Just Desserts

“I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:102-103 NIV

“Would anyone care to take a look at the dessert menu?” Most of us reply, “Just the check, please.” It’s such a special treat to say, “Yes!” Then it’s even more fun to pick something different from your table mates and spoon up a bite of their choices for a delectable assortment of sweetness. Come sit at the table with me. I’ve got something that is just like dessert for my soul and I’d love to share.

I’ve been in a bunch of Bible studies. (No, that’s not the dessert part, hold on!) Video studies, workbooks, lectures, you name it, I’ve studied that way. Lately, God has been calling me to sit down and open up His Word and nothing else - not a study workbook on his Word and not a laptop with reams of commentaries at my fingertips. Just. His. Word.

Sounds pretty simple. [Dramatic pause.] Not exactly. I had gotten so used to someone else asking the questions for me and guiding me to the answers that I had to work hard to do it for myself. I felt like a stumbling fool in the Word, but at the same time, I haven’t been enlightened like I have been recently in a long time.

Now, if you’re in the middle of a workbook study or something similar - You go, girl! Study His Word for all it’s worth. And by the word ‘study’ I mean more than just a quick perusal. I mean digging deep for answers, meditating on the precepts found, and working hard to apply what you’re learning. If you’ve never ventured into true study with just your Bible and a journal to record what God shows you, please give it a try. It’s like saying “Yes!” to the dessert menu. Here are a few sweet things I’m learning on this journey:

• God is my pace-setter: At one sitting I can read four chapters before I feel like God says, “Enough.” Then at another sitting, I can read four verses and God says, “Now stay here for a week.” Like a runner training for a race, I’ve felt the Spirit as my partner breathe right next to me urging me on strong for the right distance and then knowing when to slow down for me. On God’s timetable, I’ll never fall behind. He wants me to build my spiritual muscle and endurance and gives me this assurance from Jesus: “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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11: 29-30 NIV).

• The Holy Spirit is my teacher: I just love the library and I just love research. So when I’m surrounded by books and open tabs of web pages it makes me happy. There’s wisdom in finding solid teaching on God’s word. Yet, sometimes all those teachers teaching dilute the purity of the Master Teacher. It’s like seeing the truth through layers of different lenses. I need to see it with my own eyes. And it’s like hearing the truth through many different voices. I need the Voice of Truth. When I sit under one-on-one instruction with the Holy Spirit I receive a lesson that is tailor-made to make a difference right where God has me. Never underestimate the fact that there is only one you and the Holy Spirit speaks to you and through you in a way that isn't duplicated by any other teacher. “But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ” (1 John 2:27 NLT).

• The Church helps me: Studying the bible this way may seem like a lonely endeavor because the timing and topic are so individualized and small group discussion questions aren’t written at the end of every chapter. Surprisingly, I’ve found myself seeking a more true relationship. I don’t understand a lot of Scripture so I’m committed to asking a flesh and blood person for the answer first instead of the pale-faced character in my kitchen who goes by the name of Google. God tells me the first person I should go to is my husband. It’s been refreshing to give him the opportunity to be the spiritual head of our family and a springboard for a conversation that goes beyond daily happenings. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word…” (Ephesians 5:25-26 NIV). Also, I’ve been more interested in what my sisters in Christ have to say and their answers have been so uplifting and a means of growing relationship.

• Listen more: With the Holy Spirit as my teacher I have to listen better and longer. This is still the toughest part of bible study for me and I regularly fail. Also, instead of questions written by someone else, my spirit spilled over with my own questions and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by their audacity. After questioning, once again, it requires more listening for the answers. God’s Word can withstand any amount of examination - it was made to last forever - but, I absolutely love how He wants me to reason His Words out with Him and not blindly accept them. It’s like Jesus pats the spot next to him on a bench and patiently gives me his undivided attention modeling what it is to be a great listener. “‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord: ‘though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land…’” (Isaiah 1:18-19 ESV).

God is always inviting us to eat. He created our bodies to need food and He’s encouraged us to want more than the beverage of spiritual milk. This journey of studying the Bible has taken me through to the meat. I’ve had to work harder and discipline myself to chew on the Word because sometimes it doesn’t go down as easy as I’d like it to. However, I have been so blessed by the dessert menu! There is a ’sticky’ kind of sweetness that comes from remaining under the Holy Spirit’s teaching. They’re lessons that stick because God helped me discover them for myself. May the Lord lead to the just desserts of studying His Word! “I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:102-103 NIV).

The Power of God's Presence

“Just as I was with Moses, so will I be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you” (Josh. 1:5). This reassuring promise was spoken by the LORD to Joshua, after the death of Moses, as he was ready to embark on his greatest challenge ever. He was about to lead the nation of Israel across the Jordan River to conquer the long-awaited Promised Land that God was giving as their inheritance. This would be a daunting task as many of these Canaanite nations were mightier in strength, greater in number, were secured within fortified cities and often held a military advantage in resources and weaponry (Deut. 20:1). But God encourages and exhorts Joshua once again: “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9).

Why, of all the truths to emphasize, was the promise of God’s abiding presence the primary truth the LORD used to reassure Joshua? And why is the presence of God Almighty the recurring promise He holds out to embolden and equip all those He has called into His service? There is power in His presence! Moses himself would not dare go forward in leading the Israelites in the wilderness when God threatened to remove His presence because of the nation’s rebellion. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night was a constant reassuring reminder that the God who performed miraculous signs and wonders to free them from slavery in Egypt was the same powerful God whose presence was with them day and night. Moses’ desperate appeal to the Lord was, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us from here” (Ex. 33:1-16).

Isn’t God’s presence the key? Doesn’t that make all the difference between experiencing fear, despair, and anxiety or experiencing His peace and rest? Isn’t “God with us” the truth we need to remember and cling to, especially in times of trouble and difficulty? What a powerful promise to hold on to, that the Creator of the Universe, who spoke the world into being and rules sovereignly over kingdoms wants us to know, to believe, to remember that He is right here beside us, with us, IN us! And knowing this, really believing this, makes all the difference in how I respond to my life circumstances.

All throughout Scripture, the LORD continually reminds us, reminds me, that He is with me. He knows how prone I am to forget…how prone I am to think I’m on my own…that it’s up to ME to figure things out. He knows this only leads to stress, turmoil and a sense of defeat on my part. When I forget His presence, I forfeit the peace that comes from all that His presence affords. I am told in Isaiah, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (41:10). Look at all that comes with the promise of my God’s presence! It banishes my fear and despair and promises His divine strengthening, help, and protection! All that and more are all part of the package when God is with me!

A great example of this can be seen in Acts 16:19-25, as Paul and Silas demonstrated a peace that passes understanding in the midst of great trial and affliction (Phil. 4:6-8). Although they had just been beaten, were thrown into prison, had their feet fastened in the stocks and were placed under guard by a Philippian jailer, they were joyful “praying and singing hymns to God (Acts 16:24-25)! What?? This is not the kind of response one would expect after what they just endured. How was this possible? How would I have responded?

The apostle knew that the Lord was with him. He knew he wasn’t alone there in the prison cell. In Philippians 4:4-5 Paul is able to exhort others who suffer, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, Rejoice. The Lord is at hand.” Paul knew Christ was present in their suffering and trial. This wasn’t just some abstract theological truth for Paul. He believed and relied on the presence of God right there in that dungeon and this truth made all the difference to Paul and his co-worker. The presence of God was real, it was precious to him, and it was enough. The apostle valued Christ’s presence more than he valued life itself … “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21)!  God’s presence was a win-win for Paul. Either way, he knew that God’s presence was sure and could not be taken away from him no matter what happened. His trust and activity of prayerful dependence on God resulted in peace. What difference would it make in my life if I embraced this same attitude? How differently would I respond if I truly lived out Christ’s presence with me in the midst of whatever trial I’m experiencing right now?

Life here on planet earth is not easy. We all live in a world where Christ guaranteed there WILL be struggles, pressures, trials of many kinds (Jn. 16:33). Some believers struggle with heartbreaking relational issues, marital tensions, betrayal and deep hurts among family or friends. Some wrestle with financial trials that never seem to end, job loss, continuous breakdowns and unexpected repairs. Others deal with unexpected health diagnosis, chronic conditions, and challenging limitations, not to mention an uncertain future. The list of painful life circumstances and trials is endless in our sin-corrupted world. It is not a matter of “if” but “when” and for “how long” we each will be affected by difficulties.

Yet, with every one of these situations comes the sure promise of God’s divine presence and all that comes with this package… His love, grace, strength, protection, and provision. Most of all, Himself! Cling to His presence. Meditate on Who it is that promises to be “near to the brokenhearted” and to “never leave us nor forsake us” (Ps. 34:18, Heb.13:5). If He is with me, nothing else ought to matter. Allow the power of that reality to invade your soul and impact how you respond to difficulties and struggles and experience the peace that passes understanding as you trust in His presence. Remember, you are never alone!

A Revelation of Royal Proportions

         

 

 The other day I was having a particularly hard time stomaching the sad news of yet another shooting after such a long string of them. I began to lament for our nation, our children, and even for my very existence. I decided it was perhaps time to turn off the media and turn my attention toward the Word in order to reorient my thinking and gain a grasp of a more godly perspective.

   With firm expectation, I opened my Bible in search of God’s quiet affirmation, establishing himself as my gentle heavenly father as typically relayed in those “love” chapters that the Apostle John  (as inspired through the Holy Spirit), so tenderly and eloquently expresses in his prose. You can imagine how taken back I was when I turned to that “other” book written by the Apostle whom Jesus loved, which seems at first glance so contrary to his tender approach. I  was expecting that day, to read about the God of all comfort, but instead, I was privileged to step into the Glory of His throne room where I’d venture to guess few men and women typically travel.This is what I learned in stark contrast to what I typically think of when I meditate on the person of Jesus Christ as depicted in the four gospels; and our heavenly Father, to which the Christ so graciously offers us access.

   Now, it is not my intention to give a full discourse on the Book of Revelation (I’m incapable of doing that), but it is my intent to point out what has been so sadly lost upon me over the last twenty-four years or so after my conversion.When I came to Christ many years ago, my experience was one of great power and awe. God had revealed himself to me at the funeral of a friend in way that thrust me down off my throne and established himself  in my mind and in my spirit as Adonai, Master over all, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the One I’d sought to find  safety in from that time forward; but have been too soon to forget, and in the wearing down of my daily struggle, in these chaotic times of unprecedented fear, I have to place myself in agreement with His Spirit and intentionally look beyond the worries of today, into the Heavenly of Heavenlies.

   And that is where” the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, the One who has triumphed over evil resides; the Lamb, looking as if it had been slain who stands in the center of the throne, encircled by four magnificent living creatures and twenty-four elders. He has seven horns that signify his strength and seven eyes that symbolize His omniscience and has been given all authority over heaven and earth to take from the right hand of God who sits on His chariot throne, the scroll that contains the seven seals of judgement that only He has been found worthy to impart upon the earth. Because He in all His heavenly and earthly perfection was slain, and with His blood, he purchased us for God; from every tribe, and language, and people, and nation. He has made us be a kingdom of priests to serve our God, and we will reign on earth with Him forever.”Rev. 5:5-10.

     So why then do I fear? Because I have neglected to take in the full scope of the One who came down off His throne, in the humility of a man, as a sheep to be slaughtered by the very same ones he came to save. Because I have failed to take into account His worthiness before a Holy God. Because I have forgotten to honor Him not only as Lord of heaven and earth but, as Lord of my life. Because I have forgotten to acknowledge what really happened on the day the veil was torn. Because I have refused to understand my position as a daughter of the Most High and what it means to be welcomed into the throne room of that great and mighty King. These times need to be times of remembrance.

Therefore, who would dare mess with me and if they’d so choose to, what would the reality of the consequences be. Truth be told, I suspect I would be okay, perhaps even glorified. So from here on out, I will think of Him as my Father the King.  He is a God of judgment but also a God of love. And “whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment because in the world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” 1 John 4:16-18; but that’s not me because I am a daughter of the King. “ How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1John 3:1.

Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities

It’s amazing to see the fruit of Paul’s time as a prisoner during the writing of his letter to the Colossians. While most would have considered this incarceration a huge setback for God’s messenger, the apostle’s jail time did not silence the reach of the gospel. How tempting it would have been for him to think, “Why me? Why now?” After all, wasn’t Paul greatly gifted, well educated, extremely persuasive and articulate? Wasn’t he specifically commissioned to reach the Gentiles and do great things for God? Wasn’t Paul the church planter par excellence? This was no time for limitations. There were places to go, people to see and things to do for the Kingdom!

Though prison and confinement were undoubtedly not what Paul would have chosen, we see no “poor me” attitude displayed by this saint. Rather than focusing on the limitations of his situation the apostle took advantage of the possibilities open to him. He bore “much fruit” right where he was, not where he wished he could be. Because of this perspective, the imprisoned apostle was mightily used of God and experienced joy even in the midst of a very difficult situation. He turned his obstacles into opportunities to pen words of encouragement and warning to the saints and to share the good news even while in chains.

Limitations! How they cramp our style. They seem to crop up at the most inopportune times in life. Right when we thought we’d be doing great things for God, some unforeseen crisis raises its ugly head and we feel like, “Why me? Why now, Lord?” It may be a negative physical diagnosis, job loss, or failed marriage that suddenly invades our once predictable world. Maybe a son or daughter’s addiction has spiraled out of control or a spouse has stepped into the dark abyss of despair and depression. From fading finances to fickle friendships, aging parents who need care to unexpected vehicle repairs, we have little control over our world.

What About You?

What current life situation causes you to feel “imprisoned” or “stuck” at times?

Make a list of what you are no longer able to do because of the “limitations” your situation brings?

Take a moment to offer your “list of limitations” to the Lord. Pour out your heart to Him and bring your complaint to Him (Ps. 62:8, 142:2). Be honest about any disappointments and leave your frustrations at the cross. Come to Him in repentance if you’ve been hanging on to any anger or resentment that has caused you to turn away from the Lord in this difficult time. He longs to free you from the bondage of bitterness and discontent. 

Can you look back at another time when you faced some limitations yet clearly saw God’s faithfulness in enabling you to still bring Him glory in the midst of it? Explain.  

Paul could have wasted his time complaining and pining about all he was no longer able to do for God. He could have chosen to sulk over his lack of control over his imprisonment and become ineffective for the Kingdom. He could have wallowed in disappointment and resentment. But we see none of that. Instead, he joyfully did what he could and because of it, thousands of believers throughout the centuries have been blessed and strengthened in their faith due to the writing of this prison epistle. No doubt, God had him right where He wanted him and Paul chose to fully cooperate with and embrace His divine plan.

What might the Lord be trying to teach you about Himself, yourself and your relationship to others in your current situation?

How can you look beyond your obstacles and still be fruitful for the Lord right where you are, trusting Him and cooperating with His plan for you?

Our God never wastes an opportunity. It’s time to turn your “whine” into fruit God can use!

*This blog post is an excerpt taken from, We Proclaim Him: Mining the Hidden Treasures Found in Christ by Helen VanSumeren.