Category: God

Find your Deliberate Dance

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It has been my observation when searching for how the Holy Spirit empowers us (as defined in scripture) that we owe everything to the superior strategy and planning of God the Father, including the amazing purchase of our soul by the Son (redemption), and the transformative power and implementation of God’s Plan in us by the Holy Spirit (infilling).

We read in Romans 8:9 — Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. All believers have the Holy Spirit. Continuing, we read in Ephesians 5:18 — Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit. This suggests we are not continually filled, but we are filled for a purpose, a season, then there is rest. Consider the plight of a Gas engine with a nitro injection system. We do not always use the nitro system, just when power is required. We are told to seek the infilling; seek all the fullness we can garner; and, at the same, we are cautioned to avoid quenching the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) and to avoid grieving the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). This is a deliberate dance.

Let us look at four overlapping ideas that lead to the infilling of the Spirit. First, we are told to meditate on Scripture. There is a life-giving connection between the Spirit of God and his Word. Jesus said — It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. (John 6:63). Paul says — Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart. (Ephesians 5:18–19). Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16).

Second, we are told to believe what we read in the Word. Paul asked (Galatians 3:5), “Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?” I think it is clear the Holy Spirit is supplied to us and works powerfully in us as we hear the word with faith — as we believe it – as we put it into practice. Stephen and Barnabas were men of faith and full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5, Acts 11:24). I think we are wise to not trivialize the relationship between faith and the infilling of the Spirit. It is by meditation and faith we experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. This leads to belief in what we read in scripture.

Third, we to be obedient to scripture. One of the disciples asked Jesus — Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world (John 14:22)? Jesus answered — “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23). When you keep his word, he draws close – really close.

Fourth is the thirst, the desire to know God. The glue that brings together meditation, belief, and obedience is desire. We are told to thirst for Him. Our dance with God is to be Deliberate. Jesus says — If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink … Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive (John 7:37-39). The Psalms says — Drink from the river of [his] delights” (Psalms 36:8). As a deer pants for flowing streams, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God for the living God. (Psalms 42:1–2). O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Psalms 63:1).

Embrace meditation on scripture, believe what you read in scripture, become obedient to the guidelines in scripture, and thirst for God. You do this and the Spirit of glory will rest upon you (1 Peter 4:14). Do not hold back. Implement the plan. Seek his presence. Seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Find the ‘deliberate dance’ in your life.

I choose Jesus.

A Broken and Contrite Heart

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After reading my first essay on God’s holiness, Pepper commented — I can see the mirror concept, it is like being in the desert on a moonless night, surrounded by many cars with their brights on, with no place to hide – his holiness illuminates everything. Then she asked – How does it work in practice?

I think a close reading of scripture that reveals God’s holiness defines both (1) moral structure and (2) personality. This interesting feature of holiness is what causes us to cry out — My Lord and my God, forgive me; yet, the following day we kneel with delighted reverence to admire, adore, and worship the one true living God that inhabits eternity.

In this framework, let us consider the moral structure of God’s holiness. I believe moral structure is defined by the law. But not a version of the law that is meant to crush us with rules. Rather a law that defines life boundaries and clearly identifies the things used by Lucifer to put a wedge between us and God. Additionally, through the Law, the one true living God has given us extraordinary insight into the operations and methods of Lucifer. Each element of the law specifies a tool that Lucifer uses to harm us. For example, the law tells us – do not bear false witness against your neighbor. I suggest we view this as a ‘clue’. Lucifer will set us up with opportunities to bear false witness, if he can get us to take the bait, he will snare us. Cleverly, God has given us advanced warning that this is one of Lucifer’s tricks. God is telling us to stay clear of the snare and avoid trouble.

I think we are wise to pay attention to the insight from the law, for we are informed and apprised in advance of when and how Lucifer hoovers, schemes, and works to pull us away from the one true living God. In all of this we can not loose sight of the concept – less of me and more of Jesus. Jesus gives us the insight and power to avoid the snare.

There is more – Consider the beatitudes – Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you, persecute you, and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account (Matthew 5:2-12).

The Beatitudes (beautiful blessings) is a profound rendering (application) of the law, presented in unconditional Love, to nudge our thoughts and actions towards his goodness. I think this is a grand view of how to exude holiness in our daily life. The beatitude blessings tell us there is a reward for our yielding to the nudge of God. This is not works-righteousness – this is victorious living. The message from the blessings is humbling and encouraging at the same time.

What then, is God’s holy personality? I believe his personality (holiness) is represented in human terms by the fruit of the Holy Spirit. I am speaking of things such as self-control, meekness, faith, goodness, gentleness, patience, peace, joy, and the most important thing of all – love. God is the gold standard for each of these attributes. He is these things. What a wondrous thing to have this fruit of His Spirit laid upon us like a mantle of his glory. Paul says – hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:5 paraphrased). A broken and contrite heart will never be rejected by God, our unholiness is wiped clean by Jesus. We take refuge in Jesus. When God looks at us, he sees our redeemer, embedded in us.

I choose Jesus.

Looking in a Mirror

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It has been my observation while skittering through the book of Isaiah looking for a reference on Jesus, there is a beautiful description of God in the throne room in chapter 6. I became extremely aware of my own shortcomings as I reviewed Isaiah’s verbal brush strokes concerning the holiness of God.

Isaiah says — woe to me for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of people with unclean lips and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts (Isaiah 6:5).

Isaiah expresses the feeling of every person who encounters the holiness of God magnified in the purity and blazing presence of God. We can see Isaiah in awe with his glimpse of God in the throne room.

Using God’s holiness as a mirror, we see ourselves as God sees us. As I read Isaiah 6:5, I was humbled by the contrast between Isaiah and the brilliance of God. We walk with God, but we are comfortable in the surroundings that we live today. We look upon the lack of holiness in humans as a normal part of life. We are not surprised when we do not find politicians truthful. We are not totally dismayed by faithless leaders; we have come to expect less than honest activities from people we do business with. Life goes on, yet –the mirror of Isaiah 6:5 hangs there, quietly, unassumingly, revealing ourselves as God sees us.

Hebrews says – For the Law, being only a reflection of the blessings to come and not their substance, can never make perfect those who come near by the same sacrifices repeatedly offered year after year. Otherwise, would they not have stopped offering them, because the worshipers, cleansed once for all, would no longer be aware of any sins? Instead, through those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year after year, for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin (Hebrews 10:1-4).

I am unable to properly define the holiness of God. Try I am, but it is impossible. Why? God is incomparable, incomprehensible, and his level of holiness is undefinable with the language of mere humans. Holy is the way God is. He is not conforming to a higher standard of holiness; He is the standard. His incomprehensible purity pushes out any thoughts that suggest he is other than what he says. To keep us safe we only see his glory in part; yet His majesty and power envelops us; we who walk with him are given tools and grace to resist irreparable moral collapse (Hebrews 1:3-4 paraphrased). Every time we can detect his judgment in history, his action has been an act of holy preservation.

David said — On the glorious splendor … of Your wonderful works, I will meditate. (Psalms 145:5)

So, what do we do? We must, like Moses, cover ourselves with faith and humility before we take an ever so brief look at the God who no man can see and live. Once again, I think of Isaiah’s observation at the top of this essay (Isaiah 6:5). God is a perfect mirror to help us see our imperfections.

God says – I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live. There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen (Exodus 33:19-23 paraphrased).

God’s holiness is like a mirror, the mirror hangs there, gently, unostentatiously revealing our nature through God’s eyes. We see ourselves, we shudder, and then we head north in humility to walk with him. It is that simple. In our walk, we respect the things of God. His mirror keeps us in a safe harbor.

I choose Jesus.

Looking In A Mirror

Published on by DanLeave a comment

It has been my observation while skittering through the book of Isaiah looking for a reference on Jesus, there is a beautiful description of God in the throne room in chapter 6. I became extremely aware of my own shortcomings as I reviewed Isaiah’s verbal brush strokes concerning the holiness of God.

Isaiah says — woe to me for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of people with unclean lips and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts (Isaiah 6:5).

Isaiah expresses the feeling of every person who encounters the holiness of God magnified in the purity and blazing presence of God. We can see Isaiah in awe with his glimpse of God in the throne room.

Using God’s holiness as a mirror, we see ourselves as God sees us. As I read Isaiah 6:5, I was humbled by the contrast between Isaiah and the brilliance of God. We walk with God, but we are comfortable in the surroundings that we live today. We look upon the lack of holiness in humans as a normal part of life. We are not surprised when we do not find politicians truthful. We are not totally dismayed by faithless leaders; we have come to expect less than honest activities from people we do business with. Life goes on, yet –the mirror of Isaiah 6:5 hangs there, quietly, unassumingly, revealing ourselves as God sees us.

Hebrews says – For the Law, being only a reflection of the blessings to come and not their substance, can never make perfect those who come near by the same sacrifices repeatedly offered year after year. Otherwise, would they not have stopped offering them, because the worshipers, cleansed once for all, would no longer be aware of any sins? Instead, through those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year after year, for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin (Hebrews 10:1-4).

I am unable to properly define the holiness of God. Try I am, but it is impossible. Why? God is incomparable, incomprehensible, and his level of holiness is undefinable with the language of mere humans. Holy is the way God is. He is not conforming to a higher standard of holiness; He is the standard. His incomprehensible purity pushes out any thoughts that suggest he is other than what he says. To keep us safe we only see his glory in part; yet His majesty and power envelops us; we who walk with him are given tools and grace to resist irreparable moral collapse (Hebrews 1:3-4 paraphrased). Every time we can detect his judgment in history, his action has been an act of holy preservation.

David said — On the glorious splendor … of Your wonderful works, I will meditate. (Psalms 145:5)

So, what do we do? We must, like Moses, cover ourselves with faith and humility before we take an ever so brief look at the God who no man can see and live. Once again, I think of Isaiah’s observation at the top of this essay (Isaiah 6:5). God is a perfect mirror to help us see our imperfections.

God says – I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live. There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen (Exodus 33:19-23 paraphrased).

God’s holiness is like a mirror, the mirror hangs there, gently, unostentatiously revealing our nature through God’s eyes. We see ourselves, we shudder, and then we head north in humility to walk with him. It is that simple. In our walk, we respect the things of God. His mirror keeps us in a safe harbor.

I choose Jesus.

The Things We Never See

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It has been my observation while browsing Ezra — he was instrumental in restoring the use of the Jewish scripture and temple practices to the Israelites after returning from Babylon. Ezra was a contemporary of Cyrus. It was Cyrus who conquered Babylon, facilitated the return of the Israelites to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity, and Cyrus who ordered Babylonian people to furnish the Israelites with necessaries, so that they did not go out empty handed from Babylon any more than from Egypt (implied in Ezra 1:4).

Cyrus told the Israelis — The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me (Cyrus) all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem. And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with gold, goods, livestock, and freewill offerings for the new temple in Jerusalem. (Ezra 1:2-4 paraphrased)

As word traveled amongst the nations, the gentiles, trapped in their old ways, came to the Israelis seeking freedom. They approached the Israelis and fell before them saying – surely God is in you – we see what he has done. They wanted to be a part of this migration (Isaiah 45:11-14). They humbly begged to go with the Israelis – they were able to see God moving. This interest by the gentiles is a glimpse of what happened when the New Covenant was put into place.

Zachariah 8:14-23 (paraphrased) says — Just as I had determined to bring disaster to your ancestors and showed no pity when your ancestors rebelled against me, says the Lord Almighty, so now I have determined to do good again to you. As of today, do not be afraid. Speak the truth to each other, render true and sound judgment in your courts. Do not plot evil against each other. Rather, you should love the truth and live peacefully. Many people and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to seek the Lord and petition the Lord Almighty. Many people and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to find the Lord Almighty. In those days, many people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you (NIV).

This promise to Cyrus and the Israelites was a forerunner of the gospel message. We are encouraged in this Zachariah passage to not be afraid, we are told to speak the truth, respect each other, help each other. How do we implement this passage in our life? Consider the incredible potential of the Fruit of the Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit upon our daily life. Go back and review the Zachariah passage above. Many of the elements of life in Judah after Babylon are the type of things that the Fruit of the Spirit and Gifts of the Spirit cultivate in us. We are told to live peacefully and avoid creating friction with other people. This is the Holy Spirit in action. This is the focus of the new covenant. Love each other!

Imagine a world where people are seeking the one true living God, they are helping each other and worshiping the God they serve. Their prayer is focused on others rather than themselves, seeking help to fix issues. People within all stratifications of life from the immensely powerful to the lowliest are seeking the counsel of God (Gifts of the Spirit). For those who are speaking God’s word into others, people clamor to hear and learn. This is an amazing vision of what could be. What ought to be. What can be.

We the redeemed are enabled by God. His Spirit infuses us, always leading us to do things that help others. We may see three things done for us by God, but rest assured there are ten thousand things accomplished for us that we never see. It is in that context we are encouraged to be helpful to others.

I choose Jesus.

Hidden Treasures in Secret Places

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It has been my observation while reading Ezra, that Cyrus was a significant player in the transition of Israel back to the promised land after the 70-year exile to Babylon. Cyrus was not a believer, but he was clearly being guided and rewarded by the one true living God for his actions. Who was this Guy?

Cyrus was a Mede, some say his father was Astyages, the King of Media. There is no clear biography of him that has survived for us to read. The consensus of historians suggests he was an outcast in his infancy; he was found and raised by a Bedouin family of shepherds. Like Moses, he was a very smart person and found his way to the throne, demonstrating his iron when Croesus king of Lydia attacked his country. His defense and counterattack enabled him to take Sardis which led to ownership of a very wealthy kingdom of Lydia. He became a powerful, aggressive king. In all this, he maintained a positive demeanor that was noted by the one true living God.

Isaiah wrote – This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of, to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: I will go before you and will level the mountains, I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me. (Isaiah 45:1-4)

Clearly after all this, Cyrus was a very prominent figure in the middle east. He pursued many countries and was able to expand his influence over Babylon. Eventually, in conjunction with his uncle Darius and with the forces of Persia, he successfully attacked Babylon. See Daniel 5 for details. Why Babylon? This was an exceptional acquisition; Babylon was crazy rich and strong. The city was huge, nearly 45 miles in diameter. The city walls were so thick it was said that six chariots could ride side by side upon them. Yet, Cyrus seems to be capable of taking Babylon. God empowered Cyrus to rescue his people from Babylon.

Ezra wrote — In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing. This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4).

I think we should take a close look at the fact that Cyrus is called God’s anointed, Cyrus was groomed to lead. He could be counted on when the going got a bit rough. In a loose sense, he was a ‘type’ of a Messiah for Israel during their time of trouble. We must be incredibly careful to note that Cyrus was not part of the Hebrew tribes. He was an outsider. Yet he was used by God. What can be learned from this?

The deeper truth – God can use anybody, any place, any time to accomplish his will. We are privileged to be included and let in on his plan. Are you having trouble with your non-Christian boss? God has demonstrated he will influence others (non-Christians) to do things that will further His kingdom. No one is out of bounds for his influence. When his people are in trouble, God will move to help them.

I choose Jesus.

Those who seek Him

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Written by Dan

It has been my observation that David paints an amazing picture of how to approach God. He is specific; we are to have clean hands, a pure heart, and we are to focus on Him alone with no other distractions or adulations. When we do this, then our capacity to trust Jesus and hear his guidance is magnified. How does he speak? I think the one true living God speaks through two pillars — nature and revelation.

The universe was not created to be unmitigated disorder. Rather, the earth was created into the most proper shape and size for us by God’s infinite wisdom. God’s revelation, his logos in action, his truth in activities; is his wisdom personified and exemplified in the creation of all that we know.

Psalms 24: 1-6 says — The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he established it on the waters. Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing [direction] from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek [his] face, the God of Jacob (NIV).

When I think of this creation, built in the framework of God’s wisdom, I immediately become aware that he made nothing in vain. There is no waste, God intended everything I can see, feel, smell, touch or hear to achieve some endgame; it was designed to display his intention and grace for us. It should also be observed; we are created to reflect God’s goodness, we are not made in vain, we have purpose, we are created to serve his use and benefit, we are the perfect habitation for his Holy Spirit, and this is the cool part — all of this was planned for us before creation, long before anything was existent – he planned us.

Psalms 104: 19-32 (paraphrased) says – You made the moon to mark the seasons, and mark when the sun goes down. You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl. … People go out to their work in the daylight; they labor until the evening moon rises. How many are your works. In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. All creatures look to you for their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works—You look at the earth and it trembles; you touch the mountains and they smoke (NIV).

So, I wonder, how do we approach God? This is what I think – God reveals the path through the light of His creation and His revelation. The work of God’s creation overwhelmingly proves to me that He is the one true living God. This created beauty draws us into His presence.  There is more.  His revealed Word is absolute truth, the Word provides our guideposts, the Word draws us into his presence.  We should note – God’s oracles (prophets) stomp all over any dribble eked out by soothsayers. Just look at the beauty and accuracy of any prophet in scripture. His message is profound and full of wisdom. The soothsayers produce vague platitudes for living, God’s prophets deliver deep pools of wisdom and foresight; their message is pure, considerate, impartial, and full of guidance for our life. (implied in James 4:17)

The soothsayers deliver their platitudes from dens and caverns with a soothing voice and ambiguous serene expressions; their message originates from dark vagueness as if the message is relevant. God delivered his message from the sunlight of Mount Sinai to all of us in distinct and intelligible logic – No darkness. Just Light, Love, and Holy Ground. Who do you think we can trust? Who has your best interest at heart? Do you want vague platitudes or focused instruction?  Hmmm.  I prefer God’s specificity.

I choose Jesus.