The Shack Called Surrender

   So imagine with me that you are getting an email or phone call that completely takes you off guard, something you completely never would've expected. You thought things were going to work out a certain way, you were sure of it and lo and behold, you were entirely wrong. 

 I've found myself in this specific scenario so many times it almost makes my head spin - it use to infuriate me for years until I got tired of that merry-go-round and I finally jumped off.
Now I see it as God just reminding me, "You're not God." It continually reminds me of how important humility is. I mean, the last thing the world needs now is another "know it all."

   As a child I was drawn to what I couldn't understand and angered by it as well. My spirit was pulled into it while my mind fought hard against it because well, it just didn't make much sense to me. And every time it started to, once again as my mind explored all the stories or scriptures of the Bible, I'd always run into something where the dots just weren't connecting.
   

   So even after getting saved and baptized as a twelve year old, I just pretty much decided to live my own way since I just didn't understand God's way. I did talk to Him though from time to time, usually to complain though and ask Him what was my job here - "Yeah, by the way God, what DID You put me here to do?" I remember this recurring internal message in my gut, "Read the Bible." So when I'd get really desperate I'd pick it up and flop it open to some random spot and read....9 times out of 10 it wasn't anything I could make any sense of at all! So I proceeded to fling it across the room, yelling in frustration to God, "How's anyone supposed to understand this @#* anyway?" Most likely it was a King James Version at the time, but that's beside the point. What is my point any way?

   My point is I was missing one specific key ingredient -- surrender. Just the word itself may make some of you shiver...it's definitely not a delightful word. And for many surrender is the last place you even try to go, I mean you'd have to pretty desperate to go there. In my twenties, to get to that place I had to suffer and suffer and suffer before I finally let myself go there. Surrender to me looked like an old, ugly and dirty shack about to fall into a pile of rubble at any second. But why does it look sooo bad to so many of us? Because things are not always as they appear. Part of being human means it's in our nature to judge by the things we experience day in and day out....so it can be quite the challenge to even decide to venture down the road of the "unseen." The "spiritual realms." 

  Haven't you always heard there's a reason for everything? Of course, quite a few people are thinking in the cause and effect area. Yes while this may be true in many places in life, there are also spiritual reasons for everything. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness and against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12 There is an entire spiritual world all around you that you cannot see nor understand without entering that ugly shack of "surrender."

   Surrender to what? You may be asking. Surrender to love. Surrender to grace. Surrender to mercy. Surrender to God, His plan and purpose for your life and His righteousness....meaning His ways. To surrender is meekness, not weakness though many see it that way. However, the definition of meekness is actually strength under control.

   God's word plainly states in John 3:3 that unless a person is born again he cannot even see (comprehend & experience) the kingdom of God- even more importantly Jesus said it Himself. Obviously He doesn't mean you are reborn in the flesh - it's a spiritual rebirth and you cannot get there without surrendering. 

   

   While I would love to explore this subject to even greater depths...(maybe in a second post?) I will wrap this up by saying that when we don't understand and feel confused about whatever is occurring in our lives, maybe we just need to return to Him and surrender to His perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). With the eyes of your heart, look unto Jesus, the author & finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2) - He will make many things clearer at the right time. He's not only faithful but extremely trustworthy & He knows exactly what's best for you. How could He not? He created you and knows you inside & out. (Psalm 139)  

   Oh and one more beautiful side note - when you open that shack door and step in - you are going to find the most beautiful & extravagantly huge mansion inside! It's a glorious place I promise!

DRFARMER(c)2015

The Power of Something New

A New Mirror

  Recently, I got the opportunity to buy a type of mirror that I have been wanting for well over 7 years. Next I will share with you the step by step process this flowed in and what the Lord revealed to me.

1st- My husband gave me his word of agreement that we could buy the mirror (yay!!).

2nd- I inquired of the store personnel about the dimensions of the mirror & proceeded to measure the trunk of our car with the backseats folded down. My findings? Not enough space available to carry it home.

3rd- Saddened by the fact that we had no truck or enough space in our cars, I lie down to sulk. My husband comes to me with some "don't give up" encouragement & then giving me the idea of asking my friend & neighbor (who owns a van) if she can help me with the delivery process.

4th- I contacted my friend & she responded almost immediately with a "yes" and was ready within an hour to help!

5th- We made the shopping trip and delivery together gaining fellowship time, exchanging stories and all.

6th- She was excited about my new mirror, thought it was beautiful & said I had great taste.

7th- The mirror was a little above & beyond my husband's expectations so his reaction was not near as positive. However, it didn't bother me much, I knew he'd see it's beauty after he got used to it. And he did.

8th- The result: The mirror literally changed the whole look of the room. Suddenly I saw the extreme potential of this room, wanting to clean & take care of this room like I hadn't done in years! Truly an inspirational effect!

Newness of Life

   Do you ever feel like you're in a slump, stuck in a rut and you just need a fresh new start? This culture we live in today is in love with the next new thing. Even some marriages end way too easily because couples are chasing after that feeling of starting a "new relationship." Sad but true, especially when kids are involved.

Having new things does feel great from time to time but the effect is usually short-lived. The reminder the Lord gave me was this story's uncanny correlation to the process of experiencing the new things God desires to give to us, which are far more satisfying than any material person, place or thing.

1st- Hearing God's word or His promise to us. 2nd Corinthians 1:20, Proverbs 23:23

2nd- Counting up the cost. What does it take to walk uprightly? Do I have what it takes?

Luke 14:28, Proverbs  31:16

3rd- Realizing we can never be good enough on our own - we need to call on our Friend Jesus to help us carry on. 

Proverbs 18:24, John 15:5

4th- Call upon the Name of Jesus - He is always ready & willing to help! 

Matthew 11:28, Isaiah 41:13, Psalm 145:18

5th- Getting to know Jesus more intimately by spending time with Him.

Proverbs 2:1-11, James 4:8, Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 11:29

6th- Receive His approval & affirmation - He believes in you because He created you. Psalm 139:17-18, John 15:16, Isaiah 43:4

7th- Not everyone will react in a positive way when you decide to receive His gifts & walk in His ways. 1st Peter 4:12

8th- The result of receiving His new Life, new Covenant, new mercies, new Truth, new Ways, new wine, new passion & new Love has a profound effect in every area of your life. God's personality & ways are so vast you will never be able to know all of Him this side of eternity. He has something new for you to open from Him every single morning & it's His desire to inspire you each & every day in every way imaginable. He wants you to see yourself through His eyes - to have a new hope & outlook for your future. Receiving this newness of life will make you excited to do the work that needs to be done & you'll be amazed at how easy it seems.

That's the power of something new & He created that just for....you. 

Isaiah 43:19, Romans 6:4, Colossians 3:10, Ephesians 4:23-24, Revelation 21:5

DRFARMER(c)2015

The Backyard Dog Named Trouble

   Jesus promised that as long as we are in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33), but we sure don't like it much, do we? We many times will go out of our way to avoid it if at all possible with our all-powerful back up plans. And even some of us dare not get involved too closely with people for fear of hurting someone or worse - them hurting & offending us! Then there are the ridiculous things that just happen as we go on about our daily lives; anything from dropping lids on the floor 10 times in 5 minutes, spilling your drink all over your chin again & again to a complete misunderstanding with a family member that drove them up the wall. You do your best to live at peace with everyone most days and stuff still seems to go completely wrong over and over again.
  Several years ago, some new neighbors moved in behind us. While I was working out in the backyard there was this deep raspy bark coming from our neighbors' backyard. It never failed every single time we went out back to do anything, he was there barking up a storm. After a few months of this, we met the new owner at a Neighborhood Night Out event in our area - we discovered the dog's name was Trouble! One day I was drying off my car after a car wash and cleaning the inside and there was Trouble with his loud obnoxious bark peering through the fence hole at me. He sounded pretty ferocious and in his mind I am sure he was. But to me, his annoying bark just drained me of the focus I needed to complete my task at hand with joy. I began to complain about Trouble, even telling him to please shut up. His response? He got all the more louder of course! I even talked to myself about Trouble, then I proceeded to come inside and tell my husband about Trouble. I laughed it off, but later realized the effect that Trouble had on me. There was a great lesson and correlation between this dog and the real trouble that reeks havoc in our lives in spite of all our excellent planning.                                                                                                                                     

   Though this dog sounded as though he'd tear you apart if he could get close enough, he couldn't because he had a fence around him. That's just the way it is with real trouble when it comes but sometimes we forget the purpose of trouble and we fret, we get anxious and complain. This is the only way trouble gains access to you. After Jesus said we would have trouble, then He also said, "But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." I know I know, when you are irritated beyond belief "cheer up!" is the last thing you want to hear! But just receive the full meaning of that statement. He's basically saying, "Don't lose your joy, hold on to it! I've already taken care of the tough stuff, I've got you covered." 

   Most of my life I felt I had to have everything figured out. Addicted to reasoning you might say, though I do still struggle with that though from time to time, God showed me a better way - which is to look for the deeper purpose of our challenges whether large or small - there is a lesson just waiting to be revealed, but you must look for it. So while pondering the purpose for trouble and still faltering in & out of self -pity over my troubles that seemed so constant and so much bigger than anyone else's, I heard a well-known pastor say, "Trouble that drives you to Jesus is a great priceless treasure." He went on to point out all the great benefits of trouble one right after another. My perspective at that point began to change even more than ever before. 
   When you belong to Jesus, you are safe from the power of trouble to harm you or bring you down, but it is first our responsibility to believe this truth and trust Jesus completely to bring you through it and work good from it in your own life. Because He gave the promise that He will work all things together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
    So the bottom line is, Trouble has a boundary on him and he's been deprived of the power to harm you. So just remember that truth when you're in the thick issues of life and you can't seem to see straight ahead. Get in your quiet place with God immediately and let Him calm your spirit and soul with this Truth. You love God, you are called for His purpose in the earth and He will use this for your good somehow, someway. God knows how even though we don't see it - He sees it clearly. He never wastes a hurt or a trial. He's so faithful and worth all our trust. Amen.

  Til we meet again - may His grace, mercy, love & Truth be revealed to you more & more! Rise up church!
~DustyFaith

DRFARMER(c)2015

I Want, I Think, I Feel - But What Does God Say?

   If indeed you have declared your status as a believer in Jesus, His death, burial & resurrection, then this question is highly important to you. If you belong to Jesus then you no doubt have experienced mistreatment of some form or another whether on an extreme level or not. 

  I felt a heightened need to to address importance of turning all our questions to the Lover of our souls. In light of so many injustices done to a huge number of people whether related to race, culture, creed, gender or individual personality differences - we need to remember that we are called as the Body of Christ to walk in unity & love. You have to do some deep research and soul searching with God to find out what that looks like in your own life. Vast numbers of people around us are deeply hurting & lashing out at others around them and it's seems as though it is increasing! How are we reacting to this outbreak of wretched behavior? 

   Sometimes I notice myself looking for perfection rather than the heart of the matter and see the opportunity to reveal God's love, grace & mercy. If you seek perfection in people you will find yourself constantly offended! So what is the answer? Seek perfection and all the love you need in the One Who is, was and always will be - perfect. He is love. 

   Cast off the self-righteousness that always seeks to be right & is always concerned about it's own rights. Self righteousness will have you constantly judging and comparing till you are blue in the face - enough is enough already! 

   Isaiah 64:6 says that our own righteousness is as filthy rags. What is self - righteousness? It's all about what we think is right or we think should be the right way. Many people will even take certain scriptures in order to back up their own lifestyles. This is false Christianity. Just as Jesus laid down His life for us on the cross, we are called to sacrifice our own lives and many times what we think for the sake of His call. (Romans 12:1-3) He gave up everything He desired for us, why would we think we should give any less than that for Him? 

   Instead of twisting scripture out of context and only taking verses that you like to fit who you think you are - get real with God, let Him know you hunger & thirst for true righteousness and you surrender to however He wants to change you, whatever He planned for you when He first created you. You want His perfect will now because that is your true destiny. God does most of His work in you little by little - so don't force anything but just pay close attention to learning to be sensitive to His voice, spend time in His presence daily as often as you can, receiving His love & acceptance of you as you are. Let God's Word read you as often as your inner self wants. Spiritual hunger is very similar to physical hunger - so don't get it confused & start eating food when your spirit is hungry! Learn to lay down your life daily for Him. 

   Do not be like the "self-righteous" & foolish person who builds their house on sand & great is the eventual fall of that house. (Matthew 7:21-27) "Sand" in verse 26 represents mankind or man's way of thinking to be more specific, since we were literally made from dirt. 

   Our goal, those who truly know they belong to Jesus is to build our house (our lives) on the Rock - on the revelation of God's Word, taking all scripture not just the parts we prefer and walk in obedience to the best of own personal ability. The key is to honestly give God all your best and He will do the rest. You do your part and He does His part. 

   There is so much more to say about walking in God's righteousness and not our own - so it's quite likely you'll see a Part 2 & 3. Questions or comments please! Even prayer requests are very welcome!!

DRFARMER(c)2015