My Spiritual Temperature

My head hurts and my body aches all over. I am sick. Of course this frustrates me. Who likes to be ill? While I lie on my bed-working on memorization and silently whining to the Lord of my condition-He speaks to me of today's devotional by Oswald; "The Voice of the Nature of God." When God says He can make good out of any situation, I believe Him. I just never thought he would use my sinus congestion as part of a lesson.

I understand Oswald's meaning to be, that when we hear the call of God we hear His very nature in the call. His character and traits come forth in His communication. For example, God's nature is love so we can discern a "call" tugging at us to take matters into our own hands or to seek revenge is not a "call" from God. Oswald suggests those who can hear God are able to do so because they have His same nature through salvation. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we are taught God's nature. The Spirit also monitors our spiritual wellness and seeks to point out any symptoms of illness in our spiritual body. The Spirit's gift is early detection.

I've come to understand the Lord calls to me in different ways. Of course I have a call of fellowship and a call to service. Yet, the big picture call of my life is managed with many small daily calls. The small calls are critical; they are an invisible blueprint to our appointed project here on earth. Let us consider Noah.

When God spoke to Noah of His plans a set of blueprints was given. Noah's big call was to build the Ark. However, in order to achieve this behemoth task, he would have to respond to thousands of smaller calls from the Lord. Daily calls to collect the tons of wood, pick up the hammer and saw, gather and care for the animals and ignore the cries of scoffers. Noah was called daily to live by faith and obedience. If we do not stop and ponder the discipline and courage this man and his family exercised to complete the Ark and fulfill their purpose, we cheat ourselves.

Noah's testimony is marvelous because it provides a tangible product produced through the act of answering God's calls. For many of us, our acts of daily obedience in faith are invisible to the eye. Yet, let us be encouraged, heaven holds the blueprints and we never build in vain when we labor for the Lord. Noah could have ignored the call of God. He had that choice. How thankful I am Noah understood the nature of God and proved faithful.

So how does my illness apply? My congestion has clogged my ears and impaired my hearing. No matter how hard I try to clear the canals, my ears remain plugged. The Lord explained how the symptoms of illness are similar to the symptoms of sin in our life. When our walk with the Lord has a virus, our senses are weakened and our ability to perform are altered: our energy is decreased, our focus is on discomfort or pain. Likewise, our ability to speak, move, think or even stay conscious can all be lost.

It makes sense that sin can clog our ears to the call of God. The result is lost daily connection, which means lost daily instructions, resulting in lost work towards our big call. No matter how you look at it, loss of hearing means loss of much more.

Who among us want to be sick? Still, how many times have you been ill and tried to nurture yourself back to health? Better yet, how many of us ignore our symptoms and carry on as if we were well?

The Lord says in His Word; "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23).

This verse speaks of our sinful nature that is in contrast and opposition to our Creator. Yet, God in His great wisdom and mercy provided a cure for this eternal illness; the blood of Jesus. You could say we get a divine blood transfusion upon praying for forgiveness. After all, life is in the blood, without the blood of Christ there is no eternal life. Perhaps this is the inspiration behind the medical symbol of "The Red Cross!"

Furthermore, when we humble ourselves and submit our souls to the care of the great Physician we are tended to with tender, loving care. Our ailments are treated one by one and in time we heal: the symptoms of sin clear up. Our spirits are strengthened and our ears are unclogged. We are well and able to hear the calls of God clearly.

I understand it is scary to go to the doctor with some of our symptoms. What if we have a cancer of the soul: fear, pride, unforgiveness, perversion or anger issues? We can fear the treatment or the medicine. My experience in the spiritual hospital was not fun! But living with the symptoms of my illness day after day was far more painful.

Unlike our earthly bodies, there is no incurable disease of the soul. Jesus can heal anyone of anything. The bible testifies to His ability to heal both the physical and spiritual body. He knows the extent of our illness far better than we; His Holy Spirit is constantly taking our spiritual temperature!

Are you burning up...from a sin induced fever?
Receive the care of the Great Physician and let Him minister to your soul.
Only then will you be well enough to clearly hear the call of God.

Prayers for healing are GOLD and always appreciated!

The Secret of the Butterfly (a poem)

The world is but a garden
Where the Lord cultivates the land
With roses sweet and thorns that pierced
The palms of His own hands

He filled it with waterfalls,
Trees and flowers of every color
And on the soil He gently placed
The fragile caterpillar

Though frail in its earthly shell
It hits the garden like a storm
Chomping on God's precious plants
Leaving a wake of petals torn

God knew well hearts within
Would yearn for the flower of "Grace"
And graciously sowed seeds of love
Throughout the vast garden space

Lowly little caterpillar
So very burdened by his form
Once finding grace, embraces Christ
And soon she becomes transformed

Through powers of redemption
A new creation will evolve
Breaking free from sin's chains that bind
the new butterfly takes off

Free to fly and live a life
Higher and higher than the rest
One God longs for us all to live
But so few will leave the nest

Now soft as a summer breeze
They fly from flower to flower
Eager to share God's plan of hope
Christ and eternal power

Since God first spoke "Let there be"
His salvation seeds were planted
In everything formed by His hand
On valleys, planes and mountains

Leaving man without excuse
Was God's intention from above
Yet, who'd have thought a butterfly
Would tell the story of God's love

TLF

On Solid Rock I Climb

The subject of today's devotional returns me to a leg of my journey in Christ that I recall vividly. The experience of travelling to my own Golgotha. Unlike Jesus, I travelled this road with Christ alone. There were no mocking crowds, hateful critics or vengeful enemies shouting obscenities as I passed. There were no assaults to my body, no unjustified accusations ringing in my ears. Instead, I walked along still waters, inviting meadows and through dark forests with the Lord at my side. Though there were many bends, hills and valleys along the way, His firm but gentle staff directed my path. Looking back...I believe the privacy of our travels to be a tender mercy of God.

I was deep into therapy when encouraged to read Hannah Hurnard's book, Hinds Feet in High Places. I was not surprised to find her story to be a tool in my own self-sacrifice. Remarkably, God took my connection with the deer of scripture -which pants for the Living Water- and gifted me a persona for the journey. Like Hannah's character, I became a doe destined to climb to higher places in the presence of God.

I can't help but praise the Lord as I recall the moments we shared. His loving kindness was more than comforting as he revealed the poison in my soul and the hidden root ball that was smothering my heart. This ball was made up of sin's of the past, anger, bitterness and unforgiving pride; all twisting together to fashion a hideous shield. A force which held captive my true spirit, and kept transforming love out. God showed me so many sides of His character on the journey: His goodness to be strong when I was weary of the climb, His protection when I was afraid of what lurked in the woods, His faithfulness as each step was taken in unison,and his encouragement as every obstacle was faced together. His resolve to take the edge of His Word and cut away every wiry strand was my hope. Thank you Jesus...for leading me to the stone table!

Oswald Chambers proclaims in his devotional, unless we choose to die and experience our last day on earth with Christ only resurrected in the process, we do not experience true sanctification, (Chambers) This truth God revealed to me a few years ago as we paused upon the mountain top. Once I chose death, the road became my chrysalis. For a time I would retreat from the world and hide in the covering of the Lord until his transformation of my soul was complete. The feet I trudged up the hill of death upon...were exchanged for wings. My spirit now free to soar upon the wind of the Spirit. The deer's feet were tethered to the mountain peaks. A stunning view but limited. But...with WINGS! The Lord had so much more to show me.

The point in our journey where we teetered on red clay cliffs was not as terrifying as I first thought. Graciously, the Lord did not tell me where were going or what we would do when we reached our destination. In His wisdom He called me like Abraham to follow in faith. Upon the path He gave me visions like Joseph. In the forest He spoke to me; "be strong and of great courage," as he encouraged Joshua. His love continued, as he gave me hope with the promise of an eternal kingdom, just as He did with King David. Now...in the likeness of Moses, the Lord challenges me to face the Pharaoh of the spiritual world with His words, "Let my people go!"

I confess, when He lead me through the canyon, I sensed an altar coming. Like Isaac, I questioned where the sacrificial lamb would come from. "The Lord will provide," was my answer. I can still see the peachy canyon walls, barren and void of life. The crunching of my hoofs upon the rock created a beat for our ritual. Faster and faster we climbed as we neared the summit. I was anxious. The anticipation of the view to behold at the top of the mountain spurred me on.

I can not express the beauty of what Christ showed me upon Golgotha. I still struggle at times myself to hold onto the vision. Upon that peak Jesus offered me His Kingdom. He spoke to me of eternity and the place He had for me there. With joy, He promised resurrection and the glory of life found through death. My spirit delighted in His words, and so He lead me to the altar. I looked to the uncut stone slab that lay before us. How ancient and weathered it appeared. There were no nails, no hammers, no ties to be found. This was an altar of will. I was invited to life through death: Jesus would not force me.

I cried as I climbed upon the stone. Not because of fear, or regret, nor due to pain. My tears came from the love that Jesus was pouring over me. I knew the pain and the past it stemmed from would be destroyed there and then. My Savior was setting me free! I was consumed with thankfulness as I closed my eyes and surrendered myself to the GLORY OF GOD!


When it was over, Jesus showed me the root he cut from my soul. It was hideous and large. Dark as black soil with hundreds of long, hair like strands, the root was intact. No part of it left behind. I was amazed something so ugly came from within me. Yet, I could feel the freedom I had gained within. My heart could breathe at last.

I couldn't wait to tryout my wings!

Jesus promises; "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it," (Luke 9:24). I can't help but notice the absence of the word, "want" in the second half of this verse. Jesus knows we don't want to lose our life. This is where the sacrifice comes into the picture. Choosing to give our lives up, against our desire, is what moves Jesus. Only love motivates a man or women...or God...to offer their life for the hope of eternity.

I can't promise your path to Golgotha will be like mine. Only Jesus knows what your journey holds. I can assure you of the Father's faithfulness through the climb, sacrifice and resurrection. I pray you trust the pierced hand of Christ and let Him lead you to the altar of sacrifice. I implore you to lie upon the stone in complete surrender. The wings are real my friend...and the view is glorious!

Come fly with us!

Soul-Phone Service

I love knowing no matter when I need to speak, and regardless of what I want to say, I have an audience with God. With Him, I have the fastest connection available and the service is free...at least on my end. The truth is, Jesus paid an enormous price for my divine hook-up: He bought it with his life. In a world where communication with others is highly valued I am thankful for my twenty-four/seven access to God's ear.I am particularly appreciative to not be dependent on satellites for service when I have wandered off track. Praise the Lord we don't incur roaming charges! God's plan simply can not be beat and yet, membership on a global scale is remarkably low.

My connection with the Lord hasn't always been as clear as I feel it is today. Through the years my conversations with God have changed. My initial attempts to embrace His Spirit in fellowship were centered on my needs and my desires, Me...me...me. God was my miracle maker, my spiritual Daddy whom I ran to with every boo boo or need. This one sided style of communication really stifled my spiritual growth and life. There was static in the line and there were times I got disconnected, perhaps even dropped.

Studying scripture under the likes of Kay Arthur, Charles Stanley and Beth Moore matured my times of communion. These powerful spiritual leaders modeled a deeper relationship with Jesus: one rich with revelation that I had not been experiencing. Their example drove me to my knees where I began to seek the will and voice of God in my day. Emphasis was placed on praise and thankfulness and in time I learned how to be still and meditate on His Word.

When my prayer time became worship, my relationship with the Father bloomed. I had somehow grafted myself into the vine effectively and I was sprouting spiritual limbs in places I thought dead. The promise of fruit was encouraging. The Word was opening up to me; visuals formed in my mind as the Truth applied itself to my daily circumstance or concerns. I found a pattern in the way God spoke to me and trained my heart to recognize His voice.

I believe this is what Oswald Chambers was pointing us to; "Whether I hear God's call or not depends on the condition of my ears, and exactly what I hear depends upon my spiritual attitude." I believe the "condition of my ears" has changed as my attitude toward God has changed. The closer I get to the Lord, the more humble I become. There is a state of constant awe that keeps me barefoot before Him. I truly feel like I am always before the burning bush; beholding the presence and spiritually on fire.

My history with Jesus is filled with mile markers and surprises; spiritual and emotional victories, answered prayers and divine encounters. Therefore, I've come to expect victories, answered prayers and more divine opportunities. The biggest change in my daily spiritual journey through the years is not found in anything I do. The difference is noticeable in my trust that God IS. Not was, not will be, He IS. Right now He is with me. I am never out of His sight or without his company. This truth has radically altered my life. Knowing He is near first renewed my mind and next changed my heart. Once those necessary alterations were underway, His fellowship changed my actions. I have come to realize I can share each day aware of His constant presence and uninterrupted conversation or I can spiritually hang up on Him. (I don't recommend the latter!) The result has been a confidence in my walk, my sharing, my praying and my hearing His voice.

Isaiah heard God calling because he was an active member in God's network. We too can have a static free connection with the Lord through daily fellowship. Children of God are promised His unfailing presence and need not fear areas where we can not get service. This is not the case for the unbeliever to whom God repeats,

"Can you hear me now?"

Dare to Peer in the Mirror

It was the June before sixth grade. My mom had remarried a man we barely knew and left for Europe for six weeks. My three sisters and I were divided into two groups and sent to stay with distant cousins for the summer. Various excursions were part of the bribe to take two of us into custody; a makeshift family vacation. With that single vow exchange, my days spent playing along the riverbed came to an abrupt end. Before I knew what was happening I found myself swept from shore into the deep waters of life: a treacherous current beneath the surface threatening to pull me under.

That summer my cousins took my sister and I rafting in Colorado. Each person in our group was given a life-vest and told to follow the instructions of the guide no... matter what. Pulling out his safety manual he began to lull my enthusiasm to sleep. My body popping with various movement unable to control my excitement. On the banks up river at the beginning of the journey everyone agreed on following orders. "Yes, yes!" I replied while leaping into the raft. Shoving off into the water my stomach swarmed with anticipation. I sensed I was in for the journey of a lifetime!

This was an adventure I had never experienced before. The fast flowing water was inviting and I pondered what my experience on the river would be. The youngest of our group I escaped the work and pressure of paddling, which of course, my older sister felt need to use as a weapon to taunt me. For once, I ignored her. I found myself instantly taken with the ride. I could feel the force of the water at times through the bottom of the raft but I was not afraid. Naively, I placed my faith in a foundation of rubber. Gliding through a diverse landscape my eyes roamed upon the shore taking in the beauty around me. I became the official greeter of our group as I shouted and waived, "Hello," to every poor soul stranded on the beach. Life on the river was grand!

A wall of Spruce sprang up before us prompting my sister to ask, "Is the ride over?" Laughter filled the boat before someone chided, "So soon? Of course not! There's a bend up ahead." My sister's head turned to the shore feigning sudden interest in spotting wildlife. The guide began to give instructions, his casual voice now like a bark. The muscles in his legs flexed and his jaw set. His expression serious and resolved; he looked like a gladiator before entering the Coliseum, tense and ready for action. So taken with the change in his disposition I forgot myself and for a moment I believed I heard the roar of the crowd. His eyes, fixed straight ahead, conveyed a warning and I soon realized there was more to river rafting than fun.

The serene and tranquil water became disturbed and the river roared as she and her bits of earthly cargo smashed against the rocks. I stopped waiving and grasped hold of the safety line as everything around me faded into nothing. The mighty river was all I could see. Our guide continued hollering directions as our insignificant raft approached the turbulent battle between water and land. I was for the first time aware of how powerless and small I truly was...and how much in need. I closed my eyes and held on for life.

On the south side of raging foam I gave my young heart to our guide...my savior.

New awareness of the dangers that await us down river, I began questioning the skills of those aboard. My cousins were weak and self serving. My sister was but a child like me. The guide was my only hope for survival. I watched him intensely. Victory after victory built my confidence in his leadership. I began to enjoy the journey once more. Somewhere along the way the waters depth diminished. The rounded stones and pebbles zoomed near and I marvelled at their individuality until we abruptly came to a stop. We were on a sand bar. Instructions followed that put everyone into motion. I did as told and stepped out of the raft. The water was ice cold and pricked my ankles until they were pink. The pace was swift, everyone pushing the raft towards deep water. My small stride struggling to match theirs. With a mighty thrust they were off and I was left standing alone on the edge of the sandbar. My sister's mouth agape as our cousins pointed fingers at one another. The guide shouting...something...my ears were too plugged with fear to comprehend. I was literally, up a river without a paddle - or raft for that matter - my savior tragically drifting down stream. I would have to brave this part of the journey alone.

From that point on tragedy after tragedy created a tumultuous river I was destined to travel; "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be," (Psalm 139:16). Young and inexperienced I was barely able to keep my head above water, let alone swim. Out of desperation and sheer will to survive, I frantically fought the white caps. Emotionally terrified I made every attempt to swim to shore. Unfortunately, the countless river bends drug me back into the rushing water before I could catch my breath or cry out for help.

When I look back I still marvel at my arrogance to believe I had what it takes to navigate myself through the rapids of life. Every time I was bashed into another boulder on my way through the rolling water, I not only cursed but determined to try harder. I wish I would have learned sooner the value of my rafting vest. It was Jesus Christ, the life preserver designed to keep my head above water. However, I was as unfamiliar with Jesus as I was with the bright orange contraption about me.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." (Isaiah 43:2NIV)

It wasn't until I faced a class four rapids that I came to realize that I was in eternal danger and in need of rescue. Instinctively, I prayed to God for help, like a million before me: desperate to save ourselves from the great eternal fall which leads to the Lake of Fire. In a flash I finally understood them both, secured the vest around my torso and found rest for the first time in my life.

I would love to say at this point in my journey life became a casual drift upon a smooth stream, but that would be a lie. In my moment of surrender I secured my eternal destiny, as well gained the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God. Still, I was very much the young girl, who had learned to survive by fighting the current. I went through life kicking my legs with my arms flailing in the foam. I wore the security of salvation about my breast but I didn't know it's power or how to use it. My lack of trust in it's ability allowed fear to be my rudder and the rocks still battered me.

I am stunned by the strong parallel between this wilderness experience and my spiritual journey.(Truly the revelation hits me as my fingers tap the keys of my laptop). Though introduced at seven to the glory of God by attending church with our next-door-neighbors, as a minor I was not granted a qualified spiritual guide to lead me through the rapids of life. My sisters and I ran wild until our mother remarried. This...I'll call it...freedom...gave us false confidence we had what it takes to navigate through life victoriously. Sister strong, we can't go wrong. Us against it all. Traits necessary for survival in a rugged world became badges of honor and tragically this young beauty became a beast within.

The current was swift and though I learned to face the rapids with a set jaw, I made every attempt to swim to the shore. Yet, in my own strength it was useless, I kept dashing against stone. Bruised, gashed and weary I gave my all in the war with the rapids, but my all was not enough to save me. The great Fall ahead was claiming me to its eternal depths when at the end of my strength, MERCY scooped me from the ravenous water and revealed to me a wooden cross. Upon this alone I could safely ride the river of live. Once again I gave my heart over...this time to Jesus Christ, the only guide who can get me safely home.

In the journey that followed, I learned to set fear of the water aside. I bathed in the living water, was baptized by it and found it to be the only substance to satisfy my spiritual thirst. Abiding in the water's depths I learned its patterns. How long stretches bring stillness to the surface and twists and turns whisk up foam. Safe in the water I watched as the predators of the night stalked the shores, their eyes glowing in the dark. Their evil deeds contrasted by the doe of early morning drinking deeply from the water's edge.

Each season drew various creations to the banks; springtime brought the newly born and sowers, summer, it's wading fishermen and joyful swimmers, fall, was rich with harvesters and winter was when Christ and I drifted alone. Then is when Jesus beckoned me to note my reflection upon the crystal waters. The unyielding ice reflecting my inner self. Stripped bare like the trees, I suffer winter's transformation year after year. Yet, with every thaw,new life would spring forth within me. My appearance looking more like my guide.

Today, I marvel at the Water. I see the beauty He creates, the life He sustains and I respect His enormous power. The journey of transformation is one we are all invited on. We should not deny ourselves the experience by staying on the shore. Likewise, none of us need fear being stranded on the bar without a faithful and trustworthy guide. Jesus is the living water for which we can all abide in safely. The one in which we can place our hope and the only one we should ever claim as our Savior. With Jesus at our side we can dare to peer into the mirror and say..."Show me the beast!"

Unequal Consequences

Twenty-one years ago I asked God to forgive me my sins by the blood of Jesus. In so doing I instantly became unequally yoked with special people in my life. My family, boyfriend and friends were suddenly on the opposite side of an enormous chasm. Outside of the spiritual mother God sent to mentor me to the cross, I had no one to share my new faith with. My circle of peers were blind to the truth, my family doubted my sincerity and I said good-bye to my boyfriend.

My solitude in those days was agonizing in many ways, but inside of me a joy swelled giving rise to hope. Hope that one day, my family would be healed, those that called me friend would call me sister and my heart would be vowed to a man who loved God. Stepping into a relationship with Jesus meant I was stepping away from loved ones. While I was embracing my dreams I was destroying the dreams of others. Hearts were torn.

Today I still have hope that those I love will come to know Jesus. While my heart aches over their blind eyes and deaf ears, I trust God's love for them is as sure as His love for me. Therefore I pray they will enter the rest of heaven and choose to see Christ as well hear Jesus.

"The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance," (Matthew 13:11-12).

I wrestle with this verse because it can appear to mean that God plays favorites: that He reveals His glory to some and not others. Though I touched on this in my last devotional, it is worth repeating. God reveals himself but men are dull to the Holy Spirit and Truth. Their pride and arrogance keeps them in darkness.
Jesus said;
"Though seeing, they do not see;
though hearing, they do not hear or understand.
In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:
"'You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
Understand with their hearts,
and turn, and I would heal them.'

But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears
because they hear. For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." (Matthew 13:13-17).

I see Jesus because I want to see Jesus. I hear His message because I want to understand it. God knows this about me and therefore He opens my eyes, ears and heart.

My role is to remain faithful to Jesus. To seek peace at all cost in my relationship with Him. Where he leads I must follow, regardless of the pain it causes others. The "road is narrow" means I will walk single file...the are but few workers warns the work will be endless, loving the Lord means I obey His commands and allow Him to direct my life. For some the journey of salvation and conversion will be blessed with an intact circle of family, friends and spouses. They will share the yoke with Jesus and their burden will be for the most part equal.

For others, living life for and with Jesus, will inflict pain and possible injury to others. Business partners will lose profits due to one having a righteous conscious. Parents may lose their children to the mission field. Some will lose sex partners. Other's will lose companions. However, their loss is gain for God's children.

We are told in God's word not to be unequally yoked with those who reject Jesus, (2 Corinthians 6:14). For we can see how yoking two bulls with different stalls would warrant a struggle; each bull would want to return to his own stall at the end of the day. What agony must be endured when unequally yoked!

God opened my eyes to this principle and gave me the strength to sever some relationships. He comforted me by providing new ones over time. It took me a year of nights praying for a Godly man before my husband asked me to join him for dinner; Newport Beach Crab Cooker. They had to nudge us out the door after closing time. Slowly we found ways to connect with my family for awhile.

I have experienced the pain on the other side of the chasm where loss is experienced without hope. This God has purposed to give me great compassion for the spiritually deaf and blind. For this reason we must faithfully pray them through their suffering, even if from a distance. In so doing, we have the promise to comfort us that when we place God first in our lives, he will bring good out of every situation.

Eyes Open to Revelation

Jesus, at the beginning of His ministry on earth, drew into fellowship twelve disciples. For three years these men walked closely with the Lord. Eleven of the disciples bent their ears to His teachings and later their knees to His will. They saw their Teacher perform miracles day after day and they listened to His wisdom under the stars each night. Their lives were filled with the Lord's work; ministering to the thousands of bodies in order to draw out their souls. Countless sought His touch and many chose to follow Jesus...until He asked them to see His glory.

The twelve stuck by His side until His ministry in flesh was finished on Calvary. Still, the apostles understanding of who Jesus was remained veiled until the Light of the World conquered the grave. Following His Resurrection, the Lord stood among his followers and granted them sight, curing their spiritual blindness.

Revelation comes from God. Only God in His time and for His purpose reveals Himself to us. Only when we seek God will we truly see Him. Consider how two men explore Yosemite National Park: One sees the work of glaciers and evolution, the other beholds the creativity and artistry of our holy Creator. The first sees the product, the second sees the source. Still, it is the power of the Lord which pulls back the veil and grants us a view of His splendor.

Nothing we do can bring about revelation. Like forgiveness, visions of the Almighty are gifts given to believers. For example on the road to Emmaus, two followers of Jesus were blessed with the Lord's fellowship, though Christ did not immediately reveal His presence. "As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him," (Luke 24:15-16).

The Lord walked with these men nearly seven miles listening to their down cast spirits as they shared the events of dawn at the empty tomb. Jesus explained the purpose of the events and still they did not respond to their "burning" hearts in his presence, (Luke 24:32). Their doubt and depression blinded them to the presence of God.

I believe Christians can walk with Jesus and not recognize him at our side. We travel as though we are alone on our journey. Though Jesus is always with us, I believe our relationship with Him determines how often we see Him or notice His work in our lives. Intimacy removes the veil and affords seekers beautiful visions of God.

Why the game of hide and seek? I believe this mystery is addressed with; "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs," (Matthew 6:19). The Herod's of this world do not seek the glory of God to praise him, they are looking for a thrill. The Lord sees their hearts and knows they will never humble themselves and accept His love. Why then would Jesus reveal His glory to them? Rather, He saves revelation for those who earnestly seek Him and long to abide in His presence. Jesus himself pleaded with the Father on this matter;

"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world," (John 17:24).

Therefore, the heart that is devoted to and pursues intimacy with Jesus will behold His glory.

Still, revelation is but the first part of the salvation experience; conversion is the goal. Oswald Chambers admonishes Christians to "receive" that which God has packaged in Christ so that our conversion may be evident. The second step is to receive the gift of forgiveness. It is one thing to acknowledge and accept the gift and another to actually apply it. This step Oswald claims in "My Utmost for His Highest", is rarely done in the body of believers. If forgiveness was truly received by every Christian the outpouring of benefits and servants brought on through gratitude and adoration would be powerful. The reputation of the Church less tainted in the eyes of the world. Unfortunately, pews are filled with people who see; church-as an obligation, serving-something others should do, need-someone else's responsibility and tithing-as optional. Yet, God tells us in His word; "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead," (James 2:26). Likewise; "The harvest is plenty but the workers are few," (Matthew 9:37). Lord Jesus forgive us our weaknesses, for we know not what we do.

Interestingly, Jesus only took three of the twelve to the summit to witness His glorious transfiguration. I believe this speaks of degrees of revelation to Christians. To those faithful with little, the Lord will give more, (Matthew 26:6). Thus those who through thanksgiving and love, dedicate their lives back to the Father are blessed with more details of God's plan.

I believe I was denied deeper revelation of God's glory as a new Christian because I was caught up in the ways and worries of the world. I had accepted Jesus as my Savior, but I had not truly received his forgiveness. My wounded heart held me captive until prompted by Beth Moore's bible study, Breaking Free, and therapy, I broke the bondage the enemy stifled my spiritual growth with. Since my healing, I have experienced intimacy with the Lord I never knew possible. The more I seek Him, the more he reveals Himself to me. The more I surrender myself to His will and the plan He has for my life, the more I discover my true calling; to love others and share God's message of truth with them. Oswald says, the surrendered, serving spirit is our evidence of a sincere conversion, (Oswald January 10th). It took me a while to get there but I believe I am walking down the center of His path for me.

According to Oswald, "In sanctification, the one who has been born again deliberately gives up his right to himself to Jesus Christ, and identifies himself entirely with God's ministry to others," (Oswald January 10th). It has become evident to me that God is lifting the veil in my life. Praying for His eyes and heart are yielding fruit I feared I would never produce. Most importantly, my level of intimacy with the Lord is growing. I've come to realize seeing God's glory is recognizing the role of Jesus and His purposed for me. I have kingdom work to do. My sanctification (as well yours) is worked out through my desire to accept his plan wholeheartedly, and join Him in service.(Oswald, Jan.10th). This very blog is fruit of my relationship and a tool in my ministry of service. Oh, how I pray more of you Lord, less of me!