The Glory of the Lord

In church, we say and sing about longing to see the glory of the Lord.  This past week, my son and I did a wonderful father and son trip and hiked a section of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania.  For the novices we are, it was quite an undertaking.  I can tell you, the people they call thru-hikers definitely deserve some respect.

As we turned off the country road we started on, onto the AT, I prayed that the Lord would show me His glory in the nature around us.  While in places, our attention needed to be where each footstep was falling, we did look around a good bit.  The beauty of the LORD's creation is rich.  The earth is the LORD's creative work.  It is His glory and for his glory and pleasure.  The earth and the heavens display the work of his hands, his perfect, holy, creative genius.  We saw trees, mountains, streams, and the beautiful greenness of spring.  If you go to http://www.mightyrivermusic.com, you can see some of our pictures.  God's creation is a wonder.  The Lord is amazing.

  

So today and onward, instead of just breezin' through on your way to work, take a breath and truly look at the beauty of the Lord's creation that enfolds you.  Let the praise of all creation stir worship up in you.  

Open Heavens, my friends...

Mark

Nature in Turmoil

Yesterday when I was talking with a neighbor, she remarked about all the natural disasters and calamities that happened last week. Today, one of the National Geographic sites had pictures and comments about all these events from over the last few weeks.

This morning, I read Psalm 46 and found peace and assurance in the midst of all these happenings. Those who know the Lord can hear His voice as He silences the worries and prevents the stealing of our peace. Psalm 93 states that God is mightier than the chaos caused by the natural forces of this world. In fact, Psalm 93 says the Lord reigns over and above all natural forces.

Take comfort and peace, this is what God's Word says to us:

"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! (Psalm 46 NLT)"

Psalm 46 goes on to say, "The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us. The God of Israel is our fortress."

Take up your peace and throw down the turmoil coming against you. The LORD of Heaven's Armies is among us, my friends.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

This past Wednesday, Bob and Zory Klinger started a 3 week series on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. It reminded me of a teaching from the Holy Spirit that hit me, in a Brother Lawerence kind of way, as I made supper one night. Here is the teaching:

The Cutting Board and the Oil of the Holy Spirit

When I was cleaning up the kitchen yesterday, I thought to ask the Lord to teach me and speak to me. Immediately, this lesson on the Holy Spirit came to me.

My task of the moment was to apply some oil to our new wooden cutting board. As I applied the oil to the board, the lessons were revealed. First, the oil brought forth the beauty in the wood that was hidden only moments before. The light brown surface was transformed into swirls of different rich browns and reds. Second, what was unseen and only hinted at was now completely revealed with surprising clarity. Instead of the dull, flat tan of the wood there was vivid swirls and grain patterns. Thirdly, there was an easy to see difference between what wood was light and which was dark - discernment. The lines between light and dark were clear and there was no halfway. Lastly, the Lord showed me that the oil made the wood impervious to water, stains, and any oils coming from items cut up on the board.


Interpretation:

1. The Holy Spirit brings great beauty to us. There is a beautiful glow about people who are overflowing with the Holy Spirit. Often I know when people are truely engaged with the Lord during worship times because of the beauty of the Holy Spirit resting upon them.

2. The Holy Spirit brings clarity to life. If you are seeking clarity of purpose in your life, then seek for more of the Holy Spirit. The Lord reveals His purposes and plans for His people through the Holy Spirit.

3. Discernment between good and evil. Sometimes it is very hard to see the difference in the grey areas, or at least what we perceive as grey. Even some things which seem good may not be what the Lord's intentions are for us, and so would not be good (and may even bring hurtful and painful results). The Holy Spirit also brings clarity in this type of discernment between what is light and dark. The Holy Spirit reveals the true heart and nature.

4. Imperviousness is something the Holy Spirit also brings. When the Holy Spirit is full in us then our eyes are on the Lord. When God at the center and we are walking in His plans and purposes, guided by the Holy Spirit, then the Lord's covering is on us. The stain of sin can't penetrate in through the barrier of the Holy Spirit. Our faith does not get thinned and watered down (doubtful or wavering faith) but the Holy Spirit brings forth hope and faith in the Lord.


The Lord revealed other lessons about how to receive from the Holy Spirit. It is important to pour the oil on the board, spread it around, work it into even the hidden areas, and let it soak in. Don't just pour the oil on the board and quickly wipe it off. Take time to especially work it into areas that are as yet untouched by the oil, especially along the edges.

Interpretation:

1. Allow the Holy Spirit to work into your life. Spend time with the Lord in prayer time, worship time, reading (and chewing) His Word. Listen to worship music even when doing other tasks. Sing to softly to yourself and pray even in the midst of a busy day while shopping, driving, or whatever.

2. Receive soaking ministry either during a regular ministry time or even just putting on a CD and sitting or lying down. Don't pray, sing, or speak. Just be quiet and let the Holy Spirit minister to you. Take the time to receive from the Lord.

3. Allow the Holy Spirit access to the secret hidden places of your heart. Find your sharp, dry edges and let the Holy Spirit's oil be applied to those places as well.

4. Where there are cracks and wounds in our life, allow the Holy Spirit to apply balm there. Receive His healing for those places. Allow the oil of the Holy Spirit to penetrate and lift off the dirt, grime, and the effects of your sin or other's sin from your life.

Blessings!

Mark
http://www.mightyrivermusic.com/