Our present life

“Our present life feels like a real fight as if there was something pretty wild in the universe which we needed to redeem.”-William James

In Chapter 5 (“Bold Authority”) of Moving Mountains, John Eldredge comments on words that get tacked onto the end of many prayers, yet seem to lack little of their original punch-“In Jesus’ name, Amen.”  Amen, once a declaration, now has the emotional force of ‘talk to you later’ at the end of a phone call.

John emphasizes that “In Jesus’ name” is a far, far more declarative and final command than “Amen.”  By saying “In Jesus’ name,” we are utilizing the ultimate authority of God to enforce the power of our prayers.   The whole spiritual realm, including effective prayer, runs on authority.  The author adds: “It is the secret to the kingdom of God and one of the essential secrets to prayer that works.”

The Lord’s Prayer, held high and repeated ritually, tells us to invoke the kingdom of God.  John asserts that we are partners with Jesus in this mission to invoke God’s kingdom.  The obvious implication, John observes, is that God’s kingdom is not always come and His will is not always done on earth as it is in heaven.  Jesus wouldn’t urge us to pray for something that has no meaning.  Mr. Eldredge summarizes:

“Apparently our biggest need is for his kingdom to invade our lives and our worlds. . . . It make perfect sense for Jesus to teach us to invoke his kingdom in our prayers; it makes all the sense in the world.  And it opens up staggering opportunities for prayer.”

Today’s question: In your present life, what do the words “In Jesus’ name, Amen” mean to you?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “Rule and reign”

Our present life

A great and difficult task

“When you have a great and difficult task, something perhaps almost impossible, if you only work a little at a time, every day a little, suddenly the work will finish itself.”- Isak Dinesen

When June Hunt teaches on forgiveness, she often issues this directive: “If you have never ever prayed the Lord’s Prayer please raise your hand.”  Ms. Hunt reports that she has yet to see a hand go up.

Specifically referencing the words “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,” June asks you to consider this: Did you really mean it?  Think about it.

If you really mean those words, you are asking God to forgive you just as you have forgiven those who wounded you.  June observes that if you’re like everyone else, essentially your first thought is God forbid (emphasis author’s)!

When a wound is deep and the offense great, complete forgiveness can only be a process.  Ms. Hunt offers seven strategies to help you win that race one step at a time.  The first two strategies are discussed today.

1.  Acknowledge your thoughts, then give them to God.  June underscores the fact that it is impossible to never think about an emotional rock that “wounds you, steals your security, and breaks your heart.”  The key to successfully dealing with such bruising boulders isn’t forgetting your thoughts, but consciously refusing to dwell on them.

2.  Meditate on God’s Word and speak it aloud.  Unwanted thoughts that are turned away must be replaced by something else.  June states Jeremiah 23:29 is a graphic illustration of the power God’s Word has to literally destroy our rocks of resentment:

“Is not my [the Lord’s] word . . . like a hammer that breaks a rock into pieces?”

Ms. Hunt encourages you to reach for your Bible and repeatedly absorb the truths of God.  She states the bottom line: “God’s Word heals our hearts!”

Today’s question: How does acknowledging that forgiveness is a great and difficult task help you begin the process?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “Use your power tools”

A great and difficult task

Less is more

“Give us this day our daily bread.”- Matthew 6:11

“When God gives a vision, He makes provision.”- Mark Batterson

Commenting on the above petition from the Lord’s Prayer at the beginning of Chapter 14 (“Lord Algebra”) of The Grave Robber, Mark Batterson wryly observes that we really wish the word daily was replaced with weekly, monthly, or yearly.  However, depending on God on a daily basis has us right where He wants us.  Mark then comments on what does not define spiritual maturity:

“Spiritual maturity is not self-sufficiency.  In fact, our desire for self-sufficiency is a subtle expression of our sinful nature.  It’s a desire to get to a place where we don’t need God.  We want God to provide more so we need Him less.”

As Mark reminds us, while everyone wants a miracle, no one wants to be in a situation that necessitates one.  Yet, God is gracious to put us in situations where enough isn’t enough.  In other words, less is more.

The book of Numbers tells us that when God miraculously provided manna for the Israelites, He provided just enough.  Daily manna was a reminder of their daily dependence on God.  Mark concludes:

“So while we may want a one-year supply of God’s mercy, His mercies are new every morning. If God provided too much too soon, we’d lose our raw dependence upon God, our raw hunger for God.  So God usually provides enough, just in time.”

Today’s question: What Bible verses, Christian books, or Christian songs remind you of your raw hunger and dependence on God?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “The Giving Game”

 

Less is more