Does God Have Dirt Under His Nails?

Does God have dirt under His nails? That's a question that might cause some to wonder, especially since God is holy and pure . . . not dirty.

God is holy, and He calls His people to be holy as well. He requires perfect purity all the while knowing you and I can never attain it. But that doesn't deter Him. He keeps working on us and in us, trying to bring us to the place where we realize that no matter what, we can never be holy or righteous without Him. 

But with Him and in Him . . . ah . . . that is where grace and joy and peace abide. 

It pleases the Lord to watch His children grow. He's happy to see our development as we pass through spiritual infancy, toddlerhood, youth, adolescence, and into maturity.

But let's think about "in the beginning" for just a minute. God began His relationship with people by fashioning Adam out of the soil of the earth, and it seems to me all these years later, He’s still getting dirt on His hands.

In John 15 Scripture records the parable of the vineyard in which Jesus called His followers branches in the Father’s vineyard. God is the husbandman, which means “earth tiller,” and in the enterprise of earth tilling, the husbandman is bound to get His hands dirty. I’m sure I give Him cause to “clean under His nails” on a regular basis as He continues to shape, prune, train, and refine me.

In his book Secrets of the Vine, John Wilkenson brings to light a beautiful truth in John 15:2, "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."

That doesn't sound like good news for the unfruitful branches, but according to Wilkenson, “taketh away” in this passage means:

• to lift up,
• take up,
• or raise up new branches that have a tendency to trail down.

Instead of cutting off the weary, non-producing branches and throwing them in the compost pile, the vinedresser washes off the dirt, lifts up the branches and wraps them around a sturdy trellis. 

In the same way, God’s hands are at work in the lives of His people—cleaning away dirt, lifting us up with tender loving care and providing stability, even when we lack the strength or maturity to do so for ourselves. In the process, it's our job to remain tender and pliable in His hands with our roots planted solidly in the Master’s vineyard.

When I look around (including in the mirror) I see how so much of the Church has fallen into a mindset I’ve dubbed “Ivory Soap Christianity.” If we’re almost pure, doing our best, well, surely God will honor that. But 99.4 percent pure (like Ivory Soap advertises) is not enough, and we cannot in our flesh obtain the measure of purity and holiness God requires. So what are we to do? Where’s the hope in that?

First, we admit our human limitations. We have to move out of our natural ability and into God’s supernatural ability. That only comes when we recognize our dependence on God and His righteousness. By sheer determination and extreme effort, perhaps someone might be able to serve God and stay 99.4 percent pure in their thoughts, actions and motives. Regardless, no matter how pure any person can be by strength of will alone, without exception, every one is dependent on God's mercy to bring them up to His standard of holiness. 

Our abilities and strengths will never be enough, but there’s good news. Jesus' sacrifice on Calvary will ever and always be enough. How do we apply what He did to our lives? We begin by experiencing the new birth by repenting, being baptized in Jesus' name and being filled with His Spirt (Acts 2:38). If you would like more information, [CLICK HERE] to take a brief, self-guided Bible study. 

If you have achieved 99.4 percent purity, and God bless you if you have, you must still turn to Jesus to supply the .6 percent you lack to be holy as He is holy. Jesus is willing right now to meet your weakness with His strength, His mercy and His grace. 

Many of us are familiar with a popular verse written by Paul and recorded in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.” I used to think this meant taking some mountain for Jesus. That it spoke of some pinnacle experience God would enable me to achieve. 

When my first husband was struck with cancer I learned a deeper meaning to this verse.
I can endure all things.
I can walk through every situation.
I can face every weakness and inadequacy and temptation in my life and overcome it through the power of Jesus Christ.

When the appointed time comes, the Lord is going to wash His hands one final time as He prepares for His wedding day, finally celebrating what He has worked and sacrificed and longed for—a marriage relationship of pure, beautiful intimacy with His Bride. I’m looking forward to that day with joy, thankful for God’s grace that brought me out of the dirt, into the Church and will see me safely into eternity with Him. What a day that will be.

In the meantime, my friend, we can’t live for only "the mountaintops" when the Lord is calling us to tend His fields and bring in His harvest. Fields are dirty places. But it seems God likes to work in the dirt. How about you?

P.S. I hear getting dirty is good for your immune system. :)

Uncle Sam Needs You!

Each year about this time, National Day of Prayer articles and invitations disseminate across the land. They serve their purpose. I’ve written many of them; however, I believe this year it is critical the people of God look beyond history and event planning and address the incredible need of the hour.

1)  Our government is in a mess, and

2)  We are mandated by the Word of God to pray for our leaders.

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (I Timothy 2:1-2, NIV)

In Paul’s charge to his son in the faith, his first directive was to urge him to pray and give thanks for everyone, specifically those in authority. I heard someone say there is only one kind of leader – an imperfect one. Both the godly and the godless are in need of divine guidance as they serve in their positions. Regardless of political affiliations and stands on issues dear to our hearts, we must detach ourselves from our agendas and ask the Lord for His heart. It is then we will know how to pray effectively His will on earth as it is in heaven. 

Notice the relationship in the verse between prayer and the end result: peace and holiness in the land. Could prayer for our leaders be the missing element to peace and holiness in America? If Christians could grasp the significance of the call, I believe we would not only be compelled to pray, but to reach out and encourage our leaders in other ways as well.

Thursday, May 1, 2014, millions will gather to pray across the nation, not only for our government, but also for military, media, businesses, schools, families and churches. To find a Christian event in your area, visit www.ndptf.org. After you pray, I hope you will take the time to contact your representatives and public officers and let them know you prayed for them and will continue to ask God’s blessings upon them and their families as they serve.

Lori Wagner

Previous Michigan State Coordinator for the National Day of Prayer

P.S. Thank you, Eric Moore, of Culture of Honor for imparting your insight and passion on praying for our leaders. http://www.cultureofhonor.org

Precious Graduate . . .

As I began to pray about what to write to you on your special day, a picture came to mind of a rocket ship launching. No, you don’t look like a rocket ship. You are far more amazing than anything men could make. But as I saw the ship take off it came to me that you are on the launch pad. Even now, the countdown has begun.

In honor of your launching, I’d like to do a countdown with you of special verses and thoughts I hope will bless and encourage you today and in days to come.

10. OK, so this one is for you, but it’s also for your parents and grandparents. It’s my favorite verse:

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 4). You have been given a beautiful life to live—and that life is a gift from God given through your parents. Walk with Him, and you will both have joy and give joy to the people who love you the most.

9. Don’t eat yellow snow. You probably already knew that, huh? My point really is to laugh and enjoy your life along the way. Yes, we take and make our life choices seriously, but in this life we can have some serious fun along the way. Share that great smile!

8. Enjoy every season of life. Each comes with its delights. Each comes with it s difficulties. Look for the good in every day as you are living it — never wishing away your now on a future that hasn't yet happened or a past you can’t return to.

7. Love the truth you have been blessed to be raised in! And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness (2 Timothy 3:15, Amplified).  

6. Remember, it’s up to you to choose to walk in agreement with God’s plans for your life! Don’t make your own choices and ask God to bless them, but find out what God is doing and throw yourself into it body, soul, mind and spirit! Give your best — always striving for excellence in all you do.

5. Work with the gifts God gave you. God has given you specific talents and abilities. Focus on your strengths and develop them. Don’t focus on what you can’t do. I’m not great at math, but that doesn't make me a loser. I can do other things. You are a vital part of a “Body.” Even colons serve a purpose, right? Hehehehe…

4. The Kingdom of God (the eternal important stuff) is not “meat and drink” — the things of this world that will some day pass away. It is Righteousness, Peace and Joy! 

Think of these three things as a set of stairs. Keep righteousness as your foundation, and you can move up to a place of peace . . . and from there, even higher. Peace and joy are always available to you regardless of the situations and drama life can bring . . . but they always rest on a foundation of righteousness. Seek ye first the kingdom AND righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

3. This is one of my life verses. It goes along with Point 4: I will make peace your governor and righteousness your ruler (Isaiah 60:17b). What does a governor do? They are heads of state. So if you get in a state of confusion . . . or a state of distress . . . make peace your head of state!

A governor is a person in charge. He gives direction and takes control. Let peace direct and control your decisions.

A governor is also a device in machinery that regulates its fuel supply. Some vehicles have governors in them that allow their drivers to go only so fast. Sometimes I feel like I need to go 100 miles an hour, and my “governor” won’t let me. Let peace set your pace.

We already talked a bit about righteousness. It’s referring to morality, integrity and living in right standing with God. What’s “right” is supposed to be our ruler — what drives us, our motivation for all we do.

This verse shows us a great way to live and to resolve the decisions we will face — with peace as governor and righteousness as ruler!

2. Keep a right balance between humility before God and men and operating with spiritual boldness in confidence. Without Him you can do nothing (not even breathe!) . . . but with Him, you can do all things!

1. Trust in the Lord — with ALL your heart! Don’t lean on your own thoughts and understanding, but instead, acknowledge God in every part of your life, and He will show you the best way to go — the best way to live. There are many ways to live — but God will lead you in the BEST for YOU!

The first direct word from the Lord spoken over me by a Spirit-filled man was to “take My grace and spread it over every part of your life, like peanut butter and jam on toast.” Every corner! All to Him!

Blast off! Launch! Fly! I believe in you!
Always and for eternity,
Lori Wagner

Equal Opportunity Beauty

The following is a feature article in the January/February edition of Reflections magazine available from Ladies Ministries.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY BEAUTY

Have you ever wondered what it means to be “fearfully” made? Surely the message of this verse is not that people are frightful, although this is sometimes the case when I roll out of the sheets with a bodacious case of “bed head.” While each of us would do well to greet a hairbrush in the morning, what this verse indicates is that God’s creation – you and me – should be held in awe and inspire praise!

Being wonderfully made means (drum roll, please) we are made wonderfully! The wonder of our “divine design” should arouse genuine admiration — feelings of pleasure and approval. We’re not talking about egocentric self-love, but the satisfaction that comes from knowing we bear the fingerprints of God! The works of God are marvelous. That includes you and me: each of us a one-of-a-kind Master-piece.

Ladies, Scripture declares it! Jesus made you and me awesome, wonderful and marvelous! We may not always appreciate the beauty in the reflection we see in our mirrors, but shouldn’t we agree with God’s appraisal? He likes what He made; and after all, true beauty is in the eye of the Creator.

Pretty in Perspective

Now, here's a really awe-inspiring concept! No matter what you and I look like on the outside, we each have the same equal opportunity to be beautiful people.

Peter taught Christian ladies to refrain from the outer adornment and decoration techniques practiced in their culture. Instead they should pursue the inner, unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit (I Peter 3:3-4). Unfading beauty cannot be based on physical attributes. No matter how we look today, if we keep breathing long enough, gravity and time will have their way on our skin, hair and other features.

Timeless beauty is based on virtue and is the antithesis of the youthful ideal promoted in our culture. Inner beauty improves with age and experience. It’s possible to be a more beautiful person at 60 than you were at 16.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised" (Proverbs 31:30, NIV). The desire for outward attractiveness comes naturally in our human packaging, but it's clear God places a higher value on character than attractiveness.

In The Message, Eugene Peterson paraphrased Peter’s counsel to women with unsaved husbands. He assured them they would be “captivated” by their lives of “holy beauty” (I Peter 3:1-4, MSG). I like that – holy beauty that captivates others! He went on to say, “Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in.”

Continuing with Peter’s writings: "For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear” (I Peter 3:5-6, NIV).

Sarah was physically attractive. Her beauty so concerned her husband he lied about their relationship to protect his life. Sarah wasn't perfect. She made mistakes and even laughed at God's promise, but Peter wrote that her obedience and respect made her beautiful.   

If we are Sarah's daughters, we will do as she did: 1) what is right, and 2) not give way to fear. It seems much of the driving force behind "becoming beautiful" or maintaining a youthful appearance is based in fear – a fear that we aren't good enough or might lose our “edge.” My sisters, let’s do what's right and not give in to fears that stem from deep-rooted needs for security fostered by a ravenous multi-billion dollar beauty industry.

Be Pretty

You have probably heard your mom say, “Pretty is as pretty does” or its companion clause, “Don’t act ugly!” Our conduct affects the perception of beauty we transmit to others. It’s a fact that outer beauty draws attention, but character captures and keeps admiration and affection. A person of beautiful character brings beauty to her world.

We may never measure up to the standards of beauty promoted in our culture, but in addition to being the awesome, wonderful, marvelous creations God made us to be, we can choose to be radiant. “Those who look to him are radiant” (Psalm 34:5, NIV). God’s Spirit in us brings a glow that no cosmetic can compete with, and purity is as pretty as pretty can be. If we treasure the beautiful Word of God in our inner selves, we will radiate beauty outwardly! Listen and glisten! “The splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect” (Ezekiel 16:14, NIV).

One final consideration I leave with you. Was Jesus beautiful? It’s written in Isaiah 53:2, “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” God could have created the most magnificent body for Himself, but according to the Word, Jesus was an average looking person.

When He was arrested and beaten beyond recognition, Jesus was less than lovely to look upon, but He was never more beautiful. As we put our faith in God and follow Jesus’ footsteps in humility, we will gain a beauty that is far more than the sum of our physical parts. Obedience is always beautiful. True beauty shines form a Christ-like heart!

Chipper: You Can't Take That Away From Me

Chipper met us at the dining room door for treats almost every day. My children delighted in feeding the fat little fur-ball. Several times I caught my one-year-old son “holding hands” with the red squirrel through the glass door wall — as Chipper’s little paw reached inward and Charles’ pudgy toddler hand pressed against the glass.

My husband’s spinal column had collapsed about six months before Chipper began his visits. Pete had been home on disability since that time, and Chipper brightened otherwise dull days. Our family gathered to watch when Chipper scurried to the door, perched on his haunches with front paws folded, and peeked in at us with reserved yet amazing boldness. Then, quick as a wink, he snatched the cracker, chip or old bagel and rushed it off to the top of a big rock or up a tree to dine in privacy.

Chipper received his name from my husband who dubbed him after a feeding frenzy on a bag of Better Maid potato chips. Some days he arrived before we were out of bed, evidenced by tiny tracks in the snow on the flagstone patio. We regretted the times we missed the little fellow.

One day, as I sipped a cup of coffee between the squirrel’s breakfast courses, I smiled and thought about the many blessings I had received in my life. I thought about Chipper and how he had everything he needed provided by God through His creation. Chipper didn’t need the morsels we gave him, but they were treats for him in the cold winter months, and our family took pleasure in giving them to him and watching him nibble away.

My musings came to a halt, and my smile quickly faded when a huge black bird, almost as big as our plump furried friend, landed on the patio beside him. The bird seemed to make no threatening gestures or sounds, yet Chipper darted into a bush, hid his cracker and ran away. The bird pecked around in the snow, shuffled over to the shrubs and snatched Chipper’s treat. He ate it with gusto, and I became angry as I watched through the glass.

How dare that unwelcome, uninvited ugly black bird take what did not belong to him!

In a flash, my thoughts turned again to God’s blessings…how He “daily loadeth us with benefits”…and how our enemy comes to steal them. I wondered how God feels when He sees blessings He’s given to His children stolen away.

I don’t know that Chipper had to forfeit his cracker to the old, black bird; but he put it down . . . and the bird took it for himself. 

Perhaps my thoughts seem like apples and oranges, but the scene that played outside the glass door gave me pause and made me consider for myself how easily I "drop" my blessings. Whether a real or perceived threat, or just a simple distraction of life, I am determined to hold on — hold on to the blessings I’ve received. 

Each day I hope to remember to choose to keep them fresh in my mind so there will be no opportunity for the enemy to deceive or distract me — to rob me of what it pleased God to give me. I will keep my blessings — among them: forgiveness, peace, truth, love and joy — and nothing will separate me from my gifts because I’ve chosen to lay them down.

Like the old Shirley Caeser song says, "This joy I have, the world didn't give it to me, and the world can't take it away!" Click on the link to hear it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFr9U-o3GKM

This past week was amazing! My husband and I were blessed to participate in The Summons in Washington DC. On behalf of the National Day of Prayer, we joined people from several organizations who gathered to pray for our nation.

While there, exactly 300 people (a modern-day Gideon's army) contacted their state's government officials/offices in the House and Senate -- giving them gifts of appreciation for their service and offering to pray with them. We also conducted solemn assemblies near the Washington Monument and in front of the Capitol building at the Upper Senate Park. In addition to scheduled activities, we prayer walked around DC and visited Mt. Vernon, the Pentagon, and enjoyed a private tour of the Capitol.

A couple of highlights: 

My husband and I finished our assignments in the House Office Building and had a couple of hours of free time. We walked to the Museum of American History and joined the tail end of a tour. The last stop inside was the Star Spangled Banner exhibit. I was so moved in the darkened room that housed this national treasure that after we exited I told my husband, "We have to go back. I just want to sit on the bench and pray."

What impacted me was the sight of the very standard that flew during a time of great strife. Our nation had been compromised by enemy forces. Yet through the night, the flag, the nation's banner still waved . . . bringing joy to those who saw it at dawn's early light. They knew they were winning when their banner remained raised.

As the set-apart nation of God, we Christians have a banner of our own. The Lord is our banner (Exodus 17:15)! And He is still in sight! Though the nation is compromised . . . though the night is dark and long . . . our banner of love still waves! And banners mark victory!

Seated in the Star Spangled Banner exhibit, I was encouraged, but at the same time felt a heaviness. I was thanking God for His righteous banner still waving in our world, while I was also compelled to pray, "Don't give up on America, Jesus!" Even in the Church, our "land" has been compromised -- the teachings of our Lord watered down, the consecrations of His people lacking. I began to pray:

Don't give up on us, dear Jesus! I see You! I want to be Your righteous bride! There is still in me both flaws and flesh . . . and in our nation, America has her flaws and failures . . . but don't give up on America! Don't give up on Your people!

It's not over yet!

One word spoken by a presenter at the conference was that in the biblical record when God was "finished" with a nation, prayer ceased. In America, God's people are still praying! Doesn't that encourage you? There is so much prayer going up it seems God just can't be "done" with our nation yet!

On Guard?

One more thing worth sharing from the conference was something I learned on the Pentagon tour. Coincidentally, in conjunction with this story, the "Old Guard" was having a convention at the same hotel hosting our event.

Since 1937 the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been guarded by a member of the Old Guard 24 hours a day -- regardless of weather, threat of terrorist attack or other factors. "Walking the mat" is a privilege attained by few elite soldiers. 

While touring the Pentagon, our guide (a member of the military) told us the badge bestowed on those who guard the Tomb is a rare honor, and the only badge that can be taken away due to the conduct of the soldier after receiving it. The example he gave was that if a member of the Old Guard, even after his term of service was complete, dishonored himself by receiving a DUI, he could be stripped of his award.

With that in mind, the conduct of the guards must be impeccable, especially while on duty. Our guide at the Pentagon told us that during Hurricane Irene a call was sent out for handcuffs to be delivered to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The thought was the conduct of the guard was inappropriate, but what was discovered when the handcuffs were delivered was that the guard on duty wanted to cuff himself to the rail so that if he was to perish in the hurricane his body would not be washed away.

I have no documentation of the story other than that it was told to me by a military officer on duty at the Pentagon during an official tour; but that, my friend, is dedication! That is commitment to service! I commend the members of the Guard for their diligence and sacrifice! 

As tears pooled in my eyes at the telling of this story, my thoughts turned again to the Church. The members of the Old Guard are willing to suffer to the point of their own harm to honor deceased soldiers they don't even know. What are you and I willing to sacrifice for our God? For those living among us? For our future generations?

Let's keep praying! Let's keep believing! Let's keep working while we have the opportunity! Stand for righteousness -- it's greater than "Old Glory!" It's God's glory; and it's my prayer the Lord reveals Himself yet again in a great revival in our hearts, our nation, our world!  

Speaking at the Summons General Session

Regardless of the results of the upcoming elections, our nation will still need prayer! Be on guard! Stay on your watch! Stand your ground! I believe our prayers and our commitments to live righteously unto the Lord in our generation can make a difference! Amen and amen!

I hope you enjoy some of the pictures! If you're on facebook, here's a link to our singing "Amazing Grace" in the rotunda of our Capitol: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4661082646469

Blessings!

Leading "Amazing Grace" in the Capitol Rotunda

The Wagners Prayer Walking the Capitol Grounds

With Senator Louie Gohmert of Texas

With Mrs. Shirley Dobson, NDPTF Chair

With Sue Stoltz, Midwest  National Area Leader

With Vonette Bright, NDPTF Founder

With many of the Midwest NDPTF
Team

After prayer with Rep. Hansen Clarke's staff

At the first prayer event at the new MLK memorial

With Bishop Harry Jackson of High Impact Leadership Coalition

With Mr. & Mrs. Dave Butts of Harvest Prayer Ministries

Why a National Day of Prayer?

Lori Wagner, Michigan State NDP Coordinator

Americans are privileged to live in one of the richest nations in the world, yet a question cries out to be answered: Has America lost her true treasure? Are her families intact? Her children secure? Are sacred principles of integrity, loyalty and the sanctity of human life respected and protected?

Most of us would agree, America is in need of prayer.

Prayer has been a vital component of our national heritage. The first official call sounded in 1775, when the Continental Congress requested prayers for wisdom to form our government. President Lincoln proclaimed a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer.” In 1952, Congress unanimously voted on a joint resolution that established an annual day of prayer, later amended to secure the date on the first Thursday of every May.

National Days of Prayer are more than significant activities in our nation’s history; they are critical to our future. They are days set aside to remember our rich heritage—and like our founding fathers, humbly seek God’s wisdom, guidance and grace.

Thursday, May 3, will mark the 61st annual observance. Thousands of events with millions of expected participants are being planned across the nation with a unifying theme, “One Nation Under God,” supported by Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

In Lansing, a noon event will take place on the steps in front of the State Capitol Building. For one hour, legislators, community leaders, children, and men and women of all ages, walks of life and Christian denominations will stop their usual activities and gather to ask God’s blessing and protection upon our nation.

The public is invited. For more information, including confirmed participants and sponsorship opportunities, as well as a link to find other events, visit www.ndpmi.blogspot.com. You may also contact Lori Wagner at (248) 909-5735