Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

CLEAN HANDS AND A PURE HEART

“Who may ascend and stand before the Lord?” He that has clean hands and a pure heart.

I love this scripture verse. It doesn’t say that I have to be perfect before I come to the Lord. It doesn’t say I have to get it right all of the time. It simply says that if my heart is right and my hands are clean, then I, much like the priest of old, may also stand before the God of the Universe.

Having clean hands and a pure heart takes work and much of that work belongs to the Triune God. Ezekiel 11:19 says this:

“I will give them on heart [a new heart] and I will put a new spirit within them; and I will take the stony [unnaturally hardened] heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh [sensitive and responsive to the touch of their God]. You mean I just can’t will myself into having a pure heart? According to scripture, that’s exactly what it means. Only the Almighty God can give us a new heart, one that is sensitive and responsive to His touch and His voice. Contrary to popular Hollywood depictions, God speaks to us in a still, small voice. While He is well able to speak in a loud audible voice, the truth is most times He doesn’t. This is why having a pure or sensitive heart is important. It allows us to hear God when He speaks to us.

When our heart grows hard or stony, it puts us in danger on two fronts. First, hardened hearts often mean we’re more likely to hurt other people. Have you ever seen an animal that’s been wounded over and over again? It typically tries to attack anyone that comes near it, even those who have the means to heal it. Such is the case with human beings. We tend to lash out at anyone that approaches us, be they friend or foe.

Second, stony-hearted individuals tend to miss the will and voice of God. Because we’re unable to hear God, we tend to rely on our own wisdom and understanding which often results in increased anguish, frustration and heart ache. The Talmud says that the highest form of wisdom is kindness. True kindness can only be released from a softened heart. God desires to soften our hearts so that we can hear his voice and receive the many blessings He wants to give us. Without a heart that is sensitive to God’s voice we run the risk of becoming rebellious or stiff-necked. Remember when Moses was on the mountain with God and the people rebelled by having Aaron build them a golden-calf? How about when they were in the wilderness and complained about God’s miraculous provisions of quail and manna?

Having a hardened or impure heart causes us to look at the miraculous provisions of God and scoff at or rebuke them. It causes us to become ungrateful, narrow minded and foolish.

Friday, January 11, 2013

NO MORE CHAINS – FORGIVE AND BE FREE

Un-forgiveness, bitterness, resentment or any other type of offense have one thing in common: they all strip us of the ability to hear from God. The word of God is very clear. If we want God to forgive our sins, trespasses or offenses against Him, we must forgive others of their offenses and sins. In Ephesians 4:30-32, we are encouraged to be tenderhearted, compassionate and understanding of others, forgiving one another as God forgave us. When we harbor feelings of anger, ill-will or offense toward others, we grieve the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

When we refuse to let go the hurt, pain or offense caused by others, it hardens our heart and creates a barrier between us and God. In essence, un-forgiveness prevents us from being sensitive to God’s voice and promptings. It causes us to inflict undue harm and pain upon ourselves. Recently, I read a saying on Facebook, “refusing to forgive someone is like taking poison and hoping the other person dies.”

When we don’t let go of the hurt or anger caused by others, we literally poison ourselves. The well of love, joy, peace of mind and grace that once flowed freely in our lives, is now contaminated, bitter and void of life. Its rancid waters now carry rancid nutrients to the thirsty areas in our hearts. Un-forgiveness robs you of the ability to enjoy the many blessings of God. It causes you to become spiritually constipated and unable to release the impurities in your heart. In order to worship God in the beauty of holiness—in the spirit of truth—forgiving those who have hurt, mistreated or used you is essential. Worshipping God, similar to the Bhakti, requires active involvement. Holding on to anger, animosity or offense, blocks your ability to worship and receive from God. For many of us, this is our story. But ask yourself this: why would you allow someone to live in your heart rent free while robbing you of your prized possessions? The answer is you wouldn’t.

We have to be willing to give ourselves the gift of forgiveness. When Paul and Silas were chained in prison, their simple act of worship caused their chains to loose and the jail doors to fly open. The same holds true for us. By embracing forgiveness, we cause the chains and shackles that bind us to fall powerlessly to the ground. This simple act of faith and courage, releases us to walk in power and live victoriously. We don’t have to fall prey to un-forgiveness. We can let the peace from Christ rule our hearts. This peace empowers us to release the hurts of offense and embrace the fruit of the spirit: patience, kindness, love, joy, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, peace and self-control. We must allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. We must learn to be “responsive to and guided by the Spirit,” as stated in Galatians 5:16. Forgiveness is an act of worship that allows God to bless and heal us.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

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Tuesday, January 8, 2013

BE STILL

For many of us, the art of being still is a foreign concept. We’re used to dabbling with our smart phones, perusing websites while we chat or eating dinner with the television on. We inundate ourselves with sounds and pictures that occupy space in our hearts and take priority in our minds. In short, we’re busy being busy. “Let be and be still, and know, recognize and understand that I am God.” The practice of being still before God is a skill that must be learned, developed and practiced. Many of us find difficulty with the concept of sitting still because our flesh likes to be busy. Like Taoist principle suggests, we expend a great deal of energy trying to do everything, when in essence, we’re not doing anything at all. In short, the flesh tries to convince us that being active means we’re being productive—not so. Spiritual productivity comes as a result of sitting quietly in the presence of God and listening to what He has to say to us. Contrary to what we like to think, sitting quietly before God does not entail rattling off a list of our latest wants, desires or let downs. God is not a modern day Santa Claus. He is the one who loves you and desires for you to allow Him to show His love without reservation. God longs for you to embrace Him, and receive Him. How can you do this? By sitting in His presence.

Sometimes sitting in God’s presence means you sit and say nothing. By sitting silently, you are practicing how to listen intently to God. One of the best ways I’ve learned how to listen is by asking God if there is anyone He’d like me to pray for or encourage. Often times, God will respond by impressing someone on my heart: my child’s teacher, a friend or even someone I don’t know that well. Regardless of who the person is, I try to listen to God and wait for specific instructions on what I can do to pray or bless the person. Doing a good thing at the wrong time is still the wrong thing to do. Waiting for God’s instructions, will help ensure that words of encouragement are received in the way God intends.

As we listen for God’s directions and guidance, He will give us ideas, revelations or creative answers to our circumstances that we never even considered. God is our provision and our present help, we need only look to Him and wait for His answer. It may take a few minutes or a few days, but God will always answer. So, don’t be too quick to dismiss the practice of stillness as futile just because you haven’t heard from God in the first 30 seconds of your quiet time. The truth is you have to take the time to listen. You have to practice releasing your cares, worries and concerns so that you can hear clearly from the God of Heaven.

Friday, January 4, 2013

ARE YOU WILLING TO FOLLOW?

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12 Can you imagine? Here is Jesus, the carpenter, boldly proclaiming to the people that He is the light of the world. He unequivocally declares that anyone who will follow him will never walk in darkness. His voice does not tremble. His words are not muttered. He simply declares with all power and authority that darkness is now defunct.

To the masses, this posed a serious problem. Who was this man that spoke with such authority? Sure he healed people and taught in the synagogues but what gave him the right to declare that he was the light of the world? For some in the audience, the message simply went over their heads. For others, it seemed like he unjustly placed himself on a pedestal. To the believer, however, the message was loud and clear: darkness, and all it stood for, was a defeated foe.

The believer discerns that darkness comes in the form of job loss, sickness or maybe even death of a loved one. The believer understands that darkness materializes in the form of depression, debilitating fear or anxiety attacks. The believer knows first-hand that darkness is birthed by life’s valley experiences, pit persecutions and fiery furnace moments. Believers know all about darkness; but they also know about living in the light.

Regardless of the kind of darkness that materializes in your life, Jesus promises that believers—those who follow him—will never walk in darkness. Instead, we will have light in the form of peace, healing, guidance and love. We will have our answer and light of the world—Jesus—walks with and edifies us during the most hopeless times in our lives. Never again will we be subject to live a life void of faith and hope.

Similar to Judaism which teaches that God seeks to bestow kindness and love unto His people, Jesus declares that those who believe in and follow him will experience his love and kindness in a new and profound way. His followers will experience this love through his provision of guidance, hope, and strength. The psalmist proclaims, “Oh, how great is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who trust in you.” Trusting God is an inner expression of our faith and hope in God. Following Jesus, the Lamb of God, is an extension of that faith and trust. When believers understand that the dark places in our lives are no match for the light of the world, we can begin to receive and experience the effects of Jesus’ light in powerful ways. Healing of old wounds, joy in the midst of turmoil, peace of mind and grace are Jesus’ to share with those who follow him—with those who love him. Will you follow Jesus today? If you do, darkness will never triumph over you again.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

SPEND TIME WITH GOD

Like a giddy little girl, I climbed into the rocking chair with my Nanna trying to find the right spot on her lap. After a few tummy tickles, a kiss on the nose, and a few bounces on her knee, I finally found it. There I sat, safely nestled in her arms as she spoke to me in soft whispers, feeding me stories of eras long past. She shared her plans for the day, the places we would visit and her hopes for the future. She spoke and I listened. Such is how our relationship with the Father should be.

In James 4:8, we are admonished to come to the Father with outstretched hands. The scripture says that when “we come close to God, God will come close to us.” God wants us to wiggle through the chaos and valley experiences in our life and find the perfect spot on His lap. He wants us to make time to rest safely in His arms while we listen to Him reveal His plans, hopes and direction for our lives. If we truly desire to hear from God and conduct ourselves in a manner that is pleasing to him, then we must make spending time with Him a priority. But what does spending time with God look like?

Spending time with God is as simple as having a conversation with an old friend. It can be as long or as short as you want it to be. You can discuss something major or something minute—the choice is yours. Spending time with the Father can also include meditation, a staple in the way of life for Christians as well as Buddhists.

Meditation is simply allowing the word of God to root itself in the inner parts of your mind and soul. It is during meditation of the word, that we hear God’s voice through scripture. We read the verse, think about its meaning and pray for revelation of how to apply its principles or power to our lives. In essence, you allow the word of God to illuminate the dark areas of our minds. Once these areas are illuminated, we can then begin to “course correct” our lives. What does this mean? It means we do an about-face. We stop walking, turn around and adjust our steps accordingly. In other words, we repent for the things that we’ve done and we recommit ourselves to living a God-inspired life.

In Psalms 27:4 David says, “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that I will seek…that I may behold and gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to meditate, consider and inquire in his temple.” For David, the only thing that truly satisfied the longing within him was to spend more time with God—it’s what David wanted.

Like David, we need to want more of God all the days our lives. We need to pursue God if we are to hear His voice, receive His blessings and draw closer to Him.

Monday, December 31, 2012

My Heart’s Cry

Wondrous, Holy God my soul pants for you. How I long to be wrapped in the splendor of heaven’s glory, of beauty’s truth. For I am like David, decreeing into the heaven that you are the one thing I desire, and the center of all I seek. Your glory’s song burns, as eternal embers in my heart, drawing me nearer to your throne. Redemption’s kiss stains my soul, drawing me deeper into your arms—into your presence. Your love is mine; and my love is only for you. I will sing of your sweetness. I will sing of your majesty. I will the song of my heart.”

We are created in the image and likeness of a Holy God. This means we are intrinsically designed for worship. In the beginning, the bible tells us that Adam and Eve walked with God—that His glory shrouded them. He knew their thoughts and they knew His heart. He talked to Him, could look at Him and could touch Him if they so chose. The first spirit-filled man and women enjoyed abundant provision, joy, and glory. Eden was perfect setting for worship and adoration; and absolutely exists today—in our soul.

The soul is comprised of the mind, will and emotions. It is the epicenter of thoughts and feelings. It is the place where we can commune with a Holy God, journey with Him and allow His provision and joy to overtake us. In that place—that Eden-esque place—we can kneel closer to throne established in our hearts. We can bow lower in reverence of heaven’s power and grace. We are God’s handiwork and we are created to worship Him in spirit and in truth just like the angels.

Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels around the throne, and the four living creatures, and the elders. There were thousands and thousands of angels,12 saying in a loud voice: “The Lamb who was killed is worthy to receive power, wealth, wisdom, and strength, honor, glory, and praise!" 13 Then I heard all creatures in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea saying: "To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever." 14 The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders bowed down and worshiped.

The bible says that everything that has breath will praise the Lord. It says that every knee bows in reverence and every tongue confesses that Christ is indeed the Lamb of God. Worship isn’t something that we do; it’s who we are. To worship the Father is the heart cry of each of us.

Monday, December 24, 2012

It Is Well

“As the heavens through bountiful whispers proclaim the splendid works of an awesome God, so too should my life be that all who behold its miraculous wonders would know there is indeed a God in heaven.”

Life is full of roller coaster like experiences that leave you feel exhilarated one moment and completely nauseated the next. You find yourself on top of the world, beating your chest in victory and triumph. Next thing you know, you’re wallowing in the trenches trying to ascertain what went wrong. There’s a reason for the saying life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get. There’s a reason the bible tells us to be strong and very courageous. To live this life, you have to be.

It’s understandable that you’re going to get knocked down. You’re going to be tossed around like a ship without a sail or worse. Just know this: God is not surprised. As a matter of fact, He’s got a plan in place. Truth be told, He had the plan in place eons ago—and by eons I mean when He first called forth light into the world. God is not finite. He sees the beginning, the end and everything in between. His capacity to conduct our lives is only surpassed by His deep-seeded love for us. The Creator of heaven and earth LOVES us. What’s more, He is not caught off guard by our circumstances. If you find yourself feeling like life’s vice grips have you by the jugular, just know that God is still moving on your behalf and the feeling will pass. When your heart and soul become weary and it seems all hope is lost, God will indeed raise up His holy banner decreeing to the adversary—and all those who stand with him—that his reign is over. God is not the kind of God that needs to back track, re-focus and then move forward. He’s the kind of God that sees the end results and preps us to handle what occurs in between. He is our rod and our staff—our edifier and our encourager. He constantly journeys with us ever careful to guide us through the wavering and often time tumultuous tides of life.

The bible says never have the righteous been forsaken. It also reminds us that the Lord is our present help. It confirms to us that even though chaos and uncertainty surround us on all sides, God promises to lead us by the still waters. He promises to restore our soul.

Looking inward to resolve your own problems or circumstance will only yield anxiety, stress and fear. Looking to Great I AM, however, will yield peace of mind, hope and joy. Why joy? Because the bible says that the joy of the Lord is our strength. There is joy in knowing that despite how it feels, you’re never alone because the Chief Advocate is always with you.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Crazy Christian

We live in a time where things that were once considered upright, just or simple common sense is clouded or condemned by things that are frivolous, futile and simply bass ackward. For example, did you know that in many states in this country that it’s perfectly legal for a 14-year-old to have an abortion without parental consent? Yet it’s illegal to mention the name of God in the pledge of allegiance or even in schools? Are you aware that years ago, a former CEO of a well-known company was sentenced to 3 years in prison for stealing $3 billion? At the same time, a married couple was jailed –and their 2-year-old daughter placed in foster care—for accidentally forgetting to pay for a $5 sandwich while leaving the grocery store. Clearly, there’s a problem.

These types of scenarios are very prevalent in today’s society. Decency, forgiveness and common courtesy are all but dead while religious prejudice, social injustice and deceit are rampant. Times have changed and with it comes a new kind of assault: indifference. Suffering is at an all time high. Sickness, disease and death run amuck while some of us are content to live within the four walls of our church buildings. We are content with the occasional outreach for the underprivileged or the once-in-a-blue-moon canned food drive for the homeless. We savor the self-centered ideology that continually perpetuates the nauseating notion that THIS is what Christ died for. Not so. The Lord says, "My thoughts are not like your thoughts. Your ways are not like my ways. 9 Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55-8-9

Here’s what God says we should do:

Free the people you have put in prison unfairly and undo their chains. Free those to whom you are unfair and stop their hard labor. Share your food with the hungry and bring poor, homeless people into your own homes. When you see someone who has no clothes, give him yours, and don't refuse to help your own relatives. Isaiah 58: 6-7

The scripture makes it quite clear what His body should be accomplishing in the land. We are the arms, legs, feet and face of Christ in the earth—our deeds should reflect that. We ARE Christ’s bride. We ARE His body. We will respond accordingly. We serve a God who has unlimited resources. Money is no object. If God be for us, none can stand against us. If we are doing the will of the Father in the land, there is NO good thing He will withhold from us. We have the backing of the El Shaddai, the Lord of Hosts, and the Supreme Creator, shouldn’t we be crazy enough to believe that we can and will do all things through Christ who gives us strength? I’m a crazy Christian. Are you?

Monday, December 10, 2012

Condemned No More

One of the most comforting passages in the bible is definitely Romans 8:1-4 which states Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

There is NO condemnation to those who are in Christ. This means every time your adversary rushes in to flood your heart with guilt because of past sin, you can rebuke him. It means for every time you opt to do the wrong thing instead of the right thing, you can repent knowing that the charges against you have been dismissed. Because of Christ’s work on the cross, you have been freed from the law of sin and death. What a powerful concept!

For far too many people, condemnation is a powerful reality. The same way stress or anxiety wrecks havoc on the mind and the body, is the same way condemnation damages the spirit and the soul. If allowed to fester, condemnation can escalate into thoughts of suicide, sickness, anger, rage, bitterness, depression and self-contempt. It can constrict the mind—as a vice grip does an object—bringing with it wave after wave of deep-seeded pain and crippling isolation which can be very difficult to escape. But all things are possible to him who believes.

Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross nullifies the power of condemnation. Because He was in the likeness of sinful flesh and was an offering for sin, Christ’s death means that sin was and is defeated. The bible tells us that he made an open spectacle of the adversary as he reclaimed power and victory over sin, death and condemnation. His death settled the dispute. His resurrection reinforced His victory; decreeing once and for all that those who believe in Him are no longer subject to condemnation’s sting.

You no longer have to feel ashamed for your past. You no longer have to hang your head in shame because of what you’ve done. Christ’s blood—has and will always—cleanses the inner places of your soul. The blood He shed is powerful enough to free those in captivity—be it emotional or spiritual. Purpose in your mind to live surrendered to the things of the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to guide you in your deeds and thoughts. For scripture says that if we fulfill the things of the spirit, then we will be lead by the spirit. Do not live according to your sinful self, instead live uprightly and give no leeway to condemnation.