What God has made

We must love and respect all things that God has made, including ourselves.

The following is a repost from one of my friends, Suzanne Gowin.  She has over the years borne 9 children, 3 of her flesh and 6 of her heart through adoption.  Check out her blog at www.gowinfamily.comwww.gowinfamily.com.  She's an amazing woman of God and lives what she preaches.

 

April 2, 2015

Is God Angry With Us?

Because of an interview this past weekend, I was reflecting on my personal discovery of Isaiah, back in the spring of 2010. I remember with fondness a short season I had with all the kids in school (before the new ones came), chores caught up at home, and available time to spend hours in the Word. It was a season where I eagerly and purposefully pleaded, “Lord, please reveal to me your heart, so I can be more like you.” I will honestly admit that this is often not how I come to Scripture, but it truly was during that season.

My journey began with Isaiah 1, where I was blown away. I had never seen language like this to describe God.

God is ANGRY with his people! He calls them “a brood of evildoers.” They have rebelled against him so much that their whole bodies are beat up, from the bottoms of their feet to the tops of their heads. They are covered in welts and nasty unbandaged open sores because foreigners have come and desolated their people and their land. If God had not saved a remnant, they would have been totally demolished like Sodom and Gomorrah.

Even more than their land and their bodies, their hearts are as far away from God as they could possibly be. So much so that God says, “What are your sacrifices to me?” When they come to their place of worship, he tells them to “Stop bringing meaningless offerings!” They are “trampling his courts.”  He “cannot bear their worthless assemblies.” Their prescribed festivals “I hate with all my being!” God is so tired and “weary of bearing them.” When they lift up their hands in prayer, he “hides his eyes” from them. He says, “I am not listening”–those hands are “full of blood!” Their incense is “detestable” to Him! He even goes on to say that the “faithful city has become a prostitute!”

My heart is racing even now as I read those words in Isaiah. Have you ever heard words like these from God??

Now, before you want to jump to conclusions like: “Well, that was the Old Testament God… He was authoritarian and domineering and far away from His creation… That was before Jesus”– look back at the beginning of the chapter.

Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth!
    For the Lord has spoken:
I reared children and brought them up,
    but they have rebelled against me.

This Old Testament God calls his people his “children” and he raised them and cared for their needs as any loving father would. But he is so sad that they have rebelled against him anyway. He says that even the donkey and ox know their master and their home, but his own children are far from him. They do not know or understand him at all.

This makes me want to cry. I think any mom or dad would want to cry after their beloved children have turned their backs on the ones who love them the most.

So here is the clincher in verses 16-17. The part that stopped me in my tracks. God tells them to clean themselves up. “Stop doing wrong, learn to do right.” This is the part where I expected to read about how God wants us to worship the right way. Change our hearts when we go to the house of worship. Pray more. Do our sacrifices better. Don’t do things for show. But this is where I was blown away.
Here is the equation. How do we “learn to do right”?

Seek justice.
    Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
    plead the case of the widow.

What?!? This doesn’t sound like worship? What about church? What about Bible studies? What about my quiet time??

What God wants from us in worship is much more practical and doesn’t just happen on Sunday morning: Take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. Look after the most vulnerable, the ones who are taken advantage of by others, the ones most avoided and forgotten by the rest of the world. THIS is what “religion” is supposed to be. This is true “worship!”
Sound familiar? We have read it so many times in the New Testament it has become old news. But read the equation again:

 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1: 27)

Our New Testament God and our Old Testament God are one and the same. His love for us is the same, and the worship he expects back from us is the same. He is the same loving and intimate Father.

Similarly, in Hosea 11 (another prophet like Isaiah who is called to preach repentance to a rebellious people), God talks about his love for his children, how he “taught them to walk.”

I led them with cords of human kindness,
    with ties of love.
To them I was like one who lifts
    a little child to the cheek,
    and I bent down to feed them.

Does that sound like a harsh, overbearing, distant father? No, this is a beautiful picture of a Daddy bending down to scoop up his beloved child and swing her around like a princess!
Many times in the Old Testament, God is shown to have an intimate relationship with his children. And he yearns for relationship with them.

I long to redeem them (Hos 7:13)

So here is the answer to my question when I asked God to show me his heart: Take care of the vulnerable, those without someone to provide for and protect them. Period.

We all can relate because that is what we all were before He adopted us into his family. We were fatherless, far from our Heavenly Father. Since we understand what it means to be redeemed, to be a part of a family, shouldn’t we do everything we can to help others have that kind of relationship, to not be alone and destitute? God even calls himself the “Father to the fatherless” in Psalms 68:5. Should we not do the same, in whatever way He has called us?

Or is God angry with us? Are we doing all the “church things,” and avoiding the mess and inconvenience of taking care of others? I want to ask myself this question every day. Is my worship selfish, for me to feel good? Or does it honor God, and in doing so sometimes not “feel good” at all? Is my life a sweet incense to the Creator, or do I just stink?

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (Rom 12:1)"

Source

I was continuing to get agitated at a person/situation.  Then I realized that I needed to stop looking to the source of the problem for the solution, and to the Source of the solution for the problem.  It changed everything.  Peace and joy returned. 

Cynical Roots

Hope unfulfilled.

When someone sees a problem and tries to bring about change and that change is blocked, at first there's discouragement.   Repeated efforts that don't meet fruition sour hope.  This soured hope can express itself in anger towards God, others or even at oneself causing a bitter root. It's called cynicism and it grows like a spreading cancer.

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick" says Solomon (Prov 13:12).

I have struggled with cynicism.

I have tried to make changes in organizations I've been a part of where there is glaring holes.  "If it ain't broke don't fix it" was a reply I once heard.  On the contrary I believed that the one who said this was so settled into tradition that they didn't see that it had broken long ago.

I have tried to make changes in my life.  Personal ambitions to fulfill dreams.  I have yet to see them fully fulfilled.  I was turned away as I wasn't __________ enough.  Or because I was too __________.  And I grew angry at the Lord and at myself.   A critical spirit grew.

I've tried to suggest changes to people that I am in constant contact with and met only with fierce stubbornness.  Cynicism birthed evil children.

But thankfully I'm in process of being delivered.  Because what I've discovered is that cynicism has another root--idolatry.  Focusing on  anything other than God himself to bring about change is idolatry.  When I look to an organization or a group or a person to change my situation, I'm setting them up as an idol.  It is an idol that I repeatedly bang my head against and then wonder why I am  bloodied.  I can definitely voice my concerns and suggest changes, but if those changes aren't received, my spirit does not sour if my hope is in the Lord.  Hope, even if what I hope for doesn't go my way, does not go bad.  It's because I trust His wisdom.

The fruit in casting my cares upon Him is that I pray more.   I am seeking Him and His wisdom, seeking change through prayer (and maybe it's me that gets changed).  I'm less in control and that's uncomfortable but I am more submitted.  It also means that I release the person from the sights of my angry gun because I'm not looking to them.  I'm looking to the Lord.  And when I trust the Lord, I get peace.  It's a much better place for my spirit to reside. 

The well

The prayers prayed in secret are what give us wisdom when in the light.

To Stare is to Become

Several centuries ago I attended driver’s Ed where we were taught to avoid looking too intently at oncoming headlights. Apparently if you stare at something long enough you unconsciously go that direction. This little tidbit of advice grabbed my attention. As I continued to mature I noticed this strange phenomenon occurred in many spheres. It explained to me why some friends, who desperately hated certain characteristics of their parents, tended to grow up and produce the same fruit. They put so much energy into staring at what they hated that they collided with it. I find it can take enormous amounts of effort to avoid those tempting headlights; they seem to irresistibly beckon us to stare and mindlessly drive their direction. Anger, fear, perfectionism, unbelief, pride- these are semi trucks I care not to meet fender to fender on a highway. 

Today I was wondering if I could apply this truth the other direction. Currently the GPS in my car has been high jacked by Jesus. It’s a high-speed chase of trust these days and I don’t exactly know where I am going. But I know who I want to follow. And He seems to enjoy testing my ability to track Him. Instead of panicking that I can’t name the roads we are zooming past or even recognize the scenery, I will just keep staring at Jesus. Some sweet day at the end of this race we’re going to have an amazing collision!!


Lalena Leigh

Today is an Answered Prayer

What seemed impossible 6 months ago is today a reality.  God honors and hears the prayers of his people.  Thank you Lord.  Just one week in and already a gift is given.

God hears

I believe God answers ALL prayer.  Just because his answer may be 'no' or 'not yet,' does that mean he didn't answer?  NO!  It just means we didn't get our way.

The Gift of Answers to Prayer not Visible

It is sometimes a gift when we don't see the Lord's answer to prayer.  The reason is because it reveals what is in our hearts.  Do we get angry?  Do we try to manipulate?  Do we go to the place of rejection believing that 'God answers others' prayers but not really mine'?  Do we have an idol?  Do we trust the Lord even if we don't get what we're praying for?



 

Word to the Body

For about 5 years it seemed like the Word of the Lord to the body of Christ was to get out of debt.  It seemed like every message was preached on this, multiple people were working towards this goal, and as God was speaking his people were responding.

But now I am sensing a new move of the body of Christ.  It seems like everywhere I go people are talking about how the Lord is asking them to get healthy.  It's a gentle word from the Father but one I think we all need to hear.

As some of you know my health was compromised at the beginning of this year and I'm still working to get out of it.  But in some ways it is a good as I need to be more serious about my health.  So this year I have spent untold hours researching.  Not that it isn't rocket science but I needed to find something that was beneficial for where I was at.  There are two things that I implemented that when I look back, that's when I can say I began to round a corner (passing second base right now).

The one thing that has made a big difference for me and my family is oddly enough, green smoothies.  It was a pretty painful beginning as I spit out more than one smoothie.  Also it was a discipline of will until I found out a way to make it palatable.  But the final result has been improved stamina and the biggest difference for me, improved recovery.  Before smoothies when I pushed it too hard for a day, my health problems would take me out for a week.  It was annoying/frustrating/angering.  But now a hard day doesn't take me out the next day.  For my family it has been increased energy and stamina.  Each person is being helped but in different ways.

Anyway the long and short of it is that mom kept asking me to write down what I was learning.  In the end that began to look like an e-book. 

So hopefully it can help others, maybe even you to get healthier.  Sorry for the cheesy titles and subtitles but I want to help others and these are the only buzz words that sell.  What you doesn't sell doesn't help people.

And if you want to help, right now this e-book is lost in the Amazon.com jungle.  The only way it is ever found is if you have people review your book.  If you are able to afford the $.99 book, I would so appreciate some reviews.   And even some who take the challenge.

Green Smoothies 101 by Shannon O'Shea

In the meantime, let's all work towards greater health.  We will need our strength for whatever the Lord has for in the days to come.

Relationships

Invest.

Core Values

I love the core values of Iris Ministries:

1)  Communion with the Father
2)  Expectancy of Miraculous help
3)  Minister to the Poor
4)  Value Suffering
5)  Lifestyle of Joy

Powered

Grace is the invitation to take great risks and make even greater mistakes without loss or change of relationship.  If we're not being bold in the Lord, perhaps we're not fully understanding grace.

Obedience and Success

When you're a leader, you feel it more deeply.  We had been teaching team building for 2 days to a group of about 30-40 youth doing all sorts of fun and crazy activities.  We told everyone to invite all their friends for the final last night.  We were guests in another church in a foreign country.

In our prayer time for the evening's session, we felt the Lord told us to do nothing.  That's right, nothing.  No message.  No games.  Nothing.  It was a risk.  And of course they all did what we had told them and 100 people showed up that night.  One of my students said a few words and then we just sat there.  Silently.  Completely silent.  From 100 people who came expecting games.  For an hour.  I have to confess I was squirming.  And it was hard.

I wish I could say there was an outbreak of the move of the Lord.  There wasn't.  Thankfully no one left.  At the end of the hour we told them thank-you and released them.  One participant came later and said, "You did the right thing."  Not sure what he meant but I've remembered him for almost a decade now because of his kind words.  As the leader though, it was tough.  And yet, there was  joy in my spirit and in my teammates as well.  I felt the Lord's pleasure that we did the right thing.  

It would happen again although this one was easier.  We had an outreach where we went into this demonic celebration that had a crowd of 10,000.  Our crowd of 200 infiltrated the crowd and we prayed.  Then we started chanting in Hebrew "Breath of God!"  The whole crowd joined us not even knowing what they were saying.  All of a sudden all 200 of us scattered throughout the crushing crowd felt the victory.  We slipped back together as a group and began to celebrate.  It was incredible!  We had no visual, tangible victory but we had won something in the Lord and we corporately knew it.

Again it happened recently, another one on the harder scale.  Those of us on support-basis have the joy/trepidation of seeking support through asking those we know.  Sending out a newsletter is relatively safe.  But I felt the Lord asking me to ask a few friends directly.  It was hard.  I didn't hear back from them. If they didn't feel led to give that's fine.  Just hate awkwardness in a relationship.  But it was hard to ask them.  At the same time, I feel the Lord's pleasure in my obedience.

Obedience doesn't always mean success as we see it.  No mass droves coming to the Lord, no demon celebrations stopped abruptly, and no finances from those I felt the Lord led me to ask directly.  (Four people did give but these were ones from my newsletter.)  It's a good lesson.  He loves obedience more than anything.  And at the end of the day, his pleasure is ours.  And the results are up him.




PS--If you feel led to make a donation to my computer fund?  Here she is:   http://www.gofundme.com/d4yw2c

Reality Check

Today I met one of my classmates from childhood that I hadn't seen in years.  Barely recognized her.  She has more diseases in her body, is on 19 medications and is significantly overweight and a smoker. She also told me about someone we know who had killed himself (or so it was thought). 

When I looked at her I realize so much of where she is at is because of life choices.  Some were hereditary.  And then I thought to myself, prolonged sinfulness does not lead people to joy-filled lives.  It just doesn't.

Thanking God tonight that he has kept me on the path of righteousness (probably at the expense of more than a few angelic, glorious interventions).

Another definition

Sin--'God, you're wrong.  And if you're right, I don't care.'

A Definition

Stubbornness is the refusal to change for the benefit of the group.

Humility

Humility is honoring the value and contribution of other (including ourselves).

Or said another way,

"In fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one them, just as he wanted the to be...those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable...while our presentable parts need no special treatment." 

1 Cor 12:18, 22, 24l

The requests of the city

Your newspaper's headlines are actually your city's prayer requests.

Please Print and Pray--A One Month Prayer Guide

Day 1

Worship.  The heavens cry out for the Father to be worshipped.  It goes beyond three songs and prayer before service.  This includes skilled musicians seeking out the Presence of the Almighty, leading others to corporately honor Him and experience His pleasure.  Pray for worshipers to arise.

Day 2

Business transforms entire communities.  What that transformation looks like depends on the nature of the business and how that business is run.  Pray for the removal of unrighteousness business and replacing it with righteous business that blesses the people.

Day 3

A healthy social life is necessary for a community to be strong. Pray for the connection of relationships.

Day 4

Entertainment is a part of who we are, but there is a difference between entertainment that brings life and entertainment that brings distance.  Pray for righteous entertainment that brings life to the people.

Day 5

Churches are beacons of light in the community.  Their vibrancy matters.  Pray for their work, especially with children’s ministries.

Day 6

So much time is spent in schools growing up that the relationships are very influential.  Pray for a loving school system that teaches truth and supports youth.

Day 7

On the seventh day God rested.  There is often extremes of those who “rest” too much and those who work to the sacrifice of their family.  Pray for righteous rest for the people.

Day 8

A town does not need to have an ebola epidemic to have a massive health issues.  Obesity, lack of fitness and isolation can be big risk factors.  Finances also play a part in obtaining good healthcare.  Pray for the desire to pursue one’s health and the means to take care of health problems.

Day 9

Athletics often are a binding force in a community.  They can give a kid pride, teach them how to work in teams while giving the community a connecting point.   Pray that God would use sports to build up the town.

Day 10

Music opens our spirit which creates a platform for words.  Pray that God would raise up musicians who would use their music to encourage, build up and inspire.

Day 11

Artists are often hidden but their work can change history and minister life.  Pray that God would open a platform to artists to share their creation.  Pray that their art would encourage, inspire and build up those around them.

Day 12

Skilled and unskilled workers minister to the community through their services.  Pray that employees would have integrity in their work and find fulfillment in what they do.

Day 13

The Word is a foundation for all of life.  Pray that God would create a hunger for His Word.  Pray that every home would have a Bible and that God would put a yearning to regularly engage His Word.

Day 14

The governing leaders are the gateways to the city.  Pray that they will make righteous decisions that will help develop the city.

Day 15

As stewards of the land, it matters how we treat it.  Pray that the there would be desire to care for the land in our city and on our properties as well as the means to take care of them.

Day 16

Local newspapers both reflect culture and change it.  Pray for righteous reporting and that newspapers and other forms of communication would hold fast to Biblical values without compromise.

Day 17

Health care providers are trend setters in our care.  Pray that they will know how to provide and do so in righteousness, holiness and with the help of the people in mind.

Day 18

Government service ministries such as police and firefighters contribute to the community.  Pray for their wisdom and protection.

Day 19

Pray for the town’s minorities people that they would feel a place of belonging.

Day 20

Pray for families to walk in love and commitment towards one another.  Pray for the strengthening of marriages and for parents to raise their children in wisdom, truth and love. 

Day 21

The nation we live in touches the world either in good or bad ways.  Pray God’s mercy over our land and that God would use our nation to be a blessing to the world.

Day 22

Every life has seasons of the soul.  Pray for the city’s poor that God would give them courage and solutions to get back on their feet. 

Day 23

Leadership is not always about position but about people who influence.  Pray that God would raise up righteous leadership in the community, schools and government as well as in social circles.

Day 24

Pray that God would raise up initiative among the people that they would be proactive in bringing righteous change.

Day 25

Intercessors change history and shape culture.  Pray that God would raise up intercessors who would travail for the land.  Pray also that they would connect with one another.

Day 26

Pray that the gospel would be preached both in words and in action.  Pray for workers to be raised up for the harvest.

Day 27

Pray for the elderly population that they would find purpose and care.  Pray for family members to have the wisdom to know how to care for their family in the later years.

Day 28

Pray that the churches in the town would not only be united but they would work together to reach their towns for Christ.

Day 29

Pray for the Mayor and governing leaders of the town to lead with wisdom.  Pray for their spiritual protection.

Day 30

Pray that the people who have financial ability for “daily bread.”  That there would be wise and self-controlled stewardship of finances that families could be cared for and  bills could be paid on time.

Day 31

Pray for employment among the peoples, that those without jobs could obtain work and provision.