Lessons in Grace

Through this lingering trial I’m discovering the ever-fluctuating tendencies and emotions of the human heart and mind. Living in this fallen world we are subject to pitfalls and snares that don’t become apparent until you are faced with challenges that are outside of yourself. In addition, our “spiritual Antagonist” is crafty, deceptive and a master manipulator of the scriptures. Therefore in seasons of vulnerability he wages his greatest attacks.

 Yet as strong as our enemy is, and as inconsistent as our human shortcomings might be, our Advocate (Jesus Christ) is greater (Much greater). There is peace inspired comfort in knowing that Jesus lives always to make intercession for His saints. If this weren’t the case, we would be hopeless and with out strength to endure the tempestuous storms of this life.

 The humble reality is, no man or woman respective of age, gender, race, or social status has the strength to endure the torrent of temptations and trials that their confronted with through-out their short-pilgrimage here upon this earth. The only hope for any individual that has ever existed in human history of reaching the shores of eternal bliss with success is the “unchanging” and “ever-faithful” grace of God that has been abundantly poured out upon them through the person of Jesus Christ.

 This is why John records in his vision of heaven, the gloried saints casting their crowns at the feet of Jesus. This divine revelation asserts that “Future Recognition” will demand the absolute acknowledgment that Jesus Christ has secured for each and every redeemed saint all benefits that will be enjoyed when they reach their eternal and final habitation. There will be no question Who has wrought complete and total victory on behalf of those who stand before the Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world; that no flesh would glory in His presence!

 

Stillness in the Storm

“Be still and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10

 In times of difficulty it’s the human tendency to frantically pursue an avenue of deliverance that would set us free from the pains of our suffering. Yet there are times that the Lord clearly speaks to the sufferer a word that opposes this nagging inclination. What a test of faith it is when everything inside of us wants to reject this divine declaration and lean upon our own understanding for direction and deliverance.

 Therefore it’s imperative in times like this to remember that God’s ways are higher than our ways and they are past finding out. When God gives us counsel, He gives counsel based upon eternal and infinite wisdom. He knows the beginning from the end, and because He loves us He wants us to trust that His promises and plans for us are always ordained for our greatest interest, the interest of others, and ultimately for the glory of God.

 I know as I have been personally faced with this inner turmoil, writing about it is so much easier than living it. Stillness of mind and action as we wait upon the Lord for deliverance when the storms of life are raging around us is one of the most difficult attitudes that anyone can possess. Obedience to this charge requires nothing less than an impartation of God’s supernatural grace. God give us Grace! 

Delighted in God’s Word

“I will delight myself in Your statues; I will not forget Your word” - Psalm 119:16

 The Word of God is often viewed as a rulebook that increases the misery of the one who is under its authority. Yet in direct contrast to this thought process, the psalmist testified that the truths found in God’s Word were the source of His personal delight.

 No doubt this man of God, though inundated with false claims that promised ultimate satisfaction, discovered that the further these promises were embraced the fuller their emptiness was revealed.

 Therefore having experienced the satisfying and sustaining power of God’s word, he was able to persuasively assert, “I will not forget Your word.”

 This powerful testimony reminds the reader that there is nothing of an earthly origin that can satisfy their inner longings the way that God’s word does. The treasures that are uncovered in the boundaries of Scripture, without contradiction, leave the human soul completely satisfied yet always longing for more.

 

“The Ministry of Comfort Through Our Suffering”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort , who comforts us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

After two weeks of radiation treatments I have noticed, in my observations of other cancer patients, the despair and gripping fear that plagues those who are experiencing the physical and emotional strain of having cancer, while in addition enduring these treatments (Chemo and radiation) that can have severe side affects on the body.

Yesterday when I walked in to the waiting room my heart was moved with the compassion of Christ unlike it has ever been since I started my treatments. I felt like the Lord opened my eyes to how much His heart is broken over the hopeless state of humanity apart from Him (Spiritually and Physically).

Especially after talking with a woman like May. She sat down next to me as we were both waiting to start our treatment and I could tell she was extremely discouraged. I asked her if she was fatigued because of chemo and she said that she was a combination of both chemo and radiation. There was no joy in her eyes; only discouragement and pain. I asked her if I could pray for her and she was taken back by my request. After staring at me for a moment she allowed me to grab her hand and ask the Lord’s grace to sustain her for the remainder of her treatments. It was wonderful to watch how a simple act of compassion could impact someone so radically.

I left my appointment thinking that I never would have had this opportunity unless the Lord had allowed me to be in this situation. Yet at the same time “May” only represents one of many who are in the midst of personal tragedy without any joy or hope.

This reminded me, in a very tangible way, that our sufferings (In one aspect) are God ordained, as a platform to express the love of Christ toward those who are unaware of His perfect love; to comfort others with the same comfort that we ourselves have been comforted by God.

Divine Guidance through Trials

Over the course of these last few months the Lord has revealed to me the deep significance of this eternal principle as was penned by the hand of Solomon. I have found myself in a season where my human reasoning has been forced to submit to its own finiteness. Yet the Lord has been faithful to remind me of the divine principles that are to govern my life while I exist upon this earth. One of which is, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

Not only has the written promise provided great comfort to my soul, but experiencing the truthfulness of this claim has been overwhelming as well. What I am continuing to discover as I walk with God, is how His promises in every way correspond with “reality” and are applicable to me and everyone else who will walk in them by faith!

I am learning through this season that God’s ways are above my ways and they are past finding out. Therefore when I don’t understand I must fall into the arms of the One who knows all thing from beginning to end.

This is a lesson that every child of God must learn if they are to enjoy the blessedness of walking with the One who promises to guide His children with His eye (Presently) and afterward receive them into glory (Future).

“For I am God, and there is no other; I am God and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure…” - Isaiah 46:9-10

A Work of God and Not of Man

“The works of the Lord are great studied by all of those who have pleasure in them!” – Psalm 111:2

These words have recently become a greater reality to me and my family. On April 26, 2011 me, my wife, and my two sons (Jaiden and Micah) went to my post operation appointment with my Nero surgeon (Dr. Steiner). The appointment was something that I will never forget for as long as I have breath.

The moment that we sat down with him he began sharing with us how my situation has affected so much of the medical staff at Kaiser Fontana. He told us that during their weekly meeting my surgery was the topic of their conversation for two out of the three hours that they met. The dept. was in shock of how the events turned out. He continued to tell us that because my situation was so severe they were all expecting the worse (But God…) He said that the battle for my life was so intense that he couldn’t even sleep at night.

Then after a few more comments he told us that human preparation and wisdom couldn’t have been the answer to the outcome of my surgery.

Then Andrea asked him if what he experienced was miraculous and that Someone (God) outside of the operating room was guiding and directing the procedure. After hesitating for a moment he answered, “Yes”

Now I don’t know exactly what was going through his head at that moment, but I do know that what he experienced was supernatural in its extent. Now, you have to remember that Dr. Steiner removes brain tumors for a living. I remember asking him before he did surgery on me how rare brain tumors were, and he said, “To me every one has a brain tumor ” So when he told us that my case was extremely rare and unique this comment helps put things into perspective.

Andrea and I were sitting there astounded by what we were hearing. We knew that God had guided the surgery every step of the way (and that He is still guiding us). The outcome was the result of Divine intervention! God answered the cries of the saints and moved on our behalf. He showed Himself strong in this instance in a profound and powerful way.

Human logic can not reconcile what occurred in the operating room on March 25, 2011. It can only be explained as a work of God and not a work of man. Yes He used human instruments, but for those who have a living relationship with the God of the universe, we know that it was the Lord who worked in that operating room that morning. Whenever God moves it’s obvious because there’s no room for man to boast in the outcome.

We still don’t know what the future holds. Dr. Steiner didn’t tell me how long he expected me to live or what my life would consist of in the future (Because only God knows that). But I do know that the this appointment and the things that were shared in that little room in Fontana Ca. were and will continue to be a testament to God’s miraculous power and the reality that He is still actively involved within the lives of humanity! TO GOD BE THE GLORY IN THE CHURCH BOTH NOW AND FOREVER!

The Teaching Ministry of God – Psalm 25:12

“Who is a man who fears the Lord? Him He teaches the way He chooses.” – To understand the essence of this statement we must first understand the quality of relationship between the two parties that are mentioned in this text.

 The Psalmist, no doubt from personal experience, is acknowledging the reality that God in His mercy had assumed complete responsibility over his life from beginning to end. It is obvious from these inspired words that this child of the Most High humbly rested in the promise that God from eternity past, in His infinite wisdom, designed a unique plan for his life that would ultimately instruct Him in the ways of Divinity. Now as you consider the implications of this statement, ask yourself this question, “Who am I that the God of the universe would be so concerned to consider me in this way? Who am I that the One who holds all things together by the word of His power would willingly choose to unveil my mind and heart to the mysteries of His person and work?

 What greater privilege is there than to sit under the tutoring ministry of the Sovereign God of the universe; to glean and learn from the One who possesses infinite wisdom and knowledge?

 Therefore we would be wise to consider the gravity of David’s words and ask that God would stir our hearts to believe and embrace the fact that He is the Potter and we are the clay and that His plan for our life is infinitely and incomparably more wonderful than all the wisdom in the world could ever devise.  To God be the Glory in our lives both now and forever!