I Can Hardly Wait…

I guess that kind of runs against the thinking of those who say,  “I want it now!”

There was a book that I read a few years ago and, although most of what I recall is fuzzy, this I do remember: If you want to gauge the emotional maturity of someone, see if they can delay gratification.

Let me give you an idea of what I mean.  Let’s say that I give my children (of which I have two) seven chocolates each and instruct them to only allow themselves one a day so that by weeks end, they’ll be enjoying the very last delicacy.  My children are very different from each other and shall remain nameless, but one of them would do their level best to resist temptation, but, alas, would have consumed all seven chocolates before noon. While the other one would carefully meter out the one chocolate for the day and so would have something to look forward to each day.

It’s sort of like opening all your Christmas presents on Christmas Eve and then bemoan the fact that there were no surprises left for Christmas day.

And so for me there is much to be learned in “the waiting time.” Yes I would like things right away.  And I know that my heavenly Father has good things in store for me.  After all, scripture does say…  Matthew 7:11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

But it often comes down to timing doesn’t it?  And to be more specific, it’s about His timing.  It always has been that and I have to confess, I don’t always understand it.  I have to trust in the fact that His ways are higher than my ways.

And when I approach the Throne of Grace and ask, sometimes what appears to be a “No” in fact is a “John, not just yet”.  He’s not denying me (if what I’ve requested is Father’s will).  He’s giving me an opportunity to build my character and to be in that place of developing a right heart within me.

For there is much to be learned in the time of waiting.  And so the lesson becomes one of knowing that He has heard, but also, what am I doing during my time of anticipation?  How is my heart attitude during this time of what seems like delay?  It is during that time of waiting for “His presence” that I make my heart ready for His gift.  Why, so I can approach the throne yet again tomorrow with a right heart and cry out Abba Father.  Thanks Papa.

John Lowe

Fresh Breath

 It is s beautiful day here in the Lower Mainland, even though we had snow last week (what’s up with that?)  Both days were beautiful, each in their own way. 

On Sunday, in the prayer room, I saw that God was blowing His fresh breath on us.  It felt like when you have a peppermint and you drink water.  You can’t tell if it’s hot or cold but you do notice a difference from your regular breath.  It felt to me like those that needed a cool drink of living water would receive exactly that.  Yet the ones who needed and wanted a blast of fire, they would get that. 

The next day, He confirmed this to me with the unexpected snowfall.  It felt like a robe of righteousness had clothed the land, purifying and cleansing it for what He is going to do in it next.

Today, allow the Father to lift your head and whisper in your ear that there is nothing that you and Him can’t tackle together!  Hope deferred runs away at the first sign of His glorious light.  Think on the things that cause you to feel bitter, the anger that came from a disappointment and forgive others, forgive yourself and if necessary forgive God.  Don’t let the enemy have another moment in your heart.  Your heart is God’s land, His territory if you will.  He is doing a spring cleaning so He can decorate it with His fresh breath.

So breath in His goodness and kindness. It is His kindness that leads us to repentance, and be ready for this next season, it’s going to rock and roll.

Worlds without end.

What does that mean?  I’m not really too sure as this is the only place that I’ve ever known.  I can only imagine that somewhere “out there” is perhaps another realm that Father has created for His own good pleasure.  A debatable conundrum to be sure.

 

 

 

But as I think on it, I get to experience other realms…right here, right now.

For me some of those realities could be translated to reflect the seasons that I’ve been allowed to experience.  Some of those seasons could be further translated to “opportunities” that Father has allowed me to be a part of.  Those opportunities for me have names, names like “being Spirit filled”.  Other seasons might be called marriage, children, the Ambulance Service (or other employment/career experiences).  One of my most exciting seasons right now is that of Eastgate.  Wow!

It is through this last season (Realm), that “more” make sense, or becomes clear.  What things you might ask?  Well, I’m now in that season/reality that allows me to see the miraculous made real.  I hear my Heavenly Father more clearly (not perfectly…just with greater clarity), I see the lame walk, the blind see, hope restored…and on it goes.

It’s almost as if Papa pulls back another veil and beckons me to come, to explore, to step just a little more into His world, His realm, that place of intimacy.  This is so very exciting.

I can hardly wait to see what’s behind tomorrow’s veil, what revelation is waiting for me to co-labour with God.  Hummmm.

 

[Written by: John Lowe]
also posted here.

Have you thanked God today?

I find it absolutely fascinating how my Father in heaven reminds me that He is still with me, and that He loves me.  It’s easy for me to think that part of my relationship is predicated on what He will do for me in the future.  And yes, I understand that He is a good giver of gifts to His children…but I digress:

I have this little dog, a small but bossy Bishion Friesee to be exact, that takes me for a walk twice a day.  We have a predetermined route that we travel and on my walk I pass a little red, not so new, Toyota.  On this little car, firmly affixed to the bumper, is a sign that reads…”Did You Thank God Today?”.  I don’t know why, but it seems to catch me by surprise each time.  That little car sits in the same spot and so I asked Father why this was so.  I felt Him saying…”So that it’s fresh, new and moves you to action.”

Now I know that you’re not that way, but I am.  I’m in need of that little Holy Spirit “nudge” if you will and so I move into silent prayer, while I continue on my walk with “Ruffles”…my canine companion.  Who says men can’t multi-task.

And although it’s good to be excited about the future, and that’s good, it is really easy to overlook my present; what I already have to gloss over it if you will, as that is already within my grasp.

Where are you going with this John?  Well, let me escort you into a typical prayer walk with my Papa.  I thank Him that I’ve just woken up from an eight hour sleep on a comfy bed beside the bride of my dreams.  Thank you Lord.  I then swing my legs over the side of the bed and then stand up.  Thank you Lord that I have two legs that respond to my command and can carry me about.  I look outside to get a peak of the weather that Ruffles and I will be in in just a few minutes   Thank you Lord for my sight.  Sometimes, I thank Him for my body, my lungs, my heart etc.  This may sound kind of silly, but ask anybody who can’t breathe if they would be thankful for new lungs.  Ask anyone who has just experienced a major heart attack if they would be thankful for a heart that works without compromise or complaint.  And on it goes.

And one more thing Papa.  Thanks for that little red Toyota that reminds me of all that You have already granted.  It’s going to be a good day, despite what lies ahead of me.  Thank You Father God!

Your Thankful son…John

[Written by: John Lowe]
Also posted on EG’s website.