Revelations of Glory

“All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the LORD looked like to me. When I saw it, I fell face down on the ground, and I heard someone's voice speaking to me.” (Ezekiel 1:28 NLT)

I was running around my neighborhood circle as usual. It was a cold, damp day, and there was no one else in sight. I guess I was the only one crazy enough to be out there in that weather. I kept my eyes on the road in front of me--the potholes were full of water, and I had to be careful where I stepped. I looked up as a car approached. I’ve learned not to be anywhere near the large puddles when a car drives by--or else I get soaked in muddy water. I stepped off the road and into a field. As I waited, I happened to look up at the sky and noticed a brilliant rainbow. How long had that been there? I wondered if anyone else saw it! I immediately got my phone out and took a picture. I shared it with a few friends. I couldn’t believe that I had almost missed seeing this glorious sight, just because I was too busy focusing on the puddles in front of me.

The prophet Ezekiel looked up expectantly. He not only saw the rainbow; he recognized it for what it was--divine glory on display. He fell to his knees in submission. He heard the voice of God.

God reveals His glory for all to see. Some never step out of their comfort zones to witness it. Others might be too focused on dealing with the messes in their path. What does it take for us to look up? Even if you catch a glimpse of  divine glory, that is just the first step. Can we recognize God in the experience? Are we floored by His greatness? Do we fall to our knees in submission and trust? Can we hear and understand His voice? Are we transformed by His glory?

“So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord--who is the Spirit--makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 2:18 NLT)

Lord, My Glory

“But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.” (Psalm 3:3 NLT)

In Judaism, the Hebrew word Shekinah is often used to describe God’s manifested glory. Literally, it means a settling of God’s presence. God is also referred to as  Jehovah Kabod: Lord, of glory. Kabod, which is often translated to the English word ‘glory’, signifies heaviness, gravity, and density. Thus, God’s glory is best described as the weight or gravity of His presence.

According to Psalm 8:3, the Lord set the moon and the stars in place. God holds everything in the universe in proper order by His gravitas--the weight of his glorious presence. The stars, planets, and moons stay in their orbits fulfilling their divine purposes. The wind and the tides also move accordingly. God’s glory reaches inside and out. His presence settles on everything; His gravity influences everyone.

Lord, Your gravity surrounds me on all sides, preventing me from bouncing around randomly. Your weight keeps me grounded. Your glory contains me, sustains me, and enables me to function purposefully. When I am downcast, lift my head so that my gaze is fixed on You.

Full Parking Lot

“What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out.” (Exodus 18:17-18 NIV)

I have overcommitted myself once again. Over the last few months, I’ve attempted to add a few new things to my schedule. My margins have gotten thinner; it happened so gradually that I didn’t notice it until recently. Now I have too many things on my plate, and I feel overwhelmed. It’s like going to an all-you-can-eat buffet. Everything looks good, and you end up with more than you can stomach.

The other day, I was trying to find a parking space in one of the downtown garages. The first one I attempted to enter had a sign that said “LOT FULL”.

I thought to myself: I need one of those signs for my life!  Technically, that parking lot could hold a lot more cars if every inch of space were utilized--but then the cars would be boxed-in. Drivers wouldn’t be able to open their doors, back up, or exit.

Similarly, my life needs empty spaces to function properly. I need to acknowledge when I am FULL--physically, emotionally, and relationally.  I’m not doing myself or anyone else much good when I overextend myself. In fact, I am probably doing more harm by boxing in important commitments I have already made. Only I can establish the boundaries that I need. I have to be courageous enough to say no to some opportunities, to disappoint some people, and to accept that I can’t help everyone.

A Good Knife

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)

I have several knives in my kitchen: a long serrated knife for cutting bread, a heavy cleaver for cutting meat, a chef’s knife for slicing and dicing, a small paring knife for cutting and peeling fruit, etc. Each of these knives has its own specific purpose. I have used them all at some time or another. However, I find myself reaching for one knife over and over again. It’s a small, serrated, utility knife. It fits in my hands, it’s not too heavy, and it stays sharp.

We are all created for different purposes.  Our physical appearances, our personalities, our experiences, our abilities, and our weaknesses can and will be used by God. However, some characteristics are more favored: A humble spirit fits snugly in God’s palm.  An alert servant remains sharp and ready. Thus, God frequently uses unassuming, attentive individuals to fulfill His purposes.

After Hours Search

“I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day.” (Ezekiel 34:12 NLT)

The University of Iowa Hospital system is a huge complex of buildings and parking garages connected by skywalks. Patients and visitors frequently get lost in the maze. During the day, there are official ‘Service Ambassadors’ wearing red sport coats assisting those who don’t know where they are going. The evenings, however, are a completely different story. I have seen people wandering around after hours, trying to find where they parked. Even though I don’t work at the hospital, I have been able to help fellow patients find their way. This is because I have been lost several times in that place.

On Sunday mornings, churches are filled with official ministers who are trained to give directions.  But after hours, when we are wandering around in the dark, trying to find our way back to Christ, the only people available might be fellow seekers. Many of us feel like only clergy are qualified to help those who have gone astray. I disagree. If you have been lost and redirected, you may be able to help others who are disoriented. This might involve walking with them for a while which can be inconvenient. Even if we are not sure of the way they need to go, our mere presence can be comforting. We may be able to point out signs or just direct them to someone else who can assist them. Yet, we have to be careful--we can’t encourage others to rely on our experience; they have to develop their own awareness. We can’t rescue anyone; all we can do is guide them toward the light.

Lost and Found

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?” (Luke 15:4 ESV)

Search and Rescue (SAR) teams sometimes use grid searches to find a missing person. A group of volunteers form a long line and methodically combs through a search area. They usually space themselves a few feet apart and walk in unison. Any clues that are found are relayed to the team leader so the search can be adjusted properly.

Could a similar approach be used for those who have lost their way from the spiritual path? What if a line of seekers joined together in persistent prayer--moving faithfully forward, with boldness, hope, and perseverance? Can we leave our ninety-nine other concerns to join the Lord on His Search and Rescue mission?

Lectio Divina

“Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.” (Psalm 119:97-98 NLT)

Lectio Divina is one of the many different ways to study the Scriptures.  This ancient practice of ‘sacred reading’ has been used by monks for thousands of years. There are four main parts to Lectio Divina.

1. Lectio: Read a verse or passage of the Bible slowly, deliberately--like you are a foodie tasting the first bite at a fine restaurant. Stay alert for words or phrases that stand out to you. Pause.
2. Meditatio: Ponder the words. Roll them back and forth in your mind. Step back. Look at the passage from different angles. How does this relate to your life?
3. Oratio: Talk to God about what you read. Ask Him to reveal whatever you need to learn from it.
4. Contemplatio: Rest in God’s presence. Listen. Write down any insights or instructions you receive during this time.

Studying the Bible in this way is personal and profound. It allows you to learn and communicate with God at a much deeper level. Divine truths become plainer when we submit to being students of the Great Teacher.

Meditation

“O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple.” (Psalm 48:9 NLT)

A friend of mine is going through a rough patch in her marriage. As to be expected, she has a lot on her mind. Yet, she told me something interesting the other day: “When my mind is occupied by God, I feel good.”

When we meditate, our minds can become occupied by God. It all depends on what we decide to think about. We can either ruminate on our inextricable problems, or we can reflect on God’s unfailing love. We can either get bogged down in a quagmire of troubles, or we can ascend the ladder of grace. We can either dwell on earthly things, or we can set our minds to things above. When we diligently consider who God is, what He has done, and what He is capable of doing--our thoughts are liberated from their usual preoccupations. Through meditation, we clear the overgrown path to the deepest parts of our souls. This is where God has always been waiting--to reveal truth, to speak peace, and to embrace us in unconditional love.

Lord My God

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 42:11 NLT)

I am deeply saddened by all the suffering around me--illness, addictions, rejection, loneliness, crumbling marriages, financial difficulties...the list is long. I pray. I wait in hope. Yet, I must confess that I often feel disheartened.

Why do I get discouraged?

When I pray and see results, I am encouraged. When the outcome is not as I wished, I am dismayed. My emotions and my faith waver depending on the circumstances. Have I put my hope in results? Have I made my wishes into idols? Who or what am I worshipping?

The Lord is my God. He is my Master--not my assistant. Everything starts and ends with Him. I need to submit to His Will, His timing, His Purpose. In order to tune into God, I have to tune out of everything else. There is nothing more important.

Resolutions

“She who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.” (1 Timothy 5:6 ESV)

I make resolutions every year--to eat more vegetables, to drink more water, to exercise more, etc. I can be somewhat disciplined for the first few weeks of January, but then I give in to my old habits of self-indulgence.

Why is it so difficult to stick to our resolutions? Why can’t we just will-power through it? We don’t just pick up habits in a few days. Habits are learned patterns of behavior, thus, bad habits have to be unlearned. This takes more than resolve.

There are a few things we have to work out before we even start the unlearning. First of all, why do we want to change? Our reasons for doing what we are doing have to be clear, or else we are likely to quit when things get difficult. Secondly, what is the reward we are really seeking with the behavior? For example, many of our habits bring us temporary comfort and relief. Is there a better way to achieve the same results? And finally, what triggers your desire to repeat these patterns of behavior? Do you find yourself sliding back into bad habits when you are tired, lonely, hungry, sad, anxious, or frustrated? Or maybe your resolve is weakened or strengthened by the company you keep.

It is really difficult to unlearn bad habits; it’s much easier to replace old routines with new ones. Try to make the new habit more convenient while making the old habit inconvenient. Ask friends and loved ones to support you, to keep you accountable. Be specific about the changes you want to make; make them measurable. Break up your goal into small increments--focus on making it through today...and then this week, and then this month. Track your progress as well as your failures. Even if you have a setback, don’t give up on yourself. Every time you choose to do something good, celebrate; for you have made a change in the right direction.

Pointless Discussions

“Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.” (2 Timothy 2:16 NLT)

I like silence when I am alone, but I am uncomfortable with it when I am with others. It feels rude, so I usually fill up the gaps with some sort of conversation. The older I get, the more hesitant I have become about  sharing the details of my life with others. Yet, I do find comfort in discussing my struggles with close friends.  Am I losing something in the process?

“We very willingly talk and think of those things which we most love or desire or of those which we feel most troublesome unto us. But alas, oftentimes in vain, and to no end; for this outward comfort is the cause of no small loss of inward and divine consolation.” (The Imitations of Christ,  Thomas à Kempis)

Venting to others might release some pressure temporarily, thus giving us some much needed, outward comfort. Yet, it also curbs our yearning for inward, divine consolation. This detracts from spiritual growth, causing our souls to atrophy while enlarging our egos. Self-absorption can metastasize into self-worship, pushing God out of the picture.  

God wants to have a warm, intimate relationship with us, to constantly depend on Him. In order to do this, we have to turn inward, avoid pointless discussions, and ungodly habits. If we spend enough time in a state of intimate worship with God, our expressions will be influenced by Him. Then our speech will be edifying--uplifting those who are downcast, strengthening the weary, and enlightening those in darkness.

Wordless Prayer

“Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. (Romans 8:26 MSG)

I have always loved words. I am in awe of those who can express an insightful thought with a well crafted sentence. In speech, in writing, or even in our thoughts, choosing the perfect words and stitching them together gives shape to our ideas and emotions. Language may be an essential part of communicating with other people, but it isn’t necessary with God.

Many of us rely on words when we pray. We look to Scripture verses, lyrics from songs, repetitious petitions, and prayers we learned long ago. This might be necessary when we are with a group of people, but not when we are communicating privately with God. We don’t even have to formulate our thoughts into words. The Spirit of God understands our sighs and groans. He shapes our thoughts. Sometimes He speaks through visual images or whispered nudges. Other times He gets our attention through coincidences--unrecognized miracles that are often attributed to random luck. As we yield to the Spirit, He prays through us--going beyond our limited vocabulary, our earthly aspirations, and our human inhibitions.

Hanging Out

“Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (Psalm 105:4 ESV)

A friend called me recently and asked if I would like to hang out with her for the day. I wanted to, but I had a lot of things to get done. I told her I could spare an hour or two, perhaps next week? This week was already full.

Jesus also seeks my company. He asks me to hang out with him daily--to talk with Him, to listen to Him, and to work with Him. However, my calendar is already full with other commitments. To be completely honest--there are a lot of other things I would rather do than spend time with Him.

This is the crux of my dilemma: I want to seek the Lord continually, yet I am constantly distracted by other things.

Lord, You alone are my strength. Help me to desire You more than everything else.

Shield and Sword

“He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword!” (Deuteronomy 33:29 NLT)

A few years ago, there was a burglary in our neighborhood. My husband and I discussed getting a gun, but then settled for a heavy-duty Taser. He knows how to use it, but I’m reluctant to even touch the thing. It’s shaped like a gun and it is heavy. My husband has encouraged me to practice using it, but I have not fired it even once. We keep it in a locked case. If an intruder breaks into my home, I doubt I would even remember that we had it.  

The Lord is our offensive weapon as well as our defensive protection. Yet, many of us are reluctant to reach for Him. Mostly, we just keep Him in a box and forget about Him. Some of us only remember God when we are in the middle of a crisis. We might seek Him out when all other avenues are exhausted.  But, since we are unfamiliar with Him, we are not sure what to do. Faith can be unwieldy to those who are unaccustomed to it.

We have a God who will fight for us and defend us. However, it takes some practice to be conscious of His presence--to become familiar with Him. We must exercise our faith every chance we get, reach out to God regularly, and get used to lifting Him up. When we get accustomed to trusting God with our day-to-day struggles, we are then able to let Him handle the major crises as well.  

Consistent Dependence

“So now, come back to your God. Act with love and justice, and always depend on him.” (Hosea 12:6 NLT)

I highly value consistency in relationships. I try to communicate with all my loved ones regularly to let them know I am thinking of them and that I am available if they need me. Some people believe that relationships can flourish even with intermittent care. This is not true. If you take a train to work, and it arrives late several times a month, you stop relying on it. Similarly, sporadic relationships lead to unease and distrust.

Consistent communication with God enables us to trust Him. The Lord is always present and available. Yet, we don’t always make time for Him. When we learn to connect with him continually, we realize we can count on Him to always be there for us. The Lord can accomplish much through those who constantly depend on Him; So let us turn our attention to God, act in kindness and fairness, and steadily rely on Him at all times.

Standard Bearers

“The people left their tents to cross the Jordan, led by the priests carrying the Chest of the Covenant.” (Joshua 3:14 MSG)

I met Jayce during a long-distance, running race. She was one of the official pacers. At large, running events, a few participants are picked to run at specific speeds. The pacers are usually experienced runners who know the layout of the course. They prepare and train in advance for their role. Jayce ran the entire race holding up a sign that stated her assigned pace. I asked her about being a pacer. She said she was honored to carry the pacer stick. She felt the weight of the responsibility to stay on pace and motivate those around her. What impressed me most was how Jayce held back, even though she could have easily run faster. She encouraged those around her to do their best, even if that meant running ahead of her. However, she didn’t slow down if the other runners got tired. She kept the pace that was assigned to her. As a pacer, Jayce enabled the rest of the runners to go beyond their comfort zones and to push past physical and mental barriers.

The Jordan River represented a barrier between where the Israelites were and where they needed to be. Each individual had a role to play. The people had to leave their tents--the space where they felt safe, comfortable, and competent. The priests had to carry the Chest of the Covenant to the middle of the river and wait while the others crossed over the river. They modeled endurance, perseverance, discipline, and strength.

We all have particular missions at different times in our lives. Each role is significant in its own way and requires unique skills and training. Sometimes we are called to leave our comfort zones, push through imagined impediments, and do our personal best. Other times, we might be called to be the standard bearers. Our mission might be to enable others to progress past their ingrained limitations. We might have to hold back in order to hold a steady pace. Our hands might cramp up, and our feet might get weary, but we cannot falter. We must continue to hold up the banner--for there are many who are counting on us.

How Much Longer?

“My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me?” (Psalm 119:82 NLT)

My husband works in the Emergency Department of a major hospital. Recently, we have been seeing small hospitals advertising their average ER waiting times. My husband said he would be more concerned about how long a patient had to stay in the Emergency Department before being discharged or admitted to another department. The waiting room is just the first step. Many patients have to wait hours, to sometimes days, before they leave the ED. These patients do not find any comfort in the fact that they only had to wait twenty  minutes at first.

I feel like I have been waiting a long time for God to take care of some issues. There have been some minor signs of progress. I feel like I’m out of the waiting room. I have had a chance to present my case. Yet, things are not resolved, and I don’t know if and when they will be. I’m tired, frustrated, and impatient for results.  My eyes keep straining, waiting for some good news. I long for relief.

“How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? Turn and answer me, O LORD my God!” (Psalm 13:2-3 NLT)

Life with God

“Put your mind on your life with God.” (Luke 13:24 MSG)

My husband recently purchased a gadget that was supposed to help us get local TV channels without cable or satellite service in our detached studio. He hooked it up, and it did provide three or four channels; unfortunately these were not the channels we needed or wanted. They played mostly infomercials and old, blurry, TV shows. If we didn’t know about all the channels out there--providing weather, news, movies, and current shows--we might have settled for these inferior channels.  We are still trying to decide if we should return this gadget--it does work, just not in a useful way.

Many people go through their days without tuning in to God. As far as they can tell, they are doing fine. There are a few channels that are available to them--acquisition, consumption, and amusement; and, if you have never experienced anything more, you could probably live this way. It works--just not in a meaningful way.

Life with God allows us to experience a completely different realm. We do not have to settle for inferior, blurry programming.  And, those of us who know that there is more, feel compelled to let others in on it. We have caught a glimpse of a higher level, and we are no longer content with self-deception, self-obsession, or distractions. We have discovered God’s Spirit in us. We have become aware of this essential truth: We have a God who has made Himself available to us. We don’t want to live the old way anymore; instead, we crave and pursue a meaningful, worthy life with God.

Seeds and Yeast

"How can I picture God's kingdom for you? What kind of story can I use?

It's like a pine nut that a man plants in his front yard. It grows into a huge pine tree with thick branches, and eagles build nests in it." He tried again. "How can I picture God's kingdom? It's like yeast that a woman works into enough dough for three loaves of bread - and waits while the dough rises." (Luke 13:18-21 MSG)

I plant wheat grain for wheat grass. The first sprouts appear within days. In one week, I have a bed of brilliant green grass that is ready for juicing. I also plant cilantro seeds. I wait for weeks--watering, watching, wondering. I am tempted to give up on these seeds, because they show no signs of growth.

But eventually, they too grow, given enough water and light.

I like making quick breads with baking soda. I rarely make yeast breads. It takes too long to work the yeast in and wait for the bread to rise. There are too many variables. If the yeast is not fresh, or if the temperature is not right, the bread may not be ready when I need it. I like things to be predictable and uncomplicated.

God’s influence may be imperceptible at first, but, over time, it can grow exponentially. It can be far reaching and all encompassing. Yet, it isn’t predictable. Our role is to plant the seeds, to work in the yeast, to initiate the process, and to provide favorable conditions for growth.  We have very little control over the outcome or timing. We leave that up to God, trusting, waiting, watching, hoping…

Encased in Grace

“He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.” (Exodus 35:31 NIV)

Hard-shelled capsules are one of the most efficient delivery systems for medications. Pharmaceutical companies are able to encapsulate specific dosages of drugs in shells that are easy for consumers to swallow. Unfortunately, it is also easy to tamper with capsules. Drug traffickers often fill capsules with counterfeit narcotics--the outer shells are broken and the inner contents are adulterated.

God created us to be an efficient delivery system for His Spirit. Our physical bodies are merely shells meant to encapsulate His wisdom, goodness, and power. However, we are susceptible to tampering. Our lives can be contaminated, diluted, and filled with harmful substances instead of what God intended. Thus, we must submit ourselves to be sealed--made tamper-resistant. This process requires disciplined adherence. Stillness, a commitment to abide in God’s presence,  encases us in God’s grace.

Lord, seal me from temptations. Enable me to deliver Your Spirit to those around me.