"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
Tonight, our precious Lord revealed himself to my girl and it was wonderful. My precious little girl got a new toy today. The toy has little pieces and as bed time approached she realized she was missing a couple of the pieces. She is very much like me, and was having a hard time letting it go. She was not able to rest knowing it was lost. During her nighttime prayer she asked Jesus to help her find her missing pieces. As soon as prayer time was over she got up from my husband's lap and went and looked inside a box on her dresser. Low and behold it held her lost pieces! She told me that God told her where to look. Then she threw up her hands and said, "Praise the Lord!"
I was able to explain to her how God intimately cares about the details of our life. He desires to have a relationship with us and when we talk to Him in prayer, He will talk back either through that "still small voice", the Bible or through other believers.
Do you believe this? Do you believe that God truly desires us to pray about everything and be anxious for nothing? I know your worry is probably not a lost toy, but something much bigger. However, I believe that if the God of the universe cares about my four year olds lost toy, He cares about your problem. Scripture tells us in Matthew 6 to "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?".
If you find yourself in a season of worry, pray. Talk to the one who holds the universe in His hands and did not even spare His own Son for your eternal salvation.
If you are a parent of young children, start now praying about everything. Whether it is being able to find their favorite snack in the store when it seems to be sold out, for it to stop raining just long enough to allow you to run inside from the car, or to find something that is missing. Give God the opportunity to show up in their lives and teach them to give all praise to Him!
I praise you Lord for pursuing my children now and drawing Their hearts to you! Thanks for redeeming my parenting when I so often fail and being my All Sufficient One!
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Friday, December 9, 2011
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:
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)
- 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!"
Saturday, October 29, 2011
But I Don't Like it...
Acts 8:1-4 (Click on reference to read text)
In Acts 1:8 the Lord gave the early church a charge, a purpose and a promise: "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Sounds great right? Little did they know that they would be scattered throughout the regions because of great persecution.
We all know that when God calls us to do something, He will give us everything we need to accomplish that purpose (2 Peter 1:3, Psalm 119:105, Acts 17:25). But what if it works out differently than we thought? What if we don't like the way God goes about it? The disciples and apostles were being faithful to preach the gospel in Jerusalem. However, great persecution broke out, their homes were broken into and they were dragged off to prison. Were they experiencing hardship because they were being disobedient? No! But it forced them to leave and scatter.
This scenario was probably not how they imagined the Gospel going forth to the remotest parts of the earth... through stonings, imprisonment and martydom. However, that is the key: the Gospel still went forth. Acts 8 actually says, "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went" (vs. 4).
God may call you to do things and you may not always like the way it turns out, or the way He accomplishes His purpose. Like Moses and Abraham, and many other "Heroes of the Faith", you may never actually see the fruition of that call, but nevertheless you played an important part if you obeyed the voice of God (Hebrews 11:13, 39-40).
Acts 8 began with the stoning of the great servant of God, Stephen. He never saw the church preach the Gospel to the remotest parts of the earth. He died at the cusp of God moving. Yet 2000 years later we see that he played a vital role in fulfilling that purpose and no believer would ever count his life worthless.
Follwer of Jesus, take heart. Sometimes things on this side of Heaven do not make sense. Sometimes we feel like death is premature. Sometimes we don't see the promises of God fulfilled and we begin to doubt His call. Don't. Stop doubting. He is always working and accomplishing His purposes, even when it doesn't make sense to us (Isaiah 46:9-10).
If you are struggling with this truth, I invite you to pray the words the conflicted father spoke to Jesus in Mark 9, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief."
In Acts 1:8 the Lord gave the early church a charge, a purpose and a promise: "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Sounds great right? Little did they know that they would be scattered throughout the regions because of great persecution.
We all know that when God calls us to do something, He will give us everything we need to accomplish that purpose (2 Peter 1:3, Psalm 119:105, Acts 17:25). But what if it works out differently than we thought? What if we don't like the way God goes about it? The disciples and apostles were being faithful to preach the gospel in Jerusalem. However, great persecution broke out, their homes were broken into and they were dragged off to prison. Were they experiencing hardship because they were being disobedient? No! But it forced them to leave and scatter.
This scenario was probably not how they imagined the Gospel going forth to the remotest parts of the earth... through stonings, imprisonment and martydom. However, that is the key: the Gospel still went forth. Acts 8 actually says, "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went" (vs. 4).
God may call you to do things and you may not always like the way it turns out, or the way He accomplishes His purpose. Like Moses and Abraham, and many other "Heroes of the Faith", you may never actually see the fruition of that call, but nevertheless you played an important part if you obeyed the voice of God (Hebrews 11:13, 39-40).
Acts 8 began with the stoning of the great servant of God, Stephen. He never saw the church preach the Gospel to the remotest parts of the earth. He died at the cusp of God moving. Yet 2000 years later we see that he played a vital role in fulfilling that purpose and no believer would ever count his life worthless.
Follwer of Jesus, take heart. Sometimes things on this side of Heaven do not make sense. Sometimes we feel like death is premature. Sometimes we don't see the promises of God fulfilled and we begin to doubt His call. Don't. Stop doubting. He is always working and accomplishing His purposes, even when it doesn't make sense to us (Isaiah 46:9-10).
If you are struggling with this truth, I invite you to pray the words the conflicted father spoke to Jesus in Mark 9, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief."
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Afraid to Look...
Acts 3:1-10 (Click on reference to read text)
I like to look the other way. There I said it! I was faced in a situation yesterday where I knew someone was in need. Somehow, even before I knew all the details, I knew it would require sacrifice, laying aside my selfishness and I would need to give.... my time, my energy, my emotions, etc. And I wanted to not just look away, I wanted to run away as fast as possible. However, deep down I knew God was calling me, and after literal tears and reciting all the justifications for why I should not have to get involved, I obeyed.
Peter was also faced with a great need. On his way to church to pray, he passed a man who was lame and who begged for a living. It would have been easy to look away, to justify that action by reciting all the things he was doing right for the Lord (he was on his way to church!) but instead, the Scripture tells us that Peter "fixed his gaze on him" (vs. 4). He was intentional and he was not afraid to see the pain in others around him. He was not inconvenienced by the needs of others.
Secondly, after fixing his gaze on the needy man, he offered his hand. "Seizing him by the right hand, [Peter] raised him up" (vs.7). He was healed! God used Peter to give this man the use of his legs for the first time! If we want the power of God displayed in our life, we must fix our gaze on the needs of those around us and lend them our hands! God does not use onlookers! God uses those who are unafraid to get dirty and be the literal hands and feet of Christ.
Lastly, because Peter looked and responded, this man began giving glory to God and created interest of God's miracles amongst those witnessing God's power (vs. 8 and 10). What greater calling is there in this world that to bring Glory to our Great God?
Dr. T.S. Laniak states, "we need to know personally that our true home is in Heaven and that this earth is simply a place where we promote God's interests." When we get comfortable and feeling at home here and now, it becomes hard to gaze at anything but ourselves.
I don't know what God's plans are for me and this road I am about to walk. I feel incapable of fulfilling what He has asked me to do. I do know that His strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor 12:9) and that He has giving me everything I need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:4-8). I don't know the future, and to be honest I am a little scared, but I do know the next step God is asking me to take and that He has promised that He is with me and that I don't need to be afraid. Time to start looking and start lending a hand.
I like to look the other way. There I said it! I was faced in a situation yesterday where I knew someone was in need. Somehow, even before I knew all the details, I knew it would require sacrifice, laying aside my selfishness and I would need to give.... my time, my energy, my emotions, etc. And I wanted to not just look away, I wanted to run away as fast as possible. However, deep down I knew God was calling me, and after literal tears and reciting all the justifications for why I should not have to get involved, I obeyed.
Peter was also faced with a great need. On his way to church to pray, he passed a man who was lame and who begged for a living. It would have been easy to look away, to justify that action by reciting all the things he was doing right for the Lord (he was on his way to church!) but instead, the Scripture tells us that Peter "fixed his gaze on him" (vs. 4). He was intentional and he was not afraid to see the pain in others around him. He was not inconvenienced by the needs of others.
Secondly, after fixing his gaze on the needy man, he offered his hand. "Seizing him by the right hand, [Peter] raised him up" (vs.7). He was healed! God used Peter to give this man the use of his legs for the first time! If we want the power of God displayed in our life, we must fix our gaze on the needs of those around us and lend them our hands! God does not use onlookers! God uses those who are unafraid to get dirty and be the literal hands and feet of Christ.
Lastly, because Peter looked and responded, this man began giving glory to God and created interest of God's miracles amongst those witnessing God's power (vs. 8 and 10). What greater calling is there in this world that to bring Glory to our Great God?
Dr. T.S. Laniak states, "we need to know personally that our true home is in Heaven and that this earth is simply a place where we promote God's interests." When we get comfortable and feeling at home here and now, it becomes hard to gaze at anything but ourselves.
I don't know what God's plans are for me and this road I am about to walk. I feel incapable of fulfilling what He has asked me to do. I do know that His strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor 12:9) and that He has giving me everything I need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:4-8). I don't know the future, and to be honest I am a little scared, but I do know the next step God is asking me to take and that He has promised that He is with me and that I don't need to be afraid. Time to start looking and start lending a hand.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Devising My Plans...
1 Kings 22:29-35 (click on reference to read text)
I never thought I would say this, but I sure can act just like King Ahab. He was told by a prophet of the Lord that he would die if he went into battle. Instead of believing the word from the Lord, he charged ahead anyway, just with a plan! He disguised himself and dressed like a regular army man because the enemy army was only charged to "fight with the King of Israel alone" (vs. 31). However, a "certain man drew his bow at random and struck the King of Israel in a joint of the armor" (vs. 34). It did not matter how much manipulation or plans he devised, God's will still came to pass.
I can count numerous times that I have tried in my best might and ability to control all the details of situations in my life. I have devised great plans over the course of my life on how to find a husband, get the perfect job, find the perfect house, protect my family, prepare for the future, save us money, and raise my children. The problem, all in my own strength and personal ingenuity! Throughout my life in each of these situations, I have had to come to the point of surrender and trust the Father. And guess what? When I depend on His ways, His strength, His thoughts, and His power... things just seem to have a way of working out (often times better than I could have hoped).
When will I finally learn that God is Sovereign... PERIOD!?! When will I truly believe, and actually show through my actions, that "his ways are higher than my ways and his thoughts than my thoughts (Is 55:8-9), and that although I can plan my course the Lord will direct my steps (Prov 16:9)? Praise the Lord for that truth because I know His ways are best and always work out for my good (Ro 8:28)! I trust the heart of my Father. I know that He loves me so much He gave everything for me (Ro 8:32, 1John 3:1). It is time to start walking out the faith that my heart believes with certainty! So... my lesson today... give up my ingenious plan and just start believing the loving voice of my Father. Will you join me?
For further reading: Ps 37:25, Matt 6:33, Prov 3:5-6, Prov 3:7, Is 5:20-21, Phil 1:20-21, Phil 3:7-14
I never thought I would say this, but I sure can act just like King Ahab. He was told by a prophet of the Lord that he would die if he went into battle. Instead of believing the word from the Lord, he charged ahead anyway, just with a plan! He disguised himself and dressed like a regular army man because the enemy army was only charged to "fight with the King of Israel alone" (vs. 31). However, a "certain man drew his bow at random and struck the King of Israel in a joint of the armor" (vs. 34). It did not matter how much manipulation or plans he devised, God's will still came to pass.
I can count numerous times that I have tried in my best might and ability to control all the details of situations in my life. I have devised great plans over the course of my life on how to find a husband, get the perfect job, find the perfect house, protect my family, prepare for the future, save us money, and raise my children. The problem, all in my own strength and personal ingenuity! Throughout my life in each of these situations, I have had to come to the point of surrender and trust the Father. And guess what? When I depend on His ways, His strength, His thoughts, and His power... things just seem to have a way of working out (often times better than I could have hoped).
When will I finally learn that God is Sovereign... PERIOD!?! When will I truly believe, and actually show through my actions, that "his ways are higher than my ways and his thoughts than my thoughts (Is 55:8-9), and that although I can plan my course the Lord will direct my steps (Prov 16:9)? Praise the Lord for that truth because I know His ways are best and always work out for my good (Ro 8:28)! I trust the heart of my Father. I know that He loves me so much He gave everything for me (Ro 8:32, 1John 3:1). It is time to start walking out the faith that my heart believes with certainty! So... my lesson today... give up my ingenious plan and just start believing the loving voice of my Father. Will you join me?
For further reading: Ps 37:25, Matt 6:33, Prov 3:5-6, Prov 3:7, Is 5:20-21, Phil 1:20-21, Phil 3:7-14
Friday, May 27, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Argh... Nineveh!
Jonah 2:9-3:3 (Click on reference to read text)
We are all familiar with the story of Jonah. But did you know that the big fish did not spit Jonah up at Nineveh? Once he committed to obey God, he still had to walk a three days journey to Nineveh. This simple revelation has changed my life.
I realize that I can have a very Americanized view of obedience. We almost have a sense of entitlement that when we decide to step out in faith and obey God: it should be easy, it should be comfortable and we should receive great blessing from God because of it.
How quickly we forget Moses, who obeyed God by marching back into Egypt and cursing the family that raised him until they decided to let the Israelites go. Paul who obeyed God by preaching the Gospel to the known world, but spent more time in prison and getting beat up than actually doing sermons in the countryside! Finally, Jesus, the ultimate picture of obedience. He placed himself upon the cross and died so that we can have reconciliation with God. The cross was not comfortable and it certainly was not easy, but I am so glad that Christ obeyed.
When you make the decision to obey God, it often means that you will be stretched beyond your comfort zone, you may have to go to a place you don't want to go and talk with people you don't want to talk to. Most likely He will ask you to do something that is beyond your mental, physical or spiritual abilities, but He is not asking you to do it alone. Just like with Moses, He is the great "I AM" in your life, just like with Paul and Jesus, the Heavenly Father is right there with you. Remember what Paul proclaimed, "That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor 12:10).
Are you a three days walk from your Nineveh? Put on your walking shoes and get going!
We are all familiar with the story of Jonah. But did you know that the big fish did not spit Jonah up at Nineveh? Once he committed to obey God, he still had to walk a three days journey to Nineveh. This simple revelation has changed my life.
I realize that I can have a very Americanized view of obedience. We almost have a sense of entitlement that when we decide to step out in faith and obey God: it should be easy, it should be comfortable and we should receive great blessing from God because of it.
How quickly we forget Moses, who obeyed God by marching back into Egypt and cursing the family that raised him until they decided to let the Israelites go. Paul who obeyed God by preaching the Gospel to the known world, but spent more time in prison and getting beat up than actually doing sermons in the countryside! Finally, Jesus, the ultimate picture of obedience. He placed himself upon the cross and died so that we can have reconciliation with God. The cross was not comfortable and it certainly was not easy, but I am so glad that Christ obeyed.
When you make the decision to obey God, it often means that you will be stretched beyond your comfort zone, you may have to go to a place you don't want to go and talk with people you don't want to talk to. Most likely He will ask you to do something that is beyond your mental, physical or spiritual abilities, but He is not asking you to do it alone. Just like with Moses, He is the great "I AM" in your life, just like with Paul and Jesus, the Heavenly Father is right there with you. Remember what Paul proclaimed, "That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor 12:10).
Are you a three days walk from your Nineveh? Put on your walking shoes and get going!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Little gods...
Judges 18:14-26 (Click on reference to read text)
Many of us have never read this story before. I am not sure I have, but it really struck me. The Danites raid Micah's house and take his idols and the priest he hired to serve his family. They moved on toward their destination when the household of Micah overcame them. When Micah realized that he is not numerous enough to fight the Danites and win, he turned back. However, the striking part of this passage is Micah's desperate explanation, “You took the gods I made, and my priest, and went away. What else do I have? How can you ask, ‘What’s the matter with you?’”(verse 24).
His desperation seems absurd. All of Micah's faith was placed in his priest and little gods. These same gods that could not even protect themselves. My first response was to pass him off as pathetic and ridiculous. However, as the Holy Spirit began to speak to my heart, I found myself repentant and embarrassingly empathetic to him.
I am ashamed to admit that countless times a day I place my faith in things that are not the One true God. I feel security from locks on my doors to keep out evil, my husband's paychecks to provide what we need, plans I have made and my calendar assuring me of days to come, and doctors that can diagnose and prescribe medicine to heal my family. However, these things are made by man/limited by man, just like Micah's idols. All of these things can come in and be swept away: burglars can break into locked houses, my husband can lose his job, plans can change in the blink of an eye, and doctors cannot treat many diseases. I too during stressful times can ask, "what else do I have??"
The answer is Jesus Christ. He is my strength and security. (Exodus 15:2, Psalms 28:7, Psalms 62:2) He is sovereign and nothing happens outside of His command (Psalm 93:1-2, 2 Thes 3:3). He knows all of our days before one of them came to be and He gives me direction (Ps 139:16, Prov 16:9, Prov 3:5-6) He is my provider and promises to provide all we need when we need it (Phil 4:19, Hebrew 13:5, James 1:17, Matt 6:25-34) . He is the great Healer. He who created our bodies has the power to heal them.
What idols have you created in your life that you put your trust in? A relationship that brings you satisfaction and security (Jeremiah 17:5)? A financial future you have built for yourself(Job 31:24-28)? Your plans of how you think your life should go? What if they were taken away, would you have anything left? The answer, if you belong to Christ, is Him! He wants to be your security, your trust, your love, your future. Let's stop depending on things that can be taken away, and start trusting the Rock that stands forever (Is 26:4)!
Many of us have never read this story before. I am not sure I have, but it really struck me. The Danites raid Micah's house and take his idols and the priest he hired to serve his family. They moved on toward their destination when the household of Micah overcame them. When Micah realized that he is not numerous enough to fight the Danites and win, he turned back. However, the striking part of this passage is Micah's desperate explanation, “You took the gods I made, and my priest, and went away. What else do I have? How can you ask, ‘What’s the matter with you?’”(verse 24).
His desperation seems absurd. All of Micah's faith was placed in his priest and little gods. These same gods that could not even protect themselves. My first response was to pass him off as pathetic and ridiculous. However, as the Holy Spirit began to speak to my heart, I found myself repentant and embarrassingly empathetic to him.
I am ashamed to admit that countless times a day I place my faith in things that are not the One true God. I feel security from locks on my doors to keep out evil, my husband's paychecks to provide what we need, plans I have made and my calendar assuring me of days to come, and doctors that can diagnose and prescribe medicine to heal my family. However, these things are made by man/limited by man, just like Micah's idols. All of these things can come in and be swept away: burglars can break into locked houses, my husband can lose his job, plans can change in the blink of an eye, and doctors cannot treat many diseases. I too during stressful times can ask, "what else do I have??"
The answer is Jesus Christ. He is my strength and security. (Exodus 15:2, Psalms 28:7, Psalms 62:2) He is sovereign and nothing happens outside of His command (Psalm 93:1-2, 2 Thes 3:3). He knows all of our days before one of them came to be and He gives me direction (Ps 139:16, Prov 16:9, Prov 3:5-6) He is my provider and promises to provide all we need when we need it (Phil 4:19, Hebrew 13:5, James 1:17, Matt 6:25-34) . He is the great Healer. He who created our bodies has the power to heal them.
What idols have you created in your life that you put your trust in? A relationship that brings you satisfaction and security (Jeremiah 17:5)? A financial future you have built for yourself(Job 31:24-28)? Your plans of how you think your life should go? What if they were taken away, would you have anything left? The answer, if you belong to Christ, is Him! He wants to be your security, your trust, your love, your future. Let's stop depending on things that can be taken away, and start trusting the Rock that stands forever (Is 26:4)!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Adult Pacifiers...
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
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
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)
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!)
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!
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)
Sunday, February 7, 2010
John 14:22-31 (Click on reference to read text)
Have you ever felt like you were drowning, and deep down, although you would never admit it, you feel like the Lord had something to do with it? This is exactly where the disciples found themselves. The Bible tells us that Jesus "made the disciples get in the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side" (vs. 22). They acted in obedience and found themselves in the middle of an overwhelming storm.
I've got to be honest, in the past few months, especially since Christmas, I'm there. I feel like I am "battered by the waves" (vs. 24) and "straining at the oars" (Mark 6:48) just to stay afloat. The situations that have arisen were not of my choosing, yet here I am. In the past week I have been treading water just to stay alive, but the most amazing thing has happened every time I feel my head going under, Jesus calls my name.
As a Christian, our highest calling is to be formed into the image of Christ. I have prayed innumerable times that the Lord would ruin everything in me that is not of Him and form me into His complete likeness. However, in order to do that, I have had to get in the boat of obedience, ride the storm, and keep my eyes on Him.
When we find ourselves in the middle of a raging storm, we need to remember we are never alone. Jesus is always right there by our side saying, "take courage, it is I, do not be afraid" (vs. 27). Like Peter, we only start to sink when we take our eyes off of the Savior and start focusing on the waves and wind blowing all around us.
So what do we do? Every moment you find yourself starting to be overwhelmed, ask yourself where are you looking? Are you staring intently into the eyes of your merciful and loving Savior? Just like a loving father teaches and guides his child, the Lord knows that if he never sends you into the storm, you will never have the opportunity to get out of the boat and walk on water. Take comfort in this, He is in the storm with you. He is there to strengthen you. He controls the winds and the waves, and will calm them in His time.
I continue to cling to His garments during this time and rely on the Promises found in His Word. The Lord is stretching my faith, humbling my pride, and breaking me. It is not easy and it is definitely not fun. However, I am learning that His grace is sufficient for me and His power is perfected in weakness (2 Cor 12:9) and that "He is near to the brokenhearted and comforts those who are crushed in spirit"(Psalms 34:18). Without this storm, I would never grow, never learn to "walk on water" in my Faith, and never have the opportunity to solely rely on my Savior. I have so much more to learn, but I can rest in this:
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3)
Have you ever felt like you were drowning, and deep down, although you would never admit it, you feel like the Lord had something to do with it? This is exactly where the disciples found themselves. The Bible tells us that Jesus "made the disciples get in the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side" (vs. 22). They acted in obedience and found themselves in the middle of an overwhelming storm.
I've got to be honest, in the past few months, especially since Christmas, I'm there. I feel like I am "battered by the waves" (vs. 24) and "straining at the oars" (Mark 6:48) just to stay afloat. The situations that have arisen were not of my choosing, yet here I am. In the past week I have been treading water just to stay alive, but the most amazing thing has happened every time I feel my head going under, Jesus calls my name.
As a Christian, our highest calling is to be formed into the image of Christ. I have prayed innumerable times that the Lord would ruin everything in me that is not of Him and form me into His complete likeness. However, in order to do that, I have had to get in the boat of obedience, ride the storm, and keep my eyes on Him.
When we find ourselves in the middle of a raging storm, we need to remember we are never alone. Jesus is always right there by our side saying, "take courage, it is I, do not be afraid" (vs. 27). Like Peter, we only start to sink when we take our eyes off of the Savior and start focusing on the waves and wind blowing all around us.
So what do we do? Every moment you find yourself starting to be overwhelmed, ask yourself where are you looking? Are you staring intently into the eyes of your merciful and loving Savior? Just like a loving father teaches and guides his child, the Lord knows that if he never sends you into the storm, you will never have the opportunity to get out of the boat and walk on water. Take comfort in this, He is in the storm with you. He is there to strengthen you. He controls the winds and the waves, and will calm them in His time.
I continue to cling to His garments during this time and rely on the Promises found in His Word. The Lord is stretching my faith, humbling my pride, and breaking me. It is not easy and it is definitely not fun. However, I am learning that His grace is sufficient for me and His power is perfected in weakness (2 Cor 12:9) and that "He is near to the brokenhearted and comforts those who are crushed in spirit"(Psalms 34:18). Without this storm, I would never grow, never learn to "walk on water" in my Faith, and never have the opportunity to solely rely on my Savior. I have so much more to learn, but I can rest in this:
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
How Do I Become a Conqueror? (Part 2)
1 Samuel 17:1-50 (Click on text to read scripture)
Running a race is not easy... it takes lots of practice, lots of perseverance, and keeping our eyes on the finish line. It is easy to want to give up, especially when you hit "the wall." As a hurdler, I used to hit a wall at the 200 meter mark. I was turning onto the last straight away and could see the finish line on the horizon, but my legs wanted to buckle. I used to pray that the Lord would put His hand on my back and keep me going, and sometimes that is what we need to do in life.
David discovered that in order to be a conqueror, it took training. He didn't start on the battlefield, but in a field of sheep (vs. 14-15). However, no task was too small for David to perform faithfully and 100%. We must remember, that at this point, he had already been anointed by Samuel to become the next King of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13), yet his only subjects were sheep! We must be faithful where we are now and trust God for what is to come!
Second, David became a conqueror because he believed God and stepped out in faith (vs. 32). Often times faith acts cannot be rationalized (the city walls of Jericho falling down at the cry of Israel's army, Peter walking on the water, Gideon's small army gaining victory, etc). Over and over we see God accomplishing great things in impossible ways. Jesus said in His Word, that we will one day do even greater things than His miracles (John 14:12-14). God's Word is true and gives us great power for overcoming obstacles and strongholds in His Holy Name!
Third, David used the tools that God had given him (vs. 38-40). God doesn't need worldly things to accomplish His purposes. The Word's solutions don't fix the problem, Israel was proving that. God uses what we have. David used a sling and a stone, Moses had a shepherds staff, etc. God gives us spiritual gifts and abilities for a reason. We must be careful to not excuse our inactivity for the Kingdom because we don't feel we are properly equipped! He often chooses the weak things of this world, the lowly things in the world's eyes, to accomplish His great purposes (1 Cor 1:25-29).
Lastly, David knew that in order to be a conqueror, he could not fight in His own strength (vs. 45-50). God's name is more powerful than any weapon, we must learn to call out on the name of the Lord! Letting God fight our battles IS NOT GIVING UP, but it is His divine will and purpose in order to bring himself glory! Isn't giving God all the glory our ultimate purpose after all?
God is not camped out on the last spiritual high that you had, He is right here, where you are, right now! Remember, that before David could kill Goliath, he had to spend years in the fields with sheep and facing bears and lions. We need to be faithful, even in the little day to day struggles and attacks in our life, so when our Goliath comes we can securely say, "You come against me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts... This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands!" (vs. 45-46).
Running a race is not easy... it takes lots of practice, lots of perseverance, and keeping our eyes on the finish line. It is easy to want to give up, especially when you hit "the wall." As a hurdler, I used to hit a wall at the 200 meter mark. I was turning onto the last straight away and could see the finish line on the horizon, but my legs wanted to buckle. I used to pray that the Lord would put His hand on my back and keep me going, and sometimes that is what we need to do in life.
David discovered that in order to be a conqueror, it took training. He didn't start on the battlefield, but in a field of sheep (vs. 14-15). However, no task was too small for David to perform faithfully and 100%. We must remember, that at this point, he had already been anointed by Samuel to become the next King of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13), yet his only subjects were sheep! We must be faithful where we are now and trust God for what is to come!
Second, David became a conqueror because he believed God and stepped out in faith (vs. 32). Often times faith acts cannot be rationalized (the city walls of Jericho falling down at the cry of Israel's army, Peter walking on the water, Gideon's small army gaining victory, etc). Over and over we see God accomplishing great things in impossible ways. Jesus said in His Word, that we will one day do even greater things than His miracles (John 14:12-14). God's Word is true and gives us great power for overcoming obstacles and strongholds in His Holy Name!
Third, David used the tools that God had given him (vs. 38-40). God doesn't need worldly things to accomplish His purposes. The Word's solutions don't fix the problem, Israel was proving that. God uses what we have. David used a sling and a stone, Moses had a shepherds staff, etc. God gives us spiritual gifts and abilities for a reason. We must be careful to not excuse our inactivity for the Kingdom because we don't feel we are properly equipped! He often chooses the weak things of this world, the lowly things in the world's eyes, to accomplish His great purposes (1 Cor 1:25-29).
Lastly, David knew that in order to be a conqueror, he could not fight in His own strength (vs. 45-50). God's name is more powerful than any weapon, we must learn to call out on the name of the Lord! Letting God fight our battles IS NOT GIVING UP, but it is His divine will and purpose in order to bring himself glory! Isn't giving God all the glory our ultimate purpose after all?
God is not camped out on the last spiritual high that you had, He is right here, where you are, right now! Remember, that before David could kill Goliath, he had to spend years in the fields with sheep and facing bears and lions. We need to be faithful, even in the little day to day struggles and attacks in our life, so when our Goliath comes we can securely say, "You come against me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts... This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands!" (vs. 45-46).
Thursday, September 24, 2009
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."
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."
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Sleepy?
Acts 12:1-16 (Click on reference to read the Scripture text)
It is the night before your big trial and more than likely you will end up dead. What do you do? I don't know about you, but sleeping would not be high on my list. Praying, freaking out, trying to figure out a way to turn into MacGyver and escape using my trusty Swiss army knife, some shoelaces and maybe gum... but sleep?
Yet, this is exactly what we find Peter doing (vs.6-7). In time of crisis, when his life was literally at stake, Peter trusted God so much that he was at peace enough to sleep. He literally was able to grasp and understand John 16:33. He was not even sleeping lightly. The Bible says that the angel literally had to strike Peter in the side to wake him up (vs. 7).
Peter was at complete peace in God's will for His life and also His timing. Verse six states, "The night before Herod was to bring him to trial." God kept Peter in jail until the night before the trial. What a test of faith! God waited until the last moment to rescue Peter. God was not late. God's timing is not always our timing, but God's timing is always perfect (Isaiah 55:8-9). We see that when God came through, Peter did not question the angel or God. He simply acted in obedience and did what the angel told him to do. God provided the means of escape, but Peter had to get up and walk out, and in a timely manner. Has God provided deliverance for you, but you are too scared to stand up and get out? Are you dragging your feet? Delayed obedience IS disobedience!
I included these last few verses because they strike me as funny, yet extremely convicting. The saints were praying for Peter's rescue and deliverance, yet when he showed up at the door they didn't believe it was possible enough to immediately open the door (vs. 13-16). Do you pray to the Lord but not really believe He will answer? Are you actually surprised to see Him do the impossible? Pray in confidence and without a doubt (James 1:5-7), and while you're at it... get some sleep!
It is the night before your big trial and more than likely you will end up dead. What do you do? I don't know about you, but sleeping would not be high on my list. Praying, freaking out, trying to figure out a way to turn into MacGyver and escape using my trusty Swiss army knife, some shoelaces and maybe gum... but sleep?
Yet, this is exactly what we find Peter doing (vs.6-7). In time of crisis, when his life was literally at stake, Peter trusted God so much that he was at peace enough to sleep. He literally was able to grasp and understand John 16:33. He was not even sleeping lightly. The Bible says that the angel literally had to strike Peter in the side to wake him up (vs. 7).
Peter was at complete peace in God's will for His life and also His timing. Verse six states, "The night before Herod was to bring him to trial." God kept Peter in jail until the night before the trial. What a test of faith! God waited until the last moment to rescue Peter. God was not late. God's timing is not always our timing, but God's timing is always perfect (Isaiah 55:8-9). We see that when God came through, Peter did not question the angel or God. He simply acted in obedience and did what the angel told him to do. God provided the means of escape, but Peter had to get up and walk out, and in a timely manner. Has God provided deliverance for you, but you are too scared to stand up and get out? Are you dragging your feet? Delayed obedience IS disobedience!
I included these last few verses because they strike me as funny, yet extremely convicting. The saints were praying for Peter's rescue and deliverance, yet when he showed up at the door they didn't believe it was possible enough to immediately open the door (vs. 13-16). Do you pray to the Lord but not really believe He will answer? Are you actually surprised to see Him do the impossible? Pray in confidence and without a doubt (James 1:5-7), and while you're at it... get some sleep!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Obedience or Sacrifice?
Genesis 22:1-18 (Click on reference to read text)
Some of our trials and tests are brought on by God. This may seem harsh, but the opposite is true. He uses these trials to refine us to make us more like Himself and to reveal to us just exactly who He is and what He is made of! Abraham was a perfect example of this truth!
Abraham was a follower of God if there ever was one! He lived in a state of readiness: spiritually, physically and emotionally. When God called, he answered immediately (vs.1). Yet, God asked this great man of Faith to do something that seemed unfair and horrible, to sacrifice his own son... the fulfillment of a promise from God.
Instead of running away, we see Abraham following the Lord and trusting Him (vs. 4-8). He did not begin to act in obedience and then stop when He did not see God providing an escape. No! He trusted God the entire time and was going to be obedient above all else. Even if it meant sacrificing what he held most dear. I think one of the reasons he was willing to walk in obedience is because he KNEW God. He knew God was compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love (Psalm 103:8). He knew God could be trusted because God loved him passionately. Abraham had the faith that God would give Isaac back to him. When he left the servants to go on with Isaac, he said to the servants, “We will go and sacrifice” and then “WE will return" (vs.5). Abraham knew that God would not go back on His promise of his son, even though current circumstances did not show it.
However, there is a huge point from this story that we cannot miss. When God called Abraham to stop and sacrifice the ram instead... Abraham listened! (vs. 12-14). Abraham could have gone ahead and slain Isaac, because after all, at some point didn't God tell him to? When God said you don't have to do this, Abraham could have responded in the flesh, saying "I will show my devotion to God by killing my son, my most precious blessing." As important as it is to instantly obey God and be willing to sacrifice to Him all you hold dear, it is just as important to listen to the voice of God and not sacrifice on the altar what He does not require of you. This is why to obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). It is not about the object of the sacrifice we lay down, but the attitude of our hearts. The world looks on the outside, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Are we truly willing to give everything to the Lord? Our hopes, dreams, possessions, jobs, family, children?
God's timing is perfect. He is never too early and never too late, despite what we think (2 Peter 3:9). Even though Isaac was never sacrificed, God says to Abraham, "Because you have not withheld your only son whom you love" (vs. 12). To God, the act of putting his son on the altar and raising the knife WAS not withholding his own son. What is God asking you to give over to Him? Are you holding on tightly in fear? Trust that He loves you and has your eternal best at heart!
Some of our trials and tests are brought on by God. This may seem harsh, but the opposite is true. He uses these trials to refine us to make us more like Himself and to reveal to us just exactly who He is and what He is made of! Abraham was a perfect example of this truth!
Abraham was a follower of God if there ever was one! He lived in a state of readiness: spiritually, physically and emotionally. When God called, he answered immediately (vs.1). Yet, God asked this great man of Faith to do something that seemed unfair and horrible, to sacrifice his own son... the fulfillment of a promise from God.
Instead of running away, we see Abraham following the Lord and trusting Him (vs. 4-8). He did not begin to act in obedience and then stop when He did not see God providing an escape. No! He trusted God the entire time and was going to be obedient above all else. Even if it meant sacrificing what he held most dear. I think one of the reasons he was willing to walk in obedience is because he KNEW God. He knew God was compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love (Psalm 103:8). He knew God could be trusted because God loved him passionately. Abraham had the faith that God would give Isaac back to him. When he left the servants to go on with Isaac, he said to the servants, “We will go and sacrifice” and then “WE will return" (vs.5). Abraham knew that God would not go back on His promise of his son, even though current circumstances did not show it.
However, there is a huge point from this story that we cannot miss. When God called Abraham to stop and sacrifice the ram instead... Abraham listened! (vs. 12-14). Abraham could have gone ahead and slain Isaac, because after all, at some point didn't God tell him to? When God said you don't have to do this, Abraham could have responded in the flesh, saying "I will show my devotion to God by killing my son, my most precious blessing." As important as it is to instantly obey God and be willing to sacrifice to Him all you hold dear, it is just as important to listen to the voice of God and not sacrifice on the altar what He does not require of you. This is why to obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). It is not about the object of the sacrifice we lay down, but the attitude of our hearts. The world looks on the outside, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Are we truly willing to give everything to the Lord? Our hopes, dreams, possessions, jobs, family, children?
God's timing is perfect. He is never too early and never too late, despite what we think (2 Peter 3:9). Even though Isaac was never sacrificed, God says to Abraham, "Because you have not withheld your only son whom you love" (vs. 12). To God, the act of putting his son on the altar and raising the knife WAS not withholding his own son. What is God asking you to give over to Him? Are you holding on tightly in fear? Trust that He loves you and has your eternal best at heart!
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