Laced With Grace

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” ~ Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)

As some of you might know, I am currently ‘attending’ Beth Moore’s Bible study on Romans. This past week she was talking about worship. EVERYONE on earth is created to worship only One – the true God.

It really never occurred to me, but she was right. Think about all the nations on earth. Everyone is worshiping something. Either they worship themselves, other gods, nature—but they worship. They have temples, altars and the like. But why do all people worship? God has put it on everyone’s heart! Some just don’t know yet that they are created to worship Him, the Lord of lords and King of Kings.

One of my favorite worship leaders is Don Moen. He has written many songs that are used all around the country in worship. Our church’s praise team has used many of his songs to lead worship. One particular song from Don Moen came to mind when I listened to Beth’s Study – “Hallelujah to the Lamb”…Here are the words to the chorus:

”Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah to the Lamb
Hallelujah, Hallelujah by the Blood of Christ we stand
Every tongue, every tribe
Every people, every land
Giving glory, giving honor
Giving praise unto the Lamb of God” (D.Moen/Debbye Graafsma)

I remember singing this song the very first time leading the congregation. I was imaging how all people stand before the Lord, worshiping Him. It brought tears to my eyes and chills down my spine. What a beautiful picture in my mind.

I pray that I have many opportunities to share His grace and forgiveness with people who do not know Him yet. Will you join me to point to the one God, who is worthy of worship?

Lord of Heaven and Earth. Grant me to share the Good News with many who do not know You yet. Help me to speak the right words, so people see what their heart is longing for–You. Lord, I am looking forward to the day when we all stand before You and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen.

Blessings on your weekend and especially on you worship…

Who would think a lunch at California Pizza Kitchen could renew your childlike love for Jesus? A couple of months ago Julie and I sat down over salad (of course) to visit. She looked at me with genuine peace in her eyes and then began to tell me the most amazing story.

Perhaps you are like me in that I was raised in a Christian home. I have always known about God even when I was living in my rebellious period. I was not one of you who had a miraculous conversion. My relationship with Jesus grew at a different pace.

Julie, however, found Jesus and her universe was forever changed. I want to share her story with you in hope that you will feel freshness in your relationship with Jesus. I pray Jesus receives all acclaim for changing the hearts of the lost. May God receive glory for the love He lavishes upon His children.

___

I met Julie six months earlier when she joined my small group Bible study. She was a new believer, a babe in Christ, of only six months. Little did I know at the time that Jesus was hard at work crafting in her a new heart.

Julie came to Christ, as did her husband, because their youngest daughter invited them to church. Both were baptized on Sunday then on Monday God set Julie on the journey of epic proportions.

Immediately she was overcome with a debilitating health problem. She was constantly dizzy, experiencing vertigo, which affected her ability to live life which she was accustomed.

Julie visited doctor after doctor seeking a cure for her condition. No one could help her. No one could diagnose a condition. The days moved into months and Julie’s health forced her to make changes in her life. Permanently altered, were long standing habits.

Julie told me in the past year she would long for nightly happy hour, a glass of wine or two or four every night. “Lynn, suddenly, I could no longer drink. This bad habit was immediately removed from my life.” I sat stunned as I listened.

“Lynn, then I moved into what I describe a dark tunnel. Jesus was forcing me to reevaluate everything. Every single one of my relationships. I reviewed them all. Some were bad and I needed distance. Some I placed into perspective through Christ. But, in the darkness I found a previously unseen light”

“As I dwelled in my own perceived hell, I discovered so much about myself. I learned my husband is a good man. He has supported me through all of this. I found clarity about what really matters in life.”

“I used to think I must live life to the fullest. Don’t let a day go by because I might miss something. I found, however, through God’s word, one day we will live in a new heaven and a new earth. There we will have all the chances to do the things we have always wanted to. What a relief. I don’t carry that anxiety anymore.”

As I sat across the small table mesmerized by the transformation in this beautiful woman, my heart was soaring. What an enormous privilege to see Jesus at work. Julie told me so much more about the changes that occured over the past 12 months, too much to write here.

Julie then went on to say she recently found the right physician. She is well and forever changed. Would she tell you it was a difficult journey? Yes! Was it worth it? Emphatically!

Ezekiel 11:19 NIV
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

A fantastic promise for all of us!

Jesus never said our journey would be easy. He never promised we would live without great suffering or trials. It is in the suffering and trials that purification takes place. A heart of gold is fashioned.

Oh Jesus, thank you for Julie. Thank you for all of your children who share their private hell with us. Their stories of triumph inspire us and give us hope. Lord, may you receive the honor and glory you deserve for rescuing Julie and Lynn and…and…. and….….. Amen.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.   - Ephesians 6:11 NKJV

How does it make you feel when you think about someone manipulating circumstances in your life in an attempt to undermine every good thing you are trying to accomplish?  I don’t know about you, but it makes me mad just thinking about it. Did you realize this very thing is happening in the spiritual realm all of the time?  Satan is hard at work trying to get back at God for throwing him out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15) and Satan is trying to hurt God by “hitting” Him where it would hurt the most – through the people God loves…His children, you and me.

Have you felt defeated by self-doubt and guilt even when you have no apparent relevant sin in your life to cause you to feel this way?  Guess who is probably the culprit?  Satan, the accuser (Rev 12:10).  Have you suddenly for no reason seen a good situation as bad because your emotions have taken control and affected your objectivity?  Maybe Satan, the father of lies is responsible  (John 8:44).  Is something you’d previously rejected as ”evil” suddenly appearing good to you?  Are you overwhelmed with busyness in your life without having time to concentrate on the things of utmost importance to God? Perhaps that tricky little devil is being that “angel of light” again  (2 Cor 11:14).   Satan is a wily creature, and in my opinion the most intelligently dangerous being around.  Just as God does, Satan also has a will for our lives (2 Tim 2:24-26), only with Satan, his will is not for our own good, but to fulfill his ultimate plan in defeating God. 

Fortunately, God will not lose to and has not lost to Satan.  He is bigger than that slippery serpent (1 John 4:4), and God has given us the tools to defeat our wily adversary.  All we have to do is take advantage of those tools, God’s armor, and we will get the victory.  Guaranteed.  We can be equipped to accomplish all that God has for us to do because the Bible says that

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.  – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)

When we put on that full armor of God (Eph 6:14-18) we can stand against Satan and get the victory.    Do you want to live the life God intended you to live?  Are you thoroughly equipped?  Are you using the whole armor of God?  If you aren’t using the whole armor of God (the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword (scripture) of the Spirit), what can you do today to learn how to use just one more piece for God’s glory?  We can’t forget even one piece of our armor.  Our enemy is too strong.  We need all the help we can get.  And most importantly, we can be equipped to stand. 

Note: This post was not inspired by a single event in my life or in another’s around me, but merely by my continued heartfelt desire for all men and women of God to become all that they were intended to be.  While I do not believe that every struggle is caused by spiritual warfare, I am painfully aware that it does exist.  Please know also that I am not intending to be “preachy” in any way with my questions, but that I believe with my whole heart that when we become Christians, we have been given the key to a successful and rewarding life (Joshua 1:8) through the power of God’s word being actively applied to our lives.   More Christians than we would like to admit, do not access this key.  My prayer is that through my questions, more people may be encouraged to inspire others to delve into God’s Word more frequently.