Prince of Peace

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 NLT)

Peace, wholeness--this is what I long for

Confusion, brokenness--this is what I have

I’m tired of this never-ending battle

There is no fight left in me

Who is ruling my heart?

The Prince of Darkness or the Prince of Peace?

It’s time for a regime change

Wholeness shall reign

I’m handing my brokenness over to the Restorer

The One who brings Shalom

Supernatural peace

Wholeness shall reign

The War will continue

But the battle is not mine to fight

The Prince of Peace will take over

Wholeness shall reign

Amazing Counselor

Strong God

Eternal Father

Sovereign of Wholeness

Identifying the Enemy

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT)

I struggle with anxiety. It would be easy to think that the emotion of anxiety is the enemy that I need to battle, but it’s not. It is just a spear in the hands of a skilled Enemy. If I only focus on fighting this weapon, I can easily be defeated by a blow to the head.

I struggle with certain relationships. Often, I mistake the difficult person as my enemy. However, this person may just be under the influence of Evil. At some point in our lives, we have all been pawns in the hands of the Enemy. But for the saving Grace of God, we would still be there.

The conflicts we face in our lives may appear to us in the form of other individuals and human weaknesses. Yet, there are unseen forces at work behind the scenes directing these battles. Properly identifying the real Enemy is integral to fighting Evil.

Applying Logic to Spiritual Problems

“Well aware of their reasonings, Jesus answered their questions by asking in turn, "What is this that you are debating in your hearts?” (Luke 5:22 WNT)

Antibiotics are useful when treating bacterial infections but not for viral illnesses. However, since it is often hard to distinguish between bacterial and viral infections, many of us seek antibiotics when we feel ill. This can cause more harm in the form of antibiotic resistance.

Similarly, logic and reason are useful ways of dealing with most earthly issues but not for spiritual matters. It is often difficult to tell the difference. Most of us apply the same ointment of logic to every affliction. When faced with adversity, we use rational thoughts, arguments, debate, human knowledge, and experience. If something doesn’t make sense, we reject it as nonsense. This can cause more harm in the form of spiritual resistance.  As long as we continue to rely on human strategies, we cannot access God’s power.

Natural solutions cannot address supernatural problems. At best, human logic can lead to temporary relief. Faith that does not extend beyond human reasoning is ineffectual.  Thus, it is imperative that we lean not on human methodologies but on God to fight spiritual battles.  Only Divine healing leads to true transformation.

The Holy Spirit

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26 NLT)

The Holy Spirit is a mystery to many. We can imagine God as Father--a better version of our earthly dads. We can picture Jesus--healer, teacher, savior. But the Holy Spirit seems enigmatic--ungraspable like the wind, animated but invisible, all encompassing yet unexplainable.

The Bible describes the Holy Spirit as an advocate, friend, teacher, counselor, comforter, reminder, giver of gifts, indwelling presence, voice of truth--keeper of all the intangible attributes of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is more often experienced than visualized--a hefty weight that is comforting, not burdensome; a supernatural conscience that influences our human spirit--empowering, clarifying, prompting, electrifying. How do we respond to this inexplicable member of the Trinity? We welcome Him/Her. We make space to be filled. We hand over control.

Weird Directions

“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch.” (Acts 8:26-27 NIV)

Have you ever felt prompted to go up and speak to strangers? It’s one thing to go up to people with whom you have something in common, but it’s much harder to start conversations with those who are completely different than you. Unlike Philip, if I felt the nudge to go up and speak to an Ethiopian eunuch, I would most likely ignore it. I would tell myself: That can’t be from God! That’s crazy. God’s directions would make sense. It would align with my strengths and gifts. Wouldn’t it?

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9 NIV )

What is the appropriate response to divine nudges? First, we acknowledge that God is in charge and we are not. This requires humility and surrender. Once we accept God’s will, obedience becomes a little easier. Our faithfulness cannot hinge on positive outcomes or validation. God’s plans may not always make sense to us. His directions may seem counterintuitive and counter culture. Yet His thoughts and ways are better than ours.

Daily Prayer

“Seven times each day I stop and shout praises for the way you keep everything running right.” (Psalm 119:164 MSG)

The concept of praying throughout the day has been a part of many religious traditions from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. For centuries, Catholics and Episcopalians have used the Divine Office (or Liturgy of the Hours)--a rhythm of praying seven times a day. They used psalms, hymns, scripture, and set prayers at different times each day: Matins (middle of the night), Prime (first thing in the morning), Terce (before we start our work), Sext (noon), Nones (mid-afternoon), Vespers (sunset), and Compline (before bed). The early church recognized the importance of pausing every few hours to remember God. Unfortunately, the Divine office is only practiced by clergy these days.

During this Advent season, a friend and I are trying something new. We are reminding each other to pause and recognize God throughout the day. We each have our ways of doing so, but here is a window into my own version of the Divine Office: I get hungry or thirsty every few hours. I use these triggers to turn to God. I read a few verses of scripture, listen to a song, sing along if I’m alone, pray for those who come to mind, write down any spiritual nudges, or praise and thank God. This doesn’t take as long as my morning quiet times. It’s just a brief pause in the middle of my busyness--a moment to get close to Jesus, give Him a hug, express my love, and enjoy His presence.  

On the Other Side of the Curtain

“Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.” (Hebrews 10:20 NLT)

My friend’s mom broke her hip a few weeks ago. Her mom was in a rehab care center after surgery. My friend spent her days by her mom’s side. When I went to visit them, they were in a semi-private room with a curtain in between two beds. The second bed was unoccupied. When my friend’s mom was napping, we would go to the other side of the curtain so as not to disturb her. Every so often, when her mom turned or made any sound, my friend would reassuringly say: “Mom, I’m right here behind the curtain if you need anything.”

What if our entire life were recorded--enabling us to see the visible and the invisible? If we took the time to rewind the footage of our lives, we would recognize that God has always been present. Sometimes we may fail to notice Him because of certain barriers. Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, opening a new, life-giving way through the curtain, so that we have full access to the Holy. We may become somnolent, distracted, complacent, or disoriented; but God remains near, waiting for us to call on Him.