Chrysalis - Jeremiah's Vow

Chrysalis Journey #15 | The Power of Patient Persistence (Pt. 2)

In this second part we will look further into who are those that do the will of the Father. Jesus himself identified these as his family. We should follow Jesus’ example and associate with those who have an earnest desire to obey the Word of God. To spend too much time with those that are not pushing forward in not just doing God’s will, but setting their minds to accomplishing that will have to be encouraged to return to what Jesus has said we must be about if we are to be obedient disciples.

¹⁹Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. ²⁰And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” ²¹But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:19-21 (ESV)

Who are members of the family of Christ? Who are the ones that do the will of God? It is those who hear the word of God and put it into practice. This is the key that has unlocked God’s will for my life. God’s will is not something specific in the sense that I will have one job rather than another. Or that I will marry one person rather than another. God’s will in not in the specifics of my individual life, but in the specifics of God’s purposes being worked out in my particular life. Will God provide direction and insight for the circumstances of my life? Yes, He will. What I must not do is expect God to provide the answer to every situation that comes up in life. That is not God’s desire. Faith is a “now” reality. To expect, and in some instances, demand that God provide this kind of direction is to make God our servant rather than remain His servant. The word of God provides for us the parameters by which we should live and the expectations for anyone that calls themselves a follower of Jesus. If we aren’t doing what it says, God is not under any obligation to provide further insight. Paul said as much to Timothy:

“¹⁶All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV).

Proximity does not automatically guarantee provision. This is the heart of what Jesus said to his flesh-and-blood family. If we are not capable of complying with God’s word how ca we be trusted to obey anything else God would give for us to do?

¹⁶Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray without ceasing, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

Here were begin to understand what it is that God desires for us to do. In this verse we find a three-fold description of what God desires for us to do. We are to rejoice always. The reality of what God has done should put the worries of the world into perspective. Paul makes some incredible statements in his letters, but the one that leaves the mind and heart wondering is found in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Paul details the treasure that God has placed in “earthen vessels” in 1 Corinthians 4:7-16. But after outlining the real troubles that will come he ends by saying that these “light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (4:17-18, ESV). Then in Romans 8:18 Paul tells us that “for I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (ESV). Not only this, but we are to pray without ceasing. The necessity of constant connection with our heavenly Father should provide motivation to commune with God. We cannot build or strengthen our relationship with God if we do not spend time with Him. This is the challenge and the reward of prayer. If we desire to have relationship, then we must take the time and devote it to God. Finally, we must give thanks at all times. We are don’t have to give thanks for everything, but in everything. God doesn’t desire evil or wrong to happen to His children, but it does. Life is not fair, but God is just and He “will work for good” even the events of life that are contrary to God’s purposes (Romans 8:28).

¹⁴And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. ¹⁵And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15 (ESV)

This is one of the most astounding truths in the bible. God not only desires for us to communicate with Him, but God also tells us that He wants to give us what we ask for! But here is the catch, what we ask for has to be in line with what God wants for us to be doing. When we are obedient to God’s will, as it is revealed in the Word of God, we are given boldness to ask and not just wish we received it. John says that we will have a renewed confidence in God’s ability to provide what we ask for. The answer will be as good as given because what we have asked for is not only something we desire, but it is something that pleases God. At its most fundamental level these are the prayers that God answers: those that please Him. I have heard it said that God responds to prayer in three ways: Yes, No and Wait. I think two of these are not right. God desires to answer, “Yes,” to everything we ask for. But not everything we ask for is worthy of a “Yes.” But that doesn’t mean that God has answered “no” or “wait.” It just means that God is the one waiting for us to get in line with His program. God is not telling us no or wait, He is the one waiting for us to catch up to His will as it is written down in His word. Look at what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:20:

For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. (NLT)

If we are to take this verse for what it says then we have to change our theology of prayer and make it conform to God’s. God has all the time in the world. So he is not telling us wait. That would imply that what we are asking for is something God would desire to say yes to. This may not be true. And if God answers “no” then we have a problem because then God is going against His word that He will hear and that we will have whatever we ask. The key here is how well do our prayers conform to God’s will. That is what will determine if we hear God’s resounding “Yes!”

³⁴A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. ³⁵By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (ESV)

These are probably the most damning couple of verses in the New Testament. The evidence that we are doing the will of God; the proof that the fruit of the Spirit are being reproduced in us; the sign that the new life that Jesus has purchased for us has been deposited in good soil is given here. My love for my brother in Christ, which is the person doing the will of God (Luke 8:19-21), is the greatest demonstration that God has broken through the stony exterior of my sinner’s heart and has remade it into a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). When I look at the world and I wonder why it doesn’t take the church seriously I only have to remember these words and know the answer. I can’t say that I love God when I don’t have a rich and abiding love for my brother, whom I can see (1 John 4:20). So much strife and division in the church has tarnished the witness of the church to the world. I am not saying that there shouldn’t be denominations. What I am saying is that this should not be enough reason to not love one another.

Taken together all of these verse help to solidify the foundation of what God is looking for in His children here on earth. Any deviation from this is to miss the point that our brothers, sisters, father and mothers are those that have surrendered their everything to God purposes.

Two Parts:
The Power of Patient Persistence (Pt. 1)
The Power of Patient Persistence (Pt. 2)

Chrysalis Journey #15 | The Power of Patient Persistence (Pt. 1)

It would almost seem contradictory to talk of patient persistence, but this is exactly what prayer is. One of the most amazing aspects of Chrysalis is the amount of prayer that goes into the preparation of these weekends and the amount of prayer that happens during the weekend. I almost say this to my shame, but prayer is not as powerful a reality in my life as it should be. I don’t know why I don’t pray more often, more consistently, more intentionally. I think that part of it is that I don’t know if what I am saying is me wanting my will to be done or God’s. This is the struggle that I face.

Over the last couple of months I have discovered several scriptures that have helped me to focus in on what praying in God’s will actually is. I know that I have tended to pray hoping that what I was praying for was what God wanted me to be praying for. What I have discovered is that God’s will more readily available than we think. God has put His will within the Scriptures so that we can have a place to begin with. The age old question of what God’s will is for each of our lives has become such a distraction to what God has actually said that we fail to live out what God has already said, and we fail to live into the fullness that God has purposed for His children. Let’s just look at a few of these scriptures.

³For this is the will of God, your sanctification… 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (ESV)

Paul writes to the Thessalonians and tells them that one of God’s purposes for them is that they grow in sanctification, or holiness. What this means is that God is interested in the transformation of the heart and our lifestyles. Sanctification begins on the inside, but inevitable manifests itself in daily living. This is unavoidable. Therefore a sign of our compliance with and submission to God’s will should be seen in our increased sanctification. Are you different? Have you changed in the time that you have come to know Jesus?

¹⁵For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 1 Peter 2:15 (ESV)

Peter provides for us the reason that our sanctification is so important to God. God desires that our lives serve as proof that there are no other gods except Him. Only the true God could change a life so that it reflects the love, grace and power of God. God desires that all men come the realization that there is no other being in the created universe worthy of worship. But the only way to do this is through the effect of the love of God as it is experienced and passed on through the believer.

For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:40 (ESV)

Jesus leaves no doubt in the mind of those that were listening to him when he says this. God’s will is that whoever looks, i.e., believes in, Jesus will have eternal life. Not only that, but Jesus makes a promise to those that do believe in him. Jesus promises to also raise them from the dead in the last day.

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:17 (ESV)

The will of the Father is waiting to be done! The world is wasting away because it has failed to see and do what it is that God desires. But for those that find it, there is the promise of abiding forever with Jesus. This verse does raise the question: What is will of God? If we are supposed to be doing this will how to we find it so that we can do it?

In the second part of this post we will look a little closer at who are the ones that we should connect with. It is important that we associate and fellowship with those that are in agreement with the Word of God. If our desire is to pray in God’s will we must remain connected to others that have the same desire.

Two Parts:
The Power of Patient Persistence (Pt. 1)
The Power of Patient Persistence (Pt. 2)

Chrysalis Journey #15 | Just when you thought you knew…

Just when you thought you knew what God was up to He demonstrates that you have no idea whatsoever. One of the most amazing things about this weekend was that God is not in a hurry. We might be, but not God. God is able to work out His plan on His time without any help on our part. On the first night with this group I began to “size up” several of the participants. In general there are two types of people that end up at these kinds of retreats: Those who think they need it and those who think they don’t. The first will find the weekend to be refreshing and memorable. These are the ones that are hungry for something more than than the stale bread of religion. They will be fed by the living bread of Jesus. These who are thirsty for the living waters to spring forth and will be satisfied beyond measure. I am continually surprised at how God is able to do this over and over again.

The second group, however, can sometimes fail to see the point in everything that happens. These are the ones that one wonders about. These are the ones that one looks to God and says, “God, I don’t know how you are going to get through, but I hope that you do.” The weekend is drawing to a close and you find yourself just standing in awe of how God subtly and softly moves in, on and through people. And then all of a sudden, the wave of God’s power crests and the dam of stubbornness is broken. In the end this is what it is. “I don’t need this,” or “I know what’s missing. And this isn’t it,” attitudes are just ripped right out and you begin to feel God’s presence for the first time.

You see I was among the second group. I was a “professional Christian.” How was this weekend going to be any different than all the others? What was I going to find that I didn’t already know about God? You see, that’s the problem. This weekend wasn’t about getting to know or learn something else about God. No, it was about knowing God as He is. We all who are a part of this journey of faith must battle the attitude of Job within us. It is not enough to have heard of God. For when we see God for the first time, that moment will imprint itself within your mind, heart and body. You will yearn for it. You will seek it, for you will understand that only in the presence of your maker is life to be found.

The beauty of God’s hand stripping away every conception that is not in line with His character, purpose or plan is freedom. That is what Paul said to the Galatians, “For freedom Christ has set you free” (5:1). God sets us free so that we can enjoy the freedom that He provides! For it is only then that we are able to truly enjoy God.

Just when you thought you knew… God shows up!

Chrysalis Journey #15 | Exposure is the Key

The power of God to change the life of men is found in exposing those very same hearts to the love of God in the form of renewed believers. Any heart that encounters service that emerges out of an awakened life, a life that has been touched by the love of God manifested in the body of Christ, doesn’t stand a chance. Over the course of three days, the body of Christ in the form of the Heart of Georgia Emmaus Community served with one purpose in mind – to let Christ shine! This is the only reason that serving God makes sense. The love of God broke through into the hearts of his chosen sons. Sixteen young men encountered God this weekend (July 15-18, 2010). If they failed to see God is was their fault, for He was in our midst.

One of the dangers that comes with retreats like Chrysalis is that we may think that God now desires for us to do good works. God is not interested in our works. They do nothing to make His glory, love and grace known. Look at what Paul says in Ephesians 2:10:

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (ESV)

There are three things Paul reveals in this verse.

We are God’s workmanship
What we are and what God desires for us to be is not something that we can make happen. We are clay in the hand of the divine Potter. Whatever it is that God would have for us to be is His to determine! The goal of every follower of Jesus is to practice yielded obedience. As the Holy Spirit moves we are moved by His influence. We do not fight; we do not grumble; we do not challenge God’s authority in the matter. We are God’s workmanship and He puts us on display or hides us in the cupboard as He chooses.

Created in Christ for good works
The ground for any of our “good works” is found in Christ. We are new creatures because of Jesus, and because of this new state of existence we are now put in a position where we can do something that pleases our Father in heaven. If it were not for Jesus whatever we put our hands to would fail and be counted as nothing (Philippians 3:7). Every follower of Jesus must surrender their desires to please God on their own terms, for they are unable to do so apart from the life and righteousness of Jesus.

The Works are God’s
This is potentially the most liberating truth in the bible. Everything that we do, under the power of the Spirit’s enabling and because of our position in Christ are God’s works and we just get to walk in them (Colossians 1:29). What this means is that God’s work will never fail, as long as we are surrendered to the power of God in our lives. Any deficiency, any failure, any shortfall, any angst reveals the point or points of disconnect that we have with the Father. Success or failure in any task is not measured by results. This is man’s standard. God judges success by the length and breadth and depth of our faithfulness and devotion to Him. So, to the extent that we live in intimate relationship with the Father do we see the fruit of God’s presence.

The unmistakable reality of this weekend is that exposure to God’s love in the form of His redeemed people allows God to do His work.

Thanks be to God who is still at work in our day! He is to be forever praised. Amen.

The work of God is not something that we initiate or even imitate. No, the work of God is God’s work that we get to witness. These feeble hands are not capable for carrying the train of God’s glory, we simple bring other pilgrims to God’s presence and wait for God to do what even we thought would never happen.

There were several of those young men I thought would never get it. But our God is rich in mercy, even breaking the heart of the most obstinate hearts. I told those young men, whether they new it or not, this past weekend was a set-up. God had something to show them and He did.

Oh, God you are more amazing than even the heavens can declare. Amen.

+Victor