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)
Saturday, May 29, 2010
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!
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