The Power of Praise

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1 NASB, KJV

David’s passion was God and it spilled out of him through praise. Of the 150 chapters in the book of Psalm, 64 give reference to it. 133 verses mention it. David knew the power of praise! He sang it, spoke it, wrote it, and practiced it. Plus, he encouraged others to do the same. He had learned to praise God in good times as well as bad. He expressed it when his heart was full of joy or when he felt over whelmed with anxiety. He praised God for who He was as well as for all He had done. It was his daily experience and expression.

The word ‘praise’ is rich with meaning! There are eight different Greek words that are used for praise. Their meanings broaden my view of the subject. Praise means to worship, celebrate, laud, congratulate, and commend. It is acclaiming and ascribing honor. It entails thankfulness, blessing, and adoration. No wonder God inhabits the praises of His people! How His ears must perk up every time we verbalize it!

For the past year or so I have been learning the importance of guarding my thoughts and the power of spoken words. Yesterday, God decided to help me see the reward of doing both! Early on in the day, He nudged me to praise Him whenever the enemy whispered lies or discouraging thoughts to me. I discovered the benefit of this four word phrase: I praise You, God! The minute a wrong thought came my way I voiced the phrase. Before the thought was even complete I spoke the praise. I was amazed at the result.

I learned a praise advantage I was not aware existed. Praise not only delights and pleases God, it has a dulling and inhibiting affect on wrong moods, thoughts, and attitudes. It is actually a detriment to the attacks of the enemy, other people’s words, and my own feelings. Each time I spoke the words of praise I interrupted the flow of negative, damaging thoughts. It was like pouring water on a flame. What a powerful extinguisher! No wonder David found it necessary to do all the time and on a continual basis. May I follow his example and do the same!

Father, I have found praise to be my shield during attacks as well as my flag to wave in triumph! Help me to cultivate and communicate a heart and voice of praise! Amen.

Three Important Actions

But He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God. Hebrews 10:12 NASB

Many of us have taken comfort in the last words Jesus spoke from the cross, “It is finished!” Our sin debt was paid in full on that day over 2,000 years ago. As soon as a person receives Christ as Savior they put into affect that payment. How sad that many will never receive Christ’s payment for their sin and will end up making an eternity of payments in Hell on their own. The simple yet profound truth is that the acceptance of the payment comes with the acceptance of the Savior.

But two things happened after Christ spoke those words and died. First, He came back to life three days later. His resurrection from the dead was additional proof that He was who He said He was and His death was accepted as our payment. Without the resurrection, His death would have been in vain. All that He suffered on the way to the cross and while He hung on the cross would have ended up being a mere tragedy in human history. He had to be sinless in order to take our place and He would not have been sinless if He had lied. Since He said He would rise from the dead three days later, it would have been a lie had He not risen. That in itself would have hindered Him from being our payment for sin. Not only would our sin be unforgiven but we would face an eternity forever separated from God. There would be no relationship with God even in this life.

His death and resurrection are two thirds of the story. The climax of it all is that He sat down at the right hand of God. In Old Testament times, the priest stood daily when offering the sacrifices because his job was never finished. When Christ sat down His work was completed! One sacrifice for all sin for all time!

How does this apply to my life today? Every time I bring my sin to God for forgiveness I am assured of forgiveness because of Christ’s death, resurrection, and position at the right hand of God. There is no second guessing or doubting when I see the full and complete picture. There is also no reason to cower as I approach God since it was His will, desire, and pleasure to pay my sin debt.

Father, I bow in gratitude and awe this morning. The forgiveness of my sins is as complete as the payment that was made for them. May I never tire of reviewing and reveling in such a truth! Amen.

An Example to Follow

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice. Philippians 1:18

Paul penned these words from prison. They were not only voiced by him but embraced by him. He had just finished confronting an issue that is still alive today….the motives behind ministries. Paul knew that in his day some were preaching Christ out of selfish motives. They felt they were in competition with Paul and sought to make his imprisonment even more painful. Others were preaching Christ out of love and were joining forces with Paul. Paul’s conclusion? He decided that no matter what the means, methods, or motives, he would rejoice in the fact that the gospel was being preached. After all, that was his highest joy and goal in life. Nothing else compared to a person finding faith in Christ.

Can we be as accepting of such an attitude today? I have heard my fair share of preachers blast tv evangelists from the pulpit. I have seen as much mud slinging against other denominations within a church service as within a political race. I have even seen like denominations fight each other. While some concerns are legitimate we somehow have missed the heart of what Paul is saying.

He is not condoning wrong motives. I believe he learned early on to entrust those issues to God. And Paul certainly took many opportunities to warn believers about the wolves in sheep’s clothing. But Paul also chose to look at the bottom line….the gospel was being preached. Even through those individuals who were preaching with wrong motives, souls were being saved. Paul rejoiced in that!

While I may not agree with everything that is said and done by a particular ministry and be able to financially support them, I CAN be like Paul and rejoice that despite it all the gospel is being preached. Praise God for the individuals who find Christ through any avenues. God’s Spirit is not limited in the least. In that I rejoice as well. May the gospel continue to be proclaimed and may souls be saved even in the midst of wrong motives and methods.

Father, may I learn to do as Paul did…rejoice in all things. I rejoice that You will not be confined and limited to a select few ministries. In spite of it all, You will reach the lost! Amen.

Called and Chosen Early

God, who had set me apart, even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace. Galatians 1:15 NASB

A lot is said today about womb experiences. Much affects the small infant nestled in that place of safety. Not only what the mother takes into her body, but also her emotions, feelings, and thoughts. Her stresses and joys are felt by her yet-to-be born child as much as they will be when she holds him in her arms. Finding out some of the circumstances that surrounded my own conception and womb experience did much to explain certain feelings I had about myself. This morning, God is allowing me to realize His own involvement in my womb experience.

It is from Isaiah that I learn He formed me in my mother’s womb and called me by name! (Isaiah 49:1) How precious to think that God called me ’Pam’ before anyone else did! Even before my parents knew of my existence, God was shaping me, speaking to me, and watching me. In a sense, it was just the two of us!

It is from Paul that I learn God set me apart and called me while I was in my mother’s womb. (Galatians 1:15) Just like he had a call on the lives of Moses, David, Jonah, Esther, Daniel, and Paul, He has a call on my life. He spoke those words over me before I was even born! I have yet to fully understand all He has purposed for my life, but He is teaching me to open my eyes, ears, mind, and heart to what He has already said.

It is also from Paul that the picture of God’s early involvement with me is broadened. For in Ephesians 1:4 I read that He chose me before the foundation of the world. That means not only was I called before I was born, I was chosen before creation! My mind struggles to fully grasp that thought!

As I take in these truths this morning I am filled with a sense of God’s choice and design for my life. And now at the age of 48, I am basking in the fact that He is still just as involved with me. He is still molding me, speaking to me, calling me, choosing me, and watching me. He is still attentive to my every need. What a Shepherd! What a Father! What a Guide! What a Friend!

Father, the realization of You creating, calling, and choosing me has filled me with joy and awe this morning! How can I ever again feel like a nobody? You have once again nurtured my soul! Amen.

A Daily Promise

I will carry you; and I will bear you and I will deliver you. Isaiah 46:4b NASB

It occurred to me this morning that while Jesus was on this earth, He was physically carried in three different ways by people. For nine months, He was carried in Mary’s womb. Housed in the very place He had created in her. For a number of years, He was carried in Mary’s arms as an infant and small child. And for a few hours, He was carried from the cross to the tomb. Think of it! The Creator God placed upon Himself the limitations that necessitated Him to be carried by His own creation.

Countless are the times this same God carries us! At the times of loss, sorrow, loneliness, and tears, it is God Himself who carries us, moves us along, and supports us. He holds us and upholds us. He is tender. He is compassionate. He is careful.

I found it interesting to see that the word ‘carried’ actually means to be gravid…..pregnant! It is the picture of a mother’s womb. A place of safety and enclosure. It is a place that is close to the heart. The picture takes on more depth as I consider the fact that God is my shelter, refuge, and strong tower. Nothing gets to me without first passing through Him.

If ever we needed the assurance that we are going to make it through something, Isaiah 46:4 is our foundational truth to cling to. God promises to carry us, bear us, and deliver us. We must remember this when we face any storm, trial, disappointment, loss, anguish, or set back. Whether we picture ourselves being carried in God’s arms or in His womb, we are secure. He is moving us along and supporting us the entire way.

The ultimate deliverance is Heaven, but there are innumerable times of deliverance we desire throughout our life. Often are the times we long to be delivered from circumstances, habits, strongholds, danger, fears, pain, generational bents, and difficulties. Be assured that while we wait for such deliverance, God Himself is carrying us and caring for us! At NO time are we left to fend for ourselves.

Father, You hold me securely in Your heart, arms, and womb. I am safe in the shadow of Your wings and nestled in the crook of Your neck. May I hear your hushed tones and whispers of assurance all along the way. Amen.

An Extravagant Offer

For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:5 NASB

None of us would deny that we live in a fallen world. The effects of every day life can be daunting. Each one of us face some amount of loneliness, hurt, disappointment, pain, heartache, loss, rejection, and trouble. While my list certainly cannot compare to the things the Apostle Paul went through (beatings, imprisonment, stoning, shipwreck, cruelties), I know that if I am living and breathing I will suffer in one way or another. Life will get uncomfortable, people will let me down, certain needs and desires will go unmet, and the enemy will attack. There is an abundance of things I would rather not have in my life.

Yet, how much I need to remember the ‘so also’ of today’s verse. There is an abundance of suffering but it is matched by an abundance of comfort from my Savior! Whatever I bring to Him, He offers an equal amount or more of His comfort. No store on earth has such a grand return policy! What does this mean in my practical, every day life?

I bring my sorrows to Him and He gives me joy. I bring my loneliness to Him and He gives me His presence. I bring my emptiness to Him and He fills me. I bring my weaknesses to Him and He strengthens me. I bring my questions to Him and He gives me answers. For my wounds He has balm. For my strongholds He has freedom. For my sin He has forgiveness. For my dark moments He has light. For my losses and suffering He has comfort. Whatever the size of my trouble, situation, experience, or problem He will lavish me with the opposite.

Some who read this are going through the death of a loved one. Some are racked with physical pain. Some are struggling financially. Some are going through a divorce. Some are losing a friend. Some are depressed. No matter the circumstance that envelopes their life, this verse is meant for them today! God offers an abundance of comfort for their abundance of suffering. He is not stingy with it….He is extravagant! May each one of us open ourselves up to receive all that He desires to give!

Father, it has taken a long time for me to see this aspect of You. I spent decades seeking the comfort of others when all the while You stood ready to comfort me in deep ways. Dry my tears, hold my hand, and keep giving me the assurance of Your presence. With You I am not alone! Amen.

The Heart of Rejoicing

And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD…..I rejoice in thy salvation. I Samuel 2:1 KJV

Hannah waited years to conceive and give birth to her first child, Samuel. Her infertility, as well as people in her life, taunted her and reminded her of her barrenness. I Samuel 1 finds her in the temple pouring her heart out to God and He gives her the promise of a son. The following year that son is born and the first few years of his life are spent being nurtured by Hannah. But at the tender age of 3 or 4, Samuel is taken to the temple to live. His life is to be devoted entirely to God. He would grow up to be God’s prophet and spokesman to Israel.

I marvel that Hannah was able to give up her child after longing for one for so many years. I marvel even more that her immediate response was one of rejoicing! How can that be? Because her ability to rejoice was found in the object of her rejoicing….God! While she could have walked away in sorrow she chose rather to exult in who God was and what God had done. She knew her life had been dramatically touched by the finger of God. Although she may not have fully understood all that God had planned for Samuel’s life, she knew he belonged to God and God takes care of those who are His.

I find similarities in the prayers of King David and Mary, the mother of Jesus. They had the kind of prayers that went something like this: I rejoice in the Lord because ____________________. While there were many reasons for the rejoicing, it was IN the Lord.

This challenges me to follow their pattern of prayer. How would those prayers sound? "I rejoice in the Lord because He saved me. I rejoice in the Lord because He has delivered me from my enemies and strongholds. I rejoice in the Lord because He is changing me. I rejoice in the Lord because He is supplying all of my needs. I rejoice in the Lord because He is God. I rejoice in the Lord because He has called, chosen, and accepted me. I rejoice in the Lord because He is good to me. I rejoice in the Lord because He is continually with me. "

Father, I spent many years thanking You for all You’ve done but failed to rejoice in You. May I learn to honor, adore, and celebrate You as I speak of You or to You. Amen.

Conduit or Main Source?

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed , and overflowing with gratitude. Colossians 2:6,7

Does this passage describe the average Christian you see? Is it a portrayal of you? I read words like “rooted, built up, and established” and my mind begins to get certain pictures. I see huge oak trees, massive structures, and solid foundations. They denote steadfastness, durability, stability, permanence, immovability, and strength. They endure storms, withstand winds, and carry on amidst adversity.

Have you ever met a person who seemed to have a firm handle on the Christian life? They knew who they were in Christ, lived with an energy of deep faith, were secure in God’s love for them, and had the ability to stay firm in their walk come what may! For many years, they were the kind of people from whom I sought shelter. I wanted to be connected to them because of their connection with God. At any given moment, their wisdom was what I sought, their advice was what I asked for, their guidance is what I needed. Under their care I felt nurtured, safe, and loved. They were the conduit of all God wanted to give me directly but I failed to see how I was making them my main source.

The result? I lived under other people’s faith. I lacked having my own vibrant, daily relationship with God. I lived ‘satisfied’ to feed off their plates instead of learning to banquet at His table. My faith was weak, my prayer life was almost non-existent, my time in the Word was inconsistent, my ability to hear God’s voice was rare, my security was shaky. I was miserable!

Praise God those phrases are all spoken in the past tense! The day finally came when I accepted Jesus’ invitation to “Come unto Me”! God’s heart cry is that each one of us would have a vibrant, personal, unique relationship with Him. That can only be possible as we spend time in His Word, in prayer, and in His presence. Learning to see God as our main source takes time. And it requires that we learn to let go of the hands we have clung to so that we can finally grasp His hand!

Father, I am still in the process of finding You to be my all in all! It is difficult at times but You are being gracious with me as I learn. Amen.

Being in God's Workshop

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13,14 (NASB)

Charles Spurgeon referred to our mother’s womb as “God’s secret workshop”. I like that! It reminds me of God’s meticulous, detailed involvement in creating me. He did not miss a detail as He knit together my body, personality, strengths, uniqueness, and tastes. He not only planned for my eye and hair color, but also for my destiny and purpose in life. I marvel at His creation as well as His knowledge of me. There is not one part of me that is foreign to Him.

So it is with renewed joy that I take in the truth that God is still just as involved in my life now as when I was in my mother’s womb. Isaiah gives me the picture of God as the potter and me as the clay. He is daily molding and shaping me…helping me to become all that He meant and dreamed for me to be. He is still paying attention to the smallest details. Nothing escapes His eye of attentiveness. I am in His hands, His heart, and His mind. Psalm 139:17 tells me that God’s thoughts toward me are innumerable. Talk about ideal personal attention!

Each one of us are still in a ‘womb’ of sorts. We are still in God’s workshop. Still being crafted, molded, shaped, and fashioned by the Master designer! Still a work in progress! We are not being worked over but rather worked on. Each of us are a special project of which God takes great delight and care.

Each day He selects the right tools to use. Those tools vary. Trials, experiences, relationships, failures, successes, hurts, disappointments, joys, losses, gains, and a variety of other things are used in the workshop 'womb' of this world. I step into each day with the choice to cooperate with God and trust Him completely or to fight and hinder His work. He knows best! I crawl into the truth that not only WAS I fearfully and wonderfully made but I am STILL being fearfully and wonderfully made. I wonder what He has in mind for today!

Father, today I will take in the sites, sounds, and smells of Your workshop. I know what you choose to do in, through, and for me today will be done out of love and with great purpose. I am Yours and I yield to You. Amen.

What We Received

To open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me. Acts 26:18

What a list! These words were spoken by Jesus Himself to Saul. They were recorded in Scripture for our ears as well. They reveal four incredible things that were instantaneous the moment we trusted Christ. Salvation is more than just becoming a child of God with access to Heaven. Though those two things alone would be blessings enough. And the fullness of salvation includes more than these four aspects. But the list is worth taking in this morning and reveling in its meaning.

Each of us walked in a spiritual darkness prior to knowing Christ. The things we see and understand about God now, were the very things to which we were blind. That is why when you speak with a non believer about God or the Bible they can’t seem to see or grasp what you are talking about. The seeds are being planted no doubt, but they live in a darkness to the truth…just like we did. God is the One who can eventually open their eyes.

Transfer from Satan’s dominion, kingdom, authority, and rule to God’s dominion, kingdom, authority, and rule is the greatest move you will ever experience. Contrast the two domains and what do you see lacking in Satan’s? Love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, tenderness, security, and much more. He is a ruthless, dishonest dictator who knows there will one day be an end to him and his reign. God is a loving heavenly Father, who will never have an end and neither will His kingdom.

Forgiveness of sins! It is not possible outside of Christ. Just imagine if you still carried every sin you ever committed. And not just the sin but the guilt, shame, and condemnation as well. In Christ it is gone…all of it. Although we still have a sin nature, the forgiveness continues!

Finally, an inheritance with fellow believers! Eye has not seen nor ear heard all that God has in store for those who know and love Him. No earthly will contains such promise and wonder. What true wealth awaits us!

Father, I rejoice in these gifts this morning. What a different life I would have if I had never trusted Christ. Thank you! Amen.

Preferring God's Way

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. Romans 12:10 (KJV)

I am discovering the many layers of Romans 12:10. For the past three or four days I have been meditating on the phrase ‘preferring one another.’ It has not only affected my thinking but my actions as well in regards to people. There are two aspects God wants me to see and apply.

The first aspect is that of deferring to others. Submitting to, regarding, and giving way to another person’s wishes, needs, and desires over my own. Accidents on the road happen when two vehicles simultaneously possess the same territory. If one vehicle does not give way they collide. Hence, injuries and damage will be the result. Preferring one another simply means I put the other person’s needs above my own. I look for what will convenience them, what will minister to them, what will encourage them.

The practical ways to carry this out each day are innumerable. It means letting others go first whether in traffic or in a line. It means putting away what I get out, picking up what I drop, and closing what I open. It can even mean putting away, picking up, and closing what another has gotten out, dropped, or opened. It means stopping what I am doing to be attentive to a person who needs to talk or needs my help. All day long I have a choice to do what I want to do or do what another person needs me to do for them. As God opens my eyes to the opportunities to flesh out this phrase it can bring variety, enjoyment, and even laughter to my day.

The second aspect was a surprise to me. Preferring also means to lead the way for others. In other words, make the first move! Whether it comes to showing kindness, initiating reconciliation, demonstrating concern, or acting out of love let me take the first step! The rewards are rich!

These are tall orders from a heavenly Father who has already shown me how it is done. While it is impossible for me to generate this behavior on my own, I know I can seek the desire, will, and ability from Him. For no command is ever given without His assistance to see it through to completion.

Father, my nature is such that I fight against the thought of preferring others. Help me to be more like You! Amen.

The End of Role Confusion

And the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. Acts 16:14b (NASB)
For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 (NASB)

Nothing happens in our life on a spiritual plane without God’s involvement and interaction. Whether it is in the area of our salvation, as in the case of Lydia, a business woman in the days of the Apostle Paul, or a person living out the Christian life. God does the opening of hearts and the working in hearts. Their part is to respond and cooperate. It is a partnership of profound measure!

Do you know someone who has yet to put their trust in Christ? Start praying Acts 16:14 over their life. While it is imperative that we continue to share biblical truths with them and plant seeds in the soil of their heart, God is the One who causes them to see, receive, and respond to the message of salvation. So your prayer for them on a daily basis can be something like this: God, open _______’s heart to respond to the things I am telling them. The responsibility falls back on God. The dependency is once again placed on God to do the active opening. We are simply the messengers. The seed sowers. May we stop taking on God’s role and learn to live as His co-laborers.

Do you know someone who is a Christian and yet still seems to live without a vital, daily connection to God? They DO all the right things but their spirit, temperament, attitude, conversations, and activities do not stem from a continual, deep relationship with God. Start praying Philippians 2:13 over their life on a daily basis. God, work in ___________ so he will desire and carry out the things that bring You pleasure. Yes, we can encourage and exhort as God leads, but the actual working still comes from God’s touch not ours.

So many of the people and things what we rely on as a catch all for another person’s spiritual needs are merely the tools God can use. He is still the One who does the actual heart work. How necessary it is that we see that and act accordingly. We have a part to play but it is not God’s position.

Father, may I never again confuse my role with Yours when it comes to another person’s salvation or Christianity. I now partner with You! Amen.

A Worthwhile Exchange

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

This passage is not only an extravagant invitation, it is also full of promise! It is not intended to simply be a nice saying on a plaque or inscribed in a card, it is meant to be a life line for our daily lives. God desires for us to take Him up on His invitation and become the recipients of the rest that He offers. And yet, many of us live out our days without experiencing such a profound transaction of coming with burdens and leaving with rest.

I have often had the tendency to seek help, healing, and rest in other sources. Difficulties and problems frequently led me to call or email a friend. I wanted them to give me answers, make me feel better, cheer me up, give me assurance, and fix my life. They were not only my life line but my safety net. And through the years God has graciously allowed me to have such friends. But as long as I continued to turn to them with my tears, questions, and hurts I was stunting my own growth and relationship with my heavenly Father. I was better equipped to hear their voice rather than God’s voice. At the moment it felt better but over time it left me handicapped. This falls short of God’s intent for me!

I am presently facing a battle that involves other people’s hearts. I know things will get harder before they get easier. Last night found me on my knees pleading for wisdom and discernment. Did I have the thought of emailing a wise counselor and asking advice? For a brief moment. But then like a ray of sunshine the thought occurred to me, “I don’t need __________, she really can’t help me. I need You, God.” And today’s passage came to life for me. God and I have work to do but we are finally doing it together! It is His way of maturing my faith, infusing me with confidence in Himself, and nurturing the deepest parts of me. I gladly exchange the burdens for rest!

Father, we were not meant to carry the things that weigh us down. As I slip into the yoke of Your presence this morning may the ramifications astound me! Amen.

Stories That Serve a Purpose

You who are far away, hear what I have done; and you who are near, acknowledge My might. Isaiah 33:13 NASB

I have a friend with whom I could listen to for hours and never tire of her stories. When she speaks I pay close attention to her words because I want to gain insight into her life. I walk away from each conversation knowing more of how God has worked in her life. It restores the hope in me that God is working in my life as well.

God puts a lot of stock in the importance of learning about Him and His work. Whether it is something I hear from His Word, a sermon, a friend, a book, or a song, as I take in the messages my view of God is enlarged. God wants me to be attentive and alert to the things He wants to teach me about Himself. That is one reason we have the wonderful accounts in Scripture recorded for us. His Word is His own testimony of His character as well as His accomplishments. But He did not stop when the last verse was written.

Each of us have stories to tell of how God intersected our world at pivotal moments. Those stories are meant to be shared...whether with one individual or many. Each time I hear of God's mighty work in someone's life, His intent is that I would know the same God is at work in me. When I see Him turn impossible situations to favorable ones in the lives of others, my faith is boosted that there is still hope for my own situation.

But it doesn't stop with hearing about His works. It is then imperative to acknowledge what I've heard. The stories are most affective when I take what I hear, agree with it, and see God's right and authority to act on my behalf. To begin to take notice of what He has done, is doing, and will do in my life, is to begin on a journey of great proportion.

So what are the things I acknowledge about God today? When I hear another's story, what revelation of God will be a result of it? The word acknowledge has the word knowledge in it. This reminds me that I must first be aware of something before I can truly acknowledge it.

Father, my ears are open to hear You today. Your voice will travel through many vehicles to reach me. May I be attentive to all You have to say. Amen.

Separated But Not Apart

For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. Colossians 2:5

Paul was a person who knew how to stay connected with the people of faith. Many of his epistles were written from prison and yet he was able to express a closeness and a love for his fellow believers even though they were separated by many miles. They were in his thoughts, his heart, and his prayers. His joy came from knowing they were growing in their faith and firm in their relationship with God. While he could not be with them in person he could still be with them in spirit and that is one of the most encouraging and beautiful aspects of the Christian life.

I am a very social person. I love getting together with friends over lunch or being in their home for a day or two. The fellowship of believers is something I enjoy immensely. But separation is a difficult thing for me. While God would bring incredible people into my life it seemed I only had their presence for a short time. I often joke with people and say when I get close to a person, God tends to move them out of state! He knows my tendency toward dependency and even idolatry. Relying on Him is easier done when the ones I would cling to are far removed.

How encouraging it is to know that while we are apart from each other, Paul’s words express our sentiments toward each other. This morning, God has used this verse to encourage me. I have several very significant people whom I miss a lot. Sometimes our ability to get together is separated by years! But God is letting me know that what Paul is saying in Colossians 2:5 is the very heart of how we feel toward each other. Former mentors of mine are thinking of me, praying for me, and rejoicing to see God’s work in me. And when they enter my mind it is always cause for rejoicing and thanksgiving for the part they played in my life. I also know that God continues to use them in the lives of others.

So while I long to see them and miss them deeply I am resting in the fact that we still share a closeness and connection. Miles and time may separate our bodies but NOTHING separates our spirit.

Father, You have caused some incredible people to cross my path. The mere thought of them brings me joy. Thank you for our continued togetherness. Amen.

A Change of Relationship

And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach. Colossians 1:21,22

I love the beauty of the word ‘reconciled’ and it is so profound in this verse. It means to be made right, become friends, and brought together. Look at the comparison of words….formerly alienated, hostile, and evil deeds presented holy, blameless, and beyond reproach! Makes me wonder how I could have ever thought of God as tolerating me more than loving me. When a person puts their trust in Christ they enter into a whole new relationship with God. They go from being His enemy to His precious child (Romans 5:10). Where once they were far away from God they are brought near (Ephesians 2:3,12).

Many people are under the assumption that because God created each one of us we automatically are His children….hence the idea of the Fatherhood of God. Not true! Because of Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden we are all born separated from God….alienated if you will. We are foreigners to Him and His ways. Because we were created in His image we may possess some good qualities ….kindness, love, compassion, etc… But there is no relationship with Him. The Bible says we are children of wrath not children of God.

Many people believe they are Christians because they go to church, love their neighbor, or attempt to keep the ten commandments. What they fail to realize is that none of those things make you a Christian. They are commendable things but unable to bring you into right relationship with God. There is only one way to become God’s child and that is by being born into His family. And a person is born into God’s family when he trusts Christ and accepts Him as his Savior. His death on Calvary and subsequent resurrection made it possible for people to be reconciled to God. But they must personally accept Him before that takes place. May we take the opportunities to share that with them.

Father, our reconciliation is a beautiful thing. You drew me near and now call me your daughter. May our Father/daughter relationship continue to be profound. Amen.

A Change of Kingdoms

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. Colossians 1:13

Whether or not we are fully aware of it, much takes place the moment we trust Christ as our Savior and Colossians 1:13 is an explanation for all the change. A couple nights ago I was talking with one of my brothers and in the course of the conversation I was telling him the things that instantly changed in me when I became a Christian. These were things that had not previously been a part of my life. Here are the changes that came to mind: I had an assurance of Heaven, I had a desire to read the Bible, I had an awareness that my sin offended a holy God, I wanted to be in church and fellowship with believers, I had new ambitions and new desires, I was accountable to God, my mindset was different, and I was able to understand spiritual truths. What a change from the way I spent my first 14 years!

At the time, I did not understand I had been taken out from under the authority and rule of Satan and brought into God’s kingdom, rule, and authority. As a matter of fact, I did not even know those two kingdoms existed but they did. Prior to my salvation I was actually living under the philosophy, mindset, and dominion of God’s enemy. I had a blindness and disinterest in anything that pertained to God. I was ruled by my flesh with a strong propensity toward sin. Even though I was created in the image of God I was not displaying that in my actions, words, or thoughts. Although I was not a Satan worshiper per se, I was one of his captives.

But that captivity ended when Christ became my Savior. He not only brought me into His family but He transferred me into His kingdom as well. Under His authority and care I was able to live my life differently. Being in Christ made me a new person and the old way of life gave way to a new way of life. This included a new way of thinking, acting, speaking, and living. It did not mean perfection….that will not be attained until I am in Heaven. It meant a life of progress one step at a time. I have made my share of mistakes along the way, blown it in many ways, and misunderstood countless things. BUT God’s hand has never let go of me, His eye has never been taken off me, and His kingdom has remained my place of residence.

Father, I thrive under Your rule, care, and authority. I am at home with this kingdom life. Thank you for placing me under Your domain. Amen.

From Recipient to Distributor

We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints. Colossians 1:3,4

Can you imagine receiving a letter to your church from a leading evangelist of our day? While he may not have directly started your church, word has gotten back to him about the condition of your church and it was a good report. The church of Colossi was not founded by the Apostle Paul. It was founded by one of Paul’s converts…Epaphras. But that did not stop Paul from taking this church into his heart and bathing it in prayer. Paul wasted no time in thanking God for His work in their life and in giving the assurance of his continued prayers for them. He starts right out rejoicing for their evident faith in Christ and love for one another.

I heard a sermon yesterday that emphasized the importance of encouraging one another. The message illustrated something I have been aware of for quite some time. We need each other. We need to be encouraged and we need to be encouragers. I wrote down one quote that spoke volumes to me, “Spiritual maturity does not mean needing each other less.” While God should be my ultimate source for encouragement He uses many avenues to impart that encouragement to me…..His Word, music, other believers, books, prayer, etc… But lately He is challenging me to be an encourager to others. His intent is that I take what has been so lavishly given to me and now lavish it on others.

I like Paul’s pattern shown in most of his New Testament books. He is thankful to God for others, he is a prayer warrior for others, he emphasizes the good qualities he sees God instilling in them, and with love he addresses areas of concern. Is there someone to whom I can become this kind of encourager? God has graciously given me countless encouragers over the years. Their words still nourish my soul. They were faithful to mentor me and help me cultivate a walk with God. They set a good example for me to follow. May I now invest myself in others.

Father, for decades You have faithfully brought encouragers across my path. How I needed them…and still do. Show me practical ways to become an encourager to someone who needs life giving words spoken to them. I have been the recipient of such words and desire to now be the distributor of them. Amen.

Words He Loves to Hear

Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies, Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; Your judgments are like a great deep, O LORD, You preserve man and beast. How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. Psalm 36:5-7

David was a man who could not say enough good about our God. In this passage alone He eludes to at least seven aspects of God: His loving kindness, His faithfulness, His righteousness, His judgments, His presence, His protection, and His person. The Psalms are filled with many more verbalized lists of who God is, what God is like, and what God does.

It was from the psalmist that I learned God is my rock, my defense, my shelter, my sustainer, my high tower, my shepherd, my comforter, my defender, my strength, my forgiver, my healer, etc…. Our God is not a distant, abstract God. He is personal and passionate about us and wants us to know Him on an intimate level.

This morning as I anticipate tomorrow’s day of Thanksgiving I want to make sure that my prayers of thanksgiving reflect and include the attributes of my God. While I am thankful for freedom, family, possessions, health, and friendships, I am most thankful for God Himself. May I find time amidst family gatherings and travel to slip away with Him and spend some time listing to Him all that I know about Him. May the words not come fast enough as I proclaim the truth of Him and all He means to me. As His intervention and interaction in my life come to mind, may praise fill my lips and tears fill my eyes. Heartfelt acknowledgement of His presence and person fills Him with delight!

So how can I do all of this on a practical level? Here are a few ways: read through some Psalms and slip my name into the verses, list God’s attributes using the alphabet (one for each letter), review the events of my life picturing Jesus in each scene, sing songs of worship back to Him, tell Him my deepest feelings about Him. The list is endless! The practice is powerful! The result will be astounding! May my anticipation for such a meeting build and may I integrate it into my daily life.

Father, while my list will never be complete it will be proclaimed with passion! You are beyond words but I will speak the ones I know. As your child, I delight in You, celebrate You, and acknowledge You. Amen.

With Open Eyes

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. Luke 24:31

I love the story that took place after the resurrection of Jesus. Two people are walking on the road to Emmaus which was about seven miles outside of Jerusalem. They had been witnesses to the crucifixion of Jesus. His death had been unexpected by them and the sorrow profound. While they had heard reports that He had actually risen from the dead they could not embrace it as truth yet. As they talked they were joined by none other than Jesus but they did not realize it was Him. He took the time to listen to them and then began to explain the Scriptures that taught of Him. Still there was no recognition. It wasn’t until they got to the place they were staying and invited this guest to join them for a meal that their eyes were opened. When Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them they recognized Him….then He vanished.

Hearts that once burned with sorrow now exploded with joy and they could not wait to get back to His disciples to share their experience and the truth of His resurrection! I am sure it was a story they would tell countless times to anyone who would listen. Imagine being one of the people who actually saw Jesus after His resurrection! Only His friends and followers had that rare experience. Not one enemy was given the privilege.

Jesus is still in the business of opening eyes today. Each of us who know Him as Savior, came to the point of recognizing who He was after living part of our life unable to see Him. It is a spiritual sight that is profound. Only Christ could open our eyes to the truth of His death and resurrection and then make what He did personal to us by accepting Him as our Savior. Have you ever stopped to think what your life would be like if that had never happened? But it does not stop at salvation. Eye opening experiences to who Jesus is continue to happen to us. The longer I walk with Him the more times I have of recognizing Him in new and profound ways. While He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, my view of Him is what keeps changing and that in turn continues to change me!

Father, at one time I was completely blind to You. Thank you that You continue to improve my vision. I long to see You more clearly each day. Keep opening my eyes to new dimensions of Yourself. Amen.

I CAN Get Up

There the doers of iniquity have fallen; they have been thrust down and cannot rise. Psalm 36:12

Years ago there was a commercial with an elderly woman who is remembered for her desperate statement, “I have fallen and I can’t get up!” Have you ever felt like that? I certainly have. Psalm 36:12 can be placed over the lives of many people. Pride, wickedness, and a refusal to turn to God can send them on a spiraling lifestyle where there is no recovery. How sad!
I am encouraged this morning because while there may be times that I fall and am thrust down, as a child of God I CAN rise. If I sin I can find forgiveness. If I am discouraged I can be encouraged. If my emotions have run amuck I can be strengthened once again. How? By coming to my father in humility and honesty and allowing Him to lift me up.

The Christian life is meant to be more than behavior modification and positive thinking. Those two things can pretty much be produced on our own. But it takes the Word of God and His Spirit in me to do a work that literally changes the way I think, act, and speak. It is not just an outward makeover. It is a complete overhaul! The things I change on my own result in temporary fixes at best. When God does the changing it lasts!

So I am asking myself this morning, what are the steps I must take and what is it that God does? Here is what I have learned so far:

I must come before Him in honesty. No more hiding. No more pretending I don’t have the thoughts and feelings that I have. He knows me thoroughly. Confession and repentance may be the first words out of my mouth. After that it may just be a time of admitting what is going on in my heart.
I must take time to listen to God’s response back to me. Many times it will be in recalling Scripture I have committed to memory. God’s Word has much to say about God’s thoughts toward me and how He longs for me to see myself.

Many times God will use these two things to transform my thinking and establish growth and change that is lasting.

Father, thank you for the many times you lift me up when I have fallen. Your hands hold me firmly as I continue on this journey with You. Amen.

Accepting the Gifts

Every good gift and every prefect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17

I just finished reading today’s selection from Our Daily Bread and my mind is swimming with the gifts God desired to give me for many years but I did not know how to reach out my hand and accept them. While I was able to receive the gift of salvation at the age of 14, it took decades to realize other intended gifts God had for me. Three gifts are coming to mind that I now possess. They are the gift of fellowship that crosses over denominational lines, the gift of reading various versions of the Bible, and the gift of listening to Christian music that ministers deeply to me. I have reveled in the joy of these gifts for nearly three years now. What took me so long?!

The answer lies in two sources. For one, I did not know God was offering me the gifts. I had so cloaked myself in the garments of separation that they were not even an option for me. But I was also taught these were counterfeits of God’s actual will and I felt if I embraced them I must be backsliding. I felt like the person who possessed a ticket to an amusement park. The ticket permitted me to ride any ride I wanted, but I did not have the luxury of doing that. I was limited to the rides of other people’s choices. I was also like the person who purchases a television set but allows the salesman to program the remote to his favorite channels. I had completely missed the heart of Paul’s themes which express the ability to take our instructions from God. I was not able to look to God for direction in how to live my individual Christian life. And I was miserable!

What finally helped me to see the truth? God brought genuine Christians across my path that radiated with a love for Christ and they were free! Free to enjoy the gifts God offered. I hungered to live my Christian life in the same way. My new found desire allowed me to finally reach out my hands and receive multiple gifts God joyfully gave me. And what I have come to realize is that it is not a matter of whether or not I align myself with the boundaries, rules, and limitations others would seek to imprison me with but rather whether or not I allow God to design my walk with Him.

Father, You have been so patient in waiting for me to accept what You have been offering me all along. Thank you! Amen.

He Is Not Finished

May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB

I find that my personal struggles center more in my thoughts and mindsets than in any other area of my life. No wonder Jesus so clearly stated, “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.” I have spent a life time gathering information and yet the bottom line still comes down to what I believe in the very depths of my heart. I have come to the place where I can now divide my thought patterns into three categories….what I believe about God, what I believe about myself, and what I believe about other people. For some people they would have other categories but these are mine.

Three years ago God began to help me see where my thoughts were untrue about Himself. He has led me on a progressive journey with Himself to help me come to know Him, His character, His heart, and His ways in a manner that is encouraging and precious. I do not view Him in the same way as I did for decades. Along with that journey He has begun to help me clear up some thinking pertaining to myself. This involves finding the root causes for self-condemnation, shame, and self-loathing. It has never been His intent that I would see myself any differently than He sees me. Although I don’t fully have these two areas transformed, He has also begun to help me examine my view of others.

This part is difficult because I am so use to interpreting other people’s words, actions, and absence through the grid of my own perceptions. The more significant the person the more condemning my thoughts seem to be. Again, He will begin to reveal to me the root causes for these mindsets. Relational issues can have us in as strong a bondage as any drug. Am I free yet? No. Will I be? Absolutely! Because He has promised to finish what He starts in my life.
I do not have to succumb to the thoughts that things will never change, life will never look different. Our God is interested in my progress, freedom, and change. He is my biggest cheerleader and source of transformation. And He is most certainly the One directing my heart toward Himself.

Father, You know where I still need freedom. If it were left up to me I wouldn’t have the strength or ability to free myself. I once again look to You to do Your work in me. Amen.

Exchanging the Garments

I rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10

I look at this verse and it is a wonderful reminder to me of what takes place the moment we accept Christ as our Savior and are born into God’s family. Instantaneously, we receive all the luxuries of being God’s child. The day I trusted Christ, He changed my identity, my destiny, and my relationship to Himself. That was completed and unalterable. Yet I have learned He still has much to do in my internal world.

He has spent the past three decades helping me to see the areas in my life that need His healing touch. The longer I know Him the deeper He goes, the more profound His measures, and the more radical the freedom. What many times may start out as steps of fear and timidity eventually become the places in which I learn to dance! While I may cringe at the process I come to cherish the transformation.

This is exactly what took place for me this past weekend while visiting some friends in Wisconsin. God had been bringing me to a place of opening up an area embedded in my memory from early childhood. It wasn’t a repressed memory by any means. It was something I was totally aware of for the last 44 years. The incident left me frozen and unable to voice its existence. God had let me know that when this event had taken place a robe of innocence was taken from me and it was replaced by a garment of shame. In order to exchange the garments I had to expose the secret. Over the course of a three day visit I found myself in a safe haven. Safe enough to finally open up and verbalize to my friend what had taken place. She listened without condemnation and then voiced the words I needed to hear, “That shouldn’t have happened to you. It wasn’t right!” We had a precious time of prayer and then took a piece of paper with the perpetrator’s name on it over to a paper shredder to finalize the closure. Finally, that little child in me was able to exchange the garment of shame for God’s intended garment of innocence. Thus ended a 44 year internal world of turmoil. I now embrace a freedom of great proportion!

Father, You saw the first exchange when I was just four years old. You then wept for me as I wore the wrong garments for all these years. It is with joy I now don the robe You have given back to me. Amen.

*****I share this with you in order to help someone who might also be haunted by memories of shame in their own life. For some people they can simply take it to God and come away whole. For me, I needed to get the secret out. If that is you, ask God to lead you to a person equipped to listen and handle what is to be exposed. Preferably someone who has had some training. This person’s role is to allow you to speak what has been painful. Then they can tell you what you need to hear….it was wrong for someone to do that to you. Please don’t continue to wear garments that were never intended for you.

Tracing My Roots

You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of knowing from whom you have learned them. 2 Timothy 3:14

Paul knew that the roots of Timothy’s faith could be traced back to his mother and grandmother. What a godly heritage this young man had! Have you ever taken the time to review your own history of faith? If you did, from where would your roots extend?

I was not brought up in a Christian home. My early religious training of any kind came from my mother who was a Jehovah’s Witness for the first ten years of my life…..not counting my infant baptism in a Methodist church. It was from her I learned that God created the world and Adam and Eve were the first two people He created. That was the extent of my Bible knowledge but I am thankful today for those tiny seeds.

At the age of fourteen, I came to know Christ as my personal savior and God began to bring into my life a long line of individuals who had a tremendous influence on me and helped me to develop a walk with God that continues into my late 40’s. I can never review this precious list of individuals without seeing the faces of Bob and Martha Robinson…my first pastor and wife as well as youth directors. God allowed me to sit under their ministry for 9 months until He called them to the mission field of Guatemala. They not only taught me the beginning building blocks of my faith, they lived out the Christian life in front of me and served as an example I desired to follow. They were the first of many to take me under their wings and nurture my young faith.

Over the course of the next 30 some years the list grew to include Sharon, Barb, Mary Lou, Nancy, Velda, and Christine. God’s intent was that I not only learn from them but that I would one day enjoy a rich life with Him as my Mentor and Guide. Having made that transition, He is now calling and equipping me to invest myself in the lives of others. What I have been taught and what I am learning is meant to be passed on to others. What a joy and delight! Whether it is through email devotionals or one on one ministry, I take my role seriously and always under the watchful eye of my Father.

Father, You had this planned all along. Although I do not know the full extent of Your call I revel in what You are doing so far. Amen.

Finding the Least Among You

Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me. Matthew 25:40

In a Sunday School class I attend, the question was asked, “Have you ever been an enemy of God?” Instantly, people’s minds went to individuals who opposed the Bible, hated God, and persecuted Christians. With that image in their mind the answer to the question was, “No.” I too was thinking along the same line until God nudged me and brought this verse to mind. God wanted me to realize that my treatment toward others IS my treatment toward Him. If I have ever treated someone as my enemy then I have treated God as my enemy. In light of that, I would have to say there have been times when I was an enemy of God. Ouch!!!! I shared the thought with the class and you could see the light bulbs coming on for them.

Jesus is wanting each of us to realize the way we interact with Him and the way we interact with the people in our life cannot be separated. They are so closely tied together that He says when you do one you do the other…automatically. This point is driven home even deeper in I John 4:20 when it says, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” There is no mistake. What I do for others and how I treat them is noticed by God, important to God, and directed toward God.

As I begin to digest this truth a phrase from the verse stands out as well…..”even the least of these.” I find it easy to treat well the ones I love, admire, and respect. But today’s passage (Matthew 25:35-40) gives me a list of people to consider that I might otherwise not see. The hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned. In other words, the ones who have very little in the way of this life’s goods. They stand among us but are not seen by us. Am I willing to ask God to open my eyes to the ones in the most need of my attention and help? Jesus invites me to love Him by showing love to them.

Father, help me to see ‘the least among us’ today. What I say to them I will be saying to You. What I give to them I will be giving to You. What I think of them I will be thinking of You. May I never again separate those You created in Your image from You as their Creator. Amen.

My Power Source

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1

It often amazes me that while I entered the Christian life fully aware that I could do nothing to save myself, I so quickly began living the Christian life out of a mindset that said I need to muster up my own strength to live in victory and bring pleasure to God. The Christian life for me became a chore of changing my outward behavior hoping it would somehow work its way into a changed heart. Although I knew Christ as my savior, I spent the first three decades embracing the religion of Christianity rather than developing a close, personal relationship with Christ. I was more comfortable conforming to the expectations of others than being conformed to the image of God.

The result? I was living my Christian life out of duty instead of delight. I was daily weighed down with self condemnation, worthlessness, negative thinking, and failure. I had resigned myself to the belief that it probably would not get any better. I was in a hopeless cycle of trying to do something I was not capable of doing. I struggled to admit any of this to myself let alone other individuals.

This morning I look at Paul’s words to Timothy in a different light. To be strong in the grace of God means I live dependent on God and cooperate with God. I realize that there is no strength in myself to do anything God calls me to do. He is not expecting me to perform for Him apart from His presence, His power, and His provision. He enables me to do what He causes me to desire to do. It is no longer on my shoulders to do it all!

So what is it He empowers me to do? Get into His Word each morning and apply the truths He shows me. Look to Him as my Source for EVERYTHING. Cultivate a deep, intimate walk with Him. Live my life out of the benefits that come from being in relationship with Him. Know that lasting change will only come as I link my mind with His and move forward arm in arm with the Creator of the universe.

Father, You never meant for me to live independent of You. I did not know that. How much better it is to find my strength in You. Amen.

Seeing a Soul Set Free

Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper; the snare is broken and we have escaped. Psalm 124:7

Have you ever known someone who is in bondage of one form or another? Maybe it is a habit, a mindset, a stronghold, an addiction, or a generational bent. Internally, they are held captive to forces that seem to work against them. They rise each day under a cloud of oppression, suspicion, and hopelessness. They long for freedom from the thoughts, feelings, and emotions. What a beautiful picture the psalmist gives us as to what is possible in Christ.

I have recently watched a special person in my life experience the freedom from such entrapment by the enemy. His world had become dark in the midst of trying circumstances. Feeling like his life was under the control of anyone but himself, the enemy took advantage of his situation and entrapped him with bitterness, negativity, hopelessness, and fear. His mindset was such that it darkened his world to the point that he was unable to see God’s hand in his life, any good things that were happening, and any reason to joy in life. It affected every area of his life and there did not seem to be an end in sight for even the slightest deliverance. His circular reasoning always seemed to send him spiraling down into a pit of despair.

What a joy it has been in the last couple of days to see his soul set free! His freedom from entrapment came as he saw that his problems did not lie in his circumstances but rather in his thought patterns. He had become so use to believing the lies of the enemy that he was missing the key to freedom. What is the key? Truth! Truth about God, truth about himself, and truth about his life. It has been in grabbing hold of Scripture and biblical principles that he has been able to wield a sword against the lies. He discovered he has a choice as to what he will fix his mind on.

He is learning the power of simply saying, “I am not going there” when wrong thinking comes his way. He is testing his thoughts through the grid of truth. And the result is astounding. Although his circumstances have not changed, his eyes now dance with life, his voice reflects truth and peace, and his entire demeanor has been transformed. I delight in the privilege of seeing this miracle unfold right in front of my eyes!

Father, the Truth really does set us free! May others discover life outside the entrapments and snares of the enemy. Amen.

Rethinking What It Means to Serve

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Psalm 100:2

Many will look at Psalm 100:2 and instantly think of their role in the local church. I often have! But when I stop to realize my time spent in church constitutes a mere six hours in a week (at most) I must conclude that most of my service to the Lord will be done outside the walls of my church. How will I view and occupy the other 163 hours in my week? Some will be spent in my home, at my place of employment, at stores, traveling in my vehicle, etc… How am I doing at the tasks God gives me each day?

It changes my perspective greatly when I realize that everything I do can be done for God. It helps when I am doing something to envision Jesus Himself standing by me and saying, “Will you do this for Me?” Often times, my whole attitude and enthusiasm is changed depending on who is making the request. If it is someone I love, admire, and enjoy I am thrilled to be at their every beck and call. If it is someone I have little regard for I may respond less enthusiastically. I might even perform the task half heartedly, hesitantly, or with a bothered spirit.

Recently God has been showing me the value of doing something with the same attitude and willingness that I would have if He were the one requesting it or a dear friend were requesting it. That becomes the standard by which He interprets my service. Anything less is not pleasing to Him…..it is not serving Him with gladness.

So I head into today asking myself how I will do throughout my day. How will I view the jobs I am asked to do that don’t appeal to me or that no one else wants to do? How will I serve the person I hesitate to fully love? How will I respond at times when doing something interferes or interrupts my task at hand? May I desire to serve the Lord with gladness! When done for Him, no job can be called mundane, menial, or meaningless.

May the people I come into contact with today be the recipients of service done out of love and empowered by the Spirit of God. Former students of mine use to enthusiastically raise their hands when asked if someone would like to do ___________. May I be THAT willing, THAT excited, and THAT desirous to accept God’s assignments.

Father, empower me to not only serve You today but to serve You with gladness. Amen.

Unable To Do It Ourselves

And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” Matthew 19:16

Ask any number of people how to get to Heaven and the answers will be varied. Some would say to live a good life….keep the ten commandments. Here are some thoughts I have heard from people. Join a church, be baptized, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, live in such a way that your good outweighs your sin, pray, give your money to a church, read your Bible, sacrifice things in your life. We are a society of self sufficiency. We see life as pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps and working toward success. It is in our nature to live independent of God and His ways.

But what is wrong with thinking we can do something good enough to earn a place in Heaven? The premise is wrong! For one, a person’s view of God is such that they think He is saying, “Heaven is a wonderful place and you must do something to impress me enough to let you come here.” They think they must EARN a place there. By hard work and good deeds they hope they have given God enough reason to let them in.

Another problem is they have a wrong view of themselves. They think they are capable of doing enough to get them into Heaven. That maybe if they haven’t lived a horribly sinful life or committed a heinous crime they stand a good chance of getting in on their own merit. They may see the good life of an individual and assume those actions are what make Heaven a possibility for them. They feel they have tried their best and surely that will be good enough for God.
Allow me to address the first thought pattern. God offers Heaven as a free gift! He knows we could not produce enough good in our life to obtain it for ourselves. The Bible says we are saved by grace, not by works, because if it were by works we would spend eternity bragging on ourselves. It also says that all our righteousness (good deeds) are like filthy rags. No one will be in Heaven because of their own goodness. Jesus’ death and resurrection paid the price for our way to Heaven. If it could be earned, He would not have come in the first place.

Secondly, the idea that my good cancels out my sin is like saying, “All the times I drove at the speed limit should impress the judge enough to do away with my speeding ticket.” Or “All the times I have paid for items should cause the policeman to simply ignore the one time I shoplift.” How absurd! If this world does not operate on such a premise, what makes us think God does?
Yes, there is a Heaven and yes there is a way to get there. It is through Jesus.

Father, if it were up to any one of us to get ourselves to Heaven we would fail. It is not a matter of our good versus our bad. It is a matter of accepting Your offer of salvation as a free gift. Once that is done, may we live out the rest of our days here for Your honor and glory. Amen.

My Ultimate Helper

My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2

I love Scripture that reminds me of who God is and what God is in relationship to my life. Psalm 121 gives me four aspects of God that are encouraging and refreshing to read. He is my Helper, my Keeper, my Protector, and my Guard. Talk about feeling surrounded and safe!!!! As His child, some of my most basic needs are to be loved, cared for, nurtured, and wanted. If I am seeking to get those needs met independent of God I am in for disappointment, heartache, and sorrow.

To think that the One who comes to my aid is the One who created heaven and earth. Anything I bring to Him shrinks in comparison to the magnitude of His creation. I often jokingly will tell someone, “Yes, God divided the Red Sea, brought water out of the rock, raised the dead, defeated vast armies, and much more…..but what I am bringing to Him is a BIG problem.” Laughter erupts because of the absurdity of such a statement!

Isn’t it interesting how certain individuals can come to our aid and just their presence relieves us? For instance, seeing a fireman when there is a fire, seeing a policeman when a crime is about to be committed against us, seeing a soldier (from YOUR nation) when the enemy has moved in? Those are just a few examples but none of them can compare with the presence of God in ones life. His attributes of being all-present, all-power, and all-knowing put Him far above any human source of help.

I am coming to realize that His help (while always available) does not mean life will automatically go my way, that dangers will disappear, or that heartache will cease. But when I go through a storm or a valley He is able to preserve my soul and spirit. Though my outward life may be filled with difficulties, He is able to bring peace and safety to my internal world. It does not mean there will be no tears. It means I will be able to shed those tears on His shoulders and in His arms.

I long to live in a perfect world with perfect people and perfect situations….but that is Heaven. While I am living my days out here, I am learning to take refuge under the shadow of His wings.

Father, Your many invitations to come to You show me where to turn throughout my day. As my helper, keeper, protector, and guard, You quiet my heart amidst any difficulty. May I always rest in You. Amen.

Hindrances to Imitation

Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you? Matthew 18:33

Have you ever found it difficult to forgive an individual for an offense you had against them? What if someone owed you a certain amount of money and you knew there was no way they could ever repay you? What if someone did something to you that caused wounds and years of pain to you? Sometimes we are able to handle forgiving small offenses but the bigger the offense the harder it tends to be to forgive them. Why is that? Why is it that we hold so tightly to bitterness, unforgiveness, and revenge?

Part of the answer lies in the fact that we have a misunderstanding of what forgiveness is and what it isn’t. We are holding off the forgiveness and holding on to the grudge because of what we think it will mean if we actually let go. Let me give you just two misconceptions we often have. Forgiveness says that what that person did was okay and forgiveness says there are no consequences to that person. If this is you and it is causing you to bind yourself in bitterness allow me to mention a resource that may be helpful. Christine Wyrtzen speaks on this subject of forgiveness and has a CD entitled LONG LIVE THE KING. It can be ordered by going to her website, http://www.daughtersofpromise.org/. She offers a wealth of information that will help you get started on the road to forgiveness.

But along with that I would encourage you to take the time to read Matthew 18:21-35. It is the gripping account of someone who was extravagantly forgiven but chose to continue to walk in unforgiveness toward another person. It contrasts the heart of God with a heart of ingratitude and coldness. It is such a striking story because it causes me to see myself when I can receive something from God and yet refuse to display the same attitude and action toward another individual.

God’s intent is not that we would simply be the recipient of His love, mercy, grace, patience, and forgiveness but that we would be extravagant in showing those things to others. This is only possible as we see what He has done for us and then ask Him to empower us to do the same.

Father, You have shown me Your heart innumerable times through your acts toward me. Create in me a heart like Yours. Reveal to me my walls of resistance for imitating You to others. Amen.

It Took a Second Touch

Then again He laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. Mark 8:25

A blind man is brought to Jesus for healing. Jesus takes him by the hand, leads him out of the city, spits in his eyes, lays His hands on Him, and then asks him what he can see (Mark 8:22-25). After reading many accounts of instantaneous healings, one would expect perfect 20/20 vision. But this man’s vision was still with distortions. Jesus then lays His hands on his eyes a second time and he is then able to see everything clearly. The uniqueness of this second touch miracle has gotten my attention this morning.

I am near-sighted. Actually, I would be considered legally blind without the use of contacts or glasses. To read a book without my aids would require holding it just inches from my face. For all practical purposes I could not function outside my home if left on my own to see. And yet for years I lived with a type of blindness that was worse….spiritual blindness.

I knew Christ as Savior but failed to see so much truth about Him. My view was distorted and it caused me to live my Christian life in the dark so to speak. In the spring of 2004 God touched my spiritual eyes and I began to see things about Himself that I had never seen before. I have spent the past couple of years taking in truth that has revolutionized my life, my thinking, and my person. But God knew my “healing” was not complete. There were still some distortions. He knew that while I was taking in truth and it was filling me with excitement and passion for Him, I was still not fully taking it in. Learning truth and embracing truth are two different things. I was still living my life with a lot of mental assent.

What God had to do was show me some reasons for some core beliefs I was still holding to. As soon as I could admit to Him and myself my own continued blindness He opened my eyes fully! And all the truth I have been taking in is now sinking in! I am living with a freedom I never knew before. It is changing everything for me. With joy I spend my days going, “OH! Now I see!” Praise Him!

Father, I thought my vision had been corrected, but my healing was not complete. The fog has been lifted and the focus is clear. Thank You for a second touch that has made all the difference in the world to me! Amen.

The Power of Persistent Prayers

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once. Matthew 15:28

There is much I still don’t understand about prayer. But what I am learning is precious. It is meant to be a dialogue between my Father and me… not a one sided conversation where I do all the talking. The answers to my prayers are determined by my faith as well as by God’s sovereignty and wisdom. But most recently I am learning that prayer really can stir the heart of God and bring Him to the point of action. Many times God will not move until someone prays.

This was the case with a woman who spoke to Jesus (Matthew 15:21-28). She was not a Jew. She came to Him on behalf of her daughter who was demon possessed. She wanted healing for her daughter and her dialogue with Jesus is fascinating. This is a persistent woman. She presses past Jesus’ silence and first spoken words. She reminds me that many times what appears to be the final answer is really an invitation to keep asking. If she had walked away after the first exchange or even the second exchange her daughter would have remained in her possessed state. But because of her determination she touched the heart of God and Jesus gave her what she desired. Her daughter was healed.

This woman had a view of prayer that I want to see in my own life. God is showing me that often times my view of Him can hinder me from having a powerful and effective prayer life. Do I see Him as a God of love who desires to be extravagant with me or do I see Him as stingy and cold? Do I know in my head that all things are possible and yet resign myself to the feelings that He just doesn’t want to act on my behalf? Am I more inclined to pray safe prayers that I know He’ll say yes to or will I dare to risk and ask Him to do the impossible? Am I expecting to hear “no” more often than “yes?” Have I even begun to take Him up on His invitation to approach Him at any time for any reason?

Persistent and passionate in prayer? May God not only show me my true view of prayer but may He radically transform my personal prayer life.

Father, I have so much to learn when it comes to prayer. May it not be so complicated I grow discouraged and may it not be so hit and miss that I see little results. Help me to come to You with boldness, sincerity, and trust. Teach me! Amen.

From Faith to Fear and Back Again

But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:30,31

Circumstances have a way of overpowering our ability to trust. What we see with our physical eyes and experience in our day to day living can wreak havoc with our walk of faith. But more so is the power of our interpretation of what things mean in our life. It is the entrance of “possibilities” that can open the door to fear and slam shut the door of faith. After all, Peter stepped out of his boat and on to the water in the midst of a storm and in the presence of Jesus. Neither of those things had changed when he was moved from faith to fear. It takes mere seconds for our mind to go from strong faith to extreme fear. If we do not come against the fear it will take over and we will find ourselves sinking in the midst of a storm.

For each of us the “wind” that we see and become frightened over can take on many different forms. It may be the opinions of others as they question what we are doing. Their look of disdain and verbalized negative responses can be like hurricanes to our soul. It may be a medical diagnosis that changes the entire scope of our life. It may be the loss or change of a job that causes the fear of financial instability to blow us over or take us under. The unknown and what ifs of this life are gales that continually blow for each of us.

We would do well to allow Jesus to ask us the same question He asked Peter, “Why did you doubt?’ Or in a more present sense, in the midst of the storm and the grip of fear the question might be, “Why are you doubting?” What is it that has suddenly obscured my vision and opinion of Jesus? What looks more powerful to me than Him at the moment?

The answer to the fear is always to reclaim and proclaim the truth of who God is and what God can do. When the enemy tries to tell me that He will abandon me, neglect me, or leave me on my own, I must fire back at him what I know to be true. Regardless of what I see and how I feel.

Father, it is easy to doubt You because of the hardships in life. Help me to constantly review the truth of Your power, character, and presence. Amen.

Faith Amidst Tears

Therefore comfort one another with these words. I Thessalonians 4:18

Well known Bible teacher, author, and speaker, Beth Moore had a statement that has stuck with me ever since I read it. She made it a point to say that our faith needs to be built on who God is rather than what God does. Her explanation was that if it is built on what God does we will be in for a roller coaster ride of a Christian life when God does not respond and act the way we want Him to act. Whereas when it is built on who He is, that never changes and we have something to hold to that is solid.

It was that reminder and truth that I took with me as I drove to a local hospital to visit a friend earlier this morning. There are times when we face the difficulties and heartaches of life and know that God alone is the One who will comfort in ways we cannot. After battling some years of infertility and finally becoming pregnant with twins, my dear friend called this morning to let me know she had lost the girl twin at 20 weeks. As I drove to the hospital my mind raced for answers only to be reminded that my faith must be built on who God is! I cannot describe for you what it is like to step into a hospital room with a young couple filled with grief and yet holding tightly to their genuine faith in God. Just a few feet from her bed was little Haley no bigger than my hand yet fully developed! As I rested my hand on her little body I had to remind myself that God now held her spirit.

God alone helps us to minister to people when we find ourselves in situations with which we cannot relate having never been through their particular ordeal. He faithfully and gently nudged me to share two truths with her. First of all, I let her know her grief, tears, and questioning were not an insult to God. They were emotions He understood and did not want her to shut down that part of the experience. She has much to process in all of this as well as a continued pregnancy with little Jacob. May she know His shoulder is available for her tears and sorrow.
Second, I reminded her that we can trust who God is even when He doesn’t answer our prayers in the way we had hoped. We may never know the “why” but we can rest in the fact that He is still a good, loving, and faithful God. At this time, God holds my friend, her husband, and their unborn son securely in His hands.

Father, tears are to be expected at this time and trust in You is what will see us through! You are who You say You are! In that we rest. Amen.

Staying In or Getting Out?

And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matthew 14:29

Have you ever had a “climb out of the boat and walk on the water” experience with Jesus before? I believe God brings His children to specific times in their life when this is exactly what He wants them to do. I look back at countless Bible characters and time and time again God is calling them out of their comfort zones and sedentary lives to learn to walk by faith arm and arm with Him. That is what I see when I read the accounts of Moses, Abraham, Daniel, David, Paul, Esther, Ruth, Mary Magdalene, and His disciples. Each one was called to leave what they could see with their physical eyes in order to live by spiritual sight.

For me it was a slow realization but I can look back and point to the exact moment when I took my first step out of my “boat” and dared to put my foot on the “water.” I had come face to face with an issue that had remained unsettled in me for decades….music! My beliefs were such that I had to stay in line with what others said was the “right” music to listen to. I remember the night I asked God to give me the freedom to listen to the music that ministers to me. I was in the guestroom of my grandmother’s home. It took two hours of prayer and many tears but when it was over God handed me the freedom I longed for and that He longed to give to me. It not only opened up a whole new world of music to me but it opened up a whole new relationship for me with God.

It was not so much about the music. That is an area of preference. It had more to do with realizing I needed to live my Christian life according to God’s voice, God’s opinion, and God’s Word rather than what other people were telling me. Finding my security in the beliefs of others is no way to live. I had spent years watching people and listening to them. I had the art of conformity down pat. But internally I was dieing a slow death. My relationship with God was weak, empty, and distant.

Something was awakened in me when I dared to step away from my safety nets of human opinion and really search for God’s hand. Scary? Yes! Risky? Absolutely! And yet necessary! I cannot imagine living any other way.

Father, there is so much more You want to show me. May I not hesitate to let go of anything that keeps me from knowing and following You. Amen.

An Outrageous Walk of Faith

Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Matthew 14:28

Asking Jesus to do something extravagant is one thing, but asking Him to COMMAND you to do something outrageous is quite another! Peter was a risk taker and although his mouth could get him into some interesting predicaments I admire his spirit of adventure. I see him as the “bungee jumper” of the group. Consider the scene with me.

It had been a long day. They had just spent a good part of the day with over 5,000 people. Healings had taken place and then a boy’s lunch of bread and fish had fed them all…with twelve baskets left over. Jesus had the disciples get into a boat while He sent the crowds away and then went to a secluded place to pray and night fell. A storm arose as the disciples crossed the body of water. Somewhere between 3:00 and 6:00 in the morning Jesus comes to them walking on the water. Their first thought upon seeing him is that it is a ghost. Exhausted, fearful, and anxious they cry out. He gives them words of assurance as He says, “Do not be afraid. It is I.” While those words may have put the other disciples at peace, Peter makes his bold statement and requests that Jesus commands him to come to Him on the water.

This command would require Peter to step out of the safety of his boat….a comfort zone. It would require him to do the impossible….walk on water. Amidst the crash of waves and howling of the wind, Peter has one thing in mind…..do what Jesus is doing! He knows that when Jesus commands him to do something He will provide the ability to do it. Given his present circumstance, Peter chooses the most extravagant thing he could come up with. It showcases a “walk by faith and not by sight” event!

I want to live like Peter! I want to be so caught up with who God is that I dare to jump off cliffs of comfort, make my way out on to some skinny limbs, step out of boxes that confine me and stifle my growth, and just ask God to command me to do something that exceeds the norm. People will not always understand but God delights in such things!

Father, take away any reluctance on my part to live uninhibited with You. Call me to Yourself and command me to do what is impossible to do without Your help. Amen.

Hindrances and Opportunities

And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58

Have you ever been misjudged because of your background, family ties, or family history? Do you have people in your life who have a preconceived idea about you and nothing you say or do will change their thinking? They are convinced they know you through and through and are not about to let you persuade them otherwise. Be assured, Jesus understands because He faced the same thing among the people of His home town. While they were astonished and amazed at the miracles He had performed in other places and the wisdom He displayed in His teaching, they could not come to embrace the truth about Him. To them, Jesus was one of them, from a family who lived among them. To see Him as anything different, and especially to see Him as God come in the flesh, was offensive to them. What they saw and heard astounded them but what they THOUGHT hindered them from belief in Him. And that unbelief became the hindrance for any miracles being performed there. Oh, what they missed out on because of their ability to wrap themselves up in their own mindsets.

Some of you know what it is like to witness to family members and they stand in unbelief because they grew up with you. Their familiarity with you hinders them from hearing the message you desire to share. Don’t give up! Pray for their hearts to become receptive and their minds to open up. God has a way of working behind the scenes of their lives. Also pray that someone of influence in their life will step forward with boldness and share the gospel with them. For many of us, we will not be the ones to actually lead them to a saving knowledge of Christ. But we can know that God will use someone!

At the same time, we must realize that we are that “someone” in another person’s life. They have loved ones praying a bold witness would speak to them. We each come in contact with people on a daily basis. God has strategically placed us in our neighborhoods and workplaces. May we pray for opportunities to share Christ with them and then may we go in His power and might to take the opportunities as they come.

Father, I know You. Others in my life and sphere of influence do not know You. Today as the opportunity opens up help me to freely share Jesus with them….by my life, my actions, and my words. Amen.

When Unshakable Faith is Shaken

And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me. Matthew 11:6

Trials and difficulties have a way of revealing our true beliefs and also of clouding our view. I find it interesting that John the Baptist spent years preaching in the wilderness and baptizing in the waters of the Jordan River. He was the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” It was his mission to prepare people for the entrance of Jesus. He had no trouble standing up against the religious and government officials of his day. He had a job to do and he did it. Whether people accepted his message or not, he spoke the truth. He also had no trouble pointing out who Jesus was. When he saw Jesus approaching him, he proclaimed with strong conviction, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” His certainty was unshakable!

And yet later on, John is in prison and sending his own disciples to Jesus with one question. “Are you the one we are looking for or should we look for another.” I sense weariness in his question along with discouragement, confusion, and a faltering faith. It could be that John’s life did not turn out the way he thought it would. Maybe he thought he would be that voice crying in the wilderness and eventually just fade into the background. When the circumstances changed he needed reassurance that he had been on the right track all along.

When Jesus talked about not taking offense at Him, He was not only referring to being bothered or upset. He was also talking about not getting tripped up. He knows it is in our nature to second-guess ourselves, get disheartened, and lose sight of Him in the midst of trials and testings. If John the Baptist needed the reminders and encouragement, we surely do as well. It is too easy to experience the discomforts of life and the disapproval of people and come away with the wrong view of God and ourselves. Like John, there are times we need to refocus and renew our minds. Over the weekend I sought out the encouragement of a handful of people. They heard the doubts and fears behind my questions and they were faithful to help me see clearly what had become clouded. I thank God for each one of them. This morning I rejoice in my God once again! While my situation has not changed, what I am focusing on has!

Father, it is when I understand the least that I need You the most. I hold Your hand tighter because only You can see what is ahead. Amen.