Deception

FaithWalkDaily October 16, 2008

John 3:2121 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

Oh what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practise to deceive!
Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832)

Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." ~ John 8:31-32

Eve was deceived, the serpent her deceiver.
Eve deceived Adam.
Abraham deceived Isaac.
Isaac was also deceived by his son Jacob.
Jacob also deceived Laban.
Laban deceived Jacob.
Moses and the Israelites were deceived by the Mideanites.
Saul deceived the spiritist woman.
And David.
The pride of your heart deceives you.
Many will try to deceive you claiming the name of Jesus.
We are deceived by sin.
Deceived by the wicked.
Deceived by our minds.
The devil will deceive the nations.

The Bible is rife with instances of deceit. One deceives another and so it goes, on and on. God cannot deceive, God alone can show us truth.

Deceit sucks one down into darkness into a tangled net of despair.

Truth draws one out into the light and sets us free.

Father, may we seek Your truth today and always, to be drawn ever closer to the light of Your goodness. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

What is Divine Power?

FaithWalkDaily October 8, 2008

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. ~ 2 Peter 1:3

Divine: proceeding directly from God.

God has given us everything we need for a godly life, directly through His power. Straight from the source Himself. Not UPS or Fed Ex or USPS, right from the throne - mainline to our hearts.

There's just something truly awesome about that. Think about it. Suppose you needed help from the government to accomplish something so you put in a request to the President's office for help and the President himself called to grant you authority. And you think, that would never happen, he's got better things to do than pay attention to little ol' me. How much more amazing that God Himself would bestow on us the power to devote ourselves to the work He's prepared in advance for us to do? (Eph. 2:10)

And how have we received this divine ability? Through coming to know Him who called us to Himself. He called us to Himself. I don't know about you, but the very idea that the God of the universe who created us has called me by name gives me goose bumps. Who am I, with all my warts and foibles? Instead of crying in my pain saying "why me God?" I'm forced to my knees, humbled by His love, to cry out "why me God? I'm not worthy!"

This morning as I was praying, the Holy Spirit brought to mind a dear elderly friend. I didn't know why, and her skin looked grey in my vision so I prayed for her health. It made me sad and I thought to myself, I want her to live to be 100 but not if she won't be blessed each and every day. I don't want to see her go, but I'd rather God take her at 93 than see her suffer and have to spend years in a nursing home. Her daughter called awhile ago to say she was in the hospital for some tests as she hasn't been well. All I could think was, what a privilege that God would bring her to mind and call me to pray. Divine power.

By His divine power, He has given us everything we need to live a life devoted to serving Him.

Are you attentive to His call? Tapping into His divine power? Allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through you?

Heavenly Father, how great thou art. You who shaped the universe know us by name and call us to Your purposes. Thank You that You first walked this earth in our skin, to pay the price for our sins. Thank You that You have prepared a way for us to come to You without shame. We confess we are unworthy and unholy and gratefully receive the atoning death of our Savior. May we sit quietly now, be still, know that You are God and listen for Your voice as You call us out by means of Your marvelous glory and excellence to do Your will. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Harder Than I Thought

FaithWalkDaily September 26, 2008

2 Cor 11:28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. NIV Please read all of chapter 11.

I'm a writer by nature. Writing comes with little effort for me. I find it easier to write than to talk. That's not to say I really love writing, more that I'm driven. Most of the time I write when I feel like it, I'm compelled. I'm not forced to do this.

I decided to share my thoughts in writing with the world, whoever should chance to read them. It seemed that perhaps the Holy Spirit had promted this venture and if that's the case, it's not about what I want to do but what I must do. And I decided at the time that I should blog daily for continuity, create a day to day devotional using Scripture. I've always got a fresh flow of thoughts pouring out of my head and I love God's word so it seemed at the time it would be easy. It isn't. A commitment to anything requires obedience. Having already missed a number of days, I always feel badly that I've failed to stay on track.

As I was reading 2 Corinthians 11 just now and reflecting on the many times Paul talks about his struggles, I realize we're not so very different. Did he really love spending all that time writing to the churches (with a quill pen and ink, not a fancy computer keyboard?) Or visiting them to preach (walking, taking long tumultuous trips in sailing ships, perhaps a few uncomfortable camel and donkey rides along the way?) It probably seemed like great fun in the beginning. Gee, I'll get to travel, see new places, make new friends...

...Be locked up in prison for the faith...

When we're asked to do something, or are told by our boss to get a job done, we do it for them. But when the Holy Spirit asks you to do something, it's usually much harder and requires a deep level of self discipline. I'm so grateful to read of Paul's struggles and perseverence. I'm not alone! No matter how weary or discouraged I become, I can always get back on the road.

What does Holy Spirit prompt you to do that you've been procrastinating or ignoring? Be still, listen to that voice in your heart. God will speak to you if you're willing to listen. Ask Him, by the power of Jesus in you, for the strength and boldness to be obedient.

Are we daily concerned for the body of Christ? Are we moving according to God's Spirit in those concerns?

Heavenly Father, we are humbled as always, by Your power and presence. You are amazing God - the One who created everything in existence also cares for every person on earth who has not heard the gospel. Your word tells us it's not Your desire that any should perish but for all to have the knowledge of Your saving grace. You are patient beyond measure to wait until we get off our laurels and go according to Your will. Lord, would we be especially attentive today to hear Your voice. Would You grant us the strength and boldness to go as prompted, to utter Your words, to glorify You. May we be the light of Jesus today in this dark world. In His precious name we pray, amen.

Where are the Blessings?

FaithWalkDaily September 24, 2008

But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.
~ 1 John 1:7, NLT

My friend called me this morning to firm up our plans to get together tomorrow. She is my mentor and walks me through my dark times (which lately seem to be far more than the light!) She said, "can I talk tomorrow..." Yea! My turn to listen.

What a stark reminder of the blessing I have in her friendship: we lift one another up to walk side by side in the tumult. There are those who come to me to be heard and I can shut up and listen. More often I find I'm the one doing the talking. Either talking to educate or talking to dump my own garbage to make room for more of God's filling. I'm looking forward to sitting on the other side for a change. The question of the day, "where are the blessings?"

I spend an awful lot of time considering the troubles of the world. As a prayer warrior, it's what I do. I pray for the needs of the faithful. They don't ask me to pray when their children are healthy and walking in God's grace. They don't ask me to pray when their loved ones are all doing well. They don't ask me to pray when their bank account is overflowing and they're trying to figure out which ministry to share their blessings with. They don't ask me to pray when their new car is shiny, their new home is built, their land is fruitful, or when their churches are filled to capacity.

The faithful ask for prayer when it all falls apart.

So just for the sake of His glory, let's spend a little time reflecting on His gifts. Because even today, with the economic indicators pointing south and all the media spewing doomsday messages, His goodness and mercy flows in America. Let's not skim the top tasting only the broth when the pot is filled with rich meat.

Did you have your Starbucks today? How was your workout with your trainer? Did you have a nice walk on your two good legs? Was your bed nice and comfy-cozy while you couldn't sleep? What did you have for dinner last night? How about this beautiful weather? Aren't those mountains and fall colors amazing? Wasn't the message at church on Sunday wonderful? Don't you just love that song, Heart of Worship? How about all those people reaching out to the victims of recent hurricanes and storms in the south?

I could write a gratitude list a hundred miles long and still not cover all there is to be thankful for. Sure we're facing some hard times. And they may get harder still. But I'll wager the master of darkness loves to hear us project about a bleak future and focus on the negative rather than bask in the light that guides our way. Praise Jesus for the light of fellowship as we keep our eyes on Him. His blessings are right here, right now.

Heavenly Father, how great Thou art! How marvelous are Your ways. We thank You Jesus for the light that saves us, for the blood You shed to cover our sins and pave our way to heaven. Though the way is often difficult with many hills and curves, we know You're just ahead, making a way, clearing the path, shining Your light. We submit all our fears, concerns and questions to You now, entrusting everything to Your wisdom and care. Basking in the glow of all Your blessings, in Jesus' name, amen.