Way Lost!

Lost In a Maze, image courtesy of peacefulprosperity.com

Although I didn't write this as prose, I wanted to remain in this month's theme of The Condition of Being Lost. Some of you may view this as a prayer, and that's cool. Some may consider it a thoughtful personal reflection. Some may consider it just what I needed to read! Whatever your thoughts are, I'm glad you're reading it. Perhaps you'll pray and share it with someone you know. I hope it's viewed as a humble encouragement, not a condemnation of anyone.

Lost in a maze of confused thoughts and ideas,     with no answers to summon from my experience. I remember an old man talking to me about Christ;     but at the time, it made no sense to me. I was too smart for religion! I was too cool to be “spiritual”. Now that all my options have failed, I hear those same words echoing in my mind. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,     and I will give you rest.     Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,     for I am gentle and lowly in heart,     and you will find rest for your souls.     For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”1 Could it be this simple? What did that old man quote from the bible? “’For My thoughts are not your thoughts,     Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord.”2 Will God hear me after all this time? Why would He listen to someone who never listened to Him? Jesus, I don't know if You're listening; I hope You are. I never believed You were important to someone like me. Someone with his own set of ready-made answers. I was wrong. Everything I valued in life has come up far short of my expectations. My relationships, health, behavior, thoughts, desires, and goals...     all are gone now. All that remains, are the tattered remnants of a chaotic life. I don't know what to do. I've run out of answers. I am in need of guidance and help. I see now that I must change, but I'm incapable of changing myself. If it were as simple as losing weight, I would change my diet. If it were a matter of clothes, I would change my wardrobe. If it were just a matter of locale, I would relocate to another place. But it goes much deeper than that... I need changing from the inside. That old man quoted another scripture, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy,     to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,     holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”3 I don't even fully understand what that means, but I'm willing to do that now. I want to learn at the foot of the cross. It's not acclaim I seek, I want forgiveness, peace and reconciliation. I want this endless loop to conclude. I would like to walk in a direction that actually leads to a true destination. I remember that old man quoting a scripture, “In My Father’s house are many mansions…I go to prepare a place for you.”4 Have You really prepared a place for one who never considered You? Today, I place my life upon the altar of Your cross Jesus. Whatever You do for me, is far more than I deserve; but I gladly accept what You offer. You offer me forgiveness, life, love, joy, contentment, and peace. These priceless gifts cannot be bought, and yet You give them to those who humbly ask. I want to thank You Jesus for hearing me. Somehow, my life already seems different. I'm not looking for a way out; I'm looking to You. That old man said, “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”5 My life is in Your hands, do with me what is right in Your eyes. I trust You. I don't want to betray this trust, so I ask that You help me trust in You. Saying, "Thank You" may seem low key to the hollywood version that "puts on a show",     but I am so thankful, that You hear me, that You answer me, and that You saved me. Help me see life through Your eyes. I want to let this mind be in me that is also in You. I want to have ears that hear; not ears that itch. I want my words to be acceptable and pleasing to You. I want to touch and agree with the heart and attitude of faith. I want to be filled with the outpouring of Your Holy Spirit. I want to take hold, grasp, and embrace You as firmly...     as Your gospel of salvation has taken hold of me.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 11:28-30, NKJV
2. Isaiah 55:8, NKJV
3. Romans 12:1, NIV
4. John 14:2, NKJV
5. Hebrews 12:2, NKJV

References:

1. The Ryrie Study Bible (New American Standard Version), Edited by Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, ISBN 0-8024-8920-6
2. King James Version, The Crusade Analytical Study Edition, Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., PO Box 90011, Nashville, Tennessee 37209
3. New King James Version, by Nelson Bibles, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc., PO Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee, ISBN-13: 978-0840713704
4. The NIV Study Bible, Edited by Kenneth Barker, Donald Burdick, John Stek, Walter Wessel and Ronald Youngblood, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, USA

What Does God Want From Me?

“Call me ‘the Quester.’ I've been king over Israel in Jerusalem. I looked most carefully into everything, searched out all that is done on this earth. And let me tell you, there's not much to write home about. God hasn't made it easy for us. I've seen it all and it's nothing but smoke—smoke, and spitting into the wind.

Life's a corkscrew that can't be straightened,

A minus that won't add up.

I said to myself, ‘I know more and I'm wiser than anyone before me in Jerusalem. I've stockpiled wisdom and knowledge.’ What I've finally concluded is that so-called wisdom and knowledge are mindless and witless—nothing but spitting into the wind.

Much learning earns you much trouble.

The more you know, the more you hurt.”¹

But life must be more than just a quest to know, if it is to have real meaning. I thought about those of you who write about Christ, life, relationships and what it truly means to live a life that truly pleases God.

What does Christ see when He looks at me?

Am I seeking to give myself to Him or am I only seeking what I can get from Him?

I ask the Lord for something every day in prayer; without fail. I want something. I make my requests known to Him. Last night I confessed.

“Why am I asking You when You already know my thoughts Lord?”

When I pray for my son, or daughter, a relative or friend, when I pray for those who read this blog, is it then wrong to share my own personal needs before You Lord?

There is silence as I attempt to still my thoughts from running back and forth; keeping busy. My thoughts often seem to parallel Martha, who was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen when the Lord visited her home. I need silence that I might hear God speak to my spirit.

What does God say to you in the silence of your thoughts?

Often I hear the same words, time and again.

Worship Me.

Confess before Me.

How do you worship the Lord?

I looked for examples of worship in scripture and came across this tidbit:

“…you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go...”²

I thought about these words, “you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose… there for his dwelling”, and I realized that the place the Lord chose for me to worship is within me.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”³

“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”⁴

God has put His Spirit in us so that we would walk before Him in the only way that truly pleases Him, faithfully.

But how am I to worship God?

In the Old Testament, the Israelites worshipped the Lord with burnt offerings, sacrifices and fellowship offerings, but what does God really want from me?

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the LORD is God.

It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of his pasture”⁵

“Do you think I feast on venison? or drink draughts of goats' blood? Spread for me a banquet of praise, serve High God a feast of kept promises...”⁶

God wants to see me filled with gladness when I come before Him joyful songs. To worship Him in a way that tells Him, “I don’t want to hold anything back from You Lord.” God takes no pleasure in the sacrifice of animals when He has offered the ultimate sacrifice: His Son, Jesus Christ. He wants me to serve Him a banquet of praises, my very own recipe. God wants me to be faithful as He Himself is faithful, by keeping my word. God is Light so there cannot be even the slightest change that would mutate the character and nature of His promises. God is saying to me: Be faithful by keeping your promise to Me.

We say, “Take my life Lord.” What do we mean by these words?

Do I want God to possess me in such a way that I’m not reserving any part of me from Him?

Have I given God access to my life which I previously kept reserved for me?

The Israelites sacrifices animals, what am I offering up to God from my life?

Do I give Him my time or am I too busy for God?

Do I give Him my talent, or am I using it to indulge myself?

Do I give Him my treasure, or is my treasure reserved for only me?

Do I realize how badly God wants what I hold on to so tightly?

It is an awesome thing to ponder the thought that, God values and wants me; all of me.

God is not satisfied with just a morsel of my life. No more than I would be satisfied with just a prayer that is proportionally answered to the degree I give myself to Him. If God divvied out His love, blessings, and grace to us the way we give ourselves to Him, would you be pleased with His effort?

God said this regarding His relationship with Abraham:

“The LORD said, 'Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do'...”⁷

God had no desire to hide from Abraham what He was about to do. I don’t believe God wants to hide from you or me what He is about to do in our life.

Do I want to know what God is going to do?

What can I learn from God when I come before Him with a heart willing to listen?

Will God respond when I: Worship Him without reservation Serve Him a banquet recipe of my sincere praise Confess my life before Him openly Honor my promises to Him faithfully Demolish the walls that hinder me hearing Him

I believe He will respond.

I can never meet the extent of God’s response to me, but I will never cease my effort to extend myself more and more towards Him.

Father God,

You are The Awesome God, the great I AM! It is You alone that I worship, You alone that I praise and You alone that I adore. How faithful You are to me! I want to prepare myself for You as a banquet of praise. You are too great for the few words I have to extol You. Someone once said, "What a wonder You Are!" How true these words echo in my thoughts. Your love and peace flood me beyond measure. I confess my sins that I may stand before You in reverence and adoration. Through Your Son, Jesus Chirst, there is no longer a wall of partition beween You and me. Thank You Lord Jesus for tearing it down and establishing peace with God on my behalf. No one could have done this but You Lord Jesus. I want to be faithful Lord, that I may stand in Your presence and hear what You're going to do. Heal those who cry out in anguish. Give favor and blessings to those who've lost job, career, home or family, but cling to a hope that You will respond. Move forth by the power of Your Spirit and reveal Yourself as The Sovereign Lord. Amen.

Note: Several months ago, a blogger friend suggested I visit Charlotte and Ginger who host the blog Spiritual Sundays, and that I should link in with fellow bloggers who share encouraging and inspirational posts.

I believe you will find hearts ablaze with faith, love, compassion, kindness, humility, and fellowship in Christ. I encourage you to visit. You won't be disappointed.

Footnotes:

1. Ecclesiastes 1:13-18, The Message Bible
2. Deuteronomy 12:4-5, NIV
3. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NASB
4. Ezekiel 36:27, NASB
5. Psalm 100:1-3, NIV
6. Psalm 50:13-14, The Message Bible
7. Genesis 18:17, NASB

References:

1. The Ryrie Study Bible (New American Standard Version), Edited by Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, ISBN 0-8024-8920-6
2. The Amplified Bible, by The Lockman Foundation, Zondervan Bible Publishers, Grand Rapids, Michigan, ISBN-13: 978-0310951414
3. King James Version, The Crusade Analytical Study Edition, Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., PO Box 90011, Nashville, Tennessee 37209
4. The Message Bible, by Eugene H. Peterson, NavPress Publishing Group, Colorado Springs, CO, ISBN-13: 978-1600060250
5. New King James Version, by Nelson Bibles, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc., PO Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee, ISBN-13: 978-0840713704
6. The NIV Study Bible, Edited by Kenneth Barker, Donald Burdick, John Stek, Walter Wessel and Ronald Youngblood, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, USA
7. The New Living Translation Bible, by Tyndale Charitable Trust, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois, ISBN-13: 978-0842384896

Parallels

Have you ever seen a parallel which reflected an analogy of your relationship with Christ? As a parent, you may see an example of your relationship to Christ through an experience with your child. As an employee, you may see the quality of your service to Christ by your professional conduct in your workplace. As a husband or wife, you may see your role as a bride to Christ in your marriage relationship.

This morning as I began to pray, I found myself asking God if there was anything I needed to hear…those of you with pets know the excitement they exhibit when they first see or hear your voice. I don’t know if God was licking His chops at the open door I’d given Him but He did have something to share with me.

I remained quiet while the Lord revealed that I’ve often listened but I have at times not heard Him. My instinct was to protest and to offer clarification; those of you with children or parents probably get this immediately. Anyway, I wanted to interrupt but I no longer had the floor. As the politicians say here in our nation’s capitol, I yielded the floor to my esteemed Creator on High.

I remained silent.

I wanted to hear everything I’d previously missed.

God showed me how I held a place in my life that was mine, all mine and no one got through that door; access was restricted.

Could I have listened to God’s direction and not heard one word? What kind of Christian is that? Am I guilty of rejecting instruction, direction and counsel?

When God finished, I saw my guilt with Him and others. I confessed my area of independence, expressing my desire that I DO want to always hear Him, obey Him, serve Him and please Him with my life.

I cannot imagine life without Christ but I’ve been willing to carry on with the status quo and reserve a place just for me. I realize that as much as I love to talk, I need to allow the grace of the Lord to show me how to hear; not just Him but others as well.

I wish I could share something insightful today but this is all I have and it was a necessary confession.

"O God, Thou art my God; I shall seek Thee earnestly;
My soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water." (^{Psalms 63:1})

I praise you Lord for your merciful grace showered in my life today. I bathe in it today and experience a freedom and cleansing only you can give. Thank you for loving me so kindly and forgiving me for my arrogance.

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On a side note, I want to express my thanks to some bloggers who have been an encouragement to me (particularly this week when I looked at the man in the mirror).

I started to include a disclaimer that said, "There are other bloggers whom I express my appreciation in personal comments; please don't look unkindly towards me for not listing you today." -- But as people who love and trust Christ is this really necessary?

Back to my thanks:I would be negligent if I didn’t share with this community that these bloggers have a heart for Jesus Christ that seeks to please Him and hear Him. As I've said, "they encourage and inspire me be be a better Christian":

DC Alisa Lloyd Dean Kim Jane Elizabeth Merana Sharon Sarah Tiffany Teresa

A Promise Keeper Faith Imagined Solid Rock or Sinking Sand? Glory to God Family, Money and Stuff Days of Our Lives 100th Lamb Quiet Ministries The Power of One Writing Tea with Tiffany Triumphant Victorious Reminders

If you haven’t visited these blogs, I would encourage you to check them out. Mention MTJ and you’ll receive…well, you don’t get any gift for mentioning me but tell them I asked you to visit anyway.