Desidero Domni. I would guess that not many of you are familiar with the meaning of these words. Honestly, I'm not sure if it is Latin or not...but it basically means: "I dearly long to be with my Lord." That mindset is crucial in the life of a warriorpoet. We need to cultivate intimacy with our King.
Not many people spend time in the Word, or in prayer. Time spent with God outside of church is considered and accessory to our lives. We figure that as long as we spend a little time here and there, squeeze in some time with God when we have a spare moment and are thinking of it, and go to church, etc. , than we are doing pretty good. But, our desire for Him is barely there. My brothers (and sisters), this should not be!
During this summer, I've learned just how special, refreshing and desirable time with my King is. I can't imagine going a day without spending time with my King. This is not to say that I've had no desire before; far from it! It is just that my longing, desire, and delight in God has increased tremendously, and I firmly believe that as believers, we all need to.
Hear me out. Don't take this lightly. Do we, in our fast-paced, very distracted, high-tech culture "Dearly long to be with my (our) Lord"? Our desire and thirst should be for Him. Psalm 35:8: "O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" (NASB) Is He our joy and our delight?
I can attest, particularly this summer, but even this whole year, that my time with God, my "quiet time" has been soooo refreshing, and strengthening. I have tasted, and I want more. I've seen, and I want to see more. And God has been faithful, and given me more and more of Him. The Lord is Good! I don't know what would have happened this summer, if I had not relied on Him, and sought Him.
In the Psalms, there is a lot the psalmists have to say about being God's presence, and seeking Him. I like Psalm 62:1-2 "My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation. My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken." (NASB) This is part of the Poet side of being a WarriorPoet: cultivating intimacy with our King. We need to deeply desire and adore, and seek our King.
Do you dearly long to be with your Lord? I exhort you to seek Him. Seeking the Lord, spending time with Him, being in His presence should captivate you more than any earthly pleasure. For us to fully be Warriorpoets, Men and Women of God, we need to earnestly and eagerly seek the Lord. Taste and See that the Lord is Good! Desidero Domni!
For Christ's Glory!
Thoughts and musings on following Christ, becoming a Warrior Poet, and living as a Disciple.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Living Temples...
I was reading in Ezekiel a few days ago for my quiet time, chapters 40- 48 specifically. The passage in question described God's temple and how it needed to be just so, holy and wholly set apart for His glory to dwell in it. No trace of sin or flesh could be found in it. The priests even had to wear special clothes to serve in it. They were to teach the people "the difference between the holy and the common, and to show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean ." (Ezekiel 44:23, NIV)
When the temple was completely set apart, God's holiness and presence could dwell in it. As you read this passage, it is evident that there is a difference between the mundane and the holy. When the temple is defiled, then God's presence could not reside in it. God takes the holiness, and set apartness of his temple very seriously. God can not stand sin. As I've been reading through Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, it becomes evidently obvious how serious sin is and how God hates it. He wants no trace of it in His temple, in what should be holy. When the Israelites failed to do so, we read in Ezekiel 10 of how the Glory of the Lord left the temple. They were defiled in their adultery, in their sin against the maker, whom they were covenanted to.
It is obvious, then, how seriously God takes holiness, and being set-apart for Him. And, in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul exhorts the believers, saying "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were brought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (NIV)
This is not the only time Paul says this. Granted, in this particular passage, he is talking about sexual immorality, but this is not just for that. He is referring back to his previous argument back in chapter 3, verses 16-17. "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple."(NIV)
As I was reading that passage, I could not but think about these particular passages. It is extremely evident how much God desires His temple to be holy, without sin. It causes me to think, am I being Holy? Can God's glory and presence be seen in me? Is His dwelling place clean from sin? Do I take holiness and sin as seriously as He does?
I want to be a "living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God." I desire to be set-apart, holy. Sin and even hints of the flesh should not be present. To fully be a Living Temple, means to take holiness seriously, honoring God. I know I want to have His glory and presence shining through me.
For Christ's Glory!
When the temple was completely set apart, God's holiness and presence could dwell in it. As you read this passage, it is evident that there is a difference between the mundane and the holy. When the temple is defiled, then God's presence could not reside in it. God takes the holiness, and set apartness of his temple very seriously. God can not stand sin. As I've been reading through Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, it becomes evidently obvious how serious sin is and how God hates it. He wants no trace of it in His temple, in what should be holy. When the Israelites failed to do so, we read in Ezekiel 10 of how the Glory of the Lord left the temple. They were defiled in their adultery, in their sin against the maker, whom they were covenanted to.
It is obvious, then, how seriously God takes holiness, and being set-apart for Him. And, in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul exhorts the believers, saying "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were brought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (NIV)
This is not the only time Paul says this. Granted, in this particular passage, he is talking about sexual immorality, but this is not just for that. He is referring back to his previous argument back in chapter 3, verses 16-17. "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple."(NIV)
As I was reading that passage, I could not but think about these particular passages. It is extremely evident how much God desires His temple to be holy, without sin. It causes me to think, am I being Holy? Can God's glory and presence be seen in me? Is His dwelling place clean from sin? Do I take holiness and sin as seriously as He does?
I want to be a "living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God." I desire to be set-apart, holy. Sin and even hints of the flesh should not be present. To fully be a Living Temple, means to take holiness seriously, honoring God. I know I want to have His glory and presence shining through me.
For Christ's Glory!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
I'm not ashamed of the Gospel...
We live in a world where we are told that there is no absolute truth. I disagree. For one thing, that statement just does not make sense! Saying that there is no absolute truth is making an absolute statement, aka an absolute truth. And if that statement is absolute, than it is not true, making the statement false...it is very confusing and non-work-around-able. Needless to say, there is absolute truth, and the Absolute authority is Scripture.
I love scripture. God's Word is so amazing and so refreshing. I've shared my love for it before, but I can't help but express it again, and declare that I am unashamed of it, and, furthermore, am willing to die for it!
God's word is so refreshing as well. This summer was a hard one, but through it all, I consistently dug into it and was daily refreshed and recharged. I sought to communicate my love and reverence for scripture with my campers, and was able to see God give them a desire for His word. I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for everyone who believes.
Scripture also is my standard for living. If anything in my life is out of line with scripture, then I need to change. Granted, it is easy to say that than to live it, and I find that self wars constantly against this, and it is hard to do, but do it I shall. I want to live a live that is holy, and the best way to do that is to not only know God's word, but do what it says!
Sadly, there is opposition to the Gospel, both from within and outside. In some countries, it is illegal to have, let alone read, a Bible. I am not ashamed of the Gospel, and I will declare it boldly as I should (See Ephesians 6:19-20) If to identify with the Gospel is death, than so be it. I will boldly take a stand for it. It is perfect, and applicable. Sadly, there are quite a few in the church that say otherwise, that it is just a narrative, or it is stretchable, that it isn't really absolute, or not all of it is true. That is lie. Here's what Paul has to say. He's pretty fired up for the Gospel too! =)
"6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
11But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:6-12, KJV)
We need more of a zeal like Paul's for the sake of the Gospel. I would give my life for this Gospel.
It is life-changing, absolute, and true. And, so, I join with Paul in saying that I'm not ashamed of the Gospel!
For Christ's Glory!
I love scripture. God's Word is so amazing and so refreshing. I've shared my love for it before, but I can't help but express it again, and declare that I am unashamed of it, and, furthermore, am willing to die for it!
God's word is so refreshing as well. This summer was a hard one, but through it all, I consistently dug into it and was daily refreshed and recharged. I sought to communicate my love and reverence for scripture with my campers, and was able to see God give them a desire for His word. I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for everyone who believes.
Scripture also is my standard for living. If anything in my life is out of line with scripture, then I need to change. Granted, it is easy to say that than to live it, and I find that self wars constantly against this, and it is hard to do, but do it I shall. I want to live a live that is holy, and the best way to do that is to not only know God's word, but do what it says!
Sadly, there is opposition to the Gospel, both from within and outside. In some countries, it is illegal to have, let alone read, a Bible. I am not ashamed of the Gospel, and I will declare it boldly as I should (See Ephesians 6:19-20) If to identify with the Gospel is death, than so be it. I will boldly take a stand for it. It is perfect, and applicable. Sadly, there are quite a few in the church that say otherwise, that it is just a narrative, or it is stretchable, that it isn't really absolute, or not all of it is true. That is lie. Here's what Paul has to say. He's pretty fired up for the Gospel too! =)
"6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
11But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:6-12, KJV)
We need more of a zeal like Paul's for the sake of the Gospel. I would give my life for this Gospel.
It is life-changing, absolute, and true. And, so, I join with Paul in saying that I'm not ashamed of the Gospel!
For Christ's Glory!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
I no longer live...
Let's face it. Our American version of Christianity is very "me" focused. It can be so easy to be
focused on ourselves and what we are doing for God. We can so easily put God in a box. It's like we have a compartmented mentality. We act one way one place and totally differently at another place. God, and Christianity, is an activity to us, just like our jobs or sports or whatever. We don't really seek God, except for the few times that WE want something. Overall, we focus on "me", and we rely on our strength. Our prayers are more so for our benefits and our wants. We esteem our comfort and as a result are choked by the thorns of our enemy, the flesh. Our selfishness.
Now, I have talked a bit on this before, but it needs said again. I find that I struggle with self a bit. This summer, however, has been a bit of a strategic victory in my personal war against the flesh, against self. I can't help but think of Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (NIV)
It can be easy to rely on ourselves, and focus on ourselves. However, this summer, if I had done that,
I would have failed miserably. There is no way that I could have made it through this summer without God. Too often, we try to rely on ourselves, but if I learned anything this summer, it is that we are helpless without God. We NEED Him!
Our energy, our strength, our joy, our wisdom, our refreshment, should be from Him! We can't hope to do it on our own. I admit that there were times when I relied on my strength, to not so good results, but those times were few. It is only through Him that I made it through the battle this summer. I can't imagine not relying on Him
We need to realize that it is not about us. We can not do it on our own. Self is the biggest thing that keeps God from working fully in us and through us.
I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. I wouldn't have it any other way!
What about you?
For Christ's Glory!
focused on ourselves and what we are doing for God. We can so easily put God in a box. It's like we have a compartmented mentality. We act one way one place and totally differently at another place. God, and Christianity, is an activity to us, just like our jobs or sports or whatever. We don't really seek God, except for the few times that WE want something. Overall, we focus on "me", and we rely on our strength. Our prayers are more so for our benefits and our wants. We esteem our comfort and as a result are choked by the thorns of our enemy, the flesh. Our selfishness.
Now, I have talked a bit on this before, but it needs said again. I find that I struggle with self a bit. This summer, however, has been a bit of a strategic victory in my personal war against the flesh, against self. I can't help but think of Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (NIV)
It can be easy to rely on ourselves, and focus on ourselves. However, this summer, if I had done that,
I would have failed miserably. There is no way that I could have made it through this summer without God. Too often, we try to rely on ourselves, but if I learned anything this summer, it is that we are helpless without God. We NEED Him!
Our energy, our strength, our joy, our wisdom, our refreshment, should be from Him! We can't hope to do it on our own. I admit that there were times when I relied on my strength, to not so good results, but those times were few. It is only through Him that I made it through the battle this summer. I can't imagine not relying on Him
We need to realize that it is not about us. We can not do it on our own. Self is the biggest thing that keeps God from working fully in us and through us.
I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. I wouldn't have it any other way!
What about you?
For Christ's Glory!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Well, I'm back...
To quote Samwise Gamgee, "Well, I'm back"... from a long and rewarding summer. Quite honestly, it felt sort of like something out of Lord of the Rings. There were many battles and experiences this summer, fighting in prayer for my campers and for the other staff, and boldly proclaiming the Gospel, urging others forward, discipling and being discipled. And yet, this is just "one meter" of the race set before us. (To quote the Executive Director of the camp in his exhortation to us as staff going into the last week. )
This summer, I have seen many battles, seen the work of prayer, drawn closer into an intimate relationship with my King, proclaimed the Gospel boldly, and been stretched and pulled and worn out and refreshed. I've seen God do great and mighty acts in the campers lives, and in mine. This summer was where I have begun to live out more and more all that God has taught me and many of what I have written here, I've seen grow more and more in my life.
Now, all too often, it can be easy to back down after a summer like this. It can be easy to fall back into routine, but I've realized that the battle and adventure is just beginning. In reality, I'm moving from one battle to the next, all in the same war. It was easy in some ways to be laying it all on the line for God in the context of the summer camp environment...but now comes the next battle, to continue all that I've learned and practiced and go deeper with them in a whole new environment. It's easy to do it in the camp setting, but now the war has transitioned back to the everyday life. I have committed to continue in the fight where I am now, continuing to fight in prayer, continuing to boldly declare the Gospel, to encourage and challenge others, to disciple and be discipled, to grow in my intimate time with my King. I have finished the 1 meter of this summer...now onto the next.
Needless to say, I have learned experienced, and seen a lot, and there will be plenty of blog entries forthcoming as I spend this month reflecting on this summer and looking to what is ahead. Thanks to all who were supporting and fighting for me in prayer as I went forth for my King. Please don't stop, as the war still continues, it is just a different battle ahead of me.
Well, I will close today's entry, and I hope no one minded too much the lack of entries this summer. Don't worry, there will be lots coming your way very soon!
For Christ's Glory!
This summer, I have seen many battles, seen the work of prayer, drawn closer into an intimate relationship with my King, proclaimed the Gospel boldly, and been stretched and pulled and worn out and refreshed. I've seen God do great and mighty acts in the campers lives, and in mine. This summer was where I have begun to live out more and more all that God has taught me and many of what I have written here, I've seen grow more and more in my life.
Now, all too often, it can be easy to back down after a summer like this. It can be easy to fall back into routine, but I've realized that the battle and adventure is just beginning. In reality, I'm moving from one battle to the next, all in the same war. It was easy in some ways to be laying it all on the line for God in the context of the summer camp environment...but now comes the next battle, to continue all that I've learned and practiced and go deeper with them in a whole new environment. It's easy to do it in the camp setting, but now the war has transitioned back to the everyday life. I have committed to continue in the fight where I am now, continuing to fight in prayer, continuing to boldly declare the Gospel, to encourage and challenge others, to disciple and be discipled, to grow in my intimate time with my King. I have finished the 1 meter of this summer...now onto the next.
Needless to say, I have learned experienced, and seen a lot, and there will be plenty of blog entries forthcoming as I spend this month reflecting on this summer and looking to what is ahead. Thanks to all who were supporting and fighting for me in prayer as I went forth for my King. Please don't stop, as the war still continues, it is just a different battle ahead of me.
Well, I will close today's entry, and I hope no one minded too much the lack of entries this summer. Don't worry, there will be lots coming your way very soon!
For Christ's Glory!
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