Show me your glory!

Do you ever feel just absolutely stuck?

  This was me the past few months. But the funny thing is, I was stuck in an awesome season with the Father; prayer and scripture came so easily. My Secret Place with the Lord was at it's peak, yet something inside me screamed, "There's so much more to Him!!"

  I was craving a move and a shift in our relationship. I wanted to be like Peter, who's shadow healed the sick. I wanted to host the presence of the Lord so strongly, it brought people to repentance.

  So, why, Lord?

    Why am I stuck doing the same things, at the same times, and not seeing much progress?

  It took me so long to realize - I'm in this for all the wrong reasons. 

I lift my hands in worship because I feel His presence. 

I read scripture because I want to have cute underlines on every page.

I pray because I know He'll answer my requests.

  Everything was all about me. 

  I kept asking God to take me deeper, when in reality I only wanted His benefits, and not any of His glory. And God's not in the business of selfishness, lemme tell 'yah.

  I realized, this whole time, I've been completely missing the point. 

I receive revelation to GIVE revelation; not to keep in a box and show off.
We're filled to empty into others; not build our own personal spiritual Kingdom. 

So, my question to you is, are you feeding off His presence, or His glory? When the going gets tough, do you want to feel His benefits, or experience His goodness? 

To the Infinite, all finites are equal.

2 Kings 6

New Living Translation (NLT)

The Floating Ax Head

6 One day the group of prophets came to Elisha and told him, “As you can see, this place where we meet with you is too small. 2 Let’s go down to the Jordan River, where there are plenty of logs. There we can build a new place for us to meet.”

“All right,” he told them, “go ahead.”

3 “Please come with us,” someone suggested.

“I will,” he said. 4 So he went with them.

When they arrived at the Jordan, they began cutting down trees. 5 But as one of them was cutting a tree, his ax head fell into the river. “Oh, sir!” he cried. “It was a borrowed ax!”

6 “Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface. 7 “Grab it,” Elisha said. And the man reached out and grabbed it.

Elisha is great, am I right?
His faith is through the roof, obviously. He wasn't thinking "Oh, goodness.. What if I pray, and look like an idiot, because the ax head doesn't come up.."He also wasn't thinking "Oh, goodness.. What if I pray, and look like an idiot, because it wasn't God's will for the ax head to come to surface..." (I am sooo convicted of this.) (By the way, if you ever feel this way, recognize it is the enemy. God 'changes His mind' often. If we declare things will happen, and we have the faith to back our declaration up, He will pour favor onto us.)

Elisha was thinking "We can't get work done without this borrowed ax head. Lemme pray about that." and THAT is what I absolutely love. 

I actually read about this story in a book I am reading, called In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day. (FANTASTIC BOOK, BY THE WAY. I can't get my nose out of it.) I am here to expand on what I got from this story, and share a few quotes from Mark Batterson, the author.

  My beautiful friend, Nicole, asked me to pray for her fingernail not to fall off, because she had slammed it in a door. 

  Of course, I was completely willing. But it got me thinking about the story of Elisha. How God poured favor out on Elisha, even when it was just simply an ax head. It wasn't a life or death situation, Elisha just wanted that darn thing back, and he knew God was willing to defy all odds, just to fulfill his request. 

See, the issue isn't our view of the situation, the issue isn't even the situation itself. The issue is our view of God.

The issue isn't that Nicole's finger was slammed in a door. She knows God is willing to answer the 'small' requests, just as He is the 'big' requests. 

As Matt Batterson says it, "To the Infinite, all finites are equal."

God doesn't look down at a woman praying for her mother with cancer, and say "Hmm.. This is a bit too difficult to do. Maybe next time." If He can split the Red Sea in TWO, He can bring healing, just like His word says!

Psalm 103:1-5 

"Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things."

There is no situation too large for our God. He made everything, and He knows everything. That means He is in CHARGE of everything. What makes you think He can't provide good things for His children?

That include all of the small things. 

God is forever. 100 years is NOTHING to Him, because He sits in a fantastic place where there is no such thing as time. 

Healing a woman with cancer is no different than healing a fingernail. 

To the infinite, all finites are equal. 

As Mark Batterson says, "We have big requests and little requests. We have 

easy requests and difficult requests. But that is a false construct. The truth is this: To the Infinite, all finites are equal. There is no big or small, easy or difficult, possible or impossible. When it comes to God, there are no degrees of difficulty. There are no odds when it comes to God. All bets are off."

Kinda puts our situations into crazy perspectives, am I right? 

Yeah, I'm right.

Pride isn't a gift of the Spirit.

  Ever met someone that left you completely awestruck? This question sums up my day.

  See, there's this guy that I went to high school with. (He's still in high school, I just started homeschooling.) Everyone talks about him, but in a GOOD way. He's well known for being an awesome follower of Christ. So when I found out I would be preforming with him for a complete day, I had mixed feelings.
  Half of me was excited. I was ready to see what God was working through this guy. I was thrilled. But the other half of me had the feeling of the need to show off. Half of me was the old Taylor. Half of me was the Taylor seeing the face of Christ.
  Before one side had the chance to win, Here (We're going to call Him Buzz. For Buzz Lightyear.) Buzz walks in, limping. He had messed up his ankle a while earlier, and had just got back from therapy.
   See, I am no expert on this kind of stuff. But when the anointing of God is seriously on a person, I can smell it on their breath. It is a green peppermint type smell. It's cold and minty when they speak to you. I believe some preachers try to fake this smell, also. I know a certain pastor who eats peppermints while praying for people, maybe in hopes that people will draw false conclusions, maybe not. Who knows. But see, when people eat peppermints, it's more of a smell, when the anointing of God is more of a peppermint, cold, comforting feeling. I think that anointed God smell was the first thing that I noticed about Buzz.
   While practicing a song, He asked me if I knew what 'Shekinah' meant. I thought for a minute, and said 'Uh, no, I don't think so.' In the middle of him explaining 'Shekinah' to me, I felt the complete peace of God. The feeling of wanting to rest in the Spirit and cry your eyes out in worship at the same time. That's when I knew this guy was one of the best people I had ever met. And he didn't even know my name.
   Buzz is the Christian I strive to be. He is the Christian I pray for, for my community, for my high school, for my country. He's the Christian who seeks God more than he seeks his daily meal. That is the anointing of God.
 
   We had 2 'gig's. One at 11, one at 6. In between, the rest of the band and myself went out to eat, and just hung out. I'm not actually sure where Buzz went, but we all met together again around 4 for practice.
   For 2 straight hours I had watched this poor guy limp around due to his ankle. I knew from the start that the Spirit wanted me to lay hands on his foot and pray for him, but I was a bit hesitant..
I was a bit afraid I would have too much pride afterwards, because I had that spirit of pride before practice. I knew if it ended up healed, I would crave the glory for myself. I would want Buzz to thank me for it, instead of God. I would want Buzz to look at MY personal relationship with God, and think I was a good Christian because 'I' healed his ankle.

   I finally broke down and asked which ankle was bothering him. I laid hands on his ankle for about 2 minutes, praying in tongues. After I felt led to stop praying and ask him if his ankle felt any

better, his face completely lit up.  He started walking and jumping around with the hugest smile on his face. At this time, God completely took my pride away from me. I didn't want to be seen. I wanted the glory to go to God for the miracle, instead of myself. I was absolutely humbled. I wasn't proud of myself, I was proud of my God.

  What Christ reminded me of was this verse.

 Matthew 7:21-23      

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

  See, a person can preform healings all day long, and not have their heart in the right place. Just because my God is big, doesn't mean my faith is.

That was right before the service started, and at the end of the service, Buzz told me he had been wanting so badly to experience healing for something. Anything. He had been praying for healing.
Isn't it funny how perfectly God answers prayers?

God saw my pridefulness. He saw Buzz's craving for healing.
God placed things just perfectly.

"..but you have kept the best until now!"

Jentezen Franklin often has online podcasts that are simply amazing, to say the least. I love hearing his sermons while doing school work, practicing music, etc. It's a total blessing.

  Yes, I have mentioned Jentezen Franklin before. No, I do not get paid for talking about him, and yes, I would like for you to look him up. 

So, I was listening to one of his lessons on "The Power of Now" or something along those lines.

Here's my shortened, revised, and blogified version of what I got from it, that I felt led to share.

 John 2:9-10

  When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. A host always serves the best wine first," he said, "Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!" 

These verses are on the time Jesus turned the water into wine.
  A lot of preachers who teach about these verses say "Jesus saves the best for last!"
Re read these verses. Does it say the best came last? It says the best came NOW. Does that statement not give you chills? The best is now.

  I am a 15 year old homeschooled female. I didn't grow up in a religious house hold. Like every one else who lives in the south, we had Bible verses hung up on the walls, and a dusty Bible on the bed stand. But that's as far as anything went.

I was taught that God was real, but He wasn't REALLY real.

  I didn't grow up in church. My dad and mom have been split up ever since I can remember, so I go back and forth between houses. Visiting my grandmother on my dad's side was about the only Christianity I got into me. Oh, bless my grandmother .. She is such a blessing. She took me and my 1st cousin to EVERY VBS, every Sunday morning service, she gave me (and still does) every ceramic angel she could buy at yard sells. Angels that sang, angels that lit up, angels that made me smile by the very thought of them. I believe Christ used my amazing grandmother to open up the door to my salvation today. Moral of the small distraction, hug your grand parents while you still can. I waste no time letting my grand parents know how much I love and care for them. Be grateful for every opportunity they gave/give you. Pray for their wellbeing constantly. Anyways. Back to the point.

  My parents never raised me in church. I started going to church on my own much later on in my life.
So for a few years, I've been trying to get my mom in church. After 2 long years, I finally heard these words escape her lips "What time is church tomorrow? I may go with you."
  Oh, the joy! Oh, how the angels in heaven shouted and sang praises to God!
But my spirits were a little let down when she told me my step father was also attending, because she makes a habit of not stepping out when he is around. But the funny thing is, they came the next week. And the next. And this week, they are (Lord willing) continuing to attend Sunday morning service with me.

See, Jesus saved the best for now. During those 2 years of waiting, Jesus saved the best for then, as well. The days of 'marinating' is just as important as the day now. We can't have salvation without marination, and we can't have marination without salvation.
Laugh all you want at my choice of words, but it's only absolutely true.



"...but you have saved the best until now!"

NOW, family. Today is the day to turn your life around. Today is the day to start that ministry you have been praying for. What is stopping you?
Now is the only time we have. So why are we still laying in bed? Why aren't we off our tail-ends yet?
Start your volunteer work now. This very hour. We aren't promised next week, when we are free. We aren't guaranteed our next heart beat. Geez, family. Let's get up and serve NOW.

Jesus saved the best for now. Let's stop looking at what's coming up, let's stop looking back at our 'good ole days'. Let's look at Jesus, and receive His best.  

Our personal butler and homie-g, Jesus Christ.

  A few days ago, I decided it was time to catch up on decorating my stationery for pen pal letters. I also decided I wanted to hear a recent Jentezen Franklin podcast. So I (somehow productively) did both at the same time.
It was probably the best decision I have made in a while. (Though my decision in outfits this week have been extraordinary. Just saying.)
There was a quote that really made me stop what I was doing, and instantly write it down.

"God is not our butler. God is not our buddy."

How true is this? I mean, really. God is not someone we can snap our fingers at, and say "Job, please." or "New shoes, please." God is not our buddy. He is NOT our 'homie' and He is NOT someone we call when we need a ride, or $20 dollars, or someone to cover for us when we sneak out of the house. No, no. Our GOD is not limited to what we say. He does not answer our every demand. He does not cater to our opinions. He doesn't even CARE about our personal opinions.
I REPEAT. Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Lord of Lords does NOT care about our personal opinions.
Do not get the wrong idea, family. Jesus cares for us. He loves us dearly. But Jesus is holy. He is omnipotent and omnipresent. Just because "I do not like neighbor Carl, so I won't stick $20 in his mail box" when Christ specifically told us to do so, is unacceptable. When we finally meet Christ, and He brings up this situation, what are we going to say? "I wasn't feeling it." or "You know, I didn't like his attitude.." So.. We're ignoring our CREATOR'S orders, "because we weren't feeling it?" That isn't going to cut it. Stop being absurdly selfish, pick up your cross, and follow Him.

Back on subject.

I've really been caught up in this quote.

"God is not our butler. God is not our buddy."

Geez. It's a bit intimidating. I'm looking at the letters of this quote, and it's like they keep staring me in the eyes. The letters jump off the screen and mess with my mind. "God is not our butler. God is not our buddy."

God is not our butler.

I'll say "Hey, Dad. You love me, right? There's this REALLY awesome guitar this guy wants to trade on Facebook Swap, and since you love me, and all, I was kinda hoping you would let this guy want to trade his really cool guitar, for my much cheaper one.. I love you.. bye." and just expect God to do it for me.
 

But, the funny thing is, He answered my prayer. Just, not in the way I was expecting.
 

See, a few hours later, I looked at the post and DECLINED the guitar. My heart didn't want it. My heart was completely satisfied with the guitars I currently have. I don't need, and can not afford, a brand new guitar. I do not mean money wise, I mean spiritual wise.

I believe, if God would have answered my prayer, He would have become more and more like my butler; answering my every demand just because I ask Him. Isn't it funny how it should be the other way around? Aren't the servants supposed to cater to the one who signs the pay check? Aren't the created supposed to cater to the creator? Yet, we can not complete a simple task that He asks for, because we are "too busy" or "don't feel like it." Bologna, family. And yet, we're all guilty of it.

Why are we so needy? Why do we continuously beg and plead God for worldly treasures? Doesn't He teach us to store our treasures in Heaven, where moth nor rust destroy? Simple answer - Because we view God as our personal butler. It's like, instead of asking Christ to be our personal Savior, our Lord and Savior, we ask for Him to become our personal butler, our Lord and butler, but mostly just our butler. No Lord involved, until we get what we want. Isn't that great? (Sarcasm intended.) What are we, worldly?

 

 Romans 7:14-25  

   So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is the sin living in me that does it.

  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it's sin living in me that does it.  

  I have discovered this principle of life - that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. 

Romans 8:5-6

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

 

 

Please, read every bit of those verses. Read them twice. Mark them in your personal Bible.
Not sure where those verses tie in with this .. If you find out, let me know. But seriously, I just love those verses.

anyways..

Family, let's not be so needy.. Let's not beg Christ for things, yet, get upset when we don't get the answer we want. Let's learn to trust in His steadfast love. His burning desire to capture our filthy hearts. His longing for fulfillment in Him. He wants nothing but the best for us. Can we learn to believe that?

 Matthew 6:31-34
 "So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."

 

God is not our butler.

God is not our buddy.
How often do we see shirts or posts that say "Jesus is my homie." or "Me and Jesus are tight" (I am not talking about the Jesus Is My Homeboy shirts. I understand the story behind that.) at first, I was like "Oh, that's cool! Reppin' my man J-e-z." But I got to thinking.. How disrespectful. God isn't our "buddy"..
I looked up the word "buddy" on urban dictionary, and here is what the definition says.

Buddy - friend, pal, compatriot, someone you don't know the name of, someone you don't want to tell the name of

"Someone you don't want to tell the name of" .. Does that not get your blood boiling?
But notice the part that says "Someone you don't know the name of."
What if - someone notices their blessings. Someone understands the earth wasn't merely created by mistake. Someone wants to know more, CRAVES to learn more. But has no access to more.
 Jesus Christ is their buddy. He is there, while they are left unknowingly, in their presence.

God isn't our buddy. We aren't ashamed to call on the name of Jesus in a public area. We aren't afraid to tell our family about the precious blood of Christ.
God isn't our buddy. We are past the place of learning His name. We are past the unknowingness.
God isn't our buddy.



Rest easy, family.