Holy Spirit move!

To the largest extent, my ability and effectiveness in allowing the Holy Spirit to live and work through me is not based on an experience at the church’s alter or my private prayer closet. It is based out of a daily, moment-by-moment, decision to live yielded to His constant control and filling. And that will not happen without ongoing time in His Word and at His Alter.

“Lord, bring us to full surrender and more and more availability to yours Spirit’s control and His work in, through, and around us.”

Maybe I'm Not Your Problem!

And maybe you're not my problem!

Sometimes, it is not how others have mistreated us, or a result of God's discipline on us, or the natural disappointments and hardships of life that have us in our current difficult spot.

Sometimes, maybe often, it just may be our own stubborn, short-sighted, self-centered, maybe even ignorant, determination for you or I to personally live in some level of flesh. For some reason we tend to believe that life is all about.....  "perfect ME!"

For some of us, the easier option can be to point the finger. The more difficult and proper option may be for us to carefully take an up-close look in the self-evaluating mirror of Prayer and God's Word. Pride and stubbornness will try to keep us focused on laying the blame anywhere other than where it may actually belong.

Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Prov 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Ps 139:23-24  Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

We’ve got to know to grow.

Yes, once we’ve invited the Lord into our lives (see the tab above “Is There Really Any Hope?”), if we intend to “grow” in the Lord, we are going to need to get to “know” Him. That is done through prayer, a surrendered seeking heart, and time in His Word. Often we want to cut all or one of these short. I’m sorry, but He doesn’t offer any other options or short cuts. A times, I find myself praying, "Lord help me grow. I want to honor You with my life. Help me find more victory." You know what I hear Him saying back? The three points I just listed.

If you follow my posts you have seem many, along with Scriptures, relative to these areas. Again today, the Lord is speaking to ME directly about in-depth seeking, study and memorizing of His Word, and the need for it if I want to grow in Him and live in victory. It won’t happen just because I wish it would or even because I ask Him for it.  ......"I" ....... will need to get to “know” Him, if I desire to “grow” in Him.

2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Tim 3:16,17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Josh 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Ps 119:11 Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Eye Rollers and Stepping Out of the Boat

Eye rollers. You know?....... we've probably all seen them before. They're the ones that when you "step out" and do something a little different or when you are just trying to do what you believe is right and maybe is not the norm or maybe it goes against the grain a bit... you happen to glance off to the side and see a couple of those that should "have your back" and should be giving you the "thumbs up" ..... and instead you notice them glancing at each other, shaking their heads, and "rolling their eyes."

One of the acts that I most admire in the Bible is when Peter "stepped out" of the boat and began to walk on the water. I can just visualize some of the other disciples who "stayed in the boat" as Peter said, "Lord, bid me to come unto you" and began "stepping out" of the boat.... I can just see these other disciples looking at each other, shaking their heads and "rolling their eyes" as if to say, "Oh brother, here we go again."

BUT, Peter was the one that walked on the water, wasn't he? And yes, he ended up getting a little wet. But what did the others do? Yep, they sat in the boat and "rolled their eyes."

At times I may get a little wet, and at times there may be some "eye rollers" around me, but at times I sure hope to be the one "stepping out of the boat!"

I hope I don't look and act like you!

And I hope you don't look and act like me. If we do, you or I have likely missed our call.

I hope to be more and more look like a Scott version of Christ. And I’m sure you desire to look more and more like a You version of Christ. But as frustrating as it may be at times, we are not called to be Christian Bobbsey Twins. We are each called to be a UNIQUE person sold out to and looking more and more like Jesus Christ. You and I would do best to take our eyes off each other and put them on the One we desire to truly be like.

Just throwing this out there..... Let's say we have an area of sin that we continually battle.

Let’s say we recognize it and want victory over it. But we seem to pray over and over for the victory over the sin, we go to the church alter over and over, we repeatedly confess it to the Lord and repent from it, and yet we seemingly continue to battle it, with repeated ongoing failure.

In this area, I am sensing something at times and I wanted to throw it out there for your consideration. It is clear that we are to repent of sin and take such issues to the Lord in prayer. But it seems to me that at times when I focus on the sin (i.e. Oh Lord please take this away, oh Lord please give me victory, oh Lord please help me here), I don’t readily experience much victory.

Yet when I, at least to an extent, take my focus off the sin and turn it on the Lord, I start seeing more victory. Yes, I am still repentant and determined to turn from the sin and experience victory, but instead of only asking for the victory, I begin to just think more and more on the Lord…. taking the primary focus off the sin and putting it on the Lord; on worship, praise, adoration, thanksgiving, and a growing intimate heart relationship.

I’m still banging this one around in my head, weighing it against Scripture, and I think it's holding up. One Scripture that comes to mind relative to what our focus should be is Phil 4:8. “Finally brothers whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” (maybe taking some focus off the sin and putting it on the opposite of the sin, on the positive, proper, Biblical perspective)

James 4:8 Speaks to how we should approach God and His resulting action. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."

And we are told over and over to seek the Lord and intimacy with Him, and as a result to expect His attentive ear. I just did a Bible search on verses about seeking God, and the search result was dozens of verses, many of which speak of blessing to follow.

Here are a couple of other thoughts on this perspective. I don’t see this “seeking” as being a quick reading of some “verse of the day” or some occasional short devotional, or going to all the church services and then moving on to MY usual life. I think we’re looking at more of a developed moment-by-moment interaction with Him that is lived throughout the day, maybe spending some serious time with Him and seeking a vitally close intimacy with him, a self-discipling or maturing. It seems to me, that the more I take steps in this direction the more my perspective on life improves, but also, and specifically, the more victory I think I am seeing over annoying repetitive sin areas in my life.

I want to look at this more, but I know He blesses us when our focus is on Him, and I’m just suspecting that includes a variety of areas including victory over difficult repetitive sins.

Again, just throwing this out there……………..…….

In bed this a.m. ………… "Being rooted and grounded"

Ephesians 3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Upon awaking early this morning, in an uncomfortable physical state and generally thinking of how to proceed with the day, this portion of Eph 3:17 came to mind, "Being rooted and grounded in love." I have no idea what that is about. I was not thinking anything along these lines, and am not aware that I am currently dealing with any lack of "love" issues. It seemingly came completely out of the blue and with no known associations.

I'm sure this sort of thing happens to most of the rest of you at times, but for me, when it does, it kind of blows my mind. It sends me into one of those, "Lord, what is this about?" modes. Again today I do not know why, but I am believing that the Lord brought it to mind and there is a reason.

As I look at the passage, Paul is telling the Ephesians that this is what he is praying for them. I'll list that portion of the passage in a minute. I don't know if this is for me or for someone else today, but I plan to copy it to my smart phone and review it throughout the day. What touches me initially is that I love the idea of being solid, firm, unshakable in our Christian lives; that whatever is going on around us, we are "rooted and grounded." In this case it speaks of being "rooted and grounded in love." And it speaks of Christ's incomprehensible love for us. "Lord, if this is for me today, or for someone else, please use it and minister through your Word."

Eph 3:16-21 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (KJV)

Relax. If you let me, I've got it!

Today, I was thinking about this little blog thing. And though I try to mostly post things that I feel the Lord is asking me to, and that are mostly relevant to my own life, I was getting a little uptight as I do at times. I was wondering, “Am I doing this right?  I don’t want to offend anyone. I want to say things right and doctrinally correct. I feel God asked me to do this so I sure don’t want to mess it up.” And you know what He told me?

This is what I felt Him say. “Relax. If you let me, I’ve got it! I’m the one asking you to do this. I’m not going to just leave you ‘out there.’ Yes, you should be cognitive of being doctrinally correct and of how others might perceive some things, but the big things is… just do what I’m asking you to and whether any of it makes sense to you or not, I’ll take it from there. If no one reads the stuff, fine. Maybe I don’t want them to. Maybe I just want you to do it. If they do read it, I will speak through it and I, through my Holy Spirit, will do whatever work’s needed. Just obey, the rest is in my hands!”  J

<shaking my head> Man I do have a problem with trust and giving up control at times. “Lord, I will try to do what I feel you are asking, and then I will try to LET GO.”  Ugh…. Why is that so hard for me at times?  (Actually I think I do know part of the reason, but that’s another whole story)

Can God use ME? See, I know me.

Short intriguing video about discipleship/spiritual mentoring.

Click link below.
The conflicted confession

Why am I here? Donuts?

Seriously, why is Scott Balzer on this earth?

More directly, why did God see fit to create and put Scott Balzer on this earth?

At times, I have wondered if maybe it was just to help the rest of you feel good about yourselves.  :)  Yet, I feel there just may be more to it than that.

I have a strong desire, goal and intent to know why I’m here. And if I am never ever really able to, then hopefully along the path I will have honored Him anyway, to have fulfilled His reason. If I’m seeking and listening and yielding, maybe that honor, whatever it looks like and whether I ever actually recognize it or not, will be the reason He has put me here.

So, how about you? Why did He put you here?

I just have this sense, that for each of us, it is for more than eating donuts.

Jer 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Isa 43:1 But now, this is what the LORD says--he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

All of Ps 139, and here’s verse 13  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Jer 29: 11-13 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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart

Where's My Horse?

Is doing things for the Lord more important than spending time with the Lord? If so, I may want to recheck and make sure I got the horse at the right end of the cart.

Going To The Next Level

What does it mean to “go to the next level” with our Lord? I symbolically visualize the process something like this.

Put your hands out in front of you 6-10 inches apart, with fingers spread, and palms facing each other. Start to move the tips of your fingers toward each other till the tips of the fingers just touch, palms still 6 inches apart. Our hands are now just making contact with each other at the fingertips. I see this as symbolic of how most of us live our Christian lives, of the level of intimacy with the Lord that we experience. We are just slightly intimate with Him, ever so slightly committed/surrendered, ever so slightly experiencing His presence and blessings. And we have become comfortable with that and consider it "normal" and actually even pretty good. However, I suspect that deep inside we know differently. And if we look at God's Word it is clear we are called to and offered so much more.

Now, as we slide our fingers a little closer they begin to slide between each other. We've symbolized "going to another level." There are multiple levels and the more we engage the fingers we are symbolizing another level of intimacy with Him. And there will always be room for more growth and greater relationship/intimacy with Him.

I want the level of intimacy with my Lord that is symbolized by the fingers all the way together, webs of fingers pressed together, palms together, firmly gripped forming a TIGHT closed praying hands position. I envision the grip so tight that my arms are even shaking from the force of a strong grip between the two hands. That's the level of intimacy that I want with my Lord.

The tips of fingers just barely touching, just isn't enough. Yes, it is experiencing Him, but ever do slightly. He is worthy of a full firm clinched grip...... of all of me! I want that! I feel a call to go to "another level" on the path toward that rigidly tight-grip-intimacy with Him. At this point, I do not fully know what saying "yes" to this current call will entail. But I have been receiving some indications. I am sensing that there is a reason why He refers to the process as dying to self, taking up our cross, surrendering, and yielding. J

Some of you may recall my blog on March 27^th titled "Who's going to fill the gap?” The Christian life symbolized by the fingertips barely touching won't do anything "to fill the gap" left by powerful saints that have gone home. I believe He is calling many of us (actually all of us) to be such people. For most of us it is going to take "going to another whole level" to be those that can really be used by Him in truly "filling the gap." I know it will for me, and I am committed to taking another step toward that call and more of Him.

I think the code has been broken!

Surrender and Trust

******

I am coming to believe this may be the "code" (though there really is no secret to it) for going to a greater level of intimacy and dynamic victorious Christian living, and of being a servant of the Lord who really has His ear. Many of my posts and Scriptures referenced in them, as well as a personal nudging of the Spirit, seem to be indicating this may be an area to closely examine within our lives.

Yes, faith is critical. Yes, the work of the Holy Spirit is critical. Yes, recognizing and living in who we are in Christ is critical. But, I have come to believe that we may be largely leaving out a step that in turn leaves the others quite powerless. And really along with and likely included in "Surrender and trust" is a consecrated life and a commitment to a higher level of holiness. .........Just a thought for your consideration.

Maybe I'm not a "real man"

I see "real men" walking around all macho, speaking in deep voices, and flexing their muscles. But I can get a back ache just walking around normal, I have a tenor to baritone voice and am just fine with that, and the last time I flexed my muscles I pulled something AND  heard a bunch of laughs (and I know I am no comedian!).

And you know how we're all supposed be a drinkin', chewin',  spittin', cussin', fartin', and the like? Well I do try to drink a bunch of water each day, I do try to chew my food real well, I do spit twice a day while brushing my teeth, I do try to be dis-cussing my Lord with anyone in the cyber world or on the street that will listen, and fartin'??? well let me just say, I never asked someone to "pull my finger," even when I was six!

I recently asked if anyone knew of a good restaurant that had soft live musical entertainment. I was asked, "Oh, do you have a date?" No. I like to eat and I like good quality soft music. Though, I'm not saying I don't enjoy it still more with pleasant female company.

Another time I asked if someone knew of a good  non-smoking dance location. I was asked, " What, are you trying to pick up a woman?" No! I used to enjoy dancing and would like to see if i still do and can.

So........ maybe I don't classify as a "real man." But let me make this real clear.......... If I find that special restaurant with the soft music, or if I find that pleasant dance environment...... I will NOT be asking ANY man, "real" or otherwise, to join me!!

And I'm pretty much the kind of "real" I want be, and I am seeking to be the kind of "real" my Lord wants me to be. Neither one of those looks much like the world's idea of a "real man" and I'm actually just a bit pleased with that fact.

So, Who Am I?

Earlier today, as this verse came to mind, my thoughts went back to my past 12 hrs. What was on my mind as  I went to sleep last night, what was on my mind as I awoke this morning, and what has been on my mind this far today? What have been my dominant thoughts? So, who am I?

As a man thinketh in his heart so is he. Prov 23:7

Clay with a life and plan of its own, or........

I'm just now thinking of an animated scene where the potter's clay has a life and plan of its own. As it is being placed on the potter's wheel it is squirming around, trying to get away, punching at the potter, doing the  "bob and weave" as the potter's hands reach for the clay and attempt to beginning the molding process.  

I can envision the potter putting up with that unwilling clay for about five seconds. He then pulls it back off the wheel, sets it aside, and reaches for some clay that is willing and ready to be molded . The unwilling clay can stand off to the side and jump up and down, and wave his hands in the air, and yell out, "mold me, mold me!" but until it is actually ready to totally submit to the potter's control all the talk in the world won't make him into what the potter desires. Total submission is essential!

So, as I tell the Lord, "Take me, mold me, make me", I will also need to be ready and willing to submit to HIS control, and HIS molding plan, design and process. 

As I allow Him to do so, I may not look like I might want, and I have to be ok with that. I suspect, I may not look like you might want, and I will do best in not caring about that. But, to the extent that I allow Him, I will look more and more like He wants, and we have to recognize that is the only option if we are to truly be molded into HIS planned product, into HIS image.

I Will Be Ok

Not because of who I am.

But......... Because of whose I am.
And........ Because of who HE is.

How do I respond? What do I think? What do I feel?

This is addressed to me (and others who have given their lives to Jesus Christ).

Today and daily I find myself in need of evaluating myself against the Lord's call for my life. Following are occasions when you or I may be prompted to do so.

How do we respond when we are hurt by someone else's words or actions; when the stress at work, school, or home is at its strongest; when we are constantly in physical or emotional pain; when we have losses due to aging and financial or prolonged health issues;  when we feel misunderstood, alone, overwhelmed or angry; when it feels like everything around us is falling apart?

When I encounter these or similar situations, I'm often reminded that my responses are "markers" of my level of Christian maturity, of my level of trust, of my level of surrender, of my ability or willingness to live in "who I am in Christ."

In these challenging situations, if my thoughts and reaction are not what Christ's would be, then they are sin. We are called to be holy and imitators of Christ. HE is our standard, no one or nothing else.

There is no question, God is calling each of us a greater level of Christ-likeness (supporting scriptures are listed in numerous previous posts). Am I willing to die to my fleshly desires and habitual reactions, to truly surrender to Him, to truly trust Him, to spend the time in prayer and Bible study & application, and to surrender to and trust HIM to do it through me? 

I want an abundant crop of the fruit of the Holy Spirit being produced through my life (Gal 5:22,23). I want my life to honor my Lord. I want to be a beacon for Him and for others to see more and more of Him when they see me. When things around us really fall apart, I want the confidence of one whose feet are firmly planted on "Christ the Solid Rock!"

My hope in becoming that person? More time with Him, dying to my fleshly self/repentance,  and surrendering to Him and His desire and ability to do it in and through me.

"Lord, take my life and do what You need to to make me more like You."

The Safest Place On Earth

The safest place on earth is at the foot of the Cross - humbled before God's throne. The more wicked the times, the more we need to stay yielded! Stay submitted! Not giving up - but giving in!

You can then know what it really means to walk in the Spirit - so as not to fulfill the lusts of the flesh. It means this: living at all times in a constant state of submission and yieldedness to God's power! Living in a state of total surrender - giving up all rights to power and self. Becoming totally dependent on God to perform all things for you, and through you.

Taken from "Be Ye Holy" by David Wilkerson

What?!!! Rejoice with what is going on in MY life?

So, if I am miserably sick, or hurt, or lonely; or disappointed in someone else, or in my work, or am in financial crisis; and if I have put my life in Jesus' hands and, with all the faith I know, have prayed for His intervention and His will; and if the pain or disappointment or other loss continues; what do I do?

I know God loves me enough to die for me, and His Word says He wants good for me. I know He knows exactly what is going on in my life. I know He has unlimited power to do anything He desires.

Though I may not understand why, must I not come to the conclusion that, at this point and for reasons beyond my understanding, apparently I am exactly where He wants me to be, including the excruciating pains, hurts, disappointments and all?

And if that is the case, should I not be rejoicing, because what He wants is what is best for me? And at least at this time, this very uncomfortable and, maybe even long term, persistent situation must be what He desires. Why? I don't know. He is the One that is God!

So what do "I" do about it? Maybe…. Keep praying (focus on Him). Keep trusting. Keep looking for what He desires in my life (Is there something I am supposed to learn or surrender in this process?) Turn my eyes upon HIM. (Is He my focus or am I?) And maybe....??? ... Rejoice!! Because, if "I" am allowing him to be, He is in control. HE IS GOD!!

Phil 4:4-8, 9b Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. And the God of peace will be with you. (NIV)

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who that love him. (NIV)

"So Lord, in spite of this very difficult time, I will commit myself to you. I ask for your help and strength. Teach me. Show me what your desire is for me. My live is in your hands. I will take my eyes off me. I will put them on you. I will trust YOU! YOU are GOD! I will REJOICE!"

A Knot On a Log

Sometimes I wonder, at this phase of my life, is there any way that I could be of any serious use to the Lord. Is it possible that my current usefulness merely equates to that of a molded, rotting knot on a fallen half-composted log out in some thick, distant and unseen forest? No one even knows or cares that it is there. Should anyone ever notice, it might even be considered a nuisance or a hindrance.

And if so, if that is all I am and all I am capable of being; and if that is what my Lord has called me to be; then I pray that, maybe in my willingness and through the seemingly useless mundane processes, I eventually become what He desires.

Or wait! Could He possibly desire that this "knot on a log", through all of this process, as a final result become something more?! …. . maybe a sweet smelling, rich, and most fertile compost for use in my Lord’s garden? Or maybe, along the way, could some mushroom spring forth that ministers to the nutrition and health of one in need? Or might this composting mass, one day, produce a beautiful flower that blesses a sole passerby?

Then again, maybe I’m getting carried away. Maybe this "knot on a log" will never show any outward blessing to the Lord or others. Maybe it will only lie there, seemingly useless, and slowly …… decay. Either way, I would like for my life to be as surrendered to the Lord as is a molded, rotting knot, on some fallen half-composted log who's entire function and end result is in the hands of its Maker.

Have you ever had this happen to you?

You get up in the morning and look out the opened window. Immediately, you notice the birds singing, a pleasant dew on the beautiful freshly mowed grass, calm winds, and the freshest air you’ve ever breathed. It is a picture-book perfect day.

Your shower is the most refreshing you recall ever having. You get out, towel off, and begin to get ready. You notice that for some reason that rooster tail, that always sticks straight up on the back of your head, is laying completely flat. You look closely in the mirror and your eyes seem bluer and brighter than what you ever recall.

You walk into the kitchen and there awaits a breakfast-spread of ham and eggs (over medium/easy), whole grain pancakes (darkly browned and done ALL the way through), a bowl of beautiful fresh fruit, and coffee so fragrant that Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks would kill to duplicate it.

Following your perfect breakfast, you get dressed in your best suit and freshly polished wingtip shoes. You look in the full-length mirror, and you consider yourself a humble man, but Wow! you … look …. GOOD!! You kinda give the image in the mirror a smile, a nod, and a “thumbs up.” As you turn sideways to leave, you notice that your stomach looks completely flat and your chest is sticking out four inches further than what you ever recall. “Thank you Jesus!”

As you walk out the front door, you realize that you haven’t had to dodge any dishes this morning, and even the dog hasn’t growled at you. You take those steps toward the car and there is a bounce in your walk. You da man! The BMW is waxed, and the wheels and tires are polished. It is spotless! The neighbors’ dogs, the birds and even the dew have somehow left it alone over night.

  

Feeling like a million dollars, you leave your neighborhood and pull onto the interstate. Life is good.

You drive about 20 miles and all of a sudden you realize that another car has been driving along side of yours.  It’s just keeping pace with yours, not speeding up or backing off. You glance over at the occupants and there are two of the most beautiful individuals you have ever seen. You gulp! Yes, they are women! Bashfully, you quickly glance back at the road. But hey, you can’t help it. You take another look. They are still there, AND they are both smiling and waving at YOU. You’re a little shy, but man that feels good. You take a couple more looks with the same results. And again you say, “Life is good! I’m da man!”

Have you ever had this happen to you?    Well............. let me tell you !!..............................

Me neither!

Yeah so, I dreamed up this silly little story from someplace in my mostly vacant head. And as I was playing it back through my mind, and thinking how good it would feel to have one of those days, something came to me.

I have given my life to Jesus. I AM A CHILD OF THE KING!!!! When my God looks at me, He sees me as perfectly as what I imagined this day and my physical appearance in this little story. But no, not only does He look with admiration on my outward appearance, He also sees my inner self. And you know what? He also sees it as perfect. He doesn’t see my dirty, ugly, fleshly inner self. No! Not because it isn’t, because in my flesh it is. But because of the shed blood of His Son Jesus Christ, and because of my simply giving my life to Him and inviting His presence into my life, He now sees me as completely beautiful, pure, white as snow, beyond compare …. inside and out. And HE sticks HIS chest out and says, “Look at my perfect son. He’s da man!”

Thank you Jesus!

Now if, for some reason, you’re not sure whether you’ve committed your life to Jesus, so that He sees you that way, please click on the “Is There Really Any Hope” tab at the top of this page. There is information there that will share how God’s Word says you can be a CHILD OF THE KING!

Also if you know Christ and you’re still not sure whether He sees you as I described, stay tuned. As I’ve mentioned, before long I hope to do a blog, or likely series of blogs, on “who we are in Christ.” It’s an awesome study, and I am so looking forward to going back through it myself.

If You Know My Father

I have a farm upbringing. There are innumerable blessings and advantages to that upbringing. We didn’t have much money and worked from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. or even midnight many many days. I first drove tractor alone when I was 8 years old. And by a couple of years later I was driving fulltime during the summer months and during the winter months often had a couple of hours of chores to do after school. Though everyone else I knew did, my parents did not have a TV until after I left home. And I did not have a cell phone, an x-box, or a wii. I usually did not see my school friends the entire summer (except for one family that attended our church). And we lived a very basic standard of living. Often crops failed in the Oklahoma Panhandle and finances were slim. My parents were committed to the Lord, were active in church, and never missed a church service. My mother led me to the Lord at the age of eight. I cannot think of a downside to that upbringing and those early years. And I would not exchange them for anyone’s of any financial standing or of any generation!

One day, when I was maybe 12 or so, I was sent out to a field to do some discing. I drove the tractor from the farmyard to the field where the disc was awaiting me. Now I was quite young and the tractor (an LA Case) had a hand clutch. Generally a grown man would push the long clutch-lever forward with his hand to engage it. Well, I was not yet strong enough to do that well. So, I often engaged it with my left foot. To stop the tractor, I could grab hold with both hands and jerk my whole body back hard enough to stop it.

This particular day, upon arriving at the field, I proceeded to back the tractor up to the disc. To do so, I had to turn around in my seat, and look back and down, while lightly pressing the clutch lever forward with my left foot. You could get the tractor to move without fully engaging the clutch in cases like this. So I was just lightly pressing it forward. And my arms were not long enough to do this while still twisting and backing up. As the tractor drawbar approached the disc hitch it eventually came to the point that I needed to stop and, while attempting to do so, I made a very large mistake. See, I knew enough from driving other vehicles to know that in most cases you press your foot down on the brake to STOP a vehicle. (Yeah, you’re getting the idea already, aren’t you?) Well as I tried to stop the tractor, I inadvertently pushed the wrong foot forward, fully engaging the clutch in reverse, and backing the tractor right up ON TOP of the disc. In a panic, I turned around, put both hands around the clutch handle and frantically pulled back disengaging the clutch and stopping the tractor. But it was too late. The tractor was now resting on top of the disc.

There I was ¾ mile from home, young, alone, crying and shaking like crazy and the tractor……….. was on top of the disc! A couple of feelings quickly came over me!

SHAME! Here I was the son of “super farmer” Robert Balzer and “I” was dumb and inept enough to do something this stupid!

FEAR! Not of my father. That was never an issue with MY father. But I wasn’t sure what all I had broken. Was the tractor ok? Was the disc ok? It was apparent the large rear tractor tires were not what I considered ok! They had big cuts in them. I knew my parents had a hard time making ends meet. And I knew those large tires would cost a lot of money!

HOPELESS! I had no idea what to do. Obviously I was not going to lift the tractor off the disc. Would I just damage things worse if I just drove it back off? Certainly the proper solution seemed way beyond my young ability and knowledge level. These thoughts and probably a thousand others went through my mind in those first few seconds. All I knew to do was… turn the tractor engine off and take off running as hard as I could for home, crying and in a panic the entire way.

I don’t recall if dad was in the farmyard or in some other field. But before long my father and I were driving up to “my farm accident” with tears still pouring down my face and a hundred “Dad, I’m so sorry’s” having already been said.

See if you know my dad! There was NEVER a chance that I was going to get yelled at or get rebuked in any way. He was just glad I wasn’t hurt. Once there, he calmly examined the situation. Started the tractor back up and drove it back off the disc. I don’t recall for sure, but knowing my father and knowing how well he knew me; I’m pretty sure we parked the tractor next to the disc, and called it a day!

Yes, there was tire damage that was the result of my error and those scars were visible for as long as I can remember us having that tractor. But the tires were still functional. And to this day some 40 + years later I am still embarrassed that I made that kind of mistake. But on that day, when I went to my father with my big mistake, he lovingly forgave me, comforted me, and made sure I knew that he loved me just as much as ever. Isn’t it awesome to have a father like that?

Now this evening as I was getting some walking exercise at our church gymnasium ,and for some reason reliving this old experience, I was thinking of how blessed I am to have such a calm, gentle, protecting, encouraging, loving father. And that did not change even when I had made such an embarrassing and stupid mistake. One that could have cost many dollars, one that could have possibly cost me my life, one that likely set us back ½ day or more in joint lost labor, one that left embarrassing physical scars on the tractor for years and was mentally engraved in my mind for 40 + years.

As I was thinking about this experience I couldn’t help but think of the “spiritual” blunders, stupidities, mistakes, and wrecks that I have made in my life. Maybe at times I have just gotten slack in my spiritual life and “pushed the wrong foot forward” so to speak. There are likely a number of times where, spiritually, I have made a really big mess and figuratively ended up with my “spiritual tractor on top of the disc.”

I feel SHAME. Here I am a child of the only true “super God” the Lord God Almighty, and I am dumb and inept enough to do something this stupid!

FEAR! Not of my Father. That is never an issue with my Heavenly Father. But I may not be sure what all my actions had damaged. What will be the cost to fix the mess my failures have made. It may be apparent that there is damage due to my error and the repair costs will be high. There are big cuts and scars. What will happen with those? Who can possibly come up with the payment to correct my big spiritual mistakes?

HOPELESS! I have no idea what to do. Certainly the proper solution is way beyond my ability and knowledge level. All I know to do is STOP the action, and take off running as hard as I can toward my Heavenly Father; tears of sorrow, shame, fear and hopelessness running down my face.

But isn’t it amazing? When I show my Heavenly Father “my spiritual accident” with eyes still full of tears and having said a hundred “Dad, I’m so sorry’s” what does He do?

See if you know my Dad! You know He is not going to yell and rebuke me. I’m already sorry and determined to not do THAT again. My Heavenly Dad just cares about me. He calmly fixes the mistake I’ve made. And then He may just say, “My son that is enough for now. Let’s call it a day.”

And yes, my spiritual mistakes (sins) have caused some damage that can only be paid for in one way. That payment method is only through the sacrificial death of God’s Son Jesus Christ. And my Father paid that price for my mistakes, no questions asked and end of story!

Now my sin may have caused physical and emotional scars that I will have to live with my entire life. But regarding the wreck and the price to fix it, I go to my Heavenly Father and say I’m so sorry. He just steps up and takes care of it. And He lovingly forgives me, and reminds me that it is all ok, and that he still loves me just the same. Isn't it awesome to have a Father like that?

But you already know that….. If You Know My Father!

***

Matt. 7:11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord

The helicopters have landed and they are headed for my house

The house is caving in, physical misery has hit, and the helicopters have landed, ….. now what?

Everyone I know in this part of the state experienced some level of fear with the recent minor earthquakes here in Oklahoma. What if they are now occurring daily and our homes’ foundations are cracking and roofs are falling in and it is happening, not just in Oklahoma and California, but everywhere!

What if I was just diagnosed with a rapidly developing blindness and incurable painful disabling disease and yet with decades of additional life expectancy? What if, as a result, my home and car are being repossessed, and investments and bank accounts lost? What if my spouse and family now want nothing to do with me? What if the best option now available to me is decades of existence in a government sponsored assisted living or nursing home? What if, yesterday, I had a loving family and was completely healthy? 

What if I am only 35 years old?

What if those helicopters I saw flying past my home this afternoon were the enemy’s? What if they landed and the enemy’s troops are now headed for my house, my precious wife, and darling grandbabies? And what if the enemy hates God, has a gun held to my wife or grandbaby’s head, and is now asking me about my faith?

Now ask me about my level of Godly faith, trust and peaceful inner calm. Now ask me how badly I wish I had been more seriously developing it over the past years. When the major, major, earth-shattering crisis hits, how prepared will I be?

I know when held against far milder situations than these my inner calm and trust look pretty weak. I’m not satisfied with that. AND it won’t change automatically. It is up to ME to make the changes now, that will develop the trust, faith, and peaceful inner calm needed when life’s circumstances go truly bad.

I’m not trying to speak fear into our lives. I’m repeating what I was thinking this afternoon when I saw those four military helicopters flying by my home. I know when life deals me a relatively small crisis, what thoughts come to mind. And I know my God desires so much more for me. But it doesn’t develop because I wish it would. It develops from serious surrender and intimate seeking-time with my Lord. I WANT THAT, and I am COMMITTING to take serious steps in developing this area of my life.

And as I do so, I feel the Lord has asked me share that journey. That is a major portion of what this blog is about, my journey for greater intimacy with and trust in my Lord. I want to be a “Paul or Silas” when my tough times hit. There is always room for another level, another step toward more intimacy with Him. May I encourage you to also considered seeking more of Him?

Lord, Please Don’t Stop Now!

 “Lord, I believe I may be experiencing a taste of a more intimate daily experience with you. There are many things about it that amuse and baffle me, and some that are starting to excite me. I don’t know exactly how I’ve gotten here, and I sense I’ve only had the smallest taste from your sample platter. Help me to develop the appetite for your largest banquet buffet. Yes, your invitation to it is right before me and open to all. So, for your honor, whatever you’ve done in my life to get me to this point, Lord, please don’t stop now!”

Psalms 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.

Matt 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

On my way home...... I encountered the cross

A few weeks ago, on my way home from visiting my parents, I stopped at a gas station N. of Tulsa (Hwy 75 & hwy 20). I had been singing this song while driving. “Take up thy cross and follow me, I hear my blessed Savior call. How can I make a lesser sacrifice, when Jesus gave his all.” While I was gassing up, and still humming the song, I saw a guy walking by on hwy 20. And get this!! He was carrying a cross!! Can you believe that? How cool! Don’t tell me that was all a coincidence! I’m not sure why God sent that song to me at the same time as this gentleman was walking by. Maybe just to bless me a bit. It certainly did! My God is so good!!! "How can I make a lesser sacrifice, when Jesus gave his all" on that rugged cross?

So exactly why are you and I here today?

Why are you and I here today, reading or typing this blog?

I don’t know why. But I do believe God does, and that He has asked me to be here on fb and with this blog. I can only guess at the possible reasons. I am no thoroughly trained Bible scholar, no amazing preacher, no special anointed one, and obviously not a talented writer. I'm just a guy trying to encounter more of my unbelievably awesome God, through the work of His Son Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, and the grace that He allows for me to even approach Him and live a victorious life.

But here's my point today. While I'm just a guy with little ability and strength and much weakness, my God is not! He is GOD and is perfect, is total love, is the almighty GOD, and has all power and is all of what only God can be! I believe THIS GOD has brought me here. I believe THIS GOD has brought you here. And although I and maybe you don't know why, He does!

I have come to realize that there are some of you that read my posts and blogs that I do not personally know. You are very welcome here. That’s why this site is set up for anyone to access. And you are welcome to just drop by and read or, if you would like request a facebook friendship. I don't know if you are 1000 times more surrendered and committed to the Lord than I, or if you don't know Him at all and are just wondering whom this Jesus guy is. But here's the deal. While I don't know why our paths have crossed and don't even know some of you, I do know that God does. And HE is telling you and me that HE is all you and I need, and that is saying a lot! Jesus is more than enough, regardless of our situation!

Today, I am just sensing that the Lord wants me to share this following point. One of the reasons you are here may be that you need prayer. Maybe you need a physical, emotional or spiritual touch. And though I may not know you personally, or know your needs, I do pray for everyone that comes across these blogs and fb posts. YOU are being prayed for each day! And THAT is powerful! Not because Scott is anything, but because the One that Scott prays to IS EVERYTHING! So just let me encourage you that regardless of who you are and regardless of your needs or position, God loves you, He knows all about you, and He has all the power to meet any need you may have. Look to HIM! Completely give yourself to HIM! Trust HIM! HE is your and my total answer!

Remember you are being prayed for, and that JESUS loves YOU! And if you are not sure whether you know Jesus, visit the tab at the top of this page titled, “Is There Really Any Hope.” There is information on that page that can help you be SURE that you do know this Jesus.

Blessings and know you are loved!!

I want to be a mighty man of God, but......

This weak man wants to be a mighty man of God!

God wants this weak man...... totally dependent on a mighty God!

Upon My Request ..........

Upon my request, if God immediately jumped to attention and met all my earthly fleshly desires, by His actions, what would He be saying is His priority for my life.

Yes, He loves me. Yes, He cares about my earthly human concerns. BUT, He cares so much more about my Spiritual life. More than anything He desires an intimate relationship with me. And He knows that is the only place I will find lasting satisfaction and fulfillment. Many of our earthly desires are actually a shallow inadequate substitute for what God most desires for us, a massive intimacy with Him.

If He jumps to attention on all my fleshly desires, isn't that almost like the Holy God promoting the god of human self? Just a thought ..............................

Does it sound like I'm preaching at someone?

Why do I write the blogs I do? At times, they may sound like I’m preaching at someone?

Well if they do, it's because I am preaching. I’m preaching at me. Or actually, I believe in most cases it is the Lord preaching at me. And then I feel the Lord has asked me to share the content of His sermon to me. I don’t know why. Maybe some parts will relate to someone else.

This morning, again, out of necessity I am rereading several of my prior blogs. I need the message of them to help me find victory over this day’s life challenges. And I have to confess, at times, they feel overwhelming. I wish greater victory were an easy natural thing for me. At least in some areas, and to this point, it is not. I must keep looking to Him and His Word and calling on Him for help, surrendering to HIS abilities and power.

“Again today, Lord, I am dependent on YOU. Seemingly YOU have made me so that I have no option but to come to YOU. I tend to look to myself as my source. What a pitifully weak source I am. Forgive me Lord. I will, again, commit this day to making YOU alone my hope!”

Do we want to see God move in and around us?

Do I want true intimacy with my Lord? Do I want Him to look my way and hear my cry? Do I want to see a strong move of the Holy Spirit? Do I want revival in my life and the church?

This is a topic that really makes me wish I were a better writer and could fully and accurately convey this point. I sense this may well be the most critical issue facing the church and us as professing Christians. It is a topic that I have personally been contemplating, studying and anguishing over for years. It is one of which I have questioned numerous pastors, Bible scholars, and laymen. And clearly IT IS VITAL!

Do we want revival and a spiritual awakening in our lives and that of the church? I tell you, I do! This has been the strongest cry of my heart for at least a couple of years now, and to a slightly lesser extent most of my Christian life. But, I personally have come to the point that I need to decide if I am willing to do what God’s Word says it takes to see this occur?

As I’ve sought the Lord in this topic, I’ve come across many Scriptures that speak to this and what the formula is to achieve this level of intimacy with the Lord and the powerful move of His Holy Spirit. And I’m sorry, but the answer HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH a casual familiarity with God, or even Jesus Christ! We want to believe that is all that’s required. But Scripture ….. just …. does …. not … bear … that out!

Today I can’t even begin to cover all of those Scriptures, but as I reflect over them, as a whole, several ingredients or precursors to this level of “spiritual awakening” are mentioned over and over. And I am ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED IT TAKES NOTHING LESS THAN A WHOLE HEARTED RETURN TO TRUE GENUINE REPENTANCE, PASSIONATE PRAYER AND SEEKING, AND A PERSONAL CLEANSING OF OUR LIVES BEFORE THE HOLY GOD! A return to holiness, if you will. I just do not see ANY shortcut or alternative path. If I was a debater, I couldn’t even come up with a potential serious alternate position. I am convinced it is that clearly spelled out.

The question for you and I gets pretty basic, are we willing to individually make a commitment to be this person? I assure you, it is not about saying, “yeah, I’ll do that” and then continuing on with life as usual. It is about a radical change from what most of us have come to believe is the comfortably proper and adequate Christian life. Relative to human perspectives, God is NOT talking about anything comfortable, church society proper, or adequate. He’s talking about what must sadly be considered a very unique, set apart, and totally surrendered individual.

Are you and I willing to be that for Him and His cause?

Isa 66:2 But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite heart and trembleth at my word.

2 Chr 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Ps 51:16,17 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Isa 57:15 I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Matt 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

James 5:16 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Hosea 10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you. (NIV)

Isa 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

When the disciples asked Jesus why they were unable to cast out this demon Jesus gave this answer.
Mark 9:28-29 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

I just bought a new pair of jeans!

I am so thrilled! "I just bought at new pair of jeans", and so much more, kind of feeling!

Do you remember seeing those TV jeans advertisements, where the young women/girls are jumping through the air, dancing all around, throwing leaves up in the air, smiling from ear to ear, “showing out” like life is so very good, because ………. they just bought the right brand of jeans? I want that feeling, that joy, that freedom and exhibition and even more! BUT I want it because of who the Lord is and because of “who I am in the Him!” I’m not talking only about the shallow, “I bought some great jeans”, type of feeling; but that plus a deep, unstoppable and unending joy that just keeps on overflowing. 

Right now, I’m going through this phase??? of massive awe of God and His extreme worthiness and my extreme unworthiness. And I’m experiencing a lot of pain, just over the fleshliness of my life and the world around me. I’m kind of living in almost constant and extreme heaviness over the gross ungodliness and lack of concern over it. I recognize this may be part of a process the Lord is taking me through. I’m quite sure He is largely, maybe totally, behind it. And I’m quite sure my solution is in giving myself completely to him, and then trusting him to also do his work in me and in those around me.

Yet, I have this ongoing almost nausea over all the sin. And yes, I have asked him to help me see sin as he sees it. That may be a part of what I am experiencing. And I have told him I want to live a life that honors him, not me. And I have asked him to give me a PASSION for him! Recognizing my sinfulness and his holiness likely results in some of these current feelings, as well. And Lord, “I do thank you for them. It has been an interesting and enlightening (I believe supported by your Word) experience.”

I also have this sense that I can’t live a life of much victory and joy if I don’t become fed up with the sin in my life and make a decision to live a life of complete surrender to Him. And that’s why I’ve asked Him to more clearly reveal the sin in my life and His complete sinlessness and holiness. It’s logical that the recognition of these facts is going to bring conviction and pain. If I need to live through some of that to better surrender to Him, I’ll do it.

However, I am really looking forward to living in more of the abundant joy of who God is, the blessings He is doing and plans to do in me, of who I am in Christ and the massive freedom and joy that brings. That “who I am in Christ” is an awesome study I have been planning to revisit now for a couple of years. He seems to be delaying me. But, hopefully I will get to it soon, and as I do, I will likely share some of it with you.

I know that, as I concentrate more on “who I am in Christ” and the multiple blessings that brings (and they are amazing!), I will live more in and far beyond that “I just bought a new pair of jeans” kind of feeling! I’m already smiling ear to ear just thinking about it! And I DO FULLY EXPECT to be jumping through the air, dancing all around, throwing leaves up in the air, smiling from ear to ear, “showing out” and SO MUCH MORE! I have this strong suspicion that I won't be caring what brand of new or old jeans I'm wearing.