Seeing doors

Doors fascinate me. In Herrnhut and the surrounding region there are some fabulous thick hand carved doors and gateways. Some set in stone frames, some just rotting away; a pale reflection of the wealth and rich craftsmanship that once thrived here.

But there are also many simple doors to be seen. Some that are easily noticed. Some that are tucked away. In shadowy alleyways or forgotten corners. Some with locks on. Some with old handles and clasps. Some just hanging in their frames.

Jesus spoke about doors. He holds open the door of eternal life to us. He is that gateway for us. The Bible also tells us of the door of hope in the valley of trouble or despair. It`s always there. There is always a way forward, but sometimes we have to look for it. Sometimes we are looking for a door that looks different to the one we actually need.

Often we focus on wanting particular doors to open for us. But sometimes I wonder if we miss our way or waste our energy because we are looking to the wrong door. I believe that one of the secrets to seeing doors open in your life has as much to do with being open minded about which door is the right door for now, as it does with actually seeing a particular door open.

When I feel hemmed in in a particular area and I know that I need to see progress or for something to open up, I start asking where the door is that I don`t yet see. Part of the adventure with Jesus is that the humblest looking doors contain the most breathtaking journeys. Kind of like not being able to judge a book by it`s cover.

It all comes back to learning to see things from God`s perspective and not our own.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Matthew 7:7

Thirsting

We all have times when we`re thirsting for more. Or we`re just feeling dry and worn out. Sometimes our soul gets tired. 

It can be easy to feel under pressure to always be happy and fruitful. To have it all. Or to bounce back quickly after a disappointment or loss. 

It`s certainly not good for us to wallow. But sometimes we do need time to work things out. Time for our roots to take up water again. For the depths of our soul to be refreshed. For our heart to believe again and our spirit to be revived.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name`s sake."

If your soul is dry, thirsty or aching, respond to your shepherd today. Find a place of rest and allow Him to speak to your heart, to your soul. Let the kisses of His Word revive you and restore you. That`s something that He loves to do.

When less is more

God speaks to Christians today. If you are listening, you can hear His voice. Sometimes He is telling us something for us alone. Sometimes it is for sharing. It`s not always easy to know whether we should share what we hear with others.

A good thing to do is to ask God first. A second thing is to check that what you think you have heard agrees with God`s word. He is always true and faithful. He won`t speak anything that does not agree with His promises and teaching.

One of the most important things that I have learnt is that "less is more". People often feel under pressure to share extended words from God, or to interpret them. But we are just vessels. Channels for the message. You don`t need to be the interpreter. You just need to learn to be a pure channel.

It isn`t more spiritual to interpret the message as well. It doesn`t make you a better Christian and it doesn`t mean you are more gifted or mature either. In fact, often those who stay closest to the heart of God speak very simply and profoundly. I think they`ve  learned the "less is more" tactic too.

Simply speak what you hear. Nothing more, nothing less. Let God interpret it into the hearts of others. The more we get out of the way and keep our own understanding out of the message, the purer it will be.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."  2 Cor 4.7

Leaving room for God`s dream

We usually mean well. It`s just that it`s a bit insulting to God really isn`t it? Telling the Creator of the Earth how to do something. Be honest. Have you ever fallen into that trap?

There`s a need, you really think it`s time God did something about it and you have a great idea how He could do that. Should do that. Must do that. Only He doesn`t seem to be listening.

I know why. It`s because He`s busy waiting for us to stop dreaming our dreams and to start dreaming His. It`s one of the hardest things for humans to do. Waiting for God. 

Sure, there are lots of times in life when we need to just apply our human wisdom and be responsible, responding to need by using our skills and initiative. But there are also many times in life when taking a moment to check with God how He feels about the situation and wants us to proceed would be the smartest move we could make.

God`s ways are so much higher than ours. He`s so much more creative. Next time there`s a situation going on, take a moment to check which direction God is dreaming in. You might be in for a few surprises.

 

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55.9

Whose idea is prophecy anyway?

Dead bones. No flesh, no breath. Whatever life there was is over. Or is it? Something about the challenge of the impossible captures us. When you know the God of the impossible, then suddenly what we accept as reality is challenged.

We know a spiritual world exists, not just the physical one we live in. The moment we accept Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we confirm our belief in that spiritual realm. We admit it affects our physical world and our physical souls and bodies. That`s why the Bible puts so much emphasis on what we say and how we say it. Our words have power. They encourage, speaking hope and life. They can also hurt and destroy. We have a responsibility to choose how we use our tongue in day to day life. 

But our words are at their most powerful when they come fully into line with the will and heart of God Himself. As we agree with God, obeying Him and speaking the words He gives us. Take the story of Ezekiel and the dry bones (Ezekiel 37). As Ezekiel "prophesied" or spoke to the bones and the wind, a mighty army was formed from a valley of dry bones. A vision in the spiritual realm explaining something God planned to do in the physical world. But this vision also teaches us a very important lesson.

Prophecy is more than speaking out positive words. Prophesying is speaking something into being. There is a responsibility in that. It`s more than speaking positive things into or over a situation out of your own understanding. Ezekiel responded to the challenge of God. He spoke as God commanded Him. God didn`t show Ezekiel the valley and ask him to choose what to say. It wasn`t about what Ezekiel thought would be cool. In fact, I bet God`s dream far exceeded anything Ezekiel could have thought of. 

So God showed him the bones and shared His heart and dream. Then God gave very precise instructions.

If you want to prophesy, firstly learn to hear God. Secondly learn to obey. Because true prophecy isn`t about our dreams and ideas. It`s about agreeing with the heart of God and speaking as He commands. 

"So I prophesied as He commanded me,and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army."

Crying out to God

Sometimes we feel trapped. We can't find the way forward, or we can't find the way out. There are times in our lives when we need answers. People who know God will all testify that crying out to Him will bring an answer. Not always the answer we expect, but always one that ultimately brings good.

Crying out to God tells Him that you are ready to tackle the situation His way now. It shows that you recognise His greatness; that He is Lord. It is the point of surrender. The moment when we allow Him to take the reins in a situation.

Crying out to God can be a simple expressive cry or a long emotional outburst! Whatever the cry, remember that in the calm after the storm, He will comfort and He will speak. Depressed and discouraged, Elijah heard the still small voice of God as He hid, a refugee from the infamous Queen Jezebel. Hannah sobbed and cried out to God in the temple before Eli the priest came and spoke right into her situation. And Jeremiah sat in prison when God came to him and spoke:
"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." (Jeremiah 33.3)

Crisis points are good for us. They remind us who really has control. They teach us so much about God and ourselves. But you don't have to wait for a crisis...

When was the last time you cried out to Jesus?

That Place of Peace

Sometimes we're so busy trying to work things out, trying to find God, that we don't notice He's been waiting for us. Quietly, patiently, calling our name, preparing the way. Sometimes it's because we`re afraid. Perhaps a lot, perhaps a little, of that still quiet place. Afraid of what we might hear there? Afraid He won't meet us there?

And with all our searching, questioning, running around and heartache, our frustration grows. We long for the answer. We hunger and thirst for it.

And all the time God is waiting for You. Jesus said "Come to me. Everyone who is striving and carrying baggage and burdens around. I will give you rest."

Take a moment today to really stop. Stop doing life with all its pressures and hustle and bustle. Call to Him and wait for Him. He won't chide you. He's waiting to love you, to speak to you. Maybe you'll realise you do need to change a couple of things. But it will be His love that motivates you. His mercy and love.

Isaiah 30:15 reminds us: In returning to the Lord and resting, you will be saved. In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.