So much of my relationship with God is growing.
1. There is a robust stirring of the Spirit on my prayers.
2. A persistent awareness of Jesus in places that seem mundane.
3. My compassion for the lost and broken people is growing.
4. My enemies are subjects of prayers, blessing and faith in God's power upon them.
5. I give willfully and hunger to be more generous.
6. The Holy Spirit caused me to deal with all hurts of my past and release them to Jesus.
7. Being in the Scriptures is usually the best time of my day, (many small bits all day long -not just one chunk).
8. Asking the Father for direction and provision trusting His ability and pleasure to do so. Whereas before I feared my future and just hoped God would do something.
9. The Spirit's teachings mixing with my understanding causing godly living and other-centered humility.
10. Service and fellowship with believers to glean peace.
11. Sincere excitement when I see Jesus in others, I love seeing others owning their cost of discipleship, and seeing how the Holy Spirit grows them.
12. Wanting God more because of who He is and nothing else.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Clearing the Air for Worship
Jesus,
Glory to the Resurrected One. I live a resurrection life because You are in me. The old has gone. As for death? Your sting is a flesh wound since the cross of Christ.
I wonder: Do you, along with the Holy Spirit discuss my obedience, sanctification, and confidence in You? Humble me and I will take refuge in You.
Time and again I scheme to win over man -no more! The old has gone, the new is here. Accept my worship and words they are all I have to offer until my life bears Your fruit.
I am not righteous of merit but you dear Savior how generous is your grace?
Conform me to Your likeness because You have saved me and awakened my soul to its contentment: You dear Lord.
I worship You Jesus, You are: The Righteous Branch of Israel. The Horn of My Salvation.The Seed of Abraham in the line of David. The Lion from the Tribe of Judah. The suffering Servant. You are the One worthy to open the scroll, Lamb of God.
Jesus you are Lord of my life.
You are great and worthy. All my worth is in you Jesus.
When you use me and fill me, I am at home.
Your servant responding,
Nic
Glory to the Resurrected One. I live a resurrection life because You are in me. The old has gone. As for death? Your sting is a flesh wound since the cross of Christ.
I wonder: Do you, along with the Holy Spirit discuss my obedience, sanctification, and confidence in You? Humble me and I will take refuge in You.
Time and again I scheme to win over man -no more! The old has gone, the new is here. Accept my worship and words they are all I have to offer until my life bears Your fruit.
I am not righteous of merit but you dear Savior how generous is your grace?
Conform me to Your likeness because You have saved me and awakened my soul to its contentment: You dear Lord.
I worship You Jesus, You are: The Righteous Branch of Israel. The Horn of My Salvation.The Seed of Abraham in the line of David. The Lion from the Tribe of Judah. The suffering Servant. You are the One worthy to open the scroll, Lamb of God.
Jesus you are Lord of my life.
You are great and worthy. All my worth is in you Jesus.
When you use me and fill me, I am at home.
Your servant responding,
Nic
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Tongue Tied and Careful to Speak
The following is a healthy portion of verses from the book of Proverbs. God is clear about the importance of our tongue. We must learn to bridle it. This was a convicting labor of love.
Godly Ways
The character traits of a person with
a good tongue: The righteous have a (valuable) tongue of pure silver (10:20),
it is a fountain of life (10:11) which produces wisdom (10:31). The wise have a
tongue that brings healing to others (12:18); they have a tongue that makes
knowledge attractive (15:2) and their insight is praised (12:8). A man of
understanding keeps silent (11:12) and controls his lips (10:19). A righteous
speaker thinks before speaking (15:28) and is timely, impactful (15:23; 25:11).
The tongue’s good fruit: A tongue
that heals is a tree of life (15:4). The
power of the tongue gives words of life and bears good fruit (18:21). Guarding
the tongue avoids trouble (21:23) and protects their life (13:3). A gentle
tongue can defeat strong resistance (25:15). A wise heart instructs the tongue
into learning (16:23) pleasant words flow sweet and healing (16:24). When what
is right come from the tongue the inner spirit cheers (23:16). A godly use of
the tongue makes friends with kings (22:11).
Ungodly Ways
The
character traits of a person with an ungodly tongue: A wicked mouth conceals
violence (10:6). A lying witness is dishonest and will perish(14:5; 21:28). A
foolish person lies to conceal their hatred and spreads slander (10:18). The mouth of the wicked contains perversity
(10:32). Evil men are trapped by what they say (12:13); they don’t know how to
contain their thoughts (13:3). The foolish tongue has an absence of reason and
speaks without thinking (12:19); it is publically stupid (12:23). Fools latch
on to more foolishness (15:14). A wicked and foolish tongue just blurts out
(15:2, 28). The wicked tongue tricks people for their own gains (20:14). Lying
to make a fortune is like pursuing death (21:6). A hateful person disguises
himself with his tongue (26:23).
The
tongue’s bad fruit: Foolish lips will be destroyed (10:8,10). Such a tongue
speeds up the day of its destruction (10:14); It will be cut off (10:31). Sin
dwells in excessive speech or tongue (10:19). The mouth of the wicked can tear
down a city (11:11), their words are an ambush (12:6). Lying lips are
detestable to God (12:22). Foolish speech will be disciplined (14:3). Harsh
words stir up wrath (15:1). No knowledge is gained from listening when a fool
speaks (14:7). The foolish tongue responds before listening (18:13). A foolish
vow is rashly made and often taken back (20:25). Lying and flattery are agents
of destruction (26:28).
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Reappropriating Gentleness
I spent my whole life thinking I had good vocabulary and definitions. One thing about taking on the yoke of Jesus is that there are certain words that take on a whole new meaning. Upon being born again, the Holy Spirit's indwelling in me schooled me: "you don't know the meaning of My Words." Like grace. I used to always think of ballets, motion or being naturally gifted. Now grace so much deeper! It's super meaningful, its favor from God. The agent of delight God uses in relating to me. Salvation is grace as a gift. Providence is grace as guidance. Answered prayer is grace as intervention.
The Holy Spirit is a dictionary unto Himself redefining my misunderstood words(= humbling). On to the next word: gentleness. It's absence in my life makes it a curiosity, I need to long for it. If you pray to Jesus, pray that gentleness would win me over. I'm trying to come up with a parable about gentleness for class (this is my attempt at brainstorming).
In thinking about biblical parables the one that comes to mind the strongest is the Shepherd who leaves the herd of 99 to find the one lost sheep. Luke 15:3-7; Mt 18:12-14. Centrally the parable isn't about gentleness however the shepherd personifies gentleness well. As a Bible word search, gentleness is at its best in Evangelism and Apologetics 1Pt 3:15. Gentleness should be our countenance, evidenced on or in us Php 4:5. In Gal 5:23 a fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. A man of God, a leader must have gentleness 1 Tm 6:11.
Gentleness was one of the first word transformations the Holy Spirit performed in my mind. All my life before encountering Christ, I thought gentleness was something for mothers to use, soft, delicate, for kids and safe -its a weakness for men. "the meek won't inherit squat -'cause I'll take it from them." To quote one of my favorite rap groups before Jesus revealed Himself to me. This quote sums up my thoughts about gentleness "B.C.".
Then God humbled me, heard my cry for His blood and forgiveness through faith. I quit leaning on my own mind.
So a couple of weeks later I'm at church for the first time in like 12 years and I didn't know anybody there. As the weeks went on I kept coming back and shaking new hands, joining small groups of men for prayer before the service. These men were older and wanted to know how my car is or if Target's a good place to work or if softball is my cup of tea. One man invited me to pray for his grandma who is dying and lives in Alabama... I thought that was powerful. This connectedness -that God would oblige my prayer as He sees fit regarding the 'Bama Granny. This man across from me (who is supposed to be "tough") is asking me, and has faith that God would hear my voice in His throne room? There's more, they were coming clean on their anger issues, debt, drinking or relationship tension at home. I got to know their names because they were asking me to pray for them. So cool and not world-manly.
I saw males as gentle for the first time in my life through the eyes of the Holy Spirit. These men of God were good for light-hearted jokes separate from sexual or cultural degradation. They showed me care and concern for others instead of ego tripping. They asked and looked for opportunities to serve. These were father figures for me and they didn't even know it. They went home from work and didn't drink.
To me, a gentle man thinks constantly about the worship and honor of Jesus Christ. A gentle man knows right from wrong and applies Scripture. A gentle man listens actively and sincerely wants to know all the people that crosses his path. A gentle man lets the Lord fight his battles and pauses before responding in disagreements. A gentle man enjoys the counsel of brothers, loves his wife passionately/honorably. A gentle man lets other men see how winsome gentleness is. There is no condemning of unbelievers and a gentle man fears God because He alone is in control.
Now that the Holy Spirit's definition of gentleness leaves me corrected and on the short end of the measuring stick: I desire gentleness big time.
The Holy Spirit is a dictionary unto Himself redefining my misunderstood words(= humbling). On to the next word: gentleness. It's absence in my life makes it a curiosity, I need to long for it. If you pray to Jesus, pray that gentleness would win me over. I'm trying to come up with a parable about gentleness for class (this is my attempt at brainstorming).
In thinking about biblical parables the one that comes to mind the strongest is the Shepherd who leaves the herd of 99 to find the one lost sheep. Luke 15:3-7; Mt 18:12-14. Centrally the parable isn't about gentleness however the shepherd personifies gentleness well. As a Bible word search, gentleness is at its best in Evangelism and Apologetics 1Pt 3:15. Gentleness should be our countenance, evidenced on or in us Php 4:5. In Gal 5:23 a fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. A man of God, a leader must have gentleness 1 Tm 6:11.
Gentleness was one of the first word transformations the Holy Spirit performed in my mind. All my life before encountering Christ, I thought gentleness was something for mothers to use, soft, delicate, for kids and safe -its a weakness for men. "the meek won't inherit squat -'cause I'll take it from them." To quote one of my favorite rap groups before Jesus revealed Himself to me. This quote sums up my thoughts about gentleness "B.C.".
Then God humbled me, heard my cry for His blood and forgiveness through faith. I quit leaning on my own mind.
So a couple of weeks later I'm at church for the first time in like 12 years and I didn't know anybody there. As the weeks went on I kept coming back and shaking new hands, joining small groups of men for prayer before the service. These men were older and wanted to know how my car is or if Target's a good place to work or if softball is my cup of tea. One man invited me to pray for his grandma who is dying and lives in Alabama... I thought that was powerful. This connectedness -that God would oblige my prayer as He sees fit regarding the 'Bama Granny. This man across from me (who is supposed to be "tough") is asking me, and has faith that God would hear my voice in His throne room? There's more, they were coming clean on their anger issues, debt, drinking or relationship tension at home. I got to know their names because they were asking me to pray for them. So cool and not world-manly.
I saw males as gentle for the first time in my life through the eyes of the Holy Spirit. These men of God were good for light-hearted jokes separate from sexual or cultural degradation. They showed me care and concern for others instead of ego tripping. They asked and looked for opportunities to serve. These were father figures for me and they didn't even know it. They went home from work and didn't drink.
To me, a gentle man thinks constantly about the worship and honor of Jesus Christ. A gentle man knows right from wrong and applies Scripture. A gentle man listens actively and sincerely wants to know all the people that crosses his path. A gentle man lets the Lord fight his battles and pauses before responding in disagreements. A gentle man enjoys the counsel of brothers, loves his wife passionately/honorably. A gentle man lets other men see how winsome gentleness is. There is no condemning of unbelievers and a gentle man fears God because He alone is in control.
Now that the Holy Spirit's definition of gentleness leaves me corrected and on the short end of the measuring stick: I desire gentleness big time.
Monday, February 13, 2012
R.I.P. Thoughts
A major work God has been bringing and re-bringing to my attention is peace. Not the appearance of peace, or the quietness of peace, not even the meditative kind. I'm thirsting for the peace that transcends all understanding, the peace Jesus owns. Its the kind that asks for my burdens, a peace that comes from trusting in the unseen supreme Christ in trials and banality.
My mind needs transformation. I have gone through many changes by turning to the power of Jesus... Repentance in my life glorifies God and heals me (win,win). I remain teachable and hopeful for newness.
The Spiritual armor of God talks about the Helmet of Salvation. In the spirit world my head ought to be protected by Jesus' salvation (peace He paid for). So in my times of prayer alone I call for God to bless me daily with understanding the Truth of His Salvation. That salvation would protect my thoughts, eliminate anxiety.
I grew up fatherless, with an undisciplined mind (lots of tv too): sway according to attraction, pleasure demonic or angelic influence. I grew to be an artist and a philosopher chasing after experience, observation and documentation.
When the bottom fell out I was in mental hospitals being prayed over. Sick with "psychotic episodes" and an onslaught of manic thoughts. When daylight returned to me I was diagnosed Bi-Polar 1. For the last ten years I have delt, learned, medicated and treated this illness. All at secular facilities, seeing psychiatrists that "box" Christians, through the years the dosage has gone up.
I know Jesus Christ to be a healer, of cancer, of concussions, and of my broken heart. Ever since I returned to Chicago I have sought to ask God about Romans 12:2. (Is that for everyone except for me?) My illness is manageable by His grace and God is using the meds but what about God's claim via Paul to transform a mind that no longer conforms to the patterns of the world.
I now know that mental illness of my type is heavily related to spiritual warfare. I was "normal" until 23. I have read Christian books by Christian Psychiatrists that affirm this manner of Satan seeping in. Through drugs, drinking, my own thoughts about God, my placing my faith in the wrong things.
Now I am a man of peace. Secure in God shepherding my steps. Putting on the helmet of salvation transforming my mind by the "whatevers" (True, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable). Faith brings me peace. So I wonder when is God going to take me off of the medicine?
My mind needs transformation. I have gone through many changes by turning to the power of Jesus... Repentance in my life glorifies God and heals me (win,win). I remain teachable and hopeful for newness.
The Spiritual armor of God talks about the Helmet of Salvation. In the spirit world my head ought to be protected by Jesus' salvation (peace He paid for). So in my times of prayer alone I call for God to bless me daily with understanding the Truth of His Salvation. That salvation would protect my thoughts, eliminate anxiety.
I grew up fatherless, with an undisciplined mind (lots of tv too): sway according to attraction, pleasure demonic or angelic influence. I grew to be an artist and a philosopher chasing after experience, observation and documentation.
When the bottom fell out I was in mental hospitals being prayed over. Sick with "psychotic episodes" and an onslaught of manic thoughts. When daylight returned to me I was diagnosed Bi-Polar 1. For the last ten years I have delt, learned, medicated and treated this illness. All at secular facilities, seeing psychiatrists that "box" Christians, through the years the dosage has gone up.
I know Jesus Christ to be a healer, of cancer, of concussions, and of my broken heart. Ever since I returned to Chicago I have sought to ask God about Romans 12:2. (Is that for everyone except for me?) My illness is manageable by His grace and God is using the meds but what about God's claim via Paul to transform a mind that no longer conforms to the patterns of the world.
I now know that mental illness of my type is heavily related to spiritual warfare. I was "normal" until 23. I have read Christian books by Christian Psychiatrists that affirm this manner of Satan seeping in. Through drugs, drinking, my own thoughts about God, my placing my faith in the wrong things.
Now I am a man of peace. Secure in God shepherding my steps. Putting on the helmet of salvation transforming my mind by the "whatevers" (True, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable). Faith brings me peace. So I wonder when is God going to take me off of the medicine?
Monday, January 30, 2012
Holy Spirit's Authorship
Bless the Words of Scriptures -grant a loving discipline for me the reader Lord God. Teach me to search for correct meaning and hold You accountable to Your promises and attributes. Teach me O Holy Spirit to receive what's on the page and not what I want the pages to tell me. I live differently because Your instruction contained in the Scriptures.
Keep me teachable Holy Spirit because I haven't been called to follow my heart or to respond out of emotion. I must respond to Your Word. Your Word is more reliable for life than my own heart, my own understanding, my parents ways, or submission to obeying every law.
To know You is to pursue You, Jesus, AKA Word of God. As I chase you, Holy Spirit sanctify. Fuel this partnership until Christ returns. Your Bible speaks to me: causing me to underline, pray and envelope your declarations. Your plan is made famous in Scriptures, where else should I look for the direction of my life than in your Masterpiece?
But now at Moody, so much of your Word can be compartmentalized, tallied, cross-referenced, trended and extracted by the advancement of technology... Keep me from study habits that offer Scripture without Your revelation! No other moment in time has the possibility of studying your Word been so easy. Hold me God to a higher accountability for what I know about your grace and mercy and the Truth that never changes.
Give me application of faith when reading your Scrolls. Refine my study methods, apologetic and teachers. Gift your Holy Spirit's authorship over all my spiritual understanding. Help me conform to you Lord Jesus. That I would decrease and You increase.
Thanks for Your Word,
Nic
Keep me teachable Holy Spirit because I haven't been called to follow my heart or to respond out of emotion. I must respond to Your Word. Your Word is more reliable for life than my own heart, my own understanding, my parents ways, or submission to obeying every law.
To know You is to pursue You, Jesus, AKA Word of God. As I chase you, Holy Spirit sanctify. Fuel this partnership until Christ returns. Your Bible speaks to me: causing me to underline, pray and envelope your declarations. Your plan is made famous in Scriptures, where else should I look for the direction of my life than in your Masterpiece?
But now at Moody, so much of your Word can be compartmentalized, tallied, cross-referenced, trended and extracted by the advancement of technology... Keep me from study habits that offer Scripture without Your revelation! No other moment in time has the possibility of studying your Word been so easy. Hold me God to a higher accountability for what I know about your grace and mercy and the Truth that never changes.
Give me application of faith when reading your Scrolls. Refine my study methods, apologetic and teachers. Gift your Holy Spirit's authorship over all my spiritual understanding. Help me conform to you Lord Jesus. That I would decrease and You increase.
Thanks for Your Word,
Nic
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Holy Heavenly Father
I found myself riverside on the Chicago river. The river was still, perfect to gaze at the reflection of branches on this mild winter day. I was lonesome but seeking after God. I thought about the Lord's prayer and how and why it started the way it did. "Our father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." upon further reflection, I personalized it and rendered my own translation: Our Holy Heavenly Father.
As I meditated on this I started slowly repeating it over and over. Making each word count, searching in my mind for the most fitting definition for the words "Holy", "Heavenly", and "Father". I inhaled and exhaled between each word. I got good synonyms for Father and Holy. But I noticed that calling God heavenly was new to me -That is His address, His home, da crib.
I always believed he was heavenly but never knew what that implies. It means that earth is not His dwelling place. Before I could despair, I remembered the next line. Jesus prays for God to come to earth: "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done." Its almost as if God visits His creation only when asked to.
So I continued meaningfully repeating "Holy Heavenly Father" in the stillness of bare trees, brown leaves, graffittied rocks and littered shore line. I was inviting God's presence to join me. Progressively I noticed little sparrows landing in the trees across the river chirping to their hearts content. Soon I was sky was flooded with bird chirps all around me. I got the chills and prayed for His will for my life. Creation is eager to bring glory to God. Especially me.
As I meditated on this I started slowly repeating it over and over. Making each word count, searching in my mind for the most fitting definition for the words "Holy", "Heavenly", and "Father". I inhaled and exhaled between each word. I got good synonyms for Father and Holy. But I noticed that calling God heavenly was new to me -That is His address, His home, da crib.
I always believed he was heavenly but never knew what that implies. It means that earth is not His dwelling place. Before I could despair, I remembered the next line. Jesus prays for God to come to earth: "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done." Its almost as if God visits His creation only when asked to.
So I continued meaningfully repeating "Holy Heavenly Father" in the stillness of bare trees, brown leaves, graffittied rocks and littered shore line. I was inviting God's presence to join me. Progressively I noticed little sparrows landing in the trees across the river chirping to their hearts content. Soon I was sky was flooded with bird chirps all around me. I got the chills and prayed for His will for my life. Creation is eager to bring glory to God. Especially me.
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