You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. (James 4:2-3)
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:16b)
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:7)
Do you ever get caught in the monotony of life and wonder if God is really hearing your prayers? You might feel like you are exactly where you need to be and just need a little confirmation from the Lord. There are many reasons that God may have you in a place of silence. Sometimes, God seems silent and distant, because we are silent and distant toward Him. Whenever there is a communication breakdown, there are always problems with sending and receiving messages from God or each other. At other times, God may be silent just to see if you are willing to open up and share your heart with Him. He has so much to share, already knows everything about you, but it seems that when we talk to Him, our hearts are set free in the vulnerable yet freeing force of prayer.
Yesterday, I was having one of those days when I had been talking and talking over the past few days and hadn’t really seen the evidence of my communion with God. For the most part, it is often easy to neglect, overlook or take for granted all of the daily blessings of being a child of God. I do this often and I am sure that I miss many blessings, because my spiritual eyes are sleepy and heart becomes calloused. However, God can give us breakthroughs into eternity just as we need them. They are divine moments… I had one about 9:05 yesterday.
While walking beside the 12-15ft high fence with razor barbwire, I prayed a simple prayer to the Lord. “Father, are you listening to anything that I have to say. Will you please let me know today?” How many times have you felt like this? It was about 8:45AM. I went through checkpoint, behind two metal doors and into the common area of the prison. The inmate I was visiting had not arrived, so I opened my Bible and began reading. At 9:05, a man named Mr. Whitaker came up to me and asked if I was the one who spoke at a prison across town about 8 months ago. He said that he was there that day and remembered the message very well. He encouraged me to continue to share the Gospel. He was around 40 and was encouraged by a 27 year old who loved Jesus. He told me to keep pressing forward, because the Lord was with me.
Of all the people and places that I could have been, God chose to use a prisoner that I couldn’t even remember his face or name to remind me that He was looking down at that moment and saying keep pressing on my son! God has a special way of encouraging us. He spoke to Hagar the Egyptian servant of Sarah by a well, and she called Him the LORD who sees (Gen 16). When Elijah needed food by the brook Cherith, God used the ravens that are normally pests to feed him (1 Kings 17). God has enough power to use anything at anytime to get His message through. The Lord encourages us in Jeremiah 29:13, “You shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
What do you think are divine moments? Or, what do you think makes a person so great in the eyes of God. Is it some great milestone or achievement that automatically places someone into a class of the spiritual elite? I don’t think so. I believe God’s greatest treasures and pleasures on earth are those who consistently pursue the His heart, day in and day out. Over the course of a lifetime through the rigorous day-to-day activities, those divine moments where heaven touches earth paint a picture of grace through a godly man or woman of the life Jesus lived. The last line of an old hymn says it best, “May I thy consolation share, Till from Mount Pisgah lofty height, I view my home and take my flight, This robe of flesh I’ll drop and rise to seize the everlasting prize and shout while passing through the air, Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer.” Let those moments spent with Jesus add up to minutes, hours, days, weeks and years until at the end your life becomes one big conversation with God!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Something up His sleeve
(6-24-06 Covington, TN 12:53AM)
Being away
Brings reflection to the mind
Where am I going?
Will I arrive on time?
Always scurrying about
Never stopping for a breath
Leaves you 6 feet under
Causing an untimely death
Stress winds you up
Dropping you like a yo-yo to ground
Down and up you spin
Never knowing a peaceful sound
Until the energy runs out
Only by a thread you hang
Can faith pull me higher?
Always when connected to the Invisible Hand
He’ll move mountains
If we only believe
Be still and know His thoughts
There’s something up His sleeve
Being away
Brings reflection to the mind
Where am I going?
Will I arrive on time?
Always scurrying about
Never stopping for a breath
Leaves you 6 feet under
Causing an untimely death
Stress winds you up
Dropping you like a yo-yo to ground
Down and up you spin
Never knowing a peaceful sound
Until the energy runs out
Only by a thread you hang
Can faith pull me higher?
Always when connected to the Invisible Hand
He’ll move mountains
If we only believe
Be still and know His thoughts
There’s something up His sleeve
Thursday, July 5, 2007
The Mount and Moon-Lit Valley
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalms 23:1-6
Have you ever met someone who seemed to be solid as a rock? They are inspiring on the mountaintops of life and in the valleys that seem so deep. Over the past three years, I have been able to watch a man who has shown me Jesus. He has feet of clay, a pure heart and a mind illuminated by the Word of God. Aren’t we all looking for someone who is the essence of God’s Word walking around in the flesh of human existence?
Let me tell you what Jesus looks like to me from an outsiders point of view. He’s about 5-6, 70 years of age, gray-headed, and almost always wears a smile wherever he is at. He doesn’t seem like much to many people, but they haven’t seen the grace inside His heart. Almost 50 years ago, he married a precious lady who loved the Lord as well. They had planned to live a long life together and had many dreams I suppose. They were in love. The 40-50 year old pictures that are displayed around their home speak clearly about a vibrant love. They were not perfect, having feet of clay, but did their best to love as God would.
These mountain peaks of life were filled with precious moments of two children, serving their local church (she taught the beginner’s SS class, he is a deacon), and four grandchildren. The world wants to stay on the mountains of pure pleasure, but life is mixed with pain in the valleys to make us stronger, grow our patience and purify our love. About 18 years ago, the descent into the valley began when the doctor told him to be watching his wife for signs of Alzheimer’s. She began going through the stages of slight memory loss, to much forgetfulness, anger at her husband for no reason, and then calm as a little child and bed-ridden. The disease became apparent about 12 years ago and continued to deteriorate her body until Monday morning.
The one who had loved her husband so much was now forgetting him. The one who loved her children and grandchildren to death was now unable to communicate with them. Her last trip to church, according to her pastor, was 6-7 years ago. The children she used to teach were growing up in the truth and surpassing her in knowledge that she had forgotten. About 5-years ago, she quit talking to anyone. Can you imagine the pain and suffering that a husband and best friend for so many years must have felt? I am sure that it was hard to bear, but love compelled him to go another mile. Many marriages today would seek a divorce before caring for their spouse to this degree, yet grace he had received in Jesus Christ carried him through.
Everyday he told her he loved her, fed her, cleaned her and stood by her side. Her last words to him 4-5 years ago were, “I love you, too!” This marriage was not 50-50 as the world says. It was 100%-100% on both sides. Even if the other spouse can’t give anything back, by God’s grace, we are commanded to love God and our neighbor completely, entirely and unconditionally. My friend did just that. From the moment he spoke his first vows around 21 years of age (she was 16) until Monday morning at 5:45AM when she took her last breath, he was faithful and true to the promise that he made.
There are many people who will tell you how to live your life, but the greatest teacher of all is seeing someone live through the experience. Actions speak louder than words. Maybe, that is why this man seems to be so great in my eyes. Actually, he seems so great because of the God that he serves. He stands close to Mt. Calvary where Jesus died for the ungodly when we were without strength and his walk through the valley of the shadow of death is filled with the light of the moon (the church) as it reflects the glory of the Son. As the nation was celebrating its birth with fireworks, fellowship and fun, my friend was standing beside the casket of his wife whose new freedom had just begun…
Have you ever met someone who seemed to be solid as a rock? They are inspiring on the mountaintops of life and in the valleys that seem so deep. Over the past three years, I have been able to watch a man who has shown me Jesus. He has feet of clay, a pure heart and a mind illuminated by the Word of God. Aren’t we all looking for someone who is the essence of God’s Word walking around in the flesh of human existence?
Let me tell you what Jesus looks like to me from an outsiders point of view. He’s about 5-6, 70 years of age, gray-headed, and almost always wears a smile wherever he is at. He doesn’t seem like much to many people, but they haven’t seen the grace inside His heart. Almost 50 years ago, he married a precious lady who loved the Lord as well. They had planned to live a long life together and had many dreams I suppose. They were in love. The 40-50 year old pictures that are displayed around their home speak clearly about a vibrant love. They were not perfect, having feet of clay, but did their best to love as God would.
These mountain peaks of life were filled with precious moments of two children, serving their local church (she taught the beginner’s SS class, he is a deacon), and four grandchildren. The world wants to stay on the mountains of pure pleasure, but life is mixed with pain in the valleys to make us stronger, grow our patience and purify our love. About 18 years ago, the descent into the valley began when the doctor told him to be watching his wife for signs of Alzheimer’s. She began going through the stages of slight memory loss, to much forgetfulness, anger at her husband for no reason, and then calm as a little child and bed-ridden. The disease became apparent about 12 years ago and continued to deteriorate her body until Monday morning.
The one who had loved her husband so much was now forgetting him. The one who loved her children and grandchildren to death was now unable to communicate with them. Her last trip to church, according to her pastor, was 6-7 years ago. The children she used to teach were growing up in the truth and surpassing her in knowledge that she had forgotten. About 5-years ago, she quit talking to anyone. Can you imagine the pain and suffering that a husband and best friend for so many years must have felt? I am sure that it was hard to bear, but love compelled him to go another mile. Many marriages today would seek a divorce before caring for their spouse to this degree, yet grace he had received in Jesus Christ carried him through.
Everyday he told her he loved her, fed her, cleaned her and stood by her side. Her last words to him 4-5 years ago were, “I love you, too!” This marriage was not 50-50 as the world says. It was 100%-100% on both sides. Even if the other spouse can’t give anything back, by God’s grace, we are commanded to love God and our neighbor completely, entirely and unconditionally. My friend did just that. From the moment he spoke his first vows around 21 years of age (she was 16) until Monday morning at 5:45AM when she took her last breath, he was faithful and true to the promise that he made.
There are many people who will tell you how to live your life, but the greatest teacher of all is seeing someone live through the experience. Actions speak louder than words. Maybe, that is why this man seems to be so great in my eyes. Actually, he seems so great because of the God that he serves. He stands close to Mt. Calvary where Jesus died for the ungodly when we were without strength and his walk through the valley of the shadow of death is filled with the light of the moon (the church) as it reflects the glory of the Son. As the nation was celebrating its birth with fireworks, fellowship and fun, my friend was standing beside the casket of his wife whose new freedom had just begun…
A Glimpse of Heaven
(written 10-1-03 Dallas, TX 4:25PM)
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Gold so pure
That it looks like glass
My flight to Heaven
Seated first class
Walking on clouds
With Savior there
I’ll fly all around
Within my Shepherd’s care
When he leads me
Through the Pearly Gate
My life will begin
All gone is hate
The newness of the city
A beauty rare
With sainted millions time many
Joined together we’ll mar’
The King of Glory
From a nomad to throne
My life story
A sojourner going Home
I stand at the gate to behold
Jewels everywhere
Standing bold
In streets to share
No grief, heartache, crying or tears
His Light of Presence
Will always be near
For darkness has gotten its sentence
I can’t explain the love like rain
Nor even this flood
But gone is the pain
This peace is feeling good
Maybe it’s like a fire
Or a glove that fits
My heart has gotten its desire
Basking I stand, then fall and sit
The Fullness
Completeness
Pureness
Sweetness
Can’t begin to express
All of the treasures around
For they are His best
Enjoying am I, a lost sheep He found
For Heaven’s greatest jewel
Is one of no price
He descended from above to confound every fool
By giving His life, a sacrifice
The bells are ringing
The choirs are singing
The angels flying around
A city of joyful sound
My heaven, my rest
The Creator’s best
Heaven
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Gold so pure
That it looks like glass
My flight to Heaven
Seated first class
Walking on clouds
With Savior there
I’ll fly all around
Within my Shepherd’s care
When he leads me
Through the Pearly Gate
My life will begin
All gone is hate
The newness of the city
A beauty rare
With sainted millions time many
Joined together we’ll mar’
The King of Glory
From a nomad to throne
My life story
A sojourner going Home
I stand at the gate to behold
Jewels everywhere
Standing bold
In streets to share
No grief, heartache, crying or tears
His Light of Presence
Will always be near
For darkness has gotten its sentence
I can’t explain the love like rain
Nor even this flood
But gone is the pain
This peace is feeling good
Maybe it’s like a fire
Or a glove that fits
My heart has gotten its desire
Basking I stand, then fall and sit
The Fullness
Completeness
Pureness
Sweetness
Can’t begin to express
All of the treasures around
For they are His best
Enjoying am I, a lost sheep He found
For Heaven’s greatest jewel
Is one of no price
He descended from above to confound every fool
By giving His life, a sacrifice
The bells are ringing
The choirs are singing
The angels flying around
A city of joyful sound
My heaven, my rest
The Creator’s best
Heaven
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