Hebrews 10:23, "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." NIV
I'm a pretty steady person. Overall, I don't get too riled; I don't have a lot of emotional upsets. Yet sometimes, I stand amazed at my emotions.
How can I feel on the top of the world in one minute, feeling as if nothing can touch me...and then the next...when the battle gets especially "real"...feel so overwhelmed by life's circumstances...worried about the future...and second guess my call?
Truly, if it were not for the grace of God...what a miserable wretch I would be.
I find it a constant task to tame my mind...to take every thought captive to the cross...to not put my hope and security in what I possess...but in the One through Whom all things are possible.
EVER FEEL THIS WAY???
I have to remind myself that with Christ we can hope...even against all hope...because He is faithful! And, all things are possible with Him!
I love the story of the man who obtained a reprieve from his sentence to death; he did so "by assuring the king he would teach his majesty's horse to fly within the year--on the condition that if he didn't succeed, he would be put to death at the end of the year. "Within a year," the man explained later, "the king may die, or I may die, or the horse may die. Furthermore, in a year, who knows? Maybe the horse will learn to fly."--Bernard M. Baruch
Though this story is a light-hearted look at hope...the truth is "There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them."--Clare Boothe Luce.
As Christians, our hope is not in the temporal...but the eternal. Regardless of our circumstances, our battles, or our fears...we can have the confidence to know that we will triumph.
So take a moment; let your mind be renewed; let your heart be encouraged by remembering 1 Peter 1:3-9 which says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." NIV
Prayer: Father, fill us with the joy of our salvation. Fill us with peace, knowing that no one can ever separate us from Your love. Move on our behalf. Grant us Your favor. Encourage our hearts with Your Presence. Draw near to us and fill us with HOPE! Thank You for Your love and mercy. In Jesus Name, amen.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
What Will You Offer?
In Matthew 26:2, Jesus announces "You know that after two day the Passover is coming, and the Son of man is to be handed over for crucifixion." NIV
But it seems as if His words fall on deaf ears. We see no reaction from the disciples; it's as if they're thinking, "Hmmmm. I wonder what Jesus is talking about now? He's always talking in riddles. Surely, He doesn't really mean He's going to be crucified." I wonder what clouded their mind; why didn't they heed more attention? But, there was one who listened...Mary of Bethany. I love her story.
Matthew 26:6-13, "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." NIV
Mary heard Jesus' words and took them at face value; "the Son of man is to be handed over for crucifixion." You can almost hear her thoughts..."What can I do? How can I show Him how much I love Him? What can I offer Him?"...A rabbit trail of ideas leading her to the final thought of..."My perfume...I will pour out my alabaster jar of perfume."
Her tender sacrifice ministered to Jesus...an act of kindness before His final battle. He knew what lay ahead. Mary gave everything she had. As a woman, she laid her hope of the future on the line and poured it out over Jesus. The perfume was her security...her hope of survival. As a woman, she has no way to support herself. Her alabaster jar of perfume would have supported her and provided...but Mary of Bethany's love for Jesus meant more than her personal comfort and security. Her act of love demonstrated that her trust was not in what she possessed...Her hope was in Jesus. Her confidence was in Him. He meant everything. She knew that He alone secured her future. So, no cost would be too great.
When the disciples scoffed and ridiculed...Jesus saw her faith and devotion. He defender her act of love; and as promised, her display of love would be remembered forever.
I love Mary's story because she puts it all out their on the line. She doesn't hold anything back. Irregardless of the opinions of others, she loves Jesus extravagantly.
Her story moves me to love Him more passionately. I want to pour out my offering, my life, my everything, for Him. I don't want to worry about my security, my future; I want to abandon it all for the sake of loving Him. I want my life to be broken and spilled out for His glory.
Today, I encourage you to love Him passionately. Don't hold anything back. Ask yourself, like Mary of Bethany, "How can I show Him how much I love Him?"
Prayer: Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for our hope of salvation. Thank You Jesus for dying for us, for enduring the cross. Thank You God for forgiveness. Help us to honor You. We love You Lord, Amen.
But it seems as if His words fall on deaf ears. We see no reaction from the disciples; it's as if they're thinking, "Hmmmm. I wonder what Jesus is talking about now? He's always talking in riddles. Surely, He doesn't really mean He's going to be crucified." I wonder what clouded their mind; why didn't they heed more attention? But, there was one who listened...Mary of Bethany. I love her story.
Matthew 26:6-13, "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." NIV
Mary heard Jesus' words and took them at face value; "the Son of man is to be handed over for crucifixion." You can almost hear her thoughts..."What can I do? How can I show Him how much I love Him? What can I offer Him?"...A rabbit trail of ideas leading her to the final thought of..."My perfume...I will pour out my alabaster jar of perfume."
Her tender sacrifice ministered to Jesus...an act of kindness before His final battle. He knew what lay ahead. Mary gave everything she had. As a woman, she laid her hope of the future on the line and poured it out over Jesus. The perfume was her security...her hope of survival. As a woman, she has no way to support herself. Her alabaster jar of perfume would have supported her and provided...but Mary of Bethany's love for Jesus meant more than her personal comfort and security. Her act of love demonstrated that her trust was not in what she possessed...Her hope was in Jesus. Her confidence was in Him. He meant everything. She knew that He alone secured her future. So, no cost would be too great.
When the disciples scoffed and ridiculed...Jesus saw her faith and devotion. He defender her act of love; and as promised, her display of love would be remembered forever.
I love Mary's story because she puts it all out their on the line. She doesn't hold anything back. Irregardless of the opinions of others, she loves Jesus extravagantly.
Her story moves me to love Him more passionately. I want to pour out my offering, my life, my everything, for Him. I don't want to worry about my security, my future; I want to abandon it all for the sake of loving Him. I want my life to be broken and spilled out for His glory.
Today, I encourage you to love Him passionately. Don't hold anything back. Ask yourself, like Mary of Bethany, "How can I show Him how much I love Him?"
Prayer: Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for our hope of salvation. Thank You Jesus for dying for us, for enduring the cross. Thank You God for forgiveness. Help us to honor You. We love You Lord, Amen.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Who Do You Say He Is?
It's said that there were over 300 prophesies (foretold long before Jesus' birth) about the coming Messiah. As I look at Matthew 21:1-9, I realize (afresh) how amazing it is that Jesus fulfilled every prophesy Scripture foretold, even down to His entry into Jerusalem.
"As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'"The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
"Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!"
We could spend weeks talking about all the prophesies Jesus fulfilled, but instead I felt impressed to focus on the response of the crowd.
"When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked: "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." (Matthew 21:10-11) NIV
For some reason this verse stood out to me today. The crowd shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David...Hosanna in the highest." Yet when they were asked who He was, they replied: "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
A question arose within me: How can it be that in one moment they hail Him as the Son of David...the Messiah...and glorify God in the highest...But when confronted with explaining who He was they minimized Him as a prophet from Galilee?
Who is Jesus to you? Is He just a great man? A prophet Who lived over 2,000 years ago? Or, Is He the Messiah? Is He your every hope? Is He the One Who takes away your sins and your only hope of salvation?
I want my testimony of Who Jesus is to shine clearly. I want my life to demonstrate where my confidence rests. And when confronted with the question of "Who is this?" I hope that my words and actions declare: "This is Jesus. He is the Messiah! The Son of God! The Lamb Who takes away all my sin!"
When trials come I don't want to wane in conviction...I want to stand strong, pointing to my hope, steady in my faith, declaring even more loudly (to all who will listen) "Jesus is the Lord of my life. He alone is worthy of all praise. In Him I put my hope and trust."
Circumstances, trials, and the battles surrounding us ask...Who do you say He is? The angels look on. God awaits our response. What will our actions and words reveal? Who Do We Say He Is?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank you that over 2,000 years ago, He willingly went through the streets of Jerusalem, knowing the grueling death that awaited Him. Thank You for our salvation. Help us to remember Who You Are! Help us to stand strong, knowing You are our Deliverer, Our Hope, Our Peace, Our Comforter. You are our Savior! Fill us with Your Presence. In Jesus Name, Amen!
"As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'"The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
"Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!"
We could spend weeks talking about all the prophesies Jesus fulfilled, but instead I felt impressed to focus on the response of the crowd.
"When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked: "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." (Matthew 21:10-11) NIV
For some reason this verse stood out to me today. The crowd shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David...Hosanna in the highest." Yet when they were asked who He was, they replied: "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
A question arose within me: How can it be that in one moment they hail Him as the Son of David...the Messiah...and glorify God in the highest...But when confronted with explaining who He was they minimized Him as a prophet from Galilee?
Who is Jesus to you? Is He just a great man? A prophet Who lived over 2,000 years ago? Or, Is He the Messiah? Is He your every hope? Is He the One Who takes away your sins and your only hope of salvation?
I want my testimony of Who Jesus is to shine clearly. I want my life to demonstrate where my confidence rests. And when confronted with the question of "Who is this?" I hope that my words and actions declare: "This is Jesus. He is the Messiah! The Son of God! The Lamb Who takes away all my sin!"
When trials come I don't want to wane in conviction...I want to stand strong, pointing to my hope, steady in my faith, declaring even more loudly (to all who will listen) "Jesus is the Lord of my life. He alone is worthy of all praise. In Him I put my hope and trust."
Circumstances, trials, and the battles surrounding us ask...Who do you say He is? The angels look on. God awaits our response. What will our actions and words reveal? Who Do We Say He Is?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank you that over 2,000 years ago, He willingly went through the streets of Jerusalem, knowing the grueling death that awaited Him. Thank You for our salvation. Help us to remember Who You Are! Help us to stand strong, knowing You are our Deliverer, Our Hope, Our Peace, Our Comforter. You are our Savior! Fill us with Your Presence. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Friday, March 26, 2010
What's In A Name?
What's in a name?
In the Hebraic culture a person's name meant everything. It defined the person's character, their traits, their life, and often held a meaning of future promise.
In Isaiah chapter nine, God foretells through the prophet, Isaiah, the birth of the Messiah...Jesus. And goes to great length to remind us of Who it is we serve.
Isaiah 9:6 says, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." NIV
What does Jesus name mean to us? I love this passage defining Who Jesus would be to us...and the promises given to us in His name!
Do you need counsel or wisdom? According to this passage, Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor. He cares for the burdens you carry and 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." (Matthew 11:28-29) NIV
Facing seemingly insurmountable...impossible battles? Jesus is the Mighty God and with Him "nothing is impossible." (Luke 1:37) NIV
Jesus will be called Everlasting Father...now there's one to show the power of the trinity! And for us...Jesus is the epitome of what a Father should be.
I've watched my husband protect, instruct, and unconditionally love each of our children. He provides for their needs. He embraces them when they hurt. He affectionately laughs and spends time with them, listening to their ideas, and encouraging them to be all they can be. His interaction with our children restores my confidence in earthly fathers and gives me glimpses of God's love for me.
Our Heavenly Father protects, instructs, provides, embraces, and laughs affectionately over us; He listens to us, and loves us unconditionally.
Finally, Jesus is our Prince of Peace. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27) NIV
Wow. With all the political upheaval these days do we ever need peace. Regardless of which side of the coin you fall on I'm sure we can all agree our society is on shaky ground. Political upheavals, wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes in strange places, surname's...sounds strangely similar to events foretold over 2000 years ago. (See Matthew 24 or Mark 13) With so much un-rest, it's easy to get worried and distraught over what may be... But just as these events were foretold thousands of years ago...there was another event of greater significance...a promise of a Messiah...and the birth of that Messiah. Jesus was called Immanuel, "GOD with us."
I am not a political giant, as a matter of fact, I never engage in political debate. (I know where my limitations are...politics, science, and geography--NOT my strong suit.) But what I do know is Jesus! And regardless of what plagues your thoughts, filling your mind with fears of "what ifs", Jesus offers you peace.
He willingly laid down His life; suffered under the hands of cruel men; beaten and bruised for our transgressions (sins)...His death and resurrection is our hope. God loves you that much!!! That He willingly laid down the life or His son that whoever believes in Him might be saved. AND LIVE A FULL LIFE! Jesus said I have come that you might have life and have it to the full!
So, "What's in a name?" Well, in Jesus', quite honestly...everything we could ever imagine or hope for.
Let Him be your source of strength today. Rest in Him. And let your peace return!
PRAYER: Father, Be with us. Show us how real you are. Let us catch a closer glimpse of your goodness and power. Help us to walk in peace. Provide for our needs. Thank You for loving us. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
In the Hebraic culture a person's name meant everything. It defined the person's character, their traits, their life, and often held a meaning of future promise.
In Isaiah chapter nine, God foretells through the prophet, Isaiah, the birth of the Messiah...Jesus. And goes to great length to remind us of Who it is we serve.
Isaiah 9:6 says, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." NIV
What does Jesus name mean to us? I love this passage defining Who Jesus would be to us...and the promises given to us in His name!
Do you need counsel or wisdom? According to this passage, Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor. He cares for the burdens you carry and 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." (Matthew 11:28-29) NIV
Facing seemingly insurmountable...impossible battles? Jesus is the Mighty God and with Him "nothing is impossible." (Luke 1:37) NIV
Jesus will be called Everlasting Father...now there's one to show the power of the trinity! And for us...Jesus is the epitome of what a Father should be.
I've watched my husband protect, instruct, and unconditionally love each of our children. He provides for their needs. He embraces them when they hurt. He affectionately laughs and spends time with them, listening to their ideas, and encouraging them to be all they can be. His interaction with our children restores my confidence in earthly fathers and gives me glimpses of God's love for me.
Our Heavenly Father protects, instructs, provides, embraces, and laughs affectionately over us; He listens to us, and loves us unconditionally.
Finally, Jesus is our Prince of Peace. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27) NIV
Wow. With all the political upheaval these days do we ever need peace. Regardless of which side of the coin you fall on I'm sure we can all agree our society is on shaky ground. Political upheavals, wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes in strange places, surname's...sounds strangely similar to events foretold over 2000 years ago. (See Matthew 24 or Mark 13) With so much un-rest, it's easy to get worried and distraught over what may be... But just as these events were foretold thousands of years ago...there was another event of greater significance...a promise of a Messiah...and the birth of that Messiah. Jesus was called Immanuel, "GOD with us."
I am not a political giant, as a matter of fact, I never engage in political debate. (I know where my limitations are...politics, science, and geography--NOT my strong suit.) But what I do know is Jesus! And regardless of what plagues your thoughts, filling your mind with fears of "what ifs", Jesus offers you peace.
He willingly laid down His life; suffered under the hands of cruel men; beaten and bruised for our transgressions (sins)...His death and resurrection is our hope. God loves you that much!!! That He willingly laid down the life or His son that whoever believes in Him might be saved. AND LIVE A FULL LIFE! Jesus said I have come that you might have life and have it to the full!
So, "What's in a name?" Well, in Jesus', quite honestly...everything we could ever imagine or hope for.
Let Him be your source of strength today. Rest in Him. And let your peace return!
PRAYER: Father, Be with us. Show us how real you are. Let us catch a closer glimpse of your goodness and power. Help us to walk in peace. Provide for our needs. Thank You for loving us. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Align Who You Are With Him
What if I told you, "You need to think more of yourself than you do!"
Would you resist it? Would you shake you head, wince and begin quoting Romans 12:3, "...Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought..." NIV
I know I would have; until someone spoke those words to me and I listened.
She said, "God wants you to come up to His way of thinking. To think of yourself how He thinks of you."
Her words broke a calloused wall that I didn't know existed. In an attempt to always walk humbly, I over exaggerated my limitations and denied any thoughts of praise.
The Holy Spirit took her words and probed further, filling my heart with peace, as He lavished His love over me. "I want you to see yourself how I see you. I designed you and created you to be beautiful, full of life and glory, to reflect my image, to live as an instrument of my praise, and I desire for you to live and step into what I've designed for you." Though the words weren't audible, the impression on my heart and mind were undeniable.
Today, I felt prompted to encourage you...
"You need to think more highly of yourself than you do; you need to align yourself with how God sees you and what He's declared over you."
How do you do that? How do you accurately handle the truth of who you are without becoming prideful? By reminding yourself of the truths of God's Word and remembering we have nothing good to offer in and of ourselves...all of our goodness comes from God...Yet, reminding ourselves of the truth of what He has declared about us.
The Word of God reminds us that we are beautiful and wonderfully made and God has a special plan and purpose for our life.
--Psalm 139:14-16.
We are His workmanship, created to do good works.
--Ephesians 2:10
We are filled with the same Spirit that raised Christ from the grave.
--Romans 8:11
We are loved eternally, completely, and are unconditionally accepted.
--Jeremiah 31:3
We are grafted into the family of God through our confession of Jesus Christ and as God's children will be heirs with Him.
--Romans 8:14-17
I love how Romans 8:15-17, refutes the lies of the enemy that we don’t have worth, and declares that we are children of God… “you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. NIV
So, today, let's align our thinking with God's. As we do this there may be some things he asks us to set aside. (Perhaps sin keeps us from a closer walk with Him and from fully reflecting His image.) When we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Maybe, like me, you need to not be so hard on yourself. Step up and remember who God created you to be. YOU ARE HIS...AND YOU ARE LOVED!
Prayer: Father fill us with the truth of Your word. We don't ever want to be haught but neither do we want to live beneath what You've declared about us. Forgive us for false humility. We know we are nothing without You...but with You Lord we want to do great things and glorify Your name. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for Your mercy. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN!
Would you resist it? Would you shake you head, wince and begin quoting Romans 12:3, "...Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought..." NIV
I know I would have; until someone spoke those words to me and I listened.
She said, "God wants you to come up to His way of thinking. To think of yourself how He thinks of you."
Her words broke a calloused wall that I didn't know existed. In an attempt to always walk humbly, I over exaggerated my limitations and denied any thoughts of praise.
The Holy Spirit took her words and probed further, filling my heart with peace, as He lavished His love over me. "I want you to see yourself how I see you. I designed you and created you to be beautiful, full of life and glory, to reflect my image, to live as an instrument of my praise, and I desire for you to live and step into what I've designed for you." Though the words weren't audible, the impression on my heart and mind were undeniable.
Today, I felt prompted to encourage you...
"You need to think more highly of yourself than you do; you need to align yourself with how God sees you and what He's declared over you."
How do you do that? How do you accurately handle the truth of who you are without becoming prideful? By reminding yourself of the truths of God's Word and remembering we have nothing good to offer in and of ourselves...all of our goodness comes from God...Yet, reminding ourselves of the truth of what He has declared about us.
The Word of God reminds us that we are beautiful and wonderfully made and God has a special plan and purpose for our life.
--Psalm 139:14-16.
We are His workmanship, created to do good works.
--Ephesians 2:10
We are filled with the same Spirit that raised Christ from the grave.
--Romans 8:11
We are loved eternally, completely, and are unconditionally accepted.
--Jeremiah 31:3
We are grafted into the family of God through our confession of Jesus Christ and as God's children will be heirs with Him.
--Romans 8:14-17
I love how Romans 8:15-17, refutes the lies of the enemy that we don’t have worth, and declares that we are children of God… “you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. NIV
So, today, let's align our thinking with God's. As we do this there may be some things he asks us to set aside. (Perhaps sin keeps us from a closer walk with Him and from fully reflecting His image.) When we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Maybe, like me, you need to not be so hard on yourself. Step up and remember who God created you to be. YOU ARE HIS...AND YOU ARE LOVED!
Prayer: Father fill us with the truth of Your word. We don't ever want to be haught but neither do we want to live beneath what You've declared about us. Forgive us for false humility. We know we are nothing without You...but with You Lord we want to do great things and glorify Your name. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for Your mercy. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Faith that Costs Us Nothing...Is Not Yet Faith
For the last week, my mind can't shake this thought: "Faith that costs us nothing is not yet faith."
My entire life has been a step of faith, a battle cry to defeat the odds. I've overcome abuse of every kind…struggled and failed...only to overcome and triumph.
In the last few years, I left the comfort of a six-figure income to follow after God's voice to do the work of an evangelist. There have been good days...and bad ones...days where I didn't feel I could get out of bed...to days where, if I soared any higher, I might have touched the stars.
But then, that's life; right? That's faith in action?
Like you, I don't like facing impossible situations. I'm all about the path of least resistance! :0) Yet, isn't it resistance in exercise that strengthens our bodies and builds our muscles?
The same is true of our spiritual walk.
Oswald Chambers wrote in Run Today's Race, "Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love. There are some things only learned in a fiery furnace."
Don't get me wrong…I'm not asking for trials...nor am I wishing them on you…BUT...if you are in the midst of a fiery furnace remember Romans 5:3-5, "...suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." NIV
God has amazing plans for your life. Regardless of your circumstance He is good and can be trusted. You will make it through. Let your hope be restored. God is faithful.
When darkness roles in and our faith wavers, let us hold James 1:2-4 close to our hearts: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." NIV
Whatever testing of your faith you face today I want to encourage you to stand strong. God is near. He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those crushed in spirit.
Prayer: Father we put our hope and trust in you. Thank you for loving us, forgiving us, and empowering us to stand even when we are weak. Help us to glorify you today. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
As a side note, please pray for me. Proverbs 31 Ministries is giving away three Cecil Murphy scholarships to the "She Speaks Conference". She Speaks targets writer's and speakers, helping them cultivate their passions of ministry.
The part I am most interested in is the track for speakers. For speakers they offer instruction on developing a powerful message, keeping your audience engaged to listen and inspired to make life changes. Plus, they help increase opportunities to speak more frequently.
For writer's and women's ministry leaders they offer amazing tracks as well. Learn more about it at:
http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/
The cost of the event is $575.00. The scholarship would cover the entire cost...since I'm living a life of faith not charging for the ministry I do each week...this would be a welcomed blessing. Thanks for your prayers! :)
My entire life has been a step of faith, a battle cry to defeat the odds. I've overcome abuse of every kind…struggled and failed...only to overcome and triumph.
In the last few years, I left the comfort of a six-figure income to follow after God's voice to do the work of an evangelist. There have been good days...and bad ones...days where I didn't feel I could get out of bed...to days where, if I soared any higher, I might have touched the stars.
But then, that's life; right? That's faith in action?
Like you, I don't like facing impossible situations. I'm all about the path of least resistance! :0) Yet, isn't it resistance in exercise that strengthens our bodies and builds our muscles?
The same is true of our spiritual walk.
Oswald Chambers wrote in Run Today's Race, "Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love. There are some things only learned in a fiery furnace."
Don't get me wrong…I'm not asking for trials...nor am I wishing them on you…BUT...if you are in the midst of a fiery furnace remember Romans 5:3-5, "...suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." NIV
God has amazing plans for your life. Regardless of your circumstance He is good and can be trusted. You will make it through. Let your hope be restored. God is faithful.
When darkness roles in and our faith wavers, let us hold James 1:2-4 close to our hearts: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." NIV
Whatever testing of your faith you face today I want to encourage you to stand strong. God is near. He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those crushed in spirit.
Prayer: Father we put our hope and trust in you. Thank you for loving us, forgiving us, and empowering us to stand even when we are weak. Help us to glorify you today. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
As a side note, please pray for me. Proverbs 31 Ministries is giving away three Cecil Murphy scholarships to the "She Speaks Conference". She Speaks targets writer's and speakers, helping them cultivate their passions of ministry.
The part I am most interested in is the track for speakers. For speakers they offer instruction on developing a powerful message, keeping your audience engaged to listen and inspired to make life changes. Plus, they help increase opportunities to speak more frequently.
For writer's and women's ministry leaders they offer amazing tracks as well. Learn more about it at:
http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/
The cost of the event is $575.00. The scholarship would cover the entire cost...since I'm living a life of faith not charging for the ministry I do each week...this would be a welcomed blessing. Thanks for your prayers! :)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Is It Time to Move On?
A dear friend of mine wrote me a question recently: How long do you go with something before saying, "This door is shut," and it's time to move on?
Wow! Now, that's a question we all ask ourselves from time to time; isn't it? I've found the best way to answer difficult questions is by asking more questions. For me, questions help to discern what God is saying vs. filling my mind with "feelings" or making rigid statements. To answer this question properly we have to ask:
1. What has God said? Heb 11:1-2 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." NIV
If faith costs us nothing...it is not yet faith. My point? Sometimes we're surrounded like Gideon's army (Judges 7). Sometimes we're in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). Sometimes we have nothing left except a little flour and oil (1 Kings 17:13-16)...BUT...What has God said? He always has the last Word. For what is impossible with man IS POSSIBLE with GOD!
2. What is He saying now? Before we determine a door is shut we must position ourselves to hear His direction. (Habakkuk 2:1) God promised He will give us direction and that we'll hear His voice giving us that direction. (Hebrews 30:21) It may not always look like what we've imagined it would...but we are never alone and God gives wisdom to all who ask. (James 1:5) So maybe the door isn't closed it just doesn't look like what we've anticipated it might look like. Plus, timing is everything.
3. Am I in step with His will? The most difficult time to hear God's voice is when we want something. When our emotions get tied up decision making, we begin second guessing our motives and each obstacle. During these seasons it's extremely important to do step number four and ask;
4. What are others saying? Seek the counsel of others. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you...pray for you...and wait with you to hear God's direction. Surround yourself with spiritually mature people who are not directly involved but who have an obvious passion for God and genuine love for you.
5. What's going on around me? Stay aware of your surroundings and any physical conditions affecting you. Be careful NOT to make rash decisions especially when you're tired. And AVOID making emotional decisions. Weariness comes to us all. But they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:31) Don't allow fatigue to determine your destiny! Be of a clear mind.
6. What has God promised? Remember them. Step six is closely related to number one but varies a little. Remembering what God has said can involve promises or commands or direction...but before making a decision it's important to know what God has promised. What has He said He will do? There are times when I neither hear His direction...nor can I determine if the door shut before me is shut at the present time or if it's permanent. In those moment's I recall God's promises, helping me to rest knowing that until God says yes...I will wait...and until He says no...I will wait...And as I wait I will remember His promises and be filled with hope. Stay true to God's promises. Don't get wrapped up in specifics.
And then finally, ask yourself...
7. What does your gut say? OK when it comes down to it...there's a voice inside each one of us crying out. Listen intently. I believe, as a spirit filled believer, the voice inside each one of us is the Holy Spirit. (Ezekiel 36:27) And, that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the grave lives in us. (Romans 8:11 and 1 Corinthians 3:16) We have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16) So, we can know His thoughts.
Hope this helps a little. I would love to hear your comments. I believe we can benefit so much by sharing together; so, if you have a thought take a moment and leave a comment in the section below. Today, if you leave a comment below, I will put your name in a drawing for a free copy of my book--What I Wish My Mother Had Told Me about Marriage. :)
Prayer: Father, help us to know when the door is truly shut and when we need to press on. Give us wisdom. Help us to know Your will. Speak to us above our fatigue, weariness, and doubt. We put our trust in You. Thank You for loving us more than we could ever hope to comprehend and that our future is secure in YOU!
Wow! Now, that's a question we all ask ourselves from time to time; isn't it? I've found the best way to answer difficult questions is by asking more questions. For me, questions help to discern what God is saying vs. filling my mind with "feelings" or making rigid statements. To answer this question properly we have to ask:
1. What has God said? Heb 11:1-2 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." NIV
If faith costs us nothing...it is not yet faith. My point? Sometimes we're surrounded like Gideon's army (Judges 7). Sometimes we're in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). Sometimes we have nothing left except a little flour and oil (1 Kings 17:13-16)...BUT...What has God said? He always has the last Word. For what is impossible with man IS POSSIBLE with GOD!
2. What is He saying now? Before we determine a door is shut we must position ourselves to hear His direction. (Habakkuk 2:1) God promised He will give us direction and that we'll hear His voice giving us that direction. (Hebrews 30:21) It may not always look like what we've imagined it would...but we are never alone and God gives wisdom to all who ask. (James 1:5) So maybe the door isn't closed it just doesn't look like what we've anticipated it might look like. Plus, timing is everything.
3. Am I in step with His will? The most difficult time to hear God's voice is when we want something. When our emotions get tied up decision making, we begin second guessing our motives and each obstacle. During these seasons it's extremely important to do step number four and ask;
4. What are others saying? Seek the counsel of others. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you...pray for you...and wait with you to hear God's direction. Surround yourself with spiritually mature people who are not directly involved but who have an obvious passion for God and genuine love for you.
5. What's going on around me? Stay aware of your surroundings and any physical conditions affecting you. Be careful NOT to make rash decisions especially when you're tired. And AVOID making emotional decisions. Weariness comes to us all. But they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:31) Don't allow fatigue to determine your destiny! Be of a clear mind.
6. What has God promised? Remember them. Step six is closely related to number one but varies a little. Remembering what God has said can involve promises or commands or direction...but before making a decision it's important to know what God has promised. What has He said He will do? There are times when I neither hear His direction...nor can I determine if the door shut before me is shut at the present time or if it's permanent. In those moment's I recall God's promises, helping me to rest knowing that until God says yes...I will wait...and until He says no...I will wait...And as I wait I will remember His promises and be filled with hope. Stay true to God's promises. Don't get wrapped up in specifics.
And then finally, ask yourself...
7. What does your gut say? OK when it comes down to it...there's a voice inside each one of us crying out. Listen intently. I believe, as a spirit filled believer, the voice inside each one of us is the Holy Spirit. (Ezekiel 36:27) And, that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the grave lives in us. (Romans 8:11 and 1 Corinthians 3:16) We have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16) So, we can know His thoughts.
Hope this helps a little. I would love to hear your comments. I believe we can benefit so much by sharing together; so, if you have a thought take a moment and leave a comment in the section below. Today, if you leave a comment below, I will put your name in a drawing for a free copy of my book--What I Wish My Mother Had Told Me about Marriage. :)
Prayer: Father, help us to know when the door is truly shut and when we need to press on. Give us wisdom. Help us to know Your will. Speak to us above our fatigue, weariness, and doubt. We put our trust in You. Thank You for loving us more than we could ever hope to comprehend and that our future is secure in YOU!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Is Your Isaac on the Altar?
Gen 22:2, Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." NIV
As a child, this passage of Scripture haunted me. What kind of God would ever call a parent to sacrifice their child?
As an adult, the passage haunts me in an entirely different way.
I realize now, God never intended for Abraham to actually sacrifice His son; it was clearly a test (Gen. 22:1)
Would Abraham love his "promise" (for it was through Isaac that Abraham would become the Father of many nations) or would He love the Lord of the promise? Would he willingly sacrifice his own flesh and blood? Whew, I can barely even begin to think of what went through his mind...the stir of emotions that tormented his heart...and yet his trust in the One Who commanded this unimaginable deed. Would Abraham willingly cast aside all of his hopes and dreams and humbly obey God? Would he follow after Him, regardless of the cost? And trust, knowing the character of God must be seeking something far greater than he could comprehend?
Over the years, God's required me to lay my "Isaac" on the altar. Though I hate to even compare my dreams to sacrificing my only son. The truth is...time and time again, God's called me to lay aside the things I long for...my dreams and visions, my hopes and ambitions...bringing me to the place where I run after Him alone...teaching me the truth “He who has God plus many things has nothing more than he who has God alone.” (Quote from CS Lewis, taken from Phil Vischer's Book: Me, Myself, & Bob)
Last week, God impressed on my heart these words, "It's your humility and obedience that captures My heart, not your accomplished achievements."
So, as we balance the delicate walk of faith, striving to serve God and do great things for Him...attempting to let our life count for Him...Let us purpose to love Him above all other things and determine to follow after Him...to live in the place where He leads and we follow.
Prayer: Father, help us to love You with all of our heart, with all of our soul, with our entire mind. Forgive us where we've picked up our own agendas and tried to simply add You to it. Fill us with Your Spirit and may we bring glory to Your name.
As a child, this passage of Scripture haunted me. What kind of God would ever call a parent to sacrifice their child?
As an adult, the passage haunts me in an entirely different way.
I realize now, God never intended for Abraham to actually sacrifice His son; it was clearly a test (Gen. 22:1)
Would Abraham love his "promise" (for it was through Isaac that Abraham would become the Father of many nations) or would He love the Lord of the promise? Would he willingly sacrifice his own flesh and blood? Whew, I can barely even begin to think of what went through his mind...the stir of emotions that tormented his heart...and yet his trust in the One Who commanded this unimaginable deed. Would Abraham willingly cast aside all of his hopes and dreams and humbly obey God? Would he follow after Him, regardless of the cost? And trust, knowing the character of God must be seeking something far greater than he could comprehend?
Over the years, God's required me to lay my "Isaac" on the altar. Though I hate to even compare my dreams to sacrificing my only son. The truth is...time and time again, God's called me to lay aside the things I long for...my dreams and visions, my hopes and ambitions...bringing me to the place where I run after Him alone...teaching me the truth “He who has God plus many things has nothing more than he who has God alone.” (Quote from CS Lewis, taken from Phil Vischer's Book: Me, Myself, & Bob)
Last week, God impressed on my heart these words, "It's your humility and obedience that captures My heart, not your accomplished achievements."
So, as we balance the delicate walk of faith, striving to serve God and do great things for Him...attempting to let our life count for Him...Let us purpose to love Him above all other things and determine to follow after Him...to live in the place where He leads and we follow.
Prayer: Father, help us to love You with all of our heart, with all of our soul, with our entire mind. Forgive us where we've picked up our own agendas and tried to simply add You to it. Fill us with Your Spirit and may we bring glory to Your name.
Friday, March 19, 2010
The Secret to Soaring
I've been up since 2:30 am...just not feeling well...couldn't sleep. Yuck! I hate nights like this. Yet, the beauty of nights like this is I get to spend uninterrupted moments of complete solitude with God. Listening to Him...Listening for His direction.
It's amazing how quiet, quiet can be. I love it! :)
So in the stillness I listened. I blocked out all busyness. I hushed the “to do list” that cried out for my attention...and for a few sweet moments I simply sat quietly...not even whispering prayers...just sitting...listening.
I love this kind of prayer-time; it has no agenda...no requests...it's just a time where I wait upon the Lord...listening...receiving.
By the end of the stolen moments, I was filled with an amazing truth... God truly loves me. And guess what, He loves you too. The God of the entire Universe is never too busy to fellowship with us. He desires to be near us. He longs to give us direction and to fill us with His strength. And I was reminded that the secret of soaring is waiting.
Isaiah 40:28-31 says, "The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who wait on the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint."
I encourage you; take some time to sit quietly before the Lord. Pray this simple prayer, "Lord, speak to me, and help me to hear You clearly."
If you want to soar with eagles...then wait on the Lord.
Prayer: Father, help us to learn to quiet our minds, and to not be afraid of silence with You. Help us to keep our minds from drifting and our mouths from speaking. Teach us to listen. And, in Your mercy, speak louder when we need You too. Father I ask You to minister to each person following this blog-site. Minister to their individual needs. Draw near to them, Lord. Help them to sense Your presence. Provide for their every need...and renew their strength, I pray...In Jesus name, Amen.
It's amazing how quiet, quiet can be. I love it! :)
So in the stillness I listened. I blocked out all busyness. I hushed the “to do list” that cried out for my attention...and for a few sweet moments I simply sat quietly...not even whispering prayers...just sitting...listening.
I love this kind of prayer-time; it has no agenda...no requests...it's just a time where I wait upon the Lord...listening...receiving.
By the end of the stolen moments, I was filled with an amazing truth... God truly loves me. And guess what, He loves you too. The God of the entire Universe is never too busy to fellowship with us. He desires to be near us. He longs to give us direction and to fill us with His strength. And I was reminded that the secret of soaring is waiting.
Isaiah 40:28-31 says, "The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who wait on the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint."
I encourage you; take some time to sit quietly before the Lord. Pray this simple prayer, "Lord, speak to me, and help me to hear You clearly."
If you want to soar with eagles...then wait on the Lord.
Prayer: Father, help us to learn to quiet our minds, and to not be afraid of silence with You. Help us to keep our minds from drifting and our mouths from speaking. Teach us to listen. And, in Your mercy, speak louder when we need You too. Father I ask You to minister to each person following this blog-site. Minister to their individual needs. Draw near to them, Lord. Help them to sense Your presence. Provide for their every need...and renew their strength, I pray...In Jesus name, Amen.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
More Than a Theory...Never Give Up!
Over the years I've learned that I can talk about brokenness but until I was broken I couldn't fully empathize with someone who was hurting.
I could talk about forgiveness, but it took on a whole different meaning when confronted by someone's blatant offense.
And, I could talk about grace...but until I truly encountered God's (undeserved) forgiveness, it remained merely a topic of speculation.
Forgive me if I've shared this story before but when I awoke this morning I remembered just how awesome God is and how His mercy and grace truly ministered to me at my most broken moment...
I just graduated from Bible College and unfortunately my marriage of seven years was ending. As a result of the divorce, I was also losingt my credentials as a licensed minister. I felt as though my dreams of ministering for God were destroyed. I was Devastated...Broke...Working two jobs...and had no plans for my future...
My life swirled out of control. I started making horrible decisions that left me at the end of a bar...the object of the game...get as drunk as possible as quick as possible...
BUT that night...God had a different plan. And as I sat at the end of the bar...The Holy Spirit whispered in my ear, "There is no place that you can run that my grace won't find you still."
I remember crying uncontrollably, and praying, "God this is a bar...You're not suppose to be in a bar."
Every sermon I had preached about grace became life to me. Grace no longer a theory but an experience!!!
I don't know your battle but I do know our Lord.
Feel hopeless? Powerless? Unsure how you will live out today? Romans 8:10-11 says, "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." NIV
Feel alone? Discouraged? Overwhelmed? Abandoned? Deuteronomy 31:5-6 encourages, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified...for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." NIV
Called to do something great but wonder how it could ever be done? Zechariah 4:6reminds that it's...'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." NIV
Feel like you're facing an impossible situation? Jesus replied in Luke 18:27, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." NIV
God is with you! You are not alone! Stand strong...and NEVER GIVE UP!
Prayer: Father, encourage us, empower us, and fill us with Your Spirit. I pray for each follower on this site...let them experience a fresh encounter of Your Presence. Minister to every need. And, may they walk in confidence knowing You are with them and will work everything together for their good. In Jesus Name!
I could talk about forgiveness, but it took on a whole different meaning when confronted by someone's blatant offense.
And, I could talk about grace...but until I truly encountered God's (undeserved) forgiveness, it remained merely a topic of speculation.
Forgive me if I've shared this story before but when I awoke this morning I remembered just how awesome God is and how His mercy and grace truly ministered to me at my most broken moment...
I just graduated from Bible College and unfortunately my marriage of seven years was ending. As a result of the divorce, I was also losingt my credentials as a licensed minister. I felt as though my dreams of ministering for God were destroyed. I was Devastated...Broke...Working two jobs...and had no plans for my future...
My life swirled out of control. I started making horrible decisions that left me at the end of a bar...the object of the game...get as drunk as possible as quick as possible...
BUT that night...God had a different plan. And as I sat at the end of the bar...The Holy Spirit whispered in my ear, "There is no place that you can run that my grace won't find you still."
I remember crying uncontrollably, and praying, "God this is a bar...You're not suppose to be in a bar."
Every sermon I had preached about grace became life to me. Grace no longer a theory but an experience!!!
I don't know your battle but I do know our Lord.
Feel hopeless? Powerless? Unsure how you will live out today? Romans 8:10-11 says, "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." NIV
Feel alone? Discouraged? Overwhelmed? Abandoned? Deuteronomy 31:5-6 encourages, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified...for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." NIV
Called to do something great but wonder how it could ever be done? Zechariah 4:6reminds that it's...'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." NIV
Feel like you're facing an impossible situation? Jesus replied in Luke 18:27, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." NIV
God is with you! You are not alone! Stand strong...and NEVER GIVE UP!
Prayer: Father, encourage us, empower us, and fill us with Your Spirit. I pray for each follower on this site...let them experience a fresh encounter of Your Presence. Minister to every need. And, may they walk in confidence knowing You are with them and will work everything together for their good. In Jesus Name!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
No Greater Decision
Should I take the promotion? Should I write the letter? What should I do? Where should I go? How can I forgive? How do I..."
Choices. Decisions. From the smallest to the biggest...from the biggest to the smallest; every choice we make shapes and alters our lives.
In Joshua chapter 24, the Israelites had a decision to make. Would they serve the foreign god's their forefathers had in Egypt or would they choose to serve the Lord. In Joshua 24:15, Joshua calls out to them to make the choice, "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." NIV
No decision is greater than who you will serve.
As Christians, choosing to serve God shapes every decision we make; our life is no longer our own. What we do or don't do...all subjected to the Lordship of Christ.
I find great comfort knowing that I'm covered and that God is calling the shots. Trouble comes when I step out from underneath that authority...when I make a decision without consulting God or asking for His direction.
What choices lay ahead of you? Ask the Lord what you should do...He will give you direction.
Isa 30:21-22 says, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." NIV
Once you've gotten God's direction, press on. Don't look back. The time for debating is over. And as the Nike commercials always say..."Just do it."
Andrew Jackson said--Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go on.
Today, I encourage you in three ways:
1. Choose whom you will serve.
2. Submit your life to God's Lordship.
3. Once He's spoken...don't look back...follow where He leads.
Prayer: Father, forgive us of our sins; forgive us for living our life on our own. We choose to follow You. Lead us and direct us. Help us to hear You and to courageously step out to follow Your leading.
Choices. Decisions. From the smallest to the biggest...from the biggest to the smallest; every choice we make shapes and alters our lives.
In Joshua chapter 24, the Israelites had a decision to make. Would they serve the foreign god's their forefathers had in Egypt or would they choose to serve the Lord. In Joshua 24:15, Joshua calls out to them to make the choice, "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." NIV
No decision is greater than who you will serve.
As Christians, choosing to serve God shapes every decision we make; our life is no longer our own. What we do or don't do...all subjected to the Lordship of Christ.
I find great comfort knowing that I'm covered and that God is calling the shots. Trouble comes when I step out from underneath that authority...when I make a decision without consulting God or asking for His direction.
What choices lay ahead of you? Ask the Lord what you should do...He will give you direction.
Isa 30:21-22 says, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." NIV
Once you've gotten God's direction, press on. Don't look back. The time for debating is over. And as the Nike commercials always say..."Just do it."
Andrew Jackson said--Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go on.
Today, I encourage you in three ways:
1. Choose whom you will serve.
2. Submit your life to God's Lordship.
3. Once He's spoken...don't look back...follow where He leads.
Prayer: Father, forgive us of our sins; forgive us for living our life on our own. We choose to follow You. Lead us and direct us. Help us to hear You and to courageously step out to follow Your leading.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Need a Miracle?
The crowd pressed in and all around Jesus, getting to Him was nearly impossible, IF I can just touch His garment...I know I will be healed. She thought. Stretch...c'mon...just a little further...
And then...in an instant, her hand the first to feel the power flow from Jesus to her body, she stood healed; her issue of blood for the last 12 years vanquished.
Mark 5:29 accounts, "Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering."
After spending all she had, and suffering under the care of various doctors, her condition only grew worse...but one encounter with Jesus made her whole.
Mark 5:30-34 describes the rest of the story, "At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?'" But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." NIV
What an amazing story of hope and faith. This woman had spent all she had...had suffered a great deal under the care of physicians...and yet her physical condition only grew worse. Instead of giving up, she pressed in. Instead of retreating to hopelessness she pushed forward to touch Jesus. The result? An encounter with the living God...and her ultimate healing.
George Mueller writes, "Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends."
What issue do you face in desperate need of God's touch? Healing? Finances? Jobs? Children? Marriage?
Put your confidence in God...Stretch a little further...Don't let the crowd of your circumstances detour your mission...grab hold of His garment. Faith requires action. When we encounter the impossible, we must not give up, we must press in to the God who makes the impossible...possible.
The true, living faith, which the Holy Spirit instills into the heart, simply cannot be idle. (Martin Luther.)
Faith means that even when our circumstances dictate hopelessness...we remain hopeful, because God can be trusted. No matter your circumstance, no matter the years where you've spent all that you had with no return, don't give up...Because in an instant...in just one single touch and encounter with God...your miracle can come.
Prayer: Father, sometimes we are just tired and weary. We've exhausted every effort but still need your touch of restoration. Please move on our behalf. Let the flood gates of provision, healing, and power flow from You to us. Let us witness Your miracle for us today.
And then...in an instant, her hand the first to feel the power flow from Jesus to her body, she stood healed; her issue of blood for the last 12 years vanquished.
Mark 5:29 accounts, "Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering."
After spending all she had, and suffering under the care of various doctors, her condition only grew worse...but one encounter with Jesus made her whole.
Mark 5:30-34 describes the rest of the story, "At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?'" But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." NIV
What an amazing story of hope and faith. This woman had spent all she had...had suffered a great deal under the care of physicians...and yet her physical condition only grew worse. Instead of giving up, she pressed in. Instead of retreating to hopelessness she pushed forward to touch Jesus. The result? An encounter with the living God...and her ultimate healing.
George Mueller writes, "Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends."
What issue do you face in desperate need of God's touch? Healing? Finances? Jobs? Children? Marriage?
Put your confidence in God...Stretch a little further...Don't let the crowd of your circumstances detour your mission...grab hold of His garment. Faith requires action. When we encounter the impossible, we must not give up, we must press in to the God who makes the impossible...possible.
The true, living faith, which the Holy Spirit instills into the heart, simply cannot be idle. (Martin Luther.)
Faith means that even when our circumstances dictate hopelessness...we remain hopeful, because God can be trusted. No matter your circumstance, no matter the years where you've spent all that you had with no return, don't give up...Because in an instant...in just one single touch and encounter with God...your miracle can come.
Prayer: Father, sometimes we are just tired and weary. We've exhausted every effort but still need your touch of restoration. Please move on our behalf. Let the flood gates of provision, healing, and power flow from You to us. Let us witness Your miracle for us today.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Will We Advance or Retreat?
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them."
From time to time we all get disheartened, lose focus, or get side-tracked by the curve balls of life. During difficult, dry, seasons it's easy to fall prey to the unfruitful thoughts of "I Wish I Could" or "Maybe I Should Have" or “I Wish I Would Have”.
But we must resist these tendencies and hold on to God's call, standing firm and remembering what God has promised, holding fast to our confession of faith, and reminding ourselves, that God is faithful.
Isaiah 54:2-5 says, "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. "Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. For your Maker is your husband — the LORD Almighty is his name — the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. NIV
What has God promised you? What has He called you to do?
Dreaming big and walking in faith is never easy; it requires vulnerability yet tenacity. There's a place in every battle where we must decide...will we advance or retreat?
Like Gideon, sometimes God calls us to lay down how we think we will win the battle and diminish our own resources, so there is no question where our victory comes from. God loves us enough to keep us dependent on HIM! But the good news is He is faithful and promises to work all things together for our good.
Rom 8:28-29, "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." NIV
So, I encourage you today to...stretch your tent...lengthen your cords...drive your stakes in deep...God will deliver all He has promised to you.
Prayer: Father, help us to do what you've called us to do. Help us not get disheartened but to press on. Thank You that You are with us always and will never leave us or forsake us. Fill us with hope. We put our trust in You.
From time to time we all get disheartened, lose focus, or get side-tracked by the curve balls of life. During difficult, dry, seasons it's easy to fall prey to the unfruitful thoughts of "I Wish I Could" or "Maybe I Should Have" or “I Wish I Would Have”.
But we must resist these tendencies and hold on to God's call, standing firm and remembering what God has promised, holding fast to our confession of faith, and reminding ourselves, that God is faithful.
Isaiah 54:2-5 says, "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. "Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. For your Maker is your husband — the LORD Almighty is his name — the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. NIV
What has God promised you? What has He called you to do?
Dreaming big and walking in faith is never easy; it requires vulnerability yet tenacity. There's a place in every battle where we must decide...will we advance or retreat?
Like Gideon, sometimes God calls us to lay down how we think we will win the battle and diminish our own resources, so there is no question where our victory comes from. God loves us enough to keep us dependent on HIM! But the good news is He is faithful and promises to work all things together for our good.
Rom 8:28-29, "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." NIV
So, I encourage you today to...stretch your tent...lengthen your cords...drive your stakes in deep...God will deliver all He has promised to you.
Prayer: Father, help us to do what you've called us to do. Help us not get disheartened but to press on. Thank You that You are with us always and will never leave us or forsake us. Fill us with hope. We put our trust in You.
Friday, March 12, 2010
In An Instant
Psalm 39:5, "You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath."NIV
I ran out the front door, "Run Joshua."..."I love you."..."Let the bus driver know your sister will be right there."..."Hurry...Go!"
"Sommer! Sommer! Hurry up the bus is here! Hurry up honey." No reply
I ran to the kitchen where she had just been; "Sommer!" She wasn't there.
I looked to our upstairs and yelled, "Sommer...hurry up the bus is here!" Enunciating every syllable.
Only quiet. No pounding of feet. No scuffling of back packs...No Sommer.
"Sommer???" Where was she? Was she hiding, still angry that I didn't have bread to pace her a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich for lunch? Hmmmm? Maybe she ran outside somehow?
I ran outside still only seeing my son running toward the bus. My frustration turned to frantic. \
She was just here.My mind raced.
I ran back inside. "SOMMER???!!!"
My husband now out of the shower and in the living room..."I don't know where she is...LOOK for her." I cried.
I took off running for the bus...kicking of my summer, open-toed shoes, running as fast as my feet could carry me. Watching streets. Watching cars. Yelling her name! Looking for any signs of struggle...looking for my daughter.
Joshua got back off the bus. "Is your sister with you? Is she on the bus?" No more than the words slipped off my tongue, my, ten year old, little girl exited the bus toward me. I grabbed her and my son.
"How did you get here? Which door did you go out?" I asked as I grabbed her and kissed her again and again...
Still not sure how it all played out...but it didn't matter...my little girl was safe.
It took me and my husband a good half hour to relax. Though Sommer was never in any danger, my mind experienced every parents horror. I replayed every scene witnessed on the news of parents crying, pleading, "Please, just return our baby (boy or girl)."
I realized today how fleeting life can be. How quickly life can change. In an instant it could all be gone. I realized how one sentence can forever altar our life, like: "We no longer need your services."..."I'm sorry, we couldn't save him."..."Your test results came back positive."..."My best guess is you have about 6 months to a year."
Perspective! What really matters? What really counts?
Mark 8:36-37, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" NIV
Today...I encourage you to remember what's most important. Live like it was your last day...Enjoy every breath. Draw near to those that matter most. Fulfill and live your dreams...
For me??? I think my heart's still racing a little...so I think I'll take my own advice and spend some quiet time with God.
Prayer: Father, help us to live our life to the fullest, honoring you, and loving who and what you've entrusted to us. In Jesus name. Amen.
I ran out the front door, "Run Joshua."..."I love you."..."Let the bus driver know your sister will be right there."..."Hurry...Go!"
"Sommer! Sommer! Hurry up the bus is here! Hurry up honey." No reply
I ran to the kitchen where she had just been; "Sommer!" She wasn't there.
I looked to our upstairs and yelled, "Sommer...hurry up the bus is here!" Enunciating every syllable.
Only quiet. No pounding of feet. No scuffling of back packs...No Sommer.
"Sommer???" Where was she? Was she hiding, still angry that I didn't have bread to pace her a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich for lunch? Hmmmm? Maybe she ran outside somehow?
I ran outside still only seeing my son running toward the bus. My frustration turned to frantic. \
She was just here.My mind raced.
I ran back inside. "SOMMER???!!!"
My husband now out of the shower and in the living room..."I don't know where she is...LOOK for her." I cried.
I took off running for the bus...kicking of my summer, open-toed shoes, running as fast as my feet could carry me. Watching streets. Watching cars. Yelling her name! Looking for any signs of struggle...looking for my daughter.
Joshua got back off the bus. "Is your sister with you? Is she on the bus?" No more than the words slipped off my tongue, my, ten year old, little girl exited the bus toward me. I grabbed her and my son.
"How did you get here? Which door did you go out?" I asked as I grabbed her and kissed her again and again...
Still not sure how it all played out...but it didn't matter...my little girl was safe.
It took me and my husband a good half hour to relax. Though Sommer was never in any danger, my mind experienced every parents horror. I replayed every scene witnessed on the news of parents crying, pleading, "Please, just return our baby (boy or girl)."
I realized today how fleeting life can be. How quickly life can change. In an instant it could all be gone. I realized how one sentence can forever altar our life, like: "We no longer need your services."..."I'm sorry, we couldn't save him."..."Your test results came back positive."..."My best guess is you have about 6 months to a year."
Perspective! What really matters? What really counts?
Mark 8:36-37, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" NIV
Today...I encourage you to remember what's most important. Live like it was your last day...Enjoy every breath. Draw near to those that matter most. Fulfill and live your dreams...
For me??? I think my heart's still racing a little...so I think I'll take my own advice and spend some quiet time with God.
Prayer: Father, help us to live our life to the fullest, honoring you, and loving who and what you've entrusted to us. In Jesus name. Amen.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
God's Whispering...Position Yourself to Listen
The other day I was listening to a program and enjoying the message. But, as the hostess shared, her voice drifted more and more silent. I wanted to hear what she had to say, so I shrunk my shoulders and sunk my head lower. I leaned in slightly and tilted my ear toward my computer speaker. I squinted my eyes, to help block out all other distractions. I stopped typing on my computer and quieted every noise attempting to divert my focus.
Today, as I sat waiting to hear from the Lord, my posture took a similar position. I wanted to hear what He had to say...
I wish sometimes He would just shout it at me. :) LOL. But He hasn't yet. And though, I long for the burning bush experience and yearn for the miraculous. Though I desire God to do something so amazing that even I can't miss it. The truth is, God's voice is seldom heard thundering from the heavens...it's not that He can't...it's that He's chosen to speak in a still small voice.
I think of the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-13, "The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper . When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave." NIV
If we want to hear God speak, we have to position ourselves to hear Him. Here are some helpful hints I've discovered along my journey.
1. Position yourself to listen.
Be silent and wait. Ask God to speak. Tell your mind to be
still and focus on God...Who He is...Ask Him what He desires for your life.
2. Close your eyes from all other distractions.
Go to a private place. Shut off the TV, radio, all other noises. Find a quiet
place void of distractions. Avoid places that remind you of what you need to get
done. Avoid places that will entertain your focus away from the Lord.
3. Quiet all other noise.
We all have demands. My greatest distraction is my to do list. So if you are like
me, and your mind wanders when you pray, take a pad of paper with you and simply write down every thought (of what you need to do) that comes along and go back to listening for God.
4. Use every resource available to you. God speaks through His Word so grab your Bible and a good commentary and sit silent for a few minutes. Just 5 or 10 minutes a day is a great place to begin.
5. And, lean in. Persevere. Don't stop. You may not hear God every time...but you will eventually hear Him. The more you spend time with Him and hear His voice, the easier it becomes to recognize Him.
I'd love to hear any helpful hints that you do, that helps you to hear God. Please share them in the comment section below so we can all benefit from one another...
Prayer: Father, thank You that You speak to us. Give us ears to hear and hearts that are receptive to Your direction. Help us to sense and recognize Your voice. In Jesus name, amen.
Today, as I sat waiting to hear from the Lord, my posture took a similar position. I wanted to hear what He had to say...
I wish sometimes He would just shout it at me. :) LOL. But He hasn't yet. And though, I long for the burning bush experience and yearn for the miraculous. Though I desire God to do something so amazing that even I can't miss it. The truth is, God's voice is seldom heard thundering from the heavens...it's not that He can't...it's that He's chosen to speak in a still small voice.
I think of the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-13, "The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper . When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave." NIV
If we want to hear God speak, we have to position ourselves to hear Him. Here are some helpful hints I've discovered along my journey.
1. Position yourself to listen.
Be silent and wait. Ask God to speak. Tell your mind to be
still and focus on God...Who He is...Ask Him what He desires for your life.
2. Close your eyes from all other distractions.
Go to a private place. Shut off the TV, radio, all other noises. Find a quiet
place void of distractions. Avoid places that remind you of what you need to get
done. Avoid places that will entertain your focus away from the Lord.
3. Quiet all other noise.
We all have demands. My greatest distraction is my to do list. So if you are like
me, and your mind wanders when you pray, take a pad of paper with you and simply write down every thought (of what you need to do) that comes along and go back to listening for God.
4. Use every resource available to you. God speaks through His Word so grab your Bible and a good commentary and sit silent for a few minutes. Just 5 or 10 minutes a day is a great place to begin.
5. And, lean in. Persevere. Don't stop. You may not hear God every time...but you will eventually hear Him. The more you spend time with Him and hear His voice, the easier it becomes to recognize Him.
I'd love to hear any helpful hints that you do, that helps you to hear God. Please share them in the comment section below so we can all benefit from one another...
Prayer: Father, thank You that You speak to us. Give us ears to hear and hearts that are receptive to Your direction. Help us to sense and recognize Your voice. In Jesus name, amen.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Amazing Power of Hope
Halford E. Luccock wrote, "Where there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present."
Hope is an amazing power; with it, men conquer great feats, overcoming insurmountable obstacles; without it, they die a slow agonizing death.
This morning, I read a story about Eugene Land, a self-made millionaire, who was asked to speak to 59 sixth grade students, in East Harlem. What would he say to inspire these students, most of whom would drop out of school? Scrapping his notes, he decided to speak to them from his heart. "Stay in school," he admonished, "and I'll help pay the college tuition for every one of you." At that moment the lives of these students changed. For the first time they had hope. One student said, "I had something to look forward to, something waiting for me." Nearly 90 percent of that class went on to graduate from high school.(Parade Magazine, at http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/h/hope.htm)
In Psalm 42:11 David learned the key to overcoming life's hardships, and prayed, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." NIV
No matter what problems you face, regardless of the barriers blocking your path...God is near. He is the God of the impossible. He knows no limitation. Nothing is too difficult for Him. He causes the sun to rise and to set, each morning and every evening. He's positioned each star in the heavens. By His word, light and darkness separated and every living being came to be. And, He knows you by name. He's aware of your circumstances...AND He promises to be near to the broken hearted and to save those crushed in spirit.
In Ezek 37:26-27, God made an everlasting covenant with us, He said, "I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people."NIV
Kids? Job? Ministry? Finances? Health? Submit every weight...every fear to the One Who can move mountains on our behalf...to the One Who parts Red Seas...to the One Who saves from the lion's den and protects in the fiery furnace...
I encourage you to pray as David prayed...and "put your hope in God."
PRAYER: Father, we need you to move in our lives. Fill us with the hope of our salvation. Fill us with expectancy for what is yet to come. Help us remember this life is but a vapor and that our momentary suffering can not be compared with the hope that awaits. We also ask Lord for Your favor. Move on our behalf. Supply for our every need as You have promised You would do in Your word. Thank you that the righteous shall lack no good thing. Thank You for Your love and mercy. Fill us with HOPE and confidence. We know we can trust You.
Hope is an amazing power; with it, men conquer great feats, overcoming insurmountable obstacles; without it, they die a slow agonizing death.
This morning, I read a story about Eugene Land, a self-made millionaire, who was asked to speak to 59 sixth grade students, in East Harlem. What would he say to inspire these students, most of whom would drop out of school? Scrapping his notes, he decided to speak to them from his heart. "Stay in school," he admonished, "and I'll help pay the college tuition for every one of you." At that moment the lives of these students changed. For the first time they had hope. One student said, "I had something to look forward to, something waiting for me." Nearly 90 percent of that class went on to graduate from high school.(Parade Magazine, at http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/h/hope.htm)
In Psalm 42:11 David learned the key to overcoming life's hardships, and prayed, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." NIV
No matter what problems you face, regardless of the barriers blocking your path...God is near. He is the God of the impossible. He knows no limitation. Nothing is too difficult for Him. He causes the sun to rise and to set, each morning and every evening. He's positioned each star in the heavens. By His word, light and darkness separated and every living being came to be. And, He knows you by name. He's aware of your circumstances...AND He promises to be near to the broken hearted and to save those crushed in spirit.
In Ezek 37:26-27, God made an everlasting covenant with us, He said, "I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people."NIV
Kids? Job? Ministry? Finances? Health? Submit every weight...every fear to the One Who can move mountains on our behalf...to the One Who parts Red Seas...to the One Who saves from the lion's den and protects in the fiery furnace...
I encourage you to pray as David prayed...and "put your hope in God."
PRAYER: Father, we need you to move in our lives. Fill us with the hope of our salvation. Fill us with expectancy for what is yet to come. Help us remember this life is but a vapor and that our momentary suffering can not be compared with the hope that awaits. We also ask Lord for Your favor. Move on our behalf. Supply for our every need as You have promised You would do in Your word. Thank you that the righteous shall lack no good thing. Thank You for Your love and mercy. Fill us with HOPE and confidence. We know we can trust You.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
My Audience of ONE
Luke 4:14-15, "Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him." NIV
I love this passage of Scripture. It occurs immediately following Jesus' 40 day fast and Satan's tempting of Him in the wilderness.
Immediately following the temptations, Jesus enters into the Synagogue to read the scroll of Isaiah. The result? The crowd loves Him and starts to say, "Isn't this Joseph's son?" They are amazed at His teaching.
But Jesus doesn't relish in their flattery. He isn't concerned about building fame or notoriety. He zeros in on the condition of their hearts...and the result? They turn from praising Him to wanting to throw Him off a cliff!
Unbelievable!
Last night as I read about Jesus, the Spirit of God overwhelmed me, revealing (to me)a closer look at Jesus' character.
Jesus was unmoved by the fickleness of popular opinion. He wasn't worried about building a platform. He wasn't concerned about doing "great things" for God. He didn't succumb to the desire of wanting to feel needed. No Jesus understood His mission and resolutely maintained His position to live yielded to the audience of God alone.
On more than one occasion we see Jesus privately retreat to a place of solitude...why? Because, He lived for the approval of One...His Heavenly Father. In order to know what the Father wanted, He positioned Himself to hear.
I fear, if I had been confronted with the scenario in the synagogue, I may have sat back and enjoyed the accolades for a little while...thinking ahhhhhhh...finally a platform to preach from. Now let's go do great things for God!!!
Yet, my spirit longs for the kind of intimacy Jesus shared with God...an intimacy where I only care about God's opinion and His will. I yearn for the comfort of not caring about what others think.
I'm not talking about being insolent to the feelings of others, or being hypercritical, looking for an opportunity to make disparaging remarks or denounce and reprove people; rather, I want to live in the place where I live for the APPROVAL of ONE!
I want to live in the place where I'm not concerned about what happens to me, or what I do, but rather, simply hear the Lord's leading and obey.
In the end, all that we do will be laid bare before the One Who created us. No pretense. No smoke screen or mirrors...just the simple truth of...did we...or didn't we do what He commanded!
I'm becoming more and more convinced that people will always have opinions...people will always second guess or become critical of what we do or do not do....BUT...THE POWER of living surrendered to the will of God is life giving. I want to live in that place where I simply don't care what others think.
Again, I'm not talking about living insolent, insubordinate lives...void of counsel; I'm talking about living in a place of serenity...living in the place where we seek the approval of the ONLY ONE WHO counts!
Acts 17:24-28 highlights how God doesn't "NEED" anything from us...after all...He "himself is the one who gives all men life and breath and everything else"...But God desires us to "seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him" God wants us to live in such a way that "in him we live and move and have our being."
So as you juggle all your responsibilities, as you make decisions of what or what not to do, as you manage the delicate balance of work, family, ministry, and life...remember to live for the AUDIENCE OF ONE!
Prayer: Father fill us with a desire to live surrendered to You and to seek You first, Your Kingdom, and Your righteousness. We want to feel You smile over our lives. We want to be pleasing to You. Open wide the doors that You want us to walk through. Forgive us for picking up our own agendas. Today, we humble ourselves once again, and say, "Do with our lives what YOU will." In Jesus name, amen.
I love this passage of Scripture. It occurs immediately following Jesus' 40 day fast and Satan's tempting of Him in the wilderness.
Immediately following the temptations, Jesus enters into the Synagogue to read the scroll of Isaiah. The result? The crowd loves Him and starts to say, "Isn't this Joseph's son?" They are amazed at His teaching.
But Jesus doesn't relish in their flattery. He isn't concerned about building fame or notoriety. He zeros in on the condition of their hearts...and the result? They turn from praising Him to wanting to throw Him off a cliff!
Unbelievable!
Last night as I read about Jesus, the Spirit of God overwhelmed me, revealing (to me)a closer look at Jesus' character.
Jesus was unmoved by the fickleness of popular opinion. He wasn't worried about building a platform. He wasn't concerned about doing "great things" for God. He didn't succumb to the desire of wanting to feel needed. No Jesus understood His mission and resolutely maintained His position to live yielded to the audience of God alone.
On more than one occasion we see Jesus privately retreat to a place of solitude...why? Because, He lived for the approval of One...His Heavenly Father. In order to know what the Father wanted, He positioned Himself to hear.
I fear, if I had been confronted with the scenario in the synagogue, I may have sat back and enjoyed the accolades for a little while...thinking ahhhhhhh...finally a platform to preach from. Now let's go do great things for God!!!
Yet, my spirit longs for the kind of intimacy Jesus shared with God...an intimacy where I only care about God's opinion and His will. I yearn for the comfort of not caring about what others think.
I'm not talking about being insolent to the feelings of others, or being hypercritical, looking for an opportunity to make disparaging remarks or denounce and reprove people; rather, I want to live in the place where I live for the APPROVAL of ONE!
I want to live in the place where I'm not concerned about what happens to me, or what I do, but rather, simply hear the Lord's leading and obey.
In the end, all that we do will be laid bare before the One Who created us. No pretense. No smoke screen or mirrors...just the simple truth of...did we...or didn't we do what He commanded!
I'm becoming more and more convinced that people will always have opinions...people will always second guess or become critical of what we do or do not do....BUT...THE POWER of living surrendered to the will of God is life giving. I want to live in that place where I simply don't care what others think.
Again, I'm not talking about living insolent, insubordinate lives...void of counsel; I'm talking about living in a place of serenity...living in the place where we seek the approval of the ONLY ONE WHO counts!
Acts 17:24-28 highlights how God doesn't "NEED" anything from us...after all...He "himself is the one who gives all men life and breath and everything else"...But God desires us to "seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him" God wants us to live in such a way that "in him we live and move and have our being."
So as you juggle all your responsibilities, as you make decisions of what or what not to do, as you manage the delicate balance of work, family, ministry, and life...remember to live for the AUDIENCE OF ONE!
Prayer: Father fill us with a desire to live surrendered to You and to seek You first, Your Kingdom, and Your righteousness. We want to feel You smile over our lives. We want to be pleasing to You. Open wide the doors that You want us to walk through. Forgive us for picking up our own agendas. Today, we humble ourselves once again, and say, "Do with our lives what YOU will." In Jesus name, amen.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Forgiveness Brings Life
“To err is human; to forgive, divine.” Though not necessarily found directly within Scripture, this phrase is deeply profound and contains the key to freedom and healthy relationships.
Ever wish you could redo parts of your life? If I could redo parts of mine, I would err on the side of grace, extending forgiveness even when it wasn’t sought, loving with purity even when it wasn’t returned. I would simply not hold on to offenses—often easier said than done; yet as I look back on the seasons of my life I regret not forgiving more quickly. Forgiveness is a choice and is a mandate for Christians—but all too often we fail to realize our own shortcomings until it’s too late.
Satan is especially crafty with bitterness—its very core is manipulative and destructive. Unfortunately, bitterness often occurs as a result of the intentional harm inflicted by another person. The deception of bitterness is that in some way we maintain the upper hand by remembering or holding on to an offense—what a lie.
Despite our natural inclination to hold on to offenses, God commands us to forgive as He has forgiven. Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
But…forgiveness can be tough. So, you may be asking, “How? How do you rid yourself of bitterness, and freely forgive?” Allow me to share five steps to help you in the process:
1. Submit your pain to God. Sometimes our pain is expressed in stages. The severity of the wound often determines the length of the healing process—don’t give up. God is near and ready to help remove your pain.
2. Confess any hatred or anger you may be harboring. Address your issues head on. Express your emotions to God in simple sentences and ask for help and the ability to forgive. Vocalize forgiveness out loud. It’s good to hear yourself say it. “I forgive…for… I choose to no longer remember this offense.”
3. Remember God is your defender. He is faithful to protect you. Don’t take vengeance into your own hands. God will protect you so much better than you can. Ask for Him to intervene on your behalf. And to help you to not hold on to offenses.
4. Recognize you can’t control another person’s actions. Each of us will give an account for our own actions, not one another’s. Submit your life to the principles of God’s Word and allow Him to convict your offender. Read passages on the mercy of God to help renew your mind and fight the battle that wages war against your emotions.
5. Finally, freedom starts with a choice to forgive and release bitterness. We can’t change our past, but we need NOT be a victim to it. If we harbor bitterness it only destroys us; it ties unites our lives with our offender, and rips at our soul. So, even if you don’t feel like forgiving you can begin with Lord I’m willing to be willing. Be honest with God and ask for Him to help.
Forgiveness and releasing bitterness isn’t easy…but it is liberating. Forgiveness is essential in life because eventually we all get hurt, people aren’t perfect. True love keeps no record of wrongs.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” NIV
Prayer: Father, fill us with the grace to forgive, and the courage to love as you love us.
Ever wish you could redo parts of your life? If I could redo parts of mine, I would err on the side of grace, extending forgiveness even when it wasn’t sought, loving with purity even when it wasn’t returned. I would simply not hold on to offenses—often easier said than done; yet as I look back on the seasons of my life I regret not forgiving more quickly. Forgiveness is a choice and is a mandate for Christians—but all too often we fail to realize our own shortcomings until it’s too late.
Satan is especially crafty with bitterness—its very core is manipulative and destructive. Unfortunately, bitterness often occurs as a result of the intentional harm inflicted by another person. The deception of bitterness is that in some way we maintain the upper hand by remembering or holding on to an offense—what a lie.
Despite our natural inclination to hold on to offenses, God commands us to forgive as He has forgiven. Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
But…forgiveness can be tough. So, you may be asking, “How? How do you rid yourself of bitterness, and freely forgive?” Allow me to share five steps to help you in the process:
1. Submit your pain to God. Sometimes our pain is expressed in stages. The severity of the wound often determines the length of the healing process—don’t give up. God is near and ready to help remove your pain.
2. Confess any hatred or anger you may be harboring. Address your issues head on. Express your emotions to God in simple sentences and ask for help and the ability to forgive. Vocalize forgiveness out loud. It’s good to hear yourself say it. “I forgive…for… I choose to no longer remember this offense.”
3. Remember God is your defender. He is faithful to protect you. Don’t take vengeance into your own hands. God will protect you so much better than you can. Ask for Him to intervene on your behalf. And to help you to not hold on to offenses.
4. Recognize you can’t control another person’s actions. Each of us will give an account for our own actions, not one another’s. Submit your life to the principles of God’s Word and allow Him to convict your offender. Read passages on the mercy of God to help renew your mind and fight the battle that wages war against your emotions.
5. Finally, freedom starts with a choice to forgive and release bitterness. We can’t change our past, but we need NOT be a victim to it. If we harbor bitterness it only destroys us; it ties unites our lives with our offender, and rips at our soul. So, even if you don’t feel like forgiving you can begin with Lord I’m willing to be willing. Be honest with God and ask for Him to help.
Forgiveness and releasing bitterness isn’t easy…but it is liberating. Forgiveness is essential in life because eventually we all get hurt, people aren’t perfect. True love keeps no record of wrongs.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” NIV
Prayer: Father, fill us with the grace to forgive, and the courage to love as you love us.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Entering Rest....AHHHHHHHHH
Today is probably going to be one of the least polished posts I've written...but it's Friday...and the message God put on my heart is really simple.
After all...it's Friday! When I wake up on Friday, I immediately breathe... AHHHHHHHHH Friday! The sun seems to shine a little brighter! The birds chirp a little sweeter and I smile a little bigger (which for those of you who know me, may think is impossible. LOL)
BUT, I love Friday's; Fridays are the wrapping up of a week, and the projection of a restful weekend ahead. Family time. No responsibilities. Just a time to rest with good friends and hang out with my kids and hubby.
My mood immediately fills with expectancy...my posture rests with deep sighs knowing I lived another week well.
Anyone know what I'm talking about? For me, Friday marks the nearing of my Sabbath--my time of rest.
In Hebrews 4:9-11, God demonstrates His heart and compassion to us, by encouraging us to enter into His rest...to cease from "working"...to cease from "striving".
"There remains, then, a Sabbath — rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience." NIV
So, today, I encourage you...keep it simple. Breathe in; breathe out. Take a moment to just be. Don't worry about everything that "NEEDS" to be done; choose what is better. Enter into the rest God designed for you. Spend time with the ones who matter most. Even God rested from His labor.
I want to thank you, for all your words of encouragement this week...for your prayers...And...for just being my friend. My prayer for you is that you will get some rest and that any weight on your shoulders will be lifted.
Prayer: Father, with so much to do, so many tasks ahead, help us to remember to rest, to spend time with our families, and to enjoy the life you've given us. Fill us with good sleep and fill our hearts with joy and laughter. In Jesus name, Amen.
After all...it's Friday! When I wake up on Friday, I immediately breathe... AHHHHHHHHH Friday! The sun seems to shine a little brighter! The birds chirp a little sweeter and I smile a little bigger (which for those of you who know me, may think is impossible. LOL)
BUT, I love Friday's; Fridays are the wrapping up of a week, and the projection of a restful weekend ahead. Family time. No responsibilities. Just a time to rest with good friends and hang out with my kids and hubby.
My mood immediately fills with expectancy...my posture rests with deep sighs knowing I lived another week well.
Anyone know what I'm talking about? For me, Friday marks the nearing of my Sabbath--my time of rest.
In Hebrews 4:9-11, God demonstrates His heart and compassion to us, by encouraging us to enter into His rest...to cease from "working"...to cease from "striving".
"There remains, then, a Sabbath — rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience." NIV
So, today, I encourage you...keep it simple. Breathe in; breathe out. Take a moment to just be. Don't worry about everything that "NEEDS" to be done; choose what is better. Enter into the rest God designed for you. Spend time with the ones who matter most. Even God rested from His labor.
I want to thank you, for all your words of encouragement this week...for your prayers...And...for just being my friend. My prayer for you is that you will get some rest and that any weight on your shoulders will be lifted.
Prayer: Father, with so much to do, so many tasks ahead, help us to remember to rest, to spend time with our families, and to enjoy the life you've given us. Fill us with good sleep and fill our hearts with joy and laughter. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
What Does "In Jesus Name" Really Mean?
I still remember the day I said, "I, Julie Miller, take you Greg Gorman, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part."
Traditional vows...Unwavering...Never-ending...Steadfast in commitment!
Over the years, conflicts and adversary challenged my resolution to honor my vows. Yet...over the years, I also discovered the beauty of being a bride. The day I entrusted my life to my husband gave me the most amazing gift; I bear his name.
Andrew Murray writes, in his book, With Christ in the School of Prayer, "The free use of someone else's name is always a token of great confidence and close union. Someone who gives his name to another stands aside to let that person act for him. Someone who takes the name of another gives up his own as of no value. When I go in the name of another, I deny myself. I take not only his name, but himself and what he is, instead of myself and what I am."
Marriage, is the closest analogy I can find, that illustrates the power of bearing the name of Jesus.
I bear the name Gorman...his family has become my family...his resources have become mine...When I'm at events...I represent him. My actions reflect not only myself...but my husband. I can bring him honor or I can bring him shame. When he committed to me...he committed to the same. But as a bride...I gave up my name and took his. I no longer bear my name...I bear his. I deny my "rights" and surrender them, to serve him. We are one. Powerful! Amazing! And as a good husband, he listens, cares, and sacrifices for my good.
As Christians, we bear the name of Jesus. We pray, "In the name of Jesus." But "In Jesus name" constitutes more than just empty words; it speaks of Position and Power and Privilege. Bearing God's names is a sign of God's trust in us. We bear His name. Our actions reveal Who he is. We represent His character. How we live reflects His image? Right or wrong...we are the only example the world has to see Jesus.
God has entrusted His name to us. And with it we bear not only the weight of representing Him...we receive the covering He provides. Everything that is His is ours. We must steward it well.
Everything He is, empowers us to live above our circumstances. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us, because we bear His name. Our sins erased...Our fears vanquished...Our needs all provided for...why? Because we bear His name.
Jesus said, in John 14:12-14, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."NIV
Does that mean we'll have a Mercedes, Mansion, and lots and lots of Money?...C'mon don't twist Scripture...remember bearing His Name also means bearing His character. But we do have the assurance and the confidence (that when we bear His character) we can ask anything from Him, knowing He will provide for every need.
He covers us...He covers YOU! Your fears! Your temptations! Your desires! Your salvation! Your hopes...your dreams...your vision! EVERYTHING is covered in HIS name. He is the most HOLY of Husbands and He calls us HIS BRIDE!
Prayer: Father, teach us what it really means to pray, "In Jesus Name". Reveal to the core of our being, Who We Are In YOU! May we walk in a manner worthy of Your name. May we bring Honor to YOUR name. Fill us with Your Spirit. Let our faith and confidence rest in the knowledge of our union with You as Your bride. Thank You for entrusting us with Your name. Empower us to reflect Who You are. Provide for us we pray. "IN JESUS NAME" amen.
Traditional vows...Unwavering...Never-ending...Steadfast in commitment!
Over the years, conflicts and adversary challenged my resolution to honor my vows. Yet...over the years, I also discovered the beauty of being a bride. The day I entrusted my life to my husband gave me the most amazing gift; I bear his name.
Andrew Murray writes, in his book, With Christ in the School of Prayer, "The free use of someone else's name is always a token of great confidence and close union. Someone who gives his name to another stands aside to let that person act for him. Someone who takes the name of another gives up his own as of no value. When I go in the name of another, I deny myself. I take not only his name, but himself and what he is, instead of myself and what I am."
Marriage, is the closest analogy I can find, that illustrates the power of bearing the name of Jesus.
I bear the name Gorman...his family has become my family...his resources have become mine...When I'm at events...I represent him. My actions reflect not only myself...but my husband. I can bring him honor or I can bring him shame. When he committed to me...he committed to the same. But as a bride...I gave up my name and took his. I no longer bear my name...I bear his. I deny my "rights" and surrender them, to serve him. We are one. Powerful! Amazing! And as a good husband, he listens, cares, and sacrifices for my good.
As Christians, we bear the name of Jesus. We pray, "In the name of Jesus." But "In Jesus name" constitutes more than just empty words; it speaks of Position and Power and Privilege. Bearing God's names is a sign of God's trust in us. We bear His name. Our actions reveal Who he is. We represent His character. How we live reflects His image? Right or wrong...we are the only example the world has to see Jesus.
God has entrusted His name to us. And with it we bear not only the weight of representing Him...we receive the covering He provides. Everything that is His is ours. We must steward it well.
Everything He is, empowers us to live above our circumstances. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us, because we bear His name. Our sins erased...Our fears vanquished...Our needs all provided for...why? Because we bear His name.
Jesus said, in John 14:12-14, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."NIV
Does that mean we'll have a Mercedes, Mansion, and lots and lots of Money?...C'mon don't twist Scripture...remember bearing His Name also means bearing His character. But we do have the assurance and the confidence (that when we bear His character) we can ask anything from Him, knowing He will provide for every need.
He covers us...He covers YOU! Your fears! Your temptations! Your desires! Your salvation! Your hopes...your dreams...your vision! EVERYTHING is covered in HIS name. He is the most HOLY of Husbands and He calls us HIS BRIDE!
Prayer: Father, teach us what it really means to pray, "In Jesus Name". Reveal to the core of our being, Who We Are In YOU! May we walk in a manner worthy of Your name. May we bring Honor to YOUR name. Fill us with Your Spirit. Let our faith and confidence rest in the knowledge of our union with You as Your bride. Thank You for entrusting us with Your name. Empower us to reflect Who You are. Provide for us we pray. "IN JESUS NAME" amen.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
A Moment of Decision...Will We Press On or Retreat?
If we fail to face our fear of the unknown we abandon our awaited promise...
When I think of men of faith, like Abraham and Moses, I think of men of great strength...men who pressed on and pressed in regardless of the obstacles.
I seldom think of the choices they had to make: would they press on or go back? Would they sacrifice everything they believed for and trust God? Would they decide to stand when they felt like throwing their hands in the air and retreat?
This morning as I read Hebrews 11 (one of my favorite passages) verse 15 stood out; every hero of the faith had to a choice to make; it says, "And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return." (Hebrews 11:15)NAS
As I read this passage, it occurred to me...At one point or another, Abraham was probably tempted to go back to what was familiar. Verse 8 of chapter 11 says he went out not knowing where he was going... So, every step Abraham took was unfamiliar territory. I imagine there were times he wondered if he had heard God correctly. I imagine there were times he wished that he could go back to the familiar streams and green lands he left behind.
Moses' desert wanderings revealed the powerful stronghold fear can have on a believer's life; on numerous occasions the Israelites preferred to go back to slavery in Egypt, rather than face the unknown. They actually would have rather returned to endure hunger, beatings, and slave-labor, than venture by faith to their awaited promised land...Fear of the unknown is a powerful thing!!!
Unfortunately I can relate to the Israelites all too often.
Reaching for your dreams...counting the cost...stepping out in faith...Each requires every ounce of courage and trust you can possibly muster up. At times the easier choice would be to retreat, to go back to the familiar...But if we fail to conquer our fears (by putting our trust in God's faithfulness) we will never taste the milk and honey that awaits; we will never witness the abundant sized grapes dripping from the vine.
So, I have to ask: What is God calling you to?
Like our heroes of the faith, we face moments of decision...Will we press on or retreat? Will we lay it all on the line and trust God? Or will we throw our hands in the air and go back to the "familiar"?
Don't worry...God can be trusted. He is able to do exceedingly above all we could ever ask...think...or imagine. AND HE is FAITHFUL. Battles are real. Life is full of temptations. Satan's strongest weapon is fear and deception. BUT...God promises that we will never face a battle alone (Joshua 1:5) and that during every test/temptation He will provide a way of escape for us (1 Cor. 10:13).
So, the question remains, what has God promised you? What has he called you to do? God is faithful. He will accomplish all that He said He would. Put your hope and confidence in Him...Remember Who He is. Our promise may be delayed. We may have moments of weakness, where we feel like retreating; but, I encourage you to press on.
PRAYER: Father, give us the courage to press on. Help us to know Your will that we can simply put our trust in You. We are so weak at times, and we need Your Presence to empower us. Today, Lord, we choose to press on. We choose to follow You wherever You lead. Fill each one of us with life, and hope, and cause us to remember Who You are! In Jesus name, Amen.
When I think of men of faith, like Abraham and Moses, I think of men of great strength...men who pressed on and pressed in regardless of the obstacles.
I seldom think of the choices they had to make: would they press on or go back? Would they sacrifice everything they believed for and trust God? Would they decide to stand when they felt like throwing their hands in the air and retreat?
This morning as I read Hebrews 11 (one of my favorite passages) verse 15 stood out; every hero of the faith had to a choice to make; it says, "And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return." (Hebrews 11:15)NAS
As I read this passage, it occurred to me...At one point or another, Abraham was probably tempted to go back to what was familiar. Verse 8 of chapter 11 says he went out not knowing where he was going... So, every step Abraham took was unfamiliar territory. I imagine there were times he wondered if he had heard God correctly. I imagine there were times he wished that he could go back to the familiar streams and green lands he left behind.
Moses' desert wanderings revealed the powerful stronghold fear can have on a believer's life; on numerous occasions the Israelites preferred to go back to slavery in Egypt, rather than face the unknown. They actually would have rather returned to endure hunger, beatings, and slave-labor, than venture by faith to their awaited promised land...Fear of the unknown is a powerful thing!!!
Unfortunately I can relate to the Israelites all too often.
Reaching for your dreams...counting the cost...stepping out in faith...Each requires every ounce of courage and trust you can possibly muster up. At times the easier choice would be to retreat, to go back to the familiar...But if we fail to conquer our fears (by putting our trust in God's faithfulness) we will never taste the milk and honey that awaits; we will never witness the abundant sized grapes dripping from the vine.
So, I have to ask: What is God calling you to?
Like our heroes of the faith, we face moments of decision...Will we press on or retreat? Will we lay it all on the line and trust God? Or will we throw our hands in the air and go back to the "familiar"?
Don't worry...God can be trusted. He is able to do exceedingly above all we could ever ask...think...or imagine. AND HE is FAITHFUL. Battles are real. Life is full of temptations. Satan's strongest weapon is fear and deception. BUT...God promises that we will never face a battle alone (Joshua 1:5) and that during every test/temptation He will provide a way of escape for us (1 Cor. 10:13).
So, the question remains, what has God promised you? What has he called you to do? God is faithful. He will accomplish all that He said He would. Put your hope and confidence in Him...Remember Who He is. Our promise may be delayed. We may have moments of weakness, where we feel like retreating; but, I encourage you to press on.
PRAYER: Father, give us the courage to press on. Help us to know Your will that we can simply put our trust in You. We are so weak at times, and we need Your Presence to empower us. Today, Lord, we choose to press on. We choose to follow You wherever You lead. Fill each one of us with life, and hope, and cause us to remember Who You are! In Jesus name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Beauty of Following
I'm a small town girl and just not that comfortable with loops, pavement, and bumper to bumper traffic; big cities overwhelm me. So, moving to a new city has had its challenges. New doctors, new restaurants, new...well...new everything.
The other day Greg and were going to go to dinner with good friends. They started rattling off directions until they saw the look of terror in my eyes; I didn't recognize a single street they were talking about.
My friend and I both said, simultaneously, "Follow me"..."I'll tell you what, I'll follow you." Our words tumbled over one another...and I giggled. Immediately my fear disappeared. My heart stopped racing. I was no longer worried about arriving at the right destination or getting lost.
The beauty of following is you don't have to worry anymore. You simply put your trust in the one who is leading...knowing they know the way.
This morning, as I sat down to my computer, the words "Follow me" ran through my mind; I thought of this memory; I thought of Jesus.
On numerous occasions Jesus called each disciple and instructed them to "Follow Me". His call is no different today. God calls; we follow. And when we simply obey and follow His voice, not trudging out ahead of Him or attempting mighty feats on our own, our fear vanquishes.
God can be trusted. In John 10:27-30 Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand..." NIV
You are safe my friend. Lean back in His arms. Trust His leading. He knows your final destination. He knows His plans for you.
Jer 29:11-13 says, "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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." NIV
You can NOT be plucked from God's hands. You are secure in Him. His love covers you. He will sustain you. He will lead you and provide for you...YOUR JOB???
Simply, follow! Allow the fear to fade away.
Prayer: Father, lift every worry and fear from us. Let us rest in Your goodness. Help us to hear Your leading. Direct us. Guide us. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit. We love You Lord. Thank You that we are never alone. Thank You for Your faithfulness. In Jesus name, Amen.
The other day Greg and were going to go to dinner with good friends. They started rattling off directions until they saw the look of terror in my eyes; I didn't recognize a single street they were talking about.
My friend and I both said, simultaneously, "Follow me"..."I'll tell you what, I'll follow you." Our words tumbled over one another...and I giggled. Immediately my fear disappeared. My heart stopped racing. I was no longer worried about arriving at the right destination or getting lost.
The beauty of following is you don't have to worry anymore. You simply put your trust in the one who is leading...knowing they know the way.
This morning, as I sat down to my computer, the words "Follow me" ran through my mind; I thought of this memory; I thought of Jesus.
On numerous occasions Jesus called each disciple and instructed them to "Follow Me". His call is no different today. God calls; we follow. And when we simply obey and follow His voice, not trudging out ahead of Him or attempting mighty feats on our own, our fear vanquishes.
God can be trusted. In John 10:27-30 Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand..." NIV
You are safe my friend. Lean back in His arms. Trust His leading. He knows your final destination. He knows His plans for you.
Jer 29:11-13 says, "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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." NIV
You can NOT be plucked from God's hands. You are secure in Him. His love covers you. He will sustain you. He will lead you and provide for you...YOUR JOB???
Simply, follow! Allow the fear to fade away.
Prayer: Father, lift every worry and fear from us. Let us rest in Your goodness. Help us to hear Your leading. Direct us. Guide us. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit. We love You Lord. Thank You that we are never alone. Thank You for Your faithfulness. In Jesus name, Amen.
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Power of The Cross
I know it's Monday and if you are like me...five hundred tasks demand your attention, but I want to encourage you to slow down; take a breath.
huhhhhhhhh,ahhhhhhhh...Breathe...Now didn't that feel good? :)
The truth is...nothing is more important than renewing your mind and being filled up with God's presence.
Today as I sat at my computer I asked the Lord what I should share. And a couple verses came to mind (Matthew 10:38-39 and Luke 9:23-25) When I turned to them, I knew it wasn't an accident...both of them said, pretty much, the same thing. For time sake, I'll just list one of them.
Luke 9:23-25 says, "...If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?"
At first glance, I resisted sharing this verse. I want this blog to be a time of encouragement and this verse seems to be really heavy, maybe even a little condemning because (after all) none of us are perfect.
I read a verse like this, and find myself adding it to my arsenal of "falling short", and can easily walk away feeling defeated. But...Jesus' words are not meant to condemn, rather, they are meant to give us life. After all, He spoke everything in love and for our good.
It seems foreign to us, that in losing our life for God's sake we find life...but none the less...it's true.
Taking up our cross daily, means we die every day...with so many responsibilities that we tend to shoulder, it's only when we cast off our own strength and remember to follow after Jesus, walking in His strength, that we find life.
I see the cross as an amazing answer. Parenting??? Married life??? Jobs??? Bills??? Decisions of whether or not to??? Each decision already made for me in light of what 'taking up my cross daily' means. All I have to do is surrender to its power and truth.
In remembering the cross, I remember my hope, my salvation. In bearing the cross, I live surrendered to God's will, remembering that everything I do, I do for Him. And (as promised) an amazing dichotomy happens...I find life.
God knows what ultimately brings us joy, peace, and satisfaction. Surrendering our agenda for His and submitting our plans for His best, liberates our life.
I have made decisions in my own power, ran after successes in my own strength, reached for things that I just knew for sure I wanted, and each time...I end up frustrated and overwhelmed. But when I walk in step with God, no matter how daunting the task, I experience life because I'm operating in His strength, in His promise, and in His blessing. When I've taken up His mission, I can face obstacles, move mountains, and press on, because I know in Whom I believe and in Whom I trust.
Having ran after the world and tasted its victories I can honestly say...nothing else satisfies or compares to an intimate relationship with God.
So...on this Monday...with sooooooooo much to do, let us determine to not simply make Jesus part of our day...but rather step into His day and live it in His power and under His direction.
May the truth of the cross remind you of the hope that awaits for you. This life is temporal...what awaits us is eternal.
Prayer: Father fill us with Your presence. Give us strength to live surrendered to You. Thank You for the hope of our salvation. Thank You Jesus for dying for us. Thank You that You know what is best for our life. Help us to run after You and do what You've set before us to do. We surrender every part of our life to You. Thank You for the joy of knowing You. Give us life this day. Empower us to serve You and to love You with all of our heart, mind, and soul. In Jesus name...Amen.
huhhhhhhhh,ahhhhhhhh...Breathe...Now didn't that feel good? :)
The truth is...nothing is more important than renewing your mind and being filled up with God's presence.
Today as I sat at my computer I asked the Lord what I should share. And a couple verses came to mind (Matthew 10:38-39 and Luke 9:23-25) When I turned to them, I knew it wasn't an accident...both of them said, pretty much, the same thing. For time sake, I'll just list one of them.
Luke 9:23-25 says, "...If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?"
At first glance, I resisted sharing this verse. I want this blog to be a time of encouragement and this verse seems to be really heavy, maybe even a little condemning because (after all) none of us are perfect.
I read a verse like this, and find myself adding it to my arsenal of "falling short", and can easily walk away feeling defeated. But...Jesus' words are not meant to condemn, rather, they are meant to give us life. After all, He spoke everything in love and for our good.
It seems foreign to us, that in losing our life for God's sake we find life...but none the less...it's true.
Taking up our cross daily, means we die every day...with so many responsibilities that we tend to shoulder, it's only when we cast off our own strength and remember to follow after Jesus, walking in His strength, that we find life.
I see the cross as an amazing answer. Parenting??? Married life??? Jobs??? Bills??? Decisions of whether or not to??? Each decision already made for me in light of what 'taking up my cross daily' means. All I have to do is surrender to its power and truth.
In remembering the cross, I remember my hope, my salvation. In bearing the cross, I live surrendered to God's will, remembering that everything I do, I do for Him. And (as promised) an amazing dichotomy happens...I find life.
God knows what ultimately brings us joy, peace, and satisfaction. Surrendering our agenda for His and submitting our plans for His best, liberates our life.
I have made decisions in my own power, ran after successes in my own strength, reached for things that I just knew for sure I wanted, and each time...I end up frustrated and overwhelmed. But when I walk in step with God, no matter how daunting the task, I experience life because I'm operating in His strength, in His promise, and in His blessing. When I've taken up His mission, I can face obstacles, move mountains, and press on, because I know in Whom I believe and in Whom I trust.
Having ran after the world and tasted its victories I can honestly say...nothing else satisfies or compares to an intimate relationship with God.
So...on this Monday...with sooooooooo much to do, let us determine to not simply make Jesus part of our day...but rather step into His day and live it in His power and under His direction.
May the truth of the cross remind you of the hope that awaits for you. This life is temporal...what awaits us is eternal.
Prayer: Father fill us with Your presence. Give us strength to live surrendered to You. Thank You for the hope of our salvation. Thank You Jesus for dying for us. Thank You that You know what is best for our life. Help us to run after You and do what You've set before us to do. We surrender every part of our life to You. Thank You for the joy of knowing You. Give us life this day. Empower us to serve You and to love You with all of our heart, mind, and soul. In Jesus name...Amen.
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