A Peak Behind the Curtain

“Don’t look at the man behind the curtain.” The temptation of Satan for Eve was that she would be like God, knowing as God knows. Or at least that might have been what she thought, but what he really said was that she might know “good and evil.” Before that time she knew only good, yet in a moment her eyes were opened to evil as she and Adam ate and knew sin for the very first time. The consequence of this meant that they were removed from the Garden and their intimate daily relationship with God and His Spirit was severed. They realized real quick that eating would not make them as God, but would put them under the judgment of God.

There are none who know like God, who are all-powerful and sovereign over all of creation, who hold time in their hands as He does. There are none and that is all there is to it. As such He has called us to trust Him in all things even those things in which we might otherwise tend to be critical, setting our criticisms aside as ones who really don’t know what is going on in deference to the One who does.

I remember watching the Wizard of Oz a couple of hundred times (or so) and always enjoyed the part when the wizard was trying to control Oz from behind the curtain. The problem was that he truly was inept at his task and really could at best only put on an appearance of control.

Today Sarah writes about how amazed we would be if we were really to get a glimpse behind God’s curtain. The reality is that we do get such glimpses. We get glimpses when we look into the history of His Word and see how He has worked in the lives of those who have gone before us. We get glimpses as we see how from the beginning He had everything under control, even with our sin and rebellion and our redemption, justification, and even glorification. We get glimpses as we look at the prophecies of the Old Testament and the fulfillment of so many of them. We get glimpses as we read the descriptions of our God as Father, Son, and Spirit throughout Scripture. And we get glimpses as we see Him work in and through our lives and those around us. There are so many ways in which He lets us peak behind the curtain, yet even with the peaks what we know and can know is so limited. So, the next time you are tempted to try to run things, remember your peaks behind the curtain and that you are privileged greatly to have a God who loves you so much and who has control over all creation.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (4/16)

I am calling you to a life of thankfulness. I want all your moments to be punctuated with thanksgiving. The basis for your gratitude is My sovereignty. I am the Creator and Controller of the universe. Heaven and earth are filled with My glorious Presence.

When you criticize or complain, you are acting as if you think you could run the world better than I do. From your limited human perspective, it may look as if I’m mismanaging things. But you don’t know what I know or see what I see. If I pulled back the curtain to allow you to view heavenly realms, you would understand much more. However, I have designed you to live by faith, not by sight. I lovingly shield you from knowing the future or seeing into the spirit world. Acknowledge my sovereignty by giving thanks and all circumstances.

And they were calling to one another: “holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3

We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

Give thanks and all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

When Things Get Taxing

Some days are more taxing than others, especially if you wait to the last minute or don’t plan properly.  But some are taxing regardless of what you do and how you may prepare yourself. What you thought would happen didn’t and a gazillion (that’s a whole lot) of other things pop up yelling for your attention. And these don’t even have to be bad things, just unplanned ones. How do you respond when this happens?

I am getting much better at stopping, taking a breath while looking to God, and then considering how to proceed. But there are definitely times when I kick into an action gear without engaging my spirit with God’s Spirit. In these times it is like a heavy truck running downhill without a brake or maybe even a steering wheel. When this happens I am trying to deal with the situation in my own strength. While I know this is not what I am supposed to do, it does happen and I struggle with it at times. It is in these times when I am so thankful not only for stop signs but for a supernatural brakeman and driver.

This morning I enjoyed a quiet time of working through my prayer sheet and laying those people and things which were on my heart and mind before God. Also, it was a time of laying my hopes and dreams before Him again, asking His continued direction and thanking Him for His plans and His promises to fulfill those plans. This is so much better and restful than trying to control a runaway truck. God may not level the steep slopes or even shine a bright light on the path ahead, but He has promised to give me the power to go up and down those steps and to give me the light I need for my path. I may not have super-duper highbeams, but I have something better -- beams from on high.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (4/15)

Trust Me, and don’t be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable. Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter My wings, where you are absolutely secure.

When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities. Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new. I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom. Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust me, and don’t be afraid.

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Psalm 61:2-4

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)

On The Path To Glory

Last week in the Romans study I have the privilege of teaching we looked at chapter 8, verses 14-25. In this passage we looked at several of the assurances that we are a child of God when we have placed our trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation. In looking at these verses we considered several things we can know as a result of the various ways that the Holy Spirit works in our lives here and now. This includes the inseparability of the link between suffering and glory. As crazy as it seems this is an intended relationship that reminds us both of how temporary things are now and how wonderful things will be for all eternity. With the now comes struggle and suffering along with strengthening and victory as God demonstrates His constant love and watch care leading to times of joy, assurance, and hope. All of these point us to a time when the struggling will cease and glory will be fulfilled.

This afternoon I was working on Jonny’s career arrow (an actual arrow with painted markings reflecting the things he has accomplished while as a Cub Scout). As I worked on the arrow it also gave me an opportunity to reflect on my career arrow, or maybe more accurately God’s career arrow in my life. There have been so many times when I had to set forth on something new, desired or not, and have wondered and even fretted about how they would turn out. Over the years, as I have seen God demonstrate His watch care in my life and that of my family and as I have seen Him accomplish so much, I have grown in the ability to look back and reflect with appreciation and then look forward with anticipation. Today Sarah writes about heaven being both present and future. It is present because of His presence that is shown us in so many ways and because of the joy we can experience as a result. And it is definitely future because one day this will pale in comparison to what awaits. Being a Christian is not about grinning and bearing it until my ship comes in. No, it is about living a life in dependence on a God who loves me and who has a plan for my life.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (4/14)

Heaven is both present and future. As you walk along your life-path holding My hand, you are already in touch with the essence of heaven: nearness to Me. You can also find many hints of heaven along your pathway, because the earth is radiantly alive with My Presence. Shimmering sunshine awakens your heart, gently reminding you of My brilliant Light. Birds and flowers, trees and skies evoke praises to My holy Name. Keep your eyes and ears fully open as you journey with Me.

At the end of your life-path is an entrance to heaven. Only I know when you will reach that destination, but I am preparing you for it each step of the way. The absolute certainty of your heavenly home gives you Peace and Joy, to help you along your journey. You know that you will reach your home in My perfect timing: not one moment too soon or too late. Let the hope of heaven encourage you, as you walk along the path of Life with Me.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19

Staying Put When You Want To Go

When you are anticipating change or waiting on an answer, staying put and keeping on doing what you have been doing with all your heart can be a difficult thing to do. Oftentimes when we start to think ahead to something new we start to distance ourselves from those things present which we hope to replace. 

Then there are those quiet days when maybe you haven’t quiet settled into quietness or are uneasy because you wish something were happening. How do you occupy yourself with emptiness? Realize that whether the winds are blowing or not, that God is present and He desires our attention. Even in the routine God is routinely with us. Don’t let anticipation or boredom or anything in between separate you from keeping your eyes on Him because nothing can separate us from Him

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (4/13)

When I give you no special guidance, stay where you are. Concentrate on doing your everyday tasks in awareness of My Presence with you. The Joy of My Presence will shine on you, as you do everything for Me. Thus you invite Me into every aspect of your life. Through collaborating with Me in all things, you allow My Life to merge with yours. This is the secret not only of joyful living but also of victorious living. I designed you to depend on Me moment by moment, recognizing that apart from Me you can do nothing.

Be thankful for quiet days, when nothing special seems to be happening. Instead of being bored by the lack of action, use times a routine to seek My Face. Although this is an invisible transaction, it speaks volumes in spiritual realms. Moreover, you are richly blessed when you walk trustingly with Me through the routines of your day.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4

This Is The Day

Tonight is our Cub Scout Pack’s Pinewood Derby. Our kids have been preparing for it as have the other kids in our Pack. Between 5:30 and 6:00 the kids will check in their cars and the racing will then start. Some cars will run well and some generally not so well. Some cars will look like their parents did every detail and some it will be obvious that the kids had the strongest hand. Some will rejoice in their performance and, from experience, there will even be some who are very disappointed.

As I thought about this upcoming event and all of the preparation to get ready for it, I thought how much this is a micro-picture of our lives. Each of us have days we look forward to with great excitement and days that are not so much. Each of us has days that turn out meeting our expectations and even exceeding them and days that go totally sideways or even worse.

I particularly watch at events like tonight how parents rejoice with their kids successes, how they encourage them in their struggles, and even comfort them in their disappointments. Today Sarah writes about today (as with every day), but today as the day before us, is the day the Lord has made. He has given it to us and He will sustain us through it with its bright spots and its dark ones. He is the author of our days and He is sovereign over every aspect. As such we are encouraged to trust Him to do His good work regardless of how it might look to us. Win or lose the heat, Scripture declares that we win the race. Therefore, we are to race to win the prize and find our joy in our God who holds that prize which is our glory for all eternity.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (4/11)

This is the day that I have made. Rejoice and be glad in it. Begin the day with open hands of faith, ready to receive all that I am pouring into this brief portion of your life. Be careful not to complain about anything, even the weather, since I am the Author of your circumstances. The best way to handle unwanted situations is to thank Me for them. This act of faith frees you from the resentment and frees Me to work My ways into the situation, so that good emerges from it.

To find Joy in this day, you must live within its boundaries. I knew what I was doing when I divided time into twenty-four-hour segments. I understand human frailty, and I know that you can bear the weight of only one day at a time. Do not worry about tomorrow or get stuck in the past. There is abundant Life in My Presence today.

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Free To Ask

This morning I debated sending an email inquiring about the status of the search process at one church. Prior to sending the email I had to sit back and ask if this was being done trying to move things in my timing or if this was something I was free to do and still be trusting God. After working through this with God and searching my motives I felt free to inquire. Living in a sense of “darkness” is difficult for most of us. By “darkness” I mean living in the unknown. Living in the unknown means that we have to trust, and when we struggle with trust we then typically worry.

Our God is all about shining light on the unknown. He does this most frequently not by making the unknown known, but by revealing Himself as the One who is sovereign over that very unknown. When there are things that are facing us there are frequently things that God expects us to act on but there are also things over which we have no control. In all of these things, whether we can act or not, He expects us to rest in full dependence on Him either as the One who will provide either apart from our effort or through our effort. The key, which Sarah writes about today, is trusting God with thanksgiving.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (4/10)

Trust Me in every detail of your life. Nothing is random in My kingdom. Everything that happens fits into a pattern for good, to those who love Me. Instead of trying to analyze the intricacies of the pattern, focus your energy on trusting Me and thanking Me at all times. Nothing is wasted when you walk close to Me. Even your mistakes and sins can be recycled into something good, through My transforming grace.

While you were still living in darkness, I began to shine the Light of My Presence into your sin-stained life. Finally, I lifted you up out of the mire into My marvelous Light. Having sacrificed My very Life for you, I can be trusted in every facet of your life.

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” Jeremiah 17:7

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28 (AMP)

He drew me up out of a horrible pit [a pit of tumult and destruction], out of the miry clay (froth and slime), and set my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps in establishing my goings. Psalm 40:2

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of him who called you up out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)

Nothing Means Nothing

Just what does it mean to you to actively know that nothing can separate you from God’s love? Love is powerful word in that it is not static. It is an active word and it is shown not just once, but repeatedly by our words, intentions, and actions. Scripture tells us that while we were yet sinners that Christ died for us. Why? Because He loves us. And after we place our trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation God’s love actions do not cease. Scripture also calls us His beloved children. 1 John 4 tells us repeatedly that God is love and Scripture declares over and over again how His love is continually shown to us.

This love even extends to our hardships or our being disciplined. God’s discipline is not a punishment for wrong doing, but a training in right doing and endurance. We see this in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 where we read, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Here we read about the training combination that goes beyond just pointing out any wrongs. We see that Scripture is so much more that “teaching.” It is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and profitable (for our good) in showing us not only how we have gotten off track (reproof), but showing us how to get back on track (correction), and then how to stay on track (training in righteousness). And the why is so that we might be made adequate by God for His good works. Hebrews 12 declares that God does this because He loves us, and this is exactly what any loving father should do.

But His discipline does not pertain only to correcting our actions. God also shows His love and faithfulness toward us in bringing us through hardships. In Romans 8:28 and 31 we read, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. … What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”

In John 10, when Jesus was being questioned as to whether or not He truly was the Christ, this is how He responded in verses 25-30, Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

We are truly His, and this is a forever truth. Sarah writes today about how this truth should impact the moments of our days.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (4/9)

You are Mine for all time; nothing can separate you from My Love. Since I have invested My very Life in you, be well assured that I will also take care of you. When your mind goes into neutral and your thoughts flow freely, you tend to feel anxious and alone. Your focus becomes problem solving. To get your mind back into gear, just turned toward Me, bringing yourself and your problems into My Presence.

Many problems vanish instantly in the Light of My Love, because you realize you are never alone. Other problems may remain, but to become secondary to knowing Me and rejoicing in the relationship I so freely offer you. Each moment you can choose to practice My Presence or to practice the presence of problems.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14