The Glories of AltarsSample

Exchange

ex·change | iksˈCHānj | verb

—relinquishing our human limitations so we can receive an impartation of God’s character and ways; a spiritual upgrade

By now you are probably noticing that some altars are combinations of two or more transactions in Jesus. For instance, as we release someone in forgiveness, we may also repent for our contribution to the relational pain and seek restitution. Or as we come to our altar to entrust a child to the Lord, Holy Spirit may invite us to submit our dream for his life to Him. You may also be noticing that some altars are a series of altars where we are changed in increments. In all things, Holy Spirit is our Guide and Friend. He is committed to teaching us to come to God for every need and making us the fragrance of Christ.

I love this next altar. It is the powerful place of exchange. Here we present our human frailties to God in exchange for who He is. This is a divine mystery. Stinging injury can become profound healing; trembling weakness can become supernatural strength; grievous loss can become heady gain; rending loneliness can become friendship with God. History verifies that the more disproportionate the exchange, the more glorious the transformation. If God saved us, isn't He also willing to provide all things for life and holiness? This altar is an upgrade!

Try to fathom this with me:

According to Scripture we have been given the privilege of exchanging:

• Sorrow for joy
• Bitterness for grace
• Lies for truth
• Despair for hope
• Ashes for beauty
• Cowardliness for courage
• Jealousy for contentment
• Fear for faith
• Blindness for perspective
• Brokenness for redemption
• Bondage for freedom
• Relational pain for flourishing love
• Confusion for clarity

On and on this infinite altar goes…

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift—He has given us Himself (2 Cor. 9:15).

Let Us Exchange

• Ask Holy Spirit to search your heart and help you articulate your deep human lack in your present situation. This prayer can be written or spoken.
• Bible in hand, ask Him what He wants to provide for you, what He now longs to give you of His Person to meet that weakness.
• In simple faith, exchange your need for His provision. Exchange your limitation for His inflow of power. I believe that this spiritual transaction looks exactly like a trade does in the natural. We relinquish our inadequacy, and He fills the void with His character, perspective, and power.
• Greedily draw from this gift of God as you encounter frustration and pain. Jesus loves to drench our needy soul with His LIFE, LIGHT, and LOVE.