Memorial Day... EVERYDAY of the year!

I have found myself watching a lot of the local news this weekend due to the seemingly never-ending line of severe weather that, like clockwork, appear in the late evening and continue through the early morning hours every day... including today... and continuing on into tomorrow! 

So, while I have kept up with the excellent weather coverage, I have also learned about all the special events that have been happening around the area as Oklahoman’s go all out in their honorable celebration of Memorial Day and in particular, of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

As I was out walking the dog this morning under the gray skies that seemed to have finally drained their reserves of water after raining steadily all night (Tulsa broke their all-time record yesterday with the most rain in a single day, measuring out at almost 5 inches... the former record was under 2 inches!), I got to thinking about all the ceremonies that were being held in cemeteries around the state. 

Volunteers had put out hundreds of flags to mark the graves of fallen soldiers and one military cemetery had also put out an interesting display of army boots and flowers along with the flags.  Oklahoma really knows how to honor the military!

As I discussed this with the dog... he can be very intuitive, you know... I suddenly saw a parallel to a scripture that I was sleepily (not having slept much this weekend with all the storms) studying earlier this morning from Hebrews 4:15-16.  Where, after talking about how Jesus was tempted in every way that we are, but didn’t sin,” (God’s Word ©) the author of the book of Hebrews continued teaching saying,

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need.” (KJV) 

Well, the revelation that seemingly hit me with the same force of the 60 mph winds that knocked down numerous big trees along the golf course during Saturday morning’s storm was that, as Christians, we honor and celebrate the life of the Eternal One who gave up His life for the freedom of mankind in every nation across the globe.

But... the difference being... Jesus, the living Son of God, conquered death and then walked out of the tomb where His body was placed... and now... we don’t go to a cemetery to place wreaths or flags at His empty grave... but can go “boldly unto the throne of GRACE” to receive, as the Remedy Translation says,

“God’s GRACE without fear, but confidently, realizing that He longs to dispense all the resources of heaven to heal us so that we may receive mercy, GRACE, and every benefit to give us victory in our time of need.” 

So yes... It is very important for us to set apart a special day each year when we can remember and honor those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the wonderful country we live in, but as Christians, it is also very important that we walk on a daily basis in the freedoms that Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the throne of God provided for us... and go boldly to His throne... which is the very seat of the power and authority of God’s GRACE, as well as the place where He longs to fellowship with us and in doing so, allow us to receive His mercy, His GRACE and every benefit to enable our victory in our times of need.

So instead of just going to a cemetery to remember important people in our past, we can also go... on a daily basis... to fellowship with the living Son of God, to bring fresh joy, peace, wisdom and strength to our lives... and be empowered to live the life that Jesus has provided for us!  WOW!  Isn’t God Good!

Enjoy the rest of your special 3-day weekend, honor the heroes of our country and go with a bold assurance to the throne of God’s GRACE where He is waiting to spend special times with you... each and every day!

Who is Your SPOKESMAN?

I’m sure that you’ve all noticed, that when a municipality holds a public news conference after a big news worthy event… sadly… many times after some tragic incident… the leader of the gathering will step up to the microphone and have a line of individuals who are SPOKESMEN for other departments or organizations or individuals that have a stake in the situation, standing solemnly behind them.

The Oxford Online Dictionaries defines a SPOKESMAN as “a person who makes statements on behalf of a group or individual.”  Dictionary.com describes them as “a public speaker.”

In my Bible study times this week, I discovered the Apostle Paul talking about a very important SPOKESMAN that each of us should employ in the course of our daily lives.  As I was reading and studying various Scriptures, I began to take note of how many times Paul and the other writers of the New Testament talk about JOY in reference to the believer’s walk of faith. 

I’ve always taken it for granted that JOY was an important benefit of the Christian life… but the deeper I looked in to it… the more I began to see that it is not just a benefit… but also both an offensive and defensive weapon for us to strategically use as we face the pressures that arise in our daily existence.

With the thought of JOY as a weapon, the immediate scripture that came to mind is from the book of James where the pastor of the Jerusalem Church speaks of the use of JOY as something that to be honest… doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense nor is easy to follow!  I would imagine that the members of his church and the readers of his letter across the known world at the time, responded with a raised eyebrow as he taught…

“My brethren, count it all JOY when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2 – KJV)

This familiar scripture is one that many of us tend to bypass as we read our Bibles… especially when we are in the thick of a difficult situation in our lives.  I mean, how can one be JOYFUL when everything looks to be falling down around you?  And even if you attempt to be JOYFUL in the hard times… people are going to think that you aren’t taking things seriously or are just plan naïve! (or in my case a few times… called stupid!)

JOY in the difficult places in life just isn’t a normal response,,, right?  Well… I’m pretty sure that Pastor James would emphatically say “WRONG!” in response to that question.  The Passion Translation of James 1:2 opens up James’ thoughts a little more distinctly by saying,

“My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest JOY that you can!” 

A key word to understand in this verse is “COUNT” in the King James and translated “SEE” in the Passion Translation.  In the original Greek, these words connotate the idea of “to lead or command with official authority.  To lead with respects to influence; to control in counsel and/or to be a SPOKESMAN.”

So, if I’m getting this right, James is instructing us to understand and employ Godly, word-based, faith-filled JOY as a powerful force to be reckoned with in our daily lives!  He and the Apostle Paul, who taught by precept and personal example, explained that the official role and responsibility of JOY in a Christian’s life is to lead, command, preside over and be the SPOKESMAN in not only the good times of life, after the battles has been won… but also… and maybe most importantly…within the very midst of the most difficult and rough situations that we face throughout our lives.

And yes… Being full of JOY in the midst of difficult times is not the way of the world.  The world expects one to feel fearful, anxious, confused, helpless and even angry when things go wrong.  But remember that our Christian handbook, the Bible, tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 that,

“The weapons with which we fight are not human weapons, but are mighty for God in overthrowing strong fortresses.” (Weymouth) 

And what we need in troubled times is a weapon that is mighty for God to use for us when overthrowing our strong problems!  And that is exactly what happens when, despite what is negatively happening around us, we can have an attitude of JOY – BECAUSE – we have more faith in the power of God and in what His Word is specifically telling us about the outcome of the situation we are dealing with.

James encourages us in James 1:2 to let our attitude of faith-filled JOY be the SPOKESMAN in the midst of the hard times.  To let JOY be the SPOKESMAN that directs the conversation concerning yours and my situations in life.  To let JOY be the SPOKESMAN who is leading you with the information he has concerning God’s kingdom abilities working for you!

You know… a good SPOKESMAN stays up-to-date and current with the information about those he represents… and likewise, a good SPOKESMAN of JOY stays in touch and receives regular updates (through you) from the Word of God.  This way… when any questions arise concerning the needs and/or success of God’s way in your life… the SPOKESMAN of JOY always has the right answer!

When I study the Word of God, I can see pretty clearly that,

JOY is God’s ANTIDOTE for trouble!

And according to the dictionary, the definition of an ANTIDOTE is something (ie; a medicine) that prevents or counteracts particular poisons or injurious or unwanted effects… poisons like fear, doubt, unbelief, depression, anger, sickness, financial need, a lack of wisdom and any other unwanted, injurious problem that you and I might face in life!

So… when you step up to the podium to make a report on the news of your life… which SPOKESMAN are you going to call upon to share the right, victorious and peace-giving report for your situation?  The choice is up to you… but if it were me… I would choose to,

“see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest JOY that you can!”

Have a terrific weekend and as you do… Choose the SPOKESMAN of JOY to be the authoritative voice in your life… whenever you face trying times... (and for every other time as well!)

Participant...

participant

/pɑrˈtɪsɪpənt/

/pɑˈtɪsɪpɪnt/

Definitions of: participant

-A participant is a person who participates, or takes part in something.

-A person who participates in or is skilled at some game

-A participant plays a role in the unfolding of events.

______________________________________________

When my wife Piper and I were young we enjoyed playing volleyball.  I guess you could say that we like to participate in the activity whenever we could!  We played with our high school friends at the beach on different occasions and when we attended our local junior college we took the Volleyball P.E. class numerous times during our two-year attendance at the school. 

During that time, Piper’s whole family got involved and her dad had matching t-shirts made up so that the family (me included!) could play volleyball together after holiday dinners at her paternal grandmother’s ranch, located in one of the rural/country areas of our town.

After we got married, we played a lot of volleyball on the lawn of our church on Sunday evenings as well as following the mid-week service.  We talked about joining a city league team, but never quite found the time to do so!

With the classes we had taken at the JC, we had become somewhat skilled at many parts of the game and always encouraged those we played recreationally with, to follow the official rules of the game… and not play “Jungle Ball” as we called it where rules were haphazardly followed and one could return the ball in any way possible.  Playing according to the rules of the game with our ever-increasing skill level made our participation in the activity that much more exciting and enjoyable.

In thinking about it now, I believe that I could make similar comments when it comes to my active participation in my Christian faith.  The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:11-12 to,

“Be enthusiastic to serve the Lord by keeping your passion toward him boiling hot! Radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit and let him fill you with excitement as you serve him.  Let this expectation burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in times of pressure but stay consistent and diligent in talking with God.”*

I don’t know about you… but when I read these verses, I can’t help but to feel something being stirred up inside me!  It immediately draws me back in remembrance to the very early years of our marriage when Piper and I began to learn in our Bibles, about the authority that we as Believers have, in our union and legal position in Christ.

I can’t help but to get excited and sense the ever-increasing desire to participate in the Gospel message in and through every avenue of my life.  The very vivid and descriptive words and phrases that Paul uses to paint a picture of his faith like “be enthusiastic, passion, boiling hot, radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit, excitement, expectation and continual joy” simply thrills me and encourages me to be an active participant in the faith of Jesus Christ within the full spectrum of my daily life.

Now granted, I am quoting these verses from some modern English translations, but when you look up the original Greek definitions in the words used in the King James Version, you will find all of these very descriptive terms making up the Greek meanings… so the early Christians reading these letters in the original language of the time, clearly understood stood the full intent of the excitement and passion of what Paul was wanting to convey.

I believe that is why we see all of the excitement, miracles and life changing events that surrounded the early church as was written down in the chronology of the Book of Acts.  Wouldn’t it be exciting to have those same events happening today?  Well, you know… It doesn’t get a lot of publicity in mainstream media… but it is happening all over the world… Right Now! 

It is happening on College Campuses, in Churches and in evangelistic meetings occurring all over the world… and it can be happening with you and me as well!  All we have to do is let Paul’s excitement become a part of us as we seek out and allow ourselves to actively participate in the Gospel message, seek the fellowship of like-minded (or heartfelt) Christians and then share our experience with others.

It’s like learning and increasing any athletic skill… it just takes enthusiasm, a hungry heart, practice and consistent and diligent talking and personal interaction with our heavenly Head Coach!

Well… now that I’ve got us all stirred up… Let’s get going and start actively participating (or increasing our level of participation) within the daily events of our life!  I hope everyone had a great Mother’s Day weekend and that it will continue for the week ahead!  We have a beautiful and warm forecast for the week and I pray that you do as well!

 

*A combining of The Passion and Remedy translations

The Foundations of Faith

I went to bed last night with and air of excitement and expectation for the warm sunny day that had been forecast, not only for Saturday but for the entire weekend and through Monday as well!  You see… It is spring here in Oklahoma and while that means warmer weather and the dormant lawns and countryside turning green, the changes in the temperatures also signal the season of severe thunderstorms and tornados!

And much to my personal displeasure… we’ve had a lot of those in the past few weeks.  In fact, this month of April produced the record for the highest amount of rainfall ever recorded!  So… you can easily see why I was so enthusiastic about this weekend’s change of pace forecast!

But low and behold, when I woke up before seven this morning, I found myself fighting a bombardment of concerns for the multitude of things that need to be completed before I can put the house on the market and follow through with the plan to move to Tennessee… and alas… all that enthusiasm for a fantastic weekend seemed to blow away in a puff of smoke! 

So… I dragged myself out of bed and out of nowhere… began to speak aloud and interestingly enough… say to myself,

“Jim, Be anxious for nothing and don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. But be saturated in prayer and the Word throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, and then God’s wonderful peace that transcends all human understanding, will guard your thoughts and emotions and make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ.”*

Well, that should have been enough to flip my lid and get me going in the right direction… but it didn’t!  It took me the time to brew up and pour into my insolated cup some Folger’s Hazelnut flavored coffee… how does that jingle go…

♫ “The best part of waking up is Folger’s in your cup”♪,

sit at my desk in the study, turn in my Bible to where I had left off yesterday and read,

“Thank God that He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, then, brothers and sisters, don't let anyone (or anything) move you off the foundation of your faith. Always excel in the work you do for the Lord. (for) You know that the hard work you do for the Lord is not pointless.” (I Corinthians 15:57-58 – TPT)

The truth of not letting anyone nor anything move us off our foundation of faith, brought back immediate memories of the various individuals who seemed to thrive in their attempts to shake our faith with their negative opinions of Piper’s and my needs when she got sick… BUT… It wasn’t their words that I was reminded of this morning… it was God’s and His faithfulness to His Word toward us… all along the pathways of that journey.

And THAT’S what gave me the victory and return me back to the place of excitement and expectation that I went to sleep with last night!

But you know?  It didn’t end there… As I mulled over all those thoughts in my heart and mind, I suddenly remembered something that Piper and I used to discuss a lot, as well as share with others, throughout the 48 years of our relationship, from high school on… that we always felt and held to the conviction that

“The Christian life… (and we’d make it very personal by adding) ‘Our Christian Life’ is supposed to be an EXCITING and ADVENTEROUS personal relationship and walk of faith with Jesus Christ… But it is NOT for the WEAK or WORRY hearted!”

Well, the recollection of our long-standing belief and personal approach to our faith made me smile this morning and feel any overwhelming sense of despair float right out my study window!  Then when I looked back at my open Bible, my eyes carried up a couple of verses from Philippians 4:6-7 to verse 4… and I literally burst out with a hearty laugh… so much so that the dog jumped off the couch behind me with a look, as if to say “Hey I was sleeping here!”

Philippians 4:4 seemed to confirm everything I had just learned and caused me to lift my arms in praise to the Lord as I read aloud…

“Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let joy overflow, for you are united with the Anointed One!” (TPT) 

So, yea… I felt like the Lord was reminding me and re-connecting me to Piper’s and my personal conviction of the way we lived our faith.  As I walked out of my study this morning, I definitely felt the old swag and pull of the excitement and adventure of my faith.  The cheerfulness and joy that keeps me strong, confident and balanced on the foundation of my faith had re-centered me and is there to keep me strong and on point for all the good things that the good Lord has in store for me!

What about you today?  Are you feeling strong, confident and balanced on the firm foundation of your personal faith?  What are you going to do when you feel the burdens and cares of your life shaking your faith?  If you haven’t yet… you might want to memorize Paul’s encouraging and life strengthening words found in Philippians 4:4-9** from your favorite Bible translation… It’s a quick and proven way to re-center your life on the foundation of your faith!

Have a great weekend.  I hope that your weather forecast is as nice as our is today… and as you’re out enjoying God’s creation… Keep EXPECTING to EXPECT God’s BEST for your life!

 

*Personalized version of Philippians 4:6-7 from the God’s Word © and The Passion translations. 

**Remember that Paul wrote these words while awaiting an uncertain future in prison…

Living BIG!

I was studying some scripture earlier this morning that definitely got me to thinking about the possibilities of Living BIG for God.  So… it kind of made sense that I would be giving that idea the freedom to run through my mind and mouth, as Fiver and I took our cloudy day walk about an hour later.

As is my habit, I tend to verbally talk through the conversations that are going on in my heart and mind while Fiver blissfully ignores me and pushes his nose into every interesting smell that catches his attention along the way.

Well… as you might imagine, the idea of Living BIG for God immediately got me reminiscing about my wife… as she tended to do exactly that!  As the dog and I meandered down the pathway along the green commons area of our neighborhood next to the city golf course, I had to laugh while I pictured Piper going into the kitchen at her parent’s home during their annual Christmas time “opening of the presents under their tree” gathering in order to assist in the food preparation.

First of all, let me just say that entertaining groups of people at their home was totally different than that at my parent’s home.  Being first generation Italian Americans, my folks were used to BIG and often held family gatherings, with a ton of delicious, homemade Italian cuisine, where everybody jumped in to lend a hand… while noisily laughing, joking and singing … all at the same time!

Piper’s immediate family was much more reserved and private.  So, the annual family meal and Christmas gathering tended to be a lot quieter and a tad disorganized… until Piper got there!  But it wasn’t that she carried a commanding presence or quickly took control of the situation.  She simply walked in with her big confident smile and let the love and joy of the Lord, that emanated from her, fill the tiny kitchen area. 

Therefore, it wasn’t necessarily that she purposedly set out to Live BIG for God… but simply let the abounding Spirit of the Lord in and about her live BIG wherever she went.  Within a matter of moments after her arrival, tensions, frayed nerves and raised voices tended to melt away and be replaced with laughter, encouraging words and an orderly flow as the meal preparations came together.

And that is where my thoughts were centered as Fiver and I returned from the neighborhood park and pond and proceeded toward our street at the end of the pathway.  As our street came into view, I noticed a young mother in the distance, pushing a baby stroller and accompanied by a young girl on a bike coming our direction.  When we got closer, I realized that we hadn’t met these folks before, so I told Fiver to behave himself, put on a big smile and heartedly greeted them.

Well… Fiver immediately grabbed their hearts as he wiggled and whooed up to them and the mom beamed from ear to ear as she reached out to pet the dog and encouraged her daughter to do the same.  While all this was going on, I noticed that the baby looking at me from the stroller was hooked up to a machine that I imagine was helping him to breathe, so I smiled and waved to him.

Then, as we exchanged some quick pleasantries with each other, I felt a strong, over- powering desire to either pray for them or encourage them… without offending them.   So, without much further thought, I raised forth my left arm over the baby and simply said, “God bless you guys, in Jesus name!”  And the mom’s response was amazing to me as she glanced down for a second and then looked up at me, with a glow on her face, and joyfully declared to me, ‘YES! YES! YES!

And with that, I felt impressed that that was all I was supposed to say, so I encouraged them to have a blessed day and off they joyfully went along the path we had just taken while we continued in the opposite direction home.

Hummm… Live BIG for God.  Could this be an example of something Paul was trying to teach us?  The portion of scripture that I was studying this morning, is where Paul encouraged the Corinthian church to,

“Thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.  So now, beloved ones, stand firm and secure. Live your lives with an unshakable confidence. We know that we prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord, because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures.” (I Corinthians 15:57-58 – TPT) 

We know from these verses and others throughout both the Old and New Testaments, that God is a BIG God and lives BIG for us.  Paul tells us first of all, that we are to be thankful to God because He produces BIG victories for us, that cause us to act as CONQUERORS in and through our faith in Christ Jesus.  And then, with that in mind, Paul further encourages us to “live our lives with an unshakeable confidence” because “we know that we will prosper and excel in every season by our serving the Lord.”

In matter of fact, Paul here, is telling us to Live BIG for God… BECAUSE… He lives and provides the tools we need to succeed in this life in a BIG way for us!

Likewise, Ephesians 5:1 instructs us to,

“Be imitators of God in everything you do, for then you will represent your Father as Hs beloved sons and daughters.” (TPT) 

So… were my simple, straight forward words spoken to that young family this morning a BIG thing for God?  It wouldn’t seem like it… BUT.. the glow on the mom’s face and the joy that radiated in her simple reply tells another story!  Was it a BIG, momentous action for me?  Not necessarily… but it definitely was a BOLD thing for me to do in obedience to HIS urgings! 

Maybe Living our Lives BIG for God is more about being humble, obedient and BOLD to do what HE instructs us to do… when He tells us to do them… rather than looking for BIG and seemingly impressive things to accomplish.  That makes more sense to me. 

What do you think?  The glowing look and smile present on the face of that mom this morning was worth my stepping out in obedience to God… PLUS… I had a joyful confidence as Fiver and I walked away from them this morning… That the power of God was released and HE was doing something special in the life of that little baby TODAY!

Living my Life BIG for God… Well…that’s my plan for the rest of my day today… and tomorrow and everyday after that!  Won’t you join me in that endeavor for the Kingdom of God?  And as you do it… Keep EXPECTING God’s BEST in your life!

The Other Side of the Cross

On our daily walks this last week, I found myself reminiscing about the various observances of Holy Week that I participated in during my childhood years.  Looking back today, I can see that my understanding and focus of this special week, that leads up to Easter, has changed from my Catholic upbringing to my adult life as an evangelical, Pentecostal Protestant. 

One Catholic tradition that stood out in my memory was The Stations of the Cross devotion that commemorates what we Protestants refer to as The Passion of Christ.  It is the period of time that highlights the events surrounding the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, from The Last Supper to His death on the cross and burial.

What I remember most as a kid attending Parochial school is that it was a solemn, dramatic (depending on the priest leading the procession around the 14 Stations), sad and to be honest… a little boring event that we attended during school hours throughout the week, as well when our parents went back at night to meet their personal obligation.

As I recounted my experiences with this tradition on our walks this week, I suddenly stopped and turned to the dog who was indignantly looking at me and wondering why I halted his sniffing adventures, and declared, “Boy, I wish I knew back then what I know today!”

One of the main aspects that I realized as I came into the life-changing experience of having a personal relationship with Jesus during my high school and college years, was that while the remembrances of the events leading up to Resurrection Sunday are very important… as a Christian, I don’t want to stay there!  For my wellbeing and maturity in Christ that undergirds everything I do in my life today… all happens on the other side of the cross!

Everything that Jesus did for us through His suffering, death on the cross, burial, resurrection and assumption to the right hand of God, He accomplished so that we can legally have our sins forgiven… once and for all… and then… receive and walk in all the promises that are outlined for us (as we bring the gospel message to the nations) throughout the Pauline revelation as written in the epistles from the book of Romans through Revelation!

And speaking about the promises of God, 1 Corinthians 1:20 informs us that’

“For all the promises of God, whatever their number, have their confirmation in Him; and for this reason through Him also our "Amen" acknowledges their truth and promotes the glory of God through our faith.” (Weymouth) 

So YES!  When I think about all that Jesus suffered for YOU and ME during Holy Week, I am almost speechless on Easter morning at the sight of the empty tomb and the vacant cross… and I can’t help but to praise and worship Jesus for His unconditional LOVE for YOU and ME and… look forward with JOYFUL expectation to what now lies on THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CROSS!

Everything that Jesus provided for us at the cross of Calvery is NOW AVAILABLE for us and makes me want to shout aloud,

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.” (2 Corinthians 2:14 – KJV) 

ISN’T GOD GOOD!

Have a blessed celebration of Easter tomorrow and keep moving forward with all that HE has for you… on THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CROSS!

Absolutely None!

Today was one of those strange days, for me, where I woke up in a funk… and just couldn’t seem to shake it!  Usually, I can simply start praising the Lord and by the time I’ve got my cup of coffee and I’ve been in the Word for a few minutes, the funk has melted away… but not today!  Thankfully though, by force of long-standing habit, I pushed on through, and as I followed my regular morning routine, I FINALLY got some relief after thirty minutes or more of study time in my Bible!

I’ve always been a “get-up-and-go” sort of person… of which I couldn’t say the same for my wife.  I still remember the first time I saw her, first thing in the morning… We were at a snow retreat with her high school youth group in the Tahoe area of California.  The leadership had rented a somewhat small cabin where a whole bunch of us youth stuffed ourselves and our belongings for the weekend.

At night we were told to throw our sleeping bags wherever you could find a spot… and somehow… my bag just happened to locate one open place… right next to my high school sweetheart and future bride, Piper.  Well, as you might imagine, I woke up all “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed,” rolled over to cheerfully address my girl… when one look at her sleepy eyes and the expression on her face made it clear… that I needed to “cool my jets” and allow her the space to wake up on her own!

I have always been thankful to Piper’s college dorm roommate who was also an “up and Adam” energetic in the morning type of person, who somehow… miraculously, I might even say… turned Piper into a much more enthusiastic morning riser!

But I digress, this morning’s funk finally began to evaporate as I deepened my almost, weeklong Bible study into James 1:17-18 where the Pastor of the church in Jerusalem stated:

“Every good gift and every perfect boon, is from above, and comes down from the Father, who is the source of all Light. In Him there is (absolutely) no variation nor the slightest suggestion of change.  (For) God decided to give us life through the word of truth so that we would fulfill his chosen destiny for us and become the favorite ones out of all his creation!”*

This particular portion of scripture contains a large and varied cornucopia of “teachable moments.”  For me today, the “teachable moment” was focused on my need to grab hold (and hang on tight) to the truth, that with God,

“there is absolutely NO variation NOR the slightest suggestion of change.”

And what triggered it all was an event that happened at church yesterday.  It was pretty evident from about midway through the first Praise and Worship song that God was wanting to do something special at that service.  The anointing of God in the atmosphere of the large auditorium was thick and the enthusiasm and expectation amongst the congregation was contagious.

When the Pastor came to the podium, encouraged the people to continue worshipping the Lord and then asked the church Pastoral staff to come to the front of the auditorium, you just knew that God was going to show forth His glory… and that He did, as the Pastor spoke to the congregation and declared if there was anyone with any kind of pain in their bodies to come forward.

Within a few moments the front of the auditorium was literally packed with people and the Lord began to move with astonishing results.  I couldn’t help but to stand in awe, laugh and even shed a tear or two as I watched the power of God in action and recalled… the great multiplicity of times that Piper and I, as part of the church leadership team, had been in the thick of identical kinds of experiences at many of the church services that we were apart of over the years.

What saddened me was that this type of event was an exciting part of Piper’s and my past and had also been a vivid vision of our life plan together, following our graduation from Bible College… but then, with the onset of the Alzheimer’s that attacked Piper… all that changed!

But then again… had it?  Had it ALL changed?

That funk that had tried to attach itself to me this morning began to go up in a puff of smoke when I realized that while my personal plans and circumstances had painfully and drastically changed… God hadn’t changed… in point of fact,

“In Him there is absolutely NO variation NOR the slightest suggestion of change.”

I began to realize this morning… and it has taken me six years to come to this realization… that while the love of my life, my closet friend and partner in the call to ministry has left this world and gone home to “greener pastures” sort-of-speak… God hasn’t changed… and in reality… either have I!

For even without Piper at my side… I am still the same individual that I was before.  I still carry the same giftings, talents, anointings, experiences and the calling that God has given me over the years.  And you know… it was actually kind of fun to see that the same awesome moves of God, as well as the everyday work of the ministry, still stirs up the excitement of my soul!

It would seem that God’s “chosen destiny for me” is still very much alive and just waiting for me to re-connect with it.  My personal circumstances may have changed and the original characters in God’s plan for my life may also have changed… but God in His nature, in His ability to make the seemingly impossible possible in my life, and in and with the power of His anointings… are still the same… and…

“there is absolutely NO variation NOR the slightest suggestion of change.”

How about with you?  Are there things that have seemingly disrupted and/or changed the plan and/or direction of your life?  Well… let me just say that you are NOT alone and while your life may look and feel a little (or maybe a lot) upside down… God in His LOVE for you and in the POWER of His infallible Word hasn’t changed one bit!  He still has His destiny for your life and only needs for you to throw your care upon Him… so that He can lead and empower you into best of life that He still has for you!

WOW!  I’m gonna take advantage of all the favor that God says I have with Him… How about you do the same…

I can’t wait to hear all your good reports!  Have a fantastic week and keep asking yourself… “What am I EXPECTING today?”

 

*My personalization of James 1:17-18, by combining portions of the King James, Weymouth, God’s Word © and The Passion translations.