There may be a period of time when it seems like- no harm done, just enjoying life a little. However, there is a much greater agenda than just hanging out on the part of the adversary. He’s out for the heart and won’t give up nagging and persuading until the enticements and luring end up with the source of strength cut off and the heart taken captive by hands intent on destroying it. For every moment intentionally given to enjoying the company of the adversary there is an ever widening opening made in the heart through which the opposition can move in to displace the God who is very selfish about His abode.

For Samson it must have seemed that there was a considerable reserve of spiritual capital available for spending on life independence and flesh indulgence. After all, he had been brought up in the strictest of environments, protected completely from the slightest touch of anything unclean. Because of this dedication to God, his gift of physical invincibility had developed to the point that he was most confident in his ability to defeat any attempt of his foe- so much so that he could continue to spend whole nights in the very dwelling of those who wanted no more than to destroy him. Totally against what he knew to be right and in complete rebellion against the wishes of his parents, he kept returning to spend time using up his reserves in the den of his adversary. He couldn’t seem to resist the sweetness of sin’s offerings and apparently the subsequent demonstration of his strength and insurmountable ability to maintain his freedom. Possibly because of the anointing that was always there even after much time spent with an open heart to the enemy, Samson became increasingly vulnerable to the removal of that anointing and the inevitable subsequent bondage.

In the life of Samson, resistance to constraints of moral discipline (no one was going to tell him how to live his life), independence from the fellowship of the righteous, and willingness to use up his spiritual capital by spending time being gratified by the enemy’s enticements all obviously lead to his tragic end. While this may be an extreme case and a bit difficult to relate to, there is yet a direct correlation in it for all who have received the gift of life in Christ. The strength in this life is totally dependent upon obedience to a way of life that is much different than that of the world. It is possible to reach a point of self-confidence through compliance in one known area that breeds a sense of independence from the need for compliance in other areas. Time is willingly given to just hanging out in the realm of the adversary to taste of the thrills that can only be found there in his camp. In ways that may seem to be harmless and insignificant, however, an ever widening opening is developed in the heart through which destructive forces can come to cut off even that last area of obedience and render the once faithful anointing powerless.

It’s not so much that God wants to disallow pleasure. In fact, at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. But, for every moment given to pleasure in the realm of the enemy, there is a reception of heart threats that will eventually lead to its grief, its brokenness and eventually its destruction. There is no amount of spiritual ascendency or independence that will defend against an enemy to which a heart is continually opened. Spiritual capital will not last against the persistence of the heart destroyers.

There is fullness of joy for today that has no threat, but rather the promise of strength and stability. This joy, though, is only accessible in the presence of the Lord, and this presence is compromised when the entertainment, conversations, and indulgences of the enemy are sought out for gratification. Capital need not be spent but rather built up by a continual awareness of and fulfillment in the presence of the Lord. His goodness will never fail, disappoint, or bring any harm in the least.

Inspired by a New Year’s resolution, a gym promotion, or just wanting to get in shape, an exercise regimen is frequently adopted with anticipation for promising results. Often there is a desire to lose here, gain there, and somehow transform the body’s look to something more closely resembling one of those guys or gals on the posters. Quite often there is a temptation to just focus on the lifts that will accentuate certain body parts without consideration for the body as a whole. For there to be optimal results with health to all of the body, however, there is a need to include a steady focus on the core muscles, the stomach, lower and upper back and pelvic muscles. It is possible to have large chest, arm and leg muscles but still be at high risk for injury and have bad posture and poor balance if the core muscles aren’t adequately developed.

There can likewise be a strong motivation to develop in a strong relationship with God, often with great inspiration from very gifted ministers who have effectively developed in their faith and in their ability to display their spiritual muscles. It may be very tempting to delve into one particular area of doctrine or spiritual focus with great anticipation for rewarding results, but there is one area that should receive consistent attention if there is to be resistance to injury, a healthy posture and proper balance. There is a core that stems around our belly from which Jesus said will ‘flow rivers of living water’, and there is a necessity for this area to be exercised and strengthened on a daily basis. As the infilling of the Spirit is utilized through speaking with other tongues in a personal time of prayer and fellowship with the Father, there is a building up of those core muscles and an empowering that will affect the rest of the body as a whole. From these times of dedicated exercise of what has been freely given to us by the Holy Spirit will come revelation, understanding and wisdom as the Spirit is given an opportunity to influence and direct the mind and body also. As prayers are lifted up from a heart that has been strengthened in faith by exposure to the Word, there will also be a qualifying and enabling application of the Spirit’s power.

An incredibly effective exercise is available to us today through the enabling power of the Spirit. Our core can be strengthened, protected and balanced and enabled for healthy productivity in the kingdom.

It’s a bit of a wonder to me why someone would spend an extreme amount of money for a vehicle made to perform at speeds that are way above the legal limit. What good would there be in knowing what it is capable of while you’re just cruising down the road at the posted rate of speed, never really utilizing the car’s incredible power and performance? Though it might look most impressive in power and beauty, until the full range of speed is experienced and the handling is put to the test, it might as well be a low end gutless car that’s just getting you from one place to the next. For its potential to be something more than an imagination or a warm fuzzy source of pride, that machine will need to be taken where there are no restrictions, where it can be driven to its limits and beyond. Until then it is just a waste of technology, craftsmanship and money.

An incredible price has been paid for the Lamborghini (Maserati, Corvette, Lexus, whatever your dream car) that’s parked in our hearts. While it will get us down to the grocery store and across town to the mall, there is power in this gift that far exceeds our greatest imagination. In order really experience this power, though, we’re going to have to get beyond the restrictions, legalism, self-consciousness, and religion that would keep us functioning on the level of a puddle jumper. Once we get out there to the free and open road, there will also be a need for some bravery, a willingness to open it up and discover just how thrilling the ride can be when the power is applied to its full potential.

While our God is able and more than willing to do ‘exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think’, He’s not going to take off without us. The power that’s rumbling on the inside even now is just waiting for our foot on the accelerator. Actually, it will be the Word we are willing and obedient to boldly speak that will get us out of the garage and the side streets and out onto the open Autobahn. May this day be a day of daring departure from the ho-hum to the high performance demonstration of the Holy Spirit as He is designed and purposed to perform. No longer held back by our thoughts or hesitant prayers, He will do incredible things in and through us as He moves with beautiful heavenly precision.

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’.

Some things are much easier when- you’ve done them before, you’re more mature and strong, you know the tricks and work-arounds, and you can see the bigger picture- right? I know that whenever I’m around my Dad there is this natural tendency to just let him take over and do whatever I’m up to, from playing the guitar, fixing the sink, or measuring a roof. From childhood to the present he has this way of making things appear easy and doable after I may have been attempting them for some time. We actually did that last one recently when Mom and he were visiting and he characteristically wanted to go along with me for my day of work. We came upon this house that was really next to impossible to figure out. Normally I would try to get up on top and actually run a tape along all things measurable, but this one was very high, very steep, and all access points had some restriction that made climbing up on top of it too difficult for me anyway. I applied several little tricks that I’ve learned along the way, but there was one measurement that was eluding me as to how it could be measured without just making a wild guess. He just looked at it for a while and came up with a very accurate method that could be done safely from the ground and with a great deal of ease. He again came through as always before with a way that relieved me of so much effort and exertion I would have been up to on my own.

It’s not that we’re to remove our involvement altogether, because the passion and care that has driven our hearts to work so hard to this point is exactly what God would like to partner with. He sees and cares for everything that concerns us in the least, and really all He’s waiting for to get His hands dirty is a little, “Dad, could you help me with this?” He’s been there and done that, He’s way more strong, He knows all the tricks and work-arounds, He knows the end from the beginning, and if need be, He can just create or transform whatever needs changing. He does like to make it a team thing, though, because He wants us to be strengthened, empowered, skilled and capable in the Spirit together with Him. He wants this to be a growing experience as our pulling is a pulling that is yoked together with the One who knows just how it needs to be done. He also wants for us to be eased from the burden this life experience has placed on us. He wants to bring joy and fulfillment to a life where failures and impossible circumstances would prohibit them. As the work becomes something that is shared with Him, there will be, as evidence, a significantly lightened load, letting you know that indeed His yoke has been taken. There may be a whole day of plowing ahead, but with Him doing most of the pulling it can actually be a gratifying experience.

This is His desire and this is His prepared purpose in Christ for us that we no longer have to bear the weight of our heart’s most anguishing loads in personal failures, relationship challenges, financial mountains, or suffering self image or identity. Our Dad has come to stay and He’s really great with starting the mower on the first pull after you’ve been trying it all day, making the sink seal completely after you’ve never been able to keep that last little leak from dripping, or measuring quite safely things that have been threatening to cause a fall with great injury and damage. All He needs is for us to take our seemingly impossible situations to His side where they can be hooked up to His ability that has never even been closely challenged. Then, He has to be allowed to carry the real weight of the load, while ours is but a prayer of faith, acknowledging that He really is at work on our behalf. That fervent prayer then becomes the only part we need to bear as it is made to be most effect in His hands.

Seems like Dad’s gonna be staying for quite awhile- like, eternity – yeah!

(24)  Be strong, and He will make your heart stronger, all you who hope in Jehovah.

It does take that step of faith. Where strength is needed and where provision is required it is necessary for the weak to say, “I’m strong” and for the poor to say,” I’m rich”- not for any other reason than because of what the Lord has done for us. This will most definitely be an extraordinary effort, but the moment a step is taken towards the answer in Him, strength comes and hope is renewed. For the weak to just declare what seems to be so obvious, weakness or lack, even with the intension of honesty and responsibility, there is no way for there to be any progress made towards a solution.

For the heart that has hope in it for something better and even the best, until that end is affirmed and rehearsed in the mind and mouth, it will never get a chance. God’s response is always to a display of strength towards Him, no matter how small that may be. Every effort exerted towards Him is rewarded with further strength.

I’ve always wondered a bit about the many scriptures that tell us to be strong. When someone is overwhelmed by life and surrounding difficulties, being strong isn’t even an available option, or so it would seem. You might think that strength should be administered rather than generated, that God might just zap you with a big jolt of strength in order for you to do anything at all. But, He provides a promise and a vision of who He is and what He’s capable of and then leaves it to us to ‘be strong’. Without the slightest effort on our part to be what He said we could be in Him, there isn’t an opportunity for His strength to be ours. However, as soon as He’s given the slightest opening through a door we’ve exerted even the slightest effort to open for Him, He pours into our hearts with more than enough strength to overcome in every situation. Our will just needs a display of ‘be-strongedness’ in order for Him to gain access with His more than sufficient supply of real strength, real power, and real life is in Him. He won’t push past any lack of will or desired on our part in order to impose His provision upon us. However, with just the flip of a switch, the plugging into an outlet, and the stepping into a river we’ll experience a flood of light and exceeding power as we’re swept away in a river of life that is more than abundant.

There will no doubt be something to climb today, something that will require more strength than we might feel we possess at the moment. Before we entered into Christ through His blood, there would have been no hope for making this climb, but for any man that is in Christ, hope has been made alive in a whole new world of victorious opportunity. The simplest resulting act on this hope, the smallest step towards what He’s promised activates His life within and no mountain is too steep or tall, and nothing is impossible before this display of belief. He will provide the real strength and resurrection power, all He’s waiting for is for us to just ‘be’ what He already said we are- strong.

There’s just something enticing about the shadow. Things are cooler in the shade. There’s escape from the brightness of the sun’s light inside its sphere. Perspectives change and everything is redefined there. So, what’s so bad about ending up there, just chillin’ and answering all the world’s problems?

All right- the truth will set you free, but when it comes to obtaining or living in truth, there is no substance whatsoever to that ‘truth’ discovered in the shadow. The reason for the shadow’s existence in the first place is that the real Truth has been deflected in some way, leaving an area where the only light is that reflected off other objects.

There is no lack for opinions. Based upon the ‘higher’ thoughts of those that are surely ’smarter’ and more ‘well-informed’, life decisions and heart passions are set. We have, after all, been given a brain to think with, and to follow after anything that doesn’t make sense to our logic and ’scientific’ deduction would be ignorant and foolhardy. This may be true, but a problem arises when the shadow is the place where the ‘answers’ are sought. Research obtained in the shadow will never fully portray all the truth. There may be portions and half truths, but until there is personal exposure to the Source of Truth Himself, only deflected and skewed processing can take place, because there is no real truth discovery where the Son’s light is shielded.

And it’s so easy to think of people who are doing this, running to the shadowy place of bondage for strength and trust. They’re quite proud of their ascent to elevated knowledge, and yet, they’re trapped and bound into slavery by the very thing they thought was their elevator. It’s easy to think of those poor souls and miss the moment when the shadow takes us in- when, instead of running to the only source of truth and understanding, circumstances in the shadows keep our thoughts in the darkness and the liberating light of God’s presence is kept from revealing to our opened eyes the solution born out of Truth. There will ever be a need to let our answers come in the light, refusing the perusing of the shade.

The Son is always shining above the clouds, and real strength, trust, and truth are continually awaiting those of us who will only step out of, instead of into the shadows. Why go back to those old, negative thoughts? Why go back to those debilitating habits? Why embrace and hold onto relationships where ‘friends’ are really taskmasters? Why let the deceptions of the shadow be an enticement, when the voice of the Master is waiting to speak directly to the heart that has bravely left the shadows for real adventure in the light.

 During the conflict in Korea in the early 1950’s there was a great restriction on the resolve of the US military to actually occupy or gain total victory over North Korea. An advance north beyond a certain point was considered a direct threat on China. What made this a particularly significant consideration was that the Chinese approach to war was to utilize massive numbers of soldiers that could overwhelm just by sheer numbers. Although they might not have the amount or quality of guns, rockets and tanks, their greatest weapon was the soldiers themselves. With little regard for the individual, masses of men would be thrust into battle by officers that were fully aware that most might perish, but victory would be won as a result of lives that had become mere weapons of war. Each Chinese soldier brought with them a projected awareness that there would be many more to follow. Though small individually, they were part of something much greater that would not be defeated in an any normal fashion. A nation of apparent superior conventional weapon strength was forced to give in to the nation of men-weapons. 

 We are in a conflict with an enemy that is bent on total occupation and annihilation of all opposition members. As his attacks are launched at the full range of our emotional and fleshly vulnerabilities, there is an opportunity to become overwhelmed by the magnitude of what might appear to be strategic superiority. When things begin to be seen as they really are, though, through the field glasses provided by our Superior Commander, there is a realization that ours is a power that will not be overcome by those limited attempts at weaponry. Where satan sends in a flood of accusations, temptations, lies,  and oppressions, the Spirit of the Lord raises up what is presented by Him as the far superior and invulnerable shield and weapon- his glory filled child and soldier. Whereas the Chinese may have used precious individuals as mere statistically necessary pawns, God sees each one of His divinely chosen offspring as an empowered, equipped and eternal weapon that will be more than able to pull down strongholds and areas of enemy territorial occupation. When the world was totally lost and without a savior, God didn’t send weapons that would somehow miraculously wreak havoc and win freedom; He sent His weapon of choice, a man- in fact, His very own Son. Defeating satan right on his own turf, Jesus won a victory that would make way for an endless stream of man-soldiers. When He showed up on the scene, He brought with Him a projected awareness that there would be many more to follow.

 Today God is wielding His sword and bringing deliverance, freedom and provision to many that are yet lost, sickly, defeated, bound and in great need of a victory over their oppressor. To the field of battle He is sending His weapon of choice, men, to carry the light of His glory in the power of His Spirit and crush the scheming liar, pulling down all of his strongholds. Concepts, methods, disciplines, rehabs, institutions and even churches alone will not bring dominance over the destructive forces. Many times it may be tempting to look around for some other means that would make sense to a reasoning mind, but true deliverance and complete liberation will come through the touch, the voice and the very presence of His precious chosen weapons- His sons and daughters, speaking His Word, imparting His provision and carrying His glory. To each of our areas of need God has a weapon He is sending our way, but also to the needs and strongholds that are infinite around us He is sending none other than you and me. More than able and fully equipped, His purpose and our greatest fulfillment will be realized when we show up to inflict destruction upon the enemy and bring joy, gladness, and freedom to hearts that have been imprisoned for too long.

 We are His weapons and through His Son living in and through us, there will be victories won and hearts converted. Where the scene once appeared hopeless and without any resolution, a complete and total turn around is coming to those situations. Prayers, bible study and personal worship will be a part of the attack against the enemy, but the real impact will come as those times are preparation for when we actually arrive on the scene in person, ready to be His voice, His hand, His heart and His weapon.

To lose heart is to lose faith, and without a firm stand of faith, there will surely be a fall.

It’s so easy to become impressed by the flames and overwhelmed by the threats of being consumed. At one time it was God that was so impressive. It was His promises and His words that made everything else appear to be as it really was- meaningless. As His praise occupied the lips, the heart was securely kept in the fold of faith in His overcoming and prevailing power. Somehow, though, as the claims of disease, inability, lack, failure, and death began to be noticed and replayed on the lips, those things that were really just smoldering embers, incapable of consuming anything, were given the fuel they needed to fulfill their boastings. The heart that was once so comforted in the safety of God’s provision stepped off the Rock into a sea of tossing waves of confusion.

When the heart becomes lost it begins to wander in desperate search of solutions from other possible sources, none of which can establish any lasting stability or safety. America, since its brief encounter with faith just after 911 has since stepped further and further from the Rock into a most confusing plethora of conflicting solutions. From military to social solutions that may in themselves be divinely directed, there has been an increasing dependence on our own plans and strategies apart from that once unifying belief in the protection that only God could provide. This is reflective of how any straying of the heart from belief in God takes place. From the condition of total dependence, where He alone is known to be the solution, to seeking out other answers to the challenges of life, there is an inability to find any truly secure footing, and a fall is eminent. Any departure from a focused faith in the only God of victory is a path taken that leads to a place where standing is no longer possible.

While the direction of the eye’s focus will determine the heart’s location, a heart song will also rise as a direct indicator of the heart’s lost/found status. With various verses and refrains the wandering heart will expound upon the details of the enemy threats, while an expression of God’s ability over any opposition will be the natural response of the secured and standing heart. Where fear and coming failure are the themes of the wayward heart, there is a calm confidence, assurance, and boldness that pours from the heart firmly established on the Rock. Along with praise for the Greater One, there will be a declared defiance against the feeble threatening of a disarmed foe. Filled with the affirming words of our God concerning His overcoming ability in us, a proclamation of this truth and the end result will meet any challenge to the lordship of Jesus. Consumed by conviction that He will do what He’s promised in us, the heart will express this truth as a direct response to any threatening claims:

Isaiah 8:9 …
Listen, all you distant lands.
Prepare for battle, and be shattered!
Prepare for battle, and be shattered!
10 Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted;
propose your plan, but it will not stand,
for God is with us.

My Dad got me this phonograph by Christopher Parkening when I was a boy that made a lasting impression on my musical choices and my life as a result. It had several pieces by Bach that I became quite familiar with after listening to them over and over. For me there is something incredibly passionate and yet so developed in the musical intricacy of Bach’s composition that touches both the heart and the intellect together with this overwhelming experience of expression.

One piece in particular was an arrangement of Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring. It was actually written for chorale with instrumental accompaniment, but it had been arranged for classical guitar in a way that very beautifully represented the flowing melody with plodding bass line. I became quite familiar with the piece by listening to it and could anticipate and savor every section with each listening. I quickly decided, though, that this was a piece that I would not only know by listening, but this would be a piece I would learn to play. Even though it was beyond my skill level, I began practicing it with great care given to every note and every movement. Every measure and every line were like little exercises themselves as I slowing memorized each shift, each fingering, each note, and each chord. As each section was discovered as something my fingers could produce there was an exhilarating feeling of accomplishment and creative wonder. I found that just playing the notes, though, wasn’t enough, and after learning all of them in their proper sequence up to the final cadence, I entered a lifetime of musical expression with this piece that was new and fresh with each performance. What has been interesting, though, that as I have played Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring over and over and over through the years, I have gotten to the place that I no longer have to concentrate and remember each note and each phrase; they just flow almost independently from the requirement of mental focus. I know the piece by heart and it has become for me a sound that comes from my heart in a joyful musical expression. While listening to it was a joy, as it became known to my heart through time and intense focus it went from just a joyful reception to a joyful expression.

In the presence of the Lord there is a joy that cannot help but produce a sound of rejoicing. An amazing sense of peace and joy comes from just listening to this sound as it rises from the hearts and lives of those who’ve taken the time to learn it. One could spend a lifetime just being blessed by hearing it, but there is a whole other level of experience this sound will bring when its lines and phrases become expressions from the heart, rather than just to it. To really know this sound is so much more than just hearing it. It is learning to express it in every measure of life, through all the challenges and rewards, so that it is the natural response no matter the circumstances. It is a sound that naturally flows from the heart as God is chosen over every other temptation and victory over sin produces a faith enhancing patience.  To live in the light of the life that’s ours in Christ is to know this sound of joy by heart, where it is new and fresh each time it spontaneously erupts in its musical expression. As every life step is taken with an awareness and honor of the Lord, the inevitable continuous joyful sound of a soul that has been redeemed will bring with it great blessing and exaltation in a righteousness that will bear much fruit in the kingdom.

May the heart sound of this day be a joyful one as it resounds to the wonderful light that is pouring in through the door opened to Jesus’ knocking. May it be a sound known so very well and by heart.