“We Receive Your Rain!”…

SCRIPTURE: “Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. The power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.” (1 Kings 18: 45-46)

OBSERVATION:  So what’s with Elijah’s rush to get to Jezreel before the rains came?

Well, they had to get through the “Valley of Esdraelon”, which was known for flash flooding and turning into a demobilizing mud bog.  An example of this is King Jaben’s Commander Sisera, who lost his whole army and had to dump his chariot, trying his best to run for his life in that mess! (Judges 4:7, 13-15)

Sounds about as fun as the “Swamp of Sadness” in the The Never Ending Story.  Hey, don’t judge me!  The Never Ending Story is a classic, man.  Classic!  What 80’s kid didn’t cry when Atreyu’s horse Artax died in that swamp?… EXACTLY! 

Anyway… hehe 😉

After calling down Fire from Heaven and a Flood on the way, Elijah chose the role of a runner before the king’s chariot.  I can imagine him kicking ass all the way to Jezreel in those muddy Teva’s of his.  No one could stop this man from celebrating God’s miraculous answer to his prayer!

After 3 years of drought, Elijah’s 2-sided prayer was answered within minutes:

1. Fire from Heaven!
2. Flood from Heaven!

APPLICATION:  The dry season is over!  There is a cloud beginning to swell…

I look up to men and women in the Bible because of their great faith and the way they correct when they fail.  I have my fair share of both faithfulness and failures.

Today, I’m encouraged by Elijah’s faith in who God was/is.

I don’t really get too excited about people’s prayers anymore. I’ve learned that Jesus answers the prayers of Prisoners to Pastors not based on eloquence, but rather their heart.  I’ve personally experienced both sides of these prayers.

I remember in Hawaii, a Prisoner who just got out of jail praying with all his heart, “Dear Jesus, I F-ing love you man!  You saved a piece of sh__ like me! You can save anyone!  Thank you forgiving me all of my B__ Sh__ and giving me a second chance.  Father, God bless all these people who love you and are reaching people like me.  You are so F-ing awesome!  I love you God.  Jesus, I love You!”

I was the Pastor who was leading this prayer group circle as we held hands in the courtyard of church. With one eye open and my mouth still dropped, I simply said confidently and loudly………”AMEN!”

God honored every word of that man’s prayer.  Why?  Because he prayed with his entire heart.  He gave Jesus all he had… ALL OF IT!  From that point on, I decided that I wanted to be more like a Prisoner than a Pastor.  I want my prayers to be heard by Jesus because I choose to be real with Him.  He knows my thoughts anyway. Might as well be real with Him.

I’ve been through my drought.  I’ve experienced seasons of want and hardship.  I also experienced the season of standing my ground by calling on the name of Jesus to show up on my behalf and that of my kids. God is not mocked.  Jesus may not have brought down Fire from heaven, but He answered my prayer by burning up all the enemy’s strategies!  Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever!

My quiet prayers that may not have been conventional are beginning to be answered right now.  I see evidence of those answers forming.  There is a cloud. So I must respond NOW in order to be positioned to receive what is coming my way.  It’s time to run again!  This time out of blessing instead of bitterness.  So grateful!

PRAYER:  I have my own 2-sided prayers.  I’ve seen your Fire Jesus.  Now, the Flood!  We receive Your rain.  Make it count Jesus.  All of it.

“Now It’s Personal”…

SCRIPTURE:  ^“Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that You, O Lord, are God, and that You have turned their heart back again.” (1 Kings 18:37)

OBSERVATION:  After years of no rain & drought, Elijah finally picked a fight with the demonic realm by summoning 850 false priests who were leading people astray.  He mocked them for hours as they worked themselves into a frenzy, crying out to gods who never existed.

Elijah enjoyed the show a little too much by mocking their false gods saying they need to shout louder, maybe their gods are sleeping or going to the bathroom?  I like this guy! 😏

These occult leaders began cutting themselves and more to evoke fire from heaven to burn their prepared altar as proof of their gods’ existence.  People had gathered all around this showdown as the final demonstration of giving themselves to whichever god showed up.  They were desperate for an answer to their suffering due to the horrific drought.

Elijah waited until the evening and then made his move.  After building an altar to God with 12 stones representing the 12 Tribes of Israel, preparing the sacrifice, cutting the wood for fuel, Elijah shocked everyone with what he did next… especially in the middle of a 3 year drought!

He called everyone closer to inspect his work and then dug a trench around the altar and asked for 4 large jars of water to be emptied out 3 separate times over his altar drenching the wood and filling the trench to overflowing.

Even if he had a match to light this BBQ, it wouldn’t have worked… and everyone knew it!

Beside the drenched woodpile, the gallons of water dripping over the stones and through the trench towards muddy sandals… stood a Man.  A Believer.  A Prophet.  Elijah.  His gaze into the night sky hushed hearts as thousands of eyes stared in wonder at what would happen next.

Some stared in hate, others in hope…

As Elijah took a deep breath before the plunge, he knew there was no turning back.  He would live or die on what came next. Betting his life on the authentic relationship he had experienced with the Living God, Elijah emptied his heart before The Great I AM, Yahweh!

Elijah’s Request?  “ANSWER ME!”

The Result?  “CONSUMING FIRE!”

APPLICATION:  All of us will at times find ourselves fumbling through a season of drought. No rain. No blessing.  No hope.  At least, that is how it feels.  What Jesus is looking for are sons and daughters who will follow Him through any season, seeking the Father’s heart for the “Why’s” for it.

Bitterness and Blame usually surface during dry times.  At this stage of life and relationship with God, I don’t want to be that man.  I want to be more like Elijah.  A Man.  A Believer.  A Prophet.  Eric.

I want my life to count.  I want to understand why God allows me to go through certain seasons and what my role is in and through it.  The answer is always on its way.  Believe it or not, Jesus is working the most in so-called seasons of dryness, drought… ‘Hiddenness’

When we least expect it, Jesus will call us out of the crowd to stand on behalf of the people we care about and cash in all that we know in one act of faith.  Why?  So people will know that God is real and to call hearts back to God and each other.

With all eyes on Elijah, Fire/Lightning came down from heaven and consumed the altar, sacrifice, stones, dirt and all traces of water.  God SHOWED UP!  The people fell on their faces and declared God was real!  …Awesome!

Today, I’m encouraged that Jesus always has a way to redeem difficult seasons.  He has a plan to make it count. He has a way to bring hearts back to Him in and through difficult circumstances.  What He is looking for, are sons and daughters who will choose to remain faithful to follow Him through those seasons.  Few do.

When we say Yes to a life of faith, God will eventually call us out to stand our ground.  Albeit uncomfortable, lonely and intimidating as can be sometimes… Jesus’ presence will change everything.

Jesus showed up in my 3 years of dryness and drought.  He answered me! He silenced my enemies.  And shattered their strategies.  Now Jesus is bringing hearts back to Him in and through it.  It’s who He is.  The Great I am, Yahweh… Jesus!

I’m so excited to be in this season of victory!  I can’t wait to see what comes next!  Jesus will honor me for I have honored Him.  He has already begun this.  My prayers have been answered one by one over the past 4 years.

Now It’s Personal.

Jesus knows the prayers I have held close to my heart for myself, my future, my family and more… It’s time.  I recognize my drought is over.  Hearts have turned back to Jesus.

Now I’m praying, preparing and looking in faith on the horizon for evidence of things unseen.  Can you see it?  Can you feel it?  Keep looking!  Jesus is on the move.  A new season of blessing is here!  For you and me!

PRAYER:  Jesus, thank You for answering me.  Thank you for showing up when I needed Your presence above all else. Thank You for making it count. Now at this point in my life, I recognize that You are calling me out of the crowd.  To make a stand.  To gaze expectantly to the heavens and ask for a miracle. You know what’s on my heart.  You put it there.  May You show up again with a consuming fire.  I want to burn for You brighter than before.  Lives depend on it.  I receive this new season and ask for Your presence to go before me.  Lead the way.  I still choose to Follow You, Off the Map!

“Wholeheartedly!”…

SCRIPTURE: “ Whenever Moses went into the Tabernacle to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—that rests on the Ark of the Covenant.  The Lord spoke to him from there.” (Numbers 7:89) 

OBSERVATION: Moses had the Tabernacle set up as a place of seeking God’s presence and to worship the Great I AM.  I have studied this for years and while I was in Israel had a chance to walk through a reconstructed version of what this must have been like.  Fascinating.  It was a place of seeking God’s presence.  And for Moses, it was the place where God audibly spoke to him as a friend…

APPLICATION:  I have had the opportunity to experience seasons in my own wilderness of life.  Yes, you read that correctly.  It’s an honor to reflect on the past and stand tall knowing I heard God’s voice as Moses did.  Sometimes I sought His voice, other times I ran from it.  While still yet, there were moments that stood still when I heard His voice cutting through all I was facing.  Those moments were surprising to me.  I was not seeking.  I was not expecting.  God simply showed up.  And with a few words Jesus changed everything.

I’m in a new season of life.  Everyday is filled with new.  I’m so grateful!

So this morning, I’m sitting here in my favorite coffee shop once again seeking God’s voice.  It’s not the location that streamlines a better reception with heaven.  It’s the heart.  And I don’t know about you, but my heart is far from perfect.

In fact I’ve earned a few nicknames along the years that I’ve answered to.  Names like:  “Daddy Kurchak”, “Caesar”, “David Bannister”,  “The Patriot”, “007”, “Jason Bourne”, and my favorite, “Robison”… which pretty much sums up all of them.  I am called to be a “Gentle General”.  It’s the gentle part that I’m still working on with all I’ve been through.  But I’m getting there!  My kids can confirm that my heart is changed… I even cry at Disney movies now?!  Definitely a new season with a new heart and I’m sure I’ll earn a new set of nicknames in the near future 😉

It’s no secret that I’m passionate about leading and loving my family.  And I will do all in my power to provide for and protect the ones I love.  So… I understand I am completely unworthy of hosting time with the King of Kings. And yet… Jesus shows up at my table every time I purpose in my heart to hear His voice. It’s difficult for me to understand this fully, but He is honored when I make time for Him.  And so is He with you.

I realize the Tabernacle and the Temple are gone.  Temporal places that represent God’s presence.  Now, Jesus’ death and resurrection has allowed for us to be filled with His Holy Spirit.  We have now become the destination of God’s presence.  He lives in and through us as sons & daughters.  Amazing!

With this truth, I have had the opportunity to experience certain places where God shows up in power and glory.  Biblically there are marked places such as mountains, gardens, rivers and more as memorials of where God showed up.

I have a few myself.  However, during the past 2 years I have experienced God’s presence, life changing words and miracle moments that have shaped me greatly and set the trajectory for my future.  This place is what I have come to call, “The Tent of Healing”.

There isn’t anything special about the setting.  There is no marble, gold nor ornament furnishings as in the days of old.  In fact, the setting is very simple and has even moved between two cities.  What I’ve come to respect is the prerequisite that qualifies this place for God’s presence.  It is the heart.  Faith, Hope, Love.

These are the prerequisites that God is looking for in His kids.  “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Many times I have entered The Tent of Healing with a heart that was far from Faith, Hope, Love.  And yet, I made up my mind to show up expecting Jesus to speak.  He did every time.  He’s faithful.  Moses entered the Tent, approached the Ark of the Covenant with eyes focused on the place of atonement between the cherubim expecting God to speak.  Jesus has made us one with Himself.  Atonement has been defined in Jesus’ resurrection and the gift of salvation.  We are at one with God.  He lives in the heart of his children and speaks to us as a friend, just like Moses experienced.

The bible says, “Wholeheartedly”.  But what does that really mean?  God showed up for me when I was at my lowest; broken, betrayed, bitter and more.   I showed up with a flat-lined heart.  And yet, Jesus saw this as an act of worship.  I had nothing to offer Him except what was left of my heart.  It wasn’t much, but it was all I had.  Because I entered the Tent of Healing desperate to hear God’s voice in my life, He showed up as promised, “If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me.  I will be found by you.”

Jesus sees our heart different than we do.  What defines “Wholehearted” to God is not how we feel or what we have or haven’t done.  Rather, it’s defined by the motives that we seek God’s presence.  I’m convinced that Jesus speaks the loudest in between our heart and our mind.  This is the place where we come to the truth of atonement.  Where our motives bow before our King and give Him honor with gratefulness that He has made us one with Himself.  I want to be a man whose heart and hands are submitted to my King.  Not because He demands it, rather out of love for who He is and what He has done. I am nothing without Jesus.

I’m also convinced that there is something to say about God showing up in the presence of 2 or more who are seeking and praying in agreement.  There is a tangible power and presence released in those times. Sometimes felt immediately.  Other times, there is a delayed chain of events.  Regardless, Jesus is honored by hearts who wholeheartedly seek Him.

So for me, I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve had over the years when I’ve witnessed Jesus showing up and speaking to me.  I still drive to some of these places to remember and seek more.  I’m also grateful for the places where people have invested in me, seeking God’s best for me.  When I couldn’t do or bring much of anything, God not only received me but was proud of me for showing up.

“The Tent of Healing” – I am convinced that God has something in store for me as a Bible Communicator and Bridge Builder.  This place was life changing.  The experience was defining.  I’m not sure exactly what God has in store for me.  But what I do know is that it will be good.  This Joseph story is about to get good! So excited!

PRAYER:  Jesus thank You!  May you make it count!  And thank You for those who have and are investing in my life.  May I be a man You can use to help others in the days ahead.  May my life story somehow capture and communicate Your love for Your kids.  I have a new heart now thanks to You.  May my life story help others seek Your presence and hear Your voice in their own Tent of Healing experience.  Trusting You and Your timing.  Grateful!

“The Covering”…

SCRIPTURE: “He will cover you with his feathers.  He will shelter you with his wings.  His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” (Psalm 91:4)

OBSERVATION:  This is a declaration of how faithful God is as a Protector, Provider and the Power that sustains us through every life chapter.  God is a loving Father who is our covering.  This covering comes from relationship and oneness.  Most people miss this.  I for one am determined to live out of this place and provide a covering for loved ones.  I am covered.  I am a covering.

APPLICATION:  The Covering… we don’t talk about this much.  But I’ve been praying about this specifically for over a year now.  My heart has seen what Psalm 91 says first hand.  I’ve experienced the battle of betrayal bow to the Power and Peace of Jesus as my covering in and through it all.  I stand tall today because of who Jesus is.

I’ve found my secret place in the Most High.  I’ve made my place within Jesus.  There is power and peace in the presence of God.  No, this isn’t coming from a pastor who wants to preach a 3 point message.  This is truth.  This is life in the face of death.  This is victory.  I am victorious because of who Jesus is…and so are you.  Yes, you.

My friend called me the other day with the declaration that his house had been broken in to and wanted me to come over and help him.  I was sad to hear this news, but at the same time so incredibly honored that he would call me to stand with him.  The crime scene was complete with police officer, broken glass and a broken heart within my friend.  It made me sad and mad at the same time.

We went through the motions of cleaning up, sweeping the broken glass, measuring his door, driving to Home Depot, boarding up his door and talking to curious neighbors… But it wasn’t until all that was done when my friend was able to open up.  The theif came in and stole a few pieces of priceless (to the family) heirloom jewelry and some other small random things. What was confusing is that he didn’t take much.  It was a quick hit.  Taking only what he needed to hock and probably get some drug money.  I may be wrong… Regardless, it was a quick hit.  But left a death-blow to the heart of my friend who is a wonderful husband, father and follower of Christ.

He needed to be encouraged.  We decided to find some oil from the kitchen and begin from the broken fence in the back and prayed over every stage of the crime-scene in such a way that God would redeem what had happened.  We annointed the threshold of every door and window frame focused in our prayer asking God to be present.  My friend led from the heart and prayed for his wife and children in a way that they would be covered by the peace and presence of God.  I was proud to stand in agreement with him.

I turned to Psalm 91 and read the entire passage.  This was my prayer for my friend and his family.  That they would know God’s love as a Heavenly Father.  His covering is enough.  Even though things like this happen in life, they don’t have to be the defining moments of darkness in our life.  If we choose to stand in Christ and allow Him to shield us with His presence and power, there is a peace that truly doesn’t make sense this side of heaven.  Jesus is our covering.  Jesus is The Covering. Already, God is being glorified in my friend’s mess.  Even in the brokenness, Jesus will make it count.  I’m so proud of my friend, making the choice to stand in Jesus.  God is a Good Good Father.

Jesus, I’ve learned how to stand in You over the years.  I have learned how to walk through life seeing war thrust upon me and my enemies attacking, only to see them running in other directions once confronted with who You are.  My kids have experienced me be their covering.  So much so, that we have a new phrase in the Robison family, “Daddy Pillow.”  Each of them need time in my arms to simply unshield and cry… They know I’m more than enough when they feel like they are not.

My kids have this confidence because they have experienced me doing this with Jesus.  At times over the past 2 years, they have seen me seeking God in prayer in my very real time of need & brokenness.  I have not hid this from my kids.  My living room has now been made a place of prayer and worship.  Most of the times, with worship playing on the TV they can find me on my knees and sometimes face down in tears talking with God about what I’m going through.  He answers every time.  Each of my kids have seen this time of worship and have been deeply changed from it.  They know that I am covered by a Good Good Father.  And because of this, they know it’s who I am…

Because of this dynamic of authenticity and simple faith expressed openly… my kids at times rise from their beds, sneaking a glimpse of what it looks like when heaven reaches down and leaves a fingerprint on the heart of their dad, their hearts are also changed.  They know what I was going through, they know what my prayers were and they witnessed those prayers answered… every time!  They saw me live out of a place of position in Christ.  They now know what the bible means when it says that we are seated in heavenly places.  They now know they are sons and daughters of our King, Jesus. They can boldly access the throneroom at any time.  When they need a Daddy Pillow, they come running into my arms… and now run into God’s arms just the same.  Thank you Jesus.

Now we are in the days of promise.  We are experiencing God’s blessing and covering in a time of peace.  I’m so grateful!  But this covering principle is something that I am committed to growing in.  I am covered by Jesus’ presence in my life.  I am praying a covering over my kids.  They are learning how to be a covering for one another.  Sometimes, they surprise me with the powerful ways they cover me in prayer.  It’s evident by the fruit of my family that we are blessed by the power, presence and peace of God.  We are covered. We know The Covering.  His name is Jesus.

But at the expense of being brutally honest, I am aslo growing in the place of praying in a covering for my future wife.  This is a vulnerable place for me after the betrayal I’ve experienced.  And yet, for the past year now, I’ve heard specifically in my Daddy Pillow times with God that He’s got this.  All I need to do is pray and prepare.  He will do the rest.  So with this promise, I choose to pray a covering for my future wife whoever she is.  God knows.  I don’t need to know right now.

It’s in this season of praying and preparing that my heart is learning to live future-present.  To pray in a covering for my future wife today with the understanding that God’s promises are true.  I am a man who understands authority.  I desire to honor my God, my kids, my future wife and her family.

Most people disregard transition seasons.  I’ve learned over the years that these hours, weeks, months and sometimes years are the very resources that God uses to create our future.  It’s up to us.  I don’t want any shortcuts.  I don’t want to settle.  I want God’s very best for me and my family.  I want legacy.  I want God to make it count.  So I choose to trust God when I don’t see or feel anything.  I know more is going on in the Kingdom than I realize.  So I pray and prepare… write and run and run and run… A LOT! 😉

I want to be a man who God may write His story in and through my life.  I want my life to be written in such a way that even the brokenness can be used to glorify who Jesus is.  This isn’t the easiest road.  But it’s the one I’ve chosen.  And someday, all of this will come together in such a story that lives will be saved.  God will make it count.  It’s just who He is.

PRAYER:  The Covering… It’s who You are Jesus.  It’s who You are.  You’re a good good Father.  And I’m loved by You.  It’s who I am too because of Your covering.  You are perfect in all of Your ways.  I trust You.  Make it count Jesus!

“Eyes Wide Open”…

SCRIPTURE: “In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In it he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die.” (2 Samuel 11:14-15)

OBSERVATION:  King David is known for having a heart after God’s.  And yet, he was a murderer.  How is this possible?  Grace. Through the gift of grace from Jesus Christ.  David had very real consiquences from his affair with Uriah’s wife.  And when he tried to cover it up by murdering Uriah on the frontlines of battle, only his general Joab knew of the motives behind the scandal and cover up.  But what happened in the darkness was shouted in the streets when it all came back on David.  Did God forgive David?  Yes.  Did David pay a price for his actions?  Yes.  Both are true.  Both are true for us today.

APPLICATION:  What echoed in my heart this morning was Nathan’s words to King David as he skillfully cornered David into confessing what he had done; took another man’s wife.  She became pregnant.  So he made a plan to have her husband killed on the frontlines of battle.  (2 Samuel 12:7-13)

The words, “You are the man!” must have pierced David’s heart in an instant.

I have learned over the years that God is patient and kind.  Even in our mess, He wants to help us.  There are 3 ways we receive help from God in the face of sin.

1. Privately – we choose to bring our mess to Jesus in prayer asking for forgiveness
2. Peers – we choose to ignore our mess until our friends call us out
3. Publically – we choose to ignore any warnings until our mess blows up publically

 

All three are effective.  I choose to deal with my messes privately if at all possible.  I’ve walked through all three in my life.  Some were my fault.  Others were brought against me.  Regardless, I had the choice to respond in one of three ways; privately, with peers or publically.

What about you?  How are you doing on this one?  I encourage you to talk to Jesus about your mess.  Talk to a few select trusted friends who will lead you to God’s best.  Do not pretend that your mess will somehow just be swept under the carpet.  At some point, Life has a way of bringing light into dark areas.  Hiddenness isn’t worth it.  The cost of hiddenness is always greater than you think!

I know this isn’t a ‘feel good’ journal.  But I’m smiling while I write this.  Why? Because God is good and will always bring about His will in our life if we ask Him to.  I have experienced life on both sides of the line as David and Uriah.  I choose to be a man who responds with Legacy in mind… even in the face of betrayal.

• When I’m confronted with my mess, may I fall to God.
• When I’m confronted with betrayal, may I fall to God.

Both sides of the line are equally important how you respond.  Uriah was the better man.  But no one remembers his name. God does.

I want to be a man who faces life head on.  I want to live life with eyes wide open.  From this day forward, I know God will bring blessings into my life.  I have dreams and private prayers.  Some of these I have told no one but God.  When they do happen. When the timing is right.  God will be glorified.  My work today is to live with eyes wide open allowing no hiddenness.  My goal is not perfection.  My goal is authenticity and with it a deeper relationship with God.

I have faltlined on the battlefield from betrayal before…  From that point my life has taken a powerful turn.  God’s grace has given me a new heart that beats stonger.  My name is known in the Kingdom as a man who never gave up.  And when my heart did, God’s grace gave me victory.  I have legacy.  I have my integrity and character.  Because of this, God will honor me.  He will honor me for I have honored Him.

PRAYER:  Jesus, make it count.  Even if people don’t know my name.  You do.  Grateful for Your grace in my life.  And thank You for writing an amazing next chapter of my life.  The pages haven’t been written yet.  But I trust You.  Choosing to live life eyes wide open.  Even in the face of betrayal, I choose to follow You Jesus.  Make it count!

“Hallways of Heaven”…

SCRIPTURE: “The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see—a splendid crown in the hand of God.”  (Isaiah 62:3)

OBSERVATION:  We are the instruments of victory that will be on display in heaven for all to see.

APPLICATION:  What we do in this life will determine how we spend eternity in heaven.  I for one am a man who chooses to endure and stay the course for my legacy.  We are at war, each of us has a role to play, lives depend on it.  With that said, we don’t need to fight every opposing force in our life.  What I mean by that is we must choose our battles wisely. Sometimes, we are called to suit up and shout the anthem, “We Fight, We Fight, We Fight!”  Other times, we get to sit on the bench as others fight the good fight.  And there are those rare times when God chooses to use the most unlikely among us to do the impossible.

This is  true of the Tuskeege Fighter Pilots in WWII.  They were a force untapped until the end of the war.  But when they were called upon, they changed history.  They prepared, they gave 100%, they proved the world of their worth long after they had hoped for an opportunity to make a difference.  And yet, their opportunity came!  And when it did, they rose to the challenge and unanimously fought at all cost to save the lives of their fellow airmen.  They knew that their part in WWII was summed up in this one mission.  They proved to the world of their worth and made history while they were at it. Remarkable!

This is where I am growing as a Christ Follower.  This life of followership is one filled with mystery and unsuspected moments of glory.  These moments come at the most unopportune times.  God seems to be consistent in calling hearts that the world may overlook to glorify His name for all time.

I am a man of simple faith.  I haven’t done anything in my lifetime that will make the headlines of any newspaper.  And yet, in this past season, I am more aware than ever of my life story and it’s impact.  Sometimes, we read in the bible of places men and women have encountered God.  Historical biblical accounts of regular people like you and me seeing angels, glimpses of heaven an even God Himself.  In this past season, I have found a place that holds significance for hearing God speak.  Sometimes, it’s the place where I need to speak…and God listens.

I have heard a few promises, confirmations and encouraging words that have been more than needed at times.  The Holy Spirit is speaking all the time, everywhere.  But sometimes it is us who need to get to a quiet place to hear God’s still small voice.  We must calm ourselves in order to hear God’s whisper among competing voices that demand our attention. It’s a discipline I’ve been working on now for at least 15 years.

Most recently, I’ve heard God share with me the same thing He’s said over the past 20 months a few times now.  He has helped me understand that what I have and am doing is being celebrated in heaven.  I dismissed this at first.  Because I’m a ‘Nobody’.  I’m the kid that grew up in a small county town that doesn’t make most maps & graduated with a whopping 48 students.  And yet, this is exactly what Jesus has done all throughout history.  People even jeered Jesus for coming from a small town saying, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46).  So I suppose that God is still using unconventional hearts today to make a bold statement.  God’s ways are not ours.

I drove out to this place I have found to simply walk and talk with God after I crossed the finish line of yet another important life event.  God showed up in a powerful way and honored me for standing in the truth.  God came through once again for me and my kids! But what came next after walking back and forth on this boardwalk was so encouraging.  Jesus once again reminded me that what I was doing on earth, was being celebrated in heaven… simultaneously.

The boardwalk extending over the water is rough, rugged and has an open frame that looks like a hallway from a Viking movie or something.  While I was walking back and forth listening and talking with God, a thick cloud came down and covered the entire area.  It was majestic at best, difficult to put in words.  Recently I wrote about Moses walking into the presence of God that manifested as a cloud.  Here I was walking in yet another cloud… and talking with the God of Moses. Incredible!

 

What I was hearing over and over again was simple yet profound.  Jesus was sharing with me encouraging words as we walked on this boardwalk with open beams making a framed tunnel, it was like a hallway.  More importantly this open hallway was a a shadow of what is in heaven.   Yes, there are hallways in heaven.  More importantly God was reminding me that Angels in heaven are cheering me on with each decision to follow Jesus.

As we were walking on the boardwalk, I saw a different hallway in heaven with photos of some of my most recent life chapters.  It was like God was walking me through these areas in my life helping me to redefine them. These were moments of Faith that define who I am.  Each of them came with a price.  Some came with scars deep within my heart.  Others came with great loss… These same fulcrum decisions of faith are not looked upon with pain or sadness.  They are celebrated in heaven!  Angels gather around and marvel at what we choose to go through and sometimes give up in order to follow Jesus. The bible says it this way, “…Your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:7)

Did you know that more than the things we do or don’t do, God cherishes our hearts.  Our hearts are the sum of our life choices.  Our hearts are what is on display in the hallways of heaven.  These life chapters that define us.  These moments in life when we choose to make a stand for love and legacy.  Even when no one seems to see or care what we do… Jesus sees everything!  God is bragging on His kids today.  Sons and daughters are making choices every day to follow Jesus.  With every declaration of faith, however quiet it is, Angels are rejoicing and cheering us on.  They marvel at how sons and daughters are living heart first, for an audience of one.

So today, I’m encouraged even though I’m exhausted.  I understand that moments like at the boardwalk are for me personally.  And yet, I wonder how many people experience the same quiet whispers from a loving Father cheering his kids on.  The boardwalk I have found is not special.  But what happens there is.  If you let Him, Jesus will walk with you too and show you areas of your heart that are on display in heaven for all to see.  These are your victory moments of faith.  God cherishes them more than gold!  And more than these moments, He cherishes you.  He holds us in His hand as crowns on display for all of heaven to see.  It’s as if God is saying;

• “Have you considered my son ______?  He is so faithful!”
• “Have you considered my daughter ______?  She is so faithful!”

PRAYER:  Jesus, thanks for being so real.  You never cease to amaze me with Your encouragement.  May I continue to be a man who puts You first.  Even in my mess, I thank You for your love and grace.  I thank You for being such a loving Father. May You continue to write my life story in such a way that You get the glory.  I recognize that I have had a long season of fighting.  I have also finished a season of standing.  Now I ask that You make it all count.  May You glorify Your name in this new season of my life.  May my life of suddenlies now be of blessings instead of curses.  May You be proud of me as a crown on display for all of heaven to see.

“Stand”…

SCRIPTURE: “And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!” (Luke 24:36-37)

OBSERVATION:  Jesus had been crucified, burried and rose again.  But the guys are just now hearing the news that Jesus has appeared to a few of them.  Suddenly Jesus shows up among them when they were talking about Him.  That would be enough to freak anybody out!

APPLICATION:  Jesus is so good at ‘Suddenlies’… I’m wondering what my life would look like today if I purposed to live like Jesus is here, with skin on, 24/7.  I’m a Christ Follower.  But I mean, what if I believed Jesus was truly with and in me every day all day for the rest of my life?  I think I would change a few things as I go about my day.

Even more important for me is to remember as a Dad, I’m leading my kids to understand who Jesus is in their lives.  I want my kids to live like Jesus is here with us 24/7.  Leadership is influence.  Am I doing my very best for my kids?  The answer is 100% yes.  But as I let scripture look into my heart, that is the wrong question to ask.  The question this morning is, “Am I being my best for my kids?”… I have to say no.  And that bothers me.  As it should.

You see, life brings quitting points for all of us.  I’m beyond those points in my life story.  Now is the season that I simply stand.  Ya, I know.  Too simplistic.  Too broad of a term to leave hanging like that.  What do I mean?  Well, sometimes there is a time to go to war, and sometimes there is a time to stand your ground.  There is a difference.

How do you know when to pick up the sword and when to stand.  Ephesians 6 says to put on the full armor of God, to swing the sword against our enemy with God’s truth.  It also says to pray without ceasing.  And after these things… STAND. When the battle is won and authority has been given to you.  The enemy will still come stalking around the corner trying to bring intimidation through lies, manipulation and sometimes the most strategic propoganda that is meant to wear you down. These strategies work on the weak and the novice in the Kingdom.  But as we grow in the Lord and life… we learn to trust Jesus for who He says He is.  Our God is Greater!

• In the middle of the night when worry finds me – I will stand.
• In the middle of the fight when strength is gone – I will stand.
• In the middle of the fire when fear is closing in – I will stand.

So in this stage of my life, I have been through many war campaigns in the Kingdom.  I have seen God come through when all hope seemed lost.  Jesus is so good at ‘Suddenlies’… He loves us and will never leave us.  So when these battle lines are drawn and victory is ours.  Boundaries are made.  The enemy knows defeat and hates it.  What we sometimes forget is that these lines are dependent upon us.  If we relent and give in to intimidation, worry, doubt and fear and do something stupid taking things into our own hands in retaliation… these boundaries are moved and we lose what we faught so hard for. This should not be!

So I’ve made up my mind in this season of my life to be completely OK with the fact that some people will oppose me because I am a man who stands for the truth.  I will not compromise when it comes to my inheritance.  People and circumstances have challenged my authority and destiny.  That’s all part of life.  I understand this.  What they don’t realize is they are not fighting with me.  They are fighting my God, who has planned my legacy before I was born.  They will fail.

And because of the truth that Jesus is in me, and all believers, I will stand and face my enemies eye to eye.  The war is over.  The boundaries are set.  And when the enemy comes knocking at my door trying to get me to disqualify myself from my destiny through Fear and it’s thugs… they will be sorely mistaken of what they thought was Weakness is truly Meekness.  This is the Great Power and Presence of Jesus Christ within me.

So just as Jesus showed up in the midst of the guys when they were so confused and feeling lost since Jesus was murdered. They needed to be reminded that Jesus in the business of ‘Suddenlies’… He can, in an instant, bring hope where there is none.  And when we begin to understand that He is truly with us and in us, we should rise up and stand in authority knowing that our God is Greater!  He can do the impossible.  And when the wars are over… STAND!  The enemy will come in to try to get you to give ground back.  Do not believe the lies for an instant.  As Ephesians 6 says… after all these things…STAND!  And watch the enemy flee.

PRAYER:  Thanks for the reminder Jesus that You are with and in us.  I love You and thank You that we can come to You anytime with any need.  You meet us where we are.  So grateful.  Because of You, I will STAND.

“As an Enoch”…

SCRIPTURE: “When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah.  After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters.  Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years.  Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” 

 

OBSERVATION: There is a stark difference between the two Enochs in the Bible.  The first Enoch was Cain’s son who is known for his dad naming a city after him.  That’s it.  We never hear anything else about him nor the city of Enoch ever again.  On the other hand, we read of the second Enoch whose legacy is simple and yet profound.  He was a faithful man, a family man who walked with God so much so that he did not experience death because God came and took him personally to heaven.  This is awesome! … and very personal to me & my life story.

APPLICATION:  I want to write more personally in 2015.  I believe God has called me to write a book.  In fact, I’ve had it planned out with chapters and sub chapters for years.  The ending has been drastically changed… So I put that dream on a shelf for a long time.  I am in a new season now.  Part of taking the first steps in this promised land is to pick up old dreams that I thought were shattered.  Picking writing up again is different now because I’m different.  My journey has given me a life perspective that I now treasure.  I also am discovering that dreams, prophetic prayers and visions over the years have merged at the beginning of 2015 in a powerful way.  Unconventional at best.  That is exactly what Jesus has called me over the years.  I’m only beginning to embrace this calling.  Being different, is truly being me.  “Unconventional” – I’m meant to soar to high heights and made for many water landings.  I’ll journal about that another time… But today, I’m reminded about one of the first prophetic words God ever gave to me.

It was at my first Men’s Retreat ever in my life.  We had one hour of quiet time on the mountain top retreat @ Applegate Christian Fellowship.  When the time was up and we shared what God had told us, I was embarrassed.  These guys were godly and had very powerful prophetic words to share.  I on the other hand was hoping that Pastor Brett Meador wouldn’t ask me to share.

I found a very pretty quiet spot under a tree next to running water and was ready to hear from God.  I wanted to have a life-changing moment to always correct back to.  What I got, was nothing.  Yep.  Nothing!  I sat there for about 45 minutes in silence, with my pencil and paper ready to write.  But, nope… nothing.  I started to get up and then I finally heard that still small quiet voice speak to me as I’ve heard before.  This is what God said,

“Eric, Love loves you.  I Am so proud of you.  You worry about many things.  I am with you and for you.”

My response was simple.  I had finally gotten to the point in my life that I was willing to give up my life and be/do/move anywhere God wanted me to.  I simply wanted to know what God was going to do in and through my life.  I wanted Him to tell me what He had for me.  I wanted vision, direction, purpose.  What he gave me was… you guessed it, nothing.

I wrote down what I heard in my heart.  God’s answer wasn’t what I expected.  He said, “Eric I won’t tell you becuase you will get in the way.  You will mess it up.  You will try too hard and miss it completely.  You wouldn’t believe me even if I told you!  It’s too good.  Eric, many people serve me and do things in my name, but they don’t know Me.  I want you to know Me.  I want you to walk with me as an Enoch.  I want you to be known for your faith and family.  Enoch was a family man. He walked with me for 365 years.  I want you to walk with me 365 days/year, every year.  I will build a legacy of faith in you as you follow me.  You are a husband, a father and a simple man of faith.  I will do the rest.  Eric, Love loves you!  Follow Me!” 

So when it was my turn to share, I basically told them that I got nothing.  They all laughed.  When I read my journal, they helped me understand how powerful & prophetic it really was.  I heard from God!  I’ve gotten a little better at discerning God’s voice in my heart since that mountain top retreat.  It’s been a journey!

What I’m excited about today is the very fact that this Enoch calling is exactly what I’m known for.  No, people don’t call me Enoch or anything.  But when people do talk about my life these two words always come up:

1. Faith
2. Family

Even though these are the areas that I’ve been attacked, I’m still standing.  My heart is more alive today than ever for my present and future days.  I have legacy!  No, I don’t have a city named after me.  But I have 3 kids who carry this same calling of faith and family.  I know my God and He walks with me.  He speaks to me.  Through the past 19 months, something has changed within me.  God has done a work in my heart that has positioned me for greater things.

Months ago when I was in worship and seeking God’s voice once again for my future, He shared something that shocked me.  My quiet time broke when I heard Jesus say these words to me, “Eric, Love loves you.  I am so proud of you.  I will now speak plainly to you.  I will honor you since you have honored me.  You can be trusted with more.  I will now speak to you of things to come.  You weren’t ready before, but you are now.  You have been proven faithful.  I will bless you in order for you to be a blessing to others.  What worked in the past will not work now.  You cannot plan for your future based on the past.  I will make all things new.  Walk with me as an Enoch loving your family, your kids and someday your future wife…365!”

So today’s verse reminds me how purposeful God is.  17 years earlier, God told me what to focus on.  Even though I am praying and preparing for my new wife someday, I am still known as an Enoch.  This encourages me.  How can a man be known for being a faithful & loving husband when he is divorced?  Because of my calling to walk with God every day.  365 days/year, every year.  I’m not perfect.  I’m not even a nice guy at times, but I am a good man.  There is a difference. Someday, I’ll be married again and have an incredible story of how God made it all count.  He will glorify His name.  It’s just what he does!

And as for my kids? I was close to my kids before.  But now, I have forged deep deep legacy with all 3 of them.  Nothing can divide the love and trust we have for one another.  We are all together, following Jesus as a family.  We are moving forward with expectancy.  We are looking forward to seeing how Jesus will bring about blessings in 2015.

Jesus never compromises.  He always is purposeful in what He says.  The timing may seem horrible.  We can’t put God in a box.  He is God and we are not.  God has led me prophetically through the years.  But now, it’s off the charts different.  I’m beginning to see how God is bringing my entire life story together at a time where He will glorify His name.  Most everything that I’ve heard God say has happened.  This is exciting, because He is now beginning to bring more to me.  All things are new now!  I live with expectancy.  The few things He has recently shared seem too good to be true.  I am holding them loosely, praying & preparing for them.  I’m so grateful that I may be entrusted with more in this season of my life.

PRAYER:  Jesus thank You for being with me every step of my life.  Thank You for giving me what I can handle.  My legacy as an Enoch is in tact, even after divorce… That wasn’t my fault.  I’ve followed You through every season of my life.  May You write new life chapters that glorify Your name.  I choose to walk with You as an Enoch in 2015 and every year!

“My Song Inside the Storm”…

SCRIPTURE: “Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.” (Matthew 11:4-6)

OBSERVATION:  John the Baptist was sitting in prison.  He sent a message with his interns to his cousin, Jesus, asking him a loaded question, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Matthew 11:3) 

John was basically pleading to his cousin from the dark, dank prison cell he found himself in for telling Herod that he was wrong for marrying his sister-in-law Herodias.  And when Herod saw his niece dance seductively for his leadership team, he threw all reason out the door and in front of everyone told her she could have anything she wanted.  Herodias, who hated John the Baptist, coached her daughter to tell Herod she wanted John the Baptist’s head on a platter!  When Salome pranced out on the floor and boldly declared her request, Herod’s arousal and alcoholic numbness immediately washed away from the adrenaline pumping through his veins.

Why?  Because he respected and feared John but feared losing his reputation among his guests.  His wife and step daughter conspired against him for this very moment to seal the fate of John the Baptist. They wanted him dead!  And they used Herod’s pride to back him into a corner, forcing him to go against his word in front of his guests or follow through with an unjust and evil plot.  Unfortunately, Herod buckled under the pressure.  He sent John back to prison. John knew his hours were numbered. He was going to die by be-heading unless Jesus, his cousin, rescued him. (Mark 6:14-29)

As cousins can often do, with one sentence he communicated a paragraph of information that Jesus was sure to pick up on.  It was the unspoken that resounded from this one sentence. John spent his entire life, even while he was still in his mother’s womb he lept in Jesus’ presence, being a forerunner for Jesus as the Messiah.  Now in his time of need, John sends this message knowing full well that if Jesus doesn’t come now, he will die.

APPLICATION:  Ever been there?… Unjustly thrown into a situation with no hope sending a loaded single sentence to Jesus basically saying, “Are you God or not!?”  “Are you going to just sit there?!” “Are you going to rescue me?!”  All of these and many more variations are prayers of desperation trying to make sense of who God is in our very real time of need.  We don’t see Jesus nor feel Him showing up for us.  These prayers are heard by heaven…but the manner in which they are answered sometimes doesn’t make sense this side of paradise.

The Answer that Jesus gives John’s interns intrigues me.  Jesus reminded him of all the proofs of the Kingdom of God having come.  John’s life calling was with purpose and on time.  The King had arrived and His Kingdom was being established.  Then Jesus sent a very personal message to John saying, “God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.”

We never hear another word from John the Baptist after his letter was read to Jesus and captured in the canon of scripture.  But his silence echoes in history as yet one more proof that John the Baptist truly was one of the greatest men who ever lived.  Why?  Because his entire life was given to one thing, bringing Jesus glory.  His own words sum his heart up best, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” (John 3:30).  John died shortly after hearing this answer Jesus sent back to him.  He didn’t complain.  He didn’t shake his fist at Jesus.  He trusted Jesus.  Even when his life would soon be unjustly taken from him, he trusted Jesus that His life would be blessed.

Wow.

This morning I’m taking inventory on my life and how my story lines up with John the Baptist.  Let’s just say, John is a far greater man than I… But with that said, I’ve sent my own sentence to Jesus when I was in the storm of my so-called prison cell.  When I was unjustly thrown into circumstances by conspiracy and betrayal.  My letter to Jesus was a lot longer and louder than John’s.  And when I got my answer back from God… I was not silent.  I struggled.  I struggled a lot.

But it was this process that brought me to the fulcrum moment of decision to trust Jesus at His word. You see, my story is different than John’s.  So is yours.  But we are just as important to Jesus even if we are adopted sons and daughters into his family.  I chose to accept God’s answer.  I chose to trust Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.  I didn’t know how He would bring blessing to my life through such loss.  But it’s ok to not be ok.  Faith in God’s word will determine the trajectory for the blessing received.  It’s not up to me to bring blessing out of bad.  That’s God’s job.

So today, I’m encouraged.  I’ve been through dark seasons that have dug deep wells within my heart in such a way that God will be able to use my heart to minister to others someday.  I am at a place in my life where anything is possible.  Deep cries out to deep.  Jesus will make all of it count.  I don’t see it yet, but I’m believing for it.  In faith I see it.

So I choose to live future-present.  I choose to take God’s word to heart rather than my own limitations.  For me to live is Christ.  He will be my song in the storm.  Jesus knows and will honor me as he has done with his cousin, John the Baptist.  Even when it seems that all hope is lost.  Jesus can use it for blessing if we surrender it all to Him.  The choice is ours to make.

I made my choice.  I hope you make the same choice to let Jesus be the first name you call. He hears you.  The answer may not be what you wanted to hear.  But he is God and we are not.  If you let Him, He will work it out in such a way to bring honor to you and glory to His name.  Let it be Jesus.

PRAYER:  Jesus, may You increase and I decrease.  I trust You to bring blessing to my life.  I’m so ready.  So expectant.  So full of hope.  So incredibly excited to be living a life of faith following You, even when You take me off the map!  May my life resound in the spoken and unspoken words that You are my King and I follow You.  Make it count Jesus!  You are my song inside the storm.

“God Can!”…

SCRIPTURE: “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24)

OBSERVATION:  Jesus was about to heal a man’s son who was demon possessed.  His father knew how horrible his son’s condition was and gave up on all medical answers.  He asked Jesus to heal his boy if He could.  Jesus’ answer helps all of us facing hopeless situations.  There is one name above all others.  Jesus is able and willing.  He wants us to come boldly to him asking for help.  God has authority over all demonic strategies.  When we are powerless, Jesus’ presence is the only power we need to see victoy in our lives.

APPLICATION:  What is impossible for you today?   I have a short-list of prayers that will not happen unless Jesus shows up and brings a miracle.  I find myself going from unbelief to belief from one moment to the next.  God loves it when his kids come to Him and ask in faith.  I need to be more like a child and simply believe that God can.

The first step towards living a “God Can” life is to realize that I can’t!  The rest is simply praying in God’s presence.  He will do the rest.  Without God, no miracle will happen.  So in my life, I am in a place where I never in a million years would have thought I’d be here.  I’m a single Dad at 41, starting a new career after 12 years of ministry.  Financially starting over, trying to find the ‘new normal’ after being married for 19 years and now single again.  It’s crazy.  Even after 1.5 years… I still can’t believe I’m here at times.

But what I do know is that God will bring about good in this new season of my life.  He will honor me since I’ve honored Him.  Time and time again, I have had the opportunity to take action against the one that we loved so much, but I chose to finish well.  Why?  Because my love was true.  My vows were real.  My actions back up my motives.  There was no malice in me towards my wife.  She simply chose to be the opposite of who we all knew and loved.  She decided to no longer be married nor a mother to be marketable to men.  Sad, but true.

So what do you do with that?!……………………………….

I can’t tell you what to do.  It’s your life.  But I can say that I did all I could to give God the opportunity to do the miracle only He could do.  The door firmly shut after 6 months of horrible simultaneous attacks.  I got the answer.  Wasn’t what I wanted.  But it is life.  So, what do you do?

I chose to finish well with the understanding that I will give an account of how I loved and led my wife for 19 years.  I have my honor and integrity.  Do I have enemies?  Yes.  And so will you if you make a stand for Jesus.  So, I am praying and preparing for my future.  My kids and I are doing well.  We are in a new season now.  We are at the beginning of a new season and a large spacious place to explore together.  Jesus has good things in store for us.  Jesus has and will honor us.  We have done nothing wrong.

So this morning I’m sitting here at one of my favorite coffee shops taking some quiet time for myself.  I am praying and planning for my future.  I have peace in my heart knowing that the man I look at in the mirror is someone I respect.  Even though I don’t want to be here… I never wanted to be here… I am here.  So, what do I do?  I trust Jesus at His word.  I’m standing on Genesis 50:20 believing as this dad in Mark 9 did, that Jesus can do the impossible.  He can bring about healing and right the wrong.  He can bring about blessing and wholeness.  He can give new beginnings.  When I can’t, God Can!

PRAYER:  Jesus, I’m trusting You.  I am praying and preparing.  I’m living today the very best I can with motives that You understand.  I’m trusting You for my future.  Thank You for the reminder that when I can’t, You can!  May I be like this Dad today.  May I ask You for the impossible, trusting that You are willing and able.  When I can’t, You Can!