Into The Deep   Christian Words to Inspire

Vision and Anointing . . . 3/8/10

 

What is the vision that guides you today?  Do you watch the increasing darkness, or do you focus on the power and promise of God?  If you find yourself afraid because of "bad reports," then let your emotions push you toward God's truth instead of pulling you into the Satanic muck of resignment and despair.  

 

God has neither left us nor forsaken us.  His holy Word still overrides the enemy's evil chatter.  Immersing ourselves in scripture will elevate our levels of faith, hope and discernment, whereas fear will hurry us toward foolish steps of error.  The Word always brings revelation while fear brings nothing but distortion and deception.

 

God has given us a choice.  We can open our eyes to see Him at work.  We can turn our ears to hear His voice.  Or, we can be counted with those who don't believe.  Will you glorify the Lord through faith, or will you discredit Him through fear?

 

Christians are destined to shine with God's glory during the dark days that lay ahead.   The enemy knows this and is working overtime to tarnish our lamps and snuff out the fire within.  In my personal experience, every time I take a determined step toward God, the forces of hell arrive to push me back.  I sustain repeated "hits" of condemnation, deception, illness, rejection and discouragement—whatever it takes to dim my vision and weaken my resolve.  The attacks are skilled and subtle, making the lies quite believable.  But the Spirit has taught me to expect these attacks and to ward them off by faith.  You can do this too:

 

Put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

 

Remember all that God has promised, both in His logos and rhema Words.  Keep a journal to refer to when conflicts arise.

 

Look for God's hand of favor and protection.  This can go unnoticed if our focus is misdirected.  But if we discern His helping hand, we're encouraged.

 

Be aware of your personal anointing.  If you don't think you're equipped and anointed for any type of kingdom work, then ask God to open your eyes.  Once you're enlightened, ask God to increase your anointing so you can serve Him more effectively.

 

Always thank God for His sovereign power, for the hope within His Word and for the joy of His presence.  Thank Him and praise Him for all things.

 

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come - 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 NIV.

 

 

 

 

 

A New Creation - 2/23/10

 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new – 2 Corinthians 5:17.

 

At the time of our salvation we hear right away that we’re a new creation in Christ.  We also hear that there is no condemnation for those who abide in Him (Romans 8:1).  But twenty or thirty years after being born again, many Christians are not living in the freedom and power that is theirs.  The enemy has methodically beaten them down so they’ve forgotten the practical reality of the words, “no condemnation.” The powers of darkness have coerced others to treat them badly, so they feel inferior, worthless and powerless, trembling under a heavy load of shame.  Does this profile describe you, even just a little?

 

Now here is the truth of the matter: Jesus wiped our slates clean, so poor treatment from others is never a true reflection of who we are.  God calls us His beloved.  He tells us we're kings and priests who establish His kingdom here on Earth (Revelation 1:5,6).  With this in mind, we can face each day confidently.  The King of kings and Lord of lords has called us to purpose and honor.  With the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts and lips, we can stand up lovingly and respectfully to family members, co-workers and any associates who make a habit of treating us badly.  We can walk in peace and joy instead of sadness.

 

If you are one who's been wounded by long-standing mistreatment, God wants you to know that unkind people are not the real enemy.  Satan is the ugly fiend behind the scenes, pushing buttons and pulling strings to stir up strife, judgement and condemnation—whatever it takes to keep us from reaching our potential and purpose in Christ.

 

He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap – Ecclesiastes 11:4.

 

We must ignore those maligning winds that tell us we're not good enough.  And the clouds that remind us of the past are only the enemy's "smoke and mirrors."   God's voice is true, and He has declared that we're new and clean and strong.  Through Him we are destined to overcome evil, and we will do it gloriously.

 

 

 

 

 

Salt - 2/5/10

 

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.  Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one - Colossians 4:5,6.

 

People caught in the snares of sin can be set completely free by hearing the truth about their predicament.  Because Christians are the salt of the earth, we're responsible to help the needy who God has set on our paths (Matthew 5:13).  

 

Salt has amazing properties.  It seasons our food and prevents dehydration.  It is vital for normal functioning of the human body.  Salt can even save lives by killing germs.  But we have to remember that salt will always cause pain if sprinkled on an open wound, so those who are most in need of salt are the ones who may scream the loudest when it is applied.  

 

Speaking truthfully to a friend, family member, co-worker, or even a total stranger, must be done in love.  The Spirit may provide the perfect words right on the spot, but often we need to pray before we speak.  I've been in situations where I've had to pray for weeks before I was allowed to say a word.  My own attitude needed adjusting before I could hear from the Lord about what to say to another.

 

Unless the need is urgent, salt is best applied in small doses over a period of time, making it acceptable to the recipient.  A sprinkle here and a sprinkle there helps the hearer save face and avoid the sting of humiliation.  It also gives them time to test-drive each new truth before they receive another.

 

Alas, no matter how careful and loving we may be, there will sometimes be strong reactions to the truth we speak.  Anger, outrage, icy silence, and even retaliation are normal responses from the prisoners of sin.  But if we've followed the Lord's direction, we needn't worry.  The Word and the Spirit will have their intended effect.  

 

There will be times, nonetheless, when we ourselves are wounded by the sinner's reaction.  As this happens, we must cling to God and His love for us so we don't lose sight of the task at hand.  Just like Jesus, we will experience times of rejection because of speaking the Father's truth.  So we need to remember—it's not about us.  It's about setting the captives free. 

 

 

 

 

 

1/19/10 - The Word is God

 

Sometimes when I get accustomed to hearing from the Lord in a particular way, He “changes the channel” so I have to find Him in a new place.  And sometimes when I start to feel comfortably close, He moves to the left or the right so I’m required to seek Him with more determination.  God stretches and expands us in mysterious ways which we often don’t understand.  But if we love Him, we continue to follow and reach for more of Him.  Our hearts are entwined with His, so we can’t be apart for long or tolerate much distance.

 

The Lord can be perplexing at times, but we always have the Word as our constant, guiding light.  We must not forget that the Word IS God!  It's alive with His breath and His heartbeat.

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God – John 1:1.

 

God is often a mystery because His ways are so much higher than ours.  But the Word will speak to us wherever we stand, whether it be on a bright hill of mature understanding or in a deep valley of confusion.  The Word will flow in us like blood, carrying life to every hidden part.  The Word is alive with revelation, power and deliverance.   If we treat the Word as the living presence of God instead of a compilation of facts to be learned, then we’ll be greatly blessed as the Lord intends.   

 

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed – John 8:31.

 

Any pursuit that consistently displaces the reading of scripture should be considered an idol.   We’re not disciples of the Lord if we’re not reading the Word and abiding therein.  But if we submit to time in the Word, we’re submitted to Jesus as Lord.  

 

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you – John 15:7.

 

“Receiving what we desire” sounds very good to me.  Jesus’ only requirement is that we abide in Him by abiding in the Word.  Now that’s an excellent deal—one that makes us rich beyond measure. 

 

 

 

 

 

1/10/10 - Passing Through Valleys

 

Hard times come as a result of sin and poor choices, but they will also come from the Lord as a form of testing.  He will be glorified in these situations if we respond properly to the adversity.  Will we turn to the world or to God for help?  Will we praise Him, or will we murmur and complain?  Will we obey, even when this prolongs our discomfort?  Will we turn to God immediately or only after we've tried it "our way"?  Are we willing to learn patience, humility and the holy art of "waiting on the Lord"?  

 

Whether our difficulties are the consequences of sin or a form of testing, our response should be the same—to glorify God by turning to Him for guidance, protection and provision.

 

As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools –

Psalm 84:6.

 

The word, baca, means "weeping."  As we pass through places that are hard enough to make us cry, we must remember the Holy One who wants to comfort and refresh us.  When we draw near to the Lord and abide in His presence, our “valley” becomes a place of beauty for ourselves and for others.  I was recently pondering this verse when the Spirit told me that the Lord IS the spring, and as I draw near to Him for refreshing each day, I can expect to move deeper into His presence.  I can be immersed in God the same as I would be immersed in a pool of deep, pure water. 

 

While I was thinking of the valleys I’ve walked through during my life, the Spirit spoke to me clearly. He told me that my years of difficulty have not been a wasted time because He has brought a level of holiness into my life.  Then He revealed to me the high value He assigns to holiness.  It is a beautiful thing and is greatly prized by God.  He is always pleased when testing results in a reflection of Himself.

 

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord . . . - Hebrews 12:14.

 

As it turns out, hard times are a gateway to holiness.  Of course holiness leads us to the presence of the Lord.  And then we find fullness of joy in His presence!