Asking For and Accepting His Help

That He may incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, which He commanded our Fathers. I Kings 8:58 NKJV

What is it that lacks in your Christian life? What is it that you find hard to admit to yourself, others, and God? Many times the commands of God can appear to be a daunting list that leave us feeling more like failures than conquerors. Bombarded with thoughts of disappointing God, falling short of unattainable goals, and just plain not good enough the enemy of our soul sets in and paints an even darker picture over our life.

I take comfort in Solomon’s words as he spoke a blessing over the children of Israel. His request becomes my request and somehow gives me permission to begin asking God for those things I long to be a part of my life. Rather than daunting, God’s commands can actually become a prayer list for me as I admit to inability and ask for God’s help. I am not meant to live my Christian life out of self motivation, self reformation, and self determination. For if that is what I am doing I have once again allowed the tentacles of legalism and performance to wrap themselves around me. God has a better way!

This morning I bring my list of needs to God. I realize once again if He does not do these things in my life I do not stand a chance. How freeing it is to stand before Him with open heart, outstretched arms, and spoken requests. What use to be a secret hidden away in the depths of my heart now becomes transparent before Him. I bow to Him and humbly ask Him to…


*Incline my heart toward Himself.
*Give me a love for Him that surpasses all other loves of my life.
*Help me to seek Him with all my heart.
*Be the longing and desire of my heart.
*Be the primary topic of my conversations.
*Make prayer appealing to me.
*Satisfy and fill me.
*Loosen the grip and appeal of idols.
*Be enough!

Father, this list is not complete but it is a start. Thank you that all You require from me You are willing to help me to do. I need You. Amen.

How Does He Do That?

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to the multitude of Your tender mercy and loving-kindness blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1 NASB

What is it that often stops us from coming to God in the same way that David came to Him as recorded in Psalm 51? I read through that Psalm this morning and was struck by David’s way of approaching God with his sin. This particular Psalm followed his commitment of adultery, murder, and hiding. And yet David came to God with such childlike appeal. He based his forgiveness on God’s love, mercy, and kindness. No excuses, no blaming, no camouflaging, and no doubt of the outcome.

I wonder why confession of sin and receiving of forgiveness seems so difficult at times for me. As I have brought that question to God, He has begun to reveal the obstacles that get in the way of me personalizing Psalm 51. How He longs for me to see the lies I have owned. How He desires to clear away the distortions of Himself. Here is what He has been sharing with me.

I easily walk in shame over sin. I look back over a trail of sin behind me and think I must first make things right before God is willing to fully forgive me. It is like being given a teaspoon to begin transporting a mile high sand dune. Sin I committed after becoming a Christian haunts me more than sin committed before salvation. There seems to be less of an excuse for it. As a result I walk with a sense of greatly disappointing God and fail to embrace His gift of total complete forgiveness.

But God doesn’t just reveal these aspects to me and then leave. He brings to mind the pictures of Himself as found in Scripture. He is like the father of the returning prodigal. There was no demand that the son “make up” for all he had done. He is like the king who graciously forgave the person who could not pay his debt. There was no talk of installment payments. God says, “Bring to Me a broken and contrite heart. I will not despise you. I will forgive and embrace you.” I am daring to take Him at His word and experience an aspect of grace and mercy that has often eluded me. How He must have grieved to see me so hesitant in His presence.

Some will read this and wonder how I could ever be so mistaken about forgiveness. Others will read it and relate all too easily. For me, I simply say with David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

Father, my journey continues to be one of exposing lies, discovering truth, and experiencing transformation! I come. Amen.

The Question He Still Asks

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” John 21:15 NKJV

Jesus is still asking this question to us today. His question reveals His heart and our answer reveals our heart. I find that my view of life stems from that question. My ability to live life to the fullest is also connected to it. I so often want to answer it quickly with an affirmative “Yes!” I want to proclaim it with passion. But it is a question that probes my heart and causes reflection. I wrestled with it yesterday as God revealed to me the ways in which the answer is not always “yes.”

For each of us, the “more than these” is known only to us and God. For me, the question included a list of comparisons that were uncomfortable to perceive but necessary to admit. He became very specific with me as He targeted a list of issues. The conversation went as follows: “Pam, do you love Me more than the gifts I give to you? More than the plans I have for you? More than the significant people in your life? More than your dreams and ambitions? More than the very things that bring you joy? More than your abilities and opportunities? More than your desires and longings? More than those things I can do through you and for you? More than personal happiness and comfort?” Then He put His finger on some deeper issues. “Pam, if everything you hold near and dear were suddenly removed from your life, would your love for Me remain and even grow? If the books, music, and relationships were no longer available to you would you still love Me and find satisfaction in only Me?”

His questions stopped me in my tracks. For I knew then as I know now that my personal dissatisfactions and continual longings for more revealed something in me that is hard to admit but already seen by God. Nothing will change if I bury the truth and fail to be honest. My answer became a prayer of “O, God, help me to love you more than these!” My desire is His delight as we go through another day of growing in my ability to actually do just that.

Father, keep asking me the questions that lead to change. May I no longer fear the truth that leads to freedom and life! Amen.

A Daily Necessity

Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king’s office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, the king’s scribe and the high priest’s officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance. 2 Chronicles 24:11 KJV

I have learned over the past several years that God’s Word is limitless in its application to our lives. I miss its multi-layered effect if I read a verse and fail to allow it to live and breathe in my day and age. But when I approach Scripture with a hunger to see the richer meanings and deeper applications I am astounded.

This morning I did something I rarely do. During prayer, I opened the Bible at random, pointed to the above verse, and read it. The actual setting was in Jerusalem and the king, Joash, called for a chest to be placed in an area where the people could come and contribute to the cost of rebuilding the house of the Lord. This was done with such enthusiasm that the chest was emptied and refilled daily! What a site that must have been! It is a story that exudes with generosity. But the Spirit of God took this verse and broadened the scope for me. The last phrase leaped off the pages of my Bible and found a resting place in my thirsty heart! Here’s the application that became personal for me.

I am the chest. Emptied daily through life, relationships, work, family, and schedules. Each morning I come once again before the throne of God to gather in abundance the riches He lavishes on me through time spent with Himself. It is a day by day process. I cannot horde spiritual growth! Just as there is a continual out-going there must be a continual in-taking. Otherwise, I begin to live my life on “empty.” It honestly does not take long before I begin to wane in my spirit, mood, emotions, desires, and connection. Internally I begin to feel out of sorts with myself, others, and God.

This shifting comes throughout the day and the solution is always the same….reconnect with the heart of God through prayer, scripture, music, meditation, and stillness. I am a bottomless pit of longing and God is the artesian well for my spirit. I have spent too many years trying to quench the thirst and fill the voids apart from God….even as a believer. It has never worked! Now I respond to His desire to fill me and heal me. It doesn’t matter if it has been only 5 minutes or 5 hours, when the need arises He urges me to turn to Him. I am learning to go to Him as soon as the ache and longing become apparent. No more waiting. No more distractions. No more broken cisterns.

Father, may I, as Your chest, house the treasures You give to me time and time again. May my emptiness always be brought to You for filling! Amen.

Making Myself at Home

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. John 15:10 KJV

So often I have missed the simplicity of God’s words or misunderstood them all together. Complicated them and kept them out of reach. Misread them and missed the message God wanted me to digest. Approached Scripture with preconceived ideas that hindered me from taking in truth and hence applying truth. What a huge corner is turned when God begins to enlighten me on the meaning and mystery of His Word!

For years I would read a verse like John 15:10 and come away with the idea that God’s love for me is contingent on my obedience to His commandments. Not so! This verse does not say, “Keep My commandments and I will love you.” It tells me if I keep His commandments I will abide in His love. I will make myself at home in His love. Understand it, embrace it, receive it, live out of it, and be changed by it. What a difference! Obedience is the doorway that opens my life to fully experiencing God’s love….it is not the condition, foundation, or prerequisite for that love. If that were the case, how in the world could God love me before I even knew Him? How could He love me while I was still in my sin?

Sometimes I have even limited His commandments to a list of does and don’ts. A type of law keeping. Then I wonder why God seems like a harsh law giver rather than a Shepherd, Father, and Friend. While God certainly has things for me to do and things for me to avoid in this life, His commands are broader. This morning, He is graciously revealing a list of commands that are meant to draw me closer to Him. Abiding in His love results from confessing sin to Him, listening to Him, learning from Him, leaning on Him, seeking Him, meditating on Him, looking to Him, following Him, depending on Him, resting in Him, embracing Him, speaking to Him, yielding to Him, receiving from Him, knowing Him, trusting Him, reflecting Him, believing Him, and living for Him. That list is not complete but it is powerful. Oh what I miss when any of these ingredients are missing from the recipe of my life!

Father, I have always had Your love but I am just now learning how to make myself at home in it! How to revel in it. How to delight in it. Obedience no longer has to be a word that intimidates me but rather it can be a word that invites me to abide in Your love. Amen.

My Ever Present Companion and Guide

For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48: 14 KJV

Moses had similar words to Joshua. As Joshua was about to become the leader of the children of Israel, Moses gave him this powerful charge in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” It is imperative that I realize who is going before me and with me and who is my guide through this life. For it is far to easy too look to human leaders and guides and become secure under their watchful eye.

I am beginning to grasp the truth that a vast majority of my Christian life is a solo walk between God and myself. While God will certainly intersect my world with other people, for the most part they are occasional meetings. It is like each one of us are on an individual path with God and our paths cross the paths of others. Those places of intersection can be enjoyable, delightful, and even exhilarating. Much like a four hour conversation I had the other night with a close friend in Michigan. The phone conversation was a continual dialogue of God’s goodness and involvement in our lives. But finally at 1:30 a.m. the conversation came to an end as the phones were hung up. Once again, it was God and me.

I have reveled under the mentoring of a significant woman. Conversations and emails with her were definite high lights. Her advice was always filled with wisdom that I readily received. But after a year and a half she saw the need to step back and once again it was God and me.

This transitioning use to scare me as I felt safer with a flesh and blood person to encourage me along the way. That is when God’s words through David and Moses have to come and take root in my heart. That is when I need to realize my guide and source of direction and encouragement is my Heavenly Father. He graces my life with people and I praise Him for that! But He is the only constant and consistent companion in my life. May I get to the place where even when I am talking with a friend I sense God’s presence and hear His voice speaking through the other person. Alone with God? Yes, but no longer lonely! He never leaves or forsakes me.

Father, keep bringing me to the place where Your presence is felt and desired above all others. I praise the preciousness of You! Amen.

The Roots and Dangers of Misperceptions

It happened after this that the king of the people of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. Then David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent by the hand of his servants to comfort him concerning his father. 2 Samuel 10:1,2 NKJV

This was the second time David desired to show kindness to someone because of the relationship he had with their father. The first time it was for the son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth initially feared David as it was the custom of new kings to completely annihilate the families of former kings. But once he realized David’s intent was to show kindness to him, he became the recipient of extravagant benevolence. The second time, David sent servants to comfort a new king whose father had died. But the servants of this new king were suspicious of David’s motives and shared the suspicions with Hanun. He accepted their view and proceeded to mistreat David’s servants. This lead to war! How sad when wrong actions come on the heels of wrong perspectives.

As a child of God, it is imperative that I guard my thoughts toward others. I have found that because of personal issues and unattended wounds from the past, that I can have a distorted view and misperception of another person’s actions, motives, and agenda. If I am not careful and prayerful I will respond to my perception rather than to the truth of that person. I will back away from relationships that were meant for good. I will miss valuable lessons because I am unable to hear what the person is trying to tell me. My suspicions will crowd out God’s intended blessing through the individual. If not kept in check, my thoughts will eventually lead me to say and do things I will deeply regret later on…..unless pride steps in as well.

I don’t like this part of myself but I am learning the importance of acknowledging it so that God can begin a work of transformation in me. It becomes a daily discipline of asking God to show me my own heart, help me to discern when my opinion of another is wrong, and even help me to see when the enemy of my soul is at work whispering lies to me. If that is the case we work on the heart issue and renounce the lies. If my perceptions are correct, we work on entrusting the individual to God. Either way I am brought into closer relationship with a loving, heavenly Father who definitely wants the best for me.

Father, I don’t want to miss another thing that was intended for my good. Help me to know my heart, know the truth, and know the freedom that will come from both. Amen.

Whose Opinion Matters?

And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. II Samuel 6:16 KJV

How easy it is to be misunderstood and even disliked for God’s work in your life. Because people are limited to what they see and cannot discern the heart of another, they can come to a wrong conclusion about your Christian life. This makes sense when it comes from someone who is not a Christian, but it is sometimes hard to digest when it is coming from those within the walls of a church and the body of Christ.

David was despised for his jubilant expression of joy and praise. All his wife, Michal, could conclude was that his behavior was unacceptable and inappropriate. It wasn’t something she would do therefore in her mind it wasn’t something he should do. What was David’s reaction? He did not allow her opinion to become his barometer for behavior. He knew his heart and it was connected to an extravagant God! While he could not persuade her to change her view, he also refused to allow her to dampen his celebration! God’s opinion was the only one that mattered.

Jesus was often misunderstood and criticized for his actions…even his performing of miracles. The religious leaders of His day were constantly watching him and drawing wrong conclusions. Pride and jealousy made them blind and unreceptive to His deity. What should have been undeniable proof that the Messiah had come, became grounds for their rejection of Him. What did Jesus do? Sometimes He walked in silence and other times He used words to silence them. He refused to allow their fears and prejudices to rob Him of one moment of obedience to His Father. Once again, God’s opinion was the only one that mattered.

In the fall of 2004, I experienced the back lash of people who could not discern the work of God in my life. They had an idea of how the Christian life should be lived and I was no longer fitting into their mold. For the first time in my life I was living connected to God, experiencing freedom, devouring Scripture, and excited about my faith and my God. I had stepped outside the box of public opinion and what made others comfortable. While many rejoiced with me, others condemned me. To this day their looks of disgust and coldness of shoulders is perceived and felt. What do I do? I stay connected to God on a daily basis and live my life according to His voice, His Word, His Spirit, and His leading. People have a right to their opinions, but no one but God has a right to dictate how I should live out my relationship with Him. Once again, God’s opinion is the only one that matters!

Father, it is difficult and sometimes lonely to climb out on a limb with You. Thank you for the ones who have sat with me, prayed for me, and cried with me. I look to You alone to define and direct me. Amen.

All That Rests on Me

Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. Psalm 56:12 KJV

Often are the times I will read a verse and marvel that I have never seen it before. While I know I have read it in the past, the rich meaning escaped me. Today’s verse is one example. It has caused me to review the many things of God that are upon me. His hand, His eye, His blessing, His Spirit, His power, His shadow, His anointing. And this morning I add to that precious list His vows….His promises. They rest on me and stay with me. They affect the way I view and live my life. No wonder the psalmist responded in praise!

I love to hear a blessing being prayed over me. Whether in the midst of a congregation or in the presence of one individual, the words touch my spirit. Once spoken, they impact my life. And to think that God’s promises are not only upon me but they have been spoken over me by God Himself. His promises of companionship, empowerment, guidance, protection, provision, direction, involvement, intervention, permanence, forgiveness, watchfulness, deliverance, and unconditional, unchanging love.

Last fall, I visited a couple who were my first pastor and wife. She was present when I was birthed into God’s family. God influenced me greatly through them. As a teenager, they spoke many things to me through their words as well as their lives. But as an adult in my late 40’s I desired a spoken blessing. I will never forget the experience of kneeling in their living room as my former pastor prayed a blessing over me while their hands rested upon me.

This morning I want to envision the same thing happening with myself and God. Kneeling in His presence and hearing His blessings and promises being spoken over me and remaining upon me. Drinking in His words as He brings Scripture after Scripture to mind that begin with the phrase, “I will!” The weight of His hand and the look in His eyes will add much to the wonder of His words.

Father, Your written Word is Your spoken word to me. May I daily walk with the awareness that Your vows are upon me. Amen.

Necessary Placement

And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. Colossians 3:2 Amplified Bible

I like how the Message puts this verse. “Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ.” I cannot afford to let my guard down when it comes to the affections of my heart and the meditations of my mind. For the minute I stop filtering my thoughts through the grid of God’s truth I set myself up for a downward spiral. The minute I allow the enemy to distract me by dwelling on the thoughts he presents to me I am in trouble. Those things I spend my time and energy thinking on will either strengthen me or weaken me in my body, soul, and mind.

Just like the children of Israel kept living out their days in a cycle mode of idolatry, captivity, repentance, deliverance, and rest, the cycles of my mind can spin out of control as well. For me, it works like this. I take in truth and stand in that for a while. The enemy comes along and introduces any number of thoughts to me. At first I see the attacks and proceed to rebuke them. The trouble comes when I let down my guard and begin to consider the thoughts. Not for a moment. Not for a while. But rather for unlimited time. It is an “all you can think” buffet! I have now set my mind on his distorted views and interpretations and very quickly I am filled with hopelessness, discouragement, self-loathing, and helplessness. The sense of abandonment by people and invisibility to God sets in and I find myself in quite a mental and spiritual mess. As if that is not enough, the enemy then begins to condemn me for being in such a place. I am in further trouble if he can convince me this is all my own doing.

My deliverance comes as God reveals to me that the enemy is at work and I will only regain my strength and footing by renouncing the lies, voicing the truth, and once again setting my mind, heart, and affections on God! This includes confessing my lack of trust and acknowledgement of who God really is. It also includes once again proclaiming Him to be my only true Source, Help, and Hope.

Father, my dark thoughts have once again given way to the light of You! I don’t stand a chance of surviving apart from connecting with You, relying on You, and looking to You. Hold me, help me, and heal me. Amen.

A Change of Heart

And Jacob noticed that Laban’s attitude toward him was not what it had been. Genesis 31:2 (NIV)

Have you ever had a “Laban experience” in your life? It is hard when you realize someone you once felt close to no longer looks at you in the same way. Where once you enjoyed friendship and favor you now feel left out and unwelcome. Conversations are strained and warmth is no longer felt when you are together. Jacob knew that feeling with Laban and David knew that feeling with King Saul. God is helping me to come to some understanding as to what brings about such changes.

I can think back to various relationships that turned sour. Some of the changes were due to my own actions. Through something I did or said the relationship dissolved. Sometimes I was aware of what I did and sometimes I wasn’t. But when it was all said and done, the person chose to step out of my life and we just went our separate ways.

For the longest time, I thought anytime a relationship fell apart I must have done something to cause it. If it was a highly significant person in my life the loss would be quite painful. Not only would I spend time grieving the loss of their friendship but I would continually kick myself for having blown it plus torture myself trying to figure out how I had blown it. I don’t have to tell you the enemy of my soul took great delight in my misery. It never occurred to me that the problem might not be me after all….at least not in every case.

Recently, God was gracious enough to enlighten me on a truth I was missing. Sometimes the relationship falls apart because of something that is going on in the life of the other person. It could be a character flaw, a personal change, or a withdrawal that they have initiated for their own personal reasons. Laban’s and Saul’s change of attitude came out of jealousy. Whatever the reason, this can be the most painful way to see a relationship change.

If I was the one who damaged the friendship I must be willing to do what I can to make things right. But if the other person has just had a change of heart toward me, I will need to trust God to redeem what needs to be redeemed. In the mean time I must begin looking to God for the acceptance and approval I have been craving from them.

Father, thank you for having an unchanging heart toward me. Amen.

Claiming or Proclaiming the Promise

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 (NKJV)

For the believer, both aspects of this verse are theirs to experience in life. Weeping is a reality for each one of us and joy is the promise we know will come to pass. If I had the opportunity to visit with any one of you, I know that you would be able to share with me many nights of weeping that you have faced. Some of you may be experiencing them even as you read this devotional. If so, I give to you the promise of coming joy! Some of you are experiencing that joy right now and you are attesting to the truth of that promise. Which ever the case may be, David has an exceptional list in Psalm 30 that can be our proclamation of praise! We can say it with anticipation of the coming joy or with gratitude for the present reality of that joy. Will you join me as I express to God the truth of what He HAS done or the truth of what He WILL do? For we are either seeing what’s coming or experiencing it right now! Either way we glory in Him. With that in mind, let’s review the list.

I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up! You healed me! You brought my soul up out of the grave! You have kept me alive! You have made my mountain to stand strong! You have turned my mourning into dancing! You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness! Therefore, I will give You thanks forever! Oh, how I would love to hear the stories behind those proclamations!

And for those of you who are still in your night of weeping, your list would be spoken in the future tense. I will extol You, O LORD, for You will lift me up! You will heal me! You will bring my soul up out of the grave! You will keep me alive! You will make my mountain to stand strong! You will turn my mourning into dancing! You will put off my sackcloth and clothe me with gladness! Therefore, even in the midst of my tears, I will give You thanks forever! How precious that some of you will express those thoughts with broken hearts and tear-filled eyes. May your joy be soon forthcoming!

Like you, I have known the weeping and the joy! In the midst of both He is worthy to be praised and I trust Him still.

Father, You have walked with me through sorrow and danced with me in gladness. I desire no other Partner but You! Amen.

Our Hiding Place

But Jonathan Saul’s son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself. I Samuel 19:2 KJV

Where do you resort to when your world is turned upside down? Maybe like David, you are experiencing a devastating change in a close relationship. Maybe you have been handed a medical diagnosis that felt more like a death sentence. Maybe everything that is dear to you has been suddenly ripped out of your life. Whatever the case may be, Jonathan’s words to David are meant for you as well….abide in a secret place and hide thyself.

David eventually penned words that revealed where he learned to safely abide. Psalm 91:1 says, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Jesus urges us to abide in Him and in His love.

Abiding has the idea of making a certain place your abode. A place to sit, rest, and dwell. It is the equivalent of a spiritual Calgon commercial! Although we may not be able to physically remove ourselves from a certain place or situation, our spirit can always choose to resort to a secret place under the shadow of the Almighty. To draw in close enough to God that His presence, peace, and person overshadows you and all that is affecting your world.

Throughout Scripture God gives us visuals of being that close to Himself. A mother hen gathering her chicks under her wings. An eagle hovering over her young. Other pictures come to mind of this tender aspect of God. A mother or grandmother cradling an infant in their arms. A person of strength and compassion embracing and holding a grieving friend. The hushed tones, gentle touch, and caring eyes all directed toward a person in need.

But God is also a fortress, stronghold, shelter, and bulwark. A place that is completely safe and unable to be disturbed. One that keeps all storms at bay and hinders them from completely destroying our internal world.

Strength and tenderness! Two aspects of our God who desires for us to seek refuge and comfort in Him.

Father, may my place of hiding and abiding always be in You! Amen.

Deliverance or Defeat?

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

My mind is centered on three scenarios from Scripture this morning. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, Daniel in the lions den, and Peter walking on the water. All five were in life threatening situations and needed God’s intervention and deliverance. The flames did not have an effect on the first three. Not even the smell of smoke was on them when they were removed from the furnace. Daniel was removed after a night with the lions without so much as a scratch on him. And then there is Peter. After a few successful steps he sank. And yet when he cried out to Jesus, his deliverance came. What made the difference in these situations?

I believe part of the answer lies in the focus of each person. It is my belief that the three Hebrews and Daniel were more focused on their Deliverer than their dilemma. This was going to be the case no matter what the outcome was. Peter, like so many of us at times, looked away from His Savior and focused on the storm. What could have been a walk of victory quickly became a harsh lesson in the law of gravity.

Two days ago, God showed me some specific steps to take in order to obtain freedom in a certain area of my life. As He revealed what needed to be done I was overjoyed to cooperate with Him because I knew it would lead to my deliverance. What will be the conditions for success? Continued obedience, reliance upon Him, and keeping my focus on Him. You see, I can spend my days looking at the very things I am stepping away from and focus on the ache that still comes at times, but that will only lead to discouragement and defeat. God has a better plan! Keep looking to Him and remembering the goal! Keep reminding myself it will lead to the freedom I desperately want and keep picturing what that freedom will eventually feel like. He will equip me with everything I need to get through this time of adjustment. The desire for freedom has finally become stronger than the fear of letting go.

Father, You knew when my cry for help went from being a mere desire to stop experiencing pain to an actual longing for freedom. Keep the view of Yourself and the promise for deliverance astutely in front of me at all times. Amen.

Partial Obedience

Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel: “I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The LORD bless you! I have carried out the LORD’s instructions.” I Samuel 15:10,11,13 (NIV)

The instructions were clear (I Samuel 15:1-26). Saul was to destroy the Amalekites and their animals because of their treatment of the children of Israel when they left Egypt. But Saul didn’t do that. He destroyed everything except the king, the best of the animals, and all that was good. His partial obedience was noticed and condemned by God. Hence, Samuel was told two very different things by God and Saul. God said Saul had not obeyed Him and Saul said he had obeyed. Upon hearing Saul’s statement, Samuel had one question for him. In essence he said, “If you have truly obeyed God, why am I hearing bleating sheep and lowing cattle?” Samuel and Saul were within hearing distance of his disobedience. The eventual consequence of that disobedience was his loss of position as king.

Partial obedience is no obedience as far as God is concerned. Every part of His commands to us are significant and necessary. But we often approach His Word with a smorgasbord mentality. Picking and choosing what appeals to us and ignoring what doesn’t. How our selective, partial, incomplete obedience must grieve the heart of God as well. Are there consequences? Absolutely! They may be in the form of missed opportunities, loss of position, withdrawn blessings, or even shortened life. Although we live under grace and not under law, this principle still applies. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. But there is encouragement in the midst of what seems harsh.

David was called a man after God’s own heart even though he had a trail of sin behind him that included adultery and murder. How can that be? Because when he was confronted with his sin he repented and always sought reconciliation with God. When Saul was confronted with his sin he always made excuses and minimized the offense. Repentance opens the door for restoration and reinstates God’s hand of blessing on a life. Refusal to admit the wrong, blocks the return of blessing. It is that simple.

Father, may I grieve at my partial obedience as much as You do. Help me to completely obey and fully follow You. Amen.

Unrealized Options

Now the day was ending, and the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging and get something to eat; for here we are in a desolate place.” Luke 9:12 (NKJV)

The disciples had spent the day with Jesus and were witness to a multitude of healings. At the close of the day they looked at the crowd of 5,000, knew they did not have the means to feed them, and presented Jesus with the only solution….send them away so they can take care of themselves. Now Jesus could certainly have done that and no one would have thought anything of it. But instead, He once again chose to intervene and do what only God can do…the impossible.

The disciples must have stood in a place of confusion as they were told to seat people in groups of 50 and then watched as Jesus blessed the five loaves and two fishes and proceeded to tell them to set the food before the crowd. The awareness would have hit as they watched the bread and fish multiply right before their eyes with twelve baskets remaining in the end. Once they saw the miracle take place, do you think they would have dared to think their original plan was still the best? I doubt it. But rather maybe Isaiah’s words came to their mind that God’s ways are higher than our ways and God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

How easy it is to look at our circumstances, resources, limitations, and location, calculate our options and decide there is only one thing to do. We approach God with the view that He is as limited as our list of possibilities. We simply cannot imagine that there could possibly be a better way let alone a miracle. How generous of God to hold out for His plan even in the midst of our tears, confusion, and questions. How gracious of Him to display His ways and thoughts while He whispers, “O, ye of little faith.”

This morning I sense His longing for us to see that He still does the impossible and knows if we could see what He has in mind we would choose His plans above our own. He has given us the miracles of the Bible to show us how often He did things no one even thought of let alone considered possible. He implores us to trust Him fully and to stop depending on our own understanding. Will we dare to do it?

Father, You are aware of the options I am focused on. My view is so limited. Help me to turn my eyes and my trust toward You! Amen.

In Need of His Help

But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God. Psalm 40:17 (NKJV)

This is one of those verses I so often want to slip my name into and live with its realization in my life. When I am spent, confused, hurt, discouraged, or in tremendous need, I must allow this verse to wrap itself around my spirit. When everyone else’s life seems to be moving on and I am feeling so alone, I take comfort in the fact that God is thinking of me. He is fully aware of the depth and length of my pain. When I feel helpless and no human help is forthcoming, He is my help and my deliverer. Those are the words that assure me I will make it through whatever I am facing. He even allows for my plea for speed. While David said, “Do not delay,” my version would be, “And hurry up! I need Your intervention now!” It is not spoken out of demand but rather out of desperation.

I am thinking of several dear friends this morning whom this verse fits as well. Some have been given a medical diagnosis that has turned their world upside down, some have just buried a loved one, some are facing the heartbreak of a child’s choices, some are facing an unwanted divorce, and some do not live a day without extreme physical pain. My heart breaks for them and my tears fall for them as I pray this verse over their life and situation. When I struggle to find the right words to tell them or the right way to show them how much I care, I once again entrust them to their only real Helper and Deliverer. While I cannot even begin to scratch the surface of their pain or loss, God is able to reach to the very center of it. Where He allows me to be His hands, feet, heart, and mouth to them I will certainly be that to them in the ability He gives. But when it is all said and done, His direct ministering to them one on one will be what sustains them each step of the way. I am looking to Him to deliver, preserve, and strengthen each of them in ways that only He can do.

It is true that we no longer live in the Garden but the Gardener of our soul has not deserted us. He is tending to our every need, cultivating growth in us, and landscaping our lives with His Word. None of this is said to minimize the pain and suffering but rather to maximize the view of God’s abundant grace!

Father, in the midst of our sorrow we look to You to carry us. Strength, healing, and redemption will only come through You. Amen.

Back to Where It All Began

Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone. Genesis 35:3 (NIV)

When Jacob left his father and mother to go to his Uncle Laban’s home, he had an over night, under the stars stay at a place called Bethel. It was there that he dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven and angels were descending and ascending the ladder. It was there that God spoke prophetic words and promises to him. It was the beginning of a new life for him. Nearly 20 years later, God directed Jacob to return to Bethel, and at that time his name was changed to Israel.

Yesterday, I had lunch with a friend in Nashville, Indiana. When our visit had ended I drove to a little resort that sat atop a small hill. The parking lot was empty as was the building in front of me. But as I ventured out of my car and walked around a bit I was deeply moved by the fact that I had returned to my own Bethel. I was at the very place where I had attended a Daughters of Promise event three years ago. I had entered the building unaware of the depths and truth of God’s love for me, empty in my walk with Him, equating my spirituality with rules and outward appearance, and unfamiliar with the preciousness of prayer and His Word. I had no idea that when I would leave the next day I would be taking my first baby steps on an incredible journey. My mind and heart raced to take in the full scope of the last three years.

I am not the same person I was three years ago. God has changed me from the inside out and continues that process on a daily basis. He is not finished with all He started in February of 2004. I have yet to fully realize the plans He has for me. But yesterday’s visit to my Bethel place assured me that He has not loosened His hold on me. I am safe and amazed!

Where is it God would have you revisit today…either in memory or in person? Where is it that God moved in your life in a powerful way and forever changed the course of your walk with Him? If you do not have a Bethel experience to revisit, ask God to give you one. Then get ready to watch Him move heaven and earth as He sets the stage for it!

Father, I look to You with expectation and follow You with abandon. Thank you for all You did at my Bethel and all You still plan to do. Amen.

Fighting the Deliberate Attacks

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High. Daniel 7:25 (KJV)

While these words speak of the Antichrist they also depict the words and wishes of my enemy, Satan. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:1 to put on the full armor of God in order to stand against the schemes of the Devil. But if we are not aware of the tactics that he uses against us, our “stand” will be incomplete and ineffective. Much like today’s fight against terrorism, a nation can stand watchful of military attacks but miss the setting up of cell groups within hometowns. Today, God is showing me two of the many schemes of His enemy and mine.

Since his fall from Heaven, Satan has taken every possible occasion to speak words against God. He is the father of lies and seeks any opportunity to slander, malign, criticize, and smear God’s character, heart, and Word. He will twist and distort any event, circumstance, or incident in our life to speak an untruth about the most High. He will attempt to put the faces of countless people on God as a way of convincing us thatHe is different from who He says He is. That is why we must bring every accusation back to the Bible and demolish it with the truth!

Here is one way to do that. Take the lie he is telling you and think of the opposite word for it. If he says God is cruel, think of the word kindness. Then go to http://www.biblegateway.com/ and put in that word. You will be given every verse in the Bible that mentions kindness and numerous versions to read them from. With those verses as your truth you can affectively stand against his lies.

The other tactic is in attempting to wear us out. It is not always a flash flood he uses. Many times it is the slow drip of negative thoughts, disappointments, discouragement, losses, fears, insecurities, and failures that wear away at our resolve and stance. The cumulative effect of these over time does wear us down if we do not stay connected to God and resort to times of intimate fellowship with Him. Many times for me it takes going for a walk, shedding the tears, crying out for His help and wisdom, and realigning myself with the truth of His Word in order to be built up again. God will graciously show me where the enemy has chipped away at my soul and then He faithfully begins the internal repair work.

Father, keep me aware of the necessity of You! Amen.

What an Example!

Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.” 2 Kings 5:3 (NKJV)

There are so many things that stand out to me about this little slave girl. She was taken captive from Israel by Syrian soldiers and brought to Naaman’s home to be a personal servant to his wife. Given just that much information one would imagine an embittered person. How easy it would be to rejoice at the thought of her master having leprosy and chalk it up to God’s judgment. But that was the farthest thing from the truth with her.

Although her own life had taken a blow with loss of freedom and family, she was aware of the needs of another person and sympathetic about those needs. She actually WANTED Naaman healed! Her “if only” statement expressed a longing and desire to see God intervene on this person’s behalf. Her compassion for Naaman was matched by her unwavering faith in the God of miracles. Having lived her formative years in Israel, she was aware of the miracles God had performed through Elisha. I am sure they were the bedtime stories many Israelite children heard. Her childlike faith was as huge as her presentation of hope.

The story of this little girl has challenged me this morning. I want to be like her and see the answer to any need as being found in Christ. Can you imagine the impact it would have on a person if we witnessed to them with “if only” statements full of compassion and faith? Faces of individuals are coming to mind who live each day without the Lord. Am I as desirous as she to introduce them to the One who can forgive them, change them, and set them free? Will I dare to take their hand, look them in the eye, and speak such words as, “If only you knew Jesus. He would completely change your life!” This will not happen if I see witnessing as simply introducing someone to my religion. But oh how it changes if I decide to introduce them the Person of Christ. Not a doctrine, not a denomination, not set of standards, but a Person! How convinced am I that He really is the only way, truth, and life for them? My speaking up or remaining silent answers that question.

Father, today’s topic makes me squirm because I have remained silent far too often. My hesitancy to say, “If only you knew Jesus,” to a person in need of Him reveals so much to me. Change me! Amen.

Incomparable Promises

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV)

I was recently struck by the last phrase in the song “Shout to the Lord.” It states, “Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.” As the song came to a close my mind remained focused on that thought. I wanted the words to be more than sentimental thoughts to me and God was gracious to begin helping me see the truth of such a claim. He brought to my mind promises of His that really are comparable to nothing! My mind became filled with a question and answer time.

He has promised to never leave me or forsake me. What can compare to that?! He has promised me eternal life in Heaven. What can compare to that?! He has promised to make all things work together for good. What can compare to that?! He has promised to supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. What can compare to that?! He has promised to seal and fill me with His Spirit. What can compare to that?! He has promised to keep His eye and His hand on me. What can compare to that?! He has promised to guide my steps and direct my path. What can compare to that?! He has promised to finish the work He started in me. What can compare to that?! He has promised to forgive my sin and hide it behind His back. What can compare to that?! He has promised to be my Shepherd, Healer, Redeemer, and Savior. What can compare to that?! He has promised to see me through every difficulty and storm. What can compare to that?! He has promised to make all things new. What can compare to that?! He keeps all His promises. What can compare to that?!

This is not a complete list by any stretch of the imagination but it refreshes my spirit and causes me to walk with joy and confidence. No wonder the song writer so emphatically said, “Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing. Power and majesty, praise to the King. Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name. I sing for joy at the work of Your hands. Forever I’ll love You, Forever I’ll stand. Nothing compares to the promise I have in You!”

Father, this song has moved me in a profound way but Your promises have caused me to literally tremble with awe and worship. May I never get over the wonder of You or Your promises. I shout to You, praise You, love You, and believe You! Amen.