Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column
This column is going to be short. I pray all of you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I'm going on vacation and will not be posting a new column until January, 2009!
The Miracle of Christmas
Lacy snow flakes drifted silently down,
as the travel-weary couple made their way through the darkened streets of a country town.
The lady, heavy with child, her labor pains upon her, begged for a place to rest.
But no room could be found, still, God knew what was best!
One person, stirred with compassion at the woman’s labor,
offered a hay-filled nearby stable and manger.
Grateful, the husband carried his wife in and settled her down, as the sounds of the animals lowing,
mingled with the wind blowing
through the cracks
at their backs.
While up in Heaven, the angels held their breath,
waiting for what came next.
When the order came from God, they raced to sing, “Hope is here! If you search for it, it can be found,
radiating throughout eternity from Bethlehem town.”
To shepherds tending their flocks in the fields,
angels appeared singing, “Peace, be still.
The Son of God, the Savior is born today.”
Excited but fearful of what they would see, the shepherds left their sheep in the fields and made their way
to the place where the baby Jesus laid.
Once there, they worshipped Him, no longer afraid.
Three wise kings traveled far from the East,
seeking the Holy One sent to break the yoke of the Beast.
They too, gathered to worship the miraculous birth of Hope Divine;
a Gift that was given by God to humanity, for all time.
Today, as we face another Christmas season at war
with forces of darkness in our world, the reminder of that miracle is more important than ever before.
For in the midst of the chaos, confusion and fear
we face, the comfort God’s Hope brings is that God’s Presence will always be near.
And like the shepherds and people of old, we too, if we ask His forgiveness by repenting of our sin
can openly approach to worship Him.
For it is in these magical days of Christmas, amid the ugliness of life, that moments of joy and beauty can be found.
So may our praise of His Glory resound,
“Jesus Christ is Immanuel-God with us, as Lord of lords and King of kings,
now and forever He reigns!!”
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Written on:
November 17, 2008
Scripture References:
Matthew 1:1-Matthew 2:23;
Luke 1:26-80; Luke 2:1-39
& John 1:1-5
See you all next year!
About Me
- Belle Anne Leslie
- I love to write poetry, fiction, non-fiction and feature articles!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A Thankful Spirit
Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column
Life has gotten harder for everyone in these last few months. Many people are barely surviving just because the price for vital necessities like food, and medicine has increased, while many of the same people have lost jobs and homes.
Because of these tough economic times, I understand why it it would be rough finding something to be thankful for . But that is why I'm writing this column today. Even though, Thanksgiving Day, November 2008 has come and gone, we can still find comfort in the little things.
You might be asking right now, "What little things?"
Thank God for Little Things that Often Come our Way
Thank you God for little things that often come our way.
The little insignificant things, we take for granted every day.
The morning’s glory as we rise
which meets our tired, worn out eyes.
The music of the birds we hear,
as we face ourselves in the mirror.
The soul-cleansing bath we take,
when we get a good old coffee break.
The deafening, relentless roar
in traffic, as our tempers soar!
The maddening dash for cash,
when the trade points flip and crash.
May we never take these opportunities to draw close to you for granted,
nor the many other blessings we’ve been handed.
Help us always remember when life becomes bleak and our finances get low,
how much You love us so!
For we can never underestimate,
nor should we cease to appreciate
that it is through hard and difficult times we often grow,
to love You even more so!
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Written on:
July 6, 1991
God Bless You all!
Life has gotten harder for everyone in these last few months. Many people are barely surviving just because the price for vital necessities like food, and medicine has increased, while many of the same people have lost jobs and homes.
Because of these tough economic times, I understand why it it would be rough finding something to be thankful for . But that is why I'm writing this column today. Even though, Thanksgiving Day, November 2008 has come and gone, we can still find comfort in the little things.
You might be asking right now, "What little things?"
Thank God for Little Things that Often Come our Way
Thank you God for little things that often come our way.
The little insignificant things, we take for granted every day.
The morning’s glory as we rise
which meets our tired, worn out eyes.
The music of the birds we hear,
as we face ourselves in the mirror.
The soul-cleansing bath we take,
when we get a good old coffee break.
The deafening, relentless roar
in traffic, as our tempers soar!
The maddening dash for cash,
when the trade points flip and crash.
May we never take these opportunities to draw close to you for granted,
nor the many other blessings we’ve been handed.
Help us always remember when life becomes bleak and our finances get low,
how much You love us so!
For we can never underestimate,
nor should we cease to appreciate
that it is through hard and difficult times we often grow,
to love You even more so!
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Written on:
July 6, 1991
God Bless You all!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Like A Phoenix, Albright UMC Rises From The Ashes!
Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column
I'm happy to report that Albright UMC, my church, has finally begun building a new sanctuary. If you are interested in seeing the construction progress check out the church's website. The address is:
www.gbgm-umc.org/albright-mishawaka/
Here is a poem I wrote for the occasion. I hope it encourages and cheers you very much!
Albright UMC:
Two Years After The Fire
After the storm, came the fire, and life was never again the same.
Two years after the fire, came the flame
burning brighter and higher than before,
igniting within the souls of seasoned prayer vets the commitment to stand in the war
to end all wars. Today, the Light of God’s Son attracts like a moth drawn to flame,
the innocent, hungry and lost to the Power of reconciliation through Jesus’ name.
We see The Word of God satisfy the yearning thirst for more
of the intimate oneness found in a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Lord;
as a new building rises like a phoenix from the ashes of the previous one’s pyre,
we can honestly say, “Thank God for the fire!”
Even as an unstable economy rocks the nation,
it is the faith of those who stand now that will light the way for new and future generations,
providing Hope for the entire human race,
by demonstrating God’s Love, relying on His Strength and living moment by moment in His Grace.
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Written on:
September 29, 2008
Scripture References:
Ecclesiastes 4:7-12; Isaiah 66:7;
& John 3:16-17
Next month I will share some reasons to be thankful, in honor of Thanksgiving Day!
I'm happy to report that Albright UMC, my church, has finally begun building a new sanctuary. If you are interested in seeing the construction progress check out the church's website. The address is:
www.gbgm-umc.org/albright-mishawaka/
Here is a poem I wrote for the occasion. I hope it encourages and cheers you very much!
Albright UMC:
Two Years After The Fire
After the storm, came the fire, and life was never again the same.
Two years after the fire, came the flame
burning brighter and higher than before,
igniting within the souls of seasoned prayer vets the commitment to stand in the war
to end all wars. Today, the Light of God’s Son attracts like a moth drawn to flame,
the innocent, hungry and lost to the Power of reconciliation through Jesus’ name.
We see The Word of God satisfy the yearning thirst for more
of the intimate oneness found in a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Lord;
as a new building rises like a phoenix from the ashes of the previous one’s pyre,
we can honestly say, “Thank God for the fire!”
Even as an unstable economy rocks the nation,
it is the faith of those who stand now that will light the way for new and future generations,
providing Hope for the entire human race,
by demonstrating God’s Love, relying on His Strength and living moment by moment in His Grace.
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Written on:
September 29, 2008
Scripture References:
Ecclesiastes 4:7-12; Isaiah 66:7;
& John 3:16-17
Next month I will share some reasons to be thankful, in honor of Thanksgiving Day!
Monday, September 01, 2008
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer, Part Two
Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column
What it Means to Be a Prayer Warrior:
Introduction:
The simplest definition of an intercessor/prayer warrior is someone whom God calls to pray for someone else’s need. When God places the person’s need on a prayer warrior’s heart it can best be described as a heavy weight or a burden pressing into the “hands” (the Spirit and soul) of a prayer warrior, with the person’s name or situation repeatedly called to mind.
As prayer warriors we commit or “stake” ourselves to the person in need, praying for them until the “weight or burden” of their name and/or situation eases from our mind, soul and Spirit. For me, because I am a visually-oriented person, the reassurances that indicate God has heard and taken action on their behalf come through impressions of visual images or words. Sometimes, these impressions are specific in detail (the words “Bitterness and Anger” held between hands inside of a heart, or the picture of a wall being built between a person and other people that reaches up to Heaven). Other times, it can be generalized (a sense of danger while someone is traveling on a journey). For other prayer warriors I've talked with, these impressions are more like a nudge or push, with the person's name or need coming to mind frequently.
As we experience these impressions, prayer warriors meditate (mentally focus) on Scripture passages that come to mind (through memorization techniques) at the urging of The Holy Spirit. This is how we scripturally “carry away” the weakness, weight or burden the person is facing.
This in no way implies prayer warriors are psychic or can be called mediums. We are trained by seasoned prayer veterans in how to minister through intercessory prayer by recognizing and differentiating between Thr Holy Spirit's Voice and one that's not (I will share more on this in next month’s column).
The Calling:
Prayer Warriors know that “God’s work, which He completed on the cross can only be released through the mediation, the going between, the distributing, the enforcing [of] our part” (Dutch Sheets, Intercessory Prayer, 66-70). Prayer warriors, as well as fellow Christians, bear a shared responsibility to further the work of spreading the Gospel to future generations. If one person chooses for whatever reason not to participate, the portion of responsibility they bore shifts to the rest. Now imagine what would happen, if 997 out of 1000 people called to intercessory prayer decided not to participate. The “weight or burden” to the rest would become unbalanced and there would be an increased risk of burnout. This, unfortunately, is what is happening now, “For many are called but few are chosen” (Matthew 19:23-20:16, NKJV).
Fellow prayer warriors, take heart! For every warrior that fights on the battlefield, spiritual or physical, does not do so alone. Christ Himself, fights with us. “When two or three people come together [in agreement] in [Jesus’] name, [He] is there with them” (Matthew 18:19-20, NCV).
Another way of looking at this is the Greek word, “sunantilambanoi . . . It is a compound word made up of three words. Sun means “together with,” anti means “against,” and lambano means” to take hold of.” Putting them together, a very literal meaning of the word would be “take hold of together with against”” (Sheets, Intercessory Prayer, 102).
When a prayer warrior joins in partnership with other prayer warriors and they join together in prayer with Jesus Christ, the authority that flows from God’s throne enables the Holy Spirit to move in a way that creates, and produces change in the lives of people whose name are being lifted up in prayer. The Holy Spirit is the creative force (Will) of God and this cooperative effort between God and prayer warriors allows “the Holy Spirit to hover over people, bringing forth the fruit of what Christ has already done” in their lives (Sheets, Intercessory Prayer, 132).
Finding a Balance:
It has often been said and assumed by other Christians that “prayer warriors must have great or strong faith to move mountains in Jesus’ name.” While this may be true some of the time, the opposite is true most of the time. As prayer warriors we have been given the gift of Discernment to “see” the consequences of the good and bad choices people make. As a result, we balance on a razor’s edge between Discernment and Judgment. To be honest, often we fight growing cynical over humanity’s capacity to choose what seems easier in order to avoid doing the hard things. So instead of having great faith to believe the best will come of a situation (see Hebrews 11:1; Romans 8:28-39) we prayer warriors end up with faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20-21; Luke 17:6, NCV).
That is why if our prayers fail or fall on deaf ears it is not because of a lack of faith on our part or the people we are praying for. It is a result of barricading our hearts to protect against the emotional toll when the people we are praying for have to deal with the consequences for bad choices they have made (1 Corinthians 13:1-13).
In other words, there is no such thing as cold, clinical objectivity in the ministry work of a prayer warrior. The fact is when you pray for someone else’s need, that person becomes an extension of your family by adoption. Their choices, good and bad, will affect your heart. That is why Christians are taught by Jesus to love even their enemies (Matthew 5-7; Philippians 4:8-13). By the very nature of the calling we receive from God (Romans 11:29), to intercede (pray) for another person’s burden is to become emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally attached (invested) in the person’s life.
Today’s society would have you believe this kind of investment can be accomplished without God, the church, or religion. That is impossible because only one individual could carry the burdens of this world’s population and live to tell about it. Christ’s work on Calvary is evidence of that Truth ( Matthew 27:1-28:20; Mark 15:1-16:20; Luke 19:28-48; Luke 22:1-23; Luke 22:39-24:53; John 17:1-21:25). On the surface this may seem a possibility but to get to the core of the need the person you are praying for is facing involves peeling back the layers of denial, anger, bitterness, resentment, and hurt the person is hiding behind.
Veteran prayer warriors will attest to this Truth: we can do nothing in our own strength. The work of this ministry must be done in conjunction with Christ and other believers or our testimonies, our efforts, our success and the work of intercessory prayer will be doomed to failure.
The Cost:
Prayer warriors, at times, face a heavy cost for the task of intercession. This cost comes when a prayer warrior, equipped with the gifts of Discernment and Judgment is called to confront the person they are praying for when the needs they are struggling with causes harm to others. The prayer warrior knows the harm can spread much further, unless it is dealt with.
Still, the art of confronting someone in love is a rather unpleasant part of prayer ministry. The backlash prayer warriors experience can destroy even the most seasoned warrior’s personal life, professional standing and affect the perception of their leadership skills. All because of the fact people don’t like hearing the Truth or being held accountable when they’ve done something to hurt someone else. The demands of such a calling lead some prayer warriors to quit.
Admittedly, this life is not for the faint of heart. Prayer Warriors battle internal pressures to prioritize God first, family second, and ministry third. As well as the politics of leadership and those in oversight authority who grow jealous, envious, and angry over the misperception they do not share the same intimacy with God or enjoy the same gifts we do.
That is why fresh recruits to this ministry are trained by seasoned veterans to employ the use of the full armor of God every day (It is mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-20). Without its protection, prayer warriors, seasoned and fresh, would be cut down from every direction.
It is important to note here that most veteran prayer warriors do not seek or desire leadership roles, but are content to serve in whatever capacity or position God leads them to. Many prayer warriors I know shun the limelight in favor of God receiving the Glory rather than drawing attention to themselves.
The Commitment to Serve:
If you ask us why we are still willing to serve, we will say, “Even though we face tremendous opposition, hardships, and repercussions to answers revealed when the Holy Spirit urges us to speak. We will still stand, without hesitation, on the frontline of the battle between the Enemy and those who are weaker bringing up the rear. For everyone that falls into Darkness is just as important as the many more He raises up to take their place (Luke 15:1-7). Why? Because God loves you so much He sent His Son to die for you. We will do the same for you.
What it Means to Be a Prayer Warrior:
Introduction:
The simplest definition of an intercessor/prayer warrior is someone whom God calls to pray for someone else’s need. When God places the person’s need on a prayer warrior’s heart it can best be described as a heavy weight or a burden pressing into the “hands” (the Spirit and soul) of a prayer warrior, with the person’s name or situation repeatedly called to mind.
As prayer warriors we commit or “stake” ourselves to the person in need, praying for them until the “weight or burden” of their name and/or situation eases from our mind, soul and Spirit. For me, because I am a visually-oriented person, the reassurances that indicate God has heard and taken action on their behalf come through impressions of visual images or words. Sometimes, these impressions are specific in detail (the words “Bitterness and Anger” held between hands inside of a heart, or the picture of a wall being built between a person and other people that reaches up to Heaven). Other times, it can be generalized (a sense of danger while someone is traveling on a journey). For other prayer warriors I've talked with, these impressions are more like a nudge or push, with the person's name or need coming to mind frequently.
As we experience these impressions, prayer warriors meditate (mentally focus) on Scripture passages that come to mind (through memorization techniques) at the urging of The Holy Spirit. This is how we scripturally “carry away” the weakness, weight or burden the person is facing.
This in no way implies prayer warriors are psychic or can be called mediums. We are trained by seasoned prayer veterans in how to minister through intercessory prayer by recognizing and differentiating between Thr Holy Spirit's Voice and one that's not (I will share more on this in next month’s column).
The Calling:
Prayer Warriors know that “God’s work, which He completed on the cross can only be released through the mediation, the going between, the distributing, the enforcing [of] our part” (Dutch Sheets, Intercessory Prayer, 66-70). Prayer warriors, as well as fellow Christians, bear a shared responsibility to further the work of spreading the Gospel to future generations. If one person chooses for whatever reason not to participate, the portion of responsibility they bore shifts to the rest. Now imagine what would happen, if 997 out of 1000 people called to intercessory prayer decided not to participate. The “weight or burden” to the rest would become unbalanced and there would be an increased risk of burnout. This, unfortunately, is what is happening now, “For many are called but few are chosen” (Matthew 19:23-20:16, NKJV).
Fellow prayer warriors, take heart! For every warrior that fights on the battlefield, spiritual or physical, does not do so alone. Christ Himself, fights with us. “When two or three people come together [in agreement] in [Jesus’] name, [He] is there with them” (Matthew 18:19-20, NCV).
Another way of looking at this is the Greek word, “sunantilambanoi . . . It is a compound word made up of three words. Sun means “together with,” anti means “against,” and lambano means” to take hold of.” Putting them together, a very literal meaning of the word would be “take hold of together with against”” (Sheets, Intercessory Prayer, 102).
When a prayer warrior joins in partnership with other prayer warriors and they join together in prayer with Jesus Christ, the authority that flows from God’s throne enables the Holy Spirit to move in a way that creates, and produces change in the lives of people whose name are being lifted up in prayer. The Holy Spirit is the creative force (Will) of God and this cooperative effort between God and prayer warriors allows “the Holy Spirit to hover over people, bringing forth the fruit of what Christ has already done” in their lives (Sheets, Intercessory Prayer, 132).
Finding a Balance:
It has often been said and assumed by other Christians that “prayer warriors must have great or strong faith to move mountains in Jesus’ name.” While this may be true some of the time, the opposite is true most of the time. As prayer warriors we have been given the gift of Discernment to “see” the consequences of the good and bad choices people make. As a result, we balance on a razor’s edge between Discernment and Judgment. To be honest, often we fight growing cynical over humanity’s capacity to choose what seems easier in order to avoid doing the hard things. So instead of having great faith to believe the best will come of a situation (see Hebrews 11:1; Romans 8:28-39) we prayer warriors end up with faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20-21; Luke 17:6, NCV).
That is why if our prayers fail or fall on deaf ears it is not because of a lack of faith on our part or the people we are praying for. It is a result of barricading our hearts to protect against the emotional toll when the people we are praying for have to deal with the consequences for bad choices they have made (1 Corinthians 13:1-13).
In other words, there is no such thing as cold, clinical objectivity in the ministry work of a prayer warrior. The fact is when you pray for someone else’s need, that person becomes an extension of your family by adoption. Their choices, good and bad, will affect your heart. That is why Christians are taught by Jesus to love even their enemies (Matthew 5-7; Philippians 4:8-13). By the very nature of the calling we receive from God (Romans 11:29), to intercede (pray) for another person’s burden is to become emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally attached (invested) in the person’s life.
Today’s society would have you believe this kind of investment can be accomplished without God, the church, or religion. That is impossible because only one individual could carry the burdens of this world’s population and live to tell about it. Christ’s work on Calvary is evidence of that Truth ( Matthew 27:1-28:20; Mark 15:1-16:20; Luke 19:28-48; Luke 22:1-23; Luke 22:39-24:53; John 17:1-21:25). On the surface this may seem a possibility but to get to the core of the need the person you are praying for is facing involves peeling back the layers of denial, anger, bitterness, resentment, and hurt the person is hiding behind.
Veteran prayer warriors will attest to this Truth: we can do nothing in our own strength. The work of this ministry must be done in conjunction with Christ and other believers or our testimonies, our efforts, our success and the work of intercessory prayer will be doomed to failure.
The Cost:
Prayer warriors, at times, face a heavy cost for the task of intercession. This cost comes when a prayer warrior, equipped with the gifts of Discernment and Judgment is called to confront the person they are praying for when the needs they are struggling with causes harm to others. The prayer warrior knows the harm can spread much further, unless it is dealt with.
Still, the art of confronting someone in love is a rather unpleasant part of prayer ministry. The backlash prayer warriors experience can destroy even the most seasoned warrior’s personal life, professional standing and affect the perception of their leadership skills. All because of the fact people don’t like hearing the Truth or being held accountable when they’ve done something to hurt someone else. The demands of such a calling lead some prayer warriors to quit.
Admittedly, this life is not for the faint of heart. Prayer Warriors battle internal pressures to prioritize God first, family second, and ministry third. As well as the politics of leadership and those in oversight authority who grow jealous, envious, and angry over the misperception they do not share the same intimacy with God or enjoy the same gifts we do.
That is why fresh recruits to this ministry are trained by seasoned veterans to employ the use of the full armor of God every day (It is mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-20). Without its protection, prayer warriors, seasoned and fresh, would be cut down from every direction.
It is important to note here that most veteran prayer warriors do not seek or desire leadership roles, but are content to serve in whatever capacity or position God leads them to. Many prayer warriors I know shun the limelight in favor of God receiving the Glory rather than drawing attention to themselves.
The Commitment to Serve:
If you ask us why we are still willing to serve, we will say, “Even though we face tremendous opposition, hardships, and repercussions to answers revealed when the Holy Spirit urges us to speak. We will still stand, without hesitation, on the frontline of the battle between the Enemy and those who are weaker bringing up the rear. For everyone that falls into Darkness is just as important as the many more He raises up to take their place (Luke 15:1-7). Why? Because God loves you so much He sent His Son to die for you. We will do the same for you.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer, Part One
Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column
“Sickness, disease, addiction and sexual immorality can all be healed through prayer, if you only believe in the person of Jesus Christ.” said the evangelist during a revival that was broadcast recently on television.
While I don’t entirely disagree with him, just belief is not always enough to break the stranglehold of sin Satan uses to enslave a person’s life. When it comes to exercising faith by claiming God’s authority to heal sicknesses such as those the evangelist mentioned through prayer, actual physical work is involved.
3 Points of Contact Jesus Uses to Heal Through Prayer:
Matthew 11:28-30
First, the person(s) being prayed for must be compelled to take action. This resolve comes from a point of need the person(s) is experiencing. In verse 28, we read:
“Come to Me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” (NCV)
Many of us try to carry not only our own loads in life but those of the ones we love. We think that by doing so, we are helping them. Instead, as Christians we forget our primary mission is to teach people to trust Jesus and follow His example. So when we enable them to dump their troubles on us, rather than face the situation head on and accept the consequences of their action or inaction we give them the excuse to avoid finding answers for what they need.
This is the opposite of what Jesus teaches. As we see in Matthew11:28, “Come to Me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Jesus taught the disciples, to stand on their own without the added benefit of having a fall guy to blame their troubles on. Instead, we are to take our troubles, our complaints to Him. This is the same message He is teaching us today when life doesn’t quite go the way we think it should.
Second, the person(s) being prayed for must be willing to trust Jesus enough to learn and receive from Him all that He is teaching them. In verse 29, we read:
“Accept My teachings and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives.” (NCV)
The command in this verse is clear: we must surrender our will to God’s Will. Even if, what He wants us to do runs contrary to what and how we think our lives should go.
It is at this point, placing our trust in Jesus collides with our mistrust of everyone and anything we can’t control in life. Because it requires patience, (something we don’t have an abundant supply of), and a willingness to wait. Come on admit it: none of us likes to wait for anything. We live in a society that wants everything NOW! This very minute! Immediately! However, in order for us to learn instruction we have to be willing to accept instruction.
If we look at the second part of verse 29, we discover the reason Jesus wants us to accept the situations, and circumstances we face in life. The reason is “because I am gentle and humble in spirit.”
While God will not violate our free will—the choices we make in life to accept or reject His teaching and leadership—He cannot and will not allow us to destroy His name on earth by our active willingness to resist Him. So, God would rather choose another to fulfill the mission or ministry He has called us to do, than allow harm to come to another as a result of any bitterness or anger harbored within our hearts. Jesus is God, the Creator and Maker of all creation kind and God’s Presence and Love shown to others, is of paramount importance to the work He has called us to do.
Thirdly, the person(s) being prayed for must be willing to accept the help God as the Creator of all living things is willing to provide if we are to be at peace with God and everyone around us. The answer Jesus gave in Bible times is still true today. In verses 29 and 30, we read: “. . . because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The teaching that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.”
To learn the Truth about life and our place in it, we have to be willing to accept whatever comes our way. You have heard me talk about the illness I battle daily, Multiple Sclerosis. It is considered a terminal disease because there is no cure, yet. Over the last twenty years I have had several people pray over me for healing. Yet, I still have MS today. Some people have suggested that my faith is weak. Or, that I have no faith to begin with, because God has not healed me supernaturally of MS. Some others have even suggested that the faith of the one praying for me was weak. None of these people are right. How do I know? Even though God has not chosen to heal me, He has chosen to use my life, and the MS, in the same way, as He did the Apostle Paul’s life and disability, for His Glory.
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, “this thorn in the flesh” Paul lived with his entire life was used by God to bring people to the realization that “God’s thoughts are not [our] thoughts, nor are [our] ways, His ways” (Isaiah 55:6-13, NKJV). When they do, they begin to see the wisdom in the following set of equations:
Action + Need=Trust Trust(Mistrust) + Inaction = Resistance ( Need + Trust(Acceptance)) = God’s Peace
If God desires to give the very best gifts to those who choose Him, why would we not choose to accept them, if it is according to His Will, and His plans for our lives? What is the wisdom in rejecting that?
“Sickness, disease, addiction and sexual immorality can all be healed through prayer, if you only believe in the person of Jesus Christ.” said the evangelist during a revival that was broadcast recently on television.
While I don’t entirely disagree with him, just belief is not always enough to break the stranglehold of sin Satan uses to enslave a person’s life. When it comes to exercising faith by claiming God’s authority to heal sicknesses such as those the evangelist mentioned through prayer, actual physical work is involved.
3 Points of Contact Jesus Uses to Heal Through Prayer:
Matthew 11:28-30
First, the person(s) being prayed for must be compelled to take action. This resolve comes from a point of need the person(s) is experiencing. In verse 28, we read:
“Come to Me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” (NCV)
Many of us try to carry not only our own loads in life but those of the ones we love. We think that by doing so, we are helping them. Instead, as Christians we forget our primary mission is to teach people to trust Jesus and follow His example. So when we enable them to dump their troubles on us, rather than face the situation head on and accept the consequences of their action or inaction we give them the excuse to avoid finding answers for what they need.
This is the opposite of what Jesus teaches. As we see in Matthew11:28, “Come to Me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Jesus taught the disciples, to stand on their own without the added benefit of having a fall guy to blame their troubles on. Instead, we are to take our troubles, our complaints to Him. This is the same message He is teaching us today when life doesn’t quite go the way we think it should.
Second, the person(s) being prayed for must be willing to trust Jesus enough to learn and receive from Him all that He is teaching them. In verse 29, we read:
“Accept My teachings and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives.” (NCV)
The command in this verse is clear: we must surrender our will to God’s Will. Even if, what He wants us to do runs contrary to what and how we think our lives should go.
It is at this point, placing our trust in Jesus collides with our mistrust of everyone and anything we can’t control in life. Because it requires patience, (something we don’t have an abundant supply of), and a willingness to wait. Come on admit it: none of us likes to wait for anything. We live in a society that wants everything NOW! This very minute! Immediately! However, in order for us to learn instruction we have to be willing to accept instruction.
If we look at the second part of verse 29, we discover the reason Jesus wants us to accept the situations, and circumstances we face in life. The reason is “because I am gentle and humble in spirit.”
When we fight within ourselves for supremacy of our will over God’s Will, a wall of resistance builds up in our spirit and this causes us to harden our hearts against God’s teachings. When that happens we do not reflect the character of Christ, rather we reflect the character of the Evil One. This kind of battle defeats any good that can come from the circumstances we face in life. This kind of battle also destroys the testimony or message God would have us share with other people.
While God will not violate our free will—the choices we make in life to accept or reject His teaching and leadership—He cannot and will not allow us to destroy His name on earth by our active willingness to resist Him. So, God would rather choose another to fulfill the mission or ministry He has called us to do, than allow harm to come to another as a result of any bitterness or anger harbored within our hearts. Jesus is God, the Creator and Maker of all creation kind and God’s Presence and Love shown to others, is of paramount importance to the work He has called us to do.
Thirdly, the person(s) being prayed for must be willing to accept the help God as the Creator of all living things is willing to provide if we are to be at peace with God and everyone around us. The answer Jesus gave in Bible times is still true today. In verses 29 and 30, we read: “. . . because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The teaching that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.”
To learn the Truth about life and our place in it, we have to be willing to accept whatever comes our way. You have heard me talk about the illness I battle daily, Multiple Sclerosis. It is considered a terminal disease because there is no cure, yet. Over the last twenty years I have had several people pray over me for healing. Yet, I still have MS today. Some people have suggested that my faith is weak. Or, that I have no faith to begin with, because God has not healed me supernaturally of MS. Some others have even suggested that the faith of the one praying for me was weak. None of these people are right. How do I know? Even though God has not chosen to heal me, He has chosen to use my life, and the MS, in the same way, as He did the Apostle Paul’s life and disability, for His Glory.
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, “this thorn in the flesh” Paul lived with his entire life was used by God to bring people to the realization that “God’s thoughts are not [our] thoughts, nor are [our] ways, His ways” (Isaiah 55:6-13, NKJV). When they do, they begin to see the wisdom in the following set of equations:
Action + Need=Trust Trust(Mistrust) + Inaction = Resistance ( Need + Trust(Acceptance)) = God’s Peace
If God desires to give the very best gifts to those who choose Him, why would we not choose to accept them, if it is according to His Will, and His plans for our lives? What is the wisdom in rejecting that?
Monday, July 28, 2008
The Trap of Complacency
Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column
The billboard read, “Fear vs. Faith: Which will win in the end?” What caught my eye as I rode in the passenger seat of my friend’s car was the picture of a boxing ring with caricatures of a determined Osama bin Laden wearing boxing gloves and a serene looking George W. Bush with a halo over his head and his hands folded in prayer.
While the company paying for this advertisement, in my humble opinion, could have used better judgment and taste for subject matter, their objective was achieved. I started thinking about the sign’s message. I wondered, “How many of us make choices based on which option was safest or secure rather than show a willingness to take a risk?”
In this post-9/11 era, I believe we have as individuals become so afraid to reach beyond self-imposed, and government instituted boundaries that we are in danger of growing apathetic and complacent about life.
Since 9/11, I have watched my neighbors, friends and family develop a tendency to equate safety (peace of mind) with the impermanent objects of place, things and self to the exclusion of other people. Even when it involves placing our trust in God; “faith, the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” takes a back seat because our personal boundaries have become so inflexible we shut everyone else out. Why? Because we are afraid we will be hurt. Someone asked me the following question recently:
“Isn’t Forgiveness the Same as Trust?”
The answer is No. If we are honest with ourselves, sometimes, it is easier to forgive someone than it is to trust them again. When we open ourselves to trusting someone and they wound us deeply, it is more difficult to allow them close enough to rebuild trust again. The same can be true when we open ourselves up to trusting new people that God brings into our lives.
Seeking a sense of comfort or rest from the stress and trauma that we daily experience in life is necessary and vital to our mental health. However, admitting the need for comfort can happen through one of several ways. Fear clouds our judgment, affects our reasons for taking action or not. Either we choose to react negatively, by burrowing in place, hunkering down behind things, shutting tight the door to our heart and by lashing out at everyone until the next wave of hurt, pain and tragedy pass us by. Or, we choose to positively respond by accepting the situations, circumstances and stresses as a challenge.
A Proposal
If instead of succumbing to fear’s paralyzing hold we willingly embrace the experience as a calculated risk employed by God to help us, we could grow and mature as the person He wants us to be. If we view life this way, we are not denying the fears, doubts and uncertainties we struggle with everyday; rather we are using them as energy to propel us forward. As we do, God will break the stranglehold of fear’s complacency and apathy have on us, freeing us to do the work He has called us to do.
I recall a very wise person telling me once, “Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it is the action you take in the midst of it.” Another wise friend added, “Fear in the absence of faith is absolute chaos, while faith exercised in the midst of fear is true safety (peace of mind) because it comes through placing trust in the person of Jesus Christ.”
The billboard read, “Fear vs. Faith: Which will win in the end?” What caught my eye as I rode in the passenger seat of my friend’s car was the picture of a boxing ring with caricatures of a determined Osama bin Laden wearing boxing gloves and a serene looking George W. Bush with a halo over his head and his hands folded in prayer.
While the company paying for this advertisement, in my humble opinion, could have used better judgment and taste for subject matter, their objective was achieved. I started thinking about the sign’s message. I wondered, “How many of us make choices based on which option was safest or secure rather than show a willingness to take a risk?”
In this post-9/11 era, I believe we have as individuals become so afraid to reach beyond self-imposed, and government instituted boundaries that we are in danger of growing apathetic and complacent about life.
Since 9/11, I have watched my neighbors, friends and family develop a tendency to equate safety (peace of mind) with the impermanent objects of place, things and self to the exclusion of other people. Even when it involves placing our trust in God; “faith, the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” takes a back seat because our personal boundaries have become so inflexible we shut everyone else out. Why? Because we are afraid we will be hurt. Someone asked me the following question recently:
“Isn’t Forgiveness the Same as Trust?”
The answer is No. If we are honest with ourselves, sometimes, it is easier to forgive someone than it is to trust them again. When we open ourselves to trusting someone and they wound us deeply, it is more difficult to allow them close enough to rebuild trust again. The same can be true when we open ourselves up to trusting new people that God brings into our lives.
Seeking a sense of comfort or rest from the stress and trauma that we daily experience in life is necessary and vital to our mental health. However, admitting the need for comfort can happen through one of several ways. Fear clouds our judgment, affects our reasons for taking action or not. Either we choose to react negatively, by burrowing in place, hunkering down behind things, shutting tight the door to our heart and by lashing out at everyone until the next wave of hurt, pain and tragedy pass us by. Or, we choose to positively respond by accepting the situations, circumstances and stresses as a challenge.
A Proposal
If instead of succumbing to fear’s paralyzing hold we willingly embrace the experience as a calculated risk employed by God to help us, we could grow and mature as the person He wants us to be. If we view life this way, we are not denying the fears, doubts and uncertainties we struggle with everyday; rather we are using them as energy to propel us forward. As we do, God will break the stranglehold of fear’s complacency and apathy have on us, freeing us to do the work He has called us to do.
I recall a very wise person telling me once, “Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it is the action you take in the midst of it.” Another wise friend added, “Fear in the absence of faith is absolute chaos, while faith exercised in the midst of fear is true safety (peace of mind) because it comes through placing trust in the person of Jesus Christ.”
Sunday, June 01, 2008
What is Pastoral Care Ministry?, Part Two
Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column
A Theological and Practical Approach to Pastoral Care
A Better Understanding of Pastoral Care
Over the course of this class, I have listened, observed, processed and absorbed what I believe God is saying to me concerning the ministry of pastoral care. That is, in order to stand for Him, be His Light and His physical presence I must do so in participation with other believers. Alone, I am weakened, divided within and without, my actions on behalf of Him, become superficial and inefficient. When united, arm-in-arm with other believers near and far, the support structure put in place by God, holds up the weaker members, and equals, then multiplies, the output of all.
If one member resists God’s leading, that person jeopardizes not only themselves but everyone around them, by succumbing to the very darkness they were initially fighting. This domino effect inflicts collateral damage that can make the whole structure weaken.
For example, I counseled a lady named Tara during a time she experienced ill health and depression. Initially, she tried to hide, and then denied what was going on. When confronted through several people (myself included) with the Sovereign reality of God’s love, she acted out and became defensive. Still, people continued to pray and encourage her. There was a point in her struggles with health issues where she landed flat on her back in bed, too sick to move. At that time she repented and God brought back part of her health, for which she praises Him. But she still has doubts, broken trust issues, and some residual resistance to God’s leading, due in part to a perceived delay of God’s promise to restore her health completely. She like all of us, continually battles with the darkness as it seeks to deepen its hold through unhealthy bad habits, or erratic, questioning behavior. The only way victory over the darkness can be achieved is by realizing the most crucial truth—spiritual growth is a lifetime process—it does not happen over night.
The Lifetime Process of Pastoral Care
There are several key ingredients in this process. Trust, vulnerability, and compassion are essential building blocks for the foundation of a pastoral care ministry. The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths” (NKJV).
Trusting in God for everything is paramount for a Christian’s walk, as much for the spiritual growth and development of Christ-likeness, as for anything else. Showing vulnerability with each other, ourselves and God is scary and filled with risks. Examples of these risks include the fears of rejection by God and others, facing the unknown without firm ground to stand on or engaging battle with the Enemy while wondering if someone’s covering your back. There is also the experience of enduring ridicule, for standing up for God’s Word against the mainstream of a pervasive and antagonistic society, which is bent on conformity to an individualistic mindset; rather than a radical embracing of group unity through Christ-like characteristics. This same spiritual culture clash frowns upon caring and showing compassion for others more than oneself.
Eugene Peterson in his book, The Contemplative Pastor, states that “Grace is everywhere” (3).
However, people today are confused by the muddled, distorted representation of God’s Grace that they witness revealed through Christians everyday. So many Christians say one thing, but live a lie-based demonstration of faith that it leaves unchurched, and unreached people (and other Christians, too!) uneasy and wary. Sometimes, this misrepresentation gets so bad that they and other people easily become hardened bitter shells, rather than reflect who Christ wants them to be.
That is why I like what Peterson wrote about the lifetime process of pastoral care. He said, “There are long stretches of darkness and invisibility and silence that separate planting and reaping” (Contemplative Pastor, 3). It’s the same for spiritual growth. Often, we believe if we get the intellectual message that a particular lesson takes time to learn, we will have completed the spiritual growth process for that lesson. I could only wish it were that simple! In reality, God applies a real physical experience to entrench the spiritual lesson more firmly in our hearts and soul. It is not until both “head lesson” and “heart application” come together that we truly participate in the spiritual growth process. This spiritual connection will take as much time as God deems necessary, not a moment less or more! I’ve seen this happen and experienced it many times personally. When His Will clashes with our will, and our wants and desires interfere with His plans for us, the spiritual growth process can be delayed and stunted for years.
Conclusion
Going back to Tara, the lady I mentioned earlier. While her physical health has stabilized, she now believes that the physical source has been identified, God will swoop in and rescue her restoring her back to full health. He still could. However, she is unwilling to accept that God may desire to use this physical challenge as a way to teach her to trust and rely on Him for everything she needs, even if He chooses not to heal her. This health issue could be her “thorn in the flesh” like something else was for Paul (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). Regardless of whether or not He does heal her, and chooses to providentially step in or not, we know God keeps His Word. He cannot do otherwise or He would not be God. He is faithful, all-present, all-knowing. He sees what we do not. Surrendering ourselves to His Will and authority means accepting life as He knows we need it. With absolute confidence, we must believe He will continue the process of spiritual growth, until He calls us home to be with Him.
Works Cited
The Bible. New King James Version. Thomas Nelson Publishers. TN: Nashville, 1984.
Cloud, Dr. Henry and Townsend, Dr. John. How People Grow: What the Bible Reveals about Personal Growth. Zondervan. MI: Grand Rapids, 2001.
Peterson, Eugene H. The Contemplative Pastor. Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing. MI: Grand Rapids, 1989.
What Is Ministry?
Ministry isn’t just turning the other cheek
it is speaking up, too
so that those who seek
the Truth, can see Christ reflected through me and you!
Ministry then, is breaking the cycle of abuse
by choosing to act
in order to defuse
the potential of a more violent attack.
By setting a chain of events into motion
the value of life is honored, and fear gives way to peace
freeing the Spirit of less cumbersome emotions
oh, what sweet release!
Hope defers despair,
acknowledges pain
and surrenders the green-eyed monster of self to another’s care.
A taste of humble pie is acquired and this sweetens the refrain.
Ministry is a voice that speaks out
for those who are without a voice
and vanquishes concerns or doubts
this was the wisest course, for there are always consequences for every poor choice.
Peace,
moves in to replace
fear’s stranglehold! Oh, what sweet release!
By not getting what we deserve; this offers praise to God for His Grace!
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Written on:
April 23, 2008
Scripture References:
Matthew 25: 31-46; Romans 6:23;
Romans 8:28 & Ephesians 2:8-9
A Theological and Practical Approach to Pastoral Care
A Better Understanding of Pastoral Care
Over the course of this class, I have listened, observed, processed and absorbed what I believe God is saying to me concerning the ministry of pastoral care. That is, in order to stand for Him, be His Light and His physical presence I must do so in participation with other believers. Alone, I am weakened, divided within and without, my actions on behalf of Him, become superficial and inefficient. When united, arm-in-arm with other believers near and far, the support structure put in place by God, holds up the weaker members, and equals, then multiplies, the output of all.
If one member resists God’s leading, that person jeopardizes not only themselves but everyone around them, by succumbing to the very darkness they were initially fighting. This domino effect inflicts collateral damage that can make the whole structure weaken.
For example, I counseled a lady named Tara during a time she experienced ill health and depression. Initially, she tried to hide, and then denied what was going on. When confronted through several people (myself included) with the Sovereign reality of God’s love, she acted out and became defensive. Still, people continued to pray and encourage her. There was a point in her struggles with health issues where she landed flat on her back in bed, too sick to move. At that time she repented and God brought back part of her health, for which she praises Him. But she still has doubts, broken trust issues, and some residual resistance to God’s leading, due in part to a perceived delay of God’s promise to restore her health completely. She like all of us, continually battles with the darkness as it seeks to deepen its hold through unhealthy bad habits, or erratic, questioning behavior. The only way victory over the darkness can be achieved is by realizing the most crucial truth—spiritual growth is a lifetime process—it does not happen over night.
The Lifetime Process of Pastoral Care
There are several key ingredients in this process. Trust, vulnerability, and compassion are essential building blocks for the foundation of a pastoral care ministry. The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths” (NKJV).
Trusting in God for everything is paramount for a Christian’s walk, as much for the spiritual growth and development of Christ-likeness, as for anything else. Showing vulnerability with each other, ourselves and God is scary and filled with risks. Examples of these risks include the fears of rejection by God and others, facing the unknown without firm ground to stand on or engaging battle with the Enemy while wondering if someone’s covering your back. There is also the experience of enduring ridicule, for standing up for God’s Word against the mainstream of a pervasive and antagonistic society, which is bent on conformity to an individualistic mindset; rather than a radical embracing of group unity through Christ-like characteristics. This same spiritual culture clash frowns upon caring and showing compassion for others more than oneself.
Eugene Peterson in his book, The Contemplative Pastor, states that “Grace is everywhere” (3).
However, people today are confused by the muddled, distorted representation of God’s Grace that they witness revealed through Christians everyday. So many Christians say one thing, but live a lie-based demonstration of faith that it leaves unchurched, and unreached people (and other Christians, too!) uneasy and wary. Sometimes, this misrepresentation gets so bad that they and other people easily become hardened bitter shells, rather than reflect who Christ wants them to be.
That is why I like what Peterson wrote about the lifetime process of pastoral care. He said, “There are long stretches of darkness and invisibility and silence that separate planting and reaping” (Contemplative Pastor, 3). It’s the same for spiritual growth. Often, we believe if we get the intellectual message that a particular lesson takes time to learn, we will have completed the spiritual growth process for that lesson. I could only wish it were that simple! In reality, God applies a real physical experience to entrench the spiritual lesson more firmly in our hearts and soul. It is not until both “head lesson” and “heart application” come together that we truly participate in the spiritual growth process. This spiritual connection will take as much time as God deems necessary, not a moment less or more! I’ve seen this happen and experienced it many times personally. When His Will clashes with our will, and our wants and desires interfere with His plans for us, the spiritual growth process can be delayed and stunted for years.
Conclusion
Going back to Tara, the lady I mentioned earlier. While her physical health has stabilized, she now believes that the physical source has been identified, God will swoop in and rescue her restoring her back to full health. He still could. However, she is unwilling to accept that God may desire to use this physical challenge as a way to teach her to trust and rely on Him for everything she needs, even if He chooses not to heal her. This health issue could be her “thorn in the flesh” like something else was for Paul (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). Regardless of whether or not He does heal her, and chooses to providentially step in or not, we know God keeps His Word. He cannot do otherwise or He would not be God. He is faithful, all-present, all-knowing. He sees what we do not. Surrendering ourselves to His Will and authority means accepting life as He knows we need it. With absolute confidence, we must believe He will continue the process of spiritual growth, until He calls us home to be with Him.
Works Cited
The Bible. New King James Version. Thomas Nelson Publishers. TN: Nashville, 1984.
Cloud, Dr. Henry and Townsend, Dr. John. How People Grow: What the Bible Reveals about Personal Growth. Zondervan. MI: Grand Rapids, 2001.
Peterson, Eugene H. The Contemplative Pastor. Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing. MI: Grand Rapids, 1989.
What Is Ministry?
Ministry isn’t just turning the other cheek
it is speaking up, too
so that those who seek
the Truth, can see Christ reflected through me and you!
Ministry then, is breaking the cycle of abuse
by choosing to act
in order to defuse
the potential of a more violent attack.
By setting a chain of events into motion
the value of life is honored, and fear gives way to peace
freeing the Spirit of less cumbersome emotions
oh, what sweet release!
Hope defers despair,
acknowledges pain
and surrenders the green-eyed monster of self to another’s care.
A taste of humble pie is acquired and this sweetens the refrain.
Ministry is a voice that speaks out
for those who are without a voice
and vanquishes concerns or doubts
this was the wisest course, for there are always consequences for every poor choice.
Peace,
moves in to replace
fear’s stranglehold! Oh, what sweet release!
By not getting what we deserve; this offers praise to God for His Grace!
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Written on:
April 23, 2008
Scripture References:
Matthew 25: 31-46; Romans 6:23;
Romans 8:28 & Ephesians 2:8-9
What is Pastoral Care Ministry?, Part One
Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column
A Theological and Practical Approach to Pastoral Care
Introduction:
A wise pastor recently shared this counsel with me. He said, “If you want to have a pastoral care ministry, get into line at a grocery store, cinema complex or baseball stadium. Watch, see and listen to the people around you; before you know it, God will open doors of communication so that you can walk through them and be in the center of His plan for your life” (Pastor Warren Kirkwood).
As I lived, breathed, and applied the principles the Professor shared these past few weeks, I’ve come to understand that pastoral care and counseling, if it is what God is calling you to do, will become a natural extension of your faithwalk with Him. It doesn’t matter to God if you have a ministry degree or doctorate, whether you are a pastor, shepherd and/or spiritual director with all kinds of accreditation. So long as you love God, and submit your will and life to His leading, He will guide you on the path He has called you to walk. All we have to do is trust Him as the ultimate “Source of everything, be vulnerable and open without duplicity and without brokenness or breach, and be willing to live life [fully] in submission to God” (People Grow, Cloud & Townsend, 29-31).
What Pastoral Care Means to Me
The first images that God brings to mind when I think of how this class has shaped my view of pastoral care is Matthew 25:31-46, and Acts 2:42-47. These Scripture passages sum up what I believe is Jesus’ definition of the ministry of pastoral care. If we are to love people the way God loves and sees them, unconditionally, we must first “love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with your strength, and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27, NKJV). By keeping who we serve in mind at all times, we can (hopefully!) maintain a balance in our lives, ministry and family. Failure to do that will sabotage, and dilute the Holy Spirit’s work within and through us, personally and professionally.
Another image that God brings to mind to shape my view of pastoral care is the people in this class. Over the course of the last seven weeks, we, as a loosely knit team have supported, prayed, encouraged, counseled, and loved each other. Team-wise, we are an extension of Christ’s Love to His body, the church. I saw this time and again, first with Ted, and his situation involving consequences for the poor choices he made before he reconciled with God. To Alicia, and her family with the choices forced upon her by her husband’s increasingly irrational behavior. Then me last week as several friends and classmates witnessed unpredictable behavior by another student who believes I did her wrong. The truth of that mess is better left for God, the police, and campus security to deal with. The point is, though the situations were all different, the gifts God used through each of us ministered God’s grace to the myriad needs expressed.
Prayer Makes All the Difference
The instant I realized the danger of the situation I was in, I immediately went to the bathroom, called my family and friends and asked for prayer. God also brought to mind key people who were fellow students attending class that night that I knew were prayer warriors/intercessors, who I asked to pray for me. At the beginning of class, I made the same unspoken request of my classmates and the Professor, and they too lifted me up in prayer. Though I still continued, physically, to look over my shoulder to make sure no one was approaching me unawares, spiritually, I was confident God was interceding on my behalf. When it came time to go home, I was relieved. I knew or thought at least, I’d be safe in my apartment. However, when I got home I found another message on my voicemail from the person I had dealt with earlier at school. I had a hard time sleeping that night.
The next morning, my sister called to check on me and in the course of the conversation, told me what God had revealed to her the night before, when I asked her to pray. She said, “Immediately after going to prayer God revealed to me I was to pray for your safety. He impressed on me your life was in danger.” She had no idea why God impressed such an urgency on her spirit until I shared with her the details of what had happened at school, and when I returned home the previous night.
Needless to say, I was shook up. Ever since then I’ve been wrestling with the demon of fear, and my physical reaction to such. My mind, heart and soul understand I am held in the palm of God’s hand, and He will protect and shield me. However, calming my body’s instinctive, natural tendency to alternately hide and/or fight has been tough.
The one thing I know that has made all the difference is the reassurance that people are praying for me. This reassurance has given me the courage to speak up about it, first to Loretta, then more recently to the police, and campus security. I’ve found that this courage comes not from the absence of fear, but prayer in the midst of it. Like the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:6, “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the Day of Jesus Christ.”
So, what began as a physical reaction to fear has turned into a spiritual expression of Truth. Chiefly, that God knows “you are all partakers of grace with me” (Phil.1:7-11).
I am not afraid of what will happen to me so long as I know other Christians join in a concert of prayer on my behalf; I will stand by faith in God’s Grace until the day he calls me home to be with Him. I will stand, therefore, girded in the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), prepared to battle Evil and spiritual darkness, and the rulers of this world, not in my own strength but in Christ Jesus my Lord (Phil. 4:13).
The Full Armor of God:
Weapons of War to Defend God’s Light
Resistance to God’s Will rather than surrendering our own
builds a wall between us rather than a bridge to our Celestial home.
If we are to fight the Darkness with the power of God’s might
we must turn instead to the weapons of the Light.
Do not be afraid to speak the Truth
in love, even when it hurts; this strengthens the weak and bolsters the youth.
The choices we make in life count for something
if we honor Christ, otherwise they cause us and those we love, harm for nothing.
If we walk the pathway of life led by God
we will spread the Good News of His Peace all across this sod.
With the shield of faith held aloft to blunt the insidious arrows of the Evil One
we will conquer the Enemy’s mental tape recorder of our faults one by one.
Each time we go to battle stations
we proclaim victory through God’s Salvation
by using God’s Word
as the Spirit’s Sword.
When we combine these weapons of Light with prayer
We behold a vision of God’s Power that is beyond compare!
For if we remain united in Christ, we will stand, but if we become divided we fall
victim to the very Darkness we are called to fight. But, most of all
we must never give up or stop believing that Christ has got our six
we must just keep trusting in Him no matter what else comes next.
These weapons of war
have prepared countless generations who have come before
we ever entered the fray,
so if we want others to follow our example we must not be afraid to lead the way.
So get out there and put on the full armor of God
And show the Enemy just what we are made of!
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Written on:
May 28, 2008
Scripture Reference:
Ephesians 6:10-20
A Theological and Practical Approach to Pastoral Care
Introduction:
A wise pastor recently shared this counsel with me. He said, “If you want to have a pastoral care ministry, get into line at a grocery store, cinema complex or baseball stadium. Watch, see and listen to the people around you; before you know it, God will open doors of communication so that you can walk through them and be in the center of His plan for your life” (Pastor Warren Kirkwood).
As I lived, breathed, and applied the principles the Professor shared these past few weeks, I’ve come to understand that pastoral care and counseling, if it is what God is calling you to do, will become a natural extension of your faithwalk with Him. It doesn’t matter to God if you have a ministry degree or doctorate, whether you are a pastor, shepherd and/or spiritual director with all kinds of accreditation. So long as you love God, and submit your will and life to His leading, He will guide you on the path He has called you to walk. All we have to do is trust Him as the ultimate “Source of everything, be vulnerable and open without duplicity and without brokenness or breach, and be willing to live life [fully] in submission to God” (People Grow, Cloud & Townsend, 29-31).
What Pastoral Care Means to Me
The first images that God brings to mind when I think of how this class has shaped my view of pastoral care is Matthew 25:31-46, and Acts 2:42-47. These Scripture passages sum up what I believe is Jesus’ definition of the ministry of pastoral care. If we are to love people the way God loves and sees them, unconditionally, we must first “love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with your strength, and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27, NKJV). By keeping who we serve in mind at all times, we can (hopefully!) maintain a balance in our lives, ministry and family. Failure to do that will sabotage, and dilute the Holy Spirit’s work within and through us, personally and professionally.
Another image that God brings to mind to shape my view of pastoral care is the people in this class. Over the course of the last seven weeks, we, as a loosely knit team have supported, prayed, encouraged, counseled, and loved each other. Team-wise, we are an extension of Christ’s Love to His body, the church. I saw this time and again, first with Ted, and his situation involving consequences for the poor choices he made before he reconciled with God. To Alicia, and her family with the choices forced upon her by her husband’s increasingly irrational behavior. Then me last week as several friends and classmates witnessed unpredictable behavior by another student who believes I did her wrong. The truth of that mess is better left for God, the police, and campus security to deal with. The point is, though the situations were all different, the gifts God used through each of us ministered God’s grace to the myriad needs expressed.
Prayer Makes All the Difference
The instant I realized the danger of the situation I was in, I immediately went to the bathroom, called my family and friends and asked for prayer. God also brought to mind key people who were fellow students attending class that night that I knew were prayer warriors/intercessors, who I asked to pray for me. At the beginning of class, I made the same unspoken request of my classmates and the Professor, and they too lifted me up in prayer. Though I still continued, physically, to look over my shoulder to make sure no one was approaching me unawares, spiritually, I was confident God was interceding on my behalf. When it came time to go home, I was relieved. I knew or thought at least, I’d be safe in my apartment. However, when I got home I found another message on my voicemail from the person I had dealt with earlier at school. I had a hard time sleeping that night.
The next morning, my sister called to check on me and in the course of the conversation, told me what God had revealed to her the night before, when I asked her to pray. She said, “Immediately after going to prayer God revealed to me I was to pray for your safety. He impressed on me your life was in danger.” She had no idea why God impressed such an urgency on her spirit until I shared with her the details of what had happened at school, and when I returned home the previous night.
Needless to say, I was shook up. Ever since then I’ve been wrestling with the demon of fear, and my physical reaction to such. My mind, heart and soul understand I am held in the palm of God’s hand, and He will protect and shield me. However, calming my body’s instinctive, natural tendency to alternately hide and/or fight has been tough.
The one thing I know that has made all the difference is the reassurance that people are praying for me. This reassurance has given me the courage to speak up about it, first to Loretta, then more recently to the police, and campus security. I’ve found that this courage comes not from the absence of fear, but prayer in the midst of it. Like the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:6, “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the Day of Jesus Christ.”
So, what began as a physical reaction to fear has turned into a spiritual expression of Truth. Chiefly, that God knows “you are all partakers of grace with me” (Phil.1:7-11).
I am not afraid of what will happen to me so long as I know other Christians join in a concert of prayer on my behalf; I will stand by faith in God’s Grace until the day he calls me home to be with Him. I will stand, therefore, girded in the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), prepared to battle Evil and spiritual darkness, and the rulers of this world, not in my own strength but in Christ Jesus my Lord (Phil. 4:13).
The Full Armor of God:
Weapons of War to Defend God’s Light
Resistance to God’s Will rather than surrendering our own
builds a wall between us rather than a bridge to our Celestial home.
If we are to fight the Darkness with the power of God’s might
we must turn instead to the weapons of the Light.
Do not be afraid to speak the Truth
in love, even when it hurts; this strengthens the weak and bolsters the youth.
The choices we make in life count for something
if we honor Christ, otherwise they cause us and those we love, harm for nothing.
If we walk the pathway of life led by God
we will spread the Good News of His Peace all across this sod.
With the shield of faith held aloft to blunt the insidious arrows of the Evil One
we will conquer the Enemy’s mental tape recorder of our faults one by one.
Each time we go to battle stations
we proclaim victory through God’s Salvation
by using God’s Word
as the Spirit’s Sword.
When we combine these weapons of Light with prayer
We behold a vision of God’s Power that is beyond compare!
For if we remain united in Christ, we will stand, but if we become divided we fall
victim to the very Darkness we are called to fight. But, most of all
we must never give up or stop believing that Christ has got our six
we must just keep trusting in Him no matter what else comes next.
These weapons of war
have prepared countless generations who have come before
we ever entered the fray,
so if we want others to follow our example we must not be afraid to lead the way.
So get out there and put on the full armor of God
And show the Enemy just what we are made of!
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Written on:
May 28, 2008
Scripture Reference:
Ephesians 6:10-20
Friday, April 04, 2008
God's Promise for His People Today, Part Three
Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column
Restoration: God’s Promise for His People Today
Accountability is a key ingredient when it comes to the difference between regret and true repentance. Without Holy Spirit-empowered people who are available and ready to obey God, hope for restoration is extinguished. These Holy Spirit-empowered people, like the prophets of old, must be willing to confront those who veer off the track He has set before them, no matter what it costs personally or professionally. As we’ve seen, sin narrows the vision of God’s plan for redemption, but God’s Grace expands its scope internationally to include redemption for everyone. Walter Kaiser, in his book Toward an Old Testament Theology, had this to say on God’s promise for everyone:
Israel’s sonship expressed a familial relationship: a people who made up the family of God. Israel was not a family in an adopted sense or mere ethnic, political or social unity. Rather, it was a family formed, saved and guarded by God the “Father” of this family (Kaiser, Theology, 102).
We see clearly as we move through the theology of the Bible, that God’s promise plan was not only to address sin and its consequences even to the exile of the nation of Israel. Rather, it was to provide hope for Israel’s restoration and the eventual restoration of the human race through the repentance of sin. That redemption can only be provided by Jesus Christ, to all who believe. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13, NASB). God and Satan’s battle will not be fully resolved until Christ comes back (Revelation 20: 7-10). Then the promised hope for eventual restoration of Israel and humanity will be complete (Revelation 21: 1-22: 21).
Conclusion
When the deceptively false sense of security Satan pushes, drives them to the comfort of the familiar through the illusion of the past, Israel and humanity need to know that God is ever faithful, and willing to answer the heart cry of His people, even in exile. Hope exists. Because God’s Grace flowed through Christ’s blood at Calvary, Israel and humanity today are reminded that God has provided a way for restoration (Matthew 27: 33-54; Mark 15:22-39; Luke 23:33-46; John 19: 17-30). The Prophet Joel’s prophecy as to the coming Day of the Lord is a promise to those still lost in sin (Joel 2:28-32). People can, individually and nationally, receive restoration if they repent (1 John 1:9). The temporal consequences may still have to be paid, but the eternal consequences may be absolved through forgiveness.
However, it is important, we, as the people of God, realize the seriousness of sin and its consequences. Living in these turbulent times, any action taken without doing so is an invitation to disaster.
It is the choices people make, for good or ill, whether or not to trust God, that determines the direction their life will take. On the one hand, will we, individually and nationally, choose to follow God’s leading? On the other hand, if we determine to do things ourselves, we may instead, give lip service only to what God wants.
Works Cited
The Holy Bible: New Century Version. Dallas: Word, 1993.
The Holy Bible: New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1984.
The Holy Bible: New American Standard Version. The Lockman Foundation. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.
Hawkins, Dr. Ralph K. “The Historical Books: Sin and Exile.” Biblical Theology 2008. Bethel College, Mishawaka. 14 February 2008.
Kaiser, Jr. Walter C. Studies in Old Testament Biblical Theology: The Messiah in the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.
---. Toward an Old Testament Theology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991.
Mc Arthur, John. The Mc Arthur Bible Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005. 299-386.
---. “First and Second Samuel: Qualifications for a King and the Establishment of David’s Line.” The Mc Arthur Bible Handbook. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003. 85-98.
---. “Esther: A Queen Who Served God.” The Mc Arthur Bible Handbook. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003. 137-42.
Restoration: God’s Promise for His People Today
Accountability is a key ingredient when it comes to the difference between regret and true repentance. Without Holy Spirit-empowered people who are available and ready to obey God, hope for restoration is extinguished. These Holy Spirit-empowered people, like the prophets of old, must be willing to confront those who veer off the track He has set before them, no matter what it costs personally or professionally. As we’ve seen, sin narrows the vision of God’s plan for redemption, but God’s Grace expands its scope internationally to include redemption for everyone. Walter Kaiser, in his book Toward an Old Testament Theology, had this to say on God’s promise for everyone:
Israel’s sonship expressed a familial relationship: a people who made up the family of God. Israel was not a family in an adopted sense or mere ethnic, political or social unity. Rather, it was a family formed, saved and guarded by God the “Father” of this family (Kaiser, Theology, 102).
We see clearly as we move through the theology of the Bible, that God’s promise plan was not only to address sin and its consequences even to the exile of the nation of Israel. Rather, it was to provide hope for Israel’s restoration and the eventual restoration of the human race through the repentance of sin. That redemption can only be provided by Jesus Christ, to all who believe. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13, NASB). God and Satan’s battle will not be fully resolved until Christ comes back (Revelation 20: 7-10). Then the promised hope for eventual restoration of Israel and humanity will be complete (Revelation 21: 1-22: 21).
Conclusion
When the deceptively false sense of security Satan pushes, drives them to the comfort of the familiar through the illusion of the past, Israel and humanity need to know that God is ever faithful, and willing to answer the heart cry of His people, even in exile. Hope exists. Because God’s Grace flowed through Christ’s blood at Calvary, Israel and humanity today are reminded that God has provided a way for restoration (Matthew 27: 33-54; Mark 15:22-39; Luke 23:33-46; John 19: 17-30). The Prophet Joel’s prophecy as to the coming Day of the Lord is a promise to those still lost in sin (Joel 2:28-32). People can, individually and nationally, receive restoration if they repent (1 John 1:9). The temporal consequences may still have to be paid, but the eternal consequences may be absolved through forgiveness.
However, it is important, we, as the people of God, realize the seriousness of sin and its consequences. Living in these turbulent times, any action taken without doing so is an invitation to disaster.
It is the choices people make, for good or ill, whether or not to trust God, that determines the direction their life will take. On the one hand, will we, individually and nationally, choose to follow God’s leading? On the other hand, if we determine to do things ourselves, we may instead, give lip service only to what God wants.
Works Cited
The Holy Bible: New Century Version. Dallas: Word, 1993.
The Holy Bible: New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1984.
The Holy Bible: New American Standard Version. The Lockman Foundation. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.
Hawkins, Dr. Ralph K. “The Historical Books: Sin and Exile.” Biblical Theology 2008. Bethel College, Mishawaka. 14 February 2008.
Kaiser, Jr. Walter C. Studies in Old Testament Biblical Theology: The Messiah in the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.
---. Toward an Old Testament Theology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991.
Mc Arthur, John. The Mc Arthur Bible Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005. 299-386.
---. “First and Second Samuel: Qualifications for a King and the Establishment of David’s Line.” The Mc Arthur Bible Handbook. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003. 85-98.
---. “Esther: A Queen Who Served God.” The Mc Arthur Bible Handbook. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003. 137-42.
God's Promise for His People Today, Part Two
Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column
Samuel: The Voice of God Calling Sinners to Repentance
Samuel, an answer to prayer (1 Samuel 1:8-20), was born to be a prophet of God. Samuel, like the prophesied Anointed One from his mother Hannah’s prayer (Kaiser, Messiah, 66-72), was destined to be used of God to call sinners to repentance (1 Samuel 2:9-10, 35ff). It cannot have been easier then, any more than it is today to speak the Word of God to unrepentant ears or to people one comes to care about deeply (1 Samuel 3:8-21). The task so designated by God, is to call people to repentance of sin, out of exile, back into a restored relationship with Him. However, Satan, knowing this, hardens peoples’ hearts to the awareness or recognition of sin and its effects (Psalms 95: 7-11; Hebrews 3: 7-11). That is why Israel, over the course of her existence, has fallen so far that being held accountable for her sins seems difficult at best, disastrous at worst. Yet, God is faithful, gracious even when His people are not, either to each other or to Him.
Samuel, like the prophets who came before and after him, is used by God to confront in a spirit of gentleness, Israel and her kings. He is sent to convict them, lovingly, for their flagrant violations of covenant law, just as the prophet Joel does for humanity and its sinful nature today (2:28-32). In 1 Samuel 15: 10-22, we get a sense of the frustration the prophets must have experienced when it seemed as if God’s Word fell on deaf ears. For Samuel, the difficulty lies in Saul’s inability to recognize the seriousness of what he did wrong. Samuel loves and obeys God unquestionably, but from the tone of 1 Samuel 15: 22-23 we can almost hear him reasoning in his mind ‘why does not Saul feel the same way?’
It is only when Saul realizes that he has been caught, in verses 24-25, that he confesses his sin which is “generated more by a concern over consequences (regret) rather than by sorrow over having offended his holy God (repentance)” (McArthur, Commentary, 326). However, we see in verses 26ff, that the consequences for his disobedience must still be answered for. It is clear that God is a loving God, able to pardon and forgive graciously, but it is also evident that sin does cost. It is a cost that must be paid in blood, according to the covenant laws for atonement and repentance (Leviticus 1:3-7; 5:14-6:7; 6:8-13; 7:1-10). By allowing even one Amalekite to live (Agag), Saul’s disobedience marks the gradual decline of Israel’s fall and leads to a blood feud that continues through the Monarchial period and beyond, into exile. The blood of innocents caught in the crossfire of the feud, cried out to God to be heard, for justice to be done, and forgiveness to be sought in the midst of Israel’s consequences for sin, exile.
Esther: Faithfulness and Obedience in the Midst of Exile
Therefore, exile simply stated, is a separation of a person or a nation from total awareness of sin’s impact on life. It can be sin-imposed, a growing estrangement from God and friends developed through an inability to be accountable for the actions done and words said. Alternately, it can be a failure to follow through on commitments demonstrated through “the personal and national effects of sin” (McArthur, Commentary, 301). Lastly, it can also be self-imposed, a period of separation from friends, family, or business associates for the purpose of conducting self-evaluation due to circumstances in life.
In the Book of Esther, we see the impact of all types of exile through the eyes of Mordecai, Haman, Esther and King Xerxes. God providentially intercedes behind the scenes, orchestrating events and people. It is possible to see through the treachery of sin’s effects to the glimpses of God’s grace and the promised hope of Restoration for Israel then and God’s people today.
The “time of Esther arrived 550 years after the death of Agag,” but, despite the “passage of time,” the memory of King Saul’s disobedience to God’s command to kill all the Amalekites “still smoldered in [the souls of the people]” (McArthur, Handbook, 139). The judgment pronounced on Saul and his descendants (1 Samuel 15:17-29) was about to come true. However, unless true repentance was shown, redemption and restoration would not occur. Israel, at this time, was living out the penalty (exile) for sinful acts of disobedience as prophesied by prophets such as Jeremiah, Amos, etc. Quietly orchestrated behind the scenes comes another battle, this one of divine wills clashing, played out through the lens of Esther, Mordecai, Haman and King Xerxes. This confrontation scratched only the surface of the true battle being fought. The two truly main characters in this book are God and Satan. The stakes are high: the total redemption or annihilation of humanity, not just of Israel.
Some evidence of Satan’s attempts to do everything to thwart God’s plan to redeem humanity include “the fall of man (Genesis 3:1-19) and Christ’s line through the tribe of Judah [which] had been murderously reduced to Joash alone. [He was providentially] rescued and preserved (2 Chronicles 22:10-12)” (McArthur, Handbook, 139-140). In contrast, we clearly see evidence of God’s continued faithfulness when we look at the events unfolding in Esther. These circumstances are national in scope, but the battle between God and Satan is not new. However, the promised hope that is offered is. It is being played out on a personal, individual level through the choices Esther, Mordecai, and King Xerxes make.
Esther chooses to obey Mordecai, her uncle, and not tell anyone who she is or who her people are (Esther 2:10). Mordecai lets go of the still smoldering anger over the choice his ancestor, King Saul, made, rather than let it cloud the future of his people (Esther 4:1). What about King Xerxes? While he did not surrender his pride completely, he did eventually choose to right a terrible wrong about to be committed to people under his authority as a sovereign ruler (Esther 3:1-15; 7:1-8:14).
While all of this is speculation up to a point it does present a valid argument. It has been argued by Bethel College professor, Dr. Ralph Hawkins, that “the book of Esther does not belong in the canon of the Bible because God’s name is not mentioned, and there is no evidence that it reflects anything theological other than the nationalism of Israel” (Hawkins, Class Lecture, 2/14/08). However, it is a proven fact that God’s wisdom is not limited or confined to one type of literature. Each book of the Biblical canon gives a glimpse into the many facets of God’s character. Thus, the diversity of the Bible (including Esther, Ruth, etc) reflects the diversity God craves for Christians today, as part of Israel’s extended family by adoption. So the morality play enacted through Esther, Haman, Mordecai, and King Xerxes mirrors the spiritual battle that exists at humanity’s core.
By the time this story plays out, Israel has been in exile at least 100 years (since Jerusalem fell in 586 B.C.) though the specific length may be uncertain. As a nation in exile, the Jewish people are subject to the laws and protocol of the host nation. As such, it is possible many male Jewish traditions, i.e. the Feasts of Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, and Tabernacles could not be practiced nor could the people gather together in large numbers, as that would attract undue attention to them (McArthur, Handbook, 142). The Empire of Persia was so great, its reach so far, and diverse that anyone working near or within the palace would not wish to draw attention to themselves or their ethnic group for fear of swift reprisal. For a Jewish woman within the palace court, the penalty for drawing attention to one’s self could incur a swift death for the woman’s family. Because Daniel and his friends did not face the same familial consequences for their actions they showed no fear of death or concern for themselves in their desire to honor God. So it is understandable, that Mordecai would caution Esther not to say or do anything to reveal herself, given the brooding threat of Haman and his kindred and other unknown enemies (Esther 2:10-11).
The tug of wills between God and Satan increased in danger, starting in Esther 2: 19ff, for by this time Esther had become Queen and Mordecai assumed a prominent place in the environs of the king’s gate. While there, Mordecai overhears a plot against King Xerxes, and alerts Esther. She in turn alerts the king, and the assassination plot is thwarted. Satan throws an obstacle in God’s way when he uses Haman to instigate a confrontation between Mordecai and Haman (Esther 3:1-15). However, God was not fooled: “As expected God’s prophecy to extinguish the Amalekites (Exodus 17:14; Deuteronomy 25:17-19) and God’s promise to save the Jews (Genesis 17:1-8) prevailed” (McArthur, Handbook, 139). This leads to the most famous portion of Scripture found in this book:
Then Mordecai sent back word to Esther: “Just because you live in the king’s palace, don’t think that out of all the Jewish people you alone will escape. If you keep quiet at this time, someone else will help and save the Jewish people, but you and your father’s family will all die. And who knows, you may have been chosen queen for such a time as this.” Then Esther sent this answer to Mordecai: “Go and get all the Jewish people in Susa together. For my sake, give up eating; do not eat or drink for three days, night and day. I and my servant girls will also give up eating. Then I will go to the king, even though it is against the law, and if I die, I die.” So Mordecai went away and did everything Esther had told him to do. (Esther 4: 13-17, NCV)
What the story then comes down to is freedom of choice. We can, like Esther, Mordecai, and Abraham choose the right path, the one that is straight and narrow and difficult to climb but leads to life. Alternately, we can choose like King Saul and Haman, the way that is broad, smooth and seemingly easy to ascend but whose end is death. Chapters 5 and following of Esther demonstrate the power of God to work providentially behind the scenes. They also illustrate how a Gentile king, Xerxes—who was not the first person to do so—chose to honor God by redressing a wrong committed in his name against the people of God.
Samuel: The Voice of God Calling Sinners to Repentance
Samuel, an answer to prayer (1 Samuel 1:8-20), was born to be a prophet of God. Samuel, like the prophesied Anointed One from his mother Hannah’s prayer (Kaiser, Messiah, 66-72), was destined to be used of God to call sinners to repentance (1 Samuel 2:9-10, 35ff). It cannot have been easier then, any more than it is today to speak the Word of God to unrepentant ears or to people one comes to care about deeply (1 Samuel 3:8-21). The task so designated by God, is to call people to repentance of sin, out of exile, back into a restored relationship with Him. However, Satan, knowing this, hardens peoples’ hearts to the awareness or recognition of sin and its effects (Psalms 95: 7-11; Hebrews 3: 7-11). That is why Israel, over the course of her existence, has fallen so far that being held accountable for her sins seems difficult at best, disastrous at worst. Yet, God is faithful, gracious even when His people are not, either to each other or to Him.
Samuel, like the prophets who came before and after him, is used by God to confront in a spirit of gentleness, Israel and her kings. He is sent to convict them, lovingly, for their flagrant violations of covenant law, just as the prophet Joel does for humanity and its sinful nature today (2:28-32). In 1 Samuel 15: 10-22, we get a sense of the frustration the prophets must have experienced when it seemed as if God’s Word fell on deaf ears. For Samuel, the difficulty lies in Saul’s inability to recognize the seriousness of what he did wrong. Samuel loves and obeys God unquestionably, but from the tone of 1 Samuel 15: 22-23 we can almost hear him reasoning in his mind ‘why does not Saul feel the same way?’
It is only when Saul realizes that he has been caught, in verses 24-25, that he confesses his sin which is “generated more by a concern over consequences (regret) rather than by sorrow over having offended his holy God (repentance)” (McArthur, Commentary, 326). However, we see in verses 26ff, that the consequences for his disobedience must still be answered for. It is clear that God is a loving God, able to pardon and forgive graciously, but it is also evident that sin does cost. It is a cost that must be paid in blood, according to the covenant laws for atonement and repentance (Leviticus 1:3-7; 5:14-6:7; 6:8-13; 7:1-10). By allowing even one Amalekite to live (Agag), Saul’s disobedience marks the gradual decline of Israel’s fall and leads to a blood feud that continues through the Monarchial period and beyond, into exile. The blood of innocents caught in the crossfire of the feud, cried out to God to be heard, for justice to be done, and forgiveness to be sought in the midst of Israel’s consequences for sin, exile.
Esther: Faithfulness and Obedience in the Midst of Exile
Therefore, exile simply stated, is a separation of a person or a nation from total awareness of sin’s impact on life. It can be sin-imposed, a growing estrangement from God and friends developed through an inability to be accountable for the actions done and words said. Alternately, it can be a failure to follow through on commitments demonstrated through “the personal and national effects of sin” (McArthur, Commentary, 301). Lastly, it can also be self-imposed, a period of separation from friends, family, or business associates for the purpose of conducting self-evaluation due to circumstances in life.
In the Book of Esther, we see the impact of all types of exile through the eyes of Mordecai, Haman, Esther and King Xerxes. God providentially intercedes behind the scenes, orchestrating events and people. It is possible to see through the treachery of sin’s effects to the glimpses of God’s grace and the promised hope of Restoration for Israel then and God’s people today.
The “time of Esther arrived 550 years after the death of Agag,” but, despite the “passage of time,” the memory of King Saul’s disobedience to God’s command to kill all the Amalekites “still smoldered in [the souls of the people]” (McArthur, Handbook, 139). The judgment pronounced on Saul and his descendants (1 Samuel 15:17-29) was about to come true. However, unless true repentance was shown, redemption and restoration would not occur. Israel, at this time, was living out the penalty (exile) for sinful acts of disobedience as prophesied by prophets such as Jeremiah, Amos, etc. Quietly orchestrated behind the scenes comes another battle, this one of divine wills clashing, played out through the lens of Esther, Mordecai, Haman and King Xerxes. This confrontation scratched only the surface of the true battle being fought. The two truly main characters in this book are God and Satan. The stakes are high: the total redemption or annihilation of humanity, not just of Israel.
Some evidence of Satan’s attempts to do everything to thwart God’s plan to redeem humanity include “the fall of man (Genesis 3:1-19) and Christ’s line through the tribe of Judah [which] had been murderously reduced to Joash alone. [He was providentially] rescued and preserved (2 Chronicles 22:10-12)” (McArthur, Handbook, 139-140). In contrast, we clearly see evidence of God’s continued faithfulness when we look at the events unfolding in Esther. These circumstances are national in scope, but the battle between God and Satan is not new. However, the promised hope that is offered is. It is being played out on a personal, individual level through the choices Esther, Mordecai, and King Xerxes make.
Esther chooses to obey Mordecai, her uncle, and not tell anyone who she is or who her people are (Esther 2:10). Mordecai lets go of the still smoldering anger over the choice his ancestor, King Saul, made, rather than let it cloud the future of his people (Esther 4:1). What about King Xerxes? While he did not surrender his pride completely, he did eventually choose to right a terrible wrong about to be committed to people under his authority as a sovereign ruler (Esther 3:1-15; 7:1-8:14).
While all of this is speculation up to a point it does present a valid argument. It has been argued by Bethel College professor, Dr. Ralph Hawkins, that “the book of Esther does not belong in the canon of the Bible because God’s name is not mentioned, and there is no evidence that it reflects anything theological other than the nationalism of Israel” (Hawkins, Class Lecture, 2/14/08). However, it is a proven fact that God’s wisdom is not limited or confined to one type of literature. Each book of the Biblical canon gives a glimpse into the many facets of God’s character. Thus, the diversity of the Bible (including Esther, Ruth, etc) reflects the diversity God craves for Christians today, as part of Israel’s extended family by adoption. So the morality play enacted through Esther, Haman, Mordecai, and King Xerxes mirrors the spiritual battle that exists at humanity’s core.
By the time this story plays out, Israel has been in exile at least 100 years (since Jerusalem fell in 586 B.C.) though the specific length may be uncertain. As a nation in exile, the Jewish people are subject to the laws and protocol of the host nation. As such, it is possible many male Jewish traditions, i.e. the Feasts of Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, and Tabernacles could not be practiced nor could the people gather together in large numbers, as that would attract undue attention to them (McArthur, Handbook, 142). The Empire of Persia was so great, its reach so far, and diverse that anyone working near or within the palace would not wish to draw attention to themselves or their ethnic group for fear of swift reprisal. For a Jewish woman within the palace court, the penalty for drawing attention to one’s self could incur a swift death for the woman’s family. Because Daniel and his friends did not face the same familial consequences for their actions they showed no fear of death or concern for themselves in their desire to honor God. So it is understandable, that Mordecai would caution Esther not to say or do anything to reveal herself, given the brooding threat of Haman and his kindred and other unknown enemies (Esther 2:10-11).
The tug of wills between God and Satan increased in danger, starting in Esther 2: 19ff, for by this time Esther had become Queen and Mordecai assumed a prominent place in the environs of the king’s gate. While there, Mordecai overhears a plot against King Xerxes, and alerts Esther. She in turn alerts the king, and the assassination plot is thwarted. Satan throws an obstacle in God’s way when he uses Haman to instigate a confrontation between Mordecai and Haman (Esther 3:1-15). However, God was not fooled: “As expected God’s prophecy to extinguish the Amalekites (Exodus 17:14; Deuteronomy 25:17-19) and God’s promise to save the Jews (Genesis 17:1-8) prevailed” (McArthur, Handbook, 139). This leads to the most famous portion of Scripture found in this book:
Then Mordecai sent back word to Esther: “Just because you live in the king’s palace, don’t think that out of all the Jewish people you alone will escape. If you keep quiet at this time, someone else will help and save the Jewish people, but you and your father’s family will all die. And who knows, you may have been chosen queen for such a time as this.” Then Esther sent this answer to Mordecai: “Go and get all the Jewish people in Susa together. For my sake, give up eating; do not eat or drink for three days, night and day. I and my servant girls will also give up eating. Then I will go to the king, even though it is against the law, and if I die, I die.” So Mordecai went away and did everything Esther had told him to do. (Esther 4: 13-17, NCV)
What the story then comes down to is freedom of choice. We can, like Esther, Mordecai, and Abraham choose the right path, the one that is straight and narrow and difficult to climb but leads to life. Alternately, we can choose like King Saul and Haman, the way that is broad, smooth and seemingly easy to ascend but whose end is death. Chapters 5 and following of Esther demonstrate the power of God to work providentially behind the scenes. They also illustrate how a Gentile king, Xerxes—who was not the first person to do so—chose to honor God by redressing a wrong committed in his name against the people of God.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
God's Promise for His People Today, Part One
Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column
Sin+ Exile+ Repentance = Restoration
Introduction
The Bible, like life is made up of many themes. Interwoven throughout is the theme of Grace. We, the elect of God, catch glimpses of Him working behind the scenes, battling Satan to bring humanity to its point of greatest need, the repentance of sin, both national and individual. Moreover, we will see how a return to God’s Grace from exile imposed by sin can happen through a restored relationship with God as a result of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. We will look at Israel’s history of disobedience through the lens of King Saul’s life, Esther’s life in the midst of exile, and Samuel’s life, calling sinners to repentance. Then we will look at God’s promise of restoration to His people today. All Scripture, except where noted differently, is taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.
Saul: Israel’s Disobedience reflects Humanity’s Disobedience
Since the beginning of humanity’s history God’s plan has included a relationship with His creation. In the judgment pronounced on the serpent (Genesis 3:14ff) two things happen, the climatic battle between Satan and God has its beginnings, and God reveals His plan to one day redeem humanity from its fallen sin condition. So when God spoke to Abraham, the “seed” promised earlier in the Garden of Eden is reaffirmed through Abraham’s line. “[Israel was to be] mediators of God’s Grace to all the nations of the earth even as in Abraham ‘all the nations were to be blessed’ (Genesis 12:3),’” (Kaiser, Theology, 109). When the Mosaic Law is given to this growing people, the nation of Israel, we begin to see the cost for sin’s redemption must be met with innocent blood. Through the sacrificial system God instigated at Sinai, we also begin to see that the high standard for holiness required to approach God is too high for humanity to meet or live by. That is where Grace comes in; God knew that alone, humanity could not live up to this standard, so through the tapestry of history, God decided to meet the standard Himself.
By the time Saul arrived on the scene, Satan had exacerbated humanity’s sins to the point of outright disobedience to God’s Covenant Laws. Consequently, Saul’s reign, which reflected Israel’s own character, “was at a low point spiritually” as we see in 1 Samuel 9:5ff, when Saul sought answers through divination, i.e. a seer, to his dilemma about the location of his father’s donkeys (McArthur, Handbook, 90). However, God used this weakness to provide direction for Saul (and Israel) behind the scenes. So after receiving instructions from Samuel concerning what he was to do, Saul went on his way. However, as John McArthur stated in his book, The McArthur Bible Commentary, “he did not tell his uncle the information Samuel gave Saul about becoming king (1 Samuel 10:14-16),” (McArthur, 319). This secretiveness could “reflect Saul’s humility” or it could reflect his fear of it actually coming true (McArthur, Commentary, 319). It could also be an early indication that, though God was honoring the people’s choice for a king, His choice was entirely different (1 Samuel 8:10-19; 1 Samuel 13:14; 1 Samuel 16:13).
Accordingly, it is evident that Saul’s life mirrored that of Israel and her downward spiral into apostasy. This was reflected both nationally and individually through Saul, in spite of his initial attempts to honor God’s laws, and bring deliverance to Israel from her enemies. As we come to see, this is also a key pattern for humanity’s own sinful nature that is reflected in a “me first, God last” view in today’s society.
Samuel’s address to the nation and to Saul about their clear rejection of God as King over Israel, and his warnings as to the consequences for disobeying the covenantal laws proved telling (1 Samuel 12:1ff). In 1 Samuel 13:8-15, we see further evidence that Saul’s weak character, i.e. Israel’s weak character, again took center stage. Saul grew impatient waiting for Samuel to arrive; his impatience led to the sin of unlawfully sacrificing burnt offerings to God. Through this one act of defiance, Saul rejected God’s leading in his life. As with previous wrongs he committed, his intention was obvious, ‘if God won’t move as fast as I want’ Saul figured, ‘I’ll do it myself.’ He was unaware of that sin’s initial impact or the repercussions that would follow the rest of his life, affecting not only him but his family, friends and the nation of Israel. Sin is like that, so subtle, that one decision is all it takes to begin the erosion of moral decay that affects a person’s integrity, their testimony, even the witness they have to others. Israel’s continued unfaithfulness mirrored the repeated failures in Saul’s life, and in battle against Israel’s enemies. When the flush of his original successes had worn off, like Israel, Saul too turned aside, forgot God and sought to please himself first, and God last (1 Samuel 13:11-12; 1 Samuel 14: 24ff).
Sin+ Exile+ Repentance = Restoration
Introduction
The Bible, like life is made up of many themes. Interwoven throughout is the theme of Grace. We, the elect of God, catch glimpses of Him working behind the scenes, battling Satan to bring humanity to its point of greatest need, the repentance of sin, both national and individual. Moreover, we will see how a return to God’s Grace from exile imposed by sin can happen through a restored relationship with God as a result of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. We will look at Israel’s history of disobedience through the lens of King Saul’s life, Esther’s life in the midst of exile, and Samuel’s life, calling sinners to repentance. Then we will look at God’s promise of restoration to His people today. All Scripture, except where noted differently, is taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.
Saul: Israel’s Disobedience reflects Humanity’s Disobedience
Since the beginning of humanity’s history God’s plan has included a relationship with His creation. In the judgment pronounced on the serpent (Genesis 3:14ff) two things happen, the climatic battle between Satan and God has its beginnings, and God reveals His plan to one day redeem humanity from its fallen sin condition. So when God spoke to Abraham, the “seed” promised earlier in the Garden of Eden is reaffirmed through Abraham’s line. “[Israel was to be] mediators of God’s Grace to all the nations of the earth even as in Abraham ‘all the nations were to be blessed’ (Genesis 12:3),’” (Kaiser, Theology, 109). When the Mosaic Law is given to this growing people, the nation of Israel, we begin to see the cost for sin’s redemption must be met with innocent blood. Through the sacrificial system God instigated at Sinai, we also begin to see that the high standard for holiness required to approach God is too high for humanity to meet or live by. That is where Grace comes in; God knew that alone, humanity could not live up to this standard, so through the tapestry of history, God decided to meet the standard Himself.
By the time Saul arrived on the scene, Satan had exacerbated humanity’s sins to the point of outright disobedience to God’s Covenant Laws. Consequently, Saul’s reign, which reflected Israel’s own character, “was at a low point spiritually” as we see in 1 Samuel 9:5ff, when Saul sought answers through divination, i.e. a seer, to his dilemma about the location of his father’s donkeys (McArthur, Handbook, 90). However, God used this weakness to provide direction for Saul (and Israel) behind the scenes. So after receiving instructions from Samuel concerning what he was to do, Saul went on his way. However, as John McArthur stated in his book, The McArthur Bible Commentary, “he did not tell his uncle the information Samuel gave Saul about becoming king (1 Samuel 10:14-16),” (McArthur, 319). This secretiveness could “reflect Saul’s humility” or it could reflect his fear of it actually coming true (McArthur, Commentary, 319). It could also be an early indication that, though God was honoring the people’s choice for a king, His choice was entirely different (1 Samuel 8:10-19; 1 Samuel 13:14; 1 Samuel 16:13).
Accordingly, it is evident that Saul’s life mirrored that of Israel and her downward spiral into apostasy. This was reflected both nationally and individually through Saul, in spite of his initial attempts to honor God’s laws, and bring deliverance to Israel from her enemies. As we come to see, this is also a key pattern for humanity’s own sinful nature that is reflected in a “me first, God last” view in today’s society.
Samuel’s address to the nation and to Saul about their clear rejection of God as King over Israel, and his warnings as to the consequences for disobeying the covenantal laws proved telling (1 Samuel 12:1ff). In 1 Samuel 13:8-15, we see further evidence that Saul’s weak character, i.e. Israel’s weak character, again took center stage. Saul grew impatient waiting for Samuel to arrive; his impatience led to the sin of unlawfully sacrificing burnt offerings to God. Through this one act of defiance, Saul rejected God’s leading in his life. As with previous wrongs he committed, his intention was obvious, ‘if God won’t move as fast as I want’ Saul figured, ‘I’ll do it myself.’ He was unaware of that sin’s initial impact or the repercussions that would follow the rest of his life, affecting not only him but his family, friends and the nation of Israel. Sin is like that, so subtle, that one decision is all it takes to begin the erosion of moral decay that affects a person’s integrity, their testimony, even the witness they have to others. Israel’s continued unfaithfulness mirrored the repeated failures in Saul’s life, and in battle against Israel’s enemies. When the flush of his original successes had worn off, like Israel, Saul too turned aside, forgot God and sought to please himself first, and God last (1 Samuel 13:11-12; 1 Samuel 14: 24ff).
Monday, February 04, 2008
A Time to Heal, Part Two
Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column
Words that wound instead of heal
build walls instead of bridges.
No matter how weak we become, our appeal
is still the same: “Father, take me off this ledge
Please?”
His response: “No. You need to trust me
even if you fall,
especially if you fall.”
I shudder in fear
And I wonder, ‘does He know what I hold so dear
That I would rather hide than admit it and see myself torn asunder?’
His response is, “Yes. I know
and you will confess it before Me
rather than continue to wallow in it, before you join Me in eternity.”
‘Search me O God and know my heart
if there be any wicked way in me
expose it before I come apart
even if it is something I’d rather not see.’
Jesus’ response: “My child, I already know
that in which you wallow.
I forgive you and ask you to trust Me
to perfect you day by day until you enter eternity.”
‘Thank you Jesus I know I am always in Your Presence
now and forever, I am yours. I place my trust in your Hand
and I believe even though I see no visible evidence
that you guide me step by step through life’s journey to a far distant land
where I can lift my voice in eternal praise to sing,
Thank you Jesus, You are Lord of Lords and King of Kings
now and forever You reign!
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.”
Scripture to read: I Corinthians 13
As with all things created, death and life are but two steps on a journey that introduces us to the beginning of an adventure leading to a possible decision to receive Christ as our Lord and Savior. If we choose Christ, the obstacles, detours, sitchbacks and curves we face everyday give us the opportunity to surrender control of our lives to God, and enjoy the ride, learning and absorbing as much as we can from the experiences we encounter and go through.
My Pastor, Dennis Ingle had this to say about freedom in Christ, yesterday at church, "It's the deails in life, at work or at home that make all the difference." So if that's true and God is in the details, what's the big picture?
If our ego-self steps out of the way God's Love will transform circumstances and people. The key is our willingness to obediently accept what's happening as God's Will even when we don't understand it.
What about you? Are you willing to take the next step to heal by accepting without
understanding?
Everything is Exposed in the Light
Words that wound instead of heal
build walls instead of bridges.
No matter how weak we become, our appeal
is still the same: “Father, take me off this ledge
Please?”
His response: “No. You need to trust me
even if you fall,
especially if you fall.”
I shudder in fear
And I wonder, ‘does He know what I hold so dear
That I would rather hide than admit it and see myself torn asunder?’
His response is, “Yes. I know
and you will confess it before Me
rather than continue to wallow in it, before you join Me in eternity.”
‘Search me O God and know my heart
if there be any wicked way in me
expose it before I come apart
even if it is something I’d rather not see.’
Jesus’ response: “My child, I already know
that in which you wallow.
I forgive you and ask you to trust Me
to perfect you day by day until you enter eternity.”
‘Thank you Jesus I know I am always in Your Presence
now and forever, I am yours. I place my trust in your Hand
and I believe even though I see no visible evidence
that you guide me step by step through life’s journey to a far distant land
where I can lift my voice in eternal praise to sing,
Thank you Jesus, You are Lord of Lords and King of Kings
now and forever You reign!
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.”
Written on:
November 3, 2007
November 3, 2007
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Belle Anne Leslie
Scripture References:
Psalm 139 & John 1:9
Psalm 139 & John 1:9
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Time to Heal, Part One
Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column
This post reflects a change in the sense that I'm willing to share more openly about what's going on in my life. I know it may seem like I've done that already with other postings but like most people when confronted by pain, I tend to put a wall up to shield myself from further hurt.
There are good reasons such as a person can't be too open or someone else could take advantage of your willingness to help, or the pain you sense from others can overwhelm you and cause you to shut down emotionally. There are also bad consequences for putting up that wall, too. Like pushing people away when all they want to do is help, hardening your heart against God through bitterness and anger which prevents you from hearing God's voice or being able to reach out for help when you need it.
All of these reasons seem perfectly valid arguments for dropping friends or spouses but the real question is, "who is the one really hurt when this happens?"
Maybe this poem/song lyric can give you some ideas.
Hidden Wounds
Staring at a razor's edge
or teetering on the brink of a ledge
cold, cutting words
are sharper than a two-edged sword
and have the same effect. They wound
insead of heal, but God's Grace abounds
and His mercy stills
the pain hidden well,
and confounds those with hidden wounds
for whom looms
behind a smile, a mask of pain
that lingers covering a wealth of hidden shame;
they lash out drawing blood
in a flood
from others, to cover their own painful deeds.
Until one at last admits, there is a need
but if they don't, the specter of death looms
and they will continue to bleed from their own hidden wounds.
Chorus:
The cycle unfinished, only ends
when one makes amends
and God's forgiveness is sought
having been blood bought
through Christ
He, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
A torn soul
can become One at last whole.
IF forgiveness is sought
having been blood bought
through Christ
He, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
(Repeat 2 more times)
Then end with:
To heal
One must be willing to kneel
ask Jesus to cleanse your sin
and grant His Peace to live within.
Then a torn soul
can become One at last whole.
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Written on:
November 29, 2007
Scripture References for poem:
Proverbs 17:5; John 3:16-17;
& I John 1:9
All Scripture used comes from the NASB Version.
Scripture to read: Colossians 3:12-17
After a surprise sabbatical of three months I'm back! As the title of this series suggests I needed time to heal after dealing with some serious stuff-healthwise, as well as spiritual issues-what some Christians call "a valley experience".This post reflects a change in the sense that I'm willing to share more openly about what's going on in my life. I know it may seem like I've done that already with other postings but like most people when confronted by pain, I tend to put a wall up to shield myself from further hurt.
There are good reasons such as a person can't be too open or someone else could take advantage of your willingness to help, or the pain you sense from others can overwhelm you and cause you to shut down emotionally. There are also bad consequences for putting up that wall, too. Like pushing people away when all they want to do is help, hardening your heart against God through bitterness and anger which prevents you from hearing God's voice or being able to reach out for help when you need it.
All of these reasons seem perfectly valid arguments for dropping friends or spouses but the real question is, "who is the one really hurt when this happens?"
Maybe this poem/song lyric can give you some ideas.
Hidden Wounds
Staring at a razor's edge
or teetering on the brink of a ledge
cold, cutting words
are sharper than a two-edged sword
and have the same effect. They wound
insead of heal, but God's Grace abounds
and His mercy stills
the pain hidden well,
and confounds those with hidden wounds
for whom looms
behind a smile, a mask of pain
that lingers covering a wealth of hidden shame;
they lash out drawing blood
in a flood
from others, to cover their own painful deeds.
Until one at last admits, there is a need
but if they don't, the specter of death looms
and they will continue to bleed from their own hidden wounds.
Chorus:
The cycle unfinished, only ends
when one makes amends
and God's forgiveness is sought
having been blood bought
through Christ
He, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
A torn soul
can become One at last whole.
IF forgiveness is sought
having been blood bought
through Christ
He, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
(Repeat 2 more times)
Then end with:
To heal
One must be willing to kneel
ask Jesus to cleanse your sin
and grant His Peace to live within.
Then a torn soul
can become One at last whole.
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Written on:
November 29, 2007
Scripture References for poem:
Proverbs 17:5; John 3:16-17;
& I John 1:9
All Scripture used comes from the NASB Version.
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