Discerning the Word

Word of God speak
Would you pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your Majesty.

To be still and know
That You’re in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your Holiness.
Word of God speak. 

Mercy Me  “Word of God Speak”

The Bible is the #1 best seller of all time in the world with no other book even close.  In fact it continues to be the #1 best-seller each year of all books.   Estimates are that 2.5 billion to 6 billion copies of the Bible have been sold.   Why is this when it seems so many dismiss it as being irrelevant.   Read these combined passages from John 1 and Hebrews 4. 

In the beginning was the Word.  The Word was with God and the Word was God.   God’s Word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword.  It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts. (John 1:1, Hebrews 4: 12).

The Bible is more than a book on the best seller list.  It’s alive, God breathed, knows us and reaches into our innermost being.  It is powerful, it is eternal, and it provides true life.  It is the Word.  No wonder it dwarfs any other book in sales, because we are not dealing with a book but the embodiment of God Himself.

When the Word is understood as being God, being alive, and being something that judges our thoughts and feelings a different view is revealed.  Instead of me examining the Word it is examining me.  How can I stay in tune and discern this awesome, amazing Book?  Instead of just reading the Word, approach it with reverence and see it as holy.  This is a spiritual experience to be taken in with all my senses.  Spiritual listening with the heart attuned to the Spirit’s leading.   Be open and aware expecting something will be revealed, inviting an encounter with the Word God and the Word Jesus Christ.  When I enter in this posture the Word speaks.  More than reading the words it is holding them, touching them with my senses, and feeling them while being led by the Spirit.  Take it as bread and drink hungering and thirsting for its righteousness.  Ingest it tasting its goodness and receiving its nourishment.  It is through this sensory experience of taking in the Word that we experience God.  It is so powerful and so personal that with His Spirit in us we cry out “Father”!  (Romans 8:15)  A deep yearning with deep feelings, a call of affection, of help, of submission, of assurance of the knowledge He is there and He is fully with me.  This is a new way of thinking of and seeing scripture.  It is God Himself.

For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. (Hebrews 5:13-14)

This approach and understanding of the Word does not come easily and requires effort, attention and practice.   After you have spent time reading scripture try to be quiet.  God Himself said through the Psalmist: “Be quiet and know that I am God.”  Not just being silent but quieting your mind.  Not thinking about yourself, others, work, play, school, kids, parents, nothing.  Your mind is quiet.  Open, listening, meditating on staying quiet yet alert to the revealing of God through His Word.  Being quiet is an acquired skill that requires practice and consistent attention.  Over time the fruit of this exercise is an amazing delicacy of revelation.

Discernment of the Word is like the Emmaus story where the two disciples’ eyes are opened to recognize Jesus and know the “resurrection” was in fact true.  He is in the flesh, and in front of them.   This is the journey to see the Word for what it is: Jesus Christ as God Himself and the realization of the kingdom.  As I read the Bible I want to make it about me, about my comfort, my success, my prayers being answered, and many times my glory.  My awakening and the true revealing of being in tune with Scripture is the realization that it is about God the Father, about His glory, and His promises of true life which is a perfect relationship with Him and His son Jesus Christ.  Until I look to Him, and view all from the perspective of seeking, asking, knocking, looking, listening, and longing so that I can know Him, I will miss the reality of life in Christ.  The disciples, apostles, and those who walked with Jesus spent days, months, and years with Him.  Yet they did not understand who He was or what He offered until after He was killed, raised, and then appeared to them. 

Lord open my servants eyes and let him see.  II Kings 6: 15-17
Teacher I want to see.  Mark 10:51

If His own disciples misunderstood who He was how do I find Him?  I must stop all that I am “doing” and be still, silent, fallen before my Father in heaven, completely submissive and say here I am.  I trust Him and allow Him to transform me and show me what the true life and abundant life is really about.  Communing with God, discerning His Word, following His Spirit’s leading allows me to know Him.  Being present in the Word, listening, seeing, hearing, and knowing His voice when it comes is from my Father.  I bow in worship, I thank Him and He is glorified.

Father, thank you for your Word that is beyond our comprehension.  Give us wisdom, discernment and understanding.

Scotty Elston
Shallowater, Texas

Soul Security

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Matthew 11:29

A few months ago while opening the mail I received a jolt to my stomach and a wound to my pride.  This jolt came in the way of my yearly Social Security statement.  As I peered down the column of earnings I noticed that I began working the first year I was able, at the ripe age of 15 in 1993.  Impressed that the Social Security Office took such care to “know” my earnings and thus withholdings that long ago gave me a sense of belonging.  I next noticed that the earnings (and thus withholdings) took a significant leap with each passing year.  I went from earning 4 digits at summer time life guarding to earning 5 as a manager at a Christian university.  I was also proud of the fact that not a year passed since ’93 that didn’t have a corresponding evidence of monetary accomplishment.  I was feeling pretty self-important when my eyes fell to this last year.  Next to this year there was the lowest number of all.  Due to quitting my job and moving cross country for my husband’s job in ministry, I knew the earnings wouldn’t be much.  But nothing would have prepared me for the reality of such a low number.  I closed the document in disgust. 

I left my husband and children sitting at the lunch table and retreated to my bedroom.  As tears of shame filled my eyes, I knew that I was being silly.  However, I still felt lacking.  I felt that instead of helping us with debt, I was contributing to it.  I guiltily thought of the list of grocery and personal needs that I had on the kitchen counter.  At first I was angry for having to be concerned about the cost of facial lotion and shampoo.  Then I was overcome with a wave of sorrow as I remembered the children I have seen in Ghana with their black skin turned white by dust and dryness.  They have never heard of exfoliating creams and heavy moisturizers, much less a meal with all five food groups represented.  Who am I to think I am mistreated for not being able to buy the latest beauty products?  Still the shame of not contributing to our bottom line filled my mind. 

About this time my husband came in announcing that he had to go back to work and that I should look at my statement again.  He was so proud of himself, he couldn’t help but smile.  He said, “See this isn’t a Social Security Statement, but a Soul Security Statement!”  He had taken a pen, written over, added and marked out the words until it read something like this:

What Soul Security Means To You:

This Soul Security Statement will help you understand what Soul Security means to you and your family.  Soul Security is for people of all ages…It can help you whether you’re young or old, male, Jew, Greek or female.  It’s there for you when you more than retire and go to heaven. Your Soul Security also can provide benefits and help your family when you die.  Remember, that Soul Security was never intended to be your only source of salvation.  Soul Security can’t do it all, but God can.

Then in the “Soul” Earnings column for this last year he had added hundreds of thousands of dollars to my small earnings, with a note:

“Please see W2s on:

            -Our sons and family’s projected effects on the world.

-Subcontract work done through your husband, Jeff Jaworski, who despite being a rock head is working to bring the gospel to the world with your help.

           

Meanwhile one of our sons had found his way into the bathroom and was doing his best impression of a porta-potty by playing in the commode.

As I peeled his soggy clothing off and put him into the bathtub, my tears turned to smiles and then laughter.   I realized each day is filled with great earnings, as I care for my family.  These earnings may not be quantifiable in dollars, but they are treasures laid up in heaven…and that is where my heart is!

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the role of motherhood and the blessing of staying at home with my children.  You truly are a good God that knows best.  Help me to not fall sway to the lies of Satan that tell me my value or worth as a woman is based on how much money I earn.  Thank you for your joy and peace…help me to take hold of it as I live each day rearing my children and supporting my husband. 

Dana Jaworski

Anchor Point, AK

Surrender and Recharge

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,

2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-

5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.

8 Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men."

9 (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?

10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,

12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

The last week of June I spent at church camp as a counselor responsible for 10 little girls ages 10-11. I absolutely love them!  We have so much fun!  But what I enjoy even more is the experience and escape from the world. For 6 days I am surrounded by people who have a heart to serve and a love for our Lord that is evident. I look forward to this time every year as a recharge for my spiritual battery.  The time on the "hill" is restorative and full of encouragement. It differs from other spiritual rejuvenation times because it also is a true escape from the world. No television, iPODs, world news, or other life distractions.

 I realize that a week away isn't always feasible for everyone to have and that's not really my point. But what is evident is that when we truly separate ourselves from the world we are able to experience God in complete awareness. We recall how His love for us is completely satisfying and how our faith leads us to fully surrender ourselves. In order for us to fulfill his purpose for our lives, as outlined in the above scripture, we must surrender and recharge.

I encourage you and your family to turn the TV off, go one night without watching the news and dedicate that time to prayer, scripture and praise. Sing a few devotional songs - they are a sure fix to any thing bringing you down!  Soften your heart and find an intimate time with the one who made you perfectly in His image!  Then you will be recharged to serve as a well equipped member of the body.

Michelle Tittor

Grapevine TX

There's No Place Like Home

The house we live in has a rich heritage to our family.  It has been in my husband's family for almost 70 years.  We have remodeled over the years, but there still remains a warm charm to the house which I have tried to continue in that same heritage.  It creaks and squeaks in places, but that only adds to the warmth and authenticity.  The yard is enclosed with a hand stacked rock fence which was gathered from off the ranch.  Lush vegetation and trees adorn the house.  A wooden swing hung by chains that have grown into the branches of a 100 year old oak tree marks the days of past when my husband would swing as a toddler.  The peaceful serenity creates an atmosphere of ageless beauty magnifying the magnificence of our Creator.  It is a wonderful place to raise our children and the place we call home.

So what exactly makes a house a home? How many times have you heard someone say, "If I can just get home, everything will be all right".  Our home is our area of creativity.  It is an environment with familiar surroundings which brings calmness to our physical, psychological, and spiritual state.  It is a place we yearn to be more and more to escape everyday frustrations.  When we are sick, home is important to help us get well.  Home strengthens and renews the family. Home gives us the ability to cope with pressure. Home is a place to fellowship with family and friends. It is a place to serve others, offer hospitality, and be with God.

The Ark of the Covenant was a special piece of furniture for the Israelites.  Anywhere the Ark of Covenant resided, blessings abounded because the Ark was associated with the very presence of God.  Where God's presence is, there is blessing and hope. "God has placed eternity in our hearts". (Eccles. 3:11) Therefore, our homes here on earth cannot fully and permanently satisfy.  So, for now the greatest contribution that resides in our homes begins with God's priorities in mind.  I’m reminded of these two verses from Paul:

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things". (Col. 3:1-3)

"But godliness and contentment is great gain for we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it". (I Tim. 6:6-7)

God has blessed us with earthly homes and allows us the privilege to make them functional, restful, and renewing.  I love that the walls in my home are full of photographs of my children.  It delights my heart to reflect on the blessings that they have brought to our lives.  It also reminds me that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father.  I love the delicious smells that come from my kitchen.  It reminds me of all the special occasions spent with family and friends.  When I work in the kitchen I’m reminded time and again of the wonderful Christian women   God put in my life who taught me how to cook, clean, serve, raise a family, and love God.  I love the cozy blankets draped over favorite places in my home.  It allows me time alone to cuddle with God's word and a warm cup of coffee.  It reminds me of all the needs God has provided for me and my family.  I love sitting around the glowing, crackling fire.  It reminds me of the light that shines through me because of our Savior and the comfort He has provided during the dark times.  I love to smell the fragrant candles that burn throughout my home.  A symbol of the sweet aroma of Christ that infiltrates our soul if we invite God in. 

Lastly, I love the scriptures hanging throughout our home which are a reminder that Christ lives in our hearts and that we should be in His word sharing it with those we love and everyone we meet.

All these things make a house a home because they are matters of the heart.  So, unlike Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, when she clicked her red heels together, closed her eyes tightly, and repeated there's no place like home, there's no place like home...There's No Place Like Heaven! "But our citizenship is in Heaven". (Phil 3:20)

"Choose for yourselves this day who you will serve. But as for me and my household, we shall serve the Lord". (Joshua 24:15)

God Bless your Home.

Carla Henson

Got Your Armor On?

The battles rage on.  As one battle ends, another begins or soon follows:  

• The battle for Lordship of the heart and mind  
• The battle of temptation, even doubt  
• The battle of sorrow and loss
• The battle of physical or emotional pain
• The battle between Light and dark.  

The war has been won, God won the final victory, still soldiers are called and deployed in many daily battles.
Infinite and Wise Lord God Almighty, gave every Christian soldier an edifying visual in Ephesians.

Ephesians 6:10-19:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,”

It is in His power and His alone that victory comes.

The “full armor of God” is a choice to put on or not.  Within that choice lies the strength to take our “stand against the devil’s schemes”.

Just as the armor is not visible, the rulers and powers which make up the struggles are not visible.  People are not the enemy, never have been, but the war that rages in the unseen world.

Again, Paul’s exhortation is for us to “put on” the “full armor of God”.  It is a choice to obey and reap protection and strength. Ground will not be lost when His strength and armor protect.

The soldier of Christ buckles truth around his waist-the center of his body.  The breastplate of righteousness in place, covers the heart and soul-the righteousness that comes only from the blood of Christ Jesus.

Feet ready to march out and share the good news and peace that it brings.  Feet made ready by the courage the good news bestows and the blessed peace which follows.

The flaming arrows of the evil one are comprised of deceit and lies, beginning in the garden.  Faith comes by hearing the message through the Word of Christ, (Romans 10:17).  A shield of faith in God, His power and His promises enables every flaming arrow to be extinguished.

The “helmet of salvation”, protects the soldier’s head.  The mind can be a minefield through which the enemy tries to destroy mind, body, heart and soul.  May the joy of salvation cover and protect the mind of every redeemed soul.

    The “sword of the Spirit, the very word of God, precious and preserved.  A sword can be an offensive weapon as well as defensive.  The sword of the Spirit, is a mighty weapon to meet and defeat the enemy.

“Pray all the time in the Spirit”, a soldier’s direct line to his Commander.  Although war strategies may not be fully revealed to the soldier, confidence in his Leader removes any doubt.  Obedience is not in question when your Commander is the Creator of everything in heaven and earth.  A soldier must be “alert at all times”, and keep in prayer every soldier in the Kingdom, not only the ones in his regiment, but “all saints.”

Paul requested prayer for boldness and language to share the mystery of the gospel.  Kingdom soldiers need the boldness and language to carry the gospel and it’s beautiful mystery to the lost-the world over.”

The enemy would steal every piece of armor available to a soldier of Christ.  The choice is made by each soldier-employ each piece of equipment issued, fight until the final victory is visible.  Faith will be sight one glorious day.

The visual given in Ephesians 6 is easy enough to imagine.  The difficulty begins each moment, rising, remembering to put on the full armor of God, to pray on all occasions and for all the saints.  Soldiers of Christ arise-strong in the strength which God supplies.
(Some additional Scripture with soldier imagery: Philippians 2:25, 2 Timothy 2:3 & 4, Philemon 1:2, Romans 13:14)

Gracious, Merciful Father and God Almighty,
In weakness we come, ready to follow, ready to battle.  Remind us of the mighty courage and  strength You offer, with which to fight this dangerous, ever-prowling enemy of the soul. Thank you, Father, for the beautiful promises that fill your Word.  For the armor You lay before us for our protection and boldness to follow You anywhere.
In the name that paid our costly ransom, Jesus.  Amen  

Mischelle Oliver, Stephenville