Prepare Today

As a think about the life of David in the Old Testament I can look at many aspects. The one that I have been focusing on lately is his ability to fight. Psalm 18 is written by David where he speaks of being prepared and trained for battle by God in order to face his enemy. He says in one part that God trained his hands to fight.

It's interesting that David took down Goliath with a slingshot and one smooth stone. But it is not so hard to believe when you start to look at David's life. For a time he cared for sheep in the desert. He actually told the King that he would face Goliath and conquer him because he had already beaten wild animals in the desert while caring for his sheep. He talked about protecting the sheep by killing a lion and a bear.

A friend shared some thoughts with me about David being out in the desert with a lot of time on his hands. His observation was that David probably used that slingshot a lot target practicing. That is probably how you kill some of the boredom of being out there. But it also trained him to become more and more accurate with that slingshot. David didn't face Goliath using the slingshot for the first time. He was trained and ready. He was confident as he faced his giant.

One of the things I have heard people say as part of learning to use a gun is how they need to relax and squeeze the trigger instead of pulling it. When you're unlearned with a gun the natural tendency is to pull the trigger. This usually causes a jerk and will always miss the target. But when you squeeze it while relaxing you can be a lot more accurate. Confidence is built through the use and practice.
It is very dangerous to send a soldier out who has not been proven with his weapon. Dangerous for his fellow soldiers, not the enemy!

So of course the spiritual lesson in this is how we are trained on a daily basis through life's situations to act according to the word of God and defeat our giants. The training happens on a daily basis. It happens during mundane activities. It happens every day that we act by faith using the truth of the word of God in our life. It happens in daily situations and circumstances. Little by little we are learning how to use what God has given us. And the more we use it, the more we become proficient with it.

All of us go through hard times and hard circumstances. But we’re not always in those circumstances, were not always under the gun so to speak. There are times when life is not so difficult and we can use those times to still apply the word of God and to be trained for a future event. It is a lot easier to target practice rather than face a lion being untried to do so. We need the target practice time. Here is a simple example. If we learn to pray on a daily basis believing God in the little things, then it's not so hard when a big thing happens. For example, with our children as they were growing up we would stop and pray for whatever pain or injury they had. Many times it was nothing and after a moment of prayer they would go back to playing like nothing ever happened. But then there were occasions that we really needed God to come through. And guess what? We already knew how to pray, we already knew how to trust, and so did our children.

Let's not wait for the hard moments in life to come along and then have to trust God in those moments, having absolutely no confidence. Let's learn to trust God on a daily basis in the little things and train for those moments that we don't plan for. Let’s apply the promises and word of God in our daily routines rather than wait for times that force us to believe while experiencing great anxiety and fear. If we train by constant use then when those harder times come along we can stand confidently with God's peace and use the weapons He's already trained us to use against the enemy of our soul. God has called us to be conquerors over the enemy. Practice makes perfect. Practice prepares us to win tomorrows battles!

Where is your faith?

There were several occasions where Jesus addressed the people after having performed miracles and signs. At those moments, Jesus said basically said that they only followed him because of the signs and miracles. Right after the feeding of the 5000 he also made a strong statement. He asked the people if they followed him because they had their fill of bread.

I think this is a good question for us to ask ourselves today. As we look at having faith in God, what do we really base our faith on? Do we base it on the blessings we have in our lives? Do we base it on the fact that we have all that we need? What happens when our expectations of God are disappointed? What happens to our faith at times like that?

I believe our faith in God has to go much further than that. We need to trust and love him for who he is not for what he does. Although we can say that he is a God that is always good, we need to be careful that we do not use physical blessings as a measure by which we believe God or not. Believe God because he loves us. Believe him because he gave his son in our place to forgive our sins and give us eternal life. Believe him because he is God and there is no other like him.

Our faith will be tried. As a matter-of-fact, James says, count it all joy when you face all kinds of trials because this develops perseverance. We cannot choose to believe God when everything is easy and turn against him when life throws a curveball at us. It is hard to understand this but God actually is closer to us we are going through rough times. When we go through the fire He is with us. Keep your faith no matter what is going on in your life. God will never abandon you.

Isaiah 43:1-2 "But now, this is what the Lord says-he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

Breaking the Dam

There are some things that Jesus said that really make you sit back and think. There's one in particular where he was addressing the people in John chapter 7:37 and he says "if anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."

What a great promise! This is not the only time that Jesus talked about being thirsty. But on this occasion he talks about living water flowing from within us. Of course directly after this. The author gives us an explanation of what he is talking about, which is the Holy Spirit that has not been sent as of yet. How desperately do we need those streams of living water flowing from within us today.

I think it is fairly safe to say that streams of living water flowing within us would something wonderful. It would replenish lack that is in our souls. I think it is safe to say that it would also energize us to continue on in this life. Imagine how hurts and damaged areas of our life can be positively affected by the streams of living water. It would replenish our lack of passion, lack of boldness, and so much more. When you begin to meditate on all that these streams can provide in our life, it would be ludicrous not to ask for them. "Lord, send the streams and break the dam that's holding them back.".

See the Lord has provided these streams through his Holy Spirit that lives within us. If we have called on the name of the Lord for salvation then we have access to the throne of God and to the benefits of living in the kingdom of God. One of the greatest benefits is the arrival of the Holy Spirit who helps us and fills us with his power and goodness. The simplest way I know to allow the Holy Spirit to flow with those streams of life is to ask him. Sure, there are many things that we can do to facilitate the spirit moving in us but the easiest to understand is simply asking. God has provided, all we need to do is ask. Once we ask then we allow him to fill us. We break the dam.

We tear down the barriers of unbelief and doubt that so quickly arise in our minds. We allow God to be a supernatural God in our lives and stop trying to analyze everything that he wants to do for us. So many times we fail to receive all that is available to us because we over analyze God's promises. Let the word of God override your thoughts. Let what God says be what you believe. Let the rivers flow in your soul and replenish every dry area.

Luke 11:13 "if you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Ask and receive.

Purpose

The subject of purpose has really been on my mind for the last couple of months so I thought I would pen a few quotes that I have randomly come across. Here is one from a movie. Don’t ask me which one. I wasn’t even watching it but my wife heard it and repeated it to me.

“Without purpose life is boring.”

I can agree with that can’t you? When you have a sense of purpose in what you are doing it takes the boredom away because you want to occupy your time with things that help the purpose get accomplished. It really does give you direction and help you make decisions. Here is another quote from a men’s magazine article that I happened to read:

“When you are confident of your purpose, you worry less and devote more energy to constructive endeavors”

This is so true. When you are about your purpose you just don’t spend time worrying about things. I really think this relates to several scriptures where Paul the apostle addressed the idea occupying our time with work. There seemed to be a problem in the church at Thessalonica because of the very accurate and real truth of Jesus’ return. It seems that because His return was so imminent the people just became idle in waiting. They did nothing which began to cause many other problems such as becoming meddlers, gossipers, busybodies. Paul encouraged them to work with their hands and be busy. Occupy was the term he used.

Occupy doesn’t mean to just take up space. It means to work. To be busy getting things done. It infers the use of the facilities God has given us in order to carry out the many tasks that are necessary to live. It means to devote energy to constructive endeavors and not just waste time. Purpose helps us focus our energy, abilities, talents, and time. It gives us fulfillment and life.

I believe this is why we feel so good about joining with groups and organizations that share a common purpose. It is very fulfilling to be a part of something that causes us to feel worth in life. So many times we might think we don’t have an individual, unique purpose. That is fine. In reality I believe everyone needs to join God in His purpose. It is the most fulfilling. But it is also very good to be a part of something that gives us purpose. In the end it all serves the same purpose (pun intended!).

Purpose in Life

I came across this quote the other day by W Clement Stone, an expert on success and positive attitudes, "whenever you discover your mission (or purpose), you will feel its demand. It will fill you with enthusiasm and a burning desire to get to work on.".

As I've been contemplating purpose over the last couple months I've realize how important theme this is in the Scriptures. There is a verse that is always spoken to me out of Proverbs 29:18. Basically this verse states that where there is no purpose, there is no direction. In essence, that is what this verse is talking about. It uses the word vision or revelation for which I think we can also include the word purpose. I think it is easy to see that when we purpose to do something we usually get it done. Most people go through life and find purpose in the things that they are doing. Because of this purpose or this driving force inside of them, they are able to accomplish many things in life. We have actually been created with a need to find our purpose in life.

Although this is not always easy to do, it is also not as difficult as we think. I think there is a great correlation between what we are passionate about and what our purpose is life. When we understand that the purpose of our life in relationship to God then we can better understand the reason for much of what we do. And this purpose helps us set short term goals that are attainable. In this way we can understand the why of today in order to reach the purpose of tomorrow. There are a lot of things that we all do that are not always fun but if we find how they fit into a greater purpose. They are much easier to carry out.

It is important to bring into focus a greater purpose for our lives that we can only find in Jesus Christ. Of course, there are many things that are very noble purposes in this world and I don’t deny those but state that there is a greater purpose into which all these things fit.

I'm sure most everyone has asked themselves the question, "why do I exist". Finding our purpose in life answers this question and brings a tremendous fullness to our life. And remember Jesus came to give us life in abundance, not just in existence. So where do we begin to find the true purpose in life? I believe it can be found in the person of Jesus Christ. I believe the Bible will give us all the direction we need to live this life to the fullest and to accomplish the purpose for which we were created.

Let me give one key factor towards finding the answers to these questions. We are God's creation. He made you the way you are with the abilities and talents that are innate in you. God has given each of us the ability to fulfill our purpose on this earth. Here's a quote from a Greek philosopher, "know thyself". That's a valid statement. That is where we need to start.

Can You See?

It is interesting to read the story of Abraham. It encompasses quite a few chapters in the book of Genesis and is pretty detailed. Wow what lessons we can learn from his stories. Both good and bad.

For the moment I simply want to take one ongoing story that is weaved throughout his whole life story. And specifically I am focusing on the covenant promise God the Father made to Abraham from the very first.

It is now a universal (or global if you prefer) promise that was first spoken to Abraham but now can be claimed by all mankind. “I will bless you and you will be a blessing”.

Of course the Lord expands on this statement by saying to Abraham that his descendants will be so numerous that you won’t be able to count them. What an awesome promise. God spoke this to Abraham. We have it written and can read it but Abraham heard God’s voice over and over saying what He had promised him. He heard a word, promise, from God’s heart to his. And he heard it many times as we look at scripture.

Now here is an important side note. Abraham wasn’t sure how and if this would ever happen. And as a result we can read his life saga of mistakes for not truly believing what God said He would do for him. So it gets a little more interesting because the Lord understands that we need help in order to believe. We probably make believing a lot harder than it really is. I know I do. You know when Jesus says ‘just believe’ and a father cries out and exclaims ‘I do but help my unbelief!’. It is supposed to be easy and it really is. It is just too easy and therefore the paradox of what we are doing when we fight the good fight of faith.

But I am digressing a bit. Let me get back to the focus of what I want to share in this blog. Abraham, same as us, needed a way to boost his faith and cause believing to by faith to become a reality without seeing the actual fulfillment. Because you see the key to faith is that we are believing without having seen what is actually the focus of our faith. So how do we get it to click on the inside that what God says is really true and as a result we are unshakeable in our trust in Him to fulfill it?

Here it is. No more suspense. God told Abraham one night to look up at the stars. He wanted him to see promise of an heir and birthing of nations through the visual of the stars. Impossible to count and so the promise was impossible to fathom. But the stars gave Abraham a visual. It is the same as putting scripture on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror so you see it everyday. Every time Abraham would look up and see the stars at night he would be reminded of the promise God had made to him and would be able to get a mental picture of a spiritual promise.

It actually says in Genesis the verse immediately following the star visual that Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness. So wasn’t he believing or trying to before now? Of course! But now he had something he could visualize in the natural in order to believe in his heart what God had said. Maybe we should use this as a key to believing the great and awesome promises God has given us. Find your visual to keep before your eyes. Find your star-filled sky to look at.

Here is a verse that really speaks to this in 1 Corinthians 15:46:
The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual (NIV)

So it looks like God had a simple way for us to believe all the time. First the natural: See it with your eyes in the world around us that God created. Then the spiritual: believe that it is done and it is settled in your heart.

Written Words

Have you ever thought about how words effect you? I think we are not very aware of their power in our lives until we actually hear words that carry an impact on where we are at the moment. I don’t mean where we are in reference to geography but where we are on the inside.

Of course we can talk long and hard about the negative effect that words have on our lives. I think everybody recognizes that. But I want to blog about the positive effect instead. I think this really hit me recently as I was able to hear and read words directed to me that just filled me with an overwhelming sense of God’s grace and love for my life. What a blessing for my life. It is not something one thinks about everyday. What I mean is we don’t go around thinking “I wish people would speak words that build me up today”. And in our society today I believe we definitely lack telling people around us positive things about them. So when it happens it tends to make us sit back and think how awesome it feels to hear positive things about who you are in life.

Words of praise. Did you know that God speaks words of praise to His children all the time? He sure does. Just read what the bible has to say about you. Let me rest my case in the truth that “for God so loved the world (you) that He gave His only begotten Son”. That should be enough yet the bible is riddled with God’s words of love toward us.

Obviously we would all agree that it is important to esteem and bless one another. We encourage our young athletes before they step into the game. We encourage children in our schools that they can do it. Over and over again we employ words and notes to build up people of all ages so that they will achieve more in life as well as have a great attitude.

Here is my point. Everyone is effected for the better as we build them up. Let’s do it more regularly. Let’s make it a point to esteem and edify others in the moment. Not wait for another day or future time. Let’s do it more often. It is a beautiful thing to receive words of affirmation and love that let you know your life is worth living.

Say something good to somebody in your life!