Over and over the Holy Spirit has been whispering to my heart. Words of His love, thoughts of encouragement, reminding me that His plans are good. I may be satisfied with my current lot but He, most definitely, is not.
This year is to be a year for the ages. A banner year for my heart. I expect to look back on my life from eternity (if such can be done, or is considered worth doing then) and see 2009 as the foundation point for the rest of it. A cornerstone year.
Don't know exactly what that means, but I know my heart is changing. Growing. Opening to Him and His will in new and fresh ways. Expecting it in new places. You see, I have some Great and Precious Promises.
Peter is a man who knows about growing. He was a simple fisherman, some say ruled by his emotions. But he spent time with Jesus. He committed his heart and future to Jesus. He committed himself, who he was to become, to Jesus. He allowed the words of Jesus to change the man he was, and the man he was to become. Just the fact that most will know who I am talking about proves the effectiveness of this change. Peter became one of the most famous, effective, respected leaders in history.
Peter knew about great and precious promises. Jesus in person had made some to him. Peter said that by these promises from God, we become partakers of His divine nature.
We partake of His divine nature. It's not just that we experience the same results he would experience. It is that we become changed to be like Him. The results just come, well, as a result.
You see, I have received some great and precious promises from God. (You have too.) I have been waiting and expecting Him to do them. I could not do these things on my own. Plus in my own experience, and what I read in the word, trying to fulfill God's promises in your own strength only backfires. So I have been waiting. Praying. Expecting.
But now the Holy Spirit is whispering in my heart. I am beginning to see how these great and precious promises come to pass. I cannot do them. God will not do them without me. His plan is to change me to be like Him, to partake of His very nature. Then I will be able to do them, because He can do them. He can do them through me.
When we receive the promises of God in faith, the work begins. The Word begins to change me. To change my thinking. To change my expectation. To focus my attention. To stir motivation. To inflame desire. Not just any desire, some desires result in corruption or death. In the same breath as talking about partaking of the divine nature, Peter talks about escaping the desires that result in corruption. God's promises produce burning desires for the right things. His promises help us crucify desires that lead to death. His promises cause me to be thinking about Him, and what He said, and what He wants for me, and where He will lead me. His promises cause me to begin wanting what He wants, and putting away what He doesn't.
Result? We become like Him. Partaking of His divine nature. And the result of that? The fulfillment of His great and precious promises. After all, isn't that the end result of everything he would say to me anyway? That I should be like Jesus.
Yes, I will see the fulfillment of His Promises, Great and Precious they are. Not because I can do it, but because He can. Not because I said, but because He did. I consider Him who promised faithful.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Take Possession of It
These are challenging times we live in. But I wonder, has there ever been anyone alive who could not say that?
Our church, the Branch Family Church, is in the building process. We have purchased 52 acres on Rocky River Road in Charlotte, just inside I-485. We are building on the property. We are taking possession of this land. This will be our home.
My house is quiet this Saturday morning. It's cold outside and the stars are as bright as they get in the suburbs. I'm drinking a great cup of steaming coffee from the big mug from Harvard that my sister gave me. Yes, they always said I was a smart kid, but she is the one who graduated from Harvard. (That's not where her degree is from but she was highly honored to be chosen to attend the John F. Kennedy School of Government executive training course.) I am very proud of her accomplishments.
So this morning I'm thinking about the challenges for our church to build during this economic environment, and about the business I work at, and about my family and our future. About how do we move from where we are to where we want to be.
A few minutes ago I was getting a book from the shelf and came across an old church newsletter. In 1989 I attended New Covenant Church , and we were building a new building. I wrote an article that spoke to our church then. That article spoke to me this morning. Here it is:
"We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." These words, spoken by Caleb in Numbers 13, are ringing in my heart. When the 12 spies returned from spying out the land they agreed that it was a good land, flowing with milk and honey. It was a land overflowing with fruit. There was an abundance of everything they would need. Yet of these 12 men, only Joshua and Caleb had the faith and courage the believe the the Lord could give such a land to them. They did not dismiss the obstacles or difficulties involved in taking possession of the land. Instead, they acknowledged that there would be battles but victory was certain.
"Time and again the people had seen God's miraculous deliverence and provision for them. They had personally walked across the dry floor of the Red Sea, they had watched as the mighty army of Pharaoh was laid to rest in the watery depths. These men and women themselves drank the water that flowed from the rock in the desert. Still, they forgot all these miracles. They felt like all was lost, just because they were in another tight spot. Apparently they were still learning the lesson.
"But Joshua and Caleb graduated with honors from God's School of the Desert. Every one of the Israelites had experienced the same miracles, but it seems that Joshua and Caleb had that attitude of victory that springs from total devotion to the Lord.
"Perhaps you find yourself at a crossroads. Is there some promise God has given you that seems too big? What is the Lord challenging you with? Maybe you lift up your eyes and see that the land God has promised you is a good land, but the obstacles are too great, there are giants, there are just too many reasons Why Not. I challenge you to lift up your eyes higher still, and see the bigness of our God. What giant can stand before Him? Who can oppose Him? He deals with giants like He deals with Pharaohs. He humbles all who oppose Him and His chosen people.
"Read Psalm 18, and ask God to make His word alive in your heart. Go forth in confidence in God. Abraham, like Caleb and Joshua, obtained the promise because he considered God faithful. We too should consider Him faithful to the promises He has made to us. We too should go up and take possession of our Promised Land."
Amazing. Words I had written almost 20 years ago to encourage others now coming back to encourage me. God has performed miracles in my life - miracles! He has not forgotten His promises to me, and He never will. I will see the fulfillment of what He said. He is faithful. He will do it.
I'm going to go read Psalm 18. Then I'm going to go and take possession of my own Promised Land!
Our church, the Branch Family Church, is in the building process. We have purchased 52 acres on Rocky River Road in Charlotte, just inside I-485. We are building on the property. We are taking possession of this land. This will be our home.
My house is quiet this Saturday morning. It's cold outside and the stars are as bright as they get in the suburbs. I'm drinking a great cup of steaming coffee from the big mug from Harvard that my sister gave me. Yes, they always said I was a smart kid, but she is the one who graduated from Harvard. (That's not where her degree is from but she was highly honored to be chosen to attend the John F. Kennedy School of Government executive training course.) I am very proud of her accomplishments.
So this morning I'm thinking about the challenges for our church to build during this economic environment, and about the business I work at, and about my family and our future. About how do we move from where we are to where we want to be.
A few minutes ago I was getting a book from the shelf and came across an old church newsletter. In 1989 I attended New Covenant Church , and we were building a new building. I wrote an article that spoke to our church then. That article spoke to me this morning. Here it is:
"We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." These words, spoken by Caleb in Numbers 13, are ringing in my heart. When the 12 spies returned from spying out the land they agreed that it was a good land, flowing with milk and honey. It was a land overflowing with fruit. There was an abundance of everything they would need. Yet of these 12 men, only Joshua and Caleb had the faith and courage the believe the the Lord could give such a land to them. They did not dismiss the obstacles or difficulties involved in taking possession of the land. Instead, they acknowledged that there would be battles but victory was certain.
"Time and again the people had seen God's miraculous deliverence and provision for them. They had personally walked across the dry floor of the Red Sea, they had watched as the mighty army of Pharaoh was laid to rest in the watery depths. These men and women themselves drank the water that flowed from the rock in the desert. Still, they forgot all these miracles. They felt like all was lost, just because they were in another tight spot. Apparently they were still learning the lesson.
"But Joshua and Caleb graduated with honors from God's School of the Desert. Every one of the Israelites had experienced the same miracles, but it seems that Joshua and Caleb had that attitude of victory that springs from total devotion to the Lord.
"Perhaps you find yourself at a crossroads. Is there some promise God has given you that seems too big? What is the Lord challenging you with? Maybe you lift up your eyes and see that the land God has promised you is a good land, but the obstacles are too great, there are giants, there are just too many reasons Why Not. I challenge you to lift up your eyes higher still, and see the bigness of our God. What giant can stand before Him? Who can oppose Him? He deals with giants like He deals with Pharaohs. He humbles all who oppose Him and His chosen people.
"Read Psalm 18, and ask God to make His word alive in your heart. Go forth in confidence in God. Abraham, like Caleb and Joshua, obtained the promise because he considered God faithful. We too should consider Him faithful to the promises He has made to us. We too should go up and take possession of our Promised Land."
Amazing. Words I had written almost 20 years ago to encourage others now coming back to encourage me. God has performed miracles in my life - miracles! He has not forgotten His promises to me, and He never will. I will see the fulfillment of what He said. He is faithful. He will do it.
I'm going to go read Psalm 18. Then I'm going to go and take possession of my own Promised Land!
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Year of the Family
At least for me and my family.
Last night Sunnie and I watched the Masterpiece Theater version of "Jane Eyre." At first it could have seemed something of a sacrifice (even though neither team playing in the march to the Super Bowl is my favorite) but as we progressed I became involved.
It reminded me of the great gift of love God bestowed upon us when our story began. The details of that great love story are not for this page but last night a fresh breeze blew upon the fires of love for my wife. Our story rivals that of any literary masterpiece made, exceeds them all even if only for the simple fact that it is true. After 18 years together and a family and responsibilities, 2009 is the year we want fresh life and strength breathed into the love we share, the relationship that has grown stronger through the years but lateley not nurtured so much by me as before.
2009 is the year that family relationships between fathers and sons, and fathers and daughters will be set aright. 2009 is the year that daughters and mothers, and mothers and sons, will be put in right and loving place. What are our most important relationships? Those with our family must always be near the top of the list.
God Himself has placed us in the family. Whether I am the firstborn, middle or last was His own choice. Whether to be a son or a daughter was a question never posed to me. Nor a choice as to my parents or siblings. God Himself chose these people to be part of my life. He Himself is able and wanting to bring healing and fresh life and love into these relationships.
Forgiveness is a good place to start. They do not need to be forgiven, my family has wronged me in no way. Yet forgive I must. Forvigeness is a part of my new nature, as natural as breathing, out with the old, in with the new. Breathe in new life, expel that which has been used up. It is not so much that I need to forgive any particular thing, it is that I need to live with an attitude of forgiveness at each moment and instance of the day. I must let love only reign in my relationship with them.
My words must be governed by Love. How quick the retort, how sharp the tongue can be. My son Jack is three. He loves to look at my slowly growing collection of pocket knives. It is dangerous because they are tools and sharp, and he not yet skilled in handling them. How much more dangerous the sharp tool residing in my mouth. My family does not need my forgiveness, give them grace to forgive me. In 2009 I will allow the Holy Spirit to discipline me, may my tongue be governed by love. I will speak those things that are true and right, pure, lovely, admirable. They will hear me singing their praises. I will trumpet things about them which are excellent and worthy of praise. I will not whisper or even think upon anything else.
There must be more. How can the Holy Spirit do His work in us, in our family relationships? Forgiveness is His tool. Healing is His gift. Right words spoken in love His grace to us. How else does He work? In a myriad of wondrous ways He is full of abililty to change me into the man He envisions. And He has promised to continue this good work in me. May I be open and cooperative in 2009.
I have begun a study of Proverbs. I humble myself afresh. I open my ear to Your Word. With Your help I will listen as if my life depended upon it, as if the lives of my wife and children were at stake. I am not yet the man I see in your word, indeed at the moment feel so far from it. I know I have grown and can recount many victories you have done for me. I have placed my foot upon the neck of many temptations. Many accusations of the enemy against me have fallen, never to rise again. Many promises you have already fulfilled. But I hear the Holy Spirit saying to me that now is the time, this is the day, a supreme moment has arrived, and if I will yield to You, your good work in me you will heal and instruct my heart.
Yes, I am excited about 2009. I will become more like Jesus. I will be a force for good in my family. My wife will call me her great blessing and desire. My children will be grateful and proud that I followed my Lord wholeheartedly, learning to speak His very life into them and their future. I will be one who edifies and builds.
I am excited about 2009. As the better half of me said yesterday, Aslan is on the move.
Last night Sunnie and I watched the Masterpiece Theater version of "Jane Eyre." At first it could have seemed something of a sacrifice (even though neither team playing in the march to the Super Bowl is my favorite) but as we progressed I became involved.
It reminded me of the great gift of love God bestowed upon us when our story began. The details of that great love story are not for this page but last night a fresh breeze blew upon the fires of love for my wife. Our story rivals that of any literary masterpiece made, exceeds them all even if only for the simple fact that it is true. After 18 years together and a family and responsibilities, 2009 is the year we want fresh life and strength breathed into the love we share, the relationship that has grown stronger through the years but lateley not nurtured so much by me as before.
2009 is the year that family relationships between fathers and sons, and fathers and daughters will be set aright. 2009 is the year that daughters and mothers, and mothers and sons, will be put in right and loving place. What are our most important relationships? Those with our family must always be near the top of the list.
God Himself has placed us in the family. Whether I am the firstborn, middle or last was His own choice. Whether to be a son or a daughter was a question never posed to me. Nor a choice as to my parents or siblings. God Himself chose these people to be part of my life. He Himself is able and wanting to bring healing and fresh life and love into these relationships.
Forgiveness is a good place to start. They do not need to be forgiven, my family has wronged me in no way. Yet forgive I must. Forvigeness is a part of my new nature, as natural as breathing, out with the old, in with the new. Breathe in new life, expel that which has been used up. It is not so much that I need to forgive any particular thing, it is that I need to live with an attitude of forgiveness at each moment and instance of the day. I must let love only reign in my relationship with them.
My words must be governed by Love. How quick the retort, how sharp the tongue can be. My son Jack is three. He loves to look at my slowly growing collection of pocket knives. It is dangerous because they are tools and sharp, and he not yet skilled in handling them. How much more dangerous the sharp tool residing in my mouth. My family does not need my forgiveness, give them grace to forgive me. In 2009 I will allow the Holy Spirit to discipline me, may my tongue be governed by love. I will speak those things that are true and right, pure, lovely, admirable. They will hear me singing their praises. I will trumpet things about them which are excellent and worthy of praise. I will not whisper or even think upon anything else.
There must be more. How can the Holy Spirit do His work in us, in our family relationships? Forgiveness is His tool. Healing is His gift. Right words spoken in love His grace to us. How else does He work? In a myriad of wondrous ways He is full of abililty to change me into the man He envisions. And He has promised to continue this good work in me. May I be open and cooperative in 2009.
I have begun a study of Proverbs. I humble myself afresh. I open my ear to Your Word. With Your help I will listen as if my life depended upon it, as if the lives of my wife and children were at stake. I am not yet the man I see in your word, indeed at the moment feel so far from it. I know I have grown and can recount many victories you have done for me. I have placed my foot upon the neck of many temptations. Many accusations of the enemy against me have fallen, never to rise again. Many promises you have already fulfilled. But I hear the Holy Spirit saying to me that now is the time, this is the day, a supreme moment has arrived, and if I will yield to You, your good work in me you will heal and instruct my heart.
Yes, I am excited about 2009. I will become more like Jesus. I will be a force for good in my family. My wife will call me her great blessing and desire. My children will be grateful and proud that I followed my Lord wholeheartedly, learning to speak His very life into them and their future. I will be one who edifies and builds.
I am excited about 2009. As the better half of me said yesterday, Aslan is on the move.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Daring to Dream
I want to get back to my thoughts on God's heart for the family in 2009. Normally this would be the right time - up early and alone, the automatic brew on the coffeemaker hasn't even gone off yet.
But I have a lot of work to complete in a short amount of time at work so a few sentences here & I"m out the door.
Last night was the first Bible study meeting at Ed & Nancy's for the Highland Creek Open House Group of Branch Family Church. It was very encouraging as a group of Christians gathered in a home to study the Bible and pray together. It did something strong and deep inside me and I am really enthusiastic about getting together regularly.
We are studying the life of Joseph and how he moved from having a dream to fulfilling his destiny. Several other groups in our church have been through the same study, but I believe this is the right time for the folks in our group. It is no coincidence we are beginning the study at the start of 2009.
There were several friends I have known for years, and a few new friends, and someone I met last night for the first time. But our hearts were open to the Holy Spirit and to one another. We committed to pray for each other and to be trustworthy friends, keeping in confidence those things that should be and "being there" when needed.
As we move forward I am confident we will better understand God's dream for us. He will help us grow and pass the tests, moving us from dream to destiny.
Well, the coffeemaker just started & I'm out the door to work. If I'm going to fulfill my destiny, I've got to be faithful with where I am today.
But I have a lot of work to complete in a short amount of time at work so a few sentences here & I"m out the door.
Last night was the first Bible study meeting at Ed & Nancy's for the Highland Creek Open House Group of Branch Family Church. It was very encouraging as a group of Christians gathered in a home to study the Bible and pray together. It did something strong and deep inside me and I am really enthusiastic about getting together regularly.
We are studying the life of Joseph and how he moved from having a dream to fulfilling his destiny. Several other groups in our church have been through the same study, but I believe this is the right time for the folks in our group. It is no coincidence we are beginning the study at the start of 2009.
There were several friends I have known for years, and a few new friends, and someone I met last night for the first time. But our hearts were open to the Holy Spirit and to one another. We committed to pray for each other and to be trustworthy friends, keeping in confidence those things that should be and "being there" when needed.
As we move forward I am confident we will better understand God's dream for us. He will help us grow and pass the tests, moving us from dream to destiny.
Well, the coffeemaker just started & I'm out the door to work. If I'm going to fulfill my destiny, I've got to be faithful with where I am today.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The Year of the Family
I don't profess to know all, or most, or even a significant amount of what God wants or what His plans are. But I do know what He has told me - that 2009 is the year of the family.
More on that when I'm able...
More on that when I'm able...
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The Prayers of the People
This morning I am praying for people. People on my heart, people that the Holy Spirit brings to my mind.
I pray for a very special child who is shy in public. Lord, give her the skills to interact with others and be comfortable with herself and them. Thank you that your hand is upon her.
I pray for my close friend who is searching the way forward with his work. Lord, open the right door for him, show him the way to go, encourage his heart, provide for the needs of his family.
I pray for another very close friend in another state. He has encouraged so many, send encouragement to him. Heal the wounds of the past year and lead him and his family forth in your goodness.
I pray for the different people I have crossed paths with in the last few weeks who have lost a loved one at Christmas. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Help them to look to you in faith, guard their hearts from the questions and accusations the enemy brings against You when suffering comes. I especially pray for the two I know who lost their son.
Christmas is when God drew near at Bethlehem. Lord, you still want to draw near to us. How your heart longs that we draw near to you. We draw near with humble hearts. You are a good God. In love, in gratitude, in need, we draw near to you.
I pray for a very special child who is shy in public. Lord, give her the skills to interact with others and be comfortable with herself and them. Thank you that your hand is upon her.
I pray for my close friend who is searching the way forward with his work. Lord, open the right door for him, show him the way to go, encourage his heart, provide for the needs of his family.
I pray for another very close friend in another state. He has encouraged so many, send encouragement to him. Heal the wounds of the past year and lead him and his family forth in your goodness.
I pray for the different people I have crossed paths with in the last few weeks who have lost a loved one at Christmas. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Help them to look to you in faith, guard their hearts from the questions and accusations the enemy brings against You when suffering comes. I especially pray for the two I know who lost their son.
Christmas is when God drew near at Bethlehem. Lord, you still want to draw near to us. How your heart longs that we draw near to you. We draw near with humble hearts. You are a good God. In love, in gratitude, in need, we draw near to you.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The Sparkliest Christmas Tree Ever, or Let's Switch Eyes
Jack is my favorite boy. My only son is three years old, has red hair, and is one of the best things that ever happend to me.
This morning we were looking at the Christmas tree. It was still dark outside. The house was quiet, the only lights the soft glow of the tree. The girls still asleep upstairs, Jack unusually peaceful in his mom's lap. I showed Jack how to squint his eyes so the lights would look sparkly. We played and laughed and our tree became the sparkliest tree ever! It's beautiful!
After a minute Jack put his palms on his mother's cheeks, got his face right up to hers and said "Let's take out your eyes and take out my eyes and switch!"
At first it was just another in the stream of constant silly suggestions that come from a 3 year old boy, but all of a sudden it seemed like a good idea. "What would the tree look like if I was looking at it through my son's eyes?" It seemed exciting to think about how I would feel if I was looking at the sparkliest Christmas tree ever through the eyes of a child, a tree covered with diamonds and stars, a tree already guarding a host of presents. Some of those presents had my name on them! What could they be?
I would look at our manger scene, the one that graced my grandmother's front porch every Christmas of my childhood, and try again to imagine myself hidden in the shadows, imagining myself being there as I have done so many times as a child. Smelling the hay, listening to the slow, deep breathing of the cow and the sheep, watching the wonder on the shepherds' faces as they found Him. I would reverently walk forward, Joseph would smile. Now Mary holds out her hand to me, an invitation to come and touch the baby Jesus. Suddenly I am sharing in the wonder and the excitement that sometimes gets lost when you've had more than 10 or 12 Christmas mornings. I thought it would be a fantastic idea to switch eyes!
Then I began to wonder what Jack would see through my eyes. The tree is beautiful, he would note. But he would also see the unused wrapping paper - unused because I still have a number of presents to wrap. But actually I need to buy them first. Before that I need to decide exactly what I'm looking for, or maybe I could just wander around the mall like the other men. Plus we have another Christmas party. Plus a few things undone around the house because of so much else going on. Oh yeah, get the oil changed and begin packing for our holiday trip out of town...
What would my son see if we traded eyes? Would he see the wonder, or would he wonder what had happened to me? Switching eyes would be a good deal for me, but I love him too much to switch. I will let him keep the sparkly, starry eyes of a child and pray they always show him the wonder of Christmas.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.
This morning we were looking at the Christmas tree. It was still dark outside. The house was quiet, the only lights the soft glow of the tree. The girls still asleep upstairs, Jack unusually peaceful in his mom's lap. I showed Jack how to squint his eyes so the lights would look sparkly. We played and laughed and our tree became the sparkliest tree ever! It's beautiful!
After a minute Jack put his palms on his mother's cheeks, got his face right up to hers and said "Let's take out your eyes and take out my eyes and switch!"
At first it was just another in the stream of constant silly suggestions that come from a 3 year old boy, but all of a sudden it seemed like a good idea. "What would the tree look like if I was looking at it through my son's eyes?" It seemed exciting to think about how I would feel if I was looking at the sparkliest Christmas tree ever through the eyes of a child, a tree covered with diamonds and stars, a tree already guarding a host of presents. Some of those presents had my name on them! What could they be?
I would look at our manger scene, the one that graced my grandmother's front porch every Christmas of my childhood, and try again to imagine myself hidden in the shadows, imagining myself being there as I have done so many times as a child. Smelling the hay, listening to the slow, deep breathing of the cow and the sheep, watching the wonder on the shepherds' faces as they found Him. I would reverently walk forward, Joseph would smile. Now Mary holds out her hand to me, an invitation to come and touch the baby Jesus. Suddenly I am sharing in the wonder and the excitement that sometimes gets lost when you've had more than 10 or 12 Christmas mornings. I thought it would be a fantastic idea to switch eyes!
Then I began to wonder what Jack would see through my eyes. The tree is beautiful, he would note. But he would also see the unused wrapping paper - unused because I still have a number of presents to wrap. But actually I need to buy them first. Before that I need to decide exactly what I'm looking for, or maybe I could just wander around the mall like the other men. Plus we have another Christmas party. Plus a few things undone around the house because of so much else going on. Oh yeah, get the oil changed and begin packing for our holiday trip out of town...
What would my son see if we traded eyes? Would he see the wonder, or would he wonder what had happened to me? Switching eyes would be a good deal for me, but I love him too much to switch. I will let him keep the sparkly, starry eyes of a child and pray they always show him the wonder of Christmas.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.
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