gifts – Page 7 – Broken Believers

A “Zucchini-Blasted” Faith

I have been rightly branded as a pessimist. My struggles are such that I must continue to press into joy, to continue over and over, shaking off the grave clothes, and step into the sunshine. I need to spontaneously sing once in a while, and pick flowers. I know this.

For there’s an abundance in the kingdom of our Father. The currency of that place is joy (and love). The spiritual economy of heaven is solely based a free and lavish grace that is poured on criminals like me. It’s outrageous! And most of us do know it– far, far too well.

So fantastical are our perceptions of this awesome grace, that we can’t believe it is true. It’s easy to doubt—to add things, make adjustments to this completely radical faith. But as sick people we defy it all, and will often neuter the strong promises of God, making those verses eunuchs–without any power or vitality. I have done this repeatedly.

“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”

20″ Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

Ephesians 3:19-20, NLT

Knowing God’s love for you will totally change your life. The promises in the Bible are additionally enhanced by the Spirit’s active presence. When he enters your life, its like finding a 220 volt electrical line just when you have stepped out the shower. You will be energized! Watch the progression of thought in the very next verse. It builds and broadens on this “grace thought.”

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

2 Corinthians 9:8, NLT

As I kid, I remember one year we hit the zucchini jackpot. They seemed to ripen all at once. We canned and froze, but just couldn’t handle this harvest. We gave away so much, until I resorted to putting full boxes in people’s cars– while they were in the store shopping! (Captain Zucchini strikes again!)

God is like that, we just would like our bucket filled and he fills up a dozen wheelbarrows for us. We are super-abundantly, mammothly overwhelmed and “zucchinied-blasted” by forgiveness and grace. This is just how things work in our Father’s Kingdom.

Devotional 04.11.2013 (thelifeofastrangercalledme.wordpress.com)
What is saving grace? (altruistico.wordpress.com)
Ephesians 3:1-13 (vesselsofclay.org)
Zucchini Noodles (izzylifestyle.wordpress.com)
Low Carb Zucchini Chips (unspokencures.com)

Coming Home

Returning Home:

“Then the men who were designated by name rose up and took the captives, and from the spoil they clothed all who were naked among them, dressed them and gave them sandals, gave them food and drink, and anointed them; and they let all the feeble ones ride on donkeys. So they brought them to their brethren at Jericho, the city of palm trees. Then they returned to Samaria.”

2 Chronicles 28:15

I once was held captive by sin, ransacked and naked, starving and bereft of hope.

Lord, thank You for saving me, restoring me and returning me to the place I belong . . with You. And here’s a simple poem . . .

Brought Back

Love clothes me
and feeds me
and fills up
my flaws.
Love anoints me
and establishes me
in the presence
of all.

………..

See Deb’s blog at http://iftodaywehear.wordpress.com/

Compatibility for Dummies

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Believers are to learn the skills of compatibility. The classic definition is “to be able to exist harmoniously.” The word is used in a dozen different fields, from agriculture to zoology. But the particular area we are to look at is the “spiritual.”

The Holy Spirit is the prime teacher. The same Spirit that holds me is holding you as well. As a result we connect in a way that is profound. This is all done supernaturally, and it is one of best arguments for the existence of God I know of. The world is full of discord. It is fractious and divided. But believers can walk in harmony and love.

I was just 17 when I enlisted in the Army. It truly was a learning experience. One of the basic principles is conforming by adaptation. We all wore the same clothes. Wore the same boots. We ate together, and developed military skills together. We also marched together in both large and small formations, keeping in step as a group. We did lots and lots of marching, hours and hours a day. It had a definite purpose.

Compatibility is learned; but it also is supernaturally given. A piano player may play Mozart, because the gift lies within. But that same musician must practice. You could say what they have is both a talent and a skill. In the very same way, the agreement I have with you is supernaturally easy—and physically hard. However it is a skill to be learned. Once we learn to do this, it will become easier and easier.

The essential foundation for this is the “Word of God.” We can’t walk with a brother who is clearly at odds with the Bible’s teachings. But we all know that sin is at epidemic levels, and we are all affected. I suppose “humility” plays a huge part of staying in step with another saint. The Lord is so gentle with the strugglers, can’t I do the same?

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” 1 Peter 3:8, ESV

Nevertheless (even with this in mind) we must be committed to the Word—first and foremost. Everything must proceed from this common point. Loving someone else will almost always involve servanthood. Washing someone elses feet will almost always develop compatibility.

In Bible college I had a running feud with a fellow student. He seemed to me to be incredibly arrogant. Things came to an ugly head and the animosity was thick. One day in prayer I heard the Holy Spirit speak. “Go to your brother and wash his feet.” I charged into his dorm room and became a servant. I became connected to him in a profound way.

Being compatible does not mean we all do the same things. We share the same Spirit but we don’t have the same gifts. My theory is we are all designed with certain strengths, and proscribed weaknesses. These make us vulnerable and open to another. In Nehemiah 4, we read of men who built, and men who guarded. Both were necessary.

The main issue for us is learning compatibility—and all the skills that enable us to practice unity. We must understand, we are already connected in an amazing way. But we must “practice” it.

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Phil. 2:3, ESV

CCM Spotlight on Kelly Willard

Her music has always blessed. She has a voice of an angel. She was with the Maranatha Singers. Two albums I can vouch for–the first “Blame It On the One I Love.” The other being “Willing Heart.” They are both pretty old though so not sure you can find them.