FROM: Banbury, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
ABOUT ME: Living the highs and lows of life in the adventurous pursuit of God Himself and of who I'm meant to be as the Bride of Christ.
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Monday, October 27, 2008,7:53 p.m.
FIXING THE EYES AGAIN (AND AGAIN)
I've been continuing to receive teaching from the Lord about perspective - fixing our eyes on Him and Him alone. I suppose it's all the SAME teaching, I just keep getting it. (I think the Lord is hoping one day I will get it.)
Here are some little thoughts on the matter:
We must fix our eyes on Jesus – have HIM be the One that we are constantly looking at in every situation and for everything we need.
We must not see God or know Him in relation to who we are or what we’re going through. We must see ourselves and know ourselves in relation to who God is and what He is saying or doing. For example, God is not a God of healing because I am broken and I needed healing. God is a God of healing – PERIOD. I can be healed because this is who He is.
Here are some little thoughts on the matter:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)
We must fix our eyes on Jesus – have HIM be the One that we are constantly looking at in every situation and for everything we need.
We must not see God or know Him in relation to who we are or what we’re going through. We must see ourselves and know ourselves in relation to who God is and what He is saying or doing. For example, God is not a God of healing because I am broken and I needed healing. God is a God of healing – PERIOD. I can be healed because this is who He is.
From the one perspective – where our eyes are fixed on ourselves – we box God into our own circumstances, whatever they may be. We see Him relative to who we are or what we need or say or believe or love. This is still a perspective of looking at ourselves instead of fixing our eyes on Him.
From the other perspective – where our eyes are fixed on God – we allow the magnitude of who He is to be as unlimited as it actually is. We can then see ourselves relative to this large picture. If I fix my eyes on myself, I would come up with this: I am a worshipper, and God is the object of my worship. This defines ME. But with my eyes fixed on God, I see that God is worthy of all worship, and so I become a worshipper. This defines GOD (and incidentally I also am defined in terms of God – I find my identity in God).
From the other perspective – where our eyes are fixed on God – we allow the magnitude of who He is to be as unlimited as it actually is. We can then see ourselves relative to this large picture. If I fix my eyes on myself, I would come up with this: I am a worshipper, and God is the object of my worship. This defines ME. But with my eyes fixed on God, I see that God is worthy of all worship, and so I become a worshipper. This defines GOD (and incidentally I also am defined in terms of God – I find my identity in God).
They seem such simple little "point of view" changes, but the truth is that we are conditioned to look at ourselves, both by our sin nature and by the culture that has raised us. I have been awed and humbled by the difference in my whole life - peace, wisdom, joy, my entire perspective on every situation, be it good or difficult - as I raise my head and fix my eyes on Jesus.
Sunday, October 19, 2008,8:53 p.m.
THE STRATEGY
I've been thinking of (and seeing / experiencing) the war that we in as Believers. I think a lot of times we fail to recognize that something is a strategy of the enemy, instead of just a circumstance. I suppose the opposite is true, too - that we often see strategies of the enemy instead of the fact that something is circumstantial or caused by the fact that we live in a broken world.
When we do recognize the enemy's plans or maneuvers, however, how do we fight? I wonder if we do not sometimes fight the way that would seem powerful and smart in the natural sense - what we might do in an earthly battle. We try to "strategize" our next move and see these human strategies as the ones that will gain victory in whatever battle we are fighting.
I think most of us know that spiritual warfare is not fought on an earthly model. But do we really fight on a heavenly plane? Do we honestly choose to remember that our greatest point of strength and strategy come when we are on our knees - a vantage point that looks weak to anyone else? Do we get on our knees and then jump up again, brandishing our own weapons of war, having paid just enough lip service to the Lord's wisdom and strength to make us feel as though we are doing it right?
Here is some truth that we should hold very near our hearts and minds:
And for those who really aren't sure that we are not supposed to fight for ourselves....
There is no doubt that we are at war. There is no doubt that our God is the victor. Hallelujah! But as His army let us remember our own calling and the strategy that He has given us for how to fight. It will probably eliminate a lot of bloodshed and heartache, let alone show the power of our mighty God.
We better trash our idols if we want to be
Star how beautiful you shine
- Jason Upton, Dying Star
When we do recognize the enemy's plans or maneuvers, however, how do we fight? I wonder if we do not sometimes fight the way that would seem powerful and smart in the natural sense - what we might do in an earthly battle. We try to "strategize" our next move and see these human strategies as the ones that will gain victory in whatever battle we are fighting.
I think most of us know that spiritual warfare is not fought on an earthly model. But do we really fight on a heavenly plane? Do we honestly choose to remember that our greatest point of strength and strategy come when we are on our knees - a vantage point that looks weak to anyone else? Do we get on our knees and then jump up again, brandishing our own weapons of war, having paid just enough lip service to the Lord's wisdom and strength to make us feel as though we are doing it right?
Here is some truth that we should hold very near our hearts and minds:
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)
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. (Ephesians 6:12-13)
And for those who really aren't sure that we are not supposed to fight for ourselves....
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment. (Isaiah 50:10-11)
There is no doubt that we are at war. There is no doubt that our God is the victor. Hallelujah! But as His army let us remember our own calling and the strategy that He has given us for how to fight. It will probably eliminate a lot of bloodshed and heartache, let alone show the power of our mighty God.
You've got your best man on the front side
You always show your best side
And evil's always on the other side
You say this is your strategy
But son I hope you take it from me
You look just like your enemy
You're full of pride
We better trash our idols if we want to be
In the army of the Lord
And the greatest idol is you and me
We better get on the threshing floor
When will we learn that God's strategy
Is giving glory to the Lord?
We better trash our idols if we want to be
In the army of the Lord
Star how beautiful you shine
You shine more beautiful than mine
You shine from sea to shining sea
World-wide is your strategy
But shinning star I hope you see
If the whole wide world is staring straight at you
They can't see me...
- Jason Upton, Dying Star
Wednesday, October 08, 2008,10:02 p.m.
PHOTOS
I've been looking at my parents' recent additions to their Picasa photo site, and realized that I've missed downloading and then posting some great pictures of my nieces and nephews. I have no idea if any of you guys really want to see them, but I like them! And actually, I always find it interesting to look at other peoples' pictures. Hey - if I was on Facebook you'd have seen them already. (I'm not - don't bother to look......)
So, here's a picture of Zoey's recent hospital stay. Her legs were up in traction from surgery on her pelvic bone (I won't get into details). She's been discharged just this past week, but will have to go back in to have a piece of the catheter removed that broke off inside of her when the doctors were removing it. Frustrating, but hopefully it will happen very soon and be a relatively easy procedure.
Anyway, here is Zoey with her little legs up in traction. Pictures were taken about two weeks ago - she is four months old.
Don't be fooled by her concerned expression - she apparently did really well, and was smiling and laughing lots, becoming a favourite with the nursing staff. This is her on a visit with her twin brother, Zach. I have to say, what's Zach looking so scared of? Whatever it is, Zoey thinks it's hilarious. Though she honestly might be laughing at the pink pig under his head.
Eliana used to do that bugged-eyed thing, too. Speaking of which - here's a picture I like of her from last weekend. She decided that "Auntie Karyn was having a nap" and then decided that she would like to also have a nap with me before dinner. Hence the two of us on the couch.
One last picture - this is Eliana playing catch with me. She was at the top of the stairs, I was at the bottom. If you've ever played a stressful game, play catch with a large ball and a small child who isn't all that good at catching yet. I hit her on the head several times. Fortunately, I don't seem to have done any damage, except perhaps that she thought it was the funniest thing ever. Tough kid. Maybe she thought I was aiming for her head and was excited when I hit the mark? Who knows.....
So, here's a picture of Zoey's recent hospital stay. Her legs were up in traction from surgery on her pelvic bone (I won't get into details). She's been discharged just this past week, but will have to go back in to have a piece of the catheter removed that broke off inside of her when the doctors were removing it. Frustrating, but hopefully it will happen very soon and be a relatively easy procedure.
Anyway, here is Zoey with her little legs up in traction. Pictures were taken about two weeks ago - she is four months old.
Don't be fooled by her concerned expression - she apparently did really well, and was smiling and laughing lots, becoming a favourite with the nursing staff. This is her on a visit with her twin brother, Zach. I have to say, what's Zach looking so scared of? Whatever it is, Zoey thinks it's hilarious. Though she honestly might be laughing at the pink pig under his head.
Eliana used to do that bugged-eyed thing, too. Speaking of which - here's a picture I like of her from last weekend. She decided that "Auntie Karyn was having a nap" and then decided that she would like to also have a nap with me before dinner. Hence the two of us on the couch.
One last picture - this is Eliana playing catch with me. She was at the top of the stairs, I was at the bottom. If you've ever played a stressful game, play catch with a large ball and a small child who isn't all that good at catching yet. I hit her on the head several times. Fortunately, I don't seem to have done any damage, except perhaps that she thought it was the funniest thing ever. Tough kid. Maybe she thought I was aiming for her head and was excited when I hit the mark? Who knows.....
Tuesday, October 07, 2008,7:16 a.m.
PASSION
I managed to make it to the Passion worship concert at GM Place last night - so cool. Passion is a ministry to college/university-aged young adults (I know, I know - I'm slightly beyond 18-25 years old, but true passion knows no age limits - that's my line and I'm sticking to it!). Louie Giglio spoke, and Chris Tomlin and the David Crowder Band led worship.
I was struck last night by two things most notably. Louie talked about grace, and I got thinking about whether we, as we begin to "mature" in the faith, start to lose a deep understanding of grace. "Oh yes, I get the cross, but I'm going deeper now in my walk with Christ." What? How can one go deeper than the grave? Deeper than the foundation of our ability to talk to God? Deeper than the grace that cost Jesus his life and blood to ensure our salvation? Yes, we are to mature in our depth of intimacy with God, yes, we are to pursue a deeper understanding of God and the character in us that brings Him pleasure, but moving beyond the cross? I hope not. If so, we have created some kind of religion that does not have the saving work of the cross at its centre.
As a worship leader, I know that a bunch of years ago a tonne of worship songwriters were focused on the cross - I don't think that is any mistake. The Lord was taking us through a season of remembering the foundation that is His sacrifice and calling us back to the passion for Him through the grace that He offers us. But we aren't called to leave that, or to move on. Anyone truly passionate is passionate about everything to do with their loved one - the things that first caused them to fall in love and the things they learned later. I don't ever want to fall down in my passion for Christ that is due to His grace - it saved me. Rescued me where I was utterly unable to rescue myself. Sometimes, I must admit, I fall into the category of one whose passion about grace has slipped. May it not be so - help me Lord.
.......
The second thing that struck me last night was less profound. Chris Tomlin's band still needs a fiddle player. [Ahem.] (Though I noticed that Crowder's band has one.) AND those guys all need at least one token female on stage - probably most preferably a worshipping freak, out of her mind with a passion for her lover, Jesus.
Hmmm.....I wonder where they could find someone like that? :)
I was struck last night by two things most notably. Louie talked about grace, and I got thinking about whether we, as we begin to "mature" in the faith, start to lose a deep understanding of grace. "Oh yes, I get the cross, but I'm going deeper now in my walk with Christ." What? How can one go deeper than the grave? Deeper than the foundation of our ability to talk to God? Deeper than the grace that cost Jesus his life and blood to ensure our salvation? Yes, we are to mature in our depth of intimacy with God, yes, we are to pursue a deeper understanding of God and the character in us that brings Him pleasure, but moving beyond the cross? I hope not. If so, we have created some kind of religion that does not have the saving work of the cross at its centre.
As a worship leader, I know that a bunch of years ago a tonne of worship songwriters were focused on the cross - I don't think that is any mistake. The Lord was taking us through a season of remembering the foundation that is His sacrifice and calling us back to the passion for Him through the grace that He offers us. But we aren't called to leave that, or to move on. Anyone truly passionate is passionate about everything to do with their loved one - the things that first caused them to fall in love and the things they learned later. I don't ever want to fall down in my passion for Christ that is due to His grace - it saved me. Rescued me where I was utterly unable to rescue myself. Sometimes, I must admit, I fall into the category of one whose passion about grace has slipped. May it not be so - help me Lord.
.......
The second thing that struck me last night was less profound. Chris Tomlin's band still needs a fiddle player. [Ahem.] (Though I noticed that Crowder's band has one.) AND those guys all need at least one token female on stage - probably most preferably a worshipping freak, out of her mind with a passion for her lover, Jesus.
Hmmm.....I wonder where they could find someone like that? :)
Thursday, October 02, 2008,7:18 a.m.
LOVE NEVER ENDS
OK, thanks for your comments below. People are still checking in - that's good enough for me. Leave me a comment still (below) if you want to. I like hearing from you all.
I've been reading 1 Corinthians this morning, and in my reading hit chapter 13. One of the most familiar scriptures within the church, I think. It's all about love, and it describes what love truly is. I personally think we should all be digesting this a whole lot more often, since we have such a strong culture around us telling us that "true love" is something quite different. But that's not the point....
The point was that in verses 4 through 7, the passage describes love. Cool. I've decided to write each descriptor out and digest one per day for a bit - since I think it's not getting into me (or coming out of me?) as well as I would like. But then I hit verse 8 and was struck by the translation that I am currently reading. Usually in verse 8 I read, "Love never fails." Today I read, "Love never ends," which had a significant impact on me.
You see, love never does fail - Love being another name for God, and also the concept that really was intended to govern our world and creation. But love never ending - it's eternal. It's forever. It will never end. So many things that we are given or engage in are temporal, even spiritual gifts, like prophecy or tongues. But love is forever. Like worship, love is eternal - it will be around long after our world is ended.
No wonder we are told to focus on the things that are eternal, not the things that are temporal. While some temporal things (like gifts) are given to us as tools, others are merely distractions. And I believe that if we truly learned how to love, many of the distractions or mistakes would have a much smaller impact.
Love never ends - it's ETERNAL.
Worship also never ends - it's ETERNAL (check out what the angels in Isaiah 6 and Revelation are doing).
Let's focus more on these two things - I think everything else that we're asked to do comes out of being people who manifest love and worship.
I've been reading 1 Corinthians this morning, and in my reading hit chapter 13. One of the most familiar scriptures within the church, I think. It's all about love, and it describes what love truly is. I personally think we should all be digesting this a whole lot more often, since we have such a strong culture around us telling us that "true love" is something quite different. But that's not the point....
The point was that in verses 4 through 7, the passage describes love. Cool. I've decided to write each descriptor out and digest one per day for a bit - since I think it's not getting into me (or coming out of me?) as well as I would like. But then I hit verse 8 and was struck by the translation that I am currently reading. Usually in verse 8 I read, "Love never fails." Today I read, "Love never ends," which had a significant impact on me.
You see, love never does fail - Love being another name for God, and also the concept that really was intended to govern our world and creation. But love never ending - it's eternal. It's forever. It will never end. So many things that we are given or engage in are temporal, even spiritual gifts, like prophecy or tongues. But love is forever. Like worship, love is eternal - it will be around long after our world is ended.
No wonder we are told to focus on the things that are eternal, not the things that are temporal. While some temporal things (like gifts) are given to us as tools, others are merely distractions. And I believe that if we truly learned how to love, many of the distractions or mistakes would have a much smaller impact.
Love never ends - it's ETERNAL.
Worship also never ends - it's ETERNAL (check out what the angels in Isaiah 6 and Revelation are doing).
Let's focus more on these two things - I think everything else that we're asked to do comes out of being people who manifest love and worship.