Equipping the Saints to Hear God's Voice

In a world of chaos, we crave a moment's peace. From the blaring alarm first thing each morning to the latest sitcom in the evening, we are inundated with voices and distractions, busyness and chaos. Even driving our little ones to school or soccer practice becomes a tiresome chore. Shouldn't life be more than dragging ourselves out of bed each day simply to run in circles, and falling into bed at night so we can do it all again, and again, and again?

At some point most of us come to a decision; a decision to get our priorities right, enjoy our kids more, be a better spouse, and become content and thankful for what we have. We tell God we're going to spend more time in prayer and in His Word. Oh, we have the best of intentions, and we usually begin strong. Launching forth at the start line, we are focused, and we are driven.

We set our alarm clocks earlier, peel open tired eyes, sit before our Bible sipping coffee, and waiting in expectation. We tell ourselves that this is what God wants, and this is when God speaks. And oh, how we've longed to hear His voice!

Suddenly we're unsure where to go from here. We half-hazardly flip our Bible open, hoping God will somehow turn these pages for us. We attempt to read, and we ask God what He would say to us in this moment. We try to pray and sit silently waiting for a response. Any response that will assure us He's here, He's listening, and He's speaking.

Our minds begin turning and questioning: Of course He's not speaking. Why would He when I haven't spoken to Him in so long? We are reminded of our failures and we begin to feel oh so small and insignificant next to the Almighty Creator of the universe.

We flip through more pages in our Bible and are left wondering what it all means and how it applies to us. Why do we bother with this 'talking to Jesus and hearing God's voice' thing anyway? What is the point when all we feel is condemnation and rejection? God, are you even there?

God desires so much more for us! He created us to have fellowship with Him (1 Corinthians 1:9), and to worship Him without confusion or question (John 4:23-24). When the Israelites were thirsty, and crying out in despair, God spoke to them and said

"If you will diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statues, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you." Exodus 15:26

Are you in that place of thirst and frustration? Do you desperately desire to heed the voice of the Lord your God? Do you crave more from your quiet time with Him?

Through the work of the Holy Spirit and with the conviction that every believer should know the Lord's voice and be able to quickly and easily distinguish His voice from others, God Speaks Bible was created. God Speaks Bible is a tool designed to help you better hear God's voice and better understand His Word. You will be able to easily identify every occurrence and unique way that God speaks in His Word. You will effortlessly locate God's miracles and will in turn grow in your ability to hear His voice and develop greater intimacy with God- your Creator. Learn what it means to abide in Christ and see first-hand His wondrous works.  

The study tools offered in this book will bring God's living Word to life, pointing to visions, dreams, and angelic encounters. Your daily time with God can go from frustrating and sporadic to rewarding and Spirit filled. Stop questioning God's voice in your life and start reading God's Word with purpose and understanding.

Want to help promote the reading of God's Word and encourage people to learn how to hear God's voice? Imagine a color coded study Bible and multi-media application highlighting when God speaks to you. Operation Light Force (OLF) is a ministry devoted to equipping people to do what Jesus did, setting captives free, healing and preaching. Richard Mull is the President and Founder of OLF and the General Editor of the God Speaks Bible and many other books and was featured on TV and media. Help us spread the word.

Follow me on Facebook.

bible, god speaks bible, hearing god, god speaking, god speaks, hearing god's voice

When Passion Brings Pain

A unique process takes place as we consume and digest foods. They enter into our bodies and bloodstreams, and soak into our pores. The good and bad are filtered and separated, and put to proper use in these bodies. I have no idea how it all works. I simply know it does. The food we digest becomes a part of us.

So it is with the Words of God. As we read them, think on them, meditate on them, read them again, and again, the power of the Word takes residence within us. When this process has begun, a change happens: we become one with the Word; the Word becomes one with us. It all sounds so christianees and religiously scandalous, I know. 

But I also know it to be fact. I know because I've experienced it. I have experienced a true passion and desire for God's Word. There are times I want to consume it more than anything; days I want spent doing nothing but soaking it in and digesting piece-by-piece. The only comparison I can make is the passionate need and yearning we have for loved ones. Those times you want to squeeze your child and never let go. When you need your spouse like you've never needed anyone. When the sight of your sleeping child stirs such an inner awareness of love that you can't pull yourself away. You wish the whole world could experience this moment. 

How do we restrain such affection? And do we really want to? Aren't these the true-life moments we live for? Isn't this what makes life worth living? And isn't this the smallest glimpse of God's inconceivable love for us? Oh how He desires to hold me for eternity. I know He looks at me as I look at my own sleeping child- in all that purity and transparency- and feels only love and adoration; a desire for nothing less than oneness.

Unfortunately, this passion comes at a price: guaranteed pain. And I'm not talking about small needle-prick pain, but terrible pain which pierces deep, leaving lasting scars. I feel it when my child is ridiculed and rejected. When my husband is misunderstood, unfairly judged, or taken advantage of. It would be crazy to say my own heart shouldn't ache with anger and sorrow simply because the offense wasn't directed at me. Just because it's not happening to me personally doesn't mean it's not happening to one that is personally mine. And I hurt as if I were the one ridiculed and misjudged. And I know I'm not alone in this cruel world of callousness and hate.

And so as a mother, daughter, or spouse, you must know the grief, anguish, and tortured pain I feel when my God is blasphemed, ridiculed, rejected, and when the very Words of His mouth are misunderstood, or used against Him. My Lord and His Word are a part of me. I have no other way to describe it except to say that when a loved one hurts, I hurt with them. And oh how I love God and His Word.

Your words were found, and I ate them,

And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;

For I am called by Your name,

O Lord God of hosts.  ~Jeremiah 15:16

Call it crazy and heretical, but God is a real, living, breathing Person- a Person that feels true joy, pain, and sorrow. This Person- He's living in me, abiding in me, making His home in me!!! And when He is hurt, oh how I feel that pain- pain as if inflicted upon myself; it's deep, it's raw, and it's real. For in Him I live and move and have my being.

I have treasured the words of His mouth

More than my necessary food.  ~Job 23:12

Follow me on Facebook.

Itching Ears of the American

Nearly a month ago, my husband and I took some time to watch the ABC News Iowa Republican Debate anchored by correspondents Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos. Watching was hardly my decision, but my husband’s. Given the choice, I would have turned to HGTV or The Food Network. However, I surprisingly found myself growing interested in this question and answer process. Difficult and controversial issues were raised and I anticipated each candidate’s response.

What disappointed me most was that I realized, yet again, my inability to decipher true meaning behind countless words of grandeur. Had I been given the challenge to cast my vote for the next President of the United States upon viewing this debate, I would have failed miserably. Why? Simply because almost every candidate presented themselves to be a wonderful choice! Each made valid points. Each came across as having genuine concern for the welfare and wellbeing of our country and our people.

Truth is, I prefer not to bother myself with politics. Most issues I simply don’t understand. I know I could, and maybe should, invest my time in researching all the hot topics and backgrounds of each candidate, but I choose not to. These divisive subjects are just plain confusing and I feel inadequate when it comes to all things political. So I choose to let my husband, pastor, and other leaders I trust make those decisions for me. Sad, I know.

What’s even worse is that most Americans do this very thing when it comes to religion and the truth of the scriptures. Many of us feel overwhelmed with doctrine and incapable of deciphering truth, so we let someone else do it for us. We find churches and pastors teaching prosperity and the good life with smooth words and flattering speech, deceiving the hearts of the simple (Rom 16:18). We really don’t want to hear all the negativity that comes with judgment, right and wrong, and an eternity in hell. We desire simply to attend church, knowing we should, and we want to leave church feeling like a good person, worthy of approval from an all loving, all accepting god. And many will follow their destructive ways... by covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words (2 Pt 2:2,3).

While allowing others to decide our country’s future is irresponsible and terribly risky, allowing others to decide our eternal future is downright dangerous. And not just dangerous, eternally dangerous! Each candidate knows exactly what the American people want to hear, laboring tirelessly to tickle our ears and win the next vote. Likewise, countless churches and pastors are operating the same way, teaching faithfully and precisely only that which will fill their buildings and their pockets rather than fill your spirit with truth and the Kingdom of God with saints.

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. -2 Timothy 4:2-4

Yes, knowing the truth of God’s Word takes effort, and yes, sometimes it seems overwhelmingly difficult, if not impossible. However, we MUST be in the Word and in prayer. We MUST guard our hearts against deception. If you find it difficult to read, study, or understand His Word, pray, pray, and pray some more. Ask God to open your eyes before you read, as you read, and after you read. Satan is capable of stealing God’s Word right out of your heart and mind (Matt 13:19), but God desires for you to read and understand. However, we cannot understand without the help of God through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:10-16).

If you missed the ABC News Iowa Republican Debate and are interested, you can get caught up here, since I really can’t tell you anything that was said L.

Like my Facebook page for regular updates.

It is Written

This morning I read about the temptation of Jesus in Matthew chapter 4. The preceding chapter tells us that Jesus was baptized by a reluctant (who wouldn’t be) John the Baptist. As soon as Jesus came out of the water, the Spirit of God descended upon Him like a dove, and an audible voice spoke from heaven proclaiming “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt 3:13-17). What a glorious moment this must have been! I am constantly seeking to envision these events as exactly that, actual events; to see them as more than a simple ‘story’ from a book, but rather real life occurrences with real living people. When it comes to the life of Jesus however, it is the most daunting task because, well, He was and is not only Man but God. It doesn’t really get any more complicated than that. So, I am left struggling to relate to the life of this God-Man.

However, as I read this morning, I’m able to see some of my own circumstances and difficulties. It seems that immediately following this wondrous event, “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matt 4:1). What a way to ruin a perfectly wonderful day! Looking back on my own baptism years ago, I recall it being so foundational for me; knowing nothing of the scriptures, only that I desperately needed Christ, I came out of that water a changed child of God. There was no dove or audible voice from heaven, but the Spirit of God was active in my life, and has been ever since. I wish I could say I have walked in obedience to Him from that moment on, but no, I still am and always will be a work in progress. And His incessant message to me: YOU ARE MY BELOVED.

It wasn’t until I read this passage again this morning that I realized these are the exact words the Father said regarding His Son, “This is My beloved Son.” 

Oh how often I need this reminder! Remind me again, Lord, remind me again! I can’t help but pay special attention to the fact that Satan tried desperately to make Jesus doubt who He was “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” And again “If you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down” (Matt 4:3,6). Now, I’m in no way implying Jesus ever doubted his identity as the Son of God, but there is no question Satan tried desperately to tempt Him into doing so. Likewise I have no doubt he tempts me in the same way and truth be told, he is quite successful at times.

How do I defeat my enemy in this battle? How do I proclaim victory from doubt? Exactly how Jesus did: with the Word of God. There it is again, the Word of God. Are you growing weary yet? Have I frustrated you into deleting my web address so you never have to endure this again? God is urgently trying to speak to one of us, and I presume it must be YOU! (Just kidding! Please know I never share something He is not actively striving to teach me. I suspect I gain substantially more from my ramblings than you do!) Jesus combated Satan’s lies with scripture “It is written” “It is written” “It is written” (Matt 4:4,7,10). Do you know what is written? When Satan says you are not God’s, can you swing that sword, confidently proclaiming “Away with you, Satan! It is written that I have been redeemed! It is written that I have been called by name! It is written that I am a child of God!” (Isa 43:1)? Lord, I pray You would grant us strength to live according to the example of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

 

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we

are, yet without sin.

-Hebrews 4:15

 

Voice Of Truth - Casting Crowns- YouTube

Images courtesy of: http://wallpaper4god.com/en/background_jesus-baptism-2/, http://wordincarnate.wordpress.com/2011/01/06/the-appearing-of-our-blessed-hope/, http://taitegallery.net/2011/03/if-parody.html, http://greg-hansen.com/albums/armorofgod.html, http://www.kineticfaith.com/blog/?tag=temptation

The Truth, and Nothing but the Truth

I’ve heard it said that a bank teller, handling money day in and day out, when given a phony bill, recognizes the counterfeit instantly. Whether or not the teller is schooled in the variations between the real and the fake will make no difference. The secret to instant recognition is in the fact that they are continually handling true authentic money, and as soon as a counterfeit slides through their fingers, they immediately identify it as nothing more than a copy of the real thing. They know without a doubt, although it starkly resembles money, it is in fact completely worthless.  

My sister, employed for Columbia Sportswear as an Apparel Quality Specialist, travels abroad for work several times a year. Recently I sent her on a mission to purchase some ‘Seven’ jeans for me since they are substantially less expensive oversees than they are here. She hadn’t previously researched this brand of jean and had no idea that a counterfeit would state ‘Aemove’ or ‘Day’ rather than ‘Remove’ and ‘Dry’ on the tag. She wasn’t aware of the fact that the real jean has a large tag sown between two smaller tags, unlike the fake.* Because she is a specialist in her work, and knows the ins and outs of materials better than most, she was able to instantly recognize the ‘Seven’ jeans I desperately coveted for about $30 were nothing more than fakes. I was greatly disappointed, but also thankful to keep my $30.

You know, years ago, I formed in my own mind the need to gain all the knowledge I could regarding the Jehovah’s Witness religion in order to ‘save’ them all from Hell’s fire. So, I began researching a great deal, reading the writings of Walter Martin (who I greatly admire and respect for his gift in understanding innumerable religions) and studying the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ own literature. What I learned:

IF YOU DIG IN THE TRASH, YOU WILL GET DIRTY. That merits repeating- IF YOU DIG IN THE TRASH, YOU WILL GET DIRTY. Ok, that’s not all I learned, but it is definitely a lesson I walked away with. I also discovered what a complicated cult this is, with incredibly devoted followers. Their doctrine is of Satan, and he tried desperately to deceive me into believing it- almost successfully!

Praise God for His truth and the power of prayer. You see, because I had handled the word of God, because I knew the truth in scripture, I was able to determine the authentic, genuine, REAL gospel from the phony counterfeit of Jehovah’s Witnesses. And yes, there are imitation gospels out there.

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

-Galatians 1:8-9

Not only are there fake gospels, but a fake Jesus and a fake spirit!

For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted- you may well put up with it!

2 Corinthians 11:4

So, what’s my point? I’ve said it in past posts and I’m saying it again- READ THE BIBLE! The only way for us to be safe and secure from the deceptions of false doctrine is to know the truth of God’s Word. If we are in His Word daily, hiding it in our heart, letting it form and shape us, we will not have to study the multiple false gospels that are not only in this world, but also in our churches, to identify them as phony. Just as bank tellers instantly recognize fraud and my sister safely discerns authentic material, we, as followers of Christ and His Word, must be able to distinguish a counterfeit Christ, gospel, or spirit upon first touch. READ THE WORD OF GOD and don’t allow yourself to be ripped off. Your soul is far more valuable than my $30.

Study to shew theyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

-2 Timothy 2:15

To learn more about the state of the “American Church” and its leaders, click here. To hear a recent teaching by my pastor regarding this topic in Nehemiah chapter 13 click here.

*http://www.freewebs.com/davidcraige/fakesevenjeans.htm
Images Courtesy of:  http://www.karaoui.com/money-money-money/, http://blog.enovatechina.com/seven-for-all-mankind-successful-china-brand-buzz-101/, http://www.betterworldbooks.com/the-kingdom-of-the-cults-id-0764227440.aspx, http://youoffendmeyouoffendmyfamily.com/i-fell-face-first-into-my-trash-can/trash-can-full-of-trash/, http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/im-book-review-counterfeit-gospels, http://prushton.wordpress.com/2011/02/16/course-preview-counterfeit-gods/

Curb That Hunger!

After returning home from the gym this morning, I was starving! I know I use that word loosely, since I have no idea what it’s like to truly starve, but my stomach seriously felt as if it were eating itself away. Maybe it would be more proper to say I was famished, ravenous, or simply HUNGRY. My mind and body were weak and tired and I knew I needed food immediately! However, NOTHING sounded the least bit appealing. I honestly couldn’t find or think of anything I wanted to eat. Fruit, yogurt, a sandwich, not even my favorite crackers and hummus or pumpkin pie sounded pleasing! Nope, nothing. Regardless, God designed our bodies to tell our brains when we have no energy and are in need of fuel, and my body was doing exactly that. So of course, I did what any rational person does, and fed it.

You know, I often have these same struggles during my ‘time’ with the Lord. Oh how I wish I could say I was super spiritual and that I hunger after His word daily. I want to say that every time I sit with Him, whether in the scriptures or in prayer, I am given a perfect word for whatever situation I am in. This is so untrue in my life. 

Have you ever craved a big greasy burger loaded with cheese, bacon, mayo, and a big fat white bun? Finish it off with fries on the side, and don’t forget the diet Pepsi (no Coke, please)!  When we give in to this craving, oh how that burger hits the spot and satisfies like nothing else could. Now I’m beginning to form an appetite!

Just as that burger satisfies our physical hunger, God’s Word satisfies our spiritual hunger. And you know what? So often I am spiritually famished, starving to be filled. Yet, I open my bible, turning to some of my favorite Psalms, a chapter in Proverbs, or one of my usual landing places, such as the book of James or Philippians, and I am left completely unsatisfied. God doesn’t seem to be speaking to me, His Word isn’t applying to my life, and I feel I am simply reading for reading’s sake. Know what I’m talking about?

What are we to do in this situation? How do we deal with times of ‘silence’ from the Word? When our spirit is hungry, yet God’s Word is undesirable, are we to just remain in our famished, ravenous state? Why, that would be as ridiculous as starving our body its necessary food simply because ‘nothing sounds enticing.’ Yet, how often do we do just that: go days upon days, or even months upon months without reading the Word because it’s not satisfying us the way we desire. That is utterly selfish, and I am guilty of such. Are you?

 I’m amazed at how much we do because of selfish ambition or gain. Why can’t I read the Word daily only because God says to (Josh 1:8); because it pleases my Father (2 Tim 2:15)? Why don’t I turn to it consistently because I know what I read will NOT return void (Isa 55:22) even if I feel it is unfruitful in my life at the moment?  I so desire to read God’s Word out of pure love and devotion to Him (John 14:23-24) rather than selfishly seeking to gain some revelation or special feeling that may not always be granted.  Jesus said if we are faithful in the little things, He will make us ruler over many things (Matt 25:21). Let’s start with this ‘little’ thing. Will you commit with me to read God’s Word every day for the next week, even if you are stuck reading for reading’s sake? It’s a small goal, and completely doable! Let’s do this together!

I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

-Job 23:12

Got Fruit?

Do you love my poinsettia? Isn’t it the prettiest holiday plant you’ve ever seen? Don’t you want to run out and purchase one just like it?! Hardly! Did you even recognize it as a poinsettia? I received it from my big sis last Christmas season and have somehow managed to keep it alive the entire year. However, I grow more and more frustrated as I look at it each day, desiring for it to produce the red poinsettia leaves it once bore. Now, I know it won’t. I know it’s going to remain the way it is because I didn’t take the time to put it in a dark room so it could produce its leaves this Christmas season. Honestly, I’m ready to throw it out! I want to be rid of it and go purchase one filled with crimson red leaves! Recalling the fig tree Jesus caused to wither for lack of production (Mk 11:12-14, 20-21) leads me to seriously consider throwing that poinsettia out and teaching it a similar lesson.

Perhaps rather, my poinsettia is teaching me a lesson. Maybe it’s screaming at me that as a disciple of Jesus, I MUST bear fruit (Jn 15:8). Yes, sunlight and water has sustained it, just as the Son’s Light and Living Water will sustain me. However, unless it is kept in just the right conditions, it’s not going to bear the red leaves it was created to bear. Likewise, I will not bear the fruit I am designed for unless I am abiding in my Savior, being pruned and shaped by Him (Jn 15:1-8).

I read an article the other day of a mango tree that bears fruit all year round. Have you ever heard of such a thing? “The speciality of the tree is that its branches bear the fruits in different stages – from flowering to ripening – at the same time. While one branch has flowers, the others have matured mangoes.” Do you ever feel like this tree; like just when you figure one thing out and begin successfully bearing fruit in that area of your life, the other areas are completely undernourished and unfruitful? My thought- as long as you are bearing fruit, God is pleased to call you His disciple! We will never be perfect in every area of life and while those unfruitful areas seem useless at the moment, God is working, preparing them to bloom at any moment.

The article goes on to describe special irrigation and fertilizing techniques that make for the best fruit. As we are irrigated with Christ’s Living Water, fertilized by His Word daily, and pruned by Him in fellowship, trials, and joys, He will be faithful to produce in us good fruit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).

So, I think I will permit my poinsettia to live, continue watering it, moving it around as needed to get its proper sunlight.  I will also receive its daily reminders that I can simply survive this life we call the Christian walk, or I can be more like the mango tree, bearing fruit in and out of season, being clearly recognized as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

For she shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads

out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes;

but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the

year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

-Jeremiah 17:8

Clean House

Wow, this whole blogging thing might be getting out of control! Ten seconds ago I was sweeping my neglected floors and had another ‘I have to stop everything I’m doing and blog about this!’ moment. (And I was worried about running out of things to say?) So, my kitchen is half swept and here I am, again. I anticipate my laptop vanishing, my hubby being responsible for the disappearance, as he comes home day after day to an unkept house with dirty floors and heaps of laundry. If I suddenly stop posting, you’ll know why!

Anyway, as I was attempting to please the hubby by clean, clean, cleaning, I was taken aback by things I had slowly grown blind to: the growing mass of mail on my microwave, the neighbor’s leaves covering my backyard, my son’s numerous drawings taped to the kitchen wall, the smudged fingerprints throughout every window and sliding glass door. When did all this happen? Surely when I went to bed last night the place was spotless!

Unfortunately this happens in our spiritual lives as well. Over time we begin to grow blind to the ‘stuff’ that has slowly crept in, to the invasion taking place: that movie or TV series, those secret novels, bitterness and resentment toward someone, lustful desires for another man or women, pride in ourselves and our works, impatience, the list goes on and on.

The funny thing is, we really never grow blind to these things in the lives of those around us. If you were to stop by, you would probably immediately take note of my mountainous collection of mail and unkept windows. Likewise, there’s a good chance you notice the sin in my life well before I see it myself. While you’re examining me, I am in Lala Land, thinking everything is organized and in shipshape. However, I am noticing how cluttered and chaotic your life is. (Not really, I actually find you all perfectly presentable with not a sin in the world! Haha!)

You see, unless we take time to examine ourselves, we will not only continue in blindness of our depleting state, but will begin to draw further and further from the One that wants to cleans us. The living and powerful Word of God is a discerner of our heart’s thoughts and intents (Heb 4:12). It is through God’s Word that this ‘stuff’ is revealed to us, as if looking into a mirror and realizing, ‘wow, when did that happen!’ (Jas 1:22-25). As a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, the Word cleanses our ways so that we may be righteous before Him (Ps 119:9,105). It is when we are not looking into it daily, letting it reflect upon us, that we so easily fall prey to the bondage of sin and self-righteousness.

So, before I come knocking on your door, pointing out the speck in your eye, I am going to take time with God’s Word, asking Him to do some house cleaning and remove the plank from my eye (Matt 7:3-5). You better do the same, because I will be stopping by soon! Now, go get some housework done!

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and

spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner

of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

-Hebrews 4:12

Forgetting and Remembering

This may sound like one long ramble, and I apologize ahead of time.  However, if you endure to the end, you will find I do reach a conclusion.  I anticipate reading your conclusions as well!

Today I am meditating on forgetting, yet remembering. In Isaiah 43:18-19, God instructs us NOT to remember the former things, nor to consider the “things of old.” Yet, a few chapters later He tells us we ARE to remember the “things of old” because He is God and there is no other; He is God and there is none like Him (Is 46:9). His Word commands both and we know there are NO contradictions with our Lord. Ugh, can you see why I become so confused? This is why we must take all of God’s word, chew on it for a while, spit it back up, and then chew on it some more.  Sounds not only tedious, but kind of gross, I know. However, the result is well worth the effort and risk. 
 

While meditating on this thought, I am lead to Paul’s words of forgetting those things which were behind in order to reach forward to that which lies ahead (Phil 3:13-14). So, maybe forgetting assists us in moving forward. Ok… if remembering keeps us from moving forward, is it because of the types of things we are remembering?  Is it that we are supposed to not remember the bad, ugly things of our past? No, that can’t be, since I’m convinced that God allows some of the most difficult times in life to teach, train, and draw us closer to Him (such as the life of Job: James 5:11). So, it’s not about forgetting the bad and remembering the good (my previously referred scriptures say nothing of that anyway).

After more chewing and spitting up, I go to the words of 1 Chronicles 16:12- Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth. For now (and if I am wrong God will reveal even this to me, maybe through you!), I find my answer in this small verse. The purpose of remembering is to recall what God has done (His marvelous works and wonders) in my life and in the lives of those who have left us a testimony.  I am told to forget however, because I cannot move forward if I am stuck in one place, focused on the things I have or haven’t done. Focusing on my successes can lead to pride, while focusing on my failures can lead to doubt, fear, or frustration. In short, it comes down to removing myself - forgetting the 'me' of the past, and focusing solely on Christ- remembering who 'He' is and what 'He' has done.  This will strengthen my faith and grow my love and knowledge of Him. I must take me out of the equation! Clear as mud? J