Inspire Me

Love: Judging, Discerning, Exhorting

Before all else - lets us first examine ourselves and determine if we are speaking, living, and encouraging in love.  Love never fails.  However, Truth (even when spoken in Love) may be attacked, and may cause others to stumble on the Rock.

I just finished reading a post by a friend and was intrigued that someone saw his comments as a personal judgment.  Since I am currently dealing with this issue with someone very close to me, I wanted to address what IMHO may be an misunderstanding in communication and interpretation.

1 Thes. 5:11   "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."

Definitions first:

What is the difference between judgment and discernment? 

Judgement = looking at the situation or action and determining if it lines up with the Word of God.  A pronouncement is made whether it does or doesn't line up.

Discernment = a discerning of spirits (not people) seeing the spiritual force behind or involved in the situation.  People are NOT demonic spirits - so we are NOT discerning them.

First let us address this issue:  Are Christians ever suppose to judge an idea, a thought, a philosophy, a doctrine?  The answer is a resounding "Yes"!  Of course we are to determine whether these things lines up with the Word of God or not.  Remeber - we love the people at all times.

Second:  What are Christians supposed to judge?  Eternal security? No - that is a spiritual condition.  People: No - they are to be loved.  I cannot determine the intent of the heart, but I can judge the action, situation, doctrine, or tradition by its fruit.  Is this that I am judging producing Christ in the person's life?  Is it causing them to be built upon the Rock? Are the people becoming more like Him?  Are the people being spiritually libertated or is this action, situation, doctrine, or tradition binding them to the world's system?

Exhort:  To urge by strong, often stirring argument, admonition, advice, or appeal.

My Hubby is one who exhorts.  For years I missed out on the gift that he was to the Body of Christ.  I could only see things from my natural perspective.  I have the natural, fleshy ability to see things to the heart of the matter.  Before I accepted the Lord I used to expect that others would want to be informed of the "truth" and ended up "killing" quite a few people in my great quest. (note I did NOT capitalize truth - because this was my perspective and NOT God's -who is Truth)  My way was to expose the truth, cut out error (without pain relief), and then expect the person to thank me for setting them straight.  I couldn't figure out why people just didn't embrace my truth.  Even after I accepted the Lord I too often fell to my " old ways".  So - tired of the rejection and the misunderstanding I received, I decided, "Lord I love You but I hate Your kids!"  Needless, to say God has had a lot renovation to do in my heart! (and He isn't finished yet) 

Hubby's way is to set aside the personalities involved, examine the facts, logically organize the situation, and determine a path back to the purity of the Word.  He does not argue (from a sense of bickering) but rather makes an appeal to spiritual reason, judgment, and discernment.  His words are those of appeal:  have you considered, have you thought about, etc. He never "nails" the person.  He is making an appeal.  He gives the person the freedom to willingly choose for the scales to be removed and for their ears to open to Truth. (as opposed to my demanding, threatening choices of words)

Okay, your love for God and His Body has opened your eyes to see an error.  You recognize it as a stunting of spiritual growth to the body of Christ.  This error is also causing a separation between the Bride and Bridgrrom.  You recognize the prevailing spirit behind the error - so now what do you do?   You really only have one choice:  ask your Father what He would have you do with what you have been shown.  Reveal it?  Pray? And the clincher - how would You say that?

Speakers, teachers, and writers must hone their spirit's ability to hear the words, and see the actions of the Spirit of God.  We are commanded to only say what we hear spoken and to do what we see. Whatever God tells you to do be quick to obey. Remembering always to love, encourage and exhort.

 

 

Being Visionaries

Visions of hope. Visions of loveliness. Visions of despair. Visions of visions.
Each calls for me to gaze into its direction. Some are noble sights and some are less so. But You have come and asked me, "Oh daughter - what is thy vision?"

Hear my response Most High, "I behold the Son and nothing else compares to His light. My eyes stay fixed on the One who has won my soul. He alone can truly satisfy my eyes. He is my vision and ever shall be. Without Him I cannot see."

How easy it is for either the people or the things of this world to command our eyes to turn upon them. They demand our time and our services. But I have discovered One patiently waits for my eyes to fix upon His image. And when in obedience I heed the call to gaze upon His lovely countenance, all else quickly disappears. The voices and sights of distractions are silenced and soon vanish.

Father - here I am. I have become ensnared again in the trap of performance. I have become weighted down by frustration because I have forgotten to lay my burdens at Your feet. I have focused on the problems, the people, the hurts, and the wounds. I have become weary in my well-doing.

Draw me to Your side and let me gaze at Your throne. God, when I see Your glory, Your infinite scope, and Your magnitude, I am overwhelmed. Your love for me is astounding to me. Hide me for a time of rest beneath the shadow of Your wing. Restore the joy of my salvation. Reveal Your Word again to my spirit. Teach me to love the way You love.

Forgive me Father - I've taken my eyes off of You. Pick me up and set me aright. Restore my eyesight to the true vision. In the name of Jesus Amen.

 

Be Thou My Vision

Slane a Irish folksong

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou are my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
Ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one,

Be Thou my battle, Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul's Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenword, O Power of my power,

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, Oh ruler o'er all.

Written in 1990’s.

Today’s Update:

What else can I look upon that compares with You?  You are lovely to behold and Your Word a wonder to look upon.  Minutes move on, years go by – but only You do not change.  Our world has gotten even more challenging, our children more destitute of the knowledge of You – and still I look to You.  It is into Your arms I will fall – I will be gazing at Your eyes when I cross the finish line.  Such a vision You are!

 

Selah

Pause and think about it...

"My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skilled writer." Psalms 45:1

The word Psalm means a sacred song. The collection of poetry known as Psalms is a collection of sacred songs/poetry that were sung to the Lord. Throughout the book of Psalms you will discover notations made to the choirmaster. In some instances, we are even told the name of the tune that should be used as the accompanying music. King David had one of the largest and most skilled assemblies of singers, musicians, and dancers ever gathered to sing and perform unto the Lord. Today, we have the benefit of reading the written words of the poets but, unfortunately, we miss the beauty of the accompanying original musical compositions.

The term "selah" is a musical term which means to pause. A pause is used to give dramatic emphasis to a sung phrase. Often when I read the Psalms I read the word selah, I tell myself, "think about it." And often when I "think about it" I think about the diversity of talents and gifting in the children of God. I think about the fact that most of the songs in the book of Psalms were written by a king and leader of Israel. David was obviously creatively gifted.

David was a fearless warrior whose exploits in battle were well known by all. However, David was also a reflective, skillful writer of songs of love, worship, and truth to the Living God. He wrote music and had an ear to know how it should be played, accompanied, and performed. He was not ashamed to show emotions in his inspired creativity. He could skillfully play an instrument, quiet demons, inspire with the words he sang, and he could unabashedly dance before the Lord.

When I became a Christian over thirty-six years ago, creativity and artistry were not honored giftings in the body – even today there is much resistance to artistry. Artistic talents were often looked upon as expressions of the flesh which needed to be eliminated from our lives in order to be more like Christ. Determined to be pleasing to God, and more zealous than wise, in my late teens I destroyed all my artwork and tossed all my love for music to the winds. I came to despise the things within myself that craved expression and an outlet. I sought to destroy the very gifts that God placed in me to worship Him and express my love for Him. How many years I wasted being frustrated and confused as to why I couldn't "kill" the inner desire to write, draw, sing, and dance with the love I had in my heart for God.

Contemporary Christian music was just being birthed during that period, and it wasn't receiving a joyous welcome from the religious and traditional church. My husband and I eagerly listened to this "new" music that was being played in the early hours in the morning (1 a.m.) by an adventurous radio station in Raleigh, N.C. Yet, I struggled with whether this exhilarating, Word based music could really be of God. We had friends who thought the music was of the devil. When I felt called to start a dance team in our church the battle was raging in the corporate church as to whether dance was a valid form of worship. How many churches would have rejected the giftings and ministry of King David had he dared to enter their portals? Or are we like Michal and laugh and judge the artists as they display the works of their hearts? Selah -Think about it.

Within the past twenty years a little acceptance has grown in the body for those who are artistically gifted. Some creativity has been allowed in the doors and varied methods of expression are being entertained as viable, although variety is still often not embraced. Some of the artistry that is currently being brought forth by God's Spirit is beautiful and inspiring. And as His return soon approaches He is taking His artisans to new depths in Him. He is bringing life to the areas of His body which were dead.

The church often suffers the short-sightedness of its time in history and is held back by man’s traditions and religiousness.  The corporate church is quick to note and denounce the current fads of the world, but fails to realize it imposes its own fads, traditions, and cultural boundaries on the body of Christ. Artistry will never be an idol in my life, but I have come to understand that it is a gift from God. If that gift is submitted to Him, and dedicated to His glory it will blossom and bring forth life in abundance.

As you develop your relationship with Him, I pray that you may you discover your gifts to the body. Not all are teachers, pastors, etc. and not all are artistic in the sense of music, dance, or visual arts, but to each has been given a gifted place in their life from which the life of God flows with ease. Are you a quiet pool where people can come and be heard and refreshed? Are you one of those where the wounded can have the waters of life applied by the words you speak - or the arms you offer in comfort? Is your gift found in the lullaby you will sing tonight to the child with which you have been blessed – or the child you hold in your arms as a missionary? Does your gift exhibit itself in the orderliness in which you live – in the example you are of life dedicated to our King?

Your life is your psalm to Him. Your prayers are like poetry. God loves you so much He desires to sing in harmony with you. Do you give yourself time to reflect on Him and know Him as David did? Do you ask God to raise up your gifts to His glory?  Selah.  Think about it.

Orginally written over ten years ago - added to and edited today :)

In Everything Give Thanks

I've been in circumstances lately that have more than challenging. I'm the type of person who is moved by music and can quickly become encouraged by listening to Christian songs. I've been directed back to songs that are blasts from the past like Harvest's "Only the Overcomers" and "Stand". If you've never heard them you can listen to them at YouTube. Some of the early contemporary Christian music was so awesome and inspiring. Perhaps a little more appreciated by me – since at one point in my life I felt like I had "lost" the joy of music forever - but that's another story.

And these songs did minister to me - some. However, the "fix" was temporary because, in the current situation I'm in, the roots are deep and the attack is strong. I'm on the front lines and the artillery is aimed right between my eyes. Of course I have prayed. During this situation, I have found that I can pray for others, but it feels like my discussions with the Lord about me have a one way ticket – to the ceiling and down. I know that isn't true, but it appears that I've got a touch of "hard-of-hearing-it is". Perhaps it is because I really don't want to hear anything about what I'm going through and only want to hear about the next step after the war.

So in the midst of the raging battle I "saw" this – not an actual vision – but I could picture this: I was standing in a glass house and I turned my head to the right and saw a myriad of people whose lives appeared enviable. I then turned my head to the left and I could see people who had major struggles going on in their lives. The message appeared to be that I didn't need to look at either of the groups. I couldn't say, "Thank God I'm not in that group – or Lord why can't I be more like the people in that group?" We aren't given the option to compare ourselves one to another. So the question remained – could I be thankful and worship God in my own house?

That's when I fell into a trap. (another – again – ugh) I thought about the wonderful little "faith-isms" we say to one another – like – "Thank God for what you are going through – when you come out on the other side you will be stronger." While that may be true – whilst you are going through the gauntlet, it is NOT a really comforting message. How about the – well let's start going through all I have to be thankful for – and I grant you that while that very often works – it too was not doing it for me at the moment. I just wasn't needing a "what you do for me" time.

Many years ago we were asked if we were interested in adopting two little boys. These children were in a bad situation and needed a home quickly. We had wanted children for so long that this seemed an answer sent by God – not one child but two and it was right around Christmas. I walked through the mall looking at toys and dreaming about what the soon coming Christmas might be like with two boys of my own. Of course we told our friends and family, and all were praying with us and for us. And then the phone call came. A distant relative of the boys said she would take the children. Within minutes my hopes and dreams were dashed to nothing. My heart felt like someone had ripped it out of my chest.

I jumped in my car to head over to a friend's house for consolation. I cried and hyperventilated all the way over to her house. When I got there – no one was home. I got back in the car, rolled the window up and screamed at the top of my lungs. Then I cried. I cried until I was worn out. And then I said this,

"Satan you may try to take everything away from me – but this you cannot take - God is still God. Jesus Christ is still my Lord. Holy Spirit still lives within me. You have not won. You will not win. If I get down to nothing else in my life – this I know to be true – Jesus Christ died for my sins and He is my Lord and Savior."

When I get down to the nitty – gritty. When I am "at the bottom of the barrel" - in my life it doesn't come down to what I have, what I've been given, what battles I've won.  The bottom line is who He is – and that NEVER changes. I was back to that point the other day and discovered (again) that I am full of thanks that God is faithful. He is who He says He is – regardless of what is going on (or not going on) in my life. My life, my works, my husband, my child, my work (or lack thereof), my possessions – or the loss of any or all of those – nothing alters the truth of God and His Word. That's what I stand on in the midst of any circumstance. Thank you God for You.

I've been in circumstances lately that have more than challenging. I'm the type of person who is moved by music and can quickly become encouraged by listening to Christian songs. I've been directed back to songs that are blasts from the past like Harvest's "Only the Overcomers" and "Stand". If you've never heard them you can listen to them at YouTube. Some of the early contemporary Christian music was so awesome and inspiring. Perhaps a little more appreciated by me – since at one point in my life I felt like I had "lost" the joy of music forever - but that's another story.

And these songs did minister to me - some. However, the "fix" was temporary because, in the current situation I'm in, the roots are deep and the attack is strong. I'm on the front lines and the artillery is aimed right between my eyes. Of course I have prayed. During this situation, I have found that I can pray for others, but it feels like my discussions with the Lord about me have a one way ticket – to the ceiling and down. I know that isn't true, but it appears that I've got a touch of "hard-of-hearing-it is". Perhaps it is because I really don't want to hear anything about what I'm going through and only want to hear about the next step after the war.

So in the midst of the raging battle I "saw" this – not an actual vision – but I could picture this: I was standing in a glass house and I turned my head to the right and saw a myriad of people whose lives appeared enviable. I then turned my head to the left and I could see people who had major struggles going on in their lives. The message appeared to be that I didn't need to look at either of the groups. I couldn't say, "Thank God I'm not in that group – or Lord why can't I be more like the people in that group?" We aren't given the option to compare ourselves one to another. So the question remained – could I be thankful and worship God in my own house?

That's when I fell into a trap. (another – again – ugh) I thought about the wonderful little "faith-isms" we say to one another – like – "Thank God for what you are going through – when you come out on the other side you will be stronger." While that may be true – whilst you are going through the gauntlet, it is NOT a really comforting message. How about the – well let's start going through all I have to be thankful for – and I grant you that while that very often works – it too was not doing it for me at the moment. I just wasn't needing a "what you do for me" time.

Many years ago we were asked if we were interested in adopting two little boys. These children were in a bad situation and needed a home quickly. We had wanted children for so long that this seemed an answer sent by God – not one child but two and it was right around Christmas. I walked through the mall looking at toys and dreaming about what the soon coming Christmas might be like with two boys of my own. Of course we told our friends and family, and all were praying with us and for us. And then the phone call came. A distant relative of the boys said she would take the children. Within minutes my hopes and dreams were dashed to nothing. My heart felt like someone had ripped it out of my chest.

I jumped in my car to head over to a friend's house for consolation. I cried and hyperventilated all the way over to her house. When I got there – no one was home. I got back in the car, rolled the window up and screamed at the top of my lungs. Then I cried. I cried until I was worn out. And then I said this,

"Satan you may try to take everything away from me – but this you cannot take - God is still God. Jesus Christ is still my Lord. Holy Spirit still lives within me. You have not won. You will not win. If I get down to nothing else in my life – this I know to be true – Jesus Christ died for my sins and He is my Lord and Savior."

When I get down to the nitty – gritty. When I am "at the bottom of the barrel" - in my life it doesn't come down to what I have, what I've been given, what battles I've won.  The bottom line is who He is – and that NEVER changes. I was back to that point the other day and discovered (again) that I am full of thanks that God is faithful. He is who He says He is – regardless of what is going on (or not going on) in my life. My life, my works, my husband, my child, my work (or lack thereof), my possessions – or the loss of any or all of those – nothing alters the truth of God and His Word. That's what I stand on in the midst of any circumstance. Thank you God for You.

I Hope So......

24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.  Romans 8:24-25

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life Proverbs 13:12

  Lately, there have been quite a few discussions flying through the air concerning hope.  A lot of times when people get into "Word" discussions they don't define their terms and they end up crosswise in meaning and purpose.  Hope is one of those words. The Miriam Webster Dictionary contains significant differences between the verb form (with which most of us are familiar) and the Blessed Hope (Jesus).

Hope:

intransitive verb

1 : to cherish a desire with anticipation <hopes for a promotion> 2 : archaic : trust

 transitive verb

1 : to desire with expectation of obtainment
2 : to expect with confidence : trust

synonyms see expect

I was laying in bed pondering stuff when I imagined myself witnessing to someone about them having a purpose and destiny in God. I was sharing that we were all planned by God - even before we were formed and fashioned within our mother's womb – He, the Father, knew us and saw us as a finished product.

Then I had this thought – “The desire of the Father was to have a family.  He wanted children.  So He planned them and for them. And being all-knowing He also knew what His free-will designed creation could/would do.  So the Creator had the perfect plan A, but because of His Love the Father made a plan B.  The Father determined to send Hope so those without Hope would be saved by that Hope.”  So the Father sent Divine Hope on a journey and God- Faith pleased the Father by completing its mission – and Agape Love overcame all darkness and gave birth to the family of His desire.  This is a Love so deep we could attempt to plumb its depths during our entire time here on the planet and never fully comprehend its height or depth.

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life Proverbs 13:12

We are promised that if we delight ourselves in God that we will be given the desires of our hearts – what a wonderful expectation.  However, I ask you to take a longer look at the scripture in Proverbs.  We may know and have memorized that hope deferred makes the heart (spirit) sick – but how many of us know the second half of that scripture? [but when the desire comes – it is a tree of life]  I know who the desire of my heart is, and I also know He is the tree of life to me.

I have received my Hope by Faith through Love – not by my hope, faith, or love – not by anything I could do or by the action man could take.  I, who was dead, was raised in the same manner by the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. All I did was choose to acknowledge, accept, and believe Truth.  I Hope.

When I Don't Know - When I am Weak

Romans 8:26,27 "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.  For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercesion for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession according to the will of God."

So what happens when the heavens seem closed and it appears that you have gone deaf to the sounds  of the heavens?  God continously speaks - He is not silent nor does He withhold Himself from his children - so what is up?

I am in a situation now that forces me to address how I feel about that very issue.  I am old enough in the Lord and familiar enough with his Word that I know the Truth - and yet.... I am beseiged on all sides with accusations, thoughts, temptation, etc.  Each of these voices is yelling  so loudly at times that it is making that still small voice of my Father almost indiscernable.  Almost. 

And this is where I feel one of the most recent seasons of past church history may have alot from which to repent.  We have gone through a long season of people wanting experiences, feelings, to "know" His presence, "to see" His face, etc.  So what happens when the dam breaks and you don't have time to soak or bask in His glory?  When you are faced with a major catastrophy that is beyond what you could have imagined?  Or you are hot, tired, thirsty, hungry, holding a dying child in your arms - somehow the "feel good" - let's prophesy over each other seems rather inappropriate.

What happens to our faith when this world's reality slaps us in the face?  My solution - return to His absolutes - His Word stands true always.  It is surer than what I see, or think, or feel, or even what I think I know.  And when I do not know how to pray for myself I can be assured that I have a Living Intercessor who knows the will of the Father for me and is praying that by the Spirit.

The One who called me - loved me before I was formed and fashioned within my mother - He is watching over me.  He neither slumbers nor sleeps and He has a plan and destiny for me (even if I can not see it at this time).  I can rest - assured.

Unity

"So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that you love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God." Phillippians 1 The Message

The cry has risen before the Lord for years, "Unite the body of Christ - let us be one before You." There is little evidence here on this Earth that our prayer has manifested itself amongst the believers. However, what is not accomplished here on Earth is already an accomplished fact in Heaven. There is no disunity in the body of believers in Heaven. They have one heart for God. We, also, can stand as one before His throne. In the presence of our Heavenly Father there is one Body, one Lord, and one faith. No division exists in Heaven because all those who come before Him in the name of Jesus are united by His Spirit into one body of believers.

Restoration

Isaiah 42:22   But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivers; for a spoil, and none says, Restore.

Isaiah 57:18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.

It is implicit if something is to be restored that it already have form; created with certain purposes and designs. The fact that restitution is necessary means that diminishment has occurred in appearance or function. Many accounts of renewal can be found in the Bible. Some of those restorations include the re-establishment of relationships, of the temple, of the laws of God to His people, and of praise and worship.

In our Christian lives we experience the birthing of dreams and visions. Some of these may

His Song

"The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a mighty One, a Savior - Who saves! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17 (Amplified)

Her journey had finally brought her here. She was determined that she be heard by Him. She had persevered through all obstacles, and she had brought with her the many songs she had written for Him. She had pressed passed the outer courtyard and behind the veil of the inner chamber. But now somehow and somewhere in the midst of her service of worship, she found herself being brought into His presence.

Shelter of His Wings

"How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light." Psalm 36:7-9

Many years ago I stayed on a kibbutz in Israel. The fellowship after our evening corporate meal had been sweet with praise and prayer. The fall air was unusually warm that year and the bushes outside the window of our room filled the night air with the scent of jasmine. After I had turned off the lights I opened the windows and saw the moon's rays falling on a distant mountain . I turned and looked out the window and I noticed that there were