Today my oldest turned three. She has known for months what this day meant. No more pacifiers. With the hopes of making an easier transition, we took her to Build a Bear today and allowed her to make a new friend and "pay with her pacifiers." Let's just say at 8:45 tonight she was melting down. She tried every excuse and reason possible to get her pacifiers back - even telling me that she was not really three! I finally placed her head in my lap, gave her a head rub, and started singing praise songs. Within 5 minutes she stopped crying and about 10 minutes later she was asleep... with no pacifier! From my 29 year perspective, I am acutely aware that she does not need a pacifier! Yet, it is complete security to her. As I was "trapped on the sofa" (because nothing in the world would have caused me to move and wake her!), I began praying for the Lord to reveal the "pacis" in my life - the things I too truly think I need.
1. Locks and Worldly Security: As a former policeman's daughter you can guarantee that I believe in locking the doors, being careful and watchful, and having certain security measures. I am fully aware of the value of locks and safety. Yet the truth is that my need to be extremely cautious is a trust issue between me and God. His Word states in Ps 127:1, "Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain." He goes on to say in Ps 20:7, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses,but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." Chariots and horses were their main means of warfare. My trust cannot be in my security measures, but in my Father.
2. Provisions: We all need certain things for survival. The problem comes in when we think we "need" things that are really comforts/wants. The Bible says, for us not to worry about our life, what we will eat or drink; or about what we will wear. For our Heavenly Father knows we need them! (Matthew 6). He promises us in His Word that He will provide all of our needs (Phil 4:19). Is my security in Him or His provisions?
3. Relationships: Now this is a hard one! My relationships with my family is huge in my life - yet I read verses like, "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26). That is very strong language and a verse that I would love to kind of skip over! The truth is that my love for God must be paramount, it must be the driving force behind my decisions, passions, and actions. My family is a tremendous blessing and a gift from God. I must remember the gift and not make it an idol. (If we were really honest, we would admit that all relationships will never be able to meet all of our needs all the time... only God can. He knows this and has provided a way through His Son!)
So what are your pacifiers? Surely I am not alone! If you really examined yourself, where is your security resting? After all, I guess there is not too much difference between myself and my precious little girl that is asleep on my lap. She survived without her pacis. She calmed down as she rested in my presence and I wrapped my arms around her singing praises to the One who wraps His arms around me and longs to be my comfort. As I sang to my little darling tonight:
No other Name but the name of Jesus
No other Name but the name of the Lord
No other Name but the name of Jesus
Is worthy of glory, and worthy of honor
And worthy of power and all praise
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Grace to Sin...
Matthew 18:23-35 (Please click on reference to read text).
We Christians love to throw around the word Grace. It is clear why. Grace is the entire crux of our Christian faith. It is what sets Christianity apart from every other world religion that teaches "self-salvation" through good works. We accurately realize that there is nothing inherently good about us that could lead to our salvation. In fact, one of the first verses we probably memorize is Ephesians 2:8, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." However, do we ever use His grace as our excuse?
This story immediately makes our religious and moral fibers indignant. How dare the man receive such unmerited mercy and grace only to use it against another for a much smaller crime?! Many of us would be more than happy to execute judgement on such a harsh and unfeeling man. However, Hebrews 4:12 tells us that "the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword... able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." If we allow His Word to pierce our hearts, we would be ashamed to realize that just as this man was so little affected by the grace shown him, we do the same to our Lord.
How many times have you not shared the Gospel with someone, knowing in the back of your mind that God would forgive you? How many times have you spoken harshly with your family because you knew that you were "covered by the blood of Christ"? How many times have you slept in and not gotten up to be with the Lord, putting Him first, because you know that He will be there whenever you get around to it?
These are tough questions! These are the questions I have been asking myself over and over this past week. You see Grace is not free! It was freely given to us, but it was not free. It cost the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ HIS LIFE! The cost was great. Grace is not free. We must begin to stop looking at the Grace of God from a "freely given" stand point and more from a "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all" (Ro 8:1-4, 32).
Getting up at 6 am to spend time with the Lord becomes a lot easier in light of the fact that Jesus died on the cross for me! Dying to yourself, not claiming your rights, and speaking with love to your family becomes a lot easier when compared to the cross. Sharing Christ with that divine appointment becomes a lot easier in light of the cross. When we accurately picture God's grace, we will respond through a lifestyle of worship and obedience!
Where do you stand? Will you commit today to not use grace as an excuse to keep sinning (Ro 6:1-2)? Will you begin today to no longer focus on the free gift of His grace to us, but on what that free gift cost our Savior?
Praise the Lord: "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." (Romans 5:19). Thank you for the cross, Lord. May I never forget the cost!
We Christians love to throw around the word Grace. It is clear why. Grace is the entire crux of our Christian faith. It is what sets Christianity apart from every other world religion that teaches "self-salvation" through good works. We accurately realize that there is nothing inherently good about us that could lead to our salvation. In fact, one of the first verses we probably memorize is Ephesians 2:8, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." However, do we ever use His grace as our excuse?
This story immediately makes our religious and moral fibers indignant. How dare the man receive such unmerited mercy and grace only to use it against another for a much smaller crime?! Many of us would be more than happy to execute judgement on such a harsh and unfeeling man. However, Hebrews 4:12 tells us that "the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword... able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." If we allow His Word to pierce our hearts, we would be ashamed to realize that just as this man was so little affected by the grace shown him, we do the same to our Lord.
How many times have you not shared the Gospel with someone, knowing in the back of your mind that God would forgive you? How many times have you spoken harshly with your family because you knew that you were "covered by the blood of Christ"? How many times have you slept in and not gotten up to be with the Lord, putting Him first, because you know that He will be there whenever you get around to it?
These are tough questions! These are the questions I have been asking myself over and over this past week. You see Grace is not free! It was freely given to us, but it was not free. It cost the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ HIS LIFE! The cost was great. Grace is not free. We must begin to stop looking at the Grace of God from a "freely given" stand point and more from a "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all" (Ro 8:1-4, 32).
Getting up at 6 am to spend time with the Lord becomes a lot easier in light of the fact that Jesus died on the cross for me! Dying to yourself, not claiming your rights, and speaking with love to your family becomes a lot easier when compared to the cross. Sharing Christ with that divine appointment becomes a lot easier in light of the cross. When we accurately picture God's grace, we will respond through a lifestyle of worship and obedience!
Where do you stand? Will you commit today to not use grace as an excuse to keep sinning (Ro 6:1-2)? Will you begin today to no longer focus on the free gift of His grace to us, but on what that free gift cost our Savior?
Praise the Lord: "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." (Romans 5:19). Thank you for the cross, Lord. May I never forget the cost!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Run Home!!!
Acts 3:19 - "Therefore, repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
Satan is a great liar and when you sin, inevitably his attack begins. First of all he loves to make you feel guilty, because guilt drives you away from the Father. Guilt causes you to stop and dwell. You listen to the lies that you are not good enough, you are a failure, you have gone too far away from God's love, you could never return... etc. Whatever Satan can do to keep you from the Father, he will lay it on.
However, in this Scripture we see the most beautiful picture of God's operation with Christians when they sin. His Holy Spirit begins to convict the heart of God's child. Unlike guilt, conviction causes you to run to the Father and repent. Christ is calling us to run away from our sin and return to Him. He longs to wipe away our sin and refresh us with His presence. That amazes me! In this Scripture He does not just promise forgiveness, He promises us His refreshing presence.
Where are you at right now? Is there a sin in your life that is keeping you from your Father's refreshing presence? Are you buried in guilt? Quit listening to the lies of Satan and start listening to the Father's own words... RETURN and He WILL wipe away your sins and refresh you with His presence. He is waiting with arms open wide.
It is time. Put on your shoes and run home.
Satan is a great liar and when you sin, inevitably his attack begins. First of all he loves to make you feel guilty, because guilt drives you away from the Father. Guilt causes you to stop and dwell. You listen to the lies that you are not good enough, you are a failure, you have gone too far away from God's love, you could never return... etc. Whatever Satan can do to keep you from the Father, he will lay it on.
However, in this Scripture we see the most beautiful picture of God's operation with Christians when they sin. His Holy Spirit begins to convict the heart of God's child. Unlike guilt, conviction causes you to run to the Father and repent. Christ is calling us to run away from our sin and return to Him. He longs to wipe away our sin and refresh us with His presence. That amazes me! In this Scripture He does not just promise forgiveness, He promises us His refreshing presence.
Where are you at right now? Is there a sin in your life that is keeping you from your Father's refreshing presence? Are you buried in guilt? Quit listening to the lies of Satan and start listening to the Father's own words... RETURN and He WILL wipe away your sins and refresh you with His presence. He is waiting with arms open wide.
It is time. Put on your shoes and run home.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Life Giving Water...
John 4:7-27 (Click on reference to read the text)
The Lord overflows into our life His presence, grace, compassion, and mercy not based upon our own merit, but based upon our own need.
Jesus is our living water and He is our unfailing stream. Everything else will dry up eventually, everything else will stop satisfying our souls, but Jesus is seeking you out just like we see Him seeking out a lost woman in order to offer her something she cannot refuse: Himself!
The First thing we see is that Jesus seeks out those that need Him the most. This woman was not a woman that we would have found in the temple worshipping God. She was from an area that people avoided and she was living in sin. In verse 9 the woman is clearly confused that Jesus, whom we know to be the Mesiah, is even speaking with her: "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman? For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans." You see, Jesus forgave when everyone around Him would have called Him crazy. He showed grace to everyone, regardless of their situation, nationality, or sin. He knew the woman's situation and the grievious sins she had committed against Him before He ever uttered a word. Yet Jesus chose to go against cultural norms to bring about the reconcilation of this girl and her family. Which leads me to ask...do I go to this trouble? Do I seek out the one that is lost?
Second we see that Jesus asks us for what He doesn't need so that our greatest need can be fulfilled in Him (vs. 7-9). He is God. He could have made it rain, he could have called down the angels to supply Him with water...but He didn't. He chose to ask this woman so that her life would forever be changed. The only thing she had to offer Him was a drink of water that would eventually no longer satisfy His thirst. Yet He could offer a living water that would satisfy the deepest needs of her, and your, soul for all time. All God needs from us is a receptive Spirit (vs. 11). We must come to Him with nothing. We can't tap into His overflowing Spirit with any talent or possession. He must do all the work.
Finally in verse 13-18 we see what life is like for those that try to get an overflowing satisfaction in their life apart from Christ. Her life is a story of broken and failed relationships, abandonment, and instability because everything apart from His grace and salvation is bondage. Ray Stedman writes, "Jesus breaks the shackles of evil habits in our lives. He sets us free from the dependencies that we have allowed to harrass us, to shackle us, and limit us... We are all sinfully dependent people. We have all been shackled by evil of some sort or another." Sin does not offer you freedom. Sin offers you an illusion of freedom. Sin always always creates dependency. You will always crave more (i.e. drugs always make you crave more drugs, an idol of a relationship always leaves you craving for more attention or affection, a Starbucks Latte will always leave you wanting more, etc. Sorry, that last one was a little too personal!) Ask yourself this, is there anything in my life that I am dependent upon in order to "make it through the day" or in order to make me"happy?" If the answer is anything but Christ then that is a clear indication of a sin or idol in your life!
No matter where you find yourself, know this... The Lord will overflow into your life His presence, grace, compassion and mercy not based upon your own merit, but based upon your own need. Galatians 5:1 states, "It is for freedom that Christ set you free. Stand firm then and do not be burdened again by the yoke of slavery." Just allow Him to set you free. You have nothing to offer Him, but everything to gain.
The Lord overflows into our life His presence, grace, compassion, and mercy not based upon our own merit, but based upon our own need.
Jesus is our living water and He is our unfailing stream. Everything else will dry up eventually, everything else will stop satisfying our souls, but Jesus is seeking you out just like we see Him seeking out a lost woman in order to offer her something she cannot refuse: Himself!
The First thing we see is that Jesus seeks out those that need Him the most. This woman was not a woman that we would have found in the temple worshipping God. She was from an area that people avoided and she was living in sin. In verse 9 the woman is clearly confused that Jesus, whom we know to be the Mesiah, is even speaking with her: "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman? For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans." You see, Jesus forgave when everyone around Him would have called Him crazy. He showed grace to everyone, regardless of their situation, nationality, or sin. He knew the woman's situation and the grievious sins she had committed against Him before He ever uttered a word. Yet Jesus chose to go against cultural norms to bring about the reconcilation of this girl and her family. Which leads me to ask...do I go to this trouble? Do I seek out the one that is lost?
Second we see that Jesus asks us for what He doesn't need so that our greatest need can be fulfilled in Him (vs. 7-9). He is God. He could have made it rain, he could have called down the angels to supply Him with water...but He didn't. He chose to ask this woman so that her life would forever be changed. The only thing she had to offer Him was a drink of water that would eventually no longer satisfy His thirst. Yet He could offer a living water that would satisfy the deepest needs of her, and your, soul for all time. All God needs from us is a receptive Spirit (vs. 11). We must come to Him with nothing. We can't tap into His overflowing Spirit with any talent or possession. He must do all the work.
Finally in verse 13-18 we see what life is like for those that try to get an overflowing satisfaction in their life apart from Christ. Her life is a story of broken and failed relationships, abandonment, and instability because everything apart from His grace and salvation is bondage. Ray Stedman writes, "Jesus breaks the shackles of evil habits in our lives. He sets us free from the dependencies that we have allowed to harrass us, to shackle us, and limit us... We are all sinfully dependent people. We have all been shackled by evil of some sort or another." Sin does not offer you freedom. Sin offers you an illusion of freedom. Sin always always creates dependency. You will always crave more (i.e. drugs always make you crave more drugs, an idol of a relationship always leaves you craving for more attention or affection, a Starbucks Latte will always leave you wanting more, etc. Sorry, that last one was a little too personal!) Ask yourself this, is there anything in my life that I am dependent upon in order to "make it through the day" or in order to make me"happy?" If the answer is anything but Christ then that is a clear indication of a sin or idol in your life!
No matter where you find yourself, know this... The Lord will overflow into your life His presence, grace, compassion and mercy not based upon your own merit, but based upon your own need. Galatians 5:1 states, "It is for freedom that Christ set you free. Stand firm then and do not be burdened again by the yoke of slavery." Just allow Him to set you free. You have nothing to offer Him, but everything to gain.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
An Alarm Clock from Christ..
Isaiah 55:8-13 (Click on reference to read text)
I am not a morning person. I praise the Lord that my husband and daughter are not either, but then my son entered into our family. From day one he has always woke up at 5 am. It was like clockwork and it was killing me! After a year of his schedule I was praying to the Lord for his mercy to rain down on my household. I needed a good nights rest. I needed to have my sleep to be the best mother possible! (You can tell you are desperate when you start giving God all the "holy" reasons you need him to answer your prayers!) Then in that still small voice, I heard, "What if I want you to get up?"
We learn in this passage that God's ways and thoughts are so much higher than our ways and that He has a purpose in all things. Psalms 119:91 states that "all things serve you (God)." That includes our circumstances! Nothing ever takes the Lord by surprise, but instead He takes everything and uses it for His glory and out ultimate good (Ro 8:28). He has a purpose in everything.
When trials come our way, no matter how big and overwhelming or small and wearing, if we give God control and seek his higher plan, we will see results that we could have never imagined. He promises in his word that in every rain shower in our life He will pour out his blessing. "As the rain and snow come down from Heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seeds for the sower and bread for the eater, so will My word be which goes forth from my mouth; it will not return to Me empty without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it" (Is 55).
Well, long story short... once I started getting up to spend time with the Lord, surprise surprise, my son started sleeping in most days. Half the week I have to wake him up! God knew that He needed to be this drastic to get me out of bed... it only took me a year to listen! What circumstances in your life are wearing you down? What situations are you begging for the Lord to remove? Have you asked for his perspective? I know it seems scary. I would have told you that to ask me to set my alarm for 6 a.m. you might as well have asked me to climb Everest with the kids hanging on to my legs! However, now this early morning time is my favorite part of my day. I promise though, that once you accept God's perspective and plan, He will provide the means and way for you to accomplish it. Remember, it is for your good! Maybe you will be wise enough to not let it continue for a year before you obey!
"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed." Isaiah 55: 12-13
I am not a morning person. I praise the Lord that my husband and daughter are not either, but then my son entered into our family. From day one he has always woke up at 5 am. It was like clockwork and it was killing me! After a year of his schedule I was praying to the Lord for his mercy to rain down on my household. I needed a good nights rest. I needed to have my sleep to be the best mother possible! (You can tell you are desperate when you start giving God all the "holy" reasons you need him to answer your prayers!) Then in that still small voice, I heard, "What if I want you to get up?"
We learn in this passage that God's ways and thoughts are so much higher than our ways and that He has a purpose in all things. Psalms 119:91 states that "all things serve you (God)." That includes our circumstances! Nothing ever takes the Lord by surprise, but instead He takes everything and uses it for His glory and out ultimate good (Ro 8:28). He has a purpose in everything.
When trials come our way, no matter how big and overwhelming or small and wearing, if we give God control and seek his higher plan, we will see results that we could have never imagined. He promises in his word that in every rain shower in our life He will pour out his blessing. "As the rain and snow come down from Heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seeds for the sower and bread for the eater, so will My word be which goes forth from my mouth; it will not return to Me empty without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it" (Is 55).
Well, long story short... once I started getting up to spend time with the Lord, surprise surprise, my son started sleeping in most days. Half the week I have to wake him up! God knew that He needed to be this drastic to get me out of bed... it only took me a year to listen! What circumstances in your life are wearing you down? What situations are you begging for the Lord to remove? Have you asked for his perspective? I know it seems scary. I would have told you that to ask me to set my alarm for 6 a.m. you might as well have asked me to climb Everest with the kids hanging on to my legs! However, now this early morning time is my favorite part of my day. I promise though, that once you accept God's perspective and plan, He will provide the means and way for you to accomplish it. Remember, it is for your good! Maybe you will be wise enough to not let it continue for a year before you obey!
"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed." Isaiah 55: 12-13
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Hanging Out with the Sheep and Loving it!
1 Samuel 17:12-19, 32-37
David... a man used of God? In hindsight we would all answer a resounding yes! If we were discussing King David, we would still all answer yes, but what about David the shepherd boy?
While all his brother's were off fighting a war to defend God's chosen nation/people against the enemy, he found himself playing his harp to a bunch of sheep in the wilderness. I wonder how many times he questioned God, "Am I really the one that Prophet Samuel anointed to be King? If so, why am I here with the sheep?" Maybe David didn't ever question God, but I know I would have if I was in his shoes.
A heart that is passionately in love with Jesus longs to do impossible things in the name of Christ. We long to have great purpose, to magnify the name of Christ, and most often we long for that NOW! We desire to follow His will for our life and have a hard time accepting it when it looks like our greatest purpose is "watching the sheep." Maybe your sheep field is being a stay at home mom to children resisting potty training, testing authority, and asking 1.5 trillion questions every day. Maybe your sheep field is a lonely house putting the pieces back together after an unforeseen tragedy. Maybe your sheep field is an office filled with people who you feel could care less about integrity, or you for that matter. However, there is one common denominator... it is YOUR sheep field. As much as you might not want to admit it, you may just be exactly where God wants you to be.
Which leads us to ask... well what now? How could I possibly honor God and bring Him glory where I am at? Let's see what David did. David did his job to the utmost of his ability. When lions and bears threatened his flock, he fought back with a vengeance. He obviously was spending his long days in the field with the Lord, because he was intimately acquainted with His God. He gave the Lord all the glory for his courage and deliverance.
David didn't realize it, but God was using the sheep field and the trials that came along with it, in order to prepare him for that moment that he needed to be ready to glorify God and save God's people. If he was not obedient in the field, not seeking the Father's face while with the sheep, he probably would never have had the courage or ability to kill Goliath in such a God honoring and creative way.
God doesn't look at our circumstances in the same way we do. He sees more than the past five minutes. He knows the next 50 years. His timetable is perfect. We must choose to honor him where we are today.
Are you discouraged? Do you feel like the Lord anointed you for a task, and instead of fulfilling it you are out to pasture? Don't give up. As David himself wrote:
"Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, and the justice of your cause like the noon day sun... Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him... Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret; it leads only to evildoing... Those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land... The Lord knows the days of the blameless and their inheritance forever... The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. When he falls he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand." (Psalm 37)
David... a man used of God? In hindsight we would all answer a resounding yes! If we were discussing King David, we would still all answer yes, but what about David the shepherd boy?
While all his brother's were off fighting a war to defend God's chosen nation/people against the enemy, he found himself playing his harp to a bunch of sheep in the wilderness. I wonder how many times he questioned God, "Am I really the one that Prophet Samuel anointed to be King? If so, why am I here with the sheep?" Maybe David didn't ever question God, but I know I would have if I was in his shoes.
A heart that is passionately in love with Jesus longs to do impossible things in the name of Christ. We long to have great purpose, to magnify the name of Christ, and most often we long for that NOW! We desire to follow His will for our life and have a hard time accepting it when it looks like our greatest purpose is "watching the sheep." Maybe your sheep field is being a stay at home mom to children resisting potty training, testing authority, and asking 1.5 trillion questions every day. Maybe your sheep field is a lonely house putting the pieces back together after an unforeseen tragedy. Maybe your sheep field is an office filled with people who you feel could care less about integrity, or you for that matter. However, there is one common denominator... it is YOUR sheep field. As much as you might not want to admit it, you may just be exactly where God wants you to be.
Which leads us to ask... well what now? How could I possibly honor God and bring Him glory where I am at? Let's see what David did. David did his job to the utmost of his ability. When lions and bears threatened his flock, he fought back with a vengeance. He obviously was spending his long days in the field with the Lord, because he was intimately acquainted with His God. He gave the Lord all the glory for his courage and deliverance.
David didn't realize it, but God was using the sheep field and the trials that came along with it, in order to prepare him for that moment that he needed to be ready to glorify God and save God's people. If he was not obedient in the field, not seeking the Father's face while with the sheep, he probably would never have had the courage or ability to kill Goliath in such a God honoring and creative way.
God doesn't look at our circumstances in the same way we do. He sees more than the past five minutes. He knows the next 50 years. His timetable is perfect. We must choose to honor him where we are today.
Are you discouraged? Do you feel like the Lord anointed you for a task, and instead of fulfilling it you are out to pasture? Don't give up. As David himself wrote:
"Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, and the justice of your cause like the noon day sun... Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him... Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret; it leads only to evildoing... Those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land... The Lord knows the days of the blameless and their inheritance forever... The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. When he falls he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand." (Psalm 37)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The Love of the Father...
1 Corinthians 13 (Please click on reference to read text, just for refreshment)
We learn in 1 John 4:8 that perfect love drives out all fear. I think we would all agree that 1 Corinthians describes perfect love. I have often read this passage longing to be able to pour out this perfect love to those around me, however, I often fall short. Only Christ and His love for us is truly and consistently perfect. The love of my Father was a lesson I learned intimately this week.
I found myself at my Dad's graveside kneeling before the Lord pouring out my heart on behalf of my family. We had received very troubling news and I was beseeching the Lord to show mercy and reveal the movements of His hand mightily to my family. I sat praising Him for His sovereignty, asking for His will, asking Him to change the hearts of His children to mold us into His will and image. When I was finished, a well of tears later, I sat and looked at my Dad's grave and I thought, you know, six months ago he would have been praying with me and claiming scriptures for our behalf. I lifted up a quick prayer that the Holy Spirit would intercede on my behalf, when my Heavenly Father reminded me of a very important truth.
Hebrews 4 teaches us that Jesus Christ, the very son of God, is our great high priest. He understands our trials, and because of this, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy in our time of need. What better intercessor can we ask for than the very son of God?
Our flesh often forgets about the spiritual realm and only focuses on what we can see. My eye sees a missing piece of someone who used to pray very powerfully over me that is no longer here. However, in reality, now I can, and always should have, turn to Jesus Christ to pray with great authority over me.
Maybe you have forgotten too. Maybe you feel like you are all alone and that there is no one left who loves you, who would pray for you, you can claim spiritual authority over you. You are not alone. THE great high priest is interceding on your behalf. The great high priest loves you perfectly. Your Father in Heaven loves you patiently, is kind to you, is not jealous of your successes (He gave them to you!), he is not rude or self seeking. He is not easily angered and He keeps no record of wrongs. His love always protects you, always trusts you, always hopes in you, and never gives up on you.
That is the love of your Heavenly Father. That is the love of my Heavenly Father. I praise the Lord that in my case, I have a precious husband who prays for me and with me. However, I am glad I am learning at an early age, to not place my dependence and security on those around me, but only on Christ. No matter where you find yourself as you read this, know this:
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1
You have a Father who loves you perfectly. Stop fighting and fall into His loving arms!
We learn in 1 John 4:8 that perfect love drives out all fear. I think we would all agree that 1 Corinthians describes perfect love. I have often read this passage longing to be able to pour out this perfect love to those around me, however, I often fall short. Only Christ and His love for us is truly and consistently perfect. The love of my Father was a lesson I learned intimately this week.
I found myself at my Dad's graveside kneeling before the Lord pouring out my heart on behalf of my family. We had received very troubling news and I was beseeching the Lord to show mercy and reveal the movements of His hand mightily to my family. I sat praising Him for His sovereignty, asking for His will, asking Him to change the hearts of His children to mold us into His will and image. When I was finished, a well of tears later, I sat and looked at my Dad's grave and I thought, you know, six months ago he would have been praying with me and claiming scriptures for our behalf. I lifted up a quick prayer that the Holy Spirit would intercede on my behalf, when my Heavenly Father reminded me of a very important truth.
Hebrews 4 teaches us that Jesus Christ, the very son of God, is our great high priest. He understands our trials, and because of this, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy in our time of need. What better intercessor can we ask for than the very son of God?
Our flesh often forgets about the spiritual realm and only focuses on what we can see. My eye sees a missing piece of someone who used to pray very powerfully over me that is no longer here. However, in reality, now I can, and always should have, turn to Jesus Christ to pray with great authority over me.
Maybe you have forgotten too. Maybe you feel like you are all alone and that there is no one left who loves you, who would pray for you, you can claim spiritual authority over you. You are not alone. THE great high priest is interceding on your behalf. The great high priest loves you perfectly. Your Father in Heaven loves you patiently, is kind to you, is not jealous of your successes (He gave them to you!), he is not rude or self seeking. He is not easily angered and He keeps no record of wrongs. His love always protects you, always trusts you, always hopes in you, and never gives up on you.
That is the love of your Heavenly Father. That is the love of my Heavenly Father. I praise the Lord that in my case, I have a precious husband who prays for me and with me. However, I am glad I am learning at an early age, to not place my dependence and security on those around me, but only on Christ. No matter where you find yourself as you read this, know this:
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1
You have a Father who loves you perfectly. Stop fighting and fall into His loving arms!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
A Little Oil in the Hands of God...
1 Kings 17:1-16 (Click on reference to read text)
Paul, Peter, Stephen, Deborah, Esther, Ruth, Timothy... all great names of men and women who were used by God in mighty ways. I don't think any of us would question whether their life was a waste. We would all say that they fulfilled the great purpose of God and lived a life pleasing to Him. However, that often leads us to ask, what about me? God has not used me to plant churches all over the world, stand up and preach to thousands, save a nation, etc. I am just a girl from the South, raising two kids, helping my husband, and trying to plant His Word in my home. Will I ever measure up? Why don't we ask that same question to a little widow that was just trying to keep her child from starving.
The widow of Zarephath was literally doing all she could to simply keep her child and herself alive. That is all we know of her, until Elijah shows up at her door. He didn't ask her to face the prophets of Baal or try to talk some sense into Queen Jezebel. No, he asked her for a piece of bread and some water. However, he asked her for all she had. She replies to Elijah, "As the Lord your God lives, I have no bread, only a handful of flour in the bowl and a little oil in the jar... that I may prepare for me and my son, that we may eat it and die" (vs. 12). We then see her "go and do according to the word of Elijah"(vs.15).
Her purpose, feed the man of God. Help him so that he could continue on His way. Was God pleased with her? YES! We try so hard to invent these mighty schemes to serve the Lord. We justify our purpose with measurements of human standard (amount of people who came, number of converts, etc). However, God is not asking us for our ideas of what it means to serve Him. God is asking us to obey his voice when He calls. Like the widow, our obedience could directly influence what God wants to do in someone elses's life. Just as God used what the little widow had to further His purpose, He can use the little you have to do the same.
The neat thing about our Heavenly Father is that when we walk in His will, He will provide. Verse 16 tells us that her little bowl of flour "was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke through Elijah." Through this miracle and her obedience she received more than the blessing of food for herself and her child. She learned that day that trusting obedience to God and His Word leads to life. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, she too learned that bread sustains life but doesn't guarantee life, only God can do that. That lesson is priceless.
She may have just been a little widow that gave a loaf of bread, but her life was not a waste. A life of obedience is never a waste. Maybe God wants to use you or me in a way that we could not even imagine. Maybe one day I will have the opportunity to speak to thousands, go throughout the world and preach the good news, or maybe I will feed those who are already preaching and pray for those who are already serving. I do know one thing, God wants me to use what I have for Him. He wants me to obey Him in everything... Even if it means giving a loaf of bread.
Paul, Peter, Stephen, Deborah, Esther, Ruth, Timothy... all great names of men and women who were used by God in mighty ways. I don't think any of us would question whether their life was a waste. We would all say that they fulfilled the great purpose of God and lived a life pleasing to Him. However, that often leads us to ask, what about me? God has not used me to plant churches all over the world, stand up and preach to thousands, save a nation, etc. I am just a girl from the South, raising two kids, helping my husband, and trying to plant His Word in my home. Will I ever measure up? Why don't we ask that same question to a little widow that was just trying to keep her child from starving.
The widow of Zarephath was literally doing all she could to simply keep her child and herself alive. That is all we know of her, until Elijah shows up at her door. He didn't ask her to face the prophets of Baal or try to talk some sense into Queen Jezebel. No, he asked her for a piece of bread and some water. However, he asked her for all she had. She replies to Elijah, "As the Lord your God lives, I have no bread, only a handful of flour in the bowl and a little oil in the jar... that I may prepare for me and my son, that we may eat it and die" (vs. 12). We then see her "go and do according to the word of Elijah"(vs.15).
Her purpose, feed the man of God. Help him so that he could continue on His way. Was God pleased with her? YES! We try so hard to invent these mighty schemes to serve the Lord. We justify our purpose with measurements of human standard (amount of people who came, number of converts, etc). However, God is not asking us for our ideas of what it means to serve Him. God is asking us to obey his voice when He calls. Like the widow, our obedience could directly influence what God wants to do in someone elses's life. Just as God used what the little widow had to further His purpose, He can use the little you have to do the same.
The neat thing about our Heavenly Father is that when we walk in His will, He will provide. Verse 16 tells us that her little bowl of flour "was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke through Elijah." Through this miracle and her obedience she received more than the blessing of food for herself and her child. She learned that day that trusting obedience to God and His Word leads to life. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, she too learned that bread sustains life but doesn't guarantee life, only God can do that. That lesson is priceless.
She may have just been a little widow that gave a loaf of bread, but her life was not a waste. A life of obedience is never a waste. Maybe God wants to use you or me in a way that we could not even imagine. Maybe one day I will have the opportunity to speak to thousands, go throughout the world and preach the good news, or maybe I will feed those who are already preaching and pray for those who are already serving. I do know one thing, God wants me to use what I have for Him. He wants me to obey Him in everything... Even if it means giving a loaf of bread.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The TimeTable of My Savior...
Exodus 2:11-15, 3 and 4 (Click on reference to read text)
Have you ever tried to serve the Lord, only to have it backfire and land you in the "desert"? Welcome to Moses's life.
Many times we have great ideas to further the Kingdom of God. We rush ahead, sure that this idea was divinely inspired, but instead of the planned outcome, we find our self in the desert. The natural response would be to become bitter, angry, disillusioned and disappointed. However, we must remember that God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), and the desert may be just the place he needs us.
The desert taught Moses to stop and listen. "When the Lord saw that he (Moses) turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!" and he said, "Here I am" (vs. 3:4). Moses learned to recognize and heed the voice of God. Instead of charging ahead and making his own plans he listened to what God had to say. We too must learn this lesson. God does not need us in order to see his purpose accomplished, but he desires to use us for His glory. We must seek His voice to find out how He wants us to glorify Him.
Second, the desert taught Moses to fear the Lord. In verse 6 we find Moses hiding his face, afraid to look at God. Proverbs tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One brings understanding (9:10). Just as we desire our children to not cower in fear of us, but to respect us enough to trust that what we say is right and should be followed, we too should have a healthy fear of the Lord. His Word is full of wisdom and direction. We need to approach every decision we make in light of a healthy reverence of the Lord. If it is not for His glory, then it is not for our good!
Third, the desert taught Moses humility. We find Moses arguing with God saying, "who am I that I should go?"(vs. 3:11). Instead of rushing in and taking the bull by the horns, he is questioning to see if God got it right! Later we read that Moses was the most humble man on the face of the Earth (Numbers 12:3). What changed? 40 years in the desert. Instead of bemoaning your circumstances we need to ask God what He wants to teach us through them. Find out the lesson He wants you to learn. We know that in all things God will work for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Believe that promise and start being obedient to the Lord where He places you now. Who knows, He may be preparing you to bring deliverance!
Fourth, the desert taught Moses true confidence. Chapter 3 and 4 of Exodus finds God telling Moses exactly how it is all going to go down. He doesn't send Moses in unprepared. He even warns him that Pharaoh is not going to let go easily. However, we see a wonderful thing: "No time is spent convincing Moses of what he can do, but much time is spent explaining to Moses what God can do. The strength of Moses is never considered... the strength of Moses is not the issue, the strength of God is" (Max Lucado). Moses learns that "we can do all things through Him who gives us strength (Phil 4:13), "that when we are weak we are actually strong" (2 Cor 12:10), that God in fact uses the weak things of this world to shame the strong (1 Cor 1:27). Human weakness always opens the door for God's power to shine through. Moses learned that confidence is not found in his abilities, but in God's!
There are a lot of other lessons he learned here, but you get the point. The desert is not always as dry as it first appears. Know that even though you may find yourself here, you are not alone. Be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you wherever you may go (Joshua 1:9). Start praising God for his presence, for His wisdom in bringing you hear, and open your ears to what He might be telling you. Listen to his command, "Remove your sandals from your feet" (be still and know that He is God) "For the place on which you are standing is holy ground."
Have you ever tried to serve the Lord, only to have it backfire and land you in the "desert"? Welcome to Moses's life.
Many times we have great ideas to further the Kingdom of God. We rush ahead, sure that this idea was divinely inspired, but instead of the planned outcome, we find our self in the desert. The natural response would be to become bitter, angry, disillusioned and disappointed. However, we must remember that God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), and the desert may be just the place he needs us.
The desert taught Moses to stop and listen. "When the Lord saw that he (Moses) turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!" and he said, "Here I am" (vs. 3:4). Moses learned to recognize and heed the voice of God. Instead of charging ahead and making his own plans he listened to what God had to say. We too must learn this lesson. God does not need us in order to see his purpose accomplished, but he desires to use us for His glory. We must seek His voice to find out how He wants us to glorify Him.
Second, the desert taught Moses to fear the Lord. In verse 6 we find Moses hiding his face, afraid to look at God. Proverbs tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One brings understanding (9:10). Just as we desire our children to not cower in fear of us, but to respect us enough to trust that what we say is right and should be followed, we too should have a healthy fear of the Lord. His Word is full of wisdom and direction. We need to approach every decision we make in light of a healthy reverence of the Lord. If it is not for His glory, then it is not for our good!
Third, the desert taught Moses humility. We find Moses arguing with God saying, "who am I that I should go?"(vs. 3:11). Instead of rushing in and taking the bull by the horns, he is questioning to see if God got it right! Later we read that Moses was the most humble man on the face of the Earth (Numbers 12:3). What changed? 40 years in the desert. Instead of bemoaning your circumstances we need to ask God what He wants to teach us through them. Find out the lesson He wants you to learn. We know that in all things God will work for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Believe that promise and start being obedient to the Lord where He places you now. Who knows, He may be preparing you to bring deliverance!
Fourth, the desert taught Moses true confidence. Chapter 3 and 4 of Exodus finds God telling Moses exactly how it is all going to go down. He doesn't send Moses in unprepared. He even warns him that Pharaoh is not going to let go easily. However, we see a wonderful thing: "No time is spent convincing Moses of what he can do, but much time is spent explaining to Moses what God can do. The strength of Moses is never considered... the strength of Moses is not the issue, the strength of God is" (Max Lucado). Moses learns that "we can do all things through Him who gives us strength (Phil 4:13), "that when we are weak we are actually strong" (2 Cor 12:10), that God in fact uses the weak things of this world to shame the strong (1 Cor 1:27). Human weakness always opens the door for God's power to shine through. Moses learned that confidence is not found in his abilities, but in God's!
There are a lot of other lessons he learned here, but you get the point. The desert is not always as dry as it first appears. Know that even though you may find yourself here, you are not alone. Be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you wherever you may go (Joshua 1:9). Start praising God for his presence, for His wisdom in bringing you hear, and open your ears to what He might be telling you. Listen to his command, "Remove your sandals from your feet" (be still and know that He is God) "For the place on which you are standing is holy ground."
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Guess What? You Win!
Colossians 3:1-17 (Click on reference to read text)
You know that race you are running in right now? Guess what? You are going to win! That is the power of Christ in your life, that is the promise found in the Word... it is time to claim the victory.
Paul writes to the believers, "Since you have been raised with Christ..." (vs.1). I stopped here because it is time we lay hold of what the words are saying. You have already been raised! You are no longer dead, you have the power and victory of the Resurrection in your life from the moment that you chose to accept Christ as your Savior.
Instead of living in victory, putting on the full armor of God and going to war against Satan on behalf of your family, church and community, so many Christians are cowering in fear. We find ourselves often immobilized by the unknown, by the future, by fears that we cannot control. Satan has caused us to breeze right over the first few words of this chapter. WE HAVE ALREADY BEEN RAISED! According to the Word of God, we can "overwhelmingly conquer" tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril and sword (Romans 8:35-37). According to the Word of God "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Believe in the power of God at work in your life, you have already been raised with Christ!
Once we embrace this victorious truth, we can begin to act in a manner worthy of the Gospel we have received (Phil 1:27). Paul continues to exhort us to set our hearts and minds on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set our minds on things above, not on the things that are on earth (vs.1 continued). We know from Jesus that the things of the earth are all temporary, can be taken away, or eventually will perish, but the Heavenly things will last for all eternity (Matthew 6:19-20).
Now the magic question, how? How do I live in victory, how do I build things for eternity? It is as simple as getting dressed. We are to put off the old (anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech, immorality, impurity, evil desires and greed) (vs. 5-8) and put on the new self (vs. 10). As you get dressed each morning pray verse 12 to God and "clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." If someone needs forgiveness, then forgive (vs.13). If someone needs love and kindness, show the love of Christ (vs.14). If you are stressed and worried about life in general, put on the peace of Christ (vs. 15). If you are confused and unsure of how to handle a situation, let the Word of Christ that dwells in you be your guide (vs. 16). If these things were not hard enough, Paul sums it all up in verse 17: "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."
A race is not run by sitting on the sidelines and thinking about the course. You cannot win in life by doing this either. The victorious Christian life is putting on Christ and taking small little steps for His kingdom. You can be victorious by winning the little battles in your life everyday. What ways is He asking for your obedience? Is it to turn off the tv or computer and spend time with him? Is it to get out of the car and go talk to your neighbor instead of just shutting the garage door behind you? Is it to be patient and kind to the cashier who is struggling even though you have screaming kids with you? Is it to greet your children with a smile and express delight, even when you are hoping to have a few moments to yourself? Is it to praise God for the blessings you have been given in those moments you want to complain? There are 100 different ways to bring glory to God today and to have victory. You have already been raised, you have the power... it is time to walk it out!
You know that race you are running in right now? Guess what? You are going to win! That is the power of Christ in your life, that is the promise found in the Word... it is time to claim the victory.
Paul writes to the believers, "Since you have been raised with Christ..." (vs.1). I stopped here because it is time we lay hold of what the words are saying. You have already been raised! You are no longer dead, you have the power and victory of the Resurrection in your life from the moment that you chose to accept Christ as your Savior.
Instead of living in victory, putting on the full armor of God and going to war against Satan on behalf of your family, church and community, so many Christians are cowering in fear. We find ourselves often immobilized by the unknown, by the future, by fears that we cannot control. Satan has caused us to breeze right over the first few words of this chapter. WE HAVE ALREADY BEEN RAISED! According to the Word of God, we can "overwhelmingly conquer" tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril and sword (Romans 8:35-37). According to the Word of God "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Believe in the power of God at work in your life, you have already been raised with Christ!
Once we embrace this victorious truth, we can begin to act in a manner worthy of the Gospel we have received (Phil 1:27). Paul continues to exhort us to set our hearts and minds on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set our minds on things above, not on the things that are on earth (vs.1 continued). We know from Jesus that the things of the earth are all temporary, can be taken away, or eventually will perish, but the Heavenly things will last for all eternity (Matthew 6:19-20).
Now the magic question, how? How do I live in victory, how do I build things for eternity? It is as simple as getting dressed. We are to put off the old (anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech, immorality, impurity, evil desires and greed) (vs. 5-8) and put on the new self (vs. 10). As you get dressed each morning pray verse 12 to God and "clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." If someone needs forgiveness, then forgive (vs.13). If someone needs love and kindness, show the love of Christ (vs.14). If you are stressed and worried about life in general, put on the peace of Christ (vs. 15). If you are confused and unsure of how to handle a situation, let the Word of Christ that dwells in you be your guide (vs. 16). If these things were not hard enough, Paul sums it all up in verse 17: "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."
A race is not run by sitting on the sidelines and thinking about the course. You cannot win in life by doing this either. The victorious Christian life is putting on Christ and taking small little steps for His kingdom. You can be victorious by winning the little battles in your life everyday. What ways is He asking for your obedience? Is it to turn off the tv or computer and spend time with him? Is it to get out of the car and go talk to your neighbor instead of just shutting the garage door behind you? Is it to be patient and kind to the cashier who is struggling even though you have screaming kids with you? Is it to greet your children with a smile and express delight, even when you are hoping to have a few moments to yourself? Is it to praise God for the blessings you have been given in those moments you want to complain? There are 100 different ways to bring glory to God today and to have victory. You have already been raised, you have the power... it is time to walk it out!
Friday, June 18, 2010
A Glimpse into the Father's Heart...
Acts 17:24-31 (Click on reference to read text)
As Father's day approaches, I have found myself continually seeking my Heavenly Father's face. As my heart longs to mourn the death of my earthly Daddy, my spirit has been grasping to the heart of my Heavenly Daddy. As I have been seeking His face, He has reminded me of who He is.
My God, my Heavenly Father, is not far off and unapproachable. Paul describes Him in verse 24 as the "God who made the world and all things in it, since He is the Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands." He is with me always (Ps 73:23-28). He will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). God actually desires to be with us so much, that we are His temple... He, the God of the universe chooses to dwell within us! (1 Cor 6:19) Paul later writes in Hebrews that we are to approach God's throne with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). When Jesus died on the cross, He became our intercessor, the veil was torn in two and we have full access to the throne of God (Mark 15:38, Hebrews 4:14-16).
Second, we are reminded that God gives us all we need and He chose us! He is the one who gives us breath and life and all things (vs. 25). Ephesians 1:3-5 teaches us that God chose us before the foundation of the world, to be adopted as His children because He wanted to, and it gave Him great pleasure! God loved us before we loved Him (1 John 4:10). We know that He has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). God, our Heavenly Father, wants us! He chose us! He desires us!
Third, we see that God is in control. This truth is sometimes hard to believe when we look at the world around us and just see chaos. However, we have to choose to believe that God is in fact working out everything to accomplish His purposes. We are constantly reminded of God's sovereignty in Scripture: God appoints the time for people to live and the exact place where they should live (vs. 26), God sets up and disposes of kingdoms and changes times and seasons (Daniel 2:20-21), all of our days have been ordained before one of them came to be (Ps 139:16), and these are just a few examples. Our Heavenly Father is sovereign, He is the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7), He has always been on the throne and He always will be on the throne. I can rest that my Heavenly Father is watching over me and my security can be found in Him.
Finally, in this passage, we are reminded that God draws us to Him (vs. 27). If we come near to God, He will come near to us (James 4:8). He desires for all nations and all people to come into His presence and be His child (2 Peter 3:9). I think that often times when we feel far away from God, it is because we are the one that moved. I want to remind you of a parable that Jesus told. Luke 15 talks of the prodigal son that practically robbed his father and disowned him. When he was in despair, he came crawling back to his father just asking to be a servant, never believing the father would want to call him son. Instead of denying the child's son ship, he threw a party and threw his arms around his son welcoming him home. Max Lucado says it so well, "Though the boy is willing to stop being a son, the father is not willing to stop being a father" (The Great House of God). What was the point of this story? God is not willing to stop being our Father. He draws us to Him and gives us rest. He offers forgiveness and promises to remember our sins no more (Ps 103). Don't let Satan convince you to stay away, God is welcoming you with open arms.
You see, these simple truths are a reminder of things I already knew. My Heavenly Father loves me, He chooses me, He is near, and He draws me to Him when I wander away. You know what? He is all of those things to you too. If on this Father's day you too find yourself without a Dad to celebrate, choose to celebrate our precious Heavenly Father. I know He is choosing to spend that day with you, and me, too.
As Father's day approaches, I have found myself continually seeking my Heavenly Father's face. As my heart longs to mourn the death of my earthly Daddy, my spirit has been grasping to the heart of my Heavenly Daddy. As I have been seeking His face, He has reminded me of who He is.
My God, my Heavenly Father, is not far off and unapproachable. Paul describes Him in verse 24 as the "God who made the world and all things in it, since He is the Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands." He is with me always (Ps 73:23-28). He will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). God actually desires to be with us so much, that we are His temple... He, the God of the universe chooses to dwell within us! (1 Cor 6:19) Paul later writes in Hebrews that we are to approach God's throne with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). When Jesus died on the cross, He became our intercessor, the veil was torn in two and we have full access to the throne of God (Mark 15:38, Hebrews 4:14-16).
Second, we are reminded that God gives us all we need and He chose us! He is the one who gives us breath and life and all things (vs. 25). Ephesians 1:3-5 teaches us that God chose us before the foundation of the world, to be adopted as His children because He wanted to, and it gave Him great pleasure! God loved us before we loved Him (1 John 4:10). We know that He has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). God, our Heavenly Father, wants us! He chose us! He desires us!
Third, we see that God is in control. This truth is sometimes hard to believe when we look at the world around us and just see chaos. However, we have to choose to believe that God is in fact working out everything to accomplish His purposes. We are constantly reminded of God's sovereignty in Scripture: God appoints the time for people to live and the exact place where they should live (vs. 26), God sets up and disposes of kingdoms and changes times and seasons (Daniel 2:20-21), all of our days have been ordained before one of them came to be (Ps 139:16), and these are just a few examples. Our Heavenly Father is sovereign, He is the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7), He has always been on the throne and He always will be on the throne. I can rest that my Heavenly Father is watching over me and my security can be found in Him.
Finally, in this passage, we are reminded that God draws us to Him (vs. 27). If we come near to God, He will come near to us (James 4:8). He desires for all nations and all people to come into His presence and be His child (2 Peter 3:9). I think that often times when we feel far away from God, it is because we are the one that moved. I want to remind you of a parable that Jesus told. Luke 15 talks of the prodigal son that practically robbed his father and disowned him. When he was in despair, he came crawling back to his father just asking to be a servant, never believing the father would want to call him son. Instead of denying the child's son ship, he threw a party and threw his arms around his son welcoming him home. Max Lucado says it so well, "Though the boy is willing to stop being a son, the father is not willing to stop being a father" (The Great House of God). What was the point of this story? God is not willing to stop being our Father. He draws us to Him and gives us rest. He offers forgiveness and promises to remember our sins no more (Ps 103). Don't let Satan convince you to stay away, God is welcoming you with open arms.
You see, these simple truths are a reminder of things I already knew. My Heavenly Father loves me, He chooses me, He is near, and He draws me to Him when I wander away. You know what? He is all of those things to you too. If on this Father's day you too find yourself without a Dad to celebrate, choose to celebrate our precious Heavenly Father. I know He is choosing to spend that day with you, and me, too.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Show a Little Love...
Matthew 10:24-39 (Click on Reference to read text - focus on vs. 37-38)
I recently watched John Piper commenting on his book, "Don't Waste Your Life." He made a comment that has impacted me greatly (this is probably not word for word, but the basic gist): "Love is not helping people feel good about themselves, love is showing a dying soul the life giving beauty of the glory of God so that they forget about themselves."
We as a church are great at not making people feel bad about themselves. We try to show the world the "love of Christ" and dance around the Gospel so that we don't offend anyone. We want people to feel good about themselves so that they can feel good about Jesus too. Satan has used this watered down philosophy so much in our life, in my life, that I forget about God. I forget about eternity. I care more about a person's present comfort and world view, then where they spend eternity. This is not showing the love of Christ.
In the Bible we see countless examples of the Biblical view of love: "See how great a love the Father has lavished on us, that we might become children of God" (1 John 3:1), "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son to be the atonement for our sins" (1 John 4:10), nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:32-39), Love is patient, kind, not jealous, does not brag, is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly, does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take in account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, love never fails (1 Cor 13:4-8).
The Biblical view of love is complete self sacrifice. That God gave everything so that we may be reconciled to Him. That without His love we would spend eternity away from our Heavenly Father. Satan wants us to believe and act upon the idea that it is not loving to preach the Gospel straight. That the Gospel is too narrow, to restricted, that since it does not allow all permissive behaviors, it is hateful and unkind. However, we know differently. We know that God gave everything so that we can be reconciled to Him, that the permissive behaviors the world likes to lift up are harmful, destroy the body and the soul. We know that true self worth can only be found in the lasting identity of being a child of God. We know that true peace can only be found in the eternal hope of His kingdom.
John implores the church, "do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts, but the one who does the will of God lives for ever" (1 John 2:15-17). Don't give in to the lies of Satan regarding the definition of love. We know that Satan is a deceiver and a liar, that love is not found in him but that he is out to kill, to steal and to destroy life (John 10:10, John 8:44). Love your lost family, your lost friends, people who cross your path with the love of Christ and share the Good News! Aren't you glad that someone loved you enough to make you feel a little uncomfortable at first, but with the end result of eternal salvation?
It is not our job to make people feel good about themselves. Anything we do is only temporary. It is our job to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19) and to be God's witnesses "both in Jerusalem (your city), and in all Judea and Samaria (your country), and even to the remotest parts of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Who does God want you to love today?
I recently watched John Piper commenting on his book, "Don't Waste Your Life." He made a comment that has impacted me greatly (this is probably not word for word, but the basic gist): "Love is not helping people feel good about themselves, love is showing a dying soul the life giving beauty of the glory of God so that they forget about themselves."
We as a church are great at not making people feel bad about themselves. We try to show the world the "love of Christ" and dance around the Gospel so that we don't offend anyone. We want people to feel good about themselves so that they can feel good about Jesus too. Satan has used this watered down philosophy so much in our life, in my life, that I forget about God. I forget about eternity. I care more about a person's present comfort and world view, then where they spend eternity. This is not showing the love of Christ.
In the Bible we see countless examples of the Biblical view of love: "See how great a love the Father has lavished on us, that we might become children of God" (1 John 3:1), "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son to be the atonement for our sins" (1 John 4:10), nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:32-39), Love is patient, kind, not jealous, does not brag, is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly, does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take in account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, love never fails (1 Cor 13:4-8).
The Biblical view of love is complete self sacrifice. That God gave everything so that we may be reconciled to Him. That without His love we would spend eternity away from our Heavenly Father. Satan wants us to believe and act upon the idea that it is not loving to preach the Gospel straight. That the Gospel is too narrow, to restricted, that since it does not allow all permissive behaviors, it is hateful and unkind. However, we know differently. We know that God gave everything so that we can be reconciled to Him, that the permissive behaviors the world likes to lift up are harmful, destroy the body and the soul. We know that true self worth can only be found in the lasting identity of being a child of God. We know that true peace can only be found in the eternal hope of His kingdom.
John implores the church, "do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts, but the one who does the will of God lives for ever" (1 John 2:15-17). Don't give in to the lies of Satan regarding the definition of love. We know that Satan is a deceiver and a liar, that love is not found in him but that he is out to kill, to steal and to destroy life (John 10:10, John 8:44). Love your lost family, your lost friends, people who cross your path with the love of Christ and share the Good News! Aren't you glad that someone loved you enough to make you feel a little uncomfortable at first, but with the end result of eternal salvation?
It is not our job to make people feel good about themselves. Anything we do is only temporary. It is our job to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19) and to be God's witnesses "both in Jerusalem (your city), and in all Judea and Samaria (your country), and even to the remotest parts of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Who does God want you to love today?
Monday, June 7, 2010
Just a Little Balance Please!
(A post that is just about being real... no real devotional... just honesty.)
I am selfish. There. I said it. I know I am not alone, but that doesn't matter. Jesus commands me to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but to always consider others as more important than myself (Phil 2:3 f). It was time I listened and time I got my priorities correct.
All of this came to a head about two weeks ago. A month before I had started an extreme exercise program. The commitment was 6 days a week, at least an hour a day. The only time I had to do it was while the kids were napping, which was when I usually did my quiet time. So then my quiet time got pushed to right before bed (you can imagine how productive that time was!). After exercising, I was wiped out and had little energy to keep up with the house, play with the kids, take care of my husband, stay up on errands, etc. I was doing nothing well. In fact I found myself getting angry and defensive about not getting more help from others. I wasn't even losing the weight I was hoping for. I was incredibly discouraged, not because of the weight, but because I was watching the breakdown of the relationships I care about the most.
I am not a quitter, I loved the exercise, but how could I justify putting everything second to that program? I made a hard decision. I cut back. Instead of working out 6 days a week, I now work out 3 days a week. I am doing the same program but it is just taking me twice as long. Guess what, I am now losing weight, my kids are getting my attention and we are playing together, I am keeping the house clean, my husband gets a hot meal on the table, and I NEVER replace working out with my quiet time. It is all about priorities.
Ecclesiastes 3 talks about the different seasons of life. In every season there are times we are going to be called to certain things. I know that this season of my life is to be the best mom to my preschool children that I can be. To love them unconditionally, give them the attention and instruction they deserve. If I am so busy with other things that I am not able to be the consistent parent I need to be, something is wrong. I need to love my husband well by respecting him and caring for him. To love him as the Bible commands: to demonstrate to the world that how I love him is how we should love the Lord (wow, that is convicting!)(Eph 5:22-33).
It is hard putting off something that we want to do for the good of those around us and for my own spiritual health. I know that anything that causes me to be to busy to spend time with the Lord is an idol and NOT from Him (even good things, even some Godly things). God is looking at my heart. Was losing weight and being physically fit worth the sacrifice I was asking my family to make? Easy answer, no.
My Dad passed away suddenly almost 6 months ago. It was completely unexpected. It happened to him, it could happen to me, to those I love around me. What if it did? Would the way I am living my life now, managing my time now, cause me to have regrets? Would I feel guilty and convicted of wasted time and a wasted life?
Anyway, I know this post is completely random. Not super deep and not the usual explication of Scripture, but this is real. This is what I am going through, this is what the Lord is teaching me. Time will come that I will have the time to serve in a particular ministry, work out at my leisure, lay in a hammock and read to my hearts content... but now I know where the Lord is convicting me. I know where I need to change, and if you are being honest with yourself, you know the areas in your life that need to change too. The time is now. It is time to listen and obey. Trust that the Lord will handle the details and let go.
As I sang to my precious toddler tonight, "Trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey."
I am selfish. There. I said it. I know I am not alone, but that doesn't matter. Jesus commands me to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but to always consider others as more important than myself (Phil 2:3 f). It was time I listened and time I got my priorities correct.
All of this came to a head about two weeks ago. A month before I had started an extreme exercise program. The commitment was 6 days a week, at least an hour a day. The only time I had to do it was while the kids were napping, which was when I usually did my quiet time. So then my quiet time got pushed to right before bed (you can imagine how productive that time was!). After exercising, I was wiped out and had little energy to keep up with the house, play with the kids, take care of my husband, stay up on errands, etc. I was doing nothing well. In fact I found myself getting angry and defensive about not getting more help from others. I wasn't even losing the weight I was hoping for. I was incredibly discouraged, not because of the weight, but because I was watching the breakdown of the relationships I care about the most.
I am not a quitter, I loved the exercise, but how could I justify putting everything second to that program? I made a hard decision. I cut back. Instead of working out 6 days a week, I now work out 3 days a week. I am doing the same program but it is just taking me twice as long. Guess what, I am now losing weight, my kids are getting my attention and we are playing together, I am keeping the house clean, my husband gets a hot meal on the table, and I NEVER replace working out with my quiet time. It is all about priorities.
Ecclesiastes 3 talks about the different seasons of life. In every season there are times we are going to be called to certain things. I know that this season of my life is to be the best mom to my preschool children that I can be. To love them unconditionally, give them the attention and instruction they deserve. If I am so busy with other things that I am not able to be the consistent parent I need to be, something is wrong. I need to love my husband well by respecting him and caring for him. To love him as the Bible commands: to demonstrate to the world that how I love him is how we should love the Lord (wow, that is convicting!)(Eph 5:22-33).
It is hard putting off something that we want to do for the good of those around us and for my own spiritual health. I know that anything that causes me to be to busy to spend time with the Lord is an idol and NOT from Him (even good things, even some Godly things). God is looking at my heart. Was losing weight and being physically fit worth the sacrifice I was asking my family to make? Easy answer, no.
My Dad passed away suddenly almost 6 months ago. It was completely unexpected. It happened to him, it could happen to me, to those I love around me. What if it did? Would the way I am living my life now, managing my time now, cause me to have regrets? Would I feel guilty and convicted of wasted time and a wasted life?
Anyway, I know this post is completely random. Not super deep and not the usual explication of Scripture, but this is real. This is what I am going through, this is what the Lord is teaching me. Time will come that I will have the time to serve in a particular ministry, work out at my leisure, lay in a hammock and read to my hearts content... but now I know where the Lord is convicting me. I know where I need to change, and if you are being honest with yourself, you know the areas in your life that need to change too. The time is now. It is time to listen and obey. Trust that the Lord will handle the details and let go.
As I sang to my precious toddler tonight, "Trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey."
Saturday, May 29, 2010
To be Used or Not to be Used?
Matthew 14:22-33 (Click on Reference to read Scripture)
Do you want to be used by God? I am talking about being used in supernatural ways that all of earth will be changed because of the life you lived? We all would answer yes. Just writing these words makes my heart long that He uses me in ways that can only be described as supernatural. I have often prayed over the years that the Lord would use me greatly, beyond my imagination. However, when He begins to answer this prayer, and things don’t always seem to go as planned, we often falter in our faith and become like Peter… sinking instead of walking.
There are people in the Bible, many who entire books of the Bible are devoted to and who are still known and talked about thousands of years later, who were called to do some pretty bizarre things in the name and will of God. Let me list a few:
1. Isaiah was commanded by God to walk around naked for THREE YEARS in order for God to get his point across to pagan nations (Is 20).
2. God took the life of Ezekiel’s wife suddenly and then commanded Ezekiel not to mourn as a testimony to Israel (Ez 24:15f).
3. Hosea was commanded to marry a prostitute that would cause him no end of heartache (Hosea).
4. Mary, who was called highly favored of God and the mother of Jesus, endured serious trials. She was more than likely scorned and ridiculed the moment she showed up pregnant and not married, her fiance almost abandoned her, she had to flee her country in the middle of the night to save the life of her family, and she had to watch her son be crucified and mocked in front of her very eyes (Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:13-15, John 19:16-30).
5. Moses had to basically spend his entire adult life in the dessert, NOT the promised land, and lead an entire nation of complaining people which constantly doubted his authority and his relationship with God (Exodus 16:1-21, 17:1-7, Numbers 11:10-15, Joshua 1:1-2).
6. Paul, Peter, John, and all the original disciples either spent time in prison, were stoned, definitely ridiculed, homeless, shipwrecked, exiled, and martyred for the Kingdom of God.
7. Daniel was thrown into a den of lions just because he prayed every day to God (Daniel 6).
And I could literally go on and on. Louie Giglio once said, “God does not use anyone mightily that He does not test thoroughly.” I am not saying that God is going to command you to walk around naked for three years, take away your spouse, or ship you off as Lions food, but if he does, will you still praise him? Will He still be the Lord of your life and the desire of your heart? That is a tough question, but God is worth it. His reward is for eternity.
Let’s not get so focused on today that we lose the big picture of how God wants to use us for eternity. The waves may be crashing down all around us, but God still wants you to walk on water and follow him. You only have one shot here on earth to be used by God. Are you willing to be sold out and have him do things in your life that can only be described as supernatural, even when they might not be exactly like you imagined?
Just as God asked Isaiah: Whom shall I send? May I respond likewise, "Here I am, send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)
Do you want to be used by God? I am talking about being used in supernatural ways that all of earth will be changed because of the life you lived? We all would answer yes. Just writing these words makes my heart long that He uses me in ways that can only be described as supernatural. I have often prayed over the years that the Lord would use me greatly, beyond my imagination. However, when He begins to answer this prayer, and things don’t always seem to go as planned, we often falter in our faith and become like Peter… sinking instead of walking.
There are people in the Bible, many who entire books of the Bible are devoted to and who are still known and talked about thousands of years later, who were called to do some pretty bizarre things in the name and will of God. Let me list a few:
1. Isaiah was commanded by God to walk around naked for THREE YEARS in order for God to get his point across to pagan nations (Is 20).
2. God took the life of Ezekiel’s wife suddenly and then commanded Ezekiel not to mourn as a testimony to Israel (Ez 24:15f).
3. Hosea was commanded to marry a prostitute that would cause him no end of heartache (Hosea).
4. Mary, who was called highly favored of God and the mother of Jesus, endured serious trials. She was more than likely scorned and ridiculed the moment she showed up pregnant and not married, her fiance almost abandoned her, she had to flee her country in the middle of the night to save the life of her family, and she had to watch her son be crucified and mocked in front of her very eyes (Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:13-15, John 19:16-30).
5. Moses had to basically spend his entire adult life in the dessert, NOT the promised land, and lead an entire nation of complaining people which constantly doubted his authority and his relationship with God (Exodus 16:1-21, 17:1-7, Numbers 11:10-15, Joshua 1:1-2).
6. Paul, Peter, John, and all the original disciples either spent time in prison, were stoned, definitely ridiculed, homeless, shipwrecked, exiled, and martyred for the Kingdom of God.
7. Daniel was thrown into a den of lions just because he prayed every day to God (Daniel 6).
And I could literally go on and on. Louie Giglio once said, “God does not use anyone mightily that He does not test thoroughly.” I am not saying that God is going to command you to walk around naked for three years, take away your spouse, or ship you off as Lions food, but if he does, will you still praise him? Will He still be the Lord of your life and the desire of your heart? That is a tough question, but God is worth it. His reward is for eternity.
Let’s not get so focused on today that we lose the big picture of how God wants to use us for eternity. The waves may be crashing down all around us, but God still wants you to walk on water and follow him. You only have one shot here on earth to be used by God. Are you willing to be sold out and have him do things in your life that can only be described as supernatural, even when they might not be exactly like you imagined?
Just as God asked Isaiah: Whom shall I send? May I respond likewise, "Here I am, send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)
Monday, May 10, 2010
There is Strength in the Name of the Lord...
I could hear the strong baritone voice of my Daddy singing this song as I sat in the waiting room at the hospital while my husband was in surgery. I could hear his voice singing these words in my head. I don't remember what the occasion was, but the last time I sang this song, we were in my home church growing up and I was holding my Daddy's big, strong, hairy hand... I felt so secure. I would have given so much to hold my Daddy's hand this past week and feel that same security. Instead, I was sitting in a waiting room, all alone, wondering how I was ever going to feel completely secure again. So... I prayed, and this is what I learned.
True security can only be had when our priorities and our perspective are correct. Our entire existence centers around one truth: We are enemies of God (Romans 8:10) and instead of leaving us in this depraved state, God sent His one and only Son Jesus Christ (John 3:16) to be a sacrificial lamb and provide reconciliation for all eternity (Romans 5:1). This life, if we are lucky maybe 80 years of our existence, is a short period when compared to eternity. When we focus on this short lifespan, turn all of our thoughts and attentions on the here and now, we will never know true security. People close to us will die, disease and sickness will come, jobs will be lost, rain will fall, questions will never have answers, people will disappoint us and hurt us... but that is not the whole story. If we accept this free gift of Salvation from God, NOTHING can separate us from God again (Romans 8:38-39).
You see, God cares about us so much, that He cares about the whole picture, the eternity side of things. If He blessed us so much in this short 80 or so years that we never invested in eternity, that would be like me allowing my two year old unlimited sugar now only to watch her die of diabetes later on. A true mother, one that really loves her child, would show moderation, so that the child's entire life can be pleasant, not just today. That is how the Lord works. Romans 5 teaches us that we can exult in our tribulations, knowing that our tribulations bring about perseverance, perseverance brings about proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint (vs. 3-4). We can rejoice in our trials, because they allow opportunity to lay up treasures in heaven, treasures that cannot be destroyed, but benefit all eternity (Matthew 6:19-20).
This truth is played out over and over in so many promises we Christians love to claim... that God causes all things to work together for good (Ro 8:28), that He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not freely give us all things (Ro 8:32), and I could go on and on. However, often we take these verses out of context. If we continue reading to verse 29, we will find that "our good" is "to become conformed into the image of His son"
(Ro 8:29). In the same respect, God will freely give us all things that are necessary to bring fulfillment of the work begun at the cross (2 Peter 1:3). God loves us, and will take what Satan meant for evil and turn it around for good, but it is our eternity that He cares about. He loves us too much to not bless us eternally.
So, how do we find true and lasting security? We must answer this question, what is most important to you? Where do your treasures lie? Is it God, or earthly possessions, earthly relationships, etc. If God's glory and renown is most important to you, you will have perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). When we realize that we are owed nothing except death and condemnation (Ro 3:23, Ro 6:23), anything above and beyond that is simple and complete blessing. We are sinners, but Christ died for us, that is all we need.
You may ask, how do I KNOW that my perspective is right and Holy? If God never blessed you with another thing, if all you had was taken away - even your family - would you still choose Him? Would you still praise Him? Would you still bless His Holy Name? That is how you know.
My Daddy's death rocked my world. Gone was childish innocence that nothing too bad would ever happen to me. Insecurity and fear have fought hard to characterize my life. However, a new realization has washed over me as well. No mater what happens, even if the surgeon came out of the room to say my husband did not make it, it would NOT be easy, but I would be okay. I have the Lord, He loves me, He girds me with strength, eternity can never be taken away, and I will see my loved ones again. Granted, this is not easy and I pray no tragedy befalls my family, that my husband and I have a lifetime of togetherness, but God must be my rock and eternity must be my purpose. "The Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will be forever" (Psalm 37:18).
True security can only be had when our priorities and our perspective are correct. Our entire existence centers around one truth: We are enemies of God (Romans 8:10) and instead of leaving us in this depraved state, God sent His one and only Son Jesus Christ (John 3:16) to be a sacrificial lamb and provide reconciliation for all eternity (Romans 5:1). This life, if we are lucky maybe 80 years of our existence, is a short period when compared to eternity. When we focus on this short lifespan, turn all of our thoughts and attentions on the here and now, we will never know true security. People close to us will die, disease and sickness will come, jobs will be lost, rain will fall, questions will never have answers, people will disappoint us and hurt us... but that is not the whole story. If we accept this free gift of Salvation from God, NOTHING can separate us from God again (Romans 8:38-39).
You see, God cares about us so much, that He cares about the whole picture, the eternity side of things. If He blessed us so much in this short 80 or so years that we never invested in eternity, that would be like me allowing my two year old unlimited sugar now only to watch her die of diabetes later on. A true mother, one that really loves her child, would show moderation, so that the child's entire life can be pleasant, not just today. That is how the Lord works. Romans 5 teaches us that we can exult in our tribulations, knowing that our tribulations bring about perseverance, perseverance brings about proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint (vs. 3-4). We can rejoice in our trials, because they allow opportunity to lay up treasures in heaven, treasures that cannot be destroyed, but benefit all eternity (Matthew 6:19-20).
This truth is played out over and over in so many promises we Christians love to claim... that God causes all things to work together for good (Ro 8:28), that He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not freely give us all things (Ro 8:32), and I could go on and on. However, often we take these verses out of context. If we continue reading to verse 29, we will find that "our good" is "to become conformed into the image of His son"
(Ro 8:29). In the same respect, God will freely give us all things that are necessary to bring fulfillment of the work begun at the cross (2 Peter 1:3). God loves us, and will take what Satan meant for evil and turn it around for good, but it is our eternity that He cares about. He loves us too much to not bless us eternally.
So, how do we find true and lasting security? We must answer this question, what is most important to you? Where do your treasures lie? Is it God, or earthly possessions, earthly relationships, etc. If God's glory and renown is most important to you, you will have perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). When we realize that we are owed nothing except death and condemnation (Ro 3:23, Ro 6:23), anything above and beyond that is simple and complete blessing. We are sinners, but Christ died for us, that is all we need.
You may ask, how do I KNOW that my perspective is right and Holy? If God never blessed you with another thing, if all you had was taken away - even your family - would you still choose Him? Would you still praise Him? Would you still bless His Holy Name? That is how you know.
My Daddy's death rocked my world. Gone was childish innocence that nothing too bad would ever happen to me. Insecurity and fear have fought hard to characterize my life. However, a new realization has washed over me as well. No mater what happens, even if the surgeon came out of the room to say my husband did not make it, it would NOT be easy, but I would be okay. I have the Lord, He loves me, He girds me with strength, eternity can never be taken away, and I will see my loved ones again. Granted, this is not easy and I pray no tragedy befalls my family, that my husband and I have a lifetime of togetherness, but God must be my rock and eternity must be my purpose. "The Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will be forever" (Psalm 37:18).
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Pull the Weeds!
Mathew 13:1-8, 24-32
I love gardening. I love the whole process, from the planting, to the tending, to the harvest. However, as I was putting in my vegetables this past week, if you could have seen me with God's eyes, you would have seen a storm cloud brewing overhead instead of happiness. I was stewing! As I feverishly turned the soil, pulled weeds and just struggled with the ground, I was listing the things in my head that I "deserved", the opportunities that were passing me by... for the love, I just wanted to go to the grocery store, sans kids, for triple coupon week! All I wanted to do is save my family money!
You get my point. We have all done it.
As I was fighting with the ground, the Holy Spirit whispered one sentence to me that literally stopped me in my tracks... "watch out for the weeds." I knew immediately what He meant.
The very nature of weeds is to destroy. To suck the life and nutrients out of the ground that needs to be sustaining plants that we want to keep. They are prevalent and they are a constant battle that you will never gain complete and lasting victory. Sound familiar? Sounds like sin.
Just as I plant tomato plants to bring forth tomatoes, so God plants us for a purpose. It is our purpose to bring forth a harvest for His kingdom and His renown. Satan desires to do nothing more than kill that harvest, and he often does it through little pieces, of sometimes overlooked, sin. Sin that if ignored will eventually suck the nutrients and life out of what we have.
For me that day, the weed of sin was my attitude of selfishness. I fell in to the trap of feeling like "I deserve ____". It is so easy to fall into. Was it too much to ask to be able to get away before 9pm to go to the grocery store by myself? Probably not. However, what was wrong was when I started to get angry at my husband, feeling like he was being selfish for working long hours, nursing feelings of neglect. Instead of feeling this way, I needed to be proud and appreciative that he was going to work to provide for our family (and I know he would so much rather be with us), I needed to be understanding and supportive during that crazy busy and stressful week. I needed to be thankful he came home to us as soon as the workday was over instead of wanting to run off and "do his own thing." I was wrong, and praise the Lord that He revealed it to me before I continued to let these feelings grow and kill the wonderful marriage the Lord has blessed me with. What are your little weeds - Things that seem insignificant, and you may be able to blame on hormones, but if you were completely honest you know it is a sin?
Sometimes we allow weeds to grow, because they seem appealing and even desirable at the time. I have lots of dirt splotches in my yard, and my original thought was green is better than dirt. However, because I left those weeds unattended over the last three years, weeds have spread all over my yard and is literally killing the grass I do have. This simple truth is a huge weapon in Satan's arsenal. In those areas of our life where we feel a void, it is so tempting to allow little things that are not healthy or best to fill that area of need. For example, maybe there is an unhealthy or unholy relationship in your life that is filling a need that you have. I don't know, but you and God do. Only the Lord can fill the voids that are in your life. It is better left alone than filled with sin that will eventually spread and kill whatever life you have.
Lastly, weeds draw nutrients and water away from the plants that they are near. God rains down upon our life blessings, talents and abilities to fulfill our purpose that He has created for us. He tells us in His Word that He will give us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Are there "weeds" in your life that are robbing your time, blessings, etc. and going against God's calling on your life. It is important to note that sometimes weeds are beautiful flowers, but they are still weeds. Sometimes things look good and even Godly, but are distracting us from where God has placed us (being a mom, being a help-mate for your husband, etc). We must closely evaluate anything that threatens the life of people/places we KNOW we are supposed to be serving to make sure that it is of the Lord.
Finally, we must be vigilant. I must pick weeds all summer long. Once picked, more will eventually come. It is a never ending battle, but I like the challenge! We must constantly evaluate our life, even in areas where we have repented, gained the victory and begun pursuing holiness. Satan is out to destroy our lives (1 Peter 5:8) and He won't stop until he succeeds or we either join the Lord in Heaven. Pray Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way." After praying, stop, be still, and listen. The Holy Spirit will let you know and you just pull the weeds!
I love gardening. I love the whole process, from the planting, to the tending, to the harvest. However, as I was putting in my vegetables this past week, if you could have seen me with God's eyes, you would have seen a storm cloud brewing overhead instead of happiness. I was stewing! As I feverishly turned the soil, pulled weeds and just struggled with the ground, I was listing the things in my head that I "deserved", the opportunities that were passing me by... for the love, I just wanted to go to the grocery store, sans kids, for triple coupon week! All I wanted to do is save my family money!
You get my point. We have all done it.
As I was fighting with the ground, the Holy Spirit whispered one sentence to me that literally stopped me in my tracks... "watch out for the weeds." I knew immediately what He meant.
The very nature of weeds is to destroy. To suck the life and nutrients out of the ground that needs to be sustaining plants that we want to keep. They are prevalent and they are a constant battle that you will never gain complete and lasting victory. Sound familiar? Sounds like sin.
Just as I plant tomato plants to bring forth tomatoes, so God plants us for a purpose. It is our purpose to bring forth a harvest for His kingdom and His renown. Satan desires to do nothing more than kill that harvest, and he often does it through little pieces, of sometimes overlooked, sin. Sin that if ignored will eventually suck the nutrients and life out of what we have.
For me that day, the weed of sin was my attitude of selfishness. I fell in to the trap of feeling like "I deserve ____". It is so easy to fall into. Was it too much to ask to be able to get away before 9pm to go to the grocery store by myself? Probably not. However, what was wrong was when I started to get angry at my husband, feeling like he was being selfish for working long hours, nursing feelings of neglect. Instead of feeling this way, I needed to be proud and appreciative that he was going to work to provide for our family (and I know he would so much rather be with us), I needed to be understanding and supportive during that crazy busy and stressful week. I needed to be thankful he came home to us as soon as the workday was over instead of wanting to run off and "do his own thing." I was wrong, and praise the Lord that He revealed it to me before I continued to let these feelings grow and kill the wonderful marriage the Lord has blessed me with. What are your little weeds - Things that seem insignificant, and you may be able to blame on hormones, but if you were completely honest you know it is a sin?
Sometimes we allow weeds to grow, because they seem appealing and even desirable at the time. I have lots of dirt splotches in my yard, and my original thought was green is better than dirt. However, because I left those weeds unattended over the last three years, weeds have spread all over my yard and is literally killing the grass I do have. This simple truth is a huge weapon in Satan's arsenal. In those areas of our life where we feel a void, it is so tempting to allow little things that are not healthy or best to fill that area of need. For example, maybe there is an unhealthy or unholy relationship in your life that is filling a need that you have. I don't know, but you and God do. Only the Lord can fill the voids that are in your life. It is better left alone than filled with sin that will eventually spread and kill whatever life you have.
Lastly, weeds draw nutrients and water away from the plants that they are near. God rains down upon our life blessings, talents and abilities to fulfill our purpose that He has created for us. He tells us in His Word that He will give us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Are there "weeds" in your life that are robbing your time, blessings, etc. and going against God's calling on your life. It is important to note that sometimes weeds are beautiful flowers, but they are still weeds. Sometimes things look good and even Godly, but are distracting us from where God has placed us (being a mom, being a help-mate for your husband, etc). We must closely evaluate anything that threatens the life of people/places we KNOW we are supposed to be serving to make sure that it is of the Lord.
Finally, we must be vigilant. I must pick weeds all summer long. Once picked, more will eventually come. It is a never ending battle, but I like the challenge! We must constantly evaluate our life, even in areas where we have repented, gained the victory and begun pursuing holiness. Satan is out to destroy our lives (1 Peter 5:8) and He won't stop until he succeeds or we either join the Lord in Heaven. Pray Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way." After praying, stop, be still, and listen. The Holy Spirit will let you know and you just pull the weeds!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Jesus is Alive...
Mark 16:1-7 (Click on reference to read text)
"Jesus is Alive!" These were the precious words of my two year old the other day. Talk about making a Mama's heart soar! The greatest act the world has ever known, the crux of our entire faith, the one point in history that changed things forever... Jesus is alive! Yet, as Hebrews tells us, the Word of God is living and active (Heb 4:12), and as I have been reading this story often recently, the Lord has really challenged me in new ways.
In the very beginning of this chapter, we see these dedicated women going to a tomb (vs.1). I can just picture them huddled together, talking in low whispers, doing what they knew they needed to do, walking to a place that seemed like the last step of a failed mission. This was not the way it was supposed to turn out. The Messiah was supposed to come and set them free from Roman oppressions. However, even though things did not turn out exactly like they thought, they did not turn their back on Jesus. They showed Him the honor He deserved. As we think about these women, we must ask our self, "do we have a tendency to turn our back on God when things don't look like we want them to?" Do we walk towards Christ during these times, or turn away?
Second we see that these women had correct priorities. They came as soon as possible... "very early on the first day of the week" (vs.2). They did not delay in honoring Christ. They did not stall until they got the dishes done, laundry washed, children fed... they went first thing. Where is God in our priorities? Is He the first thing to be neglected?
Third, these women teach us to come to Christ before we have it all figured out. They were walking to the tomb and they didn't know how everything was going to fall into place. As they were walking, they were asking each other, "who will roll away the stone for us?"(vs.3). So many times I want to wait until everything is lined up perfectly. Every detail is hashed out and prepared for. Every scenario has a plan and solution. However, these women obeyed and honored God, and then trusted Him with the details, and guess what? He came through! When they got to the tomb they saw the stone rolled away (vs. 4)! Do we give God the opportunity to roll away the stones in our path? If we never take the first step in obedience, we can never see His hand provide the way!
This leads us to our fourth lesson... when God provides the way, go for it! We don't see them hesitate at the tomb, email all their friends about the options and if they should go for it, and they don't have a prayer meeting. They knew they were supposed to be with Christ, they were walking in obedience to Him, so when He made a way they went on in (vs.5) looking for their Savior (vs.6). When we know God is calling us to something, do we obey or hesitate? If God calls you, He will equip you and provide the way.
Lastly we see the sweet hand of our wonderful Savior. The angel told them where to find their Jesus (vs.7). God wants those looking for Him to find Him. God tells us in Proverbs 8:17, "I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me." Jeremiah 29:13 says, "you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." God does not hide himself from those seeking Him. However, we must search for Him in such a way to find him... with our whole heart. Go where He is, even if it seems like a monumental task. These women weren't seeking God's hand, what He could do for Him, they were just seeking Him, His presence, in order to bring Him honor and respect.
Did these women know that 2,000 years later another seeker of the Savior would read about this walk to a graveyard and contemplate their courage, their faith, and their perseverance? No, I am sure that didn't even cross their minds. They were just seeking out the man that offered everything, even though they didn't understand, they knew they had to be near Him. May I have that same desire, that same drive, that same need that calls me to His side.
"Jesus is Alive!" These were the precious words of my two year old the other day. Talk about making a Mama's heart soar! The greatest act the world has ever known, the crux of our entire faith, the one point in history that changed things forever... Jesus is alive! Yet, as Hebrews tells us, the Word of God is living and active (Heb 4:12), and as I have been reading this story often recently, the Lord has really challenged me in new ways.
In the very beginning of this chapter, we see these dedicated women going to a tomb (vs.1). I can just picture them huddled together, talking in low whispers, doing what they knew they needed to do, walking to a place that seemed like the last step of a failed mission. This was not the way it was supposed to turn out. The Messiah was supposed to come and set them free from Roman oppressions. However, even though things did not turn out exactly like they thought, they did not turn their back on Jesus. They showed Him the honor He deserved. As we think about these women, we must ask our self, "do we have a tendency to turn our back on God when things don't look like we want them to?" Do we walk towards Christ during these times, or turn away?
Second we see that these women had correct priorities. They came as soon as possible... "very early on the first day of the week" (vs.2). They did not delay in honoring Christ. They did not stall until they got the dishes done, laundry washed, children fed... they went first thing. Where is God in our priorities? Is He the first thing to be neglected?
Third, these women teach us to come to Christ before we have it all figured out. They were walking to the tomb and they didn't know how everything was going to fall into place. As they were walking, they were asking each other, "who will roll away the stone for us?"(vs.3). So many times I want to wait until everything is lined up perfectly. Every detail is hashed out and prepared for. Every scenario has a plan and solution. However, these women obeyed and honored God, and then trusted Him with the details, and guess what? He came through! When they got to the tomb they saw the stone rolled away (vs. 4)! Do we give God the opportunity to roll away the stones in our path? If we never take the first step in obedience, we can never see His hand provide the way!
This leads us to our fourth lesson... when God provides the way, go for it! We don't see them hesitate at the tomb, email all their friends about the options and if they should go for it, and they don't have a prayer meeting. They knew they were supposed to be with Christ, they were walking in obedience to Him, so when He made a way they went on in (vs.5) looking for their Savior (vs.6). When we know God is calling us to something, do we obey or hesitate? If God calls you, He will equip you and provide the way.
Lastly we see the sweet hand of our wonderful Savior. The angel told them where to find their Jesus (vs.7). God wants those looking for Him to find Him. God tells us in Proverbs 8:17, "I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me." Jeremiah 29:13 says, "you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." God does not hide himself from those seeking Him. However, we must search for Him in such a way to find him... with our whole heart. Go where He is, even if it seems like a monumental task. These women weren't seeking God's hand, what He could do for Him, they were just seeking Him, His presence, in order to bring Him honor and respect.
Did these women know that 2,000 years later another seeker of the Savior would read about this walk to a graveyard and contemplate their courage, their faith, and their perseverance? No, I am sure that didn't even cross their minds. They were just seeking out the man that offered everything, even though they didn't understand, they knew they had to be near Him. May I have that same desire, that same drive, that same need that calls me to His side.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Accept it and Move On!
Luke 22:54-62 (Click on reference to read text)
This past Sunday, about 10 minutes or so into the service, a woman came and sat down next to me. As soon as she took her seat, the Holy Spirit started nudging me. Pretty soon I knew what I was supposed to do. I knew, just as plain as if God had audible spoken the words to me, I was to tell her that she looked beautiful. Part of me thought, well that is an easy thing to obey, what woman doesn't like to be told she is beautiful? This is a pretty receptive message. However, the other part of me thought, who will she think I am? Some strange woman she has never met turning to tell her she is beautiful? I waited for the "greet your neighbor part of the service" to obey, but it never came. So as I wrestled with how and when to do it, the service ended before I knew it. I turned to her and said, "Have a Happy Easter," and went about my way picking up my kids from Sunday School.
I failed. I actually was lying in bed this morning thinking about this after being wakened by the myriads of birds singing outside of my window at 5am. I have confessed my shortcoming to the Lord, many times, and I know he has forgiven me. Now I have to work on forgiving myself.
Peter too failed the Lord and was very aware of it. Often times he gets a bad rap for denying Christ, but in one sense he was doing better than the other disciples. When all the other disciples ran away, he followed Christ. However, in a moment of weakness, fear, worry and shame he denied the Lord - 3 times. It broke his heart... but that is not the end of the story. One of the most beautiful verses in all the Bible details the angel's words to the women standing at the empty tomb just three days later. The angel tells them, "go, tell His disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him'"(Mark 16:7).
You see, one of the greatest things about being a child of God is that we are not labeled by our past, and never will be. In a world that tells you that your past will completely dictate your future, stand firm knowing that Christ has set you free (Galatians 5:1) and that there is no condemnation for those who believe on His name (Romans 8:1). Your past does not label you, your family history does not label you, your failures don't label you. God's ultimate sacrifice on the cross is what labels you.
One of the biggest and most successful lies of Satan is making us doubt our freedom and forgiveness that we have in Christ. You are free. Stop fighting and keeping yourself in the quagmire of your guilt and sin, and give it to God. Remember, Jesus called Peter by name! He singled him out to make sure Peter knew he still had a place in Jesus' company and plan. But that gave Peter a choice.
Peter could have chosen to wallow in his sin and failures for the rest of his life. Believe the lies that Satan was probably hitting him with about what a huge failure he was, embarrassment for not living up to the prideful statements he said about Christ (Mark 14:29-31), thinking that there was no way that God could use such a weak and sinful man. Peter could have chosen that path, but he didn't. Instead he walked in Christ's forgiveness, stood up on the day of Pentecost and began to preach, and 3,000 accepted Christ as Savior in one day (Acts 2:14-41). If you keep reading, the New Testament is full of true stories about the marvelous things that Peter did for the Lord and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
So you and I have a choice. We can continue to wallow in our sin and failure. We can refuse to be effective for Christ and believe the lies of Satan, or we can be a Peter. A man of great failure and great effectiveness for Christ. Who spoke words of betrayal, but repented and spoke words of great power. He moved on, he did not continue in his sin, he accepted Christ's forgiveness and the next time, he obeyed. I pray that the next time, I too will obey. May my heart cry with Isaiah, "Here I am Lord, send me!" (Is 6:8).
(Written on Monday, April 12th: As only our gracious and compassionate Lord can, the same lady sat directly behind me in church yesterday, coming in just after the service started. I knew instantly that the Lord was giving me a second chance at obedience. This time, as soon as the service ended, I immediately turned around and told her how beautiful I thought she looked last week. We continued to talk for a brief moment. I laughed in the car while telling my husband. You see, when I obeyed, nothing happened, at least not on the surface. The clouds did not part with the Hallelujah chorus being sung, she did not break down in tears saying that she was at a breaking point and these words will carry her through. No, none of these things. The only thing that happened was that she told me she loves the color green. I learned that God wants us to obey, just for the sake of obedience. We may never know why, but we need to leave that to Him. Is He giving you a second chance, take it! Even though you may never ever know why! Maybe you are group two: you have been disobedient and have not been given a second chance to obey. Be a Peter! Repent, move on and allow God to use you the next time. Resolve in your heart, as Daniel and his friends did (Daniel 1:8), go ahead and make the decision in your head and heart, that next time you will obey! Maybe you are group three... right now as you read this the Lord is nudging you to do something. Maybe it is calling your parents and apologizing for something little, maybe it is thanking your husband for going to work everyday for you all even though you don't feel like being thankful, maybe it is to tell your kids how proud you are of them because all you have been doing is yelling. Maybe it is to invite your neighbor over and just talk to her. I don't know what God is asking of you, but you do. Stand up and obey, who knows what might happen. You may never know, but God does and He will be glorified!)
This past Sunday, about 10 minutes or so into the service, a woman came and sat down next to me. As soon as she took her seat, the Holy Spirit started nudging me. Pretty soon I knew what I was supposed to do. I knew, just as plain as if God had audible spoken the words to me, I was to tell her that she looked beautiful. Part of me thought, well that is an easy thing to obey, what woman doesn't like to be told she is beautiful? This is a pretty receptive message. However, the other part of me thought, who will she think I am? Some strange woman she has never met turning to tell her she is beautiful? I waited for the "greet your neighbor part of the service" to obey, but it never came. So as I wrestled with how and when to do it, the service ended before I knew it. I turned to her and said, "Have a Happy Easter," and went about my way picking up my kids from Sunday School.
I failed. I actually was lying in bed this morning thinking about this after being wakened by the myriads of birds singing outside of my window at 5am. I have confessed my shortcoming to the Lord, many times, and I know he has forgiven me. Now I have to work on forgiving myself.
Peter too failed the Lord and was very aware of it. Often times he gets a bad rap for denying Christ, but in one sense he was doing better than the other disciples. When all the other disciples ran away, he followed Christ. However, in a moment of weakness, fear, worry and shame he denied the Lord - 3 times. It broke his heart... but that is not the end of the story. One of the most beautiful verses in all the Bible details the angel's words to the women standing at the empty tomb just three days later. The angel tells them, "go, tell His disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him'"(Mark 16:7).
You see, one of the greatest things about being a child of God is that we are not labeled by our past, and never will be. In a world that tells you that your past will completely dictate your future, stand firm knowing that Christ has set you free (Galatians 5:1) and that there is no condemnation for those who believe on His name (Romans 8:1). Your past does not label you, your family history does not label you, your failures don't label you. God's ultimate sacrifice on the cross is what labels you.
One of the biggest and most successful lies of Satan is making us doubt our freedom and forgiveness that we have in Christ. You are free. Stop fighting and keeping yourself in the quagmire of your guilt and sin, and give it to God. Remember, Jesus called Peter by name! He singled him out to make sure Peter knew he still had a place in Jesus' company and plan. But that gave Peter a choice.
Peter could have chosen to wallow in his sin and failures for the rest of his life. Believe the lies that Satan was probably hitting him with about what a huge failure he was, embarrassment for not living up to the prideful statements he said about Christ (Mark 14:29-31), thinking that there was no way that God could use such a weak and sinful man. Peter could have chosen that path, but he didn't. Instead he walked in Christ's forgiveness, stood up on the day of Pentecost and began to preach, and 3,000 accepted Christ as Savior in one day (Acts 2:14-41). If you keep reading, the New Testament is full of true stories about the marvelous things that Peter did for the Lord and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
So you and I have a choice. We can continue to wallow in our sin and failure. We can refuse to be effective for Christ and believe the lies of Satan, or we can be a Peter. A man of great failure and great effectiveness for Christ. Who spoke words of betrayal, but repented and spoke words of great power. He moved on, he did not continue in his sin, he accepted Christ's forgiveness and the next time, he obeyed. I pray that the next time, I too will obey. May my heart cry with Isaiah, "Here I am Lord, send me!" (Is 6:8).
(Written on Monday, April 12th: As only our gracious and compassionate Lord can, the same lady sat directly behind me in church yesterday, coming in just after the service started. I knew instantly that the Lord was giving me a second chance at obedience. This time, as soon as the service ended, I immediately turned around and told her how beautiful I thought she looked last week. We continued to talk for a brief moment. I laughed in the car while telling my husband. You see, when I obeyed, nothing happened, at least not on the surface. The clouds did not part with the Hallelujah chorus being sung, she did not break down in tears saying that she was at a breaking point and these words will carry her through. No, none of these things. The only thing that happened was that she told me she loves the color green. I learned that God wants us to obey, just for the sake of obedience. We may never know why, but we need to leave that to Him. Is He giving you a second chance, take it! Even though you may never ever know why! Maybe you are group two: you have been disobedient and have not been given a second chance to obey. Be a Peter! Repent, move on and allow God to use you the next time. Resolve in your heart, as Daniel and his friends did (Daniel 1:8), go ahead and make the decision in your head and heart, that next time you will obey! Maybe you are group three... right now as you read this the Lord is nudging you to do something. Maybe it is calling your parents and apologizing for something little, maybe it is thanking your husband for going to work everyday for you all even though you don't feel like being thankful, maybe it is to tell your kids how proud you are of them because all you have been doing is yelling. Maybe it is to invite your neighbor over and just talk to her. I don't know what God is asking of you, but you do. Stand up and obey, who knows what might happen. You may never know, but God does and He will be glorified!)
Monday, April 5, 2010
Why does God Allow Bad to Happen?
Philippians 3:7-20 (Click on reference to read text)
One of the most common arguments against Christ is, "how could a loving God allow such bad things to happen to good people?" I have heard this argument countless times. Maybe you have thought this question to yourself regarding your own personal circumstances. When bad things happen, often times we begin to question God's total sovereignty, we wonder if maybe somehow Satan got the victory in that circumstance. But what if we were able to step back and listen? What might Christ be trying to tell us?
Paul understood trying times, (read 2 Cor 11:24-27 if you want a taste of what he went through) yet through it all, he writes to the Philippians, "I count all things loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ" (vs.8). Through his sufferings, his goal was to gain Christ, to know HIM (vs. 10). He did not seek Christ's blessings, his hand working on behalf of his circumstances, not even his will and direction for the future, but Christ as a person... just who He is! Can you say this? Can you say that in your trials you are seeking the "righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that you may KNOW HIM and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings?" (vs.9-10).
However, instead of responding like Paul we often begin to question if Satan won. If somehow he bested God and won. Let me tell you, the only way that Satan can get victory in your life if you are a Child of God and washed in the blood of the Lamb, is if YOU LET HIM! As soon as we give in to how we feel and become bitter or angry at God, it is at that moment that Satan wins. It is Satan's goal to steal, to kill and to destroy the saints of God (John 10:10). It grieves the Holy Spirit when we harbor bitterness in our hearts (Eph 4:30-32) and God commands that we do not allow a root of bitterness to spring up in our life (Heb 12:15), because a bitter and broken spirit just takes the life out of you (Prov 17:22). God desires us to have life and life to the full! Beware of becoming like Job's wife, who said to Job, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"(Job 2:9). Hold on to your integrity, hold on to God, because I promise He is still holding on to you!
So why? If Satan did not get the victory, and God is truly sovereign over the details of my life, why? I believe if nothing else, than for this one simple truth: if bad things never happened, we would never long for Heaven. We would never focus on the eternal, we would never long for the presence of our Heavenly Father who gave everything for us. Just imagine if all was well, everything was wonderful and you lived a life of no fear, no worry, no hardship... would you ever long for Jesus and the home He has prepared for you?
If you are like me, you are asking, "well, okay, what now?" Sing a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). I know you don't feel like praising God. My heart did not want to praise God when he took my Daddy suddenly home to Heaven this past Christmas Eve, my heart did not want to praise God when I talked to my brother just three months later as he was watching his newborn son lying in the NICU, but we must. God loves us too much to let our hearts love this world. He loves us too much to allow us to spend our lives focusing on things that are temporal and not the eternal. Remember, He gave everything to reunite us to Him!
Let us echo Paul in Philippians 1:21, "to live is Christ." Christ was crucified. Christ sacrificed His life for the purpose and will of the Father. However, Paul goes on to say, "to die is gain"... gaining our eternal reward, with our Eternal Father.
One of the most common arguments against Christ is, "how could a loving God allow such bad things to happen to good people?" I have heard this argument countless times. Maybe you have thought this question to yourself regarding your own personal circumstances. When bad things happen, often times we begin to question God's total sovereignty, we wonder if maybe somehow Satan got the victory in that circumstance. But what if we were able to step back and listen? What might Christ be trying to tell us?
Paul understood trying times, (read 2 Cor 11:24-27 if you want a taste of what he went through) yet through it all, he writes to the Philippians, "I count all things loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ" (vs.8). Through his sufferings, his goal was to gain Christ, to know HIM (vs. 10). He did not seek Christ's blessings, his hand working on behalf of his circumstances, not even his will and direction for the future, but Christ as a person... just who He is! Can you say this? Can you say that in your trials you are seeking the "righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that you may KNOW HIM and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings?" (vs.9-10).
However, instead of responding like Paul we often begin to question if Satan won. If somehow he bested God and won. Let me tell you, the only way that Satan can get victory in your life if you are a Child of God and washed in the blood of the Lamb, is if YOU LET HIM! As soon as we give in to how we feel and become bitter or angry at God, it is at that moment that Satan wins. It is Satan's goal to steal, to kill and to destroy the saints of God (John 10:10). It grieves the Holy Spirit when we harbor bitterness in our hearts (Eph 4:30-32) and God commands that we do not allow a root of bitterness to spring up in our life (Heb 12:15), because a bitter and broken spirit just takes the life out of you (Prov 17:22). God desires us to have life and life to the full! Beware of becoming like Job's wife, who said to Job, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"(Job 2:9). Hold on to your integrity, hold on to God, because I promise He is still holding on to you!
So why? If Satan did not get the victory, and God is truly sovereign over the details of my life, why? I believe if nothing else, than for this one simple truth: if bad things never happened, we would never long for Heaven. We would never focus on the eternal, we would never long for the presence of our Heavenly Father who gave everything for us. Just imagine if all was well, everything was wonderful and you lived a life of no fear, no worry, no hardship... would you ever long for Jesus and the home He has prepared for you?
If you are like me, you are asking, "well, okay, what now?" Sing a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). I know you don't feel like praising God. My heart did not want to praise God when he took my Daddy suddenly home to Heaven this past Christmas Eve, my heart did not want to praise God when I talked to my brother just three months later as he was watching his newborn son lying in the NICU, but we must. God loves us too much to let our hearts love this world. He loves us too much to allow us to spend our lives focusing on things that are temporal and not the eternal. Remember, He gave everything to reunite us to Him!
Let us echo Paul in Philippians 1:21, "to live is Christ." Christ was crucified. Christ sacrificed His life for the purpose and will of the Father. However, Paul goes on to say, "to die is gain"... gaining our eternal reward, with our Eternal Father.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
God's Timetable or Yours?
Acts 28:11-20 and Philippians 1:12-14 (Click on reference to read the text)
Paul desired to preach the Gospel above all else. He wanted to live a passionate, meaningful life for the Lord. He was one of those that prayed, “Use me extravagantly for your Kingdom, or take me home.” And, as a result, I don’t know of many Christians whose influence can rival that of Paul.
All of this said, Paul spent a huge majority of his time in prison. From a worldly viewpoint, if I was Paul, I would be praying and questioning the will of the Father, wondering if God was still in control. In his limited knowledge of what was best, as Paul often wrote especially in the book of Romans, his main objective was go to different groups of people and preach the Gospel. That was the chief desire of Paul in order to be most impactful for Christ.
But as Isaiah 55 talks about, God’s ways are so much higher than our ways, and God’s thoughts are so much higher than our thoughts. Paul wanted to see the nations come to know Christ, and he figured the best way was to preach. However, I am glad that Paul’s plans were foiled by something as carnal as prison. You see, Paul was thinking small. You may laugh at that statement, because Paul was thinking about saving the entire world, but he was thinking small. You see God wanted to save the generations of the world.
If Paul got his way of what he believed was best, many people IN HIS TIME truly would have come to know the Lord, the churches would have been built, and God’s name would be glorified. However, God wanted the nations for ALL TIME!!! So instead of letting Paul preach continuously and without hindrance, God placed him in prison so He would have to write. And what did he do? He wrote a lot of the New Testament so that you and I may know the Lord better, may grow in Christian wisdom and knowledge, and may serve the Lord more effectively. If God would have allowed Paul to preach all the time, you and I may not have had a lot of the New Testament to read about our Father. In this way, Paul is preaching for all time, not just his time.
Do you feel like you have been robbed of an incredible opportunity for the Kingdom? Are you questioning God's method and direction for your life? I understand how hard it is to pursue Christ and His will only to be turned around 180 degrees. It is heart breaking, gut wrenching, and soul suffocating, but don't fall into Satan's trap. Don't stop believing that God is on the throne, running the show, that His plan is perfect. He is sovereign. Be faithful where you are, who knows, God may use you beyond your wildest imagination and reach!
Paul desired to preach the Gospel above all else. He wanted to live a passionate, meaningful life for the Lord. He was one of those that prayed, “Use me extravagantly for your Kingdom, or take me home.” And, as a result, I don’t know of many Christians whose influence can rival that of Paul.
All of this said, Paul spent a huge majority of his time in prison. From a worldly viewpoint, if I was Paul, I would be praying and questioning the will of the Father, wondering if God was still in control. In his limited knowledge of what was best, as Paul often wrote especially in the book of Romans, his main objective was go to different groups of people and preach the Gospel. That was the chief desire of Paul in order to be most impactful for Christ.
But as Isaiah 55 talks about, God’s ways are so much higher than our ways, and God’s thoughts are so much higher than our thoughts. Paul wanted to see the nations come to know Christ, and he figured the best way was to preach. However, I am glad that Paul’s plans were foiled by something as carnal as prison. You see, Paul was thinking small. You may laugh at that statement, because Paul was thinking about saving the entire world, but he was thinking small. You see God wanted to save the generations of the world.
If Paul got his way of what he believed was best, many people IN HIS TIME truly would have come to know the Lord, the churches would have been built, and God’s name would be glorified. However, God wanted the nations for ALL TIME!!! So instead of letting Paul preach continuously and without hindrance, God placed him in prison so He would have to write. And what did he do? He wrote a lot of the New Testament so that you and I may know the Lord better, may grow in Christian wisdom and knowledge, and may serve the Lord more effectively. If God would have allowed Paul to preach all the time, you and I may not have had a lot of the New Testament to read about our Father. In this way, Paul is preaching for all time, not just his time.
Do you feel like you have been robbed of an incredible opportunity for the Kingdom? Are you questioning God's method and direction for your life? I understand how hard it is to pursue Christ and His will only to be turned around 180 degrees. It is heart breaking, gut wrenching, and soul suffocating, but don't fall into Satan's trap. Don't stop believing that God is on the throne, running the show, that His plan is perfect. He is sovereign. Be faithful where you are, who knows, God may use you beyond your wildest imagination and reach!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Are you being held captive by a "minor" sin?
Joshua 7:1-13 (Click on reference to read text)
Joshua and Israel just came off a spiritual high. God brought down their enemies at Jericho and all they had to do was march. They saw the mighty hand of God act on their behalf. Then they go to conquer this little city and get demolished. What happened?
First, we find that they let sin into the camp. This happens so often in our lives and has the same result… defeat, enslavement, and devastation. God commanded the Israelites to gather all the gold, silver, bronze and iron from Jericho and place it into the treasury of the house of the Lord. A man named Achan saw something beautiful that he desired, took it and hid it in his tent (vs. 21). Did he believe that this one action would cause the downfall of his nation… no! Yet, it almost did. Sin breaks fellowship with God. When we allow sin into the camp, we are incapable of standing in victory over our enemies (vs. 12). What sin are you holding on to? What sin seems beautiful to you and you just can't let go? Bitterness because of crushed dreams? Anger and resentment against someone who has wronged you in the past? Busyness? Walking in your own strength? It is so easy to cling to these things because we feel like we deserve them... yet they are not of God and are ultimately leading to our own downfall.
Second, we find Israel following what they think is best and not looking for God’s strategy. They just marched around a city and conquered Jericho with hardly a fight. That was clearly a God thing. Yet, not learning from this mighty victory, they forge ahead in their own strength and face defeat. Yes, God called them to conquer the Promised Land and claim it for Israel, yet they went about it in their own strength, in the way that seemed best for them. We can so quickly fall into this trap. Not all good things are God’s way and plan for our life. We can only see true success when we use God’s plan and not our own.
Finally, we see Joshua became so worried about his present situation, that he actually tells God, "why did you bring this people over the Jordan... if only we had been willing to dwell beyond the Jordon" (vs. 7). Joshua became consumed with the defeat and started doubting God's call and purpose that God so obviously established for Israel. Have you been there? Wondering, maybe if I would have just been content and not followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, maybe this wouldn't be happening? We must not doubt God's calling, but examine our life.
Unfortunately, victory and defeat in our life is not a one time battle we will face, and once we pass the test we are through. We must constantly examine our life, remain "caught up" on repenting of our sins, seek God's plan and strategy for our life. We are not promised daisies and roses in this world. Actually Christ promises that we will have trouble (John 16:33), but we are overcomers and victorious through Him! Remember what God promises the overcomer: "that He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away... I will give the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be my son" (Rev. 21:4-7).
Live in the abundant life that Christ came to give (John 10:10). Get out from under the cloud of sin and Christ promises us you will find freedom.
Joshua and Israel just came off a spiritual high. God brought down their enemies at Jericho and all they had to do was march. They saw the mighty hand of God act on their behalf. Then they go to conquer this little city and get demolished. What happened?
First, we find that they let sin into the camp. This happens so often in our lives and has the same result… defeat, enslavement, and devastation. God commanded the Israelites to gather all the gold, silver, bronze and iron from Jericho and place it into the treasury of the house of the Lord. A man named Achan saw something beautiful that he desired, took it and hid it in his tent (vs. 21). Did he believe that this one action would cause the downfall of his nation… no! Yet, it almost did. Sin breaks fellowship with God. When we allow sin into the camp, we are incapable of standing in victory over our enemies (vs. 12). What sin are you holding on to? What sin seems beautiful to you and you just can't let go? Bitterness because of crushed dreams? Anger and resentment against someone who has wronged you in the past? Busyness? Walking in your own strength? It is so easy to cling to these things because we feel like we deserve them... yet they are not of God and are ultimately leading to our own downfall.
Second, we find Israel following what they think is best and not looking for God’s strategy. They just marched around a city and conquered Jericho with hardly a fight. That was clearly a God thing. Yet, not learning from this mighty victory, they forge ahead in their own strength and face defeat. Yes, God called them to conquer the Promised Land and claim it for Israel, yet they went about it in their own strength, in the way that seemed best for them. We can so quickly fall into this trap. Not all good things are God’s way and plan for our life. We can only see true success when we use God’s plan and not our own.
Finally, we see Joshua became so worried about his present situation, that he actually tells God, "why did you bring this people over the Jordan... if only we had been willing to dwell beyond the Jordon" (vs. 7). Joshua became consumed with the defeat and started doubting God's call and purpose that God so obviously established for Israel. Have you been there? Wondering, maybe if I would have just been content and not followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, maybe this wouldn't be happening? We must not doubt God's calling, but examine our life.
Unfortunately, victory and defeat in our life is not a one time battle we will face, and once we pass the test we are through. We must constantly examine our life, remain "caught up" on repenting of our sins, seek God's plan and strategy for our life. We are not promised daisies and roses in this world. Actually Christ promises that we will have trouble (John 16:33), but we are overcomers and victorious through Him! Remember what God promises the overcomer: "that He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away... I will give the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be my son" (Rev. 21:4-7).
Live in the abundant life that Christ came to give (John 10:10). Get out from under the cloud of sin and Christ promises us you will find freedom.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Who is Lord of Your Imagination?
Isaiah 26:3-4 (Click on reference to read text)
July 4th, 2008, our little family of three at the time, went to a concert in a ball park in town. It started out as a beautiful day, when all of a sudden a horrible storm rolled in. We immediately ran into the concourse and huddled against the wall. The sky was turning green, lightening struck the ballpark putting us in complete darkness, it was pouring and the wind was tremendous. So here I was with my husband, my little baby (7 mos. old at the time), wondering if we were about to get sucked up into a tornado. However, the most beautiful thing happened... our baby girl fell asleep in my husband's arms. Yes, the storms were raging all around her, yet she slept. She knew her Daddy had her, so she was going to be okay, despite her circumstances.
In Isaiah 26, our Heavenly Father promises to keep us in perfect peace, if we keep our mind steadfast on Him (vs. 3). To remain steadfast is not to waiver, doubt or worry. The revised version uses the wording, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose IMAGINATION is stayed on Thee." We must keep our thoughts and even our day dreams stayed on the solid rock. It will do no good to wonder about the what ifs, to imagine ever possible scenario and outcome of our situation, to try to figure out every possible answer to anything that might arise... just keep your mind, your thoughts and imagination stayed on the Father above. The Lord commands us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5).
So what do we think about? How do we control the roller coaster of our imagination and our what ifs? Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Don't worry about the future. What is true in your life right now? Praise Him for it. (For example: are you worried about losing your job? Praise him for the truth that right now you have a job) It is our choice. We must choose to trust in the Lord FOREVER, for He is our Rock eternal (vs. 4).
If the "what ifs" happen, and sometimes they will, believe that He is good. PERIOD. God is good, period. He loves you, has your best interest at heart, and promises to use that situation for your ultimate good (Ro. 8:28). Say it with your mouth until you believe it in your heart.
I could cry thinking about my baby girl asleep in her Daddy's arms and then picturing myself in perfect peace in my Heavenly Father's arms. During these crazy times that we are living in now, it is so easy to freak out and feel so disturbed and full of unrest, for there really are some serious storms raging around us. Yet WE ARE IN OUR FATHER'S ARMS!!! So rest, your Daddy is in control!
July 4th, 2008, our little family of three at the time, went to a concert in a ball park in town. It started out as a beautiful day, when all of a sudden a horrible storm rolled in. We immediately ran into the concourse and huddled against the wall. The sky was turning green, lightening struck the ballpark putting us in complete darkness, it was pouring and the wind was tremendous. So here I was with my husband, my little baby (7 mos. old at the time), wondering if we were about to get sucked up into a tornado. However, the most beautiful thing happened... our baby girl fell asleep in my husband's arms. Yes, the storms were raging all around her, yet she slept. She knew her Daddy had her, so she was going to be okay, despite her circumstances.
In Isaiah 26, our Heavenly Father promises to keep us in perfect peace, if we keep our mind steadfast on Him (vs. 3). To remain steadfast is not to waiver, doubt or worry. The revised version uses the wording, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose IMAGINATION is stayed on Thee." We must keep our thoughts and even our day dreams stayed on the solid rock. It will do no good to wonder about the what ifs, to imagine ever possible scenario and outcome of our situation, to try to figure out every possible answer to anything that might arise... just keep your mind, your thoughts and imagination stayed on the Father above. The Lord commands us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5).
So what do we think about? How do we control the roller coaster of our imagination and our what ifs? Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Don't worry about the future. What is true in your life right now? Praise Him for it. (For example: are you worried about losing your job? Praise him for the truth that right now you have a job) It is our choice. We must choose to trust in the Lord FOREVER, for He is our Rock eternal (vs. 4).
If the "what ifs" happen, and sometimes they will, believe that He is good. PERIOD. God is good, period. He loves you, has your best interest at heart, and promises to use that situation for your ultimate good (Ro. 8:28). Say it with your mouth until you believe it in your heart.
I could cry thinking about my baby girl asleep in her Daddy's arms and then picturing myself in perfect peace in my Heavenly Father's arms. During these crazy times that we are living in now, it is so easy to freak out and feel so disturbed and full of unrest, for there really are some serious storms raging around us. Yet WE ARE IN OUR FATHER'S ARMS!!! So rest, your Daddy is in control!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Which will you choose: Victory or Defeat?
Isaiah 41:8-13 (Click on reference to read text)
Some of you may read this and say, the passage only relates to Israel. However, in Scripture, we are told, "if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise "(Galatians 3:29). Therefore, we can look at these Scriptures and see how it applies to us.
Two weeks ago, I found myself broken, tired, stressed, depressed, and to the point of just wanting to give up. It seemed like each new day was bringing on more trouble - serious trouble- and it was just getting to the point that I wasn't sure I could handle anymore. Have you ever been there? If so, it is time we remembered just WHOSE we are!
The Lord, God of Heaven and Earth, the Creator, the Beginning and the End, the Ancient of Days, CHOSE YOU! "You whom (God) has taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its remotest parts and said to you, "you are my servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you" (vs. 9) We will quickly sink and lose our perspective when we forget this monumental, yet simple truth. You are not walking alone, you are not 1 among 6 billion people, and don't matter to anyone. You were chosen by God. He knows you so intimately that he even knows the amount of hairs on your head, nothing happens to you that escapes his notice (Matthew 10:29-31).
Second, we need to stop walking and fighting in our own strength. You did not make the world, and you don't have to fight the world! The Lord commands us, notice I said commands - not requests, mentions, or suggests - "Do not fear, for I am with you!" (vs. 10). When we allow our self to be overcome by fear, we are inevitably communicating to God that we don't think He is big enough or loves us enough to work out His best in our life. Can you imagine, telling the Father, the one who did not even spare His own Son but condemned him to die so that we may become righteous (John 3:16, 2 Cor 5:21), that He is untrustworthy?
The Lord continues to tell us, "do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely, I will help you" (vs. 10). The troubles of this world mount up when we take our eyes off Jesus and begin to "anxiously look about." It is during these times of intense warfare and struggle, that we MUST keep our eyes on Jesus. He promises that he will strengthen us and help us. We must make a conscious choice to trust Him and wait for His help (Psalms 27:14).
And now my favorite part, "For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, do not fear, I will help you" (vs. 13). The Lord holds my right hand, my strong hand. When the Lord is holding your strong hand, you cannot do the fighting. However, as he holds our strong hand, His "righteous right hand" is free. His strong hand is fighting for you. This is the place we need to be. Our eyes focused on Him and Him only, our hands clinging to his, not flailing wildly trying to defend and protect our own life/family. Here there is rest, and here there is victory.
Have all my troubles gone away, actually none of them have. The situations are still the same, however I am choosing to walk in victory, because I know the battle is not mine, the battle is the Lord's (Eph 6:11-13). Join me, LET GO and LET HIM fight, for victory belongs to the Lord! (Proverbs 21:30-31)
If you need to be encouraged, or are interested in learning more about the powerful hand of God in our life, check out these passages: Psalm 16:8, 17:7, 18:35, 37:24, 44:3, 60:5, 63:8, 73:23, 121:5-6, 139:9-10.
Real quick, I feel like I need to write the practical way this works out in "real life." First, start praising God. This puts your eyes on Him. Tell Him with your mouth, who He is, praise Him for what He is done. This glorifies Him, and strengthens you. It reminds you who He is and what He has done. There is POWER in praise. Satan cannot stand against it. Second, start praying Scripture over yourself, your situation, and your family. If you want to pray the Will of God, you need to pray the Word of God. Third, let go and just start walking. The situation may not change, but your heart can and the way you look at it can. Go about your day. Continue cleaning the house, playing with your kids... when the problem rears its ugly head, start the process all over again. You will see victory. If your situation doesn't change, your attitude can. God wants His best for you, He is sovereign and will work things out to His end. He is a loving Father, and we can trust that His will is best. It is not easy. It is a daily, hourly, minute and sometimes second by second battle. But HE HAS ALREADY WON, and if you have been washed in the blood of Christ, YOU HAVE ALREADY WON! (Romans 8:26-39)
Some of you may read this and say, the passage only relates to Israel. However, in Scripture, we are told, "if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise "(Galatians 3:29). Therefore, we can look at these Scriptures and see how it applies to us.
Two weeks ago, I found myself broken, tired, stressed, depressed, and to the point of just wanting to give up. It seemed like each new day was bringing on more trouble - serious trouble- and it was just getting to the point that I wasn't sure I could handle anymore. Have you ever been there? If so, it is time we remembered just WHOSE we are!
The Lord, God of Heaven and Earth, the Creator, the Beginning and the End, the Ancient of Days, CHOSE YOU! "You whom (God) has taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its remotest parts and said to you, "you are my servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you" (vs. 9) We will quickly sink and lose our perspective when we forget this monumental, yet simple truth. You are not walking alone, you are not 1 among 6 billion people, and don't matter to anyone. You were chosen by God. He knows you so intimately that he even knows the amount of hairs on your head, nothing happens to you that escapes his notice (Matthew 10:29-31).
Second, we need to stop walking and fighting in our own strength. You did not make the world, and you don't have to fight the world! The Lord commands us, notice I said commands - not requests, mentions, or suggests - "Do not fear, for I am with you!" (vs. 10). When we allow our self to be overcome by fear, we are inevitably communicating to God that we don't think He is big enough or loves us enough to work out His best in our life. Can you imagine, telling the Father, the one who did not even spare His own Son but condemned him to die so that we may become righteous (John 3:16, 2 Cor 5:21), that He is untrustworthy?
The Lord continues to tell us, "do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely, I will help you" (vs. 10). The troubles of this world mount up when we take our eyes off Jesus and begin to "anxiously look about." It is during these times of intense warfare and struggle, that we MUST keep our eyes on Jesus. He promises that he will strengthen us and help us. We must make a conscious choice to trust Him and wait for His help (Psalms 27:14).
And now my favorite part, "For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, do not fear, I will help you" (vs. 13). The Lord holds my right hand, my strong hand. When the Lord is holding your strong hand, you cannot do the fighting. However, as he holds our strong hand, His "righteous right hand" is free. His strong hand is fighting for you. This is the place we need to be. Our eyes focused on Him and Him only, our hands clinging to his, not flailing wildly trying to defend and protect our own life/family. Here there is rest, and here there is victory.
Have all my troubles gone away, actually none of them have. The situations are still the same, however I am choosing to walk in victory, because I know the battle is not mine, the battle is the Lord's (Eph 6:11-13). Join me, LET GO and LET HIM fight, for victory belongs to the Lord! (Proverbs 21:30-31)
If you need to be encouraged, or are interested in learning more about the powerful hand of God in our life, check out these passages: Psalm 16:8, 17:7, 18:35, 37:24, 44:3, 60:5, 63:8, 73:23, 121:5-6, 139:9-10.
Real quick, I feel like I need to write the practical way this works out in "real life." First, start praising God. This puts your eyes on Him. Tell Him with your mouth, who He is, praise Him for what He is done. This glorifies Him, and strengthens you. It reminds you who He is and what He has done. There is POWER in praise. Satan cannot stand against it. Second, start praying Scripture over yourself, your situation, and your family. If you want to pray the Will of God, you need to pray the Word of God. Third, let go and just start walking. The situation may not change, but your heart can and the way you look at it can. Go about your day. Continue cleaning the house, playing with your kids... when the problem rears its ugly head, start the process all over again. You will see victory. If your situation doesn't change, your attitude can. God wants His best for you, He is sovereign and will work things out to His end. He is a loving Father, and we can trust that His will is best. It is not easy. It is a daily, hourly, minute and sometimes second by second battle. But HE HAS ALREADY WON, and if you have been washed in the blood of Christ, YOU HAVE ALREADY WON! (Romans 8:26-39)
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