Read: John 17:6-19; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Hebrews 2:11; Hebrews 10:22-23
Originally written 10/25/04 (Revised 6/9/09)
This weekend two things are continually coming to mind – sanctification and my daughter’s room. All week I’ve been hearing, “I want my people to be sanctified, clean and holy.” All weekend I’ve wanted my daughter’s room to be clean. It was a frustrating endeavor because there was little time and the job seemed enormous! I was frustrated because it was only six months ago that my husband and I did a complete overhaul in our daughter’s room. Not one inch went uncovered. Everything and I mean everything had its place. It was a wonderful room to spend time in. Fast forward six months later and it’s a whole different room. As we began to investigate her messiness, we realized that instead of putting things in their proper place she was stuffing things everywhere – especially under her bed and in her closet. I cannot honestly express the mess she created. Trying to get it cleaned up only caused an even greater mess. I really felt like I was going to have a melt down due to a volcanic eruption (I’m sure other mothers understand this description). This situation (and mess) was not something I needed in my life at the time, yet God used it to give me an illustration of how He sees us.
Our lives are “our rooms.” He has prepared a place for everything and has a purpose and a plan – just as He has laid it out. He wants our lives to be clean and “sanctified” for Him. Through His Word He gives us instruction and guidance. John 17:17 – “Sanctify them by Your truth, Your Word is truth.” Just as I was giving my daughter instruction on when to clean her room (and sometimes how to do it), I trusted that she was being obedient. God also desires our obedience.
I looked up the word sanctify and sanctification in the Vines Dictionary. Sanctification is a separation to God. It’s the separation of the believer from evil things and ways. It says: “Sanctification is God’s will for the believer and His purpose in calling us by the gospel, it must be learned from God, as He teaches it by His Word and it must be pursued by the believer, earnestly, and undeviatingly.” It gets better…”For the holy character cannot be transferred or imputed, it’s an individual possession, built up, little by little, as the result of obedience to the Word of God, and of following the example of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
You see if my daughter would have been obedient – there would be no work that would need to be done in her room – it would have only taken a “little by little” each day. Instead, she must face a complete overhaul – again! Just cleaning out under her bed and making a small dent in her closet took 7 hours. You would have no idea by looking at her room that any time was spent cleaning – it still looks like a disaster!
Why am I comparing the two? It’s because God wants us to be set apart for Him. Yet, when He looks into our lives He sees the mess we are making due to the lack of obedience, and not earnestly seeking what He has instructed us to do. God wants to clean house. 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 – “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but to holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has given us His Holy Spirit.” If we don’t, we miss the blessings He wants to bring.
The biggest blessing you can lose is the Spirit working within you. Someone might argue the fact, but I know what it is like to have the Spirit live in you and then you decide you can do it according to your individual plan (not His). If you live a life according to the flesh you relinquish the Spirit indwelling in you. I know what it’s like because it happened to me 25 years ago. I remember the pain as if it was yesterday, and I have repeated, “I never want to experience that again!” David must have also experienced the same thing as he penned Psalm 51:10-11 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”
You can wait until your life is a complete mess (like my daughter’s room) and it will take a very long time to clean it up. I strongly believe there is always a consequence, but for the grace of God there is forgiveness and restoration. A life of disobedience can be cleaned and sanctified for the purpose of God. He wants it no other way! Don’t hesitate, get to cleaning up today – even if you just start “a little by little” each and every day. In no time you’ll notice the difference of being obedient.
“So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 NIV
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Reflection
Read: Psalm 46:10, Hebrews 11:6, Psalm 119:10-16, and Proverbs 2:1-9
As in water face reveals face, so a man’s heart reveals the man. Proverbs 27:19
One day during my recovery from a surgery four years ago, I had come to the end of my rope, or maybe I should say to the end of my sheet. I was so tired of just resting and lying around. On my lowest day I received a card that the Holy Spirit used to minister to me. The card basically said to rest and to remember that you truly can’t see an image on a lake unless the water is perfectly still. At that moment God spoke to my heart. God knew that water has always had a huge restoring effect in my life. Now, I’m not talking about drinking water (even though I couldn’t live without it) I’m talking about the sound of a stream, the beauty and stillness of a lake, the noise of the rain, or the ocean. God has used all of these at different times to restore and refresh me. He used creation imbedded in my mind to challenge me to grow in Him to a new level. I instantly, in thought, was standing on a dock at my favorite lake looking out at its stillness. Knowing that when I looked down I would see the image God wanted me to see. I knew at that moment God was using my recovery time for me to be still in Him. I hope what He taught me, He can also use to challenge you.
Once I dedicated my recovery time to the Lord – He did such an incredible work in me. He took me on an incredible faith journey. He used the image of the still lake as a lesson for me. I thought about when you look at a still lake there is one thing you can’t miss – it’s reflection. Anything around the lake will photo copy itself on the surface of the lake. God wants our lives to be a reflection of Him. Sometimes we must be still so that he can give us new insight. I imagine as I look down into the water instead of seeing my image I see His instead. I prayed and pondered what God wanted to do in me that would reflect more of Him. I know He has a different plan for each one of us. As you pray and ponder, your lesson will be unique for your own life lesson.
I began reading “Believing God,” by Beth Moore. I realized that God wanted to make His Word active and alive in my life. Here is a quote from the book that spoke to me – “Our unique ability to communicate through words is one of the most obvious evidences of the image we bear.” I knew if I wanted to reflect Him I needed to begin memorizing scripture so I could use it to speak to others, in writing, and in prayer. I love spending time in God’s Word, but seldom do I memorize it or actually use it in prayer – it’s a huge weakness in my life. I also learned how this weakness made a difference in my life after taking a faith test in Believing God. One of the questions was: “When fear comes on you like a tidal wave, you tend quickly to ________? My honest answer…1) panic, 2) call a friend to pray for me, 3) go to God in prayer. The correct answer for living in faith was that you “recall Scripture and turn it into prayer.” Honestly, I’d never done that! It takes me twice as long to memorize anything anymore. I think I’ve had a “Ram” corruption in my memory banks (smile). Yet, God is telling me that this is the most important factor in my future steps of faith with Him. My walk must not only be expressed in my actions but also my words. I want my words to come through my faith and my faith must be ignited by God’s Word in my mind and communication to others.
So, this week I want to encourage you to do two things. #1) Be still in God. Try and get rid of any distractions for a couple of hours and take time for just you and God. His word tells us “He is the rewarder for those who diligently seek Him” Heb. 11:6. In Proverbs 2:1-9 it tells us if we cry out for discernment and understanding we will find the knowledge of God. Be still and find out what God wants to do in your life. #2) Pray and ask God to give you a scripture (or scriptures) for you to memorize. This will only solidify God’s Word becoming active in your life.
I strongly encourage you to take this challenge now. Don’t wait until you're recovering from a surgery that has put you on your back and all you can do then is look up. Take the time now to find out how God can grow your faith.
May the reflection others see in us, be truly the reflection of Jesus being alive and active in every area of our life.
As in water face reveals face, so a man’s heart reveals the man. Proverbs 27:19
One day during my recovery from a surgery four years ago, I had come to the end of my rope, or maybe I should say to the end of my sheet. I was so tired of just resting and lying around. On my lowest day I received a card that the Holy Spirit used to minister to me. The card basically said to rest and to remember that you truly can’t see an image on a lake unless the water is perfectly still. At that moment God spoke to my heart. God knew that water has always had a huge restoring effect in my life. Now, I’m not talking about drinking water (even though I couldn’t live without it) I’m talking about the sound of a stream, the beauty and stillness of a lake, the noise of the rain, or the ocean. God has used all of these at different times to restore and refresh me. He used creation imbedded in my mind to challenge me to grow in Him to a new level. I instantly, in thought, was standing on a dock at my favorite lake looking out at its stillness. Knowing that when I looked down I would see the image God wanted me to see. I knew at that moment God was using my recovery time for me to be still in Him. I hope what He taught me, He can also use to challenge you.
Once I dedicated my recovery time to the Lord – He did such an incredible work in me. He took me on an incredible faith journey. He used the image of the still lake as a lesson for me. I thought about when you look at a still lake there is one thing you can’t miss – it’s reflection. Anything around the lake will photo copy itself on the surface of the lake. God wants our lives to be a reflection of Him. Sometimes we must be still so that he can give us new insight. I imagine as I look down into the water instead of seeing my image I see His instead. I prayed and pondered what God wanted to do in me that would reflect more of Him. I know He has a different plan for each one of us. As you pray and ponder, your lesson will be unique for your own life lesson.
I began reading “Believing God,” by Beth Moore. I realized that God wanted to make His Word active and alive in my life. Here is a quote from the book that spoke to me – “Our unique ability to communicate through words is one of the most obvious evidences of the image we bear.” I knew if I wanted to reflect Him I needed to begin memorizing scripture so I could use it to speak to others, in writing, and in prayer. I love spending time in God’s Word, but seldom do I memorize it or actually use it in prayer – it’s a huge weakness in my life. I also learned how this weakness made a difference in my life after taking a faith test in Believing God. One of the questions was: “When fear comes on you like a tidal wave, you tend quickly to ________? My honest answer…1) panic, 2) call a friend to pray for me, 3) go to God in prayer. The correct answer for living in faith was that you “recall Scripture and turn it into prayer.” Honestly, I’d never done that! It takes me twice as long to memorize anything anymore. I think I’ve had a “Ram” corruption in my memory banks (smile). Yet, God is telling me that this is the most important factor in my future steps of faith with Him. My walk must not only be expressed in my actions but also my words. I want my words to come through my faith and my faith must be ignited by God’s Word in my mind and communication to others.
So, this week I want to encourage you to do two things. #1) Be still in God. Try and get rid of any distractions for a couple of hours and take time for just you and God. His word tells us “He is the rewarder for those who diligently seek Him” Heb. 11:6. In Proverbs 2:1-9 it tells us if we cry out for discernment and understanding we will find the knowledge of God. Be still and find out what God wants to do in your life. #2) Pray and ask God to give you a scripture (or scriptures) for you to memorize. This will only solidify God’s Word becoming active in your life.
I strongly encourage you to take this challenge now. Don’t wait until you're recovering from a surgery that has put you on your back and all you can do then is look up. Take the time now to find out how God can grow your faith.
May the reflection others see in us, be truly the reflection of Jesus being alive and active in every area of our life.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
You Can Make It!
Read: Psalm 37, Psalm 1, Romans 15:4
Discouragement, frustration, humiliation, brokenness, heartache, fear, and doubt (just to name a few) – these are difficult things to face and recover from. Some believe they must remain stuck in the pain, or believe their lack of faith is what inhibits them from moving forward. I’ve heard so many stories, and I’ve lived my own.
I had someone ask me yesterday, “What’s the secret for your inner calmness and peace during a serious illness?” My first response was, “Oh, you just don’t know me well enough.” But then I heard in my spirit, “Tell her – she needs to know.” So, I shared my faith. I also expressed how I don’t know how anyone can face enormous difficulty without trusting in God.
There are times though we do believe, but it doesn’t prevent us from being immune to discouragement, brokenness, fear, etc. In those times I’ve learned that if you don’t put your faith into action, you’ll stop moving forward, and you’ll begin believing lies which tell you that you can’t make it, or move forward.
I believe when you are experiencing one of those times you need to make sure there are things you are not doing. Psalm 1 tells us that “blessed” is the man (or woman) 1) who does not walk or follow the advice of those who are morally bad 2) who does not stand around those who have offense against God, and 3) who does not sit with individuals who gather to purposefully ridicule others (probably those who desire to live according to God’s ways). It’s so important to see the transition here. We think we can just easily walk on by before we realize that all of sudden we have stopped to stand and before we know it we are sitting in a place we didn’t want to be. Soon, we are in a difficult situation (or dealing with feelings), and we’re not sure how to find recovery.
What are important steps we should be taking instead? First and foremost, we need to be desiring the truth of how we should live, which is centered on the instructions and teachings of God. It works! My life has not been immune from the reality and pain of life. My heart has been broken so many times by what others have done, and sadly by things I have done to myself. Yet, each and every time I have not felt God has left me. I have found comfort in the Word and He has given me peace that this world cannot give. Jesus Himself, said in John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation (trials and distress); but be of good cheer (take courage, be confident, certain), I have overcome the world.”
So, how do you move forward when every part of you feels like it can’t? The Lord will take your hand and you must follow. “To listen one must be silent, and to follow one must yield. Happy is the one who yields themselves completely, and finally to God.” - Lilian Whiting Remember this truth – The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way (his life). Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:23-24.
You can take any situation you are struggling with and take these first steps. I believe just as there was a transition in what not to do in Psalm 1, there’s a transition in what to do in Psalm 37.
1. Trust in the Lord.
You have to stop and tell Him that you want Him over your situation. It’s yielding your heart and life first to Him.
2. Dwell and seek on His faithfulness
You need to be in His Word. You can’t move forward without His direction and guidance. You need to receive promises that are directly dealing with what He is going to do. His is faithful!!
3. Delight yourself in Him.
Find joy through fellowship and praise.
4. Commit your way to the Lord.
Give your gifts and abilities to Him to use. The more you give out the more you will be given.
5. Be still and rest in the Lord.
Finally, stop fighting and struggling. You can be still in Him because He is God. You will see if you have followed these steps you will find rest.
These truths are taken from Psalm 37 verses 3 through 7. I want you to read it yourself, maybe even read it in a few different translations. Each of our steps is ordered by the Lord and you will be personally blessed by how He directs those steps. There are amazing promises just in the verses of Psalm 37 that tell us as we trust, dwell, delight, and commit He will give us the desires of our heart.
He wants to help you. You have to give Him, in faith, what you are feeling or experiencing. Use Psalm 37 to help you begin to move forward. With Him and through Him you can make it!
Discouragement, frustration, humiliation, brokenness, heartache, fear, and doubt (just to name a few) – these are difficult things to face and recover from. Some believe they must remain stuck in the pain, or believe their lack of faith is what inhibits them from moving forward. I’ve heard so many stories, and I’ve lived my own.
I had someone ask me yesterday, “What’s the secret for your inner calmness and peace during a serious illness?” My first response was, “Oh, you just don’t know me well enough.” But then I heard in my spirit, “Tell her – she needs to know.” So, I shared my faith. I also expressed how I don’t know how anyone can face enormous difficulty without trusting in God.
There are times though we do believe, but it doesn’t prevent us from being immune to discouragement, brokenness, fear, etc. In those times I’ve learned that if you don’t put your faith into action, you’ll stop moving forward, and you’ll begin believing lies which tell you that you can’t make it, or move forward.
I believe when you are experiencing one of those times you need to make sure there are things you are not doing. Psalm 1 tells us that “blessed” is the man (or woman) 1) who does not walk or follow the advice of those who are morally bad 2) who does not stand around those who have offense against God, and 3) who does not sit with individuals who gather to purposefully ridicule others (probably those who desire to live according to God’s ways). It’s so important to see the transition here. We think we can just easily walk on by before we realize that all of sudden we have stopped to stand and before we know it we are sitting in a place we didn’t want to be. Soon, we are in a difficult situation (or dealing with feelings), and we’re not sure how to find recovery.
What are important steps we should be taking instead? First and foremost, we need to be desiring the truth of how we should live, which is centered on the instructions and teachings of God. It works! My life has not been immune from the reality and pain of life. My heart has been broken so many times by what others have done, and sadly by things I have done to myself. Yet, each and every time I have not felt God has left me. I have found comfort in the Word and He has given me peace that this world cannot give. Jesus Himself, said in John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation (trials and distress); but be of good cheer (take courage, be confident, certain), I have overcome the world.”
So, how do you move forward when every part of you feels like it can’t? The Lord will take your hand and you must follow. “To listen one must be silent, and to follow one must yield. Happy is the one who yields themselves completely, and finally to God.” - Lilian Whiting Remember this truth – The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way (his life). Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:23-24.
You can take any situation you are struggling with and take these first steps. I believe just as there was a transition in what not to do in Psalm 1, there’s a transition in what to do in Psalm 37.
1. Trust in the Lord.
You have to stop and tell Him that you want Him over your situation. It’s yielding your heart and life first to Him.
2. Dwell and seek on His faithfulness
You need to be in His Word. You can’t move forward without His direction and guidance. You need to receive promises that are directly dealing with what He is going to do. His is faithful!!
3. Delight yourself in Him.
Find joy through fellowship and praise.
4. Commit your way to the Lord.
Give your gifts and abilities to Him to use. The more you give out the more you will be given.
5. Be still and rest in the Lord.
Finally, stop fighting and struggling. You can be still in Him because He is God. You will see if you have followed these steps you will find rest.
These truths are taken from Psalm 37 verses 3 through 7. I want you to read it yourself, maybe even read it in a few different translations. Each of our steps is ordered by the Lord and you will be personally blessed by how He directs those steps. There are amazing promises just in the verses of Psalm 37 that tell us as we trust, dwell, delight, and commit He will give us the desires of our heart.
He wants to help you. You have to give Him, in faith, what you are feeling or experiencing. Use Psalm 37 to help you begin to move forward. With Him and through Him you can make it!
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