Running Free of Guilt...

Luke 22:59-62,  John 20:1-4

Peter messed up... big time!  The Lord told Peter that he was going to deny him three times before dawn.  Peter vehemently denied it.  However, Jesus was right.  Peter did deny him and on the third time the Gospel of Luke tells us they made eye contact.  He went away weeping, overwhelmed with grief.

Fast forward to three days later.  Mary Magdalene comes and tells the disciples that Jesus' body was no longer in the tomb.  Peter and John run to the tomb.  Did you catch that?  Peter ran to Jesus.

Peter understood the character of His Lord.  Peter understood forgiveness.  I am not sure if I would have run to the tomb that day.  Unfortunately, too many times in my life I allow feelings of guilt and failure to keep me from running back to Jesus.  I forget that the Bible tells me that when I confess my sins He is faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  I forget that as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed transgression from me (Psalm 103:12).  I forget that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).  Instead I allow Satan to beat me up with my sin over and over.  Guilt washes over me and keeps me from the One who died to set me free from sin and death (Romans 8:2)!

Salvation is a free gift.  There is nothing we can do to earn it, we just have to accept it and believe it (Romans 6:23 / Romans 10:9).  Forgiveness works the same way.  We don't earn it, but Jesus's death on the cross freely brings it!  We have to accept his forgiveness, believe we have it, and then MOVE ON!  What if Peter never accepted Christ's forgiveness and moved on to become the rock of the early church?  What if David never accepted God's forgiveness for his sin of murder and adultery and never moved on to be a King that honored God and ruled Israel?  What if Moses never accepted God's forgiveness for his sin of murder and never went to lead God's people out of Israel?  What if Paul never accepted God's forgiveness for terrorizing and martyring the early church and never became one of the greatest missionaries of all time?

What if you never accept God's forgiveness and move on?  What will you never see HIM accomplish through your life?  Satan doesn't win when the war over your life when we sin.  However, we let him win when we wallow in guilt and become ineffective for the Kingdom of God!  Don't you know Jesus has the power to take your sin and turn it around for something good and for His glory? (Romans 8:28).

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."  Galatians 5:1

Run like Peter!  God is waiting with open arms!

Waging War and Winning!

There will be a time in every Christian's life where they will have a "crisis of faith". A time when they must decide who they believe and what they believe, regardless of the circumstances. It is not a time to bemoan or belittle. This is not a time to feel guilty for having a "lack of faith". This is a time to be excited that you are facing something bigger than yourself, of which you have no control, because you serve a God that is big enough to bring you through victoriously. Be excited that you are about to see Eph 3:20 alive in your life (to Him who is able to do FAR MORE abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us).

The Bible offers us some specific promises when we find ourselves in the midst of extreme spiritual warfare:
1. James 4:7 - "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he WILL flee from you."
2. Romans 8:37 - "in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us" (We have the power to OVERWHELMINGLY Conquer!)
3. Isaiah 26:3 - "He will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you"

The revised version reads, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose imagination is stayed on thee." Steadfast means to be firmly established, anchored, stayed, leaning wholly upon. The Bible promises that He will keep us in perfect peace when our mind is firmly established, anchored, leaning wholly upon the Lord.

When spiritual warfare begins to creep in (whether in the form of fear, doubt, etc.) follow this formula outlined in the Bible over and over:

1. Bind up and rebuke the spirit of fear in the name and blood of Jesus Christ.  Command the spirit to leave and bind it to the dry and waterless places. (See Matthew 12 for this. I don't understand it all, but I know it works. I have seen the power of this over and over in my life)

2. Ask that in place of the spirit of fear, the Lord would fill you with the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) - Galatians 5:22-23

3. Obey Phil 4:8 ( Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things).

4. Renew your mind in the word (Romans 12:2). (Ex. If your main spiritual battles involve fear, MEMORIZE scriptures that help you fight your fear) - See a great list to get you started below, but also ask God to reveal Scriptures to you. Also remember to pray and not doubt: "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind." James 1:5-6

5. Start praising the Lord. The Bible says that God inhabits the praise of His people, meaning he dwells in the atmosphere of praise. (Ps 22:3) There are 100s of things to be thankful for if for nothing else that you are standing, that you can breathe on your own, you have a family that loves you, etc.

6. Move on. Don't stay defeated. Trust God to answer your prayers. Get up and go. (See 2 Tim 1:7 and Gal 5:1)

Pray these scriptures back to God. Tell Him you believe that these promises are truth and then speak them over your life.  (These deal with fear because that is what my main spiritual battles involve)

Prov 3:5-8 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones. (ex. prayer: Lord I want to trust in you with all my heart. I do not want to lean upon my own understanding. Today I am resolving that in all my ways I am going to acknowledge you and I know you will make my path straight. I don't want to be wise in my own eyes. Help me to fear you Lord and turn away from evil. I believe your promise that this will be healing to my body and refreshment to my bones).

Romans 8:15 - For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “ Abba! Father!” (ex. prayer: You did not give me a spirit of slavery to fear. I have a spirit of sonship where I can call you Father! Please help me to not be enslaved by fear, but enslaved to my recognition of my place in your family!)

Proverbs 3:24-26 - When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; For the Lord will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught (ex. prayer:  Lord I will NOT be afraid!  My sleep will be sweet.  Thank you that I don't have to be afraid for you are my confidence!)

2 TImothy 1:7 - For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love and self-control (ex. prayer: Lord I thank you that you did not create me with a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love and self-control!  Help me to walk in the power, love and self-control you provide!)

Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread

James 4:8-9 - Draw near to God and He will draw near to you... let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.

Isaiah 55:8-13

Galatians 5:1 - It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Psalm 46:1-2 -God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea

Ps 62:1-2, 7-8 - My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken... On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

Ps 4:8 - In peace I will both lie down and sleep,For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety

John 14:1 - Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.

Ps 112:7 -He will not fear evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

Ps 34:3-5 - O magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces will never be ashamed.

Jer 17:5-8 - Thus says the Lord, Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from the Lord. “For he will be like a bush in the desert And will not see when prosperity comes, But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, A land of salt without inhabitant. “ Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord And whose trust is the Lord. “For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes;But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.

Is 12:2 - Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation

Ps 127:1 - Unless the Lord builds the house,They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain

Is 41:10 - Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Ps 34:17 - The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles

Read Mark 9:14-29, esp. verse 24

Jeremiah 30:17 - For I will restore you to health And I will heal you of your wounds,’ declares the Lord.

Fear or Faith?

Numbers 14:2-9 (Click on reference to read text)

The 40+ years that Israel spent wandering around the dessert was full of ups and downs.  They had seen God do amazing things: part the Red Sea, bring water from a rock, feed them from the Heavens, and many more.  The Bible even says that their shoes and clothes did not even wear out (Deut 29:5)... after 40+ years!  That in itself is a miracle.  Yet, despite all of these great acts of God, they struggled with their faith.  Fear crept in and then Faith walked out. 

After hearing the report of the 12 spies, the Israelites begin to grumble.  The became afraid of the overwhelming task of conquering the promised land.  They went so far as to say "let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt" (vs. 4).  This was absurd! They began to see the very place where they were enslaved as the Promised Land.  It can happen to us!  

Fear drives you to bondage!   You begin to think the present circumstances you find yourself in is just too hard.  You begin to romanticize the past and remember it a lot better than it actually was, and if you are not careful, will convince yourself to return to a life of enslavement.... a life apart from the complete indwelling and control of the Holy Spirit.  Be Aware! 

Fear may drive you to bondage, but Faith drives you to blessing!!  Joshua and Caleb, who were also apart of the 12 spies, tell a different story.  They choose to believe the promise of their God and keep moving foward!  They speak in faith, "If the Lord is pleased with us, then HE will bring us into this land and give it to us- a land which flows with milk and honey... Do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey.  Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them" (vs. 8-9).  Obstacles, no matter how large, disappear when you are standing with the Great God of the Universe.  God always keeps His promises!  It may not always be easy, but the Promised Land is worth it!

Are you living in Fear or Faith?  Do you find yourself hesitant to continue in the way God has called you?  Are you romanticizing the past and wishing things could go back, before you stepped out in faith?  Make sure you are not making decisions out of Fear!  The Bible warns us to, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:16-19).  Walk by faith!

Are You Living in "Plan B"?

Luke 2:1-7

Have you ever felt like you had to be living in "Plan B"? That somewhere along the way, something must have happened that took you out of God's perfect will and placed you on an alternate path? I don't think you are the first person who has ever wondered that.

Luke 2:3-7 finds Mary and Joseph on a three day journey to Bethlehem. Not by choice, but because Caesar declared it.  When they arrived there was no place for them to stay, Mary was going into labor, so they found the best place possible: a stable full of animals. Here she is carrying the Messiah and Redeemer of Israel, surrounded my animals and in a strange place. 

However, God in His great sovereignty was not scrambling around the Heavens trying to make something good out of Caesar's decree.  He was not trying to figure out how to find them a room in a real inn or what to do to increase their comfort.  He was working out the eternal salvation for everyone in the world.  Mary and Joseph's circumstances were larger than a night in a stable or a decree by Caesar.  God was working out His Plan A!

You may be wondering, "yeah God was doing that for Mary, He didn't forget about her, after all she was carrying Jesus.  Of course he had a plan for her!  What about little me?"  The Bible Says:

• The Lord has searched you and knows you.  He know when you sit down and when you rise up;  He understands your thought from afar.  He is intimately acquainted with all your ways.  Even before there is a word on your tongue, He knows it all.  He has enclosed you behind and before.  He has formed your inwards parts and woven you together from your mother's womb.  You are fearfully and wonderfully made!  All of your days were written in His book.  All of your days were ordained before one of them came to be (Psalm 139)
• Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.  (Luke 12:6-7)
• For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them (Eph 2:10)

So you know He loves you and knows you intimately, what do you do today?  How do you fulfill your purpose today?

• If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 4:11)
• So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31)
• Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness (1 Chron 16:29)
• Or follow the actions of Jesus, "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Mathew 26:39)

Are you viewing God in light of your circumstances or are you looking at your circumstances in light of who God is.  Mary in a stable, Daniel in a Lion's Den, Joseph in jail cell, Moses in a dessert, and so many other heroes of the faith could have felt forgotten, ignored, or cast off.  They may have begun wondering if God was scrambling to make a "Plan B" in order to guarantee that He works "all things for the good of those who love him, who  have been called according to his purpose" (Ro 8:28).  Yet don't forget verse 29, that God's purpose is to conform you to the likeness of His son! (Ro 8:29).

 

Your life may seem crazy right now.  It may seem like nothing is working out.  You may be full of fear, doubt and grief wondering where God is in all of this.  However, I assure you God is still in control.  If you are His child, He still has a purpose for you.  You still count to Him.  He hasn't forgotten you, just like He didn't forget a teenage girl and her fiance sleeping with animals in a cave amongst the crowds in Bethlehem.  They were living in the center of His will, it may have been hard, but they were never alone.  Keep plugging away for your Savior.  Do what He has called you to today.  Who knows when the angels may burst into your life proclaiming, "Glory to God in the Highest!  And on earth, peace among men with whom He is pleased!"

When the Feelings Aren't There...

Psalm 143:7-12 (Click on reference to read text)

Have you ever had seasons in your life where you felt like this Psalmist? Have you found your spirit failing and felt like you were falling into a pit? I don't know about you, but I definitely go through "dry seasons." Seasons where I am overwhelmed, discouraged, cannot think clearly, and generally feel depressed. I am actually walking out of a season like that right now. So you know you are there... what do you do? What do you do when you are a believer, but the feelings just aren't there?

First, we need to call our feelings what they are... feelings. This may sound redundant and crazy, but we need to realize that our feelings do not always accurately reflect our reality. Instead of focusing on what we feel, we need to follow Paul's advice and focus on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellence or worthy of praise (Phil 4:8). My dad used to always tell me, the feelings are the caboose of your life. They are not the driving engine. Just the caboose. No one puts the caboose first when trying to run a train, and we should not put our feelings first when trying to run our lives.

Second, we need to remind ourselves of what we know to be true. The Psalmist calls out to the Lord, "let me hear your loving kindness... for I trust in You... to You I lift up my Soul... I take refuge in you" (vs. 8-9). When you feel like you are falling into the pit, remember what you know to be true. You are not alone, and He is with you! (Psalm 139... READ IT :o)

Third, we need to call out on our Heavenly Father for help. We need to ask for Him to teach us the way in which we should walk (vs. 8), teach us to do His will (vs. 10), ask His Spirit to lead us on level ground (vs.10), and ask Him to revive us (vs.11). The Lord promises us in His word that if we ask anything according to His will He will do it (1 John 5:14-15). Believe this promise!

Finally, we need to start walking. The Psalmist ends this prayer with "For I am your servant" (vs. 12). He doesn't dwell in the pit. He praises the Lord, He calls out to the Lord for Help, and He starts living out His life in submission and service to the Lord. It may take awhile for your feelings to change. Feelings typically don't magically get better. They always follow actions! Just start walking in faith, and before you know it, your feelings will change! Your heart will be singing and your step will be lighter!

As mentioned earlier, I am coming out of a dry season. For the past few weeks I have felt depressed, overwhelmed, and just struggled to make it through each day. I know feeling like this is not God's plan for me (John 10:10). However, the choice to get out is mine. I must choose to call out to the one who CAN and WILL pull me out of the pit. If you feel like me, why don't we start calling out together?

It Takes a Little Time Sometimes...

Exodus 34:1-7 (Click on reference to read text)

We are a people of quick fixes and immediate results, but repentance takes work. Moses was initially handed the two stone tablets straight from the hand of God (Ex 31:18). Yet after He broke them on a rock (Ex 32:15-19), he begged God for a second chance. God, who is compassionate and full of grace, was willing to give Moses a second chance, but first He commanded Moses to "cut for yourself two stone tablets like the former ones, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the former tablets which you shattered" (vs. 1). Moses wasn't just given a second set. He had to work for them. He had to cut another set out of stone first.

How many times have we found ourselves in a mess and knew it was going to take the hand of the Lord to deliver us? We may cry out to the Lord, ask forgiveness and believe the Scriptures: That the Lord is compasionate, slow to anger and abounding in love (Ex 34:6), that "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness," (1 John 1:9 ) and "as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Ps 103:12)

However, we get frustrated when things don't immediately iron out, our troubles don't disappear, and things seem just as messy as before we cried out to God. God is a God of second chances, but there are going to be consequences for our actions. Sometimes the road of repentance is long and hard. God is not the Navy Seals who will simply come in and rescue you. His purpose for you goes beyond a "rescue operation." His purpose is to make you more like Him and sometimes He does that through the long road of recovery from the bad choices we make. Just know that "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Ps 34:18). Rest in the truth "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning" (Ps 30:5).

When you relinquish control of your life to Him, He may require you to take the first step. That is okay. Start rebuilding and all the while know, you are not walking alone, you are forgiven, and eventually you will see how God will take your mess ups and turn them around for your good and His glory (Ro 8:28)."

Remember Isaiah's prophesy about our Lord... Jesus will "comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."(Isaiah 61:2-3)

He Has a Hold On You!

Isaiah 42:6 , Isaiah 41:13 , Psalm 37:23-35 , Psalm 16:8 , Psalm 139 (focus on vs. 10) (Click on references to read text)

My three year old and I were standing on the edge of the seashore as the waves were ferociously crashing at our feet. She took hold of my hand and held on as tightly as she could, but I quickly had her let go and I took hold of her hand. I knew she wasn't strong enough to hold on when the waves came crashing on the shore. However, I was VERY confident in my ability to hold on to her.

The Bible says in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33) and if you have lived longer than about 18 months, I am sure you will heartily agree! There are times in our life where we feel the troubles are crashing one after another, just like the waves on the seashore. We can easily become overwhelmed, easily feel like we are drowning, and quickly grow fatigued. However, our security is not dependent upon how tightly we can hold on! Our security and safety is not at all dependent on our abilities to cling to God.

Over and over, Scripture promises us that the Lord will take hold of our hand. Just like I grabbed hold of my daughter's hand, your Heavenly Father is holding tightly onto yours. When the waves become too strong for you and threaten to knock you down, He who commands the winds and the waves (Luke 8:25) takes hold of your hand and He will never let go.

Are you trying to stand on your own strength? Do you feel like you are sinking? Just like my three year old, allow your Heavenly Father to firmly grasp a hold of your hand. You too will soon find yourself laughing and kicking against the waves and resting in the safety of His presence.

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.

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 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."

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.

The Fire...

Daniel 3:1-27 (Click on reference to read Scripture)

If you are like me, you have read this story 100 times, taught it to various children about 300 times, and seen a cartoon depicting this story many times as well. However, as God's Word is Living and Active (Hebrews 4:12), this story took on a new meaning to me this week.

We all pray for deliverance. We want to be delivered from trying times, health issues, trying people, etc, and we often get frustrated when we don't see the Lord coming through. As we read about the lives of these three men, I wondered what they were thinking. They were so bold, truly believing that the Lord could save them, but EVEN IF HE DOES NOT (vs. 18), they were still going to trust the Lord and act in obedience.

It would have been perfectly within the Lord's power to keep them from having to go into the fiery furnace... but that did not happen. They were bound and thrown in. However, the most amazing thing happened... not only did they survive, but they were able to WALK with Jesus, IN the fire, and when they came out... THE SMELL OF FIRE WAS NOT UPON THEM (vs. 27).

It would have been a miracle to survive, but to not even smell like fire... that is above and beyond. Yes, God could have kept them from the fire, but what blessings would these brave men have been robbed of? They would not have literally walked with God, they would not have seen the overwhelming faithfulness of God so much that they did not even smell like smoke.

So I ask myself this... am I willing to go through the fire in order to see the Glory of God? Am I going to get mad and blame God for not keeping me from the furnace, or am I going to trust that He will meet me there and give me His peace that surpasses all human understanding? Do I have an "even if He does not" mentality?

Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you."

Are You Empty?

2 Kings 4:1-7 - Click on reference to read... Please take a moment to read the Scripture. My words are simply that, but God's are living and active (Hebrews 4:12)

God promises in His Word that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deut. 31:6). However, there are times in our life that we are so weighted down and troubled we cannot imagine getting through. Although He promises that He will never leave us, God also promises, "in this world you will have trouble," BUT don't forget the rest, "I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

This God-fearing widow found herself in dire need. Her life, and the lives of her children, were at stake! Instead of running to worldly solutions, she ran to God! God was willing to bless her in the midst of her troubles... to the point of OVERFLOWING! He took what she already had (vs. 2) and brought deliverance! However, it was her responsibility to provide empty jars. As many empty jars as she provided, God was willing to fill!

So many times, the amount of blessing we receive depends upon the amount of emptiness we present to God. We may obey him half-heartily... maybe only gathering the jars closest to us that require no extra cleaning out or searching. Maybe we are scared to ask others around us for help. Maybe we are too scared to be totally empty and vulnerable before the Lord. Yet any of these excuses would limit the work and power of God in our life. Elisha commanded, "Don't ask for just a few" (vs. 3). It is only when we are empty before the Lord, taking out all of ourselves and presenting it before God, that He can deliver us from ourselves and fill us with His spirit to the point of overflowing!