Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Jail-house conversion

"They got religion" is an often coined phrase when someone turns to God out of desperation. It's a good thing but is it sustainable? What we do with what happens past our darkest hour determines the depth of our long term relationship with God. Once we realize we've become incarcerated to our sin (unable to break free on our own) we reach a turning point where we turn to God out of shear desperation. For some, it literally happens in jail/prison through mandatory incarceration, limiting their freedom to continue in their self-destruction. The question most of us ask when we witness a "jail-house" conversion is simple: Is the person turning to God because they have no other choice or because it's an authentic decision?

"Set me free from my prison, so that I may praise your name." (Psalm 142:7, NIV)

The better question to ask is this: If I could see the bars, chains and locks that sin has put upon my life, incarcerating me to it (whatever "it" is) wouldn't I choose God, as well? To some degree, each of us has experienced a "jail-house" conversion with God (we all sin and fall short of God's standard, every single day). However, there's hope. God isn't requiring us to be perfect (flawless, sinless) but to be humble (placing our lives in His hands and living each day with God's purpose/plan and desire for our lives, first). There's nothing more powerful than what God can do through our lives when we realize we hold the key that unlocks the door to change in our lives. And nothing is better than walking with Him every day as we see our lives change.

Thought to live by: God isn't concerned how you came but that you came to Him.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Hand-to-mouth faith

When Elijah was called by God to face down God’s enemies and walk in his ministry, the first lesson he had to learn was more about faith than about provision. Living only on water from a stream and food from a bird’s mouth, God’s provision was all Elijah could rely upon and that had to be enough.

“And it shall be that you shall drink of the brook and I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there.” (1 Kings 17:3, Open Bible)

In an odd sort of way, that sounds like heaven on earth: God will take care of me and I don’t have to worry. But try feasting on what comes out of a bird’s mouth (ridiculously small portions) and sipping on what trickles through a drought fatigued stream (maybe a handful of water at best) and you’ll see “faith” from a whole new perspective. It’s not that God is trying to “test” your faith, but that He’s trying to strengthen it. When you walk with Him you will have to learn that what you’re about to do looks nothing like what you see on TV, read about in the media or dream about in your heart. Those are merely the “things of this world”. Hand-to-mouth faith teaches one priceless lesson to all who obey their calling: Obedience to God. What comes out of it will always bless others more than it blesses you. Learning to never give up on what God is doing is the first lesson of faith.

Thought to live by: Obedience is greater than sacrifice because it increases our faith.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

The jailer of unforgiveness

In 2002, a drunk driver forever changed my life and taught me a lesson about unforgiveness. Hit from behind at 65 miles an hour, I became a “victor” of this woman’s disease (notice I didn’t say “victim”). At the time, I didn’t know how profoundly this one moment in my life would change me, in a positive way, forever. The year following the accident I was asked to give a victim’s witness testimony for the prosecuting attorney. The morning of her hearing, I sat at my computer and began to write. The anguish I felt spilled over the page, allowing me to unload much more than just my unforgiveness toward this woman. Cathartically, it felt good. Spiritually, it felt out of place. I remember the torn emotional struggle I felt between the two extremes; should I be honest about the damage she caused or forgiving and let it go? The latter didn’t even seem like a choice, but it was. As I sat there in front of my keyboard, the Holy Spirit spoke very clearly into my heart, “Why don’t you let me write the letter”, He said. Through the blinding stream of tears I began to write as if I was taking dictation. What poured out on the page was not from me but from Him so that we both could be set free. Simply put: He loved her and wanted her to love Him and trust Him with her life.

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14 NIV)

It took many, many years for me to understand fully that “teachable moment”: When we fail to forgive someone we become their “jailer”. Not only do we spiritually join in on the stronghold that keeps them jailed in their past, we feed the spiritual stronghold trying to stop our future. Our lives become consumed with our unforgiveness each time we pay any attention to our perpetrators affliction upon our lives. Instead of (truly) giving God the keys to their cell through our decision and willingness to forgive, we become the jailer who has to maintain a vigil outside their prison gate (continuously recalling our past encounter with them by holding onto our pain) mistakenly thinking we’re the ones who are “free”. Unforgiveness keeps an eye on the past offense, refusing to let it go when we think we can somehow gain control of our emotional pain by holding onto the keys of their prison cell (their sin against us). The moment I read what God wrote to this woman was the moment I (too) was set free.

Thought to live by: Unforgiveness locks us in our own prison. Give God the keys and let Him be the “jailer” who sets you free.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Blindfolded faith

The most vulnerable anyone can ever feel is when they are completely subjected to the care, guidance and dependency upon another person. Add a “blindfold” to that equation and you have complete faith. In reality, no one ever (really) wants to trust anyone that much; it just seems ridiculous and unnecessary. However…..faith requires it.

“Because He loved me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high. Because he has known My name.” Psalm 91:14 (NAS)

While it is important to know why we believe what we believe, the dissecting of it can become our “faith”. How sad to think that the only reason I trust someone is because I’ve fully examined them to my satisfaction. My personal faith has never been based upon my ability to fully understand/comprehend God but to trust Him with what I know and accept what I cannot comprehend. Maybe that’s why my personal relationship with Him has never wavered.

Thought to live by: Do you know God because you can comprehend Him or because you trust Him?

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Shield-proof; the power of protection

When our son Bradley was two years old, he ran away from home. Not very far, just down the street. I’ll never forget the helpless feeling that came over me as I ran up and down the street looking for him, along with a steady stream of neighbors, shouting his name and praying aloud. My first thought was to ask God for His protection over Bradley and for his safe return. The scene of the latter is one I’ll never forget; a neighbor carrying Bradley in her arms with our Labrador Retriever, Suzy, walking by her side. The woman shared how she discovered Bradley in her back yard, just a few houses down from our home, only after noticing the black dog watching over him, not allowing him out of her sight.

“For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91: 11-12

Because of God’s great love for us, He will use anything He chooses to protect us; even a black lab. However, we must have a personal relationship with God to benefit from that protection. I shudder to think of what the possibilities might have been had I not been a praying mom. Even though bad things happen to Godly people, I thank God for the provision He makes through His “shield of protection” and I accept His ways above my own.

Thought to live by: God provides the shield; we provide the response.

Monday, October 3, 2011

GIANT promises

When put to the test, what you believe will rise to the surface. Take for example David, who was a mere shepherd boy in the eyes of his brother Eliab, had the boldness of faith to believe that he could actually do something out of everyone else’s reach. With boldness, David had the nerve to ask what the “promises” were should the Israelites slay Goliath. Eliab’s response to David was not only condescending, it attempted to besmirch David’s character. However, David knew that God was with him and instead of being defeated by his brother’s mere words, David had the boldness to trust God’s anointing on his life as he prepared for the battle.

“The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37 NIV)

David’s faith was founded in his relationship with God, who always kept his promises. Can you only imagine the first time David experienced “fear” when he faced his first bear? How about the first time a lion approached him, don’t you think he had ample reason to be concerned? But God…..who kept His faithful hand upon David’s youthful shoulder…..kept him safe. When our faith is GIANT so are God’s promises to us.

Thought to live by: The greater the test the greater the testimony.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Windshields

I’ve always wanted to say “thanks” to the person who invented the “windshield”. Can we only imagine what driving down the highway would feel like, less the windshield? Before the windshield was introduced as a must have in 1904, goggles were used to protect the driver from the oncoming elements. Think about that for a minute…..goggles are your only defense against whatever may be coming at you?

“His faithfulness is a shield and a bulwark”. (Psalm 91:4 NIV)

When we stand against our “foes” in life, God doesn’t hand us a pair of goggles and wish us luck; He covers our lives like a “shield and a bulwark”. A “bulwark” is a solid exterior wall built as fortification, placed around us for our defense. Not only does God shield us, deflecting what comes directly at us, but He puts a protective wall around us, deflecting the enemy from every angle in our lives. Who would want to drive down the street with just a windshield (no car body, just a shield)? No one. Who would want to walk through this life without the protection of God, found through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, shielding their lives from every angle? I can’t imagine that anyone would, but some do, facing the storms in their lives wondering why they feel so vulnerable and under attack. If you have found yourself needing a “shield and a bulwark” turn to Christ, in whom you will find both peace and protection in your life, today.

Thought to live by: A personal relationship with Christ places God’s protection around my life.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Favor

When my three sons were very young they often fought for my attention. Without realizing what they were doing, they would easily tease one another in an effort to show themselves to be superior in my eyes. Little did they know that what they were doing could never change or influence my undeniable love for each of them, regardless of how “superior” they made themselves feel against the other.

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” Acts 10:34-5

God’s love for mankind is much the same; immeasurable. But access to God’s throne is a two way decision, which requires us to not only receive His love but demonstrate our love for Him, as well. When we accept Christ as God’s pathway to his throne, we not only live in the grace of God, we do what is “right” in God’s eyes.

Thought to live by: If I want to live in God’s “favor”, I must live according to God’s standard.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Right on!

Growing up throughout the late 70’s, I remember when the expression, “Right, on” came about in my generation. Not only did this idiom get used for ending almost every statement spoken, it seemed to be universally understood to mean, “You are exactly right” (but with a “groovier” sound)! Even though my generation thought we’d invented this phrase, we probably just revived it (the slang’s origin dates back to 1925 when first recorded in an Odum and Johnson song, “The Negro and his songs”).

“And I, the Son of Man, feast and drink, and you say, “He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of the worst sort of sinners!”. But wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it.” Matthew 11:19 NLT

Jesus was accused of many things (like hanging out with the wrong crowd) and often misunderstood (his entourage of followers included fishermen, a questionable women and even a tax collector). Jesus was ridiculed for befriending those who needed him, for not being pious and judgmental, and for not following a religious standard (i.e. Pharisees). But look at what Jesus’ example did for mankind: Saved them. When a religious standard condemns more than it saves it’s just that; a religious standard. Because Jesus (a man, yet fully God) knew the heart and mind of God, He understood what it would take to reach those of us who were lost. Instead of turning his back on the “un-churched” folks around Him, He stood in the gap for them and reached them where they were.

Thought to live by: Does what you believe lead you to those who need your message the most or does it separate you from them?

Right on!

Growing up throughout the late 70’s, I remember when the expression, “Right, on” came about in my generation. Not only did this idiom get used for ending of almost every statement spoken, it seemed to be universally understood to mean, “You are exactly right” (but with a “groovier” sound)! Even though my generation thought we’d invented this phrase, we probably just revived it (the slang’s origin dates back to 1925 when first recorded in an Odum and Johnson song, “The Negro and his songs”).

Jesus was accused of many things (like hanging out with the wrong crowd) and often misunderstood (his entourage of followers included fishermen, a questionable women and even a tax collector). Jesus was ridiculed for befriending those who needed him, for not being pious and judgmental, for not following a religious standard (i.e. Pharisees). But look at what Jesus’ example did for mankind: Saved them. When a religious standard condemns more than it saves it’s just that; a religious standard. Because Jesus (a man, yet fully God) knew the heart and mind of God, He understood what it would take to reach those of us who were lost. Instead of turning his back on the “un-churched” folks around Him, He stood in the gap for them and reached them where they were.

Thought to live by: Does what you believe lead you to those who need your message the most or does it separate you from them?

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Soul desire

On October 8, 1871, Horatio Spafford, a successful attorney and real estate investor, began to experience what would become his life’s purpose; to overcome tragedy with triumph through Christ. The journey began after the loss of one of his five children and only son. Only a few short months later the Great Chicago Fires would consume his real estate investments lending a devastating blow to his financial security, wiping out his entire life savings. Just as the Spafford family attempted to rebuild their lives, life dealt Horatio and his wife, Anna, the final blow; the loss of their four daughters to the sinking of the S.S. Ville De Havre on November 22, 1873. Can you only imagine what helpless hopelessness threatened to take whatever joy, purpose and strength both Horatio and Anna, had left? But God……

^“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

The result of such tragedy spurred Horatio to write one of the beloved hymns the Christian faith has ever known; “It is well with my soul”. Spafford was a man of many, many sorrows. From the world’s perspective, Horatio surely had reason to be bitter, angry and confused toward God. The list of reasons why someone could have confusion and issues over the way their life turned out or why God didn’t protect them could barely ever be trumped by what Spafford's faced during their lives here on earth. How much more can a person take than that, you might ask? Any how could any one of us turn those tragedies into triumphant purpose for Christ? Where does that kind of faith come from? Only from a deep and abiding faith in God through Christ will our true faith rise up. It was during the long ride across the Ocean to retrieve Anna, that Horatio penned the famous hymn, “It is well with my soul” as he neared his four daughter’s final resting place. Following their final tragedy, the Spafford’s turned their sorrow into service for Christ, becoming missionaries in 1881 for Christ through their outreach to spread the gospel in Jerusalem to both the Jews and Muslims

Remember this if you remember nothing else when tragedy strikes: God took it upon Himself to experience human tragedy when He allowed Christ to be beaten and nailed to a cross, taking our place here on earth so that one day we’d taste eternity in heaven. God demonstrated the understanding of even our greatest loss, sorrow and pain when He watched His only son suffering in our place. What the Spafford’s did with that kind of understanding leads us to not only repent of our own lack of understanding but turns us toward the One who completely understands: Christ.

Thought to live by: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu42EN42zEQ

“Who’s your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father” is a devotional written by Pat Ferguson, 2011

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Cookie-cutter Christianity

In the drawer of my kitchen rest three familiar shapes: A reindeer, Christmas tree and Santa Claus. Only once a year do I ever pull these cookie cutters out and use them (unless I want my family to think I’m stark raving mad and commit me to the “funny farm”). A cookie is a cookie, right? Not really. The shape, decoration and timing of a cookie make a cookie a cookie. Somehow Christmas cookies seem odd to make or eat during the summer, just as it would if I lit Fourth of July fireworks during a Thanksgiving celebration. While my family would laugh at my quirkiness, my neighbors might think I’m insane……

^“1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:1-4 TNIV)

Nobody (really) wants to be just like everyone else. There’s nothing wrong with being “yourself”, uniquely and definitively who you were made to be (fireworks and all). The more important thing to be as a Christian is not to be a “cookie-cutter” (being like everyone else) in order to be accepted, but to be a “one-minded Christian” (being uniquely “you” while respecting others with humility and sincerity). Timing is everything and sometimes it does make a difference in how effective you’ll be if you just focus on yourself (your opinion, beliefs and attitude), too much. Unity creates “one mindedness” with its focus upon the greater interest for betterment of the body of Christ. Fitting into a mold only does one thing; stops God’s purpose from living and breathing through your life in the unique way for which He has purposed. So……are you a “cookie-cutter versus one-minded Christian”? There’s a big difference between the two; the former makes you think you’re accepted and the latter lets you know you are.

Thought to live by: Being of one mind in Christ takes the focus off of me and puts it where it should be: on Him.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The birthing process reborn

Only a mother can know the pain that comes with childbearing. The agonizing discomfort and the joy-filled exhilaration rarely compare to anything else she might experience in this life. For some women, childbearing seemingly occurs without complication or extreme discomfort. But for most, childbearing is the most painful process they personally experience followed quickly by the most joyous moment in their life. Shortly after the birth of our first son, Doug II, my thoughts raced to the idea of having another baby. Why? Because I had just experienced for the first time (ever) the greatest moment of my life; giving new life to another human being. Even though the previous twelve hours of labor had been the most excruciating hours of my life, the joy of holding someone that I had helped to create left me speechless. The mere thought that I had been the only human being in the universe to bring forth this new life filled my heart with undeniable joy and love, making it easy (for me) to want to experience that moment again.

“Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spiritgives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8 (NIV)

When a “believer” in Christ is “born again” they become filled with the greatest gift God has to offer; Himself. At that moment in time when we accept God’s greatest sacrifice – Jesus Christ – not only do we experience the presence of God into our lives in a profound way, God experiences the “giving birth” process as well, just in a different way. Because I am a mother, I can only imagine the joy-filled moment God must experience when we accept the new life He has to offer us. God, who watches over us from the moment we’re in our mother’s womb to the moment we accept Him as our Savior, experiences the same emotions as a new mother; complete joy and exhilaration. No wonder God wants so badly for us to accept His gift, Jesus, so that He can fill our lives with the only gift He has to offer: His love. The joy God must feel when He gives us a new life through re-birth in Christ must (somehow) compare to that of a mother giving birth to a child; complete immeasurable joy.

Thought to live by: At the heart of God is a mother’s love for us.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Birthday gift

After returning from the mall, my husband (who rarely goes shopping) expressed his concern over finding me a birthday present. "Everything I looked at wasn't good enough for you" he said, almost painstakingly. "What a great problem to have" I thought to myself, "knowing that nothing "materialistic" could ever express enough your love for someone."

"The one thing I ask of the Lord – the thing I seek most – is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord's perfections and meditating in His Temple." Psalm 27:4 NIV

Fifty years of living has taught me one thing on this day; everyday is a "birthday" present from God when you have Christ. The joy of knowing that one day I'll "live in the house of the Lord" for all the remaining days of my life makes me celebrate everyday I'm here as a "birthday" gift from God.

Thought to live by: Salvation through Christ gives new meaning to the word "birthday".

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Warning Signs

The Department of Highways usually posts a "Do Not Enter – Wrong Way" sign at an exit ramp just in case a driver misinterprets the ramp as an entrance onto the interstate or highway. Drivers who commit the mistake of entering in the wrong direction will usually only do that once, assuming they survive the mistake.

"My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins." James 5:20 NIV

Only God knows if our mistakes are immediately or potentially fatal. When we separate our lives from Him we lead ourselves to walking into our own demise, not knowing immediately the danger that lies ahead. Sometimes we see the signs, but ignore them. Other times we not only miss the warning but fail to equip ourselves with the knowledge of how to handle it. Sadly, many people – including those who proclaim to love us – allow us to walk in the wrong direction. If you find yourself in this position then ask yourself this question; do I love this person (yourself included) enough to help them live? If the answer is yes (and it should be), then do everything you can to bring them back to the truth.

Thought to live by: Going in the wrong direction leads to nowhere.