Enjoy Your Life!

"All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, 

'If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness!'"- Numbers 14:2

One of the most impactful things God has said to me occurred during some quiet time a few years ago. It was this simple request: "Enjoy Your Life!"  

Why would God say something this obvious - of course I want to enjoy my life!  But even though this seems like such a simple and easy thing to do, in reality it's very difficult.  We burden ourselves with the anxiety and stress of work, money, family, health issues, and the like, and before you know it, you can get sucked down a rabbit hole of negativity and complaining about your life and all the things that are "going wrong."

I remember the time in my corporate job when the sales team I worked with conducted a program from an outside consultant called, "The Happiness Advantage."  Based on the book by the same name, written by Shawn Achor, we studied a fable called "The Orange Frog," about a frog who was the only orange-colored frog in his community.  He was also the only frog with a positive attitude, despite being made fun of for being different. As his positive attitude infected others around him, soon the rest of the community of frogs turned orange, symbolic of a happy and positive attitude.

But what I took away most about the program was how unfortunate it was that we had to pay someone to deliver that kind of program in the first place, that there is now so much demand for programs about how to be happy.  Why is this such a struggle?

Because it's in our human nature - all the things we are chasing to make us happy, are really just "sugar highs" of the world - the promotions, the new car, the beach house, retirement - that all come with the promise of something better, but also wear out quickly as we look for the next "fix."  I recall a recent article written by someone who retired in his 30s, who warned that after six months of the sugar high of financial freedom, he defaulted back to his previous state of unhappiness.  Why? Because his happiness was built on the wrong foundation - an expectation that money and financial freedom can provide true happiness and contentment.

The only way to true happiness, or joy, comes from Jesus Christ, because the joy He provides is everlasting and unbreakable.  When you put your trust in Him, you receive the gifts of peace and joy, promised by the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is unaffected by the short term highs and lows of this temporary, earthly life.  Jesus himself says "in this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33), so we know that nothing we do will totally erase the challenges we will all face on this earth.  We ultimately have a choice in the attitude we have during whatever circumstances we face.  By putting your trust and hope in the Lord, you are building a foundation of joy and peace that outlasts the negativity that the things of this world will consistently and constantly challenge us with.

So I say to you again, "Enjoy Your Life!"  You will always face challenges that can derail you from living a joyful life, but by choosing to live a life of trust and obedience to God, you can hold fast to Jesus' promise to always be there in the storm with love, peace, and joy that can never be taken away!

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." - 1 Peter 1:8-9

- Adam Gellert
adamgellert.com

Showing It All - The Value of Discretion

"Hezekiah received the envoys and showed them all that was in his storehouses - the silver, the gold, the spices, and the fine olive oils -  his armory and everything found among his treasures.  There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them." - 2 Kings 20:13

My parents used to call me "Mr. Reporter" - I just had to share everything that I had heard about or done with everyone.  It was difficult for me to keep secrets, because I loved being the one to tell someone else about something they didn't know about, and being a source of news and gossip.  I'm also a very transparent person, so most of the time I don't see the harm in sharing things with others.

On the other hand, my parents have been successful entrepreneurs their entire lives, building up and selling several businesses.  They are much more closely guarded with what is going on with their businesses and personal lives, and the successes (and failures) they have had.  We lived in a nicer area of town growing up, but they didn't like telling people where they lived, and they never wanted my brother and me to talk about it either if they knew we were doing it for the wrong reasons.  They have always had a quiet humility, which has led them to live a life of Godly influence with people from all walks of life.

I have to admit that I've butted heads with them on how they approach their lives in such a secretive way, but as I've grown older, I've come to appreciate and learn from their approach.  The key issue or question is, why should something be shared with others, and what is the motivation behind it? Is it to edify God or others, or edify yourself?  Sometimes it's an issue of pride, or if you're like me, you may be too trusting of others who won't properly handle what you've shared with them.

Hezekiah fell into the trap of pride when he showed everything in his kingdom to visitors from Babylon.  In 2 Kings 20 we see that after he did so, Isaiah the prophet confronted him about it:

"The prophet asked, "What did they see in your palace?"  

"They saw everything in my palace," Hezekiah said.  

"There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them."

"Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Hear the word of the Lord: The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your predecessors have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon.  Nothing will be left, says the Lord.  And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon." - 2 Kings 20:15-18

We live in a transparent, open society today, where we love to share with the public through social media and other mediums our accomplishments, failures, business dealings, and family and personal issues.  I'm constantly amazed at how much people are willing to share about their lives in public forums.  Like Hezekiah showing everything to people from a distant land, who might you be sharing too much with? And do you run the risk that someone might use that information to take what you've worked so hard to build, like your business or reputation?

Years ago, someone shared a prophetic word that God would share secrets with me.  While there is much that God puts on our hearts that we should be sharing with others, there may be some things that are just between God and us.  As you grow in deeper relationship with Him, I would encourage you to confirm with God what secrets are reserved for just the two of you, so He can trust you with even more revelation about who He is.

Are there areas of your life you are too transparent with others about?  Are there things you are too quick to share with others?  Is Pride the root of this transparency?  Ask God to give you the discretion and wisdom to keep private what needs to be private, and walk in humility knowing the only one you really need to be sharing everything with is the only one who can make sure it's handled with the care it deserves - your heavenly Father.

"Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, 

but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered." - Proverbs 11:13, ESV

- Adam Gellert
adamgellert.com

Jesus' Signet Ring

"'On that day,' declares the Lord Almighty, 'I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,' declares the Lord, 'and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,' 

declares the Lord Almighty." - Haggai 2:23

During some morning worship time last Saturday morning, I listened to a song and raised my right hand into the air in praise.  Since seeing a vision of God's throne room a few years ago, I often imagine His throne room when seeking to hear from God, and He has shown me some amazing revelations.

This time, when going to this place, I saw Jesus reach for my raised right hand, and put a ring on my finger!

I understood it to be a signet ring, like the ones kings gave people in the Bible when they were granting them their authority as king.  Researching further, I learned that signet rings have been used since the Old Testament times as a personal signature or symbol of family heritage.  Ancient kings used signet rings to designate authority, honor, or ownership.  For example, there are several Bible references to signet rings:

• Genesis 41:42 - "Then Pharoah took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph's finger.  He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his check."

• Esther 8:2 - "The king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai.  And Esther appointed him over Haman's estate."

• Haggai 2:23 - "On that day," declares the Lord Almighty, "I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel," declares the Lord, "and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you."

• Luke 15:22 - "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him (the prodigal son).  Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.'"

What an empowering feeling to know that God has given me His signet ring, as a symbol of His authority, honor, and ownership of my life as a bride of Christ.  All who accept Jesus as Lord are given this same ring, and like those who were given signet rings in the Bible, there is an expectation that we are to do something with that authority!

What are we supposed to do?  In Matthew 10:1, "Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness."  And Matthew 28:18-19 says, "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.'"

We are called to GO, and with rings on our spiritual fingers, we are recognized as members of God's family with His authority as sons and daughters of the King.  The next time you are nervous about talking to others about Jesus, or praying for someone's healing, imagine that ring on your finger, and the authority it represents.  You are a child of the King - hold your head up high and show the world what that means!

"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." - John 14:12

-Adam Gellert

adamgellert.com

The Visit From God: A Message From A Watchman

"Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.  At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'  But they all began to make excuses.  The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it.  Please excuse me.'  Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out.  Please excuse me.'  Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'  The servant came back and reported this to his master.  Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, crippled, the blind and lame.' 'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.' Then the master told his servant, 'Go out into the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.  I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet." - Luke 14:16-24

Last night I had such a vivid dream with an important message for everyone, that I had to share in the hopes this touches someone.

In my dream, God himself came down to earth and "held court," inviting everyone to come to a specific location and meet with Him. He was looking forward to "checking in" and seeing how each of His children was doing.  It was not the end times or final judgement, just an opportunity for anyone who wanted to meet with God to do so.

The interesting and sad thing was, many people did not want to come, and did not come.  They were too embarrassed or ashamed to face God, for a variety of reasons.  They didn't want to face Him given their shame and lack of repentance for their many sins.  They didn't want to face Him because of a lack of relationship with Him, or having to admit during their check-in that they hadn't been obedient to God's calling on their lives.  Others had not done all they could be doing to share the message of the Gospel and bring others into relationship with Him. I was also somehow aware that members of my own family chose not to go.

Even I was hesitant to go, for the same reasons.  But I mustered up the courage to face God.  I made my way to a large parking lot, where I could see many people walking into a large building.  The glory of God emanated brightly through the roof and beamed like a beacon into the sky.  I could begin to feel God's presence, in the same way I met God in a dream years earlier.   And among the crowd, I somehow perceived that many people from my church were there. And then, before the dream went any further, I woke up.

The dream was not really a joyous one, as I was saddened to think about the many people, known and unknown, who chose not to meet their Father and Creator when the opportunity arose.  I believe it was a message of urgency, as Jesus is coming soon to bring His people into the promise of eternal life at any time.  And when He does, will you be prepared (and excited) to see His coming, or will you be ashamed, fearful, or regret that you didn't have a chance to do all the things you could have or should have done during your lifetime?

The good news is, this is not a message of condemnation or judgement! The message of Jesus is one of redemption and forgiveness.  The simple solution for being able to face God with confidence, is to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and through His blood and sacrifice, you are forgiven of your sins and put on a white robe of righteousness in God's eyes.  You don't have to live in shame or fear of judgement for your sins, because "all have sinned and fall short" (Romans 3:23), but Jesus wipes us clean. As Romans 8:1-2 says, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."

And if you are saved and still couldn't face God because you aren't living in obedience to His will, it's not too late to get back on track.  We are all called to tell others about the Good News of Jesus, and the harvest is ripe.  This isn't about performance and we don't have to bring others to Christ to be saved, but all who know Him understand the desire that is placed in our hearts to share the Good News with others, and walk in obedience to His will.

In one of the documentary movies by Darren Wilson and Wanderlust Productions, a pastor said he wanted to be able to face Jesus at his death and entry into heaven and pick up right where he left off on earth.  If Jesus is your best friend, I imagine that first moment in heaven to be the same reaction that a child has when he rides a roller coaster for the first time - he jumps off the coaster and excitedly jumps into his father's arms, saying "That was awesome, can we go again!?"

If you don't think that will be your reaction to your relationship with God, and his Son Jesus Christ, now is the time to make a change.  Ask Jesus into your heart and surrender your life to Him, and pursue a deeper relationship with Him in obedience to your calling and God's will for your life. And you'll jump at the chance to see God if He came today and invited you into His loving arms!

"Then the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" And he added, "These words are the true words of God." - Revelation 19:9

-Adam Gellert
adamgellert.com

Women of Noble Character

As I was seeking guidance from the Lord recently on direction and purpose for my life, He led me to read the book of Proverbs.  While I was reminded of some great wisdom like not making hasty decisions, the value of hard work, and the pursuit of "ill-gotten treasures," the last chapter is what God really intended for me to see:

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character (Proverbs 31:10-31)

   A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
   Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
   She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
   She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
   She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
   She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
   She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
  She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
   She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
   In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
   She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
   When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
   She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
   Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
   She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
   She is clothed with strength and dignity,
she can laugh at the days to come.
   She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
   She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
   Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
   "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
   Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
   Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
 
I have to admit that it broke from my view of the "traditional" role of women during Bible times, and it revealed to me that I don't have to bear the burden of making life decisions or providing for my family alone.  God intended for my marriage to be a partnership with a strong woman of "noble character," which I fortunately already have with an amazing wife who is doing everything Proverbs 31 describes!

My wife works full-time, waking up "while it is still night" to get everyone ready for work and school, before she heads off to work herself.  She is an incredibly hard worker who is always productive in everything she does, and helps guide me in making good decisions for our family.  And in my selfish focus on what "I" need to be doing with the next phase of my life, I had forgotten that with a wife of noble character, I don't have to do it alone. I need to take advantage of God's gift of a spouse and partner who has strengths I don't have, and I should be a better steward of the "earnings" she is bringing into the family, whether it's a job or the work she does at home.

As Proverbs so rightly says, having a woman of noble character brings honor to her husband, and he should be honoring her for what she is doing to prosper the family.  If you are stuck in your purpose or what's next for you, what women in your life can you be leaning on for guidance and support?  I'm thankful for the many women of noble character that God has blessed me with, including my mother, mother-in-law, grandmothers, cousins, aunts, co-workers, and friends who have given me wisdom and shown me the value of hard work, and in some cases doing all the work, to provide a good life for their families.

Are you honoring and seeking wisdom from your "women of noble character'?

-Adam Gellert
adamgellert.com

Discounting Your Children

"When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the Lord's anointed stands before the Lord.  But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord does not look at the things people look at.  People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."  -1 Samuel 16:6-7

When my oldest son got into his preschool years, we started getting feedback from teachers that he was behind developmentally.  As a parent we typically see nothing but the amazing things our child is doing as he or she grows, and how "brilliant" they appear to be for their age.  But then reality can sink in when they are grouped with other kids, and teachers who have seen hundreds of kids come through their classes see their strengths and weaknesses, and paint a more realistic picture.

Year after year, we had somber meetings with teachers and staff, as they expressed concern over our son's development, both academically and socially.  He was held back in kindergarten, and even then his scores were lower than average.  I had always done well in school, so this whole experience was foreign to me.  I was just happy to see him get a passing grade on a test, much less an A or B.  Instead of eagerly anticipating reports from school on his academic and social achievements, I was relieved if we didn't hear anything for a period of time, because no news was good news.

One night a few years ago, as I was thinking about my kids' futures and resigning myself to my oldest son's mediocrity (at best), God said to me, "Don't discount your son.  I have special plans for him too!"

It was both an encouragement and admonition as I realized that I had discounted my son. It didn't mean I loved him any less or that I wasn't going to do everything I could to give him the best life possible.  But I had given up hope for a bright future based on how the world saw my son, and I had accepted it.

Thankfully, his Creator, the One who gave my son life and an exciting future filled with a powerful destiny and amazing adventures, never discounted him.  As much as a parent can (and should) have a positive influence on a child's life, and God wants us to steward our children well, He doesn't need us to fulfill His purpose for our children.  We can look at examples of people from all walks of life, with both good and bad parents, easy or hard situations, come into God's purpose for their lives because of the individual relationships they pursued with God, and more importantly, God's pursuit of them.

Since that message from God, I'm happy to report that my son is doing great in school, and socially with many friends, as he is developing into who God created him to be.  And last year he asked to be baptized and accepted Jesus as Lord!  I can't say that I'm doing much if anything to contribute to his current success, so I know that God is at work in my son in ways I'll never know.  And I'm comforted knowing that a Father who knows and loves my son even more than I do is in control of his destiny, and I'm just here to help steward him on the journey.

I hope this message serves two purposes - first, to make sure you don't discount your children. If you see your kids the way God sees them, you wouldn't ever have a need or desire to do so.  And secondly, if you grew up in a home where your parents discounted you, or favored another sibling over you, know that your future isn't determined by your earthly parents.  It's determined by God your Father, His Son Jesus who saw so much value in you that he chose to die for you, and the Holy Spirit that is excited to fill you with His presence and guide you into your destiny as a child of the King!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." - Romans 8:28-29

-Adam Gellert
adamgellert.com 

The Dangers of Significance

This article was originally posted as a guest blog for John W. Nichols, missionary and author of GOD is HERE: Finding God in the Pain of a Broken World.  Thanks to John for allowing me to contribute to his blog!

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." - Psalm 139:23-24

Let's start this blog with a quiz.  Which of these four postures of relating to God is the right one:

A) Life Under God - God is happy or mad, depending on my performance.
B) Life Above God - My way is better than God's.
C) Life From God - I want God's benefits, but I'm not really interested in Him.
D) Life For God - I have a need to be significant and to do something great for God.

(Taken from the book, "With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God"  by Skye Jethani)

When I was first asked this question in a training session I attended at my church, I knew the obvious answer was D.  After being "activated" into more with God and experiencing incredible healing miracles, connections, and spiritual encounters, I was on fire for God. I was on a mission to tell everyone I knew about this amazing God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit that had transformed my life, and I couldn't wait to return the favor by doing important things for the Kingdom.  I was going to be a general in His army, sharing the gospel and making God proud of me.

The problem is none of these postures are correct, even the desire to live a life for God.  Because if I really searched my heart, I was motivated by what these significant accomplishments were going to do for ME, either in this earthly life or as a reward in heaven.

God's greatest desire is just to be WITH us.  And when you think about it from a parent's perspective, it makes sense. If one of my sons asked me what he needed to do for me to love him more, I would quickly say, "Nothing, I already love you unconditionally."  If my kids spent their life feeling a need to do something significant to achieve my love, I would tell them they have it all wrong  If a flawed, earthly father feels this way, how much more does our perfect heavenly Father, who gave his only Son to be with us for eternity?

Pastor Robert Morris from Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, put it another way in a recent sermon.  He talked about the four stages of spiritual maturity:

• Give Me
• Use Me
• Search Me 
• Make Me

Our earliest stage of faith involves prayers that look more like wish lists.  Our relationship may look like that of our young children, who from my own experience are constantly asking me to buy them things.  Even though the second stage, Use Me, may appear to come from the right place, this is the same stage mentioned above; we are asking God to use us so we can be significant, and have an impact that's motivated more by selfish ambitions and desires. It's only by moving to the stages of Search Me, and finally Make Me, that we learn to totally surrender to God's will and direction for our lives, and realize that freedom comes from releasing ourselves from the pressure and human desires for significance and importance.

It's also important to note that being at various stages of spiritual maturity is not an admonition that you are doing something wrong.  I don't criticize a two year old for what they do at that age; I just help guide them into maturity at their pace of development and do my part to accelerate their maturity where it's needed.  God's view of where you are in your walk is no different - He wants to see that you are making an effort to grow in maturity, and will step in to guide you when it appears you need help.

It's human nature to focus on ourselves, reinforced by the world's view of having to do something important or significant to achieve success, to be liked or admired by others, or to have a following.  Fortunately for us, we can be free of this pressure and released from the dangers of significance by surrendering to God, making Jesus the Lord of our lives, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into spiritual maturity.  Chase after the heart of God, and you'll find the only thing of real significance - relationship with Him.

Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself

Dream your dreams, chase your heart, above all else

Make a name the world remembers

But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams

I got lost in the light when it was up to me

To make a name the world remembers

But Jesus is the only name to remember

And I, I don't want to leave a legacy

I don't care if they remember me

Only Jesus

From the song "Only Jesus" by Casting Crowns

-Adam Gellert
adamgellert.com