I grew up in the church. So I know the Sunday School definition for “holy”; it means “set apart.” But what does that mean? How does that affect my understanding of the Lord? Well, it lets me know that I can’t completely comprehend Him; He is “other.” He is something completely different than me. When I was younger, my understanding was that He was perfect. I was good, and He was perfectly good. I was truthful, and He was perfectly truthful. I was loving and He was perfectly loving. I thought He was the perfection of me. But that’s not true. He is “set apart”; He is completely different. So what happens when I encounter something completely “other”? Well, Isaiah gives us a good idea in chapter 6. Isaiah sees the Lord, seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe fills the temple. Isaiah’s response to seeing Holiness is fear and remorse. At that moment, He realizes the depth of His own sin. When we truly experience the Lord, we first understand our complete depravity. We realize the absolute poverty of our spiritual state. And this confession leads to a relationship. This recognition of our desperate need leads to our asking for help, which is the only path to the riches that await us. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”Understanding our sin leads to grieving over our sin. We don’t do that much in our culture. I read about it in my favorite book (other than the Bible, of course). In Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis focuses on grieving over our sins, or as he refers to it, compunction of heart. “It is a marvel how any man can be merry in this life if he considers well how far he is in exile out of his own country, and in how great peril his soul stands daily. But because of frivolity of heart and carelessness, we do not feel and we will not feel the sorrow of our own soul, and oftentimes we laugh when we ought rather to mourn.” Isaiah cries out, “Woe to me, for I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips!” A true experience with God’s holiness always leads to brokenness and repentance. But it is this grieving that leads to our comfort. “A broken and contrite heart He will not despise.” “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” God’s response to our confession and contrition is our cleansing. He is responsible for our perfection, not us. We cannot accomplish our salvation. God sends His angel to Isaiah with the coal to cleanse his lips. God is the owner and originator of our cleansing. Nor can we make ourselves useful. For it is only after Isaiah’s cleansing that He is available for use. Isaiah cries out, “Here am I. Send me!” A human encounter with holiness is devastating. It refuses to allow us to be impressed with the things of the world we’ve been chasing. It refuses to allow us to remain comfortable in our sin. It refuses to allow us to remain on the throne of our lives. And it leads us to a relationship with the only One who can perfectly love us, who can forgive all our sins, and who can make us into His likeness. Our encounter with His holiness is our devastation. And our devastation is our salvation.
October 12, 2005
May 13, 2005
RHEMA III
Many times, I used to be in confusion, sadness and depression. I think there was the product of my age and state. I realize I had no parents, no family since my mother passed away in 1997. But I also was in lonely because I’d no friends. I dreamed of join again the college and get back to my country. I dreamed of things that never were into my life but I believed on them… already I still believing.
Two weeks ago, I was reading a pocket book, “Tattoos for life”; I remember I was really upset and depressed; casually I was reading the chapters about the verbal abuse (I used to be a victim of) and tattoo of depression. I’d my whole mind busy a lot in all my problems, lack of money for my subsistence (I’ve no job), the big amount of savings which people stole me, money for return to my country, for the college’s tuition and fees… and so forth. Many times, I used to feel myself as a castaway; with no people around me, with no future, far away everything and everyone, no family who can support me, no land, someway as a cry out alone… Suddenly a word came to me, this is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Tear drops fallen out of my eyes… I came to understand every word God said to me, “Always I’ve been with you… but I came to be your father and mother… you’ve a childlike heart –a pastor’s heart- and I love you for this, but the enemy always has wanted to hard your heart, ‘cause is your treasure… always I’ll be in front of you… I’ve felt every tear drop which in silence you’ve cried… I understand you… I give you double anointing... I’ll use you in such way that everybody –you indeed- will be amazed…” A new fire born within me, “le neuf renaissance.” Holy Bible says, “Do not forsake me when my strength is gone” (Ps 71:9), and “He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Is 40:29-31a). The way God wants me to be is beyond my eyes could see, beyond my mind could dream, beyond my heart could expect, beyond my strength could do. Therefore, He supports my strength, He sees by me, He knows what my heart feel, and He can do His purpose into me.
Already I know He’ll turn my dreams into things my hands can touch –as my mind can sees-; He can take my heart to an unlimited ministry, but I also know I’ve to be ready in humbleness for this as well as prepared to pay what He demands out of me. Everything has a cost, every ministry has to be paid, every gift of the Spirit must be gained, and every pledge has to be probed through the fire.
Once God said to me, “You say ‘why that people have gifts and ministry but I’ve not’ but already I say to you they have gifts and ministries ‘cause they’ve paid the cost, they’ve looked for my face and claimed for these. If you want the same, you’ve to pay the cost what I’ll give you of.” Tho, I remembered God said to me, I think never understand the compromise that implies within. However, above everything now I know God has never forgotten me, never He’ll do. He has a plan for my life, and that purpose is what I’ve to fight for. He had given it to me, but I have to fight for my inheritance, for the “double anointing” He gave me.
“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Ps 103:1, 4-5).
(May-13th/05)
Two weeks ago, I was reading a pocket book, “Tattoos for life”; I remember I was really upset and depressed; casually I was reading the chapters about the verbal abuse (I used to be a victim of) and tattoo of depression. I’d my whole mind busy a lot in all my problems, lack of money for my subsistence (I’ve no job), the big amount of savings which people stole me, money for return to my country, for the college’s tuition and fees… and so forth. Many times, I used to feel myself as a castaway; with no people around me, with no future, far away everything and everyone, no family who can support me, no land, someway as a cry out alone… Suddenly a word came to me, this is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Tear drops fallen out of my eyes… I came to understand every word God said to me, “Always I’ve been with you… but I came to be your father and mother… you’ve a childlike heart –a pastor’s heart- and I love you for this, but the enemy always has wanted to hard your heart, ‘cause is your treasure… always I’ll be in front of you… I’ve felt every tear drop which in silence you’ve cried… I understand you… I give you double anointing... I’ll use you in such way that everybody –you indeed- will be amazed…” A new fire born within me, “le neuf renaissance.” Holy Bible says, “Do not forsake me when my strength is gone” (Ps 71:9), and “He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Is 40:29-31a). The way God wants me to be is beyond my eyes could see, beyond my mind could dream, beyond my heart could expect, beyond my strength could do. Therefore, He supports my strength, He sees by me, He knows what my heart feel, and He can do His purpose into me.
Already I know He’ll turn my dreams into things my hands can touch –as my mind can sees-; He can take my heart to an unlimited ministry, but I also know I’ve to be ready in humbleness for this as well as prepared to pay what He demands out of me. Everything has a cost, every ministry has to be paid, every gift of the Spirit must be gained, and every pledge has to be probed through the fire.
Once God said to me, “You say ‘why that people have gifts and ministry but I’ve not’ but already I say to you they have gifts and ministries ‘cause they’ve paid the cost, they’ve looked for my face and claimed for these. If you want the same, you’ve to pay the cost what I’ll give you of.” Tho, I remembered God said to me, I think never understand the compromise that implies within. However, above everything now I know God has never forgotten me, never He’ll do. He has a plan for my life, and that purpose is what I’ve to fight for. He had given it to me, but I have to fight for my inheritance, for the “double anointing” He gave me.
“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Ps 103:1, 4-5).
(May-13th/05)
April 16, 2005
RHEMA II
It runs the term of my days in Colombia, when suddenly I became to chat with the Dancer (April 14th/05). We did it for a while, in those words I said to him I was preparing for leaving this country, Colombia. I told him something wrong happens into my life related to the church and that stuff really hurt me but I hadn’t want to speak about them. Suddenly I was told by him God have specifically a purpose unto my life, and it’s to take the gospel of salvation to my country. His words were “God loves you and He wants you get back to your country and take with you the Gospel of Christ, you gotta win your nation for Christ… Psalm 136”.
This is the forth rhema God gave me, already I know the will of my Lord Father, of course actually I know what I gotta do.
“Give thanks to the Lord” To “thank” here means to give all the glory, to confess the magnificence of the Lord God, give praise to him. The original word (heb: yadaw) comes also from malà, which implies to get filled, to become anointed by the divine grace. This is what it means “…Thanks to the Lord” But the psalmist three times says “Give thanks…” We’re told by him “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. Give thanks to the God of gods. Give thanks to the Lord of lords”. Holy Bible says “He is threefold holy”; remember the Living Creatures that are around the throne of the Almighty One, day and night they never stop saying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty…” (Rev 4:8). With regard of the Living Creatures, Paul says again “…the Living Creatures give glory, honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever” (Rev 4:9).
Do you see the importance of the “three”? I think it’s kinda every “thank” to the Lord is what Paul says about. Give glory to the Lord; give honor the God of gods; give thanks to the Lord of lords. Every one of our “thanks” acclaims the holiness of the Lord Almighty. But I do see beyond the words of the psalmist. He is not only grateful of God, but he calls Him in three ways, Lord for He is good, God of gods, Lord of lords. I guess every one is a part of the character of the Lord God. Jesus said of God “There is only One who is good” (Matthew 19:17); but Thomas also spoke about Jesus and the characteristics of God saying “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). So we’ve the Almighty One is Good, Lord and God.
But what about the phrase which is repeated every verse? “His love endures forever” (New Intl. Version). In the Spanish version (Reina-Valera, 1960) the phrase is “His mercy for us is forever”; in the King James Version the used word is also “mercy”. Let’s see the background of this. “Endure” (“endureth” in KJV) comes from owlam, it’s refers to something hidden, in a time out of the mind, the eternity, something perpetual, old, ancient, antiquity and futurity, which is everlasting forever. This reiterated verse teaches us the mercy and love of God are the fundament and basement of all His doings for His children, but they’re also the origin of all grateful heart of us to Him. Some version says about this phrase in the peshar: His mercy includes His fidelity and His goodness (Bible of study of the Vida Plena. RV, 1960).
All this is good, but what this rhema is saying to me? Well, actually I wish to get back to my country and join the college and the MJI-Toronto, later my will is to built my home (since I’ve no parents nor family) and my ministry. An author wrote “We’re part of a story, part of a tale; sometimes beautiful, sometimes insane”; sometimes I’ve passed by a lot of problems and needs, sometimes I’ve been in a good status and prosperity. I’m not equal as a Canadian to a Latino; due this I’ve had problems with people about my character and cultural background. People often think the other ones must be equal to them; but they don’t understand everyone has an own culture, an identity, a thought, a particular way of life, a personal life’s motto. Politician Bob Kennedy once said “Some men see things as they are, and ask why, I dream of things that never were, and say why not.” Actually I’m sure and proud of my identity, my nation, my people, my culture, my pledge; so I’m giving my life into the God’s hands. I know my dream and God’s calling for me is to take the Gospel to my people. He’s guiding me in all the possible ways, as He shows me His will, what he’d planned for my life, I’m asking myself “why not”. Since I was a little child always I was be amazed and shocked by the Thomas’ words “My Lord and my God”. All what this five words implies themselves. Already I know Thomas was thanking to the Lord for everything, but also for being Himself.
At the same way right now I can say “MY LORD AND MY GOD… THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU… ‘CAUSE YOU’RE GOOD, GOD AND LORD… I GIVE YOU THE HONOR, GLORY AND THANKS…” ‘Cause I love You my Lord; You gave your life for me, how can I give You less?
Of course, thank you too, Dancer.
(April 15/2005)
This is the forth rhema God gave me, already I know the will of my Lord Father, of course actually I know what I gotta do.
“Give thanks to the Lord” To “thank” here means to give all the glory, to confess the magnificence of the Lord God, give praise to him. The original word (heb: yadaw) comes also from malà, which implies to get filled, to become anointed by the divine grace. This is what it means “…Thanks to the Lord” But the psalmist three times says “Give thanks…” We’re told by him “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. Give thanks to the God of gods. Give thanks to the Lord of lords”. Holy Bible says “He is threefold holy”; remember the Living Creatures that are around the throne of the Almighty One, day and night they never stop saying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty…” (Rev 4:8). With regard of the Living Creatures, Paul says again “…the Living Creatures give glory, honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever” (Rev 4:9).
Do you see the importance of the “three”? I think it’s kinda every “thank” to the Lord is what Paul says about. Give glory to the Lord; give honor the God of gods; give thanks to the Lord of lords. Every one of our “thanks” acclaims the holiness of the Lord Almighty. But I do see beyond the words of the psalmist. He is not only grateful of God, but he calls Him in three ways, Lord for He is good, God of gods, Lord of lords. I guess every one is a part of the character of the Lord God. Jesus said of God “There is only One who is good” (Matthew 19:17); but Thomas also spoke about Jesus and the characteristics of God saying “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). So we’ve the Almighty One is Good, Lord and God.
But what about the phrase which is repeated every verse? “His love endures forever” (New Intl. Version). In the Spanish version (Reina-Valera, 1960) the phrase is “His mercy for us is forever”; in the King James Version the used word is also “mercy”. Let’s see the background of this. “Endure” (“endureth” in KJV) comes from owlam, it’s refers to something hidden, in a time out of the mind, the eternity, something perpetual, old, ancient, antiquity and futurity, which is everlasting forever. This reiterated verse teaches us the mercy and love of God are the fundament and basement of all His doings for His children, but they’re also the origin of all grateful heart of us to Him. Some version says about this phrase in the peshar: His mercy includes His fidelity and His goodness (Bible of study of the Vida Plena. RV, 1960).
All this is good, but what this rhema is saying to me? Well, actually I wish to get back to my country and join the college and the MJI-Toronto, later my will is to built my home (since I’ve no parents nor family) and my ministry. An author wrote “We’re part of a story, part of a tale; sometimes beautiful, sometimes insane”; sometimes I’ve passed by a lot of problems and needs, sometimes I’ve been in a good status and prosperity. I’m not equal as a Canadian to a Latino; due this I’ve had problems with people about my character and cultural background. People often think the other ones must be equal to them; but they don’t understand everyone has an own culture, an identity, a thought, a particular way of life, a personal life’s motto. Politician Bob Kennedy once said “Some men see things as they are, and ask why, I dream of things that never were, and say why not.” Actually I’m sure and proud of my identity, my nation, my people, my culture, my pledge; so I’m giving my life into the God’s hands. I know my dream and God’s calling for me is to take the Gospel to my people. He’s guiding me in all the possible ways, as He shows me His will, what he’d planned for my life, I’m asking myself “why not”. Since I was a little child always I was be amazed and shocked by the Thomas’ words “My Lord and my God”. All what this five words implies themselves. Already I know Thomas was thanking to the Lord for everything, but also for being Himself.
At the same way right now I can say “MY LORD AND MY GOD… THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU… ‘CAUSE YOU’RE GOOD, GOD AND LORD… I GIVE YOU THE HONOR, GLORY AND THANKS…” ‘Cause I love You my Lord; You gave your life for me, how can I give You less?
Of course, thank you too, Dancer.
(April 15/2005)
