1 Samuel 7:12 says, "Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far the LORD has helped me.'"
I've been concentrating on some verses about grace. A friend of mine said something recently that stung - I appreciate the mark it left. She said "I don't see the praise of the glory of His grace on you." I don't think she meant "never", but her words went down deep. With the freedom that I have received in Christ, it felt like a really low blow. But God used it to help me to see my recent state with His eyes.
Has God put His finger on something that needs to be changed in you? Have you attempted to change it? Put all your energy toward changing it? But still you find yourself right back in the same place, dealing with the same old thing, wondering why your best efforts have failed again.
Evan H. Hopkins cited a work called "Practical Mistakes" in one of his books. In "Practical Mistakes", the writer says this: "I saw that hitherto, if not in theory at least in practice, I had had one way of obtaining forgiveness of sins and another for overcoming indwelling sin and seeking to please God. The former was sought by believing, the latter by painful effort. Between the two ways there was all the difference of faith and works. But I was now convinced, by repreated failures made after solemn resolutions backed up by determined effort, that I had no more power to restrain my thoughts from evil than when destitute of the grace of God...The reason of defeat now appeared to be, not the want of effort, but the want of faith. The frequent experience of failure made failure a frequent expectation and experience. Hence, in addition to the mistake in thinking that greater holiness could, in some way, be obtained by striving, I had sometimes fallen into the error of imagining that this life of conflict and conscious failure must continue until the end. Instead of aiming at sinning not, I endeavored merely to sin as little as possible..."
I think this man's dilemma is more the rule than the rarity for most people. Saved by grace through faith, but trying to sanctify ourselves. Our flesh wants our own righteousness to be the champion. But we are only the trophies of His grace - we are the proof of His victory.
I've been accused of being quite intense in my pursuit of God. There is much evidence to convict me on that point. My most intense times have also born the most fruit. It's part of who I am to be an intense seeker; but I find that as of late, I have been an intense striver. God puts his finger on something; I strive to fix it. I look back on a trail of stones erected in memory of my own self effort. My own "EDeniser" stones: Thus far Denise has helped me. The result has not been the conquering of sin, but rather exhaustion and frustration. I have a latin phrase that moves across my computer screen when it is resting. It is: nisi dominus frustra. "Without God, frustration."
The key to the problem is simply in apprehending the grace of God. Sin is no longer master over me because I am not striving to make myself righteous, but I am under grace (and already declared righteous). [See Romans 6:14] Grace is no longer grace when I work to make myself right before God. [See Romans 11:6] When I seek to make myself righteous, I fail to appropriate God's grace and I "sever" myself from Him becoming ineffective, idle. [see Galatians 5:4]
Galatians 2:20-21 says this: I have been crucified (I have died) with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh (in this body) I live by faith (not by works or striving) in the Son of God, who loved (loves) me and gave Himself up for me. I do not nullify (abolish or displace) the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law (or if I try to be righteous on my own in my own way), then Christ died needlessly.
Every time I set up my "EDeniser" stone and sing "I Did It My Way", I am nullifying the grace of God, severing myself from Him, refusing His grace for my need. Sounds harsh? How does one live to the praise of the glory of His grace when she doesn't rely on His grace? His grace is the fullness of Christ in us, our hope of glory. 1 Corinthians 15:10 keeps playing in my head as a prayer. "By Your grace, Lord, I am what I am. Your grace upon me, Christ in me, did not prove to be fruitless; but I labored even more than all of them - not me though, but Your grace, You, in me." Intensity? Yep. But the intensity of desperation. The intensity that forces me to cry out for help from the only One who gives grace to help in our time of need. I've got to learn to focus my intensity on kicking over the EDeniser stones and embracing my own ineptness, believing with a whole heart that I cannot deliver myself from my own sin... ever.
It's only then that I cry out for the grace of God and His power and victory come... to the praise of the glory of His grace.
Oswald Chambers said, "We must get sick unto death of ourselves, until there is no longer any surprise at anything God can tell us about ourselves. There is only one place where we are right, and that is in Christ." [My Utmost for His Highest, June 21]
Today I choose by faith to set aside my own self efforts to lay hold of the grace of Christ; to set up a stone today that says, "Ebenezer: thus far the Lord has helped me." And maybe this evening another one... thus far the Lord has helped me. And maybe tomorrow another one... thus far the Lord has helped me. "For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace." Good-bye EDeniser. Hello Ebenezer for thus far, the LORD has helped me.
Copyright 2008 Sharon Denise Dorminy
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
The C&O Encounter
I got up this morning with every intention of an orderly, disciplined day. I had a few errands to run. But there was this unction in my heart, as if the Lord was saying, "Come walk with Me." I took Him literally and drove to the canal to walk.
Without going into details, God and I were chatting about some current struggles I've been having. I had walked quite a distance... my breathing was faster and my feet were moving slower. I could hear faint talking behind me and knew there were some men coming up from behind. When they got close, they greeted me.
And then a God moment began. I had just been listening to a cd in my car by John Ortberg entitled Scripture, The Church, & Women. He talked about the tenderness of Jesus toward women and how He values them. These men introduced themselves as pastors at a local church and asked if they could pray for me. They couldn't have known, and in that short time I couldn't have told them everything, but I was having an Emmaus moment. I simply told them I was tired and, in not so many words, that my focus lately has been on serving rather than worshiping. God was saying "come to Me, child" over and over this morning.
These past few weeks, as my ear has been more acutely tuned to God, I realize my exhaustion has come from my striving to hang on to what God has said to let go of. In an effort to let go, I've been frantically searching for other ways to fill the loss. That's exhausting too. God doesn't make it this hard... I have felt shelved - somehow unimportant. I've kept a hold of a few things in order to not feel discarded. Shall I just shout: RED FLAG...RED FLAG...RED FLAG!!!! Jeepers.
So back to the story at hand... I was asking some really tough questions of my heart this morning. I was confessing my insecurities to God and repenting of my pride. And then I said these words: "Lord, the cry of my heart, as selfish as it is, is to matter to You and to others. There's pride in there and yet there is a genuine desire to serve You whole heartedly. Help me to know that I matter to You and let that be enough so I can rest." And then two pastors show up beside me and ask if they can pray for me.
They couldn't know, but Father was saying to me... "Denise, you matter to me. I sent two Pastors to pray over you this morning. Two men to be the Jesus who values women; two men who know what it's like to be tired and to be refreshed; two men that know what it means to "be" as much as to "do". For awhile I thought what God was saying was, "You have to let go of the old, to embrace the new that I have set before you." And that is true to a degree. But after these men met with me this morning, I realized what He's been saying to me is really this: "You have to let go of the old. And you can't take hold of the new until you first take hold of Me. Come to Me." The hope of my calling is Him and is in Him. These faithful men affirmed a wayward heart this morning.
I gave them my web address. I hope they visit if only to see they mattered to me and we matter to Him.
Copyright 2008 Sharon Denise Dorminy
Without going into details, God and I were chatting about some current struggles I've been having. I had walked quite a distance... my breathing was faster and my feet were moving slower. I could hear faint talking behind me and knew there were some men coming up from behind. When they got close, they greeted me.
And then a God moment began. I had just been listening to a cd in my car by John Ortberg entitled Scripture, The Church, & Women. He talked about the tenderness of Jesus toward women and how He values them. These men introduced themselves as pastors at a local church and asked if they could pray for me. They couldn't have known, and in that short time I couldn't have told them everything, but I was having an Emmaus moment. I simply told them I was tired and, in not so many words, that my focus lately has been on serving rather than worshiping. God was saying "come to Me, child" over and over this morning.
These past few weeks, as my ear has been more acutely tuned to God, I realize my exhaustion has come from my striving to hang on to what God has said to let go of. In an effort to let go, I've been frantically searching for other ways to fill the loss. That's exhausting too. God doesn't make it this hard... I have felt shelved - somehow unimportant. I've kept a hold of a few things in order to not feel discarded. Shall I just shout: RED FLAG...RED FLAG...RED FLAG!!!! Jeepers.
So back to the story at hand... I was asking some really tough questions of my heart this morning. I was confessing my insecurities to God and repenting of my pride. And then I said these words: "Lord, the cry of my heart, as selfish as it is, is to matter to You and to others. There's pride in there and yet there is a genuine desire to serve You whole heartedly. Help me to know that I matter to You and let that be enough so I can rest." And then two pastors show up beside me and ask if they can pray for me.
They couldn't know, but Father was saying to me... "Denise, you matter to me. I sent two Pastors to pray over you this morning. Two men to be the Jesus who values women; two men who know what it's like to be tired and to be refreshed; two men that know what it means to "be" as much as to "do". For awhile I thought what God was saying was, "You have to let go of the old, to embrace the new that I have set before you." And that is true to a degree. But after these men met with me this morning, I realized what He's been saying to me is really this: "You have to let go of the old. And you can't take hold of the new until you first take hold of Me. Come to Me." The hope of my calling is Him and is in Him. These faithful men affirmed a wayward heart this morning.
I gave them my web address. I hope they visit if only to see they mattered to me and we matter to Him.
Copyright 2008 Sharon Denise Dorminy
Friday, May 9, 2008
What Do You Seek?
Recently my eyes fell upon this question in John 1. Jesus turned and saw Andrew and another disciple following him. He asked them, "What do you seek?" Their answer reminds me of a couple of kids trying to be cool. "Rabbi, where are you staying?" I can almost see Jesus grin as He says, "Come, and you will see."
I don't really know that there was anything more intended in His answer to them. But when I read this passage, I hear something different than just the plain words.
Maybe "where are you staying?" is simply code for "We just want to know You - could we spend the day with You?" I don't think Jesus uses some code, but I know He hears our hearts over our mouths. Wonder if He heard what I heard today... "we just want to know you." And I wonder if He thought to Himself, "I've chosen you so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am God." Oh, I know... pure speculation. Just makes me smile to think about it.
But let's take the speculation a little further. Hear Jesus audible response to them. "Come, and you will see." Wonder if His internal voice was saying, "Oh, yeah, you'll see - the blind will certainly see." Seekers eventually see.
What do you seek? Seek first His kingdom... seek first His righteousness...seek Me and you will find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. He is the prize of the seeker.
What a day that must have been for Andrew! He left there and went to find Peter and told him "We have found the Christ!" Seekers find. Or really... maybe seekers are found.
WHO do you seek?
Copyright 2008 Sharon Denise Dorminy
I don't really know that there was anything more intended in His answer to them. But when I read this passage, I hear something different than just the plain words.
Maybe "where are you staying?" is simply code for "We just want to know You - could we spend the day with You?" I don't think Jesus uses some code, but I know He hears our hearts over our mouths. Wonder if He heard what I heard today... "we just want to know you." And I wonder if He thought to Himself, "I've chosen you so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am God." Oh, I know... pure speculation. Just makes me smile to think about it.
But let's take the speculation a little further. Hear Jesus audible response to them. "Come, and you will see." Wonder if His internal voice was saying, "Oh, yeah, you'll see - the blind will certainly see." Seekers eventually see.
What do you seek? Seek first His kingdom... seek first His righteousness...seek Me and you will find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. He is the prize of the seeker.
What a day that must have been for Andrew! He left there and went to find Peter and told him "We have found the Christ!" Seekers find. Or really... maybe seekers are found.
WHO do you seek?
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Daffodils and Cold Feet
My feet are freezing! It's supposed to be "spring" and my feet haven't caught up. From where I sit, I can see the first buds of the tulip tree in my backyard. (I love that tree - it told me today that it misses it's hammock - *hint to that man of mine...) The sun is out, the daffodils are thrilled (the ones in the backyard), and it's really lovely... and quite deceptive. Like I said, my feet are freezing!
All the signs point to spring. Outward indications of something yet to come. My soul is like that sometimes. All the indications on the outside crying out "new", but inside cold and hard. I hate that, don't you? I strive to let the inside be what's on the outside - hypocrisy is cancerous. But when we're cold on the inside, we like others to think that "spring" has come because it's supposed to be here.
All the scriptures that leap off the page of late seem to have gardening terms in them. Cracks me up because I kill everything green I'm responsible for. I killed a cactus because I didn't water it - ever. That's just one of many confessions of "planticide" I could make. Getting back to the point... I recently did a workshop at a local ladies retreat. I had to laugh. Their theme was "How Does Your Garden Grow?" After my teaching time, I was fortunate to attend someone elses workshop - a friend of mine had brought some plants from the plant farm she manages. I was dumbfounded at the info she carries between her ears. Reminded me of a doctor - "You have viral rhinitis." What the heck is that? "A cold." I was told that my "narcissus" in the front yard are stretching and that is why near the end of the day they are falling forward like they're top heavy. Daffodils. (I promise I'm getting to a point... hang in there with me.)
There are a few different versions of the fable of "Narcissus". One of them is about a man who loved himself so much and thought himself so beautiful that he sat at a pool of water, staring at his reflection, until he faded away and became a flower - a daffodil. Narcissistic Narcissus. (For fun say that one 5x's fast!) Another fable says he stared so long at his reflection that he was drawn forward and drowned. My friend Tammy says that daffodils need full sunlight. If they don't get it, they will stretch for it. That's why my narcissus is falling face down.
And finally the point. Cold feet - cold heart. What is the problem? Why does the ground of our heart get so cold and hard? There are any number of reasons, but I just want to bring up one. Maybe we've been staring at our own reflection too long. Maybe we get so "me" focused that we fall into the pool of our own self-worship and drown. Maybe we just fade away and the ground we were meant to thrive in becomes a frozen wasteland.
I submit that daffodils should always be called daffodils. They had a name change for a reason. They've learned not to dwell on self. Rather when they get cold, they stretch toward the sun for warmth and nourishment. What's the remedy for a heart that longs for spring, but seems to cling to winter? Stretch, child! Stretch! Turn your face toward the Son and stretch until the light of His face warms you. We may have to stretch until we fall face down, but when morning comes, the full light of the Son will cause us to stand.
And like the daffodils in the backyard that seem to "thrill", even in the coldsnaps, we'll have pliable, warm soil to grow in. What's inside will be seen on the outside. Spring without the cold feet.
Copyright 2008 Sharon Denise Dorminy
All the signs point to spring. Outward indications of something yet to come. My soul is like that sometimes. All the indications on the outside crying out "new", but inside cold and hard. I hate that, don't you? I strive to let the inside be what's on the outside - hypocrisy is cancerous. But when we're cold on the inside, we like others to think that "spring" has come because it's supposed to be here.
All the scriptures that leap off the page of late seem to have gardening terms in them. Cracks me up because I kill everything green I'm responsible for. I killed a cactus because I didn't water it - ever. That's just one of many confessions of "planticide" I could make. Getting back to the point... I recently did a workshop at a local ladies retreat. I had to laugh. Their theme was "How Does Your Garden Grow?" After my teaching time, I was fortunate to attend someone elses workshop - a friend of mine had brought some plants from the plant farm she manages. I was dumbfounded at the info she carries between her ears. Reminded me of a doctor - "You have viral rhinitis." What the heck is that? "A cold." I was told that my "narcissus" in the front yard are stretching and that is why near the end of the day they are falling forward like they're top heavy. Daffodils. (I promise I'm getting to a point... hang in there with me.)
There are a few different versions of the fable of "Narcissus". One of them is about a man who loved himself so much and thought himself so beautiful that he sat at a pool of water, staring at his reflection, until he faded away and became a flower - a daffodil. Narcissistic Narcissus. (For fun say that one 5x's fast!) Another fable says he stared so long at his reflection that he was drawn forward and drowned. My friend Tammy says that daffodils need full sunlight. If they don't get it, they will stretch for it. That's why my narcissus is falling face down.
And finally the point. Cold feet - cold heart. What is the problem? Why does the ground of our heart get so cold and hard? There are any number of reasons, but I just want to bring up one. Maybe we've been staring at our own reflection too long. Maybe we get so "me" focused that we fall into the pool of our own self-worship and drown. Maybe we just fade away and the ground we were meant to thrive in becomes a frozen wasteland.
I submit that daffodils should always be called daffodils. They had a name change for a reason. They've learned not to dwell on self. Rather when they get cold, they stretch toward the sun for warmth and nourishment. What's the remedy for a heart that longs for spring, but seems to cling to winter? Stretch, child! Stretch! Turn your face toward the Son and stretch until the light of His face warms you. We may have to stretch until we fall face down, but when morning comes, the full light of the Son will cause us to stand.
And like the daffodils in the backyard that seem to "thrill", even in the coldsnaps, we'll have pliable, warm soil to grow in. What's inside will be seen on the outside. Spring without the cold feet.
Copyright 2008 Sharon Denise Dorminy
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Inquiring Minds
We have a feast every Sunday at our house at 4:00 pm. Lots of meat... lots of fruit... Everyone arrives hungry and everyone leaves full. And everyone comes back the next Sunday with a longing for a repeat.
Sundays at 4:00 is our small group. It was started by an inquisition. Jonathon had reached the ethereal realm between sunday school pabulum and seminary steak. He had a host of questions and couldn't find a balanced meal to satisfy. Apparently he wasn't the only one.
I don't know what made me or even Jonathon think that I was up to the task. Their questions are beyond me. The answers further still. I sensed an urgency in him and the others that tugged so severely at me that, without obeying my screaming inadequacies, I agreed to lead. We've covered some of the huge foundation blocks of faith: origin of sin, slavery of sin, sovereignty of God, election, justification and imputation, Spiritual gifts, etc. And then one of the young men in our group proposed a topic: prayer. When asked "why prayer?", he responded with a question: "If God knows what we need and has a plan for us, won't He work out His plan without us asking? Why ask?" It's not a new question, but an ever perplexing one. I agreed it was a wonderful topic... and then discussions began. No one realized how much the topic of prayer can be so wrapped up in the sovereignty of God and the free will of man.
I bring this up because these "kids" have reminded me of something crucial. We really need to know not only what we believe, but why we believe it. We need to have a smart faith, not a blind one. As I've prepared to lead them, my goal has been not so much to preach, but to guide. In doing that, I've examined and reexamined my own belief system. I found a few blocks that were a tad askew. Sometimes we believe what we are taught without using the plumbline of Scripture. Sometimes we believe a doctrine because it's the more comfortable one. Some of the truths in God's word unsettle us and we choose to simplify God rather than magnify His mystery.
I'm not afraid to say "I don't know" or "I'm not sure". Sometimes my sons view that as a "copout", but it's not a copout when your "I don't know" is based upon an already ardent search for truth. I can stand in what may look like a "gray" area to some, but to me it is black and white: This is holy ground, a mystery, and I can trust Him anyway. Maybe that's where I stand in prayer. My prayers tug at the heart of God. God is sovereign and has a plan. God demands that I have faith, that I believe Him. God still knows what I need before I ask. God says sometimes I have not because I ask not. God says sometimes I ask with wrong motives. God says that we receive all that we ask in His name. It's all true all at once. That's not gray. It's truth. And it's mysteriously wonderful. "I don't know" and yet, "I know."
I continue to seek God about the things I don't understand. I am by design a student of the word - God wired me that way. I love the taste of fresh bread and cool gulps of living water. And occasionally I get a "brain freeze." But as we're feasting Sunday nights, I pray that God will satisfy their soul with His word and never satisfy their godly curiosity. I pray they will know what they believe and stand ready to proclaim both by the word and in their experience, why they believe what they believe. And more than all of that, they'll proclaim with boldness WHO they believe and why they believe Him.
Copyright 2008 Sharon Denise Dorminy
Sundays at 4:00 is our small group. It was started by an inquisition. Jonathon had reached the ethereal realm between sunday school pabulum and seminary steak. He had a host of questions and couldn't find a balanced meal to satisfy. Apparently he wasn't the only one.
I don't know what made me or even Jonathon think that I was up to the task. Their questions are beyond me. The answers further still. I sensed an urgency in him and the others that tugged so severely at me that, without obeying my screaming inadequacies, I agreed to lead. We've covered some of the huge foundation blocks of faith: origin of sin, slavery of sin, sovereignty of God, election, justification and imputation, Spiritual gifts, etc. And then one of the young men in our group proposed a topic: prayer. When asked "why prayer?", he responded with a question: "If God knows what we need and has a plan for us, won't He work out His plan without us asking? Why ask?" It's not a new question, but an ever perplexing one. I agreed it was a wonderful topic... and then discussions began. No one realized how much the topic of prayer can be so wrapped up in the sovereignty of God and the free will of man.
I bring this up because these "kids" have reminded me of something crucial. We really need to know not only what we believe, but why we believe it. We need to have a smart faith, not a blind one. As I've prepared to lead them, my goal has been not so much to preach, but to guide. In doing that, I've examined and reexamined my own belief system. I found a few blocks that were a tad askew. Sometimes we believe what we are taught without using the plumbline of Scripture. Sometimes we believe a doctrine because it's the more comfortable one. Some of the truths in God's word unsettle us and we choose to simplify God rather than magnify His mystery.
I'm not afraid to say "I don't know" or "I'm not sure". Sometimes my sons view that as a "copout", but it's not a copout when your "I don't know" is based upon an already ardent search for truth. I can stand in what may look like a "gray" area to some, but to me it is black and white: This is holy ground, a mystery, and I can trust Him anyway. Maybe that's where I stand in prayer. My prayers tug at the heart of God. God is sovereign and has a plan. God demands that I have faith, that I believe Him. God still knows what I need before I ask. God says sometimes I have not because I ask not. God says sometimes I ask with wrong motives. God says that we receive all that we ask in His name. It's all true all at once. That's not gray. It's truth. And it's mysteriously wonderful. "I don't know" and yet, "I know."
I continue to seek God about the things I don't understand. I am by design a student of the word - God wired me that way. I love the taste of fresh bread and cool gulps of living water. And occasionally I get a "brain freeze." But as we're feasting Sunday nights, I pray that God will satisfy their soul with His word and never satisfy their godly curiosity. I pray they will know what they believe and stand ready to proclaim both by the word and in their experience, why they believe what they believe. And more than all of that, they'll proclaim with boldness WHO they believe and why they believe Him.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Blinded by Love
I've been walking with Jesus through the gospels for a few days. As we were leaving Jericho, we were followed by a large crowd and there were a couple of blind guys screaming "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" Can't you just hear the crowd "shooshing" them? Everyone wants a "piece" of Jesus and the blind duo were cramping their style. Surely Jesus wouldn't want to waste His time. But stand with me next to Him and hear what He yells back: "What do you want Me to do for you?" I can see Him moving through the crowd as He calls to them, coming closer and closer to them. Maybe they can't see Him standing in front of them - makes me grin to think they may have continued to yell... "Lord, we want our eyes to be opened." [Did the Son of God fall back a bit and laugh?]Can you see Jesus' face? All they want is to see. Scripture says "moved with compassion, Jesus touched..." His own compassion moves His hand. Bet that crowd got a little quiet. At the sight of His face, bet those boys started smilin', yellin', and leapin' and then followin'.
"What do you want Me to do for you?" Can you hear it? That sweet voice of your God asking of you such a sweet question. My answer: More of You. I just want to know Him and love Him more. I think I may have yelled that need to Him on several occasions when I was frustrated with my walk and felt like I might be failing Him. Blind to what is ultimately the truth: Jesus would never withhold Himself or His love from me. Of course He wants me to know Him more, to love Him more. Moved with compassion even in those intense moments with Him, His hand reaches out to unblind the eyes of my heart. I can know Him more now. I can love Him more now. I need only open my unblinded eyes and see His face and follow.
Copyright 2008 Sharon Denise Dorminy
"What do you want Me to do for you?" Can you hear it? That sweet voice of your God asking of you such a sweet question. My answer: More of You. I just want to know Him and love Him more. I think I may have yelled that need to Him on several occasions when I was frustrated with my walk and felt like I might be failing Him. Blind to what is ultimately the truth: Jesus would never withhold Himself or His love from me. Of course He wants me to know Him more, to love Him more. Moved with compassion even in those intense moments with Him, His hand reaches out to unblind the eyes of my heart. I can know Him more now. I can love Him more now. I need only open my unblinded eyes and see His face and follow.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
My Dads...
I would wager my dad is the only one on his block with a carpeted garage. Genius has its idiosyncrasies. Filled with woodworking tools and saws, lumber and "kindling", the sweet aroma of sawdust hangs in the air often accompanied by a visiting sneeze. My dad is a master craftsman, a man of excellence in his field: carpentry. I've witnessed his planning method. Coffee cup in hand, he stares in the direction of the work, the "nothing into something" mind machinations in gear, seeing every step before it is begun. With purpose in mind, he meticulously plans every facet of his creation determining time, material, and cost.
Masterpieces aren't produced by happenstance. Inventions may begin by a "banana peel" moment, but masterpieces are premeditated. As awed as I am by my dad's craftsmanship, I am more awed by Almighty Father, the Master Craftsman. Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." The greek word for 'workmanship' is poiema, meaning "that which is made." Take a glance at the word and we see the word 'poem'. A 'poietes' is a worker, performer, doer or poet. God is the poet; we are the poems. God is the worker; we are His workmanship. God is the Master Craftsman, and we are His masterpieces. Consider with me the awesome implications of such a truth!
First, God has a divine design and purpose for each one of us. I love the words penned by Paul: "But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles..." (Galatians 1:15-16a). I was 26 years old when I began to follow Jesus Christ. Many times in the last 18 years, I've had a case of the "if onlys". If only I hadn't... if only I could go back... if only He would have saved me sooner. God has since convinced me that He was "pleased to reveal His Son in me" on November 8, 1988. From before the foundation of the world, God has ordained the spiritual birthday of each of His children. He was not too late in calling us and it is not too late for Him to accomplish His purpose in us. For those of us that are repeatedly stunned that God would choose us at all, Scripture assures that we are no less chosen than Paul. "For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight." (Ephesians 1:4) Handpicked by God to be His children, each of us is a peculiar design for a unique plan for just this hour.
God has also chosen the material for each one of His masterpieces. My dad doesn't begin a job until he has all of the materials that he needs. He inspects each piece of lumber for defects. Is this piece bowed, cupped, twisted, crooked? No, this one is straight. Is there any rot? Is it too green? Are there any knots or cracks? No, this one is perfect. And so it goes. But God has an unusual criterion for the raw materials of His workmanship. Are you defective? Are your ways bowed and twisted and crooked? Yes. Do you have the decay of sin within? Yes. Do you have some stubborn knots and broken places in your heart? Yes. Are you green - new, but willing to bend? Yes. You are perfect material! "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5) God is the Master of taking the old yuck and creating something entirely new. He does not select us because of our goodness. He does not choose us because He needs us. He chooses us because He wants us. Who can comprehend such love?
God has counted the cost of His masterpieces. He paid the highest price for what would seem to us to be the worst material! "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6) Because of His great love for us, we are told "in Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and underststanding." (Ephesians 1:7-8) God, seeing the depth of our sin and impotence, weighed the cost of our redemption. Thankfully God has a more merciful scale than many of us. Had the price been one of my sons weighed against the sins of mankind, I wouldn't have been so benevolent. God didn't wear holy blinders either. He knew He would get what He paid for. God paid an unfathomable price to purchase you and me - bought from the "as is" shelf at a cost beyond our worth. In those times we believe we have no worth, God would beg to differ.
God chooses just the right tools to produce His workmanship. Shoe heels are not made to hammer nails. (Yes, I know this from experience.) Using the wrong tool for a job can have unpleasant results. More energy is exerted, time and materials are wasted and we can end up with an impaled broken shoe. God's tools are efficient, effective, and eternal. He uses the most effective circumstance or person at the most efficient time to achieve His eternal result. Granted, it doesn't always seem that way from our temporal perspective. Our tendency is to major on the "whys". Why did this happen to me? Why now? Why this way? Why not my way? We attempt to take away the hammer from God in hopes that we can show Him a better method of building. Be assured, not one blow of His hammer is wasted. From the normal frustrations of our day-to-day to the immense tragedies that we face, God is intimately involved in our transformation. We won't spend one moment longer under the sander than needed, but He loves us too much to leave us chained to our own ways. We can know that everything in our lives, both good and bad, is purposeful in His hands.
Every masterpiece God creates has a purpose. Look again at Ephesians 2:10. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." My father built a cradle for my first child. All three of my children had their first dreams in it. My dad is never more pleased with his work than when he sees it being used. It served its purpose and has a special place in our home. (Grace, our family dog, now climbs in it for her evening nap!) With every touch of the Master's hand, with every surrendered heart in His loving hold, we are formed into a vessel for His use. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." (2 Timothy 2:21) Father is pleased when we walk in the works He purposed for us. To be all that He created us to be is the ultimate compliment to our Master. As we yield ourselves to Him, operating in the gifts that He has perfectly placed within us, serving others in the love He has placed in our hearts, Father can say, "This is My beloved in whom I am well-pleased." He delights in our willingness to be useful to Him, yielded and obedient masterpieces of honor.
And finally, God always finishes what He starts. "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6) With a certainty, God will see to it that the purpose He has marked out for each of us is completed. He is not a divine antique dealer. He doesn't sentence His masterpieces to a dusty shelf. They are precious, valuable, irreplaceable possessions that never outlive their use. To be a completed work doesn't mean we're "done"; it means that we are fulfilling the purpose for which we were designed. Like my skillfully crafted cradle, completion means leaving a legacy of loving service. We are proof of His divine handiwork. My heart leaps to see the joy in my dad's face (although somewhat understated - try to imagine a John Wayne kind of joy and you get the picture) when the job is finished. With simple satisfaction and just the hint of a boast, he points and says "I did that." At the return of the seventy that Jesus sent out to minister, Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, spoke these words: "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was Your good pleasure." The word 'joy' does not give the moment justice. It is a word that expresses inward triumph and exceeding exaltation and rejoicing, probably with an outward expression. Jesus was excited that they "got it"! They triumphed in the will of God, and more than that, they were changed by it. Let this be an "aha!" moment. The Master takes great joy in our victorious service to Him.
When we are the masterpiece He created us to be, we bring Him glory. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere a fragrance of the knowledge of Him." (2 Corinthians 2:14) We are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus. We are His trophies and all accolades belong to Him. It isn't the trophy that takes a bow, but the one who holds it. God wants us to know the hope of our calling and to be who He created us to be. He will see that the job gets done. He lovingly chose us, chastens us, and changes us. Can you smell the holy sawdust? It is the sweet fragrance of God at work on His masterpieces, each unique and of immeasurable value. I can almost see Jesus. His eyes are steadied on His workmanship, you and me. Elbowing the angel next to Him, He says, "do you see that workmanship?" And then our Master Craftsman grins and says with a laugh, "I did that!"
Copyright 2008 Sharon Denise Dorminy
Masterpieces aren't produced by happenstance. Inventions may begin by a "banana peel" moment, but masterpieces are premeditated. As awed as I am by my dad's craftsmanship, I am more awed by Almighty Father, the Master Craftsman. Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." The greek word for 'workmanship' is poiema, meaning "that which is made." Take a glance at the word and we see the word 'poem'. A 'poietes' is a worker, performer, doer or poet. God is the poet; we are the poems. God is the worker; we are His workmanship. God is the Master Craftsman, and we are His masterpieces. Consider with me the awesome implications of such a truth!
First, God has a divine design and purpose for each one of us. I love the words penned by Paul: "But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles..." (Galatians 1:15-16a). I was 26 years old when I began to follow Jesus Christ. Many times in the last 18 years, I've had a case of the "if onlys". If only I hadn't... if only I could go back... if only He would have saved me sooner. God has since convinced me that He was "pleased to reveal His Son in me" on November 8, 1988. From before the foundation of the world, God has ordained the spiritual birthday of each of His children. He was not too late in calling us and it is not too late for Him to accomplish His purpose in us. For those of us that are repeatedly stunned that God would choose us at all, Scripture assures that we are no less chosen than Paul. "For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight." (Ephesians 1:4) Handpicked by God to be His children, each of us is a peculiar design for a unique plan for just this hour.
God has also chosen the material for each one of His masterpieces. My dad doesn't begin a job until he has all of the materials that he needs. He inspects each piece of lumber for defects. Is this piece bowed, cupped, twisted, crooked? No, this one is straight. Is there any rot? Is it too green? Are there any knots or cracks? No, this one is perfect. And so it goes. But God has an unusual criterion for the raw materials of His workmanship. Are you defective? Are your ways bowed and twisted and crooked? Yes. Do you have the decay of sin within? Yes. Do you have some stubborn knots and broken places in your heart? Yes. Are you green - new, but willing to bend? Yes. You are perfect material! "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5) God is the Master of taking the old yuck and creating something entirely new. He does not select us because of our goodness. He does not choose us because He needs us. He chooses us because He wants us. Who can comprehend such love?
God has counted the cost of His masterpieces. He paid the highest price for what would seem to us to be the worst material! "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6) Because of His great love for us, we are told "in Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and underststanding." (Ephesians 1:7-8) God, seeing the depth of our sin and impotence, weighed the cost of our redemption. Thankfully God has a more merciful scale than many of us. Had the price been one of my sons weighed against the sins of mankind, I wouldn't have been so benevolent. God didn't wear holy blinders either. He knew He would get what He paid for. God paid an unfathomable price to purchase you and me - bought from the "as is" shelf at a cost beyond our worth. In those times we believe we have no worth, God would beg to differ.
God chooses just the right tools to produce His workmanship. Shoe heels are not made to hammer nails. (Yes, I know this from experience.) Using the wrong tool for a job can have unpleasant results. More energy is exerted, time and materials are wasted and we can end up with an impaled broken shoe. God's tools are efficient, effective, and eternal. He uses the most effective circumstance or person at the most efficient time to achieve His eternal result. Granted, it doesn't always seem that way from our temporal perspective. Our tendency is to major on the "whys". Why did this happen to me? Why now? Why this way? Why not my way? We attempt to take away the hammer from God in hopes that we can show Him a better method of building. Be assured, not one blow of His hammer is wasted. From the normal frustrations of our day-to-day to the immense tragedies that we face, God is intimately involved in our transformation. We won't spend one moment longer under the sander than needed, but He loves us too much to leave us chained to our own ways. We can know that everything in our lives, both good and bad, is purposeful in His hands.
Every masterpiece God creates has a purpose. Look again at Ephesians 2:10. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." My father built a cradle for my first child. All three of my children had their first dreams in it. My dad is never more pleased with his work than when he sees it being used. It served its purpose and has a special place in our home. (Grace, our family dog, now climbs in it for her evening nap!) With every touch of the Master's hand, with every surrendered heart in His loving hold, we are formed into a vessel for His use. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." (2 Timothy 2:21) Father is pleased when we walk in the works He purposed for us. To be all that He created us to be is the ultimate compliment to our Master. As we yield ourselves to Him, operating in the gifts that He has perfectly placed within us, serving others in the love He has placed in our hearts, Father can say, "This is My beloved in whom I am well-pleased." He delights in our willingness to be useful to Him, yielded and obedient masterpieces of honor.
And finally, God always finishes what He starts. "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6) With a certainty, God will see to it that the purpose He has marked out for each of us is completed. He is not a divine antique dealer. He doesn't sentence His masterpieces to a dusty shelf. They are precious, valuable, irreplaceable possessions that never outlive their use. To be a completed work doesn't mean we're "done"; it means that we are fulfilling the purpose for which we were designed. Like my skillfully crafted cradle, completion means leaving a legacy of loving service. We are proof of His divine handiwork. My heart leaps to see the joy in my dad's face (although somewhat understated - try to imagine a John Wayne kind of joy and you get the picture) when the job is finished. With simple satisfaction and just the hint of a boast, he points and says "I did that." At the return of the seventy that Jesus sent out to minister, Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, spoke these words: "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was Your good pleasure." The word 'joy' does not give the moment justice. It is a word that expresses inward triumph and exceeding exaltation and rejoicing, probably with an outward expression. Jesus was excited that they "got it"! They triumphed in the will of God, and more than that, they were changed by it. Let this be an "aha!" moment. The Master takes great joy in our victorious service to Him.
When we are the masterpiece He created us to be, we bring Him glory. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere a fragrance of the knowledge of Him." (2 Corinthians 2:14) We are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus. We are His trophies and all accolades belong to Him. It isn't the trophy that takes a bow, but the one who holds it. God wants us to know the hope of our calling and to be who He created us to be. He will see that the job gets done. He lovingly chose us, chastens us, and changes us. Can you smell the holy sawdust? It is the sweet fragrance of God at work on His masterpieces, each unique and of immeasurable value. I can almost see Jesus. His eyes are steadied on His workmanship, you and me. Elbowing the angel next to Him, He says, "do you see that workmanship?" And then our Master Craftsman grins and says with a laugh, "I did that!"
Friday, December 14, 2007
I'm In Traction
Recently I've felt an urgency to rid my life of as many distractions as possible. Seems to be from the Lord. As I've prayed about it, the word "distraction" is taking on a much wider meaning than I would have given it.
Did you know that "dis" in the Latin means "apart, asunder, separated"? For instance if you "dis-associate" from someone, you separate yourself from them. "Traction" is an interesting word. Medically, it is "a deliberate, prolonged pulling of a muscle by weights to correct dislocation or to relieve pressure."
Distractions put me under pressure. How 'bout you? I get pulled in so many different directions that I sometimes just shut down. I get overwhelmed and want to do nothing.
At first I write a list of all the things that are keeping me from focusing on the priority. Then I systematically start completing each thing on the list. The problem: the priority is still untouched - therefore it's not the priority! The distractions become the priority. Silly, huh?
If God is saying to remove the distractions, then maybe He means "focus on traction". What is dislocated? What is under pressure? What needs the "weight" in order to correct the problem? I've been focusing so much on the "distractions" that I missed the area that most needs my attention, the broken part that needs a little stretching; the part that is dislocated, not completely connected to the Source.
In fact, maybe I need some "attraction". "At" = toward, before. Something that draws toward traction. Medical traction can be a little painful. Sometimes it hurts to get whole. I personally seldom run toward anything that is difficult [smile]. But Jesus said that "for the joy set before Him" He endured the cross. Impending joy - the hope of joy. "Let the broken bones rejoice!"
The joy of the Lord is attractive. It just might be enough to help me ignore the distractions (the things that separate me from the health treatment of God) and focus fully on allowing God's weight to bear on my spiritually dislocated limbs; to rest in the medical "traction" of God.
Copyright 2007 Sharon Denise Dorminy
Did you know that "dis" in the Latin means "apart, asunder, separated"? For instance if you "dis-associate" from someone, you separate yourself from them. "Traction" is an interesting word. Medically, it is "a deliberate, prolonged pulling of a muscle by weights to correct dislocation or to relieve pressure."
Distractions put me under pressure. How 'bout you? I get pulled in so many different directions that I sometimes just shut down. I get overwhelmed and want to do nothing.
At first I write a list of all the things that are keeping me from focusing on the priority. Then I systematically start completing each thing on the list. The problem: the priority is still untouched - therefore it's not the priority! The distractions become the priority. Silly, huh?
If God is saying to remove the distractions, then maybe He means "focus on traction". What is dislocated? What is under pressure? What needs the "weight" in order to correct the problem? I've been focusing so much on the "distractions" that I missed the area that most needs my attention, the broken part that needs a little stretching; the part that is dislocated, not completely connected to the Source.
In fact, maybe I need some "attraction". "At" = toward, before. Something that draws toward traction. Medical traction can be a little painful. Sometimes it hurts to get whole. I personally seldom run toward anything that is difficult [smile]. But Jesus said that "for the joy set before Him" He endured the cross. Impending joy - the hope of joy. "Let the broken bones rejoice!"
The joy of the Lord is attractive. It just might be enough to help me ignore the distractions (the things that separate me from the health treatment of God) and focus fully on allowing God's weight to bear on my spiritually dislocated limbs; to rest in the medical "traction" of God.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Romans 12:3 for Me
Ever have one of those times when someone decided to get honest with you and didn't give you fair warning? Man I hate that! Not that anyone should have to preface "truth" with "missile launch activated" or "prepare to duck", but I'm a consummate criticism dodger. It's not that I don't think that I need criticism... it's that I'm certain that I do! And it's probably gonna hurt. And I hate pain.
Oh, don't give me that "no pain, no gain" stuff. You hate it too! I'm not saying it's not necessary - I'm just saying I don't exactly enjoy it.
There are times though when someone, and let's grant them a pure motive, decides to reprove you and you walk away screaming to God, "What was THAT!?" Ever looked at a sister or brother in the Lord, made an assumption based on what you saw, only to find out how wrong you actually were? Ever been on the receiving end of the assumption?
This happened to me just recently. Father has so often said to me, "Denise, live in sober judgment of yourself; make sure that you live in truth." That's why when this "something" was shared with me initially there was an "ouch - that stung!" followed by weeping and gnashing of teeth all of which happened in private, of course. Outwardly, I took the word from my sister with grace, with an open mind, a willingness to search my own heart... And then I left the room, went straight to God and tattled! "But God, she said... and didn't I... and didn't You... and wasn't this..." Somewhere between my self-righteousness and my "low as a worm" theology is the truth.
It took me several days to break through the "what if this is still true about me?" "What if EVERYONE sees me this way?" When I finally got quiet, I heard "Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed." (Proverbs 27:5) The verse that follows that one is the familiar one: "faithful are the wounds of a friend..." Funny thing was... what the person said USED to be true of me. Not that I can't occasionally fall back into the trap, but for the most part, in this particular area... God has truly set me free and He told me so. But here's the thing: Through God's honest take on my sister's words, the painful rebuke suddenly became a healing reminder... there is an awesome responsibility to maintain our freedom from old strongholds by clinging to the only One who truly knows our hearts. Believer or not, one thing hasn't changed: we still can't save ourselves.
So when the missiles hit my heart and I'm not sure if it's a truth or a lie, whether friendly fire or flaming arrow, I'm choosing to take it back to the Truth and let Him set me free again... either from the sin that was revealed by the "hit" or the sin that was revealed by my reaction to the "hit". This way God seems to make every missile a part of His own arsenal for spiritual growth. It's a win-win. My self-righteousness gets a beating and the Truth sets me free. And the enemy gets a whoopin'.
Copyright 2007 Sharon Denise Dorminy
Oh, don't give me that "no pain, no gain" stuff. You hate it too! I'm not saying it's not necessary - I'm just saying I don't exactly enjoy it.
There are times though when someone, and let's grant them a pure motive, decides to reprove you and you walk away screaming to God, "What was THAT!?" Ever looked at a sister or brother in the Lord, made an assumption based on what you saw, only to find out how wrong you actually were? Ever been on the receiving end of the assumption?
This happened to me just recently. Father has so often said to me, "Denise, live in sober judgment of yourself; make sure that you live in truth." That's why when this "something" was shared with me initially there was an "ouch - that stung!" followed by weeping and gnashing of teeth all of which happened in private, of course. Outwardly, I took the word from my sister with grace, with an open mind, a willingness to search my own heart... And then I left the room, went straight to God and tattled! "But God, she said... and didn't I... and didn't You... and wasn't this..." Somewhere between my self-righteousness and my "low as a worm" theology is the truth.
It took me several days to break through the "what if this is still true about me?" "What if EVERYONE sees me this way?" When I finally got quiet, I heard "Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed." (Proverbs 27:5) The verse that follows that one is the familiar one: "faithful are the wounds of a friend..." Funny thing was... what the person said USED to be true of me. Not that I can't occasionally fall back into the trap, but for the most part, in this particular area... God has truly set me free and He told me so. But here's the thing: Through God's honest take on my sister's words, the painful rebuke suddenly became a healing reminder... there is an awesome responsibility to maintain our freedom from old strongholds by clinging to the only One who truly knows our hearts. Believer or not, one thing hasn't changed: we still can't save ourselves.
So when the missiles hit my heart and I'm not sure if it's a truth or a lie, whether friendly fire or flaming arrow, I'm choosing to take it back to the Truth and let Him set me free again... either from the sin that was revealed by the "hit" or the sin that was revealed by my reaction to the "hit". This way God seems to make every missile a part of His own arsenal for spiritual growth. It's a win-win. My self-righteousness gets a beating and the Truth sets me free. And the enemy gets a whoopin'.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
First of Many Firsts
I love water. Fountains, streams, falls, lakes, rain... but I hate to swim. I took swimming lessons when I was 6. I stunk at it. It wasn't the inability to kick or float. I simply couldn't stand my face in the water. I was certain that "face under water" meant "whole body drowns". I couldn't even blow bubbles without panicking. You can laugh. Everybody's got a fear. I discovered the key to all my fears much later. It wasn't really the fear of drowning... (though that was part of it) it was the fear of firsts. Do you ever fear doing something the first time - you know... something you've never done before. Every first was a fear for me. I've often wondered if that's true for everyone. I must have thought that some things, like swimming, would always feel like a first because I would never get the hang of it. Though that's true for me and water that's above my waist, it's not true of every first.
But here I am again. Another first. A website - a new ministry - a new stage of life. The rush of fear that comes with the first of many firsts. And then God whispered to me today, "Denise, this is not My first time." Made me grin.
He brought up Joshua and the number of times God instructed him not to fear. Wonder if Joshua had a fear of water or a fear of firsts? Maybe a fear of failure... rejection... or maybe just a fear of the giants on the other side of the river. Just the same: fear. And a first of many firsts. Some little priest had to stick his big toe in the river before anyone else. Would love to know that guy's name. One step of faith parted a river. One first faith trumped the first fear. And every first fear after that. You see, it's not God's first time. He's parted a river before - even for Joshua.
This is just another first of many firsts that God has already faced on my behalf. I'm not much for diving in... it's my personality to inch down the stairs on the 3' side of the pool and move to the deep slowly. But maybe the call is to the deep... to just climb the high dive, take the leap and trust the Lifeguard for the next breath. What can I lose? The most I can lose is another first that becomes a second that becomes a third... that becomes a victory over fear. Yeah, according to Father, this is the first of many firsts and the first of many victories. Hope you'll swim with us...
Copyright 2007 Sharon Denise Dorminy
But here I am again. Another first. A website - a new ministry - a new stage of life. The rush of fear that comes with the first of many firsts. And then God whispered to me today, "Denise, this is not My first time." Made me grin.
He brought up Joshua and the number of times God instructed him not to fear. Wonder if Joshua had a fear of water or a fear of firsts? Maybe a fear of failure... rejection... or maybe just a fear of the giants on the other side of the river. Just the same: fear. And a first of many firsts. Some little priest had to stick his big toe in the river before anyone else. Would love to know that guy's name. One step of faith parted a river. One first faith trumped the first fear. And every first fear after that. You see, it's not God's first time. He's parted a river before - even for Joshua.
This is just another first of many firsts that God has already faced on my behalf. I'm not much for diving in... it's my personality to inch down the stairs on the 3' side of the pool and move to the deep slowly. But maybe the call is to the deep... to just climb the high dive, take the leap and trust the Lifeguard for the next breath. What can I lose? The most I can lose is another first that becomes a second that becomes a third... that becomes a victory over fear. Yeah, according to Father, this is the first of many firsts and the first of many victories. Hope you'll swim with us...
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Hebrews 11:41
Hebrews 11:41 "By faith, I...
If there really were a v.41, I wonder what God would pen about me. About any of us.
Today maybe He would say that by faith I crossed my spiritual jordan and that I have started fresh - that today I'm choosing afresh to walk by faith and not by sight. Maybe He would say that by faith, Dennie has chosen to believe that she really is all that I say that she is and she has determined by My Spirit to believe His Word and to speak His Word in the power that is hers by birthright. He could even say that by faith she has chosen to evict the squatter (the adversary) off of her promised land.
Part of me wants to scream "come with me!" and part of me wants to quietly settle in Gilgal for awhile, the place of healing and rest before the battle begins. Maybe just "set awhile". Mostly, I'm just incredibly surprised to finally be here. Humbled by it. Thankful for it. Awed by my God. No one crosses the jordan unless He crosses first. He parts the waters. He's longed to do that for me for some time now - it has been my stiff-necked refusal and my unbelief that kept me wandering. All it took was enough faith to put one big toe in the water.
Callings of God can be frightening. But what's more frightening is not following. Can't describe the hollowness that comes from standing still, but I'm certain I don't want it anymore. It's not about the call itself anyway. It's really not even about the where or when or how or why. It's simply about Who is walking before and with you. The journey's the thing. And the divine companion who's holding your hand. I'm glad it's not one of those things where He goes ahead so far that we have to meet Him there - so far that we can get lost along the way. I'm discovering that the only way I can get lost is if I wander away from Him to do some unholy sight seeing.
If there really were a v.41, I wonder what God would pen about me. About any of us.
Today maybe He would say that by faith I crossed my spiritual jordan and that I have started fresh - that today I'm choosing afresh to walk by faith and not by sight. Maybe He would say that by faith, Dennie has chosen to believe that she really is all that I say that she is and she has determined by My Spirit to believe His Word and to speak His Word in the power that is hers by birthright. He could even say that by faith she has chosen to evict the squatter (the adversary) off of her promised land.
Part of me wants to scream "come with me!" and part of me wants to quietly settle in Gilgal for awhile, the place of healing and rest before the battle begins. Maybe just "set awhile". Mostly, I'm just incredibly surprised to finally be here. Humbled by it. Thankful for it. Awed by my God. No one crosses the jordan unless He crosses first. He parts the waters. He's longed to do that for me for some time now - it has been my stiff-necked refusal and my unbelief that kept me wandering. All it took was enough faith to put one big toe in the water.
Callings of God can be frightening. But what's more frightening is not following. Can't describe the hollowness that comes from standing still, but I'm certain I don't want it anymore. It's not about the call itself anyway. It's really not even about the where or when or how or why. It's simply about Who is walking before and with you. The journey's the thing. And the divine companion who's holding your hand. I'm glad it's not one of those things where He goes ahead so far that we have to meet Him there - so far that we can get lost along the way. I'm discovering that the only way I can get lost is if I wander away from Him to do some unholy sight seeing.
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