Colossians 1

Father, I thank you for the gifts of faith, love, purpose, and hope.

Give us a complete understanding of what you want to do in our lives,

and make us wise with spiritual wisdom.

May the way we live always honor and please you.

Grant that we may continually do good, kind things for others

and learn to know You better and better.

We pray that You will strengthen us with Your glorious power so that we will have all the patience and endurance we need.

May we be filled with joy, always thanking You, Father--for You have enabled us to share in the inheritance that belongs to Your holy people who live in the light.

You have rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and You have brought us into the kingdom of Your dear Son.

You have purchased our freedom by Your sacrifice and forgiven all our sins.

You have taken the broken, dislocated pieces of our lives and made us whole.

Help us to spread Your Truth.

Teach us to depend on Christ’s mighty power that works within us.

(Paraphrased from Colossians 1)

Inner Quiet

“I have composed and quieted my soul.” (Psalm 131:2)

It’s early morning and my house is still quiet. No music, no TV, no devices with their incessant dinging. In a few hours, everyone will be up, and my attention will be diverted by many things. Thus, I try to maximize this precious time--to focus. But even when there is very little external noise, the internal chatter continues to distract me. Most of the ruckus is superficial--diversionary prattle that enables me to avoid dealing with the real issues of my soul.

Cultivating a quiet spirit takes practice. External striving must cease in order to care for our inner souls. We must dig deep--not merely scratch the surface. The soil of our hearts must be tilled, clods of misbeliefs broken up, weeds of restlessness removed. Then the good seed of Truth can be planted. As the seedling emerges, it requires nourishment. Water it through prayer; fertilize it with trust; give it plenty of light and space to grow.

At first, the silence might feel unfamiliar. Confronting our inner messiness can be uncomfortable. But we are not alone in this process. The Master Gardener is working alongside us. He wants us to grow and be healthy--for our souls to flourish with peace and contentment. Yet, we have to play our part. We must cover our spirits with stillness, let go of our desire to be in control, and make space for God to do His work in us.

Quieter of the Storm

“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39 NLT)

When my mind is agitated, I feel as if a storm is churning inside of me. Waves of emotion surge up, destroying my peace. All sorts of negative thoughts, fears, and worries threaten to drown me. My imagination whips itself into a frenzy of worst-case scenarios. My soul becomes restless and apprehensive. I try all sorts of coping mechanisms, but they rarely work.

Only Jesus can calm the storms in my head. He quiets the voices of confusion and chaos. He reminds me to be still and trust that He is in control. The Holy Spirit soothes me and settles me down. My breathing and heart rate slowly return to normal. My focus shifts from my troubles to God’s presence. The stormy circumstance may still be raging outside of me, but my heart is tranquil as I fix my eyes on Jesus, the Quieter of Storms.

“We experience God’s nearness, blessing, and help not when we are rehearsing our doubts and complaints, but when we are offering up our praises and thanksgiving.” (He’s Been Faithful, Carol Cymbala)

Pastoral Ministry

“Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.” (1 Peter 5:2-4 NLT)

I have always loved the image of our Lord as the Good Shepherd--guiding, protecting, and providing for each of us. Those of us who spend much time in His company know that we are also called to be helpers in this important work. Unfortunately, pastoral caregivers often get caught up in ‘church work’--measuring their success in numbers like the rest of the world. We focus on the visible results instead of internal growth.

Henri Nouwen writes: “When our wounds cease to be a source of shame, and become a source of healing, we become wounded healers.”

Before we can be healers, we must get over the shame of our hidden wounds. We have to allow the Lord to dissect and drain our wounds. This is painful, disabling, and time consuming. It’s tempting to put this procedure off indefinitely. When we submit to God, He takes out anything that can cause further infection, applies soothing salves that bring relief, and bandages up our wounds.

Our role as wounded healers is to accompany others on their inner journey. We guide them more by example than by what we say. Once we learn to navigate our own inner pathways toward healing and wholeness, we can show the way to others.

Abiding Prayer

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7 ESV)

How can we abide in God?

When we first approach a house, we walk up the driveway or sidewalk. We may admire the landscaping and the exterior of the house. Then we enter the front porch and knock at the door. Soon, the homeowner opens the door. If you are a salesperson, you stand at the door and try to get what you want. If you are a visitor you may enter the home and spend some time with the resident. However, if you live there with the homeowner, you may use your key to come in. Once home, you put your bags away and relax. This is where you live, eat, commune with your loved ones, and find rest.

Religion often takes us up to the driveways and sidewalks of God’s home. Meditation takes us up to the front porch. Contemplation allows us to enter into the living room. Yet, abiding in the Lord requires us to move all our ‘stuff’ in---our baggage, possessions, dreams, and feelings. And, since we are not the head of this household, we must continually yield to Christ’s authority--living according to His Word.

Abiding with God comes with privileges and responsibilities. We get to share in His work as well as enjoy His company. He talks to us and listens to us. He lets us use His tools of ministry--teaching us how to use them properly. Everything belongs to the Lord. As His children, we are given unlimited access. He doesn’t hold anything back from us. When we live with God, when we rely on Him completely--whatever we ask that is in alignment with His wishes will be given to us.

Healing In the Name of Jesus

“But Peter said, ‘I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!’” (Acts 3:6 NLT)

Healing in the name of Jesus--how does this happen? Is it based on the faith of the healer or the one being healed? I don’t know. There doesn’t seem to be a formula or pattern to the miraculous healings in the New Testament.

After the miraculous healing of this crippled man, Peter goes on to explain that this did not happen because of his own power or godliness. The incantation of ‘in the name of Jesus’ was not the cause either. God is always the source and agent of all healing. Peter attributes the miracle to faith in the reputation of Jesus. Peter felt confident in the power of God flowing through him. He trusted Jesus to fulfill His promises. Thus, Peter became a conductor for the Holy Spirit. He was willing to be used for the purposes of God.

“The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it.” (John 14:12-14 MSG)

Good Conductors

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you.” (Luke 1:36 MSG)

What makes a good conductor of heat and electricity? Turns out that it’s all about free electrons. Metals have free electrons that are not strongly attached to the central atom. These free electrons move through metals easily, carrying electricity and heat. Metals are also malleable--their shape may change under pressure, but they don’t break easily. This allows them to be pounded into thin sheets or to be stretched into wire--forms that efficiently conduct energy.

How can we be good conductors of the Holy Spirit? We must detach from our egos. Be yielding and transformable; malleable, yet strong. Our character and our conduct must be conducive to the Holy Spirit. A constant commitment to God carves out a continual path for His Spirit to flow through us. As we align our lives with God’s will, we become conductors for His power.

“And Mary said, ‘Yes, I see it all now: I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.’ (Luke 1:38 MSG)

Voice of Truth

“Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.  All day long I put my hope in you.” (Psalm 25:5 NLT)

On any given day, there are lots of different messages that compete for our attention. Public opinion seeps in through our relatives, friends, and co-workers. Cultural norms influence our mannerisms and beliefs. The voices in our head fill us with self-doubt, fear, and delusions.

It’s difficult to recognize truth from deception. Lies are often just photoshopped versions of reality which makes them appealing. When falsehoods are reinforced by many sources, they tend to become imprinted in our minds. Truth is rare. Unless we are paying close attention, we miss it.

The Voice of Truth is from God who knows everything and everyone intimately. He liberates us from the cacophony of lies that enslave us. He leads us along pathways of truth, teaching us to distinguish between authenticity and falsehood. When we listen to Him, we are set free and consecrated. We can put our trust, hope, and confidence in the Lord who guides us with His voice of truth.

Receiving the Spirit

“Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away - whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.’’ (Acts 2:38 MSG)

Most mornings, I don’t have the patience to wait for coffee.  Luckily, my coffee maker has a ‘Sneak-A-Cup’ feature. It lets me grab the carafe, before brewing is complete, and pour out a cup of coffee without making a mess. This way, I can have a few sips and go about my morning chores.

I wish the Holy Spirit worked this way--allowing me to sneak just a few drops of anointing before I rushed off to do other things. But no...He requires me to be still, quiet, and patient. I have to wait until His work in me is complete.  This same perseverance is necessary in prayer. When we hand someone over to God, we have to keep from grabbing them back too soon.  We wait in eager anticipation, confident that the Holy Spirit is brewing in them.  When God is done with them, He will let us know.

Lord, may we be made complete in all the fullness of life and love that comes from You. Grant us the patience and fortitude to wait.

Making Space

‘Get out while you can; get out of this sick and stupid culture!’"

(Acts 2:40 MSG)

Like many people, my junk drawer is filled with odds and ends. Most of the stuff has no value or purpose, yet I’m hesitant to part with any of it.  Instead of getting rid of this stuff, I just organize it. I sort everything and put it in sections so the drawer looks neat and tidy. This makes me feel like I am in control of my junk.

We live in a stupid culture that bombards our minds with junk. Even if we recognize that much of our time is spent on things that have very little value or purpose, we are hesitant to change. Instead, we try to organize our day so we can cram even more useless activities into it.

A vessel that is stuffed with fillers cannot receive; it has to be emptied first.  There are so many things we cling to for validation. Our relationships, possessions, accomplishments--all shape our identity and our sense of control. We must release these attachments. Once there is space, the Spirit of God pours in, filling us with His purpose and influence.

Gracious God

“But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you. He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you. God takes the time to do everything right—everything. Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.” (Isaiah 30:18 MSG)

Parents do things for their kids without expectations of reciprocity. We do it because we love them without limits, without conditions. They may or may not deserve or appreciate all that we do, but we do it anyway.  When our son was seventeen, we bought him a used car. Before we handed him the keys, my husband and I did everything we could do to make the car ready for emergencies. My husband took care of all the mechanical stuff, while I made sure to stuff granola bars and emergency gas money in different compartments. We also made up a winter bag with extra blankets, gloves, snowpants, etc. for the trunk, in case he got stuck in the snow somewhere. I don’t think my son even knows about half of this stuff.

We have a God who loves us unconditionally, sacrificially. He fills each of us with immeasurable potential, undeserved grace. Most of us get bogged down in what we lack, while God has stuffed us with more than we need.  Until a crisis hits, we don’t even notice. Even then, we have to look-- in the depths of our inner self, in every hidden compartment of our being. And God’s not finished. He’s eagerly watching, waiting for us to ask for His input. The Lord is gracious, merciful, and compassionate. He takes the time to set everything right.

Lord, we shall wait in anticipation, trusting in Your grace. Heal us and make us whole.

Overwhelmed by Awareness

“John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 1:5 NLT)

In pre-Christian times, Jews used baptism as a form of ritual purification, a symbolic cleansing after repentance. The word ‘baptism’ originated from the Greek word Baptizo and the Hebrew word Mikveh. To baptize someone can mean they are immersed, plunged, saturated, or overwhelmed in something.

Jesus told the disciples that they would be immersed in the Holy Spirit. I believe this promise extends to all who trust in Christ.

What is our part in this holy anointing? First, we must desire to be saturated in Christ. Secondly, we must turn away from anything that separates us from God and turn toward Him. Finally, we must submit our lives to the influence of His Spirit.

Holy Spirit, soak us in Your presence; overwhelm us with awareness.

Discerning Hearts

"Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil.” (1 Kings 3:9 MSG)

Bomb sniffing dogs can detect even trace amounts of dangerous chemicals. They are taught to disregard distractions like food or other stimuli. It doesn’t matter if the explosive is hidden in a large, cardboard box or a pink purse--the dog is trained to find it.

Some people are better able to sense danger than others. They have a keen sense of intuition. They can detect even trace amounts of evil, no matter what shape or size it comes in. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all develop discerning minds?

The ability to distinguish between good and evil comes from paying attention to the subtle expressions of the Holy Spirit. This requires us to ignore many of our human inclinations and cravings. Those who think they already know it all and can manage everything on their own--rarely tune in to anything but their own ideas. Thus, surrendering our preconceived notions also becomes necessary. The more we surround ourselves with truth and goodness, the more we learn to recognize falsehood and stay away from it. As we become intimate with God, as we listen and obey, our minds align with God’s perspective. This leads to spiritual wisdom which is true discernment.

Thieves and Manipulators

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)

A few years ago, we had a peculiar incident happen in our neighborhood. Since we live in a rural area, people are generally trusting--especially if someone looks vaguely familiar. A middle-aged lady from the nearby town went from house to house ringing doorbells. She would say she just happened to be in our neighborhood for some reason and asked if she could use our restroom. Most of us let her into our homes; we didn’t want to be rude. She would only be in the bathroom a few minutes, and then she politely thanked us and moved on. In a few days, we all figured out that she was stealing prescription painkillers. She was checking the medicine cabinets in our bathrooms for any pills we might have.

When we think of thieves, we imagine someone who looks dangerous, sneaking into our homes in the middle of the night. Most of my neighbors keep loaded guns in their homes. If they thought that their loved ones or their homes were in danger, they wouldn’t hesitate to defend themselves.  But all the guns and ammo can’t protect us if we allow manipulators into our lives. Those who are looking to exploit others are often skilled in the art of deception. They may seem harmless, helpless, and friendly. They may stroke your ego and find ways to make you feel comfortable around them. They let us believe that we are still in control--even while they are pushing our buttons and pulling our strings.

(Continued in the next post)

Encourager

“‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said, ‘for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!’ As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, ‘Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.’” (Daniel 10:19 NLT)

If there is a gene for bravery, I don’t have it. What others consider adventurous, I see as risky; what I view as familiar routines, others deem mundane. When given the choice between chaos and stability, I always pick the latter.  But I don’t always get to choose.

During turbulent points in my life, I have called out to God in a state of panic. At first, I wouldn’t hear anything but the fear and confusion in my mind. However, if I focused on trusting God, eventually I would sense that He was near. Words from a song, a verse of scripture, the comforting voice of a friend, buds on a tree, a soaring eagle--hope from unexpected sources would strengthen me. This unexplainable surge of courage, when circumstances still remained bleak, has to be from God.  

Lord, help me to take the courage that You offer. Show me how to drive out fear by leaning into You. Speak to me, Lord. Quiet my soul so I can hear you and be strengthened.

Trust Fall

“The glory of the LORD will protect you from behind.” (Isaiah 58:8 NLT)

Have you ever been part of a team development seminar that included a trust fall? Participants take turns falling backwards while relying on the other members to catch them. This exercise is supposed to build trust among members of a group.

Not everyone has dependable people in their lives. Both trustworthy people and the ability to trust are precious blessings. Who are the people in your life that you trust? If you could pick your own trust fall catchers, who would be in that group? Did you pick them by their physical strength or their consistent dependability?

Are you able to put your entire trust in Jesus? Can you fall into His arms when you can’t see Him? Our understanding of God is intermingled with visual and emotional perceptions. We ascribe the same characteristics to Him as we do to other human relationships--which often leads to mistrust. Yet, God has always been there--protecting us from all sides. He is trustworthy. We are meant to live in complete reliance, fully committed, free from worry, knowing that God is present and dependable.  

"Put your entire trust in the Master Jesus. Then you'll live as you were meant to live - and everyone in your house included!" (Acts 16:31 MSG)

Pass it Down

“Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.’” (John 21:17 NIV) 

Imagine you are a kid on a school field trip. A sack lunch is being provided to all the students. The teacher passes out sacks to the nearest student and asks him to pass it down the line. This ensures that no one is left hungry.

When God grants us talents, insights, opportunities, health, financial security, or peace--we are meant to pass it on. If you are in a phase of life where you can devote more time and energy to prayer, recognize this as a gift. Perhaps you have resources to study scripture or a wonderful, spiritual support system. Maybe you are blessed with a quiet environment and the ability to sit still. Or you might be endowed with the skill to communicate effectively. We can hoard what we are given and amuse ourselves, or we can pass it down the line.  

Peter, one of the closest disciples of Christ, was in front of the line. Jesus instructs Peter to feed the sheep. Peter and the other disciples shared the Good News with anyone who was open to the message.  Centuries later, we are still commissioned to do the same--to pass the teachings of Christ down the line.

Off Course

“Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” (Proverbs 4:27 NLT)

Earlier this year, during a charity run in our town, a bunch of runners got lost. The fastest runners could see the official, lead motorcycle, so they stayed on course. Everyone else just followed behind the frontrunners. Somehow, a few people in the middle of the pack missed a turn sign and ended up running in the wrong direction. This caused all those who were behind them to veer off course, too.

I consider myself to be a middle-of-the-pack follower of Christ. I would like to get closer to the front, where Jesus is--but I often lag behind. If I am not alert, I can easily get sidetracked. This may cause others behind me to get off course as well. Thus, it is imperative that I remain attentive--for my own sake, as well as for those who are looking to me as an example.

Lord, guide me. Grant me good judgment. Help me to live by Your instructions. Prevent me from getting sidetracked. Keep my feet from following evil.

Working with Jesus

“He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” (John 21:6 NIV)

The disciples had been fishing all night without much luck. Then Jesus tells them to throw the net on the right side of the boat, and suddenly there is an abundance of fish. I’m sure that the disciples were not throwing their net on only one side of the boat all night! No, they were probably trying all different spots on the lake. Fishing is what they did for a living--they must have known all the best techniques and good locations. So, why the sudden change in their productivity? This time, Jesus was involved in the venture.  

We spend our lives striving at school, at our jobs, and in relationships. We try every technique that is known to man. We become so obsessed with our work that we forget for whom we work. Our productivity remains limited unless we are willing to listen to Jesus. When attempting any task, we can choose to follow our own agenda or God’s plan. When we focus on God, He redirects our thoughts--clarifying our purpose and strengthening the intimate bond between us and Him. The result is spiritual productivity, which is much more valuable than worldly gain.

Lord, may we look for You, talk to You, and seek Your input. If you put something in our hearts, help us to follow through. Remind us that we work for YOU.

Source of Peace

“I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.” (1 John 14:27 MSG)

When life gets arduous and chaotic, I fantasize about getting away from everyone and everything that troubles me. I imagine that the only way to feel peaceful is to remove myself from commotion and hostility. Unfortunately, this calm that comes from external stability is transient. It’s just a matter of time before I feel stressed, rejected, deprived, and agitated.

I wish my mind could be like a thermos--unaffected by external circumstances. A thermos keeps hot things hot and cold things cold no matter what the outdoor temperature is. It has vacuum insulation. Without air, heat cannot be transferred in or out.

When anxiety surrounds us like air, our mind becomes vulnerable to stress. Christ does not promise us a life without adversity. He offers us peace that is untouched by external sources--wellness and wholeness even in the midst of trouble. In order to retain this peace, worry needs to be vacuumed out. When we hand over all our worries and concerns to God, we become insulated in trust. Then, as we deepen our experience with God, more and more grace and peace are poured into us. Shalom.

Visualizing Scripture

“Faith is the conviction concerning those things that are in hope, as if it were these things in action, and the revelation of those things that are unseen;” (Aramaic Bible in Plain English)

Scripture memorization is difficult for me. So I’ve come up with a slightly different approach to using scripture in prayer throughout the day. I pick a verse every morning. I meditate on it until I have a visual image of what that verse means to me. I carry that image in my mind--using it as an aid to refocus my attention on God. This practice bolsters my faith.

Here is an example from the verse I have been chewing on today:

“Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow.” (Psalms 5:8 NLT)

I visualize the Lord leading me through a clear path, protecting me against the Enemy. I imagine the same thing for each of my loved ones. I pray with confidence. Trust leads to faith. Faith nurtures hope. Even though there may not be tangible results yet, I am convinced that God is working on it.

Forgiveness

“Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:23 NLT)

A young tree sapling may not survive in a drought, but an older, established tree might. Just as plants and animals are more vulnerable when young, so are humans. Childhood wounds are harder to heal than ones we suffer as adults.

Most days, I struggle with forgiveness. There are unhealed parts of my childhood that still cause me great pain. These relationships are still broken. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to fix them. Some key elements seem to be missing. There is no repentance or accountability, just a continuance of the status quo.

There have been a few times in my life where I have been able to forgive completely. It was as if a supernatural grace came over the situation. There was repentance, compassion, and accountability on all sides. The scars are still there, but no bitterness or resentment.

Holy Spirit, quicken our heart to compassion, repentance, and continued accountability. Heal us. Forgive us and help us to forgive others.