In Their Absence

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will, and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13 (New American Standard Bible)

If given a choice I would always opt to live under the watchful eye of a nurturing, strong Christian. To receive their constant encouragement, wisdom, and companionship. I have known such bliss and long for it on a regular basis, as I am sure people in Paul’s day did as well. Can you imagine having the Apostle Paul as your personal mentor? I am sure he saw the possibility and danger of individuals wanting to find their safety net in him. How they must have flourished when he was with them. But often that was not the case. For most of the time, he was absent from them. Their faith would either deteriorate or abound depending on where they would turn their eyes. If they followed Paul’s advice they would flourish!

He had three points to share with them. First, continue your journey of obedience even without my being with you. Second, realize the necessity of taking responsibility for your individual growth. Third, and most importantly, know that God is the One actually doing the work in you. While human sources are a blessing, they are not meant to be the foundation, filler, or main stay of your life in Christ. For if that is the case, growth is stunted, intimacy with God is limited or non-existent, and you embrace a handicapped life style.

I actually admire the early Christians. They did not have all the instant access so available to us today….books, conferences, modern technology, etc… Theirs truly had to be a solitary walk with God. Heaven will abound with their stories. While I certainly have an abundance of aids, God is reminding me that depth in Him comes by way of the solitary walk. It really begins as I bring my longings to Him, seek one on one time with Him, listen for His voice, learn to discern His promptings, and allow Him to nurture me.

He knows my tendency to want to surround myself with significant people that put me on an emotional high. He knows how easily I can be satisfied within friendships. He knows the persistent ache I live with. And with this knowledge He continues to invite me to go deeper with Him. To satisfy myself with Him. To take Him at His word and thrive!

Father, may I see You as the One I need above and beyond all others. Amen.

Power of Your Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA4narr2wyE&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

They're Just like Me

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. James 5:17

We are also men of the same nature as you. Acts 14:15 (Barnabas and Paul)

But Peter raised him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am just a man." Acts 10:26 (New American Standard Bible)

Oh, the dangers and pitfalls of becoming enamored with people! Elijah, Barnabas, Paul, and Peter are just a handful among many who would remind me that people are people. I need the reminder because so often I can take a person’s sterling moments and believe THAT is the way they are 24/7. In my mind, they no long struggle, make wrong choices, live out of their flesh, fall to temptation, think wrong thoughts, feel negative emotions, disappoint God, themselves or others, or sin in any number of other ways. Not only is that kind of thinking far from the truth, but it sets me up with false hope. The false hope of, “If they can do it, so can I.” Then when I fail to live that way, confusion and discouragement sets in.

A few years ago I joined a study entitled “Woman of Significance” based on the book The Search for Significance by Robert McGee. As I listened to some of the women I began to think they were assuming if they went through this book they would eventually be free of fear, approval seeking, guilt, performance-based living, and any other malady in their life. It took me back to the time when I learned that God’s love was not dependent on what I was doing. As I listened to speakers and read books, I began to think the mature Christian life means “no struggles, no failures, just victory!” I actually thought I could reach that point this side of Heaven. What followed was a few years of continual reality checks!

What I learned and what I shared with the women in the study group was that living the victorious Christian life did not mean I would no longer struggle with my mind, will, and emotions. It meant I knew Who to go to each time I struggled. It meant I felt safe to confide in and cry with God. It meant I could walk and talk with authenticity and transparency instead of continual masking and hiding. Simply put, it meant I was human but helped and held by an incredible God!

There are still times I find myself being enamored with individuals, but God is faithful to remind me that they too have feet of clay and must continue to practice daily the truths He is showing them. Balance has come with the removal of my rose-colored glasses.

Father, seeing others as people like myself encourages me. Help me to not look down on or up to individuals but to simple look across at them. Help me to keep my eyes on You. Amen.

Only You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgmezEn-zvE

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

The Blended Life

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28 (Amplified Bible)

If left up to me, I would dissect my life (even my days) removing that which was painful, uncomfortable, or troublesome and live out of only the things that brought me pleasure, satisfaction, and joy. While I think that would be a good thing, it would actually be a disaster. It would stunt my growth physically, emotionally, and spiritually. What God wants me to understand and embrace with enthusiasm is that it takes ALL the elements to grow me up in Him. That is the idea behind the phrase “work together.” I like to think of it in terms of mixing together…much like a baker mixes the ingredients for a cake. If he were to use only the sweet ingredients or only the bitter ingredients there would be no edible result. No good would come of it. He must use it all!

When I take a bath or a shower, I use both hot and cold water in an effort to get a comfortable temperature. God uses both the hot and cold situations of my life to bring about His plans and purposes for me. I see that so clearly. My difficulty comes when I forget that He also uses a blend of my strengths and weakness, the availability and unavailability of friends, the tears and the laughter in a day, my moments of rest and moments of activity, books as well as music, and so forth. He will do that whether I am aware of it or not. My part is to trust Him in the process and to not worry that I am some how going to mess things up for Him.

Because I am a visual person, God often uses tangible things to make the pictures clearer to me. Hence, He shows Himself in Scripture as a Potter and a Vinedresser. He is a ‘hands on’ God who is involved in every area of my life. He knows when to mold and when to prune. He knows when to work my spiritual muscles and when to massage them. He knows when to call me aside and when to send me out.

I have often cringed at mistakes I made in past relationships. God says, “I used it all and will continue to do so.” He wants me to stop looking at them as pass/fail tests and just see them as life that has been lived and His faithfulness to do the blending of experiences. Who I am today has been built upon the blending of all my yesterdays. Every decision, every step, every moment, every success, every failure, every triumph, and every trial. All means all!

Father, I take it all because I know that You use it all. I trust You to continue to gift me with a well blended life. Amen.

Your Grace Still Amazes Me - Phillips, Craig & Dean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNClAJO2tnQ

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

What He Has Done

Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24 (New King James Version)

When I truly consider what God has done for me, fearing Him and serving Him in truth will be my experience. What is it He has done for me? He created me, chose me, forgave me, redeemed me, sanctified me, loved me, carried me, corrected me, comforted me, delighted in me, rejoiced over me, strengthened me, filled me with His Spirit, taught me, spoke to me, reassured me, supplied my needs, healed my hurts, used me, redirected my steps, knew me, accepted me, gave me an identity, defined me, refined me, and told me I am His. That was just a partial list but enough to evoke praise and worship from my heart. Spoken in the past tense did not minimize their present existence. While His creation of me and redemption were one time events the others are done on a continual basis. Who better to fear (trust and admire)? Who better to serve in truth?

This morning I sit in amazement and wonder at God’s involvement in my life. I am not an easy lump of clay to work with but I am also not a surprise or disappointment to my Potter. He created me and then saved me with full awareness of what my life would entail. It has been nearly 37 years since I trusted Christ as my Savior and He does not now look at me as if I were more than He bargained for. He does not say to Himself, “If I had known THIS I would have never chosen you in the first place!” Far from that, He speaks the words of 1 Samuel 12:23 over me, “It has pleased the LORD to make you His people.”

With that in mind I am free to live my life as a recipient of His mercy, love, grace, compassion, and delight. I am free to allow Him to meet the deepest needs of my heart. As one who has tried for decades to have my needs met through people, I see more fully the truth that He alone is able do what others are unable to do. Serving Him then becomes a result of His work rather than a means to have my needs met through the very ones I reach out to.

Many have been the times God has offered me His hands as well as human hands for support and encouragement. Many were the times my grip on the human hands was tighter than my grip on His. I could see what they were doing and failed to consider what He was doing. May that change.

Father, in a way that only You can work, turn my eyes, ears, heart, and mind toward You. Amen.

Worship Song - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMpbm2p-1mo

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

He Gives Power and Strength

He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Isaiah 40:29 (New American Standard Bible)

Scripture is my source of remembering. Today’s verse reminds me in a precious way that when I am in need God will supply the strength and power I lack. In those times when the fight is not in me, He supplies. When I retreat, recoil, and resign, He supplies. When I am giving up and giving in to the very things I most want victory over, He supplies. When my need is great, His supply is abundant. I cling to His promises this morning. They shine upon my recent moments of failure and frustration.

How easy it is to recite and review Scriptural principles when I am feeling on top of it all. Everything at that point makes sense leaving me with an air of a confident conqueror. I play out in my mind how the next testing will be handled. I know the words I will speak, the feelings I will subdue, and the victory I will walk in. It is like a well scripted movie playing out in my mind. I have the lines down pat, all the scenes perfected, and the ending set. It all works well in my mind as I simply wait for the curtain call. Then life happens.

I can tell the moment my pre-planned program begins to unravel. I can tell when the internal shift takes place and the resolve I had determined ahead of time makes a quick exit. As I run into a wall of emotions the fight in me turns to flight and I am left in a heap. Physically I feel as if I am moving in slow motion. Emotionally I feel trapped. Spiritually I feel like a failure. When it is over I look back in disbelief at my decision to give up and not implement the very tools that would be successful ….prayer and scripture.

This morning it makes sense, but this morning the battle is not raging and the emotions are not spiraling. This morning I confess the failures of last night’s battle and determine once again to do better “next time.” With that determination I voice the words, “He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.” In my weariness and lack of might I qualify for His strength and power as promised.

Father, You promise to give me strength and power. I choose to believe You. I choose to receive! Amen.

What Faith Can Do - Kutless
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwDu0IWjoN0

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Finding My Way Back

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. Proverbs 18:21 (Amplified Bible)

If the power of life and death are in the tongue, surely the engine for that power is our mind. The words we choose to use and indulge in are cooked in the kitchen of our thoughts. What we speak and what we think on are vital and result in life or death to our spirit, our circumstances, our outlook, and our internal world.

I’ve seen first hand the killing effect of wrong thoughts and wrong words. My mind gets clouded with negative, hopeless thoughts and the longer I indulge those thoughts the more powerful their grip is. Afterwards I find it hard to believe how dark it gets. I cannot see any positive aspect of my walk with God and that sends me into a place of fear. Fear that all is lost. Fear that the journey I have been on is leading to a dead end. Fear that connection with God is not a reality for me. Fear that I am no better off than I was in the throws of legalism. Fear that I will never get it right or keep it right.

When it passes and I prepare for a new day, I look back on the darkness and I pick out the valuable jewels of truth that are available to me. One truth is that what I choose to think on and accept as believable is what will dim the light in me and cause all to seem dark and lost. I cannot afford to think on what will bring about death to my feelings, emotions, and spirit. When I do I pay a price and the price is enormous. Another truth is that even in my darkness God still has His eye and hand on me. He does not step away during my times of struggle. He does not roll His eyes and say, “Here we go again!” Instead, He begins to woo me back to Himself with full confidence that I will once again find Him. Another truth is that returning to a place of safety with Him is always possible. He does not force me to stay any longer in the darkness than I am willing to stay. It always astounds me that while entering a dark time can be gradual, coming out of it can be so instantaneous.

I cannot get back the time I’ve lost when I lived without the peace and joy God always desires for me. I am, though, the richer for it because of the lessons I have learned. Today I choose to live under the canopy of His love and grace rather than the cloud of regret over past choices.

Father, sometimes it gets dark but You lead me back into the light of Your presence. You calm my fears and settle my heart. I feel the hold You have on me and within that hold I am safe. Amen.

The Protector of My Soul - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRyPKdHmwB0

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

What God Declares

For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (New American Standard Bible)

In the ordinary days can you hear God whisper these words to you? Plans for welfare, a future, and a hope. He wants you to know they weren’t just meant for the Israelites. They aren’t just meant for people in ministry. They are meant for each of us as His child. I hold on to that truth. My life is ordinary but my God is extraordinary. His thoughts and ways go beyond anything I can think of on my own.

Ministry for Him is not just limited to arenas and events. It is not just public speaking or published writings. If we don’t understand that, we will look at “ministry” people as the only recipients of God’s words through Jeremiah. We will view our own life as somewhat insignificant and unnecessary. We will feel as if our only lot in life is to be over looked and unused.

One of the things I love about the Bible are the many examples of God working through ordinary people living ordinary lives. They had common jobs such as fishing, farming, shepherding, sewing, tent making, and carpentry. Seldom was God’s call on their life even apparent until it unfolded. More often than not, their shining moments were sandwiched between years of faithfulness day in and day out. I keep that in mind as I approach each day. It is my desire to live each day to its fullest and sense God’s delight of me. To do whatever I do with passion and pride for what God allows me to do. To hear His “well done” at the end of each day. To spend each day finding the simple pleasures He has for me. Even on my worst days when I feel like a basket case I can rejoice that at least He has the handle in His hand.

While I don’t know what His plans for my life are, I can spend my life knowing Him better. Just over six years ago I began a journey that changed every aspect of my life and today I can say with confidence that I know Him better than I have ever known Him. I can tell Him things I use to try to hide from Him. I can cry with Him and laugh with Him. I can sing to Him and stand in silent awe of Him. So as He whispers the words of today’s verse to me I am accepting them without reservation.

Father, You know and that is all that matters. Amen.

What the Lord Has Done in Me - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4H6Uv7BI7I&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

What to do With the Jealousy

When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she became jealous of her sister. So she said to Jacob, "Give me children, or I'll die!" Genesis 30:1 (New International Version)

It comes as no surprise to me that jealousy ruled in the heart of Rachel. When it came time for her to marry Jacob, her sister was given to him in her place. Rachel became the ‘second’ wife. Although she had Jacob’s love, her sister bore the children and she was jealous of her. That jealousy robbed her of the realization of the things she did have and brought about a fierce competition of rivalry, bitterness, and manipulation. It would be all well and good if I could read this account in the Bible and not be able to relate with the jealousy aspect…but that is not the case. I relate with it all too well!

Jealousy is that inner rage that simmers when others have something I want or appear to threaten what I already have. It reveals my insecurities and makes another person my rival. It tells me I am not as loved or of as much value as them. If not admitted, confessed, and conquered it will lead me to behavior that is neither good or godly. In Rachel’s case it was her sister’s ability to bear children while she struggled with infertility. In my case, it is a host of things. When someone has a friend I long to have for myself or is given an opportunity I had hoped for or succeeds in an area I fail at or receives attention I am craving or possesses qualities and talents I can only dream about, the jealousy of my heart awakens. I have no trouble knowing when it hits! If I am not careful, pride and shame will keep me from taking the necessary steps to stop its progression.

For too many years, jealousy opened the door for me to act out in coldness and silent anger toward whoever had what I lacked or desired. Would I admit it? Absolutely not! Not to myself, God, or anyone else. The truth of the matter is that what I refuse to admit WILL keep me in bondage and jealousy has been one such jailer!

When that green-eyed monster attempts to pull me into its all too familiar dungeon I now know what to do! I see my jealousy as the problem rather than others as the problem. I admit it to God and begin reviewing truth about myself and others. I view them as God’s children with wants and needs of their own. I see them as precious in God’s sight. I see myself as secure in my relationship with Him and safe in my own skin. I embrace the truth that others really aren’t my reviles and there is no need to be in competition with them. What others have does not change who I am in Christ. Does it work? Yes! And it will work each and every time I repeat the necessary steps to freedom.

Father, I delight in the fact that life can be lived differently for me than I have lived it in the past. Each experience with jealousy can be worked through with a confidence of victory through You. Amen.

Still - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mgob5afanUg&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

God's Method and Freedom of Speech

Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for Your servant is listening." 1 Samuel 3:10 (New American Standard Bible)

There are times when God works to show us what box we are putting Him in. For me, that box has entailed assuming God would, could, and should be speaking to me in certain ways, at certain times, and in certain places. Usually my ideas come from how I saw Him speak to people in Bible times or how I see Him speak to others in the here and now. I often have the idea that what is true for others in their relationship with God needs to be true for me as well. So I find myself trying to set the stage for such communication to take place. A trip a year ago was no exception.

My plan was to take my daughter to Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, and then get alone with God for a couple days with the desire that He would speak to me personally about a variety of issues in my life. I wanted it to be my “Samuel” moment. I thought I needed to set aside books and music and just have it be us. That is not what happened. Instead, God used a four hour conversation with my daughter, a phrase in a book, a phone conversation with a friend, and individual songs to give me some insights I needed to grasp. Each time truth got in I knew without a doubt that He was speaking directly to me. I came away from that time profoundly refreshed in spirit. How tragic it would have been had I insisted He do it MY way!

I learned to look at two areas of my life differently because of what He chose to show me that weekend. His communication with me will often entail external sources and means. My walk with Him will often include relationships that He brings into my life. As I embraced those truths and delighted in it being that way I found myself more content and at peace.

What am I trying to say? God knows each of our make up. He created us and wired us a certain way. He knows how we operate best and what our legitimate and intimate needs are. We don’t get very far when we look for Him to work differently with us than how He chooses to work. We are the richer for it when we revel in His ways with us and His knowledge of us.

Father, I relinquish my ideas of how things ought to be. You know best. You do what is best. I trust Your heart and Your ways. Amen.

No Eye Has Seen - Paul Baloche
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7HN-6Z43Ik&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

An Inexhaustible Supply

But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. Psalm 86:15 (New King James Version)

God will many times use the physical world to teach me spiritual truths which include aspects of Himself. This morning, His visual aid to me is our little dog, Chloe. We purchased her from a Humane Society in Tennessee about a year ago and have come to appreciate her as a valued member of our family. We have seen her over come timidity in many areas and celebrated her progress of over coming more as time went on. When confronted with her timid moments we responded with compassion and patience rather than anger or disgust. We understood she had a history we knew nothing of and we took that into account when her weaknesses surfaced.

This morning as I remembered progress made, God reminded me of my gracious attitude toward Chloe before and after she over came fears and intimidations. Instantly, He urged me to see Him as having the same demeanor toward me before and after I have over come an area in my life. He desires for me to lose the view of Him that He thinks the worst of me in my weaknesses. That His patience will run out long before I stand in victory. That I have somehow exhausted His supply of longsuffering and mercy. The untruth of such thinking is one of the reasons He included the words “full” and “abundant” in today’s verse. He carries more than enough of His character and attributes into His relationship with me.

He knows my history and every reason behind every weakness. He knows where I still need growth and development. He knows that my perspective of others and myself can still throw me for a loop. He knows I often feel I am not doing things right or moving fast enough on this journey. He knows that I have mixed feelings about the people in my life and still struggle to find the balance between looking to Him and looking to others for the meeting of needs. Yet, His knowledge of me does not diminish His compassion, graciousness, longsuffering, mercy, or truth. It might diminish those qualities in others but not in Him.

For those of us who have lived our lives with skewed thinking, wrong perceptions, and distorted views, this is a truth that must be received and reviewed on a daily basis. It will not stick after just one time of seeing it. I am in need of hearing it today and I will be in need of hearing it again tomorrow and for each tomorrow after that until I know that I know that I know I finally have it!

Father, You keep showing me the truths that I am desperate to grasp. I need the reminders and I need You. Amen.

By Grace Alone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6lhilgWXIE

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Review That Builds Confidence

But the people thirsted there for water; and they grumbled against Moses and said, "Why, now, have you brought us up from Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?" Exodus 17:3 (New American Standard Bible)

The children of Israel faced a very real dilemma. They were in a desert area and had no water. Our bodies need water to live. When thirst sat in it was accompanied by fear. The fear brought about a wrong conclusion in their mind. To them, no water meant eventual death. Even though they had witnessed God’s deliverance for them out of Egypt, received manna from Heaven each morning, and already experienced God’s provision of water at Marah, their present situation over shadowed it all. At a time when they should have recalled God’s power and provision of the past, they went into panic mode.

Can you relate? I certainly can! We have no trouble trusting God when all is well and supply is at hand. But what happens when we are confronted with the impossible? A change in job? An empty bank account? Broken-beyond-repair relationships? An inoperable diagnosis? Or any number of untreatable, unchangeable, unfixable scenarios? When no relief is in sight and no help seems to be on the way? If we are not careful, the same fear that hovered over Israel can soon be hovering over us. With that fear can come the thoughts of being forgotten, ignored, or abandoned by God. We would never say it out loud but we can struggle with the deep down belief or feeling that although He sees our plight He is unmoved or unconcerned about it.

Know this, if you are in that place right now, God wants to assure you nothing is further from the truth. It is imperative that you find verses to hold on to such as I will never leave you or forsake you, I will meet all your needs, I will work all things out for good, nothing is too hard for Me. It is crucial that you review times in the past when God brought you through or supplied needs in amazing ways. It is vital that you voice the truths of Who God is and what God can do before, during, and after you voice the concerns and fears. God knows your situation. He knows you intimately. He has a plan and purpose for you. He never fails!

The children of Israel floundered each time a test came their way because they kept seeing the situation or need as being greater than the One who could help them. They forgot the very truths that could have helped them to walk in confidence in the face of seeming hopelessness. They serve as our examples of what life will be like for us if we repeat their words, thoughts, and actions. Remember, we are not called to understand all that God does or doesn’t do but rather to trust Him in the process.

I want to spend today reviewing with God the many, many things He has done in the past for me, to me, and through me. I want that review to be a part of my next time of testing.

Father, I have experienced Your work, presence, and power in the past. I praise You for the history You and I share. May my life be marked by confidence in You! Amen.

Indescribable - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF9aY49oQTs&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Not a One Time Event

But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, for You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalm 59:16 (New American Standard Bible)

Nineteen verses in the book of Psalms express David’s plea to God in times of distress. He learned the right thing to do when he was in trouble or turmoil…..cry out to God. He proclaimed Who God was, what his problem was, and what He wanted God to do for him in that place. He also sang songs about God’s heart, kindness, and presence. I don’t know how long it took for David to experience his deliverance in these times but I know this, he continually did what was necessary while waiting for that deliverance. Whether it was trouble from without or turmoil from within he knew that his source, security, and strength would only be found in God.

I have often made the mistake of thinking that once a lesson is learned I am good to go and will not face the difficulty again. Be it a sinful habit, a dependency issue, an addiction, or a hurt I somehow want to believe there is a puzzle piece and once I find it I will be free from continued struggles in those areas. I am now learning how far from the truth that kind of thinking is! It simply sets me up for disillusionment and discouragement. Life’s lessons are NOT learned so that I will be free from repeating the same scenarios but rather they are learned so that I know what to do when I once again face those scenarios.

So what is it I know to do? Acknowledge what is happening in and around me and how it is affecting me. Look to God for needed grace, strength, wisdom, and direction. Take His commands and advice to heart and act upon the truths He is showing me either in His Word or through individuals He brings across my path. Unlike salvation which is a one time event in my life, growth and sanctification are ongoing processes.

In the past number of months, I have had reoccurring bouts of a sinus infection…this week being the most recent. Seeing my doctor, taking my medicine, and catching up on my sleep are the repeated steps I take. They don’t guarantee a permanent solution but rather a necessary step for now. The same is true of my repeated bouts with issues at hand. Each time the need arises I must repeat the steps He has previously shown me. It does not mean I didn’t learn the lessons the first time. It means as a person I will spend the rest of my life looking to God, seeking God, asking God for help, and finding deliverance for that moment. If David and others in the Bible had to continually go to God for help, who am I to think I must not do the same?

Father, as the opportunities arise help me to do the right thing and look to You. May I not hesitate to cry and sing out to You! Amen.

Sing for Joy - Don Moen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBs2V4_61AQ

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

What He Whispers In My Ear

What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Matthew 10:27 (New International Version)

It is my privilege and delight each morning to carry out the words of this verse. God has been gentle and persistent in leading me in the writing of devotionals. It began several years ago with a simple prayer of “Show me Your heart in Scripture.” It was my cry to Him to remove the obstacles that prevented me from feasting on His Word and walking away knowing I had received a meal intended for me that day! What were those obstacles? Struggling to see the positive verses as being meant for me and failing to see that what He spoke thousands of years ago was intended for me as well. When those two obstacles were removed, the living Word came alive to me! It began to change the way I viewed God and His involvement in my life. It helped me see that each time I opened His Word there was something specific He wanted to tell me at that moment. But His desire went beyond my personal intake. He wanted to whisper things to me that I would in turn proclaim to others.

It started when I simply took a notebook and began writing out just a paragraph of what He had shown me that morning. Months later as the entries grew in length, He nudged me to put them on the computer. A short time later He nudged me to start sending them to friends as email devotionals. At that time I would write them out by hand, copy them onto the computer, and send them. Months later I detected themes I wish I had followed. That is when God let me know I was no longer to write them out first. When I saw the verse that was meant for me, I was to simply go to the computer and write what He brought to mind. I cannot tell you the number of times He has changed the whole direction of my thinking by the time I send the email. Eventually I saw what He was doing. The devotionals were not meant to simply let others know what God was showing me. They were meant to let others see what God was showing them! God has assured me someone out there needs to hear the same thing I have heard. It becomes an anointed time at both the sending and receiving end of the email.

For any who say in the privacy of their own thoughts, “I get nothing out of Scripture when I read it. It is more duty than delight for me to read it. I have no consistent time in His Word,” I assure you I have been there! For decades! And I attest to the fact it does not have to be that way. Dare to get honest with God. Tell Him the very thoughts you harbor and ask Him to open your eyes to Himself in His Word. Ask Him to bring His Word to life for you! He has things to tell you and things to whisper in your ear. When that happens you will be amazed at what you end up sharing with others.

Father, Your whispers to me are too good not to share! I treasure what You tell me and I delight to pass it on! Amen.

Ancient Words - Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UNPxkJU5IA

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Seeing Where I Am At

Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:9 (New King James Version)

The almighty, omniscient God does not ask us questions in order for Him to understand or learn something new. He already knows everything about us from the number of hairs on our head to the deepest secrets of our heart. He knows our past, present, and future. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses. He knows what lies behind our laughter as well as our tears. He knows our insecurities, fears, and apprehensions. He knows our wounds and how we acquired each one of them. He knows our longings and our resignations. And as in the case of Adam, He knows if, when, where, and why we are hiding. It is not for His benefit but ours that He asks questions. He knows that when we see the answer for ourselves it will be a turning point for us.

Several years ago, I looked in the mirror and asked myself and God, “Who am I, who are You, and who are we together?” My world had caved in and I needed to see who I was rather than who I wanted to be. Presently I am asking “where” rather than “why.” Where am I at emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually? I know where I want to be in each of those areas (perfectionism at its peak) but reality reminds me that I am not there (hence, disappointment). Each time I am aware of my imperfections I cringe, self condemn, and cower. God wants more than that for me.

He wants me to realize I am safe to bring the truth of where I am to Him, because until I do, there will be no change. Seeing where I am broken, empty, and hurting is the first step in wholeness, filling, and healing. Unless I see and acknowledge the truth to God, I will have no idea where I need His redemptive touch in my life. He knows my plight better than I do and loves me as and where I am, but has no intention on leaving me in this state. Even though I live in a fallen world and possess a sin nature, He knows that things can be better than they are….not perfect but improved!

So where do I start? I ask God to reveal the truth about myself to me. As the truth is seen, I write it out (on paper or my computer). The experience of seeing it in print is powerful. Once it is written, I read it out loud to Him and only Him, asking Him for what I need….grace, forgiveness, healing, restoration, and renewal. I ask Him to begin to rebuild my life one acknowledgment of truth at a time. He is ready and I am finally willing!

Father, You see it all. Clarify the truth to me and continue the process of conforming me into the image of Christ. Make me comfortable in coming to You. Amen.

He Knows My Name - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXsiWoyjw60&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Staying Honest With Myself and God

They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support. He also brought me forth into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me. 2 Samuel 22:19-20 (New American Standard Bible)

Some concepts of Scripture are easier for me to grasp than others. I have no trouble believing that God is my support, that He has brought me forth into a broad place, and that He has rescued me. His intervention in my life has been evident and endless. Many have been the pits He has lifted me out of and the situations He has rescued me from. He has stayed when others have walked away. He has comforted when others have condemned. He has extended love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness with full knowledge of the worst of me. Yet even with this knowledge I struggle to grasp and live in His delight of me….especially when I keep failing at overcoming the weaknesses and propensities toward sin that still reside in me.

I see my shortcomings and failures so clearly. People tell me they see growth and I sometimes simply take their words by faith. God’s words to Israel in the Old Testament when they did not keep His laws hang over me like banners. Romans 8:1 says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus and who walk in the Spirit rather than the flesh. But the sense of condemnation, failure, and worthlessness often envelope me. I believe many Christians feel the same way but won’t admit it because they know they shouldn’t feel that way. So we don the smile, say the right words, and try to do better. But the inner struggle continues.

The answer? Stay in the Word and remain honest with God. He already knows the doubts, fears, and apprehensions. He sees the gold even in the midst of failure. He knows that one day I will fully realize and embrace His grace and mercy. I will revel in His forgiveness. For now, my eyes well up with tears when I am told He loves me.

Every day does not start out like this but today does. It is my starting point and God is already extending His heart and His hand to me in order to walk me through the minefield of thoughts. I want to hear what He has to say to me for I know joy will follow.

This isn’t an easy devotional to write but I believe it is necessary. It will also be worthwhile if it causes one other individual to finally take the time to look within themselves and see what is really going on. If they will finally begin to live a life of authenticity before God.

Father, I need You and I need Your truth to be my life. Amen.

You Are My Hiding Place - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zej__yFPeK0

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

What Others Have Seen

For I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them. Luke 10:24 (New American Standard Bible)

I remember, as a teenager, reading the account of Thomas doubting that Jesus had risen from the dead. When Jesus finally appeared to him, he believed. Jesus said to him that he believed because he saw it with his own eyes but blessed were those who believe in Him without seeing. That was the first time I had read a verse and knew the words were speaking about me! I had come to believe in Jesus and accept Him as my Savior without ever seeing Him with my physical eyes. Today’s verse is another example of His words being spoken about me and every other believer.

What we see and hear as believers on this side of the cross is what prophets and kings of the Old Testament wished to see and hear but weren’t able to. I believe this is because they did not have the complete Word of God available to them as we do today and they did not have the Holy Spirit permanently residing in them as we do. Those two factors alone set us apart from our spiritual ancestors.

Yet, if I am honest, I will admit there are some things others saw and heard in Old and New Testament times that I wish I could experience today. Some saw first hand the numerous miracles that God performed….deliverances, healings, victories. Some heard God speak to them in audible tones. Some had profound dreams and visions that were messages from God. As I have pondered these things, God has had to remind me on several occasions that I am to walk by faith and not by sight.

What does it take to walk by faith? Knowledge of God from His Word. A personal relationship with Him through Christ. Open and honest communication with Him through prayer. Obedience to His commands. Sensitivity and awareness of His still, small voice. Trust that He knows what is best and does what is best. Fixing my eyes on Him. Loving Him with all my heart, soul, and mind.

Will I do those things perfectly all the time? Not hardly, but I desire to. His grace, mercy, and forgiveness cover the times I fail. I take comfort in the fact that He is honing my walk of faith on a day by day basis. No matter what, His hands and His eyes have never been taken off me.

Father, I find solace in Your words to me this morning. With You I have a new day, a fresh start, and a multitude of possibilities. Improve my steps, Lord. Amen.

Everlasting God - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yubLGTOcm8c&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Breaking the Chains of Regret

Do not be afraid, Samuel replied. You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 1 Samuel 12:20 (New International Version)

The children of Israel had a trail of sin behind them. They had turned their back on God numerous times and followed false gods. Their cycle of rebellion, bondage, confession, and deliverance had played itself out multiple times. To add insult to injury they asked for a king when all the while God was desiring to be their King. Samuel’s words to them were spoken at a time when their sin stared them in the face and disturbed them deeply.

As the saying goes, “Been there and bought the t-shirt!” Many have been the time when past sins and failures have tormented me. Did I ask forgiveness? Yes! Yet the regret of not doing right will persist if I allow it. One person had it right when she said, “You have confessed it. You have asked for forgiveness. But you are not at peace because you have not accepted the forgiveness God has graciously given.” She was right. Oh, the unnecessary choice we make to persistently carry baggage from the past!

It is never God’s intent that we live under the banner of condemnation once something has been brought to Him for forgiveness. It is not His desire that we incessantly review what He no longer holds against us. While our sin is certainly not a light matter with God, neither is His forgiveness. Forgiveness is a fresh start and an invitation to, from this point on, serve the Lord with all our heart.

That fresh start is taken with renewed thinking and the stopping of labeling ourselves by our past. Our walk with God needs to be defined by what we are doing NOW, rather than what we have done, failed to do, or stopped doing in the past. Just as a parent rejoices over the steps taken by a little one learning to walk, so God rejoices over progress made in our daily walk with Him. It has taken me quite a while to learn to view my Christian life in such a way that I acknowledge the steps forward rather than the stumbles made along the way. It took hearing it from others over and over again before the truth finally hit, but I am beginning to see my journey as one that entails falling, forgiveness, getting up and moving forward. With time I am seeing a bit more distance between those cycles.

So what do I do when I find myself once again in the “review” mode? Know that it is not from God, acknowledge that I have been forgiven, and rejoice in each fresh start!

Father, so often I relate with the children of Israel. Thank you for the reminder that I no longer have to live in the past…even if the past is recent history! Amen.

He Has Forgiven Me - Damaris Carbaugh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQhHN_Ed4sk

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

As Others Have Done

Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner? Ruth 2:10 (New American Standard Bible)

Have you ever asked about or internally questioned the kindness of another individual toward you? Ruth did so and I believe that her story encourages us to do the same. She had known the loss of her husband through death, the leaving of her homeland through choice, and the feel of a foreigner in a new place. I am not sure what her expectations were each day she went out to glean food for her and her mother-in-law, but when Boaz’s kindness was extended to her she voiced the thoughts she had pondered, “Why am I finding favor in your sight and being taken notice of?”

I am always astounded when someone shows me favor and takes notice of my situation. I do not take lightly their willingness to invest in a relationship with me. This morning I am looking back to many years of God intersecting my world with such individuals and lifting up a heart of thanks for His doing so. Each came at pivotal times in my life. Some came to fill in the holes left from childhood experiences. Some came to instill valuable life lessons in me. Some came to redirect my steps on the path God had called me to. Some came to teach me spiritual truths that revolutionized my Christian life. Some came to lead me out of darkness, grief, confusion, and loss. Some came at times when life seemed to be going well and some came at times when life had all but fallen apart. Some had public platforms of ministry while others lived fairly private lives. Whatever the scenario and whoever the person, they were my “Boaz” for a time and memories of them are precious treasures in the coffers of my mind.

Having said that, I am acutely aware of my need to be a Boaz to others. To invest in their life. To be willing to be a part of their journey. To be the hands and heart of Jesus to them. To allow God to intentionally bring me along side individuals who need my favor and notice directed toward them. What I received from the heart of others is what others are in need of from me whenever and wherever God opens the door of opportunity.

I have had many people show me what to do and how to do it. Following their example will be the ultimate way to demonstrate that their ministry in my life was not in vain.

Father, I will never be able to thank You enough for the individuals You have used and continue to use to shape my life. Let my actions be one more way to express my gratitude! Amen.

Thank You - Ray Boltz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFrdJ2V3r7Y&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Recalling the Past for the Present

Did You not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? Now behold, the sons of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir …. see how they are rewarding us by coming to drive us out from Your possession which You have given us as an inheritance. 2 Chronicles 20:7, 10, 11 (New American Standard Bible)

I am always interested to see patterns in Scripture. Today’s passage shows me a pattern that is found numerous times throughout the Bible. It is a pattern for prayer. Acknowledge God’s past intervention and then state the present situation. When faced with an approaching battle Jehoshaphat looked back to past victories. As I ponder that concept, I am acutely aware of how seldom I proclaim to God what He has done for me in the past. It would be especially helpful for each of us to recall previous situations that are similar to present ones.

When filled with fear, think back to times when God calmed the fears in the past. When battling an addiction, recall past deliverances. When in financial need, list the numerous times God has met former needs. When shifts in relationships threaten to alarm, remember past transitions that turned out well. I guarantee you that for any who have walked with God for any length of time, there will be past experiences to reflect upon in the here and now.

Recalling the past encourages us in our faith, reminds us of God’s willingness and ability to help, brings us to a place of praise and acknowledgement of Who God is, gives us hope, touches the heart of God, and poises us for expectation and anticipation of how God will work at the present. God may not choose to do things exactly the same way, but rest assured, He will do something, and when He does it will become a past experience we can bring into a future situation.

If we are not careful, we can find ourselves with the attitude, “Yes, God came through for me once, but will He do it again?” How much better to state, “God did such and such for me in the past and I KNOW He will be faithful in this situation as well!” Already I am formulating a list in my mind of God’s interventions in my life whereby He met needs, healed hurts, gave strength, imparted wisdom, sent significant people into my life, and restored my health. Just as we enjoy hearing someone recall some of our accomplishments, God enjoys hearing us recall His. May we bring that practice into our prayer life.

Father, You have been faithful in the past and You will be faithful in the present and future. What assurance and comfort that gives to me. Praise You! Amen.

The Battle Belongs to the Lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMZ8D6nTKhg

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

From Questioning to Confident

And so it was, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, that he worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel, and said, “Arise, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.” Judges 7:15 (New King James Version)

Gideon’s battle cry to the camp of Israel stunned me when I read it this morning! The word “has” caught my attention immediately. The battle against the camp of Midian had not yet taken place but Gideon was so confident of the outcome that he used a past tense verb phrase. THIS from a man who needed further proof after a visit from an angel. THIS from a man who put out not one, but two fleeces, because he struggled so much with self-doubt, fear and unbelief. THIS from a man who had just witnessed God shrink his army from 32,000 strong to 300 not so strong. THIS from a man who felt like less than the least in his nation and family. What happened?!

Gideon finally got it! God allowed him to overhear a conversation between two men from Midian as they talked about a dream and its interpretation (Judges 7:13,14). It was the “proof” he needed to bring about the courage and confidence he lacked. Once this took place he moved forward without a shred of doubt or apprehension. Can you hear the conviction in his voice as he calls his army to attention and lays out the battle plan? I not only hear it but I want it!

I want the confidence Gideon demonstrated but often feel more like pre-confident Gideon. Circumstances can make me wonder if I will make it. Personal weaknesses can cause me to doubt I will see victory in this life time. Past failures can continue to define my present walk. Perceptions can convince me others have given up on me. These are all links to a chain that encircles my life with much weight and noise! So where do I begin to dissemble the chain and walk in confidence?

For me, confidence will come as I lay hold of God’s promises in His Word. Promises of victory. Promises of Him never leaving me. Promises of His continual presence. Promises of His power. It will also come as I observe what He has done and continues to do in the lives of others (past and present). It will come through moments of prayer where I pour out my thanksgiving and thoughts to God. It will come as I depend more and more upon Him to do what I cannot do. It will come with remembering that Gideon’s confidence had very little to do with him and everything to do with the One who called him.

Father, strengthen me from the inside out. Change this questioning doubtful woman into a woman of dignity and confidence in You. Amen.

My Life Is In You, Lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0M0NALW7EM&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Asking For and Receiving Help

So Judah said to Simeon his brother, “Come up with me to my allotted territory, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I will likewise go with you to your allotted territory.” And Simeon went with him. Judges 1:3 (New King James Version)

After the death of Joshua the children of Israel still had land to conquer. Each tribe knew which area was portioned to them and it was up to them to drive out the inhabitants and occupy their territory. The tribe of Judah was wise to ask for help from the tribe of Simeon. Each would help the other in their particular battles. How like them we as believers need to be!

The Christian life is not meant to be lived with a lone ranger mentality. Let’s face it, there are times when situations, circumstances, trials, and problems necessitate the need for help from others. In the course of my Christian life, God has faithfully brought individuals into my life to help in significant ways. Many were the times I had no trouble acknowledging my need or accepting help. Looking to people for wisdom, counsel, and direction was like second nature to me.

Yet, there was a day when I found myself attempting to survive a difficult time “on my own!” When a substantial relationship fell apart and waves of emotions seemed intent on doing me in, I spent six months floundering in the darkest world I had ever experienced. Due to shame and fear I struggled to do what use to come so easily…ask for help. I wasn’t sure anyone could or would help. I thought I could somehow manage on my own. I was wrong! My journey out of darkness began the day a friend offered to come along side and help. That help came in the form of prayer, listening, counseling, and a two year long accountability partnership. She was every bit a “Simeon” to this “Judah.” Although there are times an ache will jab me about my former relationship, the darkness has passed and I am daily moving forward into the life God intends for me to live.

So is help still necessary? Absolutely! As I am confronted with new issues and obstacles I am more aware than ever of the need for help. I continue to ask questions, request prayer, and sit under wise counsel. As I have been helped, it is now my desire to help others as well. I can think of no better way to show that the help given to me in my time of need was not given in vain.

Father, when I needed it most help came. Use me in someone’s life as one was used in mine. Amen.

Count On Me - Whitney Houston & CeCe Winans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zMbhfQwfyY&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.