Heb 11:39 And these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise, 40 God having provided some better thing concerning us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

That’s pretty cool. We get to be on the same team as all those Bible-mentioned heroes. It’s our moves that are a direct completion of their perfection. Whenever we set our gaze upon a higher place and make the appropriate choice from a heart of worship, we confirming and affirming the choices they made thousands of years ago, sort of like blocking, setting a pick, or passing the ball.

We had this guy in high school that was a great athlete all four years, but specifically his senior year was honored as the athlete of the year for all of Colorado. Because of his incredible athleticism we were able to win the state championship that year in football and he also went on to win state wrestling and track titles. For him it must have been such an incredible thrill and honor to reach those pinnacles of achievement. When I think back, however, on all that seemed to make him the perfect athlete, both mentally and physically, I think of all those other team members that got to be in more than just the team picture. For every time he ran the ball there was a block made that determined how successful that run would be. Every scrub team member that provided a workout environment for him to sharpen his skills was essential the perfection he portrayed. Many days of outstanding toughness and perseverance were required by him to rise above all other athletes in the sate, but probably many years of devotion and dedication were actually a necessary contribution by those who would never have their name mentioned in any headline.

So our showing up on the practice field, running the drills, and completing the course before us is more than just our little insignificant personal encounter with the Creator of the Universe. It is a movement of faith that completes those movements made even thousands of years ago by those who never got to see just how incredible their perfection would be through us. The connection of God’s team or His body is one that transcends the constraints of eras and life spans to form the image of a completed purpose in Christ. So every holding fast to a confession, every act of service, and every sacrifice of praise is for much more than just the moment and a possible feeling of personal ascendance. There is someone, either past or present whose own walk of faith is dependent upon that step we will make.

While the bonding together in faith with those greats from long ago is so very empowering, encouraging, and inspiring, it is this same bonding that is meant to enable our own perfection and that of those other body members around us from day to day. If a prize is to be attained, if a goal is to be reached, there is a block that needs to be made, a practice dummy held and a drink provided. We are on a quest towards a mark of a higher calling that requires the contribution made by those other members who are equally dependant upon us. We are part of something much greater than our own personal journey, and much of the progress we will make personally is in need of another’s involvement.

John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
Mark 1:10-12 (KJV)

Therefore there is no procrastination for those who are in Christ, both of blessing/healing and of temptation.

Victory parties have much less defining ability than that of the moments of solitude that follow in the wilderness. As wonderful as is the affirmation, its real purpose and function is to bring persistence through the challenging time waiting just around the corner.

The liberation celebration will take on the sound of the dirge if there is no confidence maintained in the Deliverer when the freedom route leads directly to the Red Sea with an army of would-be captors in hot pursuit.

Discovery of a sister swap on the morning after a long anticipated and costly marriage celebration has great power to disable resolve for committing another 7 years for the desired prize.

It would be so wonderful if there were only the blessing, the mountain top glory exposition with an affirmation of heritage and identification. There is, however, another experience that quite often follows the time of honoring encouragement- the challenge, the test that proves the legitimacy of the celebration. It’s not just the ceremony that makes a marriage, but it is its embrace in the face of great challenges that would disable and destroy it. The talked about and much touted athlete is nothing more than a dream and hope until the field of battle is taken and the competition engaged. It is in the embrace of the conflict that the celebrated potential is confirmed and validated.

So, the building storm after the morning of sunshine need not remove the joy of the sunshine’s rays, but rather provide an appreciated opportunity for its proving. With gladness the challenge can be embraced with confidence and assurance gained from the honored moments of affirmation. With joy the cross can be endured with an encouraging remembrance of the glory’s voice and a fixed gaze on the prize that lies ahead. Much more than just for the festivity of the moment is the commencement’s purpose. It is meant to enable steadfastness in the time of heat, hunger, and temptation in the desert. It is meant to solidify and identify those qualities of strength that will empower and equip for endurance through the seemingly endless wilderness challenges that are on the path to the promise.

Instead of doubt there can be great comfort with the rapid arrival of the trial. Rather than undermining the reality of the celebration’s declaration, it can be seen as its confirmation and validation. Welcome, rather than despised can be the fulfillment of its purpose in a victory that glorifies the Author and Finisher.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 1:2-4 (KJV)

Judges 6:1 KJV  And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.

Judges 6:6-7 KJV  And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.  (7)  And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,

… and thus went the story of Gideon and the incredible demonstration of God’s loving hand of protection and deliverance over His people.

I don’t even remember what it was she ‘did’ to me, but I clearly remember standing in the back yard of our house in Burlington, greatly tempted to proclaim what I thought one of my sisters to be at that moment. Though I knew better and I’m sure had a clue that there might be something to pay for it, I finally gave in and loudly declared my sister to be (a two word phrase that describes) someone of less that full mental capacity. While my revenge was sweet for the few moments it took to state my feelings, there was someone else who observed my failure. I was quickly ushered in to the ‘room of doom’ where it was made very clear to my soul through the place that I sit down that these kinds of things would never again be spoken. What was interesting about this experience for me was my perception of my Dad during my experience of what my own actions/words brought on me. It seemed that the one who had provided and cared for me, played ball with me and taken me hunting was now severely against me. I had fallen out of his favor and now I had only frustration and anger towards him. What I came to understand, though, was that in the middle of what I saw as a severed relationship, from my father’s side there was no loss of love or care whatsoever. He just needed me to have a heart change. Though there has since been this need over and over again in my life, the change Dad was after that day was largely achieved as I don’t recall having used those words towards anyone since. What I thought to be a separation and abandonment in my relationship was never that from Dad’s standpoint. He was ever ready to do whatever would be in my best interest, even if that meant allowing my actions to have consequences.

Like Gideon, hiding away from the threats of danger in the world around him, there may be a wondering of what has happened to the God who, according to the stories, brought deliverance and the promise of abundance and freedom to His people. What is reality and what is truth, however, is that His position has never changed. He is just in need of a heart change from us and a return to Him for the favor He continually desires to bring into our life. Though the punishment may apparently be great and the risen enemy ominous, God has never forsaken, but always considers ours enemies to be his, no matter how badly we’ve transgressed. Just on the other side of obedience is an overwhelming confirmation of this truth. Until the heart change is demonstrated by complete trust and compliance, though, the perceived separation may continue. Never will His purpose be other than our completeness and restoration,, and an embrace and incredible time of fellowship awaits the son or daughter who will only rise from their self-chosen pigsty to return with repentance to a Father who has never changed in His love and desire to bless. A great victory and demonstration of His love is waiting down the road of pursuing His will and His kingdom.

Psalms 30:5 KJV  For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Eph 2:10 (KJV)
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
2 Cor 4:18 (KJV)
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

I don’t personally endorse the practice of makeovers, but it’s apparent that God is definitely in the makeover business. He likes taking an image that is very much in need of improvement, and applying exactly what is necessary to not only restore, but bring a whole new realm of beauty and productivity.
Maybe you’ve seen the show where they take someone who is very unattractive and by cutting here, tucking there, removing this and replacing that, they totally reform the person’s image, enabling him/her to explore new realms of social respect, admiration, and acceptance. Where once they had been avoided and ignored, they are now not only noticed, but also sought out. Straightened and replaced teeth, flattened stomachs, and adjusted facial features contribute to someone who is almost completely unrecognizable for who they had once been. So frustrated with what they had been given or the person they had become, they are willing to submit completely to the regimen, diet, and knife of someone who gives them a promise of improved life they will enjoy and be proud of.

While it really is amazing what can be done to someone’s physical appearance, every change that can be made to the human body is but a temporal improvement. On the other hand, for all those who are willing to give up who they’ve seen themselves to be for the promise of life in Christ, there is an opportunity to experience a transformation that will be effective way beyond our time here on this earth. This makeover, though, will require complete acceptance and participation on the part of the recipient. Things will have to be removed, adjusted and reformed according to the design of the Master, and the tools He uses have already been provided in His Word. By looking at those unseen promises He’s given us instead of the debilitating and restrictive temporal elements that are so apparent to the natural eye, we get to step beyond the limitations of this world and into the realm of eternal acceptance provided by our heavenly makeover in Christ.

Psa 27:1  <A Psalm of David.> The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Personal computers have come such a long way in how easy it is to install and begin using programs, utilities and new hardware. Instead of having to know a mountain of technical information having to do with a specific application, they’ve developed something called a ‘wizard’, a little step by step guide for setting up all the necessary information by just answering a few simple questions. By clicking a little box or pressing a button choice you can easily indicate how you want things to be and get desired results without have to come up with the technical jargon required by the operating system. The wizard does it all for you– if you say something ‘is’ this way, then you will get a very specific result. You can be successfully up and running without hardly knowing you did anything.
There is a very similar process taking place in this passage from Psalms. While you could get very technical in the removal of fear by going through all kinds of psychoanalysis and trying to somehow remove all the damaging elements of the past, there is a little wizard that’s been given to us in our relationship with the Father. It simplifies all of the intricacies and complications, very simply converting an ‘is’ of light and salvation to removal of ‘man’ fear. In like manner, where God ‘is’ the strength of one’s life, there will be no one to be afraid of. Where these elements of light, salvation and strength have been clicked off as existing in the ‘is’ column there can be no other result but fear removal. Without exerting any significant effort, one can be up and running completely uninhibited by trepidation of any kind.
Throughout the Word there are so many of these little ‘is’ wizards provided that will take us completely through an otherwise challenging and frustrating process to complete victory in successful and productive living. Where He ‘is’ the choice, allowed to really be God, there is a direct bypass of the limitations of our own strength and understanding to the incredible provision of complete salvation in Christ. Discovering and applying these ‘is’ conversions is the great privilege and joy of all who have made worship their life.

Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV
(5) … he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
(6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Deuteronomy 31:8 KJV
(8) And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

This was a completely new concept for her, the thought that someone would actually be there for her even after discovering something in her that was sure to be unacceptable. Not that this wasn’t something she had hoped for all her life, it’s just that time after time, after committing herself in relationships, she had found herself alone, abandoned once again for some undisclosed reason. It would have even been a little more bearable if they would have at least given a reason, something for her to work on in the future, but it was like she hadn’t earned even enough honor from them to get their perceptions of her needed improvements before their departure. She had just been left, time after time, alone and without explanation. How wonderful it would have been to have someone actually stay through her inconsistencies, finding something in her for which to stick around. To wonder then whether God Himself could put up with whatever had driven the others away was certainly natural and would require considerable adjustment. This promise would be her heart’s greatest comfort and her soul’s delight and inspired hope, if only she could learn to embrace it instead of the old dismay and discouragement. He would never take off and leave her even when she herself might feel unacceptable. Because of this she could have great confidence and boldness to press beyond the fear of rejection that had held her back for so long. Though anyone might leave her for whatever reason and at any time, the very God of creation would remain close by her side, ever lifting her up and supporting her through the rest of her life.

Though maybe not to this extreme, there will ever be a need for adjustment and growth in this awareness- that our God goes before us and will never forsake us even in our failures, from the greatest to the smallest. If there is ever a sense of abandonment, this is just a misperception based upon what we’ve experienced in other relationships. God is ever present to encourage and strengthen the one who will but acknowledge His presence. His promise to be near isn’t just a frivolous gesture with no intention of fulfillment. Though this may have been our experience with those we’ve contacted in this world, there is a completely new experience with God that will nurture the confidence and boldness to be victorious in every situation. He is an ever present help in time of trouble (Psalms 46:1) and this presence doesn’t require a completed list of endless contingencies. His love and mercy will cover a multitude of sins and He faithfully stands with open arms – an embrace that will lift and propel us beyond the greatest of difficulties. So what will it matter what anyone might ever say about us, or even fail to say at all on their one way trip out the door, God Himself is right here right now with friendship, counsel, wisdom, understanding, compassion, mercy, forgiveness and motivation that is always ours for the taking in His presence. All He’s needing is an open door Himself to a heart that’s continually saying, ‘yes’.

Isaiah 46:6-7 CEV
(6)  Some people hire a goldsmith and give silver and gold to be formed into an idol for them to worship.
(7)  They carry the idol on their shoulders, then put it on a stand, but it cannot move. They call out to the idol when they are in trouble, but it doesn’t answer, and it cannot help.

Highly motivated by the illusion of gratification and fulfilled desires, it is easy to devote extensive resources to acquire, develop and enhance that object of worship in life. Whether it’s a job, skill, relationship, home, position, television, tool, or toy, in order to gain that thing, to have it in all its promise of fulfillment, it will require great effort. For that thing to do its thing and bring whatever it is it brings, it will have to be purchased, positioned and transported to the place where it can be placed in prominence and given the devotion it demands. It can go nowhere on its own, but will have to be carried about, totally and completely dependent upon the efforts of its worshiper for its existence. Then, at the time when it’s supposed to be there in all of its glory, it fails, blows a fuse, doesn’t show up or answer calls, leaving its devotee with nothing of substance. You would think that after all the time spent looking at it, all the money provided to acquire it, and every effort extended to lift and carry it, it could at least be there for you in the time of difficulty? It could at least respond when a cry goes out to it to gratify once more?

While the gods of this world require us for their movement and existence, there is one God that is exploding with promise of life and all its potential goodness, which doesn’t require any rides, who has, in fact, already been giving us a lift from the day we were born. Though he’s incredibly faithful to do what He alone can do, all He requires of us is that we show up at the bus stop and get on board for the destination of a lifetime. To worship Him and hold Him up in a place of prominence is to never be disillusioned by subsequent failure on His part to answer a call for help. It is His passion, desire, and ability to carry us all the way to the end of a fulfilled and gratified life in Him. How is it that any other god could take His place in the heart, or His place in time devoted to worshiping Him? Stepping off the bus at a worldly god stop only disables Him from transporting us to the place of gratified promise in Him.

Given the opportunity to be carried about by the Creator of all things, why waste time and effort on the things that will just perish and burn up with the passing of time and the onset of age. Unless those other passions include Him, they will only serve to divert from focus on the only One who will answer the call in the time of trouble. He’s at the stop right now- good time to say goodbye to those demanding loser gods and get on.

Isaiah 46:3-4 CEV
(3)  You survivors in Israel, listen to me, the LORD. Since the day you were born, I have carried you along.
(4)  I will still be the same when you are old and gray, and I will take care of you. I created you. I will carry you and always keep you safe.

Isaiah 25:7-8 KJV
(7)  And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.
(8)  He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.

Though I grew up in Burlington, there is a town just south of Denver called Castle Rock where I was born and lived till 7 years old- when we moved to Burlington to start a church. The mountain range there is definitely close enough to see and experienced, but whenever we would go to Denver there was, more often than not, something that kept the mountains from being seen as they should be seen. As you approach the city you can see this brownish cloud of smog hovering and withholding clear view of the towering mountains. Once you get into the city the cloud is ever veiling the true beauty of the mountain and its majesty. It’s right there; you just can’t see it for the veiling smog. Every once in a while, though, after a windy or rainy night, the fog may recede, completely exposing the full and clear vision of the mountains, as if you could just reach over and touch them.

A long journey may have been made and there may be great anticipation for the promised beauty of a life in God. As approach is made, though, a brownish cloud of failure may hover above those that are living there in that ‘colorful’ place. Emissions of sin and defeat may have effectively concealed the image of God’s incredible beauty and splendor. Oppression, depression, addiction, weakness, etc. may cover and cause the famous ranges of God’s majesty to be misrepresented and kept from full vision.

God is right there, though, waiting to inspire, amaze and empower through the clear vision of Jesus. If the Spirit will just have freedom to blow across the city and if His rain can but fall down without restraint, the veil will be removed and the glory that will change and transform will be clearly seen. When the busy avenues and byways of earthly demands for living are given up for the tranquility of His restful places, the veil will lose its source and the air will gain purity.

‘Colorful’ may not fit the description of what has been seen thus far, but there is a promise of clear, purposeful, and victorious living for those who are in Christ. By the Spirit’s wind and rain, all those things that have clouded, skewed and veiled Jesus’ beauty will be removed to expose something which is so clear that you could just reach out and touch it. And then, you know, you can.                 

Isaiah 28:5 KJV
(5)  In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,

     It wasn’t that they got started off in the wrong direction, and it wasn’t that there was a different promise for some than others. It was just that for certain ones there was an incredible fixation on the leader that made stepping out of the ranks unthinkable. They had been to his tent and were touched by his persona in such a way that he affected all their thoughts and everything they said and did. His glory had adorned their head and they had already begun to reflect and emulate his unsurpassed appearance. Though he had made himself available to the whole group, the ones left standing after the conflict, after the battle- standing next to their victor, were the ones who had stayed close to him through it all. For them, though the dust and smoke would try to claim otherwise, every day was part of a larger ‘day’ of victory.

     I’ve always been fascinated by the ones who actually made it through the battles, those who remained on their feet after seeing so many fall around them. What was it that kept them going and how were they able to remain committed to something that must have appeared to be a lost cause at so many points along the way? Those that survived the concentration camps, invasion beaches, Great Depression, public schools, gang dominated neighborhoods, and home conflicts with victory and apparent retention of their mental faculties have something very special that has carried them through their challenge. Somehow they have been inspired with a vision of success through a leader, a truth or a cause that has kept them on the road through and out of their conflict. For some it doesn’t even appear that they possessed all that great of skills or abilities, they were just carried through to conquer based upon the strength and influence of their leader. As long as they followed his lead and remained under his realm of influence, they would share in the honor and recognition that goes to conquerors. He provided them with the weapons, the plan, and the heart to press through the most trying opposition to be among those still standing.

    This is a day to wear our crown of glory and portray the beauty of our conquering King as we not only make it through, but come out standing with the stance of victory. To attempt this day alone, though, or run away to some isolated place far away from the conflict will only serve to isolate from the vision, motivation and source of strength that is so necessary for an ultimate triumph. A promise to never leave, to be the first one on the field and the last one off (like Mel Gibson’s character in ‘We Were Soldiers’), and to return (like General McArthur’s promise) has been given to each one of us, but when the sun is setting and the day is through, those still standing will only be those who have remained close to our Commander, followed His plan, and allowed Him to live through us. Where His glory has adorned completely from the very top to every part of our being, His image and position will be ours with a knowing that ‘as He is, so are we in this world’ (1John 4:17)

Isaiah 25:9 KJV
(9)  And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Psalms 132:8-9 KJV
(8)  Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
(9)  Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

Growing up in the Behrman household there was always a sense of confidence that if something were wrong with anything around the house, Dad was not only more than able to fix it, but he most definitely would make certain it was remedied. It was something that I probably never realized or appreciated all that much then, but now, as a home owner, I look back longingly to that time when living with Dad meant having everything maintained and functioning. Every little drippy faucet and burned out light bulb would not remain in its state of ill repair for long- as long as he was around.

Even in the present day there is an added blessing to each of our homes every time Dad and Mom come to visit me or my siblings. It will not just be a wonderful time sitting around the table or the fireplace talking; Dad will most probably notice that broken board or hole in the sheetrock, and before their visit comes to an end, make it appear that there had never been a problem. Wherever Dad goes there is a mending that’s going to take place. There is a problem that’s going to get solved. Though he and Mom come to just hang out and find fulfillment in seeing their grand kids, they bring with them an attitude that insists on making our home a better place before they’re done.

God has prepared in us this place that is uniquely capable of bringing Him pleasure and rest. He longs for the fellowship that comes from just hanging out with His children and experiencing the joy that was set before Jesus so long ago. Although this is something that you would think He could just claim and occupy on His own, He insists on waiting for our invitation, for our welcome sign and invitation. He doesn’t just barge in the front door without ringing the bell, although He is on the front step continually knocking and desiring to come in.

Once our Father is actually welcomed in to abide in our hearts, though, He does so much more than just pull up a chair and watch Andy Griffith with us. Wherever He goes it isn’t just a presence that leaves things as they were when He arrived. As long as He’s in the house, things are being continually remedied, repaired and restored to their original capability and potential. Where our clothing revealed where we’d been- maybe a bit soiled from the substance of sin and failure, He provides us with the pure and impeccable clothing of righteousness. We’re able to go places we could have never gone in our old duds, and where the air may have been thick with oppression and fear, the atmosphere is transformed to that of joy and peace. When He’s allowed heart entrance our Father brings with Him the ark of His power, the demonstration of His ability to completely renovate the place and give it the protection and provision it needs so very much.

As each day dawns and as our hearts are exposed to and filled with the elements of earth living, there is ever a knocking at the door, even for the seasoned God residence. He is continually dependent upon the welcome  invitation, but given the reception as His presence is our choice, He comes in with an ability to not just notice everything that wrong or broken, but repair, refinish, and make everything right in the home of our heart. Although it is His face we seek and His glory that is our passion, with Him always comes the force of His mending ability and the enabling of our abode to realize our full potential and purpose. Things will never be as they were when He arrived. Those things that may have never even been noticed and as they just grew to be a part of the home’s ‘character’ will be removed leaving this wonderful perfection of His hand’s doing.

I love it when Mom and Dad are able to make it. I know it will be incredible just being with them, but as we’re being so gratified by their faces and words, there will be changes taking place as Dad grabs his tools and gets with it. So, the face of our Father is such a passionate pursuit and just sitting down to eat the bread of His word and drink from His water of life brings fulfillment in itself. There will, though, ever be something else going on in our hearts as the Father’s tools are working their magic and bringing brightness and rightness to the place of His rest.