Friends, before we begin the New Year and venture off into making New Year's Resolutions I sense God prompting me, to encourage each one of us, to wait patiently before Him, to listen intently to hear what He is saying and where HE is leading us.
KNOWING WHAT GOD HAS SAID gives us the confidence to press on securely...no matter what else comes our way.
Hebrews 11:1-2 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (NIV) So, "What is faith? And where does TRUE faith come from?"
Faith is not conjuring up some noble notion or incredible feat and commanding God to bless and empower...True faith is a direct step of obedience, a response to follow after God's promise and commission.
In Hebrews 11:8-12 we read, "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Abraham, even though he was past age — and Sarah herself was barren — was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore."
But the truth God has revealed over and over to me, in the past couple of years, is that ABRAHAM never FULLY witnessed the fulfillment of GOD'S PROMISE.
Look at verses thirteen through sixteen of Hebrews eleven. "All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." (Heb. 11: 13-16, NIV)
The KEY to PRESSING ON BOLDLY and LIVING LIFE TO ITS FULLEST occurs when we step out to follow after, responding to GOD'S voice alone.
Anyone can venture off into the unknown tagging God's name to their quest...but true faith never originates from "SELF"...true Faith derives directly in response to God's command.
True faith presses on when others shrink back, not because of self will or sheer determination, but because confidence in "WHO GOD IS" compels no other possibility.
Beloved, what is GOD calling you to in this New Year? Where is He leading? What does HE require from YOU? Our hope, our confidence, and our ability to press on, demands we know the answers to these questions. My prayer going into this NEW YEAR is that we might KNOW more intimately WHO GOD IS and that every ounce of our soul KNOWS exactly what HE IS SAYING and where HE IS LEADING.
PRAYER: Father, thank you for all the lessons You've taught us in 2010. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your leading. Thank You that You have a plan for us in 2011. Help us to HEAR what YOU are saying. Speak clearly. Direct our steps. We commit to follow YOU!
MY THEME SONG FOR 2011 is Chris Tomlin's new song, "I WILL FOLLOW": check it out on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx_04LdPV_Q
HAPPY NEW YEAR dear friends! :)
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
An Open Invitation
Today, as I awakened early, God filled me with a passion to slip away and spend time with Him. As I retreated to my study, His Spirit was so evident, I couldn't help but respond...and boy did the tears flow. I felt prompted to turn to the Book of Esther. As I read her story, the Holy Spirit highlighted a rather obscure verse and compelled me to share it with you.
Esther 4:11, "All the king's officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that he be put to death. The only exception to this is for the king to extend the gold scepter to him and spare his life. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king." (NIV)
Ok, I told it was obscure...but as I read this passage of Scripture...I immediately thought how difficult it is to press into God, to approach His throne, especially when we feel as though He hasn't commissioned or called us into His presence (for a long period of time). King Xerxes hadn't called for Esther for 30 days. The law forbade anyone to enter the Kings Presence without having been called. But, like Esther, we are positioned as a bride to the King, God's BRIDE. He positioned us as such in Christ Jesus and NOTHING can separate us from His love. And through Jesus, He extended an open invitation to come into His throne room boldly and to make our requests known to Him. As I read about Esther, I couldn't help but notice her humility in approaching the King. And again, felt impressed with this thought...when we come to God in true humility...we find His favor.
Isaiah 66:2 says, "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word."
So, as we approach God humbly and ask anything in accordance with His will, I believe, He extends His gold scepter to us like King Xerxes did Esther and says, "ASK ME WHAT YOU WILL...UP TO HALF THE KINGDOM AND IT IS YOURS."
Friends, 2 Chronicles 16:8-9 says, "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
Today, I want to encourage you to press in to draw near to God. Share your concerns with Him; ask Him to intervene; uphold your confidence in WHO HE IS and REMEMBER WHAT HE HAS PROMISED; maintain your hope in the promise of His Word: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him." (1 John 5:14-15, NIV)
PRAYER: Father, we come to You humbly with so many needs. We praise You God that You hold the power to grant our requests. We ask that You would move on our behalf, intervene when our enemies try to destroy, and ask that You would perform miracles on our behalf. Lord I ask that you provide for us, heal u, restore us, and empower us to fulfill all that You have called us to. May we sense Your favor and Presence today. Thank You for Your goodness, Your mercy, and Your love. In Jesus name, amen.
Esther 4:11, "All the king's officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that he be put to death. The only exception to this is for the king to extend the gold scepter to him and spare his life. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king." (NIV)
Ok, I told it was obscure...but as I read this passage of Scripture...I immediately thought how difficult it is to press into God, to approach His throne, especially when we feel as though He hasn't commissioned or called us into His presence (for a long period of time). King Xerxes hadn't called for Esther for 30 days. The law forbade anyone to enter the Kings Presence without having been called. But, like Esther, we are positioned as a bride to the King, God's BRIDE. He positioned us as such in Christ Jesus and NOTHING can separate us from His love. And through Jesus, He extended an open invitation to come into His throne room boldly and to make our requests known to Him. As I read about Esther, I couldn't help but notice her humility in approaching the King. And again, felt impressed with this thought...when we come to God in true humility...we find His favor.
Isaiah 66:2 says, "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word."
So, as we approach God humbly and ask anything in accordance with His will, I believe, He extends His gold scepter to us like King Xerxes did Esther and says, "ASK ME WHAT YOU WILL...UP TO HALF THE KINGDOM AND IT IS YOURS."
Friends, 2 Chronicles 16:8-9 says, "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
Today, I want to encourage you to press in to draw near to God. Share your concerns with Him; ask Him to intervene; uphold your confidence in WHO HE IS and REMEMBER WHAT HE HAS PROMISED; maintain your hope in the promise of His Word: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him." (1 John 5:14-15, NIV)
PRAYER: Father, we come to You humbly with so many needs. We praise You God that You hold the power to grant our requests. We ask that You would move on our behalf, intervene when our enemies try to destroy, and ask that You would perform miracles on our behalf. Lord I ask that you provide for us, heal u, restore us, and empower us to fulfill all that You have called us to. May we sense Your favor and Presence today. Thank You for Your goodness, Your mercy, and Your love. In Jesus name, amen.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
God's Plan!
Jeremiah 29:10-13, 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)
Friends, I know for many of us, 2010 was a tough year. Some of us have lost loved ones, some of us suffered through great battles with our health. Many of us struggled with financial burdens, as we learned how to survive on a whole lot less, in this economic down turn. So as we read Jeremiah 29, we are faced with a decision to either believe God and take Him at His Word, or give in to the accusations of the enemies lies, whispering that… “God’s forgotten us.” “He is punishing us.” Or even as bold of a lie, hidden in faith doubting questions of “Who is God?” “Is He really Who we thought He was?”
I’ve often heard Jeremiah 29 quoted, but as I read this passage recently, the Holy Spirit highlighted a truth hidden from my view. In Jeremiah 29:14 we read, "I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." (NIV)
As I reflect on verse 14, I am awestruck by our God’s Sovereignty. The words I have banished you and I carried you into exile wowed me with many questions. I won’t go into all the theological ramifications of attempting to explain or discuss the SOVEREIGNTY of GOD…HOWEVER, I do want to focus on what God taught me through this passage of Scripture.
As we go into 2011, whether our circumstances look bleak, or we feel as though we are walking on streets of gold and blessings are on every side…one thing we can know with certainty.
God promises us a few things from this passage of Scripture:
1. God is in control. He knows the plans He has for us. And though He doesn’t reveal the specifics, He promises that regardless of our circumstances we can trust that each step along our journey is to prosper us, and to give us hope and a secure future. God is NOT devising ways to make us suffer. No matter how bleak our future looks…GOD IS IN CONTROL. And He promises us secondly, that:
2. When we call on Him….when we come to Him and pray…HE IS LISTENING. Beloved, God is near. You’re prayers aren’t just hitting the ceiling and bouncing back down; they break through the atmosphere, and land before the throne of God, intertwining with the Jesus’ prayers, Who ever lives to make intercession for us as believers. God promises that:
3. We will seek and find HIM when we seek Him with ALL of our heart. Though we go through turmoil, though we face hardships, we are NOT alone. God will never leave us or forsake us. The fiery trials will NOT consume us…our lifeline however must be found in pressing on relentlessly, seeking after God with every ounce of our being…NEVER letting go…and crying out to GOD with ALL of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. AND GOD PROMISES that when we do that:
4. HE WILL BE FOUND by us. We WILL discover a greater revelation of WHO HE IS. We WILL experience a greater intimacy of HIS very PRESENCE. He is close to the broken-hearted. He saves those who are crushed in spirit. Though we feel banished, though we feel exiled, wandering in our own spiritual desert, God promises that:
5. He WILL gather us from the places He’s banished us to and WILL bring us back from the place He carried us into exile. IN OTHER WORDS, GOD has been and WILL FOREVER be with us…masterfully working ALL THINGS together for our good…Carrying us…Holding us…Secure in HIS LOVE.
HIS PLANS ARE TO BLESS AND NOT HARM. So regardless of our circumstances my dear friends…as we go into 2011…we can KNOW CONFIDENTLY as Chris Tomlin sings in His Song Our God…that our God is BIGGER…OUR GOD IS STRONGER…our God is Higher than any other…OUR GOD IS HEALER…Awesome in power…
HE IS OUR GOD…AND OUR GOD CAN BE TRUSTED…
PRAYER: Father, thank You that You are with us always. Thank You that Your plans are for our good. Fill us with Your peace, strengthen us with Your presence, and fill us with wisdom, power, and love to live as You have called us to. In Jesus name, amen.
Friends, I know for many of us, 2010 was a tough year. Some of us have lost loved ones, some of us suffered through great battles with our health. Many of us struggled with financial burdens, as we learned how to survive on a whole lot less, in this economic down turn. So as we read Jeremiah 29, we are faced with a decision to either believe God and take Him at His Word, or give in to the accusations of the enemies lies, whispering that… “God’s forgotten us.” “He is punishing us.” Or even as bold of a lie, hidden in faith doubting questions of “Who is God?” “Is He really Who we thought He was?”
I’ve often heard Jeremiah 29 quoted, but as I read this passage recently, the Holy Spirit highlighted a truth hidden from my view. In Jeremiah 29:14 we read, "I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." (NIV)
As I reflect on verse 14, I am awestruck by our God’s Sovereignty. The words I have banished you and I carried you into exile wowed me with many questions. I won’t go into all the theological ramifications of attempting to explain or discuss the SOVEREIGNTY of GOD…HOWEVER, I do want to focus on what God taught me through this passage of Scripture.
As we go into 2011, whether our circumstances look bleak, or we feel as though we are walking on streets of gold and blessings are on every side…one thing we can know with certainty.
God promises us a few things from this passage of Scripture:
1. God is in control. He knows the plans He has for us. And though He doesn’t reveal the specifics, He promises that regardless of our circumstances we can trust that each step along our journey is to prosper us, and to give us hope and a secure future. God is NOT devising ways to make us suffer. No matter how bleak our future looks…GOD IS IN CONTROL. And He promises us secondly, that:
2. When we call on Him….when we come to Him and pray…HE IS LISTENING. Beloved, God is near. You’re prayers aren’t just hitting the ceiling and bouncing back down; they break through the atmosphere, and land before the throne of God, intertwining with the Jesus’ prayers, Who ever lives to make intercession for us as believers. God promises that:
3. We will seek and find HIM when we seek Him with ALL of our heart. Though we go through turmoil, though we face hardships, we are NOT alone. God will never leave us or forsake us. The fiery trials will NOT consume us…our lifeline however must be found in pressing on relentlessly, seeking after God with every ounce of our being…NEVER letting go…and crying out to GOD with ALL of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. AND GOD PROMISES that when we do that:
4. HE WILL BE FOUND by us. We WILL discover a greater revelation of WHO HE IS. We WILL experience a greater intimacy of HIS very PRESENCE. He is close to the broken-hearted. He saves those who are crushed in spirit. Though we feel banished, though we feel exiled, wandering in our own spiritual desert, God promises that:
5. He WILL gather us from the places He’s banished us to and WILL bring us back from the place He carried us into exile. IN OTHER WORDS, GOD has been and WILL FOREVER be with us…masterfully working ALL THINGS together for our good…Carrying us…Holding us…Secure in HIS LOVE.
HIS PLANS ARE TO BLESS AND NOT HARM. So regardless of our circumstances my dear friends…as we go into 2011…we can KNOW CONFIDENTLY as Chris Tomlin sings in His Song Our God…that our God is BIGGER…OUR GOD IS STRONGER…our God is Higher than any other…OUR GOD IS HEALER…Awesome in power…
HE IS OUR GOD…AND OUR GOD CAN BE TRUSTED…
PRAYER: Father, thank You that You are with us always. Thank You that Your plans are for our good. Fill us with Your peace, strengthen us with Your presence, and fill us with wisdom, power, and love to live as You have called us to. In Jesus name, amen.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Plans for the New Year?
Well, Christmas has officially been here and passed. Now, if you’re like me, your immediate attention focuses on the New Year. Honestly though, I love the New Year. Each year I enjoy the opportunity of starting fresh...Getting a clean slate...Taking time to reflect and dream of what the New Year might bring. But, this year in particular, I feel prompted to pause…to patiently LISTEN to hear WHAT GOD desires.
James 4:13-16 says, "Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." (NIV)
James wan't trying to dissuade us from dreaming, but rather, encouraging us to hold loosely to our own ideas and agendas, to give room to follow after GOD'S.
Beloved, God invites us to partner with Him. So rather than devising our own plans, lets submit to His. To ask Him what He wills. To invite Him to instill in our hearts the dreams he has for our life…
His ways are sooooooo much higher than ours. So much greater than we could ever hope or imagine. So, as we dream about the New Year, let’s commit, to commit our ways to HIM.
Ps 37:5-7 says, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him..." (NIV )
PRAYER: Father, as Isaiah prayed, "Here am I, send me" we pray the same. Use our life for Your glory. We love You. Thank You for Your Promises. Thank You for Your provisions. Thank You for You never-ending, unconditional, amazing love!
James 4:13-16 says, "Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." (NIV)
James wan't trying to dissuade us from dreaming, but rather, encouraging us to hold loosely to our own ideas and agendas, to give room to follow after GOD'S.
Beloved, God invites us to partner with Him. So rather than devising our own plans, lets submit to His. To ask Him what He wills. To invite Him to instill in our hearts the dreams he has for our life…
His ways are sooooooo much higher than ours. So much greater than we could ever hope or imagine. So, as we dream about the New Year, let’s commit, to commit our ways to HIM.
Ps 37:5-7 says, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him..." (NIV )
PRAYER: Father, as Isaiah prayed, "Here am I, send me" we pray the same. Use our life for Your glory. We love You. Thank You for Your Promises. Thank You for Your provisions. Thank You for You never-ending, unconditional, amazing love!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Not Holding Anything Back!
"Abraham.""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." (Genesis 22:1-2, NIV)
What? Abraham must have thought. But this is my son, the fulfillment of Your promise, why would You have me sacrifice him?
But, "Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about." (Genesis 22:3, NIV)
I'm sure the journey had to be long, as Abraham wrestled with his private agonizing thoughts, surely at one time or another he had to think: "How can I do this? I'm not strong enough! I don't understand why. I just can't do this." With each piece of wood cut, Abraham simply did the next required step. And, three grueling days later, "Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance." (Genesis 22:4, NIV) The moment of truth stood in his horizon. How many times had Abraham joyfully sacrificed to God, willingly giving him offerings of sacrifice and praise...but this sacrifice was greater than Abraham could bear. Can you imagine his turmoil?
Yet during those few days, something transpired in Abraham's faith, a deeper trust, a greater revelation... Abraham recalled on WHO HE SERVED, WHO had called Him, and WHAT GOD had promised.
We witness a glimpse of his revelation in verse five when "He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you." (Genesis 22:5, NIV)
Notice the emphasis on "We will worship and then we will come back to you.
Friends, we can only imagine Abraham's private turmoil. But one thing we know for certain, Abraham fully obeyed God, fully followed God, and fully trusted God.
Hebrew 11:17-19 says, "By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death." (NIV)
The whole time Abraham chopped and carried the wood for the sacrifice, as he bound Isaac and placed him on the altar, as he willing offered up to God his greatest treasure, he rested in WHO GOD WAS... Confident in His GOODNESS...secure in HIS ABILITY.
In verse eight, Abraham reminded Isaac, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." (Gen.22:8)
And as he lifted his hand to completely surrendered to God's will, the angel of the Lord cried out to him, "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." (Gen. 22:12)
AHHHHHHH...Abraham could breathe. Can you imagine his relief? Can you imagine his joy? As God provided a ram in the thicket.
As a result of Abraham's faith, surrender, and sacrifice, God gave Abraham an amazing promise, a blessing of descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and offspring through whom ALL nations on earth would be blessed.
Genesis 22:15-18, "The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." (NIV)
Abraham withheld NOTHING from God.
Beloved, God may not always make sense. It may seem as though we have been called to sacrifice ALL we love and hold dear...BUT...regardless of our feelings...regardless of our circumstances...we (like Abraham) can confidently follow after obeying God, KNOWING IN WHOM WE HAVE BELIEVED...RESTING SECURE IN WHO HE IS.
God only allows tests to refine us and to develop His likeness in us, to reveal a greater revelation of WHO HE IS. And by doing so, prepares us for a greater blessing and anointing.
James 1:2-5 reminds us to, "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)
PRAYER: Father, help us. Give us strength. Remind us of WHO YOU ARE. Help us to HOLD fast to Your GOODNESS and rest secure in WHAT YOU'VE PROMISED.
What? Abraham must have thought. But this is my son, the fulfillment of Your promise, why would You have me sacrifice him?
But, "Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about." (Genesis 22:3, NIV)
I'm sure the journey had to be long, as Abraham wrestled with his private agonizing thoughts, surely at one time or another he had to think: "How can I do this? I'm not strong enough! I don't understand why. I just can't do this." With each piece of wood cut, Abraham simply did the next required step. And, three grueling days later, "Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance." (Genesis 22:4, NIV) The moment of truth stood in his horizon. How many times had Abraham joyfully sacrificed to God, willingly giving him offerings of sacrifice and praise...but this sacrifice was greater than Abraham could bear. Can you imagine his turmoil?
Yet during those few days, something transpired in Abraham's faith, a deeper trust, a greater revelation... Abraham recalled on WHO HE SERVED, WHO had called Him, and WHAT GOD had promised.
We witness a glimpse of his revelation in verse five when "He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you." (Genesis 22:5, NIV)
Notice the emphasis on "We will worship and then we will come back to you.
Friends, we can only imagine Abraham's private turmoil. But one thing we know for certain, Abraham fully obeyed God, fully followed God, and fully trusted God.
Hebrew 11:17-19 says, "By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death." (NIV)
The whole time Abraham chopped and carried the wood for the sacrifice, as he bound Isaac and placed him on the altar, as he willing offered up to God his greatest treasure, he rested in WHO GOD WAS... Confident in His GOODNESS...secure in HIS ABILITY.
In verse eight, Abraham reminded Isaac, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." (Gen.22:8)
And as he lifted his hand to completely surrendered to God's will, the angel of the Lord cried out to him, "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." (Gen. 22:12)
AHHHHHHH...Abraham could breathe. Can you imagine his relief? Can you imagine his joy? As God provided a ram in the thicket.
As a result of Abraham's faith, surrender, and sacrifice, God gave Abraham an amazing promise, a blessing of descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and offspring through whom ALL nations on earth would be blessed.
Genesis 22:15-18, "The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." (NIV)
Abraham withheld NOTHING from God.
Beloved, God may not always make sense. It may seem as though we have been called to sacrifice ALL we love and hold dear...BUT...regardless of our feelings...regardless of our circumstances...we (like Abraham) can confidently follow after obeying God, KNOWING IN WHOM WE HAVE BELIEVED...RESTING SECURE IN WHO HE IS.
God only allows tests to refine us and to develop His likeness in us, to reveal a greater revelation of WHO HE IS. And by doing so, prepares us for a greater blessing and anointing.
James 1:2-5 reminds us to, "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)
PRAYER: Father, help us. Give us strength. Remind us of WHO YOU ARE. Help us to HOLD fast to Your GOODNESS and rest secure in WHAT YOU'VE PROMISED.
Friday, December 24, 2010
What Do You See?
The streets of Jerusalem were busy and full, people laughing, talking, purchasing, selling. All of them near Jesus, all within touch, but only Simeon (and Anna) recognized him.
In Luke 2:25-32 we read, "Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
(NIV)
Simeon, a righteous man, a devout man, a man whom the Holy Spirit was upon, WAITED for a promise given him. How long had he waited? How many years did he go to the temple hoping to see the consolation of Israel...to see the evidence of his hope, the evidence of God's promise?
Simeon's hope stirs my own this morning, as I reflect on his devotion. Luke highlights, Simeon went into the temple courts, moved by the spirit. As I think of his devotion, I realize that God often calls us to go or do something long before we see the evidence of His promise. He calls us to step out in faith, to obediently follow.
Will we obediently step out and move? Will we keep our hope and follow God's Spirit's lead?
Prompted by the Spirit, Simeon went. He acknowledged what others missed...he searched while others simply lived in the day to day...the result...the evidence of what He hoped for.
Friends, God promises us the same promise of His Son. Jesus came that we might have life and live it to the full! Will we like Simeon, wait patiently and follow the Holy Spirit's lead? If so, I am confident that we will witness the evidence of God's salvation as well. As others pass by, dismissing their access to reach out and touch God, to experience His very Presence, we must decide whether we will be like them, or be like Simeon.
Perhaps you've had many years of waiting, and the promise of God seems distant. Perhaps you have been preoccupied, busy with the day to day and have forgotten to take notice. My prayer is that each one of us takes a moment to reflect on WHO GOD IS and search out His PROMISES and PRESENCE today, because as we do, as we draw near to God, He promises He will draw near to us!
PRAYER: Father, may our eyes witness and behold YOUR SALVATION today...may we witness the EVIDENCE of YOUR PROMISES, in Jesus name, AMEN!
In Luke 2:25-32 we read, "Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
(NIV)
Simeon, a righteous man, a devout man, a man whom the Holy Spirit was upon, WAITED for a promise given him. How long had he waited? How many years did he go to the temple hoping to see the consolation of Israel...to see the evidence of his hope, the evidence of God's promise?
Simeon's hope stirs my own this morning, as I reflect on his devotion. Luke highlights, Simeon went into the temple courts, moved by the spirit. As I think of his devotion, I realize that God often calls us to go or do something long before we see the evidence of His promise. He calls us to step out in faith, to obediently follow.
Will we obediently step out and move? Will we keep our hope and follow God's Spirit's lead?
Prompted by the Spirit, Simeon went. He acknowledged what others missed...he searched while others simply lived in the day to day...the result...the evidence of what He hoped for.
Friends, God promises us the same promise of His Son. Jesus came that we might have life and live it to the full! Will we like Simeon, wait patiently and follow the Holy Spirit's lead? If so, I am confident that we will witness the evidence of God's salvation as well. As others pass by, dismissing their access to reach out and touch God, to experience His very Presence, we must decide whether we will be like them, or be like Simeon.
Perhaps you've had many years of waiting, and the promise of God seems distant. Perhaps you have been preoccupied, busy with the day to day and have forgotten to take notice. My prayer is that each one of us takes a moment to reflect on WHO GOD IS and search out His PROMISES and PRESENCE today, because as we do, as we draw near to God, He promises He will draw near to us!
PRAYER: Father, may our eyes witness and behold YOUR SALVATION today...may we witness the EVIDENCE of YOUR PROMISES, in Jesus name, AMEN!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Our Story Isn't Finished Yet!
Every moment of every day we make choices, whether consciously or sub-consciously, we choose what is most important to us. As I reflect on the last year, I think of the conscious decisions I have made to stand firm...to not cower to the enemy's onslaught...to purposely fall back and trust that God was indeed carrying me.
Each day brings opportunity. Opportunity to stand, opportunity to press forward, opportunity to honor God...BUT the same opportunities offering promise also offer opportunity to cave, retreat, or distance ourselves from God.
The prevailing thought filling my mind this past year is very simple in nature, but has stretched my faith and deepened my trust. I remember the thought very distinctly grew in intensity near or around Mid-August (and so I wrote on August 18, 2010) "Our opportunity to demonstrate faith exists only on THIS SIDE OF ETERNITY...once we see Him...what we have hoped and lived for becomes reality...the only chance we have to exercise our faith is here and now."
Today, I sense many of us live somewhere between failure and witnessing first hand God's fulfilled promises. A silent war exists between good and evil...unseen by earthly eyes...the onslaught of the enemy's accusations and threats vs. God's eternal promises and unconditional love and provision.
The truth is, though we don't always witness this war with our eyes, the war exists and we have a part to play in it: We have a choice and decision to make...Today...I encourage you to join with me and to BOLDLY declare to choose to stand firm...to believe God...to rest in WHO HE IS!
Gal 5:1 encourages us that, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (NIV)
DON'T BELIEVE THE DEVILS LIES! Though we may feel strangely alone, God promises He will never leave or forsake us. Though we may feel like every enemy is triumphing over us (sickness, faulty relationships, depression, fear, financial ruin, or feelings of little worth) GOD promises us that NO WEAPON formed against us will prosper!
Friend, quite simply, "OUR STORY JUST ISN'T FINISHED YET!" Dear friends, "put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption." (Psalm 130:7, NIV)
PRAYER: Father, help us to stand; strengthen our souls; fill us with hope; and DON'T allow the enemy to triumph over us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Each day brings opportunity. Opportunity to stand, opportunity to press forward, opportunity to honor God...BUT the same opportunities offering promise also offer opportunity to cave, retreat, or distance ourselves from God.
The prevailing thought filling my mind this past year is very simple in nature, but has stretched my faith and deepened my trust. I remember the thought very distinctly grew in intensity near or around Mid-August (and so I wrote on August 18, 2010) "Our opportunity to demonstrate faith exists only on THIS SIDE OF ETERNITY...once we see Him...what we have hoped and lived for becomes reality...the only chance we have to exercise our faith is here and now."
Today, I sense many of us live somewhere between failure and witnessing first hand God's fulfilled promises. A silent war exists between good and evil...unseen by earthly eyes...the onslaught of the enemy's accusations and threats vs. God's eternal promises and unconditional love and provision.
The truth is, though we don't always witness this war with our eyes, the war exists and we have a part to play in it: We have a choice and decision to make...Today...I encourage you to join with me and to BOLDLY declare to choose to stand firm...to believe God...to rest in WHO HE IS!
Gal 5:1 encourages us that, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (NIV)
DON'T BELIEVE THE DEVILS LIES! Though we may feel strangely alone, God promises He will never leave or forsake us. Though we may feel like every enemy is triumphing over us (sickness, faulty relationships, depression, fear, financial ruin, or feelings of little worth) GOD promises us that NO WEAPON formed against us will prosper!
Friend, quite simply, "OUR STORY JUST ISN'T FINISHED YET!" Dear friends, "put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption." (Psalm 130:7, NIV)
PRAYER: Father, help us to stand; strengthen our souls; fill us with hope; and DON'T allow the enemy to triumph over us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Take Courage!
Take courage my friend, and do not fear. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3, NIV)
Ever feel like the world is caving in around you? That every solid foundation is sinking into a vast ocean and as hard as you try you have NO control or hope? DON'T give up. In hopeless circumstances GOD is still GOD.
When the illusion of control is stripped away, the journey of true faith begins.
Read how David prayed when his world was shaken and his illusion of control was stripped away... (Psalm 42:1-6, NIV) "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. 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. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you...
Today, if we feel desperate, hopeless, helpless...we, like David, can exchange our hopelessness for a desperation of God and cry out, "Show us where You are God!" "Show us what to do that we might meet with You!" "Our heart is desperate for you, we yearn for you like the deer longs for streams of water." "We have laid awake, tossing, turning, crying out, fighting the voices in our head of 'Where is your God?'"
The key to overcoming every struggle and hurdling over every obstacle is to (like David) determine to hold fast to our faith...to put our hope in God...to speak to our soul and remind ourselves to remember WHO GOD IS.
Friends, I speak to you from the very core of my heart today. I, like many of you, face a battle that is too big for me alone. Voices cry out to test me: "Where is God?" "God doesn't care!" "If He cared, He wouldn't allow this." "If you were really called of God, you would witness more of His provision!"
So, I challenge you today, as I challenge myself to shout out; "I WILL NOT WAIVER IN MY FAITH! I CHOOSE TO REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE GOD! YOU ARE FAITHFUL! YOU ARE GOOD! YOU LOVE ME! YOU WILL NOT FORSAKE ME! I PUT MY HOPE IN YOU! LET ME WITNESS THE EVIDENCE OF YOUR MERCY, GRACE, POWER, AND PROVISION! I SUBMIT MY WILL, MY MIND, MY VERY SELF! LET ME NOT BE PUT TO SHAME...AND DON'T ALLOW THE ENEMY TO TRIUMPH OVER ME!
Today, beloved, let us determine to bring down every accusation against our God, and each time a disparaging thought or fear comes to mind, let's not hold on to it, rather let's take it directly to God and ask for Him to intervene!
PRAYER: Father, we put our trust in You! Empower us! Fill us with Your Spirit! Give us the victory, in Jesus name, amen!
Ever feel like the world is caving in around you? That every solid foundation is sinking into a vast ocean and as hard as you try you have NO control or hope? DON'T give up. In hopeless circumstances GOD is still GOD.
When the illusion of control is stripped away, the journey of true faith begins.
Read how David prayed when his world was shaken and his illusion of control was stripped away... (Psalm 42:1-6, NIV) "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. 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. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you...
Today, if we feel desperate, hopeless, helpless...we, like David, can exchange our hopelessness for a desperation of God and cry out, "Show us where You are God!" "Show us what to do that we might meet with You!" "Our heart is desperate for you, we yearn for you like the deer longs for streams of water." "We have laid awake, tossing, turning, crying out, fighting the voices in our head of 'Where is your God?'"
The key to overcoming every struggle and hurdling over every obstacle is to (like David) determine to hold fast to our faith...to put our hope in God...to speak to our soul and remind ourselves to remember WHO GOD IS.
Friends, I speak to you from the very core of my heart today. I, like many of you, face a battle that is too big for me alone. Voices cry out to test me: "Where is God?" "God doesn't care!" "If He cared, He wouldn't allow this." "If you were really called of God, you would witness more of His provision!"
So, I challenge you today, as I challenge myself to shout out; "I WILL NOT WAIVER IN MY FAITH! I CHOOSE TO REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE GOD! YOU ARE FAITHFUL! YOU ARE GOOD! YOU LOVE ME! YOU WILL NOT FORSAKE ME! I PUT MY HOPE IN YOU! LET ME WITNESS THE EVIDENCE OF YOUR MERCY, GRACE, POWER, AND PROVISION! I SUBMIT MY WILL, MY MIND, MY VERY SELF! LET ME NOT BE PUT TO SHAME...AND DON'T ALLOW THE ENEMY TO TRIUMPH OVER ME!
Today, beloved, let us determine to bring down every accusation against our God, and each time a disparaging thought or fear comes to mind, let's not hold on to it, rather let's take it directly to God and ask for Him to intervene!
PRAYER: Father, we put our trust in You! Empower us! Fill us with Your Spirit! Give us the victory, in Jesus name, amen!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Noticed Offerings!
Ever feel as though you've given up everything you have, offering God everything you have to live on? Ever wonder if what you do counts? Or, if your small sacrifices (especially in comparisons to other's abundance) even make a difference?
In Mark 12:41-44 we read, "Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on." (NIV)
WOW! So many lessons grabbed my heart as I read this passage this morning.
What we don't think matters, makes all the difference in Heaven. And, though faith costs us everything, God acknowledges and sees our sacrifices, (especially when we give out of our poverty, offering Him all we have.)
It's one thing to give out of abundance...But a whole greater level of faith to give out of our poverty...It's so much easier to give to God generously when there are ample provisions in the bank account, but a whole new stretch of faith to offer all we have to live on. But the lesson (on the sacrificial offering of the poor widow) extends far past money. God sees every offering...our time, humility, attitudes, and our rights.
Beloved, YOUR LIFE COUNTS! YOUR SACRIFICES DON'T go unnoticed. Jesus sees even when we think He isn't watching. When we bless instead of curse...God takes note. When we serve, though others never seem to acknowledge, God recognizes. When we suffer or sacrifice for the glory of God, face rejection because of our faith, or endure ridicule for His name sake...not one moment escapes His notice.
Today, as the offering plate makes its way around, will you join with me and step completely inside, and offer up everything for Him. Even if you feel you have only "two mites" a fraction worth of a penny...DON'T hesitate to give it all.
Luke 6:38 says, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV)
PRAYER: Father, sometimes we feel we have so little to give. It is so hard to offer up our rights, our provisions, or put in all that we have...when it seems its all we really have to hold on to. BUT, TODAY, we choose to give all we have, even out of our poverty, even out of our weakness, even out of what seems so small...may YOU find joy in our offering. We give all that we have because of our LOVE for You. Find pleasure we pray, and pour back into our lives YOUR peace, provision, and power. In Jesus name, amen.
In Mark 12:41-44 we read, "Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on." (NIV)
WOW! So many lessons grabbed my heart as I read this passage this morning.
What we don't think matters, makes all the difference in Heaven. And, though faith costs us everything, God acknowledges and sees our sacrifices, (especially when we give out of our poverty, offering Him all we have.)
It's one thing to give out of abundance...But a whole greater level of faith to give out of our poverty...It's so much easier to give to God generously when there are ample provisions in the bank account, but a whole new stretch of faith to offer all we have to live on. But the lesson (on the sacrificial offering of the poor widow) extends far past money. God sees every offering...our time, humility, attitudes, and our rights.
Beloved, YOUR LIFE COUNTS! YOUR SACRIFICES DON'T go unnoticed. Jesus sees even when we think He isn't watching. When we bless instead of curse...God takes note. When we serve, though others never seem to acknowledge, God recognizes. When we suffer or sacrifice for the glory of God, face rejection because of our faith, or endure ridicule for His name sake...not one moment escapes His notice.
Today, as the offering plate makes its way around, will you join with me and step completely inside, and offer up everything for Him. Even if you feel you have only "two mites" a fraction worth of a penny...DON'T hesitate to give it all.
Luke 6:38 says, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV)
PRAYER: Father, sometimes we feel we have so little to give. It is so hard to offer up our rights, our provisions, or put in all that we have...when it seems its all we really have to hold on to. BUT, TODAY, we choose to give all we have, even out of our poverty, even out of our weakness, even out of what seems so small...may YOU find joy in our offering. We give all that we have because of our LOVE for You. Find pleasure we pray, and pour back into our lives YOUR peace, provision, and power. In Jesus name, amen.
Monday, December 20, 2010
What does a life free from anxiety look like?
Philippians 4: 6 says to be anxious...OH WAIT...maybe we better read the rest of the command! (LOL)
Philippians 4:6-7 actually says, "Be anxious...for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (NKJV)
What does a life free from anxiety look like? Does it mean we have no fears, nothing to side-track our thinking? Does it mean we'll never battle feelings of being alone or face concerns in various areas of life? Will we joyously skip through financial confines, and frivolously respond with dis-concern at the mounting bills staring in our face?
OF COURSE NOT! We all face concerns...but there's a way to handle EVERY POSSIBLE FEAR...
Paul follows up his command with: "BUT IN EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication, with THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known to GOD".
In other words, don't pent up, bottle, or pretend a concern doesn't exist...rather take your concern directly to GOD and ask Him to intervene.
FURTHER, do so with THANKSGIVING! I love how Paul instructs to pray with "Thanksgiving" His suggestion encourages us to pray and "REMEMBER to whom we are praying." " To be thankful in our heart that He is able to intervene on our behalf." "To Remember that GOD is GOOD and that His Love for us endures forever." "HE IS OUR FATHER...OUR DADDY!"
So, today, I encourage you. Take every anxious thought captive to the truth of WHO GOD IS. Remember WHO HE IS...REFLECT ON HIS CHARACTER...Thank Him in your heart of hearts, knowing He will work ALL things together for your good! And, as you do, I pray that you experience the evidence of the remainder of that verse...
"and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Enjoy this week of CHRISTmas...may every moment be filled with joy, laughter, and peace...FREE From worry, fear and anxiety, In JESUS NAME, AMEN!
Philippians 4:6-7 actually says, "Be anxious...for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (NKJV)
What does a life free from anxiety look like? Does it mean we have no fears, nothing to side-track our thinking? Does it mean we'll never battle feelings of being alone or face concerns in various areas of life? Will we joyously skip through financial confines, and frivolously respond with dis-concern at the mounting bills staring in our face?
OF COURSE NOT! We all face concerns...but there's a way to handle EVERY POSSIBLE FEAR...
Paul follows up his command with: "BUT IN EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication, with THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known to GOD".
In other words, don't pent up, bottle, or pretend a concern doesn't exist...rather take your concern directly to GOD and ask Him to intervene.
FURTHER, do so with THANKSGIVING! I love how Paul instructs to pray with "Thanksgiving" His suggestion encourages us to pray and "REMEMBER to whom we are praying." " To be thankful in our heart that He is able to intervene on our behalf." "To Remember that GOD is GOOD and that His Love for us endures forever." "HE IS OUR FATHER...OUR DADDY!"
So, today, I encourage you. Take every anxious thought captive to the truth of WHO GOD IS. Remember WHO HE IS...REFLECT ON HIS CHARACTER...Thank Him in your heart of hearts, knowing He will work ALL things together for your good! And, as you do, I pray that you experience the evidence of the remainder of that verse...
"and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Enjoy this week of CHRISTmas...may every moment be filled with joy, laughter, and peace...FREE From worry, fear and anxiety, In JESUS NAME, AMEN!
Friday, December 17, 2010
"He is Good...He's the King I Tell You"
I love how C.S. Lewis describes Aslan in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. In chapter eight, directly after dinner, Lucy asks the beavers (concerning Aslan), "Is he—quite safe?"..."Safe?" said Mr. Beaver ... "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."
(http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Lion,_the_Witch_and_the_Wardrobe#The_Lion.2C_the_Witch_and_the_Wardrobe_.281950.29)
Beloved, God is anything but safe...He is a God of Mystery...He causes the sun to shine on the righteous and the unrighteous...My husband said it best, "If you can completely describe God...you serve too small of a God".
In the last few years I've experienced seasons where I began to wonder "Who God really was"...I endured seasons of great testing and pain...I even questioned God out loud, "WHY, won't You intervene?" "Why don't You help when You have the power to?" "Don't You care?" "Aren't You suppose to be my Father?" "Doesn't your word say...?"
And can I just say, in moments like that, simple, trite answers don't help...
HOWEVER...I've also discovered these types of moments produce the greatest depth of solidifying our faith by testing the very essence of Who we believe God to be...
In Joshua 24:14-15, Joshua commissions the Israelites with these words, "fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (NIV)
The "fear of the Lord" as referred to in the Old Testament was an expression implying to trust, to revere, and to humbly recognize WHO GOD IS and in recognizing WHO HE IS to humbly submit to His Power and His authority.
Lucy's question to the beavers is the same underlying question we all ask (or contemplate subconsciously): "Does God fit into a nice little package that I can explain and always comprehend?" "Will serving Him keep me free from risk, always bring me blessing, shower me with prosperity?" "Does He surround my life with white picket fences, securing me with promises of happily ever after?" "If I surrender to Him will my life be filled with comfort and ease and all the luxuries of health, prosperity, and wealth?" "Will He always make sense...will I always be able to explain why things happen?...And the list of private contemplation go on and on and on...
Our answer is the same as the beaver's. "NO!"..."Who said anything about ...(that)" "But He is good!"
Friends, when life doesn't remain wrapped in the nice packaged wrappings of ribbons and bows, when the contents of our life spill out and the ribbons frazzle...when the core of what we believe is tested...the one thing we have to hold fast to...the one thing that silences the deafening accusations of our enemy is the truth that "GOD IS GOOD!"
Today, more so than ever, I am convinced of the love of God. I am more confident (even in my suffering) that God loves me and He works all things together for my good. I don't always understand...but...I know I can trust Him. His love truly crossed the battlefield of my indifference and pride and stretched his arms wide, nailing the weight of my sin and shame to the cross.
Ginny Owens sings a song entitled If You Want Me To. Part of her lyrics reads..."So when the whole world turns against me, and I'm all by myself, and I can't hear you answer my cries for help, I'll remember the suffering your love put you through, and I will go through the valley...if you want me to." (If you have time, listen to it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtNzOpKvPfw)
Every time I hear her sing this line, I am reminded...God gave up everything for me through Jesus. He suffered, bled, and died for my sins...and that my friends reveals GOD'S GOODNESS.
So, our circumstances may cause questions, our trials may cause pain...but one thing remains certain "God loves us and can be trusted!"
PRAYER: Father, thank You that though You hold ALL POWER in Your hands. Though You really are an awesome, incomprehensible, amazing God...Thank You that though it would be a terrifying thought to fall into the hands of (You) THE LIVING GOD, all terror is quieted by Your GOODNESS and LOVE. Today, we put our trust in YOU, knowing You are GOOD and YOUR LOVE endures forever. Move on our behalf. Fulfill Your promises. We put our hope in You. In Jesus name, amen.
(http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Lion,_the_Witch_and_the_Wardrobe#The_Lion.2C_the_Witch_and_the_Wardrobe_.281950.29)
Beloved, God is anything but safe...He is a God of Mystery...He causes the sun to shine on the righteous and the unrighteous...My husband said it best, "If you can completely describe God...you serve too small of a God".
In the last few years I've experienced seasons where I began to wonder "Who God really was"...I endured seasons of great testing and pain...I even questioned God out loud, "WHY, won't You intervene?" "Why don't You help when You have the power to?" "Don't You care?" "Aren't You suppose to be my Father?" "Doesn't your word say...?"
And can I just say, in moments like that, simple, trite answers don't help...
HOWEVER...I've also discovered these types of moments produce the greatest depth of solidifying our faith by testing the very essence of Who we believe God to be...
In Joshua 24:14-15, Joshua commissions the Israelites with these words, "fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (NIV)
The "fear of the Lord" as referred to in the Old Testament was an expression implying to trust, to revere, and to humbly recognize WHO GOD IS and in recognizing WHO HE IS to humbly submit to His Power and His authority.
Lucy's question to the beavers is the same underlying question we all ask (or contemplate subconsciously): "Does God fit into a nice little package that I can explain and always comprehend?" "Will serving Him keep me free from risk, always bring me blessing, shower me with prosperity?" "Does He surround my life with white picket fences, securing me with promises of happily ever after?" "If I surrender to Him will my life be filled with comfort and ease and all the luxuries of health, prosperity, and wealth?" "Will He always make sense...will I always be able to explain why things happen?...And the list of private contemplation go on and on and on...
Our answer is the same as the beaver's. "NO!"..."Who said anything about ...(that)" "But He is good!"
Friends, when life doesn't remain wrapped in the nice packaged wrappings of ribbons and bows, when the contents of our life spill out and the ribbons frazzle...when the core of what we believe is tested...the one thing we have to hold fast to...the one thing that silences the deafening accusations of our enemy is the truth that "GOD IS GOOD!"
Today, more so than ever, I am convinced of the love of God. I am more confident (even in my suffering) that God loves me and He works all things together for my good. I don't always understand...but...I know I can trust Him. His love truly crossed the battlefield of my indifference and pride and stretched his arms wide, nailing the weight of my sin and shame to the cross.
Ginny Owens sings a song entitled If You Want Me To. Part of her lyrics reads..."So when the whole world turns against me, and I'm all by myself, and I can't hear you answer my cries for help, I'll remember the suffering your love put you through, and I will go through the valley...if you want me to." (If you have time, listen to it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtNzOpKvPfw)
Every time I hear her sing this line, I am reminded...God gave up everything for me through Jesus. He suffered, bled, and died for my sins...and that my friends reveals GOD'S GOODNESS.
So, our circumstances may cause questions, our trials may cause pain...but one thing remains certain "God loves us and can be trusted!"
PRAYER: Father, thank You that though You hold ALL POWER in Your hands. Though You really are an awesome, incomprehensible, amazing God...Thank You that though it would be a terrifying thought to fall into the hands of (You) THE LIVING GOD, all terror is quieted by Your GOODNESS and LOVE. Today, we put our trust in YOU, knowing You are GOOD and YOUR LOVE endures forever. Move on our behalf. Fulfill Your promises. We put our hope in You. In Jesus name, amen.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Be Brave! Be Vulnerable!
Ever feel alone? Ever feel overwhelmed? Ever wonder how you'll possibly find the strength to take your next step...Feel backed up against the walls of confusion, disappointment, or dead ends?
Satan attempts to destroy us, by isolating us, making us feel as though no one cares or no one else understands.
One of my greatest regrets in life was spending the majority of my life, trapped by a portrayal of what I though others wanted me to be. I hid, played face, and recited "churchy cliches" in an effort to reflect an image I could never (truly) uphold. It wasn't until I met my husband, Greg, that I learned the importance and power of living transparently.
I want to encourage you today to be brave and confide in someone. Tell them the hidden conflicts and battles you're facing. Don't know who to confide in? Ask God for wisdom. Seek out a godly person, someone who has a genuine passion for God and is known to be confidential. Once you've determined who that person is, schedule time with them to ask for prayer and accountability.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (NIV)
Break the lies of the enemy. James 5:16 says, to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (NIV)
God never intended us to walk this life weary and alone...He fashioned us to be family....To bear one another's burdens...
If you're feeling strong, then offer some encouragement to others. Ask God for the wisdom to know who is suffering. You can make a powerful difference in the life of someone feeling alone and weary.
Let's be God's Love Extended!
PRAYER: Father, help us to reflect Your love...to be Your hands...and Your heart. Help us to be vulnerable and bind us together with others who will encourage us and that we can be an encouragement to.
Want to learn more about developing partners in your ministry? Join me on today's LIVE, On-Line Conference with Women of Passionate Purpose International at 1PM EST by clicking the following link: http://womenofpassionatepurpose.com/2010/12/december-virtual-retreat-wholly-daze-holy-nights/
Here's a description of today's Topic: ‘Wanna’ know how to put “first things first” and stay in step with God’s call? Listen as Julie teaches creative and effective ways to communicate your vision, along with powerful and practical steps to effectively meet with other leaders and experts who share your passion. God’s equipped you and empowered you for a specific purpose. The mission of this broadcast is to help you discover your passion, develop your passion, and then link together with other partners who share your passion.
Satan attempts to destroy us, by isolating us, making us feel as though no one cares or no one else understands.
One of my greatest regrets in life was spending the majority of my life, trapped by a portrayal of what I though others wanted me to be. I hid, played face, and recited "churchy cliches" in an effort to reflect an image I could never (truly) uphold. It wasn't until I met my husband, Greg, that I learned the importance and power of living transparently.
I want to encourage you today to be brave and confide in someone. Tell them the hidden conflicts and battles you're facing. Don't know who to confide in? Ask God for wisdom. Seek out a godly person, someone who has a genuine passion for God and is known to be confidential. Once you've determined who that person is, schedule time with them to ask for prayer and accountability.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (NIV)
Break the lies of the enemy. James 5:16 says, to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (NIV)
God never intended us to walk this life weary and alone...He fashioned us to be family....To bear one another's burdens...
If you're feeling strong, then offer some encouragement to others. Ask God for the wisdom to know who is suffering. You can make a powerful difference in the life of someone feeling alone and weary.
Let's be God's Love Extended!
PRAYER: Father, help us to reflect Your love...to be Your hands...and Your heart. Help us to be vulnerable and bind us together with others who will encourage us and that we can be an encouragement to.
Want to learn more about developing partners in your ministry? Join me on today's LIVE, On-Line Conference with Women of Passionate Purpose International at 1PM EST by clicking the following link: http://womenofpassionatepurpose.com/2010/12/december-virtual-retreat-wholly-daze-holy-nights/
Here's a description of today's Topic: ‘Wanna’ know how to put “first things first” and stay in step with God’s call? Listen as Julie teaches creative and effective ways to communicate your vision, along with powerful and practical steps to effectively meet with other leaders and experts who share your passion. God’s equipped you and empowered you for a specific purpose. The mission of this broadcast is to help you discover your passion, develop your passion, and then link together with other partners who share your passion.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Where's God's Grace When Prayers Remain Unanswered?
Where is God when prayers remain unanswered...when the cancer spreads...when the marriage dissolves...when life's circumstance don't match with our envisioned white picket fence?
I wish there were an easy answer. I wish there were something I could say to take away the numbness. But perhaps instead of answers...instead of trying to defend God's reputation...instead of trying to make sense of situations far beyond human comprehension...lies the true test and hope of our faith...
God promises us many things: He promises that He will be near to us, that He will never forsake us. He promises that He will be our defender, our provider, our ever present help in times of trouble. However, I think some how in my "Western mind-set" I bought into the fallacy that if I honored God, if I truly served Him, that everything would eventually work out into a nice compartmentalized version of my idea of "success".
But is that faith? Do we serve God because of what He can give us? Or, because of what He can do for us?
Over the last couple of years, my faith has endured a roller-coaster ride of twists and turns. At times I felt as if I were being stretched, and pulled like old-fashioned taffy. I've spun on the potters wheel...been picked up...shaped...refashioned...and put into the fire a time or two.
I know what it feels like to wonder "WHY??????" I"ve been guilty of shaking my fist in the air a time or two.
And in the heat of the fire...in facing the reality that what I hoped for would not come to pass...realizing the battle would not be over by following an easy one-two-three step process...God revealed an amazing truth to the core of my soul!
The TRUTH that HE IS with me ALWAYS! HIS JOY and PEACE surpass sunny skies and care free circumstances. And, by HIS GRACE and MERCY, He has empowered me to face my uncertain future, with great resolve that NO MATTER WHAT...HE IS WORTHY." I'm convinced in the core of my faith GOD IS GOOD, furthermore, some how, though it may not make sense...HE WILL WORK ALL THINGS together for my GOOD! (Jeremiah 29:11)
Friends, Romans 8:18 declares a hope we must hold fast to (when life doesn't turn out like we hoped or envisioned.) It says: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (NIV)
You see, each test, and every "SEEMINGLY" unanswered prayer, filters through the loving hands of our amazingly GOOD Father. AND "I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39, NIV)
Whatever we have to endure, is allowed by an amazingly GOOD FATHER. So where is God's grace when prayers remain unanswered? Quietly caring us and loving us unconditionally (even as we shout accusations questioning His grace). He is an amazing God, and His ways (though not always understandable) can be trusted. All we need to do, is remember what His LOVE and GRACE put Him through for our sake.
I encourage you to join with me on today's broadcast. "Carol Kent and her husband, Gene, understand heartbreak. Their son, Jason a young man who initially had so much promise, is now serving a life sentence for murder in a maximum-security prison. All their appeals have been exhausted at both the state and federal levels-humanly speaking, they have run out of options. But there's more to the story. Despite their grim situation, Carol and her husband live a life full of grace. Kent reveals how life's problems are a fruitful time to discover the best divine surprises, including peace, compassion, freedom, and adventure." (Insert from Carol's book cover, Between a Rock an and a Grace Place.) Listen to her powerful testimony today at 12 PM EST at the following link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2010/12/15/his-love-extended
PRAYER: Father, THANK YOU that YOU CAN be trusted. Help us to see the evidence of what we hope for. Let Your peace govern our thoughts and lives today. In Jesus name, amen.
I wish there were an easy answer. I wish there were something I could say to take away the numbness. But perhaps instead of answers...instead of trying to defend God's reputation...instead of trying to make sense of situations far beyond human comprehension...lies the true test and hope of our faith...
God promises us many things: He promises that He will be near to us, that He will never forsake us. He promises that He will be our defender, our provider, our ever present help in times of trouble. However, I think some how in my "Western mind-set" I bought into the fallacy that if I honored God, if I truly served Him, that everything would eventually work out into a nice compartmentalized version of my idea of "success".
But is that faith? Do we serve God because of what He can give us? Or, because of what He can do for us?
Over the last couple of years, my faith has endured a roller-coaster ride of twists and turns. At times I felt as if I were being stretched, and pulled like old-fashioned taffy. I've spun on the potters wheel...been picked up...shaped...refashioned...and put into the fire a time or two.
I know what it feels like to wonder "WHY??????" I"ve been guilty of shaking my fist in the air a time or two.
And in the heat of the fire...in facing the reality that what I hoped for would not come to pass...realizing the battle would not be over by following an easy one-two-three step process...God revealed an amazing truth to the core of my soul!
The TRUTH that HE IS with me ALWAYS! HIS JOY and PEACE surpass sunny skies and care free circumstances. And, by HIS GRACE and MERCY, He has empowered me to face my uncertain future, with great resolve that NO MATTER WHAT...HE IS WORTHY." I'm convinced in the core of my faith GOD IS GOOD, furthermore, some how, though it may not make sense...HE WILL WORK ALL THINGS together for my GOOD! (Jeremiah 29:11)
Friends, Romans 8:18 declares a hope we must hold fast to (when life doesn't turn out like we hoped or envisioned.) It says: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (NIV)
You see, each test, and every "SEEMINGLY" unanswered prayer, filters through the loving hands of our amazingly GOOD Father. AND "I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39, NIV)
Whatever we have to endure, is allowed by an amazingly GOOD FATHER. So where is God's grace when prayers remain unanswered? Quietly caring us and loving us unconditionally (even as we shout accusations questioning His grace). He is an amazing God, and His ways (though not always understandable) can be trusted. All we need to do, is remember what His LOVE and GRACE put Him through for our sake.
I encourage you to join with me on today's broadcast. "Carol Kent and her husband, Gene, understand heartbreak. Their son, Jason a young man who initially had so much promise, is now serving a life sentence for murder in a maximum-security prison. All their appeals have been exhausted at both the state and federal levels-humanly speaking, they have run out of options. But there's more to the story. Despite their grim situation, Carol and her husband live a life full of grace. Kent reveals how life's problems are a fruitful time to discover the best divine surprises, including peace, compassion, freedom, and adventure." (Insert from Carol's book cover, Between a Rock an and a Grace Place.) Listen to her powerful testimony today at 12 PM EST at the following link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2010/12/15/his-love-extended
PRAYER: Father, THANK YOU that YOU CAN be trusted. Help us to see the evidence of what we hope for. Let Your peace govern our thoughts and lives today. In Jesus name, amen.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Humble Your Fear
My favorite Christmas Promise is not found in the traditional Christmas passages of Matthew 1, Luke 2, or John 1, but rather from Isaiah 9--"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us: And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6, NAS)
Over two thousand years ago, in a small town of Bethlehem, our Savior appeared. The long awaited promise delivered in the form of a baby. God, Himself, came to us. Jesus' ultimate sacrifice purchased our salvation. He is "IMMANUEL", God with us.
Beloved, I challenge you today to think of your greatest fear...What causes you to lose sleep at night? What fills you with trepidation, angst, and that gut wrenching feeling that rises up your esophagus and lands in your throat?
Now, humble your fear before the truth of WHO GOD IS and WHAT HE PROMISES us! Jesus came to offer the gift of salvation; upon the simple confession of our faith in Him and acceptance of His death and resurrection...we are saved! Yet, our hope is not just in what lays ahead in Heaven...Jesus came that we might have life and live it to the fullest here on earth! (John 10:10)
Hear God's promise for each one of us..."For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us: And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."
Jesus, Immanuel, "God with us" is our Wonderful Counselor. God promised us that we would never be alone, that He would send His Holy Spirit to teach us, empower us, and fill us. (John 14:26, Acts 1:8) So no matter our battle, God is near. He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
Jesus name shall be called Mighty God. Nothing is impossible for God. (Luke 1:37) Imagine your greatest fear in light of WHO GOD IS...the creator of the universe...the one who placed the stars in the heavens...the Author and Finisher of our faith...the Giver of Life...The One Who gave us the breath we just breathed...Surely He is BIG ENOUGH and FAITHFUL ENOUGH to meet our needs. He rescued Daniel in the lion's den. He empowered David to slay Goliath. He strengthened Sampson with power again even after he failed by telling the secret of his strength. The walls of Jericho didn't have a chance...and neither do our enemies or obstacles. God is our MIGHTY GOD!
Jesus name is Eternal Father. Not a father who abuses or neglects, but a Father greater than our greatest wonder...a Father who loved us so much that He gave up His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) And, upon our confession of faith, He grafted us into His family, giving us the right to be called His children. (Romans 8: 15-17, Ephesians 1:5, 1 John 3:1)
So through this Christmas season, as we reflect on the birth of Christ, let us hold fast to our hope. Jesus is our Prince of Peace. In John 14:27, 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." (NIV) Friends, no matter how difficult our circumstances are, our hope and peace can rest secure by choosing to remember WHO GOD IS and WHAT HE PROMISES us.
The enemy attempts to paralyze us through fear, accusations, and confusion...BUT we will overcome him "By the blood of the lamb and the word or our testimony!" (Revelation 12:11) So today, each time a worry arises, or a fear begins to torment...when the what if's and if only's of life surface, remember the promise of WHO GOD IS and choose to rest in the message of Isaiah 9:6.
--"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us: And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6, NAS)
PRAYER: Father, help us to remember the TRUTH of WHO YOU ARE and What You have PROMISED! Thank You for sending Your Son. Thank You for the HOPE OF OUR SALVATION and FULLNESS'S OF LIFE here on earth! In Jesus precious name, amen.
Over two thousand years ago, in a small town of Bethlehem, our Savior appeared. The long awaited promise delivered in the form of a baby. God, Himself, came to us. Jesus' ultimate sacrifice purchased our salvation. He is "IMMANUEL", God with us.
Beloved, I challenge you today to think of your greatest fear...What causes you to lose sleep at night? What fills you with trepidation, angst, and that gut wrenching feeling that rises up your esophagus and lands in your throat?
Now, humble your fear before the truth of WHO GOD IS and WHAT HE PROMISES us! Jesus came to offer the gift of salvation; upon the simple confession of our faith in Him and acceptance of His death and resurrection...we are saved! Yet, our hope is not just in what lays ahead in Heaven...Jesus came that we might have life and live it to the fullest here on earth! (John 10:10)
Hear God's promise for each one of us..."For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us: And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."
Jesus, Immanuel, "God with us" is our Wonderful Counselor. God promised us that we would never be alone, that He would send His Holy Spirit to teach us, empower us, and fill us. (John 14:26, Acts 1:8) So no matter our battle, God is near. He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
Jesus name shall be called Mighty God. Nothing is impossible for God. (Luke 1:37) Imagine your greatest fear in light of WHO GOD IS...the creator of the universe...the one who placed the stars in the heavens...the Author and Finisher of our faith...the Giver of Life...The One Who gave us the breath we just breathed...Surely He is BIG ENOUGH and FAITHFUL ENOUGH to meet our needs. He rescued Daniel in the lion's den. He empowered David to slay Goliath. He strengthened Sampson with power again even after he failed by telling the secret of his strength. The walls of Jericho didn't have a chance...and neither do our enemies or obstacles. God is our MIGHTY GOD!
Jesus name is Eternal Father. Not a father who abuses or neglects, but a Father greater than our greatest wonder...a Father who loved us so much that He gave up His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) And, upon our confession of faith, He grafted us into His family, giving us the right to be called His children. (Romans 8: 15-17, Ephesians 1:5, 1 John 3:1)
So through this Christmas season, as we reflect on the birth of Christ, let us hold fast to our hope. Jesus is our Prince of Peace. In John 14:27, 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." (NIV) Friends, no matter how difficult our circumstances are, our hope and peace can rest secure by choosing to remember WHO GOD IS and WHAT HE PROMISES us.
The enemy attempts to paralyze us through fear, accusations, and confusion...BUT we will overcome him "By the blood of the lamb and the word or our testimony!" (Revelation 12:11) So today, each time a worry arises, or a fear begins to torment...when the what if's and if only's of life surface, remember the promise of WHO GOD IS and choose to rest in the message of Isaiah 9:6.
--"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us: And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6, NAS)
PRAYER: Father, help us to remember the TRUTH of WHO YOU ARE and What You have PROMISED! Thank You for sending Your Son. Thank You for the HOPE OF OUR SALVATION and FULLNESS'S OF LIFE here on earth! In Jesus precious name, amen.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Have Yourself A "Mary" Kind of Christmas!
For many, as Christmas approaches, so does an inevitable feeling of loneliness. Perhaps, in the season promising us the most joy, the greatest self-examination of life takes place, revealing the helpless hopelessness of broken dreams and broken promises. As I thought about my own life events, the trials of the last year, the struggles and unanswered questions still ahead, I remembered a a sermon I heard once. The pastor encouraged his congregation to have a "Mary kind of Christmas".
When the angel of the Lord visited Mary, announcing she would bare the future Messiah, Mary only questioned HOW? (After all, she had never been with a man.) She didn't offer complaints like: "What about MY reputation? What will others think of me? "But, what about living free of worry?”What about what I want?
No, Mary simply replied..."I am the Lord's servant," ... "May it be to me as you have said ." (Luke 1:38, NIV)
WOW. Now that took faith, humility, and trust.
Friends, God commissions each one of us to a call. He created us with a distinct purpose. The question remains, "How will we respond?"
Sometimes, I look at the Christmas story and forget the events surrounding the quaint little image with star shining above...think about it...King Herod sought to kill Jesus, danger ensued all around Joseph and Mary's plight...the manger filled with animal smells and animal droppings...certainly less than favorable conditions to give birth...Aside from the less than favorable physical conditions of riding a donkey to a far away city, while being 9 months pregnant...can you imagine the ridicule and whispered accusations concerning Mary's condition??? Was Joseph really the father? Had she had relations with another? Women were stoned for less than that...
Yet, Mary's response to the angel was, "I am the Lord's servant," ... "May it be to me as you have said ."
I wonder if she ever wondered, ME? Who am I to bare the Messiah? I am nothing!!! I'm sure she had to feel inadequate...Who wouldn't?
Beloved, perhaps you face amazing opposition today? Surrounded by tyrant kings, and no place to comfortably lay your head to rest...perhaps the thought of a manger scene with animal smells and animal waste seems a welcoming invitation in comparisons to what you face...
Or perhaps God's call leaves you wondering if He chose the right person, leaving you feeling overwhelmed by His promise...Either way, we have a choice in how we respond...
May our response be like that of Mary's...a simple humble surrender to the Maker of Heaven and Earth...may we respond with...
"I am the Lord's servant," ... "May it be to me as you have said ."
Friends, join with me, and let's have a "MARY kind of Christmas!"
PRAYER: Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for watching over us. Thank You that You will NEVER leave us or forsake us. Help us to stand strong. Grant us Your favor. May we bring glory to YOUR name, in Jesus name we pray, amen.
When the angel of the Lord visited Mary, announcing she would bare the future Messiah, Mary only questioned HOW? (After all, she had never been with a man.) She didn't offer complaints like: "What about MY reputation? What will others think of me? "But, what about living free of worry?”What about what I want?
No, Mary simply replied..."I am the Lord's servant," ... "May it be to me as you have said ." (Luke 1:38, NIV)
WOW. Now that took faith, humility, and trust.
Friends, God commissions each one of us to a call. He created us with a distinct purpose. The question remains, "How will we respond?"
Sometimes, I look at the Christmas story and forget the events surrounding the quaint little image with star shining above...think about it...King Herod sought to kill Jesus, danger ensued all around Joseph and Mary's plight...the manger filled with animal smells and animal droppings...certainly less than favorable conditions to give birth...Aside from the less than favorable physical conditions of riding a donkey to a far away city, while being 9 months pregnant...can you imagine the ridicule and whispered accusations concerning Mary's condition??? Was Joseph really the father? Had she had relations with another? Women were stoned for less than that...
Yet, Mary's response to the angel was, "I am the Lord's servant," ... "May it be to me as you have said ."
I wonder if she ever wondered, ME? Who am I to bare the Messiah? I am nothing!!! I'm sure she had to feel inadequate...Who wouldn't?
Beloved, perhaps you face amazing opposition today? Surrounded by tyrant kings, and no place to comfortably lay your head to rest...perhaps the thought of a manger scene with animal smells and animal waste seems a welcoming invitation in comparisons to what you face...
Or perhaps God's call leaves you wondering if He chose the right person, leaving you feeling overwhelmed by His promise...Either way, we have a choice in how we respond...
May our response be like that of Mary's...a simple humble surrender to the Maker of Heaven and Earth...may we respond with...
"I am the Lord's servant," ... "May it be to me as you have said ."
Friends, join with me, and let's have a "MARY kind of Christmas!"
PRAYER: Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for watching over us. Thank You that You will NEVER leave us or forsake us. Help us to stand strong. Grant us Your favor. May we bring glory to YOUR name, in Jesus name we pray, amen.
Friday, December 10, 2010
"What do you believe about Me?"
I learned a valuable lesson this morning about faith (through my children)!
"Good-morning mommy!" Sommer said sleepily, as she snuggled in, nestling against me on my chair.
"Good-morning baby doll." I replied.
We sat for a few moments, talking about the Christmas tree we decorated and then continued in our normal morning routine. Shortly thereafter, I left to take my oldest to school. As we drove, we talked about weekend plans, math, and other odd and end subjects. "Ok, I love you, see you after school." She said as she jumped out of the passenger side. "Love you too; have a good day!" I replied.
When I arrived home, my youngest, Joshua, met me at the door, with hugs and kisses. He sleepily snuggled next to me, and asked "What's for breakfast?"
After fixing breakfast, making lunches, and kissing my children good-bye, God silently impressed a question in my mind. "What do you believe about me?"
I sat silently listening. He continued. "Your children trust you; they know you will provide; they know you'll take care of their needs; they don't question whether or not you'll pick them up or drop them off. They press in to be held by you, knowing you won't reject them. They accept your love." "Julie, I am your Father. I know your needs, I haven't forgotten you...you can trust me. What concerns you, concerns Me. I will not fail you."
Tears filled my eyes as I reflected on Hebrew 11:1-2, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (NIV)
I often profess that God won't let me down, that He is with me...yet find myself worrying needlessly about details, questioning: When? Where? How? Or, Why?
Friends, life isn't simple, but the choice to rest in WHO GOD IS brings comfort. What do we REALLY believe? What are we certain of?
I talk with people every day who are hurting...people who have lost homes...loved ones...lost their purpose and who fear for their future. So many things press in to steal our joy...the enemy taunts with accusations of unworthiness and inevitable failure...
The ONLY THING that can silence our fears is what we truly believe about GOD. FAITH "is being sure of what we hope for"..."certain of what we do not see." We may not see bountiful provisions but God promises that when we seek HIM first, everything else will be added unto us. We may not know what our future holds, but God says HE WILL FULFILL ALL of His promises. We may feel strangely alone, as though we are the only ones who have ever battled with what we are battling...BUT GOD promises He is with us always, that He will never leave us or forsake us.
Today, I felt His gentle reminders that what I hope for--HE ALONE provides! His Spirit impressed His "Fatherhood" to me...so today...I choose to rest...confident and certain in what I do not see. "How about you?"
Take some time today, reflect on the truth that GOD IS YOUR FATHER...remain certain IN HIS GOODNESS regardless of your circumstances. Press in to Him and gently pray, "Lord, I believe...help my unbelief!"
PRAYER: Father, You are so gentle, so kind, so forgiving...thank You for NOT growing tired of reminding us of Your love. Fill us with Your Presence today. Thank You that we can put our trust in YOU!
"Good-morning mommy!" Sommer said sleepily, as she snuggled in, nestling against me on my chair.
"Good-morning baby doll." I replied.
We sat for a few moments, talking about the Christmas tree we decorated and then continued in our normal morning routine. Shortly thereafter, I left to take my oldest to school. As we drove, we talked about weekend plans, math, and other odd and end subjects. "Ok, I love you, see you after school." She said as she jumped out of the passenger side. "Love you too; have a good day!" I replied.
When I arrived home, my youngest, Joshua, met me at the door, with hugs and kisses. He sleepily snuggled next to me, and asked "What's for breakfast?"
After fixing breakfast, making lunches, and kissing my children good-bye, God silently impressed a question in my mind. "What do you believe about me?"
I sat silently listening. He continued. "Your children trust you; they know you will provide; they know you'll take care of their needs; they don't question whether or not you'll pick them up or drop them off. They press in to be held by you, knowing you won't reject them. They accept your love." "Julie, I am your Father. I know your needs, I haven't forgotten you...you can trust me. What concerns you, concerns Me. I will not fail you."
Tears filled my eyes as I reflected on Hebrew 11:1-2, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (NIV)
I often profess that God won't let me down, that He is with me...yet find myself worrying needlessly about details, questioning: When? Where? How? Or, Why?
Friends, life isn't simple, but the choice to rest in WHO GOD IS brings comfort. What do we REALLY believe? What are we certain of?
I talk with people every day who are hurting...people who have lost homes...loved ones...lost their purpose and who fear for their future. So many things press in to steal our joy...the enemy taunts with accusations of unworthiness and inevitable failure...
The ONLY THING that can silence our fears is what we truly believe about GOD. FAITH "is being sure of what we hope for"..."certain of what we do not see." We may not see bountiful provisions but God promises that when we seek HIM first, everything else will be added unto us. We may not know what our future holds, but God says HE WILL FULFILL ALL of His promises. We may feel strangely alone, as though we are the only ones who have ever battled with what we are battling...BUT GOD promises He is with us always, that He will never leave us or forsake us.
Today, I felt His gentle reminders that what I hope for--HE ALONE provides! His Spirit impressed His "Fatherhood" to me...so today...I choose to rest...confident and certain in what I do not see. "How about you?"
Take some time today, reflect on the truth that GOD IS YOUR FATHER...remain certain IN HIS GOODNESS regardless of your circumstances. Press in to Him and gently pray, "Lord, I believe...help my unbelief!"
PRAYER: Father, You are so gentle, so kind, so forgiving...thank You for NOT growing tired of reminding us of Your love. Fill us with Your Presence today. Thank You that we can put our trust in YOU!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
"This Is My Last Day of Life"
Ecclesiastes 9:12, "Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them." (NIV)
Yesterday, I interviewed Emily Colson (Chuck Colson's daughter). At one point in the interview, she shared how one day she decided that going forward she would live as though (in her words) "This is my last day of life". Her thought really stuck with me, causing me to ask myself the same question--How would I live if this were the last day of my life? How would I love? What would I make sure I did? What would become less important?
Oh, now I know, many of you are saying...well I sure wouldn't go to work...LOL. And though that sounds appealing, we can't be irresponsible. HOWEVER, living with the thought "This is my last day of life" may impact how we spend our day at work. Maybe we wouldn't worry so much about our co-workers ill opinions of us, but rather share the love of Christ with them...maybe wet be we would be as concerned whether we get that promotion or not...but rather do our work with excellence, knowing it was our last attempt to reveal Christ in our work.
Or, what about family? If "This is our last day of life" how would we treat our spouse? Would the nagging little discrepancies really matter? Would we entertain wasting our energy of pleading our rights? Or would we surrender our life to Christ and choose to demonstrate unconditional love (recognizing the things that once seemed so huge) in light of eternity and the glory that awaits, now seem so trivial?
What about our children? Would we brush them off with being too busy, telling them "I'll play that game tomorrow, right now I have too much to do?" Or, would we press in, hug them tight, kiss their little faces, and tell them what an incredible gift they are? WOW! If "This is my last day of life" I know what I would do!
Christmas can be really tough...lonely...even chaotic time...so as we venture through the Christmas season...let's not waste one single minute. Let's live in such a way as my new friend, Emily Colson, suggested and think to ourselves (each and every day) "This is my last day of life!" One day, that statement will be true...I for one don't want to waste one moment!
In Mark 13:32-37, Jesus said, "No one knows about that day or hour , not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. "Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back — whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" (NIV)
PRAYER: Father, help us to live for You this day, enjoying each and every breath, not wasting one single moment to reveal Your love, or miss Your invitation to hear Your voice. Help us to remember freely, release ALL offenses, and bask in the wonderful blessings You've given us. Help us especially to love our children, our family, and demonstrate Your endless, unconditional love. In Jesus name, amen.
PS. If you'd like to listen to Emily's complete inspiring interview listen to our archived recording at: http://www.blogtalkradio.cs-love-extended
PS. If you'd like to listen to Emily's complete inspiring interview listen to our archived recording at: http://www.blogtalkradio.c
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Living Above Our Circumstances Requires a Zealousness For God
In Matthew twenty two, we read an inquisition, as time and time again the Pharisees and Sadducees, question Jesus. Their incessant barrage (though meant to catch Jesus in a trap to discredit him) left us with an amazing truth to guide us in our pursuit of God.
The key to living our Christian faith is summarized in Matthew 22:37-40, where "Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (NIV)
Friends, we've journeyed through 26 different words, pointing us to clues on "Living Above Life's Circumstances".
Today we conclude with letter Z--Today's Word is Zeal.
The love of our heart can not be faked; the tests and circumstances of life merely expose them...so if we want to rise above life's difficulties, if we want to soar above adversity and struggles, the key rests in our zealous love for God.
Jesus asked Peter three separate times, "Peter, do you love me?" and then commissioned him to feed his sheep. Today, God tenderly asks us the same question..."(Insert Your Name), do you love me?" "Do you really love me?" "If nothing ever changes about your circumstances, will you still love me?" "No matter what, will you serve me?"
When life's trials press in, attempting to drain us of our strength,...
When dismal circumstances arise and test every ounce of our courage...
When God just doesn't make sense, and our back is against the wall...
It's in that place (where the core of our faith is tested) we realize, only in our zealous love for "WHO GOD IS" can we carry on.
In John 6:66-69, after Jesus spoke confusing words, "many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." Jesus asked the Twelve, "You do not want to leave too, do you?”... "Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." (NIV)
Beloved, can I just say life doesn't always make sense. Sometimes, God, Himself, may even seem to appear distant. We wonder, "Why don't you help, why don't you intervene, why is life like this???" But the hope that pulls us from our doubt, the truth that prevails over our circumstances, resides in the TRUTH OF WHO WE BELIEVE JESUS to be...
Let us not waiver, but boldly declare as Peter did that day, answering our fears and endless "Why’s and What ifs" with this... "Lord, to whom shall we go? You alone have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
Our zealous abandonment to trust in "WHO GOD IS" quiets our fears and reassures our faith.
God can be trusted!
For GOD SO LOVED US, that He gave His one and only Son, so that WHOEVER believes in Him will NOT perish but have everlasting life.
Friend, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. God loves you. Seek Him first, and every thing else will be taken care of...provision, deliverance, healing...it's all found in Him. Hold fast to Him. And when the trials seem overwhelming, remember, Jesus' promise (found in John 16:33) "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV)
PRAYER: Father, we have studied a lot over these last few weeks on the things that will help us overcome and Live Above Life's Circumstances...yet we still feel powerless and helpless at times. Please intervene on our behalf. Fulfill ALL of Your promises. Empower us to live the truths we've studied. And may every breath we breathe be spent loving, serving, and honoring YOU. In Jesus name, amen.
PS. Hope you were blessed by our study. Join us for more encouragement, at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2010/12/08/his-love-extended
Today's broadcast, "Dancing with Max, is for anyone who is facing a challenge, anyone who is in need of hope. It helps us understand the experience of autism in a new light. And, causes every parent—whether their child is autistic or not—wrap their arms around their family, embrace their lives (and perhaps) even dance.......Join in and LISTEN LIVE today, at 12 PM EST by clicking the link above, or call in and listen LIVE through your phone by call 347-850-8893. You can also listen later at the link above to the archived message. Have a blessed day. Hope you can tune in to listen.
The key to living our Christian faith is summarized in Matthew 22:37-40, where "Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (NIV)
Friends, we've journeyed through 26 different words, pointing us to clues on "Living Above Life's Circumstances".
Today we conclude with letter Z--Today's Word is Zeal.
The love of our heart can not be faked; the tests and circumstances of life merely expose them...so if we want to rise above life's difficulties, if we want to soar above adversity and struggles, the key rests in our zealous love for God.
Jesus asked Peter three separate times, "Peter, do you love me?" and then commissioned him to feed his sheep. Today, God tenderly asks us the same question..."(Insert Your Name), do you love me?" "Do you really love me?" "If nothing ever changes about your circumstances, will you still love me?" "No matter what, will you serve me?"
When life's trials press in, attempting to drain us of our strength,...
When dismal circumstances arise and test every ounce of our courage...
When God just doesn't make sense, and our back is against the wall...
It's in that place (where the core of our faith is tested) we realize, only in our zealous love for "WHO GOD IS" can we carry on.
In John 6:66-69, after Jesus spoke confusing words, "many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." Jesus asked the Twelve, "You do not want to leave too, do you?”... "Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." (NIV)
Beloved, can I just say life doesn't always make sense. Sometimes, God, Himself, may even seem to appear distant. We wonder, "Why don't you help, why don't you intervene, why is life like this???" But the hope that pulls us from our doubt, the truth that prevails over our circumstances, resides in the TRUTH OF WHO WE BELIEVE JESUS to be...
Let us not waiver, but boldly declare as Peter did that day, answering our fears and endless "Why’s and What ifs" with this... "Lord, to whom shall we go? You alone have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
Our zealous abandonment to trust in "WHO GOD IS" quiets our fears and reassures our faith.
God can be trusted!
For GOD SO LOVED US, that He gave His one and only Son, so that WHOEVER believes in Him will NOT perish but have everlasting life.
Friend, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. God loves you. Seek Him first, and every thing else will be taken care of...provision, deliverance, healing...it's all found in Him. Hold fast to Him. And when the trials seem overwhelming, remember, Jesus' promise (found in John 16:33) "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV)
PRAYER: Father, we have studied a lot over these last few weeks on the things that will help us overcome and Live Above Life's Circumstances...yet we still feel powerless and helpless at times. Please intervene on our behalf. Fulfill ALL of Your promises. Empower us to live the truths we've studied. And may every breath we breathe be spent loving, serving, and honoring YOU. In Jesus name, amen.
PS. Hope you were blessed by our study. Join us for more encouragement, at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2010/12/08/his-love-extended
Today's broadcast, "Dancing with Max, is for anyone who is facing a challenge, anyone who is in need of hope. It helps us understand the experience of autism in a new light. And, causes every parent—whether their child is autistic or not—wrap their arms around their family, embrace their lives (and perhaps) even dance.......Join in and LISTEN LIVE today, at 12 PM EST by clicking the link above, or call in and listen LIVE through your phone by call 347-850-8893. You can also listen later at the link above to the archived message. Have a blessed day. Hope you can tune in to listen.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Power of Yielding!
There's a point in every battle, where we must decide, "Will we press on or retreat?"
I read a story about two ships colliding in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia, in 1986. The collision caused hundreds of casualties. Literally, "hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn't a technology problem like radar malfunction--or even thick fog. The cause was human stubbornness. Each captain was aware of the other ship's presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other. Each was too proud to yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late." http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/y/yield.htm
To rise above life's circumstances we must be prepared and exercise the wisdom of knowing when to yield.
In order to overcome life's battles we must learn how to yield...yield our emotions, suspend our disbelief, surrender our rights, and defer our plans.
We must diligently exercise restraint to "self" and learn when to quietly surrender...NOT to surrender to the enemy or the futility of our own fear...but entrusting our every hope...into the arms of the ONE WHO holds our victory.
When we are in the heat of battle the enemy attempts to blind us and confuse our battle plans, so we must constantly examine our motives and sustain our victory, by asking ourselves tough questions, like: "Am I operating on my own will power? Have I fought this battle for the sake of "my own" pride? Or, "Has God called me to press on and to endeavor this task?"
The truth is, we can all get off course, like the ship captains in the story above, our selfish pride can get in the way of our mission. We can forget to concede. We can ambitiously trample others in our way, and forget the mission of getting those entrusted to us, to a safe destination.
Friends, take a moment today and reflect on God's mission:
1. What has he called us to?
2. What promises has he whispered?
3. Are we still on point to follow His lead?
4. Are we frustrated by life's circumstances because WE are trying to accomplish out of OUR own power?
5. Are we sensitive to the needs of others entrusted to our care (our spouse, children, friends)?
6. Are we following after the principles of His Word (the Bible) or have we excused ourselves from its absolute truths?
7. Are we being faithful to follow or has our pride taken over, causing us to run a course God never intended?
To consistently rise above life's circumstances we must yield our will and align with God's. We must learn to step into HIS PLAN...not just ask Him to be part of ours.
Isaiah 55:9 says, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (NIV)
Friends, Mark 8:34-36 reminds us, "If anyone would come after me (Jesus), he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" (NIV)
Let us YIELD to the Maker of Heaven and Earth, entrust every decision to Him, and hold fast to His Promises. ONLY by yielding to HIS WISDOM and HIS POWER, can we find the strength to rise above life's circumstances, avoiding the entrapping of our own sin, and overcome the enemy's attacks.
PRAYER: Father, help us to yield and concede to You. Help us to not stubbornly follow after our own plans but submit our thoughts and will to You alone. We put our hope in You. Move on our behalf. Provide us with our needed miracles. Protect us. Shield us. And empower us to live for You. IN JESUS name, amen.
I read a story about two ships colliding in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia, in 1986. The collision caused hundreds of casualties. Literally, "hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn't a technology problem like radar malfunction--or even thick fog. The cause was human stubbornness. Each captain was aware of the other ship's presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other. Each was too proud to yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late." http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/y/yield.htm
To rise above life's circumstances we must be prepared and exercise the wisdom of knowing when to yield.
Today's Word is Yield.
In order to overcome life's battles we must learn how to yield...yield our emotions, suspend our disbelief, surrender our rights, and defer our plans.
We must diligently exercise restraint to "self" and learn when to quietly surrender...NOT to surrender to the enemy or the futility of our own fear...but entrusting our every hope...into the arms of the ONE WHO holds our victory.
When we are in the heat of battle the enemy attempts to blind us and confuse our battle plans, so we must constantly examine our motives and sustain our victory, by asking ourselves tough questions, like: "Am I operating on my own will power? Have I fought this battle for the sake of "my own" pride? Or, "Has God called me to press on and to endeavor this task?"
The truth is, we can all get off course, like the ship captains in the story above, our selfish pride can get in the way of our mission. We can forget to concede. We can ambitiously trample others in our way, and forget the mission of getting those entrusted to us, to a safe destination.
Friends, take a moment today and reflect on God's mission:
1. What has he called us to?
2. What promises has he whispered?
3. Are we still on point to follow His lead?
4. Are we frustrated by life's circumstances because WE are trying to accomplish out of OUR own power?
5. Are we sensitive to the needs of others entrusted to our care (our spouse, children, friends)?
6. Are we following after the principles of His Word (the Bible) or have we excused ourselves from its absolute truths?
7. Are we being faithful to follow or has our pride taken over, causing us to run a course God never intended?
To consistently rise above life's circumstances we must yield our will and align with God's. We must learn to step into HIS PLAN...not just ask Him to be part of ours.
Isaiah 55:9 says, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (NIV)
Friends, Mark 8:34-36 reminds us, "If anyone would come after me (Jesus), he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" (NIV)
Let us YIELD to the Maker of Heaven and Earth, entrust every decision to Him, and hold fast to His Promises. ONLY by yielding to HIS WISDOM and HIS POWER, can we find the strength to rise above life's circumstances, avoiding the entrapping of our own sin, and overcome the enemy's attacks.
PRAYER: Father, help us to yield and concede to You. Help us to not stubbornly follow after our own plans but submit our thoughts and will to You alone. We put our hope in You. Move on our behalf. Provide us with our needed miracles. Protect us. Shield us. And empower us to live for You. IN JESUS name, amen.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Rising Above Life's Circumstances Requires Us to be Xenial
Today's Word is Xenial.
What in the world does Xenial mean? Xenial suggests friendliness or hospitality, and was adopted as a name for a small city in Ohio, in 1803, after being named and voted on at a small town meeting. (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/xenia)
But what does friendliness or hospitality have to do with overcoming or rising above life's circumstances?
In Acts 28:1-10, we read the story of Paul's journey to the island of Malta. The writer of Acts highlighted that the islanders showed them unusual kindness; they built them a fire and welcomed them because it was raining and cold--this is the journey where Paul is bit by a snake while gathering a pile of brushwood. When Paul was bit by the snake, the islanders thought Paul was a bad man but then changed their mind when the bite had no effect on him. Later, Publius, the islander's chief official, welcomed Paul and his travelling companions into his home for three days. In verse eight we read that Publius' "father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him." As a result, the rest of the sick on the island came to Paul and were also healed. Later, when Paul and his companions were ready to sail, the islanders furnished them with all the supplies they needed." (NIV)
As I read this story, a few things "in the natural" stand out, highlighting the importance of being Xenial amidst trying times.
The first lesson standing out to me was the overwhelming hospitality of the islanders. Strange men showed up on their "doorstep". It's rainy, cold, probably not the best night to be out and about...they had plenty of reason to stay in their huts or under the own coverings. Paul and his men were strangers to them. They could offer them nothing (that they were aware of). It would have been easier to stay hidden and avoid the risk of getting out in the cold themselves...but instead...they greet and serve Paul...the islanders went outside of their own comfort zone to minister, though they themselves would then have to face the same terrain and in climate conditions. As I read this portion of the story, I thought to myself how important it is to serve, to be kind, and to honor others, regardless of our own circumstances. It's too easy to excuse away hospitality when we are hurting or facing our own "in climate weather" of life. But the islanders didn't allow "bad weather" to condition their service.
The second thing that stood out to me about this story is Paul's response to the islanders. After Paul was bit by the snake, the islanders judged Paul. They thought "Ah-ha, this must be an evil man, a murderer, and they waited for his demise." But Paul doesn't get mad. He isn't offended. Neither the snake bite nor the judgment of the islanders took an effect on him. Instead, Paul brushes off their offense in the same manner as he shook the snake from his hand. How many of us have been judged? How many sneering "islanders" have looked at our circumstances and misjudged us? We can't let scoffers or the opinions of others keep us from relationship! Paul welcomed Publius' hospitality.
As a result, the third thing that stood out to me about this story was that as a result of Publius' hospitality and Paul's willingness to not be offended, relationships built, causing personal needs to be recognized. You see, as Paul spent time in Publius' house, he witnessed Publius' father in law's illness. Paul's prayers invoked God's healing...as a result...word spread and all of the other sick islanders came to Paul and were also healed.
But that's not the end of the story, as a result, as the islanders demonstrated hospitality, Paul remained un-offended by inaccurate judgments, and relationships brought forth personal needs, which God remedied...something amazing occurred as a result...Paul and his companions were sent away with everything they needed for their journey.
Hebrews 13:1-2 says, "Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." (NIV)
Jesus said, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40, NIV)
So today, think about the word xenial, and its meaning to entertain, and show hospitality, especially to some who may seem foreign to you...in the midst of your "stormy-cold-climate" venture to warm someone else in need with the "warming fire of God's love". Don't take offense if "islanders misjudge you". Look for opportunities to share Godly relationships...Who knows...perhaps that contact may heal an entire "city" "nation" or "people group".
Prayer: Father, when we are hurting or have been offended, it is often easier for us to remain hidden and isolate from others...Please empower us with Your Spirit to serve and love as You love us. Give us the strength to reach out. And in the process, may we experience Your divine provision for our own needs. In Jesus name, amen.
Prayer: Father, when we are hurting or have been offended, it is often easier for us to remain hidden and isolate from others...Please empower us with Your Spirit to serve and love as You love us. Give us the strength to reach out. And in the process, may we experience Your divine provision for our own needs. In Jesus name, amen.
Friday, December 3, 2010
"Who Do You Say I Am?"
Perhaps the greatest question we will ever answer is the same one Jesus asked his disciples (as recorded in Matthew 16:15, Mark 8:29, and Luke 9:20)
"Who do you say I am?"
While others said Jesus was John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets, Simon Peter spoke for the disciples and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:19)
In verses seventeen through nineteen of Matthew sixteen, "Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (NIV)
Friends, the truth Peter declared in Matthew 16 is the foundation on which the church has been established... the hope of our souls rests in WHO JESUS IS and in WHAT HE DID for us.
It's easy to declare Jesus as the Son of the Living God when circumstances seem worry free...but who do our actions declare Him to be when we face financial ruin, an unfavorable diagnosis from the doctor, or our children reject the foundational truths we've attempted to lead them to follow? WHAT THEN?
Today, I sense a pervading question within my spirit, and the gentle voice of my Loving Father asking me, WHO do you say I am? I can't go into all the details, but suffice to say, I have never faced greater battles, nor have I ever experienced more taunting accusations from the enemy...
Elijah faced the same crossroads, "Who would he declare God to be?" He determined Him to be the God who would faithfully empower him to overcome the snarling threats of Jezebel.
Abraham faced the same question and bravely placed Isaac on the altar, "Declaring God to be the God who could raise the dead." And God answered; Isaac and Abraham, both, came down the mountain together.
Peter, would be questioned many times "Who he would declare Jesus to be? And, eventually, Peter bravely gave up his life, "Declaring God worthy of his love and allegiance. In His death he regarded God so highly that he requested to be crucified upside down, because he wasn't worth to die in the same manner of Jesus."
Friends, when we truly esteem Jesus as The Son of The Living GOD, FEAR disappears.
Today, regardless of our circumstances, let us be encouraged...GOD is still GOD! He is worthy of our praise. Let's bravely face our enemies and humbly lay our "Isaac's" down. Let's trust in WHO HE IS, while remembering HIS PROMISE. Let's bravely take up our cross to follow after him, declaring what Paul declared in Romans 8:18, "our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (NIV)
Today, let's invite God to invade our life, and rightfully declare Him to be WHO HE IS...
The God above all gods, The King of all kings, The Author and Finisher of our faith, He is Wonderful, Our Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, Our EVER PRESENT HELP in times of trouble, Our Defender, Our Provider, The Great I am, The Creator, The One Who sticks closer than a brother, Our Redeemer, Our Savior, The Giver of Life...
He is the God Who sees us right where we are, broken, hurting, and in need of His presence--He faithfully promises we are not alone...that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us.
He is the God Who hears our cries for deliverance, wards off the forces of hell, sustaining us through trials and tribulations, and faithfully encourages us to be of good cheer, for he has overcome every weapon of the enemy and will faithfully carry us through it all.
He is the God Who whispers to our soul...I LOVE YOU!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Rising Above Life's Circumstances...Even As We Wait!
G. Campbell Morgan wrote, "Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort. Waiting for God means, first, activity under command; second, readiness for any new command that may come; third, the ability to do nothing until the command is given." (http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/w/waiting_on_god.htm)
I don't know if you are like me...but, at 18 the promises of God seemed more attainable...Now,twenty three laters the "S" once shining brightly across my chest and the super-woman feelings of invincibility tend to fade with endless loads of laundry needing done and reflections of the unexpected twists and turns of life.
Nothing seems more difficult too me than, after hearing God's will, having to wait to see His promises fulfilled.
The middle ground of waiting wearies me with an ever-growing list of questions: "What if I misunderstood God's promise?" "What if I messed up or made a wrong decision?" "Did God really say what I thought He said?" "Have I made God mad?" "Why aren't things working out like I thought?"
If you're battling any or all of these thoughts...SHOUT OUT WITH ME TODAY--STOP!!!!!
In order to RISE ABOVE LIFE'S CIRCUMSTANCES, we must learn to patiently WAIT and TRUST the One Who died for us.
I came across a verse this morning that completely astounded me...Look at what God promised the Israelites, in Exodus 23:27-30, "I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land." (NIV)
Ok, at first glance maybe you didn't see what I saw, but check it out...God didn't drive all of Israel's enemies out at once, because the land (the promise) would have been too much for them to handle. The wild animals (the abundance of the promise) would have been too great for them to manage. Rather, God shared that He would drive Israel's enemies out little by little, so they could increase enough to take possession of the land (He wouldn't give them the full promise of blessing until they were prepared to manage, enjoy, and fully handle the ability to "possess" the promise.)
Friends, the same is true in our lives. God loves us enough to cause us to wait, because waiting refines our motives, removes impurities, and builds faith in what matters most. Our accomplishments aren't what matter the most...our end destination of fulfilled dreams aren't what matters most...what matters the most is our journey of building a living, loving, relationship with GOD. Waiting actually prepares our lives to receive our long awaited promise.
So, as we "WAIT"...
PRAYER: Father, by nature we want to live a life free of conflict; You designed us to live in perfect fellowship with You; but because of the curse we wrestle with pride, fear, and feelings of abandonment. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for our sins. Thank You for restoring us to a right relationship with You. Help us to rest confidently that You ARE WITH US. Reveal Your Love to us each day. Help us to RELAX and WAIT for Your Promises. We put our HOPE and TRUST in You. Fulfill Your Promises we pray. And, Help us ENJOY LIFE...even as we Wait!
I don't know if you are like me...but, at 18 the promises of God seemed more attainable...Now,twenty three laters the "S" once shining brightly across my chest and the super-woman feelings of invincibility tend to fade with endless loads of laundry needing done and reflections of the unexpected twists and turns of life.
Today's Word is Wait.
Nothing seems more difficult too me than, after hearing God's will, having to wait to see His promises fulfilled.
The middle ground of waiting wearies me with an ever-growing list of questions: "What if I misunderstood God's promise?" "What if I messed up or made a wrong decision?" "Did God really say what I thought He said?" "Have I made God mad?" "Why aren't things working out like I thought?"
If you're battling any or all of these thoughts...SHOUT OUT WITH ME TODAY--STOP!!!!!
In order to RISE ABOVE LIFE'S CIRCUMSTANCES, we must learn to patiently WAIT and TRUST the One Who died for us.
I came across a verse this morning that completely astounded me...Look at what God promised the Israelites, in Exodus 23:27-30, "I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land." (NIV)
Ok, at first glance maybe you didn't see what I saw, but check it out...God didn't drive all of Israel's enemies out at once, because the land (the promise) would have been too much for them to handle. The wild animals (the abundance of the promise) would have been too great for them to manage. Rather, God shared that He would drive Israel's enemies out little by little, so they could increase enough to take possession of the land (He wouldn't give them the full promise of blessing until they were prepared to manage, enjoy, and fully handle the ability to "possess" the promise.)
Friends, the same is true in our lives. God loves us enough to cause us to wait, because waiting refines our motives, removes impurities, and builds faith in what matters most. Our accomplishments aren't what matter the most...our end destination of fulfilled dreams aren't what matters most...what matters the most is our journey of building a living, loving, relationship with GOD. Waiting actually prepares our lives to receive our long awaited promise.
So, as we "WAIT"...
- Let's NOT ALLOW details or what seems like "Wasted Years" to distract us from embracing and enjoying the journey.
- Let's REMEMBER our end destination is already decided. God's promises will be fulfilled.
- Let's RESTconfidently in God's love and enjoy a loving intimate relationship with Him.
- Let's PURPOSE to ENJOY LIFE even as we wait...knowing that God is giving us our land (our promise) "little by little" so that we are prepared to fully possess it!
- Let's DREAM BIG, LAUGH OFTEN, and continue to remember GOD'S GOT IT ALL UNDER CONTROL!
PRAYER: Father, by nature we want to live a life free of conflict; You designed us to live in perfect fellowship with You; but because of the curse we wrestle with pride, fear, and feelings of abandonment. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for our sins. Thank You for restoring us to a right relationship with You. Help us to rest confidently that You ARE WITH US. Reveal Your Love to us each day. Help us to RELAX and WAIT for Your Promises. We put our HOPE and TRUST in You. Fulfill Your Promises we pray. And, Help us ENJOY LIFE...even as we Wait!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Today's Word is Vision
Wanna rise above life's circumstances? You have to have VISION!
T.E. Lawrence wrote, "All men dream but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds awake to the day to find it was all vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make it reality." (T.E. Lawrence, Seven Pillars of Wisdom (Herfordshire, UK: Wordsworth Eiditions, 1997)
The ministry God entrusted and commissioned me with is to encourage, empower, and equip YOU to Discover, Develop, and Do YOUR GOD GIVEN Passion.
Friends, I know how difficult life can be. Lack of time...bills...responsibilities...fears...endless "what ifs"...or "if only's"...can distract us from our mission.
I know how excuses come to mind all too frequently. "I'm not good enough." "I'm too old." "I'm too young." "I don't have..." "I can't...blah..blah...blah"...
BUT HEAR ME...PLEASE...beyond all your fears...and long before all your self-doubts...a loving CREATOR DESIGNED YOU and FILLED YOU with a PURPOSE. I'm sure if you are like me, after many "voices" and years later, that "Purpose" can get cloudy. In order to rise past life's circumstances we must rediscover what GOD'S VISION for our life looks like.
So, here are a few questions you can contemplate to help Re-Discover Your God Given Passion!
1. What does God desire for my life? Spend some day today, and simply ask God what He wills for your life. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom , he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (NIV)
The way we hear from God and discern His will is to further ask ourselves:
i. What has He spoken to me through His Word? As you read the Bible, what verses seem to leap off the page at you? Do any of them provide direction? Begin asking God to confirm His will for your life through His Word.
ii. What has God spoken to me through others? What positive affirmations do others say about you? What do they compliment your life about? What do they ask advice from you about? Somewhere within all their affirmations lies a God-given gift.
iii. What has God spoken to me through circumstances? What open doors are before you? God opens doors that No man can shut and shuts doors no man can open. Sometimes our clearest calls come through our present circumstances and opportunities?
A second question we can ask ourselves to discern God's Mission for our lives is:
2. What gifts has God given me?
We can discern our gifts very practically by asking:
i. What comes naturally to us? Sometimes we discount our gifts because they seem insignificant to us...it's too easy. But to someone else it may be extremely difficult.
We can also ask ourselves,
ii. What open doors are in front of me? If opportunities to serve in leadership continue to arise...you may have a gift for it. What opportunities continue to present themselves to you?
How about asking yourself a question that you may not normally think of...
iii. What brings me joy? Believe it or not...God wants you to live an abundant, joyful life...Jesus said, I have come that you might have life abundantly. (John 10:10) So how about it? What fills your life with great joy? When that "joy" lines up with obedience to God's Word...Somewhere within is a unique gift that God designed you with.
You can also ask the same question a little differently...
iv. What do I love doing? (or)
v. What would I do even if I never got paid for it?
When you answer these questions, take a moment and write down what you believe God reveals to you. Hold fast to that vision. Post it in a place you will visit often. And remember...if you want to continue to overcome obstacles...rise above circumstances...YOU MUST MAINTAIN and constantly REVISIT that VISION!
I would love to hear your passions...your vision...or what you feel God is calling you to. So feel free to share below.
I know mine...and I'm holding to it...regardless of the cost...MY VISION, my PASSION...is to encourage YOU to LIVE YOURS! I hope you found some helpful nuggets in today's post. Have a blessed day!
PRAYER: Father, speak to us clearly today. Help us to not excuse away or entertain all the reasons why we can NOT...and hold fast to WHAT YOU have CALLED US to. In Jesus name. Empower us to live the life you intended for us. Amen
Today's Word is Vision.
T.E. Lawrence wrote, "All men dream but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds awake to the day to find it was all vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make it reality." (T.E. Lawrence, Seven Pillars of Wisdom (Herfordshire, UK: Wordsworth Eiditions, 1997)
The ministry God entrusted and commissioned me with is to encourage, empower, and equip YOU to Discover, Develop, and Do YOUR GOD GIVEN Passion.
Friends, I know how difficult life can be. Lack of time...bills...responsibilities...fears...endless "what ifs"...or "if only's"...can distract us from our mission.
I know how excuses come to mind all too frequently. "I'm not good enough." "I'm too old." "I'm too young." "I don't have..." "I can't...blah..blah...blah"...
BUT HEAR ME...PLEASE...beyond all your fears...and long before all your self-doubts...a loving CREATOR DESIGNED YOU and FILLED YOU with a PURPOSE. I'm sure if you are like me, after many "voices" and years later, that "Purpose" can get cloudy. In order to rise past life's circumstances we must rediscover what GOD'S VISION for our life looks like.
So, here are a few questions you can contemplate to help Re-Discover Your God Given Passion!
1. What does God desire for my life? Spend some day today, and simply ask God what He wills for your life. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom , he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (NIV)
The way we hear from God and discern His will is to further ask ourselves:
i. What has He spoken to me through His Word? As you read the Bible, what verses seem to leap off the page at you? Do any of them provide direction? Begin asking God to confirm His will for your life through His Word.
ii. What has God spoken to me through others? What positive affirmations do others say about you? What do they compliment your life about? What do they ask advice from you about? Somewhere within all their affirmations lies a God-given gift.
iii. What has God spoken to me through circumstances? What open doors are before you? God opens doors that No man can shut and shuts doors no man can open. Sometimes our clearest calls come through our present circumstances and opportunities?
A second question we can ask ourselves to discern God's Mission for our lives is:
2. What gifts has God given me?
We can discern our gifts very practically by asking:
i. What comes naturally to us? Sometimes we discount our gifts because they seem insignificant to us...it's too easy. But to someone else it may be extremely difficult.
We can also ask ourselves,
ii. What open doors are in front of me? If opportunities to serve in leadership continue to arise...you may have a gift for it. What opportunities continue to present themselves to you?
How about asking yourself a question that you may not normally think of...
iii. What brings me joy? Believe it or not...God wants you to live an abundant, joyful life...Jesus said, I have come that you might have life abundantly. (John 10:10) So how about it? What fills your life with great joy? When that "joy" lines up with obedience to God's Word...Somewhere within is a unique gift that God designed you with.
You can also ask the same question a little differently...
iv. What do I love doing? (or)
v. What would I do even if I never got paid for it?
When you answer these questions, take a moment and write down what you believe God reveals to you. Hold fast to that vision. Post it in a place you will visit often. And remember...if you want to continue to overcome obstacles...rise above circumstances...YOU MUST MAINTAIN and constantly REVISIT that VISION!
I would love to hear your passions...your vision...or what you feel God is calling you to. So feel free to share below.
I know mine...and I'm holding to it...regardless of the cost...MY VISION, my PASSION...is to encourage YOU to LIVE YOURS! I hope you found some helpful nuggets in today's post. Have a blessed day!
PRAYER: Father, speak to us clearly today. Help us to not excuse away or entertain all the reasons why we can NOT...and hold fast to WHAT YOU have CALLED US to. In Jesus name. Empower us to live the life you intended for us. Amen
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