Galatians 3:24-26 KJV  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  (25)  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.  (26)  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Now, this was completely different. Instead of everything being determined by conduct and test scores according to the strict guidelines of the school administration, there was apparently nothing you could do here to lose favor and that warm embrace.

The many years spent at the boarding school had engrained within them the need for everything to be in place and every task to be completed before there could be acceptance. It seemed that the smallest failure could disqualify and sometimes the punishment would even be isolation where the violator would have to spend extended periods of time alone. While there was definitely an adjustment of behaviors and the forming of acceptable conduct, there was also a great deal of focus upon the importance of perfection as it related to relationship. Though there may have been a strong desire to please the schoolmaster and interact in relationship, there was this continual hovering threat of wrath, loss of privileges and even separation. Periods of success may have brought relief and moments of acceptance, but that feeling was so precarious as being right was obviously much more important than being near. Any relationship that might be developed was subject to removal based upon the ability to perform in a satisfactory manner. The uniforms were the same, the smiles were according to order, the seating was in line with latest test results, and the invitations to the social activities and clubs were determined by approved behaviors. Any relationship and its functions was directly related to performance and conduct, so that this became the means by which others were also accepted or rejected. If everything was acceptable, then smiles, embraces, and service were gladly given. As soon as there was something to deal with in the relationship, however, it was time to seek out a more acceptable prospect, one that might more readily fit within those all important guidelines.

So, this was quite an adjustment to find themselves in this home rather than classroom and in this family rather than in a competition as a numbered participant. It wasn’t that you could just act however you wanted, but somehow there was never the threat of separation or banishment for a simple failure. Here, there is a sense that, no matter how much you mess up, you still have a place at the table. The only time you aren’t at the table is when you choose not to be. Arms are always ready to embrace and words of affirmation and encouragement are continually spoken. There are expected behaviors, but favor and love is always extended without the constant threat of rejection. The only difficulty now with this adjustment?- learning to do the same, and not base relationships upon behavior and compliance, but unending family identity.

We’re all in the same house now. We were once school children in a place where performance determined acceptance. In Christ, though, we’re all now children of a Father who is eternally committed to our favor and embrace way beyond our perfection or the lack thereof. The challenge?- doing the same.

Revelation 12:10-11 KJV  (10)  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.  (11)  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

He was really feeling rather good about himself, and there was a whole lot to go on. He was riding a new bike he had wanted for so long and had finally received on his recent birthday. He had been worried about a math test he hadn’t studied enough for, but today the tests were returned and somehow there was an “A” on his. Then, that wonderful person that had captured his heart from the first day of school had marked the “yes” box on the note he had sent her indicating that she indeed liked him, too. The sky was bright and things were just looking great.

Until… that kid from right across the ally, the one who was always getting in trouble and finding a way of stirring up trouble, began doing his thing. All the good stuff that had been encouraging in the day became inspiration for his little comments that put a shade on the sun and took the spring out of steps. He gave a very unfavorable association to the bike’s color. He suggested that there must have been cheating going on for a test grade like that. And, that girl was just trying to be nice and didn’t want to hurt his feelings. He had seen her with one of the football players- you know, someone more her style. The thing was, he knew at least two of the comments were untrue- that color was his favorite and way cool, he had not cheated in the least (luck?- maybe, cheating?- no way), and the last one he was pretty sure about. So really the only way the loud mouth could bring him down was to influence his perspective. If the negative view could also become the subject of conversation, he was beaten, not by reality, but just by accusations that created enough doubt for discussion. The battle wasn’t as much over facts as identity, and if his identity and self esteem could be brought down, the facts didn’t matter, he was overcome.

So, as he walked through the door and his mother asked him how the day went, he had a choice of how he would tell it and therefore how it would be for him. There was a lot of really good stuff to tell, but then there was also the other take.

There is some really good stuff going on today. Our Father, on the day of our new birth in Christ has provided for all we need according to His riches in glory. Where we may have uncertainties about our own abilities and aptitude, before the One who really matters our test scores have come back with the perfection of Christ. We can do all things through Him and the strength He provides. The question of our worth and whether or not we are accepted and loved has been settled once and for all by the One who is love. He will never leave us or forsake us, and He has made an eternal mark in the “Yes” box, indicating that He doesn’t just like us, but He is forever committed in His love for us.

So, everything is bright and beautiful, right? Yes, until that old bully starts doing his thing. He’ll use the very things that are true and established in Christ as fuel for his accusing and discouraging comments. He’ll make suggestions that those very provisions that have come from the Father are less than a blessing. His thoughts would turn the cool colors into embarrassment and shame. He will continue to claim that there must be some cheating going on, that all those failures are way too impacting on any possibility of getting a passing score. For the idea of acceptance and love, he will bring doubt that this kind of love is for someone else – someone more attractive and worthy.

No matter the accusations, though, overcoming is the order for the day. By the blood of Jesus our full salvation has been established, for everything we might need, for our righteousness, and for complete acceptance. All that remains is the declaration. Where the words of life are spoken, and where those words describe full redemption in Christ, there will be an experience of that victorious life. However, the purpose of the accusations will only be accomplished if they can find their way into the thoughts and the words of their intended victims. The blood has established a new reality that is only limited by its testimony. As the door closes behind us and we’re asked the condition of our day, it will be as we declare it to be.

Matthew 11:11 MSG
(11)  “Let me tell you what’s going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him.

Several years ago, while travelling with a ministry, I was presented with an opportunity to become involved in a company dealing with insurance and securities. Although I had very little knowledge or experience in these areas, I took the necessary courses to become officially licensed to sell them. For the normal entry level person there was a position that allowed for producing sales and generating some income, but to really make the higher commissions with the greater incentives you needed to get to the position of ‘vice-president’. This was something that usually took an extended period of time as the position was supposed to be earned through hard work and proven ability to help build the company. For some reason, though, in an effort to hopefully propel me in my new business adventure, the company leadership chose to bestow the position of ‘vice-president’ upon me before I had even made a single sale. While given something of great significance and potential, I didn’t fully appreciate the value that had been placed in my lap. It would really have taken an extended time of growing into my title before I could have actually lived, walked and acted like a vice-president. I had been instantly elevated, with an importance that I couldn’t fully appreciate until I put to practice the power and influence that was freely mine. It wasn’t enough to just have the title or position, I would have to develop the ability to utilize the full potential it carried or it would be of little significance or value to my life.

According to what Jesus was saying about us, no matter how low we might consider ourselves to be, in the kingdom we’ve been given a title and position that exceeds even that of the great John the Baptist. In Christ we’ve been made to be ‘vice-president’ before we’ve won a single soul or cast out a single devil. From the moment we entered the kingdom through faith in Him, our position has been secured. Now, we’re just in great need of realizing the full potential of this position. Although we’ve been given the complete power and authority of the name of Jesus, there will be no success and no living in the fullness of this identity until it is put to use and applied to every area of life.

For some reason there is this natural tendency to see people on levels that are attained through performance and achievement. In Christ, however, there has been a reversal of this process. Though some have developed a greater understanding of what it means to be in Christ and are operating more fully in their authority, their position is no higher than the one who has just committed to a life of faith in Christ. The free gift of life in Him comes with all that is needed for the best, the brightest and greatest potential. No amount of achievement or failure for that matter will adjust this position either up or down. The greatest scholar and the lowest elementary student share the same title and the same rights and privileges. Unrestricted in access to the full resources of heaven by any limitations of title or position, the only restraint is that of understanding, perception and experience. To just know that this is so will make it possible to begin seeing the reality of identity and then experience the joys and fulfillment of what it really means to be an executive in the company.

More than just unproductive titles holders, may there today be a moving towards the life that place in Him provides and may there be an enjoyment of the blessings that are inevitable for the one that takes their place at His side.

Revelation 5:10 KJV
(10)  And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Matthew 9:10-12 KJV
(10)  And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
(11)  And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
(12)  But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

It’s so wonderful how Jesus’ holiness and perfection didn’t keep Him from those He came to save. While He was part of the temple elite who normally separated themselves from the riff raff, the ‘ungodly’ and the ‘unacceptable’, there was something about Jesus that drew those to Him who may have never or rarely set foot in a place of worship. Instead of repelling them with a judgmental air, there must have been an incredible acceptance and understanding felt from Him by those who were used to rejection and condemnation.

Associations are so important, and you’ll be known by those with whom you choose to associate. This is such an essential understanding, especially for children today. If there is a choice to hang out with those who despise school, watch bad movies, and use profane language, that will be how they are known, and that will also eventually be who they are. This was surely a part of the difficulty the religious critics were having with Jesus. If He was such a great leader, how could He allow His identity to be tainted by those from the other side of the tracks? How could He compromise His holiness and religious perfection by the uncleanness of worldly associations?

While it was unavoidable for Jesus to be noticed for His hanging out with the publicans and sinners, there was, however, another association taking place. For each one of those condemned sinners who were bound in a self image of failure and bondage to sin, their lives were given a whole new perspective after having sat down to eat with the Master. Association in reverse was lifting them from a lifelong label of evil to one of righteousness and acceptance. After all, the Master, Jesus Himself had allowed them to sit right down next to Him and talk to Him as if they were someone of significance. He, in the power of His own identity was allowing them to be associated with His goodness rather than being lowered to their badness.

In the world that will surround us today there is a need among those who may have avoided places of worship. They are in great need of a new association with the Great Physician. Rather than rejection and a cold shoulder, they require a place at the table and a loving voice of acceptance. Rather than imposing their badness through this interaction, there is a desire for an association change of theirs for His. This will require a great assurance of who we are and the true purpose of Jesus in us. There will be brushes with the ‘unclean’, but each and every one of them are looking for an opportunity to be associated with who we are in Christ. If they are truly condemned and living as sinners, their only real hope is an association change and that will only come by hanging out with who you are as an uncompromising but incredibly accepting and loving member of the body of Christ.

Worship is more than a song and a temple identity. It is fulfilling the Father’s heart purpose in touching those who may have been formerly untouchable with the loving balm that will heal and transform their lives.

Jer 29:11  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

What are they thinking about you? What was your impression on them? Did they like your hair or did they think you were a dork? Surely after all the time spent on the hairdo, the makeup and the clothes it was worth it and they thought you were something else? While all this time is given to wondering what that person thought about you, however, they are rarely spending much time at all thinking about you as their thoughts are spent on wondering what you’re thinking about them. So often the concern about other’s thoughts is in vein because they are themselves overly taken with worry over your thoughts of them. It is a special person indeed that is able to remove their focus from self wonder to sincere and positive thoughts about those they encounter, and it is particularly special when they possess an ability to do something about those thoughts.

In our encounter with God, there is an assurance for the thought-wonderer that He is not ill-impressed with our appearance, our behavior or our performance. Whether or not we’re having a bad hair day or just got up on the wrong side of the bed and whether we have fallen terribly or succeeded in a great way, His thoughts are continually for our good and our betterment. He’s not insecure in the least about our impression of Him so His thoughts are completely freed to not only see incredible possibilities for us, but to actually plan for their fulfillment in our life. With Him the wondering can be totally eliminated and great confidence can be increasingly gained in a God who will never draw back from us or withhold blessing. He only sees and expects the best.

With the wondering gone about His thoughts towards us we can also be freed to dwell on His incredible goodness. Instead of being held in self-consciousness we can become God conscious with an overwhelming hope for an eternal future with the One who only desires the best for us. As His thoughts are focused on our fulfilled purpose, so our thoughts can be established upon the security that is founded upon the Rock of our salvation. Dark thoughts are lost in the light of His love as His freedom leads to a completed destiny of peace.

Hebrews 13:8 KJV
(8)  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

There is so much going on in the world around us today that exemplifies something we’re quite conditioned to in life– people are never quite what or who you think they are. Professional athletes that were regarded among the very best and political leaders, along with business chiefs are being shown to be something other than what they appeared to be. There is something about each one of these revelations, though, – that the one being found out probably wasn’t always that way, but he/she had changed somewhere along the line. Because of performance pressures or temptations of power, there had been a compromise of the person they once were to this individual that really doesn’t represent the legitimate person living on the inside.

While this is being demonstrated in stardom, though, it is really taking place with most relationships that are part of our personal experience. A valentine before marriage is found to be quite different once the ring is on the finger. Friends that were once quite near are shown to be less than interested in loyalty or commitment. Employers and businesses can be less than upfront or simply found to be something other than they initially were thought to be. There is a natural distrust in these relationships, that especially given certain actions on your part, they will change and become different in their treatment and honor of you.

To this world of changing faces, though, comes One that never has and never will change. He is the Rock that is forever sure and unchanging. Though He is given plenty of reasons to completely disown us, our worst transgression will have no impact whatsoever on His position or attitude towards us. His response will always be one of love, one that is completely unaffected by us in our ever changing ways. What is so great about this position and condition of His is that whenever we do experience  His love, we are transformed into His likeness, which includes this immoveable attitude of love, where you really get what you see and see what you get. In worship today, may this transformation occur and our way become, “Change?-Not!”.

Malachi 3:6 KJV
(6)  For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

John 5:41-42 MSG
(41)  “I’m not interested in crowd approval.
(42)  And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God’s love, is not on your working agenda.

There is this illusion when you’re with a crowd that something is right, cool, happenin’, together, successful and going somewhere. Surely if this many people think it’s ‘right on’, then it must be ‘right on’. People wanting to find out who they are and somehow ‘fit in’ will let the crowd define that for them, wearing this, putting on that, cutting this, slicing off that, piercing this, putting a hole in that, coloring this and putting a tattoo on that and ending up looking just like what their perception of the crowd has defined for them to look like. After all they wouldn’t want to stick out by not emulating something that many times looks to be quite uncomfortable and awkward.

Okay, it’s maybe a good idea to not be too out of date, but when it comes to the motivation and who’s defining the image, it’s a bit dangerous to let the crowd define that for you. Surely there were some who really thought Jesus wasn’t all that bad who found themselves with the crowd cheering for His demise. There were many in Germany who would never have joined the crowd in chanting for and saluting a leader that would massacre so many of his own. It really must have been exhilarating, though, to be standing there with the masses, feeling like whatever this was must be right with so many people standing for it. While the upcoming administration has yet to accomplish anything at all, there is an attraction by the masses towards the magnetism of the crowd. Surely this must be right with so many people thronging to the rallies and the inauguration. There may be some good that comes, but it will not be because of the crowd’s definition. ‘Right’ is not crowd defined; it’s heart and love defined- something that will probably turn the majority of the crowd off most of the time, because true love does what’s best, no matter how many show up for its implementation.

When things seem to be so great and the crowds are the loudest, if love isn’t on the agenda, and if God’s praise isn’t on the lips, it can be certain that the crowd is moving towards the cliff. It would be best to somehow make your way to some place far from their pressing and their driving force so that the One who made you can be your definition- one that will still be standing far after all the popular ones have taken their inevitable fall. It’s best to be on the side of the ultimate Victor rather than the side with the loudest band and the best cheering section. If, then, in pursuing Him you find yourself alone with something other than ‘Most Popular’ hanging on your placard, it may be the best thing that could ever have happened. It may be you’re having a ‘Jesus moment’ when your identification with Him and His love has set you apart from the masses. It’s really not all that bad to stick out from the crowd when you’re avoiding their thunderous destruction and, hey, you’re hanging out with the coolest ‘Dude’ ever, the One who draws all men unto Him rather than being drawn by and defined by them.

There will be a natural separation today for those who choose life in Jesus. While many may be clamoring and adjusting this or that to be accepted by the crowd, we have the incredible privilege of taking the narrow way that doesn’t have as many thronging to it, but is leading to the best place ever.

Matthew 7:13-14 MKJV
(13)  Go in through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who go in through it.
(14)  Because narrow is the gate and constricted is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Psa 27:9  Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

It seems that this may be one of the greatest challenges in relationships- wondering what the other person is thinking. Maybe they’ve acted in a certain way or not at all, prompting an interpretation of those actions or lack thereof. As life has passed by with a few speed bumps along the way, there is reason for wariness and caution because of past betrayals or abandonments. If they are not heard from for a while it might seem that something is wrong and that person has been set off in some manner towards you. Sometimes there may have even been some failure on your own part that has compromised your confidence towards that person- something was said about them, or maybe negative thoughts or attitudes have been harbored. Insecurity has many resources to draw from and often utilizes them well in disrupting otherwise potentially valuable and rewarding relationships.

It’s interesting that this passage from Psalms takes place in the middle of this beautiful exposition of an intimate relationship with a faithful, loving and protecting Father. David was one who had much reason to be insecure with his relationships, having had close friends and confidants turn their backs and betray him. Though obviously inspired by God’s ever-present involvement in his life, the reality of life pokes its head in for a breather in an otherwise uplifting expression. This, however, did reveal just how fragile and vulnerable we are and how even the ‘man after God’s heart’ had moments of wondering.

I had a recent phone conversation with a friend whom I’ve not seen in several years. We had our rewarding and inspiring words as usual, but then at the end we spoke about the infrequency of our interaction. We each expressed that, though there may not be any peeps heard from the other, appreciation, honor and respect had not diminished in the least. In fact, the renewed communication after an extended lapse actually served to instill confidence in our relationship- that though there may be silence for some time, this doesn’t rightfully indicate a loss of respect or value in the other’s heart or mind. All that will ever be needed is a phone call for the voice to be heard and the confirmation and assurance possessed that our friendship has no fractures. 

So, was it necessary for this prayer to go up in order for God to stick around? Was He headed out the door with a need to get away from such an unfavorable person? I believe that this prayer was a necessary one, but it was necessary for the movement of David towards God more than God towards David. In David’s prayer was a passionate fixation on the One that He knew to be his necessity, his hope and his salvation. There may have been a resident insecurity and concern that God would somehow depart and leave him as others had, but in the request for God to not turn away in anger, there was actually a phone call made to a friend who could never be lost to a transgression or failure. By lifting up His voice to God, there was communication renewed and an avenue through which God could speak and impart His heart of love once more.

He has promised to never leave or forsake. For various reasons it may be perceived that He has and we have to go it alone without our Salvation. All it takes, though is that necessary call, the one that will instill and further establish His faithfulness once more.

James 4:7-10
(7)  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
(8)  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
(9)  Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
(10)  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

John 4:9-10 KJV
(9)  Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
(10)  Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

There are so many reasons for a breakdown of communication. Based upon status, career choice, family name, race, sports team affiliation, religion, or which side of town you live on, there can be a distaste for dealing with someone of a differing orientation. It’s like there is a continual categorization of people we encounter based upon their appearance and a preconceived stereotype we’ve developed by life’s influences. Having not even met someone of a certain group, there can be a specific reaction towards them based upon a specific bias. A child’s parent will refuse to even acknowledge the parent of a child from an opposing team, while the devotee to one political candidate will end a friendship with someone favoring the opposing candidate. Getting past these barriers can be most difficult even when there is an incredibly great potential for the relationship.
Our experience with the Father can be plagued with a similar challenge as our perception of Him can be negatively influenced by what has taken place in another’s life or just our own life’s circumstances. As He approaches with a request for us to give to Him out of our life’s resource, there can be a reticence to make this sacrifice until there is a revelation of just who this really is to whom we’re speaking. In worship there is an opportunity for this to take place as a song, a scripture and a prayer make way for Him to be magnified in our sights and experienced as the faithful good God that He has been and will always be. If it can only be known what He wants to pour into our life, our reticence will be transformed into prayers of faith for the living water that will come from Him in a time of communion free of distorted barriers or misperceptions. There is a way today past the wall to the water.

Isaiah 57:10 You were wearied by all your ways, but you would not say, ‘It is hopeless.’ You found renewal of your strength, and so you did not faint.

She had become so wearied by what seemed to be failure in every aspect of her life. Just to get up and face another day seemed to be a stretch beyond her ability. While she had dreamed of a peaceful home, fully furnished with at least everything for comfortable living, there was, instead, a continual conflict of some kind, and she would never even consider inviting someone to visit for lack of a decent place to seat them. Somehow, though, in the middle of what seemed to be a never ending struggle without hope of relief or rest, there was something in her that would never give up and just run away. She could never let herself declare the hopelessness of her predicament, because through every challenge and in every setback, there was a continual ray of hope that never failed to shine even in the darkest of days. Though she would have never thought it possible, someone of great distinction and importance had actually chosen her as a friend and her home as a place to hang out.

57:15For this is what the high and lofty One says– he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Her car had managed to break down right in the part of town she had always considered to be a fantasyland. Massive estates, with huge gardens, expensive cars, pools, and homes that rose high and just seemed to go on and on, lined the streets. In the yards children were playing happily and peacefully with their parents, and she remembered wondering if maybe she had somehow died and gone to heaven. What kind of people actually lived in a place like this, and would they even give someone like her the time of day? She couldn’t bring herself to even approach one of them, but instead set off walking for help somewhere beyond the mote. She had barely left her car, though, when she heard the voice. She turned around slowly, hardly believing it could be her to whom they were talking. While she felt like she was in another world, there was something about the man calling to her that immediately made her feel a sense of belonging, that, incredibly, she was at home. Instead of the rejection and disdain she had feared, there was a sincere expression of welcome, that she was important enough to leave whatever important business occupying him at the moment and insure her needs were met. Though she had never really had a father, after sharing her predicament with him and hearing his commitment to help her, she felt she had found the one who was everything she’d dreamed of in a father and more.

She had expressed to him her impression of his home and how wonderful it must be to actually live there, to which he responded that she also had within her the capacity and ability to rise from her circumstances and occupy the best. To do so, though, her thinking and approach to life would require adjustments. He committed to her not to just give her a bunch of stuff that would make her appear to have risen, but he let her know that he would come to her home every day, when the family was together for mealtime and become an influence of comfort, peace, inspiration and motivation towards all that was within her potential. His presence in her home would transform conversations from those of defeat and strife to those of possibility and hope. He didn’t care about the furnishings in the least but insisted on showing up with a smile and helping hand to not be put off in the least by the state of her household, but to impart everything he could to help her rise in her belief in herself. For him to do this, to leave this incredible mansion and come spend time with her and her family in her own home was beyond comprehension. And yet, he had kept his promise, showing up every day at mealtime and even hanging out throughout the day to just smile, encourage and let the spirit that enabled his greatness touch her with its transforming power. With him around, how could she ever give in and declare anything to be ‘hopeless’?

We have someone who has left an incredibly awesome high and holy place in which He lives to come and be with us in whatever condition we may find ourselves. He is committed to mealtimes, and as much of the day as we’ll give Him access, to come and be with us in our home, to transform conversations, bring His greatness to our way of thinking and lift us up to also be a person that lives in the realm of possibility where nothing is impossible through the power He imparts. More significant and long-lasting than just dumping provisions on us, He wants to give us a much more valuable treasure in the overcoming nature only His presence can provide.