The Things We Don't Understand

Remembering Dan
Dan used to be one of my closest online buddies for a period of about 5~6 years. He lost his 15 year old daughter about 4 years ago while we were in touch. She killed herself. It appeared that it may have had something to do with a boy. As far as he knew she was a christian and not just because he was.

He, struggling to make sense of it, couldn't. He didn't share it all with me, but the anger was obviously there. He thereafter told me that some of his ideas about God had changed. We couldn't talk about God anymore, so we didn't really talk for a while. I didn't really know what he was going through.

I don't understand why God 'let it happen'. I didn't have anything to offer except prayer - yet in prayer I offered more than anything else.

But I know that God is faithful and that He is good. And that as bad as this is, others have lost the same and more and ultimately clung to God in greater ways. A historic example: Job.

Job was just a man as we are. Some people don't really understand or believe that GOD CAN HEAL ANYTHING, 100%. He is more than enough. We don't understand Him. But we can know Him.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD. Jeremiah 29:11-14

Knowing Him brings something greater out of any situation than we could have ever hoped for. More than understanding "Why?".

Dan and I are no longer in touch but I am happy to say that I did see a transformation up to our last conversation (almost 3 years ago) where there was an influx of joy and faith and expectation...healing.

Hooked on Worms

An animated email a friend sent me today showed a line with a little worm dangling at its end. Just then a fish comes along and, looking all smug and happy at his luck, takes a bite. Instantaneously he finds himself being pulled up, out, and away, with a look of alarm and distress on his face.

I don't often point out analogies to spiritual truths from events and pictures like this just for the fact that they don't personally grip me. To be honest, many times when I hear them I find them somewhat cliched in their delivery or content. Today however this little cartoon animated scenario in the background of my email caught my attention and brought some scripture verses to mind.

The apostle Paul wrote: "O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but by your own affections.Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open. Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:'I will dwell in themAnd walk among them.I will be their God,And they shall be my people.' Therefore'Come out from among themAnd be separate, says the Lord.Do not touch what is unclean,And I will receive you.''I will be a Father to you,And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.'Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

This is a loaded excerpt taken from 2 Corinthians 6:11 - 7:1, and although I did not intend to expound on it all, when I started to type I felt it necessary to copy it all here. I believe this is what the Spirit of the Lord is saying to the church. He is exhorting us to pursue holiness, without which, no man will see God. And this is not a message for the unbeliever, nor for everyone who calls themselves, 'Christian'. But God is calling to His church, the body of Christ, the betrothed of Christ, to be separate, to make herself ready.

In 2 Timothy 2, Paul reminds us that we are like soldiers engaged in warfare, and competitors engaged in a marathon. We must compete according to the rules (vs 5) and we are not be entangled again with the affairs of this life (vs4). The author of Hebrews in chapter 12 also likened the path of the elect of God as a race of faith and exhorts us to "lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..."

While there are some Christians who lead a downright double life that they are aware of, almost to the point of comfort because of a conscience that is being increasingly dulled [and I just want to warn that God will definitely NOT strive with this kind of blatant lukewarmness for always], others are engaged in a constant tug-o-war where they actually make themselves miserable courting sins that used to satisfy, that is, before they had believed and received the gospel of Jesus Christ. They hate their sin and want to stop - right up until they make another decision to sin. No matter what form or method this takes, all who find themselves in a similar position are what I will call "hooked on worms". Paul said, "You are not restricted by us, but by your own affections." 2 Cor 6:12) James said, "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed." (James 1:14)

But pay attention! God knows how weak we are, and He knows that our sin 'so easily ensnares us', but He has made a provision by the effective working of His grace and Holy Spirit within us, to make us holy as He is holy. Our part in this process put simply is 1) to completely surrender to Him, and 2) to endure.

God did not save any one of us to lose any one of us! He did not bring any one of us in off the streets for one meal only to send us back out to wander and starve! God does not regard our failures and weaknesses and shrug His shoulders and think, 'Well I did my part..."

The Alpha and Omega has offered Himself to also be the Author and Finisher of our faith! Do you know, that you know, that you know this?!!!

I encourage you to keep on keeping on.You who struggle with any sort of sin, any sort of pattern of failure, any sort of weakness, do not cease to persevere. Do not cease to war against darkness and do not cease to hate sin, even when it is found in your own life. Christ loves you with an everlasting love and He will be faithful to complete what He has started in you. He alone is able. Jesus promised that, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled". Jesus promised that, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.""...The time is at hand. 'He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who us filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who us holy, let him be holy still'. 'And behold I am coming quickly, and My reward is with me...". (Rev. 22:10,11,12)

Kids' Thoughts On Love

Kids' thoughts on love and the proper age to get married:
"Eighty-four, because at that age, you don't have to work anymore, and you can spend all your time loving each other in your bedroom." (Judy, 8)
"Once I'm done with kindergarten, I'm going to find me a wife." (Tom, 5)

What do people do on a first date?:
"On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date." (Mike, 9)

Kids' thoughts on love and when it's okay to kiss someone:
"You should never kiss a girl unless you have enough bucks to buy her a big ring and her own VCR, cause she'll want to have videos of the wedding." (Jim, 10)
"Never kiss in front of other people. It's a big embarrassing thing if anybody sees you. But if nobody sees you, I might be willing to try it with a handsome boy, but just for a few hours." (Kally, 9)
"It's never okay to kiss a boy. They always slobber all over you...that's why I stopped doing it." (Jean, 10)

Is it better to be single or married?:
"It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need somebody to clean up after them." (Lynette, 9)
"It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I'm just a kid. I don't need that kind of trouble." (Kenny, 7)

Kids' thoughts on love and why it happens between two particular people:
"No one is sure why it happens, but I heard it has something to do with how you smell. That's why perfume and deodorant are so popular." (Jan, 9)
"I think you're supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn't supposed to be so painful." (Harlen, 8)

Kids’ answer to the question, "What’s falling in love like?" :
"Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life." (Roger, 9)
"If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long." (Leo, 7)

Kids' thoughts on love and good looks:
"If you want to be loved by somebody who isn't already in your family, it doesn't hurt to be beautiful." (Jeanne, 8)
"It isn't always just how you look. Look at me, I'm handsome like anything and I haven't got anybody to marry me yet." (Gary, 7)
"Beauty is skin deep. But how rich you are can last a long time." (Christine, 9)

Kids' thoughts on love and why lovers hold hands:
"They want to make sure their rings don't fall off because they paid good money for them." (Dave, 8)

What do you really think of love?:
"I'm in favor of love as long as it doesn't happen when “The Simpsons” is on television." (Anita, 6)
"Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I have been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me." (Bobby, 8)
"I'm not rushing into being in love. I'm finding fourth grade hard enough." (Regina, 10)

Kids' thoughts on the personal qualities necessary to be a good lover:
"One of you should know how to write a check. Because even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills." (Ava, 8) What a funny quote about love!

Kids' thoughts on love and ways to make someone fall in love with you:
"Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores." (Del, 6)
"Don't do things like have smelly, green sneakers. You might get attention, but attention ain't the same thing as love." (Alonzo, 9)
"One way is to take the girl out to eat. Make sure it's something she likes to eat. French fries usually work for me." (Bart, 9)

How can you tell if two adults eating dinner at a restaurant are in love?:
"Just see if the man picks up the check. That's how you can tell if he's in love." (John, 9)
"Lovers will just be staring at each other and their food will get cold. Other people care more about the food." (Brad, 8)
"It's love if they order one of those desserts that are on fire. They like to order those because it's just like how their hearts are on fire." (Christine, 9)

What are most people thinking when they say, "I love you"?
"The person is thinking, Yeah, I really do love him. But I hope he showers at least once a day." (Michelle, 9)

Funny quotes about love and learning to kiss:
"You learn it right on the spot when the gooshy feelings get the best of you." (Doug, 7)
"It might help to watch soap operas all day." (Carin, 9)

Kids' thoughts on the stages of love:
"Spend most of your time loving instead of going to work." (Tom, 7)
"Be a good kisser. It might make your wife forget that you never take out the trash." (Randy, 8)

Shocking Interpretation

A church pastor who supports Sarah Palin was recently talking to his congregation about her and all the talk surrounding her 17 year old pregnant and unmarried daughter. As it was related to me by a friend who was present, the pastor interpreted this single verse in 1 Corinthians, by saying that getting married after sex before marriage would 'undo' the sin of fornication. They have not sinned.

In other words, 'I can readily have sex with the person I plan to marry, as long as I 'plan to.'

Would a stronger case be made to support this sin among engaged couples? Probably.

This is frightening to me, especially since the verse was clearly isolated from its context, and further more, even on its own, would never mean anything that is so clearly an affront to the ways and whole rest of the word of God. I mean, if sin could be engaged in and then 'undone', what did Jesus suffer and die for? This false teaching/misinterpretation is to me, just at the same level of blasphemy that caused Paul to be inspired to write:

Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? (Heb 10:29)

The context of this passage in the letter to the Hebrews makes it even more frightening:

26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
(All emphasis mine)

I am alarmed at such a clear deviation from truth and how easily it could slip by unnoticed.

How many persons with blind loyalty or confidence in this man, or who don't search the word of God for themselves, or who are not in growing close relationship with God on a one-to-one basis, would believe this damnable lie, sin because of it, and teach others to do the same? I am particularly concerned about newer and weaker believers.

[By the way: My views have nothing to do with Sarah Palin herself and this is not a politically inspired post. Even a christian parent cannot make their children do what they've been taught to be right in God's eyes. Even a new or weak christian might make the same wrong choice - if it was indeed a one-time incident and not a habitual activity in their relationship that produced evident consequences. I don't even know if her daughter is truly sold out to Jesus. If she isn't personally a follower of Christ, she cannot be expected to live the spotless life that is required of a believer with a changed heart. So this issue, pretty much fits right in with what seems to be the lifestyle of 'average' American family, que yo sepa.]

What Is Prayer All About Anyway?

Praying was not always easy for me and hardly felt like the natural thing to want to do. I hardly ever knew what to say, nor 'how' to say it. I used to get distracted easily. I couldn't pray as long and as fervently as I thought my circumstances required in order to get God's attention. I wasn't always sure if I was praying with pure motives either as sometimes I'd allow myself to become aware of other thoughts and desires lingering in the background of the words I found myself saying. It really wasn't an enjoyable thing for me to do. I felt completely inept at it, and I never really thought of it as being communion with the Lord, nor did I know it should be. It was just a one-sided dutiful or desperate monologue, depending on what my circumstances were at that time.

The most difficult challenge I had ever faced was in attempting to pray for other people. For a long time I really didn't pray for others with my heart, if I ever dared to attempt it. I remember thinking at one time that the Lord must understand that I had so many problems in my own life that I needed to put all my focus into praying for myself. How skewed was my thinking and my understanding! Unless my own life was in some way affected by the circumstance of another I couldn't find enough motivation or sincerity or fervency to pray for someone else. I don't think I was simply very wicked or uncaring, but I really didn't understand nor know the Lord much. I had not allowed Him to fill me with His love and compassion for others. Sometimes I just felt overwhelmed by the number of things in the world that needed to be prayed for and by the minute by minute sins that needed to be confessed. Sometimes prayer never even occured to me as a first resort. Or else seemingly unanswered prayers brought to the surface questions of faith and seemed to say "If you're prayers are not answered even when you were sure you had all that faith, the great possibility of more unanswered prayer will simply confirm that.Why try it again? " I knew I was supposed to pray but didn't know how. I remember trying to pray. Kneeling, laying down, wondering if my posture mattered; eyes open, eyes closed, wondering if my visual focus mattered; wondering how in the world to remember to pray for everything else and everyone else in the world. I remember even making written lists as some suggested and it all still never really worked for me.

Clearly, I was struggling with many issues in my spiritual life. I didn't know God very much at all. And a very religious/legalistic perspective on prayer was all I ever knew as examples in my own life. There was a lot of emphasis on form, flow, and quota without a passionate and sincere abandonment of matters to the Lord. Breakthrough in prayer came for me when I began to be severely broken by the circumstances that occured in my own life with which the Lord released an increasing measure of compassion in my heart. I would hear of other's heartbreaks, and disappointments, of sicknesses and other trials, and think, "Lord, I remember!" I would see people about to make the mistakes I had also made and would think, "Lord, I remember!" I continued to ask for compassion, for help and leading in prayer, and I started to admit to the Lord the times I didn't reach out to others and failed to please Him in this.

Transformation of my prayer life continued when I began to earnestly desire to know the Lord more. And that's what it's all about, relationship with God. I finally began to learn about two-way communication, that it was truly possible. I would be 'compelled' to seek the Lord on many enigmatic things He started to reveal to me and He, mercifully and wisely, caused me to have to search them out. Then there came times that I was quite frankly amazed to find myself praying fervently for others because it was so contrary to my own nature even as I started to allow the Lord to use me as an intercessor.

Over time I had completely broken away from religious prayer and I think it noteworthy to mention another development in my life that perhaps more than anything else revolutionized my prayers. This came about when it finally sunk into my heart, and for the first time I had truly understood in my spirit, that 'God the Father' was my own Father! This was no mere reckoning to me. This was like the ripping away of a shroud that had restricted me for a very long time to a position of knowing Jesus merely as a bridge to God but not fully understanding that He had reconciled me to God as Father, bringing me into the position of a beloved and adopted son. In much earlier years I remember distinctly feeling that Jesus was a kindly interface with a God who represented a stern body of commandments and couldn't really be intimately and personally interested in me as an individual. Jesus seemed to say, "He's really not that bad once you get to know Him" as I related to God the Father tentatively on that premise. How much I missed out on!

There are still times today where I feel I have run out of words when I'm praying but now I ask the Holy Spirit to take over entirely. I ask the Holy Spirit to lead me to pray for whatever is on God's heart. I no longer try to pray for everything at the same time, or by using a list, but I yield myself to the leading of the Holy Spirit, trusting that He will put in my heart and mouth the words I need, and extend to me the fervency He feels. Sometimes I let myself take a break, that is, to just shut up and wait. Then I worship and praise the Lord speaking words that are true in my heart even when there is no euphoric feeling attached to it. At other times I find myself singing a 'new song' just using words that come as I think about the Lord and all He's done for me, much like the Psalmist David did I'm sure. And I have learnt that I can never say "Thank You Lord", "I praise You Lord", "I worship You Lord", "I love You Lord" enough! I have seemed to run out of prayer request words but never out of praise words because they can't be repeated too many times. This from a sincere heart is also prayer! Communicating our adoration of Him to Himself and all of heaven, with the understanding that He also knows the things we have need of understand right where we are at.

Prayer is complex and beautiful. Its complexity is not in its form or method, but in what it accomplishes and how many wonderful things it can release us into. As we come to know the Lord more and continuously seek Him, it becomes even easier and even more enjoyable. The Lord becomes the Lord of our life in both sunshine and storm, and 'just because'. We just want to be with Him more and more and so prayer becomes a conscientious meeting between the Almighty God and ourselves.When we pray with a sincere heart we have the full attention of Father, Son, and Spirit. Angels are released many times to particular assignments as they too stand around to hear the orders of the Lord as we pray His will. Demonic and satanic strategies are torn down and thwarted. Lives are changed as promises are activated by declarations of faith. We find comfort and refuge, refreshment, strength and joy in His presence.... When I began to understand some of these things I found myself at times just ending my prayers by saying something like, "Thank You Lord for spending this time with me, and for the understanding that You have always wanted and loved to!"

My hope is that as you read this, you too will be inspired to pursue the Lord even more in conscientious meeting times of prayer, praise, worship, and intercession. The important thing is to lay your heart bare before Him, starting honestly from wherever you are spiritually. Understand that He desires your friendship with you and that you come to greater depths of knowing and loving Him. He will undoubtedly teach you the power of prayer as you yield your willingness.