Recently, I was reading Psalm 34 when verse 14b jumped out at me as if it were in neon lights!! "Seek peace and pursue it." Immediately, I prayed, "How Lord?" As I have shared many times before and I am sure many times going forward that a thorn in my life is depression. And yet, I have come to the place that I can be thankful for this thorn (not always but more often than before - growth, yes?) because I know that God uses it in my life to keep me on my face before Him.
Anyway, this phrase...seek peace and pursue it has been a constant refrain in my life in the past month. In answer to my prayer, "How Lord?" He brought to mind, Philippians 4:4-8 (a regular go to in my life), specifically the Lord is near, don't worry about anything but with thanksgiving present your requests to God, and His Peace which surpasses understanding (every thought) will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. So I began chewing on this, thinking about it with regularity and trying to apply it specifically toward gaining peace in my daily life.
Finally, I feel the freedom to share with you. I battled. I cried. I fussed. I complained. I surrendered. I battled some more. At first, I didn't receive peace - just more worry and fear. Why? Because receiving peace in a process, just as seeking and pursuing are. I can't explain it anymore than you can, but we know that sometimes the peace that passes understanding comes instantaneously and sometimes it takes longer. Sometimes we have peace in one area, but not in another. Sometimes we gain peace only to take up the anxiety all over again. Part of the problem is our flesh and the other the enemy. But, I do know this...God is in charge and He understands, period. And He is not condemning us for the journey (even as it looks different than someone else's or different than we want it to).
I have been reading Charles Swindoll's book, Grace Awakening. A breakthrough happened for me when reading about Moses. This book brought out many things I had never thought about - it is a great read if you want to check it out. Moses was raised by Pharaoh's daughter, he had the best of everything. Education, wealth etc... he had confidence and yet when he killed the Egyptian who was tormenting the Hebrew, his life was derailed. He fled and no longer had any status, security or confidence - 40 years in the desert!!! He thought his life for God was over. He thought He had messed up God's plan to use him to rescue his people. We know differently. When God got Moses attention by the burning bush (Exodus 3) - Moses was anything but confident in his ability to follow God and do what He said. This journey, though it didn't "feel good" to Moses it ultimately led him to being humble and recognizing that nothing was impossible with God. Look at the relationship Moses had with God! Anyway, this and so much more (it would be a book, not a blog if I wrote all the words running around in me!!! lol).
God did use Moses. God is using you and me. We don't have the power to mess up God's plan, He is always at work redeeming and using what goes on in our lives to grow us and if we will let Him for His glory. It is so freeing to realize this once again!!! Yes, I tend to forget. In fact I tend to "borrow trouble," thus the need for me to seek peace and pursue it so diligently!
Our lives are not over if something happened to us that we feel has derailed us from what "we thought" God had for us - whether our choices/sin caused it or not. Even if our lives look different that what we thought "God had for us" -- He is still at work. He is not surprised. As Christ-followers, His plans and purposes for us will be realized, He knows them, they are good and they give us a future and HOPE (Jeremiah 29:11).
On this Journey His Way, seeking and pursuing peace is a constant effort - while it may culminate in peace for a certain circumstance another will come along. We must continuing seeking Jesus (He is the Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6), because knowing Him is the peace we are seeking and receiving. It is more of Jesus that is the answer to our pursuit. Experiencing satisfaction in Jesus = Peace.
Father God, You know I have so much more to say on this subject and perhaps You will give me the opportunity to share at a later date. Thank You for reminding me once again that You are in charge, not me, not my feelings. Thank You for reminding me that You will use me for Your glory as I surrender and trust You. And thank You for reminding me that my journey will not look like someone else's and that is exactly how You made it to be. Thank You for getting through to me and providing peace for this moment. Thank You for reminding me of my purpose in this life. God, a friend made the statement that she is "practicing being consumed by Your Great Love" -- yes, God this. Help me to spend my time practicing this and pursuing You as my peace and let go of the habits and sin of "practicing" being anxious and afraid. Afraid that I don't measure up. Afraid that I have missed Your plan for me, etc. These are just lies from the enemy, Lord. I know that I don't measure up, but Jesus in me does. I know that I have not missed Your plan because You are in charge, not me. Forgive me for falling into this trap over and over again. Father God, help me to be aware of Your Holy Spirit in my life and help me to listen and obey You. Thank You for Your faithfulness, Your forgiveness and Your grace and for being my peace... In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Friday, February 2, 2018
Monday, January 1, 2018
Grace Remembered
1 Peter 5:10, "Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen and support you after you have suffered a little.
The Lord prompted me to revisit this verse this morning. I have a tendency to read and read a verse and then somehow I lose track of it and God in His Grace reminds me once again. I am so thankful He does!
And then He encouraged me to look back at a few of the previous verses.
1 Peter 5:5b-9, "clothe yourselves with humility toward others, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time. casting all your care on Him because He cares about you. Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.
As I was reading verse 10 and thinking how thankful I am for God's grace and being reminded that it is my responsibility to express that grace towards others I began reading back a few verses and of course I just kept going further back! I want Him to personally restore, establish, strengthen and support me - I want it with a passion that is difficult to express. I also want to quit suffering - and yet I know that is unrealistic. And yet, I want to be sure that I am suffering for His purposes and not because of sin in my life due to my own choices - make sense? I want to bring Him glory and yet so often I simply get in His way.
I "suffer" on an ongoing basis with depression and anxiety. This is not something I share proudly and yet I share it boldly because I know many who suffer in this way as well and I pray that it helps to know you are not alone. I continually pray for deliverance and help for this and yet it appears to be the "thorn in my flesh" that the Lord uses in many ways in my life. I am weary - still; and yet I am holding on to the Lord and the fact that He has a plan. More accurately He is holding on to me, because I often want to quit and He won't allow it.
Anyway, this is what He spoke to me this morning. I must continue casting my care on Him and not forget that He cares for me no matter how I feel or perceive things/circumstances. Praise God, He gives me the very strength and ability to do this because His Holy Spirit lives in me! I struggle, it is hard and yet He will overcome - in His time and in His way - this is my problem, I don't always like His timing and His way- just sayin'. Because of this "thorn" I do long for heaven in a way that I know I would not without it. Thus, I have joy deep in my soul when joy anywhere near the surface is nonexistent. It is well with my soul even as I struggle with this flesh.
So this was supposed to be a short, quick writing - lol - that never happens once I start!!!
Here is what I wrote quickly in reference to seeing His work of restoration etc. in my life:
Trust that God will do His part! And He will give me the strength to do mine -- if I let Him!!
Then He made me look back a few more verses - apparently, I like to read in reverse!!! Actually, I want the results without the work so many times. How about you?
The Lord prompted me to revisit this verse this morning. I have a tendency to read and read a verse and then somehow I lose track of it and God in His Grace reminds me once again. I am so thankful He does!
And then He encouraged me to look back at a few of the previous verses.
1 Peter 5:5b-9, "clothe yourselves with humility toward others, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time. casting all your care on Him because He cares about you. Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.
As I was reading verse 10 and thinking how thankful I am for God's grace and being reminded that it is my responsibility to express that grace towards others I began reading back a few verses and of course I just kept going further back! I want Him to personally restore, establish, strengthen and support me - I want it with a passion that is difficult to express. I also want to quit suffering - and yet I know that is unrealistic. And yet, I want to be sure that I am suffering for His purposes and not because of sin in my life due to my own choices - make sense? I want to bring Him glory and yet so often I simply get in His way.
I "suffer" on an ongoing basis with depression and anxiety. This is not something I share proudly and yet I share it boldly because I know many who suffer in this way as well and I pray that it helps to know you are not alone. I continually pray for deliverance and help for this and yet it appears to be the "thorn in my flesh" that the Lord uses in many ways in my life. I am weary - still; and yet I am holding on to the Lord and the fact that He has a plan. More accurately He is holding on to me, because I often want to quit and He won't allow it.
Anyway, this is what He spoke to me this morning. I must continue casting my care on Him and not forget that He cares for me no matter how I feel or perceive things/circumstances. Praise God, He gives me the very strength and ability to do this because His Holy Spirit lives in me! I struggle, it is hard and yet He will overcome - in His time and in His way - this is my problem, I don't always like His timing and His way- just sayin'. Because of this "thorn" I do long for heaven in a way that I know I would not without it. Thus, I have joy deep in my soul when joy anywhere near the surface is nonexistent. It is well with my soul even as I struggle with this flesh.
So this was supposed to be a short, quick writing - lol - that never happens once I start!!!
Here is what I wrote quickly in reference to seeing His work of restoration etc. in my life:
- Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God!
- Cast all your care on Him for He cares for you
- Be serious! Be alert!
- Resist the enemy & be firm in the faith.
Trust that God will do His part! And He will give me the strength to do mine -- if I let Him!!
Then He made me look back a few more verses - apparently, I like to read in reverse!!! Actually, I want the results without the work so many times. How about you?
- clothe yourselves with humility toward one another
There is quite a bit I am expected to do in order to be in a place to receive the provision of God. The good thing is that He does not expect me to do it in my own strength (good thing because I cannot, neither can you), but He provides the very strength to do what He requires (Philippians 4:13).
God is the GOD OF ALL GRACE!! He is teaching me to love that word - grace - to find liberty to live an abundant life and yet it is a constant battle. Why? Because I must wrestle the enemy and resist Him by staying firm in the faith. How? By staying in His Word, by experiencing Him in His Word, not just reading it. By praising and thanking Him regardless how I feel - and man, is this hard for me. It often takes me a while to get there - sometimes longer than others - but the victory is that He ultimately gets me there. Remember, this life is a journey! Am I going to chose to walk it His way or my own? He allows me the choice. Sometimes, I wish He didn't, but this is how life works. I choose to choose His process, to do this journey His way and I pray that I will get better at choosing His way more quickly. But I will always be thankful that He never leaves me or forsakes me - no matter what I feel, think or even do. He draws me back to Him. He forgives and He promises to "restore, establish, strengthen and support me". He will! He does! and He is!
Father God, forgive me for often giving in to my feelings and my perceptions. Forgive me for forgetting Your provision and to trust that You will provide once again. Thank You for reminding me today. Draw me further into Your Word with more regularity so that I can see what it true. Strengthen me to trust You more. To walk by faith and not by sight. Please God, forgive me for grieving and quenching Your Holy Spirit by my choices and my attitudes. Enable me to rest in knowing that You have me in the palm of Your Hand and You are at work constantly. May I experience You and Your Presence often - may I be paying attention because You live inside me and therefore You are always with me! Enable me to live in Your grace and express it to others. May I clothe myself in humility so that You need not resist me but You are able to pour out Your grace upon me. Forgive me for being proud, for spending so much time thinking of myself and how I feel. God, for many years I have prayed that You would change me from the inside out and You are. It hasn't been and isn't very pretty because there are a lot of layers in there for You to work through, but God thank You for Your faithfulness to make me more like You. Please give me the mind of Christ. Enable me to take serious and be alert concerning the tactics of the enemy but not to allow my focus to be on him but on You. Thank You that I can humble myself under Your Mighty Hand, God and trust that You will work and protect me from the deceptions of the enemy. Have Your way in me, please Jesus...
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Listening Requires Action
Deuteronomy 6:4-8
4) Listen, Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.
5) Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
6) These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart.
7) Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
8) Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead.
9) Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Listen/Hear - Shema (Hebrew) - a verb (which means action:) - [Strong's Dictionary] obey, understand, diligently, declare, perceive, tell. To hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience), carefully. [Merriam-Webster] to hear something with thoughtful attention, give consideration.
So at the very beginning of these verses we are told to pay attention, to give consideration, to obey - in other words to take action not just passively listen and let it go in one ear and out the other with no effect upon our lives. This is critical. In our day and time we often "listen" with our eyes on our phones, on the television, on a book. And yet when we do this we are only barely making an effort to tune in to life around us we aren't really listening.
I don't know about you, but I prefer eye contact and attentiveness in a conversation rather than just a passing awareness. We are all guilty of this. In this passage, however, in reference to the most important thing in life - sharing Jesus with our children (and honestly, all who we come in contact with) we are told to listen and that listening causes moment by moment, daily, monthly, yearly and life-long action. And yet like the rest of life we can become complacent and just let life pass by without any real purpose or plan - constantly checking our phones or doing our to do lists. For what purpose?
This passage requires me to remind myself over and over again that the LORD my God is the One True God and that I must guard myself against idols in this life. The idol of placing my family, my hobbies, my job, my church, my friends, or anything else before the LORD in my life.
My purpose and your purpose in life is to first determine that the LORD, Jesus Christ Himself, is in fact our LORD and that He is "in My heart" - that He is in charge of our lives, that it is to Him we look for every single thing - hope, peace, provision, grace, mercy, forgiveness, joy, direction, etc. and that we look to Him first and last and every moment in between. We must ask ourselves...Am I loving "MY" LORD with ALL my heart, ALL my soul, and ALL my strength?
The only way we have any chance of doing so is by the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Thank You LORD for providing us the Holy Spirit! When we fall short in this (many times daily) we can confess it and repent and ask Jesus to be our strength! He provides for our every need!!!
Once I am certain of my own personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I must determine that I will listen to His command to love Him wholeheartedly, then I must repeat this over and over to my children and to those I influence in my life. Every area of life is covered here: Love the Lord Your God with ALL your heart, soul and strength!
Then, check this out: Repeat them, talk about them...when?... you sit in your house, you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up!!! ALL THE TIME!!! EVERY. SINGLE. MOMENT. OF. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
God is in us. He is with us. We must simply look to Him, determine to recognize Him. Truly, He has done the hard part of it for us. After all Jesus Christ died to pay my debt of sin and He rose again so that I can have relationship with Him - NOW and FOR ETERNITY!!! He did this for you as well. Do you know HIM? Message me and we can talk about it. But I also know this, I make walking with Him hard - He doesn't.
So let's consider this... Am I listening to God or to my flesh? Am I loving God the way He commands me too? Am I committed to recognizing Him in every moment of my life? Am I willing to share Him with others? And if I am not, why? Do I have any idols in my life? Am I aware of Him as I go about this life? Am I loving others out of the love I have for Him and that love He has provided for me? Do I see Him? Do others see Him in me?
Father God, please forgive me for getting so caught up in the "busyness" of this life that I tend to just go on about my day without acknowledging Your Presence. Forgive me for being unwilling to share You in the every day moments of life or for even just being unaware. Thank You for Your constant, faithful presence. Thank You that You are always at work in me and through me never leaving me on my own. Thank You for convicting me and for loving me so much that You will discipline me. May I love You more and more each day and may those around me see You in me and desire to love you too! Have Your way in me. It is all because of You Jesus!!! Thank You!!
4) Listen, Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.
5) Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
6) These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart.
7) Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
8) Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead.
9) Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Listen/Hear - Shema (Hebrew) - a verb (which means action:) - [Strong's Dictionary] obey, understand, diligently, declare, perceive, tell. To hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience), carefully. [Merriam-Webster] to hear something with thoughtful attention, give consideration.
So at the very beginning of these verses we are told to pay attention, to give consideration, to obey - in other words to take action not just passively listen and let it go in one ear and out the other with no effect upon our lives. This is critical. In our day and time we often "listen" with our eyes on our phones, on the television, on a book. And yet when we do this we are only barely making an effort to tune in to life around us we aren't really listening.
I don't know about you, but I prefer eye contact and attentiveness in a conversation rather than just a passing awareness. We are all guilty of this. In this passage, however, in reference to the most important thing in life - sharing Jesus with our children (and honestly, all who we come in contact with) we are told to listen and that listening causes moment by moment, daily, monthly, yearly and life-long action. And yet like the rest of life we can become complacent and just let life pass by without any real purpose or plan - constantly checking our phones or doing our to do lists. For what purpose?
This passage requires me to remind myself over and over again that the LORD my God is the One True God and that I must guard myself against idols in this life. The idol of placing my family, my hobbies, my job, my church, my friends, or anything else before the LORD in my life.
My purpose and your purpose in life is to first determine that the LORD, Jesus Christ Himself, is in fact our LORD and that He is "in My heart" - that He is in charge of our lives, that it is to Him we look for every single thing - hope, peace, provision, grace, mercy, forgiveness, joy, direction, etc. and that we look to Him first and last and every moment in between. We must ask ourselves...Am I loving "MY" LORD with ALL my heart, ALL my soul, and ALL my strength?
The only way we have any chance of doing so is by the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Thank You LORD for providing us the Holy Spirit! When we fall short in this (many times daily) we can confess it and repent and ask Jesus to be our strength! He provides for our every need!!!
Once I am certain of my own personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I must determine that I will listen to His command to love Him wholeheartedly, then I must repeat this over and over to my children and to those I influence in my life. Every area of life is covered here: Love the Lord Your God with ALL your heart, soul and strength!
Then, check this out: Repeat them, talk about them...when?... you sit in your house, you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up!!! ALL THE TIME!!! EVERY. SINGLE. MOMENT. OF. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
God is in us. He is with us. We must simply look to Him, determine to recognize Him. Truly, He has done the hard part of it for us. After all Jesus Christ died to pay my debt of sin and He rose again so that I can have relationship with Him - NOW and FOR ETERNITY!!! He did this for you as well. Do you know HIM? Message me and we can talk about it. But I also know this, I make walking with Him hard - He doesn't.
So let's consider this... Am I listening to God or to my flesh? Am I loving God the way He commands me too? Am I committed to recognizing Him in every moment of my life? Am I willing to share Him with others? And if I am not, why? Do I have any idols in my life? Am I aware of Him as I go about this life? Am I loving others out of the love I have for Him and that love He has provided for me? Do I see Him? Do others see Him in me?
Father God, please forgive me for getting so caught up in the "busyness" of this life that I tend to just go on about my day without acknowledging Your Presence. Forgive me for being unwilling to share You in the every day moments of life or for even just being unaware. Thank You for Your constant, faithful presence. Thank You that You are always at work in me and through me never leaving me on my own. Thank You for convicting me and for loving me so much that You will discipline me. May I love You more and more each day and may those around me see You in me and desire to love you too! Have Your way in me. It is all because of You Jesus!!! Thank You!!
Friday, September 8, 2017
God of ALL Grace...
1 Peter 5:10
Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little. HCSB
I am overwhelmed by this verse over and over again. Will you look at it and then it's context with me?
Think of it in parts with me. Now - is in the moment, every moment!!! The God - Our One True God - who is the God of ALL GRACE promises to do this for us. I love that little word ALL!!! All is all; complete, whole with no ifs, ands or buts. I don't know about you but I tend to be the one who is always trying to add in the but what about this and what about that to God. I am often reminded that God's grace is based on Jesus and the fact that I am in Christ Jesus. It is never based on my worth, my ability to earn it etc and thank the Lord for that!!! Because of Jesus I receive ALL the grace God has to offer - with no exceptions!! Please God, help me to walk in the truth of this and convey that same grace to others with Your strength.
Did you see the next part of the verse? Remember the first part - THE GOD OF ALL GRACE - now for the next part - WILL PERSONALLY RESTORE, ESTABLISH, STRENGTHEN AND SUPPORT YOU!! Those of us in Christ (we have accepted and trusted that Jesus died for OUR VERY OWN sin and was raised from the dead to give us new life) have the very God of the the universe, as our very own Father who will Himself restore us, establish us, strengthen us and support us!! Wow!!!! Thank You, Father God!!!
He is personally and intimately involved in your life as well as mine by the power of the Holy Spirit.
John 14:26, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirt - the Father will send Him in My Name - will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you."
Don't forget the last part of the verse (which in some other translations is at the beginning) - after you have suffered a little. Suffering is a part of the Christian life and life in general. It is to be expected - but we do not suffer without hope!! Romans 12:12, "Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer." He promises to do all of this for us, but there is a caution that suffering is going to be involved in the process - it is inevitable. For all of us. But so is GRACE!! and so much more!!!
Look back at 1 Peter 5:6-9, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you. Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world."
Do you see our responsibility? God promises to personally restore, establish, strengthen and support us; however He requires that we humble ourselves before Him, trusting Him to do what He says He will. We must give Him our cares over and over again - every single time they rise up in our mind as cares again. We must be observant and pay attention because it is a fact that the Devil is our enemy and He wants to "steal, kill and destroy" (John 10:10) us, our family's, and our lives. Anything he can do to render us ineffective for the kingdom of God is his plan. He doesn't care if we love the things of this life or do what the world says is acceptable (that is what he wants) - he only cares and fights us when we are seeking to bring God glory and to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Don't let that bring fear, but let it bring an awareness.
If you do not find yourself battling in this life - may I suggest a moment of reflection on what is important to you and what is your priority? This is a check that I use in analyzing myself to see if I am where God wants me. I am not saying storms and suffering will happen all the time, but if you find yourself rarely in the fight check your priorities and make sure that this earth is not your home. Hebrews 13:14, "For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come." Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Remember the rest of John 10:10, Jesus says that He has come that we may have life and have it in abundance. Are we walking in victory with Christ - in the spirit? Am I experiencing His restoration, strength and support in the midst of the suffering in this life? He says I can and I will!!!
Father God, thank You for the many truths of Your Word. Thank You for Your Grace, for the fact that You promise to personally restore, establish, strengthen and support us even as we experience suffering for a time. Thank You that You give us the ability to rejoice in You and hold on to Your Truth despite how we may feel. God, forgive me for often giving in to my feelings rather than taking my thoughts captive and walking in the truth of what I know. Thank You, Jesus for making all of this possible because You personally came to redeem and rescue us! You paid the sin debt that we could not. Please God, help us to walk in Your ways for Your glory. Use us as You will, in Jesus' Name.
Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little. HCSB
I am overwhelmed by this verse over and over again. Will you look at it and then it's context with me?
Think of it in parts with me. Now - is in the moment, every moment!!! The God - Our One True God - who is the God of ALL GRACE promises to do this for us. I love that little word ALL!!! All is all; complete, whole with no ifs, ands or buts. I don't know about you but I tend to be the one who is always trying to add in the but what about this and what about that to God. I am often reminded that God's grace is based on Jesus and the fact that I am in Christ Jesus. It is never based on my worth, my ability to earn it etc and thank the Lord for that!!! Because of Jesus I receive ALL the grace God has to offer - with no exceptions!! Please God, help me to walk in the truth of this and convey that same grace to others with Your strength.
Did you see the next part of the verse? Remember the first part - THE GOD OF ALL GRACE - now for the next part - WILL PERSONALLY RESTORE, ESTABLISH, STRENGTHEN AND SUPPORT YOU!! Those of us in Christ (we have accepted and trusted that Jesus died for OUR VERY OWN sin and was raised from the dead to give us new life) have the very God of the the universe, as our very own Father who will Himself restore us, establish us, strengthen us and support us!! Wow!!!! Thank You, Father God!!!
He is personally and intimately involved in your life as well as mine by the power of the Holy Spirit.
John 14:26, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirt - the Father will send Him in My Name - will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you."
Don't forget the last part of the verse (which in some other translations is at the beginning) - after you have suffered a little. Suffering is a part of the Christian life and life in general. It is to be expected - but we do not suffer without hope!! Romans 12:12, "Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer." He promises to do all of this for us, but there is a caution that suffering is going to be involved in the process - it is inevitable. For all of us. But so is GRACE!! and so much more!!!
Look back at 1 Peter 5:6-9, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you. Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world."
Do you see our responsibility? God promises to personally restore, establish, strengthen and support us; however He requires that we humble ourselves before Him, trusting Him to do what He says He will. We must give Him our cares over and over again - every single time they rise up in our mind as cares again. We must be observant and pay attention because it is a fact that the Devil is our enemy and He wants to "steal, kill and destroy" (John 10:10) us, our family's, and our lives. Anything he can do to render us ineffective for the kingdom of God is his plan. He doesn't care if we love the things of this life or do what the world says is acceptable (that is what he wants) - he only cares and fights us when we are seeking to bring God glory and to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Don't let that bring fear, but let it bring an awareness.
If you do not find yourself battling in this life - may I suggest a moment of reflection on what is important to you and what is your priority? This is a check that I use in analyzing myself to see if I am where God wants me. I am not saying storms and suffering will happen all the time, but if you find yourself rarely in the fight check your priorities and make sure that this earth is not your home. Hebrews 13:14, "For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come." Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Remember the rest of John 10:10, Jesus says that He has come that we may have life and have it in abundance. Are we walking in victory with Christ - in the spirit? Am I experiencing His restoration, strength and support in the midst of the suffering in this life? He says I can and I will!!!
Father God, thank You for the many truths of Your Word. Thank You for Your Grace, for the fact that You promise to personally restore, establish, strengthen and support us even as we experience suffering for a time. Thank You that You give us the ability to rejoice in You and hold on to Your Truth despite how we may feel. God, forgive me for often giving in to my feelings rather than taking my thoughts captive and walking in the truth of what I know. Thank You, Jesus for making all of this possible because You personally came to redeem and rescue us! You paid the sin debt that we could not. Please God, help us to walk in Your ways for Your glory. Use us as You will, in Jesus' Name.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
More than we can bear?!?
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (HCSB) No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG) No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He'll never let you be pushed past your limit; He'll always be there to help you come through it.
"God won't allow anything more than what you can bear." I hear this all of the time and it bothers me greatly because it just isn't true!!! The Bible does not say that. The verse that it is taken from
1 Corinthians 10:13 in context is referring to idolatry and sin. This verse and passage is saying that sin is common to all of us and that nothing will tempt us that hasn't already tempted someone else; however God is always there with us as believers. He promises to provide a way out from under the temptation, a way of escape, a way out so that we can endure and not fall INTO SIN. This promise has nothing to do with not having to face trials in our lives that won't break us or cause us to question and wonder at times if we will survive!!!
We have probably all said it at one time or another "Oh, God won't give you more than you can handle. It will be okay just trust God, He won't let you deal with more than you can bear." I am hear to tell you this is wrong and not biblical at all.
I have personally been to the point of not being able to handle "life" and all that it entails several times, even to the point of death and I know that I know that God was there with me at all times and yet He definitely allowed to me to face more than I could bear - because the fact is having to face more than I can manage helped me to realize that life is all about Him, that He is able and sufficient to handle anything - Not me! Not ever me!! There are times in all of our lives - in a variety of ways - that God allows things or we face things because we live in a fallen and sinful world and these are the times that we can see God most clearly. Not on the mountain top, but in the valley, the pit or in my case - under the pit ;)
Look at Job. He lost every single thing he had in this world besides his wife (Job 1). He called on God. He trusted God. But he struggled. He hurt in every way, emotionally, physically, mentally. He did not passively say "Oh well, I know God won't allow more than I can bear!" God did allow more than he could bear - from a human standpoint he was devastated - he would never be the same! He lost all of his children!! He lost all he had! And yet he knew that most important was that he belonged to God. He mourned, he lamented. He didn't pretend he was fine and that is wasn't a big deal! It was a huge deal!! He was human, it hurt like crazy!! And it was more than he could bear but he knew it was not more than his God could bear. He trusted God.
Do you think David enjoyed being hunted down by someone he thought loved him as a son (1 Samuel 15...)? Do you think it was no big deal for Hannah to be barren (1 Samuel 8...)? Do you think it was fun for Elijah to be chased down by an evil woman with such power (1 King 19...)? What about Paul? Do you think being in jail, stoned, etc. didn't bother him? Or Peter? On and on I could go.
Honestly, we all forget that those in the Bible were real people facing real emotions. Look at their stories and realize that the common denominator is that they suffered, they struggled and yet they knew their God was bigger - not their ability to bear up under the hurts, but His ability to see them through. It is wrong of us to say to that parent who lost their child - God won't give you any more than you can handle. Or the one facing the cancer diagnosis... on and on. Romans 12:15 says, "...weep with those who weep." We are to give one another the freedom to grieve. Our job is to point them to the fact that they are never alone, no matter how they feel. The Holy Spirit lives inside of us - He never ever leaves!!
So let's remember that when we are tempted to sin that this is not the same as dealing with hurt and loss or a life event that may overwhelm us. The fact is that there will be many life events - good and bad that overwhelm us and God will use them to remind us that we are not alone. That He has a plan and a purpose for us and He is at work. We will still be tempted sin in the midst of the hurt because we are human but we can know that God never leaves us and trust that He is at work drawing us to Himself and making us more like Him even in the unexplainable. We are here to bring Him glory and point others to Him. We will hurt, we will face loss, we will even be broken beyond what we can bear at times - but never alone, never abandoned by Him. He will see you through even when you do not see how He possibly could, or even if you doubt that He will. He can take your honesty - go to Him!! To come to the end of ourselves is the goal!! To rely fully on God!!!
Psalm 51:17 "a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You, God, will not despise." (Matthew 5:3; Luke 18:14). Brokenness before the Lord is beautiful and something He can work with. To humble ourselves before God is what He has called us to. To recognize that we can do nothing on our own.
Father God, I know I have jumped on my soap box today. Please, Lord, use Your Words to encourage us. Help us to not fall into the trap of the enemy that nothing too hard will happen to us if we walk with the Lord. It just isn't true. Suffering happens. Life is hard even in the midst of good things. In our pride we often think we are in control and to suffer or fall is a reminder that we are weak, but Your grace is sufficient and You remind us that You are with us at all times. You are at work to bring about good for those that love You and are called according to Your purpose. Help us as we forget that the ultimate good for us is our arrival in heaven. The ultimate healing. The freedom from hurts will be in heaven in Your Presence for all eternity. This life is not heaven. This world is not our home. Forgive us for living as if it is and not having the urgency to tell others of the good news of the gospel of Christ. That Jesus alone is the answer - we have no other answer!! Thank You for Your forgiveness and Your unfailing love for us. May we love others with Your love and may we say less and love more.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (HCSB) No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG) No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He'll never let you be pushed past your limit; He'll always be there to help you come through it.
"God won't allow anything more than what you can bear." I hear this all of the time and it bothers me greatly because it just isn't true!!! The Bible does not say that. The verse that it is taken from
1 Corinthians 10:13 in context is referring to idolatry and sin. This verse and passage is saying that sin is common to all of us and that nothing will tempt us that hasn't already tempted someone else; however God is always there with us as believers. He promises to provide a way out from under the temptation, a way of escape, a way out so that we can endure and not fall INTO SIN. This promise has nothing to do with not having to face trials in our lives that won't break us or cause us to question and wonder at times if we will survive!!!
We have probably all said it at one time or another "Oh, God won't give you more than you can handle. It will be okay just trust God, He won't let you deal with more than you can bear." I am hear to tell you this is wrong and not biblical at all.
I have personally been to the point of not being able to handle "life" and all that it entails several times, even to the point of death and I know that I know that God was there with me at all times and yet He definitely allowed to me to face more than I could bear - because the fact is having to face more than I can manage helped me to realize that life is all about Him, that He is able and sufficient to handle anything - Not me! Not ever me!! There are times in all of our lives - in a variety of ways - that God allows things or we face things because we live in a fallen and sinful world and these are the times that we can see God most clearly. Not on the mountain top, but in the valley, the pit or in my case - under the pit ;)
Look at Job. He lost every single thing he had in this world besides his wife (Job 1). He called on God. He trusted God. But he struggled. He hurt in every way, emotionally, physically, mentally. He did not passively say "Oh well, I know God won't allow more than I can bear!" God did allow more than he could bear - from a human standpoint he was devastated - he would never be the same! He lost all of his children!! He lost all he had! And yet he knew that most important was that he belonged to God. He mourned, he lamented. He didn't pretend he was fine and that is wasn't a big deal! It was a huge deal!! He was human, it hurt like crazy!! And it was more than he could bear but he knew it was not more than his God could bear. He trusted God.
Do you think David enjoyed being hunted down by someone he thought loved him as a son (1 Samuel 15...)? Do you think it was no big deal for Hannah to be barren (1 Samuel 8...)? Do you think it was fun for Elijah to be chased down by an evil woman with such power (1 King 19...)? What about Paul? Do you think being in jail, stoned, etc. didn't bother him? Or Peter? On and on I could go.
Honestly, we all forget that those in the Bible were real people facing real emotions. Look at their stories and realize that the common denominator is that they suffered, they struggled and yet they knew their God was bigger - not their ability to bear up under the hurts, but His ability to see them through. It is wrong of us to say to that parent who lost their child - God won't give you any more than you can handle. Or the one facing the cancer diagnosis... on and on. Romans 12:15 says, "...weep with those who weep." We are to give one another the freedom to grieve. Our job is to point them to the fact that they are never alone, no matter how they feel. The Holy Spirit lives inside of us - He never ever leaves!!
So let's remember that when we are tempted to sin that this is not the same as dealing with hurt and loss or a life event that may overwhelm us. The fact is that there will be many life events - good and bad that overwhelm us and God will use them to remind us that we are not alone. That He has a plan and a purpose for us and He is at work. We will still be tempted sin in the midst of the hurt because we are human but we can know that God never leaves us and trust that He is at work drawing us to Himself and making us more like Him even in the unexplainable. We are here to bring Him glory and point others to Him. We will hurt, we will face loss, we will even be broken beyond what we can bear at times - but never alone, never abandoned by Him. He will see you through even when you do not see how He possibly could, or even if you doubt that He will. He can take your honesty - go to Him!! To come to the end of ourselves is the goal!! To rely fully on God!!!
Psalm 51:17 "a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You, God, will not despise." (Matthew 5:3; Luke 18:14). Brokenness before the Lord is beautiful and something He can work with. To humble ourselves before God is what He has called us to. To recognize that we can do nothing on our own.
Father God, I know I have jumped on my soap box today. Please, Lord, use Your Words to encourage us. Help us to not fall into the trap of the enemy that nothing too hard will happen to us if we walk with the Lord. It just isn't true. Suffering happens. Life is hard even in the midst of good things. In our pride we often think we are in control and to suffer or fall is a reminder that we are weak, but Your grace is sufficient and You remind us that You are with us at all times. You are at work to bring about good for those that love You and are called according to Your purpose. Help us as we forget that the ultimate good for us is our arrival in heaven. The ultimate healing. The freedom from hurts will be in heaven in Your Presence for all eternity. This life is not heaven. This world is not our home. Forgive us for living as if it is and not having the urgency to tell others of the good news of the gospel of Christ. That Jesus alone is the answer - we have no other answer!! Thank You for Your forgiveness and Your unfailing love for us. May we love others with Your love and may we say less and love more.
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Authenticity with Jesus and Others
I have read a few interesting books lately. One is entitled “No More Faking Fine” by
Esther Fleece. I found this book after a
friend sent me a YouTube video of an interview in which Esther Fleece talks
about her book. I highly recommend it –
it is 45 minutes that is well worth the time. Anyway, after watching the interview multiple times and sharing it with
many different people I felt the Lord leading me to purchase the book. It was excellent and very impactful, just as
the video was. Would you consider
watching it?
This book is about lamenting or about recognizing and
admitting that we as believers hurt.
“Lament is simply expressing honest emotions to God when life is not
going as planned.” God wants our
sad. He is not distressed by our
emotions of sadness – we need only look to David, or Jeremiah or Hannah or
Jesus Himself…. For some reason though in the church and as believers we have
conditioned ourselves or been tricked by the enemy that to share authentically
and vulnerably is a bad thing or at the very least is an inconvenience. This is so wrong. I believe that God intends to break us of our
pride and our self-sufficiency by using these hurts we experience to enable us
to see that He is the only one who is able to meet our every need. Then we are able to share the hope we find in
Jesus with others in a way that meets them where they are because it is real –
it is ours and it becomes theirs. Jesus
is our only hope!!
At one point in the book, Esther Fleece makes a few
statements that the Lord has used to impact me profoundly. “The only way to process the loss of the life
we had hoped for is to lament. And one
of the kindest things we can do for each other is to offer a safe space where
we don’t have to do it alone. The
ministry of presence is one of the greatest gifts we have to offer each other,
especially in the midst of heartache.” (p. 188). This is it!! God has called me to the
ministry of presence. He has been
showing me this for many years. It is
crucial that we come alongside one another and live life beyond the
surface. The enemy of our soul tries to
keep up from facing life head on with Jesus by convincing us to put on a mask
or pretend that all is well when that is not the case. We all struggle and admitting that is a great
beginning or connecting point in sharing Jesus with a lost and dying world!!
Consider Psalm 13.
1)
LORD, how long will You forget me? Forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
2)
How long will I store up anxious concerns
within me, agony in my mind every day?
How long will my enemy dominate me?
3)
Consider me and answer, LORD my God. Restore brightness to my eyes; otherwise I
will sleep in death.
4)
My enemy will say, ‘I have triumphed over
him,’ and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.
5)
But have trusted in Your faithful love; my
heart will rejoice in Your deliverance.
6)
I will sing to the LORD because He had
treated me generously.
Do you see how David took his “lament” to God? How he shared fully his hurts, his fears, his
doubts and then his hopes and ultimately turned to praising God? This is a phenomenon only our Lord can do for
us! To go to Him honestly and without
restraint is a gift He has given us! (Hebrews 4:16) And in turn He restores us, our trust, our
awareness that He is mighty, that He is in control and no matter what things
look like around us or what is done to us – He loves us and He holds us in His
mighty hand!! (Jeremiah 30:17; Psalm
51:12; Isaiah 57:18; 1 Peter 5:10; John 10:29).
It is an ongoing process, a journey. I want to do this journey His way and not my
own.
Father God, I thank
You that though this journey can be awfully hard the fact is that when we
belong to You we never walk alone. Thank
You for Your provision at all times and in all ways – regardless of what we see
or don’t see. Thank You that we can
bring it all to You without fear and know that You are at work. Help us Lord to be willing to do the hard
things of facing our hurts – those we experience and those we cause – both for
ourselves and alongside the others that You put in our path. We all hurt, Lord, this is just a fact (John
16:33), but please allow us to surrender to You so that You may use our hurts
to point others to the hope that we have in You, Jesus. Help us not to get stuck in our hurts, but to
lament and process them so that You may use them for Your glory in Your time
and in Your way. In Jesus Name,
Amen.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
I can...because of Jesus
A look at a few of Paul's words in Philippians.
Philippians 1:20b-21, I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
Philippians 2:12b-13, Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.
Philippians 3:10a, I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him.
Philippians 4:11b, I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
Philippians 4:13, I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.
I have been contemplating my lack of contentment and in so doing I found myself looking at Paul and wondering how he claimed contentment?
He trusted Christ, period, whether he was to live or die, no matter what came. He knew that He belonged to Christ and thus he would live for Him, regardless and he looked forward to dying. In other words, he did not worry about what was happening to him or what would happen to him. He trusted Christ. Oh God, I want to trust You like this. Give me the faith of a child.
He tells me it is vital that we work hard revealing the fact that I am saved through Christ and to be determined to obey God, no excuses. After all, God, Himself, is the one who works in me giving the very desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Father God, please forgive me for trying to do things in my own power instead of using my energy to be determined to obey You. I am often more concerned with what I am doing instead of whom I am doing it for. I trust You to provide the desire and the power. I do want to please You.
Paul's desire was to know Christ and experience His mighty power. Is that my desire? Do I truly want to know Christ and experience more of Him or do I just say that I do? Am I wiling to suffer with Him/for Him? His contentment came with this and the fact that whatever came he knew he could do it because Christ would give him the strength he needed. He was never left on his own. Jesus, please give me the desire to know You and experience You more each day. May I not be content with anything less than to know You more. And may I trust, really trust that You will provide all the strength I need no matter what.
Father God, may You receive glory from my life and this daily struggle to surrender fully to You. I pray for Your strength to be content and full of joy. You alone know me and understand my battles and yet You promise victory, ultimately. May I put my eyes on You with more regularity and may I truly desire You as evidenced by my actions not just my words. I know that anything is possible with You, Jesus. Thank You for providing all that I need to live this life for Your purpose. Have Your will and way in me...
Philippians 1:20b-21, I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
Philippians 2:12b-13, Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.
Philippians 3:10a, I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him.
Philippians 4:11b, I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
Philippians 4:13, I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.
I have been contemplating my lack of contentment and in so doing I found myself looking at Paul and wondering how he claimed contentment?
He trusted Christ, period, whether he was to live or die, no matter what came. He knew that He belonged to Christ and thus he would live for Him, regardless and he looked forward to dying. In other words, he did not worry about what was happening to him or what would happen to him. He trusted Christ. Oh God, I want to trust You like this. Give me the faith of a child.
He tells me it is vital that we work hard revealing the fact that I am saved through Christ and to be determined to obey God, no excuses. After all, God, Himself, is the one who works in me giving the very desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Father God, please forgive me for trying to do things in my own power instead of using my energy to be determined to obey You. I am often more concerned with what I am doing instead of whom I am doing it for. I trust You to provide the desire and the power. I do want to please You.
Paul's desire was to know Christ and experience His mighty power. Is that my desire? Do I truly want to know Christ and experience more of Him or do I just say that I do? Am I wiling to suffer with Him/for Him? His contentment came with this and the fact that whatever came he knew he could do it because Christ would give him the strength he needed. He was never left on his own. Jesus, please give me the desire to know You and experience You more each day. May I not be content with anything less than to know You more. And may I trust, really trust that You will provide all the strength I need no matter what.
Father God, may You receive glory from my life and this daily struggle to surrender fully to You. I pray for Your strength to be content and full of joy. You alone know me and understand my battles and yet You promise victory, ultimately. May I put my eyes on You with more regularity and may I truly desire You as evidenced by my actions not just my words. I know that anything is possible with You, Jesus. Thank You for providing all that I need to live this life for Your purpose. Have Your will and way in me...
Friday, November 18, 2016
The LORD is My Rescuer
Some verses from Psalm 18.
(vs 1) I love You, LORD; You are my strength. (vs 2) The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. (vs 3) I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies. (vs 4) The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. (vs 5) The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. (vs 6) But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. Help heard me from His sanctuary; my cry to Him reached His ears.
(vs. 16) He reached down from heaven and rescued me; He drew me out of deep waters. (vs 17) He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. (vs 18) They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the LORD supported me. (vs 19) He led me to a place of safety He rescued me because He delights in me.
(vs 28) You light a lamp for me. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness.
(vs 30) God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. (31) For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock? (vs 32) God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect.
(vs 46) The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted!
Father, I thank You that You are my strength, my rock, my fortress, my protection and my savior. You LORD, are worthy of my praise. Once again, Lord, I have asked You to rescue me from the enemy of my soul and his deceptive ways of manipulating my emotions and You did!! Thank You! I have asked You to rescue me and draw me out of the deep waters and help me to cast my burdens on You and release them and You have given me the strength to do that! Thank You! Thank You, Lord, for taking delight in me. Enable me to obey You and to be faithful as You are faithful. Thank You, Lord for lighting up my darkness & for providing relief from the weight of it. I praise You once again for Your rescue and that You never, ever leave me or forsake me.
The Lord has been teaching me of late, the importance of coming to Him as a little child. In complete trust, hope and a knowing that He will do what He says He will. As as adult, I often find myself analyzing, actually overanalyzing, and trying to figure things out, particularly the things of God, rather than trusting Him simply as a child. You know, taking Him at His WORD. James 1:17b says, "He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He is trustworthy. He will do what He says He will. And I know it because He has proven it to me over and over and I am so thankful!
Father God, please continue to remind me to have the faith of a child. Thank You for showing me so much and for refusing to ever leave me in the hard places alone. You are there with me and when the time is right, You rescue me. Help me to trust in You before the rescue seems apparent and take my worries to You and release them to You and receive Your peace regardless of the circumstances or my feelings about them. Enable me to be intentional in holding onto the Truth of Your Word. Forgive me for casting my cares upon You and not releasing them into Your capable hands. Forgive me for lacking faith and trust in Who You say You are. Thank You for Your willingness to always hear from me and Your desire to relieve me of the pressures of this world when I focus on You rather than on anyone or anything else. Thank You that Your ways are perfect and all Your promises are true. May I bring You glory today as I surrender my will to Yours, Jesus. Thank You, LORD for being my Rescuer!
(vs 1) I love You, LORD; You are my strength. (vs 2) The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. (vs 3) I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies. (vs 4) The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. (vs 5) The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. (vs 6) But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. Help heard me from His sanctuary; my cry to Him reached His ears.
(vs. 16) He reached down from heaven and rescued me; He drew me out of deep waters. (vs 17) He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. (vs 18) They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the LORD supported me. (vs 19) He led me to a place of safety He rescued me because He delights in me.
(vs 28) You light a lamp for me. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness.
(vs 30) God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. (31) For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock? (vs 32) God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect.
(vs 46) The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted!
Father, I thank You that You are my strength, my rock, my fortress, my protection and my savior. You LORD, are worthy of my praise. Once again, Lord, I have asked You to rescue me from the enemy of my soul and his deceptive ways of manipulating my emotions and You did!! Thank You! I have asked You to rescue me and draw me out of the deep waters and help me to cast my burdens on You and release them and You have given me the strength to do that! Thank You! Thank You, Lord, for taking delight in me. Enable me to obey You and to be faithful as You are faithful. Thank You, Lord for lighting up my darkness & for providing relief from the weight of it. I praise You once again for Your rescue and that You never, ever leave me or forsake me.
The Lord has been teaching me of late, the importance of coming to Him as a little child. In complete trust, hope and a knowing that He will do what He says He will. As as adult, I often find myself analyzing, actually overanalyzing, and trying to figure things out, particularly the things of God, rather than trusting Him simply as a child. You know, taking Him at His WORD. James 1:17b says, "He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He is trustworthy. He will do what He says He will. And I know it because He has proven it to me over and over and I am so thankful!
Father God, please continue to remind me to have the faith of a child. Thank You for showing me so much and for refusing to ever leave me in the hard places alone. You are there with me and when the time is right, You rescue me. Help me to trust in You before the rescue seems apparent and take my worries to You and release them to You and receive Your peace regardless of the circumstances or my feelings about them. Enable me to be intentional in holding onto the Truth of Your Word. Forgive me for casting my cares upon You and not releasing them into Your capable hands. Forgive me for lacking faith and trust in Who You say You are. Thank You for Your willingness to always hear from me and Your desire to relieve me of the pressures of this world when I focus on You rather than on anyone or anything else. Thank You that Your ways are perfect and all Your promises are true. May I bring You glory today as I surrender my will to Yours, Jesus. Thank You, LORD for being my Rescuer!
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
God's Guidance is BEST
Psalm 32: 8-9
The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control."
I do not know about you, but I often find myself being that "senseless horse or mule" referred to in the verses above. It is maddening to me just how often I try to take charge of things in my life - particularly by overanalyzing and trying to figure things out.
The Lord reminds me over and over as I read His Word to Trust Him. He has the plan for me and my family fully under control and He really does not need my input! He is reminding me to put my energies toward being thankful to Him and focusing on Him. Colossians 4:2, "Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Isaiah 30:15b, "Only in returning to Me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength."
Isaiah 30:18, "So the LORD must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help."
He is good to repeatedly remind me to repent (return to Him) and to rest in Him. It is in resting in Him that I find I can wait on Him and then quietness and confidence in Him becomes my strength. I struggle to rest in Him. I struggle with waiting on Him. And yet when I turn to Him and share my heart in full disclosure in prayer and repentance, He shows Himself faithful and He does provide that rest, strength, hope and joy that can only be found in Him. Then He reveals His path for me.
Father God, I am sorry that I am often like the senseless horse or mule that will have none of Your leading though I often mask it in ways that makes me feel like I am following. Convict me Holy Spirit and do not allow me to walk so often on that particular path, but give me eyes to see and ears to hear as You lead along with a willing and pure heart that will follow. I know that I know that You are trustworthy God and truly it makes no sense that I would continue to give in to my flesh and follow my own lead, but I often do. Please God, transform me from the inside out and enable me to have full confidence in Your strength as represented by my actions not just my words. I want to become better at waiting for You, Lord, instead of running out ahead of You. Forgive me. Show me the best pathway for my life and help me to walk on it in quietness and strength. Give me a heart's desire to devote myself to prayer, being watchful for who and what You want me to pray about and to be thankful, regardless. Thank You, Jesus, for Your provision, for Your unfailing love and for making a way for me to have relationship with God through the shedding of Your blood that paid my sin debt and for raising to life again guaranteeing me eternal life. Please help me to walk in the abundance of what You already done for me in this life! Thank You that I do not have to wait until heaven. It's is all because of You, Jesus, Amen.
The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control."
I do not know about you, but I often find myself being that "senseless horse or mule" referred to in the verses above. It is maddening to me just how often I try to take charge of things in my life - particularly by overanalyzing and trying to figure things out.
The Lord reminds me over and over as I read His Word to Trust Him. He has the plan for me and my family fully under control and He really does not need my input! He is reminding me to put my energies toward being thankful to Him and focusing on Him. Colossians 4:2, "Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Isaiah 30:15b, "Only in returning to Me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength."
Isaiah 30:18, "So the LORD must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help."
He is good to repeatedly remind me to repent (return to Him) and to rest in Him. It is in resting in Him that I find I can wait on Him and then quietness and confidence in Him becomes my strength. I struggle to rest in Him. I struggle with waiting on Him. And yet when I turn to Him and share my heart in full disclosure in prayer and repentance, He shows Himself faithful and He does provide that rest, strength, hope and joy that can only be found in Him. Then He reveals His path for me.
Father God, I am sorry that I am often like the senseless horse or mule that will have none of Your leading though I often mask it in ways that makes me feel like I am following. Convict me Holy Spirit and do not allow me to walk so often on that particular path, but give me eyes to see and ears to hear as You lead along with a willing and pure heart that will follow. I know that I know that You are trustworthy God and truly it makes no sense that I would continue to give in to my flesh and follow my own lead, but I often do. Please God, transform me from the inside out and enable me to have full confidence in Your strength as represented by my actions not just my words. I want to become better at waiting for You, Lord, instead of running out ahead of You. Forgive me. Show me the best pathway for my life and help me to walk on it in quietness and strength. Give me a heart's desire to devote myself to prayer, being watchful for who and what You want me to pray about and to be thankful, regardless. Thank You, Jesus, for Your provision, for Your unfailing love and for making a way for me to have relationship with God through the shedding of Your blood that paid my sin debt and for raising to life again guaranteeing me eternal life. Please help me to walk in the abundance of what You already done for me in this life! Thank You that I do not have to wait until heaven. It's is all because of You, Jesus, Amen.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Can I Honor God?
Psalm 50:14
Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
Thankfulness can be translated as confession, praise, thanksgiving. This verse struck me as I realized just how hard thankfulness is for me. It is a sacrifice that God expects and yet I often blow it off as unnecessary. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for many things and definitely for my salvation; however I find that truly in the depths of my heart I am not all that thankful. I am constantly wanting something more than what I have - emotionally, spiritually and physically. I find that contentment is a battle that I often lose.
Recognizing that in Psalm 50:7 God reminds me that "I am God, your God!" and that in verse 14, He requires thankfulness is rather eye opening for me. I find that I have a surface level thanksgiving rather than a thankfulness from the heart and I find hope from the fact that God allows confession and praise along with thanksgiving to count!
Psalm 50:22a says, "Repent, all of you who forget me," and verse 23a says, "But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me."
I realize I have taken bits and pieces of the Psalm to look at. If you read the whole Psalm you will discover that God is quite put out by the Israelites and He speaks rather harshly or firmly. He reminds them that He is their God, the I AM. He reminds them that He does not need their sacrifices, that He is God and He "owns the cattle on a thousand hills." That "every bird on the mountain and all the animals of the field are His". That if "He were hungry, He would not tell them, for all the world is HIs and everything in it"! He is the Judge of everyone! But look at the HOPE revealed. We can repent. And giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly HONORS Him!! This is the path He has for us to walk.
Thanksgiving is more than words, it is an attitude. This is the path He has for me to walk, one that is filled with a thankful heart. I am to mean what I say and the proof is in how I live, not just in my words. Words are sometimes easy, whereas follow through is not.
Father God, thank You for pricking my heart over my lack of thankfulness. Forgive me for often saying I am thankful when truly I am dealing with a bad attitude. Thank You that thankfulness is way more than flowery words but that it includes confession and a recognition of Who You Are. I am thankful that You allow me the opportunity to bring You glory and I can do so with thanksgiving. Forgive me for thinking that You need anything from me. Thank You that though I often find myself in trouble, You always rescue me. Thank You that You have rescued me for eternity for providing Jesus to pay my sin debt and saving my soul, but I also thank You that You rescue me daily and You want me to live an abundant life in the now and I can do this by developing a thankful heart. You even provide the strength to do that! I am never alone. You provide all I need. All the time. Thank You, Holy Spirit for giving up heaven to live inside of me! Father God the depth of Your sacrifice astounds me. Forgive me for taking You for granted so often. Change me, Lord, help me to truly be more thankful from the inside out. Forgive me for complaining and being ungrateful. I want to honor You.
Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
Thankfulness can be translated as confession, praise, thanksgiving. This verse struck me as I realized just how hard thankfulness is for me. It is a sacrifice that God expects and yet I often blow it off as unnecessary. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for many things and definitely for my salvation; however I find that truly in the depths of my heart I am not all that thankful. I am constantly wanting something more than what I have - emotionally, spiritually and physically. I find that contentment is a battle that I often lose.
Recognizing that in Psalm 50:7 God reminds me that "I am God, your God!" and that in verse 14, He requires thankfulness is rather eye opening for me. I find that I have a surface level thanksgiving rather than a thankfulness from the heart and I find hope from the fact that God allows confession and praise along with thanksgiving to count!
Psalm 50:22a says, "Repent, all of you who forget me," and verse 23a says, "But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me."
I realize I have taken bits and pieces of the Psalm to look at. If you read the whole Psalm you will discover that God is quite put out by the Israelites and He speaks rather harshly or firmly. He reminds them that He is their God, the I AM. He reminds them that He does not need their sacrifices, that He is God and He "owns the cattle on a thousand hills." That "every bird on the mountain and all the animals of the field are His". That if "He were hungry, He would not tell them, for all the world is HIs and everything in it"! He is the Judge of everyone! But look at the HOPE revealed. We can repent. And giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly HONORS Him!! This is the path He has for us to walk.
Thanksgiving is more than words, it is an attitude. This is the path He has for me to walk, one that is filled with a thankful heart. I am to mean what I say and the proof is in how I live, not just in my words. Words are sometimes easy, whereas follow through is not.
Father God, thank You for pricking my heart over my lack of thankfulness. Forgive me for often saying I am thankful when truly I am dealing with a bad attitude. Thank You that thankfulness is way more than flowery words but that it includes confession and a recognition of Who You Are. I am thankful that You allow me the opportunity to bring You glory and I can do so with thanksgiving. Forgive me for thinking that You need anything from me. Thank You that though I often find myself in trouble, You always rescue me. Thank You that You have rescued me for eternity for providing Jesus to pay my sin debt and saving my soul, but I also thank You that You rescue me daily and You want me to live an abundant life in the now and I can do this by developing a thankful heart. You even provide the strength to do that! I am never alone. You provide all I need. All the time. Thank You, Holy Spirit for giving up heaven to live inside of me! Father God the depth of Your sacrifice astounds me. Forgive me for taking You for granted so often. Change me, Lord, help me to truly be more thankful from the inside out. Forgive me for complaining and being ungrateful. I want to honor You.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
The LORD: My Hope and Confidence
Jeremiah 17:5-9
5) This is what the LORD says: 'Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD.
6) They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land.
7) But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.
8) They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.
It is that time of year where I and many of us are very aware of the trees around us, FALL!!! Truly, I love fall. The crispness in the air. The subtle change of color in the leaves that then burst with radiant color. Their beauty only surpassed by the sky above with it's rich blues or the multi-colors of a sunrise or sunset - for me preferably a sunset - lol. Bonfires. In our family celebrating the lives of our children. Hiking. And so much more...
For many, I know, fall represents an ending. The fact that winter is fast approaching takes away from the ability to enjoy the moments of fall. I can understand that too. I find it so amazing that God has given each of us our own view point. Every single one of us come at this life from a unique set of circumstances, experiences and way of viewing life dependent on so many factors. How absolutely mind-blowing is it that Christ understands us so intimately and loves us unfailingly!? HOWEVER, His TRUTH, His WORD is what never changes and it is to be our plumb line for life, not our viewpoint, not our circumstances, not our DNA. I do not know about You but this is so freeing and fills me HOPE. (Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever!!! Hebrews 13:8
In this context in Jeremiah 17 "cursed" means to be "miserable". When I depend on others for my hope and confidence or even in myself, "I am miserable". I have lived this I know it to be true. This is a battle I fight with unfortunate regularity. Due to my own "bents" or my own personality, my circumstances, my viewpoint I tend toward trusting in myself and in others for my security. I am truly grateful that though I battle this I am no longer bound by it because "in Christ, I am a new creation; old things have passed away, new things have come" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Sometimes, actually more often than I would like to admit, I forget that my old nature is dead and I allow myself to live by my old nature, in my flesh and I fall for the enemies tricks. Before I know it I have allowed myself to trust in my own strength and in what others provide and just that quickly I have turned away from the LORD and emotionally and spiritually I am "like a stunted shrub in the desert" living as if I have no hope and feeling as though I am in "a barren wilderness." In those moments, I find that I am like a tree that is dried up and has lost it's color, it's brilliance for the LORD.
I am so thankful that like the trees my life is filled with seasons. When I repent of my self-sufficiency and pride, etc. I find that God fills my life with His brilliant color once again regardless of whether I find myself in the fall, winter, spring or summer season. No matter how long each season lasts, I always have hope and I am blessed because of Jesus and His death, burial and resurrection on the cross. My hope and confidence is truly only found in Him.
For me, it is a constant process of realizing my trust is in the LORD and the fact that He is my hope and confidence and choosing to walk in the truth of all that this means. I want to be that tree that is "planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep in to the water." And not be "bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought" and "whose leaves stay green" and "never stop producing fruit". However, I know that this is what heaven looks like so for now I am determined to be better at embracing each season of life and recognizing God's hand at work in me regardless of whether my "leaves" are newly budding, vibrant green, brilliant colors, dried up and crusty or just plan gone. My goal is to stop "worrying" so much over what my own leaves look like and focus on my Lord and trusting in Him!!
Father God, You know the deep desires of my heart. Forgive me for so often losing sight of You and for giving in to the sin of pride and self-sufficiency. I know that I can do nothing apart from You. God, I chose to trust You for the seasons in my life. Forgive me for spending so much of my time trying to figure out what You are up to and what I need to do rather than practicing placing my trust and hope in You. Help me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and to love others as myself. Forgive me for placing my wants and desires above You. I want to bring You glory, Lord, regardless of the season I find myself in. Help me to look to You and You alone, Lord. Thank You, Jesus for never giving up on me and for always meeting me where I am, but for refusing to leave me there!
5) This is what the LORD says: 'Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD.
6) They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land.
7) But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.
8) They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.
It is that time of year where I and many of us are very aware of the trees around us, FALL!!! Truly, I love fall. The crispness in the air. The subtle change of color in the leaves that then burst with radiant color. Their beauty only surpassed by the sky above with it's rich blues or the multi-colors of a sunrise or sunset - for me preferably a sunset - lol. Bonfires. In our family celebrating the lives of our children. Hiking. And so much more...
For many, I know, fall represents an ending. The fact that winter is fast approaching takes away from the ability to enjoy the moments of fall. I can understand that too. I find it so amazing that God has given each of us our own view point. Every single one of us come at this life from a unique set of circumstances, experiences and way of viewing life dependent on so many factors. How absolutely mind-blowing is it that Christ understands us so intimately and loves us unfailingly!? HOWEVER, His TRUTH, His WORD is what never changes and it is to be our plumb line for life, not our viewpoint, not our circumstances, not our DNA. I do not know about You but this is so freeing and fills me HOPE. (Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever!!! Hebrews 13:8
In this context in Jeremiah 17 "cursed" means to be "miserable". When I depend on others for my hope and confidence or even in myself, "I am miserable". I have lived this I know it to be true. This is a battle I fight with unfortunate regularity. Due to my own "bents" or my own personality, my circumstances, my viewpoint I tend toward trusting in myself and in others for my security. I am truly grateful that though I battle this I am no longer bound by it because "in Christ, I am a new creation; old things have passed away, new things have come" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Sometimes, actually more often than I would like to admit, I forget that my old nature is dead and I allow myself to live by my old nature, in my flesh and I fall for the enemies tricks. Before I know it I have allowed myself to trust in my own strength and in what others provide and just that quickly I have turned away from the LORD and emotionally and spiritually I am "like a stunted shrub in the desert" living as if I have no hope and feeling as though I am in "a barren wilderness." In those moments, I find that I am like a tree that is dried up and has lost it's color, it's brilliance for the LORD.
I am so thankful that like the trees my life is filled with seasons. When I repent of my self-sufficiency and pride, etc. I find that God fills my life with His brilliant color once again regardless of whether I find myself in the fall, winter, spring or summer season. No matter how long each season lasts, I always have hope and I am blessed because of Jesus and His death, burial and resurrection on the cross. My hope and confidence is truly only found in Him.
For me, it is a constant process of realizing my trust is in the LORD and the fact that He is my hope and confidence and choosing to walk in the truth of all that this means. I want to be that tree that is "planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep in to the water." And not be "bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought" and "whose leaves stay green" and "never stop producing fruit". However, I know that this is what heaven looks like so for now I am determined to be better at embracing each season of life and recognizing God's hand at work in me regardless of whether my "leaves" are newly budding, vibrant green, brilliant colors, dried up and crusty or just plan gone. My goal is to stop "worrying" so much over what my own leaves look like and focus on my Lord and trusting in Him!!
Father God, You know the deep desires of my heart. Forgive me for so often losing sight of You and for giving in to the sin of pride and self-sufficiency. I know that I can do nothing apart from You. God, I chose to trust You for the seasons in my life. Forgive me for spending so much of my time trying to figure out what You are up to and what I need to do rather than practicing placing my trust and hope in You. Help me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and to love others as myself. Forgive me for placing my wants and desires above You. I want to bring You glory, Lord, regardless of the season I find myself in. Help me to look to You and You alone, Lord. Thank You, Jesus for never giving up on me and for always meeting me where I am, but for refusing to leave me there!
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
God's Love is Lavish
Pour our your hearts like water to the Lord. Lamentations 2:19
He is the faithful God who lavishes His unfailing love on those who love Him and obey His commands. Deuteronomy 7:9
The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7
The combination of these verses has ministered to my heart. I love the concept of pouring my heart out to God and finding the truth in the fact that He listens and cares. In context in Lamentations this verse is asking the Israelites to pour out their hearts all through the night in desperation for their children and their country. Applicable today, huh?!
Father God, I do ask that You will reveal Yourself to my children in ways that they have never known. I pray that their hearts will be soft toward You and they will surrender to Your lead throughout their lives. I ask that You would not give our country over to the evil that is so pervasive. I pray that You would enable us as believers to repent first and to love You and those You put in to our path in ways that reveal You. Help me to pour out my heart in desperation for those who do not know You, Lord.
In looking at Deuteronomy 7:9, I am taken by the faithfulness of God! He not only loves me but He "lavishes His unfailing love" on me. My response is to love Him and to obey Him - it is a cycle. He loves me and I love Him and obey Him and He lavishes His unfailing love on me, then I want to love Him and obey Him more. Lavishes is such a cool word!!! Kind of like having love poured out on me!
Father God, thank You seems so inadequate for the amazingness of Your faithfulness and Your love. And yet it is all I have, so THANK YOU! Thank You that it isn't enough for You just to love me, but You lavish it on me!!! I am so blessed!! Help me to love You more and more and obey Your lead. Give me ears to hear You and a willingness to obey, please Lord. I know that I cannot do it in my own strength.
Then Nahum 1:7. The LORD is good! Yes, He is. A strong refuge when trouble comes!!! Absolutely. And He is close to those who trust in Him!! He draws us to repent and to recognize His goodness and that He is in control. He will protect us as trouble is part of this life. But even more than all of that, which is HUGE!! He is close to us as we trust in Him! In fact He lives within us by the power of His Holy Spirit. I am never alone as a believer to face trouble or anything else! Knowing Him and getting to know Him more through His Word increases our ability to trust.
Father God, I do praise You because You are good, all the time. You are not just a refuge, but You are a strong refuge. You are the Almighty God and You allow me to have a personal relationship with You, through Jesus Christ. Thank You! Help me to recognize just how close You are to me as I walk this journey Your way. May I surrender my will to You and be in Your Word so that I can trust You more!!! I love You, Lord and I am so grateful that You first loved me!!
He is the faithful God who lavishes His unfailing love on those who love Him and obey His commands. Deuteronomy 7:9
The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7
The combination of these verses has ministered to my heart. I love the concept of pouring my heart out to God and finding the truth in the fact that He listens and cares. In context in Lamentations this verse is asking the Israelites to pour out their hearts all through the night in desperation for their children and their country. Applicable today, huh?!
Father God, I do ask that You will reveal Yourself to my children in ways that they have never known. I pray that their hearts will be soft toward You and they will surrender to Your lead throughout their lives. I ask that You would not give our country over to the evil that is so pervasive. I pray that You would enable us as believers to repent first and to love You and those You put in to our path in ways that reveal You. Help me to pour out my heart in desperation for those who do not know You, Lord.
In looking at Deuteronomy 7:9, I am taken by the faithfulness of God! He not only loves me but He "lavishes His unfailing love" on me. My response is to love Him and to obey Him - it is a cycle. He loves me and I love Him and obey Him and He lavishes His unfailing love on me, then I want to love Him and obey Him more. Lavishes is such a cool word!!! Kind of like having love poured out on me!
Father God, thank You seems so inadequate for the amazingness of Your faithfulness and Your love. And yet it is all I have, so THANK YOU! Thank You that it isn't enough for You just to love me, but You lavish it on me!!! I am so blessed!! Help me to love You more and more and obey Your lead. Give me ears to hear You and a willingness to obey, please Lord. I know that I cannot do it in my own strength.
Then Nahum 1:7. The LORD is good! Yes, He is. A strong refuge when trouble comes!!! Absolutely. And He is close to those who trust in Him!! He draws us to repent and to recognize His goodness and that He is in control. He will protect us as trouble is part of this life. But even more than all of that, which is HUGE!! He is close to us as we trust in Him! In fact He lives within us by the power of His Holy Spirit. I am never alone as a believer to face trouble or anything else! Knowing Him and getting to know Him more through His Word increases our ability to trust.
Father God, I do praise You because You are good, all the time. You are not just a refuge, but You are a strong refuge. You are the Almighty God and You allow me to have a personal relationship with You, through Jesus Christ. Thank You! Help me to recognize just how close You are to me as I walk this journey Your way. May I surrender my will to You and be in Your Word so that I can trust You more!!! I love You, Lord and I am so grateful that You first loved me!!
Monday, September 19, 2016
Jesus Is: The Word of LIFE
The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. Psalm 19:7-9 (NLT)
The Word, the Bible is described in many ways. In these two verses alone the Word is described as instructions, decrees, commandments and commands. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). And in John 1:14, "The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed HIs glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
We know that Jesus is the Word.
Look at what Jesus, as the Word through the Bible, reveals in these two verses alone. His Word is perfect -- it revives the soul. My soul!!! Your soul!!! Revives? The dictionary suggests several meanings for the word revives: to activate, set in motion, or take up again; renew; to restore to life or consciousness, renewed, vigor, strength, or a flourishing condition; to reanimate, to cheer; to be restored or renews as hope or consciousness.
Through spending time with Jesus, through reading His Word, meditating upon it I can be revived!!! In a spiritual sense as well as in a physical sense. He enables me to go on. He is after all "the Way, the Truth and the Life" John 14:6.
His Word has the ability to make us wise. Wise is knowing the Truth but also wise in living the Truth as we obey what He reveals to us.
His Word is right, period. And in it's rightness Jesus brings joy to my heart and yours. If we read it and apply it and if we allow Him to apply it to our daily living then there is joy. How? Through obedience and being willing to listen for His Voice and follow His lead in moment by moment of daily living. And those times that we don't obey then He leads us to confess that disobedience and trust His forgiveness therefore allowing Him to begin again in because of His faithfulness. It says right there in verse 9 that His Word is clear and it gives insight for living. Believe it!
His Word goes on to say at the end of Psalm 19 in verse 14: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
It is after spending time with Jesus, actually in Him, through His Word, that we are then able to have a heart, words and actions that are pleasing to our Father in Heaven, our LORD. He is so good!!!
Father God, thank You for Jesus! Thank You, Jesus, for being the very Word on the page that we can read and that has the power to revive me in my daily life. Thank You, Jesus, that You gave Your Life so that I may have abundant and eternal life in You. May I spend time with You and truly allow You to revive and renew me in ways that alters the way I speak and respond in my daily life. Thank You for reminding me that You are my Rock and my Redeemer. For reminding me of that all I am in You and of all that is possible because of You. Thank You for bringing joy to my heart through Your Word. It is because of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
The Word, the Bible is described in many ways. In these two verses alone the Word is described as instructions, decrees, commandments and commands. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). And in John 1:14, "The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed HIs glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
We know that Jesus is the Word.
Look at what Jesus, as the Word through the Bible, reveals in these two verses alone. His Word is perfect -- it revives the soul. My soul!!! Your soul!!! Revives? The dictionary suggests several meanings for the word revives: to activate, set in motion, or take up again; renew; to restore to life or consciousness, renewed, vigor, strength, or a flourishing condition; to reanimate, to cheer; to be restored or renews as hope or consciousness.
Through spending time with Jesus, through reading His Word, meditating upon it I can be revived!!! In a spiritual sense as well as in a physical sense. He enables me to go on. He is after all "the Way, the Truth and the Life" John 14:6.
His Word has the ability to make us wise. Wise is knowing the Truth but also wise in living the Truth as we obey what He reveals to us.
His Word is right, period. And in it's rightness Jesus brings joy to my heart and yours. If we read it and apply it and if we allow Him to apply it to our daily living then there is joy. How? Through obedience and being willing to listen for His Voice and follow His lead in moment by moment of daily living. And those times that we don't obey then He leads us to confess that disobedience and trust His forgiveness therefore allowing Him to begin again in because of His faithfulness. It says right there in verse 9 that His Word is clear and it gives insight for living. Believe it!
His Word goes on to say at the end of Psalm 19 in verse 14: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
It is after spending time with Jesus, actually in Him, through His Word, that we are then able to have a heart, words and actions that are pleasing to our Father in Heaven, our LORD. He is so good!!!
Father God, thank You for Jesus! Thank You, Jesus, for being the very Word on the page that we can read and that has the power to revive me in my daily life. Thank You, Jesus, that You gave Your Life so that I may have abundant and eternal life in You. May I spend time with You and truly allow You to revive and renew me in ways that alters the way I speak and respond in my daily life. Thank You for reminding me that You are my Rock and my Redeemer. For reminding me of that all I am in You and of all that is possible because of You. Thank You for bringing joy to my heart through Your Word. It is because of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
Friday, September 16, 2016
God Provides...Everything
Psalm 16 (NLT)
(1) Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to You for refuge.
(2) I said to the LORD, You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from You.
(3) The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!
(4) Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods.
(5) LORD, You alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.
(6) The land You have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!
(7) I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.
(8) I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.
(9) No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.
(10) For You will not leave my soul among the dead or allow Your Holy One to rot in the grave.
(11) You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.
I love the Psalms. They are just so real, aren't they? I desire to be real with people and know them as real as well. David pours out his soul here in Psalm 16 and it resonates with me.
Keep me safe, protect me (HCSB), preserve me (NKJV) for I have come to You for refuge, for in You I put my trust (NKJV). Trusting the fact that God is my refuge, He will keep me safe and He is my refuge is key. I know that things happen that make me "feel" that I am not safe and yet the fact is that this life is not what is most important. Our reality is that this life is only 0-100 years possibly but heaven is for all eternity. God being my safety and refuge is in knowing that regardless of what happens in this life, He is trustworthy and He is preparing a place for me in heaven (John 14:3).
I must declare, in this life, by my words and my actions that He is my Lord and Master recognizing that every good thing I have comes from Him. HCSB states "You are my Lord, I have nothing good besides You." He is the very definition of goodness. So any goodness I am capable of originates in Him.
I look at this Psalm and am reminded of His provision. He provides safety, He is my refuge. His very being is goodness. The ability to take pleasure in others or in anything is from Him. He is my inheritance. He is my blessing. He guides me. He is always with me. I can allow my heart to be glad (have joy) when I recognize all that He is and all that He does. Notice in verse 10, it is all because of Jesus!!! I am granted the joy of His presence and the knowledge that I will live with Him forever.
I have a choice, one I must make over and over. Am I going to trust in Him and live in His ways or follow after the world? Will I love others in the way He loves me? Will I rest in the security that belonging to Him brings and allow it to stretch my comfort zone and be willing to reach out to others because I know I am secure in Him?
I love the example of David. I can come to God with everything. My fears, my frustrations, my joys, my hopes, my disappointments, the people that I love. I can KNOW that He has me and them in the palm of His hand. He is at work all the time and He has provided everything I will ever need all ready.
I need only trust in Him and wait for His timing.
This is a difficult task especially when I tend to forget that every single thing is all about Him and His strength and His provision, not my own!! Truly, it may seem that I am oversimplifying, but the fact is we are guilty of making things harder than He ever intended - at least I am.
Father God, I am truly thankful for Your Word. For the way that Your servant, David, expressed himself and thus shows me that it is acceptable and even pleasing to You when I come to You with all that I am facing. Please God, enable me to look to You and place my trust in You moment by moment and be ready to share the love that You so generously poured out for me with others. May I love as You love me. Help me to rest in You, Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.
(1) Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to You for refuge.
(2) I said to the LORD, You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from You.
(3) The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!
(4) Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods.
(5) LORD, You alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.
(6) The land You have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!
(7) I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.
(8) I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.
(9) No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.
(10) For You will not leave my soul among the dead or allow Your Holy One to rot in the grave.
(11) You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.
I love the Psalms. They are just so real, aren't they? I desire to be real with people and know them as real as well. David pours out his soul here in Psalm 16 and it resonates with me.
Keep me safe, protect me (HCSB), preserve me (NKJV) for I have come to You for refuge, for in You I put my trust (NKJV). Trusting the fact that God is my refuge, He will keep me safe and He is my refuge is key. I know that things happen that make me "feel" that I am not safe and yet the fact is that this life is not what is most important. Our reality is that this life is only 0-100 years possibly but heaven is for all eternity. God being my safety and refuge is in knowing that regardless of what happens in this life, He is trustworthy and He is preparing a place for me in heaven (John 14:3).
I must declare, in this life, by my words and my actions that He is my Lord and Master recognizing that every good thing I have comes from Him. HCSB states "You are my Lord, I have nothing good besides You." He is the very definition of goodness. So any goodness I am capable of originates in Him.
I look at this Psalm and am reminded of His provision. He provides safety, He is my refuge. His very being is goodness. The ability to take pleasure in others or in anything is from Him. He is my inheritance. He is my blessing. He guides me. He is always with me. I can allow my heart to be glad (have joy) when I recognize all that He is and all that He does. Notice in verse 10, it is all because of Jesus!!! I am granted the joy of His presence and the knowledge that I will live with Him forever.
I have a choice, one I must make over and over. Am I going to trust in Him and live in His ways or follow after the world? Will I love others in the way He loves me? Will I rest in the security that belonging to Him brings and allow it to stretch my comfort zone and be willing to reach out to others because I know I am secure in Him?
I love the example of David. I can come to God with everything. My fears, my frustrations, my joys, my hopes, my disappointments, the people that I love. I can KNOW that He has me and them in the palm of His hand. He is at work all the time and He has provided everything I will ever need all ready.
I need only trust in Him and wait for His timing.
This is a difficult task especially when I tend to forget that every single thing is all about Him and His strength and His provision, not my own!! Truly, it may seem that I am oversimplifying, but the fact is we are guilty of making things harder than He ever intended - at least I am.
Father God, I am truly thankful for Your Word. For the way that Your servant, David, expressed himself and thus shows me that it is acceptable and even pleasing to You when I come to You with all that I am facing. Please God, enable me to look to You and place my trust in You moment by moment and be ready to share the love that You so generously poured out for me with others. May I love as You love me. Help me to rest in You, Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Restore Joy
Psalm 51 (various verses from HCSB)
1) Be gracious to me, God according to Your faithful love; according to Your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion.
2) Wash away my guilt, and cleanse me from my sin.
3) For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me.
4a) Against You - You alone - I have sinned and done this evil in Your sight.
6) Surely You desire integrity in the inner self, and You teach me wisdom deep within.
8) Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice.
9) Turn Your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt.
10) God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit with in me.
11) Do not banish me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12) Restore the joy of Your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit.
15) Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare Your praise.
17) The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. God, You will not despise a broken and humbled heart.
I am struck today with my pride and rebellion, the constant battle to submit my will to His will. I like things my way. I like things to go my way and for others to agree with me. I struggle with self-centeredness and self-righteousness throughout my day. I have an opinion about everything and of course, I think it is the best one. I am constantly battling against manipulating things to look my way or to suit me. I have a sin problem. And yet, I do desire to submit to the Lord and I recognize that even this desire comes from Him.
I look at Psalm 51 and I am overwhelmed with awe and gratitude. The Psalmist David asks God for much and yet I know the reality of all that he asked for!! I am certainly blessed. As are you if you have placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Will you reread the verses above and ponder all that Christ has done for you and me?
Father God, I thank You that You are full of grace toward me because of Your unfailing love and abundant compassion for me. I thank You that through the blood of Jesus You have washed away my guilt and cleansed me from my sin. I am conscious of my rebellion and my sin is ever before me. I know that I can never measure up on my own and that I could not pay the debt that my sin required. Thank You, Jesus for paying my debt. Forgive me for the sin that I excuse and ignore. Please reveal it to me and give me the strength to repent with godly sorrow. I know that my sin is against You and You alone. I know You desire a pure heart deep within me. I pray that You would make it so and that You would teach me wisdom. I do ask that You would enable me to know joy and gladness in realizing that all my sin has been blotted out and washed clean. I do pray that You would create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Forgive me where I have quenched and grieved Your Holy Spirit in my life. Thank You for the truth of Your promise that You will never leave me or forsake me, period. Restore to me the joy of my salvation and give me a willing spirit. Yes, Lord, may I recognize Your Voice and obey. Please open my mouth and enable me to declare Your praise at every opportunity. God, convict me of sin in my life and break me in all ways that will bring You glory. May I be willing to submit and have a humble heart before You. Thank You again Jesus for the fulfillment of Your Word in my life. Thank You that I know, that I know that You love me and that I am Yours. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
1) Be gracious to me, God according to Your faithful love; according to Your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion.
2) Wash away my guilt, and cleanse me from my sin.
3) For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me.
4a) Against You - You alone - I have sinned and done this evil in Your sight.
6) Surely You desire integrity in the inner self, and You teach me wisdom deep within.
8) Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice.
9) Turn Your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt.
10) God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit with in me.
11) Do not banish me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12) Restore the joy of Your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit.
15) Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare Your praise.
17) The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. God, You will not despise a broken and humbled heart.
I am struck today with my pride and rebellion, the constant battle to submit my will to His will. I like things my way. I like things to go my way and for others to agree with me. I struggle with self-centeredness and self-righteousness throughout my day. I have an opinion about everything and of course, I think it is the best one. I am constantly battling against manipulating things to look my way or to suit me. I have a sin problem. And yet, I do desire to submit to the Lord and I recognize that even this desire comes from Him.
I look at Psalm 51 and I am overwhelmed with awe and gratitude. The Psalmist David asks God for much and yet I know the reality of all that he asked for!! I am certainly blessed. As are you if you have placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Will you reread the verses above and ponder all that Christ has done for you and me?
Father God, I thank You that You are full of grace toward me because of Your unfailing love and abundant compassion for me. I thank You that through the blood of Jesus You have washed away my guilt and cleansed me from my sin. I am conscious of my rebellion and my sin is ever before me. I know that I can never measure up on my own and that I could not pay the debt that my sin required. Thank You, Jesus for paying my debt. Forgive me for the sin that I excuse and ignore. Please reveal it to me and give me the strength to repent with godly sorrow. I know that my sin is against You and You alone. I know You desire a pure heart deep within me. I pray that You would make it so and that You would teach me wisdom. I do ask that You would enable me to know joy and gladness in realizing that all my sin has been blotted out and washed clean. I do pray that You would create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Forgive me where I have quenched and grieved Your Holy Spirit in my life. Thank You for the truth of Your promise that You will never leave me or forsake me, period. Restore to me the joy of my salvation and give me a willing spirit. Yes, Lord, may I recognize Your Voice and obey. Please open my mouth and enable me to declare Your praise at every opportunity. God, convict me of sin in my life and break me in all ways that will bring You glory. May I be willing to submit and have a humble heart before You. Thank You again Jesus for the fulfillment of Your Word in my life. Thank You that I know, that I know that You love me and that I am Yours. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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