Author: Jacquelin Stoner

Jacqui is a writer, teacher, life coach, and an encourager. She walks alongside of individuals who need help navigating to the better place God has envisioned for their lives. She has discovered that God is central to genuine lasting life change.
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JESUS DOES NOT TAKE APPLICATIONS

Did you see that high school yearbook featuring the disciples (before they came to know Jesus)? Below each graduation portrait is a class nickname. James, the Son of Zebedee, and John (brother of James) share the title “Sons of Thunder.” The brothers were never quiet and tended to cause chaos. I can imagine their school years, weekly ending up in the principal’s office for getting into fights on the school grounds. But wait, none of the Disciples (except for Matthew) ever had any higher education. No credentials, no hope of a greater future except for carrying on the family business. None of the Disciples would have made it past a leadership nominating committee. They might apply, but their applications would end up in the trash.

JESUS RECRUITS AND SAYS, “FOLLOW”

That is the wonderful, unique thing about Jesus. He recruits. He doesn’t take applications. Jesus says, “Follow”. (Matt. 4:18-22 AMP);

MEANING OF “FOLLOW”

What does “follow” mean? When my sons were little, they loved collecting Transformers, the alien/robot toy that transforms from a vehicle to a powerful, monstrous robot. Transformation means to change from one thing into a different thing. Did the disciples have any idea that following Jesus would involve transformation into the likeness of Christ?

TRANSFORMATION

In Romans 12:1-2, Paul calls this transformation, this act of sacrificial living, true worship. “I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.”

For the Jews in Jesus’ day, “sacrifice” was only associated with death. That sacrificial lamb on the altar died. As Jesus followers, we are to present ourselves on God’s altar for His exclusive use. It involves death to what comes naturally for our sin nature. This is both the will of God and the sacrifice for true believers.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS?

Rays Stedman asks, “How do you feel about this? Do you regard it as an intrusion, an interruption of your plans and your program? Or do you regard it as an infinite honor that mere creatures may be the full expression of the holy and magnificent life of God? This is what Paul calls an intelligent fulfillment of purpose.

“You can never find the will of God until you start here. Have you ever made an intelligent presentation of yourself, your body, your soul (your emotional and mental life), and your spirit unto God? Have you ever presented yourself as what you are, nothing, so that you may have what He is, everything, and step out into every new day in complete expectation that His life will be manifest in you? That is Christianity. That is the will of God.”

MARK OF A TRUE JESUS FOLLOWER

The mark of a Jesus follower is a transformed life. Christ recruits us to follow Him and to allow Him to change our lives permanently. Jesus does not take applications. He does not search for those who get by without God on their own strength, who are considered the best of the best by this world. Have you ever presented yourself as what you are, nothing, so that you may have what he is, everything, and step out into every new day in complete expectation that his life will be manifest in you? Jesus calls you to follow.

Click to read more about the “Sons of Thunder.”

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STILL IN THE STORM

A “furious squall” overcomes the small vessel. Experienced fishermen scream in terror. The storm came out of nowhere with its sudden, violent, and intense burst of wind, accompanied by rain. The winds rapidly increase, visibility is zero, and the waves break over their craft. Will their boat soon be matchsticks? This is not a night to be caught out in the pitch-black water. No wonder they woke Jesus up and yelled, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:35-40)

FIRST AMBULANCE RIDE

The week my husband took his first ambulance ride. He was experiencing grave difficulty breathing. Didn’t God hear Bill gasping for air? Doesn’t He care? “Jesus, don’t you care if we drown?” The waves threaten to bury us. Bill feels like his lungs are drowning.

WHY AM I SO AFRAID?

More than just speaking to my waves of fear, Jesus says to me, “Quiet! Be still!” Why am I so afraid? Does God plan to abandon us in the storm?

NECESSARY CHOICES

What are my choices? Jesus said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

THIRD HOSPITAL STAY IN FIVE MONTHS

As I write this, this is our third hospital stay within five months. I am tired. Bill is exhausted. Yet, God still asks us to choose. I can either roll up in a ball and give up, or I can begin declaring His Word, even if I do not feel it. My emotions often do not line up, but with the Psalmist, I firmly declare: “I relied completely on the Lord, and he turned toward me and heard my cry for help. He lifted me out of the watery pit, out of the slimy mud. He placed my feet on a rock and gave me secure footing. He gave me reason to sing a new song, praising our God. May many see what God has done, so that they might swear allegiance to him and trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:1-3).

Jesus knows the waters we pass through. God knows the waves that threaten to drown us. He cares. “He gave me reason to sing a new song, praising our God. May many see what God has done, so that they might swear allegiance to Him and trust in the Lord.” Oh Lord, please keep me singing!!!!

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THE FIRST PICK

Imagine a competition of millions of contestants. The Disciples are to be picked by superstar judges on national TV. If the qualifications are hot tempers, impulsiveness, brashness, cowardness, and subpar education, Peter is a shoo-in. However, I don’t think that those qualities gain any points. Peter’s application does not make it to the first round.

PETER WOULD NOT MAKE EVEN THE LAST DRAFT

John F. Kennedy, one of our most famous presidents, was known for surrounding himself with the best and the brightest, characterized by youth, high-level academic credentials, intellectual capacity, and a blend of intense loyalty with diverse expertise. They were merit-driven, action-oriented individuals, frequently drawn from Ivy League institutions and business leaders. Peter would never be a candidate for Kennedy’s team.

WILLING TO FOLLOW

In Matthew 4:18-22 (NET) (AMP), Jesus did not call the greatest, the smartest, the best-looking, the strongest, or anything else. He chose the willing. What were they to do?  Follow. Shawne Thomas remarks, “For those first disciples, ‘following’ Jesus meant literally, physically, leaving where they were and following Him wherever He went. They left their jobs, they left their nets, they left their families, they left their priorities, they left their plans, they left everything, to follow Jesus.”

JESUS’ FIRST PICK….NOT HIS LAST

They were Jesus’ first pick. I’ve never been first pick for anything. Be astounded, Jesus calls you! He wants you! John 15:16 says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

Jesus picks His disciples, His followers, to fish. “Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” To follow Jesus doesn’t just mean to walk behind Him, but to go the way He is going, do the things that He does, and act the way He acts.  His followers participate in Divine fishing.

Where are His fishing grounds? Jesus did not tell the Disciples where He was going. Every day was new as Jesus healed, helped, taught, and carried out the mission the Father sent Him to accomplish. For those of us who like everything nicely laid out and explained, following Jesus is a wild ride. It can be scary. Just like the first disciples, genuine Jesus followers are challenged beyond their natural skills, strengths, and abilities. God gives us people and situations that stretch us beyond the scope of our imagination.

JESUS’ FIRST PICK

What are you willing to leave behind to follow Jesus? Hopes and dreams? Hurts and resentments? Money and time? Friends and stuff? Jesus calls you to a life that fulfills God’s purpose. God promises to equip us to be Jesus’ followers fully. We must leave our baggage behind. The key is to be willing to let go, follow, and obey. Maybe no one in this world would pick you for Jesus’ team, but the Savior beckons you. You are His first pick. Will you follow?

For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.  (2 Peter 1:1-11)

Click to read more on becoming equipped as a disciple.

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GOD IS IN THE HOUSE

The sign read, “Apartment for Rent”, advertising the unit below us.  In the entire year the tenant lived under us, we never heard a peep.  He moved in as a stranger and stayed a stranger.  One day, I tried to exchange names but was met with hostility. Worse yet, what if he had been our housemate? What if he shared our apartment, our furniture, our utilities, our conversations, and our life?  Both his arrival and departure would have affected our lives.  Our time living together would have been awkward (to say the least!) Quickly, I would have removed the welcome mat.

THE NEW NEIGHBOR

John 1:1-14 describes someone whose entrance into the world rocked the existence of mankind. He is the divine Housemate. This new neighbor is called “The Word”. If the Word had to fill out an application to live with us, he would list His previous address as heaven. As for references, He would list God. According to John, this new tenant sent shockwaves across the universe. He rocked the world. Another name for the Tenant is: “Immanuel” (God with us).

VISIBLE PRESENCE OF GOD AMONG MEN

The Old Testament describes God living in the midst of His people. The Tabernacle and Solomon’s temple both contained the “Holy of Holies,” also called by Jewish rabbis the “Shekinah Glory, the visible presence of God among men”. God decided to dwell among a people who rarely loved or fully devoted themselves to Him.  In the Book of John, God again pitches His tent, but this time the Tent is in human form, Immanuel. Spurgeon warns us about our attitude toward the new Neighbor, “Do not let us live as if God were a long way off.” 

GOD’S FAVOR TOWARD THE UNWORTHY

Immanuel did not come as judge and executioner. All of us were already guilty before Him and doomed to everlasting punishment. John Piper writes: “The Word, the Son, who is God, became flesh to reveal a divine glory that is full of grace and truth. The Word of God became flesh to be gracious to us.” “Grace” is “God’s favor toward the unworthy”. In His grace, God is willing to forgive us and bless us abundantly, even though we don’t deserve to be treated well or dealt with generously. Piper continues, “The Word became flesh so that this graciousness to us would come in accord with God’s truthfulness. This is expensive grace. The price led straight to Jesus’ death on the cross. In fact, this is why he became flesh. He had to have flesh in order to die.”

GOD WANTS TO DWELL WITH YOU

God wants to permanently dwell with us through Immanuel. You don’t have to fight to make a connection with this new Neighbor; invite Him in. He will come to you, and nothing will ever remain the same. God is in the House! This Neighbor rocks my world. He lives in my apartment, my heart, my soul.  He promises to never leave me or forsake me.  I don’t ever have to go searching for someone or something else. That spiritual advertisement announcing room for rent has gone down, because God makes His home with me for eternity. Have you invited Him in?

In case you want to read further about this New Neighbor, click Revelation 19:11-16

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MY PERFECT HOME

We experienced a torrential downpour, and Bill was away from home. I definitely heard water pouring somewhere inside the house, but no faucets were turned on. Finally, I checked the basement. To my horror, the deep window well was flooded. Water surged out from the cement block wall. We had only lived in the house for a month.

The previous owner lied in his disclosure paperwork. The list of major repairs needed in our home expanded month after month. Thus began my addiction to home improvement shows in which contractors transform the fractured into beautiful dwellings. However, plumbing, electrical, wear and tear, and catastrophes are part of this broken planet. Even after the best home improvements, something eventually breaks yet again.

MY MASTER BUILDER

We need a better builder and architect. When Jesus said,  “I am going away to make ready a place for you” (John 14:2-3), He was not referring to our home in Paradise, PA. The Master Carpenter and Creator of the Universe is at work this moment. Can you imagine me having this conversation:

“How did you find your new home’s architect and builder?”

“I found His name in an ancient book. He created the earth, the stars and galaxies, and everything that breathes. No need to check His references!”

NO FIXER-UPPERS IN HEAVEN

According to Revelation 21:1-8 (NET & AMP), Jesus’ work on our eternal homes is perfect. There are no “fixer-uppers” in Heaven. Not only will all things be fresh and original in the new heaven and earth, but they will permanently stay that way. Sin’s corruption, destruction, and decay will be nonexistent. I’ve never lived in a brand new house, let alone an eternal, perfect dwelling created by my Savior.

GOD HIMSELF WILL DWELL WITH US

Read about the neighborhood for these dwellings. “Look! The residence of God is among human beings. He will live among them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them. I cannot fathom such a place. And God’s plan is for me and all His children to live with Him? There won’t even be a housing shortage. Jesus designs everything perfectly!

A PLACE OVERFLOWING WITH JOY

Can you imagine the atmosphere in this new locale? It constantly overflows with joy. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more—or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.”

God desires above all to live among His people. God dwells permanently in the neighborhood! Even on my best day, people get tired of me (and rightly so). Yet God, Almighty God, desires to live in the midst of all his redeemed children. We won’t be broken anymore! No longer will sin follow us around like a ball and chain. We will be eternally free!

NO MORTGAGES IN HEAVEN

What is the cost of this new home? It is paid in full by the blood of Christ. I inherit my home from my Heavenly Father. “The one who conquers will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.  What is the alternative dwelling place for those who reject His gift? “The lake that burns with fire and sulfur.”

YOUR INVITATION

Do you long to dwell with God? Are you tired of the brokenness of this world?  Take heart, God has made His perfect plan. He has paid the price, there is no mortgage, and the invitation is open. Come to Him humbly, admit there is no way you can save yourself, and make Him your Lord and Savior. God wants you to dwell with Him where nothing ever breaks again.

Click to read more about the New Heaven and the New Earth

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WHAT IS DEAD IS DEAD

Read: Romans 6:1-11

In the movie “Weekend at Bernie’s”, Larry and Richard are overjoyed to be invited to their boss Bernie’s luxurious getaway. However, upon arrival, to their horror, they discover Bernie’s dead body. Before they can call the authorities, guests arrive for Bernie’s weekend bash. To the pair’s amazement, the guests are too busy partying to notice Bernie is dead. Large sunglasses conceal his lifeless face. Fearing being implicated in Bernie’s death and wanting to enjoy the holiday, Larry and Richard maintain the illusion that Bernie is still alive. The guests respond to Bernie as if he were alive, but in reality, he is dead.

NO LONGER ME!

Did you know we are also dead? In Christ, believers are “those who have died to sin. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with.”  Romans teaches that we have been made dead to our previous master: sin. Yet we often still live as if sin is our overlord. Instead of running from our previous master, we invite sin in. It requires courage to live the reality of not being ruled by sin.

TYRANNY HAS BEEN BROKEN

There is the story of the early church leader Augustine being accosted by a woman who had been his mistress before his conversion. When he turned and walked away quickly, she called after him, “Augustine, it’s me! It’s me!” Quickening his pace, he called back over his shoulder, “Yes, I know, but it’s no longer me!”

Who are you in Christ? Do you daily choose to live as a child of God or do you hold tight to the old patterns of your life before Christ? The Apostle Paul wrote that he was “dead to sin and alive to God”.

William McDonald explains: “A dead man has nothing to do with immorality, lying, cheating, gossiping, or any other sin. The crucifixion of the old man at Calvary means that the body of sin has been put out of commission. The body of sin does not refer to the physical body. Rather, it means indwelling sin which is personified as a tyrant, ruling the person. This body of sin is done away with, that is, annulled or rendered inoperative as a controlling power. The last clause shows that this is the meaning: that we should no longer be slaves of sin. The tyranny of sin over us has been broken.” In Christ, for the first time in our lives, we have the choice to live totally alive to God.

AN HOURLY CHOICE

We do not have to let sin reign. This is a daily, hourly, and sometimes minute-by-minute decision for a believer. Who do I choose to make Lord over my life? It is often uncomfortable and difficult as my old master sin entices me into old patterns, old behaviors, and doing what comes naturally. “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.”

LIVE FOR LIFE INSTEAD OF DEATH

Romans 6 uses the word “death” thirteen times. What is dead is dead. Bernie was dead, but his acquaintances refused to accept it. They enjoyed Bernie. Are you like Bernie with sunglasses concealing your choice to habitually live in the death Christ freed you from? Augustine would say, “RUN!!!!” Run to Jesus and make Him the Lord of your life. Live for life instead of death.

Click to read more on breaking the tyranny of sin.

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JESUS, DON’T YOU CARE?

A “furious squall” overcomes the small vessel. Experienced fishermen scream in terror. The storm came out of nowhere with its sudden, violent, and intense burst of wind, accompanied by rain. The winds rapidly increase, visibility is zero, and the waves break over their craft. Will their boat soon be matchsticks? This is not a night to be caught out in the pitch-black water. No wonder they wake Jesus up and yell, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:35-40)

DON’T YOU CARE IF WE DROWN?

Last week Bill had yet more medical tests. The results gave no answers. The clock ticked slowly as we endured more time without a clear diagnosis. Doesn’t God hear? Doesn’t He care? “Jesus, “don’t you care if we drown?” The waves threaten to bury us.

More than just to my waves of fear, Jesus says to me, “Quiet! Be still!” Why am I so afraid? Does God plan to abandon us in the storm?

MY CHOICES

What are my choices? Jesus said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

THE DECISION

A friend recently reminded me that years ago, we went through a life season even more challenging than this one. God presented me with a choice. I could either roll up in a ball and give up, or I could begin declaring His Word, even if I do not feel it. Right now, I choose to trust. My emotions often do not line up, but with the Psalmist, I firmly declare: “I relied completely on the Lord, and he turned toward me and heard my cry for help. He lifted me out of the watery pit, out of the slimy mud. He placed my feet on a rock and gave me secure footing. He gave me reason to sing a new song, praising our God. May many see what God has done, so that they might swear allegiance to him and trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:1-3).

Jesus knows the waters we pass through. He knows the waves that threaten to drown us. He cares. I choose to sing.

“He gave me reason to sing a new song, praising our God. May many see what God has done, so that they might swear allegiance to Him and trust in the Lord.”

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SETTLING FOR LESS

I wanted more from God, but I settled for less of Him. I threw myself into teaching more women, leading more choirs, organizing more musical performances, and obtaining more education. If one receives a medal for “More”, I would have won it. At the same time, I spent less time being still. There I was, running hellbent toward the cliff’s edge of busyness, regardless of the cost. My husband was a pastor. We spent every Sunday proclaiming hope while quietly wondering where ours went. If you expected us to jump higher, we did so. We thought this was what God wanted and settled for it.

I settled for less quiet, less time with our sons, and fewer dates with my spouse. Worst of all, I settled for less of God. I did, and I did, and I did for years. Looking back, I don’t know how I sustained the pace. You name it, it was probably on my resume. The price was high: damaged relationships, continual exhaustion, and stolen joy. Someone said, “If the devil can make you do bad, he will make you do busy.” I thought I was getting to know Jesus better. I was busy, but I knew Him less.

And then God gradually swept it all away beginning in 2011. The pastorate went up in smoke, my deep involvement in directing and teaching music faded away, and women’s ministry exited with the church. And there we were, the calendar empty. Our busyness turned to ashes.

What did God do? Where was He amidst this? I know what I wanted Him to do: to fill our lives with all the activities we had before. God didn’t listen to me. Instead, He pulled me further and deeper toward the solitary life. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) is hard for someone who is a creative workaholic. I cried. God laughed. He finally caught my attention.

God tugged and lugged me into Himself. It was not a pretty sight. I resisted and wanted my calendar full. My heart grieved with a lack of purpose. What was my identity? That’s when I began taking long walks. I printed out verses and memorized them. “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” (Psalm 40:1-2). God told me to wait. He irritated and annoyed me. Slowly, He untangled my iron grip around my former life so I could grasp the fuller life. I thought that busyness was more. In God’s eyes, it was less.

On paper, my present life appears empty in comparison. Rarely am I on stage, I don’t run marathon music programs, the number of women I disciple is limited, and my voice is muted. Surprisingly, I find my new life far richer than the old. I spend time with Jesus, not because I’m preparing to teach a Bible study, but because Jesus and I are having coffee together. I talk to Him, not because it is the expected thing to do, but because He is the One Who constantly loves me. His words pull and stretch me far beyond my comfort zone; they are amazing. I write for hours, not because my audience is huge, but His voice whispers to me. I coach writers not because I’m the best teacher, but because others also need to discover their voices. The quiet of this path is right where He wants me.

All those years, I settled for less. Thank God, He robbed me of activity and gave me Himself.

Click to read more about how “being still” can impact your life.

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WHAT TO PLACE ON THE ALTAR

How do you behave in adversity? II Chronicles 20:1-30 records a dire situation. Messengers arrive and report to Judah’s King Jehoshaphat: “’A huge army is attacking you from the other side of the Dead Sea, from the direction of Edom’…Jehoshaphat was afraid, so he decided to seek the Lord’s advice. He decreed that all Judah should observe a fast. The people of Judah assembled to ask for the Lord’s help; they came from all the cities of Judah to ask for the Lord’s help.”

CONNECTION TO FASTING

The Kingdom of Judah is in danger of being annihilated and Jehoshaphat’s solution is to abstain from lunch? Avoid Chick-Fil-A? What is the practice of fasting? “Fasting is not about manipulating God. It will not cause God to do something that is outside of His will. Fasting is about changing yourself to be in agreement with God’s plan and to be prepared to carry out your role in His plan.” In my last post I wrote about placing things of God’s altar. A great way to prepare yourself is to fast. Get your mind off your everyday appetites and center on God. Fasting can do this.

LAYING FEAR ON THE ALTAR

Jehoshaphat prays an honest prayer, “We are powerless against this huge army that attacks us. We don’t know what we should do; we look to You for help.” He lays the battle before God. Then he has the faith to tell his people, “Don’t be afraid and don’t panic because of this huge army! For the battle is not yours, but God’s.…you will not fight in this battle. Take your positions, stand, and watch the Lord deliver you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Don’t be afraid and don’t panic! Tomorrow march out toward them; the Lord is with you!”

NO TYPICAL ACTION MOTIVE

This is not like any action movie I have ever seen. God is on the move and not soldiers frantically manning the guns, crossing hoping against hope for a good outcome. This is a different approach to warfare. Hearts are prepared by fasting and centered on God. They lay their fears on the altar.

RUNNING TO WORSHIP

Shouldn’t the people instead run to the armory??? No, “Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face toward the ground, and all the people of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord and worshiped him”. Notice, their fighting positions are not upright, but they are face down before the Lord. They run to worship. Hearts are placed on the altar.

THE PEOPLE SING AND GOD FIGHTS

I love the next part. Jehoshaphat “met with the people and appointed musicians to play before the Lord and praise his majestic splendor. As they marched ahead of the warriors they said: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for his loyal love endures.’ When they began to shout and praise, the Lord suddenly attacked.” Did you notice Who attacks the enemy and wins the battle? It is God!

RETURN TO THE ALTAR

Then all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem with Jehoshaphat leading them; the Lord had given them reason to rejoice over their enemies.  They entered Jerusalem to the sound of stringed instruments and trumpets and proceeded to the temple of the Lord.   They return to where it all began. At the altar.

HE PLEADS FOR YOU AT THE ALTAR

What battles are you engaged in? Are you exhausted, alone and beyond all hope? Has Satan gotten the upper hand? Come to the altar. Place your burden down. Remember the observation of Thomas Brooks, “A humble soul is good at turning Satan over to the Lord Jesus, and this increases Satan’s hell.” Proclaim with centuries of believers: “Christ is my advocate, my strength, and my Redeemer, and He will plead for me.”

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LAY IT AT THE ALTAR

A large church in Florida impresses me every time they end a service. Intentionally, time is left after the sermon for people to come forward to kneel and pray.  Common place individuals visibly respond to the Word of God and to the Uncommon God. They lay their hearts open to the Holy Spirit, some for conversion and others hand over the direction of their lives and circumstances to God. Both hearts and wills are placed on the altar.

BUILDING AN ALTAR IN THE MIDST OF FEAR

An altar is mentioned in Ezra chapter three, the first public structure built by the Jews returning from the 70 year exile. “They established the altar on its foundations, even though they were in terror of the local peoples, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and the evening offerings.” The destruction of Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar in 586 B.C. left an indelible psychological and spiritual imprint upon the Jews. Persian King Cyrus the Great miraculously gave them permission to return to their home country to rebuild the Temple. However, deadly adversaries surrounded the returning people. The returnees had good reason to be afraid. Yet they built an altar. Shouldn’t they first build fortifications and barricades against their foes?

WHAT IS AN ALTAR?

The answer is: they did.  They laid their hearts on God’s altar. “An altar represents a person’s desire to consecrate himself fully to the Lord. Every human heart has an invisible altar where the war between the flesh and the spirit rages. When we surrender areas of our lives to the control of the Holy Spirit, we are in effect laying that area on the altar before God.” God can then build fortifications and barricades against our foes. The spiritual battle we engage in becomes God’s battle. It is no longer ours alone.

CHRIST WILL PLEAD FOR ME

Thomas Brooks wrote: “A humble soul being once in a great conflict with Satan said to Satan: ‘Satan, reason not with me—I am but weak. If you have anything to say, say it to Christ; He is my advocate, my strength, and my Redeemer, and He will plead for me.’ A humble soul is good at turning Satan over to the Lord Jesus, and this increases Satan’s hell.” Thomas Brooks (1608-1670) was a puritan who wrote one of the best works on temptations and Satan’s onslaught against the Christian soul. He knew firsthand about going to battle and laying everything on the altar before God.

COME TO THE ALTAR

Is the battle too much for you? Do you feel exhausted, alone and beyond all hope? Has Satan gotten the upper hand? Come to the altar. Place your burden down. Remember, “a humble soul is good at turning Satan over to the Lord Jesus, and this increases Satan’s hell.” Proclaim with centuries of believers: “Christ is my advocate, my strength, and my Redeemer, and He will plead for me.”