The last few months, I've been seeking God's face. I began to dial down on life's "busyness" and tuning into God. I've been reaching to go deeper in God. I've been hungry to experience more of Him and to be used by Him more. He has been teaching me how to experience prayer on a different level than I've done before. He is teaching me to pray in the Spirit at a level I've not done before. He has also blessed me with a gift I asked Him for years ago -- the gift of singing in tongues. What an amazing time of worship when I sing in tongues! Glorious!
He has also brought up a subject that He has broached with me before only for me to skirt the issue time and again. I understood that His bringing it up again was a challenge to me. A challenge to see if I want to go deeper enough to accept His request this time. This time, I decided to not talk myself out of it. I decided that instead of get worked up in what people say the scripture means about this subject and just act on what God is asking me to do.
What is this thing, you ask?
Headcovering.
Headcovering comes up against independent streaks and women's liberation. It's hard to sing "I am woman, hear me roar!" in a headcovering. And, it (and the sister issue of dressing modestly), threatens our sense of freedom from legalism through grace.
Covering my head reminds me constantly that God is my covering and that my head is for His glory. It reminds me that I represent Him in every word, deed, and thought. It is humbling....and empowering. Empowering in the sense that I've turned off my own agenda and invited the Holy Spirit to act through me in His power and His knowledge.
Silence and Solitude
From this Sunday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon, I will enjoy a time of silence and solitude. Mother is heading to Camp Meeting and I'll be home. The computer will be turned off. No movies (tv has been off for a long time now). Only the Bible to read and God to listen to. No talking except to God. Just lots and lots of listening to God. There are so many things I long for Him to tell me but I enter this time with no other agenda but to hear from Him about whatever He wants to speak to me about.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Touch Not Mine Anointed
Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. (1 Chronicles 16:22)
Who are God's anointed? You might think of David and King Saul and how David would not harm King Saul even though Saul was trying to kill him. David would not "touch God's anointed". Saul was anointed as King over Israel. Saul wasn't doing a very good job as King but he was King nonetheless. David realized that God had anointed Saul for the kingship and only God could remove him.
Kings weren't the only ones who were God's anointed. In Exodus, God gave instructions to anoint and consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests of Israel before the altar and ark of God. These too then were God's anointed. What was the process for the priests to be anointed and consecrated? There was the water, the blood, and the oil.
In Exodus chapter 29 verses 4, 7, and 20, we see the steps of anointing and consecration.
The Water: Aaron and his sons are instructed to come to the tent of meeting and there at the entrance to wash with water.
The Oil: next Moses was to anoint them with oil. This wasn't just any oil, it was the holy anointing oil. A special blend to be used for nothing other than consecrating everything used for worship before the Lord.
The Blood: lastly, they were anointed with the blood sacrifice. The blood was to be placed on their ear, their thumb, and their big toe. Lastly, blood and oil was sprinkled on them and their garments. Thus they were consecrated for service.
Who are God's anointed today? Does God still have anointed ones today? Well, to answer the second question first, yes, God still has anointed ones today. Christ, of course, is THE Anointed One. But, there are other anointed ones serving God on earth today. As for the first question, the answer is -- every blood covered, water washed, oil anointed Christian!
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)
The day, nah, the moment you asked God for forgiveness and made Christ your Lord and Savior, you were blood covered. His blood covers you. It purifies you. It consecrates you.
The moment you were water baptized, you were ritualistically washed and cleansed.
Noticed that I listed the blood first and then the washing with water. This is the reverse of the old covenant process. Water being sprinkled on an infant is meaningless. The infant is not making a confession of sin and acknowledging it's need of cleansing. The infant is born under original sin, but is as yet not accountable because it has no knowledge of it's sinful nature. Water Baptism cleans us when we understand that we are in need of cleansing. So, first we go to Christ and receive the blood covering and then we are baptized to symbolize our cleansing.
Okay, so what about the oil anointing? Do we have to have a horn of oil dumped on our heads like was done to the priests in the Old Testament? Nope. According the the Apostle John we are anointed by the Holy Spirit. "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth." (1 John 2:20) Every believer receives the Holy Spirit within them. Thus, they are anointed by the Holy Spirit.
Believers are purified and sanctified by the water, the blood, and the oil. We are God's anointed ones. We are His holy nation. His royal priesthood. What is the work of the priesthood? To declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness and into His wonderful light!
Who are God's anointed? You might think of David and King Saul and how David would not harm King Saul even though Saul was trying to kill him. David would not "touch God's anointed". Saul was anointed as King over Israel. Saul wasn't doing a very good job as King but he was King nonetheless. David realized that God had anointed Saul for the kingship and only God could remove him.
Kings weren't the only ones who were God's anointed. In Exodus, God gave instructions to anoint and consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests of Israel before the altar and ark of God. These too then were God's anointed. What was the process for the priests to be anointed and consecrated? There was the water, the blood, and the oil.
In Exodus chapter 29 verses 4, 7, and 20, we see the steps of anointing and consecration.
The Water: Aaron and his sons are instructed to come to the tent of meeting and there at the entrance to wash with water.
The Oil: next Moses was to anoint them with oil. This wasn't just any oil, it was the holy anointing oil. A special blend to be used for nothing other than consecrating everything used for worship before the Lord.
The Blood: lastly, they were anointed with the blood sacrifice. The blood was to be placed on their ear, their thumb, and their big toe. Lastly, blood and oil was sprinkled on them and their garments. Thus they were consecrated for service.
Who are God's anointed today? Does God still have anointed ones today? Well, to answer the second question first, yes, God still has anointed ones today. Christ, of course, is THE Anointed One. But, there are other anointed ones serving God on earth today. As for the first question, the answer is -- every blood covered, water washed, oil anointed Christian!
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)
The day, nah, the moment you asked God for forgiveness and made Christ your Lord and Savior, you were blood covered. His blood covers you. It purifies you. It consecrates you.
The moment you were water baptized, you were ritualistically washed and cleansed.
Noticed that I listed the blood first and then the washing with water. This is the reverse of the old covenant process. Water being sprinkled on an infant is meaningless. The infant is not making a confession of sin and acknowledging it's need of cleansing. The infant is born under original sin, but is as yet not accountable because it has no knowledge of it's sinful nature. Water Baptism cleans us when we understand that we are in need of cleansing. So, first we go to Christ and receive the blood covering and then we are baptized to symbolize our cleansing.
Okay, so what about the oil anointing? Do we have to have a horn of oil dumped on our heads like was done to the priests in the Old Testament? Nope. According the the Apostle John we are anointed by the Holy Spirit. "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth." (1 John 2:20) Every believer receives the Holy Spirit within them. Thus, they are anointed by the Holy Spirit.
Believers are purified and sanctified by the water, the blood, and the oil. We are God's anointed ones. We are His holy nation. His royal priesthood. What is the work of the priesthood? To declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness and into His wonderful light!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Into Every Life
I've heard people say "now that you are a Christian, everything will be great." Such statements make me cringe. Saying the Sinner's Prayer is not like clicking one's heels three times and leaving Oz for Home. Bad things happen to good people -- even Christian people. Bad people happen to good people -- even Christian people. It's part of life. In fact, truth be told, Bad happens more often to the Christian than the non-Christian. Why? Because the Evil One wants to mess us up!
The Evil One has been trying to mess me up lately. To do so, he used some very unfriendly people who are the worst kind of Yankees. You may have run into ones like them: arrogant, rude, condescending, fast talking, I'm-better-than-you attitudes, and did I mention rude? If you live in the Little River, SC area, you may have actually met these people. They are the owners of a second-hand store called Bloomingdeals located off Hwy 9. They advertise heavily on the Myrtle Beach Craigslist. We had purchased a refrigerator from them which turned out to be in the death rattle of refrigerators. What has followed has been months of them acting like they were doing us a favor when they were not. Finally, I just wanted to end the relationship. That turned into a huge mess with them talking to me like I was dirt. After a good cry, I went and enlisted my Pastor's help to see if they would be more reasonable in the presence of a man of the cloth. Apparently, they have no respect for anyone with a southern accent, even a Pastor. With the help of my Pastor's son and another gentleman in the church, I was able to return the refrigerator to Bloomingdeals and get the money back that I originally paid but not the other $70 for repair calls I should not have been charged for. I am now refrigeratorless. But, I have the Evil One off my back. It is worth it.
Here's the thing, while the Evil One brings his minions along to try to torment us, God brings human angels along to bless us. Sometimes, they are people we already know --like my pastor, his son Tyler, and Mr. Hardy from my church. Sometimes, they are complete strangers who's kindness catches us off guard. God brought such a person into my life today. This gentleman is a retiree --probably also from north of the Mason Dixon but with a completely different attitude -- who is looking to sell his refrigerator. A very nice refrigerator. Only 5 years old and with all the bells and whistles my mother could hope for. And it is situated just two miles from our house. He spoke words of encouragement to me this morning as we discussed refrigerators and mean people. He spoke kindness and more encouragement to me this afternoon. He is accepting partial payment now (whenever we can catch each other over the next few days) and the rest next week. "It's fine, Tina, don't you fret." He said. And all I could do was pray for God's blessings on him. And cry - this time happy thankful tears. An angel in disguise? Possibly!
Good and bad. It happens. There isn't any avoiding it. When we are in the middle of the bad or dealing with bad people who attack our value as a person, it is easy to think that God has forsaken us or is punishing us for something. It can seem like the world is falling apart around us. In those times, remember to look up to where our help comes from -- it comes from the Lord! He does not forsake His children and any trials He allows us to walk through are intended for our good, not our destruction!
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. Matthew 12:35
I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
The Evil One has been trying to mess me up lately. To do so, he used some very unfriendly people who are the worst kind of Yankees. You may have run into ones like them: arrogant, rude, condescending, fast talking, I'm-better-than-you attitudes, and did I mention rude? If you live in the Little River, SC area, you may have actually met these people. They are the owners of a second-hand store called Bloomingdeals located off Hwy 9. They advertise heavily on the Myrtle Beach Craigslist. We had purchased a refrigerator from them which turned out to be in the death rattle of refrigerators. What has followed has been months of them acting like they were doing us a favor when they were not. Finally, I just wanted to end the relationship. That turned into a huge mess with them talking to me like I was dirt. After a good cry, I went and enlisted my Pastor's help to see if they would be more reasonable in the presence of a man of the cloth. Apparently, they have no respect for anyone with a southern accent, even a Pastor. With the help of my Pastor's son and another gentleman in the church, I was able to return the refrigerator to Bloomingdeals and get the money back that I originally paid but not the other $70 for repair calls I should not have been charged for. I am now refrigeratorless. But, I have the Evil One off my back. It is worth it.
Here's the thing, while the Evil One brings his minions along to try to torment us, God brings human angels along to bless us. Sometimes, they are people we already know --like my pastor, his son Tyler, and Mr. Hardy from my church. Sometimes, they are complete strangers who's kindness catches us off guard. God brought such a person into my life today. This gentleman is a retiree --probably also from north of the Mason Dixon but with a completely different attitude -- who is looking to sell his refrigerator. A very nice refrigerator. Only 5 years old and with all the bells and whistles my mother could hope for. And it is situated just two miles from our house. He spoke words of encouragement to me this morning as we discussed refrigerators and mean people. He spoke kindness and more encouragement to me this afternoon. He is accepting partial payment now (whenever we can catch each other over the next few days) and the rest next week. "It's fine, Tina, don't you fret." He said. And all I could do was pray for God's blessings on him. And cry - this time happy thankful tears. An angel in disguise? Possibly!
Good and bad. It happens. There isn't any avoiding it. When we are in the middle of the bad or dealing with bad people who attack our value as a person, it is easy to think that God has forsaken us or is punishing us for something. It can seem like the world is falling apart around us. In those times, remember to look up to where our help comes from -- it comes from the Lord! He does not forsake His children and any trials He allows us to walk through are intended for our good, not our destruction!
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. Matthew 12:35
I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Agenda 21 & Man's Place in Nature
There are those who think Man is on the same level as any other mammal within an ecosystem controlled by "Nature" and that all lifeforms--be it rabbits or whales or Man--are the same. If that were the case, then Man is free to do as Man pleases without consideration of other lifeforms because the Law of Nature is self-preservation. You don't see other mammals limiting their predation or consumption or reproduction based on the "collective good of all creatures".
There are others who think Man is supreme and as such free to destroy the world to suit his needs. He only will succeed in destroying himself in the end. (And, I've read the end of the book and the END is not pretty -- but thankfully there is a New Beginning!)
Then, there are those, of whom I'm one, who believes that Nature was created by God Almighty and that God gave Man dominion over nature. Dominion does not mean "free to destroy" but rather stewardship. I do not worship Nature but rather the Creator of nature and in His Name I steward the earth and it's creatures. I do
not consider other creatures to be on the same level as myself because the scriptures say they are not. I do consider it my duty to be humane in my treatment of them. If I act to preserve the earth and it's ecosystems so that I benefit, "nature" will benefit as well because our mutual good comes from that proper stewardship. So, being "above" does not make me free to destroy but rather responsible to care for and preserve.
There are others who think Man is supreme and as such free to destroy the world to suit his needs. He only will succeed in destroying himself in the end. (And, I've read the end of the book and the END is not pretty -- but thankfully there is a New Beginning!)
Then, there are those, of whom I'm one, who believes that Nature was created by God Almighty and that God gave Man dominion over nature. Dominion does not mean "free to destroy" but rather stewardship. I do not worship Nature but rather the Creator of nature and in His Name I steward the earth and it's creatures. I do
not consider other creatures to be on the same level as myself because the scriptures say they are not. I do consider it my duty to be humane in my treatment of them. If I act to preserve the earth and it's ecosystems so that I benefit, "nature" will benefit as well because our mutual good comes from that proper stewardship. So, being "above" does not make me free to destroy but rather responsible to care for and preserve.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Promises and Books Read
As the year comes to an end and a promise of new beginnings illuminates my future, I have been pondering the changes I'd like to make. I've pondered myself right into a short list of promises I'm making to myself for the coming year.
The first promise is to draw closer to God. I've said for years that I want to be close enough to God to hear His heartbeat. I've struggled with the how of that desire. But, I sense that I'm in a new season of my life and I hope to move closer to Him. I will nurture several disciplines this coming year in pursuit of that desire: Bible reading,
Bible study, prayer, worship, silence/listening, etc. Now that I'm using Professor Horner's Reading system, my daily Bible reading has been both consistent and more meaningful. But, as meaningful as it is, it is not an indepth Bible Study so I want to set aside time for indepth Bible study using the Inductive Study Bible. Daily times of prayer, Monday fasts, First Friday Fasts (F3), and a few longer fasts are planned to keep me in communication with the Lord. Worship and times of silence and solitude will be aspects of my prayer time since prayer is as much (or more) about worshiping and listening to God as it is about asking.
The second promise is to follow the promptings of the Spirit to be actively involved in ministry through the Reaching Our Community Ministry,
starting a teen Sunday School class, music ministry, and Intercessory Prayer Group (WIN). After almost 8 years of being hobbled at the former church, my spirit is more than eager to spread it's wings.
The third promise relates to two other Christian/spiritual disciplines: simplicity and frugality. I've been "moving toward" these but not consistently and purposefully as I wish I had. What is voluntary simplicity and frugality? It is making the conscious choice to reduce and/or minimize one's personal possessions and spending habits for the purpose of having more to use for the Kingdom. There is a quote that I think explains it well:
I continue to read my 10 chapters each day -- it is just really a PITA to keep noting which chapters so forgive me for abandoning that aspect of the blog. The corporate fast starts January 2nd and I will be aiming at 20 chapters per day...we'll see how that goes!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Merry Christmas
It was a humble birth -- an incarnate Creator King Messiah
in a bed of wood and straw rather than silk and gold. He traded the smell of
sacred incense for the stench of livestock. He stepped off His throne and out
of Glory to become part with His creation and so to be the only sacrifice
capable of reconciling His creation to Himself.
He came into the world rough. He left brutal. In between, He taught us how be in relationship with Him. It is this that He came for -- to restore the relationship between Himself and us. But, this relationship requires more than a twice yearly appearance at church. It requires more than showing up and warming a pew each Sunday morning. It requires more than doing "good deeds". It requires everything that really matters. It requires reverent intimacy. His gift to each of us was blood stained salvation. Our gift to Him is a living sacrifice of ourselves.
(I know I haven't been posting my daily readings but I have actually been sticking to the plan. During the upcoming 21 day corporate fast in January, I hope to double up my readings.)
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Because of the Angels
And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered
dishonors her head--it is just as though her head were shaved ...For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head. (I Cor 11:5,10)
Chapter 11 of 1st Corinthians has been a point of repeated pondering for me over my decades of walking with God. I find myself coming back to it often and wondering if it does or does not apply to me. Oh, I know the standard position of the church teachers today: that was situational for one church in one place at one time. This seems to satisfy most. I wish it could satisfy me. I don't know why I can't be content with that answer. It would certainly be easier for me if I could accept that and move on.
Scripture tells us that God the Father is head over God the Son (Jesus Christ) and that Christ is head of The Church which in turn is head of man and man is head of his wife. It is this hierarchy of headship, and submission, that seems to be difficult for modern men and women to accept. Men seem to get all "Lord and Master" about being the head of his home. Women get all "I'm not going to submit to anyone" about being asked to submit to the authority of her husband. I have been in that place earlier in my life where the idea of submitting to anyone was unthinkable. If I can not submit to a man whom God has placed over me -- be it a husband or a shepherd -- how can I submit to Christ Jesus? Am I willing to submit to Christ? If I can not humble myself and submit to Christ and to His order of authority, then, have I really made Him Lord.
And, what does this have to do with the angels? Why did Paul say that covering my head is for the sake of the angels? I have no clue. Does it have something to do with Christ being over the angels and also over me? I don't understand this saying. I do not know.
I don't think that this issue should be one of legalistic requirements. I admit I ponder how to apply this scripture teaching to myself and my relationship with God. It will be a decision made between me and God....which is as it should be because it is to Him that I submit.
Today's Reading: Matt 28; Gen 28; 1 Cor 12; 1 Pet 1; Job 28; Ps 28; Prv 28; Jdg 4; Isa 28; Acts 28
Saturday's Reading: Matt 27; Gen 27; 1 Cor 11; James 5; Job 27; Ps 27; Prv 27; Jdg 3; Isa 27; Acts 27
Friday's Reading: Matt 26; Gen 26; 1 Cor 10; James 4; Job 26; Ps 26; Prv 26; Jdg 2; Isa 26; Acts 26
Scripture tells us that God the Father is head over God the Son (Jesus Christ) and that Christ is head of The Church which in turn is head of man and man is head of his wife. It is this hierarchy of headship, and submission, that seems to be difficult for modern men and women to accept. Men seem to get all "Lord and Master" about being the head of his home. Women get all "I'm not going to submit to anyone" about being asked to submit to the authority of her husband. I have been in that place earlier in my life where the idea of submitting to anyone was unthinkable. If I can not submit to a man whom God has placed over me -- be it a husband or a shepherd -- how can I submit to Christ Jesus? Am I willing to submit to Christ? If I can not humble myself and submit to Christ and to His order of authority, then, have I really made Him Lord.
And, what does this have to do with the angels? Why did Paul say that covering my head is for the sake of the angels? I have no clue. Does it have something to do with Christ being over the angels and also over me? I don't understand this saying. I do not know.
I don't think that this issue should be one of legalistic requirements. I admit I ponder how to apply this scripture teaching to myself and my relationship with God. It will be a decision made between me and God....which is as it should be because it is to Him that I submit.
Today's Reading: Matt 28; Gen 28; 1 Cor 12; 1 Pet 1; Job 28; Ps 28; Prv 28; Jdg 4; Isa 28; Acts 28
Saturday's Reading: Matt 27; Gen 27; 1 Cor 11; James 5; Job 27; Ps 27; Prv 27; Jdg 3; Isa 27; Acts 27
Friday's Reading: Matt 26; Gen 26; 1 Cor 10; James 4; Job 26; Ps 26; Prv 26; Jdg 2; Isa 26; Acts 26
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