Then this Daniel distinguished himself...because an excellent spirit was in him Dan.6:3
Throughout an entire kingdom, a single man was known for his (spiritual) understanding and great wisdom. The Holy Spirit, found in him, distinguished Daniel from all others. So much so that he was sought after by the king and queen, those in the highest positions of authority and leadership. How amazing and life-changing the Holy Spirit must be to affect a person's life so profoundly!
The Holy Spirit is an evident spirit. He got Daniel noticed. The Holy Spirit is an enabling spirit. He enabled Daniel to see things, to understand them and to be wise. The Holy Spirit is an excelling spirit. He caused Daniel to be promoted. The king, we are told, even gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.
As believers, this same, excellent Holy Spirit is found in us. He gives us wisdom and understanding. He can and should affect our work, our home, our communities and, yes, even our countries. Our entire kingdoms! He will distinguish us and we will be noticed by others, including those in positions of authority and leadership. He will promote us.
Indeed, the Holy Spirit is amazing and life-changing. Profoundly affecting us all. He is Spiritus Dei Amplior, the Spirit of God more abundantly in us, an excellent spirit.
Sock Monkey Snippet: We have an Excellent Spirit.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Something Bigger
Eph. 3:20 God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! (MSG)
Living on a secluded, narrow farm lane usually makes for a quiet, uneventful, traffic-free weekend. Any visitors we get, if you want to call them that, are usually just lost and in need of directions back to civilization. Well, this weekend was different. As I was doing yard work, and much to my surprise and downright amazement, a tractor trailer truck delivering lumber to the neighboring farm came down the lane. Given the narrowness of the roadway, I couldn't believe it had actually gotten to our farm and was amazed that anybody thought it was a good idea to bring such a big truck back such a small road in the first place. All that aside, now the question became how to turn the truck around since our lane is a dead end. The driver tried his best but ended up stuck in a very difficult place between farm buildings and perched on a hill with no traction. Not good. Efforts by the driver, and at this point the neighboring farmer who got the lumber, to free the truck were in vain. Neither had anything big enough to deal with the problem.
My point in having told you the story is this.
When faced with a problem, difficult situation or an obstacle in life and having tried all we know to overcome, sometimes we fail in our own strength and perhaps even give up. But we need to realize that we always have access to something, or I should say Someone, bigger. The Israelites had Someone bigger than the Red Sea that stood between them and the Promised Land. David had Someone bigger than Goliath. And you and I have that same Someone, too! Someone bigger than any obstacle or problem we may encounter. I read this statement recently. "Don't tell God you have a big problem, tell your problem you have a big God." And we do.
Just in case your wondering, a "bigger" tow truck eventually came and was able to move the tractor trailer rig back on to the roadway.
Remember there is always Someone bigger than your problem.
Now I'm looking forward to my next quiet, uneventful weekend.
Sock Monkey Snippet: God is bigger than any problem.
Living on a secluded, narrow farm lane usually makes for a quiet, uneventful, traffic-free weekend. Any visitors we get, if you want to call them that, are usually just lost and in need of directions back to civilization. Well, this weekend was different. As I was doing yard work, and much to my surprise and downright amazement, a tractor trailer truck delivering lumber to the neighboring farm came down the lane. Given the narrowness of the roadway, I couldn't believe it had actually gotten to our farm and was amazed that anybody thought it was a good idea to bring such a big truck back such a small road in the first place. All that aside, now the question became how to turn the truck around since our lane is a dead end. The driver tried his best but ended up stuck in a very difficult place between farm buildings and perched on a hill with no traction. Not good. Efforts by the driver, and at this point the neighboring farmer who got the lumber, to free the truck were in vain. Neither had anything big enough to deal with the problem.
My point in having told you the story is this.
When faced with a problem, difficult situation or an obstacle in life and having tried all we know to overcome, sometimes we fail in our own strength and perhaps even give up. But we need to realize that we always have access to something, or I should say Someone, bigger. The Israelites had Someone bigger than the Red Sea that stood between them and the Promised Land. David had Someone bigger than Goliath. And you and I have that same Someone, too! Someone bigger than any obstacle or problem we may encounter. I read this statement recently. "Don't tell God you have a big problem, tell your problem you have a big God." And we do.
Just in case your wondering, a "bigger" tow truck eventually came and was able to move the tractor trailer rig back on to the roadway.
Remember there is always Someone bigger than your problem.
Now I'm looking forward to my next quiet, uneventful weekend.
Sock Monkey Snippet: God is bigger than any problem.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Kingdom Insight
Mt. 13:11 ...it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
This was Jesus' response when questioned by His disciples as to why He spoke to the multitude in parables. Parables were explanations of spiritual truths (mysteries) using stories and, at first, I thought it unusual and even unfair that some people were given (kingdom) insight/understanding into what He said while others were not. Then I realized that it was not about His willingness to give but rather about their willingness or readiness to receive. Those among the crowd who didn't understand the deeper spiritual truths in Jesus' parables were either not yet ready or, sadly, not willing to do so. How often we read in Scripture of those with hardened hearts. They have eyes but don't see and ears but don't hear, nor do they understand (v.13). They made a willful choice to reject what God was prepared to give them. So all they heard was a story. Only those whose hearts were ready and receptive were given the gift of understanding and insight into God's kingdom.
Light is available to all. But whether or not we choose to acknowledge it is up to us. It gives great vision to some but blinds others. We can close our eyes to it and turn away from it, or we can embrace it and use it to help us see. The light is always there but the choice of what to do with it is always ours.
There are two types of knowledge. The first comes from understanding with our head. So, it is possible to have great knowledge of earthly things and yet be completely ignorant of spiritual things. We don't have to look far to find some very smart people who know so very little (or nothing at all) about the kingdom of God. And for many, this kingdom ignorance is a willful choice they've made. The second type of knowledge comes from understanding with a ready and receptive heart. And it is this condition in our heart that allows us to receive the kingdom insight which God is so freely willing to give. Heart readiness produces heavenly revelation.
"Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely." Mt. 13:12 MSG
Let us rejoice and thank God today for a very special gift. It has been given to us to know mysteries. He has blessed us with understanding and insight into His kingdom through a ready and receptive heart.
Sock Monkey Snippet: We have been given kingdom insight.
This was Jesus' response when questioned by His disciples as to why He spoke to the multitude in parables. Parables were explanations of spiritual truths (mysteries) using stories and, at first, I thought it unusual and even unfair that some people were given (kingdom) insight/understanding into what He said while others were not. Then I realized that it was not about His willingness to give but rather about their willingness or readiness to receive. Those among the crowd who didn't understand the deeper spiritual truths in Jesus' parables were either not yet ready or, sadly, not willing to do so. How often we read in Scripture of those with hardened hearts. They have eyes but don't see and ears but don't hear, nor do they understand (v.13). They made a willful choice to reject what God was prepared to give them. So all they heard was a story. Only those whose hearts were ready and receptive were given the gift of understanding and insight into God's kingdom.
Light is available to all. But whether or not we choose to acknowledge it is up to us. It gives great vision to some but blinds others. We can close our eyes to it and turn away from it, or we can embrace it and use it to help us see. The light is always there but the choice of what to do with it is always ours.
There are two types of knowledge. The first comes from understanding with our head. So, it is possible to have great knowledge of earthly things and yet be completely ignorant of spiritual things. We don't have to look far to find some very smart people who know so very little (or nothing at all) about the kingdom of God. And for many, this kingdom ignorance is a willful choice they've made. The second type of knowledge comes from understanding with a ready and receptive heart. And it is this condition in our heart that allows us to receive the kingdom insight which God is so freely willing to give. Heart readiness produces heavenly revelation.
"Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely." Mt. 13:12 MSG
Let us rejoice and thank God today for a very special gift. It has been given to us to know mysteries. He has blessed us with understanding and insight into His kingdom through a ready and receptive heart.
Sock Monkey Snippet: We have been given kingdom insight.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Through Our Hands
Acts 5:12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people.
After Jesus ascended into heaven to be with the Father, the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost and empowered the apostles (Acts 1:8). They were given power for a purpose. And what exactly was that purpose? The same verse in Acts (1:8) gives the answer. To be His witnesses.
It is interesting to note that the Greek word used for witnesses is "martus" from which we get our English word martyr. We tend to think of a martyr as a person who suffers greatly, maybe even to death, for a particular reason or cause. And certainly many early followers of Christ did that. But the translation of a witness as simply a record or evidence of Christ suggests that lives committed to Him can bear witness not only in times of suffering and persecution but also in times of peace and prosperity as well. In other words, an entire life, regardless of circumstance, can and should bear witness or present evidence of Him.
The Holy Spirit power was given to the apostles so that they could complete the work for which they were called. And this power was indeed demonstrated. Through their hands, signs and wonders were done.
Our lives each have a unique God-ordained plan and purpose, as did the lives of the apostles, and we have been given the same Holy Spirit power in order to complete the work for which we have been called. Regardless of our life circumstances, we too are to be His witnesses. Just like the apostles were. Can others see evidence of Christ in our lives and by our witness? We have been given power for a purpose. So what signs and wonders are being done through our hands?
Sock Monkey Snippet: Through our hands, signs and wonders are done.
After Jesus ascended into heaven to be with the Father, the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost and empowered the apostles (Acts 1:8). They were given power for a purpose. And what exactly was that purpose? The same verse in Acts (1:8) gives the answer. To be His witnesses.
It is interesting to note that the Greek word used for witnesses is "martus" from which we get our English word martyr. We tend to think of a martyr as a person who suffers greatly, maybe even to death, for a particular reason or cause. And certainly many early followers of Christ did that. But the translation of a witness as simply a record or evidence of Christ suggests that lives committed to Him can bear witness not only in times of suffering and persecution but also in times of peace and prosperity as well. In other words, an entire life, regardless of circumstance, can and should bear witness or present evidence of Him.
The Holy Spirit power was given to the apostles so that they could complete the work for which they were called. And this power was indeed demonstrated. Through their hands, signs and wonders were done.Our lives each have a unique God-ordained plan and purpose, as did the lives of the apostles, and we have been given the same Holy Spirit power in order to complete the work for which we have been called. Regardless of our life circumstances, we too are to be His witnesses. Just like the apostles were. Can others see evidence of Christ in our lives and by our witness? We have been given power for a purpose. So what signs and wonders are being done through our hands?
Sock Monkey Snippet: Through our hands, signs and wonders are done.
Monday, July 23, 2012
No Denying It
2 Tim. 2:13 If we are faithless. He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
Peter said to Jesus, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" (Matt. 26:35). No greater promise can be made than one for which an individual is willing to sacrifice his life to keep. Peter, as a man, spoke these words intending to be true to them, to himself and to Jesus even if it cost him his life. And yet despite so great a promise and assurance of his faithfulness, Jesus knew that Peter was just a man. And like any other, when faced with adversity, trouble or affliction, was capable of being unfaithful and denying the very words he spoke and promises he made. And as we all know, he did. Not only once, but three times!
Faithfulness is a quality we appreciate. A quality that God appreciates. And yet when faced with hardships, we too, like Peter, can be miserably unfaithful. To ourselves, to our friends and family, and most importantly to God. Yes, we are capable of hurting even those closest to us because we are all men.
What then are we to make of the words of Jesus and the promises He made? Numbers 23:19 tells us that God is not a man. Therefore, He cannot lie or break His word nor can He change His mind concerning what He has spoken or promised! We can know with complete certainty that what He said, He will do! Because He is God and by His very nature He cannot deny Himself. He cannot behave in a manner contrary to who He is. He is faithful no matter what the circumstances may or will ever be. If He said it, He'll do it. If He promised it, He'll fulfill it. In Whom then shall we trust?
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me. And there is no denying it!
Sock Monkey Snippet: Because He is God, He is always faithful.
Peter said to Jesus, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" (Matt. 26:35). No greater promise can be made than one for which an individual is willing to sacrifice his life to keep. Peter, as a man, spoke these words intending to be true to them, to himself and to Jesus even if it cost him his life. And yet despite so great a promise and assurance of his faithfulness, Jesus knew that Peter was just a man. And like any other, when faced with adversity, trouble or affliction, was capable of being unfaithful and denying the very words he spoke and promises he made. And as we all know, he did. Not only once, but three times!
Faithfulness is a quality we appreciate. A quality that God appreciates. And yet when faced with hardships, we too, like Peter, can be miserably unfaithful. To ourselves, to our friends and family, and most importantly to God. Yes, we are capable of hurting even those closest to us because we are all men.
What then are we to make of the words of Jesus and the promises He made? Numbers 23:19 tells us that God is not a man. Therefore, He cannot lie or break His word nor can He change His mind concerning what He has spoken or promised! We can know with complete certainty that what He said, He will do! Because He is God and by His very nature He cannot deny Himself. He cannot behave in a manner contrary to who He is. He is faithful no matter what the circumstances may or will ever be. If He said it, He'll do it. If He promised it, He'll fulfill it. In Whom then shall we trust?
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me. And there is no denying it!
Sock Monkey Snippet: Because He is God, He is always faithful.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
The Product of Our Association
1 Jn. 3:2 ...when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
People influence our lives. And we influence their lives, too. Through relationships or associations, transformation occurs in us. Sometimes it is immediately noticeable but usually change is a gradual process. We take on, let's say inherit, their characteristics. Association brings assimilation. Simply put, we rub off on each other.
Negative, angry, bitter people can actually cause us to act and feel the same way they do. Conversely, positive, happy and contented people can produce these same attitudes in us. People either build us up or bring us down. We need to always be mindful of the effect others are having on our lives and the effect we are having on theirs.
This particular verse speaks of our association or relationship with Jesus. It is relevant in our everyday earthly lives and will certainly one day be relevant in our eternal heavenly ones. Take a minute and think about how absolutely necessary and critically important this relationship really is.
When we seek His presence in this life, we will find Him (Jer. 29:13). He reveals Himself to us. Through assimilation then, we take on or inherit His characteristics and become (more) loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled. Manifesting the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Partaking in the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4). Jesus rubs off on us! Abiding in His presence causes us to become more Christ-like and we are wonderfully transformed. His presence in our lives, without fail, produces a change in us.
One day, when Christ returns, that is to say He is finally or ultimately revealed, our most important of all associations, with Him, will produce the most glorious result. We will experience the fullness of what we were created to be and receive our incorruptible inheritance (1 Pet. 1:4). We will truly and totally be like Him because we will see Him and be with Him. Forever becoming the product of our association!
Sock Monkey Snippet: Association brings assimilation.
People influence our lives. And we influence their lives, too. Through relationships or associations, transformation occurs in us. Sometimes it is immediately noticeable but usually change is a gradual process. We take on, let's say inherit, their characteristics. Association brings assimilation. Simply put, we rub off on each other.
Negative, angry, bitter people can actually cause us to act and feel the same way they do. Conversely, positive, happy and contented people can produce these same attitudes in us. People either build us up or bring us down. We need to always be mindful of the effect others are having on our lives and the effect we are having on theirs.
This particular verse speaks of our association or relationship with Jesus. It is relevant in our everyday earthly lives and will certainly one day be relevant in our eternal heavenly ones. Take a minute and think about how absolutely necessary and critically important this relationship really is.
When we seek His presence in this life, we will find Him (Jer. 29:13). He reveals Himself to us. Through assimilation then, we take on or inherit His characteristics and become (more) loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled. Manifesting the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Partaking in the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4). Jesus rubs off on us! Abiding in His presence causes us to become more Christ-like and we are wonderfully transformed. His presence in our lives, without fail, produces a change in us.
One day, when Christ returns, that is to say He is finally or ultimately revealed, our most important of all associations, with Him, will produce the most glorious result. We will experience the fullness of what we were created to be and receive our incorruptible inheritance (1 Pet. 1:4). We will truly and totally be like Him because we will see Him and be with Him. Forever becoming the product of our association!
Sock Monkey Snippet: Association brings assimilation.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Walking Worthy
Eph. 4:1-2 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness, with longsuffering bearing with one another in love...
We are called Christians. And with that comes a certain expectation by others and by ourselves of how we should act or live our lives. Certainly, even though we are Christians, we are far from perfect and should never claim to be. But I think, with God's help, we have a responsibility to do our best to conduct ourselves in a manner that would be pleasing to Him and glorify Him. This is what the apostle Paul calls "walking worthy". He declares that our label as Christians should not only be fitting but evident and our lives a daily demonstration of our calling.
Paul offers three characteristics of "worthy walking" believers. First, we need to be humble (lowly) and not prideful. Always esteeming others better than ourselves (Phil. 2:3). Second, we must be meek and not provokable. We must possess a mild and forgiving spirit (2 Cor. 10:1, Gal. 5:23). And finally, we must be longsuffering and not perturbed. Patience is easily lost and often hard to find. All too quickly and easily we find faults and shortcomings in others while forgetting that we too have them. We must bear with one another in "agape" or unconditional love despite our flaws.
These three characteristics aren't idealistic and unachievable. They do not require superhuman ability or suffering, just an everyday conscious effort to employ. They are not "loud" virtues and as such do not draw attention to themselves. The Barnes Bible Commentary, on these verses, says it best.
"It is not by great deeds only, not by great sufferings only; it is by the daily and quiet virtues of life (the walking worthy as I see it) that good is to be done; and in this all may be useful."
Sock Monkey Snippet: Walk worthy of your calling.
We are called Christians. And with that comes a certain expectation by others and by ourselves of how we should act or live our lives. Certainly, even though we are Christians, we are far from perfect and should never claim to be. But I think, with God's help, we have a responsibility to do our best to conduct ourselves in a manner that would be pleasing to Him and glorify Him. This is what the apostle Paul calls "walking worthy". He declares that our label as Christians should not only be fitting but evident and our lives a daily demonstration of our calling.
Paul offers three characteristics of "worthy walking" believers. First, we need to be humble (lowly) and not prideful. Always esteeming others better than ourselves (Phil. 2:3). Second, we must be meek and not provokable. We must possess a mild and forgiving spirit (2 Cor. 10:1, Gal. 5:23). And finally, we must be longsuffering and not perturbed. Patience is easily lost and often hard to find. All too quickly and easily we find faults and shortcomings in others while forgetting that we too have them. We must bear with one another in "agape" or unconditional love despite our flaws.
These three characteristics aren't idealistic and unachievable. They do not require superhuman ability or suffering, just an everyday conscious effort to employ. They are not "loud" virtues and as such do not draw attention to themselves. The Barnes Bible Commentary, on these verses, says it best.
"It is not by great deeds only, not by great sufferings only; it is by the daily and quiet virtues of life (the walking worthy as I see it) that good is to be done; and in this all may be useful."
Sock Monkey Snippet: Walk worthy of your calling.
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