Speaking a new Language

When I started grade 7 I began to learn the French language.  For 7 long years I  learned how to conjugate all the verbs; how to read it, and I memorized a ton of words, but---I never really gave myself to "practice speaking it." I allowed my shyness; my pride really, to stop me from the practice that I needed to succeed in mastering the task. And to this day I regret the opportunity that I refused to take!

This past week I was realizing in a fresh way, that we Christians do exactly the same thing with the words of the Bible. HE says that HIS ways are not ours and HIS thoughts are not ours; but that He is giving us a new heart; and making us a new creation in Him.  He also tells us to "be transformed by the renewing of our mind..." So we do begin to read. to study, to listen; even to memorize those Words. But--how often do we actually speak  them?

I discovered many, many years ago now, that there is amazing power in speaking aloud the words of the Bible! His Word truly is living! In it there is divine ability to change a negative mood; a wrongful desire; and darkened thinking.  But---I have discovered that it is not enough to simply "think it." It is a necessary start, but the Word of faith is in our mouth...the Word which we speak--and if we confess with our mouth (as well as believe in our heart) we will be saved. With the mouth confession is made, resulting in salvation. (and in this case the word salvation can be also applied to the experience of having our souls delivered, made whole.

Why? Why do we have to learn so many things the hard way? What is the disconnect from the mind to the mouth?  Why is it that there seems to be so much inward opposition to actually "speaking" what we find in His Word- and especially when we're right in the middle of our trials.

"O Lord, please keep reminding me to actually apply this truth when I am tested!"

Three Hindrances to Receiving HIM

This week I read over the book of Jude--the whole "chapter." It's a pretty sobering portion, but there was one particular thing that stood out to me and that was verse 11 "Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah."In checking back to Genesis chapter 4, I was noticing that Cain was very angry because God did not accept or respect the offering that he brought.  This was the product of the diligent work of his hands; his efforts--perhaps even the work that he was justifiably proud of.  His brother had simply killed an animal from his flock--and that offering had been accepted. Abel, from what God said, "had done well."
God saw that Cain was angry and warned him, "sin lies at the door...but you should rule over it."  As we know--sadly, Cain did not respond favorably to this rebuke, but continued in his anger; a rage that concluded with the murder of  Abel.  
What I see here is the danger of our pride-our self righteousness and self effort that presumes to bring us up to God's standard.  What HE was (and is still) looking for is an embracing of the fact that the blood that HE spilled for us on the cross is the way--that it is only through this that we can be forgiven and lovingly received by HIM.
Regarding Balaam there are 3 chapters in the book of Numbers (22-24) about him. Apparently he was quite a famous sorcerer in his day.  Leaders would pay richly for his services, and in this case, he was hired to curse Israel. So...for profit, he attempted to use his skill in discerning spiritual things. In this instance, when restrained by God Himself, Balaam suggested using sexual immorality as a snare to God's people. (notice how some of these attacks just never seem to change?) Are there not false prophets today, promoting lies to people--and becoming rich while doing so?
What if?-- Balaam had humbled himself and repented when he realized the true God was showing up?
What if?--he had been willing to let go of his profits-his reputation?  What about us when faced with the same temptations?Finally  Korah and his cronies are mentioned in Numbers 16. They have taken issue with the leadership of the day and "... are gathered together to rise up against them." They confront and rebel in a very accusatory manner (even though a bit of truth is mingled in their speaking)--and this turns out very badly for all of them when the leader Moses humbly falls upon his face and seeks the Lord's direction.

Will we recognize the authority God has and is raising up over each of us?? IF we see something amiss will we humbly pray for them first (not quickly speaking against them and raising up opposition)   Then---and only when the Lord directs--will we go privately to share our concerns?

Am I Burying my Talent?

Recently I have been considering the portion in Matthew 25 where the Lord gives out talents, and then goes away. The one with the smallest talent hides his until the Lord returns because, as he says, "Lord, I knew you to be a hard man...and I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground." He didn't lose the gift...but neither did he use it.  The response of the Lord was, "You wicked and lazy servant..."
The picture I see here is that the Lord was very unhappy with the one who refused to use his gift.
What is it that causes us to refuse? I was considering that and many things came to my mind. Of course the Lord names it '"wickedness" and "laziness."   Do I really see that it is wickedness to disobey Him? to be lazy?  I don't think I do.  Many times there is something (like blogging) on my heart, that I do believe the Lord has put there and I procrastinate.  "It's too hard...no one will read it anyway...the words will sound silly...it doesn't matter if I do it or not...I don't 'feel' like it right now.
My technological knowledge is going to get in the way again.  I can be very creative when making excuses...but deep within there is such a longing to hear "Well done" when the Lord returns for me.
In this parable He makes it very clear that He is not happy with disobedience and laziness.

Another picture I have been musing over is King David. The Lord says that.. "He is a man after My own heart".  What was it that David did??  Well--one thing I do see is that he truly repented when he sinned--no excuses.  Another thing I noticed is that he defeated enemies in the good land! While he was reigning God's people were encouraged to overcome the enemies--and David took the lead at the very beginning--in defeating Goliath.
Some Christians (and many hymns) speak of the good land as 'heaven'--but how can heaven be full of enemies?!  No! The good land cannot portray such a place.

Could it not be that the good land is a picture of walking by the Spirit; and in so doing "putting to death the things of the flesh?!"  I believe that it is--and that God is calling each believer to "put off the things of the old nature"---and "put on the new Man"---and go into this good land which flows with milk and honey.   There is a supply in the Spirit of God, but we must be willing to take it by obeying His voice...and by standing against that lazy old nature with all of its excuses. Even as I write this, a prayer rises up within, "Lord, work in my heart that I would be willing!"

God loves us as His children--absolutely no doubt, BUT---He expects us to obey what He speaks into our heart, even though He will not force this. When we refuse, it is we who miss the opportunities of being used by the most high God! It is we who will then not grow up into the fullness of the measure of the stature of Christ.  And we will remain childish--even babyish.
There is no earthly parent who delights in a child like this--why would our heavenly Father? He is sending His Son for a Bride--not a small child.

In these uncertain times; with all the violence on the earth,  a thought came to my mind, "What would Mrs Noah write? What would she be talking to her loved ones, her neighbours about-- when the ark was almost finished; and animals were starting to turn up in pairs?!"

"Dear Lord; in these days, we beg You to sober us up, that we could be usable to You."