Swine or Divine – Glory Hogs & Power Encounters

Posted on May 30, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Power flows for the purpose of Glory

Acts 1:6-14 Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 John 17:1-11
  • To pray is to acknowledge and confess that power is available beyond you.
  • To bless and/or to curse to have power flow across your lips.
  • To release control and stand in the face of adversity without retaliation is an act of power.

It is not uncommon for us to encounter power. However, to have power flow through you and it not be attributed to God’s glory, is for you to practice sorcery, witchcraft or simply Idolatry. Food is power to the body, as Prayer is power to the Spirit. But to eat too much or to eat what is not healthy will kill the body. In much the same way, we must beware of the power source which we turn if we desire for God to be glorified by the flow of power in our lives. God gives gifts to His Children in order that the power of the Holy Spirit might flow uniquely through each believer unto His Glory.

Prior to Jesus’ ascension, he tells the disciples too remain in Jerusalem until the gift of the Father, which is the power of the Holy Spirit, comes upon them. (We see the fulfillment of this promise in Pentecost – which is next week in the lectionary calendar) This Power is promised is a gift, and it is also called a baptism. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit has been explained previously. Here we will pursue this further to seek to understand the glory that comes along with such power. (Stephen clearly saw the Glory of God in his death, but others saw the power and glory of God in his life.) Are you aware of a power flow in your life? If not – you may be a glory hog and not even know it….

First, let’s further clarify that Power as it is unique from Authority. In this blog we have focused much more often on Authority than Power. But just his year we have begun to address power more fully. We have answered: Where Power comes from and what power looks like in you? When you lack Power, what it is that you are lacking and what are you not able to do? Overall we have discovered that in the Epiphany of Jesus that Power filled the earth and here we address that in the Ascension of Jesus, his name shall fill the earth.

Overall – Power comes from above. (This is why we look up!) Authority comes from within. Authority is produced out of our relationship with God, expressed in our Character. Our Authority is seen by others as an expression of favor, while others see the expression of power in your life as flow. Power is like electricity, while Authority is like a lamp with a light bulb. When you have Authority being displayed, Power is present. Power requires a conduit and without direction it is both dangerous and remains potential for the use of good or evil. Authority (through character) gives the Power direction (creating credibility). This is why we must be born of the Spirit, (the first step of Authority) before we are Baptized in the Spirit (the first act of Power). Clearly Jesus was full of both Authority & Power.

The LORD gives power to the powerless, but this power is not for to do our own will, rather it is to demonstrate the will of the Father in our lives. As I stated earlier, power flows and the results reveal to whom glory shall be given. We are not to seek Glory, for in doing so, we are revealing that we value our name above the NAME of God. (John 7:18) Glory is the LORD’s and we are to become witnesses of His Glory. Glory is not ours to control, extend, or create. Glory is often an ill-fated pursuit as a means to unity, however it is only Love that can produce unity. Glory has been defined as the Holiness of God revealed. Therefore Jesus is the perfect expression of God’s Holiness revealed.

Jesus prayed that we (those who bear the Name of the Father and the Name of the Son – I AM) shall be one, as Jesus and the Father are one. This name is first given in Ex. 3 to Moses is – I AM, and throughout the Gospel of John , Jesus claims this name- I AM… is the name by which we are to find our I AM.

This prayer has often been understood as a call for the church to work towards unity. But unity is to be kept, not sought, and it is a work of the Spirit not the church. (Eph.4:1-5) Love is power and to live loved is the secret of unity. The “Highly Priestly” Prayer of Jesus is that we are to be protected by the power of the Father’s name which the name is given to Jesus – so that we may be one, as Jesus and the Father are one. (Again being one, has more to do with living under protection than pursuing unity) Jesus connects; Power with the Glory shared by Jesus, the Father and the disciples. Our Oneness is not in our actions, attitudes, or associations; our oneness is found in the shared flow of power and expression of Glory under the name of YAHWEH – I AM.

Finally – The interchange of Jesus and the Father demonstrates that the work of Jesus has been completed at the direction of the Father. We must further highlight that Jesus receives glory not only from the Father, but from the disciples, the very ones who question the reality of the kingdom he teaches, deny him, betray him and are confused most of the time…. this demonstrates that the good that comes from them is not because of their “goodness” or ability, but rather out of humility and trusting in the Father. This is the rest which is given to God’s children. God’s Power is a gift of rest, not relentless work. God’s power releases you to cast all your cares on him, not to be care-free. God’s Power shall restore and perfect you, support and strength you, heal and repair you, and establish and root you. (all from 1 Peter 5:10)

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The Ark didn’t have to work to float

Posted on May 22, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Rise in Obedience or be flooded in Obligation.

Living loved removes obligation and redeems obedience.

Acts 17:22-31 Psalm 66:8-20 1 Peter 3:13-22 John 14:15-21

When Noah built the ark, the work was done, it would float whether he got on it or not…. There was new work to be done, but the Ark floated because the work was completed. The “Ark” was obedient to the principles that created it and surround it. It was made in such a manner that something outside of it would have to be pressed negatively upon it – for it not to float. We can be bogged down with the same negative pressure in our lives – this is called obligation to others and expectation of others. (I think these post are fabulous – even better than this one, so I’ll keep this short – but read these!) Jesus is the ark of salvation for the world, and we have been called to walk in his steps. The work has been done, now we must obey the principles. We are called to be God’s children, and our Father has reigned over us, through the life and death of Jesus. ( 1 John 4) We are designed to be vessels of love, not to be filled with this love requires us to live counter to the design for which Jesus has set us free. We have been washed in the blood, and filled with the Spirit – love shall flow forth in abundance. (John 7:38, 1 Tim 1:5) When it does not – we are working to prevent that flow, by becoming slaves to sin rather than slaves to righteousness. (Romans 6:15-18)

Peter presents this concept in the light of sufferings as you do good. When the focus of your life is to limit your suffering, or even avoid it all together, you must not then do good work – because unjust suffering is still suffering. In the same way, witnessing (last week) will increase your suffering, and may even lead to your death. But that witnessing is first step on the path of life to which you are called to have an answer for such hope. But to witness with a megaphone or abrasive tongue is to miss the call to move with gentleness and respect – which is an act of humility the very call of obedience to Christ. The obedience to the keeping of command of Jesus is the demonstration of love which is true mark of the witness. Jesus is very clear with the disciples in John 14, “I am with you – I will not leave you” therefore KEEP MY COMMANDS. Jesus’ command to love is not moral obligation, nor is it emotionally charged passion. It is a call to believe in the depth of your soul, that you have been saved. This Salvation is not merely future expectation; rather it is present demonstration of a life of sacrifice and submission unto the will of the Father. Therefore Jesus’ call to love is a call to be loved by the Father. This is simply called – LIVING LOVED! This is the great abundance, not what we do, but rather what we cherish in our heart. This love from the Father is the freedom of forgiveness to which we confess by faith through grace we have been saved.

Therefore, on the path of life, if your goal is to love others, you may have run ahead too far too soon. (Trying to extend grace & mercy, where it has not taken root yet in you) For Christians need not have a goal to love others, this is noble and the call of religion, but it can quickly become an objective to achieve and our conscience will be defiled. Rather, we must encounter the Father’s love at such a level that loving others is not work, for it is not difficult to love others, when you are filled with the Fathers love. This is the Fathers will – LOVE. This is the role of the Spirit of God within us, rather than the flesh pursing the “right thing”. (Romans 8:8-17, 13:8-14) It is my hope that loving others shall be seen as an opportunity rather than as obligation, for in this our suffering is no longer “duty” rather it is an act of love itself.

May we be compelled by such love (2 Cor. 5:14) to finish the race and to walk in obedience to the will of God.

  • Where are you considering “backing off” because the suffering is too great?
  • How might you miss an opportunity to be an agent of reconciliation, for fear of the suffering it will bring?
  • In what ways are you pursuing slavery to sin, which makes slavery to righteousness impossible? Meaning where is there be suffering in your life due to sin, which makes suffering for righteousness too much?
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The walking dead

Posted on May 13, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Maturity begins with Martyrdom.

The Path of Life is marked with maturity, but martyrs don’t get mansions in heaven.

Acts 7:55-60 Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 1 Peter 2:2-10 John 14:1-14

The church begins as a rock garden which is a call to be “Living Stones in Abiding Places”… Peter calls living stones being filled with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, and it is our privilege to have an abiding place in Jesus which unites us with the Father. Therefore might we grow up in our salvation that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light. Martyrdom is associated with death in the English language, however the root of the word in Greek is far more aligned with witnessing and confession than dying… Stephen is called a martyr in Acts 22:20, and this week we see the final act of his earthly life, but his confession fills the chapters prior to this week’s text.

Since the Path of Life is not a destination nor does it have an arrival point at the end, the best you can say is that you are on the WAY, discovering the TRUTH, and living LIFE as modeled by Jesus. This path is not a road by which you find your way to the Father, Heaven, or even LIFE abundantly. Jesus is the path, the Father and Jesus are one, and therefore the path does not lead to the Father or to Heaven and not even that Jesus is on the path with you, these are all false promises which lead us on rabbit trails to find Jesus, rather than enjoying life with Jesus.  To be on the Path is to already have the Father, Heaven & Life! The path is the abiding movement or place, while John 14 translates this concept as mansions or rooms, the root of the word is an abiding place. (2 Greek references in one blog… I apologize for this is not my style but clearly important this week) From this abiding place we give our witness to the fact that we are the people of God doing the work of God. Jesus is going to the cross to prepare a place for us, and now he has already returned to give to us the power of the Holy Spirit that we might go where he is going… Therefore whether we are new born babies, or martyrs nearing the end of this life, we have faith in the refuge, the strong fortress and deliverance that we shall not be put to shame.

Movement is not measured in chronological time required between the movement from a new born baby and a martyr at the end of life. However, we must admit that it is most often that public martyrs have journeyed along the path of life long enough to come to grips and understanding with suffering and salvation. It is this articulation that demonstrates to us that they have released the wants and desires of this world, so that they can freely and fully surrender their spirit unto the Holy Spirit in whom Life is found. But the point of this post, is to remind us that the path of life does not have an arrival point, rather an abiding posture. To martyrdom we have all been called – let us share our confession and witness on the way.

I used to say, “You will never be asked to die for Christ until you truly live for Christ.” In this statement, I was attempting to capture the journey on the Path of Life as if it accumulated along the way, to earn or achieve the right to die for the Gospel. I will no longer use this statement or hold this view, for we do not earn the right to die for the gospel, it is given to us the moment we enter the path of life. We enter the path of life based on identity (which is Jesus’ identity, not our own). It is with this understanding that I suggest that Stephen was certainly not the first Christian martyr; (nor was it John the Baptist) rather it was the baby boys under the age of 2 that were killed because of their “identity” in connection with Jesus. We remember Stephen because of the isolation and intensity of his story, and this is for good reason. Yet, of the most unlikely places this concept of martyrdom is proclaimed by Joseph Stalin – in 1947 with regards the famine in the Ukraine that was killing millions he stated: “If only one man dies of hunger, that is a tragedy. If millions die, that’s only statistics.” We remember Stephen as a one, not the many… this makes me think also of Malala Yousafzai who as a young girl, defied the Taliban in Pakistan and demanded that girls be allowed to receive an education. She was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in 2012, but survived. As one, she has spread her voice across the globe to be named one of Time Magazine’s top 100 influential people of 2014. I fear that the nearly 300 girls abducted from Nigeria last week may just as easily become a statistic if new events don’t emerge soon (praise God as I give a final edit to this post new information is arising….   Let us not seek to be news worthy, rather may we find our worth in the Good News as part of the chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, that knows mercy beyond this life.

When suffering no longer strikes us as punishment, but as privilege, then martyrdom will no longer be reserved for the elite, but rather for the elected. To this Life you were called and chosen; live this life unto the full for it is for the sake of His Name that we are being lead and guided. When we find ourselves being tripped up and ensnared in a trap, it is either for His Glory or we have detoured from the Path of Life. You know you are paving your own way, when suffering is not sweet and you seek to remove it rather than see it redeemed. (see last week) When unto His Glory we live, we fear not; When to our own glitz or glory we run, folly and fruitlessness will consume us.

So the call this week is to be at peace in the face of death, (to be living stones in abiding places) for that is what those on the path of life face each and every day… It is clear that Stephen was at peace in his death, I wonder if the apostles had such peace? Did they respond differently to Stephen than they did to Jesus’ trial and death? What did they learn as they progressed on the path of Life? Why did God not rescue Stephen; may it be that he was working on Saul’s heart? When we ask the question “Why did I have to suffer “?” it may be that God was working on another’s salvation… this is the privilege to which we all must strive…. Further, asking “why” questions rarely produces answers that bring peace… May we simply trust that our lives are in God’s hands.

Finally, the call to release our spirit…. This confession is rooted in both the Old & New Testament of our lectionary. This understanding is not a compartmentalization or segmentation of our lives; rather it is a culmination of our journey on the path of life. This is the abiding peace and presence of the GREAT IAM in our lives. God is Spirit and we are called to abide with him. (John 4:24, 15:1-15) It is our spirit which can and does abide with God. Therefore the call to give up our spirit is a confession that there shall be no break in our abiding with God even in our death. As Paul rightly says, to be absence from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:1-10)… thus this confession speaks to this reality.

1. How certain are you that you are on the Path of Life? By that same degree will you have confidence to witness to the power of God in your life.

2. How clear are you on your identity in Christ? By the same degree will you have clarity on the reason for the suffering which you suffer.

3. How certain are you that you can release your spirit unto Christ? By that same degree will you see the Glory of God as you near death.

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Soggy Cap’n Crunch

Posted on May 8, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: The Shepherd guides us on the Path of Life which is filled with Suffering.

Suffering will stay, the Shepherd will sustain.

Acts 2:42-47 Psalm 23 1 Peter 2:19-25 John 10:1-10

My kids don’t even know that Cap’n Crunch was on a cereal boxes… he was not a strong confident captain. Captains are called to leaders who command and lead those under their charge. In the Biblical language a Shepherd was to command and lead the sheep under their charge. This Biblical image as the strength of the Shepherd is throughout the Scriptures. (Ezekiel 34:11, 15, 16; Jer. 23:1-4; Psalm 77:20, 95:7, 100:3; Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 5:2-3) The shepherd was the model for protection and provision for the helpless sheep. Today in my culture, a shepherd is relegated to a manger scene at Christmas, and I do not have any personal connection to a shepherd or place to observe one in a natural setting. Even those who grew up on farms with livestock, including sheep, do not hold a shepherd perspective – rather a farmer as caretaker of the livestock on the farm. Therefore – I am shifting the metaphor from a Shepherd to a Captain…. Jesus also shifts the metaphor in John 10 from a shepherd to the gate.

Edward Smith died on April 15, 1912 along with 1523 others…. He was the captain of the RMS Titanic and he went down with the ship. Lee Joon Seok did not die on April 16, 2014, but his ship sank and 269 others perished. He was the captain of the South Korean Ferry, he abandoned ship, he left the gate wide open and an enemy come in to destroy, I am afraid we may no longer trust our captains…. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want….. The Lord is my captain, I shall not drift.

We are in the fourth week since Easter and the journey has been about walking down the Path of Life. What does it look like to live in a post-resurrection world? Thus far we have seen that God Delivers – Forgiveness, Faith, Grace & Mercy, and His People Declare – Confession, Obedience, Submission & Celebration. This week it is not about the what, rather it is about the how.

Recent history shows us that captains of airplanes can simply disappear, captains of sheriff departments can let us down, captains of buses can fall asleep. How is it that you will have the courage to ever be directed by another captain…? The point of this is that you can’t… May the Lord be your captain! Only in that place shall you fear no evil and have no want or need. Yet fact is that the text this week paints and even more challenging picture than simply not having a captain of this world. Having the Lord as you Captain, is not about getting out of difficult and/or suffering situations, rather it is an awareness that while your Captain is at the helm, difficult and suffering situations will take place in your life. When the Lord is your captain you are on the path of righteousness for his name’s sake, and you shall live to righteousness because your captain bore your sins in his body. The Lord is the gate by which we enter into the Path of Life.

So– As the captain goes, so go the ship, and while the saying is that the “Captain goes down with the ship”, the real sense is that, the ship is following the Captain, down into the depths of death. With Christ this is also so, in order that we might return with Him in life. The Biblical image as the suffering of the sheep is throughout the Scriptures; further that Jesus is both the Shepherd (as above) and suffers as a sheep. (Isaiah 53:7, John 1:29, Romans 3:24-25, 1 Cor. 5:7, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Rev. 5:12) The implications of this are TREMENDOUS – Jesus as your captain, suffered unjustly – He did not sin or deserve to suffer, but he did so to bear the sins of the world. You by submitting to Jesus as your captain are called to do good and suffer for it. No – this is not masochistic or twisted– it is not a call to enjoy and seek to increase your sufferings, rather it is a call to answer evil with good, (Pr. 31:12, Romans 12:21, 3 John 1:11) it is a call to live your lives in such a way that other s will see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. ( Matt. 5:16, 1 Peter 2:12) Faith is found in the reality, that your good deeds may evoke unjust suffering and condemnation from those who do not praise your Father in heaven and yet you are still willing to walk in obedience. This is the journey of your captain, and yet he did not defile himself with his words while others cursed him, he did not defend or retaliate with his mouth while others condemned him. Rather he entrusted himself to the Father who judges justly.

Therefore: The Path of Life is a bed of roses only if you remember it is filled with thorns. There is to be suffering in this world and on the path of life. (Acts 9:14-16, Romans 5:1-5, Phil. 3:8-14, James 1:2-4, 2 Tim 1:12, 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:10-11) (if you disagree with you, we may share different view on “end times”) Our journey and our Shepherd are not for the purpose to remove suffering rather the redemption of suffering. PAUSE – remember there is suffering as a consequence of your sinful choices. But that not all suffering is caused by sin. The consequence to suffer as a result of sin is not unjust suffering, when you sin and suffer – this is just. (This is not the focus of this post) Unjust sufferings (intrusion) are found in the journey of Grace – this teaching leads us to the submission of our hearts. If you are trying to remove all suffering from your life, you are living in the realm of understanding of faith and obedience. As you progress down the path of life, you encounter suffering in the midst of grace and submission. In this, when your conscience is focused on God, you will hear his voice and your life will be marked and filled with deeper understandings of grace, which does not seek to remove suffering rather again is finds it redeemed. This now begins to move you to the realm of celebration and being thankful for the mercy that God extends.

Foundational to this thinking:

The Jesus is the shepherd who is our provider and protector, by him we enter life and we receive it abundantly. This abundance is not the removal of hardship and pain, rather it is the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy – and the life offered by the thief is often promised as one without hardship and pain. Are the eyes of your heart open to suffering for the sake of the Gospel…. ? If so then Jesus is your Lord, Shepherd and Captain.

I find the path of life demonstrated in Acts 2:42-47… both what God is delivering and how the people are declaring… do you?

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Declaration of Interdependence

Posted on May 1, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: You cannot walk on the Path of Life alone

The Path of Life is marked by maturity.

Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 1 Peter 1:17-23 Luke 24:13-35

When I have traveled inter-nationally every time I enter the US border I am asked if I have anything to declare. I often wonder what are they really asking me to share with them… then there are all sort so rules about I have to declare and that which they don’t care about. Once when driving home from Mexico, we stated we had nothing to declare, because we had not bought anything while in Mexico, the guard asked “are you sure…” I said yes… wondering why he was pressing the topic…. then he said that the three apples that were sitting near the front seat were a violation and needed to be declared. (even though they had been bought in the US prior to the trip) Our vehicle was searched and they “slapped us on the wrist” and said be more careful about what you are required to declare…. What are you required to declare as you journey along the Path of Life? And if you don’t know what to declare, beware because you will be held responsible.

On the Path of Life we receive– Forgiveness, Faith, Grace & Mercy which are gifts from God. God is continually calling us into a deeper relationship of intimacy with Him. Relationships require two parties to give of themselves and communication is the foundation of that relationship. Some relationships are dependent where one person does all the work, others are independent where both people co-exist but interaction is self-serving. Interdependent relationships result from working together for mutual benefit. As we mature on the path of life, we move into a state of interdependence with God. While it is always God who initiates and sustains, God invites us to be his ambassadors and agents of reconciliation in the world. While it is God who delivers, it is his children who declare.

Again, our Deliverance is in Forgiveness, Faith, Grace, Mercy which we are receiving from God – that is his gift and call to us. We declare our Confession, Obedience, Submission, & Celebration in response to acts of God. Do you know how to declare such things unto the LORD? In the same way we looked at it last week – it is not as if, Mercy is not available to you until you reach that “stage”. However the depth to which Mercy is given is not fully comprehended or understood until we have progressed down the path further. As children we have no idea the sacrifices our parents make for us as at the time, but as we age and even become parents ourselves our depth and understand become complete. That does not mean we did not receive their love at the time, it was just truly greater and beyond us… but in the fullness of the relationship the understanding and connection becomes deeper.

On the journey of Cleopas and his companion in the gospel of Luke we can see the movement of the entire Path of Life being declared. We first declare a Confession – the declaration of the power of Christ’s power and our hope and conviction in Him for salvation. This confession is always one of our dependence on God who delivers. Obedience is found in our walk with the Lord, not that we always understand every step, but that it is like a fire that moves and burns with us to continue to press on. It is often in these steps that believers can get lost in independence from God simply going about the motions and doing the work. Submission moves us beyond Obedience, and while the actions of obedience may not be different from those of submission, it is the motivation which has matured. In Submission the doors of our heart are open fully and our eyes are opened to see as Christ sees. When our eyes are opened, we move in Celebration and interdependence. After a long 7 mile trek, the two walkers joyfully return in the darkness of night, as they become the light of life and illuminate the truth.

Psalm 116 paints the picture through the words that follow the declaration of “I love the LORD” therefore I will call on him as long as I live…. I will lift up the cup of salvation, I will serve & sacrifice, I will fulfill my vows.. 1 Peter gives us the work of God and the reasons as to why we are able at all to mature on the path of life, rather than to follow an empty or useless way of life;

1. We have a Father who judges us impartially. This is the Father declaring over us – I have set you apart, you are mine.

2. We have been covered by the Blood of Christ. Redemption is complete in our Savior’s Righteousness, it is not only that God has set you apart; Jesus has declared a way for you to be united with God.

3. We have been born again (from above) by the power of the Spirit. This work declares that we are purified by the Truth. And Love is the fruit of such movement.

Therefore you are never alone on the Path of Life. The call as voice by Peter is to ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation” but clearly this is not something you can do alone.

  • Confess and declare forgiveness of sin – this is our witness of words
  • Obey and declare your faith – this is our witness of works
  • Submit and declare the mystery of grace – this is our call of surrender & supplication
  • Celebrate and declare the power of mercy – this is our call of adoration & acceptance

Path of Life:Path of Life

Path of Life Declaration:

path of life declaration

 

 

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Maturity need not blaze trails

Posted on April 23, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: The “Path of Life” is marked by maturity.
Acts 2:14a, 22-32  Psalm 16  1 Peter 1:3-9  John 20:19-31
In this life, there is a path which God has called us to journey. The path is narrow, but it is not restrictive, the path is full of difficulties but it is not difficult. (Matt 7:13-14) The path of life is well marked and the signs along the way lead us to life abundantly. To blaze a trail is to find a new way, blazing trails are also paths that are on fire. We are not called to blaze a new trail, rather to walk in the steps of Jesus and to follow the patterns established from long ago. (Jeremiah 6:16, Matt 16:24, 1 John 2:6) Further we are not called to be on blazing trails, (trails filled with fire) rather we are called to be refined by fire which comes from above and is the testing of our faith.

When the Lord is with us (we are looking up & letting go)–therefore we shall not be shaken. To be shaken is to be taken by doubt and confusion. The Lord is given unto us, that he might steady our lives. I am going to look at the journey or path of life through the lens of maturity and growth. While the path is set out before us – each of us move at a different pace. This pace is set by our own willingness to submit unto the will of the Father, God is patience and does not rush us to look up, let go, and live free. This becomes a choice of our free-will, he has already set the course for us – are you wanting to finish the race? (1 Cor. 9:24)

We can take a snap shot of those who are on the path and running the race at the Death & Resurrection of Jesus. In the photo finish of Judas we see him wrestling with Forgiveness, Peter is being challenged by Faith, Thomas is seeking Grace, and Mary is reflecting on Mercy. These “words” have deep meaning and implications as they represent the path of life which we are on. We enter the path of Life – through the power and name of Jesus. *Disclaimer – I a proposing an idea about growth and the Christian walk – while each of these concepts in necessary and available to a believer at the moment of their new birth, it is in the journey of discipleship and listening to the Spirit, such that maturity in these terms is found.

FORGIVENESS is the defining mark of those who have come to Jesus. It is the doorway of the Church. (Acts 2:38, 22:16, 26:18, Romans 6:23, 1 John 1:8-2:6) Forgiveness of Sin –is a must to be on the journey of life. However many enter the journey of life, receiving forgiveness, but never seem to grow in acceptance and awareness of the true power of forgiveness. As a person fully accepts the completeness of their forgiveness, they are compelled to extend forgiveness to those around them. This is at the core of being able 2LAF on the journey. To give and extend forgiveness is an act of faith in the power Jesus to conquer the grave.

The increasing of FAITH in one’s journey is based on encounters with God’s power in the supernatural. Faith is the power to see that which is unseen. (Hebrews 11:1) We are greatly blessed by God when we believe in faith, even though we do not see the supernatural. However to operate and advance in the supernatural we must begin to see the movement of God in faith. At the crossroads of the Death & Resurrection of Jesus, Peter is in the trials of maturing in his understanding of forgiveness (this extends out to the shores of Galilee) and moving into the realm of increased faith. We see this in the movement of Peter in the 50 days after the resurrection, he fully moves in faith at Pentecost.

Thomas may be known as “doubting”, but rather it may that he has a “teacher” gifting which always demands for clarity and personal knowledge for his conviction to be confirmed. (John 11:16, 14:5) I believe it is an act of faith to demand to see Jesus. Thomas is seeking and desiring to move in the realm of GRACE. Thomas desires that the mysteries of God would be made clear to him on a personal level. Grace is a teaching and gift given beyond what we deserve, but grace is available unto us all. Thomas was asking for more that he deserved, it is a pursuit of Grace. Again, Grace is a free gift given and you cannot enter the church or forgiveness without it, but Grace is not easy in fact grace is costly and challenging to the status quo. Faith precedes Grace, not in importance, rather in how we come to understand the depth and power of it… We are saved by grace through faith; and it is easier to come to grips with my own faith, than to comprehend the depths of God’s Grace. In order to move fluidly in the Kingdom of God, full acceptance of this grace is which makes humility and hospitality possible. This Grace opens our eyes and causes us to hunger for more of this teaching that we may further the Kingdom of God which is ever before us. In our growth of Grace, the supernatural movement of faith is no longer distant elusive, it is expected and daily. When we enter the body of Christ through the forgiveness of Sin, as infants we seek to grow our faith. This growth leads us to an understanding of the Kingdom which is a true demonstration of grace. Thomas declares that Jesus is his Lord and God – in response to being touching by Grace.

Finally we look at Mary Magdalene at the resurrection – she is told to let go…. This is an act of MERCY. When we receive mercy from God, God is withholding something from us – Jesus is withhold himself (physically) from Mary so that she will gain so much more – To accept this gift of mercy is to move into oneness with Jesus. In the realm of Mercy our prayers change from asking God what he can give to us, into thanking God for what he as kept from us. This is often expressed in intercession for others. Mercy is found in the true depth of intimacy. This covenant  relationship is deeper and more intimate than all the phases of the journey before. In the realm of Faith we declare “Thy will be done”, and at the same time we long to know what that will is…. In the realm of GRACE, we know that “Thy will is being done” but we often see it as being done unto us, or unfolding before us. In the realm of MERCY, Thy will and my will do become one” and mystery is merged with majesty. We stop saying things like, God’s ways are not our ways… because in our embrace of mercy the covenant relationship of God is revealed to us – and we ascertain the mind of Christ such that we are one with him.

This journey is not one of achieving salvation; it is the working out and completion of our salvation. The movement from each phase unto another is filled with testing and trials – which is the pressing in and affliction of this world. Keep your eyes on the Lord and He will set your path straight. (Prov. 3:5-6) It is our call to walk the path, not to compare ourselves to others along the way. Meaning – it is not as if Thomas was ahead of Peter, or that Mary is better than other disciples, rather each person is in the process of refinement for the praise, glory and honor of Jesus Christ. That looks differently at different crossroads of understanding. Mary encounter forgiveness in a very raw manner and it moved her to see and move in the supernatural almost instantly for as her sin was great and her salvation was greater. (Greater in the sense of awareness)

This post addresses the journey of faith as we come away from the resurrection. It is my hope that you see the resurrection has having taken place in you personally. The new birth sets you on a new journey, we have outline the journey as one in which we encounter the truth of Jesus more deeply and more personally as we walk upon the path of life.

Path of Life
In is in the overlap of the circles that the path of life is filled with growth and discovering through the pain and predicaments of life. Some will choose not to grow in maturity others will reject the pain and retreat to that which is comfortable.  I see life in a series of patterns, and each of the “loops” created by the overlapping circles is what I will call a resurrection experience. Either you rise and advance and promote or you rise and fall and it will become a repeated revolution or loop that you get stuck in…. When we have the enlightenment of the resurrection we progress ahead on the path of life, when we don’t we repeat the circle of our previous pattern. These are patterns need not be avoided rather embraced with thanksgiving. This pattern leads us to see that the movement of our live need not cause us to fear or be shaken no matter what the circumstance.

Which of these words invites you into further discussion with God?
Where in your life can you see patterns of victory?
Where in your life can you see repeating patterns of struggle?

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Let it Go…

Posted on April 16, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Heaven comes to earth from above, look up!
The grave can’t hold you, unless you hold on to it.
Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Colossians 3:1-4 John 20:1-18

I have heard the song “Let it Go” so many times – being sung it is getting quite irritating…. And yet that is really the message we need to hear –So, Let it go. It is so easy to get our eyes fixed on the things of the moment. We are constantly poised to react to crisis, we are excited to celebrate a victorious battle even in the midst of the war we are losing, and in general people do not see the big picture. We have looked at this in light of our need for a paradigm shift. To have our eyes opened to a more complete picture or simply something that does not seem so obvious to us – even if it is before our very eyes . Mary needed a further paradigm shift on the day Jesus Rose from the Dead, and when we are working so hard to figure this life out – so do we!

The texts this week highlight a theme:
Colossians sets the bar at the top – “Set you hearts on the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things above, not on earthly things.” John’s Gospel of the resurrection story includes an often debated statement from Jesus to Mary – “Do not hold on to me, for I am ascending to the Father, Go instead to my brothers and tell them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” The focus here is not on Jesus’ body, rather on the mission to go and tell the others… a new understanding (paradigm) has been completed. Acts further explains this in Peter’s declaration that “We are witness of everything Jesus did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem…. God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen.” The Psalm brings it to completion saying, “The Lord has done such mighty things, He has become our salvation, in this we shall not be handed over to death, therefore let us rejoice today and be glad.”

So the message of this week is: LOOK UP! There is nothing in this world to which we can cling which shall bring us any hope. Even our own life is hidden with Christ in God. To be WITH Christ IN God is the paradigm shift we must fully embrace. Mary believed in the power of God in Christ, but she did not see herself as WITH Christ until she was clinging to him standing next to the tomb… Jesus was reminding Mary – there is so much more of me for you to have, but you must let go of me (physically) to truly share in my life (spiritually).
So how might we engage this Week of Passion and Resurrection? LET GO! There are many things of this world which capture our attention and our focus. Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him…. Is God with you – if your answer is YES – then your life is hidden with Christ and the very power God is in you. This frees you from the power of the devil, which is held in death. In our call to let go…. We are Letting Go, first– of our life, then we can let go of those people, things and ideas that are around us. This is not a call to radical separation, detachment, or cutting off of relationships. It is the conviction to witness and testify to your belief that being covered by the Blood of Jesus forgives us of all sin, and also binds us together as family forever. Let Go of needing to hold it all together, Let go of needing to have it all together… (There is no rebuke of Jesus for Mary’s crying or clinging – simply a redirection)

Finally – As we LOOK UP! & LET GO! What might carry us forward LIVE FREE! The Lord is my strength and my defense – this is my salvation! I will not die, but live. No matter what comes of my life, I will always LOOK UP! & LET GO! Therefore my way is Freedom. This freedom is in the forgiveness of sins and discovering life in HIS NAME. However to LIVE FREE we must have our grave clothes removed. As Lazarus was called from the grave, his grave clothes bound him and needed to be removed. With Jesus the clothes were removed and left behind. This removal must be done ….

This week – let me encourage you to take an closer look at what may possibly be the grave clothes you are clinging too.. Grave Clothes are the people, things and ideas of this world that you cling to and hold on to – because they give you hope. While this hope may be what you think you need most to get you through the present moment, it is actually like an anchor around your neck, rather than the anchor of your soul. (Hebrews 6:19) To know which it is a; noose around your neck or the hope which floats… Look up – see if it is a gift from heaven – if so, then thank God for it and keep your focus on the giver not the gift. If it is not, then Let Go and be set free. The way to let go… is by confessing the sin that is attached to the security or false hope which was being held by you.  At its core this is a form of idolatry – having security and faith in anything other than God. (Exodus 20:3-6, 1 Cor. 10:14, Col. 3:5)

Easter “Resurrection Sunday” is the time which are most mindful of the gift of life given to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus. The true King of Kings has come from heaven to make way for us to be with him. For the new relationship has been opened to us, Jesus says God is both his Father and our Father, his God and our God. May we this week discover the freedom of this reality. This Sunday, leave your grave clothes behind and be set free!

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Rights or Responsiblity – which do you desire?

Posted on April 8, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Resiliency is balance and buoyancy in a sea of tumult.
Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16  Philippians 2:5-11  Matthew 26:14-27:66
Tumult is what happens when chaos sets into the hearts of humanity. People begin to fight for their perceived rights out of fear of losing their lives. (Christians have already lost their lives therefore there is to be no place for tumult to anchor.) In a sea of tumult, one who takes responsibility will be the target of hatred and disgust, and that is why Pilate washed his hands and Jesus hung on a cross. John Maxwell – teaches that a true leader will have an increase of responsibility while a decease of rights. Pilate said – I am not responsible…. Jesus said, I give up my rights. This is Law 18– the Law of Sacrifice – of Maxwell’s 21 irrefutable Laws of Leadership. For this reason alone many people do not truly want to be leaders. Unfortunately, all Christians are called to be leaders, because as Maxwell has also said – Leadership is Influence. (Law 2) If a Christian is satisfied with having zero influence, then they are quenching the Spirit, giving up on prayer and basically saying God has no purpose in my life. This person truly needs a spiritual resurrection. (last week)

Resiliency requires conviction and responsibility. Throughout the season of Lent we read of Christ’s resiliency (def), and the dedication to walk unto the Cross. This week is the Passion Week where that walk is intensified and we see others fail to keep up. Resiliency is a reward to those who see that life is not easier for some vs. others, but rather that life is gift given from above to be shared with others. This is their conviction and their responsibility. Do you believe you are resilient to opposition, trials and struggles…? If not, you may wish to deepen your conviction regarding the question of, “Who am I?” and extending your responsibility regarding the question “What is my impact?”. This clarity will enable you to fully step into your commission… In order to help you along this process, use this outline to help you look at your past to uncover the truths in your life, and answer these questions to help you share your story that reveals the King’s redemption in your life.

Resiliency is balance and buoyancy. Hope Floats & Faith Flows… Resiliency can be pictured watching Michael Phelps swim in the Olympics a few years back. It was almost as if he floated on top of the water and in perfect stride cut through the resistance of the water. (It became clear that after the Olympics Phelps did not have such resiliency in life as he did in the water) When I get in the water I can stay afloat – but only if I keep moving and it is not a pretty site. In the Kingdom of God, when we are resilient it’s like being a buoy in the choppy sea, remaining perfectly vertical to alert others of both danger and hope.

Resiliency does not deny that life is difficult – in fact it discovers that disadvantages are actually advantages. The Psalm this week – reveals the desperate struggle and need for resiliency for the soul and body to dwell in this world. To pretend like life is never difficult is to miss the joy of being an overcomer and to live in denial of death. Isaiah 50 demonstrates the cry and strength of resiliency ( servantleaders are resilient) even in the point of desperation. There is nothing that is too hard, difficult or beyond my ability, because the Sovereign LORD is my strength. Not everyone is able to live in the balance of these two… again as we showed last week – some are overwhelmed and gratify the flesh never proclaiming the promise of Ps. 31:14-16. While others mutilate the flesh in order to project the cry of Isaiah 50:4-9, while the true cry of this text is that the flesh nature has no value, and all value is from the LORD.

So how do you increase your resiliency? (From Matthew 26:14-27:66)
1. Avoid the Extremes – Both Peter and Judas expressed the extremes – Judas was caught in a “Woe is me”, and Peter was caught in “I am mightier than thee” attitude. In humility, and the Lord’s strength resiliency grows. If you are trusting in your strength it is not resiliency, it is sheer will power that allows you to press on. Resiliency for the Kingdom is to be considered a “slave” not the “slavedriver”.

2. Anticipate the Explanations – Jesus was mocked, insulted and ridiculed, in an effort to break him, so that he might explain his actions. The call of resiliency is a matter of both action and attitude, but most importantly it is a matter of having peace beyond understanding. People in general are always willing to explain what they don’t explain, they do this so that they are in control. Control is an illusion, Peace is illumination. If you desire to increase this peace in your life, the answer lies in the stewardship of relationships, resources and sufferings. Most attempts to explain an defend resiliency are undermined by others and another level of attack. (Jesus does this well 26:25,26:64, 27:11)

3. Align all your Energy (body, soul & spirit). The error of dualism or Gnostism is to view the body and soul as the flesh which is evil and must be destroyed and the spirit as good and the only positive aspect of live. And Yet, in the resurrected your whole being has been redeemed. (Now work that out with fear and trembling)Therefore be in touch with your body, soul and spirit such that there is no division in your life. Jesus is both sorrowful and troubled, yet able to overcome the need for sleep, he is able to control his tongue, and endure persecution which is both emotional and physical. Peter caved to the emotional pressure, Judas gave in to physical defeat.

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Pardoned – Life w/o Parole

Posted on April 1, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Resurrection is- life over death and then- life after death.
Ezekiel 37:1-14 Psalm 130 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45
Being sentenced to life in prison is a death sentence. But we say “they got life” in much the same way being born in this world is a death sentence. We call it “life”, but truly the moment you begin to breathe, the clock begins to tick moving you closer to death. However, God is in the business of resurrection! Humanity is in need of being brought to life. Since the Garden of Eden the power of death entered and ruled the lives of humanity. Through the Cross of Christ the power of death has been overcome. Those who turn to Christ and the call upon the Power which raised Him from the dead, the Spirit of Christ is given to them. Those who are filled with the Holy Spirit, life and awakening has been called unto their spirit. Once life is given to your spirit, your eyes are open to see the Kingdom of light, you seek to live pleasing God alone, and you are no longer a slave to sin but rather a slave to righteousness. Further once life is given to your spirit, your flesh no longer rules over you, meaning you are no longer governed by the power of death. Living in the realm of the spirit is made possible only by the power of the Holy Spirit living in you. This is the first resurrection, and it is life over death.
Therefore there are two resurrections which are celebrated in each believer’s life. The first resurrection is the resurrection of the spirit. (Rev. 20:1-6 speak of a first resurrection in connection to a 1000 year reign… I see this as taking place now in the present age vs. the age to come.) Because of Adam’s sin (Romans 5:12) – our spirit died, it was not removed, rather torn and left in a depraved lifeless state, resulting in our separation from God. (Isaiah 59:2, Romans 5:8, 6:23, 1 Cor. 15:21) God is spirit and he comes to awaken us from our slumber and in this we must born again from above. (John 1:18, 3:3-5, 4:24) This is the first resurrection.

Being ruled by the flesh is the natural state of humanity. (Eph. 2:3, 2 Peter 1:3-4) There are two extremes often identified in those who live ruled by the flesh. The extremes are living for the gratification of the flesh, or the mutilation of the flesh. Gratification of the flesh is associated with sinful and lustful living. (Gal. 5:16-21) Mutilation of the flesh is when humanity seeks to control the urges of the flesh through legalism and discipline. (Gal 6:12-12, Phil 3:2) These to extremes are best portrayed in the Story of the Prodigal God and the Lost Sons of Luke 15. There is nothing in the Scriptures that tells us of the faith of Lazarus, only his sisters – if he was ruled by his flesh and not by the spirit, when his body died; there was not life in his spirit. I surmised that Lazarus lived by the law and was captive by the lure to “control” and therefore mutilated the flesh. Therefore his resurrection was a spiritual resurrection, with physical implications… meaning that when he physically died, he was never spiritually alive. Therefore when Jesus called him from the dead – he was calling him spiritually alive not physically. This is why he was still wearing his grave clothes, and why Jesus left his behind.
The second resurrection is actually a physical resurrection. In this resurrection grave clothes no longer fit. The second must follow the first. This resurrection in us is the resurrection of the body at the second coming of Christ. (see further details below of this) Lazarus did not have a resurrected body, for he remained bound in the body, and would eventually die in the body. Again contrast this with Jesus, his first resurrection was in that he was born of the Spirit in coming to earth. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin… his life was ruled by the spirit, he overcame death in coming to earth, not after the cross – and this is the transformation which we all must seek. His second resurrection took place after the cross, and it was a resurrection of the body. (Luke 24:4-7, 36-39) Our first resurrection is being born again in this we overcome death, our second resurrection is the physical resurrection that comes after we pass through death and await the culmination of all things in Christ. We see both resurrections in Jesus, in our lives we only see the first and expectantly hope for the second.
The sickness of this world is in believing that living in the flesh is life at all. It is not! (Go watch The Matrix) Life begins not at birth, but at re- birth. It is actually death that begins in birth, for you are always dying, until the power of death is overcome in you. Then and only then does death have no sting. One more time – just so you got it – The dry bones of the valley in Ezekiel and of tomb of Lazarus, represent the need for spiritual resurrection (1st ). What was dead is being called to life. Whereas in the physical resurrection (2nd) , that which is alive spiritually is being matched with a physical vessel which will no longer be corruptible. (1 Cor. 15:42) The power of the Spirit filling and overcoming death is the first resurrection, the power of the Spirit creating a new heaven and a new earth – in which we are physically resurrected, is the second. (Phil 3:1-21)
A key component to resurrection is Hope, which is based on the promises of God. Here is few things you can do to increase your hope and take in a more full understanding of your resurrection:
1. Read, Memorize and Meditate on the Scriptures. Hope is based on past promises, not future desires. Simply reading all the scriptures in this post is a good place to start, even better is to read 1 & 2 Peter – the address clearly the season of lent and the movement for death to life.
2. “Watch” rather than “Wait” for the Lord to move. When we watch for the movement of the Lord, we see where God is moving and we can join Him. When we wait for the movement of the Lord, we miss it or the movement of God simply passes us by. The difference here is one of Faith – do you believe God is moving and working, or are you waiting for God to prove himself.
3. Believe in the redemption of your life. This was reviewed last week as the power of light over the darkness. This is the act of redemption and forgiveness, expressed in confession and thanksgiving.

More on the Resurrection of the Body: taken from a previous post:
I believe in a physical resurrection, meaning our bodies will be raised. I cannot and will not attempt to explain this mystery here – but resurrection is certainly not merely a spiritual experience. (1 Cor. 15:20, 51-54, 2 Cor. 5:1-5, Phil. 3:20-21) What is more is that after the return of Christ, and the resurrection (Acts 24:15, 1 Thess. 4:15-17) there will be a final judgment. (Matt. 24: 3-31; John 5:21-30, 6:39-54, 12:47-48)This judgment will be the final act of all that was in “this age” including the power and thwarting efforts of Satan and those who followed his ways will be cast into the lake of fire. (Rev. 20:10-15) And one final note – that Eternal life beings in this present age, not in the age to come. (Luke 17:21, John 17:3)

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Burn you’re Wax

Posted on March 25, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Light exposes the past, present and future.
1 Samuel 16:1-13 Psalm 23Ephesians 5:8-14John 9:1-41

We are half way through lent…. Thus far we have addressed:

  • Sin is destroyed or sin will destroy, your confession determines the destiny.                     This demonstrates our confession about suffering.
  • Convicted by the Spirit=Freedom. Convicted by the Law=Judgment.                           This demonstrates our Faith through suffering.
  • Thirsty people dwell on their needs; thankful people dwell on their knees.                   This demonstrates our Peace in suffering.

As we turn this corner in Lent and suffering we are given hope, a light at the end of the tunnel. This light is the very promise that God has not left you or abandoned you in pain and suffering. Rather, Jesus as the great shepherd will lead you to the still and quiet waters, even as you may currently find yourself in the valley of the shadow of death. The reality of walking in the shadow of death is that, there are no shadows unless the light is shinning. So when you are in the valley of the shadow of death, it means that the enemy has “stepped” in between you and the light. This act of intrusion is never without the awareness and guidance of the shepherd’s rod and staff. It merely serves as a reminder to walk in imitation of Light, rather to move in bitterness inviting the darkness to find a home in our hearts.
Back in December – I brought to light the issue that your life is affected by the choices of others, even to the point that your life is impacted by your parent’s choice as “when” to conceive you. (This unique characteristic is what makes every person in the kingdom an outlier, for there is no one but you, who has your story. God does not make mistakes, and there is no “accident” in his eyes.) The difference between your life being impacted & affected verses condemned & controlled by other’s choices, is at the heart of the debate between Jesus, the Pharisees and the man born blind. The Pharisees’ are stuck, needing to explain suffering blindness being a condemning act, as a result of sin… in the man who is born blind. While all sin causes suffering, not all suffering is caused by sin. This healed man need not remove his past blindness from his witness, but rather now it shall be as means to share the light. The Pharisees are emphatic that the cause of this man’s blindness (suffering in their opinion – certainly not PC today) is the parent’s sin. And for them there is nothing to highlight, rather this must be concealed and judged. Jesus clearly rejects this and goes on to say, that this suffering took place so that the works of God might be displayed in him. The point there as well as here is that it requires more power to “Stand” in Adversity, then to “Advance” in Shalom. The blind man could simply confess sin (his or his parents, true or not), and not be thrown out, but he stands in the midst of Adversity.

Thus we must trust the Designer of our process, rather than finding our own easy way out. There is redemption for everyone’s story – we must simply walk in the light. Hence last week – Thankful people are on their knees – and there is thanksgiving in suffering when you see the light, while thirsty people are aware of their needs, but this only leads to darkened thinking, rather than confessing “I shall not want”. To complain about the darkness is to focus on what is lacking and desired rather than an awareness of what is being given. What is being given this week is LIGHT. (Gen. 1:3-4, Isaiah 60:19-20, Psalm 119:105, Matthew 5:14-16, John 8:12, Acts 26:18, 1 Thess. 5:5-6) The call is to walk in the light, so that deeds of darkness shall be exposed. (Isaiah 5:20, 9:2, John 3:19-21, 2 Cor. 4:4, Ephesians 4:17-18) When deeds of darkness are exposed, we need not fear, be shamed, nor worry of guilt, rather when deeds of darkness are revealed; it is only because the Light has come.
For Samuel, the light comes as Saul is passed over as King, and David is anointed. (Samuel never wanted to anoint Saul, but it was at God’s direction and the people request, now Samuel sees the light.) While Saul’s actions reveal the darkness of his heart. (Saul feared man more than God) David’s sins do not remain in darkness; rather he is proven by the light. The contrast between the two is not the degree of “darkness”, for it makes little sense as to why Saul’s deeds of darkness, (1 Samuel 11:4-5, 13:13-14, 14:24-45, 15:3-9) are more “offensive” that David’s. (2 Sam. 6:1-8, 11:1-26, 24:1-4) In fact, there is no degree of darkness. As Ephesians points out – it is not that we walk in deeds of darkness, it is that we once were darkness. This exposes the key to the Principle this week – The Blind man was once in darkness and is no more. He is redeemed and perfected, his eyes are opened and he sees Light. (This is the answer Jesus gives Nicodemus regarding the Kingdom – John 3:3-5) The healed “blind” man is made perfect, for perfection has been granted to him. This does not that dictate that he will always walk in perfection, but he must no longer fear the darkness. The Light has come! For David the light has come, for Saul darkness never left him. Even before he was made King – he was hiding in the “darkness”. (1 Sam. 10:20-22)
When you are hiding, it is because the light has come, and you prefer the darkness. (John 3:19) There is nothing to fear, whether it is in your past, present or future… walk in the light for He is in the Light. For in this light, perfection is granted, freedom enjoyed, and the Kingdom is opened unto you. This is described as living in goodness, righteousness and truth.
The work of the Spirit is to produce in you a love for the Light. Do you desire for this love to grow? If so, it is counter-intuitive, for the light to grow, you must find peace with the darkness. You can not outrun the darkness, but the light will overcome the darkness. This is how Jesus closes the passage in the gospel of John. 9:39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” 40 Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” 41 Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains. Therefore:
1.  Practice Confession of sin – don’t let anything remain in the darkness. This is not simply a call for public confession, but as James 5:16 attests, there is power in accountability and confessing your sins to another.
2.  Practice Celebration of thanksgiving – read last week’s post and be on your knees in the midst of suffering not seeking (only) deliverance, much rather seek direction and discipline.
3.  Practice Contributing light  – This is the call to foster, goodness, righteousness and truth as a way of your life. While you cannot produce these things, however you can focus your energy in the areas where the Spirit is leading such work.

If you don’t desire for a love for the light to grow in you… please message me and let me know how it is that you spend the time reading this blog…. Grace and Peace unto you!

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