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Let There Be

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In addition to the rumblings of my own soul and spirit, a song I learned as a child is the inspiration for today’s Victory Call.  The song is as follows:
LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH 
“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father, brothers all are we, 
Let me walk with my brother, in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow,
To take each moment and live each moment in peace, eternally.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”1
(Words and Music by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller, Circa 1955)
Peace, however, is not what occupies my thinking today. It is truth. What if the song read, let there be TRUTH on earth? Would we be able to say that truth resides in us?
What is truth? From John 14 we know that Jesus Himself is truth.  In verse 6 Jesus responds to Thomas’ question by telling him, “I am the way, the truth and the life…”
We are presently in a brand new year and where we are now in space and time none of us has ever been before.  It’s all new.  My deepest, truest longing for myself and every follower/believer in Christ, is that we be marked by truth -His truth and no other truth.
So to paraphrase the song: Let there be truth on earth and let it begin with me. Let there be truth on earth, the truth that was meant to be. With God as our Father, sisters all are we.
Let us walk with each other in truth and let the moment we decide to do so be NOW and not later. With every step we take let us vow to BE ABOUT truth, taking and living each moment with eternity in view.
Begin now with yourself. Are you walking in truth…the TRUTH and the WAY…and the LIFE? If you are, glory to God!! If you are not, will you take the truth of John 3:16-18a, and meditate on it?  Will you allow it to speak life to you and save you from the lie that TRUTH in the perfect sense does not matter?  Jesus is the truth and, apart from Him, nothing else matters.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned…”
Selah…think on it…
Stephanie

Not I but Christ

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About 2 months ago, (11-18-08) I challenged you, encouraged you to join our Higher Ground women with their assignment. “May I invite you to join our Higher Ground group with their assignment? For one week, frequently remind yourself ‘not I, but Christ.’  In the ordinary things of your day, remind yourself, ‘not I, but Christ.’ When a difficulty comes and your flesh response is unChristlike, remind yourself, ‘not I, but Christ.’  Each night, write down what happened.  How did you respond differently because you remembered you were dead?  Feel free to email me your stories. I’d love to hear from you.”
The Higher Ground ladies had some very interesting stories from their assignment. Most of us realized we are much more “alive” than we were ever aware of. In other words, we had many opportunities to remember “not I, but Christ.” There were numerous times in which our first, natural response was fleshly not Christlike. In addition, I realize that I have the heart of a rebel.  When I realized that my flesh was getting an upper hand, and I would remind myself “not I, but Christ,” I found myself having a discussion with the Holy Spirit explaining all my reasons why His way wouldn’t work or was ill-timed.  There is much room for growth in my life as Jesus continues to whittle away at the hardness of my heart.  
Now I want to ask, “How did you do?”  I only received one email response, out of over 800 direct subscribers to Victory call, so I’m really curious how the assignment impacted you. What did you learn about yourself?  If you did not take up the challenge in November or if you did it for one week, let me encourage you to do it now or do it again.  It is not a practice we should try out and then stop (which, by the way, is what I did).  We are called to live in light of our death, our union with Christ in His death. (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:5-6) “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:11. But not just that we are dead, but also alive to God.  “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).  
If we walked around saying, “I’m dead, I’m dead” I don’t believe that would have the impact that remembering that I’m dead, AND that Christ lives in me. “Not I, but Christ.”  
Diane

Denial or Death

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“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:13
A few weeks ago,  I shared with you a Victory Call (Jan 1, 2009) quoting Miles Stanford (The Complete Green Letters) “Denying oneself certain things for a time, or even for all time, is not even close to the answer since the old nature will adjust and thrive under any conditions – anything short of death.” 
He was making the point that there are many man-made ways of denying self that miserably fail, and only one way that works, God’s way.  He lists several methods people try: Mortification (denying the flesh), Conquest (More study, more prayer, more meetings, more…); Training (Good godly training); Revivalism (spiritual punch in the arm); Growth (“expecting in time self will change for the better as they grow”); Cleansing (“Up-to-the-moment confession and consequent cleansing”); and Experiences. (Pgs.65-67). These can be good, but Stanford’s point is that none of them will succeed because they are all born of the flesh.  The only way for our old nature, our flesh, to be reckoned with is through the Cross.  
This can be rather confusing.  Is what Stanford saying contradict verses like:
Matthew 16:24 “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'”
Colossians 3:5 “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Philippians 2:12 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
I believe the answer is found is Romans 8:13. “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”  
First, it is not denial but death.  “Put to death the deeds of the body.” This is only possible because of the Cross.  “…co-crucifixion, crucified together with Christ (Gal.2:20). It is not by putting yourself to death, but by taking, through faith and surrender, your place of union with Christ in His death” (pg. 45). Second, and this is key, this is accomplished BY THE SPIRIT.  It is not a sheer act of the will nor by trying harder, but rather by the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ living His life through you by the power of His Spirit.
Not denial, but death. Not willpower, but yielding to the Spirit’s power.  
Diane

Prejudice – Part Two

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Continuing on from yesterday, we read a small bit of what God’s Word has to say about being judgemental and prejudiced:
“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” Romans 14:12-13
Acts 10:34 and Romans 2:11 both make mention of the fact that God is no respector of persons.
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29
Dear sisters, my simple challenge for all of us today is to seek to know Him Who is the way, the truth and the life and to be so marked by truth that we are careful not to be informed by incorrect notions, biases and prejudices. 
If we are daughters of the Most High God, may our hearts, minds and lips be sealed, saved for what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. 
      
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 
      Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:4-8
For those who don’t know, I am an American; a person of color; black; there may be the temptation to assume I am saying this purely from the perspective of my race or ethnicity. I assure you this is not the case. At the same time it would be naÔve and ignorant of me to pretend to ignore the reality of the times in which we are now living. That is why I encourage and exhort us all to be about the One whose name and image we bear. Let’s have zero tolerance for anything that stinks, smells, sounds, tastes or feels like a critcal, prejudging spirit lest we fall short of our calling, displease God and therefore tarnish the reputation of a Holy God. 
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Stephanie

Prejudice – Part One

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If I were to ask you, “are you predjudiced?” your answer would probably be a resounding “No!”  For most of us, it is unthinkable, and yet for most, if not all of us, the answer “no” would be untrue.  In one way or another, everyone I know, including me, is prejudiced.  Whether we like it or not, and whether you admit it or not, it’s true.  
I don’t write this to condemn or judge you or myself. Rather, for the purpose of confession and repentance. Regardless of what should or should not be, or should have been in the past, this year, 2009, is our year of truth, of being honest about all the things we lie about to ourselves and to others.
Many of us are longing for more of God, for deeper, more intimate relationship with God and with each other. Yet, something stops us short. In a word, it could go without saying that it is, in fact, sin.  That being the case, I ask you to consider your own heart and life regarding prejudice. Are you prejudiced?
Let’s take a quick look at Webster’s dictionary definition as follows:
1. an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason. 
2. any preconceived opinion or feeling, either favorable or unfavorable.1
To be prejudiced basically means to prejudge.  Now, you know where I am coming from! Yep, I’m talking about being critical, judgmental and condemning. If you or I are judging any situation before it is heard, or before the arguments and facts are FULLY known, we are prejudiced.
Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language says this: prejudice is “an opinion or decision of mind, formed without due examination of the facts or arguments which are necessary to a just and impartial determination. It is used in a good or a bad sense…we are accustomed to believe what we are taught, and to receive opinions from others without examining the grounds by which they can be supported.” 
How often do we hear ourselves making statements about people in situations when we know we do not know all the facts? And even when we think we do, are we likely to judge and/or condemn…to prejudge?
God’s Word has plenty to say on the subject. Here are just a few verses:
“Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.  And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:1-3
“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37
“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:24
Stephanie

FOR HIM

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“For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Hebrews 2:10.
Every once in a while a Scripture I’ve read many, many times springs off the page, pricks my spirit and begins to find a home in my heart.  Recently, as I have been enjoying the book of Hebrews again and again, one such Scripture was Hebrews 2:10.  Not the entire verse but a small phrase in the verse.
“…for whom are all things…” This small phrase nestled within this Scripture of much greater significance gave me pause.  What I am sharing is not to be considered the sum-total of what this verse means but within this verse is a statement that I believe we, or at least I, often overlook, “…for whom are all things…”  The verse is referring to Jesus…for whom are all things. 
Often we consider that God created us, each of us, uniquely.  He made us. In fact, the next phrase in today’s Scripture is “…by whom are all things…”  He created us.
Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
Isaiah 43:1a  “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel” 
God not only created us, but He created us FOR Himself.  We are FOR Him.  We are His.  Isaiah 43:1b “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.”
What does it matter?  What struck me when I read this and meditated upon this truth is that I don’t often live as if I exist FOR Him, I live as if I exist for me, that I am my own.  This simple yet profound truth, once grasped and embraced, will change how we live life, what decisions we make, how we spend our time and money.  It realigns our priorities.  
You and I were created and are sustained not just by Him, but also FOR Him.  
Diane

Fear of Man?

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“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world…There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.  We love Him because He first loved us” 1 John 4: 4, 18-19(NKJV).
Have you ever caught yourself being a man/woman/child pleaser? Let me put it like this: Have you ever found yourself about to do or say something differently simply because you wanted to make an impression or have people think better of you?
One way that might happen is this: You’re in the middle of a conversation or discussion and you know it would be good/right/beneficial to share a word of encouragement, exhortation -or you simply have a different point of view on a matter.  However, you hold back, for fear others may think less of you.
In everyday life we are afforded these opportunities which draw us closer to the Father and toward the change necessary to grow us in His image and likeness. Not a single one of us is exempt. We are all very much human and, well, it simply is what it is.
I often find myself -after the fact- critiquing my every thought and deed, evaluating how I may have looked or sounded. (What a waste of energy!)
An example of this occurred at a recent meeting I attended wherein I raised a question in the midst of a particular discussion. I did not qualify or preface the question with any statements for or against, it was simply a question for which I had an answer. Period. The End. 
Now here comes the potential “fear of man” part.  There were a few responses and comments and I have to say that for a brief moment I had the feeling that I was wrong to have asked the question.  It was very clear that the content of my question was not considered good and that was 100% okay… at least on the surface.  In my head -for a few moments- I entertained the thought of clarifying to everyone that I agreed with them, for no other reason than my concern over what they MIGHT think of me.  It’s not a good feeling at all to think others may be negatively or wrongly judging you. Yet, it happens all the time. Anytime we don’t agree with someone or they don’t agree with us, our flesh kicks into gear.  
In my case, I chose to let the feeling pass…this time.  On a different day I may have struggled or wrestled with it more or allowed my own idolatry “fear of man” “people pleasing” to stir up any number of negative emotions in me.
Praise God for the work He is doing in my life, yours, and in all His children, to enable us to grab hold of the freedom we have in Him. I praise Him for every baby step that draws us closer to Him and away from “stinky thinking.”
Let’s thank Him today for the victorious Christian life and the hope and freedom found in Christ alone. Let’s ask Him to help us stay out of our heads. Let’s choose to draw near to Him and think His thoughts and remember that He is faithful to take all that we commit to Him and refine it in the fire of His burning perfect love.
Stephanie

Lest we drift away

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Hebrews 2:1 – “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.”

The result of failing to earnestly heed what we have heard is not simply status quo – rather it is that we drift away, our hearts become callused and insensitive.

Repeatedly we are warned not to harden our hearts, as they once did in the rebellion (i.e. Hebrews 3:8). Oh, we do not set out to harden our hearts any more that a person sets out to be addicted, but by one choice at a time, one seemingly insignificant choice at a time, we drift ever so subtly from truth.

Sister, absolutely refuse to drift. Live in the reality of the truth you know. James 1:22-24 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the word, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

Let us give more earnest heed to the things we have heard and remain steadfast and immovable in the truth!

Diane

More earnest heed

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Hebrews 2:1 – “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.”

The author of Hebrews challenges us to give MORE earnest heed to the things we have heard. I once heard a pastor say we don’t need to know more, we need to apply what we already know.

Are you seeking that one truth that will make the puzzle pieces of your life fall into place; when life will somehow be easier and obedience won’t be so difficult? I’m sorry to disappoint you but there is no magic truth that will make that happen.

The author says, we must give more earnest heed, not just earnest heed but MORE earnest heed.

Why do we expect God to reveal more of Himself, more truth to us, if we have failed to earnestly heed the truth which we have already been given?

Are you living in the truth you already know? Are you giving more earnest heed to the truth you possess or are you hesitating and waiting for something else?

Diane

An engaged mind and receptive heart

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Hebrews 2:1 – “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.”

How engaged are you in your personal Bible reading time? Do you find, like me, that your mind wanders and suddenly you realize you have no idea what you read? You haven’t tracked the thread of understanding woven through the pages?

More often than not, I am frustrated with the reality that the only thing true about my quiet time is that it is quiet. People often refer to their time in the Word as devotions. As I consider my time reading, I would be hard pressed to describe it as a time of devotion.

Devotion: religious fervor; an act of prayer or private worship; a religious exercise or practice other than the regular corporate worship of a congregation; the fact or state of being ardently dedicated and loyal.1

I have been reading through Hebrews lately, over and over again. I love the book of Hebrews; it was one of the first books of the Bible I studied as a new believer in women’s Bible study. Recently, I was only a few paragraphs into chapter 2 when I stopped to pray, pleading with God to give me focus, clarity and understanding. I went back to the start of the chapter. I didn’t get any further than Hebrews 2:1. It stopped me in my tracks, “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” Is that what has happened to me? Have I drifted away? Have I lost my passion to tarry with the Lord in His Word? Have I somehow hardened my heart to His voice?

I know two things:

1. I truly desire to be totally immersed in my time with Jesus. I long to plumb the depth of Scripture with an engaged mind and a receptive heart. I long to grow in personal intimacy with Jesus Christ. Psalm 63:1 “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.” Psalm 42:1 “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.”

2. I cannot do any of the above apart from the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. Unless He illumines the Word to my heart, it will simply be words on a page. I cannot even succeed in engaging my mind apart from His empowering and enabling grace. Proverbs 2:5-6 “Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Oh, Holy Spirit, fall fresh on me. Give me clarity, focus and understanding. Illumine Your Word to my heart, today.

Diane

1 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devotion accessed 12 18 08