The LORD knows me so well. This morning He brought me back to a lesson that He taught me earlier this year through a scripture that I have read many times before. It is a wonderful prayer of David - steeped in hope - and full of truths! And nestled within familiar words is a profound reminder and challenge to me...
I will call upon You, for You will answer me, O God; incline Your ear to me; hear my words. Wondrously show Your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at Your right hand. (Psalm 17:6-7 ESV, emphasis mine)
Seek refuge! How often have I read this passage and others like it and missed the implication of the word "seek"? Seek is much more than hope for - more than wishful thinking! The Hebrew word translated here is Strong's # 2620 "chacah". It means to actually "flee for protection, be confident in, put trust in"! (see http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H2620&t=KJV) Isn't that so much more than hope for protection to be found? In fact, there are 37 occurrences of this word in the Old Testament and only one time is it translated to have hope in! Every other time, action is implied! Jesus is the Savior of those who believe and then act on that belief! We are to flee for protection - get moving - to the refuge we have at our God's right hand!
Words fail me at how to really bring this phrase to life but the LORD is showing me this passage in light of what I shared yesterday in "My Dad" (http://spaciousplace-karrie.blogspot.ca/2012/10/i-love-view-of-god-as-my-father.html). If I am acting on the hope that I have that my Heavenly Father is going to provide refuge from all of my adversaries, I am going to run to my Father! I'm going to clamor up onto His knee and tell Him everything that I am thinking and feeling! And then, when He tells me what to do, I'm going to take my stand on His words - because no one messes with my Dad! That's seeking refuge!
Abba Father, You have been helping me know by experience the difference between wishful thinking and acting on what You have said! If is profound! Thank You for the reminder today. Please help me to choose to seek refuge in You and no other. In Jesus' Name... Amen.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
My "Dad"
I love the view of God as my Father. I was blessed with a wonderful earthly Dad who would gather me on his knee, hear what I had to say and help at any cost. That has helped me appreciate my Heavenly Father over the years. When I became a parent myself, that added a new dimension to how I viewed more difficult things like discipline. This past few weeks, though, the Lord has been painting a new picture for me that is renewing in me a childlike faith.
Picture your child, running in the door and you can tell by one look at their face that something is wrong. Immediately, a parent's heart is stirred with compassion. You ask what is wrong and you give your child your full attention as they explain - as best they can - what has transpired. It doesn't really matter what the scenario is, there are really only three ways we respond. We either help them see from a more accurate perspective, we tell them how to deal with the situation and give them everything they need to do that, or the "mama bear" wells up in us so fast and we assure our child that they can just step aside and we'll handle it!
Why do I not automatically rest in that same parental concern in my Heavenly Father? When I start to look at each trying circumstance of my life from that perspective, a new childlike faith emerges.
When the situations I face get me down, God knows. He can tell by one look at my face! Actually, He can tell by one look at my heart and my mind. Psalm 139:1-2 says, O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away (New Living Translation). God knows! He sees me and He sees the big picture. When I come to Him with my every concern and allow Him to gather me up on His knee, sometimes I merely need Him to give me a new perspective. How often do we see the situations we face with such a limited understanding? Proverbs 3:5-6 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (New International Version). In ways which transcend all understanding, He gives me peace. (see Philippians 4:6-7 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians%204:6-7&version=NIV1984)
Sometimes, I find God gives me clear advice as to what I should do and then He follows it up by giving me every resource that I need to follow through. Psalm 32:7-8 tells us, For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory... The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you (New Living Translation).
The other option is that our Heavenly Father tells us to step aside and let Him handle it! Isaiah 49:25 gives us full assurance of that! For thus says the Lord: “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken, and the prey of the tyrant be rescued, for I will contend with those who contend with you... (English Standard Version). King Jehoshaphat received just such an answer from the LORD in 2 Chronicles 20:15 & 17! He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s...You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’” (New International Version 1984). (to read the complete story: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Chronicles+20&version=NIV1984)
So you see, if we as fallible parents, would be moved with compassion for our child... If we would give them a better understanding of the situation or advise them how to handle it under our mindful eye... Or if we would be so stirred up with indignation that we would say to ourselves "you just messed with the wrong child" and gently tell your offspring to "stand aside! Momma's gonna handle this!" how much more our Heavenly Father who loves us more than we could ever fathom?
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for this new picture of how I can trust You to handle anything and everything that comes at me! Help me to remember how quickly that mamma bear instinct wells up in me and remember that it originates in You. Help me to recognize how desperately my arms ache to hold my own children and soothe away their hurts - even when they brought them on themselves. Help me to be quick to scramble up on Your knee and talk things out with You and then listen to hear You tell me how we're going to handle things because NO ONE messes with my "Dad"! Amen.
Picture your child, running in the door and you can tell by one look at their face that something is wrong. Immediately, a parent's heart is stirred with compassion. You ask what is wrong and you give your child your full attention as they explain - as best they can - what has transpired. It doesn't really matter what the scenario is, there are really only three ways we respond. We either help them see from a more accurate perspective, we tell them how to deal with the situation and give them everything they need to do that, or the "mama bear" wells up in us so fast and we assure our child that they can just step aside and we'll handle it!
Why do I not automatically rest in that same parental concern in my Heavenly Father? When I start to look at each trying circumstance of my life from that perspective, a new childlike faith emerges.
When the situations I face get me down, God knows. He can tell by one look at my face! Actually, He can tell by one look at my heart and my mind. Psalm 139:1-2 says, O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away (New Living Translation). God knows! He sees me and He sees the big picture. When I come to Him with my every concern and allow Him to gather me up on His knee, sometimes I merely need Him to give me a new perspective. How often do we see the situations we face with such a limited understanding? Proverbs 3:5-6 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (New International Version). In ways which transcend all understanding, He gives me peace. (see Philippians 4:6-7 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians%204:6-7&version=NIV1984)
Sometimes, I find God gives me clear advice as to what I should do and then He follows it up by giving me every resource that I need to follow through. Psalm 32:7-8 tells us, For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory... The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you (New Living Translation).
The other option is that our Heavenly Father tells us to step aside and let Him handle it! Isaiah 49:25 gives us full assurance of that! For thus says the Lord: “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken, and the prey of the tyrant be rescued, for I will contend with those who contend with you... (English Standard Version). King Jehoshaphat received just such an answer from the LORD in 2 Chronicles 20:15 & 17! He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s...You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’” (New International Version 1984). (to read the complete story: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Chronicles+20&version=NIV1984)
So you see, if we as fallible parents, would be moved with compassion for our child... If we would give them a better understanding of the situation or advise them how to handle it under our mindful eye... Or if we would be so stirred up with indignation that we would say to ourselves "you just messed with the wrong child" and gently tell your offspring to "stand aside! Momma's gonna handle this!" how much more our Heavenly Father who loves us more than we could ever fathom?
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for this new picture of how I can trust You to handle anything and everything that comes at me! Help me to remember how quickly that mamma bear instinct wells up in me and remember that it originates in You. Help me to recognize how desperately my arms ache to hold my own children and soothe away their hurts - even when they brought them on themselves. Help me to be quick to scramble up on Your knee and talk things out with You and then listen to hear You tell me how we're going to handle things because NO ONE messes with my "Dad"! Amen.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Give Thanks in ALL Circumstances
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV'84)
As I sat with the LORD this morning on this Thanksgiving Day, it was very easy for me to give thanks to Him. The house is cozy and quiet... my family is all snuggled into their beds... there's a gentle pitter-patter of much needed rain falling outside my window... all of the trimmings for a thanksgiving feast are ready to be put together and I look forward to a leisurely day with those I love. Life is good. I pulled a book by one of my favorite authors off of the shelf. She always has a way of challenging my thinking and pointing me to God's Throne. Today was no exception.
I resumed reading from where I had left off the last time I had picked it up. As the LORD so often does, the theme of the chapter was right in line with what He and I had been talking about. The book is "31 Days of Drawing Near to God" by Ruth Myers (previously released as "The Satisfied Heart"). Her challenge was giving thanks to the LORD for and during the trials - just as much as for and during the good times.
The LORD and I have been talking about that these last 24 hours. I found out yesterday that one of the families in our church lost their 18 year old nephew to a hit and run accident this weekend. A young man, full of promise tragically killed while crossing the street - and on Thanksgiving weekend! There is NO day of the year where an accident like this does not completely devastate all those touched by it but there seems an added injustice when it's on a holiday that is supposed to represent everything but. It didn't take many minutes for my mind to race to another family whose world was turned upside down by a very similar accident 11 years ago.
Carole Lewis and her family were celebrating Thanksgiving 2001, when their daughter Shari was getting ready to back out of their drive way and was hit by a car speeding out of control. In a moment, she was gone. My mind raced to Carole's story so quickly because it was as I listened to Carole share of the greatness of God and His care for her during the moments, days and weeks following Shari's death that I committed to getting to know the LORD like she knew the LORD. As I listened to Carole on the simulcast that day, she said many other things but I am absolutely convinced that if she hadn't testified to God's greatness even in her grief, I would have walked away unchanged. I was greiving. (Carole Lewis, author of "a thankful heart - How Gratitude Brings Hope and Healing To Our Lives" http://www.firstplace4health.com/store/?cat=4&item=38)
Since then, the LORD has brought it about that I would meet Carole several times and now call her friend. I never celebrate Thanksgiving without giving thanks for her and her willingness to share that day. I am a life radically transformed by God, due in no small part, to her courageous testimony.
So, I think of the family of this 18 year old young man. I have to wonder how the LORD will use even this situation. Only time will tell - and even then, maybe not until heaven will we really know. There's a challenge in all of this for me... Do I give thanks in all circumstances? Notice how the LORD says "in" all circumstances. He's not saying "for". It's funny how I find it easy to be thankful in the good times - like today. I can even express gratitude for some of the darkest times of my life - at least now in hindsight - because I learned so much about who God is during them. But I very often fail to give thanks "in" unhappy, stressful or trying circumstances. I have to face it - I often fail to give thanks just when I don't get my own way! Forgive me, LORD.
Ruth Myers put it this way this morning. "Without trials as God's platform for revealing Himself, might we fail to experience the incredible greatness of His power in our personal lives? Just by reading about it in the Bible? That is essential. It gets the concept into our mind. But when we're caught in an impossible circumstance and cry out to Him and He answers with deliverance, then we know on a deeper level: Our God truly is powerful! Apart from difficult circumstances, how earnestly would we seek Him? How deeply would we know Him? I'm sorry to say this, but isn't it true that you and I would soon be distracted and often forget Him if everything always went smoothly?" (Day 10, "31 Days of Drawing Near to God", copyright 1999, Multnomah, a division of Random House Inc.)
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 merits repeating...
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
For a further look at this command, visit http://spaciousplace-karrie.blogspot.ca/2011/09/pure-joy.html
As I sat with the LORD this morning on this Thanksgiving Day, it was very easy for me to give thanks to Him. The house is cozy and quiet... my family is all snuggled into their beds... there's a gentle pitter-patter of much needed rain falling outside my window... all of the trimmings for a thanksgiving feast are ready to be put together and I look forward to a leisurely day with those I love. Life is good. I pulled a book by one of my favorite authors off of the shelf. She always has a way of challenging my thinking and pointing me to God's Throne. Today was no exception.
I resumed reading from where I had left off the last time I had picked it up. As the LORD so often does, the theme of the chapter was right in line with what He and I had been talking about. The book is "31 Days of Drawing Near to God" by Ruth Myers (previously released as "The Satisfied Heart"). Her challenge was giving thanks to the LORD for and during the trials - just as much as for and during the good times.
The LORD and I have been talking about that these last 24 hours. I found out yesterday that one of the families in our church lost their 18 year old nephew to a hit and run accident this weekend. A young man, full of promise tragically killed while crossing the street - and on Thanksgiving weekend! There is NO day of the year where an accident like this does not completely devastate all those touched by it but there seems an added injustice when it's on a holiday that is supposed to represent everything but. It didn't take many minutes for my mind to race to another family whose world was turned upside down by a very similar accident 11 years ago.
Carole Lewis and her family were celebrating Thanksgiving 2001, when their daughter Shari was getting ready to back out of their drive way and was hit by a car speeding out of control. In a moment, she was gone. My mind raced to Carole's story so quickly because it was as I listened to Carole share of the greatness of God and His care for her during the moments, days and weeks following Shari's death that I committed to getting to know the LORD like she knew the LORD. As I listened to Carole on the simulcast that day, she said many other things but I am absolutely convinced that if she hadn't testified to God's greatness even in her grief, I would have walked away unchanged. I was greiving. (Carole Lewis, author of "a thankful heart - How Gratitude Brings Hope and Healing To Our Lives" http://www.firstplace4health.com/store/?cat=4&item=38)
Since then, the LORD has brought it about that I would meet Carole several times and now call her friend. I never celebrate Thanksgiving without giving thanks for her and her willingness to share that day. I am a life radically transformed by God, due in no small part, to her courageous testimony.
So, I think of the family of this 18 year old young man. I have to wonder how the LORD will use even this situation. Only time will tell - and even then, maybe not until heaven will we really know. There's a challenge in all of this for me... Do I give thanks in all circumstances? Notice how the LORD says "in" all circumstances. He's not saying "for". It's funny how I find it easy to be thankful in the good times - like today. I can even express gratitude for some of the darkest times of my life - at least now in hindsight - because I learned so much about who God is during them. But I very often fail to give thanks "in" unhappy, stressful or trying circumstances. I have to face it - I often fail to give thanks just when I don't get my own way! Forgive me, LORD.
Ruth Myers put it this way this morning. "Without trials as God's platform for revealing Himself, might we fail to experience the incredible greatness of His power in our personal lives? Just by reading about it in the Bible? That is essential. It gets the concept into our mind. But when we're caught in an impossible circumstance and cry out to Him and He answers with deliverance, then we know on a deeper level: Our God truly is powerful! Apart from difficult circumstances, how earnestly would we seek Him? How deeply would we know Him? I'm sorry to say this, but isn't it true that you and I would soon be distracted and often forget Him if everything always went smoothly?" (Day 10, "31 Days of Drawing Near to God", copyright 1999, Multnomah, a division of Random House Inc.)
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 merits repeating...
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
For a further look at this command, visit http://spaciousplace-karrie.blogspot.ca/2011/09/pure-joy.html
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
My Understanding...
The LORD woke me early this morning. I needed to spend time with Him. Life has been chaotic lately and quietness in body and soul have been sporadic. I felt Him beckon me out to see the stars. They were AMAZING! The sky was a pitch black background for a million (or more) little pin pricks of light. Some were so bright that they looked like I could reach up and touch them! The moon was a sliver, hanging heavy in the eastern sky and I could see 180 degrees of sky! The constellations were jumping out at me like I was sitting in a planetarium - only brighter! I kept turning around and delighting in each new vantage point. I can't remember ever having a moment quite like it - when something in me almost expected to hear His audible voice! I even woke each member of my family to come out and see the vast display. Each one said, "Wow!" "Awesome!" "Oooh!" It was completely AWESOME!
I poured my coffee and sat in my "spot" with the Lord. I enjoyed my morning readings in the Psalms but my mind kept picturing the (I can't seem to grasp an appropriate adjective) dazzling display! I went outside again... Just the tiniest tinge of pink starting to mark the horizon of the eastern sky... The words of Job 38 began running through my mind...
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. (I don't, LORD) Who determined its measurements - surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together... Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth...Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loose the cords of Orion? Can you lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season, or can you guide the Bear with its children? Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? (I could go on and on - each time the answer was "No")
Then the LORD brought to mind, "then why do you keep leaning on your own understanding?" I have no idea. It makes no sense to me now. The God of the Universe - Whose fingers placed the stars and the moon into place (Psalm 8:3), Who manages the paths of billions of stars and they never collide, is mindful of me and what I will face this day. Certainly HE IS ABLE! I choose (anew) to trust Him!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart (even all of my emotion) and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. (just like He does the stars) Proverbs 3:5-6
I poured my coffee and sat in my "spot" with the Lord. I enjoyed my morning readings in the Psalms but my mind kept picturing the (I can't seem to grasp an appropriate adjective) dazzling display! I went outside again... Just the tiniest tinge of pink starting to mark the horizon of the eastern sky... The words of Job 38 began running through my mind...
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. (I don't, LORD) Who determined its measurements - surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together... Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth...Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loose the cords of Orion? Can you lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season, or can you guide the Bear with its children? Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? (I could go on and on - each time the answer was "No")
Then the LORD brought to mind, "then why do you keep leaning on your own understanding?" I have no idea. It makes no sense to me now. The God of the Universe - Whose fingers placed the stars and the moon into place (Psalm 8:3), Who manages the paths of billions of stars and they never collide, is mindful of me and what I will face this day. Certainly HE IS ABLE! I choose (anew) to trust Him!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart (even all of my emotion) and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. (just like He does the stars) Proverbs 3:5-6
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Dialogue...
Awake My Love and come away,
come away before the day.
Let Us watch the sky unfold
and talk of wonders to behold.
Let Us hear creation sing
and ready for what this day brings...
LORD, You have wooed me to here.
Creation's song rings in my ear.
You've brought me to that big, old rock.
It's peaceful here and We can talk.
The moon hangs full. Two stars still shine.
Your Presence's here. Our hearts entwine.
Speak my LORD. i'm listening now.
My soul is still. My head is bowed...
Come, My child. Hear mercy cry.
Do not listen to this world's lie.
I sing for you of My great love.
I WILL give you eyes of a dove.
You do not have to earn Me here.
You CAN just rest - there's naught to fear.
Just as I've hung that star that shines
and lower the moon at the proper time,
I can handle all your cares.
Listen now and I will share...
You hear the lie "you can't be free!"
but that is not the Truth with Me.
Reject it now in Jesus' Name.
No child of Mine need walk in shame!
Turn your head and lift it high.
The new day dawns. I've heard your cry.
Salvation belongs to Me alone.
I bless you now out on those stones
To walk in Truth that man might see
freedom comes from Me indeed!
Trust Me now. I am your Shield,
and just as I've led you in that field
I lead you now through this new day.
Listen to Me. I know The Way...
LORD, You are so good to me!
You show me what i fail to see.
You bless me with the sun's first rays.
You're familiar with all my ways.
You know when i have hung my head.
You fill my heart with Truth instead.
You are my Strength for each new day.
i trust You now to show The Way.
Let freedom ring! Please help me now
to bow the knee to Your Awesome power.
Amen...
Monday, May 21, 2012
Not Guilty - Part 2
If you haven't already read part 1, I invite you to do so as it is the frame that holds the picture for this verse today.
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, He has now reconciled in His body of flesh by His death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before Him... Colossians 1:21-22 ESV
Now, if you remember, we were looking at Zechariah 3 and a vision that the Lord gave to Zechariah of a scene taking place in the throne room of heaven. At first glance, it might look like the frame and the picture are an odd pair or mismatched, but let me show you what the Lord showed me.
The words "above reproach before Him" made me think of standing before the Lord, in His courtroom. But what does above reproach really mean anyway? "Above reproach" or as the King James Version puts it "unreprovable" is Greek # 410 in Strong's Concordance of the Bible. It means unaccusable! It comes from G #1458 which means to call in for charges or debt, to lay accusation.
I couldn't believe what the Lord was showing me! The enemy tries to make me believe that it's about works, that if I just do this or don't do that... He knows that I'm going to provide ample failures for ammunition and then he seems to haul me before the Lord and throw accusation after accusation in my face - charges that I cannot deny - a debt that I could never repay! And before I know it, I'm feeling like I'm standing condemned. Do you remember how Zechariah 3 showed us that the Lord doesn't even let satan talk? He declares him wrong before he even opens his mouth and so should we! This verse is like our legal paper that we can wave in satan's face to shut him up! Because of what Christ did in "His body of flesh by His death", I am unaccusable when I am called in for charges or debt! No one can lay accusations upon me! God says!
What about the word "blameless"? How awesome! I am without blame, faultless before God because of Christ! Zero, nada, zilch... NO blame, NO fault! Praise God!
There was one more word that the Lord brought to my attention. "Reconciled." Strong's Greek #604, puts it as reconciled fully. I like that! It comes from the Greek words #575 meaning separation, cessation or reversal and #2644 which means to change mutually (a difference), like exchanging currency or as in persons changing from enmity with God to friends with God.
So let's put this all together... Once I was alienated from God, separated from Him. When I listen to satan's accusations, he makes me feel that way all over again. But when I tell myself the Truth and listen to the words of the Judge of all mankind - the highest authority in heaven and earth - I can "behold" (remember that word from Part 1?) that I have been reconciled fully. A mutual exchange took (and takes) place. I relinquish the debt of my sin. That debt that I could never pay and receive Christ's righteousness! What an exchange! I now stand without blame, completely faultless before God because of Christ! And God has declared my case closed! He will not stand for any more accusations from my enemy. I am forevermore unaccusable before God! Wahoo! And just for our sake, a few verses down He says it again! Behold...
When you were spiritually dead because of your sins and because you were not free from the power of your sinful self, God made you alive with Christ, and he forgave all our sins. He canceled the debt, which listed all the rules we failed to follow. He took away that record with its rules and nailed it to the cross. God stripped the spiritual rulers and powers of their authority. With the cross, he won the victory and showed the world that they were powerless. Colossians 2:13-15
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, He has now reconciled in His body of flesh by His death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before Him... Colossians 1:21-22 ESV
Now, if you remember, we were looking at Zechariah 3 and a vision that the Lord gave to Zechariah of a scene taking place in the throne room of heaven. At first glance, it might look like the frame and the picture are an odd pair or mismatched, but let me show you what the Lord showed me.
The words "above reproach before Him" made me think of standing before the Lord, in His courtroom. But what does above reproach really mean anyway? "Above reproach" or as the King James Version puts it "unreprovable" is Greek # 410 in Strong's Concordance of the Bible. It means unaccusable! It comes from G #1458 which means to call in for charges or debt, to lay accusation.
I couldn't believe what the Lord was showing me! The enemy tries to make me believe that it's about works, that if I just do this or don't do that... He knows that I'm going to provide ample failures for ammunition and then he seems to haul me before the Lord and throw accusation after accusation in my face - charges that I cannot deny - a debt that I could never repay! And before I know it, I'm feeling like I'm standing condemned. Do you remember how Zechariah 3 showed us that the Lord doesn't even let satan talk? He declares him wrong before he even opens his mouth and so should we! This verse is like our legal paper that we can wave in satan's face to shut him up! Because of what Christ did in "His body of flesh by His death", I am unaccusable when I am called in for charges or debt! No one can lay accusations upon me! God says!
What about the word "blameless"? How awesome! I am without blame, faultless before God because of Christ! Zero, nada, zilch... NO blame, NO fault! Praise God!
There was one more word that the Lord brought to my attention. "Reconciled." Strong's Greek #604, puts it as reconciled fully. I like that! It comes from the Greek words #575 meaning separation, cessation or reversal and #2644 which means to change mutually (a difference), like exchanging currency or as in persons changing from enmity with God to friends with God.
So let's put this all together... Once I was alienated from God, separated from Him. When I listen to satan's accusations, he makes me feel that way all over again. But when I tell myself the Truth and listen to the words of the Judge of all mankind - the highest authority in heaven and earth - I can "behold" (remember that word from Part 1?) that I have been reconciled fully. A mutual exchange took (and takes) place. I relinquish the debt of my sin. That debt that I could never pay and receive Christ's righteousness! What an exchange! I now stand without blame, completely faultless before God because of Christ! And God has declared my case closed! He will not stand for any more accusations from my enemy. I am forevermore unaccusable before God! Wahoo! And just for our sake, a few verses down He says it again! Behold...
When you were spiritually dead because of your sins and because you were not free from the power of your sinful self, God made you alive with Christ, and he forgave all our sins. He canceled the debt, which listed all the rules we failed to follow. He took away that record with its rules and nailed it to the cross. God stripped the spiritual rulers and powers of their authority. With the cross, he won the victory and showed the world that they were powerless. Colossians 2:13-15
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Not Guilty - Part 1
Oh my goodness! The Lord showed me something this morning that was the New Testament picture of one of my favorite Old Testament scenes! I've known it to be true but it was like He took me back to envision it anew! I couldn't wait to blog it! Then I realized that I had never written about the original Old Testament scene! So here goes... Old Testament is Part 1, New Testament will be Part 2!
One of my favorite "pictures" in Scripture is from Zechariah 3. I first noticed it as I was reading in the CEV (Contemporary English Version). It's a vision that the LORD gave to the prophet Zechariah. In the vision, he saw Joshua, the high priest, standing in front of the LORD's throne.
...This time Joshua the high priest was standing in front of the LORD's angel. And there was Satan, standing at Joshua's right side, ready to accuse him. But the LORD, said, "Satan, you are wrong. Jerusalem is my chosen city, and this man was rescued like a stick from a flaming fire." (Zechariah 3:1b-2)
What an opportunist! It strikes me that wherever we are, satan is standing ready to accuse us - but, glory to God, the LORD doesn't even let satan get a word in. He knows why satan is there. He calls satan the "accuser of the bretheren" (Rev. 12:10) He immediately cuts satan off and tells him that he is WRONG!
I love that! For so many reasons, I love that! So why do I so often hear him out? When satan presents to me all of the reasons why the LORD must be ready to give up on me or how I'll never change, why do I listen to - and worse still - dwell on his accusations? But our accuser is clever. Sometimes his words sound like they come through our voice.
I love that it was Joshua the high priest. He was God's man and God had his back. And, I love that the LORD didn't give satan a chance to voice his case! Satan was simply declared wrong.
The vision continues...
Joshua's clothes were filthy. So the angel told some of the people to remove Joshua's filthy clothes. Then he said to Joshua, "This means you are forgiven. Now, I will dress you in priestly clothes." (vs. 3-4)
How beautiful! Even the high priest is shown in filthy rags yet receiving grace and robes of righteousness! We are ALL in need of grace! No matter how much "good" we have done (or try to do) it is all still filthy rags in comparison with God's perfection (Isaiah 64:6). When we stand in the courtroom of heaven, they don't measure up! They are not enough! BUT GOD, made provision and is willing to redress us!
Now, there is more... something profound in verse 4 that isn't evident in this translation. The English Standard Version reads this way...
And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” (emphasis mine)
Do you know what that word "behold" means? It means to "advise oneself, behold certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, mark, perceive, gaze upon." (Strongs # 7200, Hebrew) Many consider this angel of the Lord to be the preincarnate Christ. Awesome! Regardless, in the court of heaven, Joshua was being told to advise himself of this... his sins were forgiven. An exchange was being made. His unrighteousness for God's righteousness. Mark this transaction! Why? I believe because the enemy of our souls will try and accuse us again and we need to know we're forgiven!
Read it for yourself! The scene even continues from here and Joshua is told that if he will walk in the ways of the Lord, he'll have immediate access to the Throne Room of heaven! That's what we have when we pray!
So where are you? If you found yourself standing before the Holy God today, have you traded in your filthy, sinful garments for His robes of righteousness? Have you ever let Him dress you with the robes that He provides? Have you given Him your sin? If not, today is the day! We have no guarantee of tomorrow.
If you have already done that, are you living like it? Are you living with the security and peace that comes from knowing the Lord does not condemn you? Or are you listening to lies that leave you discouraged and shamed? Behold...
O Holy God, Judge of the courtroom of heaven, thank You for the day that You took away my sin and gave me Your righteousness! I can't fathom the depths of Your love for me - the depths that You went to to provide robes of righteousness for me but I gladly accept them! Thank You for not even allowing satan to open his mouth against me! Help me to do the same when he comes to throw my sin back in my face. I'm forgiven! I have marked that transaction - and it brings me great joy! In the Name of Jesus, my Savior, Amen!
One of my favorite "pictures" in Scripture is from Zechariah 3. I first noticed it as I was reading in the CEV (Contemporary English Version). It's a vision that the LORD gave to the prophet Zechariah. In the vision, he saw Joshua, the high priest, standing in front of the LORD's throne.
...This time Joshua the high priest was standing in front of the LORD's angel. And there was Satan, standing at Joshua's right side, ready to accuse him. But the LORD, said, "Satan, you are wrong. Jerusalem is my chosen city, and this man was rescued like a stick from a flaming fire." (Zechariah 3:1b-2)
What an opportunist! It strikes me that wherever we are, satan is standing ready to accuse us - but, glory to God, the LORD doesn't even let satan get a word in. He knows why satan is there. He calls satan the "accuser of the bretheren" (Rev. 12:10) He immediately cuts satan off and tells him that he is WRONG!
I love that! For so many reasons, I love that! So why do I so often hear him out? When satan presents to me all of the reasons why the LORD must be ready to give up on me or how I'll never change, why do I listen to - and worse still - dwell on his accusations? But our accuser is clever. Sometimes his words sound like they come through our voice.
I love that it was Joshua the high priest. He was God's man and God had his back. And, I love that the LORD didn't give satan a chance to voice his case! Satan was simply declared wrong.
The vision continues...
Joshua's clothes were filthy. So the angel told some of the people to remove Joshua's filthy clothes. Then he said to Joshua, "This means you are forgiven. Now, I will dress you in priestly clothes." (vs. 3-4)
How beautiful! Even the high priest is shown in filthy rags yet receiving grace and robes of righteousness! We are ALL in need of grace! No matter how much "good" we have done (or try to do) it is all still filthy rags in comparison with God's perfection (Isaiah 64:6). When we stand in the courtroom of heaven, they don't measure up! They are not enough! BUT GOD, made provision and is willing to redress us!
Now, there is more... something profound in verse 4 that isn't evident in this translation. The English Standard Version reads this way...
And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” (emphasis mine)
Do you know what that word "behold" means? It means to "advise oneself, behold certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, mark, perceive, gaze upon." (Strongs # 7200, Hebrew) Many consider this angel of the Lord to be the preincarnate Christ. Awesome! Regardless, in the court of heaven, Joshua was being told to advise himself of this... his sins were forgiven. An exchange was being made. His unrighteousness for God's righteousness. Mark this transaction! Why? I believe because the enemy of our souls will try and accuse us again and we need to know we're forgiven!
Read it for yourself! The scene even continues from here and Joshua is told that if he will walk in the ways of the Lord, he'll have immediate access to the Throne Room of heaven! That's what we have when we pray!
So where are you? If you found yourself standing before the Holy God today, have you traded in your filthy, sinful garments for His robes of righteousness? Have you ever let Him dress you with the robes that He provides? Have you given Him your sin? If not, today is the day! We have no guarantee of tomorrow.
If you have already done that, are you living like it? Are you living with the security and peace that comes from knowing the Lord does not condemn you? Or are you listening to lies that leave you discouraged and shamed? Behold...
O Holy God, Judge of the courtroom of heaven, thank You for the day that You took away my sin and gave me Your righteousness! I can't fathom the depths of Your love for me - the depths that You went to to provide robes of righteousness for me but I gladly accept them! Thank You for not even allowing satan to open his mouth against me! Help me to do the same when he comes to throw my sin back in my face. I'm forgiven! I have marked that transaction - and it brings me great joy! In the Name of Jesus, my Savior, Amen!
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