Hope in Times of Hurt in Healing

Just considering the past in little random thoughts this morning while reading my Bible...

Heard a minister preach once from this passage:

Rom 8:33-39

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (KJV)

The minister said that what is missing from this verse is worth consideration, "the past." Is is possible that we can let our pasts separate us from the love of Jesus? Last night, a young man stopped by our home for a visit. In the conversation, he lamented the fact that he knows Jesus has forgiven his past, but that he cannot forgive himself. Maybe there is some truth to the belief that we may not allow ourselves to feel the love of Jesus and experience the healing of hurt because we cannot forgive ourselves for our pasts.

Having said those thoughts, my mind this morning is actually considering Moses, a man whose past caused him not to go over into the land promised to his fathers. Yet, in mercy, the Lord did let Moses see the land (Deut. 34:1-7). The fact that Moses was not allowed to go into the Promised Land does not diminish, in my opinion, the work he did for the kingdom's sake. The fact that he even lived at birth was a miracle in light of the "abortion of the times" that was taking place. Later, the children of Israel were delivered from Egypt because of Moses' leadership. The 10 Commandments were given to Moses. Joshua trained under Moses. All of the business details and spiritual guidance of 40 years in the wilderness were under his hand through the direction of God. Moses blessed the children of Israel prior to his death. He wrote and those writings now comprise books of the Bible we read. Moses was frequently mentioned by the writers of the New Testament. The list would be endless, if one were to go into every detail of Moses' productive life. Yet, one day of that life changed everything.

Num 20:7-13

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him.

And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the Lord, and he was sanctified in them. (KJV)

We may never know the profound meaning and consequences of any moment in time. Such is the case with the example (Moses' life) I have shared. That day at Meribah truly changed everything. Yet, it changed nothing. What battles did Moses face in his personal life and in his mind? Who knows? Still, Moses continued to what he knew to do and to live right. Moses is referred to as the "servant of God" in the book of Revelations.

Rev 15:2-4

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. (KJV)

Only we can take ourselves from the hands of the Lord Jesus. His faithfulness is great. His mercies are new every morning! Hope can be found and experienced in times of hurt in and from healing, especially concerning the past. Somewhere, somehow, Moses found that place of forgiveness and healing. No matter where the road of life has led for each of us, no matter what it has cost or may cost in terms of dreams and promises, even when the past confronts in unexpected ways ... HOPE abounds!

Underneath Are His Everlasting Arms

Deut 33:27

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. (KJV)

Sabbatical ... Somewhat

How faithful is our God! I am thankful for His mercy in arranging my return to teaching in St. Tammany Parish. My new school is already "home." After the wilderness of last school year, this educational "land of promise" overflows with joy! So, I have decided to take "somewhat" of a "sabbatical" from my personal writing and focus on yet another transition to a new school. While I may never fully understand His purpose in last school year, Jesus has abundantly blessed me to be where I now am. I want to be my very best through His anointing. Surely, I will write from time to time simply to capture and express those deeper moments. As of now, however, I do plan to predominantly move toward other interests throughout this school year.

I thank you for your presence here. May you be blessed beyond measure, especially in spiritual areas. As always, please keep me in your prayers.

Isa 40:28-31

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

(King James Version)

 

Nothing Is Impossible

http://youtu.be/7wMt4XrV51Q


Ps 119:173

Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.


Ps 121

 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
(KJV)

Nothing is impossible with Jesus. I know that no matter what I face, He has everything in control. My part is to listen and walk in His word. Even in times of blessing, I choose his ways and depend upon Him to lead and protect me. Nothing is impossible with Him!

May you find Him to be EVERYTHING you need today as you allow Him to have His way!

http://youtu.be/VxKuDu2Vu1k

Unconditional Love--A Journey of Hope

Unconditional Love

During and after a special time of fellowship with Jesus in prayer last night, I began to read about and contemplate the children of Israel and their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Typically, my mind thinks from the perspective of the people. After all, I am one! My personal history, especially prior to the year 1990, could be compared in many ways to this story. So, I relate to people who are always looking for the "missing something" in life. Last night for just a moment, though, I saw a glimpse of the children of Israel through the Lord's eyes. What a story of unconditional love...

Myspace Quotes Graphics

Everything the Lord did, 
every move He made, 
was at heart an 
act of love. 

Indeed, God is love!

Despite the captivity that the Israelites had faced, the plan of God was to deliver them and lead them to a land flowing with milk and honey. They had seen him perform miracles before Pharaoh. They had gone out with a proverbial high hand from Egypt. However, for much of the multitude, their own "issues" would never really let them trust in His great love. Instead of an easy journey, theirs turned out to be a most troubled one. Many of their trials were allowed as proving grounds. Maybe the Lord simply wanted to see and to let them see whether or not their love for Him was as unconditional as His love for them was and is.

 __________

Ex 15:24-27

And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?

 And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,

 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.

 And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

 

Water Reflections Pictures Comments - Photobucket

_____

Time and time again, He provided. They mumbled, grumbled and failed to trust. He was at times angry. When all was said and done, He still reached out in love and continued to lead them along the way--fire by night and cloud by day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vmY2ztb5xc

 Eventually, they were ready to move into the Promised Land. However, they sent spies to check out the situation. Ten returned with dismay. Only two (Joshua and Caleb) believed that they were able to take the land. This unbelief caused them to wander for many years in the wilderness. All of the older generation died before they actually began to enter the Promised Land. Through it all, the Father provided. Their clothing, their food and everything else they needed was provided daily. They did not always deserve it. Who ever does?! In fact, their attitude was stinky at times and they faced some rough roads. Yet, in love, God always provided and kept the multitude on the journey. In the end, Joshua and Caleb received the blessing! Joshua actually led the people into the land. Caleb asked for and received his "mountain!" Apparently, the Lord even gave him supernatural strength for an old man to be able to "take a mountain." I'm particularly impressed by the fact that these two men held it together all of those years, wandering in a wilderness that was nothing of their own doing. Their faith had always been high. They had always felt that it could be done. Yet, they lived peacefully with the consequences of the decisions of others until the Lord finally prepared the people to truly take the land. What a tremendous example of the unconditional love of God! He keeps His promises, no matter how unlikely their fulfillment may seem at times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPaU7jJvqRc
When the younger generation returned to take the land, the outlook was different. About 40 years had passed. They saw things differently. I would imagine that they could look back and see mistakes made. They had surely had time to contemplate the errors of the past and bring them to their Father. The same mistakes would not be repeated. This time, they listened. They obeyed. They followed. Even when the instructions likely seemed puzzling and irrational (e.g., walk around the wall and later blow trumpets) and made them look questionable to others, they obeyed.

Josh 6:13-16

And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord went on continually, and blew with the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; but the rearward came after the ark of the Lord, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.

And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into the camp: so they did six days.

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times.

 And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2sZuJbxi8Y&feature=related

_________

None of us really knows what the future holds. Sometimes, the Lord just rips the scales right from our eyes and lets us take a good, long look at ourselves. Yes, the past is under the blood once we are washed in the blood of Jesus through baptism and raised to walk in newness of life through the infilling of the Holy Ghost. But, sometimes we are forced to look back and learn. Nehemiah had such an experience when he retold the story about the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. He commented on God's hearing ear and the number of times He had moved on behalf of his people because of their cries and His own great mercy. All He ever really wanted to do was take them to a land flowing with milk and honey.


Neh 9:28

 But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies;

__________

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiVvHxgHL5Q&feature=related

The Lord knows when we are ready to take that look back and face the wounds of the past. I'm so thankful that He continues to lead and guide without reservation in spite of our pasts. His love is so unconditional. That statement does not imply in any way that He won't judge sin. He's the ONLY judge. But, He's also the one whose blood purchased forgiveness so that we can receive redemption, restoration and ultimately life forever with Him.

The last few weeks, He has taken me on a journey of restoration. Many who read my blog will know already that I was in my late 20's (approaching 30 years old) when I was baptized in the name of Jesus and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Most do not know much about the tough years that eventually led me to a Pentecostal church, about a decade. How moving and beautiful that 21 years later, Jesus would send my past to my door for redemption! I pray for wisdom and His guidance in giving and receiving that healing and unconditional love He still offers today...

In Jesus' name...

Rom 5:7-10

 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rs32vmDE9g

Daniel 7: Dreams

I was just reading Daniel 7 again and had a few "deeper days" thoughts about dreams. I hold no claims to expertise on dreams or dreaming. However, I do know that Jesus sometimes speaks through dreams and dreamers. Not all dreams have spiritual implications. If certain symbols in dreams always meant the same thing from dream to dream, there would be no need for interpretation. So, I feel certain that I would find secular books on dreams to be likely of no value for me personally! I do believe in prayer. And, I believe that Jesus sometimes speaks through dreams. Here are some examples in scripture:

Genesis 20:3

Genesis 31:11

Genesis 31:24

Genesis 37:5

Genesis 40:5

Genesis 41:7

Numbers 12:6

Judges 7:13

I Kings 3:5

Jeremiah 23:28

Daniel 2:3

Daniel 4:5

Daniel 7:1

Joel 2:28

Matthew 1:20

Matthew 2:12

Matthew 2:19

Matthew 27:19

Acts 2:17

Of course, the scripture also contains warnings about the multitude of dreams and using them falsely. In short, it all comes back to prayer. I pray for wisdom, knowledge and discerning of spirits. This morning I want to make some personal observations about dreams based upon Daniel 7. They are pretty simple.

1) Write the dream, if you think it's from the Lord. (See Daniel 7:1)

Daniel had no interpretation at the time he wrote the dream. Daniel had a dream. He wrote it down in detail. The interpretation came later.

2) You MAY need to tell your dream to someone. (See Daniel 7:1-2)

3) Don't be discouraged if you are perplexed for a while. (See Daniel 7:15)

4) Don't be afraid to seek an interpretation. (See Daniel 7:16)

When the Lord gives a dream, eventually He will give the interpretation in His perfect timing. The hard part is waiting. Even at the end of the interpretation, Daniel was still troubled (Daniel 7:28). He kept the matter and pondered it in his heart. Sometimes, we still don't "get what we are getting." Someone, somewhere may need to see what we have written or hear what we have spoken.

Please, Stir My Heart

 http://youtu.be/zHOaFLx84Yk

Sometimes my heart just needs to be stirred, renewed. How awesome to know that I can cry, "Abba, Father." The Lord is the strength of my life. He provides what I do not even realize sometimes that I need. He answers prayers in ways that I could not even have considered to ask. His goodness overwhelms me. His mercy heals me. He is my God!

 All of You, Jesus, is "more than enough for me."

Heb 4:12-16

 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
 

KJV

Just to Know Him

Jesus

So glad that we can 

Know Him--

In the NOW!

"Could it be that You would really rather die than live without us?" 

(Michael Card)

Know You in the Now 

(Philippians 3:10)

Echo of history
A light so many strain to see
The One we talk so much about
But rarely ever live it out
Could You tell me why
Was it for this You came and died
A once a week observance
When we coldly mouth Your words

Lord I long to see
Your presence in reality
But I don't know how
Let me know You in the now

We should confess
We lose You in our busyness
We've made You in our image
So our faith's idolatry
Lord, deliver me
Break my heart so I can see
All the ways You dwell in us
That You're alive in me

Lord I long to see
Your presence in reality
But I don't know how
Let me know You in the now

http://www.lyricstime.com/michael-card-know-you-in-the-now-lyrics.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuQX0NXFZAM&feature=related

Phil 3:10

 That I may know him, 

and the power of his resurrection, 

and the fellowship of his sufferings, 

being made conformable unto his death;


2 Cor 5:14-21 (Excerpts)

 For the love of Christ constraineth us...
If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new.
And all things are of God,
who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ,
and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 

To wit, that God was in Christ, 

reconciling the world unto himself...

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ...
we pray you in Christ's stead,
be ye reconciled to God.
For he hath made Him to be sin for us,
who knew no sin;
that we might be made
the righteousness of God in Him.

http://youtu.be/whjZTug_O-Y

The Name of Jesus--Salvation

As I was looking for a particular sermon online last night, I found this one by Reverend Mike Williams. He speaks plainly and boldly about the necessity of the NAME OF JESUS in salvation. In a world where the church often tries to look generic, hoping to attract unbelievers, I'm so thankful for voices still speaking Truth unashamedly and straightforwardly!

(There was no "embed code" available. You will need to click on the link below to hear the message. Blessings, Dee)

http://thepentecostals.com/archive.htm:

"Neither is There Salvation in Any Other," November, 2010

Does Truth Exist?

http://www.apostoliclive.com/play.php?vid=2850

"The Truth is absolute. There is but one God. And, His name is JESUS!"

Reverend Jerry Jones

Rom 3:3-4
 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar;
(KJV)

Walking in Truth

3 John 2-4

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

The letters written in second and third John are pretty short. But, they are powerful and to the point...

Just thinking this morning how important it is that we live in truth. Some believe in no absolutes. A friend recently told me about someone he knows who will receive instruction and guidance from nearly ANY book except the Bible. Perhaps, this little book of 3rd John helps to understand such a person. Why reject only one book? Because that book is a book of absolutes.

Some of the confusion today could be the result of the fact that the name of Jesus is powerful. Further, people learn how to use gifts. This problem was actually present when Jesus was walking and talking, teaching his disciples. John saw someone casting out devils in the name of Jesus. Jesus acknowledged that such events occur and indicated that the seeming offender was actually partially with them. Maybe just hearing the name of Jesus and feeling the release of that devil gone was a necessary step toward more truth for the "victim" of the demon.

 John 9:38-40

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Just want to make sure that I am walking toward truth and not away from it all of the days of my life by His grace.

Luke 9:61-62

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Acts 17:27-28

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:8 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

James 5:19-20

 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

http://www.apostoliclive.com/play.php?vid=1277

John 14:12-18

 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

If ye love me, keep my commandments.
 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

I will not leave you comfortless:

I will come to you.

http://www.apostoliclive.com/play.php?vid=3429

Thoughts on David's Sacrifice During the Plague

Whatever You Ask: Steve Camp
http://youtu.be/Kv4DDXJTga8
_____________________________________________

1 Chron 21:17-28  (All scriptures are KJV.)

 And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O Lord my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

 Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the Lord in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite. And David went up at the saying of Gad, which he spake in the name of the Lord.

And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat. And as David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David, and went out of the threshingfloor, and bowed himself to David with his face to the ground.

 Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the Lord: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people. And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all.

 And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost. So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight. And David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the Lord; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering. And the Lord commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.

 At that time when David saw that the Lord had answered him in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there.

_________________________________________________

The story is simple. David had sinned. Sooner or later, the price for sin would be paid. I am so thankful for the gift of repentance. Jesus paid the ultimate price and became the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Through that shedding of His own blood, He offers the gift of repentance freely.


Romans 6:23

 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Just as David did, we have to go by the altar of prayer and self-sacrifice. Our altar is not a physical one. Our sacrifice is not an animal. We have to sacrifice our own desires and worldly ambitions. We must offer what He reveals to us. Jesus told one man to go and sell all that had, give it away to the poor and follow Him in order to inherit eternal life (Luke 18:18-24). This requirement was not made of other people. The man had GREAT riches. Apparently, those riches stood between the man and Jesus. Whatever it is that stands between Jesus and each person must be laid individually upon an altar and sacrificed there. Sacrifice is not about saying. It is about doing. Words do not impress Jesus. The Apostle Paul expressed the discrepancy this way:

1 Cor 2:4-5
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Sometimes, our attitude shows best when we are NOT asked to give what we WANTED to offer. When David came to the threshingfloor and asked to purchase it, Ornan was willing to give all. A giver who is operating in the gift of giving can be a tremendous blessing! Whatever his reason for offering, Ornan was not the one required to give at this moment. In fact, Ornan's giving all would have hindered David's ability to produce the sacrifice he desperately needed to offer.

Even giving cannot be judged by external standards. We each have unique giftings and must be sensitive to the Holy Ghost in allowing us to bless with those gifts. Mistakes happen. Repentance and restoration are possible. Sometimes, the desire to be like someone else can actually hinder us from growing in the Lord. Taken to an extreme, such a focus on someone else might lead to coveting and actually attempting to be that person. How wonderful that Ornan kept a good spirit and backed down! He could have picked up an ugly attitude and thought, "I just wanted to give! How dare David! Who does he think he is?!" Instead, understanding allowed him to humbly accept the price that David had to pay. The fact is that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Sometimes it is actually easier to give than to receive. Both are necessary. Sensitivity is crucial.

David paid the price required to stop the plague. His offerings caused the Lord to answer by fire. David did not stop with offerings and an answer. THEN, he sacrificed. An entire book could possibly be written about how we respond AFTER the Lord has answered by fire. Indeed, the discussion concerning the difference between an offering and a sacrifice would be in order in such a work. This look at David's sacrifice does not allow for such in-depth writing.

Simply put, opportunities come to each of us who follow Jesus. We choose how far we will grow in Him. We choose whether or not we will stand in the gap for others who, for whatever reason, may be in a time of hopelessness. We choose our own attitudes and how we will respond to seeming rejection. We decide how we will handle being told, "No." When it is our turn to sacrifice, we either lay it down or we do not. We ultimately choose!


So, I'll end with a few questions for my own self today...

1) Am I willing to set up an altar in the name of the Lord?

Acts 4:10-12

 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Heb 13:10-16 (Excerpts)

We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach...let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

2) How much am I willing to give in order to do the will of God?

Heb 10:8-9 (Excerpts)

 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will...

Luke 21:1-4 

And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

3) What cost am I willing to pay?

Luke 14:27-30

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

 4) What sacrifice am I willing to make? Am I willing to receive?

Phil 4:18
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.


Rom 12:1-3
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.


Thousands of other questions might be asked and answered based upon this one story. Wherever the Word ministers, it accomplishes what the LORD sends it to do. I have no doubt that Jesus still speaks, even through the Old Testament. For, I have been privileged to hear that still, small voice as His words have echoed through the chambers of my heart and mind.

Be blessed today and always as you seek Jesus through His written Word!

When Praise Demands a Sacrifice: Larnelle Harris

http://youtu.be/nwi1YU_Mi_A