Windows of the Soul

God's Work

Blue Jay
Originally uploaded by Don Delaney

44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. (Acts 10)

Peter had received a vision from God. And in the meantime, God had heard Cornelius’ prayer. As only God can do, he orchestrated a meeting, so that Cornelius and his associates could hear the Gospel message and be saved. This was the beginning of a great movement of God. The gifts of salvation and of the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles.

Peter was given a vision, and recognized God working. He went with it. He did not question it. Only God could have orchestrated these events. Did Peter know where he was going, or what he was about to do? No, But he trusted and he went. And God used him in a powerful way.

Likewise with us, God may give us a vision. We may have no clue what it means, or when it will come about. Yet, we are granted this vision from above. God will make good on his word, and his promises to us.

When God chooses to use us, and we speak words given to us from God, He follows through and grants the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the verse above, the Holy Spirit came upon all who heard the message. Their lives were changed. Not only was their physical evidence of the Spirit’s working, because the men were heard speaking in tongues and praising God, but they accepted the words of Peter, through the help of the Holy Spirit and were saved.

The Holy Spirit did the work. Peter obeyed and spoke the words. The gifts of salvation and the Holy Spirit were given and evidenced. Sounds like God made a decision to move, and orchestrated a great work. Peter got to be a part of that.

May we be obedient to the call of God on our lives and speak when God gives us opportunity to speak. God, through His sovereignty, wisdom and power will do the work. We need only obey.

LORD, may we be used in your service, to bring You glory. And to bring others into your kingdom. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of what you are doing in this world. We are your people, and You are our God.

Favor

The Angel Gabriel
Originally uploaded by evissa

12 Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people." 14 The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." 15 Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" 17 And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name." (Exodus 33)

Today I chose several verses to give context to today’s devotion. Moses spoke with God face to face, but did not see God’s glory. In a conversation with God, Moses held God accountable for His words to Moses. Moses’ request was for God to teach him his ways so he may know God and continue to find favor. Moses also implored God to remember the Israelites are his people.

Now God was sending the children of Israel into the Promised Land soon. Yet, Yahweh was unhappy with this stiff-necked people, and declared his Presence would not go with them. Notice that the LORD’s response to Moses’ request for teaching, continued favor and remembering his nation was, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Two concepts.

First, the LORD relented on his word that his Presence would not go with them. Now it would go with them. And God was to give Moses rest.  Still, Moses continued to drive home the point, if your presence does not go with us, do not send us from here. God just said he was pleased with Moses. Yet Moses wanted to know what else would distinguish him and God’s people from others if God’s presence did not go with them. The LORD’s response was more affirmation that he would do the very thing Moses asked because he was pleased with Moses and knew Moses by name.

The LORD must have anticipated Moses’ request because he actually granted it before Moses asked. And yet, Moses continued to drive home his point. The LORD did not become angry. Notice Moses was completely comfortable speaking with the LORD like we would with a good friend. He let his opinions be known. He called it like he saw it. He called God into account to deliver on His word. And the LORD relented, and the LORD granted him his request for His Presence. He offered both rest and the fact that He was, indeed, pleased with Moses. He offered that He knew Moses by name.

I wonder what that means? The LORD knew Moses by name. Does that indicate he knew Moses intimately, as a really good friend? What does it mean to know someone by name? Familiarity? Trust? A certain level of personal, intimate knowledge?

Perhaps we should take note and think longer about this exchange between Moses and the LORD. Maybe this could be, or should be a template for our relationship with God. Our conversations (prayer) with God. Maybe this should be a template for our intimacy and openness with God. Maybe God should know us by name. And maybe God should be familiar with us coming to him, claiming his word, and spending time face-to-face.

Something to think about.

LORD, may we know you and be known, even as Moses was. May we please you, and be known to you by name. In turn, LORD, may your Presence be with us and also in us. May we seek your face, and speak with you as one speaks with a friend. May we find favor with you, and receive your rest. Amen.

When the time comes

A moment of eternity
Originally uploaded by carf

33 The LORD replied to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book. 34 Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you. However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin." (Exodus 32)

Moses was with God, and everything fell apart in the Israelites’ camp. They cast an idol, and began worshipping the idol and engaging in revelry. The bent towards evil was swift. How quickly they fell away. Moses came back down and set things straight. He wanted to know who was with him. And those who were with him killed off those who were not.

Moses was pretty upset. So much so, he cast the 10 Commandments down, and shattered them. But God has a way of keeping score. His word above says, whoever has sinned, he will take care of it. He will blot them out. And when the time comes for him to punish, he will punish them for their sin.

The same is true today. Things don’t just get past God. He will vindicate. Vengeance belongs to God. He will repay. You can count on it.

We may think we can get away with sin, and time may pass leading us to that assumption. But the day and time will come, and God will surely punish.

LORD, may we live in such a way as to please you. May we live lives that are holy and devoted to You. Surely vengeance belongs to you, and you will punish according to your Word. Thank you for both the assurance and the fear your word instills in us.

My Name is in him

flower dreams · #6 · my name is 'Bel.la'
Originally uploaded by Xavier Fargas

20 "See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. 21 Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. 22 If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. (Exodus 23)
38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." (Acts 5)

These two verses struck me and spoke to me today. They seem to wrap themselves around a single concept. God is looking out for us. In Exodus 23, God provides an angel to guard and bring the children of Israel to the place he has prepared for them. Namely the promised land. But the Israelites are warned to pay attention to the angel, and to obey, because rebellion will not be forgiven. Why? Because God’s Name is in him. Holy. Pure. Righteous. Obedience to God’s angel will keep God on the Israelites’ side. God will be an enemy to our enemies and will oppose those who oppose us. God will be a faithful friend.

In Acts 5, Gamaliel advises the Sanhedrin to leave the Christ followers alone. He said, essentially that if their activity is their own, it will fail. But if it is from God, nobody can stop them. The powers to be will only find themselves fighting against God. And that will be futile. It’s implied because God is in control. Period. Gamaliel obviously knows enough to respect God. So God will oppose the Sanhedrin if they oppose God’s men.

Sounds like the same concept. God will be an enemy to our enemies and oppose those who oppose us. God is our faithful friend. He will lead us to the place he has prepared for us. He will fulfill his purposes for us. Period. We really do not need to get hung up on that. It is a done deal.

So, why do we struggle so much with this? Because we cannot see where God is taking us? Because we cannot see the unseen battle? Because we do not know God’s means of accomplishing His purposes? Because we have not stopped and listened and walked in the Spirit with God to know his purpose, where he is leading, to know his promises? Because we are human, flawed, get tired, take our eyes off of God and become terrified at what we see?

LORD, may we recognize that You are sovereign. May we take comfort in Your goodness, mercy, favor, and love for us. May we be still and silent long enough to realize, recognize You. And what you are doing. May we hear Your voice. May we sit with you, walk with you and stand our ground with you, in victory. You are our faithful friend. You will oppose those who oppose us. Your purposes for our lives will be fulfilled. May we, in turn, be faithful, obedient, bold and strong, knowing You are with us. Amen.

And also bless me

~* May the blessing of light be upon you *~
Originally uploaded by jetzgetzab (Gerhard :)

31 During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, "Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. 32 Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me." (Exodus 12)

The plague of the firstborn hit Egypt at midnight, just as the LORD had told Moses and Aaron. And the people of Egypt were up in the middle of the night discovering someone dead in each household. I did not realize until this reading, that Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron during the night. This time, there was a sense of urgency to go. Or get them to go.

The one thing that stood out to me other than the time Pharaoh sent for them to go, was that he tagged on one more request. Not just the command to “go!”, but also the request “and also bless me.” Get out of here, and while you are at it, bless me. Pretty interesting. The power of the LORD was finally realized by Pharaoh, and finally hit home when it struck down life in every Egyptian household, including his own.

Later in the New Testament Scriptures we are told by the Lord Jesus to bless our enemies, and pray for those that persecute us. This time the enemy is requesting a blessing. Nowhere did I read that Moses stopped and blessed him. But I don’t know that he didn’t. So after all of this, the Israelites are told to go and Pharaoh requested a blessing.

I wonder why? Maybe Pharaoh finally realized God’s power not only to destroy, but to bless. Maybe this is a template for human relationships. Maybe we are not to hold bitter grudges against our adversaries, but rather be willing to bless them. God has it under control, and He will take care of any and all situations.

Lord, may we be willing to not only go where you want us to go, but be willing to bless even those who are our enemies. We know that you are the LORD of all the earth, and nothing happens outside of your control. Thank you that we can rely on your power and walk in peace.

Sound-bytes

Sound-bytes/NathanaelHyer
Originally uploaded by hyerblogs

8Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. (Acts 6)

Stephen was one of the men whom the apostles chose to oversee the distribution of food for the early church. Their criteria for selection were that the men chosen were to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Stephen is described in verse 5 as a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. And in the verse above he was described as a man full of God’s grace and power. He did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.

So, what set Stephen apart? The Holy Spirit. The godly wisdom. His faith. The evidence of God’s grace and power. All these things enabled him to do great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.

Stephen was a man devoted to God. How do we know this? We know it because God’s attributes were evident in his life. Wisdom. Grace. Power. And we know it because he was able to harness the power of God to do miracles. Not everyone can do that. Stephen was a man full of faith. Full of the Holy Spirit. Full of God.

Stephen’s life was captured in very few words. But these words painted a picture for us of who he was and what he was like. All of us are described by what I call sound-bytes. A few words or sentences that describe the person in a nutshell. Kind of similar to the way a caricature captures the physical essence of a person; sound-bytes capture the essence in words. Sometimes we wonder if the descriptors are accurate. Or we feel they are unfair. Or undeserved. But the sound-bytes we are described by will capture what others observe most. In a sense, we are what we do.

Stephen spent time with God. He was a godly man. God’s attributes were evident in his manner, demeanor, his actions, and his lifestyle. He was a man of faith and full of the Holy Spirit. He was a man of grace and power.

May such words be used to describe each one of us. May we be full of faith and the Holy Spirit. May we be full of God’s grace and power.

LORD, you are in the business of transforming lives. May each one of us be transformed more each day into your likeness. May we spend time in the Word, and in prayer, so that we may know you. And in knowing you, may we be like you. May we be your hands, feet, eyes, heart, and grace here on earth. May we bless others even as you have blessed us. Selah.

Darkness that can be felt

Darkness is as Light to You
Originally uploaded by honey 77

21 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness will spread over Egypt—darkness that can be felt." (Exodus 10)

Moses and Aaron continued to perform the signs and miracles the LORD told them to do in Egypt. They continued to speak with Pharaoh, and he listened, experienced the miracle/plague he was told would happen, and then he would repent. But the LORD continued to harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that the promises Pharaoh made to Moses and Aaron were no good. He refused to let the Hebrew people go. Think about the many plagues already: the blood, frogs, gnats, flies. Now the livestock, boils, hail and locusts. And now the darkness.

This darkness was spread all over Egypt and the Word describes it as a darkness that can be felt. That’s pretty scary. I know I have experienced darkness a few times that made an impression on me. Once while cruising the Caribbean, we were out on the bow of the boat with nothing in sight but darkness. The sky was literally chock full of stars I had never seen. And a solitary light on the bow shined. But there was darkness all around us. We were moving in dark waters. And the other day, I came home in early evening, before dark, but the garage door light was out. So when I closed the garage door and got out of my car, the garage was pitch black. I could see nothing. I had to feel my way around the car. And even after a few minutes, it was so dark I could still hardly make anything out. That was a darkness I could feel. It was uncomfortable.

Exodus tells us that this darkness could be felt, and lasted three days. It was so dark, the Egyptians could not move nor could they see anyone for 72 hours. That got Pharaoh’s attention. By this time, the plagues had gotten the attention of Pharaoh’s officials, Moses was highly regarded, and they wanted the Israelites to go. But still, the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart.

What was the purpose of these plagues? Not only to let the Israelites go to follow Moses to worship the LORD. Not only for the salvation of Israel from the bondage of Egypt. But also for another purpose. That purpose was so the Egyptians may know that there is no one like the LORD in all the earth. But also so they may know that the earth is the LORD's. God was flexing his muscles big time. And the Egyptians would know it in every fiber of their being. Not only was God in control of the earth, but the LORD controlled Pharaoh’s heart. It was the LORD who allowed Pharaoh’s heart to be hardened as well.

So, what’s the take away? For me: Fear God. The earth is the LORD’s. No one is like Him. He is not only in control of nature, but every last detail of our lives. He can even allow our hearts to harden if it suits his purposes. Fear what God can do. Not only is He in control, but He has the power not only destroy, but also to bless us immeasurably. Truly, the earth is the LORD’s.

LORD, may we join with the psalmist David in declaring your praises today. Surely, The earth is Yours, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. May we worship You with pure hearts, and serve You with all we are.

El Shaddai~Yahweh

Alfavatn, Iceland
Originally uploaded by janloek

2 God also said to Moses, "I am the LORD. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them. (Exodus 6)

I was struck by verses two and three where God differentiates his name. He appeared to Moses’ ancestors as God Almighty, or El Shaddai. The Almighty One. But by his name the LORD he did not make himself known. The LORD is translated Jehovah or Yahweh. Here in this new name revealed, God’s character and strength are expressed as the eternal unchangeable One and the rock of ages.

In looking up the words, the nuances became more apparent. El Shaddai means God Almighty, and the word ‘El’ points to the power of God himself. ‘Shaddai’ is derived from the word breast, which implies nourishment, supply, or satisfaction. God (El) who helps, and (Shaddai) who blesses abundantly.

The name LORD is different. Lord is one who has authority, control or power over others. The LORD means the ruler, master, powerful one.

God provided for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He was known as God Almighty, El Shaddai. But God now showed himself not only as provider, but also as the One who is all-powerful, in control, and who has authority over all. The name he is now known as is the LORD. It was revealed to Moses in order that he trusts God to do as He said.

Recall that Moses did go to Pharaoh, not only saying the things God told him to say, but he also performed miracles, and things got worse. Moses went to God and said essentially, You did not do what You said You would do; things have gotten worse. Perhaps this is the reason God revealed himself as the LORD. He needed for Moses to trust him, even though things did get worse for the time being. Ultimately, the Israelites were victorious, but in the interim, things looked bleak, especially when Pharaoh’s magicians could replicate many of the miracles. Perhaps it had to do with the Israelites’ position as slaves in Egypt. Perhaps it had to do with Moses’ confidence and his original unwillingness to go.

The interesting things to me is that Moses is reassured that God, the LORD, is in control. And His mighty hand will deliver them, just as He said. Moses had to trust. He also had to obey God’s command.

LORD, you have revealed yourself to Moses and to your people not only as our Provider - El Shaddai - the one who blesses us; but also as the One in control – the LORD - the Ruler of the universe. May we trust You with every detail of our lives, and thus, may we be blessed by You, and in turn, be a blessing to others.

Seek and Save

Seeking the light
Originally uploaded by Irishphotographer

10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." (Luke 19)

All in a day’s work. Jesus was just passing through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem. Minding his own business, doing his thing, but obviously still attracting a lot of attention for who he was and what he did. Zacchaeus wanted to see, too. The fact that he was wealthy did not stop his interest in what was going on. He was a successful businessman, even if he was not liked. And he was proactive. He figured out where Jesus was headed and ran ahead, and climbed a tree. He staked out his territory so he could see.

Can you imagine how he felt when Jesus called him by his name? How did he know? And he commanded Zacchaeus to come down, and indicated he needed to stay at Zacchaeus’ house. Now, Zacchaeus did not likely have the best social life, he was considered a sinner, and he was a tax collector, the IRS of the day. So, Zacchaeus had several hurdles: height challenged, faced rejection socially, and he was considered to be a sinner. Obviously, Jesus made a big impact on him. He not only welcomed Jesus gladly, but also publicly made a declaration of changing the way he would do business from that day forward. That’s repentance.

Jesus recognized Zacchaeus has a son of Abraham, too. And recognized his salvation experience as evident from the changed lifestyle. And Jesus used this as a lesson to all who would listen, then and now. He came to seek and to save what was lost. Period. Wealth, position, status, reputation. It didn’t matter. Jesus came to save. He sought out Zacchaeus. And Zacchaeus was saved. Jesus did what he came to do. And he did it all as he was passing through.

Lord, as we pass through our days, may we remember what we are here to do. May we remember how you sought and saved us. And may we be instrumental in the lives of those who are still lost, by pointing them to You.

In-dwelling

Inspiration Fountain
Originally uploaded by capturedbythelight

4 You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. (Psalm 5)
20Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, 21nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17)

The verse from Psalm 5 is pretty straightforward. God delights in good, and the wicked cannot dwell with Him.

In Luke, Jesus is asked when the kingdom of God would come. And he responded that it’s not something we can see coming. God’s kingdom is within. So in order for us to dwell with God we must be made good. Our standing with God changes from evil to good when we receive Christ into our hearts. Thus, his kingdom resides within….making us good.

I know we cannot see the kingdom, but I believe we can recognize the familiarity of God who resides within us - in others who identify with God through Christ. The spirit of God within us helps us to recognize our fellow believers through a spiritual witness. That is the witness of the Holy Spirit to our spirit granting us discernment, of both good and evil.

We learn of God through the work of the Holy Spirit who imparts God-truth to us in our inner being. This is accomplished through the reading and study of the Word, through fellowship with others, through teaching in the church. And we grow. We grow in God-likeness, or godliness.

God, thank you not only for Christ - Emmanuel – God with us, but also for your Holy Spirit in us. May we increase in goodness, godliness, and wisdom.