“Because, I said so” doesn’t work with dogs

Posted on April 11, 2016 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle:  Healing is an act of Authority not Power.

Commanding Darkness away is an act of Healing.

Acts 9:36-43 Psalm 23 Revelation 7:9-17 John 10:22-30

Attending the dog obedience school for our first family dog, we quickly learned that the trainer was not training the dogs, rather the trainer was teaching or “discipling” the owners. The obedience training had very little to do with the dog, the focus was on the owners responses and commitment to the discipleship that then resulted in an obedient response from the dog. The obedience school taught the dog owner how to engage in a healthy relationship with the dog.  The owner’s authority over the dog resulted out of healthy relationship with the dog.

Our authority as followers of Christ is grown out of our forgiveness & relationship with God. We are akin to sheep, and we must hear the Father’s voice. The more intimate we are with God, the more our identity (see last week) will be formed by God, thus the more authority we will exhibit and enjoy. Satan was created, by God as an angel, to be in relationship with God and he was endowed with Authority and Power. When Satan chose to rebel and break his relationship with God – he lost his authority. He did not lose his power – more on that later. Without authority Satan was bound to the world and allowed to rule the air (Eph. 2:1-3) and be the prince of this world (John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11). When the Messiah – Jesus Christ came to the world and tore the veil of the heavens, in His resurrection he conquered death and gave us authority over the power of the Enemy. (Luke 10:19) Authority is fostered and grown in relationship, Power remains a gift. John Paul Jackson said that Authority “controls and changes the visible as well as the invisible, while Power only controls and changes the visible”. What this means is that we don’t need to pursue Power, what we need is to enjoy Authority. Authority is delegated and declarative right over someone or something.  It is the ability to influence or impact as desired. But one must remain clear that authority is imparted based on the relationship with the Father, so it is by his desire and will that authority alone will be exercised.

Peter had authority because of his relationship with God through Jesus. When he went to be with the disciples in the death of Dorcas, he was granted power to raise her from the dead, but it was authority that paved the way for him to call out to God. Those who are gathered in Rev. 7 – and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb – are sharing in the intimacy and authority of the King… they have overcome based on the authority of being in relationship with their shepherd. It is this Great Shepherd (1 Peter 5) that is spoken of in Psalm 23 in whom we have all things. We lack nothing and he guides us along the right path, (Proverbs 3:5-6) believing in ATHOE. (Ascend to Heaven on Earth).  Jesus is very clear to the people of his day, because they do not believe (they are not people of faith) they have no relationship with him, hence they are not his sheep. Therefore they have no authority or ability to hear his words or remain in him. This leads them to desire earthly power as a replacement for what they are unable to enjoy spiritually via authority.  (Hence they demand for miracles and demonstrations rather than to be followers.)  The world will chase power, because that is what the enemy has to offer them. Disciples do not need power, because they seek to be in relationship with the All Powerful One – with whom Him Authority is enjoyed.  (I am not saying disciples lack power, only that a pursuit of power is of the world.) This Authority grants true Peace because believers know they have overcome the world. (1 John 4:4) Peter does not need to raise Dorcas to prove his faith or to demonstrate God’s power; rather Peter is present with the disciples out of Love. And where Love flows there is Power (We will pick this idea up next week).

Connecting to last week – while faith is the root of our identity, faith remains something that you believe in and confess even if you don’t fully understand. Hope on the other hand is very tangible. Hope is something that you can think about, understand, and wrestle with. Hope is the foundation of our declarations.  Authority does rise and fall, based on obedience and submission. Therefore where there is a lack of Authority it will be evident when one lives in a state of being afraid, overcome by anxiety or living in a state of anarchy. This is why we must learn to release our anxiety.  Conversely where there is Authority, the plans of the enemy will be thwarted and Healing will take place.

Healings are based on Authority and an act of healing removes the evil and damage done by evil against God’s creation. Therefore – when we take authority over the enemy (which we are given in Jesus Name) and we command the enemy and his work to be removed from our lives and the lives around us – we are engaging in the act of Healing. The natural progression of healing begins the moment the enemy is removed.  Miracles are done based on Power, and they are the restorative acts of God to repair and return someone or something to the original intended state prior to being damaged by evil.  I believe that God longs for us to apply his Kingdom principles in order to confront the chaos of this world, in order that we can demonstrate health, healing and (w)holness to the world. The gift of Healings and the Miraculous are power gifts of 1 Corinthians 12, However we need not have these gives to engage in Healing.

Authority will overcome Anarchy. When a disciple enters a room, their authority is measured up in the spiritual realm by all those present. In this sizing up the larger your authority the larger the target is on your back, because where ever you plant your feet  – Peace overcomes. Peace is an outward expression of Authority. It is peace that Jesus gives his disciples. (John 19) If you have authority you can be near someone one who is in chaos, whether that be guilt, shame, fear, anger or in any emotional distress and your authority will bring peace. (Your peace may be rejected, but it will demand a response.) A person who lives in the absence of peace, based on lacking authority will develop anxiety that will cause damage to their physical body.  Thus Authority to Heal is evident in the lives of disciples who walk intimately with the Father by faith. Remember healing does not require visible demonstration to take place, it may simply be the removal of evil, but by removing evil, restoration can begin.

So what if you live in a constant state of fear, or have anxiety about the world around you… does this mean you lack authority… unfortunately yes, but authority rises and fall in relationship with the Father… Therefore, Fear not and do not let your hearts be troubled.

  1. Confess your sins and your need for God. Relinquish your right to be right this is an act of forgiveness and promotes humility in the steps of the Son… (Micah 6:8)
  2. Release your anxiety and fear to God. Submit your soul to the will of the Father. Seeking His Kingdom and His Righteousness (Matthew 6:33) will release you from the pursuit of power in this world and peace will be the fruit…
  3. Command the darkness away in Jesus Name. This is an act of authority and in claiming the name of Jesus you embrace your call to be broken as a movement of the Holy Spirit and discovering the direction of the spirit… (John 16:8).

 

Psalm 23

 

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want” (23:1)

 ATHOE

Confess                    my sin & need to God

Release                     my anxiety & fear to God

Command              darkness away in Jesus Name
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

He leadeth me beside the still waters, He restoreth my soul

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (23:2,3).

 Circumcise                my heart

 

Renew                      my mind

 

Resurrect                 my body

 
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (23:4).

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over” (23:5).

  

In Baptism               my identity in Christ is secured

 

 

 

In Communion          I experience intimate emotional exchange with God & others

In Worship                in the presence of the King I am unconditionally accepted

 
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever” (23:6). Prayer  expresses my faith in God to do the impossible.

Declare establishes God’s faith in me to do all things possible.

Command extends the power & authority of God through me to the world as an act Love.

 

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You are designed to Run – don’t miss your mark.

Posted on April 5, 2016 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle:  Identity takes root in you moving you from blindness to blessedness through the process of brokenness.

  • Identity is formed universally in People of Faith by being a Kingdom & Priest.
  • Identity is formed in uniquely in People of Faith by being Called, Chosen, & Commissioned.
Acts 9:1-6, (7-20) Psalm 30 Revelation 5:11-14 John 21:1-19

Do you think you are more likely to be a sprinter or a marathon runner?  Paul was more of a marathon runner (Acts 20:24, 1 Cor. 9:24), while Peter was a sprinter (Luke 24:12, John 21:7-8).  Regardless they were both runners in the race. In order to run with perseverance the race marked out of you, you must throw off that which entangles you. (Hebrews 12:1) The two things we learned to throw off in last week’s post was sin & fear.

  • To throw off sin – we confess, repent and recieve forgiveness.
  • To throw of fear  – we cast , release and belief in freedom                                 (fear is expressed as anxiety, worry, stress, etc)

This week in Acts we read the calling of Saul (he will be renamed and commissioned as Paul), in John we engage the conclusion of the Peter’s choosing and the re-engagement of his commissioning. In Revelation, we are given a glimpse into Heaven where the billions of angels, the elders and four living creatures are encircling the throne of Jesus. There they fulfill their lives’ purpose to bow in worship of the Lamb who was slain and is worthy to open the scroll. (Rev. 4:1-5:10) Finally, Psalm 30 is a beautiful picture of worship and exalting of the Lord forever and ever living into our calling, because of our choosing and out our commissioning. These acts of calling, choosing and commissioning will be further explained below, but before we can address those concepts, we must address the reality that Anxiety in the world is a bigger obstacle to our life’s purpose than sin.

You were born in this world – sinful (passed on to every generation). You make chooses everyday of your life that can be classified as sin. To both of these – Forgiveness is a Gift. Yet – most of us are not dying under the weight of sin (because we practice the engagement of forgiveness) rather we are dying under the pressures of this world – anxiety, stress, fear…   it is to this that Jesus say – my Peace I give to you… and we are invited to give to him our cares. (1 Peter 5:7) In those same passages – Ananias had to release his anxiety, John has to move through his fear, and we discover in a state of worship that both sin and anxiety has been removed.

Let’s return to the race metaphor of Paul and Peter and you. When you are at the starting-line of a race, the call is to be “On your Mark” – this calling is to be in position. Sin at times has been described as missing the mark, based on an archery term. While that is not totally wrong, it may be more correct to say that sin is not only missing the mark it is also hitting the wrong mark. Like being in the wrong lane, on the wrong mark…  Before you can run a race it is important you have your appointed mark – you know where you stand and you are in the correct posture. Your true identity is rooted on your mark. This is the gift of receiving forgiveness.  This mark is established in being called by God, to be “right” with God. Being “On your Mark” enters you into the race, but it does not release you to go, next you have to “Get Set”. To get set, is to move into a ready position. While in this shift from on your mark to get set, the race has begun, and yet no one is allowed to run, and this is where most fouls occur, here we are prepared to give it all you got. “Getting Set” is affirming your awareness of being Chosen and for you to choose to move solely in the direction of God. This is the place where we must release our anxiety and be focused on one thing – Listening for the “Go!” Anticipating the “Go!” is being totally ready to run at a moment’s notice, but not moving until you are released. This is the point of breaking your will and seeking only His. In the scriptures this week we see Ananias leave his mark flawlessly.   In a race, when everyone is lined up on the line – they all look somewhat similar, not identical, but generally in the same posture and position… but once the gun is sounding everyone’s race becomes their own. This is why it is so important to be “On your mark” (called), “Get set” (Chosen) so that when you “Go!” – you run in such a way to win the prize – for this is your Commission.

Defining the terms:

Calling happens in a moment’s time, and is unique to each person. For some it seems as if they must receive multiple calls from God before they every truly pick up or complete the call. Both Paul and Peter hear the call of Jesus to “Follow Me”. Peter hears these words directly (Matt. 4:18-20), while Paul is blinded and told where to go and what to do (Acts 9:6, 22:10). Our Calling into a greater light reveals our Blindness – what we once did not see we now are able to see. For Peter, His calling matured over a longer period of time – but he too had his eyes opened (Matthew 16:15-17). For Paul we read the story this week – it was a matter of three days and Ananias prayed for his eyes to be opened…

Choosing happens throughout a life time.  This is the process of us facing our brokenness and wilderness experiences where we come to know and trust the Lord.  Here is where we see Peter as a sprinter and Paul as a marathon runner. Peter often and quickly chooses to sprint off to accomplish a task for the Lord, only to discover it was on his strength and his will that things were pursued. Paul’s choosing is a long obedience in the same direction. In choosing we encounter Brokenness.  It is out of our brokenness that we come to release our anxiety. Paul is told by Jesus how much he will have to suffer, but also what his Commissioning will be. (Acts 9:15-16) Without being totally broken we will not chose the Lord, he has Called and Chosen us – but now we must choose him and “Get Set”… Matthew 22:14 states that “many are called but few are chosen”

Commissioning begins in a moment and culminates in a life time.  To be faithful follower of Jesus Christ, we are to be both called (our eyes open) and chosen (our heart set for Christ). (1 Peter2:9, Rev. 17:14) Calling is an act of God of alone, Choosing is mutually engaged by God and us, while Commissioning returns to be an act of God in response to our choosing His will over ours. Since Choosing is a process that never ends. Every day we choose to release our Anxiety to God. Every day we choose to surrender our will to his, and the day that we don’t we feel the weight of the world upon us. This weight obstructs our commissioning  to be fulfilled. Yet this freedom brings God’s Blessing and Favor in our lives.  Again to be commissioned is an act of God that takes but a moment, but culminates in a life time.  Commissioning is identified in favor, which is grasped only by faith. Faith again is the root of our identity.

Paul is commissioned to reach the Gentiles (Acts 9:15, 22:21), Peter is commissioned to establish the foundation of the Church in Jerusalem. (Matt. 16:18, Acts Chapter 1 – 12 show Peter’s Commission, Acts Chapter 13-26 show Paul’s).

Our Identity matures as we move from Blindness to Sight revealing our Calling (On your Mark), into Brokenness via Wholeness to Holiness revealing Chosen-ness (Get Set), and into Blessedness and Favor revealing our Commissioning (Go!)

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Big shoes to fill…

Posted on March 31, 2016 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: My identity is gift from God, rooted in my faith of Christ, brought to life by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I. A.M.  witness of the great I AM

Acts 5:27-32 Psalm 150 Revelation 1:4-8 John 20:19-31

If someone told you they saw Bigfoot… would you believe them? Or would you ask for proof. The same desire of proof is true for many when they profess their belief in the resurrection. The point of this post is for you to discover that you are the proof of the resurrection.

I’m not sure who has the bigger feet, (I presume Bigfoot) but I know that Jesus leaves behind big shoes to fill… When my kids were little it was fun for them to put on my shoes and try to walk around the house.  This week after Easter we find the disciples gathering together to try and figure out what and how to do in order  to go forward, knowing that they have very big shoes to fill.  The Disciples knew what they had to do, but they were prevented from  going forward due to fear and the guilt of disbelief.   But just maybe they also knew they needed to wait until the Holy Spirit which was promised by Jesus was given.  (This promise began with the Old Testament prophets – Joel 2:28-32, Isaiah 44:3-5, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Zechariah 12:10 and was picked up by John the Baptist Luke 3:16, John 1:33)

When my kids walked in my shoes it was slow, awkward and they often fell if they tried to move fast. When wearing the big shoes if I would hold their hands and lift them up, they felt like they were running on air. The disciples needed this lift, but it had not come yet therefore this is why they were waiting behind the locked doors. It was not until the disciples were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit – that the shoes of Jesus were no longer too BIG for them to wear.  By the time we see them in Acts 5 as opposed to John 20 – they move from doubt & fear and  Peter’s questioning the availability forgiveness, to being called before the Sanhedrin to give account for being witnesses for the Resurrection of Jesus.

The new reality for the disciples (and us) is that the resurrection is complete in those who have believed in Jesus Christ’s triumph over the grave for he has given unto them the power of the Holy Spirit – (Acts 2:33, Romans 8:9-11). Revelation 1 makes it clear that by the way of Jesus we are to be the very expression of the Kingdom; to serve as priests of His Holy Nation. (Peter witnesses to this truth in 1 Peter 1:3-2:12) Over the next 7 weeks we will make our way to Pentecost – there the very Spirit that was breathed not just upon the disciples will be given to the nations. In this season the lectionary will shift to offer us insights from Revelation, the Gospel of John and the book of Acts as opposed to the typical format of the Psalm, OT passage and the Gospel of Luke as in the rest of the Year C format.  I believe that this deviation is to reinforce the call for us to be witnesses of the resurrection and the revelation of the Spirit. Luke began his gospel clearly based on the eye-witnesses (Luke 1:2) and develops the theme throughout the books of Acts.  The Acts of the Apostles tell us the story of their witness as the early church was finding its way forward.  John begins his gospel based on the witness of John the Baptist (John 1:6-8) and in Revelation he gives us a glimpse into sharing what he witnesses beyond his imagination.  This week in Acts we see Peter standing against the authorities who challenge his authority and calls the disciples to cease and desist. The Revelation text this week gives witness to the Trinity of God and in doing so highlighted Jesus as the faithful witness…

Our Witness is our Confession.  In order for us to walk in shoes of Jesus, we must be filled by the Holy Spirit. In this our confession is “I believe”. This confession is to embrace the work of the cross of Christ that was completed and to believe in the on-going work of the Holy Spirit. Our Confession is as  simple as “God, I confess my sin and my need for you!”  In response to this, we are met with the power of the Holy Spirit to relieve our pain and free us from a state of bondage. Do you believe?

Jesus reveals to the disciples while they remain behind locked doors, He overcomes their fears and doubts, calls them back to forgiveness and breathes the Holy Spirit on them.  By the Power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus gives to the disciples the authority needed to fill his shoes…  and as such they are being sent out. By Acts 5 we see that they have obeyed the commission of Jesus and in Acts 7 we see that Stephen is paying the ultimate price for his witness.

Through this confession we profess and confess our identity.  The question of “Who am I” is at the base of all things. In Revelation 1 we are given our identity. By the witness of  the of Jesus; our identity is to be a kingdom and priests to serve God. Our Identity is to be a people of faith.  Second we most know our Authority. The question of “What is my impact?” & “What difference can I make?” are questions of authority. Authority is to be found in a plan of hope.  As pointed out in Acts 5 Peter clearly established that their authority came from God and it is unto Him alone which they obey. This authority is matched with power when it comes from the Holy Spirit. The Revelation passage makes it clear authority comes from God who was, who is and is to come, the Spirit (the complete and perfect 7 fold spirit) who sits before the throne, and Jesus who is the faithful witness, the first born from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Finally we must know our motivation.  While it is the purpose of love that lays as the foundation of all motivation – this week our motivation is two-fold. First,  we may Praise the LORD with every breath of our life.  Second, might we might share this love with the rest of the world. (starting with the Church as in Rev. 2-3) Therefore, the motivation to Praise the Lord and demonstrate his Identity and Authority in our lives moves us to being a witness to Jesus, that others might come to do the same.This Identity, Authority, & Motivation lays the foundation to all of life and is developed in us by a tool I call ATHOE.

This week we also learn from this text what prevents people from living into their Identity, Authority and Motivation of Jesus by the power of the Spirit.

  1. Un-Forgiveness
  2.  Fear or Unbelief

We will take time later to unpack this more but, it is suffice to say this week that Jesus clearly overcomes what is lacking and offers His Peace to His disciples. Those who have such peace as Peter did, echo’s the same promise to others offering them Life in Jesus.

As we confess our sin and need for God, we are overcoming two core obstacles to our Identity as found in Christ. We are moving into a state of forgiveness, that frees us from the internal battle for truth. AS we confess our need for God, we are overcoming the external lie that I have to do “this” on my own.   Let us begin our Journey of ATHOE, Ascending to Heaven on Earth, by establishing our Identity as being established as a gift of God.

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Exchange love to love change

Posted on December 18, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Love is found in exchange of action with another.

Micah 5:2-5a Psalm 80:1-7 Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:46b-55

I remember traveling in Europe some 20 years ago and I would go to the exchange my US dollars for other currency – It was wonderful when the rate was in my favor. Where 1 dollar now gave me the buying power of 10. This was tremendous. However the mighty dollar is not so mighty any longer – now the exchange rate makes you feel I may have invested poorly. The Exchange rate of God’s love is always in your favor. However, it is an exchange – you must give one in order to discover the joy of 100. This is true in all of the Kingdom Parables. Love is the only constant of the Kingdom, both now and in the age to come.

This Advent we have encountered Hope, Peace & Joy. Hope declares based on the past, Peace and Joy transform the future, and Love unites all things with life giving action in the present. You cannot love in the past, you cannot act in the future (your present actions can impact the future, but the exchange is in the present). Peace and Joy can lead us to action, but they do not require action. Love without action is no longer love. Peace and Joy are powerful bonds with ourselves and others, love goes beyond emotion to unite action with experience in a way that transforms the present.

What is love? – But that you might lay their life down for another. (John 15:9-14) This is the exchange one life for another.

  • Mary laid her life down, that Christ may be born.
  • John laid down his life to prepare the way of the LORD.
  • Jesus laid down his life that all who come unto him shall be saved.

One who is filled with love, no longer be the needs to be in control, rather in release of control they live loved and give love. As we exchange all this world has to offer for the love of God, we also exchange our life as an act of worship. In this way we are simultaneously filled and poured out – THIS IS LOVE.

In the Scriptures this week we find Mary, the mother of our LORD, singing (rooted in joy) her magnificent from the depths of brokenness. Mary has exchanged love with God, and now the reality is that her “let it be so”, to the Angel, has made here vulnerable to the rest of the world. Micah proclaims hope to the broken amidst inevitable defeat and destruction. To Bethlehem – which only “amounts” to a dollar worth of land – a great exchange shall pour forth. Prophets are not always wanted for they proclaim the truth. The truth this advent is that YES we can celebrate our Savior – YET to celebrate is to be confronted with our need to be saved. This is the great exchange of love. Israel was broken and restoration was alone in the hands of Yahweh – the LORD God Almighty:   Today humanity is no different. Jesus came to the earth to deliver the Good News which John proclaimed. This good news is a reversal of fortunes and Jesus did not come to just deliver a message, he is very the deliverer, to whom we must turn.

It is through his suffering and brokenness that the message of transformation was fully communicated. To know love is to be WITH Jesus. When we use obedience (expression of for), offerings (expression of under), principles (expression of over), or even praise (expression of from) as a means to avoid pain and suffering we have missed the point of Love. These expressions can be given without exchange. It is the exchange of love which births life out of obedience, offerings, principles and praise. Jesus has come to redeem and restore His people to be in relationship with him, that they may partake in the exchange of the Kingdom. Is it your will that His will be done? If so the way of Love. And the way of Love is the way of Brokenness & Vulnerability.

  • Jesus was emptied (of heaven) and birthed at the same moment.
  • Mary surrendered and discovered new life as in her womb.
  • John the Baptist turned away from his given path, to prepare the path of another.
  • Jesus was crucified and fulfilled (all of heaven) at the same moment

This exchange will draw deep uncontrollable emotion to the surface that is not tapped into with Joy or Peace – in this vulnerability we have ventured into Love. We are to love and be loved. You cannot have one without the other. This is why we must love our neighbor as ourselves, in order to truly fulfill our command to love God. In this way we are poured out and refilled all at once.

It is in this way that Love then is the culmination of such things. Therefore you are willing to give your life as a witness to this love, knowing that it is only through death that true life (culmination of advent) can be found. Therefore in weakness you are strong, in brokenness you are made whole, in persecution you are fulfilled, in hunger you are satisfied. This is the joy and peace of the Kingdom – it never ends.

“Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”  C.S. Lewis

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Good News & Great Joy

Posted on December 9, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Good News & Great Joy

Kingdom Principle: Joy fills the heart of the Kingdom, prophets Rejoice sustaining its servants.

Zephaniah 3:14-20 Isaiah 12:2-6 Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18
   

When the angel of the LORD appeared over the shepherd’s field he announced, “…I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people…” The church in general has been faithful about sharing the good news, but it has often come up very short when it comes to great joy. Much has been written about the difference between Joy and Happiness, but that is not the focus of this blog. In fact trying to define joy as deeper or in light of it being spiritual as opposed to temporal and psychological to happiness (in my opinion) has caused us to misunderstand joy all together.

Peace and Joy are “produced” and are expressed as “fruit” in the process of seeking the Kingdom and His Righteousness.

Righteousness & Holiness are more like seeds then fruit as they “positions” we hold (they hold us) and are fulfilled under the rule and reign of the King.

  • As Ambassadors of Righteousness we are sent out into the world to be in relationships of reconciliation.     This reveals our peace, which exists between ourselves and others.
  • As Vessels of Holiness we are called to live our lives as an act of worship being set apart from the world.          This reveals our joy, which exists and eludes from within our heart. (Ps. 33:20-21)

While we cannot earn or get more of Christ’s righteousness or holiness (He gave it all to us), we can however grow into the covering of grace which has been fully given to us in Christ. We have all of Christ’s righteousness and holiness, but as we grow, we surrender more of our lives unto Him.

Therefore we must seek to nurture and grow the Peace & Joy in our lives (like fruit), out of Righteousness and Holiness (seeds or roots of the Spirit) which we have been given.

Our Joy is not limited, therefore it is not always full or complete. This restriction is placed on us by ourselves depending on much of our identity is rooted in this world verses in the King of the Kingdom. (John 17, see vs. 13-14)

Some will say that happiness is temporal and emotional, and joy is deeper. Joy may be deeper yet it too is temporal and emotional as our identity is hijacked by the lies of the enemy. In this way we are to see ourselves as saints rather than sinner, for the joy is before us. Hebrews speaks of Jesus’ joy as being set before him as he endures the cross. We are to walk in the Holiness of Christ throwing off anything that entangles us, so that we do not lose heart – for it is in the heart that Joy resides.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Heb. 12:1-3)

The deeper aspect of Joy is that it is emotionally present in sorrow and pain. (happiness is left behind here) In this way when we mourn, we are comforted in the kingdom. (Matt 5:4) Further Paul makes it abundantly clear that Joy is not removed in suffering, but that rather it can and does live in our hearts, even when we are not at peace with others. (2 Cor. 7)

Here are a few other scriptures that highlight the reality of joy.

  • God’s joy continues to flow through His people even during their suffering because of their rock-solid hope. They know that all suffering is limited to this short life, and the time will soon come when “there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying” (Revelation 21:4). They “rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2).
  • We have good reason to rejoice because of our trials we learn to place our trust in God’s redemptive power, transforming those trials to help us build godly character. “And we know that all things [even severe trials] work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
  • More specifically, Paul wrote that “we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).
  • James wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” – perseverance draws up back to God remaining faithful. (James 1:2).

In this joy is to live within our hearts, regardless of the circumstance. When this is our reality, we have true expressions of peace between ourselves and others.

Building on last week – Hope looks backward and anchors our soul. Peace looks forward and builds bridges between ourselves and others. Joy is the pivot-place in-between Hope and Peace, which expresses faith in God’s Holiness and Righteousness to be our own.

Having one without the other…

You can have Joy without Peace, but you cannot have Peace unless Joy is present in your heart. I am redefining Joy here to be an inward acceptance and embrace between oneself and God, a sort of peace between ourselves and the Spirit) In this way we can take joy into every circumstance. Peace will have an external expression and connecting point beyond you. If you are at peace with yourself – that is better called Joy. (when the circumstance is “happy” we have an easier time connecting this, but joy is having peace in your heart in the midst of sorrow.

Joy is not optional for believers – it is commanded. REJOICE, again I say REJOICE, this is emphatic by Paul as so much depends our this reality in our hearts. Christ’s Holiness is a gift given as salvation, it potentially lays latent or dormant within you until life springs forth. (Phil 2:14-18) Both Peace & Joy are fruit of the Spirit and Expression of the Kingdom of God. (Gal 5:22-23, Romans 14:17)

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Lack Peace? Find the missing Piece.

Posted on December 1, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: The peace of the prophets is limited only by their righteousness.

Malachi 3:1-4 Luke 1:68-79 Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6

Building on last week– as a prophet I will see the signs in the sufferings, but that does not mean I am at peace with either the signs or the sufferings. The peace of the prophet is in relationships to the righteousness of the prophet. Let me remind each of us – we are not relegating the prophets to ages past who did crazy things and knew the future. The prophets are God’s people who hear and respond his Spirit and carry that message to the designated recipient. The name Malachi is simply a name which translates to messenger – (The Hebrew word mal’ak means ” messenger” –– similar to the Greek word angelos in the New Testament). We as God’s servants are called to be his messengers “aka” prophets. This week the text focuses on the most famous New Testament prophet – John the Baptist or Evangelist or simply John the cousin of Jesus, son of Zachariah.

The message this week is that the peace we have in this life is in direct correlation to the righteousness that we enjoy. In fact Isaiah 32:17 tells us that the “Fruit of Righteousness is Peace”. So if you want peace in your life – you cannot simply look for it, or earn it, nor accumulate it, further Jesus did not even come to bring peace… (Matthew 10:34) Last week we wrestled with the necessity of Hope. Hope looks backward at the promises of God and brings them into the present through declarations of the prophets, in this Hope precedes Faith. It precedes it, by means of the fact that Hope is an anchor that is based on already provided realities, much like trust is actually accrued and based on past actions or indications. Hope is the anchor of my soul (Hebrews 6:19) being rooted in the promises of God, but it alone does not move us to do anything. Rather, it is the belief in this hope that produces faith, which is a movement of the Spirit and demonstration of the hope that is within us. Whereas Hope precedes faith, Peace & Joy are products and processes of faith. If you desire Peace, it is going to require righteousness, and if you seek righteousness (Matt. 6:33) it is going to require faith, which as we were just reminded is rooted and requires hope. What then is righteousness? Righteousness comes as an position because of justification. If that last sentence left you looking for me – justification is the removal of the barrier between us and God. This work is done for by Christ, to completely wash our sins white as snow and makes us right with Him. This is what Jesus came to bring – access to be with God – to be “right” with him. Justification makes Righteousness in us possible and it is found by faith (Romans 1:17, 3:22, 4:13) Faith is found by hearing and believing in the hope of the promises of God. Therefore we know that righteousness is not simply our right actions, however obedience & training in the scriptures (Romans 2:13, 2 Tim. 3:16) demonstrates that righteousness has taken root and will not be uprooted (proverbs 12:3). So we can cling to hope yet our faith may be dead, we can be justified by faith but still lack peace – and this is not where we want to find ourselves, without faith or peace – yet often this is true. Hoping for a miracle, but doubting it will come, knowing that God is doing something in our lives but resenting Him in the midst of it – Let us say – this shall not be!

Rather, let us become slaves to righteousness which leads to holiness (next week’s topic tied with joy). (Romans 6:19) This choice to seek His righteousness by faith is the road to peace, (Romans 5:1) which means not to worry (Matthew 6:25,33). This week the scriptures confirm that to be pure and blameless will result only by the fruit of righteousness that comes from Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:10-11) And that as the prophet John the Baptist was called in a time of worldly peace, he came to prepare the way for a peace that is not of this world. We can know this peace as we walk in righteousness and holiness serving God without fear. (Luke 1:74-75)

Therefore – What is peace? It is fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) which when it is rooted in us, we will not be afraid (John 14:27). As you embrace of your calling (Col. 3:15) to be slave of righteousness and prisoner of the Lord, peace is something that exists between you and others (Ephesians 4:3) and leads us into a preferred future. Therefore let us be peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God (Matt. 5:9) and reap a harvest of righteousness (James 3:18) – meaning we shall have wisdom from heaven that leads us in the practice of confronting chaos giving people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins and to shine our light on those who are living in darkness and in the shadow of death. (Luke 1:77-79)

  • Whereas Hope looks backward – Peace looks forward. Where are you lacking peace about the future?

With regards to that situation, the answer to peace lies in claiming and discovering righteousness of Christ in your present circumstance. In this way, we are to Seek First His Kingdom and His Righteousness, and all other things will be added. (Matt 6:33) This addition is a result of peace in every circumstance.

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Telling secrets is a must

Posted on November 25, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle:  Prophets see signs in sufferings, the rest only see the sufferings.

Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 25:1-10 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36

How do you feel when someone keeps a secret from you…?  Most of us take the noble path to that question and say it’s fine, if that person is not supposed to tell me… But what about when someone keeps a secret from you and that secret causes you great pain or sorrow. At that point – does it matter if they were supposed to tell you or not, imagine how you would respond if they were supposed to tell (preventing the harm) yet they still didn’t?

What is the role of a prophet today?

Do you consider yourself to be chosen by God? Are you a Servant of the God most High? Do you walk with the Lord such that He considers you His friend?  If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions – then I proclaim boldly to you that there is a message that God has placed inside of you. Prophets have a message from God, knowing how to share that message required great hope and faith. The Hope of the Advent Season – proclaims that Christ the King has come as a babe to save the world from sin, united with the hope that now lives in each of us as His prophets. God has placed his people through all the ages to proclaim his deeds. Unfortunately, people don’t care to listen to this message of Hope…– Why Not?

Hearing the words of the prophet, is being able to hear:

  • You have diabetes/high cholesterol and you need to change your diet
  • You have believed a lie about your past, and you need to let it go.
  • You are turning to the internet to mask your pain, seek counseling or lose your family.
  • You are working too much, you need to take a vacation and learn to release your anxiety

Listening and understanding the words of the prophet, is in direct relation to you having a disciplined body & developed soul, yet the words of the prophet often come because your body and soul are not disciplined and developed. Without an anchor of hope, the words will be regarded as foolish and not move you to action. The anchor is rooted in the promise and gift of the Holy Spirit.

But then, how can it be so, that the Spirit of God speaks to the prophet, to speak to the people who are not listening to God. Yet only those who will respond to the call of the prophet are those who themselves are being directed by the Spirit.  This is the plight of the prophet, and reason which the prophet must have hope beyond oneself.  Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah in Mark 4:12 declaring “‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’”

The call of the Prophet is to bring the Just and Righteous ways of God to a people who are not walking in His Justice or Righteousness – for the foundation of the Kingdom is Justice and Righteousness. (Psalm 89:14) Each of the prophet voices of this advent in this are speaking to a unique situation:

  • Micah (wk 4) proclaims the destruction to come at the hand of the Assyrians (around 730 BC);
  • Zephaniah (wk 3) proclaims the coming judgment to Israel before they go into Exile at the hands of the Babylonians.  (around 640 BC);
  • Malachi (wk 2)is the last book of the Old Testament, proclaims that even after the Jews have been returned to Israel, they have returned to empty rituals. (around 420 BC).
  • Jeremiah in this week is a glimmer of hope amongst the conquering arm of the Babylonians,  and Israel continually fails to hear, listen or respond the warnings, even as they go into Exile, they choose not to submit to the ways of Yahweh. (around 600 BC)       Quite similar to the warnings given above – many know the changes that are necessary in their lives, but disregard the prophets’ warnings.

Is the time of the Prophets come and gone? – I THINK NOT! Amos who was one of Israel’s earliest prophets emerged from very unlikely sources and proclaims “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7) Jesus renews this message in the Gospel of John, stating   “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.” (John 14:29) Jesus plays the role of the prophet to his people, then deepens the relationship to a new understanding, calling his disciples to be “prophets” servants who know their mater’s business. “ I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15)

You and I have become the message of Hope to a lost and broken world. This message is being sent to those who are far off, this is the very reason we must be sent…. That they might turn form their wicked ways and move in the direction of the King. While it is true that only God can move the heart of his people, and a movement of the spirit is required for any to come into relationship with God, this is not the concern of the prophet. It is the message to which the prophet is obedient and to deliver such message that reveals the heart of submission to the King.

The signs have been given, and continue to be given by God’s servants so that the hearts of those who are weak might be strengthened. In much the same way that the Kingdom is “already” and remains “not yet”, so this is true in each of our lives regardless of where we find ourselves in our journey with God. King David can look back and see where he has learned and changed his ways– yet he remains indebted to the LORD to teach him and to guide him in truth. God does not avoid the sinner or condemn the lost, rather he sends his servants with a message of Hope.

Today – are you a servant with a message of Hope or are you in need of a message of Hope.

If you are such a servant – then walk boldly before the Throne of God most high that you might receive the very message that He is asking you to proclaim and to whom it is to be directed. (Be Aware –God is not above testing the discipline of your body and the development of your soul – to give you a message with the orders not to deliver it, or to grow your patience to give you no message at all)

If you are looking for such a message of Hope at this time – then recognize that a disciplined body and developed soul will prepare you to receive such a message that comes from the Spirit of God. Wait no longer for such a message, submit yourselves to God and he will come near to you.  Ask, Seek , Knock and you will find what you are looking for…..

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know the ledge -vs- the curse of knowledge

Posted on November 16, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle:  There are many kingdoms, but only one is anchored in the hearts of eternity.

To engage in worship of the King, is to experience the heart of eternity.

2 Samuel 23:1-7 Psalm 132:1-12, (13-18) Revelation 1:4b-8 John 18:33-37

We don’t know, what we don’t know. (When we discover this – we encounter the possibility of a paradigm shift, unfortunately the more we know the more we are blinded to our ignorance – this is called the curse of knowledge.) Case in point, when you have never worshiped with a Greek Orthodox Church, you don’t know what you are missing. I am not saying it is “better”, “right” or even “suggested” – just that you don’t know what you are missing, until you do. With regards to worship limited to a western paradigm of the Christian church, you are “missing” the interconnection of the saints from ages past; all those who have worshipped before you. (Roman Catholicism touches on this with the western experience, but not in the way the Orthodox Church does – in fact it would be an offense to an orthodox priest to even state it as similar.) One other as aspect of worship that is lost to western thinking is true unity of the global church (all those who are worshiping concurrently with you). This ignorance works both ways as the greatest void (in my opinion) to the Greek Orthodox Church (as they don’t know, what they don’t know) is the conviction of mission as church to be the continuing presence of Jesus on the earth.

What don’t you, about that which is eternal? You can only learn by experiencing the eternal. For some that will mean, you can’t know until you die, however, eternity does not begin when you die, that is unless you deny it. Last week we looked at paradigm & paradox. The paradigm of the Kingdom is eternal and love its only constant, the paradox of the Kingdom is that it is both now and not yet. Our lives are marked by a temporary reminder – We are all going to die. Yet, that need not limit our impact and legacy in this world. We can conceive that how we live our lives now will impact how we are remembered after we die. Yet not nearly as many know that we don’t have to wait until we die to impact eternity. To worship is to engage the eternal heart of God. The Kingdom in not a location, it is a heartbeat. Kingdom servantleaders are identified as priests of the Kingdom, moving according to this beat. A priest is a lead worshiper. As a lead worshiper, you are not simply leading others in worship, (that is a worship leader – a mark of the western church) rather as a lead worshiper. A lead worshiper has a focus of One (not the masses)– to whom they are worshiping, and this aspect of leading is done by following.

The texts this week culminate “ordinary time”– this section (half the year) of the lectionary focuses on the time after Pentecost. The new ordinary is life lived in the Spirit experiencing the fullness of the Kingdom. King David believe everything after his death would be “ordinary time” in the sense that his kingdom would reign forever. He had good reason to believe this as it was promised by God. The psalm connects this paradigm with the paradox that David’s kingdom would not last on this earth, yet Jesus as a son of David. (Quoted 17 times in the New Testament) would come to reign and inaugurate the Kingdom of God eternally. It is you and I who are such a kingdom and priests of that dominion. As a priest – your work/labor is an act of worship. The joy of being part of the royal priesthood, is that you are 24/7 a lead worshiper.

What does it look like for you to make ordinary – a life marked by worship in spirit & truth?

Do you hear Jesus, if so you are on the side of truth? If not, you don’t know what you don’t know. Therefore read last week’s post and seek to embrace the paradox of your life.

Worship is an eternal act of singing with joy, being clothed in righteousness, expressing peace in our prayers, declarations and commanding in the Kingdom – which of these are not part of your everyday life currently? Do you have a desire to see that shift? If so – go to www.ATHOE.org and experience “I AM RENEWED”.

Posted in After Pentecost, Year B | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Expecting a Surprise

Posted on November 10, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle:  The Kingdom of God is a Paradox.

1 Samuel 1:4-20 1 Samuel 2:1-10 Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25 Mark 13:1-8

The word paradox is often used describe situations that are ironic which appear to be in conflict yet are not. It is a paradox that a person simply standing with tire faster than a person exerting energy to walk. A. W. Tozer has captured well the paradox of our faith. “A real Christian is an odd number. He feels supreme love for One whom he has never seen; talks familiarly every day to Someone he cannot see; expects to go to heaven on the virtue of Another; empties himself in order to be filled; admits he is wrong so he cannot be declared right; goes down in order to get up; is strongest when he is weakest; richest when he is poorest and happiest when he feels the worst. He dies so he can live; forsakes in order to have; gives away so he can keep; sees the invisible; hears the inaudible; and knows that which passes knowledge.” As we journey through the Scriptures we are discovering the principles of the Kingdom of God.  Over the next two weeks we are closing out the season called “After Pentecost” as well as the end of Year B. (there are 3 years, A,B & C to the lectionary calendar.) The lectionary approach to the Scriptures is not a ladder to climb, rather it is much more of a paradox. The more you read and study Scriptures, the more you discover that you have only begun to scratch the surface of its depth and treasure. The Bible is not a simple set of principles by which believers base their life. The Bible is a living document, through which we are invited into deeper relationship with the Living Word that became flesh – that is Jesus. It is no surprise then that the Kingdom of the King (Jesus) is itself a paradox as well. Any attempt to reduce the Kingdom to Principles will lead you back down the path of obedience and Obedience will bring you to the door.  However – as we have seen Obedience is not enough, and submission is required. It is required because without paradox, then faith is obsolete.  Therefore – The Kingdom is not ours to solve or reduce to simple patterns of life. The Kingdom is bigger than this world, yet resides within in us. It is before us all as an expression of faith, placing our trust in the King, and exists because God has given us faith in the first place. In this season of year B – After Pentecost (May-November 2015) we have wrestled with the depth of the paradox that Kingdom Servants are Leaders, and knowing what to do, leads you to stop doing. Faith and Prayer are the ultimate paradoxes of the Kingdom leading both to change us, as well as to change the way we see ourselves.

This week we return to the beginning of 1 Samuel to hear the story of Hannah a kingdom servant who’s prayer changes everything – she is barren, and therefore shamed and shunned. Yet, Hannah is loved by her husband, and Hannah cries to the Lord for a child, and then immediately promises to dedicate and give the child to the priest to raise – yielding her again without child. The Prayer of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2 demonstrates the reality of paradox that lays the foundation for the Kingdom of God on earth. There is even a paradox in the fact that the priest accused Hannah of being drunk as she is so passionately praying to the Lord.  The disciples ask Jesus in Mark 13 – to help them to understand the signs of the times… and yet the answer they seek is still not given. The answer is captured in Hebrews 10:23 – “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  And because of this truth – the Kingdom is opened and we move forward in submission to Jesus – for he is our Great Priest, Prophet and King. Paradox is a part of our lives, and it is not to be solved, it is to be embraced. To further understand the paradox’s of our time – from a perspective of this world –watch the video…. http://youtu.be/Lru9i0Za-q8.

Embracing Paradox is not achieving on our first step into the Kingdom. Rather that is the beauty of the Kingdom – it is a journey that has many steps. These steps uncovering our Patterns that produce our Paradigms in order that we may practice our Principles as an expression of Worship.

  • Pattern:     A repeated way of approach or process
    • Hannah feels shame due to barrenness
  • Paradigm: Way of viewing reality and understanding the implications of a pattern
    • God is punishing Hannah
  • Principle:  A determining characteristic or rule yielding direction in any paradigm
    • Prayer changes things.
  • Paradox:   When principles conflicts within shared paradigm, creating a new pattern.
    • Hannah’s prayer is answered, revealing her as righteous not rejected. Yet she remains without a child as she “surrenders” him to the priest to raise.
    • Hannah’s son Samuel (out of barrenness) will inaugurate the first Kingdom of God to this earth, Mary’s son Jesus (out of virginity) will incarnate the true Kingdom of Heaven on this earth.

So what shall we do: Embrace Paradox and Confront Chaos (hence the name of this blog)….

Chaos is to be without order under the rule of a Tyrant. This is only confronted with Peace. To have Peace is the key to be able to embrace paradox. Our Principles guide us, even when it requires faith to make a leap of understanding. As the disciples wanted a clear answer – what they were given by Jesus was, hold fast and don’t be alarmed. Hannah wanted a child, but more than that she wanted to be heard by God.

Today let us not be driven by a pursuit of answers, rather let us pursue Jesus as the answer. Freely we have received, so free we are to give.

Where are you embracing paradox in your life? Where you struggle to see this – you may be confronted with a desire to control. Our desire to control is challenged by paradox. You cannot control while moving through paradox. Therefore, the more you embrace paradox, the more you surrender control. Hence why the Kingdom is a paradox.

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Slave to your labor or Servant to your love

Posted on November 6, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle:   Favor & Flow are gifts given to Kingdom ServantLeaders.

Obedience alone is a good work in vain. Submission alone yields no renewal which is vain.

Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17Psalm 127 Hebrews 9:24-28 Mark 12:38-44

Jim Elliot – a missionary who gave his life for Christ (as a Kingdom Servant Leaders) is quoted as saying, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose”.  The Kingdom Principle this week speaks of this same truth; it declares “He is a fool who works for what a prize which he cannot attain, when he can enjoy that prize as it is given for free.” Favor and Flow are gifts given to those who live a life of united obedience and submission.

Obedience alone:             (our aspect of labor)

  • Looks good on the outside yet, conceal anything on the inside
  • Produces a measurable outcome, yet fails to yield its kingdom potential
  • Feels good in the short run, yet leads to burn-out or idolatry

Submission alone:          (our aspect of love)

  • Looks like weakness on the outside, preventing people from living into their God-given purpose
  • Produces very little, in fact in losing one’s self, you disappear, rather in producing.
  • Feels like a trap, yet leads to perpetual problems or idolatry

Think back over this past week:

  • Where has someone blessed you or provided for you in ways you did not expect or “deserve”?
  • Where did you find great energy, opportunity or clarity in ways you did not expect or “deserve”?
  • Where you have answers to these questions you have experienced favor from others, or flow in your own life.

The principle this week is a reality when obedience & submission are faithfully merged and expressed as a labor of love. To have faith (submission) without works (obedience) is dead. (James 2:14-26) The reward living life full of both obedience and submission is a fruitful yield of favor and flow.

  • Naomi receives favor with Ruth. Ruth receives the favor of Boaz. Boaz has the flow of God around him. Obed is birthed into a context rich in favor & flow…
  • The teachers of the law – trust in obedience yet lack submission – therefore favor and flow are not experienced and the opposite expression feels like punishment.
  • The widow lives dependent on the favor of others, and thus faith leads her into the flow of Jesus.

Where there is no favor and flow in our lives, this is a vain experience. We are designed and invited to experience the favor and flow of God, therefore when favor and flow are not present we are living in vain. When live is vain there are two extreme experiences that are encountered:

Yet there is the other option – Experience Favor and Flow instead of vain obedience or empty submission:

Kingdom Servants cannot labor in vain, and no part of their leadership will be without the blessing of the Lord. This life, lived in submission, removes the possibility of our efforts being in vain. This is to live without fear, free from shame, guilt, and anxiety. This being true – we can even go to sleep (when we are tired) and allow the Kingdom to advance without our watching. (Mark 4:26-29) We can be confident in who the LORD has made us to be and see ourselves as He has made us. (Ephesians 2:10) Further we shall not worry about finances; rather we can give in freedom not fear for the Lord will provide for our needs.  (Matthew 6:30-33) We are covered by the Blood of Christ….

The applications for living in Favor & Flow are found in the other linked posts – This week the call is to further recognize what aspects of your life are not marked by submission especially if they are characterized as obedience (review last week).

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