Read: Isaiah 26, Isaiah 54, and 1 Peter 5 (I took a verse out of each chapter below and thought you might like to read the whole chapter)
For several years now I've been collecting Bible verses or quotes that I believe God is speaking to my heart in that particular season of my life. I use the verses for meditation (I wish I was memorizing them), and use the quotes for inspiration. In March of 2005 I wrote the following quote - "Our insecurity tends to overwhelm us on the brink of something big." Beth Moore - Believing God I knew at that time God was going to do something big in my life. I just didn't know it was going to be moving my family across the world to New Zealand.
I've always believed if you look to God with expectancy, you will not be disappointed.
I love sharing verses and quotes. I pray the following might bless you, and hopefully inspire you during your week.
Isaiah 26:3,4 - You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.
"Faith that remains unchallenged ordinarily remains unchanged."
"If God granted you several reconfirmations of His direction, persevere and walk with Him there, even if the full purpose eludes you."
"Prayer is a primary discipline of the faith that God wants to infuse with supernatural power."
1Peter 5:10 - But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus after you have suffered awhile, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
"Faiths very essence is dependency. Deciding to believe God's Word over our circumstances can be a tremendous exercise of will."
"Freedom feels the wind of the Spirit while standing steadfastly on the rock." (I love this!!)
Isaiah 54:10 - "For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has mercy on you.
"No one goes to their promised land without prevailing intention."
"When God calls someone, that's all that really matters. Don't let yourself be afraid."
"If we are convinced that God has willed the action, let's go the extra faith mile and believe that God will handle the consequences."
All the quotes are by Beth Moore from her Believing God Bible study. I have to tell you that this study changed my life. If you have never done one of her studies - don't hesitate. You can purchase the study books or get together with a group of ladies and purchase the DVDs to go along with the studies. Trust me, you will be blessed. I haven't been disappointed with any of her studies. You can purchase all of her materials at www.Lifeway.com.
I hope you will start collecting Scriptures or quotes that are meaningful to you. You can share them with me and others in the comment section.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Distractions and Deceptions
Read: Proverbs 27:9; Jeremiah 17:7-10; Matthew 24:11-13; 1 Corinthians 3:18-20; Colossians 2:8; 2 Timothy 3:13-17
Distractions and deceptions – the world is full of them! The devil uses these two things to pull us away from the truth. Think about it – if you are grounded in the Word and “abiding in Christ,” (John 15) what can the enemy do? He will distract you. I have witnessed and experienced how effective this can be. Think about your walk right now. What are the distractions you are dealing with that are keeping you away from time alone with God, fellowship, or serving? Better yet – what distractions keep you from being obedient to God?
Once you're distracted it’s very easy to be lead astray by deceptions. This world is full of them! Be on watch, stay in the Word, and establish your mind in the truth. Ephesians 4:14-15 “Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth. Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. (NLT)” Let go of all deceptions you are clinging to. We cannot stay trapped in wrong thinking. If you are confused, you can also seek counsel from a mature Christian.
Last week I became so discouraged. Once again, I felt my joy disappear. What did I do about it? I was honest with God. I encourage you to do the same. Be honest and tell God what you are experiencing, and then listen. As I listened and read the Word it became clear that I had become distracted away from God’s purposes – “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. I was forgetting it’s He who is at work and I allowed deceptions to strip that truth away. Notice I said, “I allowed,” not God.
He began to take me through scriptures and reminded me of whom He is and the work He does through me (or us). “Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear and your soul shall live.” Isaiah 55:3. It’s not about what I feel – it’s about what I know. It’s not about what I want – it's about what He wants. Don’t be distracted, or lead away by deceptions. Discouragement is the most effective tool of the enemy – it’s not from God. Be in the Word, stay in the truth, and most importantly be obedient!
Now may the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Distractions and deceptions – the world is full of them! The devil uses these two things to pull us away from the truth. Think about it – if you are grounded in the Word and “abiding in Christ,” (John 15) what can the enemy do? He will distract you. I have witnessed and experienced how effective this can be. Think about your walk right now. What are the distractions you are dealing with that are keeping you away from time alone with God, fellowship, or serving? Better yet – what distractions keep you from being obedient to God?
Once you're distracted it’s very easy to be lead astray by deceptions. This world is full of them! Be on watch, stay in the Word, and establish your mind in the truth. Ephesians 4:14-15 “Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth. Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. (NLT)” Let go of all deceptions you are clinging to. We cannot stay trapped in wrong thinking. If you are confused, you can also seek counsel from a mature Christian.
Last week I became so discouraged. Once again, I felt my joy disappear. What did I do about it? I was honest with God. I encourage you to do the same. Be honest and tell God what you are experiencing, and then listen. As I listened and read the Word it became clear that I had become distracted away from God’s purposes – “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. I was forgetting it’s He who is at work and I allowed deceptions to strip that truth away. Notice I said, “I allowed,” not God.
He began to take me through scriptures and reminded me of whom He is and the work He does through me (or us). “Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear and your soul shall live.” Isaiah 55:3. It’s not about what I feel – it’s about what I know. It’s not about what I want – it's about what He wants. Don’t be distracted, or lead away by deceptions. Discouragement is the most effective tool of the enemy – it’s not from God. Be in the Word, stay in the truth, and most importantly be obedient!
Now may the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
A Blank Sheet
Read: Proverbs 24:14; Isaiah 55:6, Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 7:7-11; James 1:5; 1 John 5:15
Let’s imagine that an 8-1/2 x 11 piece of paper represented your life – especially your future. What do you see? Is there one element that draws your focus? Are there many possibilities God has for you? If there was only one dot of black ink on the sheet of paper, would you focus only on it, or would you focus on the remaining white space? What do you do when there in only a blank sheet? Do you struggle with the blank space in front of you because it represents your future, and you’re not sure the direction you should take?
Four and half years ago I began to search out what God wanted to do with my future. The first thing I did was lay a blank sheet of paper before me (and God). God’s Word in James 1:5 tells us if we ask He will answer. I believe this truth with all of my whole heart, so I prayed and asked for direction. The first thing He gave me was specific scripture. I placed it at the top of the blank page. I’ve learned that however He is leading will be accomplished through a promise or scripture verse He has given me. I’ve experienced before that if I am seeking His will, He will repeatedly confirm this scripture verse in many ways. It could be in a devotional, a Bible study, a sermon I’ve listened to, or even an encouraging note from a friend. I’m always amazed by the tools He uses to provide His Word for direction.
I decided to write out the four paths that I felt God might be leading me to take. These paths remained fresh on the page even though one seemed to be opening up larger and larger, as if to call my family and me to walk on it first. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Sometimes, it helps us to lay it out on a piece of paper so we can clearly see how God is leading.
We cannot see beyond the starting point so we need to be obedient one step at a time. We cannot get beyond where He is leading or we might miss His blessings on the way. I find for myself that the path that seems the scariest, or causes the most fear in me, normally is the path God wants me to take. This might not be the case for everyone else. Every step and every circumstance must align with God’s Word – especially those scriptures He is giving you.
There might be a time when God allows the sheet to remain blank for a time. See that you do not fill it, but wait! I read a selection from My Utmost for His Highest that talked about when God brings a time of waiting in your life. You can read it by clicking on the following link:
http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/my-utmost-for-his-highest/01/04/devotion.aspx?year=2010
Wait on the Lord: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say on the Lord! Psalm 27:14
I encourage you in whatever you are seeking God for – write it down. If it’s a time that you must wait, what better way than to continue seeking His direction by spending time in God’s Word. Proverbs 2:6 says: “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” There will be nothing blank in what He’ll share with you. As He leads, write it down. You’ll watch as the blankness of the space on the paper becomes a beautiful picture like only our Creator can paint for your future.
Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all day. Psalm 25:4
Let’s imagine that an 8-1/2 x 11 piece of paper represented your life – especially your future. What do you see? Is there one element that draws your focus? Are there many possibilities God has for you? If there was only one dot of black ink on the sheet of paper, would you focus only on it, or would you focus on the remaining white space? What do you do when there in only a blank sheet? Do you struggle with the blank space in front of you because it represents your future, and you’re not sure the direction you should take?
Four and half years ago I began to search out what God wanted to do with my future. The first thing I did was lay a blank sheet of paper before me (and God). God’s Word in James 1:5 tells us if we ask He will answer. I believe this truth with all of my whole heart, so I prayed and asked for direction. The first thing He gave me was specific scripture. I placed it at the top of the blank page. I’ve learned that however He is leading will be accomplished through a promise or scripture verse He has given me. I’ve experienced before that if I am seeking His will, He will repeatedly confirm this scripture verse in many ways. It could be in a devotional, a Bible study, a sermon I’ve listened to, or even an encouraging note from a friend. I’m always amazed by the tools He uses to provide His Word for direction.
I decided to write out the four paths that I felt God might be leading me to take. These paths remained fresh on the page even though one seemed to be opening up larger and larger, as if to call my family and me to walk on it first. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Sometimes, it helps us to lay it out on a piece of paper so we can clearly see how God is leading.
We cannot see beyond the starting point so we need to be obedient one step at a time. We cannot get beyond where He is leading or we might miss His blessings on the way. I find for myself that the path that seems the scariest, or causes the most fear in me, normally is the path God wants me to take. This might not be the case for everyone else. Every step and every circumstance must align with God’s Word – especially those scriptures He is giving you.
There might be a time when God allows the sheet to remain blank for a time. See that you do not fill it, but wait! I read a selection from My Utmost for His Highest that talked about when God brings a time of waiting in your life. You can read it by clicking on the following link:
http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/my-utmost-for-his-highest/01/04/devotion.aspx?year=2010
Wait on the Lord: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say on the Lord! Psalm 27:14
I encourage you in whatever you are seeking God for – write it down. If it’s a time that you must wait, what better way than to continue seeking His direction by spending time in God’s Word. Proverbs 2:6 says: “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” There will be nothing blank in what He’ll share with you. As He leads, write it down. You’ll watch as the blankness of the space on the paper becomes a beautiful picture like only our Creator can paint for your future.
Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all day. Psalm 25:4
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Shake It Up
Read: Psalm 119:129-136; Proverbs 4:23-27; Ephesians 3:19; Philippians 1:9-11; Hebrews 12:27-29; James 1:19-24
Several years ago I was reading in a quarterly school publication from ACSI. There was a story by Paul E. Young that allowed me to consider what my life is filled with, and when hard times come, what do others see flow out of it. Mr. Young wrote the following:
Years ago I saw Peter Lord give an illustration that I have never forgotten. He took a cup of water and invited someone from the audience to come up and shake his arm. Of course, water went everywhere. Then Peter Lord asked the question, “Why did the water come out of the cup? Most of the people in the audience responded, “Because he shook his arm.” Without responding, Peter Lord drank all the water in the cup and then had the same man come up and shake his arm again. Of course nothing came out of the cup. Dr. Lord (what a name, huh?) asked the question, “Why didn’t the water come out of the cup? The obvious answer was, “Because there was no water in the cup.” In the circumstances of life, there are going to be many instances when you will be shaken, and many of those circumstances will push you to your limit. Many will be watching your response. What comes out will depend on what you have put into your life. If you want biblical thinking and a biblical response, you must hide God’s Word in your heart. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23. Our commitment needs to be to the Word of God and His ways. Knowing the terminology, attending church, and reading all the books will never get the job done. We must know the scriptures and live them out personally in our own lives.
I thought about my life in recent weeks. I truly feel as if I have been surrounded by circumstances (or individuals) that continually want to “shake” up my life. I thought about what has been shaken out? Has it been fear, trust, anger, love, bitterness, or compassion? Truthfully, probably a little of everything has shaken out. Each time I was shaken and emptied, there was only one thing that could fill me back up – time spent in God’s Word. I thought about what scripture says about being shaken if our lives are built on the Rock.
Luke 6:46-49: “But why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like. He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the streams beat vehemently against that house; and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a home on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently, and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”
When your life is shaken - what comes out? Think about it. What your life is filled with, or what your building your life on, once shaken, is what will pour out. What you are putting into your life will determine what will remain.
“But the word is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart that you may do it.” Deuteronomy 30:14
Several years ago I was reading in a quarterly school publication from ACSI. There was a story by Paul E. Young that allowed me to consider what my life is filled with, and when hard times come, what do others see flow out of it. Mr. Young wrote the following:
Years ago I saw Peter Lord give an illustration that I have never forgotten. He took a cup of water and invited someone from the audience to come up and shake his arm. Of course, water went everywhere. Then Peter Lord asked the question, “Why did the water come out of the cup? Most of the people in the audience responded, “Because he shook his arm.” Without responding, Peter Lord drank all the water in the cup and then had the same man come up and shake his arm again. Of course nothing came out of the cup. Dr. Lord (what a name, huh?) asked the question, “Why didn’t the water come out of the cup? The obvious answer was, “Because there was no water in the cup.” In the circumstances of life, there are going to be many instances when you will be shaken, and many of those circumstances will push you to your limit. Many will be watching your response. What comes out will depend on what you have put into your life. If you want biblical thinking and a biblical response, you must hide God’s Word in your heart. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23. Our commitment needs to be to the Word of God and His ways. Knowing the terminology, attending church, and reading all the books will never get the job done. We must know the scriptures and live them out personally in our own lives.
I thought about my life in recent weeks. I truly feel as if I have been surrounded by circumstances (or individuals) that continually want to “shake” up my life. I thought about what has been shaken out? Has it been fear, trust, anger, love, bitterness, or compassion? Truthfully, probably a little of everything has shaken out. Each time I was shaken and emptied, there was only one thing that could fill me back up – time spent in God’s Word. I thought about what scripture says about being shaken if our lives are built on the Rock.
Luke 6:46-49: “But why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like. He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the streams beat vehemently against that house; and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a home on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently, and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”
When your life is shaken - what comes out? Think about it. What your life is filled with, or what your building your life on, once shaken, is what will pour out. What you are putting into your life will determine what will remain.
“But the word is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart that you may do it.” Deuteronomy 30:14
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