"Body Works" for May 2007

The song is based on John 3:30 and is a reminder that if we want the world to see more of Jesus in us, more of us must "die." I don't think any of us enjoys this process, but death is a part of our walk just as it was with Jesus while He was on earth. Jesus experienced a severe "winter," I think we'd all agree. Sometimes this "death" involves a vision we believe God gave us. Sometimes it is a relationship, or a job, or a dream. There is much in us that has to go through the "fires of affliction" or the hardships that produce godly character in us. Ever read Phil 3: 8-11? lol Of course, you have. Verse 10 reads: "0 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death." To get to the "power of the resurrection" we have to go through the "conformed to His death" part. Want another one to think about? Try Colossians 1:24. This verse blows my mind. The point is that suffering is part of our walk. It comes to each of us at different times, in different ways, but as surely as winter comes, so does suffering. Our job, should we accept the challenge, is to embrace Jesus and the work He desires to do in us through the winter season knowing it doesn't last forever! Spring does come ... eventually!

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NKJ

To whom was God speaking in this verse? He had a "captive" audience - that's a hint! lol God was talking to Israel captured and ruled by the Babylonians. This was not Israel's best hour, but God was revealing something about Himself ... about His intentions toward us, each of us. What was it the serpent proposed to Adam and Eve in the Garden? That God was withholding something "good" from them ... that He did NOT have their best interest at heart. The serpent raised doubts about God's intentions, and Adam and Eve bought it, and because they did, sin is now part of our nature.

On one hand, it's good to know I'm not the first believer to question God's motives. On the other hand, the consequences for their doubts have affected every human thereafter.

There are many reasons we have these doubts. Winter LOOKS bleak and barren. Trees LOOK dead. Our comfort level tells us something is wrong. The serpent is right there whispering, "God is blessing others, but not you! You're a failure! You're a loser! You have missed it big time, now!" Our experience tells us there aren't very many people we know whose intentions toward us are continually pure and effective for our good. We are taught young to question people's motives, and that runs over into our relationship with God. "Why God?" "Why me?", "Why my ____?" The minute we embrace any of these questions, like Adam and Eve, we have bought the serpent's insinuation that God is NOT for us, that He somehow has ulterior motives that are really NOT for our best interest, that Daddy God has withheld something that we really want/need for no good reason.

Standing in the checkout line at a grocery store with toddlers is a real challenge experienced by many of us. Little hands reach and grab. Is everything they touch good for them? Is everything they touch age/maturity appropriate for them? Is everything affordable? As human parents, if our toddler grabs a toy or something that is harmless, appropriate and affordable, do we not permit it at least sometimes? What about the times we don't. What are the reasons? OK now, big question, do we ever withhold s treat or toy maliciously or with evil intent? Hmmm yet, some of us feel somehow Daddy God has withheld what we feel are blessings, and because we cannot see His motives, we buy the lie ... "God's out to get us." Or maybe you are more performance based, like me, and assume, "I must have messed up someplace that God is withholding this blessing from me."

God spoke to the hearts of these captured and imprisoned Israelites just as He speaks to each of us. He revealed His heart to us just as surely as He does every spring. He knows our limitations (1 Cor 10:13) and has taken that into account (2 Cor 12:9). He promises each of us that our future is in His hands AND that it is good (Rom 8:28) because He is a GOOD Daddy! Any day now, we will begin to see NEW signs of life, His life growing in us. Watch for those snow crocuses as they peek through the melting snow. Listen for the return of the robins (at least here that is a good thing! ) and know that spring is coming, as it always does, and that which has seemed dead, will bring forth New Life.

Daddy God, I am sorry for the times I question your love for me and Your perfect plan that You are continually working out in my life. As contrary to my experience as it is, Daddy God, I thank You that Your motives are pure and Your intentions for me are only for my good. In fact, You created me with a destiny, a call, a specific purpose, and only You are able to work that out in my life. Forgive my arrogance and fear ... Forgive my small faith, and enable me to embrace this truth with all my heart ... You love me intimately. You desire only the best for me. You are moving heaven and earth to accomplish Your will in my life and in the lives of my loved ones. I am the apple of Your eye (Ps 17:8), Your workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which You prepared beforehand that I should walk in them. (Eph 2:10) I am being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, and I am accepted in the Beloved.(Phil 1:11; Eph 1:6) Daddy God, Your love is so pure and so strong for me that it sometimes scares me away. Yet You draw me with Your everlasting love (Jer 31:3). Thank You, Daddy God, for never, ever giving up on me and never letting go of my hand.

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