Read: Deuteronomy 17:19-20; Psalm 5:11-12; Psalm 18:30; Psalm 19:14; Psalm 138; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; and Hebrews 13:15.
Life is hard! You can not escape difficulties or trials in your life – they are inevitable. One minute life can seem normal or even easy, than all of a sudden your world can turn upside side down. You are faced with a circumstance or situation that is beyond your control. How do you get through these trials in your life? I don’t think I’ve met anyone who believes these times are dealt with easily. It’s not our natural response to handle difficult situations with ease and a peace of mind. We have to make a choice on how we are to respond. We need a method of defense so that we can mentally get through each incident which we know is beyond our control.
Our absolute weapon needed for defense is the Word of God. The living and powerful Word is to be our sword. There is nothing on this earth, other than this sword, that we can use that has the ability to help us in anything we face. As we set our confidence and reliance on God we learn how to trust Him.
2 Samuel 22:31 – “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.”
Use the word TRUST as your Method of Defense:
T – Truth. You need to rely on God’s Word and start with His truth. Ask God for His guidance to provide you with a scripture that will give instruction or a verse of promise to handle the situation. Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” This verse tells us He wants to help us.
R – Read it over and over. Take that scripture, write it down and go to it each time you are getting doubtful. Truth washes away doubts. Reading the truth will encourage you and give you strength. Deuteronomy 17:19, 20 says that we should read the law all the days of our lives so that we can know the Lord our God and not turn aside to the right or left from His commandments. I believe His word is specific in many areas and He gives us straight paths to take.
U – Utter it out loud. Meditate on the verse. Isaiah 26:3 promises, “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You.” The scriptures shouldn’t just touch our hearts they should be active in our minds. Jesus himself told us the greatest commandment was to “love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 Sometimes we tend to be feelers in situations instead of thinkers.
S – Step into action. He gives us His word so that we are able to use it. He has a plan for it. Once we utter it out loud, we then can move forward in faith. You will see this truth come to life as you read through the Bible and see how God gave individuals direction (sometimes very specifically) but His power was not demonstrated until the individuals stepped out in faith. Read about Joshua (Joshua Chapters 1 thru 6), Gideon (Judges Chapters 6-8), and Nehemiah (the whole book) and see how each of these men believed God and stepped out by faith in the instruction of God. It gives me chills thinking about all God did. The result of the victory was in the actions. Galatians 5:25 tells us, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Ezekiel 36:27 tells us that because He has put His Spirit within us He will help us to walk in His ways and do them. And James 2:17 (NIV) says “…faith by itself if it is not accompanied by action is dead."
The last thing to do is:
T – Thank Him. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.” Psalm 100:4 Thank Him that He has given you the ability to deal with the situation you are facing.
Trust is both internal and external. Both are equally important and imperative to do.
When I place my trust in the living God I immediately know His shield of protection has been placed over whatever situation I’m dealing with. How? Because of the verses of truth He has given me. I will read them, utter them, step out in faith with them, and thank Him for who He is, what He has done, and finally what He is going to do. Proverbs 30:5 – “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
You can start trusting God in your situation by writing down the following verse and put T-R-U-S-T into practice.
Psalm 138:8 – “The LORD will perfect that which concerns me.”
Monday, December 7, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Fear Not!
"For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'" Isaiah 41:13
"The most often repeated commandment in the Bible is "Fear not!" (63 verses in KJ)
Fear makes us cling. It weighs us down and slows our progress.
Faith lets go." Ellyn Sanna
"The most often repeated commandment in the Bible is "Fear not!" (63 verses in KJ)
Fear makes us cling. It weighs us down and slows our progress.
Faith lets go." Ellyn Sanna
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Call to Him
Read: Nehemiah 1:1-11; 2:4; Psalm 18:6; Psalm 46:1; Ephesians 3:14-20; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:6-7 – Do a word study on prayer. These verses only relate to this blog. Take the time and you will be so blessed.
“When we get things squared away vertically, it helps clear away the fog horizontally.” Charles Swindoll.
I remember it as if it were yesterday. I was a young child and was very troubled over a situation. I went into my bathroom, locked the door, sat down on the floor, placed my hands over my face, and prayed. I wasn’t raised in a Christian home and was never taught how to pray, but somehow I believed there was a God. So, as I spoke to God it was as if there was this protective bubble that came over me. I felt protected but the moment I finished and opened my eyes – the feeling instantly vanished. I only prayed occasionally, yet each time I did, I would experience the same sensation.
It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that I had school mates begin to explain to me their belief in God. They would invite me to church each Sunday and I would always decline. I even remember my orthodontist giving me a book about God’s love years before but I had never picked it up. I was intrigued by their lives. There was something different and I wanted to understand it more.
In May of my sophomore year I started getting sick. Then one day I collapsed in my bedroom in extreme pain. I was taken to the hospital but sent home with no diagnosis. In the middle of the night the pain returned so my mom took me to a different hospital. We learned that at the age of 15 I had a kidney stone. They would send me home only to have me show back up in the hospital because my pain was so severe. Finally, they decided to admit me into the hospital. On the 10th day of being in the hospital I was feeling so alone. I remember that evening that I cried out to God saying, “If you are real, and if you will take this stone away, I promise I will believe in you and go to church.” The next morning I woke up and went to the bathroom. When I stood up I looked down and there was a black stone the size of a #2 pencil eraser. I called the nurse immediately and she confirmed that I had passed my kidney stone. She then told me that she needed to call my doctor because unknown to me I was scheduled for surgery that morning – instead of having surgery I was going to get to go home.
I remember sitting in the hospital bed and saying, “OK, You’re real! You did your part – I believe.” I knew that day God was real but I still didn’t share about my prayer because I didn’t think anyone would believe me. I came home and looked for the book my orthodontist had given me and began reading it (I still have it 27 years later). The Sunday after my 16th birthday I went to a non-denominational church for the first time. The next three months I don’t think I missed a Sunday evening service. God began surrounding me with new friends at school who just happened to be Christians. They lovingly answered all my bizarre questions. Then one Sunday night I made the decision to whole-heartedly give my life over to God and ask Jesus into my heart. It was that simple prayer that changed my life. No longer was prayer this strange sensation that once I said Amen it was over. Once Jesus came into my heart He never left. I always feel I have that protective bubble over my life.
I’ve learned so much about prayer through the years and continue to learn. I’ve learned that prayer at times is about reverence, praise, and thanksgiving. Sometimes it’s a time of humbling myself and confessing my daily failures, and other times earnestly requesting something for myself or others. Many times though I’ve found that prayer is an informal conversation with a friend. There is one thing though I’m certain of - He longs to hear from each of us.
The Bible is filled with individuals who have demonstrated the gift and power of prayer. When I looked up prayer in my Topical Bible there were 14 pages of scripture references. Our church is going through a series teaching on prayer and I thought it would probably take a year to accurately go into all the details of prayer. Yet in my heart I know it’s just the simple truth of opening our hearts to Him and sharing with Him everything that is in there. That’s all He wants, and it’s the only thing that will bring peace to our hearts and minds that surpasses our understanding. (Phil.4:7)
I’ve learned that when I’m faced with life’s difficulties I have to go to God first. He is the only one who can bring peace in every circumstance. I can call friends but they don’t have the ability to do anything – unless of course they are going to pray (smile).
Hebrews 4:15 has become of one my favorite verses – “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.”
As I lit a few candles in my house this evening I immediately thought that prayer can be like a candle. My candles are always sitting there, but until I light one I don’t have the benefit of its beauty. God is always sitting there but until we engage in prayer we don’t have the benefit of feeling His presence or peace in our lives. “Some rewards in prayer come only in proportion to the effort.” Selwyn Hughes.
I love how Ephesians 3:14-20 reads in The Message:
My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
AMEN!
“When we get things squared away vertically, it helps clear away the fog horizontally.” Charles Swindoll.
I remember it as if it were yesterday. I was a young child and was very troubled over a situation. I went into my bathroom, locked the door, sat down on the floor, placed my hands over my face, and prayed. I wasn’t raised in a Christian home and was never taught how to pray, but somehow I believed there was a God. So, as I spoke to God it was as if there was this protective bubble that came over me. I felt protected but the moment I finished and opened my eyes – the feeling instantly vanished. I only prayed occasionally, yet each time I did, I would experience the same sensation.
It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that I had school mates begin to explain to me their belief in God. They would invite me to church each Sunday and I would always decline. I even remember my orthodontist giving me a book about God’s love years before but I had never picked it up. I was intrigued by their lives. There was something different and I wanted to understand it more.
In May of my sophomore year I started getting sick. Then one day I collapsed in my bedroom in extreme pain. I was taken to the hospital but sent home with no diagnosis. In the middle of the night the pain returned so my mom took me to a different hospital. We learned that at the age of 15 I had a kidney stone. They would send me home only to have me show back up in the hospital because my pain was so severe. Finally, they decided to admit me into the hospital. On the 10th day of being in the hospital I was feeling so alone. I remember that evening that I cried out to God saying, “If you are real, and if you will take this stone away, I promise I will believe in you and go to church.” The next morning I woke up and went to the bathroom. When I stood up I looked down and there was a black stone the size of a #2 pencil eraser. I called the nurse immediately and she confirmed that I had passed my kidney stone. She then told me that she needed to call my doctor because unknown to me I was scheduled for surgery that morning – instead of having surgery I was going to get to go home.
I remember sitting in the hospital bed and saying, “OK, You’re real! You did your part – I believe.” I knew that day God was real but I still didn’t share about my prayer because I didn’t think anyone would believe me. I came home and looked for the book my orthodontist had given me and began reading it (I still have it 27 years later). The Sunday after my 16th birthday I went to a non-denominational church for the first time. The next three months I don’t think I missed a Sunday evening service. God began surrounding me with new friends at school who just happened to be Christians. They lovingly answered all my bizarre questions. Then one Sunday night I made the decision to whole-heartedly give my life over to God and ask Jesus into my heart. It was that simple prayer that changed my life. No longer was prayer this strange sensation that once I said Amen it was over. Once Jesus came into my heart He never left. I always feel I have that protective bubble over my life.
I’ve learned so much about prayer through the years and continue to learn. I’ve learned that prayer at times is about reverence, praise, and thanksgiving. Sometimes it’s a time of humbling myself and confessing my daily failures, and other times earnestly requesting something for myself or others. Many times though I’ve found that prayer is an informal conversation with a friend. There is one thing though I’m certain of - He longs to hear from each of us.
The Bible is filled with individuals who have demonstrated the gift and power of prayer. When I looked up prayer in my Topical Bible there were 14 pages of scripture references. Our church is going through a series teaching on prayer and I thought it would probably take a year to accurately go into all the details of prayer. Yet in my heart I know it’s just the simple truth of opening our hearts to Him and sharing with Him everything that is in there. That’s all He wants, and it’s the only thing that will bring peace to our hearts and minds that surpasses our understanding. (Phil.4:7)
I’ve learned that when I’m faced with life’s difficulties I have to go to God first. He is the only one who can bring peace in every circumstance. I can call friends but they don’t have the ability to do anything – unless of course they are going to pray (smile).
Hebrews 4:15 has become of one my favorite verses – “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.”
As I lit a few candles in my house this evening I immediately thought that prayer can be like a candle. My candles are always sitting there, but until I light one I don’t have the benefit of its beauty. God is always sitting there but until we engage in prayer we don’t have the benefit of feeling His presence or peace in our lives. “Some rewards in prayer come only in proportion to the effort.” Selwyn Hughes.
I love how Ephesians 3:14-20 reads in The Message:
My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
AMEN!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Overcoming Your Doubts
This morning I read this by Hannah Whitall Smith and just had to share it.
Read: Proverbs 3
"Do not give heed to your doubts for a moment. Put your will in this matter over on the Lord's side, and trust Him to keep your from falling. Telling Him all about your utter weakness and your long-encouraged habits of doubt, and how helpless you are before it, and commit the whole battle to Him. Believe He is faithful, not because you feel it, or see it, but because He says He is. Believe it, whether you feel it or not. Cultivate a continuous habit of believing, and never let your faith waver for any reason, however plausible it may be. The result will be that sooner or later you will come to know that it is true, and all doubts will vanish in the blaze of the glory of the absolute faithfulness of God!"
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Read: Proverbs 3
"Do not give heed to your doubts for a moment. Put your will in this matter over on the Lord's side, and trust Him to keep your from falling. Telling Him all about your utter weakness and your long-encouraged habits of doubt, and how helpless you are before it, and commit the whole battle to Him. Believe He is faithful, not because you feel it, or see it, but because He says He is. Believe it, whether you feel it or not. Cultivate a continuous habit of believing, and never let your faith waver for any reason, however plausible it may be. The result will be that sooner or later you will come to know that it is true, and all doubts will vanish in the blaze of the glory of the absolute faithfulness of God!"
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Monday, November 9, 2009
Time Is Not Wasted
Read: Psalm 90:12, 14, 17; Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 15:58
When I was young I used to dream about the things I wanted to accomplish or do in my lifetime. Never did it occur to me that I might not fulfill these dreams or desires. I never thought age would come as quickly as it seems to now. I also thought I would never be the one to experience a life-threatening illness.
As soon as you’re struck with an illness such as Breast Cancer it instantly changes your perspective on many aspects of life. The fact that surprised me was how sad I felt that my dreams and desires might not be fulfilled. These thoughts have been rolling through my mind for several weeks. Recently I was reading in a devotional and a portion of the text jumped out at me. “The truth is that the time allotted to us on this earth is sufficient for all the Lord has planned for us to do.” Luci Swindoll Somehow it instantly clicked with me that I will be given the exact number of years, days, and hours that God has allotted for me on this earth. The truth that really resonated with me was this time will be sufficient for what He has planned for me.
I know we all have our list of things we want to do in our lives (maybe mentally but not actually written down). Lately, I’ve heard a lot about the “bucket” list. I think there is nothing wrong with any of those. What convicted me was that I didn’t have a very long list of the things I wanted to do for the Lord. Most of my dreams and desires were technically what would make me happy (or so I think).
The verse in Matthew 6:33 came to mind. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” I looked this verse up in The Message to see how it was worded. “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all everyday human concerns will be met.” The next verse says, “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.”
I realize that my time on this earth really isn’t my own – it’s His. Now does that mean every minute is dedicated to service? I don’t believe so. I believe God has given us a perfect balance to enjoy the things He has created. I also have learned that when you are obedient in following His directions He blesses you with experiences that fulfill your deepest desires. None of us will ever have enough time to do the “things” we want, but we know that we will be given sufficient time to do exactly what He desires. This truth gave me great peace, and it also gave me the longing to be in tune with what He wants me to do.
To know that during the hardest and darkest year of my life He still gave me an avenue to minister to others by encouraging women to be in the Word, as He was fulfilling one of my desires to write. I have been blessed through a trial and it was used as something of purpose instead of only pain. Only God can accomplish this. “My dear, dear friends stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 – The Message
I know if I can keep my focus on what God is doing right now in my life, I will have all the time I need to fulfill my purpose on earth. Cancer is not in control – God is.
“ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
When I was young I used to dream about the things I wanted to accomplish or do in my lifetime. Never did it occur to me that I might not fulfill these dreams or desires. I never thought age would come as quickly as it seems to now. I also thought I would never be the one to experience a life-threatening illness.
As soon as you’re struck with an illness such as Breast Cancer it instantly changes your perspective on many aspects of life. The fact that surprised me was how sad I felt that my dreams and desires might not be fulfilled. These thoughts have been rolling through my mind for several weeks. Recently I was reading in a devotional and a portion of the text jumped out at me. “The truth is that the time allotted to us on this earth is sufficient for all the Lord has planned for us to do.” Luci Swindoll Somehow it instantly clicked with me that I will be given the exact number of years, days, and hours that God has allotted for me on this earth. The truth that really resonated with me was this time will be sufficient for what He has planned for me.
I know we all have our list of things we want to do in our lives (maybe mentally but not actually written down). Lately, I’ve heard a lot about the “bucket” list. I think there is nothing wrong with any of those. What convicted me was that I didn’t have a very long list of the things I wanted to do for the Lord. Most of my dreams and desires were technically what would make me happy (or so I think).
The verse in Matthew 6:33 came to mind. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” I looked this verse up in The Message to see how it was worded. “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all everyday human concerns will be met.” The next verse says, “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.”
I realize that my time on this earth really isn’t my own – it’s His. Now does that mean every minute is dedicated to service? I don’t believe so. I believe God has given us a perfect balance to enjoy the things He has created. I also have learned that when you are obedient in following His directions He blesses you with experiences that fulfill your deepest desires. None of us will ever have enough time to do the “things” we want, but we know that we will be given sufficient time to do exactly what He desires. This truth gave me great peace, and it also gave me the longing to be in tune with what He wants me to do.
To know that during the hardest and darkest year of my life He still gave me an avenue to minister to others by encouraging women to be in the Word, as He was fulfilling one of my desires to write. I have been blessed through a trial and it was used as something of purpose instead of only pain. Only God can accomplish this. “My dear, dear friends stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 – The Message
I know if I can keep my focus on what God is doing right now in my life, I will have all the time I need to fulfill my purpose on earth. Cancer is not in control – God is.
“ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Sunday, September 27, 2009
When You Feel Alone
Deuteronomy 31:8 - "And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed."
Psalm 139:9,10 - If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
Isaiah 41:10 - Fear no, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
What are your favorite verses when you feel alone? I would love to hear them.
Psalm 139:9,10 - If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
Isaiah 41:10 - Fear no, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
What are your favorite verses when you feel alone? I would love to hear them.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Rocks in the Heart
Read: 1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Samuel 22:2-3; Psalm 84:2; Psalm 139; and Ezekiel 11
In May of 2004 I had the privilege to spend a weekend at Forest Home Conference Center for a Mother-Daughter retreat. In my mind I was doing this for Katelynn, yet I honestly believe I am the one who received the greatest blessing. There is something about devoting a time “away from it all” for prayer, worship, and fellowship. Sadly, we live in such a society that it is difficult to have some true “quiet” time. Not just time with God, but that time when it is only about God. The weekend was of course about a deeper mother-daughter relationship, but God pierced my heart in a new way. During the weekend as the speaker was sharing I thought, “Oh, I’ll have to share this with others some day.” It’s a simple thought, but for me it was very powerful. I hope it will also minister to you.
As we entered our meeting room on Saturday morning we were given a small, rough rock. This weekend was based on two verses. 1 Samuel 16:7 – “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” And Psalm 139:23, 24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any harmful way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” We all know that God really knows what’s in our hearts and I know for me I have asked, if not daily, but weekly for Him to search my heart because I desire to be right before Him. I learned this weekend that is takes “really getting away” to hear what He sees in my heart. It took a simple illustration to finally realize what was in my heart.
Simply speaking we all have “rocks” in our hearts. These are the rough circumstances, rough thoughts (worry, anger, and disappointment), rough pains, and even the rocks from wrong choices (disobedience). These rocks become a blockage in our hearts to prevent what God wants to do in our lives. These rocks can become spiritual heart attacks. We all have rough rocks of heartache. God desires to heal us but we must first decide to give these rough rocks to the Lord. Everyone is carrying at least one rock around, and it is time to throw this rough rock away.
I instantly knew the two “rocks” that I needed to deal with right away. The first one was a deep disappointment. It was a small rough rock that I had to give to God because if I held on to it much longer, it was only going to continue tearing up my heart. The scars might continue to be noticeable, but God can use them to show others the power of His love. The second rock felt more like a boulder because it was very painful and personal. It was a rock I did not choose to pick up, did not deserve to get, but it was given to me. I honestly thought I was OK that it came, but during this weekend I realized I was angry for the damage this rock did in my life. Most importantly God said, “You have to give me this. Not only does it give you pain to carry it in your heart, it’s a sin to continue with this in your heart.”
What should you do with the rocks in your heart? You need to physically get a rock, take the rock, get on your knees before God and give it to Him. Maybe, you’ll have more than one rock like I did. God knows about this rock, yet He can’t completely remove it until you ask Him to. I think the following verses give us a little insight into the heart of God and what He desires and shows us we must do something before He can work in us.
Ezekiel 11:19-21 – “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God. But as for those whose hearts are devoted to their vile images and detestable idols, I will bring down on their own heads what they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD." (NIV)
I encourage you to lay your rough rock (or rocks) into the hands of your loving Father and that there would be nothing blocking the work He wants to do in your life. Trust me, it’s not easy, but it is so worth it! The only rock we want left in our hearts is Jesus.
Psalm 31:3 – For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.
In May of 2004 I had the privilege to spend a weekend at Forest Home Conference Center for a Mother-Daughter retreat. In my mind I was doing this for Katelynn, yet I honestly believe I am the one who received the greatest blessing. There is something about devoting a time “away from it all” for prayer, worship, and fellowship. Sadly, we live in such a society that it is difficult to have some true “quiet” time. Not just time with God, but that time when it is only about God. The weekend was of course about a deeper mother-daughter relationship, but God pierced my heart in a new way. During the weekend as the speaker was sharing I thought, “Oh, I’ll have to share this with others some day.” It’s a simple thought, but for me it was very powerful. I hope it will also minister to you.
As we entered our meeting room on Saturday morning we were given a small, rough rock. This weekend was based on two verses. 1 Samuel 16:7 – “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” And Psalm 139:23, 24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any harmful way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” We all know that God really knows what’s in our hearts and I know for me I have asked, if not daily, but weekly for Him to search my heart because I desire to be right before Him. I learned this weekend that is takes “really getting away” to hear what He sees in my heart. It took a simple illustration to finally realize what was in my heart.
Simply speaking we all have “rocks” in our hearts. These are the rough circumstances, rough thoughts (worry, anger, and disappointment), rough pains, and even the rocks from wrong choices (disobedience). These rocks become a blockage in our hearts to prevent what God wants to do in our lives. These rocks can become spiritual heart attacks. We all have rough rocks of heartache. God desires to heal us but we must first decide to give these rough rocks to the Lord. Everyone is carrying at least one rock around, and it is time to throw this rough rock away.
I instantly knew the two “rocks” that I needed to deal with right away. The first one was a deep disappointment. It was a small rough rock that I had to give to God because if I held on to it much longer, it was only going to continue tearing up my heart. The scars might continue to be noticeable, but God can use them to show others the power of His love. The second rock felt more like a boulder because it was very painful and personal. It was a rock I did not choose to pick up, did not deserve to get, but it was given to me. I honestly thought I was OK that it came, but during this weekend I realized I was angry for the damage this rock did in my life. Most importantly God said, “You have to give me this. Not only does it give you pain to carry it in your heart, it’s a sin to continue with this in your heart.”
What should you do with the rocks in your heart? You need to physically get a rock, take the rock, get on your knees before God and give it to Him. Maybe, you’ll have more than one rock like I did. God knows about this rock, yet He can’t completely remove it until you ask Him to. I think the following verses give us a little insight into the heart of God and what He desires and shows us we must do something before He can work in us.
Ezekiel 11:19-21 – “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God. But as for those whose hearts are devoted to their vile images and detestable idols, I will bring down on their own heads what they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD." (NIV)
I encourage you to lay your rough rock (or rocks) into the hands of your loving Father and that there would be nothing blocking the work He wants to do in your life. Trust me, it’s not easy, but it is so worth it! The only rock we want left in our hearts is Jesus.
Psalm 31:3 – For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)