Raise that Flag!

“We raise our white flags, we surrender all to you." Chris Tomlin

The ladies and I have been studying the life of Joseph for our women’s small group (join here).  Wow, there is so much we can glean from Joseph’s story.  I am struck by the overwhelming theme of preparation throughout this story.  God had to prepare Joseph for His destiny and He has to do the same with us.  This time of preparation was not an easy one; it was difficult, trying and I’m sure just plain confusing at times for Joseph.  Why so hard?  Well, I believe, because the “old self” (our controlling sinful nature) don’t just disappear in an instant! 

I heard it said once that, God is more concerned about the journey than He is the destination.  It is on the journey that we learn who God is, who we are, and just how much we need Him.  And somehow, some way when we learn to really walk with Jesus on this journey we find joy, hope, and peace that we have yet known.  Friends, we really can courageous unexplainable lives, which can only be explained with one word--GOD.  Ladies and gentlemen, our God is calling us to a deeper faith, a deeper surrender.  He’s on the move and it is preparation time.  I’m raising my white flag, how about you?   

Lent: Why I'm Observing

Lent begins today.  Lent is a time of preparation for the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Over the past few months God continues to hit me with the idea of preparation.  I’m afraid Lent is not talked about widely in some of our protestant denominations and is seen mostly as a Catholic tradition.  As a protestant, I must say, we need Lent too!   

We need to be prepared, we need times of consecration, to be set apart for the work God has for us.  Our Sunday school class is currently going through the book of Joshua, and I cannot even begin to tell you how many times this idea of preparation is woven throughout the chapters of Joshua.  The Israelites had to be prepared; God was leading them to take possession of the Promised Land.  I know God wants to do a work in me, and in the church Michael and I are at, but we must offer ourselves to the Lord for a time of preparation and consecration.

God wants to lead us to take possession of all that is ours in Christ.  This is why seasons such as Lent are so vital to our Christian life.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Eph. 1:3  Yes, it’s time to take a step back, it’s time for a deeper commitment to prayer, to fasting, to self-reflection.  God longs to move in our hearts, our communities, and our churches.  He is waiting for us to surrender. 

At a time when I am feeling a bit unbalanced myself, I know this season of Lent is all the more important.  This Lent I want to know Jesus more.  I want to be completely utterly satisfied in Him.  I want to move on from fear and overcome strongholds.  I want to be more equipped to fight against the Enemy.  I want to be more confident in who I am in Christ.  I want to know His Word and Love like never before. 

I know God is calling me to fast, to pray, and to get into His Word with great feverency.  So this Lent I’m fasting from Television so I can regain my focus on Christ.   I know I’m not really giving up anything, but I am gaining everything.  More of Him.  Yes, more of Him.  I know the Bible tells us when we fast we are to do it in a way that does not bring attention to ourselves (Matt. 6:16). I don't share this to bring glory and honor to myself, I've done enough of that in my life, but I share it to encourage you and challenge you in your walk with Christ. I hope you can find something to give up so you can focus more on God and the plans He has for you.

Maybe you don’t know Jesus; maybe you don’t understand why I keep saying I want “more of Him.”  Friend, Jesus loves you dearly.  He lived a sinless life for you.  He died on the cross for your sins, and rose again to defeat all death and evil.  He lives, and if you would accept Him into your life, acknowledging your need for a Savior, He will forever change your heart for the good.  The love you so desperately long for, the lasting peace and joy your heart needs, it’s found in Him.  We all need a Savior.  Our Savior has come and His Name is Jesus.