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…or rather, “He is in control.”
My wife and I have been on a journey to adopt children for a while and are trusting that God will lead us to the exact ones He has providentially prepared for us (and us for them!). I’ll admit, the waiting, praying, hopeful phone calls and meetings, dashed hopes, etc. is tough. We both have grown personally and as a couple during this process – and for that we’re grateful…but that doesn’t make the journey any easier. We trust in God’s plan and look with expectation to what He has prepared.
At times, it’s hard to remember, as we search, inquire, pray, trust…, that He is actually in control.
…that He has always been in control.
One of my favorite passages that clearly demonstrates this is in John 19. Jesus has been arrested and, in the eyes of His accusers, close to defeat. As he stands before Pilate we read:
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It’s been a few weeks since I posted on Francis Chan’s book: Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit. We took a few weeks hiatus, but we’re back and this is a catch-up post…
Chapter four: “Why Do You Want Him?“
The chapter title summed up the main theme. It’s really about purposes for desiring to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. It’s an interesting question – and one that probably isn’t really considered as one asks and prays for empowerment. Do we wrongly treat the Holy Spirit as a token? Do we call out to him with wrong motives in our heart?
[Paul, to the Corinthians]
“… Christ [sent me] to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”
1 Corinthians1:17 (NIV)
[Holy Spirit, to Dennis]
Whatever you do or say in the name of Jesus, make sure it’s not based on YOUR words or experiences alone. They are powerless without pointing to the sacrifice and grace of Jesus. That’s where life-changing power lies.
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…Am I the only one challenged or convicted by this? How about you?
I always like it when God whacks me on the head during my devotional:
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this [all three, dennis!] is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
thank you GOD, my I have another!
So, what did God “whack” you with recently?
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
- Jesus (John 15:4)
My wife and I are avid Fringe viewers. A few weeks ago, one episode really illustrated John 15:4 for me.
The episode, titled Johari Window, involved a town of people who have, for generations, been stricken with a physical deformity as a result of a government experiment. The townspeople hide their physical deformity from outsiders through a massive electromagnetic pulse that runs through the town. The pulse causes them to look normal; however, once they leave town and are out of the pulse’s reach, their true deformities show.
Last Saturday, I completed the annual “pruning of the roses” task at home – not as dangerous as the “running of the bulls”, but I did have some good pokes from the thorns!
Some of the rose bushes and trees we have are pretty old (according to my neighbor, some were even transplanted years ago from his house). Some of them are younger, having been planted by us. In order to keep them healthy and flowering each year, they must be pruned – even if they look like they don’t need it…even if they have blooms right now.
Old or new, well-established or just-planted – each gets the same treatment.
Yesterday, Karen and I were looking out our hotel window and she pointed out that all the footprints that littered the beach were gone – washed away by the surf.
It reminded me of how our sin is washed away as we live out 1 John 1:9 – initially as we receive salvation and then in relationship with God and with one another:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
It also brought to mind lyrics from Brooke Fraser’s Hosanna:
I see His Love and Mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing
Hosanna hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
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Father,
Thank you for the tangible reminders of your undeserved mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Thank you for the promise of a clean slate – for second chances – all at no great price paid by me other than acknowledging my sin to You. Your Son graciously paid the price for me on the cross – may I appreciate His sacrifice all the more as I confess my sin. Quicken my mind to keep short accounts with you – confessing that which You already know and are so ready to forgive and forget.
amen.
