Steps of Faith

Taking the “next step” is paramount to moving upward in our spiritual journey. This seems elementary in concept but we can fool ourselves in believing we are climbing the mountain when in fact we are simply going in circles at its base: knowledge of the truth does not make us mountain climbers.

In the desert the Israelites had a marvelous picture of Mt. Sinai before them. Camped out around its base, the nation had a visual reminder of what was required to reach intimacy with God. Moses was called out from the people, into the presence of God, but he was to meet his Creator on the mountain top.

Why on the mountaintop? Could it be because God’s ways are higher than man’s, therefore, Moses needed to ascend to higher ground for the Father’s instruction? Upon the mountain Moses would have a better view of the nation he was leading and grasp a higher perspective: He could look out over their camp as God spoke in his ear, and see the baaing flock needing to be shepherded, rather than a bunch of groaning individuals. Away from their list of complaints and squabbles, Moses was free of distraction and could focus entirely on the LORD’s call to service. Had not his father-in-law, Jethro, witnessed the wear on Moses’ ministry due to their constant pestering and petitions?

Oswald states; When you have no vision from God, no enthusiasm left in your life, and no one watching and encouraging you, it requires the grace of Almighty God to take the next step in your devotion to Him…it takes much more of the grace of God, and a much greater awareness of drawing upon Him, to take that next step, than it does to preach the gospel.”

Moses needed a fresh encounter with God to sustain his passion for God’s plan. So the LORD summoned him to the climb Sinai and Moses did so…step by step.
There was at this time no Tabernacle or “mercy seat” for the Lord to descend upon in the presence of man. He had not yet instructed the Israelites to fashion an earthly throne. Therefore, the Lord purposes a seat crafted by His own hand, Mt. Sinai. In so doing, the mountain itself became a throne for His holy presence and was the Most Holy Place on the earth. This of course is why the people were instructed not to touch any part of it.

“Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not go up the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. He shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows; not a hand is to be laid on him,” Exodus 19:12-13NIV).

The Tabernacle to come would be modeled after the throne of heaven. Likewise the throne of Sinai’s peak would repeat this eternal pattern. For just as God’s presence in the Tabernacle’s Most Holy Place was veiled by a curtain--lest someone should look upon His form and die--the presence of God (a consuming fire), was veiled from the people by a cloud. Yes, the Lord is a God of order and design.

Because Moses was willing to climb Sinai, he was granted the privilege of the High Priest who was allowed to pass beyond the curtain into the LORD’s presence. On his ascent Moses stepped away from the crowd to join God on the mountain altar. There Moses would give himself over to the service of God establishing a pattern for all to follow. A pattern of steps that no doubt kept his feet secure on the path and in God’s favor.

Step one: Seek God’s will.

When we focus on the fact the LORD has a plan for our day as part of His big picture plan for our life, we can find encouragement for the climb. Addressing the climb one step at a time, the mountain may seem less of a challenge. Seeking His input moment by moment is like putting one foot in front of the other. Soon we find ourselves reaching higher altitudes of worship and service and before long, days surrendered to the LORD become weeks, months and years.

Step two: Read and obey God’s word.

The Father is for us, not against us. Therefore, we must trust His commands are for our good. Additionally his guidance will never lead us into destruction. Taking care to follow the path marked out for us on our ascent is critical so we do not stumble or fall.

Step three: Pray for God’s wisdom and discernment

God is light. He therefore desires His children to walk in the light and not darkness. When we seek the LORD, spend time in His word and follow His commands, we can be certain that our prayers are heard by God. When we pray for His wisdom and discernment in order to continue down the center of His will, the LORD will not deny us. We will be granted insight and understanding.

Step four: Trust God is in control

When we sincerely seek God we will find Him. When we spend a good amount of time reading His word we will learn His ways and His principles. Obeying His commands will keep us in the center of His will. Then our prayers for the LORD’s wisdom and discernment will be granted and our life will produce fruit. When we see the fruit in our life our faith will grow. Stepping out in faith will become easier because our experience of God confirms He is trustworthy. Trusting God in good and bad circumstances will produce peace in our lives. This peace will be seen by others and they will be prompted to inquire where our peace comes from.

Step five: Share the gospel with others that they may also seek the Lord.

When we stick to these steps, we will soon reach the spiritual summit of Mt. Sinai where we may sit in sweet communion with God. High above the worries of everyday life, God will give us a new perspective and strengthen us for our ministry to those down the mountain.

Moses climbed the mountain many times. In Exodus 19 alone, the scriptures reference three separate accounts of Moses conversing with God upon the summit. Here we find an example for both ancient and modern flocks to follow: for intimacy with our Savior will require determined steps, all of which should bring us to an altar of sacrifice. Prior to Christ the Israelites sacrificed animals for such access to the throne of grace. This side of the cross believers sacrifice self will and desire.
When God descended to the top of Mt. Sinai to talk to His chosen people, they were not willing to approach the mountain on fire. Yet Moses told the people;

“Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.’

The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness were God was,” (Exodus 20:18-21NIV).

Moses took steps towards God and experienced an intimacy with his Creator unmatched by another. A climb of a lifetime that began with...

A step towards a burning bush…a step back to Egypt…a step into Pharaoh’s presence…a step into the desert…a step into the Red Sea…a step up the mountain…a step into eternity!

"Heaven" Calling!

The call of God on one’s life is able to prod individuals to perform the most amazing or Goliath tasks with determination. It produces a holy zeal and energy necessary to see a job through. For in our own strength we grow weary or bored. Yet, when our heart is in our service for the kingdom, we find divine courage, ability and perseverance to complete the work necessary. God calls and His faithfulness provides for the servant’s need. Did He not send angels to comfort Jesus in Gethsemane?

Examples of God’s chosen servants, who tenaciously executed a myriad of tasks, in order to fulfill God’s will are found in: Noah, Aaron, Joshua, Nehemiah and Jeremiah.

These men were called to produce amazing things for the kingdom of God. Noah was called to build an Ark, where life would be preserved. Aaron was given the responsibility of establishing the Tabernacle and priesthood of the Jewish nation. Joshua was called to take Moses’ place in leading the chosen people into the Promised Land. Nehemiah was called to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and Jeremiah was called to bring a message of wrath to a rebellious nation. These were normal men called to extraordinary service.

The temptation is great to avoid God’s call on our life by claiming that we are weak and flawed. For it can be difficult to remember the legends in the hall of faith were just like us. Moses put forth several protests to the ministry God called him to. However, man’s insecurities are an insult to the Mighty One who beckons us to service.

“The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say,” (Exodus 4:11-12NIV).

Moses makes a final plea NOT to be used by God;

“But Moses said, ‘O Lord, please send someone else to do it.’

Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses,” (Exodus 4:13-14NIV).

Since God is the same yesterday, today and forever, we need to realize, when we resist the Creator’s call on our life, we also prompt the Lord’s anger. Scriptures tell us that obedience is better than sacrifice. For if Adam and Eve had been obedient in the Garden of Eden, sacrifice would not have been necessary. Therefore, see that willful obedience pleases and glorifies God…sacrifice is required.

Furthermore, we must bend our knee to God’s plan and respond to His purpose in our life, if we are to claim Him as our Lord. It seems Oswald is driving the same message home these past few days. Loving Christ is more than devotion or seeking and serving: for while these are certainly important to the Christian walk, the act of surrendering is paramount.

Surrendering our pride and confessing our sin. Surrendering our life to the Lord’s will and surrendering our will to the needs of others. Resisting in any of these areas is rebellion and it will hinder our relationship with the Lord. We are called to be Christ’s…it’s that simple.

Though the concept is simple to understand, it is not simple to practice. Nothing in my nature wants to deny myself and forgive others. Only Christ within me gives my self-centered flesh a desire and the ability to forget myself and join the Lord in service. Sometimes I may have to bribe my spirit to surrender. Yet, it becomes easier to submit with time and practice. Just as muscles grow in strength through conditioning, so too the spirit becomes flexible to the prodding of the Holy Spirit.

Still, we must accept the call IS not meant to be easy or a blessing. The call is a means to God’s will. Blessings may come through our obedience to the call however we have no promise of this in scripture. History shows that many are called to suffer and die on the account of Christ. I confess I don’t like thinking about this part of the plan…but I must. So must every follower of Christ.

Imagine if Jesus had come to the cross and decided to rebel against dying for our sins. Where would we be if He had told the Father that He felt He had served long enough and wanted to come home? Our hope of eternal life with the Father would not exist. There would be no forgiveness for our sins outside of the laws sacrifice…which was woefully insufficient. Also, unlike the ancient Jew who sacrificed for a time…we would have no hope of a coming Messiah? We would have the bitter reality of being forsaken by Jesus. Certainly, Jesus had to suffer the cross…his love for the father would not allow him to do otherwise.

Therefore, since Christ did not fail to surrender His everything for our sake, we in turn give all we can to the work of the kingdom. Our call is divinely planned; only we can fulfill our purpose. The Lord delegates according to His provision. For one who is called to fish will be granted the skills to fish, the one purposed to sing will be able to do so. Believers called to serve through suffering will be given strength and courage to succeed. The Lord is the key to success.

Oswald reminds us; “We each have to find a niche in life, and spiritually we find it when we receive a ministry from the Lord. To do this we must have close fellowship with Jesus and must know Him as more than our personal Savior. And we must be willing to experience the full impact of Acts 9:16—“I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

I don’t want to suffer. Jesus knows this. So He calls me daily into service, building up my strength, so that my faith and trust AND dependence on Him grows strong. Then, when the painful trial(s) come--and they will come--I am prepared to endure. Trace back your footsteps and you will likely see a series of circumstances which added to your ability or strength to fulfill your call in life. Yes. The Lord is faith and determined. For He knows the riches of heaven which are tied to your obedience and the glory you will bring Him, if only you surrender your all.

Let you life be a sweet song of obedience to the Lord; “I surrender all. I surrender all. All to thee my precious Savior…I surrender all.”

Heart and Sole

How is your sole? Do you have a good pair of walking shoes? Following after Jesus is not for the faint hearted or the tender footed: for there are river’s to cross and mountains to climb on the way to the Promise Land. Disciples resolved to reach the summit where transfiguration occurs, will need to mind their feet carefully. Why? Because living for Christ is realized in the Believer’s walk.

The Christian’s daily relationship with Jesus is often referred to as their “walk with Christ.” During Jesus’ three year ministry, the Lord and his disciples walked from home to home and town to town, bringing the good news of God’s love to people from Bethlehem to Mt. Hermon. The word “walk” itself has no significance; for if they had cars in those days, perhaps we would say, mind your “ride with Jesus.” What the term is meant to signify is how closely one travels in life with their Savior.

Pondering this can be very enlightening for the child of God. For while we claim to “walk” with the Lord, many of us fall behind, take alternate roads and sometimes race ahead of Him. We do this by getting caught up in living lives focused on ourselves and loved ones rather than Jesus. Some question the Lord’s path and decide to go their own way hoping to take a short cut or detour to avoid road work. Many believers fail to accept God’s timing and set out on their own. Yet when you pause to consider how the disciples “walked” with Jesus--the intimacy they had with the Lord-- a fresh perspective may be found.

The disciples and Jesus basically, spent three years in one another’s company. With only a few exceptions, these men travelled at the Lord’s side for three years: that is 1,095 days, 3,285 meals, and who knows how many lessons and prayers they shared. Of course, not everything was serious between them. With a band of guys travelling the countryside together, you know there were a great number of jokes thrown into the mix. How many songs did they sing? What number of stories did they tell?

Now…how many steps do you think the disciples took in that time? Considering the average person today takes approximately 5000 steps per 24 hours we are looking at some significant numbers. However, when we apply these stats to biblical times—where they walked everywhere—we soon discover the magnitude of the meaning: to walk with the Lord. And to think they did all this walking in sandals!

Truly, minding one’s spiritual feet is of great importance; especially when you consider how much “walking” followers of Christ should be doing in the Lord’s company. Managing our walk is not to set apart time in our day to spend with the Lord. Rather, we are to mind every part of our day in His holy presence. Walk through our day with Him at our side. Introduce Him to others we come in contact with, converse with Him about our lives, sing songs about his goodness together while you’re traveling down the road and sit quietly so you may listen to all He has to say.

For many believers the idea of physically walking and talking with Jesus sounds heavenly. We imagine the thrill of watching the Lord’s miracle after miracle and experiencing His spirit in all circumstances. However, one may not be so thrilled about traveling with the mixed bunch of characters who tagged along with Him. Certainly the disciples were an interesting group: fishermen, a tax collector, a carpenter, brothers and who knows what occupations the others held.

Our experience in the body gives us an indication of the variety of personalities and character the disciples may have had. And while it is lovely to gather on Sunday with the body and perhaps even once or twice more during the week, many would struggle spending three years intimately travelling on the road with such a group. So naturally, we can assume there was a number of…we’ll call them differences, on the journey.

Oswald reminds us that the Lord does not want explanations from his follower’s “about the wonderful revelation you have had…” No. Jesus wants us to simply feed His sheep. Walk with them, love them, care for them and nurture them. “Jesus has some extraordinarily peculiar sheep: some that are unkempt and dirty, some that are awkward or pushy, and some that have gone astray!” Jesus commands that Christian’s go into “all the world,” to every people group, and share the gospel. Basically, the Lord has made the job easy. By including everyone in the plan, Christians don’t have to worry about discerning who to share the love of Christ with. It’s simple…EVERYONE!

Walking intimately with Jesus will mean that we will need to “walk” intimately with others on our journey. Some we will enjoy spending time with, others may rub us wrong and cause a blister or two. Still the devoted follower of Christ will learn--in time--how to keep the Lord’s pace in all things. Loving our sojourners will be one of them.

Following after Jesus is a “soul” issue. Tread with care.

Solid Rock Building Codes

The recent tragedies in foreign countries, has prompted me to question my foundation. Visions of the upheaval of large structures, ripped up paths, as well broken bridges demands attention and a healthy fear for the power of nature. For the Believer, it is an awe inspiring demonstration of God’s power. While it is not for us to argue whether earthquakes and storms are the act of God, we should, however, recognize the origin of the power. All the power which lies in the elements and earth originate in Almighty God.

The contrast of devastating natural catastrophes and the love of God would seem apparent, however, the two are not as opposite as we may believe. For the power which rocks the foundations under our feet, is the same power which shake’s our hearts and knocks us off our feet. And though God has granted us the ability to measure the powers of the earth, nothing can measure the force of His love.

Nothing.

The wake of God’s love in a believer’s life is evident. Faulty foundations are exposed, paths that lead to nowhere are ripped up and man made bridges over troubled waters collapse. Unexpectedly, everything around us trembles and our hearts, minds and mouths spontaneously cry out, “Oh, God! Save me!” We do it without thought, like a knee jerk reaction: the hammer hits a particular point in the body and a limb reacts. The same applies to our spiritual body…the hammer hits and we fall to our knees crying out to God. Why do we do this? We were designed to do so: instinctively we know, God is the only one can truly save us.

So if we are designed to cry out to God as a natural response to life…why do so many live fighting the programmed response? My professor would say this is a good question! (And then proceed in telling you a bunch of scientific notions and hypothesis in an attempt to answer it). However, --and I mean no disrespect—information gathered outside the Designer’s resources is junk and creates conflict in the circuits.

Just like an electrical storm can cause a major power failure, downloading academia’s idolized knowledge acts like a virus in our system. The result is always frustrating and sometimes fatal: for some drives must then endure a Mighty overhaul to operate properly and other drives completely crash…or burn. These trials, troubles and tragedies could have been avoided if programs installed kept to scripture teachings. Faulty programming keeps man inoperable in the work of God. Therefore, it is imperative followers of Christ pray for discernment and wisdom to detect virus teachings and programming.

The secure foundation we have in Jesus Christ provides a base for us to build our lives upon. Believers are not to fear the rumblings of the world, for our feet are secure in the Lord. However, though we build upon the rock, what we build will come from our programming. The two cannot be separated.

Devotion to Jesus will certainly prompt the true follower to work at building a life upon the rock that is glorifying to God. Yet, devotion is not enough to build structures that will pass code. Faulty programming will cause some believer’s to construct crooked walls, low ceilings and rooms without windows which prohibit the son to shine through. The result of their efforts may mirror the old nursery rhyme: “there was a crooked man, who lived in a crooked house…” Crooked lives, though built on the rock do not bring glory to God.

Poor construction is what Jesus was pointing out to Peter as he asked, “Do you love me?” (John 21:17NIV). Peter absolutely loved the Lord. However he had some faulty programming that he would have to deal with, before Peter’s human temple construction was brought up to code. With every question of love, Jesus--like a wrecking ball--struck at the weaknesses in Peter’s work, until the foundation it was built upon was fully exposed. Stripping away all that Peter had built with his own hands, Christ makes it clear from that moment on, Peter would construct things differently. He would not be allowed to cut corners or erect idols for his own glory.Peter would also have to suffer every detail in the plans…regardless of the cost. And yes, the cost to build heavenly lives is EXPENSIVE!

When Jesus asks his children, “Do you love me?” our faulty programming, like Peter’s will be exposed. Let us therefore, pause to consider the life we have built: is it up to Christ’s code? Chances are, some walls need to come down and some windows need to be added. For many of us, we will need to get back to the foundation and begin building again.

For when we take a good hard look at the foundation of our Christian lives, we will discover just how much we love the uncut stone of Jesus. A foundation not built by man…but the very hand of God. For just as we cannot build a secure foundation in a world that quakes, we cannot create our own salvation. Both are the work of Jesus Christ alone.

Oswald shares a wonderful insight regarding Peter’s revelation in this scriptural moment; “Peter was beginning to discover within himself just how much he really did love the Lord. He discovered that his eyes were so fixed on Jesus Christ that he saw no one else in heaven above or on the earth below. But he did not know it until the probing, hurting questions of the Lord were asked. “

Are you building to code? Will your human temple pass the Lord’s inspection? May you ponder your foundation and structure today, and seek the Master Carpenter’s input on where the two of you need to reprogram, restore or replace.

Sounding the Alarm

The question of whether or not we love the Lord is answered only through our actions. For if we believe we love Jesus as Peter did, yet we confess His lordship over our lives in speech only, we too may hear the cock crow? Oswald states; “True love never simply declares itself.”

This is not earth shattering insight. For we know this…we experience this in our daily lives. Our emotional nerves are so in tune with this truth that it often governs our days, weeks and years: for we are very aware when someone treats us unkindly or unjustly. We sound our emotional alarm signaling programmed responses to "kick in". The responses are developed into a defense system over time which is designed to ward off injury: both physical and emotional pain. This system immediately engages when we feel threatened or the pierce of another’s blade. So sensory sensitive, we can move into defense mode without knowing it, reaching DEF CON levels of security before sun down. The problem with this type of security system is it is geared for defense and protection, not service and support. It's full of programming flaws because it was programmed outside the wisdom and love of God. Thus, it is doomed to fail.

For example; some systems respond to unloving behavior by pulling down their shades and retreating within to nurse their wounds. They hide their injuries and internally bleed…sometimes to death, rather than heed the word of the Lord; "Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry and do not give the devil a foothold," (Ephesians 4:26NIV).

Others retaliate. Responding to the offense of unkind behavior, they declare war, call in the Calvary and alert the media of the battle. This programmed response tragically produces casualties.

Yes. We are very in tune to superficial love…when we are on the receiving end. However, our sensory awareness of true love on the export level could be enhanced and managed better. Because we are so profit minded we focus more attention on the import of love; closely monitoring receivables and woefully neglect our investments or expenses of love.

Oswald warns of the pain of emotional love. “Peter loved Jesus in the way any natural man loves a good person.” Yet, when the tip of the enemy’s tongue pricked Peter’s side, his emotional love failed him. There was no real defense system truly installed in Peter…yet! His insecurities sounded his internal alarm and he responded automatically to the attack of the enemy.

However, while Peter suffered terribly the consequences of emotional love, his pain was not wasted. For Jesus knew the depth of this man’s soul and patiently guided Peter through the process of reprogramming. The Peter on the victorious side of the cross, loved Christ very differently, than the man weeping in the shadows of the night. His affection was demonstrated by his hands and his feet, rather than a prideful and arrogant tongue.

Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” (John 21:17)

We know through the scriptures that Peter did indeed love the Lord at each point of his walk. However, it is evident that the brotherly love Peter first gave in return was less than what Jesus wanted from him. We are to learn from his example. Christians need to love Jesus with more than affection and adoration. Believers must love Jesus by exporting love to others. Sharing the gospel, their testimony, their prayers, their comfort and their peace, with those they “claim” to love. Not out of duty, but because a deep love for Christ compels them to do so.

Oswald states, “When the Lord asks us this question, it is impossible to think and respond properly, because when the Lord speaks directly to us, the pain is too intense. It causes such a tremendous hurt that any part of our life which may be out of line with His will can feel the pain. “

Brothers and sisters, we need not despair if we too have heard the cock crow. For the Lord is merciful and forgiving. We must simply confess our sin and pray for the Lord to renew our minds—reprogram our defense system—so we may act according to the principles of Christ and not self destruct when the enemy fires in our direction.