Journey

Looking For Guidance

2012-01-13T13:46:00.001-08:00

John 10:27 (NLT) My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.

Brother Lawrence, the Practice of the Presence of God

I can still remember the first time I heard the voice of God. Our family went through one of those earth shaking experiences that changed all of us. One night shortly after that unexpected experience, I couldn't fall asleep. In the quietness of that night, I wrestled with the implications that experienced had on my life. When I heard a soft whisper of a voice deep in my heart speak to me. The impression that gentle voice pressed upon my very soul was an unusual message for me at that time. "Trust Jesus with your life." Although that "thought" had crossed my mind a time or two before, I never really took it seriously, this time was different. There was a calm authority that grabbed my attention and I knew that this voice was for real. Somehow I mustered the courage to respond to that voice, put my faith in Jesus and have never looked back.

Since that faithful night, I have come to realize just how important it is to hear God's voice and follow his lead. There have been times when that voice has kept me from making a poor choice. Other times God's voice has influenced my character to be shaped into His likeness. God's guiding voice has helped me to wait before acting or launched me into action. Every area of my life has been shaped by the whispers of God. Off course there have been more times then I'd like to admit that I have totally missed God's guiding voice. Those times have resulted in some missed opportunities, heart ache, personal pain and lost time.

Recently God's has directed me to a study of the scriptures of the development of a conversational relationship with Him. What God has highlighted was the frequency with which He in fact speaks directly into the lives of His people. For example; when Moses received his call to deliver Israel from Egypt he heard God speak to him from a burning bush. Exodus 3:4-5 (NLT) So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”

This is just one of many timesn God spoke and His voice was heard and heeded.

I am once again energized by the fact that God does indeed want to communicate with His people. The kind of life that flows from a conversational relationship with the Lord is to experience the divine in every corner of life.

I'd like your thoughts on hearing God's voice. Have you experienced any cases that could be described as God speaking to you? It's common for people to talk about having a personal relationship with God, through Jesus. In your opinion, can such a "personal relationship" make sense without God speaking directly to the individual?

Thanks, Steve

New Words

2011-01-19T14:34:00.001-08:00

Every year around this time I start a new journal. Over the last couple of years my journals have started with the words and verses that God impresses on my heart that serve the much needed guidance and focus for the next leg of my life's journey. Perhaps, even more than that, I have noticed that these words and verses have served to get me through each stage of my calling. What I am discovering is a continual unfolding of God's multilayered purpose for my life. One year at a time, one step at a time, God unveils the most important aspects, needs, challenges, and joys that require my full attention to move ahead and accomplish His will.

So I begin my new 2011 journal with words of restoration, healing, health, life, shepherding, and courage. The verse that sums this up for me is the verse that has been rumbling around my head and heart for a few months now.

Jesus' words that he quoted from Isaiah 61 that describe His ministry.

Luke 4:18-19 (NIV) "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Except for the my initial 2011journal entry that I just made, the rest of the pages are blank like the new year. These pages are waiting for God to write the future. So I must walk by faith into the "unknown" preparing myself for the next leg of the journey. I can't help but wonder if this is how Abram felt when God called him.

Genesis 12:1 (NIV) The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.

A bit unnerving don't you think? But, oh, how rewarding when we follow.

What are the words or verses God has given you that seem to resonate within your heart. Listen, as He prepares you for the next leg of your journey.

Maintaining a Purposeful Perspective

2010-08-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

Whatever Happens

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27 (NIV)

Have you noticed that life is a continuous string of happenings that follow one right after another? Just when you think all is well something happens to upset the apple cart. You finally got caught up on your bills. Then out of the blue, the car breaks down and your stuck with a huge repair bill. Where’s the money coming from? Stuff happens. Or maybe that relationship you’ve been working on begins to mend when unexpectedly something you didn’t see coming puts you back to square one. That wasn’t what you hoped for. Unexpected stuff happens. Your feeling great, been working out, losing weight, but when you go to the doctor for a routine visit, you get some troubling news about your health. It wasn’t anticipated, now you are worried. What Happened? You planned on retiring soon but the economy isn’t what it use to be now you find yourself having to work several more years to make up what you lost financially. It Happened.

Life takes surprising twists and turns along the way that just happen. Intended outcomes we planned for or, the way we would have preferred things to happen allude us. What then? Is there a way to move forward without making matters worse. Can we maintain a level head and not dig ourselves into a deeper relational, financial, emotional spiritual hole?

I believe the Scriptures provide a great example of how the Apostle Paul handled whatever was happening in his life and kept moving forward toward fulfilling God’s purpose for his life.

In Philippians 1:12 (NLT) Paul says, “And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.”

To put this statement in some context. Paul was writing from a Roman prison waiting for his case to soon be decided. Regardless of what had happened to him he was able to see that good was coming from his situation. That perspective on his personal “happenings” gave him an extraordinary ability to keep a level head. His perspective enabled him to see beyond his obvious circumstances and maintain his composure. His perspective gave him the potential to see others benefit from his experience and kept him on track with his calling and purpose whatever was happening in his life, Paul’s perspective gave him clarity, insight and wisdom to pursue his purpose whatever happened. Who wouldn’t like to live like that? The answer is obvious. We all would!

The kind of perspective, that sees beyond the obvious to the spiritual realities playing out “behind the scenes” is cultivated from maintaining a strong belief in God’s overarching plan for ones life. Paul could point to specific instances as evidence to the unfolding plan of God. (Phil. 1:12, 14, 19, 21; 3:14) What might have appeared as road blocks to his purpose, Paul saw as opportunities for advancement of the Gospel.

Proverbs Gives us some additional insight in keeping a proper perspective Proverbs 3:6-7 (The Message) Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!

When you assume you know it all, you stop listening to God’s voice and loss track of His over arching plan for your life. To maintain a level head and a spiritual perspective on whatever is happening in your life. Run to God! Listen for His voice! Stay focused on your purpose and you’ll gain a clear perspective to see what God is doing behind Whatever is Happening in your life.

Steven Liparoto
Lead Pastor
Calvary Bible Church

Living Hopefully

2010-04-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

1 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you,

All I can say is God has given us a gift in his living hope! This “living hope” is based on the living resurrected Christ (cf. 1 Peter 1:21). The Christian’s assurance in Christ is as certain and sure as the fact that Christ is alive! Peter used the word “living” six times (1:3, 23; 2:4-5; 4:5-6). Here “living” means that the believer’s hope is sure, certain, and real, as opposed to the deceptive, empty, false hope the world offers.

In spite of discouragement, disappointment, or suffering, hope can be a source of strength. Living Hope is what keeps you and me moving forward through life.

Hope is how you relate to the future. It’s your heart's orientation that links your faith to God's promises that helps you adjust to new surroundings, new challenges and the unexpected situations of life. Our living hope gives us the ability to locate oneself in one's environment with reference to timing, situations and circumstances, and the people in our lives.

If you look to your circumstances to or your own abilities to or to other people to establish hope you'll be setting yourself up for disappointment. Or you can look Up! - and see the future (the unseen possibilities and promises of God and your dreams) with Living Hope through Christ.

People who chose to take this top down view are more hopeful and:

Are more optimistic about life.
See defeat as part of life and know God will help them rebound from their trial, test or challenge.
Live with s sense of expectation and enthusiasm.

People who chose to take this top down view are more hopeful and live with an expectation that God is going to show up in their world, and live with intention excited to see what God is going to do in and through their lives.

The Christian life, if it is grasped according to God's Living Hope, is a magnificent obsession with an eternal hope, a hope that does not lead to an escapist attitude, but to the pursuit of life on a whole new dimension.

It gives us power to live courageously, to be all God has called us to be in Christ.

Hebrews 10:22-23 (NIV) let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Keep it Simple

2010-03-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

I really enjoy making a good cup of coffee in the mornings. It's the first thing I do when I get up. Simple. That is until my wife Catherine and I began to go to Starbucks on Saturday mornings. Its become a routine for us. We really enjoy this time together.

Catherine will order a 6 pump, absolutely no foam, 180 degree chi latte! I'll order a venti cup of coffee, and lately I'll ask for an extra shoot of espresso with room for cream. Nothing simple about all of this. Check it! Now we are the proud owners of our own espresso machine. So what was once a very simple morning routine for me of making coffee has turned out to be a little more complicated. I'm not complaining mind you but it is an example of how we can easily complicate our spiritual lives. Let me explain.

The message of the Gospel is simple. It is a gift of God for the redemption of humanity. By putting our trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins, by walking in the Spirit, and by trusting His word we have everything we need to live a godly, spiritually powerful life. But there is a tendency to make our walk with Christ hard. We add complications to our faith journey thinking we are becoming more loved or accepted by God. Performing, striving, keeping busy adding works upon works, not realizing or forgetting that His grace is enough and we are already loved and accepted totally by Him. This stuff occupies space in our heart as we become attached to the activity or the symbols of religious ideas behind the activity, believing in our heart that we are gaining ground with God. Many of this religious kind of stuff makes our faith way more complicated then I believe God ever intended for people. All of this clutters the heart and leaves little room for the Spirit of God to work.

Psalm 116:5–6 (NIV) says, "The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; (my emphasis added) when I was in great need, he saved me."

The simplehearted. The word, simple, comes from the Hebrew root meaning "to open" "roomy". In other words an uncomplicated, unpretentious, open heart. Keeping my heart simple means that I have a heart that is easily accessible to the Lord. There is plenty of space for Him to "operate".

This made me stop and think. Is my heart uncluttered, roomy and open to the Lords indwelling Spirit and the influence of His Word? Is there anything in my heart that would keep God from occupying space there? The truth is I don't need to add anything to my heart to become a better person or to have God love me more, or to guide me more etc. In fact, I may need to get rid of somethings to make more room for Him.

Psalms 116:7 (NIV) concludes this thought with, "Be at rest once more,O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you."

When I keep it simple God occupies more and more of my heart. The inner rest for my soul that I often long for and need is the result.

While my coffee making may be a little more complicated these days, I am finding ways to uncomplicate my heart and keep it simple so it is open and roomy for God Spirit to have plenty of space to accomplish His will and purpose in my life. How about you?

Good Intentions

2010-02-13T10:19:00.000-08:00

After downing my first morning cup of Pete's coffee (some of the best by the way) I was ready to go! I mean I had plans. Things to get done. I was going to head to the office and work on putting together a message series that's been on my heart I've been wanting to share. Okay, caffeine is kicking in and I'm headed to work. But wait, while I'm headed that way I'll stop by the house and pick up a few things I'll need. While I'm home I noticed that the kitchen trash is beginning to smell and needs to be taken out. No problem, got it handled. While I'm getting a new trash bag for the kitchen garbage container I noticed the recycle container in the laundry room is full and just about overflowing. No worries, while I'm here I toss the recycle. Okay, now I am ready to go. Then I spotted an empty prescription bottle I left out on my desk as a reminder to stop by the pharmacy to get a refill. Hey, great the pharmacy is on the way to the office so I'll make a quick stop. Oh yeah Starbucks is right by the pharmacy so why not stop by the pharmacy get my prescription refilled, go down the block and across the street and get another cup of java. Perfect! Now I'm really ready to go to the office and get some work done.

I pull up to the church and park my car, gather my stuff both hands full, including my venti cup of coffee which I manage to spill on my hands as I try to juggle everything. Balancing every thing I unlock the door and fumble my way in. Opening the door to my office, I'm in! I have arrived now I can get started. But first things first, I have to wash the coffee of my hands, they are feeling sticky. Once that's done I begin unpacking all my stuff and plug in my lap top. Then I noticed the trash bin in my office was literally overflowing. I've been meaning to dump my office trash all week, now I am going to do it. I gather up the trash and make my way out the back door of the office and head over to the trash container and toss the trash. (Hum, must be trash day?) That felt good to get that done. Back inside I hunt down a trash bag to replace the one I tossed. Now I'm ready to go to work. Wait, I just received a text message I've been waiting on. Got to take care of that and respond. Now I'm ready to go? I think?

I have good intentions but too often that's all I have. I just realized that the enemy of good intentions is distractions. It's way to easy for me to lose focus and accomplish the urgent and not the important.

I don't like to admit it but there are times I treat my relationship with Christ this same way. I mean to spend time with Him in intimate conversation and relationship. I start the day wanting and needing that but, so many things seem to get my attention instead. Thankfully, when I turn my attention to Jesus, he is there waiting for me with open arms, gracious acceptance and points me back in the right direction. Just what I needed. Now I'm ready to go!

Stillness

2008-01-25T16:38:00.000-08:00

I was sitting in my back yard yesterday morning reading and quietly listening for Gods voice to speak into my heart. When I was taken by the stillness of the moment. It was as if God spoke to me right then and there. Be still and know that I am God! (Psalm 46:10) That's the words I needed to hear. The concerns of what was to come over the weekend. What I would do or have to say no longer mattered. I knew one thing. God was going to be there with me and give me exactly what I needed to accomplish his plan for His purpose. Ah the morning stillness. I long for it.