Week One done!
Commence Week Two……
How did you do? Did you get through your first week of study? Did the Lord meet you as you tended to each day of homework? Has He been pointing His finger on some gods (notice little g) that you serve while professing that you worship the One true God.
Consider this definition from Ken Sande found on page 13
“Most of us think of an idol as a statue of wood, stone, or metal worshiped by pagan people…In biblical terms, it is something other than God that we set our heart on (Luke 12:29; 1 cor 10:19), that motivates us (1 Cor 4:5), that masters and rules us (Ps 119:133; Eph 5:5) or that we trust, fear, or serve ( Isa. 42:17; Matt 6:24; Luke 12:4-5)…An idol can also be referred to as a “false god of functional god”. (emphasis mine)
Has He illuminated any thing that you have set your heart on that isn’t Him?
Is there anything that motivates you other then His divine pleasure and acceptance?
Is there anything that has mastered you or is ruling you other than Him?
Is there anything that you serve, fear or trust in that isn’t God?
Yeah me too. It has been rough week of study hasn’t it?
If your week has been like mine, I am suspecting that the Lord has been all in your business. He most likely been opening the closets in your heart and doing a little past due spring cleaning. Do you feel like He has been picking on you? Take heart!!
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2
God is not cutting you off, He is pruning. Did you notice who He prunes? Those that already are bearing fruit! If God is pointing out anything in your life it is only to make you “more better”. His desire for you is to be even more fruitful then you already are. Yes pruning can be painful.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it”. Hebrews 12:11
“because the Lord disciplines those he loves.” Hebrews 12:6
God is taking the time to point out your idols because He loves you. He knows that this will be a difficult process but His intention is for you to “make room” for more of Him and with that is a harvest, notice not a basketful, but a harvest of righteousness and peace. Anyone interested? I am. God will never ask you to give up something that He won’t replace with something better. You have to commit to believe that. Do you?
I know that sometimes Bible study can get hard. Whether it be the time commitment or the weightiness of the subject matter, I want to encourage you not to give up. Don’t let the enemy have a victory over you. I have been asking God to give each and everyone of you a tenacious spirit as you co-labor with Him in your freedom. I know that He will bless you immeasurably for your efforts.
Ok so where are we at? We are on week two of our lessons. You will start on page 30 and read through Session 02 “Why Idols? Stealing time”. Then you will proceed to page 35 and begin day one homework, “Why Idols? Identity”. Once again there are five days of homework and you will have until July 5th to finish them. We will be meeting on July 5th in the chapel at 9:30 where we will spend some time in worship, have a nosh, love on each other and then we will divide into groups and go over some of the questions from the two weeks of homework. Be prepared to share with your group whatever insights you have gleaned in the last week. You will be told what group you will be in that morning.
On the last day of this week, Kelly points out that our journey in this study is meant to identify the things (idols) that are false, that lie, that kill, and that steal. She goes on to say “But if we stop there, we miss the point; to make room for God to live unrivaled in our hearts, shedding life, light, glory, healing, holiness, miracles, peace, and more things than I could ever write.” ( page 24)
If you agree and have not only identified an idol but are prepared to lay it down and “make room” for more of God, why not leave a comment saying so. It could be as simple as the two words “making room”. Let’s make a firm commitment before our God and then let’s watch Him do it!!! Amen?
Love you guys! T’is a joy serving you.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
"No Other Gods" Launch
On your mark…
Get set…
Go!
Welcome to the official launch of the “No Other God’s” summer Bible Study. Today is the day that we fold back the cover of our book, put a crease in those tightly woven bindings and set out on our journey of discovery. I just love this moment. It is truly one of the most favorite things I do. I am thrilled to take this particular trip along with you.
For me, the start of a new Bible study always conjures up a level of excitement. I have done enough of them to know that each have a personality and purpose of its own. As I peer at the stacks of completed workbooks in my closet I am reminded of all the times that God had met me within those pages. He has been faithful not only to correct and convict me, but to encourage, comfort, and to show me amazing things about the wonder of His person. Each Bible study has deepened my love for Him. Not one of them has God not used in some way in my life. I know that “No Other Gods” will be no different. I hope that you are excited as I am. So let’s get started.
Today we begin on page 8 of your book. You will want to read Session 01 titled “Personal Pharaohs – Defining our Terms” to start your week of study. Then you will proceed to day one of the first week (page 13). There are five days in total. You will have until next Tuesday June 28th to finish this week then you will proceed onto the following week. We will not be meeting until July 5th where we will go over the first two weeks of homework. Every Tuesday you can log on to this blog to keep updated where we are at and what is going on. If you want to see a calendar for the NOG’S study you can read it here.
Many of you have already dove head first into the study and are gleaning all that the LORD has for you with enthusiasm. There were a couple of you who were a little reticent after the first day. I want to point out to everyone, that the word of God can be very confrontational. It is meant to be. This Bible study is about letting go of whatever we are clinging to that is less then God. Our author puts it well “Anything He prompts us to release will only be restored to us in overflowing measures.” (page 7) It takes some level of bravery to open up all the chambers of your heart so God can shine His healing light. "Trust the Lord with all your heart". He will not lead you anywhere His grace won't cover.
The key scripture for this study (do I hear memory verse) is 2 Kings 17:13 “They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods.” God wants us to lay down our gods that we serve so we can make room for Him. And scripture promises that it will be extraordinarily better. What we hold onto with a white knuckle death grip pales by comparison to what He has for us as we press on towards spiritual fullness and abundance. Oh how I want me some of that!
As a word of encouragement, this is my second time doing this study and as I work through the homework identifying what idols I am currently struggling to release, I am reminded of the ones that had me enslaved the last time I wandered through these pages. I am please to say they barely have the power to control and manipulate me today. God was very faithful. As I turned over my idols to Him, He filled that empty space with a fullness in Him that can’t be explained but only experienced. I know that He will do that for you too as you cooperate with Him over these next 8 weeks. Trust Him with the process. He is worthy and you will not disappointed.
I thought we should officially open up with a word prayer. Why not take this prayer and make it personal for you.
Dear Lord, thank you so much for inviting me to participate with what you have planned through this Bible study for my life. I ask you to meet me each time I open the pages of this book as I dedicate my heart, soul and mind to studying Your word. Lord help me to sanctify or set apart the time each day to be with You, and when I do fill me with the wonder of who You are in my life afresh. Lord may I love you more when I complete this workbook then when I started. Don’t let me miss a single thing that you have for me. Lord I ask for you to do immeasurably more then I could ever ask or imagine not only for myself but every other women whether officially attending or not. To only you be the glory. In Jesus’ name amen.
I am very much looking forward to our first meeting on July 5th where we will meet, have a nosh and go over select questions from the first two weeks of homework. I can’t wait to hear your insights and how the Lord has been speaking to you. You ladies rock!
I love that you chose to take this journey with me.
You bring this fellow sojourner such joy.
Now let’s get to work…….
Get set…
Go!
Welcome to the official launch of the “No Other God’s” summer Bible Study. Today is the day that we fold back the cover of our book, put a crease in those tightly woven bindings and set out on our journey of discovery. I just love this moment. It is truly one of the most favorite things I do. I am thrilled to take this particular trip along with you.
For me, the start of a new Bible study always conjures up a level of excitement. I have done enough of them to know that each have a personality and purpose of its own. As I peer at the stacks of completed workbooks in my closet I am reminded of all the times that God had met me within those pages. He has been faithful not only to correct and convict me, but to encourage, comfort, and to show me amazing things about the wonder of His person. Each Bible study has deepened my love for Him. Not one of them has God not used in some way in my life. I know that “No Other Gods” will be no different. I hope that you are excited as I am. So let’s get started.
Today we begin on page 8 of your book. You will want to read Session 01 titled “Personal Pharaohs – Defining our Terms” to start your week of study. Then you will proceed to day one of the first week (page 13). There are five days in total. You will have until next Tuesday June 28th to finish this week then you will proceed onto the following week. We will not be meeting until July 5th where we will go over the first two weeks of homework. Every Tuesday you can log on to this blog to keep updated where we are at and what is going on. If you want to see a calendar for the NOG’S study you can read it here.
Many of you have already dove head first into the study and are gleaning all that the LORD has for you with enthusiasm. There were a couple of you who were a little reticent after the first day. I want to point out to everyone, that the word of God can be very confrontational. It is meant to be. This Bible study is about letting go of whatever we are clinging to that is less then God. Our author puts it well “Anything He prompts us to release will only be restored to us in overflowing measures.” (page 7) It takes some level of bravery to open up all the chambers of your heart so God can shine His healing light. "Trust the Lord with all your heart". He will not lead you anywhere His grace won't cover.
The key scripture for this study (do I hear memory verse) is 2 Kings 17:13 “They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods.” God wants us to lay down our gods that we serve so we can make room for Him. And scripture promises that it will be extraordinarily better. What we hold onto with a white knuckle death grip pales by comparison to what He has for us as we press on towards spiritual fullness and abundance. Oh how I want me some of that!
As a word of encouragement, this is my second time doing this study and as I work through the homework identifying what idols I am currently struggling to release, I am reminded of the ones that had me enslaved the last time I wandered through these pages. I am please to say they barely have the power to control and manipulate me today. God was very faithful. As I turned over my idols to Him, He filled that empty space with a fullness in Him that can’t be explained but only experienced. I know that He will do that for you too as you cooperate with Him over these next 8 weeks. Trust Him with the process. He is worthy and you will not disappointed.
I thought we should officially open up with a word prayer. Why not take this prayer and make it personal for you.
Dear Lord, thank you so much for inviting me to participate with what you have planned through this Bible study for my life. I ask you to meet me each time I open the pages of this book as I dedicate my heart, soul and mind to studying Your word. Lord help me to sanctify or set apart the time each day to be with You, and when I do fill me with the wonder of who You are in my life afresh. Lord may I love you more when I complete this workbook then when I started. Don’t let me miss a single thing that you have for me. Lord I ask for you to do immeasurably more then I could ever ask or imagine not only for myself but every other women whether officially attending or not. To only you be the glory. In Jesus’ name amen.
I am very much looking forward to our first meeting on July 5th where we will meet, have a nosh and go over select questions from the first two weeks of homework. I can’t wait to hear your insights and how the Lord has been speaking to you. You ladies rock!
I love that you chose to take this journey with me.
You bring this fellow sojourner such joy.
Now let’s get to work…….
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Bible Memorization Project Testimony
Hello Everyone;
"I will extol You, my God, O King. And I will bless Your Name forever and ever." Psalm 145:1
How are you all doing today? Wasn't yesterday the best at the church dedication? I woke up praising Him for all He has done and what He will continue to do that we don't even know about (you know the unimaginable part). I have to confess that I was never so proud of our Pastor, His wife and our church. I think we represented Jesus well to the community. I am always humbled at the way He entrusts His reputation to us. Amen?
Someone this past week sent me a testimony that she wanted to share pertaining to the scriptures that she committed to memory for the Bible Memorization Project.. I thought I would pass it along here. A special thank you for all of you who participated. You bring me such encouragement. Be blessed!
I woke up and snuck a peak at the clock. 12:32 a.m. I had gone to bed feeling fine just a little while earlier, but now I felt completely nauseated. “No, God,” I thought. “I can’t be sick now.” Just the thought of getting sick can make me sick. Plus, I was meeting someone for business that day, and our meeting had already been postponed from earlier in the week. Immediately my mind went to the memory verses I had been practicing.
“Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray. In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice, in the morning, I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation.” (Psalm 5:2,3). Then, in my mind I called out: “God, I am crying out to You to heal me, to take away whatever is irritating my stomach. It is morning, God, and You said that You hear me in the morning. I am laying my requests to quickly fall asleep and be healed before You and I am waiting in expectation for that to happen.”
Then another verse came to me. “Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22). I continued pleading with God: “God, I am asking for complete and total healing so I can go to this meeting. Your Word says that if I believe, I will receive. Well, I am believing that You will answer this prayer and heal me as I sleep so I ask that I receive it.”
I noticed that even though I was only praying in my mind, my prayers were more fervent than usual. Praying God’s Word, His promises, somehow gave me more assurance. I was finally acting as if I believed Hebrews 4:16 (“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” NKJV, emphasis added). I boldly approached God, feeling the power of my prayer. I know that God hears all of my prayers, no matter how meekly I pray them. He even knows my unspoken prayers. Yet, I think praying His Word back to Him, reminding Him of His promises, ratchets up the power of prayer a notch or two. We don’t remind God because we think He has forgotten His promises; that could never happen. But I think God is very pleased when He sees that we know His Word and completely trust it to be true.
I quickly thanked God for the Bible memorization project that allowed me to have these verses readily available when I needed them, and then feel asleep. When I woke up at 6, my stomach was fine. God is good.
"I will extol You, my God, O King. And I will bless Your Name forever and ever." Psalm 145:1
How are you all doing today? Wasn't yesterday the best at the church dedication? I woke up praising Him for all He has done and what He will continue to do that we don't even know about (you know the unimaginable part). I have to confess that I was never so proud of our Pastor, His wife and our church. I think we represented Jesus well to the community. I am always humbled at the way He entrusts His reputation to us. Amen?
Someone this past week sent me a testimony that she wanted to share pertaining to the scriptures that she committed to memory for the Bible Memorization Project.. I thought I would pass it along here. A special thank you for all of you who participated. You bring me such encouragement. Be blessed!
I woke up and snuck a peak at the clock. 12:32 a.m. I had gone to bed feeling fine just a little while earlier, but now I felt completely nauseated. “No, God,” I thought. “I can’t be sick now.” Just the thought of getting sick can make me sick. Plus, I was meeting someone for business that day, and our meeting had already been postponed from earlier in the week. Immediately my mind went to the memory verses I had been practicing.
“Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray. In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice, in the morning, I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation.” (Psalm 5:2,3). Then, in my mind I called out: “God, I am crying out to You to heal me, to take away whatever is irritating my stomach. It is morning, God, and You said that You hear me in the morning. I am laying my requests to quickly fall asleep and be healed before You and I am waiting in expectation for that to happen.”
Then another verse came to me. “Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22). I continued pleading with God: “God, I am asking for complete and total healing so I can go to this meeting. Your Word says that if I believe, I will receive. Well, I am believing that You will answer this prayer and heal me as I sleep so I ask that I receive it.”
I noticed that even though I was only praying in my mind, my prayers were more fervent than usual. Praying God’s Word, His promises, somehow gave me more assurance. I was finally acting as if I believed Hebrews 4:16 (“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” NKJV, emphasis added). I boldly approached God, feeling the power of my prayer. I know that God hears all of my prayers, no matter how meekly I pray them. He even knows my unspoken prayers. Yet, I think praying His Word back to Him, reminding Him of His promises, ratchets up the power of prayer a notch or two. We don’t remind God because we think He has forgotten His promises; that could never happen. But I think God is very pleased when He sees that we know His Word and completely trust it to be true.
I quickly thanked God for the Bible memorization project that allowed me to have these verses readily available when I needed them, and then feel asleep. When I woke up at 6, my stomach was fine. God is good.
Friday, June 17, 2011
What Are You Standing In?
Good Morning BSW (Bible Study for Women) women! Felt such a surge to get on the blog and talk to you today. Why? Because a memory verse I have been working on this week has brought something to my attention.
I have a question for you. What are you standing in right now? Perhaps you are smack dab in the midst of a pile of bills that looms larger then available funds to cover them. Maybe you find yourself in the aftermath of a series of unfortunate circumstances that has set your mind reeling. Or quite possibly, you are consumed with the plain old business of life wondering how you are going to make it through the day. You have a list that demands more energy or time then you can afford. What are you standing in?
Over this last year, maybe some of you have found my nature a bit irritating as I led Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday mornings. I am aware that I have the ability to get under some people’s spiritual skins. I have on more then one occasion pushed and plodded many of you to step out of your comfort zone and live life beyond yourself. I am pleased to see that many of you have responded to that initiation and I know that you have been blessed because of it. But lest I go down in the annals of history solely as the bossy Bible study leader from Monmouth Worship Center
“Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
These words were penned by none other then Paul the Apostle. I just love this guy. He always said things plainly. I appreciate it when people put things to me simply. A blunt statement of truth is sometimes just the ticket I need to get my act together. Be careful though if you try this tactic at home. Paul was also the same writer that encouraged the church at Ephesus
The point is while I might seem to be exhausting as I push and plod you out of your comfortable place of rest I want you to know that I “work with you for your joy”. I dare say there ain’t nothing like stepping out beyond your ability and watching God step in. While I am not talking about radical irresponsible kinds of ventures, I am talking about the kind of thing that grows your faith in God. The kind of thing that says I am going to believe God in this rather then in what I think or what other people tell me. Like:
“I am going to believe that God will help me memorize His word”
“I am going to believe that God loves me beyond what is measureable”
“I am going to step out in my gifts and cultivate them even when I fail.”
“I am going to believe God even when it seems like nothing is happening.”
“I am going to believe that God is equipping me to lead Women’s Bible study even though I have no idea what I am doing.” (ok that might be personal)
But you get the picture. There is no greater joy then walking by faith and not by sight. By believing God for something and watching Him work it out by living beyond yourself in the realm of the Spirit. We say that we want to live in the fullness of the spirit but that can only happen by faith.
“because it is by faith you stand firm”.
What are you standing in? This verse does not say that it is by circumstances that you stand firm. It does not say that it is by having a big bank account you stand firm. It doesn’t even say that if you get everything done on your “to do” list you stand firm. It is by faith in God that you stand firm. Faith that He is “working out everything in conformity to the good purpose of His will, that we who were the first to believe in Christ might be the praise of His glory”.
The days that we are living in are fraught with uncertainty and doubt. They are supposed to be that way. It is what the Word tells us. If we continue to stand in what we see and feel, we will not be standing firm. We will be rocked. Ladies, I am absolutely determined that you live in the fullness of what God has for you because I “work with you for your joy”. I know that what God has ordained through a life of faith is what He has set our hearts on and anything less then that will not satisfy. My motivation as I prod and push you is your joy. I so desperately want you to taste the fullness of what God has for you. My prayer is that I achieve that end even at the risk of sounding a little bossy.
What are you standing in?
“Faith and love are apt to be spasmodic in the best minds. Men live on the brink of mysteries and harmonies into which they never enter, and with their hand on the doorlatch they die outside.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Courage To Pray
I have a problem with my prayer life. Actually I have several problems but one seems to loom over all the rest. Several years ago, I came across several scriptures that spoke about the hugeness of what God can and is willing to do in a believers life. One of which is Ephesians 3:20.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,”
With the innocence and enthusiasm of discovery, I chose to start asking God to do the unimaginable in regard to answers to my prayers. I was determined that everything that I did for the Lord would magnify Him, especially when it came to this particular discipline. No ordinary answers for me. We have a super abundant God and I was expecting super abundant responses. I didn't presume to know exactly what He would do I would just literally ask Him to do the unimaginable. I resolved that my prayer life would arise from mediocrity and would be the channel that God could display His glory.
Do you see my problem? Not really. Well over the last several months I have been petitioning the Lord for one particular pressing need whose urgency became glaringly obvious. During that time the breadth of my confidence level ran from fairly secure to “Lord, I think I am going to have a nervous breakdown if you don’t show up soon”. As I was sitting on my couch one day, worrying to God, I was reminded of my requests for unimaginable answers to prayers. I felt the Lord whisper in my spirit “Isn’t this what you asked for?” Indeed it was.
You see, when you start asking for unimaginable answers to prayer, that means you can’t figure out what God is going to do. Otherwise, they would be imaginable answers to prayer. Do you see my dilemma? I am somehow more comfortable with my prayer life when I can figure out God’s plan A or plan B? It is amazing how my confidence deflates when there is no plan A, B, …..or Z in sight. Until then I hadn’t recognized that my prayer life had become like living on the spiritual edge. I guess when I weigh the pros and cons I really do want it that way. But I realized you need courage to pray in the realm of the unimaginable. It isn’t for the faint of heart.
David, the man after God’s own heart, would have understood my perspective. In 2 Samuel 7, we find David settled in the palace as King and he realizes, here he is living in a palace while the ark of God is residing in a tent. He purposes to build a “house” for the ark. But a word from the LORD comes to him through Nathan the prophet.
“Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD says; Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?....The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you.” (verses 5 & 11)
Pretty cool stuff. David purposed to do for God what God wanted to do for him. But something really interesting happens as David responds.
“O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you.’ So your servant has found courage to offer you this prayer.” 2 Sam 7:27.
David was so taken back by what God wanted to do for him. It was unimaginable. This was something that he couldn’t even have thought to ask for. He was living on the spiritual prayer life edge, he was about to pray for the exceedingly abundantly more then he could ask or think kind of prayer. He realized he needed courage.
“Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.” 2 Sam 7:29
David wasn’t just asking for a literal house. He was petitioning God to bless His family line forever. The house of David as it were. This house was to be a royal house, a dynasty of kings. Was he aware of the weight of that petition? Did he know that through him would come the King of Kings? The Davidic Messiah?
So where does David get that kind of courage and boldness before God? He got it from God. God told him what He was going to do for him, he need only ask it. I wonder how often I shrink back from courage to ask for the things that God has told me already in His word that He wants me to have. Things like a life void of mediocrity, an ability to understand His word, wisdom, knowledge, strength, power, fullness of joy….. I recede from the abundance that He desires for me because the unimaginable prayer life takes courage. A courage of faith.
When it comes down to it, when I strip away all the spiritual masks that I hide behind, do I really believe that He loves me and wants to bless me? Do I really believe that His desire is to do the unimaginable in my life? Do I walk with assurance knowing that He has so much more intended for my life then I have the guts to believe Him for? I am not talking about the kind of belief that says well if I act like I believe it, it will happen. I am talking deep down in the very recesses of my belief system, if you were to watch my life; I live like I know it to be true. Not in a prideful arrogance but in a humble submission knowing that it isn’t because of my worthiness but because of His ability to love and bless beyond reason. Can I accept, in fact, that is the way it is with God?
My fear and anxiety over these last few months revealed how I believed God wanted to relate with me. If I truly believed His desire was to bless me beyond what I could think, then I wouldn’t have been so worried. To my credit, I did take the plunge into the beyond, choosing to not settle for mediocrity, but for abundance. It was the scariest spiritual roller coaster ride to date, but God did show up and I don’t mind telling you it was in the eleventh hour. (I am still talking to Him about that) He showed up with such brilliance even now it brings tears to my eyes. He is so much smarter then me and the way that He worked it all out commands nothing less then a standing ovation. I applaud the wonder of God. I stand amazed. His desire is, indeed, to love and bless beyond reason and to do the unimaginable. And to Him be the glory!
Beware in your prayer, above everything, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what he can do.
Andrew Murray
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,”
With the innocence and enthusiasm of discovery, I chose to start asking God to do the unimaginable in regard to answers to my prayers. I was determined that everything that I did for the Lord would magnify Him, especially when it came to this particular discipline. No ordinary answers for me. We have a super abundant God and I was expecting super abundant responses. I didn't presume to know exactly what He would do I would just literally ask Him to do the unimaginable. I resolved that my prayer life would arise from mediocrity and would be the channel that God could display His glory.
Do you see my problem? Not really. Well over the last several months I have been petitioning the Lord for one particular pressing need whose urgency became glaringly obvious. During that time the breadth of my confidence level ran from fairly secure to “Lord, I think I am going to have a nervous breakdown if you don’t show up soon”. As I was sitting on my couch one day, worrying to God, I was reminded of my requests for unimaginable answers to prayers. I felt the Lord whisper in my spirit “Isn’t this what you asked for?” Indeed it was.
You see, when you start asking for unimaginable answers to prayer, that means you can’t figure out what God is going to do. Otherwise, they would be imaginable answers to prayer. Do you see my dilemma? I am somehow more comfortable with my prayer life when I can figure out God’s plan A or plan B? It is amazing how my confidence deflates when there is no plan A, B, …..or Z in sight. Until then I hadn’t recognized that my prayer life had become like living on the spiritual edge. I guess when I weigh the pros and cons I really do want it that way. But I realized you need courage to pray in the realm of the unimaginable. It isn’t for the faint of heart.
David, the man after God’s own heart, would have understood my perspective. In 2 Samuel 7, we find David settled in the palace as King and he realizes, here he is living in a palace while the ark of God is residing in a tent. He purposes to build a “house” for the ark. But a word from the LORD comes to him through Nathan the prophet.
“Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD says; Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?....The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you.” (verses 5 & 11)
Pretty cool stuff. David purposed to do for God what God wanted to do for him. But something really interesting happens as David responds.
“O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you.’ So your servant has found courage to offer you this prayer.” 2 Sam 7:27.
David was so taken back by what God wanted to do for him. It was unimaginable. This was something that he couldn’t even have thought to ask for. He was living on the spiritual prayer life edge, he was about to pray for the exceedingly abundantly more then he could ask or think kind of prayer. He realized he needed courage.
“Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.” 2 Sam 7:29
David wasn’t just asking for a literal house. He was petitioning God to bless His family line forever. The house of David as it were. This house was to be a royal house, a dynasty of kings. Was he aware of the weight of that petition? Did he know that through him would come the King of Kings? The Davidic Messiah?
So where does David get that kind of courage and boldness before God? He got it from God. God told him what He was going to do for him, he need only ask it. I wonder how often I shrink back from courage to ask for the things that God has told me already in His word that He wants me to have. Things like a life void of mediocrity, an ability to understand His word, wisdom, knowledge, strength, power, fullness of joy….. I recede from the abundance that He desires for me because the unimaginable prayer life takes courage. A courage of faith.
When it comes down to it, when I strip away all the spiritual masks that I hide behind, do I really believe that He loves me and wants to bless me? Do I really believe that His desire is to do the unimaginable in my life? Do I walk with assurance knowing that He has so much more intended for my life then I have the guts to believe Him for? I am not talking about the kind of belief that says well if I act like I believe it, it will happen. I am talking deep down in the very recesses of my belief system, if you were to watch my life; I live like I know it to be true. Not in a prideful arrogance but in a humble submission knowing that it isn’t because of my worthiness but because of His ability to love and bless beyond reason. Can I accept, in fact, that is the way it is with God?
My fear and anxiety over these last few months revealed how I believed God wanted to relate with me. If I truly believed His desire was to bless me beyond what I could think, then I wouldn’t have been so worried. To my credit, I did take the plunge into the beyond, choosing to not settle for mediocrity, but for abundance. It was the scariest spiritual roller coaster ride to date, but God did show up and I don’t mind telling you it was in the eleventh hour. (I am still talking to Him about that) He showed up with such brilliance even now it brings tears to my eyes. He is so much smarter then me and the way that He worked it all out commands nothing less then a standing ovation. I applaud the wonder of God. I stand amazed. His desire is, indeed, to love and bless beyond reason and to do the unimaginable. And to Him be the glory!
Beware in your prayer, above everything, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what he can do.
Andrew Murray
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