I read a lot. I can appreciate a good book that takes me away from the constants of everyday life. I love to read for many reasons and it’s hard for me to specify a preferred genre. If someone tells me a book is really good, chances are I will at least attempt to read it.
The Bible is not a book.
Last night at prayer meeting, the Lord gave me a glimpse of something that for me was profound.
The Bible is not a book.
When I read books, I am reading about a person “over there”. Someone else’s life. I am learning about someone else’s experiences, how they handle their conflict, how they resolve it. I am only related to that person for a time during which I am allowed a sneak peek into their lives. We don’t know each other. We won’t engage with each other after the last page of the book. I may become attached to a character while I am reading the book, I might consider how I would solve a problem compared to how they did, I may even desire a life like theirs for a time. ..but when the book is over, it’s over.
The Bible is not a book.
I realized last night that the Jesus of the fish, the Jesus of the boat and the Jesus who freed the demon possessed man (John 6:5-20), are all mine. He is not just a character to be read about in a book, to be enjoyed for a time. He is the true, living God. He is a TODAY God. He is RIGHT NOW. The Bible is not a history book. It is life, it is NOW.
I am humbled that the God Who created the stars and put them in the sky knows who I am. He knows my thoughts before I think them, has the solution for my problems before I utter a prayer, He knows me through and through. But He doesn’t stop at simply “knowing” me. He speaks to me! He protects, directs, guides, comforts, defends, prays for, sings over, thinks about, covers, helps, provides for, heals, saves and loves ME! His love is active. He is doing all of this. Right now. Today.
The creator of the universe, of all things I know and see, of every good thing, has taken “time” to create a purpose and a plan for my life. MY life. Specifically. Mine. From beginning to end, He thought of me enough to create a plan…and it’s not a “I created that plan and now I am done” type of plan. My bible says “For I know the plans I HAVE for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV emphasis mine). That speaks of a current plan. While my life may change and my perspective may be different from time to time, the Lords plan to prosper me remain. But wait…don’t miss this…the creator of the universe created a plan for MY life (and YOURS!)
Selah (pause and calmly think of that).
The One Who parted the waters listens to me when I speak. When I pray, He listens. Wait…He doesn’t just listen, He acts on my behalf. He responds. That I can utter a word and not be struck down is amazing but the fact that He RESPONDS to something I say? That He DOES in response to my feeble words? Amazing.
The bible is truth. It is life. It is now. The awesomeness of that is too overwhelming for me to comprehend. The God we read about knows and loves us. Today, right now, He is loving you because His love doesn’t sit still. While our lives feel like chapters sometimes, this Truth goes on and on for eternity. There’s no book to close…
Amen.
I love you Lord
and I lift my voice
to worship you, oh my soul…rejoice
Take heart my King
in what You hear
let it be a sweet, sweet sound
in Your ear
Psalm 35:9 (Scriptural reference)
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Say "hello" for me Pastor David!
I am moved by the life and devotion of David Wilkerson. When i heard of his untimely, sudden death, all i could think was, "gosh, what a way to live!". He loved his Father immensely and shared Him constantly. His words have been an encouragement for many over the years. While reviewing his blog (www.davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com), I came across the entry he posted the day before he met our Lord. It moved me and I think it will bless you.
May the constant, insatiable yearn of our hearts be to live lives pleasing unto God...not comfortable, not impressive, not happy...but pleasing unto the Lord. Thank You Lord for David Wilkerson's life. It is a reminder that ours is not promised and that only that which we do with eternal value matters...
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
WE ARE TESTED BY OUR FALLS AND FAILINGS, posted by David Wilkerson
I do not mean that Christians who fall back into old sins and turn back to the world are being tested. No, those believers face a shipwreck of faith.
But Peter warned, “Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness” (2 Peter 3:17). Peter is warning believers who are growing in holiness and are set on following the Lord.
Some of you may have taken a fall in spite of all the progress you’ve made with the Lord. If I asked you what caused your fall, you might answer, “Brother Dave, it was a fit of anger. I was provoked by my own family and I blew up. I can’t understand it. I thought I was becoming a little sweeter, a little more like Jesus. But somebody just pushed the wrong button and I lost it.” You may say, “I’m only human. How much am I supposed to take?”
It does not matter that you were provoked or even that you were in the right. The provoking simply proved you need deliverance. Scripture says, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor [fighting], and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice [grudges]” (Ephesians 4:31).
God is going to keep testing you until you say, “I’ve got a spirit in me that’s got to go.” You will see no growth in Christ, no peace at home or on the job, until you can say, “You’re right, Lord—take it out!”
If you’re being tested in this area, or any other area for that matter, you may be thinking, “I feel so unworthy. How much ground have I lost? Does the Lord still love me?”
Dear saint, if you have truly repented, you haven’t lost any ground whatsoever. God puts his loving arms around you and says, “I allowed that to happen so you would see what’s in your heart. But you’re making progress. You’ve said you want to walk with me, and I’m teaching you. I know what’s inside of you and I’ll allow you to be provoked until you get rid of it all.”
Are you being tested? If so, just pray: “Lord, you’ve put your finger on some areas in me. Pluck them out of my heart. Encourage me, Lord, that I’m not going backward—I’m going forward with you!
Amen...and Amen
May the constant, insatiable yearn of our hearts be to live lives pleasing unto God...not comfortable, not impressive, not happy...but pleasing unto the Lord. Thank You Lord for David Wilkerson's life. It is a reminder that ours is not promised and that only that which we do with eternal value matters...
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
WE ARE TESTED BY OUR FALLS AND FAILINGS, posted by David Wilkerson
I do not mean that Christians who fall back into old sins and turn back to the world are being tested. No, those believers face a shipwreck of faith.
But Peter warned, “Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness” (2 Peter 3:17). Peter is warning believers who are growing in holiness and are set on following the Lord.
Some of you may have taken a fall in spite of all the progress you’ve made with the Lord. If I asked you what caused your fall, you might answer, “Brother Dave, it was a fit of anger. I was provoked by my own family and I blew up. I can’t understand it. I thought I was becoming a little sweeter, a little more like Jesus. But somebody just pushed the wrong button and I lost it.” You may say, “I’m only human. How much am I supposed to take?”
It does not matter that you were provoked or even that you were in the right. The provoking simply proved you need deliverance. Scripture says, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor [fighting], and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice [grudges]” (Ephesians 4:31).
God is going to keep testing you until you say, “I’ve got a spirit in me that’s got to go.” You will see no growth in Christ, no peace at home or on the job, until you can say, “You’re right, Lord—take it out!”
If you’re being tested in this area, or any other area for that matter, you may be thinking, “I feel so unworthy. How much ground have I lost? Does the Lord still love me?”
Dear saint, if you have truly repented, you haven’t lost any ground whatsoever. God puts his loving arms around you and says, “I allowed that to happen so you would see what’s in your heart. But you’re making progress. You’ve said you want to walk with me, and I’m teaching you. I know what’s inside of you and I’ll allow you to be provoked until you get rid of it all.”
Are you being tested? If so, just pray: “Lord, you’ve put your finger on some areas in me. Pluck them out of my heart. Encourage me, Lord, that I’m not going backward—I’m going forward with you!
Amen...and Amen
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Those gloves won’t do you much good…
Ephesians 6:12, 14-18 (New International Version)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
“…principalities and powers…”
Flesh and blood is easy. If I work out daily, take my vitamins, get enough rest, eat all the right foods…anyone can fight-and probably win. A physical match is a fight of physical strength and even sometimes wit. You can trick an opponent with a quick move there or a jab there…move quickly, duck fast, bob and weave, bob and weave…
But those boxing gloves won’t do you much good in this Christian walk
Those “rulers”, “authorities” and “powers”, they want our minds. The fight we have to fight every day is one for the soul. The fight is against anything that would drive a wedge between us and God. A lie, giving in to a temptation, being disobedient to God, lashing out at someone…these actions start in the mind, with a thought. It’s that battle which we fight every day. As we think, so we are. Those things we consider for any length of time, those things that we allow to incubate become actions-sometimes sinful ones. Sometimes we don’t even have to think too long, they just happen. From the “smallest” lie to the most egregious sin…this is what we fight against. And for a Christian it is an everyday fight.
That armor? The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet at the ready to walk in peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the spirit, prayer are all the things we need to protect ourselves during this daily fight. Always tell the truth, always walk in peace, recognize God’s righteousness that we now have, have faith in God, read your Word daily, pray. These are the items in our arsenal! Be ready to fight the fight….because the truth is, whether we are ready to step into the ring or not, the fight is coming for us.
DING! DING! DING!
Here’s the beautiful ending. He has prepared us for each and every thing He has called us to, including this daily fight. He has given us everything we need to win each day. We just have to pick it up and put it on. Sometimes that is harder than we think. But we can. And each day we can live victoriously, knowing that we have fought another day and won. Can you imagine how strong we can be as Christians if we put on our armor every day and fought the “good fight”? God can pronounce us winners every single day.
In this corner…
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
“…principalities and powers…”
Flesh and blood is easy. If I work out daily, take my vitamins, get enough rest, eat all the right foods…anyone can fight-and probably win. A physical match is a fight of physical strength and even sometimes wit. You can trick an opponent with a quick move there or a jab there…move quickly, duck fast, bob and weave, bob and weave…
But those boxing gloves won’t do you much good in this Christian walk
Those “rulers”, “authorities” and “powers”, they want our minds. The fight we have to fight every day is one for the soul. The fight is against anything that would drive a wedge between us and God. A lie, giving in to a temptation, being disobedient to God, lashing out at someone…these actions start in the mind, with a thought. It’s that battle which we fight every day. As we think, so we are. Those things we consider for any length of time, those things that we allow to incubate become actions-sometimes sinful ones. Sometimes we don’t even have to think too long, they just happen. From the “smallest” lie to the most egregious sin…this is what we fight against. And for a Christian it is an everyday fight.
That armor? The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet at the ready to walk in peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the spirit, prayer are all the things we need to protect ourselves during this daily fight. Always tell the truth, always walk in peace, recognize God’s righteousness that we now have, have faith in God, read your Word daily, pray. These are the items in our arsenal! Be ready to fight the fight….because the truth is, whether we are ready to step into the ring or not, the fight is coming for us.
DING! DING! DING!
Here’s the beautiful ending. He has prepared us for each and every thing He has called us to, including this daily fight. He has given us everything we need to win each day. We just have to pick it up and put it on. Sometimes that is harder than we think. But we can. And each day we can live victoriously, knowing that we have fought another day and won. Can you imagine how strong we can be as Christians if we put on our armor every day and fought the “good fight”? God can pronounce us winners every single day.
In this corner…
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Musings of a thankful spirit...
I think it's important to do as the bible instructs us and give thanks. As a brief departure from the norm here, i want to take a minute to thank two of the most amazing people I have ever been blessed to know, Lincoln and Tamara F.
Recently I needed to get away. Just close the book on this Brooklyn life for a minute to catch my breath and get right with God. So I decided to reach out to my loving "uncle" to see if he could accommodate my need for respite, and he and his wife so lovingly did.
Words truly fall short. Saying thank you sounds like a pat response for all they did for me. There is no doubt in my mind that the hand of God rested upon me during my stay there and that He will bless them for the sacrifices they made to remind me of His love. They prayed with me, fed me, gave me beach(lol), a spa day...I could go on and on, but at the end of the day they loved on me like no one else could.
To Tamara, my newest girlfriend, I love you to pieces. Thank you for making my trip memorable. I will hold our discussions dear to my heart and thanks for showing me a true example of a wife. It will make me a better one.
Uncle Lincoln, what can I say? As you know, you are comparable to none. Always my cheerleader and supporter, I thank God for you and pray continued blessings on your life and family.
The Lord blesses. He gives what you need, when you need it and He knows exactly how you need it. Thanks be to the Lord for every good and perfect gift.
*blowing kisses to my Father*
Recently I needed to get away. Just close the book on this Brooklyn life for a minute to catch my breath and get right with God. So I decided to reach out to my loving "uncle" to see if he could accommodate my need for respite, and he and his wife so lovingly did.
Words truly fall short. Saying thank you sounds like a pat response for all they did for me. There is no doubt in my mind that the hand of God rested upon me during my stay there and that He will bless them for the sacrifices they made to remind me of His love. They prayed with me, fed me, gave me beach(lol), a spa day...I could go on and on, but at the end of the day they loved on me like no one else could.
To Tamara, my newest girlfriend, I love you to pieces. Thank you for making my trip memorable. I will hold our discussions dear to my heart and thanks for showing me a true example of a wife. It will make me a better one.
Uncle Lincoln, what can I say? As you know, you are comparable to none. Always my cheerleader and supporter, I thank God for you and pray continued blessings on your life and family.
The Lord blesses. He gives what you need, when you need it and He knows exactly how you need it. Thanks be to the Lord for every good and perfect gift.
*blowing kisses to my Father*
What is it?
Exodus 16:1-36
The people of Israel were still complaining, “If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt, there we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have bought us in to this wilderness to starve us all to death”. They wanted Moses and Aaron to answer for their leadership. They had no food and no protection. They did not know how they would survive any more of this journey and were afraid they would starve.
The Lord speaks to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day.” He heard the complaints of the people and had Moses tell them, “in the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will have all the bread you want. Then you will know that I am the Lord you God.”
So God sent Manna from heaven.
It is described as the dried wet dew that evaporated and became a flaky substance “fine as frost”. The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. They had no idea what it was. It was literally sustenance from heaven. And when they arrived at Canaan, some 40 years later (Ex. 16:35), and could survive off of the food of the land, they ate the manna no more.
Manna makes me smile.
When I think of it, it amazes me. So many times in life we face really hard times. I am in the midst of one of them now and I often wonder how I am going to make it to the next minute, hour, day, but somehow I do. I know I am not alone. We wonder what we will do next, how we will survive this valley, when it will end. I just have to think about manna and I am reminded that when there is nothing, God will provide. Just like the Israelites, I cannot say that I draw from strength of my own, peace of my own, wisdom of my own. Because I don’t know how I am doing it, I cannot say it is anything in me. I can only say, “thank you Lord” because it can only come from Him.
Be encouraged. The Lord will provide. You may not know what it is, where it comes from or how long you will have it, but you will be sustained. The Israelites received manna every day and had just enough to last them until the Lord provided again and for those that took too little, the Lord made sure it was enough and multiplied. Everyone had just enough (Ex. 16:17). We will have what we need for as long as we need it and we will know (and be reminded) that He is Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides.
Amen!
The people of Israel were still complaining, “If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt, there we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have bought us in to this wilderness to starve us all to death”. They wanted Moses and Aaron to answer for their leadership. They had no food and no protection. They did not know how they would survive any more of this journey and were afraid they would starve.
The Lord speaks to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day.” He heard the complaints of the people and had Moses tell them, “in the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will have all the bread you want. Then you will know that I am the Lord you God.”
So God sent Manna from heaven.
It is described as the dried wet dew that evaporated and became a flaky substance “fine as frost”. The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. They had no idea what it was. It was literally sustenance from heaven. And when they arrived at Canaan, some 40 years later (Ex. 16:35), and could survive off of the food of the land, they ate the manna no more.
Manna makes me smile.
When I think of it, it amazes me. So many times in life we face really hard times. I am in the midst of one of them now and I often wonder how I am going to make it to the next minute, hour, day, but somehow I do. I know I am not alone. We wonder what we will do next, how we will survive this valley, when it will end. I just have to think about manna and I am reminded that when there is nothing, God will provide. Just like the Israelites, I cannot say that I draw from strength of my own, peace of my own, wisdom of my own. Because I don’t know how I am doing it, I cannot say it is anything in me. I can only say, “thank you Lord” because it can only come from Him.
Be encouraged. The Lord will provide. You may not know what it is, where it comes from or how long you will have it, but you will be sustained. The Israelites received manna every day and had just enough to last them until the Lord provided again and for those that took too little, the Lord made sure it was enough and multiplied. Everyone had just enough (Ex. 16:17). We will have what we need for as long as we need it and we will know (and be reminded) that He is Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides.
Amen!
Deep waters...dry land
Joshua 3:14-4:17
I always hear about the first time the Lord parted the waters when the Israelites were running from the Egyptians, but rarely hear about this instance. This time, the Israelites were preparing to cross the Jordan en route to the Promised Land. They come to the waters and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. The Lord had already instructed Joshua, that when they reached the banks of the Jordan, they were to take a few steps into the river and stop. As soon as the feet of the priests, who were out front carrying the Ark, touched the water at the river’s edge, the water began to recede and flow in a different direction until the riverbed was dry. Then the people crossed over near the town of Jericho. The whole nation of Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.
Many times I have come to a place in my life where I don’t know how I will make it. Sometimes I hit a wall and think, “this is just too tough to get past”. Sometimes things seem impossible. I mean, we know that God is God. That He can do the miraculous and that there is nothing impossible for Him, but when I am standing at the water’s edge…all I can see is me…drowning.
I am so thankful for God’s word. I am so thankful that He is the same yesterday, today and forever. I hold on to that when I get to the water, b/c I know that if He moved the waters, that thing that looked so impossible to get through for them, He will do it for me. I am grateful that He parts waters.
Not only did He move a huge body of water, but they walked across on dry land. Not only did they walk across on dry land but the riverbed was rocky. I know this b/c while they are crossing, Joshua stops to build a memorial in the middle of the Jordan and 12 of the men (1 from each tribe) are instructed to select rocks to build another memorial where they camped for the night (Joshua 4:1-9). Wet rocks are very slippery and dangerous. It occurs to me that not only does the Lord part the waters to take you through, but He even takes care to navigate you through the possible dangers on your way. I know I don’t always do this well. When I am experiencing the difficulties of my life, it is so easy to take what seems like the easy way out. It is easy to say or do things that can prove detrimental later and make my journey all the more difficult…I am glad to know that if I just keep my eyes on the Lord and my hand in his, He will protect me from the dangers along the way.
Amen.
I always hear about the first time the Lord parted the waters when the Israelites were running from the Egyptians, but rarely hear about this instance. This time, the Israelites were preparing to cross the Jordan en route to the Promised Land. They come to the waters and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. The Lord had already instructed Joshua, that when they reached the banks of the Jordan, they were to take a few steps into the river and stop. As soon as the feet of the priests, who were out front carrying the Ark, touched the water at the river’s edge, the water began to recede and flow in a different direction until the riverbed was dry. Then the people crossed over near the town of Jericho. The whole nation of Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.
Many times I have come to a place in my life where I don’t know how I will make it. Sometimes I hit a wall and think, “this is just too tough to get past”. Sometimes things seem impossible. I mean, we know that God is God. That He can do the miraculous and that there is nothing impossible for Him, but when I am standing at the water’s edge…all I can see is me…drowning.
I am so thankful for God’s word. I am so thankful that He is the same yesterday, today and forever. I hold on to that when I get to the water, b/c I know that if He moved the waters, that thing that looked so impossible to get through for them, He will do it for me. I am grateful that He parts waters.
Not only did He move a huge body of water, but they walked across on dry land. Not only did they walk across on dry land but the riverbed was rocky. I know this b/c while they are crossing, Joshua stops to build a memorial in the middle of the Jordan and 12 of the men (1 from each tribe) are instructed to select rocks to build another memorial where they camped for the night (Joshua 4:1-9). Wet rocks are very slippery and dangerous. It occurs to me that not only does the Lord part the waters to take you through, but He even takes care to navigate you through the possible dangers on your way. I know I don’t always do this well. When I am experiencing the difficulties of my life, it is so easy to take what seems like the easy way out. It is easy to say or do things that can prove detrimental later and make my journey all the more difficult…I am glad to know that if I just keep my eyes on the Lord and my hand in his, He will protect me from the dangers along the way.
Amen.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Haikus from Heaven
When life really hurts
know that God sees each tear shed
And has worked it out
Never leaving me
At all times He is with me
How great is our God
Never limited
By time, nor space, nor knowledge
Unlike anyone
His love amazes
I can never predict it
Surprise me again
You are all I need
Nothing more and nothing less
There is no One else
My heart adores You
Sweet Lord Who touches my soul
My day and night love
No one can know how
sweet and merciful You are
Until there’s nothing
I yearn for Your face
Can’t wait to hold you, My Lord
I watch for the clouds
Hugs and kisses to
the Lord of my salvation
My very best friend
Just the beginning
Waiting for the page to turn
He has much in store
know that God sees each tear shed
And has worked it out
Never leaving me
At all times He is with me
How great is our God
Never limited
By time, nor space, nor knowledge
Unlike anyone
His love amazes
I can never predict it
Surprise me again
You are all I need
Nothing more and nothing less
There is no One else
My heart adores You
Sweet Lord Who touches my soul
My day and night love
No one can know how
sweet and merciful You are
Until there’s nothing
I yearn for Your face
Can’t wait to hold you, My Lord
I watch for the clouds
Hugs and kisses to
the Lord of my salvation
My very best friend
Just the beginning
Waiting for the page to turn
He has much in store
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