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Lord, when will it be my turn?
Scriptural Foundation:
John 5:2-9 New King James (NKJV)
Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.
Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”
The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
And that day was the Sabbath.
Reflection:
My kids love Legos. I love Legos, because there are sets for every age level. Granted, that doesn’t defuse the Lego “envy” that goes on between them, but it does challenge each one of them where they are, to build something amazing with the pieces they have.
As Believers, I suspect that we all get a little bit of Lego “envy” when we observe what the Lord is doing in the lives of our loved ones. We all have different pieces that the Lord has placed in our lives to build something wonderful here on earth, only we need to focus on our process and not the process of others.
In our foundational scriptures, we read about Jesus’ interaction with a man that had been waiting for his miracle for thirty-eight years! There is so much to this interaction that I really encourage you to meditate on it, nonetheless I have pulled out a couple of nuggets that I uncovered in my studies that I wanted to share with all of you.
Jesus met this man at the sheep gate. That is a very significant place. Out of all the gates in Jerusalem, the Great Shepard, met this man at the sheep gate. The gate reminds us that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus Christ. It is through this gate, those that are broken (mentally, physically, emotionally, etc.) come and wait by the pool called Bethesda which means holy mercy. In this place of brokenness at a certain time (or in some translations in a certain season), an angel of the Lord is sent to stir up the water. The first to respond in faith and bathe themselves in Bethesda (holy mercy) will be made whole of their infirmity.
Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be made well. Wasn’t that a funny question to ask? Of course, this man wanted to get well, however his response to the Lord revealed why he had not been able to attain that healing. Now this man, sought out the gate and the pool, believing that if he got to the water when it stirred he would be made whole. The only hurdle he had after all those years of waiting was that he still expected others to help him move into position to receive his blessing.
The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” John5:7
As Believers, we all seek out the Lord in the places from past experiences where we think that He is most likely going to move. We assume we know the totality of His character and His resources. Sadly, our minds cannot comprehend the vastness of our Lord.
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. – Isaiah 55:8-9
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. – 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)
As a new born Believer, we will be “carried” by others to experience God’s holy mercy, but at some point we are expected to help others and/or find our way to the pool ourselves. Jesus asked this seemly seasoned Believer if he wanted to be healed and the man defaulted to the blame game, that it was somehow someone else’s fault. Blaming others or our circumstances for our short comings will only keep us in the same season of life…well that will preach!
Jesus in all His love and compassion, like He had done with the Samaritan woman at the well, took time out on the Sabbath to bring the “pool” right to where this man was at in his faith.
Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” – John 4:13-14
Beloved, we must remember we have living water (the Word) in our bellies and we have the Holy Spirit (power) on hand to help us out of any and every situation we find ourselves in. It is up to us to choose what we are going to do with that authority. Are we going to use the water and power given to us to build something awesome for the Lord or are we to going sit around with our pieces and wonder when the Lord is going to send someone else to put them together for us? The decision is yours.
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- Have you been comparing your walk with the Lord with someone else’s life?
- If so, why? Are you discouraged in your current season of life?
- Ask the Lord to reveal to you through His Word, what “pieces” in your life you are not utilizing to the fullest.
- The Lord is still in the miracle business, reach out and receive your blessing!
Free range, not always a good thing…
Scriptural Foundation:
Romans 3:21-23 New Living Translation (NLT)
But now God has shown us a way to be made right with Him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Mark 3:23-27 New Kings James Version(NKJV)
So He (Jesus) called them to Himself and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end. No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.
Reflection:
The best part of the year is when my parents come to visit. Everyone in our household gets spoiled and blessed by their love and wisdom. Our dog, Sugatop, especially loves when my mother comes, because he is ensured a walk, not once, but twice a day! This past visit though, he started doing something unusual the second night into her visit…barking in the middle of night. For the sake of peace [red flag] we let him out of his crate. For the next few weeks, he was fancy free and living the crate free life.
All good things must come to an end. However, when it came time to go back to the steady state of the household the following week, Sugatop refused to be crated. Instead, He reverted to puppy-like behavior and literally started crying and barking all night long – night after night for a week after her departure. The easiest thing for us to have done was to rationalize the situation – “Should we crate him now that he is an older dog? – What kind of trouble could he get into? – He has caused no issues for the past few weeks.”
The truth is, like a puppy, our senior citizen dog still chewed up things left on the ground and occasionally had accidents when left alone for long periods of time…hence the crate. So, instead of continuing to rationalize the situation, we pressed forward with getting him to accept the crate life once again. Don’t get me wrong, it was like the brutal process of weening a pacifier from a child, but we got-er-done!
In my sleep deprived frustration this process made me think – wasn’t Sugatop’s brief new-found freedom similar to our fleshly nature? As saints, it is vital that we renew our minds daily to the teachings of the Word. Left to our own devices, we all fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). At one time or another, there are so many distractions in this life – good and bad – that encourages us to stay in our flesh. The funny thing is once you compromise in one area it effects other areas, until you look up and see that our spiritual house is out of order (Mark 3:27). Satan can’t disturb you unless you allow him in through your actions. Our spiritual man can only protect what the Lord has entrusted to us – as long as we don’t tie ourselves up with fleshly motivated distractions.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. – James 1:13-15
Once our “house” gets out of order, the challenge then becomes getting our flesh back under our feet. Incremental management with the help of the Holy Spirit is a lot easier to control than trying to do it all at once alone in the flesh
Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel! – Matthew 23:24
If we are going to have any success in our sanctification walk we must strive to keep our flesh under in all circumstances. If it is not a fruit of the Spirit, it has no place in your life. We can’t think an outburst with a loved one or a co-worker will not equate to an “unanswered” prayer in another area of your life. Every action has a reaction. Every seed sown produces after its own kind. The Lord loves us too much to give us blessings that we will just trample all over with our flesh. It may work for a short time, but in the long run, the Lord will eventually withhold His abundance for those who truly reverence Him.
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- Are there any areas of your life that you have allowed your flesh to be “free range”?
- Are there areas in your life you are having challenges in?
- If the answer was “no” to the first question, but “yes” to the second question, ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify your free range blind spots and get your flesh back under your feet in all areas of your life.
What is the point of doing reaps…when you wimp out faced with a challenge?
Scriptural Foundation:
Luke 9:1-6 New King James (NKJV)
Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.
“Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”
So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Luke 9:10-17 New King James (NKJV)
And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.”
But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.”
And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men.
Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.” And they did so, and made them all sit down.
Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.
Reflection:
I wish I could roll out of bed, eat what I wanted, and maintain my same physical appearance. Instead, I must workout and fight against the continual encroachment of age and gravity…lol. When I am consistent, my reward is a perpetual positive outlook due to the endorphins and the satisfaction of good health. The primary purpose for working out should be to get stronger in the hopes of making future activities and interactions easier. At the same time, one should not become complacent and develop a subtle spirit of apathy. We see this in our foundational scriptures:
Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. – Luke 9:1
And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. – Luke 9:10
At the beginning of chapter 9, Jesus sent out His disciples. As you know word choices in the Bible are very important. These group of men, went out as disciples, but came back as apostles. A disciple is defined as the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior. Whereas an apostle is defined as a vigorous and pioneering advocate – Christian teacher.
The group came back overflowing with testimonies of the miracles that manifested through their obedience. What a joyous reunion! It marked a transformation, but not a full realization of the Mission. Individually they all did their “spiritual” reaps, but they all still shrunk back from the challenge of feeding the five thousand.
But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. – Luke 9:13-14
How quickly they had forgotten what Jesus taught them prior to sending them out.
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? – Luke 6:46 (KJV)
Isn’t that just like us as Believers, praying daily for family members and friends, seeing manifestations of His glory, only to have a seemingly huge issue/problem come along and we suddenly have spiritual amnesia as to how great is the God we serve. That is why it is vital to mediate on the Word of God and renew our minds daily.
Despite not having one person out of the group rise to the challenge of the five thousand, our Lord responded lovingly and provided a blueprint as to how to encourage our fellow Believers in this sanctification walk.
- Jesus did not condemn them for knowing better at this point in their walk with Him.
Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
– Matthew 18:21-22
- He was bold in His actions and expectations towards the Father.
Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.” And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. – Luke 9:14-16
- He was confident in the Source of His power.
I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.” – John 12:49-50
- He remained faithful to the Mission, even when He was standing alone.
If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is. – 2 Timothy 2:13
As prayer warriors for Christ we should not condemn other saints; we should be bold about our calling; we should be confident in the One that works through us; and we should remain faithful to the end. If we are consistent is this, we will meet any every challenge in life with full force.
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- What are you doing daily to strengthen yourself in the Lord?
- Has your routine gotten stagnate?
- Ask the Holy Spirit to provide a new “training plan” for you.
Remember saints, battles aren’t won on the field, but during the preparation process.
Changing the Narrative…
Scriptural Foundation:
Genesis 1:31-2:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)
[Truth]
Then God looked over all He had made, and He saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day. So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when He rested from all His work of creation.
Genesis 3:1 New Living Translation (NLT)
[Satan’s 1st attempt to change the narrative.]
The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”
Revelation 12:7-12 New Living Translation (NLT)
[Truth]
Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.
Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,
“It has come at last— salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night.
And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.
Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.”
Reflection:
From the beginning of time, the devil has been trying to change the narrative of eternity. God evicted him and his cohorts from Heaven and then Jesus defeated at Calvary. Although He has lost the war, it has not stopped him from bombarding our minds with thoughts contrary to the Word of God. He simply doesn’t want us to understand the magnitude of the love that our Father God and Jesus has for us.
For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
He (Jesus) canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by His victory over them on the cross. – Colossians 2:14-15
In the garden of Eden, the devil launched his calculated campaign to separate and convince Believers that God is withholding something from us. He plays on our disappointments and insecurities to the point where we feel empty and abandoned. Satan helps us throw pity parties, where he serves up shots(thoughts) that leave us bitter and angry. Slowly we start believing this “new” narrative. That’s when he has us captive…captive to our own negative thoughts.
As far back as I can remember I have needed two things.. to express my feelings through writing or art and glasses for my near sightedness. I have been chronicling my life in journals on and off for decades. Recently I have gone back and read about certain seasons of my life where things were very dark and very negative. Looking through a different lens now with the far-sightedness of the Holy Spirit, I realize I was suffering from spiritual near sightedness. Praise God, despite going through some difficult times, I would not have change a thing because it has brought me to a sweet and intimate place with the Lord – that is priceless.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
Beloved, as humans we are wired to be negative in our flesh…thanks Adam. It is easier to wallow in self-pity then start the dauting task of cleaning up from that party, but that is why Jesus left us the Holy Spirit. He is our great comforter and guide (John 14:15-18). We were not created to walk through this life alone. Our spiritual man – the true essence of ourselves – cries out to the Lord.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. – Ecclesiastes 3:11
It wasn’t until I accepted Jesus into my life that things began to change with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. I was given “spiritual glasses” that opened up a whole new world. Instead of only being able to see/focus on my hurts and my failures…the Lord showed me through His Word that compassion for others was the balm I needed to heal past wounds. No matter how hard the devil is trying to convince you otherwise, this Word still stands. There will be no re-writing the narrative of the Bible in your heart. Keep the faith and keep standing.
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- In what areas of your life do you feel that you have fallen short?
- Reflect on where the origin of that thought came from. Was it something you read in the Bible or was it conflated memory that past hurt has warped into something other than a fruit of the Spirit.
- Ask the Lord to identify the source of these feelings and actively pray and meditate on scripture to change the narrative back to the truth…what the Word of God says about you.
Forever, O LORD, Your Word is settled in heaven. -Psalm 119:89
Are you willing to be a life-long apprentice?
Scriptural Foundation:
Job 1:8 New King James (NKJV)
Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
Luke 22:31-32 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has asked excessively that [all of] you be given up to him [out of the power and keeping of God], that he might sift [all of] you like grain,
But I have prayed especially for you [Peter], that your [own] faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren.
Acts 3:6 King James Version (KJV)
Then Peter said, silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Reflection:
Life at times feels like a constant and continual struggle. It is like wave after wave of someone or something threatening our peace in the Lord. There are glimpses of eternity bathed in the Anointing of corporate worship, the unabandon laughter of a child, and fellowshipping with other Believers; however, we are quickly brought back to the stark reality of time.
Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it. – James 1:2-5 (TLB)
Instead of looking at our cup as half-full we should rejoice that at least we get to see/experience these glimpses. The sanctification walk is like an apprenticeship/internship. This wisdom is passed down throughout the ages through the Holy Spirit – wisdom that refreshes our weary spirits. The fruit of the Spirit can’t be bought or acquired through works. It can only be attained by sacrificing our time. In the world time is money. We give up a lot of the time to our jobs and in turn the world gives us money. However, the world is not our source and we have the seal to prove it.
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. – Ephesians 1:11-14 (NKJV)
This seal that we have, is a blinding target in the spiritual realm. We may not see it with our natural eyes, but the prince of this world and his cohorts does. Hence our constant struggle. In our foundation scriptures, we see the Trinity acknowledging this apprentice program. Our Heavenly Father proudly boasting about Job; Jesus edifying Peter; and then through Peter, the Holy Spirit revealing the currency of Heaven.
He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. – Matthew 10:39
It takes a lot of spiritual focus and determination to put your flesh under. If you are spending an absorptive time seeking to obtain clarity, prosperity, or prestige you may be missing out on the lessons and blessings that the Lord sends you daily.
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. – Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT)
Beloved, consider your life from a different perspective – your apprenticeship in this life is preparing for you to reign with Jesus throughout eternity. Is this slight and momentary affliction worth that revelation?
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- For the next few days meditate on Matthew 6:33.
- Look back at the last week of your life. Identify your glimpses of eternity compared to the challenges you are facing today.
- Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance living out your apprentice program.
Life is not about treading water…although there is a ripple effect.
Scriptural Foundation:
Psalm 27:4-6 New King James (NKJV)
One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.
For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.
And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
Reflection:
I have a to-do list the length of my arm every day. For me, some tasks are dependent on others, so they remain on the list for long periods of time. Couple that with my prayer list and the waiting period associated with my requests, it can all become very discouraging. Although I never talked about it, one day the Lord brought it to my attention my cookie cutter response to “How are you doing?”. When someone would ask me that question I would either say “I am doing well, thank you” or simply “Maintaining”. The Lord impressed upon me, that Jesus didn’t die on the cross for me to let the world know when asked that I am maintaining.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. – John 10:10
The fundamental challenge with a list is that whether you accomplish everything or don’t make a dent in it, it is always there. When we ask Jesus into our lives, He tells us the same thing He told Peter when he asked to walk on water… “Come.” When Jesus becomes our Lord and Savior and we step out of the boat (rational thought) onto the water (supernatural thought) we are stepping out in faith. What keeps us walking on water is the blessed assurance of Lord’s love and anointing. This can only be attained through diligently seeking the Lord on a daily basis. And not one of those “drive by” sessions, but truly abiding in His presence.
What the Lord showed me was that, I was out of the boat, but instead of walking on water, like Jesus did, I was treading water. Sure, treading water caused ripple effects in my life and in the lives of those around me, but I was not advancing in the Spirit with this approach. The Lord created time to be temporary. We have one path through this life, to make the most impact for the Kingdom. Do you want to make a big splash or a tiny ripple? Beloved, don’t get burdened by the things that you feel are not being accomplished. Instead, press in each day to His presence. Have the Holy Spirit dictate your to-do list. Not only will you find that things get done, but you will find and keep your peace.
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. -Psalm 16:11
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- List the top three things that have been on your mental to-do list for last six months.
- Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance – i.e. Should these things be on your list to begin with?
- Set a goal for yourself – at any given time your list shouldn’t have more than 3-7 items on it. If you’re lead by the Spirit, find an accountability prayer partner.
Remember above all else to advance in the Lord in all that you do!
Hope that doesn’t have a finish line…
Scriptural Foundation:
Hebrews 11:13-16 New King James (NKJV)
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Reflection:
Hands down my favorite grocery store is Aldi. For those of you that are not familiar with them, it is a small sized retail store that actually closes every evening. In addition to their “limited” hours (8am-8pm), you need a quarter to borrow a cart (you get it back once you return the cart) and you have to bring your own bags. In this day and age these adjustments are a foreign concept. We are so use to our 24/7 stores that offer a wide variety of products. Although unique, this kind of business platform allows Aldi to sell their products at reduced prices – instead of twenty different brands of toothpaste there are two, etc. By choosing to shop there, I do compromise on my product selection, but at the same time it has helped me focus on feeding my family a healthier diet and has me in and out of the store quicker – bonus!
The Aldi experience can be liken to our Christian walk. Limited hours and limited selection in a world that there seems to be no limits is reflective of applying Biblical principles to an ego centric society. Have you heard of the phrase, “pay it forward”? It is a concept of passing on a good or selfless deed unto someone else. On a regular basis I have seen in action and heard – “pay it forward” in the parking lot of Aldi, as one customer passes their cart onto another customer. How does the person that gives their cart to the next person know for sure that person won’t just keep the quarter for themselves? They don’t… they just trust that their sown act of kindness may be reproduce in the life of the person it is given.
Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. – Philippians 2:17
Our foundational scripture reminds us, that we may not see in our lifetime the harvest we have planted. Instead we may be harvesting the fruit sown by Saints that have gone on before us. In any case this race of faith that we run is not about us, but is about Christ. The life of a disciple is one of sacrifice, but the gain from that surrender far outweighs the temporary affliction. Your “product” selection may be limited, but the souls that you are gaining for the Kingdom is priceless – people you come across are yearning for what you have. Be purposeful with each interaction knowing that your reward will be seen…seen from here into eternity.
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- What have you been hoping for? Is it something generic or something specific?
- Is it something that will better another or something that will only benefit you?
- Honestly ask yourself if you never see what you are hoping for in this life, will the Lord still be enough?
- Ask the Holy Spirit daily to purpose your steps towards divine commitments and appointments.
There is no point shutting the door, if you are going to leave the window open…
Scriptural Foundation:
Daniel 6:10 New International Version (NIV)
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
2 Corinthians 4:13-14 New King James Version (NKJV)
And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.
Reflection:
There are certain things in life that cannot be argued with. For instance, gravity, if you jump up, you will ultimately come down. The same is true in the spiritual realm. You are either ‘all in’ with Christ or you’re not. There is no in-between. Beloved, ‘all in’ doesn’t mean perfect, ‘all in’ means that you actively choose to stay in the race of faith when others have fallen by the wayside. Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21) …the worlds were formed by the Word of God (Hebrews 11:3) …Jesus spoke to the fever and it left the women (Luke 4:39) …
The only way you are going to experience true victory in Christ is through renewing of your mind (the window) + speaking the impossible out of your mouth (the door) + all the while expecting a manifestation of His Glory = blessings abounding and overflowing.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. – Galatians 2:20
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit – Romans 8:1
The Lord spoke forth from eternity into time – let there be light and light was (Genesis 1:3). The same is true today, you must speak forth from the rivers of living water within you (John 7:38), light into the dark and cursed situations in your life. If it is a loved one far from the Lord – call him/her back! If it is a self-serving co-worker that is creating a toxic environment – speak to the strife like you would speak to any storm – lay down and be muzzled! If it is your financial situation that look dire – praise the Lord, we serve a Lord that does not have impossible in His vocabulary!
The problem with the Church today is that the people around us can see through the windows of our lives that we love and serve the Lord. They may witness the fruit of the Spirit on the “front lawn”, but it is not until the door of our mouths are opened and the miracle working power of the Anointing comes forth that change will come to that situation…only then will the tides shift. As a mighty prayer warrior in Christ each day we need to be advancing with the shield of faith up, the sword of the Spirit out and all the rest of our armor that the Lord has uniquely equipped us with. If God is for us, who and what can be against us?
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- What areas of your life do you need to open your “door” to?
- What has kept you silent till now – if the motive is not of God, ask the Holy Spirit to deal with that stronghold.
Remember, renewing your mind daily will keep you in the will of God.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. – 2 Corinthians 1:20
So, what are you waiting for…advance…advance…ADVANCE!
But God, I am still holding my cup…
Matthew 26:39 New King James (NKJV)
He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
Luke 22:41-42 New King James (NKJV)
And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”
Reflection:
In life looking back I have only three regrets. The first one of course is that I didn’t start my sanctification process until I was in my early twenties (alas maybe that one would have canceled out the other two). Granted before that, my parents and catholic guilt kept me on the straight and narrow, but it was when I accepted the Jesus as my Lord and Savior is when my perspective in life truly changed.
This past weekend my youngest sibling graduated from college. One of the speakers read a quote that really resonated with me and tied in nicely to what the Lord put on my heart this week – “Life can only be understood backward, but can only be lived forward.” Graduations are a culmination of crossing a finish line after an exhausting long distance run and receiving a great reward. On the one hand you are overjoyed that you even made it there, but then on the other you regret you didn’t “place” better as certain people get recognized for their extra ordinary academic achievements. To regret or not to regret that is the question…
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
The garden of Gethsemane, for me is the single most solitary moment I can sincerely relate to Jesus as it relates to the crushing weight leading up to certain decisions in life. No one can really share or even understand the agony you are feeling other than our Heavenly Father. Remember Beloved, the assignment that God has called you to complete will not be one of convenience, but one of extreme discomfort…not to be confused with the self-inflected discomfort due to disobedience.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. – Matthew 7:13-14
If you study out the word narrow, it reveals so much more as to the agony of choosing to stand and/or walk down the narrow path. Although the broad way has its own sufferings, misery loves company, so that suffering is not done alone. On the contrary, on the narrow path this discomfort happens in every season in life and sometimes multiple times if you stay on the path the Lord has laid out before you. This may all seem really depressing, but with every “pruning” the fruit of the Spirit continues to bloom in your life and that testimony is what not only blesses you, but also everyone around you.
To this day, when I start to feel myself getting tired within my spirit and I start crying out to the Lord as to how long am I going to have to hold this cup of apprehension concerning the road ahead, I speak the words of my Master in Matthew 26:39. Then I start reflecting on Psalms 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Instead of looking at the impeding storm in apprehension I should be looking at it with expectation, because just on the other side of the storm/situation, if I stand firm in the Lord my life will be over flowing with joy, miracles, and blessings.
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” – Mark 4:35
When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. – Mark 5:21
Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. – Mark 8:13
I don’t know about you, but that is a lot of back and forth on a boat for me. Just reading all these scriptures condensed in the same chapter like this makes me sea sick. Why couldn’t Jesus and the gang, take the scenic route around the lake? Wouldn’t that give them more of an opportunity to see and help more people?
The truth of the matter is that our time on this earth is limited. We have certain predetermined people to help and serve. Our lives should always be directed by the Holy Spirit so that we are in the right place at the right time to do the work of our Father – that is a lot of wave walking to do. Always remember Saints, your cup can always be overflowing, if you take the time to stand still.
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- List out all the regrets that you may have to date.
- Then think what God did with that situation and list out the blessings that was birthed from those situations.
- Remember to share your testimonies with others. They will become seeds in their faith gardens that will someday help someone else.