Seeing the Promises

For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. Ezekiel 36:24-26 (New International Version)

I claim the promises this morning! Many were the times I could not read Scripture and see that what God was saying to His people in the Old and New Testaments He was saying to ME as well. It was like reading someone else’s mail. That is no longer the case. Now when I read His Word I know what He is saying to me and what area of my life to appropriate His words.

Much like the children of Israel, I have spent years trying to walk in someone else’s land and make their journey my journey. It was easier to copy their ways and thinking rather than allow God to bring me into my own, unique place within His kingdom. I had my idols. While the children of Israel had their idols of wood and stone, I had my idols of flesh. With the acknowledgement of that, God has been in the process of bringing me into my “own” land and place with Him and also freeing me from my idols and propensity toward idolatry.

I have been influenced by significant people and my life will always bear their marks and fingerprints, but God’s intent is that I become and remain an individual of authenticity and originality. To be known as the One He rescued and redeemed for His own name’s sake. That which had a profound hold on me, is loosened only by His hand. To put it quite frankly, He WILL finish every work He has started in me. I have His word on it! I embrace His promises to me.

People often give up or live with a sense of resignation when there is no hope. They can’t see changes in their life or their circumstances so they conclude there are no changes. Often the processes of God are drawn out over years and that which is able to keep us hopeful of a complete story are the promises found in the Bible. His Word is meant to be personal and to be approached with expectancy. Each time I open it I know that He has a word for me. This morning was no exception. His promise tells me the end of my own story and the hope of that promise renews my strength and stride. In moments like this I have no trouble seeing His involvement and interest in my growth and development as His child. That which eluded me for years has now become very clear and very present.

Father, the way You are carving out a path for me to walk is beyond words. Thank you for renewing my hope and my spirit. Amen.

Ancient Words - Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vmTkXNpwzs

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