success

Last night my definition of success was altered a little. My definition of success has always had to do with results. If the result is good, then it was successful. If the result is bad, then it was a failure.

If, when I open my mouth about something, the response is all favorable, and people readily embrace what I have presented, then my presentation was successful. If however, after opening my mouth, I find that people are confused, upset, frustrated, and now have more questions than they did before I opened my mouth, then my presentation was a failure. I was unable to clearly communicate my position. If I were, then people would readily accept it, and all would be good.

I learned that I carry this definition into my relationship with God. If the 'result' of my behavior is good, then I say 'Thank you God, for living through me!' But if the 'result' is bad, then I beat myself up for being a failure.

What I learned last night, is that 'success' is not really meant to be based on results, but rather, on method. Did I operate out of my own strength (out of 'the flesh') or did I present myself to God and ask him to live through me by his Spirit?

If Jesus had lived by my definition of success, he would have viewed himself a failure. Because people did not readily accept what he said. People got confused, upset, frustrated and left with more questions than they came with. People wanted to (and eventually did) kill him for the things he said and did. And yet, God said, "This is my son in whom I am well pleased" because he did everything he saw the Father doing.

why not?

I was recently asking about a relative of a friend of mine who was recently diagnosed with cancer. I asked how the family is doing, how they are handling the news, etc.

The response to the question was that they are doing fairly well. The attitude of the sick person instead of the common "Why me?", was "why NOT me? Why someone else, and NOT me?" The instant response of those around me was, 'well, what a good attitude...very good....why NOT me?"

The Spirit inside of me was crying out, practically screaming out "BECAUSE YOU ARE COVERED BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS!!!!! HIS BLOOD WAS SHED FOR YOU!!!! THAT'S WHY NOT!!!!" But my mouth remained firmly closed...

who, then?

I am constantly in prayer asking God to fill me with a knowledge of His will regarding healing. Constantly asking him to show me if I'm wrong, if I'm speaking too boldly of things I do not know. The psalmist prayed 'teach me your ways, that I may walk in your Truth, for YOUR name's sake.' I pray this as well.

There are days, when I feel that I know nothing at all... when I want to know nothing... when having hope in the Truth of Christ the Healer is mocked and bombarded by every possible front. When arguments and physical circumstances set themselves up against the knowledge of Christ and ask me to choose between faith and the school of common thought, between faith and what appears to be 'reality'.

I am reminded of John 6:25-69, where Jesus was teaching about his flesh being real food and his blood being real drink, and how many of his own followers said 'This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" , and many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. Jesus turned to 'the Twelve' and asked "Do you want to leave me too?" And Peter said "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

And that's how I feel... Like sometimes this is too hard a teaching... but then I think... To whom shall I go? What other hope is there? No one offers hope like Jesus Christ! No one offers wholeness like Jesus Christ! No one offers abundant life like Jesus Christ! So, whether I understand it or not, whether I represent it as well as someone else could or not, whether I get it 'right' every time, whether or not I see the results I long to see, I will not be ashamed of the GOSPEL (the GOOD NEWS) because it is the POWER of God for the SALVATION (the SOZO - the complete and total restoration of all things lost, the fulness of life, the healing, the saving, the rescuing, etc. etc.) to everyone who believes!

prayers

There is no power on earth or in the heavenlies that is stronger than the blood of Jesus, shed for us. Not cancer, not demons, not addictions, not depression, not anything is stronger than the blood of Jesus. Speak about the blood of Jesus. In Christ, you are washed by the blood, covered by the blood, purified by the blood, protected by the blood! Proclaim it to the heavenlies.

There is no 'word' on earth or in the heavenlies that is stronger than the 'word' of God. The doctors may say there is no hope, but theirs is not the final word, nor the strongest word, God says 'by his stripes we are healed'!! Speak the word of God.

There's a song we sing in church that has this line...."It's all God's people saying Glory, Glory, Halleluja! He reigns! And all the powers of darkness tremble at what they've just heard, cause all the powers of darkness can't drown out a single word!" He Reigns by 'Newsboys'.

May God fill you and surround you with his Spirit and his Truth, may he fill you with Courage and Faith, Hope and Peace. May you have joy in His presence in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour, our Redeemer, our Healer, and our Coming King!!

show me your ways, guide me in truth

`` To you, O Lord, I lift my soul
In you, O God, I place my trust
Do not let me be put to shame
Nor let my enemies triumph over me

My hope is you
Show me your ways
Guide me in Truth
In all my days
My hope is you

I am, O Lord, filled with your love
You are, O God, my salvation
Guard my life and rescue me
My broken spirit shouts
My mended heart cries out

My hope is you
Show me your ways
Guide me in Truth
In all my days
My hope is you"

Third Day lyrics, & my prayer today...

Some trust in chariots, but we hope in the name of the Lord our God...

Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless....

Show me your ways!!
Guide me in Truth!
In all my days....
for your name's sake