doesn’t. We can both have ‘correct’ conversations in an authentic manner but yet our conversations would be quite different.  The same is true with God.  Your experience with God or revelation from God is between you and God. My experience will look different than yours but it doesn’t make my revelation wrong, it just makes it different. Now, this may be a rather simplistic answer but bear with me. In this case, I use experience and revelation interchangeably because revelation from God is an experience.   God can reveal information to you that is deeply personal and ministers to you in an enlightening or encouraging way that would mean absolutely nothing to me.  On the other hand, should you choose to share that revelation in an appropriate circumstance it could be quite beneficial to me in understanding who God is and how He works.  For instance, I mentor several young adults and frequently use examples of my own experience with God that helps them understand how God is working in their lives. Revelation should be a regular part of an interactive relationship with Christ just like conversation reveals information about the person we are conversing with. 1John 5:10, “He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself”; this is what sharing our testimony is all about it bears witness to who Christ is.

When I say that people don’t ‘know Him” it’s because they know of Him, reading His word or listening to Pastor preach about Him but they don’t interact with God on a regular basis.  Psalm 46:10 says “Be still and know that I am God.” We have to be still and listen for His voice.  We have to shut out the noise of the world, pray for discernment and learn to recognize His voice the same way we learn to recognize the voice of a spouse or child.  This is the way we grow in understanding and knowledge of Him. Jesus corrects the Sadducee’s in Matthew 22 because they ‘don’t know the Scriptures nor the power of God.’ It requires both the power of God that comes through the Holy Spirit and knowledge of the Scriptures and the authority contained within. Peter experienced it in Matthew 16:17.  

You say that revelation ‘smacks of popery’ but you compare two different things. The popes set themselves up to be the sole recipient and distributor of heavenly communication because they lusted for power. Just because they had it wrong doesn’t mean we should disregard continual revelation.  Our revelation should come directly through the Holy Spirit, it should be personal, it should be weighed and it should line up with the word of God.  The Holy Spirit will not contradict Himself. This revelation is comparable to the insight we receive from people we are in relationship with – little clues and knowledge that helps us to understand and know them better.  You know much more about your spouse now than you did when you were first married; that knowledge came about via revelation into her character and personality that happened over the course of years not just because you met her once or twice.  The same is true with God. Our first encounter with Him should give us a desire to encounter Him more and more.  He reveals His character and His personality as we seek Him so we increase in our understanding of Him. Not that we will ever have complete understanding but it will lead to transformation of our personality and character into something that resembles Christ as He renews our mind to think a different way.  Are there misunderstandings? Of course there are; just as there are misunderstandings between people. Thankfully, God loves us enough to offer His grace and patience freely so that we continue to press on to knowing Him more. There has to be a balance of both revelation and knowledge – God reveals His holiness to our sin sick soul but yet extends the knowledge of grace in the righteousness of Christ so we personally may approach His throne.

If people in the church actually knew God then the fruit of our relationship would be expressed by Christ like characteristics that would set us apart from the world. There would be unity in humility.  For instance, the divorce rate among Christians would be much lower, we would see an outpouring of resources to help those in need there would be no need for a government run welfare system because the church would be doing what it should have been doing all along. The abortion rate would decrease as would pornography, infidelity and sexual promiscuity because people would have an understanding of why God put rules of holiness in place for us. We can have knowledge of holiness but there is no way we can achieve it in our life without the power of the Holy Spirit.  We would see more healings, more deliverance and more people walking in freedom – this would then give us the dominion in our culture that Wagner was referring to. It is my testimony and the testimony of people like me that exemplify how our relationship with Jesus changed our lives which in turn edifies the body.

Paul testified to it – his life was changed dramatically before the Word was even written. He had a great understanding of the Old Testament scriptures but nothing in his life changed until he had an encounter with the great I AM.  His “experience” and that of others like him that you are so ready to disregard converted him from killer of those who follow Christ to one who is willing to die for Christ. Was Paul perfect? No and neither are any of us – so we will make mistakes and we will mess things up but again, we are dependent upon His grace.

This conversion experience, this same type of dramatic life change is still available today because Jesus is still available today. He is the same now as He was then. The process may not happen overnight but is an ongoing process that comes as a result of us being in relationship with God.  The more we get to know God the more we want to please Him and live the way He designed for us to live because of the LOVE. Your children want to please you because they love you, not because you made up a bunch of rules for them to follow or because they’ve read about all the wonderful things you have done.  It’s because they know YOU however troll-ish or ogre-ish you are they still love you.  God loves us the same way, unconditionally as a parent loves a child, even when they mess up.  We love Him because He first loved us.  He sent Christ because He so loved the world.  It’s about love, Ogre, love. He wants relationship with us because He loves us.

I could fill pages with hundreds of examples where God used revelation through me (that lines up with the authority of Scripture) to encourage the body of Christ, including people you know and love. Considering revelation irrelevant is like saying Russia doesn’t exist because you’ve never been there. Revelation in the body of Christ is alive and well. A man once said, if you want to know the truth, ask Jesus, He is the truth.

So Ogre, I conclude my effort with this final thought. I hope I have brought clarity to my position without being overly redundant but I believe it is important for us to remember that all must be tempered with grace and compassion, not ridiculed with pride or judgment. It is the love of Christ and the love for others that should move us to compassion and sacrifice extending mercy to help those in need.  Jesus wept over the condition of Jerusalem as should we; crying out for God to help us instead of thinking that we have all the answers. Whether you like them apples or think that I’m barking like a prairie dog it doesn’t really matter.  Our modalities may differ but our goal is the same: to make the world a better place through Christ.

I am willing to continue conversing across the gulf that separates us, holding tight to the scarlet thread that binds us together so fire off your exegesis of Isaiah 59 and we will continue this discourse.  You too Troll, if you’re partial to coming out from under the bridge.

~~~ Susan, a Gadite

PS – I did not address the linguistics issue because your knowledge of languages, like your knowledge of church history far surpasses mine.  I barely speak English well and the only other language I speak is glossolalia (hahaha and I have no idea whether I am grammatically correct or not).  So, I defer to the writings of Spears, et. al. with the caveat that I believe this is recently acquired knowledge and not something that has made it into the mainstream.  

Ogre, Ogre - Where's the Love?

Ogre, first, thank-you, I appreciate your attempts at decorum and cordiality (see below for link to Ogre's blog). As I read your rebuttal I chuckled to myself wondering if my right brain thinking would ever connect to your left brain analysis or if it would a case of never the twain shall meet! However, since with God all things are possible I thought I should press on and see if we could bring that scripture to fruition. With that being said, let me begin by saying I agree wholeheartedly with the quote of Dorothy Sayers. Even though it originated 100 years ago it is an apt description of the condition of the church in North America today. We have a whitewashed Christianity of worldly people wearing the label Christian without even understanding what it means. The people who style themselves Christian look no different than the world, except maybe they attend church on Sunday rather than some other social activity. Most have little knowledge, if any of the Word, they do not live according to the standards set forth in the Word but rather a hodgepodge of man centered beliefs tailored to fit their lifestyle. So when you ask me, Ogre, what I believe the problem is, we can start there. In addition, there is no reverence or fear of the Lord, there is very little repentance or recognition of sin and there is a prolific lack of humility. Where is the holiness, I ask? It seems to be a living illustration of the knowledge of man exalting itself against the knowledge of God. Is it any wonder that Jesus would want to vomit us out of His mouth? Lest I go off on a deeper rant I shall push aside my soapbox and segue to the next point.

I prefer the term Christ follower but I use this term with some trepidation as recently I have heard the term bandied about by some who leave room for doubt but as only God can see into men's hearts I will run the risk. The original Christians were not termed Christians but rather followers of The Way. That's me. I want to be a follower of the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one gets to heaven except through Jesus; it's not about raising your hand while people's eyes are closed and then going about your business as usual. There is a cost to being a disciple which most people are not willing to pay. We have to follow what Jesus did - He is the Word. We need to know what the Word says and live by it, study it and watch it come alive as we apply it to our lives. Delight ourselves in the Lord as the Psalmist said instead of claiming the second part of that verse without recognizing the condition set forth in the first part of it. Obedience would be a key factor in repairing what is wrong with the church today in my eyes but lest I become distracted before addressing other issues I will desist and move on.

In regards to your statement about "us having won the day" I believe you are operating under a misconception. The term Pentecostal is not synonymous with the New Apostolic Reformation. C.Peter Wagner did not even coin the term until the 1990's. Are most churches that would fall under the category of the NAR Spirit filled? Yes, but that does not make them Pentecostal; charismatic would be a more apt term. It's interesting that you blame the condition of the modern church on the "Pentecostal Movement". If that were the case, wouldn't the condition of the mainline denominations be in better shape as they have not given in to the Pentecostal reformative process of the last century?

Excuse me while I get my tongue out of my cheek and move on to rebut your question regarding the power of Christ crucified and alive in me along with the issue of pictographic language. Unfortunately, I cannot claim any knowledge of a true phoneme versus a false one but I will attempt to elucidate on my statements with the following: 1John 5:7 says, "For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one" and 1Corinthians 6:19 "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God and you are not your own?". Since Jesus is the Word, is one with the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit dwells within me, then yes the power of Christ crucified is alive in me. And yes, there is continuing revelation that comes from interaction with the Holy Spirit but it does not negate the original revelation recorded in the Word, they are not mutually exclusive. It is a situation of in addition to, not instead of. The meaning of the Scripture has always been there, it is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow but what does change is our understanding of the Word. 1Corinthians 2:13 "These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual." While you testify to Christ incarnate do you not also testify to an interactive relationship with Him?

While my informal study of the Hebrew language is not comparable to formal seminary training it has led me to some interesting discoveries. For years I believed that there were layers of meaning within Hebrew scripture but was unable to define, adequately explain or classify it. I just knew it was there. For instance, a favorite verse of mine is Joshua 1:3 "Everywhere the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses." I'm sure that you could explain this in more technical terms but bear with me as I attempt to illustrate my point on the layers of meaning. Layer one is the contextual version - God is speaking to Joshua and reiterating His that the promise He made to Moses in Deuteronomy is applicable to Joshua as well. Layer two is that this promise also holds true for us today that if we will 'tread' God will do the same for us whether the place is a spiritual or physical one. This is not to say that we can just pick a random area of ground, walk around a bit and believe that God will give us that land, let me make it clear that I do not adhere to the 'name it, claim it' fad preached by some in the church today. The possession of the land comes as a response to God's instruction. The next layer comes from digging into Strong's Concordance and unearthing the Hebrew meaning of the word tread. It is the word darak and by definition: to tread, by implication to walk, also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending). The act of stringing a bow implies a preparation for warfare or hunting. Strings were carried separately by archers and not applied unless they were about to be used. This third layer reveals that treading is a multi-part action, we must be ready to war (spiritually or physically) in order to inherit the land.

Recently I discovered that Klein and Spears explained it thusly, "Hebrew is a pictographic language that has meaning embodied within the shape of the letter itself. So the ancient gimel means camel and looks like one. The ancient dalet means door and looks like one. The second letter in the Hebrew alphabet, bet, when sounded out is identical to the English letter B but the pictographic meaning includes at least three separate concepts: house, in, family." Another example would be the Hebrew word Shalom. Our English equivalent would be 'peace' but the meaning contained within the pictographs would be 'destroy the authority that binds us to chaos'[p.21-23 Lost in Translation]. Personally, I find this fascinating as another example of God unlocking the truths about His Word and increasing our understanding of who He is and how He operates. It implies an ongoing relationship with Him, I like to think about it much the same way you would in a marriage. You could be married to someone for 10, 20, 30 years, know them intimately but still discover facets of them you never knew!

In closing, regarding the issue of doctrine and your paraphrasing of Dorothy Sayers, I agree and stand corrected. I will also concur that we are all theologians but clarify that I am without advanced degrees or formal seminary training, feeling as Paul might have when he verbalized to the Corinthians, "my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power."

As clarification, my comparing men of the Protestant Reformation to those of today had more to do with them being forerunners, thinkers outside the box of current, cultural standards, men before their time. It's not as if the teachings of those great men of yore were accepted immediately as you well know. They were considered quite radical and to many heretical. John Wycliffe was so hated and his remarks to scholars so inflammatory that forty years after he was burned at the stake they dug up his bones, burned them again and the ashes tossed in a brook! That's some serious hate. It is my supposition that some today would consider the writings of Wagner, et. al. as not just radical but heretical as well.

One final note, because my experience is integral to my understanding of the Word and I am reliant upon the Holy Spirit to provide wisdom and understanding I cannot exclude it from my writing but I will attempt to keep it at a minimum. I have dusted off my copy of "The Best of C.S. Lewis to once again explore within and as McArthur is credited with saying, "I shall return." ~ a Gadite

Ogre's blog:http://bythelightoflatimerscandle.blogspot.com/2012/02/defending-doctrine.html?spref=fb

Response to Ogre's Thoughts on NAR

While I do not attempt here to author a theological discourse on Scripture as I do not consider myself a theologian by any means what I will set forth is a testimony regarding my experience and understanding of the Apostolic Reformation. While I would agree with Ogre (http://bythelightoflatimerscandle.blogspot.com/2012/02/new-apostolic-reformation.html) that we may be worlds apart in theology and doctrine I do believe that we share a common goal in understanding that the Church needs reformation. I will not speak for all of those who consider themselves a part of the New Apostolic Reformation but what I will do is share my experience with it, hoping as Paul did that you will excuse my lack of excellent speech, only that I am here to testify to the power of Christ crucified and alive in me. I believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God written with man’s hand and that the full meanings of Scripture are still being unlocked for us today as God reveals new truth about Himself through His Word. I believe that there are layers of meaning in Scripture when taken in the original Hebrew from both a pictographic and phonic context and that what is stated in the Bible is pertinent for today as Jesus is a fulfillment of the law as set forth in the Old Testament.
In regards to the Holy Spirit I can testify to the power and outward manifestations of the Spirit by witnessing it in others and experiencing it myself. Whether a person believes that it only exists in the context of John 14 and 16 does not negate the veracity of my experience or the numerous examples throughout the Old and New Testament of the Holy Spirit manifesting Himself through man (Judges 14:16,15:14, 1Sam 19:23 and Acts 2). This Spirit is transferable via the laying on of hands both for healing and for impartation as Paul did to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:6, again because I have experienced it. The Apostolic Reformation is not about doctrine, rules or a denomination but rather about relationships and ‘fathering’ the next generation. It is our desire to model Christ-likeness through the power of the Holy Spirit and His grace to the people around us on an intergenerational level as Paul did when fathering Timothy, his ‘son in the faith’ or as Elijah did with Elisha in 2Kings 2:15.
Again, in reference to the office of prophet let me offer my testimony. I agree that one of the purposes of the OT prophet was to testify to the coming of the Messiah but it was not their only function as they also anointed kings, fought battles, and received revelation pertinent to us today as in Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17. I can testify to the truth of the Joel 2:28 prophecy because I have witnessed it and experienced it on numerous occasions. Dreams, visions and prophecies are manifesting today both in believers and non-believers of all ages. I have seen 2Chronicles 20:20 fulfilled both in my life and through me as others I prophesied to prospered from the revelation.
Prophets seem to function in times of transition: Samuel appears when governance is changing from Judges to Kings; Isaiah, Jeremiah and others as God’s people are about to go into captivity, Daniel when they are returning from captivity, John the Baptist as a prelude to Jesus and New Testament prophets (as in 1Corinthians 12 & 14) when God is establishing His church of Jesus Christ throughout the nations. During the Protestant Reformation other ‘fathers’ (Martin Luther, John Knox, John Calvin, Wycliffe, Wesley and more) rose to prominence as God revealed truth about His word through them and thus transitioning us to a new position. The same is occurring today in people such as Chuck Pierce, C. Peter Wagner, Graham Cooke, Bill Johnson, Barbara Wentroble, Cindy Jacobs and others as God is transitioning us, in this season, to prepare for His coming.
The subject of dominion is not so much about theocracy as it is about operating in the power of the Holy Spirit in order to rule over (Ephesians 6:12) the circumstances around us by bringing good news of His salvation, encouraging one another in the faith (Colossians 2:2) and walking in peace (Romans 5:13 & Colossians 3:15) and humility (Colossians 3:12). There is much more to say on this subject in regards to our culture but suffice to say that in my own world God has given me dominion over the things that ruled me in the past, i.e. fear, worry,intimidation etc. because of the relationship that I have with Him. As we decrease He increases within us providing us a new way to live, our minds are renewed and we come a new creation. My life has changed dramatically over the course of my relationship with Him, not just because my understanding or knowledge of Scripture increased but because I came to know Him on a personal level, attuned to His voice and willing to submit to His unction so that my behavior and lifestyle are a testimony to that relationship.
So, while I would disagree with your statement that NAR is seeking to leave a mold of being Christ centered or Bible centered as outlined by my testimony above and other Biblically based teachings from any of the authors listed above, what I will agree with is that the Church needs
reformation. May we all unite together in humility to become more focused on Christ and to bring His good news to others in order to prepare for His coming “that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish” Ephesians 5:27.

Thank you for challenging me as it is with all humility that I submit this and may it be to God’s glory and not mine.

~ Susan Livingston


Suggested Reading:
“Permission Granted to Do Church Differently in the 21st
Century” by Graham Cooke and Gary Goodell
“The Call of the Elijah Revolution” by James Goll and Lou
Engle
Life-Giving Leadership: Becoming an Effective Spiritual
Leader” by Jack W. Hayford, Executive Editor
“Lost in Translation: Rediscovering the Hebrew Roots of Our
Faith” by John Klein & Adam Spears

Learning Curves

Much to my dismay it's been three weeks since I've posted a blog. It's disappointing because I set a goal to post at least one per week but the learning curve required for my new computer and some other surprises have interrrupted my plan. But, that's okay, for it's also given me some time to think about what I really want to do here. I am determined that this blog should be purposeful and encouraging, hopefully challenging at times with a message that causes readers to think. With that in mind I press on to speak my mind.
As I read the myriad of postings on FB and the glaring headlines of all the challenges we face today in our political and moral climate I find my frustration level mounting because many people are determined to just hear what they want to hear without stopping to think about what they are saying and the implications of those words. I almost want to get in their face and shout, "Do you understand what you are saying and the effects it will have in the long run?" Is that why so many times Jesus spoke these words:"He who has ears to hear, let him hear"?
I take it for granted that people are interested in hearing what Jesus says but many don't. They actually they have the same type of learning curve I do with the computer. Switching computers means an updated operating system, new taskbars and different prompts that take some getting used to. It doesn't work the same way my old one did - similar but not the same. My ability to communicate or perform the functions is slower, ponderous and often frustrating as I try to work out the kinks. It's the same for our ears hearing the truth. We can't club people over the head with it. We can't shout and expect them to hear any better but we must give them time to adjust to the JOS - the Jesus operating system. Not everyone is ready for it, many don't understand it and not all will use it but it's coming.
God's presence on earth is growing - it's why the devil is screaming so loudly through all of those who haven't yet heard the good news! We who are sensitive to the Spirit can feel the expectancy in the air and the rising excitement of His arrival drawing near! No, we're not about to be raptured but this is a year of restoration. He is going to restore His glory in those who are prepared for Him. And when He does, that learning curve will lessen, deaf ears will be opened, blind eyes will see and the lame will walk!
Meanwhile, my prayer will be "LORD, give me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. Awaken me morning by morning and awaken my ear to hear as the learned so that I may glorify You and bring truth to the nations." (Isaiah 50:4 & 43:9)

Thank God It's Not Friday

Whew! It's hump day, only two more days until the weekend! Does your week seem to be filled with waiting for the weekend? Do you say things like, "If I could just make till Friday..."? We have Monday morning blues, hump day on Wednesday and then we declare TGIF at the end of the week. Why? What makes our weekends so much better? Is it just because we sleep late and don't have to work? If you're like me, you end up getting up early anyway and aren't our weekends just as busy as our week? We spend time looking forward, focused on tomorrow, forgetting to enjoy today so that by the time we get to the weekend we've missed opportunities all week to tap into God's goodness.
Twice the Bible tells us to 'sing and proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day' (1Chron. 16:23 & Psalm 96:2). Have you spent any time today singing and proclaiming the good news of His salvation? If we focus on Him then we'll know what He has for us today and we won't miss out. If we ask, the LORD is faithful to open our eyes to new and glorious things but we have to be willing to ask and we must 'be still and know I am' in order to hear His voice. Psalm 118:24 reminds us, "this is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." We've sung that verse dozens of times but how often do we do it? Did you thank Him that He gave you life today? Are you glad to be moving, breathing, living?
If you'll notice the verse says, we will rejoice which indicates that rejoicing is a choice, an act of our will. It's not something that just comes naturally or happens upon us. We have to apply ourselves! How many of you have ever woken up with a song running through your head? Listen the next time that happens. Zephaniah 3:17 says that, 'He rejoices over us with singing' but often, the only time we can hear Him is when we are sleeping. God wants us to be happy, whether our circumstances dictate it or not. He has saved us from the pit of hell! The Creator has given us life because He loves us. He has redeemed us and healed us because He loves us. He has provided for us, sanctified us and set us upon a rock because He loves us! I could go on and on for any one of those reasons would be enough reason to sing of His salvation but for most of us He has done so many things there is not room or time enough to list them all.
How much do you think your life would change if from this day forward you made it a point to rejoice each day and proclaim the good news of His salvation? How about a "Thank you Jesus I am alive today!"? You know what else Zephaniah said? He said, "God is in our midst." That's not very far away at all. Think about it. Be still and listen. He loves you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) - share it.

Joys of Transition

Aaarrrggghhh - can you just feel it - our bodies groaning as He stretches and molds us into His new creation? Does that sound familiar? Feel like you're stretched tight enough to snap? Ah, the joys of transition. Last week we discussed our choices during transition - do we choose to avoid the tough spots or do we choose to pursue God at all costs? This week I've made some tough decisions as the LORD showed me aspects of myself that are not very pleasant. It seems that no matter how much I work on my character, how much I submit to the process of sanctification there is still much work to be done.
As I was sitting before the LORD this morning He brought two scriptures to mind: Genesis 18:14 and Isaiah 12:2. I spend quite a bit of time with Sarah and Abe and this verse in particular seems to keep cropping up. Genesis 18:14 say, "Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life and Sarah shall bear a son." The Lord is reminding me that He will do what He says He will do. That lurking fear of doubt seems to hover as we wait on His promises and wonder if we have been forgotten. But, He wants us stay focused on Him and on what He has done. He is no respecter of persons, what He has done for me or for others He will do for you. His greatest concern is our welfare and our relationship with Him.
This verse reassures me that God will come at His appointed time and there will be a birthing. A birthing of a new life in Him as we recognize that His way is the only way. Historically, the church grew exponentially under the threat of persecution. Our culture is doing it's best to make those who follow Christ as the bad guys, who are 'intolerant' of immoral and antisocial behavior. Like we're supposed to be tolerant of infanticide and the destruction of the family? The media bias against Christians is glaringly apparent and there are more stories each week of injustices against religious organizations and individuals. We can use pornography to sell blue jeans and it's no big deal but put up a sign that says "Jesus saves" and we're intolerant! Fortunately, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction (another one of those cool things God created but man takes credit for 'discovering") so the more our flesh laden culture screams against the 'intolerance' the more the church will grow!
Thank God He is birthing something new! A new cry of holiness, a new cry of integrity, a new cry of Help us O God lest we perish! This is a year of release, response and restoration. God is releasing His Spirit, how will we respond? If we respond in the right way, He will bring restoration - restoration of the family, of the home and of the church!
Until then, He gives us scriptures like Isaiah 12:2, "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my song, He has also become my salvation." Salvation is mentioned twice so we will understand that He is unchanging. He is my salvation now and He is my salvation in the future. I won't be afraid because I will trust in Him. Thank you LORD that you are saving me from a life of mediocrity in my flesh and teaching me to reach for the higher things. I will wait on You, LORD. I will make myself an instrument of Your praise.

Transitional Choices

Welcome to 2012! I think there were quite a few of us who were happy to see 2011 depart! First, everyone take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Now exercise your facial muscles by turning the ends of your lips upward into a smile, look heavenward and say, "Thank you God for getting me through last year! Whew, I'm glad it's over and I trust You that 2012 will be a banner year for both of us!" Finally, give a shout of praise and a loud AMEN!
Okay, let's look back and get our bearings. We need to see where we have been in order to know where we are going. The number eleven is symbolic for "transition". Would you describe 2011 as a year of changes, maybe feeling stretched, possibly overwhelmed or tempted to quit? It's not unlike what happens in a hospital delivery room. In childbirth, a woman goes through several stages of labor in order to prepare for birth, including the final 'transition' stage. During transition, mom has to focus all her energy into pushing the baby through the pelvis and out into the world. This stage is the most strenuous and vulnerable time of the birthing process. It is imperative she keep her mind on the goal, using proper breathing to stay oxygenated and pushing with correct muscles in order to get the baby out.
We, too, have to keep our mind on the goal. What is our purpose? What are we here for? If you're a Christ follower then your purpose is to have an ongoing, growing relationship with the Father. You exist to glorify Him. Where has your focus been? Faith trials require us to believe what we don't see. "But my eyes are on you, O God; in You I take refuge" ~ Psalm 141:8. Did you find yourself holding your breath last year? Or did it seem as if you could barely catch your breath before being hit with something else? Could it be that God was teaching you how to breathe properly? Did He point to the Holy Spirit and say breathe deep of Me that you might have life? "It is the Spirit who gives life" ~ John 6:63. Were your spiritual muscles put to the test? Have you ever noticed that we reach out more to God during the difficult times? "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect" ~ Psalm 18:32.
Transition can be a time of darkness and uncertainty. It is where push comes to shove and we have to decide whether to press in, like the sons of Gad in 1 Chronicles 12 or be like the rich young ruler and walk away, considering the price too high. Transition is a work out but like any workout contains great benefits. It conditions us for the future so that be can "be strong and of good courage, knowing that God will never leave us or forsake us" ~ Josh 1:9. Transition helps our spiritual muscles to understand that our sustenance comes from John 6:33 "for the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and brings life to the world." Transition brings new life from the darkness and discomfort of the birth canal into the light and freedom of delivery. In the words of Joel 2:32 "it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mt. Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the remnant whom the LORD calls."
If "transition" describes your 2011, consider yourself called, but remember Matthew 22:14, "for many are called but few are chosen." My decision focuses on Peter's declaration, "but you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light."
Choose wisely and choose well. Our life is ours to do with as we will, He gave us a choice. "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!" ~ Joshua 24:15