Tag: Bible

Learning to Lean All Over Again

Iris Godfrey

Isn’t life interesting? Oh I know people, specifically and in general, are very interesting creatures. But I think when we think of ourselves, interesting is probably not the word we would use. Yet, I do find my life interesting.

Not so interesting because of who I am. No so interesting because of what I do? Not so interesting because of where I live, or why I live there. No so interesting because I have traveled to places that are interesting, because I’ve not traveled broadly at all. But interesting because of what the Lord does in me and through me.

Who knew that at my age, (Presently 83) my Lord Jesus, would teach and require an entirely different approach to teaching and writing and almost everything I do? Let’s just take teaching His Word. I have taught the Bible to others since I was 15 when I first began to teach Sunday School in my Dad’s congregation. There was no one else to do it in our little congregation, so he put me there. Well, I began to do more than just read the Word every day, (a chapter a day in the New Testament every day as per Dad’s instructions since I was 9), but now learn a little more in order to teach the younger ones.

Later still, as a young mother I began doing some teaching beyond my Sunday School class – now teaching the young women in whatever congregation I was a part of as a married woman with a small child, there were changes to the way and the method and the expressions the Lord led me in. And on and on it has gone.

Yet, the biggest change required to the many and diverse methods, in-depth studies required in Institute teaching, on the radio, and TV – over and above all these changes and growths the Lord made as I grew in Him, He yet requires something so totally beyond me now that I am often overcome with wonder as He begins to open His Word over and over again in revelations I have never before seen or known.

Now the call changes once again. The Holy Spirit speaks, “Iris, no notes. I am their teacher as well as yours, so as you study (where I lead you to study – not where you might want to study) you listen and think with Me and study Me as well as with Me.” I know I am so totally and utterly unable to do as asked, so I simply lean into the Spirit and choose to do as He said and stand before people with only Him in my being and His Word in my hand and heart. “Open your mouth and I will fill it” echos in the caverns of my being as I begin to speak as He speaks and teach as He leads and open venues of “knowing” unknown before.

Such is the wonder of my life. Its so beyond anything I have ever known before, but I am finding more and more people who have been this way before me, except now they are way beyond somewhere while I learn and follow steps that will take me to where He is in them and beyond.

All New

Iris Godfrey

A New Creation – thoughts on 2 Corinthians 5:17.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” NKJV

This verse is the theme of our “New Creation Covenant” course on Tuesday evening in the Institute. Also I preached this morning at my church (New Heart Ministries) using this as my main scripture. So it is presently very much in my thoughts.

I think every Christian would say they believe this verse, but I know I have lived much of my life, as a believer, never really grasping the consequences of this verse being true. The word translated “created” is translated well. It is a word used for construction projects when it is built new from the ground up. So we are an entirely new creation. The word also means that we are the original formation. So it takes us back in spiritual DNA form to the New Adam – Christ Jesus our Lord.

Many, including me, have often taught that all that is true of our inner man or “spirit” which was completely made new. However, we must then learn how to manage our old man of flesh because that was not made new. Colossians 2:11 clearly states “In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ.” That old man was a part of the “foreskin” of our heart that was circumcised at our new birth in Him. So that is no longer a part of us.

So truly all things are new! The word “all” is not technically in the Greek text that I am using, but it is inferred in the other words. So using “all” in English, translates the passage properly. All really does say it well.

This is a re-adjusting of our thinking in this passage. He really did make all things new. Now to embrace that new identity in our Lord and begin to embrace the fullness of His work that has brought us into His family.

Lord, thank you!

My Weakness – His Strength

Iris Godfrey

Much, Much better today! Thanks so much for all the prayers as you read. This cold/flu stuff is not nice. I cannot remember ever hurting as much for such. Now that I am doing much better, it is time to get on with matters at hand. There is always more than I can do in a day, if I open my eyes. So I lean on our Lord within me to accomplish what is before me. He is good and strengthens my weakness.

In fact, Paul said his weakness was what he would brag about, not any supposed strength of his own. In 2 Corinthians 12, after Paul had talked about his visions etc, he said this, “Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited I was given a thorn in my flesh, a mesasenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with The Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Now this is definitely not putting your best foot forward. (Side note: the teachings of the world are never useful in regard to the government of the Kingdom of God. His ways are very different than any form or self-exaltation). He stood head-and-shoulders above any other apostles in visions and revelations. Yet, this was not what he chose to brag about. He was instead willing to brag about his weaknesses.

I do not believe Paul's “thorn” was any form of illness, simply because the use of that term in the Scripture is always associated with irritation, temptations, testings, etc…. So I believe he was given a constant reminder of some sort of the fact that he was a very weak and easily tested human being. That being so, it becomes even more amazing that he was who he was.

Accepting our weakness is the first real step in understanding the strength of our Savior. He is strong and I can simply trust Him for the strength needed to accomplish for my day. I need not be undone because I find myself week. Neither do I need to give weakness its intended result – making my reslove weak in Him. Instead, leaning into His strength, I am strengthened in ways I never thought possible and led to accomplish matters too difficult for me.

I have my limitations; He has none. Glory. Now that is truly awesome. That means, me released in Him and He released in me is able – whatever. His goodness is amazing.

What about 1 Peter? Oh I will probably get back there soon. Just have a few items on my heart to share, so am taking the space to do just that.

I am typing this on my iPad Mini, and learning to use the program designed for blogging. I have done some with it before, but find I use my iPad much more than my computer, and it is usually with me. So there you are. Blessings on all who read.

 

And The Government . . .

Iris Godfrey

6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7 NASB

“And the government will rest on His shoulders…” That phrase simply means everything about the government will be supported by Him, led by Him, kept by Him and determined by Him. Nothing outside of Him will be responsible for anything. 

The government of the Kingdom of God rests on our Lord Jesus Christ. In truth, according to Romans 13:1 “every” authority is from Him. “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” This Scripture is true wherever one lives on this globe. Whether in the US where a democracy is the form of government, or in Cuba where a dictator is seemingly responsible for all. 

If the government is really on His shoulders, then much of what we concern ourselves with is irrelevant. Whether it is the government of the land where we live, or whether it is our own personal lives, His is the government. 

This is amazing when we begin to consider what He allows and expects from us in using our free-will. He seems to incorporate our choices into His governing as we move forward in time, call, vision and purpose. He does not over ride us, nor does He leave it all up to us. Yet in this boundless inclusion, we are asked to move in harmony with His governing choices. 

We are given hints as the needs we have to come into this awareness  in 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 where the Holy Spirit lets us know we will judge the world and angels. So He has an expectation of us that we have not often understood. We need to know the Book, Beloved, and not just to right our behavior, but to be able to inter-act with His heart in this government, now in this life. It is a call to a supernatural awareness of His love and HIs purposes, so we can relate to Him in ways of honor and friendship in co-operation. Such is the Vision in HIs heart. 

Guess we better move our thought patterns to the Spirit world. Let’s see Colossians 3:1-2 says this, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” 

Thank you Lord, for lifting us out of our mire and grime into the glorious realms where worlds are governed. We are yours. 

 

 

That Child of Hope!

Iris Godfrey

6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7 NASB

“For a child will be born to us,…” oh yes, the hope of all hopes. In any family when a child is born there is an automatic rejoicing deep within the hearts of family members, regardless of the circumstances of that birth. Why? Simply because now the family line will proceed. Now there is the hope of life. Now there is the hope of moving forward in time with the family name, characteristics and many more very obvious things.

Now when we understanding this passage, it was not just any child, but the Child who had been promised with the first words spoken by Almighty God, “Light be!” (Literal rendering from Genesis 1:3) I am aware that we are taught in Bible School that the first prophecy about this Child was in Genesis 3:15, but when we take a look at the entire revelation of God in the Scriptures, we find that Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12) and He says we are the light of the world also (Matthew 5:14). Then we add to that the description in Revelation 21:22-23, “I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun or the moon to shine on it for the gory of God has illumined it, and it lamp is the Lamb,” we are aware that the first recorded words from our Father were deeply prophetic regarding this Child as well as all who would call on His name. (Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have been included in the first recorded words from our Father!)

So this Child of all children has brought the hope of eternal light and understanding of our Father and all he is about. The light that enlightens all who will allow has come and is illuminating any and all who will. This is hope beyond hope. This is hope that lifts us and thrusts us into a realm of believing and existing that we have not know previously. It is the hope of the ages. 

Here we are in this season, once again, wrapped in His joy, hope, promise and glory celebrating Him and the light He has brought to us. Rejoice this day and season that we know Him – that Child of hope!

Preparing Minds

Iris Godfrey

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“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am Holy.'” 1 Peter 1: 13-16

The Holy Spirit’s instruction and admonition to all is to prepare our minds for action. I know there is more in this scripture, but let’s “camp” here for a moment or two. My thoughts go to those of us who are in the autum years of our life here on planet earth. It is so easy at any age, and particularly as we age, to allow the mind to be entertained but not engaged. It is so easy to slip into our culture of media entertainment instead of meaningful reading or writing or study of some sort. 

Do not misunderstand, I believe in media and I use media in every way possible. It can be used to enrich or to engage and make us think. I read on my Kindle reader on my iPad most of the time I read. So I am not speaking here of trying to go backward “to a simpler time,” which really is a figment of someone’s imagination, but with an attitude of alert awareness that takes effort and training to accomplish. 

As we age, this gets harder to do and is less prominent than in our earlier, obvious learning years. But Peter (and the Holy Spirit) specifies no age on this – just an instruction to all of us. Our minds must be prepared for action in the Holy Spirit. 

How is that done? Well, the Lord may speak a word to you about it (probably about now) that has to do with how He in you would like to accomplish this. He is able and willing to do that for each one of us. For me, it is reading His word in massive amounts and listening then moving into dialogue for my day and for the season. For others it will be different, considering my assignment as a teacher of the Word. However we do it, Scripture, dialogue with the Lord, tongues, moving in the flow of the Spirit – all of the above. Let’s renew that “computer” in our head with and in the Word, then stay alert in our thinking to receive and flow in the remainder of the section of Scripture. 

We can dwell in “autumn” while we think like “spring.” A challenge, indeed – but in Him very do-able. 

The House of His Dreams

Iris Godfrey

Image  “And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:4-5 NASB

(The photo attached is a very special fall gift for our front steps from one of our marvelous neighbors. We are so blessed to be so included in a neighborhood. Who would have thought – a busy street in a Central New York city. God is awesome!)

This passage will change our lives if we will really mediate on it and allow it to sink into our being. It is about us. God’s choosing and God’s loving us. We come to Him and find that He has been waiting all along to receive, to bless and to allow us to experience His heart. Here He calls us “living stones.” You see, God has been building a house all along. We find illusions to it all through the Old Covenant. Let me quote a book I am reading.

“The Bible’s story begins by telling us about the world where the story takes place. In the Bible, the world is the real world that we live in, the world that God created. But the Bible describes the world in a particular way. In some places, the Bible describes it as a house. Talking to Job from the whirlwind, Yahweh asks: ‘Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth! Tell me, if you know understanding, Who set its measurements, since you know? Or who stretched the line on it? On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy? [Job 33:4-7]  Earth and especially mountains, are set on ‘foundations’ (Deuteronomy 32:32; 2 Samuel 22:8, 16; Psalm 104:5) just like the foundations that hold up a house. Blue sky is stretched out above like a ‘tent curtain’ (Isaiah 40:22). Pillars support the earth (Job 9:6) and heaven (Job 26:11). When God first appears in the Bible, He is building a house.” A House For My Name, by Peter J. Leithart, pp. 43-44

In the New Covenant in Ephesians and Hebrews, statements made are also about His house. Then there are the ones in 1 Corinthians 3 & 6 about us being  the temple of the Holy Spirit. Now here in 1 Peter – more of the same. 

You, my precious believing friend, are the house of His dreams. He is not after a house of brick and mortar, but the heart and spirit of the one He created to “being with” – you and me. We are the “living stones” that are being built up as a “spiritual house” for this holy priesthood that offers the living sacrifice of life, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 

Such a high calling. Such a marvelous concept to grasp and to ponder. Such a gift of love and empowerment in becoming. Truly our God is awesome!

Released to Live!

Iris Godfrey

Just a bit of personal sharing to begin our post today. I am praying and working toward being able to blog four times a week. I ask my followers to join with me for that. I recognize this blog as a very legitimate media expression through which to teach and share what I believe the Lord would have me share. Therefore, diligence and time are needed to be effective. My daily schedule varies, so I am working to be consistent on the days where blogging is possible. Thank you for understanding, and if you follow me by clicking on the “follow me” button, then the blog will be delivered into your email in-box and you will not have to check the blog to see if something has come in. Thank you all for reading and praying. Now to the Word! 

“If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:17-19

The Holy Spirit, through Peter, is addressing life-style – not salvation. If you will take a few moments and read the entirety of the chapter, you will see he is already assured these folk were born-from-above and now need to be encouraged in the life-style of their time on the earth. If we get confused on this point we will misunderstand the passage.

There are two things in this passage that are extremely important to note. Peter is addressing people who have been redeemed (bought back – a slave term in the 1st century. We could just as easily translate it “purchased.”) by blood – not silver nor gold. Not with things that will perish along with the earth as we know it to be, but with the eternal blood of the son of God. 

Now God, our Father is Spirit (John 4:24), but when Jesus became man – that is a permanent position for Him. He is ascended, indeed, but he remains the God/man. Jesus could only have blood if he entered into our reality and became human for His is the only blood in heaven. Blood is needful for life here, but not there. Now that divinely infused, life-filled blood is what has made it possible for us to be His. This is a mystery which defies all logic and reason. One cannot reason it out, but can receive it by simply trusting Him that it is so. It is not a mind thing, but a spirit thing to enter into this reality. Now we are not only human, but also products of divine infused blood so now we are God/man also for we are as He is in our world. (1 John 4:17c) 

That being so, we are now His children and have every right to call Almighty God our Father. He is our parent and we are His children. These are spiritual realities. In the natural we honor our parents, care for them and treasure them. The way I keep our home is a reflection on how my Mother kept her home. I am so like her in so many ways. I am definitely like my Dad when I get a Bible in my hand and I preach much like he did. Yet, the parentage of God in me (and all of us) far surpasses the human parentage. I am Almighty God’s daughter, not by silver nor gold, but by blood – the precious, unmeasurable valuable, blood of Christ. 

That being so, my life-style is called to reflect that parentage and that price in every dimension. Peter first addresses our attitude – one of “fear.” We have trouble with this in our world for it brings up all kinds of negative thoughts. Let’s get rid of those and look at the reality of this word. It does mean “fear,” “respect,” “reverence,” but the best translation is “fear.” He is trying to get us to take this very seriously. We are to reflect Him — much more than any earthly source or origin. Father God is the reason we are living — period. That being so, we are to be very aware of our heritage in every aspect of our life. 

This is not a thing of legalism. It is the supernatural outcome of a supernatural parentage and a supernatural birthing avenue – the blood of Christ. Our actions will be judged – not our souls. Paul writes “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)

It is a matter of stewardship. How are we using the gifted time of life here? Is it reflecting the grace, mercy and goodness of our Father? This is His call and encouragement. In His empowering and ability, our lives radiate His kindness and love. Our words encourage and ignite hope and freedom in others. We become as He is. In this reality, we are released to live!

A high call for a lowly life-style. Yet, empowered, gifted and released to become. Yes, Lord and thank you!