“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5
Boy, is this Bible Study for me! I went back to bed because of a migraine and felt convicted to get up, do my Bible Study and post the morning devotion. Because of the subject I know why this was so important.
A few months ago something happened with a person that has left me feeling a “righteous anger” against them. This is something they did not do to me but to someone for whom I love deeply. Anger is anger and we have no right to hold on to things according to God. I am to be with this person for the evening soon and have already found myself “rehearsing things that may be said”. You know what I am talking about! God has made it real clear to me that while I do not hold any responsibility in this individual's actions I do hold a responsibility to Him against any words spoken on this issue. He has been telling me for two months to “stand down” and be silent on this issue regardless of what transpires. So here I sit…with a migraine…trying to “destroy speculations and every lofty thing” to which I have given authority. I know that the only way to be obedient is to take captive every thought on this matter and release it to God.
To take something captive is to remove it from your sight and take away its freedom. I will reread this verse throughout the week repeatedly so when these thoughts try to escape they will not experience freedom.
It is harvest time for Satan when we plant seeds of anger, entitlement and rights to our emotions. Let’s allow God to sow the gardens of our minds – not Satan.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Be Careful What You Pray For
“…And lead us not into temptation…” Matthew 6:13a
I have always wondered what in the world this line meant from The Lord’s Prayer. With God hating sin, of course He would not lead us into temptation. It was only this morning that I realized one of the things I had been praying for all of my life through this prayer. In stating this one line I am, in essence, agreeing to be led into adversity and away from comfort.
When the Israelites fled Egypt, God led them into the wilderness which was the most indirect way to get to Canaan, their promised land. He actually led them south of Egypt into the wilderness only to cross the Red Sea and travel north to obtain their promised land. The most direct route would have taken about 30 days before arriving at the destination since it was only 150 miles north of Egypt. God’s reasoning was stated in Exodus 13:17-18. “Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, ‘The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.’ Hence God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea;’” God knew that leading them by a direct route would indeed lead them into temptation which could hinder His ultimate plans for them.
God frequently takes us south when our destination is north. He leads us away from temptation although going through it may be the fastest route. He will not have us face something before He knows we have developed the tools to obtain victory. His concern is not how quickly or easily we can accomplish His will, but rather how obediently we will accomplish what He determines is best for us.
My mother has always said, “Be careful what you pray for…”
I have always wondered what in the world this line meant from The Lord’s Prayer. With God hating sin, of course He would not lead us into temptation. It was only this morning that I realized one of the things I had been praying for all of my life through this prayer. In stating this one line I am, in essence, agreeing to be led into adversity and away from comfort.
When the Israelites fled Egypt, God led them into the wilderness which was the most indirect way to get to Canaan, their promised land. He actually led them south of Egypt into the wilderness only to cross the Red Sea and travel north to obtain their promised land. The most direct route would have taken about 30 days before arriving at the destination since it was only 150 miles north of Egypt. God’s reasoning was stated in Exodus 13:17-18. “Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, ‘The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.’ Hence God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea;’” God knew that leading them by a direct route would indeed lead them into temptation which could hinder His ultimate plans for them.
God frequently takes us south when our destination is north. He leads us away from temptation although going through it may be the fastest route. He will not have us face something before He knows we have developed the tools to obtain victory. His concern is not how quickly or easily we can accomplish His will, but rather how obediently we will accomplish what He determines is best for us.
My mother has always said, “Be careful what you pray for…”
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Camping Anyone?
“For the LORD your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you.” Deut. 23:14a
When we were growing up many of our vacations involved renting a pop-up camper for the six of us and hitting the road. We have such good memories of these vacations as we enjoyed a carefree experience in different cities and states. In looking back, I am sure that while Mother and Daddy enjoyed these times, it couldn’t have been as carefree as what we experienced.
There were many things they had to consider before setting up camp. They had to consider the stability of the ground, the safety of the surrounding woods and the best location to meet the needs of the family. Throughout the week I am sure they would move around the camp to ensure the continued safety of our trip.
God also does this in every place we set up camp. Whether it is at our workplace, our homes or on vacation, He moves about to protect and deliver. He is behind the scenes scanning our campsites to ensure that any danger that may come to us has passed through His filter first and allowed Him to be prepared. The further we move out of our camps and away from Him, He allows us to put ourselves out of range for His immediate protection, security and care. He still sees all but understands that our hearts have roamed into unhealthy terrain and He will allow us to experience the circumstances.
I remember at the age of 14 when I worked at our church camp one summer. We had strict orders to stay on the property and to not leave the gates. One rainy night, four of us decided to leave, crossed the street and entered into a territory that was unsafe due to rumors of drug use. As a car approached, my friends ran off leaving me alone at which point I ducked into the woods. This car stopped and three young guys got out and began chasing me through the woods yelling their intent when they caught up with me. I was chased for twenty minutes although it seemed forever. They eventually stopped and returned to their car. This experience haunted me throughout my teenage years and into my young adult years.
I know, that while it was my decision to wander off, God allowed me to experience the danger my decision created. He allowed it to play out to the point that would change neither His will nor His purpose for my life. In the end, His protection and guidance back to the camp was the one thing that stayed in my mind for many years when facing other situations of fear.
He moves about in our camps to protect and deliver…let Him.
When we were growing up many of our vacations involved renting a pop-up camper for the six of us and hitting the road. We have such good memories of these vacations as we enjoyed a carefree experience in different cities and states. In looking back, I am sure that while Mother and Daddy enjoyed these times, it couldn’t have been as carefree as what we experienced.
There were many things they had to consider before setting up camp. They had to consider the stability of the ground, the safety of the surrounding woods and the best location to meet the needs of the family. Throughout the week I am sure they would move around the camp to ensure the continued safety of our trip.
God also does this in every place we set up camp. Whether it is at our workplace, our homes or on vacation, He moves about to protect and deliver. He is behind the scenes scanning our campsites to ensure that any danger that may come to us has passed through His filter first and allowed Him to be prepared. The further we move out of our camps and away from Him, He allows us to put ourselves out of range for His immediate protection, security and care. He still sees all but understands that our hearts have roamed into unhealthy terrain and He will allow us to experience the circumstances.
I remember at the age of 14 when I worked at our church camp one summer. We had strict orders to stay on the property and to not leave the gates. One rainy night, four of us decided to leave, crossed the street and entered into a territory that was unsafe due to rumors of drug use. As a car approached, my friends ran off leaving me alone at which point I ducked into the woods. This car stopped and three young guys got out and began chasing me through the woods yelling their intent when they caught up with me. I was chased for twenty minutes although it seemed forever. They eventually stopped and returned to their car. This experience haunted me throughout my teenage years and into my young adult years.
I know, that while it was my decision to wander off, God allowed me to experience the danger my decision created. He allowed it to play out to the point that would change neither His will nor His purpose for my life. In the end, His protection and guidance back to the camp was the one thing that stayed in my mind for many years when facing other situations of fear.
He moves about in our camps to protect and deliver…let Him.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Considering Him...
“I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you;” Psalm 143:5.
This was a Psalm of David as he recounted the ways that God had been faithful to him in his life. I don’t know about you but a month or two ago I could have used a lesson from David regarding recounting the past.
I was sitting in church watching a video of a woman describing her experience with cancer. She had been given a short period of time to live and surgery was to be a last ditch effort, with little to lose for trying, since she was going to die. The doctor performed one more MRI when, to his astonishment, the cancer appeared to have disappeared. These stories have always brought me comfort in the past, but on this particular day my thoughts went to my sister. She did not experience this miracle and I found myself questioning “why”? I thought to myself "we prayed just as hard as that woman’s family and couldn’t have had more faith. We praised Him throughout the entire journey, and tried to testify to God’s glory through it all apart from our circumstances."
God “remembered” for me that day. As my mind was bent in that direction, God’s spirit touched mine and recounted how I had been the recipient of a miracle that many mothers did not receive. Heroine addiction is one of the strongest addictions to break and rarely is someone able to walk away. It is normally a death sentence with little hope and no turning back, but He had delivered my sweet daughter from her addiction. I was immediately humbled by this remembrance and amazed at how we think in a capsule with our earthly wisdom. I was so grateful that God gave me His spiritual vision that day so I could “consider what His hands had done.”
Many times God will take us back to a painful place to reveal how great and mighty He was to us in that situation. It reminds us of His grace, goodness and power in past circumstances while giving us hope in present and future circumstances.
Remember something He did “yesterday” and thank Him today.
This was a Psalm of David as he recounted the ways that God had been faithful to him in his life. I don’t know about you but a month or two ago I could have used a lesson from David regarding recounting the past.
I was sitting in church watching a video of a woman describing her experience with cancer. She had been given a short period of time to live and surgery was to be a last ditch effort, with little to lose for trying, since she was going to die. The doctor performed one more MRI when, to his astonishment, the cancer appeared to have disappeared. These stories have always brought me comfort in the past, but on this particular day my thoughts went to my sister. She did not experience this miracle and I found myself questioning “why”? I thought to myself "we prayed just as hard as that woman’s family and couldn’t have had more faith. We praised Him throughout the entire journey, and tried to testify to God’s glory through it all apart from our circumstances."
God “remembered” for me that day. As my mind was bent in that direction, God’s spirit touched mine and recounted how I had been the recipient of a miracle that many mothers did not receive. Heroine addiction is one of the strongest addictions to break and rarely is someone able to walk away. It is normally a death sentence with little hope and no turning back, but He had delivered my sweet daughter from her addiction. I was immediately humbled by this remembrance and amazed at how we think in a capsule with our earthly wisdom. I was so grateful that God gave me His spiritual vision that day so I could “consider what His hands had done.”
Many times God will take us back to a painful place to reveal how great and mighty He was to us in that situation. It reminds us of His grace, goodness and power in past circumstances while giving us hope in present and future circumstances.
Remember something He did “yesterday” and thank Him today.
Friday, June 26, 2009
This Old Thing?
“But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips…Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:8, 12
Whenever I go anywhere during the day, whether it be church, work, a social event or errands I cannot wait to get home and replace my clothes with my elastic waist shorts and a sweatshirt. I finish off my “comfort clothes” with a pair of socks and I’m done! There is nothing like slipping into the most comfortable clothes we have to wear, even if it is not pleasant to the eyes.
Our sinful nature is similar to our “comfort clothes” as we so easily put those on when we feel rightfully entitled to wear them. This exhortation from Paul is immediate and essential in living a Spirit-filled life. Daily, we are to rid ourselves of these emotions and characteristics for they are not part of holy living as children of God.
He challenges us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience which are not natural to us. We are to dress in Christ, for Christ and because of Christ so that others may recognize the powerful responses of a Christian when faced with circumstances that require His power, His strength and His indwelling.
Once the decision is made to reflect the image of Christ, efforts must be taken to clean out our closet and rid ourselves of the clutter that prevents the wardrobe of Christ from hanging in its place. Ask God to reveal your “comfort clothes” so He may replace them with His divine garments.
Whenever I go anywhere during the day, whether it be church, work, a social event or errands I cannot wait to get home and replace my clothes with my elastic waist shorts and a sweatshirt. I finish off my “comfort clothes” with a pair of socks and I’m done! There is nothing like slipping into the most comfortable clothes we have to wear, even if it is not pleasant to the eyes.
Our sinful nature is similar to our “comfort clothes” as we so easily put those on when we feel rightfully entitled to wear them. This exhortation from Paul is immediate and essential in living a Spirit-filled life. Daily, we are to rid ourselves of these emotions and characteristics for they are not part of holy living as children of God.
He challenges us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience which are not natural to us. We are to dress in Christ, for Christ and because of Christ so that others may recognize the powerful responses of a Christian when faced with circumstances that require His power, His strength and His indwelling.
Once the decision is made to reflect the image of Christ, efforts must be taken to clean out our closet and rid ourselves of the clutter that prevents the wardrobe of Christ from hanging in its place. Ask God to reveal your “comfort clothes” so He may replace them with His divine garments.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
When He Calls...
“Your desire to pursue God comes from the fact that He has pursued you. It is our spirit answering back to God in His pursuit of us.” Beth Moore, A Woman’s Heart – God’s Dwelling Place – Introduction Video.
When my children were little we would frequently visit my in-laws who live at the top of the mountain. Their back deck overlooks a deep and winding valley with an amazing view of Grandfather Mountain. Their back yard is steep and at the bottom is a gazebo with a swing that the children loved to occupy. Many days I would go out on the deck and see in the distance the fog and rain rolling in and anticipated that we had about 5 minutes before the storm hit. Because of my vantage point, I could see things that were approaching that my children could not. I would call to them and bring them in for protection and coverage from the storm.
God did this for me in 2006 when I stayed home from work one day due to the flu. I am not a big fan of television but my extreme boredom beckoned the company of anything. I stopped on INSP which is a station solely for inspirational viewing at which point I decided to watch. Because of that broadcast I decided to start doing daily Bible Studies, something I had never done before. Amazing how I grew up in the church, claimed to be a Christian, and never had even participated in an intimate Bible Study on my own. I had certainly been to many Bible Studies within the church, sipped on the coffee provided, hugged the ladies goodbye and traveled home for the evening. God’s spirit touched mine that day in February of 2006 beckoning something deeper from me. When God gently nudged me toward Him I felt my spiritual life growing. Little did I know the adversities required of my attention later that year. In May, 2006 my father was diagnosed with incurable cancer and began treatment to extend his life. In June, 2006 my father-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and we began the journey of life changes with him and his wife. In June, 2006 my daughter was diagnosed with a disease and would have to begin treatment.
He was calling me to “come out of that gazebo” and seek shelter from the approaching storms. Luckily, I was in earshot and recognized His voice when He called. So many times, His gentle spirit nudges ours but are we quiet enough, surrendered enough and trusting enough to obey Him although our view of things seem quite different. I cannot imagine weathering the storms of that year, along with the storms of the most recent years. I thank Him everyday that He stands on the deck and watches the fog and the storm roll in to protect, predict and provide.
"When we sense the unmistakable stirring of the Holy Spirit beckoning us to a deeper walk, we have to make decisions that stretch us." Priscilla Shirer, One In a Million, p. 27.
When my children were little we would frequently visit my in-laws who live at the top of the mountain. Their back deck overlooks a deep and winding valley with an amazing view of Grandfather Mountain. Their back yard is steep and at the bottom is a gazebo with a swing that the children loved to occupy. Many days I would go out on the deck and see in the distance the fog and rain rolling in and anticipated that we had about 5 minutes before the storm hit. Because of my vantage point, I could see things that were approaching that my children could not. I would call to them and bring them in for protection and coverage from the storm.
God did this for me in 2006 when I stayed home from work one day due to the flu. I am not a big fan of television but my extreme boredom beckoned the company of anything. I stopped on INSP which is a station solely for inspirational viewing at which point I decided to watch. Because of that broadcast I decided to start doing daily Bible Studies, something I had never done before. Amazing how I grew up in the church, claimed to be a Christian, and never had even participated in an intimate Bible Study on my own. I had certainly been to many Bible Studies within the church, sipped on the coffee provided, hugged the ladies goodbye and traveled home for the evening. God’s spirit touched mine that day in February of 2006 beckoning something deeper from me. When God gently nudged me toward Him I felt my spiritual life growing. Little did I know the adversities required of my attention later that year. In May, 2006 my father was diagnosed with incurable cancer and began treatment to extend his life. In June, 2006 my father-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and we began the journey of life changes with him and his wife. In June, 2006 my daughter was diagnosed with a disease and would have to begin treatment.
He was calling me to “come out of that gazebo” and seek shelter from the approaching storms. Luckily, I was in earshot and recognized His voice when He called. So many times, His gentle spirit nudges ours but are we quiet enough, surrendered enough and trusting enough to obey Him although our view of things seem quite different. I cannot imagine weathering the storms of that year, along with the storms of the most recent years. I thank Him everyday that He stands on the deck and watches the fog and the storm roll in to protect, predict and provide.
"When we sense the unmistakable stirring of the Holy Spirit beckoning us to a deeper walk, we have to make decisions that stretch us." Priscilla Shirer, One In a Million, p. 27.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
That Beautiful Glow
“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD.” Exodus 34:29.
How many times have we heard people talk about the beautiful glow of a pregnant woman as she carries precious cargo within her? She values the growing life, takes care of her body, and centers her thoughts on what is best for the indwelling.
Once a Christian really begins doing the same, we will also experience a radiance of Christ that is apparent to everyone with whom we come in contact. It is not enough to speak of being a Christian and living a Christ-centered life. We should not have to tell anyone that we belong to Him, but through our actions and radiance should it be evident to all. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21.
Our hearts are transparent to God and He knows when we are living the Christian life out of dedication and love to Him or less holy motivations. “Appearing to be holy has no kingdom value.” Priscilla Shirer, He Speaks To Me, p. 43.
When our hearts are aligned with the Spirit of Christ within our focus, we will also have a radiant glow which others will see.
How many times have we heard people talk about the beautiful glow of a pregnant woman as she carries precious cargo within her? She values the growing life, takes care of her body, and centers her thoughts on what is best for the indwelling.
Once a Christian really begins doing the same, we will also experience a radiance of Christ that is apparent to everyone with whom we come in contact. It is not enough to speak of being a Christian and living a Christ-centered life. We should not have to tell anyone that we belong to Him, but through our actions and radiance should it be evident to all. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21.
Our hearts are transparent to God and He knows when we are living the Christian life out of dedication and love to Him or less holy motivations. “Appearing to be holy has no kingdom value.” Priscilla Shirer, He Speaks To Me, p. 43.
When our hearts are aligned with the Spirit of Christ within our focus, we will also have a radiant glow which others will see.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
I Remember...At No Cost
“We remember the fish we ate at no cost – also, the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic.” Numbers 11:5.
These were the words of the Israelites as they reminisced about the delectable foods of Egypt. God had provided their wilderness food in manna only. According to the Bible, manna tasted like a pastry cooked with the finest oil, being like coriander seed, white with taste like wafers with honey. Manna in its description sounds good enough but the Israelites had developed an appetite for much stronger and more pungent flavors as listed in scripture. They had formed their taste buds to enjoy these flavors and manna seemed to lack what would quench their appetite.
In living a Christian lifestyle, we are asked to give up many things associated with our old attitudes before making Christ an intentional new way of living. Satan will continuously remind us of how good something in our past was and how much we enjoyed it in our lives.
The words that stand out to me in the verse are “at no cost”. We pay the greatest cost when we are living in bondage. The Israelites are remembering the wonderful things that delighted them but are forgetting the price they paid daily – their freedom. They were oppressed, repressed and depressed! The cost they paid was the ultimate price any of us pay – being led through life shackled and chained by the enemy. By renewing our mind and restoring a deep relationship with God, we will develop the appetite for the Manna, the Bread of Heaven, Jesus Christ.
What are you remembering in your “life in Egypt” that continues to tempt you, haunt you and call to you? Nothing earthly is free and everything short of a life in Christ and through Christ has a hefty price tag.
Re-establish your palate to enjoy the rich and flavorful Manna from Heaven! He will not disappoint.
These were the words of the Israelites as they reminisced about the delectable foods of Egypt. God had provided their wilderness food in manna only. According to the Bible, manna tasted like a pastry cooked with the finest oil, being like coriander seed, white with taste like wafers with honey. Manna in its description sounds good enough but the Israelites had developed an appetite for much stronger and more pungent flavors as listed in scripture. They had formed their taste buds to enjoy these flavors and manna seemed to lack what would quench their appetite.
In living a Christian lifestyle, we are asked to give up many things associated with our old attitudes before making Christ an intentional new way of living. Satan will continuously remind us of how good something in our past was and how much we enjoyed it in our lives.
The words that stand out to me in the verse are “at no cost”. We pay the greatest cost when we are living in bondage. The Israelites are remembering the wonderful things that delighted them but are forgetting the price they paid daily – their freedom. They were oppressed, repressed and depressed! The cost they paid was the ultimate price any of us pay – being led through life shackled and chained by the enemy. By renewing our mind and restoring a deep relationship with God, we will develop the appetite for the Manna, the Bread of Heaven, Jesus Christ.
What are you remembering in your “life in Egypt” that continues to tempt you, haunt you and call to you? Nothing earthly is free and everything short of a life in Christ and through Christ has a hefty price tag.
Re-establish your palate to enjoy the rich and flavorful Manna from Heaven! He will not disappoint.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Show Me Your Glory!
“Then Moses said, ‘Now show me your glory.’ And the LORD said, ‘I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But,’ he said, ‘you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.’ Then the LORD said, ‘There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.’” Exodus 33:19-23.
This was the plea of a man who was totally exasperated with the charge God had given him regarding leading the children of Israel. Through God, Moses had shown the Israelites time after time the provision and protection of the Almighty God only for them to cast Him aside with a golden calf. Moses knew God was near the end of His rope with their disobedience and Moses had come to the end of his strength. I love how he cried out as we all relate when we are faced with a situation where we just want resolution. He not only cried out for God’s glory and deliverance but began his entreaty with “Now!”
How many times have I cried out to the LORD to bring in the glory, the rescue, and the end of a string of terrible circumstances. What we ask for is many times not in our best interest as in the case of Moses. He couldn’t handle the extent of that which he was asking. I had a personal example of this where God put me in a cleft and covered my eyes with His hand. For the first time last November, I asked God to show me whether my sister, Beth would receive an earthly healing or a spiritual healing. I spent most days with her and assisted in the medical and emotional piece regarding her situation. I had never asked God for this revelation because I wanted Him to use me in an unbridled manner without my own agenda and beliefs interjected. He led me to certain verses which penetrated my heart and nudged me towards the answer of a spiritual healing. The heaviness and burden I felt was so great that I immediately pulled back into the cleft and closed my eyes. God immediately gave me His comfort, peace and joy the next morning which has never left me. He knew I couldn’t handle this truth and should only experience it in hindsight.
“No matter what you think you need from God, He knows what is best for you. He controls how He meets you and what He chooses to reveal about Himself.” Priscilla Shirer, He Speaks To Me, p. 37.
This was the plea of a man who was totally exasperated with the charge God had given him regarding leading the children of Israel. Through God, Moses had shown the Israelites time after time the provision and protection of the Almighty God only for them to cast Him aside with a golden calf. Moses knew God was near the end of His rope with their disobedience and Moses had come to the end of his strength. I love how he cried out as we all relate when we are faced with a situation where we just want resolution. He not only cried out for God’s glory and deliverance but began his entreaty with “Now!”
How many times have I cried out to the LORD to bring in the glory, the rescue, and the end of a string of terrible circumstances. What we ask for is many times not in our best interest as in the case of Moses. He couldn’t handle the extent of that which he was asking. I had a personal example of this where God put me in a cleft and covered my eyes with His hand. For the first time last November, I asked God to show me whether my sister, Beth would receive an earthly healing or a spiritual healing. I spent most days with her and assisted in the medical and emotional piece regarding her situation. I had never asked God for this revelation because I wanted Him to use me in an unbridled manner without my own agenda and beliefs interjected. He led me to certain verses which penetrated my heart and nudged me towards the answer of a spiritual healing. The heaviness and burden I felt was so great that I immediately pulled back into the cleft and closed my eyes. God immediately gave me His comfort, peace and joy the next morning which has never left me. He knew I couldn’t handle this truth and should only experience it in hindsight.
“No matter what you think you need from God, He knows what is best for you. He controls how He meets you and what He chooses to reveal about Himself.” Priscilla Shirer, He Speaks To Me, p. 37.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Building Sanctuaries
“They are to make a sanctuary for Me so that I may dwell among them. You must make it according to all that I show you – the design of the tabernacle as well as the design of all its furnishings.” Exodus 25:8-9.
The Israelites built the sanctuary in exact dimensions and furnishings as God revealed, and didn’t hesitate or procrastinate. They felt honored and privileged that God wanted to reside and reveal Himself in their presence. The plan was clear and the anticipated results were amazing.
Many times throughout our lives God calls us to do something for His presence to be revealed. It may involve building a relationship with an unlikely person or building a ministry. We will be called upon to “make a sanctuary” for His dwelling and to furnish it with His holiness.
God reveals His calling and His plans to us but it is up to us to take the first step. He equips us with all that is required for this project and reveals the steps we must take to follow the blueprint. Aligning our focus and priorities with God will ensure a secure building with an appropriate design for God’s indwelling.
When we are called our response should be nothing short of submission, attentiveness to details and complete excitement for the anticipated indwelling of God in the sanctuary for which He has called us to build. There must be an urgent response of action to the call and a disciplined sense of priority.
If we procrastinate too long God will find someone else to complete the work of the sanctuary resulting in missed opportunities, foregone blessings and a less abundant life.
Build your sanctuary when God calls, as God calls and with the design for which God reveals.
The Israelites built the sanctuary in exact dimensions and furnishings as God revealed, and didn’t hesitate or procrastinate. They felt honored and privileged that God wanted to reside and reveal Himself in their presence. The plan was clear and the anticipated results were amazing.
Many times throughout our lives God calls us to do something for His presence to be revealed. It may involve building a relationship with an unlikely person or building a ministry. We will be called upon to “make a sanctuary” for His dwelling and to furnish it with His holiness.
God reveals His calling and His plans to us but it is up to us to take the first step. He equips us with all that is required for this project and reveals the steps we must take to follow the blueprint. Aligning our focus and priorities with God will ensure a secure building with an appropriate design for God’s indwelling.
When we are called our response should be nothing short of submission, attentiveness to details and complete excitement for the anticipated indwelling of God in the sanctuary for which He has called us to build. There must be an urgent response of action to the call and a disciplined sense of priority.
If we procrastinate too long God will find someone else to complete the work of the sanctuary resulting in missed opportunities, foregone blessings and a less abundant life.
Build your sanctuary when God calls, as God calls and with the design for which God reveals.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
To Be Free...
“Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us.” Hebrews 12:1.
I read the most disturbing fact in my study this morning regarding the training of elephants for the circus. It is a fact that when elephants are chosen to be circus elephants they are chained in infancy. Since the babies are not strong enough to pull free, they grow tired of trying to free themselves and resign themselves to a life of boundaries. They learn that their life will be lived within those boundaries and freedom is not an option for them.
The same is with us when dealing with our fears and our sins. We learn to live with limited freedom based on the fears that drive our mind. Encumbrance means a burden, a hindrance and an impediment. Christ has already broken us free and removed the chains, so why is it that we just stand there and do not run for the open field? We are like the freed baby elephant who still feels the entanglement of his chain and do not trust that he is free. It is much easier to hold on to our fear and tell ourselves that we cannot escape our burden than it is to be led gently and purposely to the open field.
If we are “entangled and encumbered” it is the work of Satan convincing us that we cannot be free and we must not buy into the lie. We may feel the chain on our ankle but it is not attached to anything on the other end.
I read the most disturbing fact in my study this morning regarding the training of elephants for the circus. It is a fact that when elephants are chosen to be circus elephants they are chained in infancy. Since the babies are not strong enough to pull free, they grow tired of trying to free themselves and resign themselves to a life of boundaries. They learn that their life will be lived within those boundaries and freedom is not an option for them.
The same is with us when dealing with our fears and our sins. We learn to live with limited freedom based on the fears that drive our mind. Encumbrance means a burden, a hindrance and an impediment. Christ has already broken us free and removed the chains, so why is it that we just stand there and do not run for the open field? We are like the freed baby elephant who still feels the entanglement of his chain and do not trust that he is free. It is much easier to hold on to our fear and tell ourselves that we cannot escape our burden than it is to be led gently and purposely to the open field.
If we are “entangled and encumbered” it is the work of Satan convincing us that we cannot be free and we must not buy into the lie. We may feel the chain on our ankle but it is not attached to anything on the other end.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Forming Adhesives
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings…” Philippians 3:10a
Like most couples, my husband and I have faced seasons in our marriage of pain and suffering. There have been times when circumstances threw us into chaos and confusion beckoning response and action on our part. These times forced us to turn to each other, work together towards resolution and figure out a way to move forward. We have cried together, worked together, and kneeled together. We have hurt so deeply in some of our circumstances that God could only do for us what we couldn’t do for each other. At the end of painful seasons our life together was resurrected with a new power, a new commitment and a deep sense of gratitude towards each other.
These times have bonded us in such a way that it formed a marital adhesive that holds when the pressure is applied. Our marriage is certainly not perfect for perfection doesn’t exist in any form other than Christ but it certainly has been deepened and bonded through our shared suffering.
This is the basis for the verse Paul was speaking of when approaching our fellowship with Christ. If we only experience Christ through our calm times there is a surface relationship with no adhesive binding us to Him. We seem to have adhesiveness to our fears and our shackles instead of binding ourselves to Christ. If we would depend upon, lean on and trust Christ in the midst of exhaustion, suffering and uncertainty we will build and experience the fullness of God. Our relationship and fellowship with Christ will resurrect at the death of each season with an amazing power and strength that bind, builds and strengthens beyond human understanding.
In retrospect, I would not trade the depth of love and fellowship experienced with my husband through painful times for anything in this world. It was when he showed me his greatest love for me, his ability to carry me and his complete commitment for me. The same is true with Christ but at such a greater level of love, fellowship and commitment.
Like most couples, my husband and I have faced seasons in our marriage of pain and suffering. There have been times when circumstances threw us into chaos and confusion beckoning response and action on our part. These times forced us to turn to each other, work together towards resolution and figure out a way to move forward. We have cried together, worked together, and kneeled together. We have hurt so deeply in some of our circumstances that God could only do for us what we couldn’t do for each other. At the end of painful seasons our life together was resurrected with a new power, a new commitment and a deep sense of gratitude towards each other.
These times have bonded us in such a way that it formed a marital adhesive that holds when the pressure is applied. Our marriage is certainly not perfect for perfection doesn’t exist in any form other than Christ but it certainly has been deepened and bonded through our shared suffering.
This is the basis for the verse Paul was speaking of when approaching our fellowship with Christ. If we only experience Christ through our calm times there is a surface relationship with no adhesive binding us to Him. We seem to have adhesiveness to our fears and our shackles instead of binding ourselves to Christ. If we would depend upon, lean on and trust Christ in the midst of exhaustion, suffering and uncertainty we will build and experience the fullness of God. Our relationship and fellowship with Christ will resurrect at the death of each season with an amazing power and strength that bind, builds and strengthens beyond human understanding.
In retrospect, I would not trade the depth of love and fellowship experienced with my husband through painful times for anything in this world. It was when he showed me his greatest love for me, his ability to carry me and his complete commitment for me. The same is true with Christ but at such a greater level of love, fellowship and commitment.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Remembering Him...
“My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon – from Mount Mizar.” Psalm 42:5b.
This verse rings so true to me this morning as my family faces another round of cancer. Our dad suffers from terminal cancer with a fast-approaching prognosis on the heels of losing our sister to cancer. It seems too much to bear on the normal level but we choose to live on the spiritual level by remembering what God has done for us in the past as a fulfilled promise of what He will do for us in the future.
Grace was there and grace is here when we need it in the sufficient portions on the appropriate days. Remembering what God has done for us in the past builds power into facing impossible situations in both our present and future. Whether we are in the depths of despair or on the mountain tops of joy, remembering Him powers gratitude, faith and humility providing an opening into our hearts for calming, quieting and delivering.
There is a quiet grace that moves within and throughout when the Spirit resides in our hearts and quieting our spirits provides better hearing so we can allow His Spirit to minister to our needs.
One of my favorite pieces of advice is “Don’t look for April grace in February.” Looking ahead with a “chaotic and noisy spirit” misses out on the grace that is ours for that day alone. When “April” comes, there will be sufficient grace required for that time/day/hour alone.
Don't look for April grace in February.
This verse rings so true to me this morning as my family faces another round of cancer. Our dad suffers from terminal cancer with a fast-approaching prognosis on the heels of losing our sister to cancer. It seems too much to bear on the normal level but we choose to live on the spiritual level by remembering what God has done for us in the past as a fulfilled promise of what He will do for us in the future.
Grace was there and grace is here when we need it in the sufficient portions on the appropriate days. Remembering what God has done for us in the past builds power into facing impossible situations in both our present and future. Whether we are in the depths of despair or on the mountain tops of joy, remembering Him powers gratitude, faith and humility providing an opening into our hearts for calming, quieting and delivering.
There is a quiet grace that moves within and throughout when the Spirit resides in our hearts and quieting our spirits provides better hearing so we can allow His Spirit to minister to our needs.
One of my favorite pieces of advice is “Don’t look for April grace in February.” Looking ahead with a “chaotic and noisy spirit” misses out on the grace that is ours for that day alone. When “April” comes, there will be sufficient grace required for that time/day/hour alone.
Don't look for April grace in February.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Partial Obedience
“But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.’” Numbers 20: 12
Honestly, this story has always been a bit disturbing to me. Moses has been described in the Bible as being the most humble man to have lived. God specifically chose him as the catalyst for bringing His chosen people to the Promised Land. He had suffered many adversities bringing the children through the wilderness and spent years on his knees in intercessory prayer for the deliverance of the Israelites.
In this instance God commanded Moses to take his staff, assemble the Israelites and speak to the rock for water to gush forth for the community and their livestock. Instead of speaking to the rock Moses struck the rock twice with his staff. God allowed the miracle to take place but as a result of Moses “doing the work of the Lord” his own way he was unable to enter the Promised Land.
Partial obedience is still sin for it is communicating to God that we know a better way to do the will of God. We trust ourselves over our God and we will suffer the consequences. Much like the children of Israel we may still benefit from our partial obedience when doing God’s work because He works for the benefit of the spiritual community, not the individual community. He will, however, not tolerate partial obedience because it displays disbelief, a lack of faith and an atmosphere of doubt.
When we are called to do the work of the Lord we are to do the complete work of the Lord, even if we don’t quite understand the mystery surrounding the command. Our Promised Land brings blessings if we follow what He reveals step by step.
Doubt divides our belief and trust but faith flourishes the spirit.
Honestly, this story has always been a bit disturbing to me. Moses has been described in the Bible as being the most humble man to have lived. God specifically chose him as the catalyst for bringing His chosen people to the Promised Land. He had suffered many adversities bringing the children through the wilderness and spent years on his knees in intercessory prayer for the deliverance of the Israelites.
In this instance God commanded Moses to take his staff, assemble the Israelites and speak to the rock for water to gush forth for the community and their livestock. Instead of speaking to the rock Moses struck the rock twice with his staff. God allowed the miracle to take place but as a result of Moses “doing the work of the Lord” his own way he was unable to enter the Promised Land.
Partial obedience is still sin for it is communicating to God that we know a better way to do the will of God. We trust ourselves over our God and we will suffer the consequences. Much like the children of Israel we may still benefit from our partial obedience when doing God’s work because He works for the benefit of the spiritual community, not the individual community. He will, however, not tolerate partial obedience because it displays disbelief, a lack of faith and an atmosphere of doubt.
When we are called to do the work of the Lord we are to do the complete work of the Lord, even if we don’t quite understand the mystery surrounding the command. Our Promised Land brings blessings if we follow what He reveals step by step.
Doubt divides our belief and trust but faith flourishes the spirit.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Master of Disguise
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition but humble yourself and consider others better than yourself.” Philippians 2:3
There is something inside me that is near but not dear to my heart. It is something that takes on many forms and leads me unknowingly into attitudes, words and actions that always end up unbecoming to myself. He is an intruder of my heart, mind and spirit and one whom is never invited but simply shows up at will. My intruder’s name is pride.
Pride sneaks into our lives in many different forms leaving it unable to recognize until the damage is done. God has spoken about pride in the Bible at great lengths and challenges us to develop the flipside of pride, which is humility. There are many benefits from a life of humility including the following as outlined in Psalm 138:6, Isaiah 57:15, Isaiah 66:2, James 4:6 and James 4:10 just to name a few. We all need a great deal of work on humility, and these verses are great starting points. To paraphrase, God promises to keep His eyes focused on the humble, to live within the heart of a humble person and to esteem the humble woman/man. The more we develop a humble heart the greater measure of grace we receive and He promises to always lift up the humble.
Humility is one of the most difficult attitudes to truly embrace for it requires the opposite of what most people display. There are few people who truly exemplify authentic humility such as Christ displayed. My grandmother was the essence of humility and always modeled this in her life. I didn’t have to look far to find humility in its truest form and as I live my life I try to measure my actions against how she would respond. I have a long way to go to attain the humility of my grandmother but with Christ in my heart He has the power, the desire and the same desired goal to reveal each face of pride that emerges in my life. Only through the eyes of Christ can we recognize the face of pride.
There is something inside me that is near but not dear to my heart. It is something that takes on many forms and leads me unknowingly into attitudes, words and actions that always end up unbecoming to myself. He is an intruder of my heart, mind and spirit and one whom is never invited but simply shows up at will. My intruder’s name is pride.
Pride sneaks into our lives in many different forms leaving it unable to recognize until the damage is done. God has spoken about pride in the Bible at great lengths and challenges us to develop the flipside of pride, which is humility. There are many benefits from a life of humility including the following as outlined in Psalm 138:6, Isaiah 57:15, Isaiah 66:2, James 4:6 and James 4:10 just to name a few. We all need a great deal of work on humility, and these verses are great starting points. To paraphrase, God promises to keep His eyes focused on the humble, to live within the heart of a humble person and to esteem the humble woman/man. The more we develop a humble heart the greater measure of grace we receive and He promises to always lift up the humble.
Humility is one of the most difficult attitudes to truly embrace for it requires the opposite of what most people display. There are few people who truly exemplify authentic humility such as Christ displayed. My grandmother was the essence of humility and always modeled this in her life. I didn’t have to look far to find humility in its truest form and as I live my life I try to measure my actions against how she would respond. I have a long way to go to attain the humility of my grandmother but with Christ in my heart He has the power, the desire and the same desired goal to reveal each face of pride that emerges in my life. Only through the eyes of Christ can we recognize the face of pride.
Monday, June 15, 2009
To Fear...
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10
The Hebrew translations for these verses above are consecutively as follows: Revering the Lord is the essence of spiritual understanding and the prerequisite of being wise is respecting the Lord. Fear in these verses is not the same as the fear that paralyzes and cripples us. It is a religious fear that is our human response to the presence of God. “This type of fear combines reverence for God’s majesty and respect for His power. It is a reverential regard and awe that comes out of recognition and submission to the divine. Our ability to obtain wisdom from God begins and grows with out ability and willingness to fear Him.” Priscilla Shirer, He Speaks to Me, p.13. This fear is so essential when approaching God and experiencing the magnitude of who He is in our lives.
When I awoke yesterday morning I was struggling with not wanting to go to church. Between a headache, backache and overall ache I just wanted to crawl back in my bed for the morning. I was heavily convicted to attend so I jumped in the shower and made myself go. The experience I had was so unbelievably “fearful” I was blessed for the remainder of the day. I received this intense urging from the Holy Spirit to praise God which I had apparently been lacking in my prayers over the past few months. I have been eternally thankful and grateful to God for delivering me through the pain of grief but have been experiencing God through numbness, an anesthetized heart which was part of my grief.
Yesterday it seemed as if He was removing the medication which had numbed my heart since the death of my sister. The more I praised Him, the more aware I was of my reverence and awe for Him. The more I lifted song to Him the louder and sweeter the music sounded. The smaller and more humble I became at the spiritual understanding of just what God had been doing for me through the last 3 months, the larger and grander the Savior became. However, the most precious thing that occurred was what followed. The intensity of His divine love penetrated so deeply within me and infiltrated my heart with love that I haven’t felt since my heart was put on hold the morning of March 15th, the day my sister crossed over the line to meet her Savior.
My spiritual understanding and wisdom of His love came as a result of fearing the Lord yesterday. What a blessing I would have missed had I allowed the temporary aches and pains of life to win out. When that conviction pulls, push through anything that is competing for your attention.
Conviction will always benefit the heart if we place ourselves in position to receive.
The Hebrew translations for these verses above are consecutively as follows: Revering the Lord is the essence of spiritual understanding and the prerequisite of being wise is respecting the Lord. Fear in these verses is not the same as the fear that paralyzes and cripples us. It is a religious fear that is our human response to the presence of God. “This type of fear combines reverence for God’s majesty and respect for His power. It is a reverential regard and awe that comes out of recognition and submission to the divine. Our ability to obtain wisdom from God begins and grows with out ability and willingness to fear Him.” Priscilla Shirer, He Speaks to Me, p.13. This fear is so essential when approaching God and experiencing the magnitude of who He is in our lives.
When I awoke yesterday morning I was struggling with not wanting to go to church. Between a headache, backache and overall ache I just wanted to crawl back in my bed for the morning. I was heavily convicted to attend so I jumped in the shower and made myself go. The experience I had was so unbelievably “fearful” I was blessed for the remainder of the day. I received this intense urging from the Holy Spirit to praise God which I had apparently been lacking in my prayers over the past few months. I have been eternally thankful and grateful to God for delivering me through the pain of grief but have been experiencing God through numbness, an anesthetized heart which was part of my grief.
Yesterday it seemed as if He was removing the medication which had numbed my heart since the death of my sister. The more I praised Him, the more aware I was of my reverence and awe for Him. The more I lifted song to Him the louder and sweeter the music sounded. The smaller and more humble I became at the spiritual understanding of just what God had been doing for me through the last 3 months, the larger and grander the Savior became. However, the most precious thing that occurred was what followed. The intensity of His divine love penetrated so deeply within me and infiltrated my heart with love that I haven’t felt since my heart was put on hold the morning of March 15th, the day my sister crossed over the line to meet her Savior.
My spiritual understanding and wisdom of His love came as a result of fearing the Lord yesterday. What a blessing I would have missed had I allowed the temporary aches and pains of life to win out. When that conviction pulls, push through anything that is competing for your attention.
Conviction will always benefit the heart if we place ourselves in position to receive.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Hearts Bent Towards God
“The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.” Deuteronomy 28:12.
My two oldest children always say that my baby girl, Caroline, is spoiled because growing up she was allowed many privileges and “blessings”. The truth of the matter is that Caroline had a heart bent towards pleasing us, obeying us and searching our will for her as parents. As a result, we gave her many privileges surrounding trust, and knew she would know how to handle those privileges. We also rewarded her hard work and selfless acts of kindness and compassion in the manner which she treated others.
Knowing her heart was essential in giving her certain blessings and privileges. (There was a summer between her 10th and 11th grade that this was shut down!) As parents we hand out privileges based on where our children’s heart, mind and actions lie and pull back if we see their inability to handle certain things.
God is no different with His children as He searches and knows our heart, and is able to discern what blessings we can handle in our particular season in life. He shares the bounty He has stored up for us but sends rain upon our lives in certain seasons to grow and prepare us for future blessings. When His work is complete in us in one season, His blessings will follow as a reward for trusting Him, obeying Him, and serving Him apart from what our season brings.
As we pull away from Him in certain seasons, He holds back certain blessings until our hearts return to Him and our focus serves His purpose for our lives. Each of us has our own “storehouse” reserved for us but only the Father knows when we are ready to receive.
We do not obey in an effort to receive but we receive as a result of how well we obey.
My two oldest children always say that my baby girl, Caroline, is spoiled because growing up she was allowed many privileges and “blessings”. The truth of the matter is that Caroline had a heart bent towards pleasing us, obeying us and searching our will for her as parents. As a result, we gave her many privileges surrounding trust, and knew she would know how to handle those privileges. We also rewarded her hard work and selfless acts of kindness and compassion in the manner which she treated others.
Knowing her heart was essential in giving her certain blessings and privileges. (There was a summer between her 10th and 11th grade that this was shut down!) As parents we hand out privileges based on where our children’s heart, mind and actions lie and pull back if we see their inability to handle certain things.
God is no different with His children as He searches and knows our heart, and is able to discern what blessings we can handle in our particular season in life. He shares the bounty He has stored up for us but sends rain upon our lives in certain seasons to grow and prepare us for future blessings. When His work is complete in us in one season, His blessings will follow as a reward for trusting Him, obeying Him, and serving Him apart from what our season brings.
As we pull away from Him in certain seasons, He holds back certain blessings until our hearts return to Him and our focus serves His purpose for our lives. Each of us has our own “storehouse” reserved for us but only the Father knows when we are ready to receive.
We do not obey in an effort to receive but we receive as a result of how well we obey.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Evergreens
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8.
This passage holds a very dear place in my heart for it is the passage E.L.M. (Emerging Life Ministries) was anchored in the beginning of 2008. I felt the urging of Christ to put in place a family ministry knowing that He would guide my steps. It was more on paper at first but He quickly led me into the direction of posting morning devotionals through blogs. It wasn’t until illness overtook our family on several fronts that really rooted this ministry. It was planted by God, watered by God and will grow through God and all that He brings.
Our family has been in a season of drought for over a year and half, and our drought will continue most likely for the next couple of years. I do not fear the future for God has shown me in this drought that I will not thirst for anything. He will provide the nutrients and Light for the much needed fruit to prosper in this season.
We all carry within us a garden ministry to be tended to, cared for and properly managed. It is a garden where we kneel with Christ and get our hands dirty in an effort to promote growth. It is a garden where we must allow Christ to weed in order that the yield will not be choked out. It is a garden that needs our trust and confidence in God as the rich soil for its foundation.
How does your garden grow?
This passage holds a very dear place in my heart for it is the passage E.L.M. (Emerging Life Ministries) was anchored in the beginning of 2008. I felt the urging of Christ to put in place a family ministry knowing that He would guide my steps. It was more on paper at first but He quickly led me into the direction of posting morning devotionals through blogs. It wasn’t until illness overtook our family on several fronts that really rooted this ministry. It was planted by God, watered by God and will grow through God and all that He brings.
Our family has been in a season of drought for over a year and half, and our drought will continue most likely for the next couple of years. I do not fear the future for God has shown me in this drought that I will not thirst for anything. He will provide the nutrients and Light for the much needed fruit to prosper in this season.
We all carry within us a garden ministry to be tended to, cared for and properly managed. It is a garden where we kneel with Christ and get our hands dirty in an effort to promote growth. It is a garden where we must allow Christ to weed in order that the yield will not be choked out. It is a garden that needs our trust and confidence in God as the rich soil for its foundation.
How does your garden grow?
Friday, June 12, 2009
Feeding the Beast
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better lowly in spirit…than to share plunder with the proud.” Prov. 16:18-19. “Those who walk in pride, he is able to humble” Daniel 4:37.
There is nothing attractive about pride. Pride is an insatiable beast that holds no quenched appetite. It hungers to be fed and prowls around, looking for its next meal in places it has previously succeeded. In the past, my source of pride has been associated with my children which God has continuously humbled me. My greatest “pride lesson” in life has been centered around judging others as parents. It is so easy to look upon the decisions of others and make assumptions of the manner in which we would handle things.
Although God brought my haughty spirit to a fall during my 8 year valley with Kristen, the beast sometimes rears its nasty head and comes to me to be fed. Last night, I had a parent call me for advice on her out of control teen. Pride answered the phone last night and immediately began dining. Thankfully, the further the conversation developed the Holy Spirit took over and began starving the beast.
Throughout the Bible many people fell from power, riches or position due to their pride. It is one of the most destructive and offensive character traits that we may possess. The worst kind of pride is spiritual pride which divides, alienates and turns off other people regarding a relationship with God. Philippians 2:3 states, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” By developing the ability to listen to the inner urgings of the Holy Spirit we learn to feed that inner dwelling instead of the inner dwelling of pride. Pride is a heart problem for which everyone struggles beginning with Eve in the garden. By not acknowledging pride in our lives is pride within itself.
Figure out ways to feed the fellowship with Christ instead of feeding the beast.
There is nothing attractive about pride. Pride is an insatiable beast that holds no quenched appetite. It hungers to be fed and prowls around, looking for its next meal in places it has previously succeeded. In the past, my source of pride has been associated with my children which God has continuously humbled me. My greatest “pride lesson” in life has been centered around judging others as parents. It is so easy to look upon the decisions of others and make assumptions of the manner in which we would handle things.
Although God brought my haughty spirit to a fall during my 8 year valley with Kristen, the beast sometimes rears its nasty head and comes to me to be fed. Last night, I had a parent call me for advice on her out of control teen. Pride answered the phone last night and immediately began dining. Thankfully, the further the conversation developed the Holy Spirit took over and began starving the beast.
Throughout the Bible many people fell from power, riches or position due to their pride. It is one of the most destructive and offensive character traits that we may possess. The worst kind of pride is spiritual pride which divides, alienates and turns off other people regarding a relationship with God. Philippians 2:3 states, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” By developing the ability to listen to the inner urgings of the Holy Spirit we learn to feed that inner dwelling instead of the inner dwelling of pride. Pride is a heart problem for which everyone struggles beginning with Eve in the garden. By not acknowledging pride in our lives is pride within itself.
Figure out ways to feed the fellowship with Christ instead of feeding the beast.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Guarding Our Hearts
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever…But as for me, it is good to be near God.” Psalm 73:26, 28
Whether through temptation or complacency it is easy for our hearts and flesh to wander. We were born with a sinful nature and require both conviction and redemption for our hearts to stay centered in Christ.
Christ understands this and warns us throughout the Bible of staying near to Him so He can do His work. To keep a heart bent towards Christ is to stay in the Word daily, meditate upon Him and fellowship with Him off and on throughout the day. When I think about the many ways we communicate and fellowship through technology, I am amazed at the hours that are simply eaten up. For me, our own beloved Facebook can eat up so much of my concentration, focus and attention.
We need “heart work” each and every day to keep the flesh pure, noble and holy. Keeping us free from sin and guarded against temptation is the work of the Holy Spirit, but those gentle whispers of conviction become more silent the further we move from our focus on God. By remaining near to God, He reminds us of our pitfalls that so easily entangle and keeps us guarded from our “appetite for sin”. Each of us has a certain appetite for sin which continues throughout our life to rise to the top. Our “appetite” will be the very thing for which Satan will always resort in vulnerable situations because it has worked so many times before.
By replacing anything that steals our time with God, it ensures the protection of heart, mind and flesh against the dark powers of Satan. It returns us to the heart surrendered to God, our strength and our portion and builds a fortress against the temptation of sin.
Whether through temptation or complacency it is easy for our hearts and flesh to wander. We were born with a sinful nature and require both conviction and redemption for our hearts to stay centered in Christ.
Christ understands this and warns us throughout the Bible of staying near to Him so He can do His work. To keep a heart bent towards Christ is to stay in the Word daily, meditate upon Him and fellowship with Him off and on throughout the day. When I think about the many ways we communicate and fellowship through technology, I am amazed at the hours that are simply eaten up. For me, our own beloved Facebook can eat up so much of my concentration, focus and attention.
We need “heart work” each and every day to keep the flesh pure, noble and holy. Keeping us free from sin and guarded against temptation is the work of the Holy Spirit, but those gentle whispers of conviction become more silent the further we move from our focus on God. By remaining near to God, He reminds us of our pitfalls that so easily entangle and keeps us guarded from our “appetite for sin”. Each of us has a certain appetite for sin which continues throughout our life to rise to the top. Our “appetite” will be the very thing for which Satan will always resort in vulnerable situations because it has worked so many times before.
By replacing anything that steals our time with God, it ensures the protection of heart, mind and flesh against the dark powers of Satan. It returns us to the heart surrendered to God, our strength and our portion and builds a fortress against the temptation of sin.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Reaching New Heights
“Loss can diminish us, but it can also expand us…Loss can function as a catalyst to transform us.” – Jerry Sittser, Grace Disguised
When I read this statement this morning I couldn’t help but to compare loss and grief to that of a cocoon and butterfly. The loss of a loved one, whether through death or some other type of separation, is devastating leaving us with a shrinking sense of self, a fractured and fragile version of our earlier personality. The definition for diminish is to reduce, lessen, weaken, fade away or fade out. Each of these words mean we have given up something, been compromised or possess a lesser value of something.
The caterpillar loses the only way of life it knows once the cocoon has been spun and along with the life the light is snuffed out. Once the work is done in the darkness the cocoon breaks open exposing new light, new life and new heights. The butterfly’s life will never be experienced as it once was but will experience an expansion of life with new abilities, new adventures and new limits.
The statement above says can, not will, which indicates that we have a choice in our loss. If we give in to the diminishing crushes of our circumstances we will not experience the expanding and emerging life of the results of the dark cocoon. We will never experience new heights and adventures from our newfound wings. Being transformed from and through our experience ensures that the pain suffered had purpose and did not occur without the blessing of seeing things from a higher level – a spiritual level.
I choose to be transformed from my experience and not defined by the pain. I choose to soar on heights with my new found wings even if they are still fragile. I choose to leave the darkness of cocoon behind but thankful for growth I sustained while resting in the middle.
Loss can diminish us, but it can also expand us…
When I read this statement this morning I couldn’t help but to compare loss and grief to that of a cocoon and butterfly. The loss of a loved one, whether through death or some other type of separation, is devastating leaving us with a shrinking sense of self, a fractured and fragile version of our earlier personality. The definition for diminish is to reduce, lessen, weaken, fade away or fade out. Each of these words mean we have given up something, been compromised or possess a lesser value of something.
The caterpillar loses the only way of life it knows once the cocoon has been spun and along with the life the light is snuffed out. Once the work is done in the darkness the cocoon breaks open exposing new light, new life and new heights. The butterfly’s life will never be experienced as it once was but will experience an expansion of life with new abilities, new adventures and new limits.
The statement above says can, not will, which indicates that we have a choice in our loss. If we give in to the diminishing crushes of our circumstances we will not experience the expanding and emerging life of the results of the dark cocoon. We will never experience new heights and adventures from our newfound wings. Being transformed from and through our experience ensures that the pain suffered had purpose and did not occur without the blessing of seeing things from a higher level – a spiritual level.
I choose to be transformed from my experience and not defined by the pain. I choose to soar on heights with my new found wings even if they are still fragile. I choose to leave the darkness of cocoon behind but thankful for growth I sustained while resting in the middle.
Loss can diminish us, but it can also expand us…
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
How Do You Wait?
“How do we get to the morning, to the sunshine, to the joy? There is only one way - by waiting for it. We can’t hurry the dawn no matter how anxiously we pace the floor or how impatiently we watch the clock. And so the question is not do we wait or not wait, because waiting is all we can do. The question is, “How will we wait? Will we wait well…or will we wait poorly?” – Ken Gire, The North Face of God
Waiting for something has been a common thread throughout the course of the Bible and throughout the course of mankind. Abraham and Sarah waited for a baby most of their adult lives and finally received their blessing very late in life. David waited for over 20 years for his promise of becoming king. My grandmother waited for over 50 years for God to fulfill His promise to her of publishing her journals into a book and I waited for over 8 years for my prodigal to return home.
We are guaranteed to wait on many things throughout the course of our lives which brings me to Ken Gire’s question – How will we wait? When we are waiting for the results from a medical procedure, will we wait with peace and trust in God? (“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope” Ps. 130:5). When we wait for our prodigal child or spouse to return home will we wait with forgiveness and love? (“Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins… Ps. 103:2). When we wait for the grief that overcomes us to pass through will we wait with faith in our Savior’s presence? (We wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” Titus 2:13)
There have been times in my life when I waited poorly, waited without peace and faith in a better day. My wait was defined with the aimless attempts of fixing a situation instead of trusting that God had authority over the circumstances. There have been other times when my wait was anchored in Him and the burden was not on my shoulders but on His. The difference between waiting poorly or waiting well lies in the depth of relationship and fellowship we experience with Christ. Through Christ we access the ability to peacefully wait and to know that at the end of the wait come the rescue, the Savior and life once again becomes complete. (“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7)
Waiting for something has been a common thread throughout the course of the Bible and throughout the course of mankind. Abraham and Sarah waited for a baby most of their adult lives and finally received their blessing very late in life. David waited for over 20 years for his promise of becoming king. My grandmother waited for over 50 years for God to fulfill His promise to her of publishing her journals into a book and I waited for over 8 years for my prodigal to return home.
We are guaranteed to wait on many things throughout the course of our lives which brings me to Ken Gire’s question – How will we wait? When we are waiting for the results from a medical procedure, will we wait with peace and trust in God? (“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope” Ps. 130:5). When we wait for our prodigal child or spouse to return home will we wait with forgiveness and love? (“Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins… Ps. 103:2). When we wait for the grief that overcomes us to pass through will we wait with faith in our Savior’s presence? (We wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” Titus 2:13)
There have been times in my life when I waited poorly, waited without peace and faith in a better day. My wait was defined with the aimless attempts of fixing a situation instead of trusting that God had authority over the circumstances. There have been other times when my wait was anchored in Him and the burden was not on my shoulders but on His. The difference between waiting poorly or waiting well lies in the depth of relationship and fellowship we experience with Christ. Through Christ we access the ability to peacefully wait and to know that at the end of the wait come the rescue, the Savior and life once again becomes complete. (“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7)
Monday, June 8, 2009
Restorer of Life
“Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a close relative…And may he be to you a restorer of life…” Ruth 4:14-15a
In the Old Testament, the Mosaic law allowed a close relative of a deceased man to redeem his property and wife in order that the bloodline could continue. The death of Ruth’s husband, Mahlon, left his family lineage and property available for a kinsman- redeemer to come in and redeem the life of the deceased’s widow and property.
While we do not have this law, we do have the LORD as our kinsman-redeemer who does not leave us without a way to recover from our losses. His presence during times when we suffer our greatest loss provides a way back to a fully redeemed and fulfilled life. Much like Ruth she received her new life through dedication, humility and obedience as she worked the fields of Boaz and eventually was led to propose to him. God gave back to her everything she had lost and more. He redeemed and restored life in a way that she could never have imagined.
I felt my life being restored yesterday as He led me to the bedside of my dear friend’s dying mother at the Hospice House. Instead of attending church with my family I felt led to go and pray with my friend and her mother. As I walked into the facility I was thinking about the things for which I wanted to pray, and trying to allow the Holy Spirit to bring to mind my prayer items. I had a wonderful visit with my friend and prayed over her mother several times allowing the Holy Spirit to do its work. As I departed I was thanking God for allowing me the privilege to approach Him on behalf of others when I realized that her room had been next door to the room of my precious sister who had gone home to Heaven three months ago. Although I spent most days up there with her for almost two months, I did not make the connection until I had gotten back in my car!
I cannot think of a better example to describe the manner in which our God restores life and continues His work. He is our kinsman-redeemer and will provide a way back to a fully fulfilled and joyful life with an abundance of blessings. If our focus remains on doing His work and trusting His promises of renewal and restoration, we will experience a life of healing, restoration and full redemption. Blessed Redeemer!
In the Old Testament, the Mosaic law allowed a close relative of a deceased man to redeem his property and wife in order that the bloodline could continue. The death of Ruth’s husband, Mahlon, left his family lineage and property available for a kinsman- redeemer to come in and redeem the life of the deceased’s widow and property.
While we do not have this law, we do have the LORD as our kinsman-redeemer who does not leave us without a way to recover from our losses. His presence during times when we suffer our greatest loss provides a way back to a fully redeemed and fulfilled life. Much like Ruth she received her new life through dedication, humility and obedience as she worked the fields of Boaz and eventually was led to propose to him. God gave back to her everything she had lost and more. He redeemed and restored life in a way that she could never have imagined.
I felt my life being restored yesterday as He led me to the bedside of my dear friend’s dying mother at the Hospice House. Instead of attending church with my family I felt led to go and pray with my friend and her mother. As I walked into the facility I was thinking about the things for which I wanted to pray, and trying to allow the Holy Spirit to bring to mind my prayer items. I had a wonderful visit with my friend and prayed over her mother several times allowing the Holy Spirit to do its work. As I departed I was thanking God for allowing me the privilege to approach Him on behalf of others when I realized that her room had been next door to the room of my precious sister who had gone home to Heaven three months ago. Although I spent most days up there with her for almost two months, I did not make the connection until I had gotten back in my car!
I cannot think of a better example to describe the manner in which our God restores life and continues His work. He is our kinsman-redeemer and will provide a way back to a fully fulfilled and joyful life with an abundance of blessings. If our focus remains on doing His work and trusting His promises of renewal and restoration, we will experience a life of healing, restoration and full redemption. Blessed Redeemer!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Looking Backwards
"I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land." Psalm 143:5-6
These were the words of David when he was overwhelmed, frightened and unsure of which way to turn. How many times have we lived these emotions only to wake up one day and find that we have been delivered from our circumstances? There was no one action that delivered us but One person alone - Christ Jesus.
There have been times in my life when I look back in amazement that I made it through specific seasons. Certain seasons brought the rains of refreshment and the breezes of joy while other seasons brought the shattering of earthquakes and the swells of high waters. Many times of suffering leave us with the aroma of bitterness and anger if we do not submit these emotions to the Lord for healing. Our look backwards will focus on regret or gratitude that God has delivered us and remained faithful to carry us through all times. By meditating on the different ways He has worked our circumstances to our benefit it allows us to "spread out our hands to Him" and release the anger, frustration and bitterness of previous situations and enjoy the peace and healing that is ours through Him. To spread out our hands is to release anything your fist so tightly holds such as the leftover emotions of a time foregone.
Remember, bitterness looks backwards while love looks forward. Bitterness and love cannot reside in the same heart. Spread open your hands to the LORD and allow Him to fill them with blessings.
These were the words of David when he was overwhelmed, frightened and unsure of which way to turn. How many times have we lived these emotions only to wake up one day and find that we have been delivered from our circumstances? There was no one action that delivered us but One person alone - Christ Jesus.
There have been times in my life when I look back in amazement that I made it through specific seasons. Certain seasons brought the rains of refreshment and the breezes of joy while other seasons brought the shattering of earthquakes and the swells of high waters. Many times of suffering leave us with the aroma of bitterness and anger if we do not submit these emotions to the Lord for healing. Our look backwards will focus on regret or gratitude that God has delivered us and remained faithful to carry us through all times. By meditating on the different ways He has worked our circumstances to our benefit it allows us to "spread out our hands to Him" and release the anger, frustration and bitterness of previous situations and enjoy the peace and healing that is ours through Him. To spread out our hands is to release anything your fist so tightly holds such as the leftover emotions of a time foregone.
Remember, bitterness looks backwards while love looks forward. Bitterness and love cannot reside in the same heart. Spread open your hands to the LORD and allow Him to fill them with blessings.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Emerging Faith
“You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not turn.” Psalm 18:36.
Many times in life, we barely brush the dirt off our feet from one valley before we find ourselves deeply entrenched in another. We cannot lift out feet from the quicksand that seems to immobilize us.
Through the times that we feel we cannot step another step, walk another path and cry another tear God stoops down to sustain us and broadens the ground beneath us to allow our pilgrimage to be more steady, firm and free of failure. Through the emergence of our faith our path certainly becomes packed more firmly with His foundation of strength, perseverance and stability. Our path leads to eternal life with Him in Heaven and keeping our ankles strong in the Word will ensure our direct path free of detours.
All detours lead back down and the path of most resistance will grow us spiritually and broaden our faith to give us firm footing. Choose your path carefully so that you will not twist your ankle!
Many times in life, we barely brush the dirt off our feet from one valley before we find ourselves deeply entrenched in another. We cannot lift out feet from the quicksand that seems to immobilize us.
Through the times that we feel we cannot step another step, walk another path and cry another tear God stoops down to sustain us and broadens the ground beneath us to allow our pilgrimage to be more steady, firm and free of failure. Through the emergence of our faith our path certainly becomes packed more firmly with His foundation of strength, perseverance and stability. Our path leads to eternal life with Him in Heaven and keeping our ankles strong in the Word will ensure our direct path free of detours.
All detours lead back down and the path of most resistance will grow us spiritually and broaden our faith to give us firm footing. Choose your path carefully so that you will not twist your ankle!
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Faith Test
"Trusting God when the miracle does not come, when the urgent prayer gets no answer, when there is only darkness - this is the kind of faith God values perhaps most of all" Nancy Guthrie, Holding On To Hope.
Let's face it - life hurts! Seems like there are seasons where the rains keep flooding, the clouds stay dark and valleys get deeper. Just when the sun tries to peak through the clouds a storm arises as quickly as afternoon summer thunderstorms. So how does one equip themselves with the sufficient protection from these seasons? We clothe ourselves in faith for a better day, a better way and knowledge of a perfect God. When we begin to question God's character based on our circumstances our faith begins to erode and despair seeps through the broken ground.
Christ never said our walk would be easy but He did say our walk would be shared, shared with the One who loves us most, shared with the One who carries us when our feet cannot move one more step. Carol Kent in A New Kind of Normal states that we will all face a faith test. “It is that moment in time when what we have always believed about who God is and what He allows to happen in our lives intersects with the reality of our experience – a head-on collision between our faith and the hard facts of an impossible situation…Will we cut and run from our relationship with God, or will we rely on Him and believe His character is still good?”
As the waters rise and the valleys deepen my faith chooses to believe I can trust God, I can depend on Him and in the end God will bring me the sweet spoils of victory!
Let's face it - life hurts! Seems like there are seasons where the rains keep flooding, the clouds stay dark and valleys get deeper. Just when the sun tries to peak through the clouds a storm arises as quickly as afternoon summer thunderstorms. So how does one equip themselves with the sufficient protection from these seasons? We clothe ourselves in faith for a better day, a better way and knowledge of a perfect God. When we begin to question God's character based on our circumstances our faith begins to erode and despair seeps through the broken ground.
Christ never said our walk would be easy but He did say our walk would be shared, shared with the One who loves us most, shared with the One who carries us when our feet cannot move one more step. Carol Kent in A New Kind of Normal states that we will all face a faith test. “It is that moment in time when what we have always believed about who God is and what He allows to happen in our lives intersects with the reality of our experience – a head-on collision between our faith and the hard facts of an impossible situation…Will we cut and run from our relationship with God, or will we rely on Him and believe His character is still good?”
As the waters rise and the valleys deepen my faith chooses to believe I can trust God, I can depend on Him and in the end God will bring me the sweet spoils of victory!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Breathing Love
"Loving is the supernatural attitude of the Christian, because love is the nature of Christ. When Christ has His proper place in our hearts, we do not have to be told to love - just as we do not have to be told to breathe. Eventually it must happen, because loving is as natural to the spiritual person as breathing is to the natural person." - John MacArthur
In a world filled with instant gratification, self-focus, and anything but loving attitudes it is tough to find many people who truly "breathe" love. I am extremely fortunate and blessed to be surrounded with a network of family and friends where love is endless. We spend our lives searching for a specific love, a specific feeling and specific ways where we can feel love but what are we doing to breathe love on others? At some point, love always involves sacrifice, growth and loss. Christ did not shy away from these to experience love. He lived His life with total abandon in the arena of loving others as demonstrated with the sacrifice of His own life as loyalty to His Father. He knew to love His Father was to obey His will and to gain His life Christ would have to lose it on earth.
We are to be imitators of Christ who anchored every action on earth in love and sacrifice. Love does not come natural for we were born with a sinful nature, a selfish nature and a nature of self-focus. There is a dormant love that lies in the center of our heart which can only be activated by Christ's spirit. When the Spirit, the throneseat of Christ, becomes positioned in the center of our lives Christ rules from within us - not out of Book or from Heaven above. The Spirit is God-consciousness and the soul is man-consciousness according to my precious Grandmother. With Christ on the throne He rules from within, trial by trial, tear by tear and moment by moment. All this is anchored in and powered by love, an eternal love with a "hands on" approach instead of some unapproachable ruler who sends in proxies.
The soul responds to whatever it has placed on the heart throne whether the ruler is Christ or the world.
In a world filled with instant gratification, self-focus, and anything but loving attitudes it is tough to find many people who truly "breathe" love. I am extremely fortunate and blessed to be surrounded with a network of family and friends where love is endless. We spend our lives searching for a specific love, a specific feeling and specific ways where we can feel love but what are we doing to breathe love on others? At some point, love always involves sacrifice, growth and loss. Christ did not shy away from these to experience love. He lived His life with total abandon in the arena of loving others as demonstrated with the sacrifice of His own life as loyalty to His Father. He knew to love His Father was to obey His will and to gain His life Christ would have to lose it on earth.
We are to be imitators of Christ who anchored every action on earth in love and sacrifice. Love does not come natural for we were born with a sinful nature, a selfish nature and a nature of self-focus. There is a dormant love that lies in the center of our heart which can only be activated by Christ's spirit. When the Spirit, the throneseat of Christ, becomes positioned in the center of our lives Christ rules from within us - not out of Book or from Heaven above. The Spirit is God-consciousness and the soul is man-consciousness according to my precious Grandmother. With Christ on the throne He rules from within, trial by trial, tear by tear and moment by moment. All this is anchored in and powered by love, an eternal love with a "hands on" approach instead of some unapproachable ruler who sends in proxies.
The soul responds to whatever it has placed on the heart throne whether the ruler is Christ or the world.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Guaranteed Joy!
"I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy." John 16:20
Waking up this morning I have found guaranteed great news! The Word of God serves "fresh bread" every morning for whatever my hunger consists of. I try to make my devotions as real life as they can be so each can identify and apply to life. I am led by God each morning for the topic, the flow and the ending and never come to the computer with any preconceived topic. It is always provided through my Bible Study first thing.
As many of your know, yesterday some of my family sat "in proxy" for Beth at Sydney's classroom awards ceremony. Parents gathered together with their cameras wearing both smile and pride as they listened for their child's name with the accomplishments. They watched the cd outlining their children's involvement throughout the year with projects, field trips, classroom interactions, etc...They had a complete day with a complete family. At the end of the presentation the teachers had dedicated the Awards Ceremony to Beth for her courageous fight of cancer. I knew it would be a tough day because it was yet another "first" for me - the first ceremony Beth was unable to attend for Sydney.
I have a precious friend who is coming up on her one-year anniversary of the death of her son. She wrote to me yesterday to assure me that when we get through all of the "first's" there is relief and to ask for and hold onto the peace of God. For me, fresh death is felt at every "first". This first year keeps me entombed with isolation and darkness but with complete assurance the tombstone will be rolled away and the resurrection of my joy will occur. It is a guarantee I can count on thanks to the words of Christ in the verse above but until then the days must tick on and the darkness moves in and out orchestrated at God's timing and comfort. Restored joy will be the moment when light breaks through the cracks, the scent of fresh air filters in the darkness and echoes of rustling stirs beyond the stone.
We all face grief of all types and proportions that entombs us keeping us in the darkness for our "three days". The challenge is to adjust our eyes in the dark so we can focus on the Light beaming through the cracks of our heart and provide the hope in Christ's promise that our grief and mourning will turn to joy. I thank God for not only sending His powerful words of hope and promise but sending them through His children while in their own darkness such as my friends.
Waking up this morning I have found guaranteed great news! The Word of God serves "fresh bread" every morning for whatever my hunger consists of. I try to make my devotions as real life as they can be so each can identify and apply to life. I am led by God each morning for the topic, the flow and the ending and never come to the computer with any preconceived topic. It is always provided through my Bible Study first thing.
As many of your know, yesterday some of my family sat "in proxy" for Beth at Sydney's classroom awards ceremony. Parents gathered together with their cameras wearing both smile and pride as they listened for their child's name with the accomplishments. They watched the cd outlining their children's involvement throughout the year with projects, field trips, classroom interactions, etc...They had a complete day with a complete family. At the end of the presentation the teachers had dedicated the Awards Ceremony to Beth for her courageous fight of cancer. I knew it would be a tough day because it was yet another "first" for me - the first ceremony Beth was unable to attend for Sydney.
I have a precious friend who is coming up on her one-year anniversary of the death of her son. She wrote to me yesterday to assure me that when we get through all of the "first's" there is relief and to ask for and hold onto the peace of God. For me, fresh death is felt at every "first". This first year keeps me entombed with isolation and darkness but with complete assurance the tombstone will be rolled away and the resurrection of my joy will occur. It is a guarantee I can count on thanks to the words of Christ in the verse above but until then the days must tick on and the darkness moves in and out orchestrated at God's timing and comfort. Restored joy will be the moment when light breaks through the cracks, the scent of fresh air filters in the darkness and echoes of rustling stirs beyond the stone.
We all face grief of all types and proportions that entombs us keeping us in the darkness for our "three days". The challenge is to adjust our eyes in the dark so we can focus on the Light beaming through the cracks of our heart and provide the hope in Christ's promise that our grief and mourning will turn to joy. I thank God for not only sending His powerful words of hope and promise but sending them through His children while in their own darkness such as my friends.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Restoring Value
God's rescue doesn't just redeem our humanity; if we allow it to, it can also redeem the potentially negative and harmful ways we view ourselves." Fiona Soltes, "Ruth: Gleaning Hope", p. 96.
In a world where society and experience deems our value and how we see ourselves, it is difficult to remember the value we already possess – the perfect value we have in the eyes of He who created us.
1 Peter 2:9 states “We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” Romans 8:17 states “Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.”
The Scriptures go on and on about our value through the eyes of our Creator without reserve. So… how is it that those who have hurt us seem to have power over our value? With every bad decision they make we immediately feel value as a person (woman) losing pulse whether consciously or subconsciously. When my daughter went through her 8 years of drug addiction it was not uncommon for you to meet me and within an hour you would have heard my mom resume – “We had her in church since birth, we are very active in her life, we disciplined her, we had her in youth group, etc…” and the accomplishments went on and on.
You see, that was my way of saying, “I need to tell you my value was there somewhere. I have lost my value because I have lost control.” Your value has nothing to do with your husband’s or children's choices. Your value is who God created you to be. God’s value doesn’t change when we sin. He remains the same all powerful God with the same value. Such is the same with our situation when someone wounds us. When they stray we may change how we see ourselves but it doesn’t change who we are in value.
Jennifer Rothschild is the author of "Fingerprints of God, Recognizing the Touch of God in Your Life.” She writes, “Value is determined by price paid. Christ paid the ultimate price with his life deeming us valuable enough to suffer and die for us. Even when we do not feel valuable, we still are. Even when we do not feel noticed, God’s eyes never leave us. Even when we do not feel his touch our lives reflect His hand. Even as the darkness surrounds us, we can be sure that He sees us.”
Just because we cannot feel the sun’s warmth on cloudy days doesn’t mean the sun has lost its value – its warmth. The clouds do not change the sun’s value. While our trus value cannot be changed through our circumstances, the way we see ourselves through our senses or emotions may change. The true food to maintain our healthy value is to choose to believe who God says we are apart from our emotions.
He formed us according to His image and He values and esteems us. Value comes from the creator. God assigns our value and worth apart from man’s approval. The challenge with people whose decisions strip us of our value is not to accept their lies about us but to remember our value as we relate to God.
We are who God says we are and our value is not defined by our circumstances.
In a world where society and experience deems our value and how we see ourselves, it is difficult to remember the value we already possess – the perfect value we have in the eyes of He who created us.
1 Peter 2:9 states “We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” Romans 8:17 states “Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.”
The Scriptures go on and on about our value through the eyes of our Creator without reserve. So… how is it that those who have hurt us seem to have power over our value? With every bad decision they make we immediately feel value as a person (woman) losing pulse whether consciously or subconsciously. When my daughter went through her 8 years of drug addiction it was not uncommon for you to meet me and within an hour you would have heard my mom resume – “We had her in church since birth, we are very active in her life, we disciplined her, we had her in youth group, etc…” and the accomplishments went on and on.
You see, that was my way of saying, “I need to tell you my value was there somewhere. I have lost my value because I have lost control.” Your value has nothing to do with your husband’s or children's choices. Your value is who God created you to be. God’s value doesn’t change when we sin. He remains the same all powerful God with the same value. Such is the same with our situation when someone wounds us. When they stray we may change how we see ourselves but it doesn’t change who we are in value.
Jennifer Rothschild is the author of "Fingerprints of God, Recognizing the Touch of God in Your Life.” She writes, “Value is determined by price paid. Christ paid the ultimate price with his life deeming us valuable enough to suffer and die for us. Even when we do not feel valuable, we still are. Even when we do not feel noticed, God’s eyes never leave us. Even when we do not feel his touch our lives reflect His hand. Even as the darkness surrounds us, we can be sure that He sees us.”
Just because we cannot feel the sun’s warmth on cloudy days doesn’t mean the sun has lost its value – its warmth. The clouds do not change the sun’s value. While our trus value cannot be changed through our circumstances, the way we see ourselves through our senses or emotions may change. The true food to maintain our healthy value is to choose to believe who God says we are apart from our emotions.
He formed us according to His image and He values and esteems us. Value comes from the creator. God assigns our value and worth apart from man’s approval. The challenge with people whose decisions strip us of our value is not to accept their lies about us but to remember our value as we relate to God.
We are who God says we are and our value is not defined by our circumstances.
Monday, June 1, 2009
In The Whisper...
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19:11b-12.
In experiencing drug addition with my daughter it encompassed so much more. Along with the drug addiction came other areas of chaos brought on by her choices. There were powerful elements of darkness throughout eight years that tore through our lives, shattered our dreams and destroyed our peace. I searched for God in all of this but my search was for a reason and an escape, not a relationship with trust. For four years I had been dreading her graduation day since I knew she would be absent. She had dropped out of school in 9th grade and hit the road drifting from one drug fix to another. My dreams of proms, graduation and sorieties had been lost forever in the raging sea of drugs.
One the day of her graduation I remember going on my back deck to experience head on the death of this dream. There would be no invitations to send out, no graduation parties to attend, and no photographs to find a home in our albums. My dream was about to dissipate like a vapor in the air. There is nothing more difficult than the realization that the hopes and dreams you have for the future of your child will go unrealized, unattained and unclaimed. All you can do is surrender your dreams, trust His way, and watch His unfolding of their life His style. I never thought I could survive that day but God's grace was so much more than the grief experienced.
As I sat on my deck alone waiting for the "coffin to be lowered into the ground", bracing myself for the burial of that particular dream, I noticed that all had gotten quiet. I had this intense peace envelope around me and experienced a calm I had never experienced before. It was like Mary peering into the tomb expecting to find death but death was not found. God was whispering to me a new freedom, a new life with a new way of thinking. With graduation, everyone would go about their unique and seperate ways. There would be no more "cookie cutter comparisons" of kids within this small community. My life would finally be private again as well as my daughter's as everyone would disappear into their own future paths. I both looked for and expected death in that situation but found life and freedom in the gentle whisper after all of the chaos in my heart and mind. That day was a turning point for me and my faith. I knew from there that there would only be freedom in my life apart from her's as I began living in the Spirit where freedom lives and soars!
Listen to the Spirit's whisper - it is much louder than your earthquake, wind or fires.
"Now the LORD is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is freedom."
2 Cor. 3:17
In experiencing drug addition with my daughter it encompassed so much more. Along with the drug addiction came other areas of chaos brought on by her choices. There were powerful elements of darkness throughout eight years that tore through our lives, shattered our dreams and destroyed our peace. I searched for God in all of this but my search was for a reason and an escape, not a relationship with trust. For four years I had been dreading her graduation day since I knew she would be absent. She had dropped out of school in 9th grade and hit the road drifting from one drug fix to another. My dreams of proms, graduation and sorieties had been lost forever in the raging sea of drugs.
One the day of her graduation I remember going on my back deck to experience head on the death of this dream. There would be no invitations to send out, no graduation parties to attend, and no photographs to find a home in our albums. My dream was about to dissipate like a vapor in the air. There is nothing more difficult than the realization that the hopes and dreams you have for the future of your child will go unrealized, unattained and unclaimed. All you can do is surrender your dreams, trust His way, and watch His unfolding of their life His style. I never thought I could survive that day but God's grace was so much more than the grief experienced.
As I sat on my deck alone waiting for the "coffin to be lowered into the ground", bracing myself for the burial of that particular dream, I noticed that all had gotten quiet. I had this intense peace envelope around me and experienced a calm I had never experienced before. It was like Mary peering into the tomb expecting to find death but death was not found. God was whispering to me a new freedom, a new life with a new way of thinking. With graduation, everyone would go about their unique and seperate ways. There would be no more "cookie cutter comparisons" of kids within this small community. My life would finally be private again as well as my daughter's as everyone would disappear into their own future paths. I both looked for and expected death in that situation but found life and freedom in the gentle whisper after all of the chaos in my heart and mind. That day was a turning point for me and my faith. I knew from there that there would only be freedom in my life apart from her's as I began living in the Spirit where freedom lives and soars!
Listen to the Spirit's whisper - it is much louder than your earthquake, wind or fires.
"Now the LORD is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is freedom."
2 Cor. 3:17
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