Wake Up: There is a Battle Over Our Souls

I have been watching the world around me for quite some time. It’s an experience to walk around a city like Boston and people watch. I was going for haircut and decided afterwards I would take a quick stroll through the Boston Common, America’s oldest park. Its right in the heart of the city. It was a beautiful day; the sun was shining and there was a cool crisp breeze. I remember feeling great, nothing like a haircut to put a bounce in your step! I would look on at people passing me by and nod my head and smile at them. It was such a strange phenomenon because people would look at me and there was no change in facial expression. Some would even look away or look at me like do I know you? Like how dare I smile at them. There were a small few that smiled back, these folks were certainly in the minority and were few and far between. It made me shrug my shoulders and keep on my merry little way because there was no way I was going to let this beautiful day go to waste. As I kept walking, my mind wondered as I started thinking about these strange encounters. It occurred to me; you know those movies that show a person in live in living color but the rest of the world is in monochromatic? This was what I was experiencing, but in real life! As I continued on my way, I started paying even closer attention to people. Some of these people almost looked like they were not in there – you know that saying lights are on but no one is home? This saying described perfectly what I was experiencing. What is happening in the world around us?  Why are we becoming so incredibly disconnected? Like they are numb and just going through the motions.  

I could not stop thinking about my encounters that day in Boston Common, just a few days later I was sitting at lunch with Co-workers. We were sharing some of the difficulties about life and one of my co-workers made the statement “We are not here for a purpose; we are just a happy, random accident – therefore you just got to make the best out of it”. When these words were said immediately something in my soul ached. Yes, the soul because this was so much deeper than just the heart. It was like I could feel God present in that moment and it was breaking His heart. Nothing will steal your joy and purpose for your life faster than feeling like you are here for no reason and no purpose. What is the point to all of this? 

“All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:8-15 NIV

I love this depiction of the way Jesus looks at us – he gave up His life for us because of His love for us. Do you know anyone else who is willing to step in your place to pay for all the wrongdoing you have ever done in your life? Taking into consideration this different viewpoint, I personally do not want to pay for someone else’s wrongdoing.  (Good thing I am not God!! ) In addition, imagine the kind of love you have to have for a person to be willing to lay down your life! Taking this a step further, that is exactly what Jesus did for you and I! If more people truly understood the power in this, it would change and transform them from the inside out. It’s hard to imagine this kind of love in any human capacity because it's beyond our own understanding. We cannot in this human body imagine a perfect love. It's not until you have a personal encounter with Jesus does that change. 

If you are reading this wondering how any of this makes sense, I challenge you to ask God to reveal himself to you. Seek out truth with an open mind and I promise you will be blown away. God will reveal himself in a small quiet way, as that is His nature.

Continuing as we look at the passage above, Jesus states there are deceivers, which have come to try and steal the sheep away from God. It goes on to say that these deceivers when the tough gets going, they are not in the fire with you. They will run away. Why, because they are only in it for themselves. (The love of self.) What in society can you think of where this rings all too true?  There are some that look to celebrities or athletes, or influencers that preach alternative lifestyles and who offer you their meaning of life and this list can go on and on. Do you think any of these people would ever be capable of dying for you? Do you think they would willingly do so? Whatever you are placing your trust in aside from Christ will not give you that pure love, acceptance, hope and meaning to your life that you are seeking. Nothing will ever satisfy but Jesus in that God shaped hole in your heart. Christ is the giver of meaning and purpose! The rest are deceivers! This is the reason so many are walking around lost and dead inside. It was quite the revelation for me to realize. 

There are so many aspects to life that are trying to destroy you and I on the daily – steal our purpose, our joy, our contentment, our trust, our love, our families, our bodies, our peace of mind, our emotions and even our country – the bible warns us many times about an enemy that is actively seeking to destroy us. Watch what you consume on social media, TV and music you listen to and so many other sources. There are many deceivers about and they are not looking out for your best interest but their own! We need to be vigilant to protect ourselves from all of these attacks because this is a battle over our soul whether you realize it or not! 

There is a choice to make, who will we subscribe to? Will it be the great deceiver who uses every kind of snare and enticement to lure, deceive and destroy - OR-  Jesus, the one who loves you so much that He gave His life to set you free- the choice is ours. That is the beauty of the free will we have been given -- may all choose wisely!

I will leave this post with a few verses for you to mediate on.

“This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:14-16

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:12-14

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17

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Storing Treasures on Earth

It’s interesting the things that you can behold when you are in the moment and not distracted by having your nose constantly in your phone. I am blessed to live right across the street from the beach. Every day, I take my dog for a walk along the beach. I love walking in the morning where I have the opportunity to see the sunrise and God paints the sky in the most gorgeous colors. In addition to enjoying the sunrise or the sunset, I have the opportunity to see so many different people. I love to people watch in general it’s one of my favorite pastimes, if I am honest. When you live somewhere long enough, you tend to bump into familiar faces along your journey. I also enjoy looking at the houses along the beach as I go. Interestingly, there was this little old lady that as I passed by would always smile and wave at me from her porch. It always made me smile and also return the wave back as to simply say hello as I passed by her home. Sometimes I would see her taking a nap on her porch, I always thought to myself how relaxing and peaceful that must be to sit and watch the ocean and fall into a peaceful slumber. 

Until one day, I no longer saw her. The house was dark for the next 2 weeks every time I passed by. No longer was I greeted by that sweet lady’s smile. Soon I saw people working in her house removing all of her belongings and throwing them out followed by a for sale sign being placed in the front yard. I watched as remodelers came in and started tearing down walls and completely re-doing the house. Obviously, it did not take me long to deduce what had happened. It made me wonder about the lady’s family. Did she have any living relatives because from my outside perspective, it did not appear so. The house was quickly cleaned and contents thrown away and the house was sold.

“Formerly, his heart had been as a locked casket with its treasure inside; but now the casket was empty, and the lock was broken.” George Elliot

It made me wonder how many years it took that lady to acquire all her belongings and to purchase that beautiful house. In the end, it only took one day to lose it all and to be completely replaced.

I do not exlcude myself as being guilty, when I say we put so much time and effort into working towards buying and having nice things. We want a large house, luxury cars, designer clothing and take those glamorous trips. Most people are in the rat race and are being sold a lie when being told to buy all of these things if you want to have status and influence. There is so much emphasis placed on what others think of us. Do not worry if you have to work yourself into the ground, or get yourself so far in debt or completely neglect your family to get what you want – the lie – you will be popular and have status. Afterall, what more in this life could you want? The proverbial dangling carrot, if you will the tale as old as time. As I look around our society today, we put so much stock in appearances. You look at Instagram and Facebook and see all the influencers who post about their glamorous life. It’s all about the number of followers and likes they have which translates into their self-worth. 

With this culture of self-centeredness, where does this leave us? Shall we only enrich ourselves here on this earth and only care about our own wishes and desires only to neglect our soul and God given duties? In our incredibly fast paced environment, do we even take the time to stop? Think? Do we possess the ability to dare and see a world outside of ourselves anymore? Do we dare to help a stranger even if it puts us out? Jesus challenges us in Luke12:16-21

And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops. Then he said,This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry. But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself? This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

We are challenged in this passage to examine ourselves – are we just storing up earthly treasures? Or are we thinking beyond our earthly possessions and lofty goals to see how we may be using these gifts to do God’s kingdom work?  By being faithful with what we have been given and serving those around us who are in need is how we build a rich life. There is nothing on this planet that feels as amazing as when you help someone, even if minor in nature. As a message to us all (even myself), we need to get out of our own way and grow into the person God designed us to be! I have heard it said – “I am always on my mind” can we be the change this world desperately needs? Let’s take the challenge to not store treasures on this earth that will only benefit us in the temporary and fade away but get out of our own way to make a lasting impact in someone else’s life that may last into eternity. I have such people that I can instantly bring to mind, who I can say, these individuals just for being who they are and loving Jesus have made a HUGE and lasting impact in my life. Will you take the challenge to be the force for everlasting change in someone’s life?

Illusion of Control or Trust in a higher Power

Lately, I have been through many trials and I have watched my world be dumped up on end and shaken like a snow globe –feeing like a bystander watching all of the pieces fly around. This has been a very real and sobering realization, in that, I have been reminded of my own inability to control life or its events.  In light of this realization, I have come to deepen my understanding of my desperate need for Jesus in my life. He has an amazing way of bringing calm to the storm, clarity to thought and the reason for picking up the pieces and going forward. Often times, I think it’s very difficult to endure hardships because they make us come face to face with our own inability to solve our own problems and come to grips with our own humanity. I have learned that these are divine opportunities to grow and transcend where I am to become who I long to be. 

This got me thinking…..

I came across the below quote as I was giving some thought to what it actually means to be “religious” in the face of difficulty. As usual, I am curious about what others would say about my view and outlook on life. I like to look at many different perspectives in hopes that I can better understand and relate to the world around me.

 “Religion is the right of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, just as it is the spirit of spiritless conditions. It is the opium of the people… To abolish religion as the illusory happiness of the people is to demand their real happiness.” Karl Marx

 

In my paragraph above, I was exploring the idea of actually coming face to face with the truly difficult aspects of life.  Taking it a step further and actually allowing God to use the circumstances to make me into the person He designed me to be. There is a world of good that can come through self reflection. In this self help age, is self reflection and actualization in its self truly enough to influence a lasting impact for change? Do we on our own possess that much power? What can we really control in life?  Can we control our own health, our last breath, who will like us, hate us or love us, and what will happen to us when we step out into the ever changing world around us… etc? We don’t even know if we will wake up tomorrow. To abolish the “illusory happiness” as the above quote suggests is to live life the way you deem fit without control over anything. So the question boils down to which group is truly living in “illusionary happiness”? Those who feel they are in control of their own life but have no actual control of anything or those who trust in God, the higher power, to be their guide? You be the judge.

Friendship

    There is a burden upon my heart in the area of friendships and those whom we share life with. Unfortunately, I have seen many times how jealousy, bitterness, anger, deceit and just plain factiousness have wrecked havoc in relationships with people I have known. It grieves me, because rather than giving praise to the Lord and holding each other accountable; there is war being waged against sisters and even brothers in Christ. (the brothers tend to be on the outskirts of this most of the time – one has to love the way guys often times avert this! I wish more women did the same!!!) Why is there so much time being wasted on frivolous things?  How will picking a fight, saying and unkind word, being jealous or holding a grudge help to further the kingdom of God? Those who call themselves Christians should be holding themselves in a higher standard!! Below are some verses that I believe shed light on the way we should conduct ourselves in the manner of friendship. ( I know I needed a refresher course on these principles) There is always room for improvement - by challenging one another towards kindness and goodness we in turn will have more meaningful relationships.

Galatians 5:22-26 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace. Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Job 6:14 “He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty”

Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

Philippians 1:6-7 “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about you all because I hold you in my heart, for you are partakers with me of grace…”

Philippians 2:3-8 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being found in appearance as a man, humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a cross!”

John 15:3 “Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

     I think God is very clear on the way we should treat others! Please think twice before being jealous, saying an unkind word or anything of the like. Remember it is not honoring or pleasing to God and we grieve Him greatly when we treat people in this manner! Rather, we should be uplifting one another and bearing one another’s burdens in true community.

Perseverance

Perseverance - Perseverance-Perseverance

  This morning I had read a friend’s facebook status that had this very word in it. Right there in an instant it hit me… this was the very thing I needed to remember. When all of life seems like its going wrong and positives are hard to see anymore this is the very moment to persevere!  It almost made me laugh out loud when I looked the word up – I knew what the word literally meant but I was just curious if this in fact was the key thing I had been missing lately. What I found was the very definition of the word is : “continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty  or with little or no indication of success. This was not exactly the definition I was thinking entirely – it was merely to endure the problem with enough dedication that there will be an end. However, "with little indication of success" was not exactly crossing my mind! This point goes much deeper than I realized. Perhaps, it should more appropriately, state "when there is little hope of success".

Hebrews 12:1-4 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.”

    At this point, God revealed to me something in this verse that never truly hit me as hard as it is now. I have never had to shed blood for any problem I have had to endure. I think sometimes we as humans tend to look at ourselves with a sense of entitlement when we have endured problems – as if the world owes you or I something. This type of thinking can lead into a trap of self deception. The truth is Jesus has showed us the example to live by. We need not let the flesh interfere with the greater purpose for which we have been called.  There is a constant reminder we must keep at the forefront to have a fighting chance – that is adversity gives us the chance to grow.

Job 5:6-17: “For hardship does not spring from the soil, nor does trouble sprout from the ground. Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward. But if it were I, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. He bestows rain on the earth; he sends water upon the countryside. The lowly he sets on high and those who mourn are lifted to safety. He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away. Darkness comes upon them in the daytime; at noon they grope as in the night. He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth; he saves them from the clutches of the powerful. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth.  Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty!”

     In Job’s case, he did not understand why he was suffering which gives us a practical example of perseverance in action! Through his suffering Job’s faith had a chance to grow, but on the other hand, we must realize that God does not eliminate all hardship when we are following him closely, and good behavior is not always rewarded by prosperity. Reward for good and bad are in God’s hands and are given out in His infinite wisdom.

     Like Job, Jesus suffered greatly for no fault of his own. However, God used Jesus’ suffering to bring about the greater good for generations to come. This again reminds us that we can’t see the bigger picture. It is our job to persevere through trails and difficulties – after all pain can helps us grow. The enemy’s ploy is to get us to doubt God’s goodwill towards us!

    I made the point above about a deeper point being made- "with little indication of success" – when everything is crumbling around you: what will you do in that moment? Take on the example of Job and Jesus and fight the good fight or give in to self deception? Even I myself am feeling a sense of heaviness with this – it’s not an easy task!!! It takes all of the fundamentals of surrender and trust to a much deeper level.

Fairest Lord Jesus

     Today, I was thinking, while listening to one of my favorite hymns – Fairest Lord Jesus – where did this great song come from and what was the inspiration behind it. This was one of the first hymns I learned in church youth choir when I was 10 years old. I remember how the words moved me as I would try to imagine what it would be like to meet Jesus face to face! The ending of the song is, in my opinion, most powerful where praise and adoration is given. I think the best arrangement is by Point of Grace!  After all of these years have passed, I still have not forgotten how this song sprung up hope in my heart. Every time I hear it - I am transported back to that moment where I felt the joy and discovery of who Jesus is. These words depict Him as being the pinnacle of God’s creation – something worthy of celebration, honor and glory. It gave me comfort in a very difficult time in my young life to know He was bigger than all my problems! He is Lord over all things! Such a great reminder some 21 years later that no matter what - He is STILL bigger than any problem you or I face!!

       Unfortunately, I discovered there is little known about this great hymn- the writer and the exact origins are pretty much unknown. It is believed to have been written as early as 1607 by German Jesuit monks who use to chant the below set of words. Apparently, they were not allowed to sing. (Interesting tidbit – I might add) The lyrics were put to music in 1850 by Richard S. Willis. In addition, to not knowing who authored this hymn - the person who translated this work from German to English is also unknown!  It’s a mystery but what a beautiful one at that!

http://www.myspace.com/pointofgrace/music/songs/fairest-lord-jesus-28333102
(Click the play button on the page that pops up)

Fairest Lord Jesus

Ruler of all nature 

O Thou of God and man the Son  

Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor 

Thou my soul's glory, joy and crown  

Fair are the meadows

Fairer still the woodlands 

Robed in the blooming garb of spring 

Jesus, Jesus is fairer 

Jesus is purer 

Who makes the woeful heart to sing 

Fair is the sunshine 

Fairer still the moonlight 

And all the twinkling starry host 

Jesus shines brighter 

Oh my Jesus shines purer 

Than all the angels heaven can boast  

Beautiful Savior 

Lord of the nations

Son of God and Son of Man 

Glory and honor, praise adoration 

Now and forever more be Thine 

Glory and honor, praise adoration 

Now and forever more be Thine