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
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Clean Your Room!
Read: John 17:6-19; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Hebrews 2:11; Hebrews 10:22-23
Originally written 10/25/04 (Revised 6/9/09)
This weekend two things are continually coming to mind – sanctification and my daughter’s room. All week I’ve been hearing, “I want my people to be sanctified, clean and holy.” All weekend I’ve wanted my daughter’s room to be clean. It was a frustrating endeavor because there was little time and the job seemed enormous! I was frustrated because it was only six months ago that my husband and I did a complete overhaul in our daughter’s room. Not one inch went uncovered. Everything and I mean everything had its place. It was a wonderful room to spend time in. Fast forward six months later and it’s a whole different room. As we began to investigate her messiness, we realized that instead of putting things in their proper place she was stuffing things everywhere – especially under her bed and in her closet. I cannot honestly express the mess she created. Trying to get it cleaned up only caused an even greater mess. I really felt like I was going to have a melt down due to a volcanic eruption (I’m sure other mothers understand this description). This situation (and mess) was not something I needed in my life at the time, yet God used it to give me an illustration of how He sees us.
Our lives are “our rooms.” He has prepared a place for everything and has a purpose and a plan – just as He has laid it out. He wants our lives to be clean and “sanctified” for Him. Through His Word He gives us instruction and guidance. John 17:17 – “Sanctify them by Your truth, Your Word is truth.” Just as I was giving my daughter instruction on when to clean her room (and sometimes how to do it), I trusted that she was being obedient. God also desires our obedience.
I looked up the word sanctify and sanctification in the Vines Dictionary. Sanctification is a separation to God. It’s the separation of the believer from evil things and ways. It says: “Sanctification is God’s will for the believer and His purpose in calling us by the gospel, it must be learned from God, as He teaches it by His Word and it must be pursued by the believer, earnestly, and undeviatingly.” It gets better…”For the holy character cannot be transferred or imputed, it’s an individual possession, built up, little by little, as the result of obedience to the Word of God, and of following the example of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
You see if my daughter would have been obedient – there would be no work that would need to be done in her room – it would have only taken a “little by little” each day. Instead, she must face a complete overhaul – again! Just cleaning out under her bed and making a small dent in her closet took 7 hours. You would have no idea by looking at her room that any time was spent cleaning – it still looks like a disaster!
Why am I comparing the two? It’s because God wants us to be set apart for Him. Yet, when He looks into our lives He sees the mess we are making due to the lack of obedience, and not earnestly seeking what He has instructed us to do. God wants to clean house. 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 – “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but to holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has given us His Holy Spirit.” If we don’t, we miss the blessings He wants to bring.
The biggest blessing you can lose is the Spirit working within you. Someone might argue the fact, but I know what it is like to have the Spirit live in you and then you decide you can do it according to your individual plan (not His). If you live a life according to the flesh you relinquish the Spirit indwelling in you. I know what it’s like because it happened to me 25 years ago. I remember the pain as if it was yesterday, and I have repeated, “I never want to experience that again!” David must have also experienced the same thing as he penned Psalm 51:10-11 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”
You can wait until your life is a complete mess (like my daughter’s room) and it will take a very long time to clean it up. I strongly believe there is always a consequence, but for the grace of God there is forgiveness and restoration. A life of disobedience can be cleaned and sanctified for the purpose of God. He wants it no other way! Don’t hesitate, get to cleaning up today – even if you just start “a little by little” each and every day. In no time you’ll notice the difference of being obedient.
“So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 NIV
Originally written 10/25/04 (Revised 6/9/09)
This weekend two things are continually coming to mind – sanctification and my daughter’s room. All week I’ve been hearing, “I want my people to be sanctified, clean and holy.” All weekend I’ve wanted my daughter’s room to be clean. It was a frustrating endeavor because there was little time and the job seemed enormous! I was frustrated because it was only six months ago that my husband and I did a complete overhaul in our daughter’s room. Not one inch went uncovered. Everything and I mean everything had its place. It was a wonderful room to spend time in. Fast forward six months later and it’s a whole different room. As we began to investigate her messiness, we realized that instead of putting things in their proper place she was stuffing things everywhere – especially under her bed and in her closet. I cannot honestly express the mess she created. Trying to get it cleaned up only caused an even greater mess. I really felt like I was going to have a melt down due to a volcanic eruption (I’m sure other mothers understand this description). This situation (and mess) was not something I needed in my life at the time, yet God used it to give me an illustration of how He sees us.
Our lives are “our rooms.” He has prepared a place for everything and has a purpose and a plan – just as He has laid it out. He wants our lives to be clean and “sanctified” for Him. Through His Word He gives us instruction and guidance. John 17:17 – “Sanctify them by Your truth, Your Word is truth.” Just as I was giving my daughter instruction on when to clean her room (and sometimes how to do it), I trusted that she was being obedient. God also desires our obedience.
I looked up the word sanctify and sanctification in the Vines Dictionary. Sanctification is a separation to God. It’s the separation of the believer from evil things and ways. It says: “Sanctification is God’s will for the believer and His purpose in calling us by the gospel, it must be learned from God, as He teaches it by His Word and it must be pursued by the believer, earnestly, and undeviatingly.” It gets better…”For the holy character cannot be transferred or imputed, it’s an individual possession, built up, little by little, as the result of obedience to the Word of God, and of following the example of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
You see if my daughter would have been obedient – there would be no work that would need to be done in her room – it would have only taken a “little by little” each day. Instead, she must face a complete overhaul – again! Just cleaning out under her bed and making a small dent in her closet took 7 hours. You would have no idea by looking at her room that any time was spent cleaning – it still looks like a disaster!
Why am I comparing the two? It’s because God wants us to be set apart for Him. Yet, when He looks into our lives He sees the mess we are making due to the lack of obedience, and not earnestly seeking what He has instructed us to do. God wants to clean house. 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 – “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but to holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has given us His Holy Spirit.” If we don’t, we miss the blessings He wants to bring.
The biggest blessing you can lose is the Spirit working within you. Someone might argue the fact, but I know what it is like to have the Spirit live in you and then you decide you can do it according to your individual plan (not His). If you live a life according to the flesh you relinquish the Spirit indwelling in you. I know what it’s like because it happened to me 25 years ago. I remember the pain as if it was yesterday, and I have repeated, “I never want to experience that again!” David must have also experienced the same thing as he penned Psalm 51:10-11 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”
You can wait until your life is a complete mess (like my daughter’s room) and it will take a very long time to clean it up. I strongly believe there is always a consequence, but for the grace of God there is forgiveness and restoration. A life of disobedience can be cleaned and sanctified for the purpose of God. He wants it no other way! Don’t hesitate, get to cleaning up today – even if you just start “a little by little” each and every day. In no time you’ll notice the difference of being obedient.
“So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 NIV
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Reflection
Read: Psalm 46:10, Hebrews 11:6, Psalm 119:10-16, and Proverbs 2:1-9
As in water face reveals face, so a man’s heart reveals the man. Proverbs 27:19
One day during my recovery from a surgery four years ago, I had come to the end of my rope, or maybe I should say to the end of my sheet. I was so tired of just resting and lying around. On my lowest day I received a card that the Holy Spirit used to minister to me. The card basically said to rest and to remember that you truly can’t see an image on a lake unless the water is perfectly still. At that moment God spoke to my heart. God knew that water has always had a huge restoring effect in my life. Now, I’m not talking about drinking water (even though I couldn’t live without it) I’m talking about the sound of a stream, the beauty and stillness of a lake, the noise of the rain, or the ocean. God has used all of these at different times to restore and refresh me. He used creation imbedded in my mind to challenge me to grow in Him to a new level. I instantly, in thought, was standing on a dock at my favorite lake looking out at its stillness. Knowing that when I looked down I would see the image God wanted me to see. I knew at that moment God was using my recovery time for me to be still in Him. I hope what He taught me, He can also use to challenge you.
Once I dedicated my recovery time to the Lord – He did such an incredible work in me. He took me on an incredible faith journey. He used the image of the still lake as a lesson for me. I thought about when you look at a still lake there is one thing you can’t miss – it’s reflection. Anything around the lake will photo copy itself on the surface of the lake. God wants our lives to be a reflection of Him. Sometimes we must be still so that he can give us new insight. I imagine as I look down into the water instead of seeing my image I see His instead. I prayed and pondered what God wanted to do in me that would reflect more of Him. I know He has a different plan for each one of us. As you pray and ponder, your lesson will be unique for your own life lesson.
I began reading “Believing God,” by Beth Moore. I realized that God wanted to make His Word active and alive in my life. Here is a quote from the book that spoke to me – “Our unique ability to communicate through words is one of the most obvious evidences of the image we bear.” I knew if I wanted to reflect Him I needed to begin memorizing scripture so I could use it to speak to others, in writing, and in prayer. I love spending time in God’s Word, but seldom do I memorize it or actually use it in prayer – it’s a huge weakness in my life. I also learned how this weakness made a difference in my life after taking a faith test in Believing God. One of the questions was: “When fear comes on you like a tidal wave, you tend quickly to ________? My honest answer…1) panic, 2) call a friend to pray for me, 3) go to God in prayer. The correct answer for living in faith was that you “recall Scripture and turn it into prayer.” Honestly, I’d never done that! It takes me twice as long to memorize anything anymore. I think I’ve had a “Ram” corruption in my memory banks (smile). Yet, God is telling me that this is the most important factor in my future steps of faith with Him. My walk must not only be expressed in my actions but also my words. I want my words to come through my faith and my faith must be ignited by God’s Word in my mind and communication to others.
So, this week I want to encourage you to do two things. #1) Be still in God. Try and get rid of any distractions for a couple of hours and take time for just you and God. His word tells us “He is the rewarder for those who diligently seek Him” Heb. 11:6. In Proverbs 2:1-9 it tells us if we cry out for discernment and understanding we will find the knowledge of God. Be still and find out what God wants to do in your life. #2) Pray and ask God to give you a scripture (or scriptures) for you to memorize. This will only solidify God’s Word becoming active in your life.
I strongly encourage you to take this challenge now. Don’t wait until you're recovering from a surgery that has put you on your back and all you can do then is look up. Take the time now to find out how God can grow your faith.
May the reflection others see in us, be truly the reflection of Jesus being alive and active in every area of our life.
As in water face reveals face, so a man’s heart reveals the man. Proverbs 27:19
One day during my recovery from a surgery four years ago, I had come to the end of my rope, or maybe I should say to the end of my sheet. I was so tired of just resting and lying around. On my lowest day I received a card that the Holy Spirit used to minister to me. The card basically said to rest and to remember that you truly can’t see an image on a lake unless the water is perfectly still. At that moment God spoke to my heart. God knew that water has always had a huge restoring effect in my life. Now, I’m not talking about drinking water (even though I couldn’t live without it) I’m talking about the sound of a stream, the beauty and stillness of a lake, the noise of the rain, or the ocean. God has used all of these at different times to restore and refresh me. He used creation imbedded in my mind to challenge me to grow in Him to a new level. I instantly, in thought, was standing on a dock at my favorite lake looking out at its stillness. Knowing that when I looked down I would see the image God wanted me to see. I knew at that moment God was using my recovery time for me to be still in Him. I hope what He taught me, He can also use to challenge you.
Once I dedicated my recovery time to the Lord – He did such an incredible work in me. He took me on an incredible faith journey. He used the image of the still lake as a lesson for me. I thought about when you look at a still lake there is one thing you can’t miss – it’s reflection. Anything around the lake will photo copy itself on the surface of the lake. God wants our lives to be a reflection of Him. Sometimes we must be still so that he can give us new insight. I imagine as I look down into the water instead of seeing my image I see His instead. I prayed and pondered what God wanted to do in me that would reflect more of Him. I know He has a different plan for each one of us. As you pray and ponder, your lesson will be unique for your own life lesson.
I began reading “Believing God,” by Beth Moore. I realized that God wanted to make His Word active and alive in my life. Here is a quote from the book that spoke to me – “Our unique ability to communicate through words is one of the most obvious evidences of the image we bear.” I knew if I wanted to reflect Him I needed to begin memorizing scripture so I could use it to speak to others, in writing, and in prayer. I love spending time in God’s Word, but seldom do I memorize it or actually use it in prayer – it’s a huge weakness in my life. I also learned how this weakness made a difference in my life after taking a faith test in Believing God. One of the questions was: “When fear comes on you like a tidal wave, you tend quickly to ________? My honest answer…1) panic, 2) call a friend to pray for me, 3) go to God in prayer. The correct answer for living in faith was that you “recall Scripture and turn it into prayer.” Honestly, I’d never done that! It takes me twice as long to memorize anything anymore. I think I’ve had a “Ram” corruption in my memory banks (smile). Yet, God is telling me that this is the most important factor in my future steps of faith with Him. My walk must not only be expressed in my actions but also my words. I want my words to come through my faith and my faith must be ignited by God’s Word in my mind and communication to others.
So, this week I want to encourage you to do two things. #1) Be still in God. Try and get rid of any distractions for a couple of hours and take time for just you and God. His word tells us “He is the rewarder for those who diligently seek Him” Heb. 11:6. In Proverbs 2:1-9 it tells us if we cry out for discernment and understanding we will find the knowledge of God. Be still and find out what God wants to do in your life. #2) Pray and ask God to give you a scripture (or scriptures) for you to memorize. This will only solidify God’s Word becoming active in your life.
I strongly encourage you to take this challenge now. Don’t wait until you're recovering from a surgery that has put you on your back and all you can do then is look up. Take the time now to find out how God can grow your faith.
May the reflection others see in us, be truly the reflection of Jesus being alive and active in every area of our life.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
You Can Make It!
Read: Psalm 37, Psalm 1, Romans 15:4
Discouragement, frustration, humiliation, brokenness, heartache, fear, and doubt (just to name a few) – these are difficult things to face and recover from. Some believe they must remain stuck in the pain, or believe their lack of faith is what inhibits them from moving forward. I’ve heard so many stories, and I’ve lived my own.
I had someone ask me yesterday, “What’s the secret for your inner calmness and peace during a serious illness?” My first response was, “Oh, you just don’t know me well enough.” But then I heard in my spirit, “Tell her – she needs to know.” So, I shared my faith. I also expressed how I don’t know how anyone can face enormous difficulty without trusting in God.
There are times though we do believe, but it doesn’t prevent us from being immune to discouragement, brokenness, fear, etc. In those times I’ve learned that if you don’t put your faith into action, you’ll stop moving forward, and you’ll begin believing lies which tell you that you can’t make it, or move forward.
I believe when you are experiencing one of those times you need to make sure there are things you are not doing. Psalm 1 tells us that “blessed” is the man (or woman) 1) who does not walk or follow the advice of those who are morally bad 2) who does not stand around those who have offense against God, and 3) who does not sit with individuals who gather to purposefully ridicule others (probably those who desire to live according to God’s ways). It’s so important to see the transition here. We think we can just easily walk on by before we realize that all of sudden we have stopped to stand and before we know it we are sitting in a place we didn’t want to be. Soon, we are in a difficult situation (or dealing with feelings), and we’re not sure how to find recovery.
What are important steps we should be taking instead? First and foremost, we need to be desiring the truth of how we should live, which is centered on the instructions and teachings of God. It works! My life has not been immune from the reality and pain of life. My heart has been broken so many times by what others have done, and sadly by things I have done to myself. Yet, each and every time I have not felt God has left me. I have found comfort in the Word and He has given me peace that this world cannot give. Jesus Himself, said in John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation (trials and distress); but be of good cheer (take courage, be confident, certain), I have overcome the world.”
So, how do you move forward when every part of you feels like it can’t? The Lord will take your hand and you must follow. “To listen one must be silent, and to follow one must yield. Happy is the one who yields themselves completely, and finally to God.” - Lilian Whiting Remember this truth – The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way (his life). Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:23-24.
You can take any situation you are struggling with and take these first steps. I believe just as there was a transition in what not to do in Psalm 1, there’s a transition in what to do in Psalm 37.
1. Trust in the Lord.
You have to stop and tell Him that you want Him over your situation. It’s yielding your heart and life first to Him.
2. Dwell and seek on His faithfulness
You need to be in His Word. You can’t move forward without His direction and guidance. You need to receive promises that are directly dealing with what He is going to do. His is faithful!!
3. Delight yourself in Him.
Find joy through fellowship and praise.
4. Commit your way to the Lord.
Give your gifts and abilities to Him to use. The more you give out the more you will be given.
5. Be still and rest in the Lord.
Finally, stop fighting and struggling. You can be still in Him because He is God. You will see if you have followed these steps you will find rest.
These truths are taken from Psalm 37 verses 3 through 7. I want you to read it yourself, maybe even read it in a few different translations. Each of our steps is ordered by the Lord and you will be personally blessed by how He directs those steps. There are amazing promises just in the verses of Psalm 37 that tell us as we trust, dwell, delight, and commit He will give us the desires of our heart.
He wants to help you. You have to give Him, in faith, what you are feeling or experiencing. Use Psalm 37 to help you begin to move forward. With Him and through Him you can make it!
Discouragement, frustration, humiliation, brokenness, heartache, fear, and doubt (just to name a few) – these are difficult things to face and recover from. Some believe they must remain stuck in the pain, or believe their lack of faith is what inhibits them from moving forward. I’ve heard so many stories, and I’ve lived my own.
I had someone ask me yesterday, “What’s the secret for your inner calmness and peace during a serious illness?” My first response was, “Oh, you just don’t know me well enough.” But then I heard in my spirit, “Tell her – she needs to know.” So, I shared my faith. I also expressed how I don’t know how anyone can face enormous difficulty without trusting in God.
There are times though we do believe, but it doesn’t prevent us from being immune to discouragement, brokenness, fear, etc. In those times I’ve learned that if you don’t put your faith into action, you’ll stop moving forward, and you’ll begin believing lies which tell you that you can’t make it, or move forward.
I believe when you are experiencing one of those times you need to make sure there are things you are not doing. Psalm 1 tells us that “blessed” is the man (or woman) 1) who does not walk or follow the advice of those who are morally bad 2) who does not stand around those who have offense against God, and 3) who does not sit with individuals who gather to purposefully ridicule others (probably those who desire to live according to God’s ways). It’s so important to see the transition here. We think we can just easily walk on by before we realize that all of sudden we have stopped to stand and before we know it we are sitting in a place we didn’t want to be. Soon, we are in a difficult situation (or dealing with feelings), and we’re not sure how to find recovery.
What are important steps we should be taking instead? First and foremost, we need to be desiring the truth of how we should live, which is centered on the instructions and teachings of God. It works! My life has not been immune from the reality and pain of life. My heart has been broken so many times by what others have done, and sadly by things I have done to myself. Yet, each and every time I have not felt God has left me. I have found comfort in the Word and He has given me peace that this world cannot give. Jesus Himself, said in John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation (trials and distress); but be of good cheer (take courage, be confident, certain), I have overcome the world.”
So, how do you move forward when every part of you feels like it can’t? The Lord will take your hand and you must follow. “To listen one must be silent, and to follow one must yield. Happy is the one who yields themselves completely, and finally to God.” - Lilian Whiting Remember this truth – The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way (his life). Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:23-24.
You can take any situation you are struggling with and take these first steps. I believe just as there was a transition in what not to do in Psalm 1, there’s a transition in what to do in Psalm 37.
1. Trust in the Lord.
You have to stop and tell Him that you want Him over your situation. It’s yielding your heart and life first to Him.
2. Dwell and seek on His faithfulness
You need to be in His Word. You can’t move forward without His direction and guidance. You need to receive promises that are directly dealing with what He is going to do. His is faithful!!
3. Delight yourself in Him.
Find joy through fellowship and praise.
4. Commit your way to the Lord.
Give your gifts and abilities to Him to use. The more you give out the more you will be given.
5. Be still and rest in the Lord.
Finally, stop fighting and struggling. You can be still in Him because He is God. You will see if you have followed these steps you will find rest.
These truths are taken from Psalm 37 verses 3 through 7. I want you to read it yourself, maybe even read it in a few different translations. Each of our steps is ordered by the Lord and you will be personally blessed by how He directs those steps. There are amazing promises just in the verses of Psalm 37 that tell us as we trust, dwell, delight, and commit He will give us the desires of our heart.
He wants to help you. You have to give Him, in faith, what you are feeling or experiencing. Use Psalm 37 to help you begin to move forward. With Him and through Him you can make it!
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