Do you Hear the Train Coming?

There are lots of changes taking place in my family these days. Our son is learning to drive, (any who have successfully navigated this feel free to send me words of encouragement) my husband is changing jobs after 25 years of working in the racing industry, we are entering into the phase of beginning to care for our ailing parents, and so on. Change can be uncomfortable and even scary at times and most of you have faced many of the same challenges. But these are not the most pressing changes we have to confront. The greatest deviation we face as Christians is evil itself. If we listen to our spirit we can hear it in the wind, and feel it in the ground under our feet. But please do NOT stop reading, this is not a gloom and doom blog. Hang in there with me! We must not stick our heads in the sand. As Christians, it is a call to arms! We are aware of the prophesies being fulfilled but are we aware and educated about what will happen as Christ's return approaches? It does not matter whether we believe the rapture will be pre-tribulation or post-tribulation, our involvement as Christians has been determined.  All of the Old Testament points to the coming Messiah, while the New Testament tells us of Christ's death and resurrection and then return. 

This is not a fictional tale. We are participants in a very real orchestration written by the creator of the universe and everyone plays a part. The master time keeper is counting down to the grand finale. Everyday is one day closer. Most of us either get caught up in the day to day events that seem at times too large or we refuse to acknowledge the global magnitude of what is coming. I know, we've heard it all before: We have been waiting for two millennia, people who believe the world will end are just radical dooms dayers, what happens on the news on the other side of the world doesn't affect me or my family.  Consider the fact that every last one of the 365 Old Testament prophecies regarding the birth, death, and resurrection, of Christ were fulfilled down to the very last detail. What in the world would make us believe the prophecies about His return would be different?  So what can we learn from the changes taking place in the world and what we can expect in the days ahead? And how can we really KNOW what we read in God's word is true? "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:19-21. The assault on Jews and Christians is growing in volume daily. This offensive is not just coming from radical Islam, although theirs is the most thunderous. But possibly the most damaging influence is much quieter, coming from within the church and also prophecied in scripture. "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!" 2 Timothy 3:1-5. We, as the church, when we embrace wickedness are allowing corruption to seep in and take hold like a cancer. The storm we see on the horizon is no more destructive than the termites silently eroding the foundation of the church. From sexual immortality of all kinds to entitled, haughty, lovers of self, we have lowered our standard to having no standard at all and that has castrated us as an influence in society.

As we roll speed through the annals of time, each day getting closer to the much anticipated returning of our Lord, these are changes taking place in our world, our country, our churches, and even our homes. So far it seems pretty doom and gloom but hang on. As individuals we possess the supernatural power of God. We must  draw closer to Christ as individuals as that is the only way the power of God's church will be empowered to rise against an enemy who seeks to destroy us. In order to stand strong in face of the enemy we know is coming, we must devote our lives to the events taking place on the main stage. We must be diligent in the training of our own heart and stop focusing on the hearts of others. We have to recognize that our pastor, reverend, or priest, is talking to "me" and not everyone else. It is time we stop looking at what "they" should do and judging the heart of "them". Rather, we should look at what I should do and begin judging MY own heart. We must be willing to serve in whatever way is needed and make Christ's return our first and foremost priority. We must leave behind the piddly distractions.

On this grand stage, moving toward the final act, we are playing whatever game entertains us at the time. Many use the excuses: I have no skills, my job is too demanding, our schedule is too full of activities, or that is family time, so we have no time to serve. None of these hold water, not one. We all are given skills by God to be used for Him. Nothing should demand your time more than your service to Christ. Any job has requirements but it is by God's grace you have that job and nothing He calls you to will prevent you from serving Him. If your activities keep you from serving Him, you are over-scheduled because His priority for your life is not a game - it is HIM. Lastly, your family is not reason enough to not  serve Him. "Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:61-62. And not only does Christ come first, we should be serving the Lord in tangible ways as a family in order to teach our children how to serve and to show them the importance of living a life spilled out for Christ. "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:6-9. Our lives are to be consumed with Christ and serving Him. However, we live in a time when the church fits Christ in to the left over time in our schedule while the enemy from outside and from within are dismantling our framework. But be faithful, the cornerstone will stand. "So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic." Isaiah 28:16. This is the peace that comes in the midst of chaos. There is no need to panic.

If we find our hearts convicted and realize we are not serving Christ the way we should it is not too late. We can always move closer to Him and allow Him to equip us for battle by emptying ourselves of our own desires to be used for His purpose. We must make Him our priority over everything. If we are the ones who see the signs, hear the train coming, feel the earth shake under our feet, and feel like we are screaming (one of those silent screams that are so terrifying in nightmares), for God's army to wake up may this be our prayer.  Pray for God to move in the hearts of His people and until then humbly request that He be merciful to those who are faithful and do not automatically assume that is you. We must search our hearts to be found faithfully devoted to Christ and ready to go to battle in the face of the enemy for Him. Strap in, it's gonna be a bumpy ride. But do not lose heart we are on the winning team. 

The Elusiveness of Joy

It is the desire of all mankind. We seek it for ourselves and desperately want it for our children. On some level we pursue it everyday, joy. We pursue it in innumerable ways. Society chases after joy by living in the most desirable neighborhood, driving a fancy car, or wearing the latest trends. We also clamor for time away, from our spouse, our children, our work. We engage in hobbies, carve out time alone or time with our friends to entertain ourselves. Church members spend time and energy serving at church, and ministering to those in need knowing that true joy comes from serving others. Humanitarians work in soup kitchens, donate to charity, serve in the Peace Corp., and on and on. There are as many ways to strive for joy in our lives as there drops in the ocean. There are two challenges we face when obtaining joy is a priority in our lives.

 

First, the obtaining of joy as an intentional undertaking is a fruitless task. To pursue joy for the sake of obtaining joy is by definition self serving. True joy cannot be achieved through selfish means. It is contrary to the law of God. "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." Galatians 5:16-17. "The flesh" is the term used in scripture describing the pursuit if our own desires. Here is an example. As a child of God, and out of love for Him and having been called to serve, we may spend time volunteering in the choir.  Singing hymns of praise and symphonic melodies stir our hearts, and the melodies and rhythms bring pleasure to our soul. We experience joy. Joy was not the goal but was experienced by focusing on the service and the love of worshipping our Savior and glorifying Him in song. When the focus shifts inward to ourselves and it becomes a selfish activity by which conditions have to be met in order to maintain a level of enjoyment to make it worth while to US, it by definition can no longer produce joy. Whatever our pursuit, how many times do we ask ourselves why do I bother? Whether it is serving on a committee or going to church,  playing golf or pursuing a romantic relationship, if the purpose is to achieve joy it is not going to happen. When we ponder why we bother the focus has become, 'what benefit am I getting?' and joy cannot exist in a self-centered heart. "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24. Satan has done a better job convincing people in today's culture than ever before that we must pursue what makes us happy. We are even taught this in many churches. We must put ourselves first and our own joy so we are fulfilled in order to be what we should to others. If we are not fulfilled then we do not have the resources to be what others need. It is a BIG lie. We are a society constantly checking the gauge on our joy meter. When in reality every time we check it the reading goes down! This obsession with making our own happiness priority #1 is causing the breakdown of society. Remember our lives do not belong to us anymore. Therefore, as we love abundantly the Savior who has freed us, we find pleasure and strength serving Him and joy is one of the many rewards we receive from it.

 

Second, joy is not a destination we can achieve, stake our tent, and hang out there. It is not a tangible commodity. Those who have suffered, or who have loved ones who have suffered from macular degeneration can relate to those who focus on achieving joy. The result is very much the same. Those who suffer from the blinding disease know that the center of the field of vision is lost and only what is in the peripheral vision can be seen. This is an image of what people who have macular degeneration see.

This is what focusing on our own joy does to our field of vision. As soon as our eyes turn to examine the level of our joy meter we lose focus on everything. It is like going on a snipe hunt. We can only receive true joy as a reward for living a life for Christ. "For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind." Ecclesiates 2:26. Becoming a Christian brings about an indescribable spiritual transformation but the journey does not end there. Our true joy comes from laying down our own selfish desires and living our lives for the glory of Christ. We all know Christians who are chasing after what they are convinced will make them happy and the harder they run the more miserable they are. Whether they are expecting their spouse to fulfill them, or are single and chasing one relationship after the other, or even serving at the church for the end purpose to achieve joy when it should be out of devotion to our Lord, joy is elusive. It vanishes. We are never fast enough to chase after joy and catch it. It always comes up behind us and embraces us as a reward for focusing on Christ and if we turn to see it, it disappears.

 

We live in a society of the great disappearing joy. I have even been guilty of wondering 'what about me?'  Dear friend, nothing good ever comes from that question. Sometimes situations do change but whatever the cause the focus should be on Christ and the question must always be, 'What would YOU have me do, Lord? and whatever it is, it will be all for your glory.' With Christ always desiring what is best for us, we do not have to worry with, 'what about me?' because that is always Christ's focus. When we focus on Him our joy will be great as a reward. 

How do we know what to do?

We've all heard them. Those profoundly deep aphorisms that causes us to take pause. They have fancy words that give a us a pretty picture of ourselves and make us feel empowered. Like this one. "Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you." We feel good when we hear some quip with pretty words that make our lives seem more simple and more in our control. "The power is in you, the answer is in you, and you are the answer to all your searches: You are the goal. You are the answer. It's never outside." Eckhart Tolle. It is an easy trap. We navigate this life through all of its pitfalls. Many times when we are grappling with challenges that seem just too heavy to bear, we come across a quote from someone who appears to have all the answers. They deliver their message with a breathy calm and it is nearly impossible to imagine them ever franticly grappling with truth and feeling like peace is nowhere to be found. We have all been there. It is at these times being close to Christ is so very imperative. Most of us who call ourselves children of God want to follow the path He has for us. How many times have we begged and pleaded for Him to make the answer known to us and we will follow it! Well, God doesn't play games with our hearts. When we genuinely seek His will He will make it known to us.

 

It has been several days since I have written or posted to this blog because my family has been going through this very thing. We have been wrestling in prayer for guidance from Christ and for Him to guide our every step. There have been decisions to made that will affect our lives now and in the future. Our family has been diligent in prayer as to not make a mistake. God is always faithful. His love and desire for us is only the very best. "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" Matthew 7:11. It is not like the old game show Let's Make a Deal! We  do not take what is behind door number 3 only to find out that it is a big "zonk" when the real prize is behind door number 1. Life is confusing and there are so many big choices to make, each one with big consequences and ramifications. God is faithfully leading and drawing us gently. But how do we really KNOW? It is simple but do not confuse simple with easy.

 

First and foremost, Christ will NEVER lead us to be or do anything that contradicts His word. Whatever your path, it must be navigated in faithfulness and obedience to Him who is the author of our purpose.

 

Second, we must recognize and know his voice when we hear it. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." John 10:27. This is better accomplished in advance of our times of decision making. We must spend time in His word to know what it says as well as spend time in prayer not just talking but listening to Him as well. We need to be people who recognize when the  spirit is speaking in circumstances. Let us pray for discernment, learn to comprehend the hand of God. When we look for Him in everything we will find Him in everything and that is a promise, not from me but from our Lord. "But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 4:29. The only true peace comes from Christ. Those empty inspirational quotes and phrases tell us to look for strength within ourselves. These are hollow lies for the sole purpose of deceiving us and leaving us empty of the true strength which comes from our position in Christ Jesus. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27. Christ gives us everything we need to know His will. We have the Spirit and His word.  It can be difficult to discern because peace does not equal taking the easy way.

 

Lastly, when we are diligently seeking and pursuing God's perfect will for our lives, listening for His voice, and being faithful and obedient to His word,  He will bless us. When we are consistently emptying ourselves of our own desires so He can accomplish His will through us, our desire will be His desire for us. "Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4. That does not mean we receive whatever our heart desires. This means that when we desire God above all things, even ourselves, the desire of our heart will be what God wants for us. His will is made known to us and is sought above all else. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:33-34. 

So, it goes back to being very simple but not easy. The peace and strength we get to navigate this life does not come from within ourselves, as the "inspirational quotes" would have us believe. They come from Christ alone. He is the source of all wisdom, peace, truth, and joy, and He wants us to have it. It is not a game of guessing where the hidden treasure is. It is knowing the treasure is in Christ and only in Him. It is knowing He is not playing hide and seek with us. His word promises when we seek Him we WILL find Him. We only have to lay our own desires to the side.

I Just Can't Help It

I don't like the word ashamed. As a child of God we should never be ashamed. We must feel regret, sorrow, and remorse for our mistakes but remember forgiveness is given when we ask. But the best way to describe it is to say I am ashamed to admit that I am a yeller. Through God's grace and true repentance I can say that the frequency at which I yell at my kids has become rare. Still working on that one. I know with the supernatural power that abides in me, who is the Holy Spirit, I have the ability to never yell at my kids again. It is surrendering to the flesh and feeling justified due to their behavior that this sin is still present. A quote from a well known and well respected spiritual leader on the radio today made me question just how much control we have over sin. He said we cannot go one day or even one hour without sin. I pondered this and know according to scripture this man's statement is wrong. This common teaching is damaging in mainstream Christianity. We have adopted the attitude we cannot live without sin which often leads to the mentality, we might as well just accept it. This opinion comes from taking a few of Paul's writings and not looking at them as a whole. These are verses used to support us not being able to keep from sinning. "If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me." Romans 7:16-20.

 

These verses are in the middle of a passage in Romans (chapters 6, 7, and 8) where Paul is explaining how, when we die to ourselves and follow Christ, the Holy Spirit gives us the ability to conquer all sin. When we read the text in its entirety we see that the verses above are an explanation of what happens when we live in the flesh instead of the spirit.  This is after becoming a child of God when can choose between righteousness or sin. Before that we have no choice. Righteousness is not an option because we are a slave to sin. Prior to the verses above, Paul is clear that when we follow Christ he has freed us and are no longer slaves to sin. "For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin." Romans 6:5-7. We have the power after the death of our own  self and the resurrection into life with Christ to be freed from sinning. Yes, that means we have the ability to not sin. It is strictly a matter of to whom we submit. When we submit to the spirit we live righteous lives. When we submit to the flesh we live sinful lives. This can be in part or in whole. "What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.  And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." Romans 6:15-18. Paul explains that when we are freed, we are not freed TO sin, we are freed FROM sin. This cannot be accomplished by sheer determination, only by the power of the Holy Spirit which embodies us.

When we hear, we are not able to live our lives without sinning, it makes sinning acceptable. If a sinless life is not achievable or possible then it must live in us because there is no alternative. This is a lie. And it is a lie being taught in modern churches. Christ knows that we will not live perfect lives but that is not because we cannot it is because we choose not. Apart from Christ we are slaves to sin; we have no power over it. But when we are slaves to Christ (and we are slaves to one or the other) we are more than conquerors. As Paul concludes his message explaining our freedom from the bondage of sin he has these encouraging words. "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37. For children of God, the sin we have in our lives is not there because we are too weak to eliminate it. We are not slaves to it. We are freed from our chains. We have chains because we are carrying them around, unwilling to lay them down. We give in to our desires. As we move closer to Christ we lay down more and more of our fleshly passion and are filled with Him to be conduits for His work. It is a power struggle. "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4. This ends the argument.

As I am breaking the habitual chains of yelling at my children I am forced to face that my sin is never justified. Circumstances are meaningless when I face my Savior with my faults, whatever those faults are. I have the power not to sin and must strive to live a sinless life. God, in His infinite wisdom, knows I won't succeed, even though  in Christ I can. As far as the spiritual leader I heard on the radio, I still respect him. It is a reminder that we must take everything we hear to scripture for our Father to translate because we all are flawed. My prayer is for each of us to mature to where we no longer excuse, justify, or accept our sin by deceiving ourselves that circumstances made it unavoidable. We must stop lying to ourselves by saying 'I just can't help it.' We must humble ourselves to see our sin and acknowledge it for what it is so we can get rid of it. We are free, let's live like the conquerors we are.