Recently, I listened to a message I just can't get out of my mind. It was so encouraging. It was a message series by Andy Stanley - Faith, Hope, and Luck. I only heard the last part of the series which he talked about having great faith.
I encourage you to download a copy of the message or the whole series. I've provided a link:
http://resources.northpoint.org/store/shop.do?cID=10&pID=1586
I will always remember that great faith requires great surrender. It's so hard, yet very true.
May your faith be encouraged today, as you allow yourself to surrender to the One who holds everything in His hands. We can surrender because He is trustworthy and faithful.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Which Way to Go?
Read: Psalm 19:7-9; Psalm 25:4-5; John 14:1-7; Hebrews 12:2
A few years ago I had the privilege of homeschooling my children while we were living overseas. As part of their history course, we included a weekly assignment of learning how to read a map. We studied every aspect of a map. We learned (yes, I learned right along with them) how to read latitude and longitude coordinates, the difference of the hemispheres, facts about the Equator and the Meridian, and so much more. It provided a lot of interesting conversations.
Some people love following maps as they like to visually see how to get from point A to point B, and others would rather not bother with the hassle of dealing with any type of directional tool (they are likely not the type to ask for directions either). With the new technology of Global Positioning Satellite systems there will be a generation that will miss the challenge and thrill of folding a map back into its original layout. Trust me I know from personal experience this can be a true accomplishment.
Several times a year our family would take road trips, and I was the keeper of the map. I would help guide my husband as he drove. We haven’t been on a driving trip yet since owning our own GPS system. It just doesn’t seem as adventurous to me. I mean where is the fun of having your map turned upside down or spread out all over the dashboard? Of course we do have the new thrill of hearing the GPS yelling, “Recalculating.”
Maps do intrigue me and I’m amazed when I think of those individuals who have spent their life making sure they are completely accurate. Could you imagine if someone decided to publish maps that were purposely incorrect only to confuse and direct someone off track? How frustrating would that be?
All of this map thinking was because I read a passage in The Message the other morning that made me understand how God’s Word is a similar tool for direction in our lives. It’s perfect to help course our way.
The Message - Psalm 19:7-9
The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.
You see, God is the Cartographer of life. If you read His Word and seek direction in your life there is a perfect outline. I’ve heard some say the Bible is not relevant or accurate. I’ve found both statements to be completely false. Many have set out to disprove the Word of God but none have been able to accomplish this. Why? It’s the truth!
The more I read the more I’m amazed how applicable His Word is to everyday events. I even find that the promises and scriptures of encouragement meet every aspect I have dealt with in life. God wants to help us with the details of our lives.
I have a friend who doesn’t believe in the Bible, and doubts that God exists. As I was thinking about this the other day it is clear that one of us is wrong. It’s that plain and simple. I wasn’t thinking I need to prove her wrong, so that I would be right. I thought I would consider that I was the one wrong and what that would mean for me.
I thought about it simply – not trying to rationalize it theologically. If I’m wrong what does that mean for my life? What have I missed? How would my life be different? What would my life be like without using the Bible as my foundation for how I live (or should live)? What if I didn’t use this map for my life?
I came to the conclusion that I would have been miserable without Jesus in my life. I do remember the years before I believed, and a couple of years when I decided I knew which direction I should go. I was so off course and felt like my life became a disaster. Jesus Himself told his disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” It really is that simple. We are the ones who complicate the truth.
Yes, I’ve found forgiveness, acceptance, and love, but it’s the true strength I receive from God’s Word that makes a difference in my life each and every day. In my hardest circumstances (I’ve had a few) I have experienced peace that couldn’t be found if God did not exist. God’s ways have given me a deep joy. I feel that the Word is my compass. The Spirit is the force in which it points me in the way I should go and directs the path I’m supposed to take.
Does that mean my friend who doesn’t believe doesn’t experience peace or joy? Absolutely not, but the joy seems only to last for a short time. There is a searching and lack of contentment in her life that is evident. I almost sense there is a pain and loneliness due to her unbelief. As if she is constantly trying to fight against the truth.
As I’ve journeyed through one of the most difficult times in my life recently, I have trusted that Jesus was with me and would help me. It has in no way been easy and there are days I’m not proud of how I responded, but I can truthfully say I still experienced a peace and a purpose. It’s not about me – it’s about Him.
During this same time I have watched friends as their lives are actually falling apart, during the “best of times” in their lives. I believe it’s because they have no direction or guidance. The so called “maps” they are using are not based on truth. Their way is clouded and it does not bring contentment. I hurt for them.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:6 (The Message)
If you feel lost, get your map out, begin reading, and trust that you will be directed in the right direction.
You can even do it right where you are right now at: http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/readingplans/
May Psalm 119:50 be the praise on your lips – “For Your word has given me life.”
A few years ago I had the privilege of homeschooling my children while we were living overseas. As part of their history course, we included a weekly assignment of learning how to read a map. We studied every aspect of a map. We learned (yes, I learned right along with them) how to read latitude and longitude coordinates, the difference of the hemispheres, facts about the Equator and the Meridian, and so much more. It provided a lot of interesting conversations.
Some people love following maps as they like to visually see how to get from point A to point B, and others would rather not bother with the hassle of dealing with any type of directional tool (they are likely not the type to ask for directions either). With the new technology of Global Positioning Satellite systems there will be a generation that will miss the challenge and thrill of folding a map back into its original layout. Trust me I know from personal experience this can be a true accomplishment.
Several times a year our family would take road trips, and I was the keeper of the map. I would help guide my husband as he drove. We haven’t been on a driving trip yet since owning our own GPS system. It just doesn’t seem as adventurous to me. I mean where is the fun of having your map turned upside down or spread out all over the dashboard? Of course we do have the new thrill of hearing the GPS yelling, “Recalculating.”
Maps do intrigue me and I’m amazed when I think of those individuals who have spent their life making sure they are completely accurate. Could you imagine if someone decided to publish maps that were purposely incorrect only to confuse and direct someone off track? How frustrating would that be?
All of this map thinking was because I read a passage in The Message the other morning that made me understand how God’s Word is a similar tool for direction in our lives. It’s perfect to help course our way.
The Message - Psalm 19:7-9
The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.
You see, God is the Cartographer of life. If you read His Word and seek direction in your life there is a perfect outline. I’ve heard some say the Bible is not relevant or accurate. I’ve found both statements to be completely false. Many have set out to disprove the Word of God but none have been able to accomplish this. Why? It’s the truth!
The more I read the more I’m amazed how applicable His Word is to everyday events. I even find that the promises and scriptures of encouragement meet every aspect I have dealt with in life. God wants to help us with the details of our lives.
I have a friend who doesn’t believe in the Bible, and doubts that God exists. As I was thinking about this the other day it is clear that one of us is wrong. It’s that plain and simple. I wasn’t thinking I need to prove her wrong, so that I would be right. I thought I would consider that I was the one wrong and what that would mean for me.
I thought about it simply – not trying to rationalize it theologically. If I’m wrong what does that mean for my life? What have I missed? How would my life be different? What would my life be like without using the Bible as my foundation for how I live (or should live)? What if I didn’t use this map for my life?
I came to the conclusion that I would have been miserable without Jesus in my life. I do remember the years before I believed, and a couple of years when I decided I knew which direction I should go. I was so off course and felt like my life became a disaster. Jesus Himself told his disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” It really is that simple. We are the ones who complicate the truth.
Yes, I’ve found forgiveness, acceptance, and love, but it’s the true strength I receive from God’s Word that makes a difference in my life each and every day. In my hardest circumstances (I’ve had a few) I have experienced peace that couldn’t be found if God did not exist. God’s ways have given me a deep joy. I feel that the Word is my compass. The Spirit is the force in which it points me in the way I should go and directs the path I’m supposed to take.
Does that mean my friend who doesn’t believe doesn’t experience peace or joy? Absolutely not, but the joy seems only to last for a short time. There is a searching and lack of contentment in her life that is evident. I almost sense there is a pain and loneliness due to her unbelief. As if she is constantly trying to fight against the truth.
As I’ve journeyed through one of the most difficult times in my life recently, I have trusted that Jesus was with me and would help me. It has in no way been easy and there are days I’m not proud of how I responded, but I can truthfully say I still experienced a peace and a purpose. It’s not about me – it’s about Him.
During this same time I have watched friends as their lives are actually falling apart, during the “best of times” in their lives. I believe it’s because they have no direction or guidance. The so called “maps” they are using are not based on truth. Their way is clouded and it does not bring contentment. I hurt for them.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:6 (The Message)
If you feel lost, get your map out, begin reading, and trust that you will be directed in the right direction.
You can even do it right where you are right now at: http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/readingplans/
May Psalm 119:50 be the praise on your lips – “For Your word has given me life.”
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
VICTORY!
I just have to briefly share that God gave me victory yesterday.
I was able to face one of the hardest things I deal with and came through victoriously. I was so excited and thank Him for every mile He got me through (approximately 200).
"All the glory to Him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are His before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen." Jude 1:25
I prayed for a miracle in my soul yesterday "in the present", and I believe I received one.
He is so good!!
I was able to face one of the hardest things I deal with and came through victoriously. I was so excited and thank Him for every mile He got me through (approximately 200).
"All the glory to Him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are His before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen." Jude 1:25
I prayed for a miracle in my soul yesterday "in the present", and I believe I received one.
He is so good!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Facing Difficult Circumstances
Read: Psalm 103:14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; and Philippians Ch. 4
Tomorrow, I must face a difficult circumstance. It's hard for me, because it's something I've struggled with for 22 years. I've tried so many things to help me deal with the fear that is a stronghold over my life. How does one, who has the faith as large as a watermelon (the mustard seed is just way too small), not be able to deal with a paralyzing fear? This fear has prevented me from truly living. I've failed to do things as places because of it. I'm so embarrassed to even share it. I'm just so exhausted living with it, and I’m sure my family is as well.
Once the fear takes over it controls my body. The symptoms I deal with are terrible and difficult to handle. I know the triggers in my brain, but for some reason I haven't been able to deal with these triggers. Panic attacks can be ugly and so embarrassing. I feel for anyone who is around me.
I've battled cancer and so far have won. The battle for me tomorrow seems harder and is more frightening to me. It just doesn't make sense?
I have my list of scriptures, and I'm praying for some victory.
God is so good! No matter what I'm dealing with, He is the same. This morning when I opened my devotional, He gave me a verse He has given me over and over again. I know it was not by coincidence – it’s God-incidence. He wanted me to remember this verse for tomorrow. I need to believe it, use it as my sword, and battle on. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.
I know I'm not alone. I know we all have something. I had to share a little of what Mary Hollingsworth wrote (Hugs for Women) about "Soul-Esteem." She had been searching for a word to replace self-esteem. She wanted a word that would describe how "God knows that we are made of dust," but "our bodies are the temples of the living God.” She wanted a word that would show that even though we are flawed and weak as human beings, we are strong and capable because the Holy Spirit lives and works through us. She came up with the term soul-esteem.
"Our selves may be imperfect, incapable, and weak, but our souls are perfect, capable, and strong through brotherhood with Christ. Our souls are the image of the living God." She continues - "When I look in the mirror, I still see self, but I also look beyond self to my soul. I can finally look at the real me in the eye and smile. I'm reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:12 - "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known."
I need Him not only to do a miracle in my health, but a miracle in my soul. I pray that He would help me conquer my fear and forever prevent it from holding me back to do what He has willed me to do. Beth Moore wrote in her book, So Long, Insecurity, "We can choose to become well equipped and get out there and do some real living."
If you are like me, and have something that holds you back from living. A fear that you have no idea why you can't seem to deal with, I pray you will pray this along with me, and keep battling on so that nothing could prevent us from fulfilling our callings, or just from plain on living.
Oh, LORD, I pray you would help me conquer this fear that has held me captive for too many years. I pray that others would know that you are the One who strengthens me, and through You - I can do all things. I'm expecting a miracle. I pray this in the power of Jesus' name. Amen!!
Tomorrow, I must face a difficult circumstance. It's hard for me, because it's something I've struggled with for 22 years. I've tried so many things to help me deal with the fear that is a stronghold over my life. How does one, who has the faith as large as a watermelon (the mustard seed is just way too small), not be able to deal with a paralyzing fear? This fear has prevented me from truly living. I've failed to do things as places because of it. I'm so embarrassed to even share it. I'm just so exhausted living with it, and I’m sure my family is as well.
Once the fear takes over it controls my body. The symptoms I deal with are terrible and difficult to handle. I know the triggers in my brain, but for some reason I haven't been able to deal with these triggers. Panic attacks can be ugly and so embarrassing. I feel for anyone who is around me.
I've battled cancer and so far have won. The battle for me tomorrow seems harder and is more frightening to me. It just doesn't make sense?
I have my list of scriptures, and I'm praying for some victory.
God is so good! No matter what I'm dealing with, He is the same. This morning when I opened my devotional, He gave me a verse He has given me over and over again. I know it was not by coincidence – it’s God-incidence. He wanted me to remember this verse for tomorrow. I need to believe it, use it as my sword, and battle on. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.
I know I'm not alone. I know we all have something. I had to share a little of what Mary Hollingsworth wrote (Hugs for Women) about "Soul-Esteem." She had been searching for a word to replace self-esteem. She wanted a word that would describe how "God knows that we are made of dust," but "our bodies are the temples of the living God.” She wanted a word that would show that even though we are flawed and weak as human beings, we are strong and capable because the Holy Spirit lives and works through us. She came up with the term soul-esteem.
"Our selves may be imperfect, incapable, and weak, but our souls are perfect, capable, and strong through brotherhood with Christ. Our souls are the image of the living God." She continues - "When I look in the mirror, I still see self, but I also look beyond self to my soul. I can finally look at the real me in the eye and smile. I'm reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:12 - "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known."
I need Him not only to do a miracle in my health, but a miracle in my soul. I pray that He would help me conquer my fear and forever prevent it from holding me back to do what He has willed me to do. Beth Moore wrote in her book, So Long, Insecurity, "We can choose to become well equipped and get out there and do some real living."
If you are like me, and have something that holds you back from living. A fear that you have no idea why you can't seem to deal with, I pray you will pray this along with me, and keep battling on so that nothing could prevent us from fulfilling our callings, or just from plain on living.
Oh, LORD, I pray you would help me conquer this fear that has held me captive for too many years. I pray that others would know that you are the One who strengthens me, and through You - I can do all things. I'm expecting a miracle. I pray this in the power of Jesus' name. Amen!!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Adjusting
I am so sorry I haven't posted anything in two months.
I have been adjusting to returning to work, keeping my home in order (if that's possible), and dealing with additional health issues.
My desire is to continue to write, open the site up for more personal interaction, and use it as an avenue to help each other memorize God's Word. I'm up to four verses in 2010...yeah!!
Give me a couple more weeks and I should be back to writing, and the site will be up and running again.
I thank all of you who enjoy the One Thing blog and bless me with your support and love.
I have been adjusting to returning to work, keeping my home in order (if that's possible), and dealing with additional health issues.
My desire is to continue to write, open the site up for more personal interaction, and use it as an avenue to help each other memorize God's Word. I'm up to four verses in 2010...yeah!!
Give me a couple more weeks and I should be back to writing, and the site will be up and running again.
I thank all of you who enjoy the One Thing blog and bless me with your support and love.
I continue to pray for His blessings over you!
TraciMonday, December 7, 2009
Method of Defense
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.”
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.”
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
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