The Unpopular but Wonderful Cross

Over the last two months I have been reading an amazing book called, 'Born Crucified,' by a Mr L.E. Maxwell, who I'm sure is now with the Lord Jesus. What a wonderful tool, used by the Lord to sharpen my vision of exactly what happened on the cross of Christ, and what that 'looks like' to each of us a followers of Him today.
It becomes clear that our destiny, in being like Him, is also to 'fall into the ground and die.'
Most of us, when first beginning to follow the Lamb, go through the process of Romans chapter 7, where the Lord in His faithfulness opens our eyes to the absolute wretchedness of our condition apart from Him. Little by little He gives us glimpses of the 'flesh' within; the 'sin' that dwells there, and to which we have been addicted since our birth. We find ourselves going through cycles of 'falling to temptation, repenting, experiencing some victory, but then falling again.' It feels like a downward spiral and we gradually become clear that we are hopeless unless He does something; so we find ourselves crying out in complete despair, "Wretched person that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death?"
As horrible as we feel at this point, I can just see our Lord going, "Yes!! That is exactly the point we needed to come to!! Now you can begin to truly see the victory you have in ME!"
This is the epiphany He is looking for; and for which we are now prepared. HE has been working all this time; knowing that our heart was actually divided. We were not, until now, wanting deliverance from the flesh...not with our whole heart! But now we are ready to 'take the grace' offered to us.
The cross is never something God 'forces' upon anyone, but He will orchestrate our circumstances, and speak truth into our hearts until we 'choose to stand absolutely with Him'! As the years have gone by, I have come to the point in my life where I praise Him that He has never let me go! He is most intentional in His purpose; in His vision for each of us...and how we need to co-operate with this Almighty One Who has been operating in us.
When the Lord first revealed to me that I had actually been crucified with Christ...and that He now lived in me; I did not realize that I had not 'attained' to this truth in the actual living out in my daily life. No! Far from it! But that vision was a marvellous beginning!
Truthfully, I could not even 'see' that the details of my daily life held circumstance after circumstance that was ordered by my Father's hand. So I fought them...until one day another epiphany! The Lord opened my eyes to see that these circumstances and situation were completely of Him, and that He was watching my heart to see if I would "humble myself under His mighty hand." He also revealed in the same verse, that He would "exalt me in due time" if I would co-operate humbly with Him now.
I wish I could say that I let myself fall into the ground at that moment; and I do know that there was a change in my attitude. For that day onward I was more completely aware of His Presence in all these things, and I began to 'press through anything that would keep me from it.' He had brought me to the point of 'wanting His life flowing within me' more than wanting 'my way that would 'cut off' that flow.'
In looking back to my childhood I can see a little girl who was completely unaware of the journey that lay ahead...blissfully unaware that life would hold devastating heartaches at times; that it would not go the way of my imagination. I now see though, that those things over which I had no control have gone completely and only as the Sovereign hand of my Father has allowed; that He is 'head over all things; even the evil.'
My Savior took the way of the cross voluntarily. He could have refused at any time...but He did not; and because of that we too are now free to obey Him. He will not force us, but He faithfully says that if we suffer with Him we will reign with Him for eternity. We forfeit our fitness for this Kingship when we choose our own way. But what a trade off; some suffering here for an eternity of 'reigning with Him.'
"Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing me. This is joy unspeakable and full of glory."

Jacob claims his inheritance

This past week while my husband was sharing something about Jacob, I felt the Lord jump within me about a truth He began to show me!
It's found in Genesis, starting in the 28th chapter.
Jacob had made some bad choices; sadly, with the help of his mother.
He 'grasps' (as his name means) his brother's birthright by means of deception and lies. As anyone could imagine, Esau, his brother was not happy about this. After threatening to kill him, Jacob and his mother decided it would be a good time for Jacob to go back to his Uncle Laban to find a good wife.
What I was seeing here, is that our old nature is much like Jacobs. We may have good desires, but do not wait for the Lord to open the ways and means to achieve them. Instead, deception and lack of honesty manifest themselves in us...and a big mess is created when we take matters into our own hands.
Instead of confessing and humbling himself, Jacob leaves; but on His way God meets him that first night and, strangely enough, gives him a promise. "...the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. I am with you ...wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land..." Jacob responds by 'bargaining (28:20-22) with God. "If You will be with me, and keep me...and give me what I need...if you fix my problems with my family, then You will be my God...and I'll even tithe to You." Although this is a start, it doesn't sound very humble.
So Jacob goes on his way and meets his uncle Laban. (His name meaning has something to do with 'making bricks.') They make a deal that Jacob will work 7 years for Rachel, which is fine with Jacob, but...the morning 'after' his wedding he wakens to find that he has married 'Leah' instead.
Laban says, "No problem...just stay and work another 7 years, and you can have Rachel too." And so, we see that God has brought a greater manipulator into Jacob's life.
After twenty years of working, and having his wages changed 10 times!! the Lord also stirs up some bad feelings between his cousins and himself. At the same time the Lord also speaks to him again... "it is time to return to the land of your family." (Jacob thinks this is a good idea!)
Because he knows that Laban will not be happy with his leaving...and taking his wages with him (a multitude of sheep, goats, and other animals); he leaves suddenly while Laban is not at home.
This speaks to me of how entangled our lives can become; how in bondage we can be to others. But, now Jacob is ready to leave!! He is determined to take his inheritance. And this time he does have God's direct speaking about it! When Laban does pursue, God also warns Laban not to harm Jacob. God in that way defends His called one. Thus a pillar of stones is set up (31:45-47) as a testimony and a witness of Jacob's new freedom.
This, however, is not the end of the story as he then comes close to brother Esau's territory again. Jacob is gripped with fear as he hears of his brother's 400 men. He sends generous gifts ahead, but is not sure this will be enough to pacify Esau. In 32:9-12 there is the record of Jacob crying out to God...and this time there is great humility as he says, "I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth You have shown me..." He also reminds God of His promise to him. "YOU said, Return to your country...and I will deal well with you."
That night the Lord comes and wrestles with Jacob until dawn, finally touching his hip socket so that he limped the rest of his life.
Again, this shows me a wonderful truth, in that God works in us, His called ones. He brings circumstances and people into our lives to press us; that we will cry out; that we will seek His promises, so that He can change us, so that we will know that HE has dealt with our old messy nature, and has given us a new one. HE is able to do this...and none of us are too hard for HIM!
The following day we see the sweet meeting between Jacob and his brother. God was absolutely faithful...and Jacob discovered that when he pressed through his fears to obey what God told him to do.
This whole story is to me, a picture of the transforming of the old to the new. We, His believers, are new creations in Him, and that is an abolute truth. HE will help us 'claim this'...'walk in it'...'appropriate it'...'experience who we are in HIM!!'

Abiding in the Available One

Recently, well since September, I have been going through the book of John with several sisters. This past Tuesday we covered chapter 15 which is very much about the Vine, the branches, and the abiding. There were several things that deeply touched me in this portion.
First of all, that Jesus likens Himself to the Vine; something that is not so high, not difficult to reach; never unavailable. This is our Lord as the Son of man, not yet seen as the great King. He comes to us and makes Himself so approachable!
That blesses me! But the grape vine has no magnificent blossoms and no useable wood. It's purpose is simply to produce grapes that are nourishing, thirst quenching and enjoyable to eat. This is the kind of Saviour we have and this is the kind of fruit He produces through us as the branches. Because of our 'pride of life' we so often mourn our lack of 'gloriousness', our lack of gifting or intelligence, but really...the key here is simply to stay 'abiding in the Vine.' The focus is the fruit that flows out, not us.
In verse 7 of this chapter Jesus goes on to say, "If you abide in Me, and My words, (My 'rhema') abide in you, you will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified that you bear much fruit..."
In the Greek language there are 2 meanings for 'word.' One is 'logos' which is the written word...and oh how we need God's written Word! But the other is this 'rhema', and that is His Word uttered, spoken into us. This may happen as we read the 'logos', the Bible day by day; but He also speaks into us throughout our days. This is His marvellous, wonderful Divine working in our hearts!! As we co operate with these impressions and leadings, which by the way 'never' contradict the written Word, we find ourselves refreshed, even energized! We are brought into a deeper, more intimate awareness of the Presence of the Lord, which is exactly what we were created for.
If we say 'no' to His leading; if we wilfully disobey Him, we as the branches, insulate ourselves from the Vine and begin to feel withered, deadened, dried. In this state we are then unable to produce any fruit.
If we 'bargain' with our Lord one inch when He may be asking for much more, we find ourselves limiting, restricting Him from His abiding, His settling in, His making His home in our hearts.
I have found myself in this state too often, and that is sad to me, but...finding myself like this causes me to cry out to Him, to draw near to Him, to seek Him. Kind of like the Shulamite in the Songs of Songs when she refused to open the door right away to her Beloved and He withdrew His Presence from her. (5:2-6) I am so glad we have Philippian 2:13 "for it is God Who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." Because of His mercy and great love and purpose for His children He works in us. He draws us to Himself. My prayer is, "Lord Jesus, do work in me that I would quickly respond to Your drawing; that I would not lose Your lovely Presence in my life."

Can it really be March since I last posted anything!! I just seem to be out of inspiration...at least when I do have the time to sit at the computer. (am seriously considering getting my own lap top, so don't have to wait for hubby to be finished with his notes and studying)
We've had another very busy gardening season; and even though there was no rain for about 4 weeks, the corn turned out extremely well again. The potatoes...well, let me just say that I am glad there were only an average of 3 or 4 under each plant! (The first year Dave planted spuds we had about '3 tons!!') We do have a very generous God! At this time harvesting is all done, except for a few carrots and tomatoes. It is really enjoyable though to freeze and can and make pickles. If we can't eat them all, we do know others who will be glad to help us!
And now, at the end of this week Dave & I are headed for the west coast again; to visit our precious brothers and sisters in Vancouver. Dave will share some gospel messages in an outreach they are having. I am sure the Lord will bless! We will also have time to visit with my loved ones on Vancouver Island. I always look forward to that as well. What a blessing to still have my mother; relatively healthy, and oriented! She will be '87' on this next February.
I have to say that the Lord has been so encouraging to me, in the Church life here. I have been such a hesitant, doubtful, anxious person in so many ways, because I didn't know if we have His 'smile' on us (Dave & I); but it seems we do...definitely not because we deserve it, but because He is so very merciful! "Lord Jesus, You do keep winning my heart over and over and over!"
Now that I'm writing there is much I can say. I only have a little time before running off to babysit grandchildren (one of the joys of my life), but I would like to say that I am thankful again that the Lord has once more reminded me to Praise Him!! "in everything." Something is released in me when I choose to do that! HE has planned it that way! When I praise Him for situations and circumstances and people in my life I am totally free from anxiety or depression and doubt! And...this is what He has come to do...to set the captives free! Yes!!
If anyone does read this, perchance...please write me a comment. Thanks.

A Sweet Thought

Over the last month we have been able to spend part of the winter on the warmer west coast with family who cared for us; and then down in Arkansas with more family who cared for us. The warmer weather was such a treat, but...probably the highlight of our trips was the time spent 'coming forward with boldness to the throne of grace' with others. And...that brings me to the rest of this blog.


Lately there have been two topics that have impressed me. One is the matter of prayer. Have you ever felt as if you just couldn't pray?? Perhaps there was a feeling of 'numbness'...just no burden on your heart. Perhaps there was a sense of 'futility' with the thought,"this really won't make any difference." Perhaps what you felt was even worse; a sense of 'condemnation'...that you were such a poor believer you may as well just not try to pray.

I have felt all of these at times. But just lately I have had the realization that behind all of this is our enemy. witHe is afraid of our connecting with our Father in heaven...hence throws alot of these fiery darts at us.

This realization serves to make me more determined to 'press through' to the throne of grace in a daily way. There is a battle going on, and whether we like it or not, we are in it. Praise the Lord! HE has actually defeated our enemy (and HIS), but it is up to us to discover this...and HE helps us. Remember that little verse, "...Christ in us, the hope of glory." Not only is HE praying for us in the heavenlies; HE has also installed HIS very life within us...and this is so much more powerful than we realize!!

So...with this thought let us "press on!"

Just this morning I read the verses in I Timothy, chapter 4:15,16: "Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them...continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." How about those for encouraging and exhorting words!!

The other thought that I felt very worthy of writing about is this...we have a perfect 'DAD' now!! Just think about that!! Maybe our earthly fathers fail us in many ways. They have character flaws; they are too busy with life to notice how we need correcting, loving, and training is so many details. They lack the ability and the power to address all our problems. They are unable to protect us all of the time. BUT...and 'this is a very big but' to muse on and to consider. If we have received the life of the Lord Jesus Christ we are now 'children of GOD!' (John 1:12)

Think about that!! We do, right now; this moment and forever, have a perfect 'DAD.' This ONE has all the power to do something about our problems; our flaws. This ONE has all the knowledge to know 'when' and 'how' to deal with everything we will go through in this life. This ONE says HE counts the very hairs on our head, and calls HIMSELF 'LOVE.' HE, (our heavenly, forever 'DAD') is perfect love. That is the kind of love that knows how to perfectly train us the way we should go. That is the kind of love that doesn't miss even one detail of our lives. HE can see into our very heart and therefore knows 'exactly' what we need. HE has an 'eternal' goal for us...much bigger than our life on this earth! HE is shaping us for eternity with HIM. Oh, how we need the bigger picture! Don't we get so bogged down with our tiny vision; focussing only on this uncertain life!

"Abba, Father...please touch the eyes of our heart, that we could see and know YOU...and really TRUST YOU day by day by day."

Why do we Suffer?

We have so much to rejoice over as believers. We've been made alive in our spirit by the Holy Spirit; 'begotten' to be God's children! We have an inheritance reserved in heaven for us! We are being kept by God's power during our time on this earth! We can enjoy the Holy Spirit right now in our lives as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control...quite the list!
But, there is the word, 'longsuffering'. Some have translated it 'patience,' or the ability to endure something that is not so pleasant; not instantly gratifying.
I noticed that in the book of I Peter, it first describes what we have to rejoice over, it then quite quickly goes on to say, that although we rejoice in the blessings , "...now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials..." We have all been 'grieved', made very sorrowful by some trials in our life. They can really hurt! And sometimes they continue for years.
Why?? Well, the next verse tells us one of the reasons; "...that the genuineness of your faith...though tested by fire, may be found to the praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." There is something more precious about our faith, after it has endured testing. People say that 'mere talk is cheap,' but there is hard earned respect after we have stood firm in the face of a trial. There is some glory even in this life, after we stand in trials but, on 'that day,' when we stand before our Lord, there will be a 'well done!!'
This first chapter of Peter goes on to point out that our Saviour suffered. We know that before His glorious resurrection, there was a very painful death. I think there is a pattern here also for us His followers. We so much want to experience the life of our Lord within, and in our daily life; and we need to. The following chapters in I Peter reveal more of the 'why.'

After entreating us to live a holy life; one that is separated to Him; the next chapter continues with this theme, again entreating us to put off those negative traits of our old, sinful nature; then to come to our Lord, drinking in His Words like milk so that we can grow spiritually.
He says that we are free and yet 'bondservants'; another word for 'slaves'. But in this case we belong to a wonderful Master. We are again entreated to be submissive to HIM.
And then the word 'suffering' comes up again. He calls us to be submissive, and then goes on to say that "...this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully."
"...if you take it patiently, this is commendable (that word again) , acceptable before God." The Word goes on to describe again how our Lord suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow in His steps." When He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed (meaning 'to keep committing') all to the One Who judges.
God's Word even tells us here that "...to this you were called...Christ...leaving us an example, that you should follow in HIS steps."
I have admit, that the trials that I have gone through in my life have definitely purified my soul. In so many ways I no longer 'think' the way I did before; I no longer struggle with as many negative emotions as I previously did; and my will is more submitted. Did I fight against my Lord when the trials came? Yes, often I did. One of the main reasons is that, at first, I never knew they were from His hand, for my eternal good. I had not seen some of the wonderful truths buried in this precious little book called
I Peter.
Am I perfected now?? No; I have not 'arrived', but there definitely is some brokenness; more contriteness; more humility than in my earlier years.
One more truth I have discovered is found in the last verse of chapter 2.
I now realize; I see that I have been returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of my soul. An excellent Shepherd knows exactly what the sheep need, and watching carefully. HE is restoring our souls.
And...one of my favorite phrases: "It will be worth it all when we see Him."

I will Thank HIM!

These past 4 weeks we have begun to go through a seminar on basic issues of life. The material covered is extremely helpful, and even though I have heard it before, truths reviewed are powerful!! We heard about the principle of God's 'design'...how it is He Who has made us, and therefore we can thank Him for our uniqueness...even for those things we didn't really appreciate.
We reviewed the principle of 'authority'; how authority is something God has arranged; how wrong responses to it can cause huge amounts of suffering, bringing very negative strongholds into our lives.
We saw again the way to have the Lord restore the ground that we in our ignorance often give to the enemy. We saw the importance of making appeals with a meek and gentle spirit because God is over all, and will deal with any injustice.
We went on to the principle of 'responsibility'; the understanding of the importance of keeping our conscience 'up to date.' (even if we are only 5% to blame in our own eyes.)
From there we progressed to the principle of 'suffering;' something that often causes bitterness to take root in us. We were led through how to 'let all bitterness be removed...' and replace it with 'forgiveness.' (not 'pardon' as that is something only an authority can grant.)
This past Tuesday we covered the principle of 'ownership.' This involves giving our rights and our expectations to God. Many times we become angry or depressed because we are focussing on our 'rights' and our 'expectations'... and it truthfully may be that they are not being met. We were reminded that all we have and all we are, rightfully belongs to HIM, not to us. We were reminded of the need to 'dedicate' all to Him Who loves us and wants the eternal best for us.
Because of this, can we not trust Him to "work all things together for good while we love Him?" If that is the case can we not 'thank Him' in all things...even those which seem bad. This whole matter of thankfulness really touched me, and I realized that I have given place to the enemy here. How I determine to express thankfulness and gratefulness to Him in all things, is so very key to my experiencing His peace. Seeing this does not automatically bring me into the experience. No; I will have to 'purpose in my heart' to win this battle. I have confessed the ground I have given and has asked the Lord to take it back, but I will have to co operate in this!!
I will need to re establish a new habit of thankfulness...in the middle of my situations.
Some verses that will help me: I Thess. 5:18 "In everything give thanks ; for this is the will of God..." Eph. 5:20 "giving thanks always for all things to God..." Even so Lord Jesus; that my life would express the fruit of joy and peace.