Tag Archives: fellowship with God

Our Faith Walk

The Audacity of Hope, Part 1

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Why hope?

President Barack Obama authored a book in 2006 entitled, The Audacity of Hope. In the prologue, he shares his personal view of what the audacity of hope looks like.

The audacity of hope. That is the best of the American spirit. I thought it was having the audacity to believe despite all the evidence to the contrary that we could restore our sense of community to a nation in conflict.

Audacity is defined as the willingness to take bold risks, often characterized by confident, daring, or insolent behavior. It can mean courageous bravery or more commonly, disrespectful impudence.

To exhibit optimism amid wars and global conflicts, may be viewed as flip. Trusting God and living by faith when costs are escalating and wages are shrinking, might be seen as daring. However, that is where the audacity of hope comes in.

As believers, our hope is anchored in the Word of God and His promises (Hebrew 6:19). During these uncertain times, we can “audaciously” demonstrate our confidence in the God of hope. We have the assurance of hope.

The Assurance of Hope

The assurance of hope is based on our relationship with the Lord. In Romans 15:13, God is described as the “God of hope”.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

In the beginning of the verse, joy and peace are linked together. Joy is not a fleeting happiness derived from favorable circumstances. Rather, joy is the gladness of heart.

Peace is not the absence of conflict, but it denotes being in “right relationship” with God. This includes access by faith into the grace, in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)

To abound in hope is the result of our relationship with the Holy Spirit.  It is the power of the Holy Spirit that empowers us to do things that can only be accomplished supernaturally (Philippians 4:13). Through these 21st century challenges, we can spiritually mature from our experiences, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope will not make us ashamed. (Romans 5: 3-5)

The Protection of Hope

We need the assurance of hope to hold back the troubles of the world and Satan’s attempts to frustrate us.  The intent of both is to cause us to “give up.”  John Elderedge in his book, Resilient, describes this state of mind as “Desolation.”

I suffered a couple of devastating emotional blows in the summer of 2021. There were things I felt God had promised me that, in heartbreaking ways, did not come through. I felt so betrayed and abandoned. But then, in my vulnerable state, something came over me—a dark cloud, a sort of suffocating fog that urged me to give up my life with God. The symptoms included a sort of dullness of heart, a poverty of spirit, and a bareness of soul. Disappointment, so understandable, collapsed into disillusionment.

 Neither hope nor joy comes easily. Hopelessness infects our faith. We must find the supernatural graces to guard our hearts against both Desolation, and the riptides that pull us away from God.

Giving up will result in missed blessings.  This includes failure to accomplish the purpose God has designed for us (Ephesians 2:10). Worst case, it may cause us to walk away from our relationship with God and His protection. When that happens, Satan has won, offering no replacement except more disappointment and heart break.

The audacity of hope is possible by:

  • Knowing God (Psalm 16:11)
  • Abiding in Christ (John15:5)
  • Filling by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Next week, we’ll continue to discuss the audacity of hope, especially during these chaotic times.

Spiritual Renewal

Finding True Rest: A Biblical Perspective

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The Rest we need!

 

The Biblical view of rest

Earlier in this series, we asked the question, “Do you need rest?”  We examined the three (3) biblical rests God has provided for His Covenant people.  Sabbath rest, Canaan rest, and Eternal rest.

We concluded that accessing these rests is possible through development of an intimate relationship with God.  Our rest can be found in listening to His voice and obeying Him.  We closed with Lawrence O. Richards’ explanation that Christians often struggle with learning how to enter God’s rest.  God’s rest is a place of confidence and contentment that can only be found in relationship with Him.

The Scientific view of rest

In her Ted Talk, “The 7 Types of rest that every person needs,” Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, shares what is really needed for us to rest.  My biggest take away was the fact that we often mistakenly view rest as sleep.

“We go through life thinking we’ve rested because we have gotten enough sleep — but in reality we are missing out on the other types of rest we desperately need. The result is a culture of high-achieving, high-producing, chronically tired and chronically burned-out individuals. We’re suffering from a rest deficit because we don’t understand the true power of rest.  “

Dr. Smith concludes her study with the definition of spiritual rest.  She describes it as feeling a “deep sense of belonging, love, acceptance, and purpose”.  She recommends that to receive spiritual rest, one needs to “engage in SOMETHING GREATER THAN YOURSELF, ADD PRAYER, MEDITATION, OR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.”

For me, and believers in Christ, that “deep belonging, love, acceptance, and purpose” is found in Christ. Christ is the better rest.

A Better Rest

Paul states that in Christ, “we live, and move, and have our meaning” (Acts 17:28).  This includes our time of rest.  Even during our physical rest, we must not forget to maintain relationship with Jesus.  It is in acknowledging the Lord’s presence, that our better rest begins.

Jesus invites the crowds in Matt. 11: 28-29 to “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”   Jesus offers rest.

After the disciples had returned from their mission trip (Mark 6:7-13), Jesus instructs then to “come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”   Jesus is rest.

“Alone time” with God can allow God to examine us. It can be a time of knowing God more deeply, a time of strengthening, a time of refreshment, a time of sharing our deepest concerns with God, and a time of simply being with the One who formed us and loves us beyond our understanding.[1]

Rest:  How do we enter it?

The rest we need can only be found in relationship with Jesus.  It is “relational rest”.  This rest can be found in the practice of spiritual disciplines.  Spiritual disciplines are not an end in themselves.  Spiritual disciplines are intended to deepen our relationship with God.[2]

Prayer Talking to God
Meditation Listening to God
Solitude Alone with God
Contemplation Thinking about God
Worship Glorifying God

I close with a formula on how to enter God’s rest.  Feel free to develop your own.  The main thing to remember is to keep Christ as the source of your rest.

R. Reflection. Daily examine where God has been at work. This will foster awareness of God’s presence.

E. Exchange. Trade-out Satan’s lies for God’s truths. This will increase your wisdom and discernment.

S.  Solace. Find comfort and consolation in God’s presence. This will strengthen your confidence.

T. Transformation. Each day seek to be conformed to the image of Christ. This will please God.

[1]  Got Questions, “What does the Bible say about the value of solitude?”

[2]  Rev. Dr. Wallace S. Hartsfield, “A Prayer for Presence.”

Spiritual Renewal

Rest in the Wilderness

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Finding our wilderness rest

Finding our wilderness rest

Rest.  Who needs rest?  We all do!  Health professionals agree that the need for rest is critical.  It is essential for our overall well-being.  This includes our emotional health and cognitive performance.

But how can we rest?  21st century living has introduced a unique set of challenges that radically impair our ability to rest.  Our current life experiences have resulted in heightened anxiety within our families, our cities, and our nation.

Similarly, rest for believers has always been (and will continue to be) challenging.  This is because we live in a fallen world.  However, the writer of Hebrews (Hebrews 4:9-11) offers a “viable solution”.   He invites believers to enter God’s rest.

Defining rest

Webster defines rest as not only sleep but also as freedom from worry or trouble.   Rest in the Bible is used most frequently in non-theological terms.

However, it takes on spiritual meaning when used in relationship to God and His people.  Most specifically, when used in reference to the Old and New Covenant.

God addresses wilderness rest

In the Old Testament, Sabbath rest is first introduced in Genesis as God ceases from His work of creation (Genesis 2:2-3).  God later commanded Sabbath rest as part of the Mosaic Law (Exodus 31:15).  He knew that all living creatures needed physical renewal.

Canaan rest began with the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt.  Rest was defined as deliverance from slavery.  Canaan rest established protection from and victory over Israel’s enemies as they entered into the Promised Land (Joshua 14:15).  By following God’s commandments, Israel would no longer be threatened by attack from Canaanite inhabitants (Joshua 23:1).  Peace in the land would be their rest.

Most importantly, Jesus Christ’s arrival and selfless act of atonement introduced us to God’s Eternal rest.  This rest surpassed those previously offered beginning with precious promises (2 Peter 1:4) and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (John 14:17, 26).  Believer’s eternal rest will culminate with Jesus Christ in eternity.

Accessing God’s rest

Accessing God’s rest is possible through development of an intimate relationship with Him.  Our rest can be found in listening to His voice and obediently acquiescing to His will (John 10:27).  For example, believers should let God’s Word and Spirit guide us.  God has already provided solutions for our problems therefore releasing us from unnecessary anxiety and fear.

On this matter of rest, Lawrence O. Richards, noted theologian writes:  “The struggle Christians are engaged in is not that of finding their way through life but of entering God’s rest.”  That is, believers need to be more responsive to the Lord.

Responding to rest in the wilderness

We can find rest as we listen for and respond to the Lord’s voice.  We trust the Creator of all rests—Sabbath rest, Canaan rest, and Eternal rest.

Only Sovereign God can create, deliver, and protect.  He gives use victory over the challenges we face (Romans 8:37).  God knows the end from the beginning and His purpose will stand (Isaiah 46:8-10).  It is God’s desire that we live more fully as recipients of His gift of rest.  He invites us to draw near.

Knowing God

Passionately Seeking God: A Turtle’s Story

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I am a turtle!

One of the things you may not know about me is that I love turtles.  Turtles! Terrapins! Whatever the correct nomenclature…I love them.  As a child, I had miniature turtles as pets.

Later I began to collect turtles in all forms: jewelry, hats, clocks, foot stools.  And yes, I even have a turtle hand puppet. In my younger years, I showed my commitment to turtles by joining the International Association of Turtles. Are you a turtle?

Funny thing happened when my husband and I moved into our new home.  People started giving us live turtles.  The Hamilton turtles live in our fenced backyard and spend every spring-summer season with us.  All of them are different in size, age, color, and yes, personality.  They are so funny to watch.

But guess what I discovered? They watch us, too!  From my kitchen window, I can see them in the yard, staring up toward the house waiting for the light to come on.  When I go to the lower lanai, I see Big Mama (the oldest) positioned, so I can see her when I turn on the fountain.  They love the sound of the water, another indication that the Hamilton’s are awake and moving.

WIFM (What’s in it for me?)

So why do my turtles watch us so intently?  They know that when I see them, I will quickly respond with lettuce, tomatoes, and even strawberries (which they love).  If we’re inside, they will even come to the screen door, as if to say, “Hey, it’s feeding time.” I love our nutty little turtles and want to reward them for their diligence, and their perseverance in watching me.

 

Why am I sharing my turtle story with you?  In my quiet time, I meditated on this question, “Do I seek God with the same diligence as my turtles seek me?  Am I watchful, early in the morning and throughout the day, to see if I’m best positioned to be seen by Jesus?  Do I create opportunities in my busy day to rest in Him?”  This includes moments of silence and solitude.

In all fairness, turtles don’t operate with the distractions of the world like we do.  They are always “present in the moment”—that moment that will result in a special treat for the day.  You see, the turtles are not dependent on me for food.  They eat what is available to them in their natural environment.  However, they have found in my banquet of lettuce and strawberries something “worth seeking”.

So, it is with our time with Jesus.  It is something so special that it would be a tragedy to miss it.  While it is important to include spiritual disciplines in our daily routine, there is nothing to compare with experiencing personal time with Him.  He offers Himself to feast upon.

We Seek the Lord

God’s presence and provision is fully realized in Jesus, “in whom we live, breathe, and have our meaning.”  (Acts 17:28)

We may attempt to meet our desires through pursuit of unhealthy BEEPS.[1]  However, lasting satisfaction cannot (and will not) be attained by pursuing them.  Only our continual relationship with the Lord can satisfy (Philippians 3:7-8).

Our self-directed pursuits may offer us temporary quenching of our needs, but God has placed “eternity in our hearts” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Nothing else will satisfy.   It is God alone, whom we must seek, relentlessly. Diligently watching for His appearance.  Eagerly anticipating His presence.

The writer of Psalm 42:1 describes his longing for the Lord this way.  As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, So my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God. (Amplified)[2]

St. Augustine, renowned theologian, prolific writer and preacher, had this to say about seeking God.  “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.”  This quote summarizes his core belief that humanity’s inherent desire for happiness and fulfillment can only be truly satisfied by God.

“We’ll be back!”

In late September, the Hamilton turtles will begin to prepare for their winter hibernation. They will burrow into the ground and bid us a “fair thee well”.  No need for lettuce, tomatoes, or strawberries, until next year.

However, as followers of Christ, we have the unique pleasure of practicing the presence of Jesus every moment of each day.  With the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can engage in conversations throughout the day and during our daily rhythm (John 14:23).

God is always there, waiting for us to look up and “see Him”.   And when we do, the Lord will reward us with everything we need for our journey: joy, peace, hope, love, and even an occasional strawberry. 🙂

[1]   According to therapist Robert Khouri, BEEPS is an acronym that describes what our attachment system in the brain might attach to instead of healthy, joyful relationships, especially in the context of trauma and addiction. BEEPS stands for: Behaviors, Events, Experiences, People, Substances.  BEEPS substitutes for secure attachment that individuals might turn to when they’ve experienced relational trauma or disruption in their early lives.

[2]   The Hebrew word translated “soul” in this psalm and elsewhere in the book of Psalms is nephesh. This word usually refers to a person’s “life” or “self”.

Our Faith Walk

Altars of Earth

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An Altar of Earth

It’s all in the instructions

I am notorious for ordering items online.   When the box arrives, I’m excited to see my item in the perfect spot I’ve chosen for it.  However, when I open the box, all I see are parts and pieces in plastic bags with the INSTRUCTIONS on how to put it together.  Thank the Lord, I have such a kind and knowledgeable husband who is good with instructions.

Today we explore a  set of instructions God gave Israel following His presentation of the Ten Commandments (Exod. 20:24).

An altar of earth you shall make for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I record My name I will come to you, and I will bless you.

 God’s  “thunderous” manifestation of his  presence  impressed upon Israel that He was the “Living God” and not some impotent idol they had worshipped in Egypt  (Exod. 20:18-20). God was the Creator and not the molded creations of man’s idolatrous mind.  God was moving closer to His people.  He would come to them and bless them.

Why an altar of earth?

An altar of earth, a simple structure, or of stone (unhewn), was  to be constructed. God wanted them to build a plain altar of stone with no engraving. I’m sure many of the Israelites had seen the engraving of the statues and monuments in Egypt.  They may have even been engravers themselves.  But God required a higher yet simpler standard that would recognize who He was.   The moment a tool was put to the stone, it would be considered “polluted”.

It should be noted that the primary purpose of the altar was for worship.  That worship was to include specific offerings—a peace offering and a burnt offering.  There was no mention of presenting a sin and trespass offerings which were given to Israel later.

The peace offering revealed man’s need for  sacrifice that would reconcile him to God.  Jesus Christ accomplished that by His blood on the Cross.  The burnt offering speaks of God’s  worthiness and ability to save.  Christ was the perfect sacrifice and the only one able to satisfy the righteous requirements of God (2 Cor. 5:18)

Where’s my altar?

Everywhere Israel journeyed,  they made an altar of earth.  The altar was to be placed  in those places where  “God recorded His name.” One commentary states it this way:   “cause My name to be remembered”.

God would reward Israel’s offerings in those places where God was worshipped in sincerity.

Afterwards, God chose one particular place (Jerusalem) to record his name.  But now that has been taken away under the gospel, when men are encouraged to pray every where.  This promise revives in its full extent, that, wherever God’s people meet in his name to worship him, he will be in the midst of them, he will honour them with his presence, and reward them with the gifts of his grace; there he will come unto them, and will bless them.  More than this we need not desire for the beautifying of our solemn assemblies.[1]

This portion of the Exodus text caught my attention.  I then began to ask myself the following questions.

Where are my “altars of earth” to the Lord?

Where are the places in my life where God has caused me to “remember His name”?

Am I watchful and recognize when I am “out of fellowship” with Him?

Am I presenting offerings that worship God?

Do I bless God for all His benefits? His presence,  power, provision, and  protection?

Altars and offerings are no longer needed to be in right relationship with God.  Jesus’ death and resurrection eliminated that requirement.  However, it is important that we Christians spiritually create our personal altars to worship God in recognition of His love and gift of life through Jesus Christ.

I close with the following  scripture texts in the hope that they  will “cause His name to be remembered” by each of us.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.(Rom. 12:1) 

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. (Heb.13:15) 

Give to the LORD the glory due his name; Bring an offering, and come before him.  Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!  (1 Chron. 16:29)

[1]  Matthew Thomas Commentary

Victorious Living

Remember to Press In!

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Remember to Press In

Feeling fatigued?

I’m sure many of you, like myself, are fatigued.

We  must deal with the continual bombardment of bad news.  Airplane crashes, natural disasters, domestic  terrorism.   And what are we to do with our “personal life challenges”?  Family drama, health issues, and “creative” economics,  just to name a few.

But regardless of the circumstances and events of the day, I invite you to “press in”.  Press into God and feel His presence which will help us continue with hope and renewed energy.

I have always shared with friends and family, that God has purposed our lives for times such as this.  Our resiliency and our ability to move forward need to be connected with the power, presence, and promise of God.  He will not leave us nor forsake us.  We need only “press in!

“You will find me when you seek Me.”  Jeremiah 29:13

We have explored on many occasions the biblical truth that God is in and among us—continually, without interruption, 7 by 24.  We experience God through our personal fellowship with Him and through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

However, there may be times when we don’t “feel” God.  We feel estranged from Him, alone, and unable to hear His voice.  Be assured, this is a common experience for believers.  The resolution for this spiritual occurrence, however, is not to curb our prayer life or cease in reading His Word.  During those times, it is imperative that we “press in.”

Disturbing Quietness

There are seasons in my life when it is extremely difficult to hear God’s voice.  I’m not talking about unanswered prayer but times of “disturbing quietness” when l must strain to hear Him—if I hear Him at all.

As I shared this experience, I found other believers had been through similar seasons of silence.  Interestingly, we all described it as a period when we “didn’t hear His voice.”  

In Search of an Answer

When I first experienced this quietness, I began to the search my heart for sins I might have committed yet failed to confess.  It was the sin of Adam that separated him from fellowship with God in the Garden of Eden.  Later Adam and Eve would experience the physical death of their body—the final separation from the world God had created for them.  I asked God to forgive me of my sins, yet I still felt disconnected from my First Love (Rev. 2:4).

My next effort was to examine my devotion time with Him.  I would increase my time of reading His Word.  Psalm 119 became my “song book” as I sought to hear His voice.

    • I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. (v. 16)
    • I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. (v. 26)
    • Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true. (v. 151)
    • May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word. (v. 169)

I would rise early to pray—leaving more time to “listen” and less to speak.  I would “draw near” with a sincere heart with expectations that He would do likewise (James 4:8; Heb. 10:22).  I would dedicate my day to praise and worship.  If God inhabits the praises of His people (Ps. 22:3), He will surely respond to me as I emptied myself to Him.  Yet with all the modifications to my devotional time, I couldn’t hear Him.  After many days of silence, I finally experienced a breakthrough.

Learning to Press in

In Secrets of the Secret Place, Bob Sorge shared his insight into my situation.

Many of us feel like we move in and out of God’s throne room. We have times of great connectedness, and then we suffer periods of disconnectedness. We can’t always analyze exactly why a distance has developed in our hearts toward the Lord, but most of us feel like our relationship with Christ is a roller coaster ride of feeling close, then far, then close, then far, then close again. In and out.  And we hate it. We were created for constant intimacy, and anything less drives us crazy on the inside. It is at those times that we need to press into God like you never have in your life! Allow the desperation of your soul to help you pursue God with absolute abandonment. 

God’s periods of quietness were an invitation to draw closer to Him—to “press in.”  More than proximity, He desires to establish an intimate friendship with us that is walked out through the course of our everyday lives. He is not looking for a segment of our day nor a day of the week.  He desires unbroken communion with us.

So on those occasions when it appears that “you can’t hear God”, press in!  Be of good courage for He is ever near (Ps. 73:28).  Press in!  Eagerly and unabashedly pursue Him, the Pearl of Great Price (Matt. 13:46). Press in!

Practicing Pressing in

Read Psalm 63:1-8.  Write in your journal the ways that David “pressed in” to God during his time in the wilderness.  Read the text again using a different translation or paraphrase.  Then ask the Holy Spirit how He wants you to “press in”.     

Spiritual Maturity

Practicing Watchfulness: Be Aware

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Preparing Watchfulness: Be Aware

Watchfulness recap

Last week we acknowledged the fact that we, as humans, are always watching.  But are we watchful?  We defined watchfulness as preparedness in order to avoid being taken unaware by an enemy. It involves fighting carelessness to reach a desired goal.

The question that hopefully will be answered in this series is, “Are we watchful of the right things?”  We introduced this topic of watchfulness with Jesus’ parable of the foolish and wise virgins (Matt. 25:1-13). The parable cautions us to be “alert and vigilant” less we miss God’s opportunities. We must be aware!

Aware and prepared

Awareness involves concern and informed interest in a particular situation or development.  This added knowledge increases our ability to persevere and remain encouraged (1 Cor. 16:13).  We are able to see beyond what is in front of us even in the midst of our trials and tribulations.  We live life both aware and prepared.

In Jesus’ parable, unfortunately, five of the ten virgins were both unaware and unprepared.  The result was their inability to enter the wedding feast.  Today we’ll dig in a little deeper into this parable and how it applies to us today.

Who were the Ten Virgins?

Jesus gave ample warning in His teaching concerning the last days and the need for spiritual preparation.  He realized that His church would need spiritual focus while waiting for His return.

Jesus makes the purpose of this parable clear in its last verse. “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (verse 13). He warns that failure to be aware and prepared for His return would have “eternal and irreversible consequences”.

Ten virgins:  The same yet different

While the two groups of virgins have some interesting similarities outwardly, their concealed attitudes revealed how they really felt about their role in the wedding.  These attitudes eventually affected their ability to be aware and prepared.

Both groups were in the same place.  They were going to meet the bridegroom (verse 1).  How does that compare to 21st century believers?

The spiritually unprepared Christian may sit right beside the spiritually prepared Christian in Sunday service.  They both seem interested in the same things and seem to have the same character. Both may diligently give tithes and offerings and serve their brethren. It may only be in a crisis that the real differences show up, and then attendance may begin to wane, and their monetary support of the church may slow or even stop.

Both groups were carrying lamps (verse 1), so these vessels are not a sign of who had prepared.

Similarly, a person carrying a Bible to church does not show that that person has prepared by study and prayer during the previous week to overcome sin and produce spiritual fruit. Neither does it show that the Holy Spirit exists within a person.

Both groups slumbered and slept (verse 5).  The word “slumbered” means to nod, a transient act, whereas “slept” should be sleeping, a continuous act.  We see in the wording of the virgins act the progression of lethargy. First, the virgins nodded their heads as if napping, and later, they slept continuously and deeply.

Even the most dedicated and sincere saints may temporarily become spiritually lethargic. Initial weariness is the first step to further spiritual decay. It is vital to catch temporary apathy early to prevent permanent disillusionment.

“Watch therefore…”

Are we aware and prepared?  What is our attitude and commitment as we wait?  Here are a few questions to help us as we prepare to become more watchful.   Remember the end of Jesus’ parable as you answer these questions.  “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”

  1. Do we really believe Christ will return?
  2. How are we currently addressing sin in our life?
  3. Does our lifestyle reflect a personal relationship with Christ or a religious routine?
  4. What’s our attitude concerning the things of God?
  5. Are we careless with the assignments given us by God and the Church?
  6. Are we preparing for Christs’ return, our personal sin, and fostering a faithful prayer life?
The Holy Spirit

Meeting the Holy Spirit: From Head to Heart, Part 2

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From Head to Heart, Part 2

A transformative relationship.

To move the Holy Spirit from head to heart, we need a personal relationship with Him.  With the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we begin that relationship that will end with us being conformed to the image of Christ (sanctification).

Conforming to Christ’s image is God’s desire for us.  It is where our transformative relationship begins (Rom. 8:29).  We as believers cannot accomplish sanctification.  It is the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit.  We can, however, help or hinder His work in us.  It is important that we cooperate with the Holy Spirit. 

What does the relationship look like?

Our relationship with the Spirit begins with letting the Holy Spirit fill us with His mind.  Warren Wiersbe, noted theologian and teacher, gives insight into how our relationship with the Holy Spirit should operate.

It is not enough for us to have the Spirit; the Spirit must have us! Only then can He share with us the abundant, victorious life that can be ours in Christ. We have no obligation to the flesh, because the flesh has only brought trouble into our lives. We do have an obligation to the Holy Spirit, for it is the Spirit who convicted us, revealed Christ to us, and imparted eternal life to us when we trusted Christ. Because He is “the Spirit of Life,” He can empower us to obey Christ, and He can enable us to be more like Christ.[1]

Our personal relationship with the Holy Spirit requires that we empty ourselves OF OURSELVES.  Then there is room for the filling of the Holy Spirit.   Through His filling, we receive His power, His truth, His wisdom, and His love.  Over time, our relationship with the Holy Spirit will begin to “squeeze out” things of this world and the flesh.  Our desire for things “eternal” will take priority (Psa. 27:4).  Our decisions and behaviors will reflect the Spirit’s presence in our life (good fruit).

It’s all about the right perspective.

As we attempt to “find our voice” and “discover who we are”, we might lose sight as to our real purpose in life, which can only be defined by God (Eph.2:20).   The Holy Spirit helps us with our perspective.  He is our Helper.  He helps us to be who God created us to be. “God wants to lead you to places you cannot get to without Him, and He does that by the power of His Spirit.”[2]

[1] Warren Wiersbe, “To Be Series”.

[2] Stormie Omartian, Lead Me, Holy Spirit:  Longing to Hear the Voice of God.

The Holy Spirit

Meet the Holy Spirit: A Proper Introduction

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A Proper Introduction

Our discussion on “surrender” has raised new interest in a topic WordBytes has “directly” addressed only ten times since our first publication in 2010.   Although each bible teaching makes mention of the works of this person, I have failed to dedicate a study about Them.

Who is it?  The Holy Spirit!  My failure was not my belief that teaching about the Holy Spirit wasn’t important.  On the contrary, I wrongly supposed that everyone knew everything about the Holy Spirit.  Faulty assumption!

Therefore, for the next few weeks, I’m going to dedicate time to reintroduce us to the Holy Spirit.  It is my prayer that at the end of this series, we will desire to draw closer to God after learning about His Spirit (Psa. 42:1-2). Why is this important?  As we will learn, the Holy Spirit is vital for victorious living and kingdom building.   That’s why we need a “proper introduction”.

The Holy Spirit of Pentecost

This month we celebrated Pentecost in churches across the nation and around the world.  With Christ’s completed work of salvation—His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension—the promised Holy Spirit would come and dwell within us (Acts 2).

It was the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence that would enable Jesus’ disciples to continue the work He had begun. Pentecost marked the availability of the Holy Spirit to everyone who would “call upon the name of Jesus” (Rom. 10:13).

While we may know about the various ministries of the Holy Spirit, it is even more important to fully grasp the enormity of His Presence within us. Deity is living within us! I love the way Jesus described this phenomenon: “I (Jesus) in them (Believers) and You (God) in me, (so) that they may be made perfect in one” (John 17:23).

Like the disciples on the day of Pentecost we need the Holy Spirit’s power and direction as we live for God’s glory. We are invited to join with the Triune God in Their ministry of deliverance, wholeness, and grace (Eph. 2:10).

God wants to lead you to places you cannot get to without Him, and He does that by the power of His Spirit. He can bring you into the realm of the miraculous—not as a show, but as a demonstration of His love and compassion for the lost, hurting, or needy. Who among us doesn’t want or need that?[1]

Another like the Other

In anticipation of His departure, Jesus promised the disciples “another Comforter” (allon parakletos)—another of the same kind to aid (John 14:16).  The Holy Spirit would represent God to the disciples as Jesus did in his incarnate state.

The Holy Spirit would direct the disciple’s decisions, counsel them continually, and remain with them forever.  Jesus knew the heart of His disciples and the importance of His presence in their life.  That same Comforter now dwells within each of us who are in Christ (Eph. 1:13).

Jesus knew that, even in the 21st century, we would need the loving reassurance of His presence.  With the uncertainty of the world we live in, it is comforting to know that we are never outside the watchful eye of God IN ADDITION to being indwelt by the very presence of Jesus, who is the Holy Spirit living within us.

“The world is perishing for lack of the knowledge of God and

the Church is famishing (starving) for want of His Presence.”

                                                  A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

God never changes and His promises are still true—”He will never leave or forsake us” (Gen. 28:15).   We are never out of God’s watchful eye or reach.

[1] Stormie Omartian, Lead Me, Holy Spirit:  Longing to Hear the Voice of God.

Knowing God

The Knowledge of God: An Enlightened Conclusion

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An Enlightened Conclusion

Knowledge of God: Recap

Knowledge of God is critical.  For believers, it establishes the moral authority and inspiration in our life, which results in purposeful living, and understanding what God has given to us. For non-believers, it can influence their decision to either accept or reject Jesus Christ’s offer of salvation.

Knowledge of God is not only to be intellectually informed, but to be experienced as our personal reality.  With the coming of Christ, this experience is possible as a result of our faith response and acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  (John 14:7; 17:3)

As believers, we are instructed to “grow in the knowledge of God” (2 Pet. 3:18).  The driving force for knowing God is relationship.  Relationship with God requires both commitment to Him and connection with Him.  We abide in Him (Psa. 91:1), we dwell with Him (Psa. 27:4), and we thirst for Him (Psa. 42:1-2).  We grow!

And in doing so, our minds are renewed, and we are transformed:  changed into the image of Jesus (Rom. 8:29; 12:2).  Our knowledge is continually expanded as more about God is revealed through the Holy Spirit.  What we currently know is only a foretaste until we see Him “face-to-face” in eternity future (1 Cor. 13:9-10).

Knowledge of God or spiritual ignorance?

We’ve all heard that “knowledge is power,” often to the point where it seems like a cliche. The idea that “knowledge is power” is used often in the business world, especially in negotiations.  Knowledge of God is also powerful.  In 2 Peter 1:2-3, the apostle encourages Christians to persevere in persecution.  Why?  How?

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. 

The Apostle Paul concurs with this thought in his letter to the saints in Ephesus who had power through their knowledge of God, yet they were living as beggars.  They had relegated themselves to live in “spiritual poverty” amid God’s abundant grace including adoption, acceptance, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, inheritance, the seal of the Holy Spirit, life, grace, and citizenship (Eph. 1:3-14).

As believers in Christ, are we exercising the power that has been given to us through our knowledge of God?  Knowing “who we are” and “whose we are” gives us extraordinary advantage and power.  Our relationship with God (as His children) and our position (in Christ) gives us access to unlimited resources to stand firm, immovable, always abounding in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).

Knowledge of God and power

Paul prays for “revelation” for the church; that they may see (and know) how to navigate the challenges they face as a new church in a pagan and hostile city.

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,  the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power. (Eph. 1:17-19)

Paul sets out to explain how the wisdom and knowledge of God can address the needs of the church.  In this context, that knowledge is obtained as a result of accepting Jesus Christ’s offer of salvation.

“may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him”

Some commentaries interpret spirit (pneuma) as a disposition or attitude one might possess.  Of course, we cannot obtain such a disposition apart from the Holy Spirit.  Wisdom gives insight into the true nature of things.  Revelation is the unveiling of God Himself.  The purpose of both wisdom and revelation is to know God better.

“the eyes of your understanding being enlightened”

Paul prayed that they might have true spiritual insight into God as a result of the eyes of their heart being enlightened.  It is the heart where transformation begins.  Paul testifies to the church at Corinth that “God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, had shined in his heart to give the glory of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6).

That we might know

Having prayed that the Ephesians might know God personally, Paul gives the reason why knowledge of God is important.  THAT WE MIGHT KNOW.  Know in this context is factual knowledge.

The hope of His calling.  This pertains to the believer’s present hope when he was called to faith (2 Tim. 1:9).  This occurred for the believer in the past. Hope in Scripture is the absolute certainty of a believer’s victory in God (Col. 1:5).

The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.  “His” in this text pertains to God Himself.  At the time of the resurrection of believers, God will inherit those whom He has purchased at a great price according to the riches of His grace. This will occur in the future. God’s inheritance will be the saints themselves.

The exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.  This power of God is directed toward believers. This pertains to the present time. Using three different words—power, working, and mighty—Paul underscores the magnitude of God’s great power available to Christians.

I close this series with this quote from Dr. Max Anders, pastor and noted author:

To know God and to find one’s full satisfaction in that knowledge is the ultimate goal of the Christian experience. The Lord’s greatest delight comes when His people discover the ultimate value lies in the knowledge of God. Nothing in the material world can complete the delights that are present in His Person.