my wings are made of faith

In the days just before, during and after the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, there were a lot of reasons to believe that all was lost, and everything they had hoped for was null and void.  The momentem of healings and miracles had come to a complete halt and left them with a long list of "WHY"s.   The disciples and friends of Jesus were caught in the emotions and fears of what was happening...until...

Jesus left them with scriptures he had quoted and explained from the old promises of God.  He had reminded them of how those scriptures applied to himself, and how the promises of God had a time and a place to be fulfilled.  It was when they began to say, "Jesus said..." that their hearts were lifted, to hope that this was not an end to the promises of God, but a beginning to a new way to serve God as the promises were fulfilled. It included them, secured them, and gave them hope. 

They needed to get past the emotional trauma of circumstances and be able to think about the words of Christ for things to start making sense.  The promise to them was that they would receive the Spirit and a new era of life would begin.  We need to remember that the fulfilment of promises comes AFTER a sequence of events, in which the will of God has been done. When death and sorrow and unexpected pain take our eyes off the promises, it is time to return to the Words of our Savoir, where we find promises for our future.  Think how bleak it must have seemed to his disciples and friends.  Now compare your hardest times in life.  Similar, no doubt.  Filled with fear, and overwhelming losses, and walls of confusions that were difficult to see over.  Where do you look for truth, or renewed confidence?  To the promises.   

For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise~ Hebrews 10:36

I believe it is a good idea to keep a filebox, or a certain color of markings in your bible, or a book of verses which contains the promises handy.  Know the promises of God.  If you have never considered that God has promises for you consider this verse:

 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. Galatians 4:28

The word promise is one worth months of study. Seeking the promises that we may claim, may carry  us through our hardest circumstances in life, because no matter what is happening in life, God still must keep his promises.

This week was a week of rainbows for me, the symbol of God's promise to Noah.  The song, "STANDING ON THE PROMISES" has been quietly running like a stream under my thoughts. God desires to give us all a future and a hope.  And that's a promise.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

I have a promise I want to claim.  I am going to post it where I can see it often.  And I am going to watch the process of the will of God play out, and do all I can to keep this promise foremost in my mind, until God's time is complete, and this promise he gave me is fulfilled.   Are you asking God for intervention and blessing? Find a promise, his promise to you...and never forget that God keeps his promises in due time.

Lord, I believe that, like with Abraham and Sarah, the unusual and the miraculous is not out of the realm of being fulfilled if it is your promise.  But I am not asking for a miracle, just the change that your promises bring. Accepting your promise as if it were already fulfilled. In Jesus Name. AMEN

 

 

 

When life circumstances are a burden too heavy to carry—pray!

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.—Luke 22:42-44

i read these verses the other day and i haven't been able to stop thinking about them since. The courage, heart, emotion, and strength of Jesus to be able to say these words—wow— i can't even begin to tell you how much they encourage me. Jesus submits completely to the Father. When Jesus is tired and overcome with emotion, God sends an angel to strengthen Him. And, even though the pain seemed too much to bear, making it easy to want to give up, He didn't stop praying. Scripture tells us that he prayed more earnestly, knowing deep down that God had a beautiful plan for His life. 

We can learn so much from Jesus in just these couple verses. 
• When we submit to God's will the outcome is always good, even though parts of our journey are difficult.
• God knows when the load we are carrying is too heavy to carry alone. He sends Jesus and angels to lighten the burden.
• Even though life gets difficult and it's easy to throw in the towel, God wants us to persevere, He helps us move through the dark valley. It may seem like prayers are not being answered, but now is not the time to stop praying. We must pray our way all the way through the valley. And every day we might need to pray a little harder than the day before. But, rest assured, the Lord answers prayers! We have to trust Him and wait patiently for Him.

Don't give up, don't ever give up. The Lord has so many beautiful plans for your life. Pray harder and rest in His arms—it's safe there.

Jesus, thank you for allowing us to read about one of your most vulnerable life moments. We find ourselves in these situations often, but it's hard to see a way out. You show us a way out, though. We can be encouraged by your courage, strength, and your heart to serve the Father.  This scripture is a reminder that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. 

God Never Wastes The Bad Stuff

There have been many times in the last few years when i questioned God - WHY did He let me go through such difficult trials and pain. i could never fully understand His purpose when i could barely keep my head above water. It was easy to doubt God's plan when i struggled to hold onto Hope. But i have to tell you, when you get a glimpse of His ultimate plan, it is a beautiful thing. i see it so clearly now and i can look back at very specific trials and the way He was preparing me for the road ahead. 

i remember praying many times that God would not let all the heartache and struggles go to waste. i prayed for Him to mold me, teach me, allow me to help others - to make my life meaningful so that i can be a blessing. That prayer has been answered very specifically in the last few months. Just in the last week, i've had the pleasure of talking with two dear friends who are going through difficult seasons. 

All the bad stuff, the trials and the hurt, if only we could see at the time how God will use it for good ... gosh, we'd patiently endure all the junk for His glory. The stuff that was meant for evil, He promises to turn it into something good. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.—Romans 8:28

i love how God can take the messed up, shattered, ugly moments of our life and make them beautiful and have purpose. Beauty from ashes. 

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.—Psalm 34:8

It is my prayer that you know that your life has purpose—far beyond what you will ever know or see. 

Lord, thank you that you never let a single moment of my life go to waste. You use ever part of it for your glory. 

Overcome

 

My heart melted the very first time i heard this song. i remember immediately thanking Him ... for the battles we face are not our own:

He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.—2 Chronicles 20:15

All authority is the Lord's.  The victory is His (it was His before we were even created).

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.—Matthew 28:18

The song says, We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb. By His blood we can overcome:
• Addiction • Fears • Scars • Pain • Depression • Disease • Loss • Loneliness • Perfectionism • Control • Lust • Anger • Anything that you battling can be overcome - not by our own strength, but by His. 

Whatever you are facing, claim victory in the name of Jesus and wait patiently for the Lord to finish the battle on your behalf. 

Jesus, your name is great and awesome and so worthy of all our praise. Thank you for our victories in Your mighty name!

Ever Felt "WALKED ON"

Believe this:

Claim this:    (As you relate to the people of Israel)

Thus sayeth thy Lord the Lord, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out thine hand the cup of trembling…thou shalt no more drink it again.

But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over; and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street to them that went over. Isaiah 51: 22-23

Awake, awake; put on thy strength…put on thy beautiful garments…Shake thyself from the dust… Isaiah 52: 1-2

Be assured by this:

…my people shall know my name: they shall know in that day that I am He that speaks; behold it is I. Isaiah 52:6

Pray this:

Lord, I believe and claim what you have promised.  I am assured that you are speaking to my heart, and I accept the promise and obey.  I arise from the position of letting this happen to me, and put on my strength which you give, I shake off the dust, and dress myself as if it never happened.  Lord I ask… and receive and open the door to newness… Help me as I choose to love my offender. Amen.

And Do this:

If ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? For sinners also love those that love them… Luke 7:32  But love your enemies, and do good…vs 35.  (See also: Proverbs 25:21 – 22 on how to do this.)

Remember this:

As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. Psalms 140: 9

And this:

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me…Psalm 138: 7 – 8 

Realize this:

 The Lord never asks us to deal with people who walk on us, until he first allows that we are able to rise up from the dirt, dust ourselves off, put on our strength, and dress ourselves with beauty.  And then he promises that he WILL deal with them. It is one of the “opposites of God” precepts that we allow God to fight our battles. Though we don’t understand sometimes –

Accept this:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55: 8-9

 

Honor God in this, and watch and wait….See what the hand of the Lord can do!

Lord, Light My Way

Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path. Psa.119:105

The song about this scripture has been running through my head, lately. It is partly due to the lights we put up on the house and in the yard, which have made my approach to the house at night so much easier. I noticed one night as I reached for my house key that I didn’t need to also pull out my flashlight.  Coming home from work for all the years that Jimmy has worked nights - to a dark house and entering it alone – made me very conscious of how many dark places there are from the car to the door.  And in the last several years, going from dark to light, or the opposite, causes me to not be able to walk straight. I joke that I look like I am inebriated, but it isn’t really funny when it happens.   Jimmy has obliged me by placing motion lights at the doors and drive, and under the deck.  He also has kindly supplied me with little tricks to light my way. I have a key cover that has a tiny LED light which shines exactly on the door knob from the key, so I can see the key hole.  He installed solar lights up the walkway, but the bushes always grew over them and shaded out the sun.  He allowed that a line of rope lights remained lining the walkway after the holidays. But the grass soon grew over it.  So I got a small flash light that I attach to the handles of my purse with a D-ring.  My grandson thinks it’s his toy, but it is to get me up the walk. In other words, I do anything I can to be able to light my path when it is difficult to see.  But these days, no need. If I have remembered to turn on the Christmas lights before leaving, the entire lawn is bright with light when I return.

When we were children, my mother’s home backed up to a AAA baseball field.  In summer, it was the grandest thing a kid could ever want.  The stadium lights lightened the back yard so brightly that we could play ‘til hours past dark.  I remember helping Daddy plow the garden in the brightness of those lights, in the cool of the evening, tossing up the sweet smell of earth, and proud as I could be that he let me guide the tiller, even though I sank to my ankles in the soft broken ground.   Where the light shone brightly, it was like daylight.  But the shadows were deep enough to hide in, and we did. Our favorite night time game was hide and seek, for we could simply lie down in a shadow, and be totally hidden from the seeker.  Hmmm.  Lying in the dirt in the dark…doesn’t sound like so much fun as it was. LOL  

Can you imagine that light, any light which lit your pathway after dark in Christ’s day was a blessing? It was valuable; and required effort to have in any form. In the temple there were strict instructions how, when and where the lamps, wicks, oils, and all assorted related paraphernalia were to be used and kept in the finest working condition.  Light held a place of importance. This year Jimmy wanted candles in the windows. I have always loved them, and was a bit surprised.  He was inspired by light bulbs that flickered with the appearance of a real candle burning.  When we make our traditional gifts to his employees, we will place a candle in the middle of each one.  Not because it is aesthetically, pleasing, but because it is a symbol of the Word of God that came to live among us, even as it was in the temple.

 Sometimes, when the dark times of life make it difficult to see my way, I am so thankful that I have the words of God to lighten my path.  And I just love when God shines so brightly that my path is as bright as my Christmas lights.  Can I leave them up please?  OK, OK… not past February, I promise.  Anyone know where I can get some Valentine’s lights? LOL

The only thing missing from God’s light to my path is the light switch.  In order to have the simplicity of clicking the switch, to have instant light, I have to do the work to put up the lights in my yard.  In order to have the instant light of God’s Word in my darkest hours, I need to have it installed in my heart.  I have a terrible mind for memorization.  I have always had difficulty with it.  But if I am persistant, and read something often enough, I at least can know what I am looking for to look it up quickly when I need it.  But I have on occasion resorted to hanging index cards on the mirror, and putting scriptures in my wallet so that every time I look in these frequented places, I am faced with the scripture I want lighting my path.   One of the first I ever learned was one required to learn in my Girl’s Auxiliary program as as child. 

Arise shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1  

 Even then, I understood that this verse was speaking of Jesus, who wasn’t born at the time.  I understood that God gave prophecy for Christ to be born as the light of the World. And when he said, “I am the light of the world,” I knew he was referring to prophecies like this one. I am glad Christmas comes in the winter, when the darkness descends on the earth early, so we feel a need to put up lights. I love being able to use lights to celebrate the season.  It just would not be the same in the summer.  Lights are not simply a materialistic, unrelated element of Christmas commercialization.  They are about God and who he said he was. They are about a baby who came to light our world with his love and wisdom, freedom and power, grace and hope, peace and promise.  May he light your way today.

Feeling sad… light a candle and praise His name.

Lord, shine brightly into the dark places in the lives of those who need your enlightenment today.  Give guidance, and stability, freedom from fear, and clarity to the path of any who seek your way. AMEN

 For You are my lamp, O LORD; The LORD shall enlighten my darkness.    II Samuel 22: 29 NKJV

Life Application: Find Joy In Your Trials

Trials and Temptations
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.—James 1:2-4

Consider it joy. i can't think of anything harder to do than to consider facing trials with pure joy. Trials tend to bring anger, bitterness, envy, sadness, lonliness, and a myriad of other emotions that are the opposite of joy. Trials test our character ... when we are stripped of everything and left standing cold and wet in the storm of life we are either caught cursing the storm or praising God through the storm for the rainbow that's to follow. 

God says to consider it joy when we face trials because he is perfecting our faith, maturing us and making us complete—He doesn't waste our trials. Just like a typical storm, when the downpour stops, the clouds part, and the sun brilliantly shines, the tears stop, our heart finds joy, and we praise God for helping us weather the storm.

It's always hard to find joy during the difficult times in life, but God asks us to try. When we focus on Him and not the storm, joy isn't far from our reach. 

Choose Joy

In Nehemiah 8, Ezra the prophet, and the Levites who provided the music, read and explained the law of God to the people. It says: Vs 4: “ Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose.”  The people had gathered in the street, and the pulpit was high above them. When Ezra opened the book of the Law in the sight of all the people, they all stood up. He read to them from the “Bible” of their time. Afterwards, Nehemiah taught the people and helped them understand what was being read to them. Upon hearing and understanding it, they cried.

I don’t know about you, but that scene seems as familiar to me as if I were there. Like a good blessing church service. But for these people, this was extremely special, because they hadn't had access to their scriptures as we do today. There wasn’t a Bible or two for every person. I think I actually own 4 not counting the coffee table versions or the family bibles from my mom. I can’t imagine not being able to pick up one, open it and glean from its words whenever I pleased.  There have been centuries of people who have not had that easy access.  We sometimes don’t consider what a glorious opportunity we have in our age to choose any verse we desire to read. With a concordance by my side, or Bible Gateway open, I can actually choose to read only the verses that speak of my subject. It blesses me so much, that I can’t imagine not having that option.

When the people heard what Nehemiah taught, they cried.  Yet he admonished them to make a choice not to be sad:

Vs. 9. …This day is holy unto the Lord your God. Mourn not, nor weep.

Vs 10. Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to them for whom nothing is prepared…Neither be ye sorry, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

When we are faced with the toils of the world, and sadness or worry stealthily seek to spoil our joy, God desires that we choose Joy, that we may have strength in those times. Ever notice how sorrow zaps your strength.  My husband and son often choose to joke in what seems like inappropriate times to me. If I am sad, my husband goes out of his way to make jokes so I will smile. Sometimes I don’t feel like smiling, and I don’t want him joking.  But his is actually the better attitude. I allow the sorrow to drain me. He finds joy and remains strong.

Vs. 12  says: And all the people went their way to eat and to drink, to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

Nehemiah was helping the people to choose how they placed their focus. He wanted them not to dwell on the fact that they had not known the law, and hadn’t understood God’s desires for their lives; not to let their regret take the stand in their lives.  Rather, he wanted them to direct their focus on the fact that they now had understanding, and that was a reason to be glad.

I believe the Lord has led me this season, to find Joy for my strength.  I have been saying for a week how much stronger I felt this Christmas, and was well aware that I was choosing to have joy. But only when I asked the Lord what I should I write about this week, did I see the multitude of scriptures that indicated that choosing Joy is the reason for my renewed strength. The Spirit of God had led me to joy even before I read the admonitions of scripture. And he had demonstrated the results, so that I might have no doubt when I read the words.

Isaiah 61:3 says: To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning.

The medicine for sadness around the holidays or any time, is to chose to have joy.

In Nehemiah 8, the Levites who were the praise and worship people, found themselves with a different task. It says in verse 11 that they stilled the people and said “hold your peace… neither be ye grieved.”  Many of the verses in my concordance, which speak of joy, note that God gives joy coupled with peace. So I have decided, in the words of the old pastors and ministers of the Word, to “HOLD MY PEACE” AND CHOOSE TO HAVE JOY…

When we get together at a funeral of one of my husband’s family, there is always laughing in the hallways.  And by the casket, for that matter.  There was a time when I wondered what other people who were in other rooms thought, but I finally realized, that since so many of Jimmy’s family are secure in their salvation, that the laughter was more than appropriate. They are a family who lives their joy. There is scripture to back the desire to rejoice when someone has died and gone to the presence of God.  But most of all, the Word clearly tells us to make being joyful the remedy for our sadness, and the means by which we return to a place of strength. His family most definitely finds their release and ability to  move on in their knack for laughter.

One of the “Opposites of God” basics is that we can turn from one thing and be renewed in its opposite.  This fits the principle, that we should release the one and seek the other.Let me challenge anyone who finds themselves weary and overwhelmed, to find Joy so that they may also find Strength.

An exercise in renewing your mind would be to write the word JOY and place it everywhere.  Hang it on the fridge, on the mirror, on the dash of your car.  If jokes aren’t your thing, then find pictures that make you smile, or wear colors that bring you joy. Look in the mirror and actually make yourself smile.  During the day, raise your eyebrows and follow it by relaxing your face, then smile.  Think of God and Smile. Think of your favorite food and smile. Think of something and close your eyes and spell out silently: J O Y. Visualize it. Hold your smile for as long as you can and time it. Ask your co-worker to tell their joke again, and this time smile! Renew your mind.

Much love to everyone this Holiday season. And for those who are really having a hard time finding joy this year, say this over and over: “Count It All Joy.”  It won’t feel like joy, but the mind will eventually obey God’s Word. For you I pray in a special way, cause I’ve been there…I know how hard it is to choose joy in pain. But the time will come…the time will come.

Lord, help the hurting, the weary, the sad and grieving, those with loss and those who just don’t know why they don’t have joy to choose selectively to find joy, that they may have the strength your Word promises.  Grant this is Jesus Name and for whom we celebrate. AMEN

Send him packin'

Ever wonder exactly why the Bible seems to harp heavily on not breaking the law of God, and if you read scriptures randomly, especially in the Old Testament, that it seems to be all about working harder and harder to please God by not breaking the laws?  When your pastor or teacher teaches the Word, ask yourself this question.  Did he or she take me to a place of victory over SIN in this discussion? Most teachers will lead you to a place of recognizing the sin in your life but not to a full understanding of winning the sin battle.  Please remember that SIN is that which is outside the boundaries of what God has planned as the best for you.  If life isn’t functioning the way God designed it to, it is not a failure of the design… Now having said that, return to my question.  Is the person I am allowing to be my shepherd, leading me to a place of victory over my sin, or did they leave me to be a sacrifice to the wolves?

Many preachers in churches I have attended, felt that just getting people to an altar for confession of sin, was the job they had to do, and they went to great lengths to get it done. However, I went to a church in my youth that was very different than that, and by God’s grace, I was gifted with that pastor’s great example of how to fill the altars - God’s way. At this church, every time this man preached, more and more people came to the altars to accept Christ as their savoir.  His was not a message of beating people over the head with their sin. His was a message of Christ’s release from sin. And that simple truth was such a joy to people, that they went out with great excitement and invited their friends to come hear someone who tells you how to have that freedom.  It was infectious.  It was on target. It was so like Jesus - soooo  CHRIST- LIKE.  That is exactly how the early church began to grow so quickly. Because the message from God was freedom from the ritualistic grind of obedience to the law, and people were so glad to hear it. 

But it is confusing.  If it is something you grapple with, read Galations 3 and 4.  God’s design even in the beginning, even in the sacrifices of the Temple, was to set us free from the trap - when operating outside devine design captures our life, and holds it prisoner.   Paul saw the early Christians doing battle with this concept. It was not just a Christian battle. The Jews and their forefathers had done battle with this concept forever.  But even Paul had not seen clearly the truth about God until he became a Christian.  Now as the shepherd to young churches, he understood that they had not truly seen the Grace of God in their hearts. They had not grasped the freedom in such a way as to have it seered into their consciousness. Their minds had not been renewed to the point that they ceased to slip back into living under the law. 

It’s no different for us. It is the same battle that every Christian must wage, until that is, that by the renewing of their mind, their thought processes are more apt to take them directly to the power of the knowledge of GRACE, than the power of the Law.

Paul says: vs. 2.  (paraphrased) – I only ask you this.  Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  3. Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now depending on being made perfect in the flesh? 4. "have you suffered so many things in vain?"

            vs. 10. – as many as work to keep the law are under the curse.  For it is written: “Cursed is every one that continueth not in all the things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”  11. But, that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident. For “the just shall live by faith!” 12. The law is not of faith.  Anyone who does them (the laws) "shall LIVE IN THEM".   13.  “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.  For it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree:" (one of the laws). 

Paul then discusses the difference between God’s promises and his law, and that the covenant of the promise actually came 430 years before the law, and the law was never intended to “make the promise of none effect.”  He says that "if the inheritance be of law, it is no more of promise…but God gave it to Abraham by promise.”  Paul then poses the question we all have wrestled with:  vs 21. “ Is the law then against the promises of God?”

 Have YOU suffered so many things in vain?  As God gently leads you through the consequences of sin, or the trials by fire that strengthen your steel, do you enter your battles and try to fight them yourselves, or do you grow in the knowledge that God offers peace. Think about the word Peace. One of the most wonderful principles of scripture is among the “opposites of God” set of principles.  It is that God asks us to set ourselves in array for the battle and come boldly to the place of battle…and then requires that we STAND and watch as He takes care of the enemy. I love the whole armor scripture.  Love it, mostly because of this fact. God understands that, while we are going through the processes of life and learning (growing in Grace), we need something to do.  And we need protection from the enemy and ourselves. So he tells us to prepare our minds, to rethink our life patterns, and renew by casting away the old thought patterns, then revise our determination to serve according to the plan. Get up, Get dressed, Go out to battle. But when we have done all that, He calls us to the battle to watch Him win the battle! That’s sooooo cool!!!  God always leads us to Victory, We are unable to be certain of victory if we fight the battle ourselves.  Only when God fights the battle do we have confidence we can truly win.

When James said, “Faith without Works is dead,” (James 1:20) he understood that God calls us to a process. We don’t come to faith without the process.  A process of learning more about God, while learning that His laws work only when He is in control of them. They are His laws, and  it’s all His creation.  We just muck it up. God didn’t create us to become God. He created us to become Friends of God. All He wants us to do is Love Him, and let Him Love us.  And share that with anyone who doesn’t understand it. 

Does that make us not responsible for our sin? Absolutely not.  Awareness of sin is awareness of how totally lost and helpless we are without our creator. We need God. We need to be in Awe of God.  But we need to let God be God and know a lot more everyday about what that means. But our love of God is doing us no good if it puts a wedge between us and God, because we strive more and more everyday, to obey a set of laws that is impossible to keep….thereby making us Hate God for giving them to us in the first place.  One of the OPPOSITES OF GOD is: He gave us laws < & > He NEVER meant for us know HOW to NOT break them?!!?  He knew when He made us that we would eventually break them, even in the Garden of EDEN. He had a plan for our salvation.

Christy and I talked earlier this week about the spiritual battles, and how you must learn as you go while fighting them. It is never a sin to not understand while God is teaching us.  But it is a sin to disobey what we understand.  Sometimes we give into disobedience, just because we are too weary to keep doing the obedience thing. That’s OK. To all who find themselves in this push-pull struggle, including myself, I would love to ask:  “Do you get it? that God only asks us to continue striving until we really get it?  that He really doesn’t want us to go there?  so He lets us go there, so we can see where it leads us?  and see how exhausted we will get? Then HE brings us back from there - and hopes we will have learned not to keep going there?”  (Parents will relate.)   Yet God always provides a remedy for sin. (Note to parents: this is why hugs are necessary after discipline.)

God didn’t let the Israelites show up to Jericho and not have a list of things He wanted them to do. Then, He made them march around the city. He made Noah build a boat that no one else had ever seen the likes of.  He asks big things of us, with a complicated instruction manual as our help. It all seems fruitless sometimes. But when it boils down to it, we will do all He asks us to do, to the best of our ability, and in the end, all He wants from us is to lock ourselves in the ark and ride out the storm.  ~Totally, in His control.  In the end, or rather NEW BEGINNING, we let go of our striving and Let God fight and WIN the battle. Your armor is your defense against the enemies secret attacks on you. But when Christ comes in offense, rejoice that you are fully prepared, and turn the battle over to the Lord. 

…If there had been a law given which could have given life, righteousness should have been by the law.

The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Galations 3:21 & 24

 Thank you, Lord for saying, “It is Finished,”  in your dying breaths.  And thank you for the Resurrection - an end to the power of the law and a new beginning full of power to defeat the effects of the law.  Help me, Dear Lord to not fall back to living under the curse.  Help me not to have suffered in vain. Help me not grow weary while training to be a soldier..  As we are called to the battles in our lives, give us peace and help us Stand, as YOU gain MY victory. Especially when others bring sin into our lives Help me Lord to not give up while I am building the “Ark” in my life. It is hard enough dealing with when I bring sin into my life, but I feel helpless when I can’t control when other sources bring sin in.  Lord, be in control, and help me feel secure when YOU are in control. AMEN 

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Nailing Fear to the Cross

 

About a month ago, I saw an intriguing quote on Facebook that said, “I will not be a casualty of fear.”  Regretfully I am unable to name the profound author; and it has taken me this long to churn this thought around and ask Jesus to shed some light for us.

The definition for casualty is “An accident, especially one involving serious injury or loss of life.”  Isn’t that exactly what fear does?  Fear grips us in such a vice that we are unable to move except in a strangulation response to its tightly wound shackles.  This cannot be abundant joy filled living!

2 Timothy 1:7 says,

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

This verse tells me that when I am operating out of fear, I am NOT making decisions with power, love, and sound mind.  In other words, I am relying on my emotions to define my thoughts.  The challenge is simply admitting to God that we are scared (He knows anyway, right?) and then choosing to turn those fears over to Him even if we have to a million times a day.

Fear of “what could happen” makes us sick and anxious. Jan Silvious says, “What if’s don’t exist, so don’t even go there.”  

In other words, we need to get a grip on our thoughts.  2 Corinthians 10:5 says,

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

The enemy would choose for us to be crippled with fear so that we are unable to fulfill our missions in expanding the Kingdom.  A practical idea is to make a “fear list” and just write down every thought that is making us scared or fearful.  Then we can write beside it a promise from God’s word or the facts of the situation beside it-replacing the lies with precious truths.  We will no longer lose ground to the enemy but take back what was stolen from us.  Verse by verse we can nail our fears to the cross. 

You may be like me and say, “But what if I do all of this and the worst case scenario happens?”  The fact is that it probably won’t, but what do we do if it does?  

I attended church with a godly woman named, Cindy, and she had breast cancer once, but then found out that it was back in other places with a vengeance.  She was a teacher and taught until she knew that she could no longer be with her kids.  Cindy underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments as long as she could.  Toward the end of her precious life, I have a vivid memory of seeing her in the balcony of our church with her hat on and hands lifted in the air praising God with everything in her.  

I guess the answer to our question is that: if the worst case scenario comes, we will praise God anyway.  We will praise our Creator and Lord, with every bit of our hearts until we are no longer on this earth.  No, we will not be a casualty of fear, but a demonstration of abundant life right up to the end.

My Prayer:  God, I admit to you that sometimes I am so scared of the situations that life throws at me.  Thank you, Father, for being in control of every circumstance I will ever face.  Spirit of Fear, you are not welcome here.  Go to the foot of the cross and stay there.  God, replace my fears with truths carefully defined by You and help me stay in the mindset of taking every thought captive to Your obedience.  I choose to nail my fears to the cross and live my life abundantly.  In Jesus powerful name!

Dogged Determination

As I write this blog post, I’ve been nursing a cold for two days in my sweatpants  and alternating between drinking hot tea and cold smoothies.  My voice is gone-I mean that it’s really gone and when I speak I sound like a goose honking which is not very conducive for teaching Kindergarten.  

Yesterday as I was having a bit of a pity party, I began talking to the Lord about my attitude and sickness and I said, “Why now?  Why me?  I really don’t have time for this.”  As I was reading a Christian article, I came across a statement that went something like this, “Christians cannot ask God, ‘Why?’ in hard times if they didn’t ask Him, ‘Why?’ in victorious times.”

You see, I’ve been just plugging away at my life for a long time feeling pretty good about things without giving acknowledging that God is the giver of all good things.  I am not saying that God made me sick; only that maybe He allowed this quiet time for me to reflect on bigger things.

Sometimes I get very complacent when things are going well, but Isaiah 50:7 reminds me of my posture of determination that I am to have, 

“Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,

I will not be disgraced.

Therefore I have set my face like flint,

and I know I will not be put to shame.”

 I love the image of setting my face like flint.  What a difference it would make if we decided to attack life fearlessly with our faces set like flint!

Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us with our health, jobs, or homes.  Our challenge is to claim the victories of God’s Word with the determination of a confident fighter until the victory becomes reality.  

My Prayer:  God, thank you for allowing me time to reflect on your truths.  I confess to you that complacency is the enemy of victory.  Holy Spirit, remind me to and help me become determined and set my face like flint against life’s challenges.  Jesus, thank you for the example of determination that you showed at the cross.  In Jesus name!

 

 

Wordless Wednesday

Even when life is uncertain, God is not uncertain. He still has the whole world in His hands.

  

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Turn About!

 

The word “repent” is illustrated in scripture, as having a boat whose very small rudder is able to make a very large boat turn about.  In the movie Titanic, we are told that the rudder was too small to turn the ship about fast enough to avoid the ice-burg, resulting in the infamous disaster.  Never the less, a very huge ship can be turned about with a very small rudder.  

 A second illustration of what repenting should be is travel.  With modern day GPS travel should be easy, (GPS - the tool that was supposed to revolutionize getting from point A to point B without stopping to look at the map, which is no doubt sending you back to the map, like it is me).  I will admit that for generally getting you there over a long distance, on major highways, I like the GPS, and for finding places when a map or computer are not handy, I like it.  But I turn it off when getting around in an unfamiliar city. I get very tired of being told to stay in the left lane, just moments before being told to make a right turn. What? Did no one tell them it’s illegal to make a right turn from the left lane? Both illustrations indicate to us that the Christian walk is a matter of navigation in God’s eyes.   Not a treadmill of choosing right from wrong, or trying to choose which religion is the best guide. (Spiritual GPS) Who ever actually gets it 100% right anyway?

Navigating the Christian walk is frustrating to seasoned, well-studied Christians, much less for newly saved individuals, who have way too many religions telling them what is the best way to go. Of all the Bible “dirty words,” as Lori calls them, “sin” has got to be the one that sends people away from the Christian concept more than any other word.  “Repenting of sin” sounds down right gut wrenching, to an adult who is contemplating Salvation, if it means a daily grind of self inspection, which includes trying to draw all the fine lines between RIGHT and WRONG.

Think about it.  If you take any subject, and you begin to use it to navigate according to it’s rightness or wrongness, you find yourself on a pendulum of swinging from one side of the issue to another, of “how far can I go without crossing God’s line?”  NOT that we are trying to sneak in a little sin, but that we are trying to not displease Him. (double negative intended.) Sometimes it seems even the Amish sin.  And by the way, they admit they do.  Do you get the point, that it is impossible to live by a right/wrong gage? The more you try to gage your sin, the farther you get into living under the law, and we are made free from the law by our salvation. It’s a ploy of Satan to keep us looking at ourselves, and take our eyes off Jesus.

To some people, this argument sounds like a total cop out to pretend we don’t sin. But properly labeling sin for what it is, and looking at repentance as God wants us to see it, makes the “repent” word down-right appealing. Sin is any thing we do that is taking us in a direction out of God’s perfect will for our lives. Sin is like driving to a destination and getting on the wrong road. It affects us in negative ways.  It adds frustration and stress to our circumstances. If it is the wrong road, it just won’t get us where we are going. The only way to resolve the situation is to turn around, or if traveling by boat, turn the helm by moving the rudder > to head in the right direction. Whether it is a total turn around, backtrack and start over, or is just a simple left or right turn -time is lost. But there is no getting around the fact that we won’t get to a northerly destination going south.

Living within God’s will is as simple as that.  It is not whether my pants are the right color, or if my tattoo is upside down.  Ridiculous? Well some of the things that people say are sin gages are ridiculous too.  If there is one thing I personally believe Christians need to repent of, it is falsely representing the Christian walk - as a list of rules God wants us to follow.  We have turned more people away from Christ by misrepresenting him and why he died. And that my friend is sin. 

Can we always avoid disaster when our ship is heading into sin even though we repent? Sometimes, we just don’t realize we are sailing headlong into the thing that will destroy us, until it’s too late. That is the sole reason for finding daily time to take a look at the map, turn off the religious GPS, and focus on the destination. And on hearing the still small voice of God. 

One last thing about repenting. For me it is most often an act of pulling up anchor.  I find my self anchored, going round in circles, as if dead in the water, unable to move forward.  Finding safe harbor, refueling, and restocking are all elements of the ship illustration of the Christian life. But the only time it is good to just sit idle in the water is for fishing, rest and relaxation, and research.  If your engine and equipment are sound, there always comes a time to pull up anchor and go! So repenting may not be a change in course, or a decision to stay on course, but a decision to set sail for a God given destination.  That too can require a change of mind or circumstances. Without making the change, sin will develop in your life.  Is God going to send you to Hell if you miss the boat? NOOO!  You just won’t receive the greater things God has in store that can be found at that destination. Why miss out?

See sin, from now on, as a going thing, not as a doing thing. See repentance as a change in course thing, not a sit down and cry cause I’m so bad thing.  Your self worth will rise, because you will begin seeing yourself as God sees you – as a friend with whom He can hardly wait to show how great things He can do in your life, which great places He wants you to go with Him to, and what marvelous things He wants to show you along the way. And why miss the gifts at the end of the journey. How simple to just realize you are sorry you're headed the wrong way, and turn about.

For Bible illustrative reading  - Paul talks of living strictly under the law and being converted to the Christian walk:

Acts 26 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+26&version=KJV

He then tells the story of being prisoner aboard a ship – as a free man held prisoner because he has determined to petition Caesar.  Paul is not in sin himself, but finds himself at the mercy of someone who choses to not heed Paul’s admonition from God for when and where to sail.  They sail into disaster, and yet God remains with them, and none is lost.

Acts 27 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+27&version=KJV

2 sets of verses: from this text I would leave with you:

Repentance in the hour of need - 

  ²²And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. ²³For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, ²⁴Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

 ²⁵Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Acts 27: 22 –25 &

⁴⁰And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. Acts 27: 40

All the repentance in the world will not save you from the disasters that come into your life, but when they come, they will give opportunity to encourage others to believe.

LORD, help us to be willing to turn about, even when it means heading into rough seas, especially when our circumstances have hindered our getting to your intended destination. AMEN

 

The Pilgrimage

A few weeks ago, my family and I headed to the beach for a week. On our way I kept thinking, “I can’t wait until we are there!” Although I was looking forward to a week of relaxation, how much time did I waste looking toward my destination instead of the journey?

Psalm 84:5-7 says,

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they will make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.”

This is the foot note in my Bible: “The pilgrimage to the temple passed through the barren Valley of Baca. No specific valley has been identified with Baca. Because Baca can mean ‘weeping,’ it may have been a symbolic reference to the times of struggles and tears through which people must pass on their way to meet God. Growing strong in God’s presence is often preceded by a journey through barren places in our lives. The person who loves to spend time with God will see his or her adversity as an opportunity to re-experience God’s faithfulness. If you are walking through your own Valley of Baca today, be sure your pilgrimage leads toward God, not away from Him.”

As we take these verses apart a little, let’s examine the word, “blessed.” Blessed means happy but more than the emotion of being happy. Instead it carries a deeper meaning of being full of praise, honoring, or a contentment that brings happiness.

We see that the Israelites were on a journey and were going through a rough season or the Valley of Baca. From this Biblical example, I see that I can be blessed, happy, content, and peaceful during a difficult season of my life when I recognize that God is my strength. My outcome is often determined by my outlook.

You see our lives will have trouble. This is the result of living in a fallen world.

In John 16:33, Jesus says,

“I have told you these things, so that in my you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

As the Israelites were on their pilgrimage, they stopped from time to time at different bodies of water where they rested and regained their strength until they make it to The Lord Most High. It is imperative that we identify the places or times where we can rejuvenate in the Lord. This doesn’t mean we have to literally go anywhere, but we could simply rest in His presence with some praise music playing. Our blessing will fall on us when we are seeking, believing, and resting in God.

The last point is that we need to embrace the journey-even in the hardest places. Let’s face it, no one loves difficult times, but the lessons we can share and the empathy we can have with others is priceless. Recently, I went through a difficult season and I remember praying, “God, show me what I need to take from this and how I can help others.” Now I regularly speak with several women who are experiencing the same kinds of trials that I went through just a few short months ago. I find that they don’t feel guarded when sharing with me because I know exactly how they feel. There is not one tear wasted because it’s turned into ministry for other hurting people.

I pray that no matter what part of the pilgrimage you are on, you are seeking God. He is the giver of Hope and Life. You, my dear friend, are His child and He cares deeply for you.

My Prayer: Thank you, God, for reminding me that all seasons of my journey are victorious because of the hope you offer. I praise you for being my place of rest and rejuvenation even during my darkest hours. Jesus, thank you for overcoming the world and for giving us the perfect example to live by. Holy Spirit, remind me when my focus is on myself instead of you. Guard my heart so that it may not veer to the right or left. In Jesus Name!

CONFIDENCE - when God Blesses faith

While under siege by the great nation of Assyria, Hezekiah stood firm as the king over Judah, a mere remnant of the tribes of Israel which had not been overtaken by the wars around them. And when pressed to appease the encroaching armies, he sent all the gold from the Temple, and from the coffers of the King’s house. When there was nothing monetary left to keep them from attacking, he continued to trust in the God of his forefather, David.  Hezekiah had made a great sacrifice in giving this gold to Assyria, for it was he who had overlaid the temple doors with gold; and it was he who cut it back off to give to the Assyrian representatives. The work of his life had been undone. Hezekiah didn’t put confidence in his life’s work; nor did he cling to it, and protect it at all costs assuming it was the source for his future.

The Assyrian King sent 3 men with a great host of troops out of Lachish to Jerusalem. And when they arrived, their leader, Rabshakeh, sent a message to Hezekiah asking him: “Thus saith the Great King, the king of Assyria: What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?”(kjv)  They went on to assume it must be Egypt. They mocked that trusting Egypt was like leaning on a staff which was sharp on both ends. If Hezekiah’s people leaned on it, they would be stabbed by the end on which they leaned.  Placing doubt, the Assyrians hoped to destroy the confidence this little nation had, and hoped to take them without a fight. But Hezekiah did not trust in Egypt -a type of trusting in the people and things of this world.

 Rabshakeh continued to deride them, saying, don’t say you trust in your Lord, because Hezekiah has already given up the altars, and said this is what’s left in Jerusalem as an altar!  (As if the altar only had value if covered in gold.) Hezekiah didn’t place his confidence in his money, or the importance of his church. Hezekiah didn’t place his confidence in his church, nor in the place where he worshipped.

Rabshakeh also taunted – “you say, but they are vain words, ‘I have counsel and strength for war.’ On whom do you trust that you rebel against me?” He spoke with a false confidence believing nothing could stop the Assyrian armies, because nothing had so far. Hezekiah didn’t put his confidence in the circumstances that appeared to prove nothing could withstand the power of these great armies. But Rabshakeh had wisely asked, “On WHOM do you Trust.”  “What Confidence is this wherein you Trust?”  He expected them to boast that another army somewhere was forming against them, for the sake of job security. But Hezekiah was not seeking job security for his armies.

It was then that the Assyrian leader began to be diplomatic (or was it “deceitful.”) He offered 2000 horses if they would join him, seeking to know the numbers of men they expected to muster, but also hoping to turn them against their own king. He railed on Hezekiah’s men, in their own language, that they should not trust Hezekiah to protect them. He offered to take them to a land where there were great riches and plenty of food, if they would become his soldiers. He went on to say, "Don’t listen to Hezekiah when he says the Lord will deliver you, because the gods of all these other nations haven’t delivered them." He even went so far as to say, that he had come in the name of the Lord. That he was whom God was blessing, (and perhaps he believed it might be true in some twisted way.) But Hezekiah was not swayed by the deceiver who set lures for his men.

Hezekiah knew ON WHOM he believed!!!

When I taught children, I found it was important to give them Bible words to learn and understand.  A study of the word confidence, reveals that it doesn’t mean the same as faith. Confidence is a result of faith.  But also a result of trusting the promises of God. It has to do with knowing what you believe, with understanding.  Then acting on it - but only after praying to seek assurance God wants you to proceed.  Confidence isn’t something to boast of or give reasons for; it is an attitude of steadfastness. It is a jewel, a gift, and John told his followers to not give it up.  Confidence grows and strengthens as we read and understand God’s Word. Faith is as a grain of mustard seed, a tiny hope on which we place trust.  But confidence is when faith takes root and is watered and tended. Each new endeavor requires faith, a point in time when we first believe. But confidence is gained only when we have tested faith.  We fail to gain confidence when we misplace our faith. When we believe that money, jobs, church, friends, supporters, circumstances, politics or what appears to be truth in the eyes of the world are our reasons for feeling safe – we have misplaced our faith, and cannot grow confidence.  Faith in God’s promises, security, holiness, and truth alone is the fertile ground in which the seed of faith can grow. And when it has grown, let us prize it above all the things of this world that we might have confidence to leave the battles up to God.

Hezekiah didn’t gather an army against the Assyrians, but asked those about him to join him as he prayed.  Sometimes, it sounds like a broken record when we ask people to pray, but that is where acting on our confidence begins.  And funny thing…that action is often to wait on the Lord to take care of the matter. Why do we pray expecting God to give our battles back to us? Our confidence comes from allowing God to use His power to perform in our lives. Hezekiah knew this, and it is why he was called the greatest king that Judah ever had.

This story comes from II Kings 18. The verses concerning Rabshakeh asking in whom Hezekiah placed his trust are verses 19 and 20.  But this is the verse I want to leave with our readers, for Hezekiah warned his people not to respond to the deceiver:

But the people held their peace and answered him not a word, for the King’s commandment was, saying: “Anwer him not.” II Kings 18: 36 KJV

Who is calling on you today to defend your confidence? God says you don’t need to answer. Just know in whom, and understand what and why you believe.  So you can stand fast in confidence against all odds. Testimonies are for leading the lost to Christ. Not for defending God or ourselves. God can defend Himself and us.

Father, once again it is focus on you that remedies life’s hardest questions.  Help us to respond out of confidence, which allows us not to answer to the deceivers of the world.  All who rail against us, even those who say they come in Your name, who know they have everything all figured out, and have unparalleled resources and accusations with them. All those are no match for just focusing on You. And in our confidence, help us not to be quick to act, but let us wait upon your almighty power, and sometimes only upon your power. Though the world screams loudly about us, sometimes you just want us to do nothing except pray, leaving the results up to You. Instead of responding to the din of the world, help us not be “should, ought must Christians.”  Rather help us know the difference, to be Confident Christians. AMEN

(P.S. Sometimes the railing assailant really wants our testimony because they are seeking a Christ.  If we share Christ rather than defend Christ, our words become a path to Christ.)

 

Emerging from the valley with a purpose

For a long while, i desperately attempted to find out how God would use the storm in my life for good. i was so knee deep in muck that good seemed lightyears away. But, Hope made it possible to believe that God would use this pain, heartache, and life struggle for good—even though i didn't understand how or when.

As i look to the sky these days, i see the clouds parting, revealing brilliant blue skies. i feel the warmth of the sun. The pounding rain has been reduced to a light refreshing rain. And, in the distance, i see a beautiful, vibrant rainbow and am reminded of God's promises. While this season brings many mixed emotions, i am finding balance, joy, and deep love in the Lord. This makes me realize that this is just one of the many reasons He allows us to travel through the darkest valleys—to draw us closer to Him as He molds us into the person He created us to be. 

Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. —Isaiah 64:8

i am seeing how He has taken my life and molded it into something that He could use for the greater good. He took every tear and increased my compassion for others. He took all my pain and replaced it with empathy. He showered me with grace and mercy so that i could shower others with grace and mercy. He overpowered my weakness with His strength so that i could help others be strong. He allowed the core of me to be broken so that i could experience His healing hands. He took my passion and aligned it with His will. He did not waste any detail of my life—especially the details experienced in the valley.

During my journey, God revealed to me a great need for emotional healing in not only myself but in others. God has opened a door for me to help others through emotional healing that is based on biblical truths—to help people let go of the past and move forward in forgiveness, joy, peace, and love to live the life that God has called them to. This little side job allows me to play a small part in the way God heals the mind, body, spirit and i'm extremely excited and passionate about this new journey of being outwardly focused.

My very first client was one who shared a very similar story to mine—a simple reminder from God that this is what He is calling me to do and that He has equipped me for a purpose greater than what i can imagine.

i look back on all the things i had to go through for God to bring me to a place where i could help others. The potter had to do a lot of reworking of the clay. That reshaping was not fun for me, but i am loving the work that He is creating and i can see his artistry in it. i've still got cracks and chips, but i'm learning to find the beauty in not being perfect—and to appreciate the entire journey that caused those imperfections. Sometimes we don't see the beauty in our flaws, but God does.

If you're wondering what good can come of your pain, put your trust in the Lord alone. i guarantee He will turn it into something beautiful. 

Scripture to memorize: Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. —Isaiah 64:8

 

Tempered Like Gold

 
I was watching a jewelry presentation on new technologies in tempering gold, which produced an effect on gold threads, which allowed the gold to stretch and return to it’s shape.  By weaving 20 to 35 strands of the thread, the jewelers had made necklaces and bracelets that were stretchy enough to not need clasps.  They could be stretched enough to go over one’s head or hand, and according to the maker, were stronger than any other kind of pattern used for jewelry because it didn’t kink, and dent; therefore, over time, it would not loose it’s value. It would not become unattractive or un-wearable, so he was willing to say that it was a lifetime investment. This jeweler also had gold threads wrapped over stretchy silicone, which made massive, more solid looking jewelry, which also stretched.  And the thing that struck me was that he was interested in frequently saying something about the process of how they achieved this remarkable trait, while the sales girl was only all about how beautiful it was.

I was intrigued, that a metal held the properties to be made stretchy.  I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised, because I know that part of the process for tempering any metal, including steel is to make it stronger, by making it flexible.  The steel for sky-scrapers and bridges will break in the wind, if not tempered to a point where it withstands the wind and bends slightly. But of course, you would not want it so stretchy that it could not hold it’s shape.  The same was true for the bracelet, since the jeweler wanted it to return to wrist size after stretching it over the hand. 

They were gorgeous.  Each gold thread had been diamond cut into patterns along the entirety of the thread, and this added sparkle as well as aided in weaving the flexible shape.  The one thing the jeweler wanted people to know was that it was a heat process that set the memory into the metal, and made this possible.  He said that they could not do this with 24 carat gold, which actually had the malleable properties built in, because it would stretch out but not return to it’s original shape.  But by adding other metals which also gave the gold it’s various colors – platinum for white gold, and copper for rose gold – the gold content was reduced to 58%, which was exactly the right content to apply the heat process to and achieve the desired resiliency. This was the formula he said for 14 carat gold.  He said we should always be proud to wear 14 carat gold because of its ability to withstand abuse more than purer forms of gold.

I guess we all know something about this.  We’ve heard it all our lives, but this very moldable stretchy form to which this jeweler had taken the process, was refined to near perfection, in my mind.  I thought of how, when God puts us through the fires of life and adds himself to our very makeup, it makes us so bent out of shape that we don’t know what shape we are in. Hammered and beaten and cut all to pieces, I don’t think we see the bigger picture of coming out of our trials being all sparkly and beautiful. Then, He heats up the circumstances of life and holds us to the fire more than before. Only then do we have memory molded into our very make up.  We become flexible to withstand being stretched to extremes, but can bounce back, and return unscathed to beauty and form.  And that beauty remains etched for all time, to remain valuable in its maker’s eyes.  He is willing to guarantee his work for a lifetime of wear.  The jeweler, who was from Italy, was so proud of his creation, and confirmed that it took weeks to make each piece. The process could not be shortened, because each step was necessary.  There were no shortcuts to achieve the desired strength and beauty he purposed the piece to have.

God has included himself into the process of molding us.  Like pure gold we hold great value to him, but when we become less of ourselves, and one with Him, we take on a flexibility that helps us give with the ebb and flow of life.  We are no less gold, just gold plus that which makes us more than just something pretty to look at.  We take on God’s strength and character.   In a way, Jesus was like this jeweler, who took what was known about the properties of gold for thousands of years, and made it more useful than it had ever been before. As the sales girl, stretched the bracelet gently, the maker said,  “Oh, stretch it more than that, it will not fail.  It can stand much stretching and will always return to its perfect shape.”  So she stretched it twice as far and it returned beautifully to a perfect bracelet once again.

 Lord, I have been through some fires in life, that like the old saint, Job, I wanted to find you and bring my arguments. I wanted you to give me answers as to why must the fire be so hot! What value could my circumstances possibly have on becoming more like you, when, while going through the fire I was so bent out of shape that I didn’t even recognize myself, much less see you becoming one with my character?  I certainly didn’t act like you.  I knew you were there, I knew you allowed me to fall into my emotions and you didn’t mind at all. I knew you never accused me, saying, “How dare you ask me Why?” You let me groan from the pain, and cry out for help. You knew I thought it was more than I could bear.  But rather than leave me, as with Shadrack, Meshack and Abednigo, you joined me in the fire.  In places where no one else could go with me, you were there. When the din of the intensity made it impossible for me to hear you, I could SCREAM to you, and it was OK.  You never cared that I acted like a human and not like God. You simply made yourself the element of strength that would be bound to my future.  And when I emerged exhausted from the process, you allowed me to simply spring back into shape, but now stronger, more beautiful, etched by your hand a permanent pattern of your design. Woven intricately into a new form, renewed in my mind, with a shiny new purpose.  More valuable in my Maker’s eyes.  Thank you for being the only one I have to answer to when I go through the fires of tempering.  And thank you for becoming one with me, even when some would wrongfully judge me as being far from your presence.  Because, Lord that is what people do.  As Jesus said, “Father forgive them, because they just don’t understand.”  And because that is just what You do. AMEN

 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.  Job 23:10

 

On the Topic of Judging Others ...

There is one thing i've always been afraid of, even before i committed my life to following Jesus—judgment. i'm not afraid of judgment by God because i know that His grace and His blood has covered all my sin. i'm talking about the judgment that comes from people, especially those who call themselves Christian. i've been amazed, throughout my journey as a Christian, that the people who've hurt me and judged me the most are the same ones who preach scripture and go to church in their Sunday's best.

i've been thinking a lot today about the reason people leave church and give up on God. It's because the people who have come forward in truth and honesty and brokenness are the ones who get criticized by the ones who should be responding with love and grace, seeking truth because they know Jesus and His word.

Now, i find myself surrounded by a bunch of stone-throwers in regards to my dissolution of marriage.

And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”—john 8:7

There is a lot of gossip going around in religious establishments when no one knows the truth—and no one has asked me for it either. Mere speculation. What i find to be the most interesting and saddening is that a lot of these people stood around and watched me struggle for over 2 years and left me to carry all of this alone. Maybe they prayed. But no one offered to come to our home and help ... to see what i saw and experienced. Yet, when my husband tells me he just wants to be my friend, doesn't call me but twice in two months (to only ask for more of his things), and had rejected me 3 times within 3 days, they are all ready to throw the first stone at me in judgment. And even though i offered several times to meet with people to share the truth (truth that only a wife would know about her husband), they all rejected me and decided to speculate what they believed to be true.

"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”—john 7:24

Today, i am not afraid. God knows the truth and one day it will all surface—truth always wins. The truth has set me free and i won't be held in bondage by those who choose to gossip untruths. God is the one true judge and i know that i am right before God and that is all that matters.

i was reluctant to share all of this, but think it's important to share because Christians (i include myself in this) are not doing a very good job of be a shining light of God's love and mercy and grace. We are turning people off from Christianity and Jesus because we are judgmental, hypocritical, impatient, quick to anger, gossipers, etc. If we are reading our Bible, we know what God says about all of these things, so every time we contradict what we know to be true by our actions, we send people farther away from the church and Jesus.

i am not angry or bitter that i am being talked about. If anything, i'm even more empowered to be rich in mercy and full of love as i encounter those who are hurting and going through turbulent times. The truth will always be that we will never know someone's whole story (without going directly to the source), so we shouldn't be quick to throw stones. Those who are hurting need to be loved and heard and shown grace—everything that Jesus would show us.

i love what Matthew 7:1-5 says (click the link to read the NKJ version). The version below is The Message version.

A Simple Guide for Behavior
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

Father God, we live in such a judgmental culture. It's easy to pick on others to take the focus off our own faults. Help us all to seek the truth—from the source—so that we can all be right before You. Take the stones out of our hands, God, for we know we have no right to judge others. Remind us that the right thing to do is to be kind to those who are hurting and struggling, to hear their story without judging, and to be full of mercy and grace. Humble us, Lord, when we have a holier-than-thou attitude because we know we are not without fault, too. Bless those who seek truth in honesty and with their heart. Bless those who are feeling the heat of judgment that's not from You— block the flaming arrows and give them a spirit of peace.

Scripture to memorize:
 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.—Matthew 7:1-2

Take Five!

One of my dearest Christian friends used to say, “Inch by inch-life’s a cinch!”  I often come back to that simple saying when I am feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands.  I, like you, have many roles and expectations being a working mom and wife.  

I firmly believe that the enemy would want us to have chaos rule our lives.  From the Garden of Eden when satan’s temptation caused Adam and Eve to trade a life of peace and comfort for one of turmoil and hard work; and our adversary has had a plan of distraction laid out for God’s children.  This divisive scheme of busyness continues to plague us.

This following is an excerpt is from the devotion called “SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND” by Marsha Burns dated 8/9/11:

“Make time for Me in your busy schedule. Your ability to stay connected spiritually will produce peace and good fruit in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Remember that you don't have to accomplish enormous challenges all at once; you are well able to do one thing at a time, moment by moment and still succeed. Refuse the allow stress and pressure to steal your peace and joy, says the Lord.”

Isaiah 26:12 says, “Lord, You establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.”

The past six years have been such a tremendous spiritual journey for me.  I rearranged the way I do business with the Lord-beginning with the minute I get out of the bed.  Instead of being hurried and late, I simply get up a few minutes earlier and sit in my chair to read my devotion, sing a song of praise, write in my prayer journal, or just soak in the presence of my Heavenly Father.  I ask the Lord to prioritize my steps for the day and guide me to accomplish the things that make a kingdom difference.  This has made a huge adjustment on my outlook of life to that of a heavenly focus.

Psalm 5:3 says,“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

The author, David, reveals through this verse that God’s perfect plan for us is to spend time with the Lord first thing in the morning and lay our burdens at his feet while waiting expectantly for direction.  

Our daily challenge is to take a few minutes and fellowship with our Heavenly Father.  This simple “time out” in our lives will allow God to direct our paths and align our hearts and attitudes with His perfect plan.  The peace that flows from our relationship with the King will transform our routines into a kingdom focused life.

My Prayer:  God, thank you for adjusting my attitude when I take a few minutes out of my morning to fellowship with you!  Holy Spirit, show me how to maintain a life that is pointing others toward my Heavenly Father.  I lay down my busyness at the foot of the cross and thank you, Father, for providing perfect peace in the midst of a hectic schedule.  In Jesus name!

 Scripture to memorize:

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from, me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

                                                                                                            ~Matthew 11:28-30

 

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

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Escaping the Slime

I remember watching a Nickelodeon show with my kids when they were younger where unsuspecting contestants had a bucket of green slime dropped on their heads.  They would duck but not be able to avoid the lime green pasty yuck that covered their bodies.  I really think life can be just like that sometimes.  We can be rolling along and get pummeled by the slime of life.  There are times when the slime just keeps pouring onto us for months or even years.

As I was pondering several slimy events going on in my life right now, the Lord led me to Psalm 40:1-3:

"I waited patiently for the Lord:

he turned to me and heard my cry.

 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

 out of the mud and mire;

 he set my feet on a rock

 and gave me a firm place to stand.

 He put a new song in my mouth,

 a hymn of praise to our God.

 Many will see and fear

 and put their trust in the Lord."

Beth Moore often says, “The way up in God’s economy, is down (on our faces before the Lord).”  There’s no better time to humble ourselves before God than when we are facing difficult circumstances.  I think that God uses our earthly trials to draw us to himself-a time of undivided attention.  

As we examine Psalm 40, let’s not miss the important promises there.  First, God hears our prayers.  He may answer them in His way and in His timing, but God hears His children.  Second, He provides rescue to His people.  In the midst of every trial, God offers a place of complete peace at the foot of the cross.  Third, the Lord renews our hearts and redeems our testimonies using every moment for His glory.  Billy Graham said, “The most remarkable thing about suffering is that God can use it for our good.”

My Prayer:  God, I thank you for providing a glimpse of victory through Psalm 40.  I choose to wait patiently for you until you lift me out of the slimy situations that life throws my way.  Change my heart, Lord, and give me a hymn of praise so that many others will know more of you from my testimony.  In Jesus name!

Scripture to tuck into your heart:

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

                                                                                ~James 4:10

 

He will never leave you nor forsake you

i have learned a lot in the last several years when it comes to standing my ground (standing on faith and truth) and have come to realize that standing firm on truth will produce two things:

1. A strong army of supprt and encouragement or
2. The opposite: A strong army of those will will beat you down in unbelief.

The last several months, in regards to Luke's health, i have encountered #2 the most—mostly from Luke's side of the family/friends and the church in general. i have been beaten down—questioned, unbelieved, and when opinions weren't verbal the silence could cut through glass.

And even though i believe i was in the Lord's will and being obedient, i was never good enough. The things i did for Luke were never enough—even though i practically lived off supernatural grace and strength just to get through each day. Through the ones i thought i would get the most support, i caught the most heartache and it has left me feeling very sad the last few weeks.

But God has taken that sadness, insecurity, and feelings of being all alone and He put people in my life who would hear my story, pray and join hands with me—and i am regaining strength again, picking myself back up. The number is growing of those who are standing behind me and i feel loved and protected ... and by God's grace and the love of others i am reminded that i am good enough.

When we stand for what the Lord has put on our hearts and we don't lose our footing, sometimes it feels like we are standing on an isolated rock out in the middle of the desert wondering if there is any hope of others joining hands with us. And the sad truth is that even family or our closest friends will turn their backs on us in unbelief. But, when that happens we can't be moved—what the Lord reveals to us and tells us to hold on to is more important than what others think. And, for every one that beats us down, He will send two to lift us back up—this i am sure of.

Be encouraged that you will never stand alone when you stand for what you believe in, even though it may feel like it. Ask God to put people in your life who will stand strong with you and who will support and encourage you—who will love you for who you are. Most importantly, though, know that even if people fail you, that the Lord your God will never leave you nor forsake you.

Heavenly Father, you know my foes are many and you know how much it hurts. Please send your Holy Spirit to fill in the holes of my heart. Send your mighty war angels to stand behind me. Put people in my life who i can trust and who will join hands with me. And, God, even on the days where i feel like i am all alone, i thank you and praise you for You never leave me nor forsake me. Sometimes the path to truth and the cross is a lonely journey, but there is no hurt that you can't heal and there is still joy to be found in Your strength. Help me, Lord, to not become angry and bitter towards those who turn their back on me, but to forgive 70x7 times and move forward in faith.

Scripture to memorize:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.—Deuteronomy 31:6

Are We Soldiers or Do We Just Dress the Part

At the Vatican, there is a unit of soldiers who have for hundreds of years, protected the Popes. They are called the Suisse Guard.  Their uniform still conforms to what was worn when soldiers only had swords, shields, bows and arrows, and cat of nines on chains as basic weapons.  But the narrator on the History Channel who was telling about them in recent airings, said to not be fooled by the costume like appearance.  These are the best of the best, trained in the Suisse Army as sharp shooters, snipers and experts in the use of all the best weaponry.  You see they know that it isn’t their uniform with which they fight. 

Granted the military today which fights in deserts, chooses a uniform that helps them blend into the desert. Uniforms of recent past wars, needed to camouflage the soldiers in forested circumstances, and would be shades of green. If you are a soldier, you know you will be dressed in a uniform of some kind. So it is with Christians.  We have probably all heard about dressing in our spiritual armor. Most of us sang the song, “I’m In the Lord’s Army” since we were children, followed by the sermon about how to dress in the spiritual armor.

 Military, Police, FBI, CIA, DEA, Border Patrol, and security agencies of all kinds are trained to use the weapons that will be most effective in the situations where their services are needed.  But how effective would they be in an actual situation, which called for their active defense, if they went in with only their uniforms and intensive training? No weapons or ammo, just uniforms, armor and training. They could stand ready for months, years, and look really ready if they were not asked to prove themselves.  It would be difficult to know if they were actually prepared or not at all prepared, if there were no proving grounds.  What if the time came, that we needed them, and they went rushing in with only their uniforms and training, shouting, “We are ready, bring it on?” 

They would be slaughtered.  Cause the other side would care nothing at all about how big a show they could put on marching, or doing dress maneuvers.  They could even be carrying weapons, but without the ammo and the ability to use it, showing up would be to no avail.  

So it is with Christian battles.  We must have our training:  scriptures, a few exercises along the way, Christian teachers, and people wise in the ways of the enemy sharing the enemy’s secrets with us.  We need our whole armor.  We must dress in uniform, the proper attire to protect us as we enter the task, whether it is war or just security.  But when we come up against Satan’s worst attacks, if we don’t actually use the tools that God gave us, Satan’s army will demonstrate the powers they yield, thinking they can scare us into shut down or flee mode.  In the Psychological circles it is called, fight or flight. With Satan we tend to be all flight.

 What are our tools? - Two significant ones.  Aside from protecting our mind and body with the armor, we must go in with weapon and ammo at the ready.

1. The Holy Spirit is the weapon we bear. Like a cowboy with his holster always buckled on, or a thief who tucks his knife into his shoe, the Holy Spirit is closer than any weapon we could choose. Always ready, always handy, always available.  Always. 
2. Our ammunition is the blood of Jesus. The fact that Jesus shed His blood is powerful enough.  Nothing added. It is the bullet that packs the ultimate punch, which shuts Evil down.

 On a couple of occasions in the Old Testament, God chose only 2 men, or whittled the great armies down to smaller and smaller groups to go to battle for the Israelites.  God had pleasure in showing us David who faced his attackers alone, with total reliance on God.  When the Israelites walked around and around Jericho, God fought their battle for them.  They did not go in wielding uniforms or armor or weapons, because God wants to make the point that anytime we do battle with spiritual beings, it is never our battle to fight.  It is never "we" who are able to bring the enemy down.  However, God will use us to be the David through which He makes the Goliaths fall. 

We must always stand before the scariest, monsters in our lives, (and I am talking people here, who threaten or seek to destroy us or our loved ones,) knowing our scriptures, knowing our enemy, dressed in the full armor.  Those are the basics of belonging to the “army,” being a soldier, etc.  But you never defeat the enemy until you use your weapons:

Go into battle, boldly saying, “Greater is He that is in me, than *he that is in the world" -*small letter, he.  See who is on your side. Who goes before you in power? Whose power is greatest? By whose authority do you do battle? Who is your leader? Do you believe He is greater?    Who is trying to make the biggest boom, to scare you…? Satan’s Angels will do the scariest things!!! -Sneaky, malicious things that cause fear.  Ask yourself, who is the liar? Who silently stands by with the most powerful weapons? The Spirit. Cause he is carrying the deadliest weapon on earth.  The Blood of Jesus, which was shed in our stead.

 If God can be for us, who can be against us?  Trust the Blood to hold the most authority of anything in your arsenal.  There is no weapon more powerful. Claim it. Use it in prayer to subdue the enemy. Use the verse Greater is He, to remind us who is most powerful, who stands in the gap, who is keeping us.  It is to keep our mind stationary on the truth, and not be fooled by a power less than the Almighty God, just because it is making he most noise.  Claim the blood, quote the scripture, *bind the evil, tell it where to go. And it must obey. Then ask God to heal the memories and help you not to yield to the fear again.

 USE YOUR WEAPONS.  Don’t expect to dress like a soldier but never use the weapons if you find yourself in the heat of battle.  Nothing but proper use of your weapons will do you any good.  Put a stop to the evil one making power plays in your life. 

The following is a cute song about the trickster on the prowl, by Fernando Ortega. Full of symbolism and truth.  Beware, it opens loudly, and it immediately aludes to how we get so involved in enjoying life that we sometimes aren't aware of the predator.  Cats who haven't come in for safety, want nothing more than to come in to safety when they find the prowler is near by. I hope you enjoy it, and take it with a grain of salt.

WHEN THE COYOTE COMES - by Fernando Ortega.

 

I also found the Fire Power Ministries' SCHOOL OF DELIVERANCE to be interesting.  In a way the list of things she says to repeat to yourself seems over the top, but her point is to renew your mind to turn automatically to your assurance the blood is the most valuable tool of warfare we have. I especially like #25 on her list. She gives 57 ways to say to ourselves...God took care of everything on the cross, and the worst evils come under submission to Christ's best gift - His Blood. Overkill, or the best weapon when you are alone and afraid? If you ever need it, you will know for sure.

The most joyful way I know to remind myself of this truth, is the old song: Power In The Blood. (by Lewis Jones, 1899.) The chorus says - "There is power, power, wonder working power,  in the blood, of the Lamb. There is power, power, wonder working power, in the precious blood of the Lamb."   Sometimes our pastor would have us sing  every verse and then repeat the chorus 2 or 3 times. He also had us sing it doubling the number of times we said Power quickly: "There is pow'r, pow'r, pow'r pow'r, wonder working power...etc." Why?  To get it into our heads. To make us think of it first when we come up against the darkest battles in life. To help give us confidence, and help us remember we are walking containers for the all powerful. And if Satan makes you feel like you are not... just bring up the blood.   Use it like a weapon!

It is not a magic wand, a cute game, or mere symbolism. Jesus isn't a cartoon super hero. His power is real Power!!!!!

I personally believe that it is very important that we get to the place that we trust in this power to the point that we can do like Jesus did - and quietly, one time speak the Word, and insist that the evil ones obey. No scary stuff, just quiet submission to the blood's real power. When we bind them with that power, and say you can't come back to bring more worse than yourselves, because I include them in the power of the blood, then we are finally using our faith, believing that Christ died for a purpose. We are making a better, simpler, healthier, happier life full of the good gifts of God. The repititions are only for us.  To bolster our faith, to combat our fears. They have no more power over evil than speaking it once in faith.

Father I claim that Blood, over this post and all who would read it. And to their family members and friends. Grant us faith to allow you to be all powerful in every aspect of our lives. Help us use the weapons you gave us wisely.  AMEN

*"...Peter, upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it, and I will give thee the keys to the kingdom of heaven ...whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shalt be bound in heaven...." Matthew 16:17-19. 

(ck out the old testament ministry of binding things with a scarlet cord which is the fore shadowing of binding that which would harm us with the blood. Use a concordance, and follow the scriptures. )

 

"Just Enough Light"

Stormie Omartian wrote a book called, Just Enough Light for the Step I’m On, and I have to admit that I bought it merely for the message in the title.  You see, I’m the type of person that likes to make an educated decision based on all the facts and research that I can come up with which is great unless we are talking about waiting on the Lord.  

Sometimes God doesn’t give us all the information during our journeys so that we will trust in His character, His will, His provisions, but most of all, His love for us.  Stormie says, “The path is not a punishment; it’s a privilege.  It’s not a restriction; it’s a reward.”

Stormie opens her book with this poem called, “Just Enough Light.”

“Sometimes only the step I’m on,

or the very next one ahead,

is all that is illuminated for me.

God gives just the amount of light I need

for the exact moment I need it.

At those times I walk in surrender to faith,

unable to see the future

and not fully comprehending the past.

And because it is God who has given me

what light I have,

I know I must reject the fear and 

doubt that threaten to overtake me.

I must determine to be content where

I am, and allow God to get me where I

need to go.

I walk forward,

one step at a time,

fully trusting that

the light God sheds

is absolutely sufficient."

Walking with God doesn’t mean that we have the answers to every situation in our life, it only means that we are praying our way through on a daily or even hourly basis while trusting that the Lord has our best interest in mind.  

Billy Graham said, “Pray for wisdom to deal with whatever is worrying you.  Pray that God will act to change the circumstances according to His will.  He doesn’t always do what we want Him to-but He knows what’s best for us, and He can be trusted.”

Our challenge today is to lay our circumstances at the foot of the cross and allow God to envelope us with His sweet love and peace.  Let’s allow this old hymn written by John Sammis in the late 1800’s be the cry of our hearts,

“When we walk with the Lord

in the light of His word,

What a glory He sheds on our way!

 

While we do His good will,

He abides with us still

and with all who will trust and obey

 

Trust and obey for there’s no other way

to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey”

 

My Prayer:  Lord, thank you for being a loving Father and looking out for me.  Give me courage to continue when I don’t have all the pieces to my life’s puzzle.  Holy Spirit, remind me to trust and obey when I’m scared.  I choose to lay my worries at the foot of the cross.  Thank you Jesus for bearing the burden of my sins.  In Jesus name!

 

Scripture to memorize:

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

for to you I lift up my soul."

~Psalm 143:8

 

Truth Always Wins

Without going into all the details, i caught a glimpse of hell in the last two weeks. In this time, one thing has continued to speak to my heart over and over and over. Truth always wins.

In my quest for truth over the last 3 years in regards to Luke's health, i have sought it honestly and whole-heartedly, without a doubt that the Lord my God would heal Luke. And, today, i still believe it. For three years, God has made it my focus, my passion, and my heart—not to be a hero or for bragging rights—but to set Luke free.

In the last few weeks, God has revealed many things to me that would help Luke heal.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.—John 8:32

The thing that i've found out is that not everyone likes the truth and not everyone embraces truth. Truth can sometimes reveal things that have been hidden or suppressed in hope of keeping secrets behind lock and key. Truth can reveal things that some people cannot bear to hear. Truth can reveal things that go against everything one always thought to be true. Embracing truth may require change or for someone to re-examine past choices. Sometimes the truth isn't pretty.

But truth will ultimately set you free. And, all the things that truth exposes, God can heal—He releases the burden that really wasn't ours to bear in the first place. He covers the pain, the lies, the secrets, the fears with the blood of Jesus, washing all those things away, leaving nothing but freedom. Pure freedom in Christ Jesus.

When you seek truth AND the face of God, truth always wins. Sometimes, to get to that point, God takes away everything that will distract you from the truth. This was true for me. God took away everything except my basic needs, not as punishment, but so that God could reveal the truth to me and i could believe it knowing that it couldn't have come from anyone but Him. As i look back on my sorrow when God started to take things away, i now find joy—being so tuned in to Him has been my life preserver the last few years.

One thing you need to always remember: Seek truth—God's truth—seek it with all your heart, standing firm in your faith and God will always reveal truth to you. Always. And when others don't believe you or they stand in the way of truth, stand firm in your faith and let God remove the mud from the eyes that don't believe—never lose hope.

Scripture to memorize: Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.—John 8:32

Watching the Clouds Roll By

Have you ever rested on a blanket on a beautiful day and watched the clouds roll by?  Today I was discussing some issues with a very wise person in my life.  I told her that I was frustrated with myself for getting anxious when life is too demanding.  She introduced me to a new way of viewing stress in our lives by knowing that, like clouds pass on by, seasons of anxiety will blow by and it’s our job to remain in the peace of the Spirit until they pass.

What an amazing idea!  Too often we allow ourselves to become blown around by the dark clouds instead of peacefully lying on the blankets of grace laid out by our Heavenly Father. If we rest in the God’s faithfulness when our lives become too much, the stressful season will pass according to the Lord’s will. 

Jesus explains this point in Matthew 11:28-30 when He says,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

 Romans 5:3-5 says,

“We also rejoice in our sufferings; because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hears by the Holy Spirit, who he has given us.”

Billy Graham said, “Only the Holy Spirit can give us peace in the midst of the storms of restlessness and despair.  We should not grieve our Guide by indulging in worry or paying undue attention to self.”

Certainly some storms are stronger and last longer than others, but if we focus on the grace that a relationship with God affords, we will endure these times with a peace that surpasses understanding.  It’s much easier said than done.  It takes perseverance in attitude and a constant renewing of the heart and mind, but this endurance in hardship secures our emotional victory.

My Prayer:  God, thank you for words that inspire me to look at things a new way.  I choose to rest in the comfort of your Holy Spirit today and ask you to pour your peace around me as I watch stressful seasons blow by like the clouds.  Remind me to pay attention during hard times so that I may minister to others later.  I praise you for providing the hope that comes from running the race with perseverance.  Thank you Jesus, for being the perfect example of finishing well.  In Jesus’ Name!

 

 

Always

 

My foes are many, they rise against me
But I will hold my ground
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always

Troubles surround me, chaos abounding
My soul will rest in You
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way

Three and a Half Pounds Later

At the young age of 24, I became pregnant with our first child.  We had recently found out that we would be relocating to Knoxville, Tennessee, just a couple of hours north of our hometown.  My new OB-GYN there instructed me to monitor my son’s fetal movements for about thirty minutes every day.

After school each day, I dutifully sat for a little while and felt my baby move.  One Memorial Day weekend, I noticed that he wasn’t moving as much so I decided to call on Tuesday.  Everyone kept saying, “He’s running out of room,” or “You are healthy, so there’s nothing to worry about.”  Still, in my heart, there was an uneasiness that urged me into action.

I called the doctor on Tuesday and they requested for me to drive up for a non-stress test assuring me that there was probably nothing wrong.  My mom decided to go with me and we picked up my husband at his new office.

When we arrived at the doctor’s office, they performed the non-stress test and my life changed forever.  Doctors and specialists rushed in and out whispering to one another.  Finally a doctor tells us, “You are going to have your baby today.”

Within an hour, our son, Evan, was born by way of cesarean section at 33 weeks and weighed only three and a half pounds.  A neonatal intensive care team whisked him away to help him survive as Eric and I watched in absolute shock and horror.  We were told later that he would not have lived if we had waited any longer.

I remember my aunt whispering to me as I laid in my bed one night, “God has big plans for this little boy, Lori. Don’t ever doubt that.”  I still watch in amazement at this man-child of mine, who fourteen years later, has such a strong heart for the Lord.  I have no reservation in saying that this young man is going to do big things in the name of Jesus.

Even though I did not walk with the Lord at the time my son was born, I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit was working in my heart and life.  I know that the discernment I felt was the nudge of the Lord.  You see, God created me and He had good plans for me in the midst of my rebellion against my salvation: plans that even I couldn’t mess up.

Since Evan’s grand entrance to the world, I have often heeded the whisper of the Holy Spirit without question.  I can honestly say that I don’t know what those times will look like until I get to heaven and see the whole picture, but I know the voice of the Lord and I don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to obey.

My Prayer:  Thank you Lord for saving my son’s life and leading me when I had rejected you.  I pray that today you will speak clearly to those waiting to hear a word from you and that they would heed your calling.  Thank you Holy Spirit for making yourself abundantly clear to your children.  God, I am in awe that you have great plans for me according to Jeremiah 29:11.  Your Word brings me such refreshment, Father.  Continue to breathe life and truth through your Word.  In Jesus’ Name!

Scripture to memorize:  

“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

 

 

 

Looking for Help

Last night my daughter and I went to see the Christian group, “Casting Crowns,” perform in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at a local festival on the river.  As the sun settled in behind the mountains after a blazing hot June day in the South, a crisp coolness floated on the festival.

 I had never seen “Casting Crowns” in concert, but it was worth every minute of my evening.  The lead singer asked that everyone bow their heads together as he led the crowd in a quiet, tender prayer.  In my childlike imagination, I dreamed of what all those prayers looked like ascending toward our Father.  I thought about how the Holy Spirit in careful ministry was weaving His way in and out of lawn chairs and blankets and crossing the Tennessee River to those in the boats who were parked on the water. 

 After performing the song, “Praise You in the Storm,” I began to ponder Psalm 121 that says,

 "I lift my eyes to the hills

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

 He will not let your foot slip

he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

 The Lord watches over you

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

 The Lord will keep you from all harm

he will watch over your life,

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore."

 The footnote in my Bible says, 

 “This song expresses assurance and hope in God’s protection day and night.  He not only made the hills but heaven and earth as well.  We should never trust a lesser power than God himself.  But not only is he all-powerful, he also watches over us.  Nothing diverts or deters him.  We are safe.  We never outgrow our need for God’s untiring watch over our lives.”

 After enduring a very difficult season this year, I find such comfort in these verses.  There were times during the past few months that I could only play my praise music and weep asking the Holy Spirit to intercede the cries of my heart.  God is never surprised by the troubles, hurts, circumstances, or messes we find ourselves wrapped up in.  The God of heaven and earth never sleeps and is always watching over my life wherever I am always.  What assurance we can draw from these simple truths!

 Our help comes from a plea to our Heavenly Father who is listening and is ready to act on our behalf in His time.  God doesn’t expect “spiritual sounding” prayers but a heart cry from a child to his or her Daddy.  No matter what storm we find ourselves weathering today, God is already there watching over us.

 My prayer:  Lord, I am thankful that Romans 8 promises that the Holy Spirit helps us in our time of weakness by interceding for us in groans that words cannot express.  Holy Spirit, remind me where my help comes from when I doubt.  God, I choose to praise you today, even in the storms of life.  Thank you for never sleeping and keeping a careful watch over my life-now and forevermore.  In Jesus name!

 

Scripture to tuck in the center of your heart:

 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."  

                                                                        ~1Peter 5:7 

 

Weathering the Storms of Life

We had a series of impressive storms roll through Ohio last week and, let me tell ya, it stressed me out. Maybe i wouldn't have worried so much if it weren't for Luke's epilepsy, but people with epilepsy really shouldn't be awakened from slumber. So when storms are rolling through at 1:00am, i tend to lay awake and worry what the heck i'm going to do if the sirens go off and i have to wake Luke up.

And on top of that i worry when i'm away from home and stormy weather is making its way closer. What if i get caught driving in it? What will i do if i see a tornado? Will the pups be OK? i mean, i seriously have so many thoughts going through my head that it drives me nuts! And, ultimately, i couldn't answer any of the above questions—i don't think i could ever really be prepared for a life-threatening storm.

i could set out flashlights and prepare a corner of our basement with blankets and pillows, but that's about it. Whatever happens, happens, regardless of how prepared (or not) i am—i am not in control. When i got to thinking about this, i realized how much the storms of life are very similar.

The thing about stormy seasons in our life is that we will never see them coming. We don't get a warning to take cover or time to prepare an emergency kit. The clouds roll in during the blink of an eye and we're left wondering where the sunshine went and when it will come back.

It's dark. It's scary. It's maddening. And it seems there's nothing we can do except wait it out. We raise our umbrella, put on rain boots, and wonder why we weren't more prepared for the storm.

photo by Simply Hue

We pray, hope, and seek. Nothing happens. In fact, the wind blows the umbrella right out of our hands and the water rises above our boots. We get drenched and realize how cold the rain is and all of a sudden we start to fall into hopelessness. God seems distant and the world has abandoned us to weather the storm alone. Months, even years go by and we keep fighting despite the grim outlook.

Sound familiar? Anyone ever experience something like this with an illness, job loss, or death of a close friend/family member? i can honestly tell you, my friends, that storm i've been weathering the last few years has been very similar. Being that it blew in at 100mph, i have come to realize that i really couldn't have been prepared for this in any way.

Well, there is one way ...

i could have been spiritually prepared. i knew God's Word, but not like i should have. i should've been spiritually strong, but i wasn't. When i should've been standing firm upon the Rock, i continually got knocked off. And every time i got knocked off, i got back up because of God's strength and grace—it made me stronger and stronger. i've reached a point where each fall isn't as severe and i rebound quicker, because when i fall, i call out God's promises and seek His Word, making it easier to get back up. And now i am at a point where i am getting spiritually stronger, and truth be told, the storm is starting to quiet down.

Life's umbrellas and rain boots will fail us, always. But taking refuge under His wings in the midst of a storm will keep us safe. It's there that we can find peace, joy, comfort, and love when we can't see beyond the rain. It is there that we can remain strong and courageous as we learn life lessons, build faith, and learn to trust Him. We can be confident that we will come out of this a better person, rooted in faith and ready to help someone else find shelter in their storm. When the sun starts to shine again we won't find ourselves beaten and battered by the strong winds; we'll feel refreshed with stronger wings than we had before—ready to soar higher than we ever thought possible.

It is my prayer for you that you will start perparing now for the first storm or the twentieth in your life by seeking Him every morning in prayer, reading His Word daily and asking God to give you wisdom. With Him you can power through any storm. Without him, you're left to the blowing wind, deafening thunder, and pounding rain—the things that you cannot find shelter from unless you're under His mighty wings.