Get Away From the Noise

Read: 1 Kings 19; Isaiah 55:3, Matthew 11:25-30

Some weeks it’s so hard to be everything to everyone and still keep your spiritual life as a priority. The demands of being a homemaker, working, ministry, or all the other demands of life, can sometimes take everything out of you. It’s in those days, or moments, you want to get away from it all, and get some peace and quiet. I’m sure you feel as I do that you don’t want your life to just “be busy,” you want it to be filled with purpose, and the things God has called you to do.

I’ve learned that unless you take time for yourself, it’s very difficult to get away from the “noise of life” There is a song that has ministered to me so much through the years that I framed the words to the chorus. The song lyrics resonate within me: “I want a heart that hears You whisper, I want these eyes to see Your plans, I want a soul that holds to something that’s beyond these human hands, I want the feeling of Your presence, I want to hear Your voice, I want to live above the noise.” - Song “Above the Noise” by Russ Lee

There are days when the things of this world become so loud that we can’t hear His whisper, we don’t understand His plans, we barely can hold on, and we begin to doubt His presence. Living above the noise takes great balance. Sometimes it takes a committed time to be still before Him.

I’m a strong advocate for Spiritual retreats. I don’t believe I’ve ever gone on one that God hasn’t revealed Himself to me in one way or another. He honors those times when all we want to do is “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 I love how this passage is written in The Message* - "Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God," We have to get out of the traffic of life. I’ve learned the most important time for you to get away is when your daily life has made you feel empty inside. It’s important to take the time to get yourself refueled spiritually, emotionally, and possibly physically.

The prophet Elijah, during a time of self-pity, had journeyed to the mountain of God (Horeb). While he was in a cave the LORD came to Elijah, asked him what he was doing, and then told him to come out of the cave and stand on the mountain before Him. I don’t know about you, but my knees feel weak just thinking about it. God was in Elijah’s presence (but not seen). Elijah learned that God did not speak to him through a strong wind, or an earthquake, or in a fire. God spoke to Elijah in a still small voice. This shows me two things we need to do to hear God. One, be still, and two, be quiet.

Matthew 11:28 - "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (The Message)

I’ve had some of those “mountain top” experiences as Elijah did. As I reflect on them I realize it was because I came desiring to be quiet before Him. It’s in those times I have felt His presence and have heard His whisper as He has revealed His plans for the work of these hands. I’m not saying that I haven’t had many amazing revelations during my daily quiet times, because I have. It’s just different when you’re completely away from all the noises that you face daily.

This month I encourage you to steal some time above the noise – extra time, not just your quiet time. It can be a couple of hours or even a weekend away. Make an appointment with God. I’m confident He has something special to share with you – more of Him.

“Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live.” Isaiah 55:3

* ”The Message”, by Eugene H. Peterson.

A Precious Jewel

Read: Romans 8:28; Philippians 1:6; and 1 Peter 1:4-9 (just for encouragement)

It’s an old thought, yet one I love to think on again and again. It’s the amazing revelation of the oyster and the pearl. The pearl in Biblical times was among the most precious of gems, and was highly esteemed. In ancient times the pearl was the only jewel which was a natural product of living matter. Today, pearl production is not accidental as oysters are cultured to produce pearls. If a pearl is currently found in a natural setting it’s a rare and very valuable treasure.

How does such a precious jewel form from living matter? In nature, a grain of sand (or other material) finds its way inside the shell of the oyster. The intruder, though microscopic, is a source of irritation and pain to the soft body of the oyster. Unable to rid itself of the unwelcome pebble, it must accept the irritation as part of itself. The oyster seeks to reduce the irritation by coating it with layers of soft, iridescent mother-of-pearl material from its own shell. Just think of the beauty of some of the sea shells you have found. I have read the formation described as a combination of rainbows, moonlight, and bits of flame. The worst storms, gales, even hurricanes will not dislodge the pebble. Over time, the oyster transforms a painful irritation into a beautiful pearl of great value. It can take 10 to 30 years for a beautiful pearl to be shaped from the original irritant.

Each of us can resemble that pearl as we are being transformed from the irritant of “life.” Jesus knew what we would face and He knew what the irritant (or irritants) would form in us. The irritant is painful. We would rather not experience pain or suffering, but without these in our lives we wouldn’t be formed into something of true beauty, which is valuable to Him. Now, remember a pearl is not formed overnight (even cultured pearls take 5 to 30 years to develop) so we will not be changed overnight either. It takes time.

Our life can be like an oyster. After 80 years – plus or minus a few years (our character takes much longer to transform) – of irritants our pearl will be completed. It is Jesus Himself who opens the shell, and reveals us within His glory. The beauty of the lustrous colors of this jewel is only magnified by the brilliance of His presence shining in the midst of it. “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

As you face the painful irritants in your life, I hope you will think about the precious jewel it’s creating – you.

“And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT).

Wonderfully Made

Read: Psalm 139; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:13; and 2 Timothy 2:20, 21

During our first trip to New Zealand we took a tour of a world renowned hand-blown art glass company. Sadly, I have no pictures (they would not allow you to take any), so I can only go by my memory of the experience.

When you first walk into the facility you enter a gallery of the finest art glass work in the world. There were finished pieces that cost between $5,000 to $10,000 dollars each. This was a little scary to a mom with two children – I kept telling them to keep their hands in their pockets (smile). Once you begin the tour of the facility you realize why. Every aspect of it was so interesting – from the history, the tools, to the actual demonstration of glass blowing. I’ve seen glass blowing at amusement parks but it didn’t compare to watching these large pieces being heated in a huge furnace, blown, shaped, re-heated, shook, formed, colorized, and heated some more. It takes years (around 10 or more) to become a master glass blower. The cost of each completed piece is determined by who has created it. “The hand crafted glass becomes an art form, which bears the “fingerprint” of the craftsman in every piece he creates.” - Sea Life Creations on Hoglund Art Glass.

Well, it allowed me to see all of this with a spiritual perspective. To start, each of us is priceless because we’re the workmanship of the Master Himself. We are uniquely made. Not one of us is alike. Each of us bears the fingerprint of His craftsmanship. We’re a work of art. He wants to form us into a beautiful vessel for a useful purpose.

He first removes us from the furnace (imagine a glob of crystal on a pole) and breathes life into us (His own breath). We are formed just the way He desires and He uses whatever tools it takes to work in us what He wants. If needed, we are put back in the furnace to heat us up so He can continue the work He needs to do in us. At the end, it requires a little tapping and gentle hands to remove the glass creation from the pole it is attached to. God will also gently remove us from this earth and into His presence. Until then, it is evident that we might have some bubbles, or even acquire some cracks. Some of us are so fragile and others of us are very thick. The more I learn to trust in the Master for the work He has planned I realize how important it is to be transparent and how important it is to be stretched.

As the glass blower was making a vase, the only way to obtain the shape was to turn it upside down, sway it back and forth, and allow gravity to take place. Wow, can I relate! My life is being turned upside down and stretched. I feel like God is making me into a colorful – yet transparent vase. It’s not a comfortable position, but I’d rather be turned into a useful vessel than being a glob of crystal. I’d rather be put through the fire and crafted by the Master! I can understand 2 Timothy 2:21 in a different light. “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself for the later, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”

I don’t know or understand yet what God has for my future, but there is one thing I sense – He wants this vase of me to be upside down for one purpose – to make me empty so He can fill me up with the things He has for me. I am being shaken, but I’m safe in the Master’s hands. I don’t have to worry or wonder what is ahead. I’ve committed my life to His purpose and He will create in me what is intended for His plan.

We can experience peace when we know we are in His hands. We can praise Him in a new way because we know, “We are fearfully and wonderfully made.” From Psalm 139:14

Inspiring Quotes

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.

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

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

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