Personalizing Scripture

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (New King James Version)

It is one thing to read today’s verse with the all inclusive word “we” but it is an eye-opener and heart-mover to read it with the personal word “I”. To say out loud that I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that I should walk in them forces me to admit when and where I am not walking as such.

As I read the whole second chapter of Ephesians this way I was so aware of times when I still walk according to my flesh and mind rather than as a redeemed, blood bought daughter of God. My response and actions that come when I have been hurt and disappointed (or perceived I have been) still resembles that of one who does not know God. It is not so much that after nearly 38 years of being a Christian I still contend with pride, selfishness, and me-ism, it is that I give in to it so easily. When tempted in areas that affect my ego I still fold. That is the glaring truth for me this morning.

The second chapter of Ephesians is all about what I once was and who I am now. I want the who am now to be different. I want my choices and mindsets to be different. I want my view of people and my relationship with them to be different. With that said, I know the difference will require change on my part. It will require submission to God as He nudges and empowers me to do things differently than I have been doing them. Even though my methods have not worked, I am comfortable with them but uncomfortable with the results they keep yielding. That discomfort is what God is using to bring about in me a desire for change.

If left on my own, I will never see the transformation for which I long. But I am not left on my own. I am indwelt by the very Spirit of Christ and His Word lives in me. Victory and change ARE possible because of those two factors. The key will be relinquishing my will in exchange for God’s will. That is something He will not do for me but I have no doubt He will guide me in the process.

I will admit it scares me to think of living my life differently than I have been living it. To change the way I think, act, and respond in painful moments is over whelming at times. But I know the change will be worth it and when it comes I will marvel that I fought the process for as long as I have.

Father, You have been watching me re-enact one painful choice after another and all the while have longed for me to walk in Your ways. Give me the grace to change. Amen.

A Different Road - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P2awWTLmGU

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

Equal Individuals

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 (New American Standard Bible)


Paul’s view of other believers touches me deeply. He was not one to put himself or anyone else on a pedestal or in a place of insignificance. Surely, as a Pharisee, before he came to know Christ, there would have been a lot of comparisons and competition, but that changed when he became a Christian. Fellow citizens, fit together, and built together as a place for God Himself to dwell…THAT’S how Paul saw it. That’s how God sees it. That’s how each of us need to see it.

I took a moment this morning to see how many ways Paul used the word “fellow” in conjunction with other words. The list is astounding. Fellow heirs, fellow workers, fellow partakers, fellow citizens, fellow members, fellow soldiers, fellow bond-servants, fellow prisoners, and fellow servants. To Paul, if you were a member of the body of Christ, you possessed the same citizenship as other believers, were a companion in God’s work, joint partner, joint participant, and served the same Master. The unity and equality must not be missed here. As far as Paul was concerned, we are in this together!

For any who grew up feeling less than others, wanting to be someone other than themselves, filled with feelings of unimportance and worthlessness, Paul’s words are meant to rewrite those messages of insignificance. While there is variety within the body of Christ when it comes to gifts, talents, ministry opportunities, material possessions, callings, education, experience, and location, the bottom line is one of likeness when it comes to who we are in Christ and what we possess ….. the Holy Spirit, eternal security, and access to the throne of grace to name a few. While God may have a different calling on a person’s life, He does not play favorites or have favorites. None are a lost face in the crowd to Him When that is not our belief, we can be sure we have bought into a lie about ourselves and about Him. If that be the case, may we allow His Word to speak necessary truth into our minds and hearts. May any false view or negative feeling be replaced with the joy of our equality and unity in Christ.

Father, for too long I compared myself, my walk, and my life with others. Thank you for individuality and uniqueness that does not take away from what You are showing me. Help me to see my specialness in Christ like never before. Amen.

Mighty to Save - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR8rlTIU8_Y&feature=related

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

Saying and Hearing the Right Thing

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 (New American Standard Bible)

It is easy to look at this verse as a guide for how I communicate to others and I would do well to use it as such. But this morning God is encouraging me to see myself as the hearer of my own words. His desire is that I make sure what I tell myself is edifying and graceful. Lately I have noticed how often that is not the case and God has graciously been showing me why and how to remedy it.

Unedifying and ungracious words are rooted in the view I have of myself. When I fail to see myself separate from my sin and weaknesses my attitude becomes critical and unloving. It is the exact opposite of hating the sin but loving the sinner. I have heard that phrase many times but was at odds with how to make it a reality and apply it to myself.

God used something I had read in a book to help me see that I build my identity on the worst aspects of myself. The things I do become grounds for believing I am a disgusting, unlovable, unwanted, and undesired person. When fully fostered they result in the thinking that if someone were to really know me and really know what I am like on the inside they would have more than enough reason to walk away and they would leave me. So I learned to keep enough hidden that the people I care the most for wouldn’t leave. It is a cycle that God desires to break and I am getting the first taste of freedom.

He used two things to help me see truth. First, an accountability partnership wherein I committed myself to honesty. Over the course of two years, God brought about a question that my accountability partner would ask that forced me to admit what was really going on inside of me. When I had been through a season of dark moods she would ask, “What triggered it?” The answer exposed my heart and when that happened there was an indescribable freedom and peace that followed. It also allowed me to experience a relationship whereby this individual knew the worst parts of me and chose not to walk away. What a reflection of God’s character. The more I saw that, the more I was able to be honest and open.

The second thing God has used is the realization that my sins and weaknesses do not make me a disgusting person. They are to be hated and dealt with but I am to see myself as a beloved, cherished daughter of God. It is wrong to hate what God cherishes. God is letting me know that as I learn to hate my sin but cherish who I am in Christ, I will begin to have the same ability to demonstrate that toward others.

Father, thank you for one who chose not to walk away and for helping me to see the roots of my own condemning thoughts. I am a recipient of Your love and work. Keep showing me my pathway to freedom. Amen.

Who Am I - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU_rTX23V7Q

I welcome your questions and comments to any devotional thoughts. I am honored and delighted to share my journey with you and privileged to hear of yours.

To Tell the Truth

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. Ephesians 4:25 (King James Version)

There are times when speaking the truth to others comes easily for me and then there are times when I cringe at the thought. The worst moments for me are when I am struggling emotionally and someone asks me how I am doing. Or they say something like, “Are you okay?” They can see by the blank stare, lack of energy, and silence that something is amiss. They ask out of true concern and yet I end up giving not only a somewhat believable excuse but an out and out lie. Tonight it was, “Just tired. Worked over-time. Long day.” The truth? I was losing a battle of my mind and didn’t want to admit my problem.

Why is it so hard to be honest and open with people? Why is it so hard to tell them the truth when they ask? The answers are as multi-layered as the questions. Shame, fear of losing face, pride, fear of their opinion of me plunging, and ultimately fear of being found out to be less than they think I am. It is the same scenario played out when we don’t want to admit wrong doing on our part.

I can understand Adam and Eve’s attempt to hide when their sin was exposed. Or Achan’s act of hiding stolen goods and then denying it until the very end. Or Aaron blaming the children of Israel for the calf that he himself had fashioned when confronted about it. I understand. I relate. I opt for the same choices when asked how I am doing. Some would say it is no big deal but to God telling the truth IS a big deal.

So what am I to do once I have been dishonest with my answers. Confess it to God for one. Then do what I did a moment ago. Pick up the phone, call the person I spoke to, and apologize. She was gracious and forgiving. Said she knew I wasn’t telling her the whole story and offered to pray for me. Then determine that by God’s grace I will follow His principles of honesty the next time this scenario plays out. Then move on.

Father, I lost a number of battles this evening and yet I stand forgiven. Thank you that your forgiveness will always outnumber my sin. Amen.

What Sin? - Morgan Cryar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaMIeOKQVDs&feature=related

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

Beyond What I Could Ask or Think

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20, 21 (New American Standard Bible)

Have you ever been aware of a time when God was doing something in your life that far exceeded anything you could ask for, hope for, or think? For me, that awareness usually comes after the fact.

In the spring of 2004, I attended a women’s event out of curiosity about the speaker. I had been familiar with her music ministry from the 70s and 80s but knew little of what God had been doing in her life since then. What God did that weekend far exceeded anything I could have thought to ask Him to do. It was there that I saw that His love for me was not dependent on what I was doing. It forever changed the way I was living my Christian life and started me on a journey that continues to this day.

That same year, I asked God to show me His heart in Scripture. I wanted to read His Word and know that He had a message for me within its pages. I wanted Scripture to come alive to me and work wonders in my life. With pen in hand I wrote out a paragraph of thoughts that stood out to me in a practical way. This morning I prepare to send out my 965th devotional and that far exceeds anything I could have asked for or thought up. Both my life and my devotionals have changed much over these past number of years.

Two years ago, I entered the darkest season of my life. My entire world was shaken by the stepping away of a mentor who just happened to be the speaker God used to radically change my life. The loss of her involvement in my life set me on a path of finding God’s hand to take hold of. With the help of an accountability partner I began to wade through the issues of my heart. Slowly but surely, the seeds of truth began to outnumber the embedded lies I had come to believe. I am now in the midst of seeing God once again go far beyond anything I could ask or hope for. Not only has He brought me to the place of once again taking in the teaching and listening to the music of my former mentor, but He has removed the unforgiving spirit, confusion, questions, and hurt that I have harbored for these two years. None of which I thought would happen in this life time.

This week has found me taking the first steps of freedom that at one time I doubted I would ever take. It has also increased my anticipation of what lies ahead!

Father, the darkness is gone and today the light of Your presence warms me like never before. Thank you for all the ways You have exceedingly, abundantly worked. I know that You are not finished and I am ready for the rest of the story! Amen.

Psalm 23 - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVYh63ZF_Vo

*** Special note*** If any of you are planning on attending Kathy Troccoli's concert in Fort Wayne, Indiana, tomorrow evening (Aug. 21) please let me know. I would love to meet you!

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

Where’s the Strength?

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Ephesians 6:10 (New King James Version)

It is imperative as believers that we know in whose strength and power we are to stand, walk, and live. We have no trouble knowing our salvation rests in the finished work of Christ, but we somehow live as if the bulk of our Christian life depends upon us. As if, each day, we must muster up enough determination to withstand temptation, walk in forgiveness, do what we are suppose to be doing, love others unconditionally, keep our hearts and motives in check, never have a bad day, keep a smile on our face come what may, and walk through life untainted and unaffected by any and all circumstances. When in reality we feel that at any moment our life is about come unraveled and we will go down for the last count. Only to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and try again! It is self sufficiency at its worst.

I am being reminded this morning that my true strength is in the Lord and in the power of His might. My flesh is weak and my power is very limited at best, so this truth encourages me. It settles the uneasy feelings that come when I contemplate my failures and phobias. It dries my tears over sins, regrets, and shortcomings. It comforts me in the midst of loss, disappointment, and unending needs.

Each time I come to the end of myself, God is there urging me to look to Him and live out of His strength and might. He wants me to know that as His child, I am endued with His strength and that strength increases as I receive it and rely upon it. It is a mighty force that is meant to be the driving force behind everything He calls me to do. It is where the ability to live the Christian life lies.

David spoke often of God being his rock, defense, stronghold, shelter, and fortress. Each is a picture and aspect of strength. The children of Israel knew that without God’s power and strength they would fail to win any and all battles. Paul reminded the early churches that it was God’s power, not their own, that was to be credited for their growth and accomplishments. Those things are true for us as well in this day and age.

Where is it you feel weak, unqualified, and inept? That is to be the starting point for looking to God to help you do what you need to do. It is a truth that is meant to give us hope and encouragement. I know what I need to approach God with this morning and I am confident He is waiting for me to do that.

Father, I want to stand in Your strength and power. I want to experience You doing through me what only You can do. Thank you that You are not limited by my limitations. Amen.

His Strength Is Perfect - Steven Curtis Chapman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzKo25QKPsY

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

Getting the Right Picture

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32 (New International Version)

There are times when I struggle with concepts because I fail to have a good picture of what that concept looks like and means. Such has been the case with forgiveness. While I could be told what forgiveness is and what it isn’t, there was still a part of me that needed a specific picture of it that made sense. Something that I could hold up as a standard for myself and use as a key to unlock chains of bitterness, resentment, ill feelings, and discomfort at not only seeing an individual but at the very thought of them. I needed something beyond just saying, “I forgive them.” I needed something for me.

One of things that continue to touch me deeply about God is that He is willing to go to any lengths to give me the pictures I need. He knows when I am grasping a truth and when I am floundering. He knows the discouragement that can set in when I know I am not “getting” it! Yesterday, during a walk I poured out my heart to God on this very issue. Forgiveness! My struggle wasn’t really with people who wronged me purposefully. That is not usually the case for me. My struggle was with people who unintentionally and even unknowingly hurt or disappointed me. I knew they had not sinned against me….their words or actions (or the lack thereof) hurt me but they didn’t violate a command of God by any means. My problem was that I didn’t know what THAT kind of forgiveness looked like. I wasn’t even sure forgiveness was the answer to my dilemma.

God was gracious to let me know an aspect of forgiveness that would definitely apply to such times. For each person, forgiveness entailed a conscious decision on my part to no longer hold particular things against them. Holding something against someone means I dwell on it, I define them by it, I refuse to give up my negative feelings toward them, and I continue to walk with the weight of being offended and hurt. When I could see that picture, I had something tangible to act upon. I had no trouble knowing what it meant to hold something against someone and I had no trouble knowing what it meant to not hold something against them.

This morning, God took delight in each decision I made to no longer hold things against individuals. Tears came as I not only chose to release them from what I was holding against them, but as I also spoke the truth about them. Before my prayer time was up, God nudged me to be gracious to myself as well. He encouraged me to stop holding the many things against myself that I had been so prone to do. What a precious God!

Father, I can no longer say I don’t understand. You have made it clear and painted an incredible picture for me. I praise Your name! Amen.

What Sin? By Morgan Cryar
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qaMIeOKQVDs&feature=related

I am honored and privileged to share these devotional thoughts with you each week. Feel free to forward them on to those whom you think would benefit from them. Also feel free to copy them for your personal files or notebooks. May God individualize each message for you personally.

It's a Start

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Ephesians 4:32-5:2 (New American Standard Bible)

I love it when Scripture spells things out so clearly. Last night I asked a friend what it looks like to love others in the Lord even when personalities clash and you can barely stand to be around them. It is a dilemma we all face from time to time and I knew I was in the throws of one myself. What I wanted to know from my friend was what does that kind of love look like and how do I go about showing it. She is the kind of person I will ask questions of and assume she will always have the wisdom of Solomon when she answers me. We both laughed when her only answer was to let her know when I found out myself, because she too has an individual she is learning to love in the Lord!

After our conversation, the Lord brought today’s passage to mind. It is a beautiful and descriptive portrait of walking in love. Basically it is encouraging me to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving of others. As I imitate God and walk in love (just as Jesus did) it will be a precious perfume to God. What I give up for others delights God. It all sounded great but left my heart unchanged. I knew I needed a different starting point and God graciously gave me one this morning.

I recalled how last week He nudged me to begin honoring an individual with whom I was housing negative thoughts. It was a powerful exercise that I have continued to use as needed. But when I tried to bring it into this other relationship, it wasn’t effective. Just as in the case of Old Testament battles, God will not always give the same instructions. This time I was to pray for this individual and what a list He has given me. I went to www.biblegateway.com and came up with a number of verses that were actual prayers. Prayers for God’s wisdom, strength, and working. With the list, I formulated a prayer that was specific for this individual as well as one for myself. I am finding it is a powerful thing when we infuse our prayers with Scripture! Praying God’s Word is not a new concept but it is being newly used by me and I am standing in expectancy of God’s answers to those prayers.

I don’t have a complete answer for the issue of loving others in the Lord, but what God has given me so far is both precious and powerful. I know that obedience in this area will bring about profound changes in me and others.


Father, I want to walk in love and that is requiring a change in me. Teach me Your ways and help me to follow You. Amen.

HOW BEAUTIFUL -Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJfSp_rceFs&feature=related

Infinitely More

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Ephesians 3:20 (New King James Version)

I had to reread this verses several times before I could begin to take in the promise being made. Exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think! I have to ask myself if I am ready to walk in confidence for the very thing I am asking God. I am not asking for material wealth, miraculous physical healing, or even impossible doors to open. I am asking for freedom from the very thing that keeps surfacing in my life and showing itself present. It is like a scattered forest fire whereby I see one flame extinguished or at least brought under control, only to have another one appear in the distance. It is that “besetting sin” or weakness that continues to trip me up, hinder me, and wrap me in discouragement and despair! Therefore, today’s verse is meant to be my signpost along the way that cries out, “Do not give up! Hold on! When it is all said and done, God will do immeasurably more than you are asking!” I like how it is stated in The Message, “Far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams.”

Who is making such a promise to me and to you? God! The One who created the world, divided the Red Sea, brought water out a rock (twice), raised the dead, brought sight to the blind, fed thousands of people with a little boy’s lunch (twice), forgave my sin, made me a new creation in Christ, and came back to life after dieing for all of humanity. That God! My difficulty is in His hands. It is His personal project!

Not only is He the One working on my behalf but His power is what is working in me! While my cooperation with Him is necessary, His strength and power are what will bring about the ultimate transformation I need., crave, and desire. Although this is a huge request in my mind, requests are not categorized in God’s mind as being difficult or easy. God does not operate on the same scale as I often do. He does not strain at anything He does. Dividing the Red Sea took no more energy for Him than any other miracle recorded in Scripture. In other words, God and His power are bigger than any need or request I bring to Him.

For any who battle an area in their life that seems impossible and insurmountable, I invite you to join me as I cling to this verse and the One who gave it to us. He knows the apprehensions and weariness of our minds and souls. He knows the toll the battle is taking on us. May we each admit our own need of Him and then poise ourselves for His mighty intervention on our behalf!

Father, I stand before You today with my need in hand. You see the doubts I wrestle with and yet they shrink when placed next to this verse. Amen.

Finally At Home

That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. Ephesians 1:15-16 (The Message)

John F. Kennedy gave us the famous quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” That can often times become the mantra for many churches, “Ask not what your church can do for you; ask what you can do for your church.” I spent many years thinking my main reason for being in church was to worship God, learn doctrine, and serve in some capacity. I would not argue that those are true and biblical objectives. But I often missed many other beautiful aspects of being part of a local church. Not wanting to make my church experience all about “me” I found myself struggling to become involved and at home within any body of believers.

Church, for me, had been reduced to attending, listening, remaining shallow and surface in communication, and walking out the door with my “duty” done. There was little excitement about being there and little anticipation for going. I am not blaming the churches, I am confronting a lie the enemy handed me and that I received. I had a distorted view of my place within the body of Christ and their place within my life. I wanted things to be different but had no idea how to make them different. God knew my struggle and graciously came to my aide.

I have spent the last five weeks attending a small Baptist church near our home. Each Sunday and Wednesday has been rich with Bible teaching, precious fellowship, and a deep sense of belonging and feeling at home. I have begun to ask myself, “Where can I get involved?” This place of worship is now like family to me and I marvel at how God brought it about. I would have to say, my heart was made receptive and open because of simple acts of kindness on the part of the people in that church. They reached out to me. Not to “get” from me but to simply nurture and minister to me and that has had a profound effect on me. For some it was done through hugs, showing an interest, upholding me in prayer, and just making me feel welcome. One in particular has come along side me and given me a safe place to discuss some places of pain, struggle, and strongholds. The result? I am ready to serve and minister to others out of a heart that has been ministered to. The very part of church that was minimized in my mind has been used of God to nurture me back to life and I am beyond amazed.

Father, I thank you for the believers who have been Your hand and heart to me. I am now ready to be that to others. Amen.

Redirecting My Questions

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-10 (New International Version)

I have often looked to others to define me and tell me what God is thinking. Much like the children of Israel who told Moses to speak to them rather go one on one with God, I was more comfortable and more apt to run my questions, concerns, and ideas past people rather than to my heavenly Father. What patience He has to wait on me!

This morning I am being reminded that I am light in the Lord, I am a child of light, and I am called to find out what pleases God. Who better to tell me what pleases God than God Himself? In my head I know that His Word is meant to light my path and guide my feet. As His child I have access to Him at any time. So what stops me from looking to Him as my primary source of encouragement, guidance, wisdom, advice, and counsel? Why am I so prone to send an email or make a phone call? For each of us, those questions would be answered differently.

Modern technology has made it that much easier to solicit the help and advice of others. It is possible to live ones Christian life without ever running thoughts, agendas, plans, and desires past God or seldom doing so. People are just too accessible and my heart is often drawn toward that accessibility. There are many reasons I would seek out the help of an individual rather than God and I am not prepared to list those reasons. But I know this, I want it to change. For my intimacy with God is hindered with the more “mediators” that stand between God and me.

This morning He is asking me to consider the fact that I would seek advice from someone who has limited knowledge of me as opposed to the One who knows me thoroughly. No one but God knows my entire past, my present internal world, and my future. No one but God has as much love for me, interest invested in me, and watch care over me. I know the Bible speaks of the wisdom found in a multitude of counselors and that God sends individuals into my life to be those counselors. But I also know the balance of seeking God’s counsel and seeking their counsel is in need of alteration. For now, the pendulum must swing in His direction. With a mix of apprehension and anticipation I prepare to do just that!

Father, I turn my face toward You this morning. I open my heart to the very thing You have been desiring to do and that I have been fighting against. Help me to seek You as never before. Amen.

My Own Husband

Wives, be subject (be submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands as (a service) to the Lord. Ephesians 5:22 (Amplified Bible)

When my mom was a young Christian, she attended a Bible study where she was taught a principle. She was told the husband should handle all the finances of the household and it was her duty to give her complete pay check to him. She complied. Here was her situation. She was married to my step father who was an alcoholic. If she needed money she was to ask him for it. What she often endured was humiliation and a sense that she was begging for something. My heart broke. Up until this point there had not been a problem with the way they handled their finances. But after this point she put up with a lot of unnecessary turmoil. What my mom learned later on was that this study leader had her own personal checking account and never had to ask her husband for any money.

What troubled me at the time was that this person had failed to see a very important word in today’s verse. The word “own.” My mother was not complying with a desire of her own husband as much as with a general statement made by another individual. Each of us as wives must see the individuality of our own marriages. Our husbands are unique and our relationship to them is unique as well. What one husband desires of his wife may be completely different from that of another husband.

In July of 1983, my husband married an extravert. It has never been his intention to turn me into an introvert. We have different tastes and very different personalities. He knows my strengths as well as my weaknesses and I know his. We know each other’s insecurities and fears. We have laughed together and cried together. We have buried both sets of parents. We have walked through the issues of rearing three children who are now 17, 18, and 20 years of age. There are many qualities we admire in each other and other areas we accept as part of the “package.” We compliment and complete each other.

There have been many changes and there will continue to be many more changes ahead. But it is my heart’s desire that my changes stem from my relationship with the Lord and are in accord with my OWN husband‘s wishes. May I be careful not to conform to something neither the Lord nor my husband intend for me. May my ears be attuned to the sounds of their voices and may I be discerning with all others.

Father, I am one person. Help me to be the person You created me to be. I am Tim’s wife. Help me to be all You meant for me to be to and for him. May I resist all other molds. Amen.

Imperative Reminders

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10,11 (New International Version)

God is whispering reminders to me this morning. He knows I have been struggling because I have actually forgotten all three of the things He is now bringing to my mind. He is not being harsh. He is being serious yet tender. It is His way of saying, “Pam, it doesn’t have to be like this. Once again, step into the truth of My Word. I have not only good things for you…I have victory available for you.” How I praise Him for His persistence and His patience in getting me to understand I must be aware of my strength, my enemy, and my means of protection and defense.

First of all, my strength is found in Him. It is His strength and His mighty power that give me the ability to stand in victory! My dependency must be on Him and in Him rather than in what I can muster up on my own. The Christian life is not meant to be lived out of self effort, perfected behavior, and impeccable performance. That will only result in draining me. God’s Spirit resides in me to give me all that I need to live victorious in Him. In every area of weakness I must cry out to Him for the strength needed. He is not only ready and willing to give it to me, He is abounding with delight!

Secondly, I have an enemy and his name is Satan. He knows where I am weak, wounded, and vulnerable. He also knows which weapons to use against me. It is essential that I become wise to his ways, otherwise I become a sitting duck to his attacks. I am learning to detect his fingerprints amidst the circumstances of my life. When I find myself feeling discouraged, confused, or defeated, I can count on the fact that he is working against me. When my thoughts are consumed with losses, emptiness, and aloneness, I can be sure he is introducing his interpretation of things to me. How he must dance in glee at any child of God who is ignorant of him and his ways.

Thirdly, I am to daily stand in truth, His righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, His Word, and prayer. If I am not making a daily, conscious effort to put on the armor God has made available to me, I do not stand a chance against the powers of darkness and spiritual forces that abound! The armor is listed in Ephesians 6:14-18. God invites each one of us to take it up, put it on, and fight the good fight of faith as victorious warriors! Will we do it? I pray so!

Father, I needed Your reminder this morning. My defeats come only when I fail to remember and act upon Your Word. I choose today to know where my strength lies, who my enemy is, and what my armor of defense is. Amen.

Perspectives in the Work Place

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Ephesians 6:7 New Living Translation

I enjoy my job. It is like none other that I have ever had. For a total of 15 years I taught lower elementary in several Christian schools. For 8 years I did assembly work in my home for a slogan button company. I have worked as a counselor in a Christian camp, supervised at a day camp, and even did some day care work. For the past two and a half years I have worked in an education warehouse….particularly in inventory control. Most of my day is spent on an order picker (see attached photo) whereby I check the quantity of products in locations.

Today’s verse allows me to do my job in a way that surpasses any other means of motivation. For I find that everything changes when I view it as being done for God. Working for Him gives my work significance, importance, and purpose. How in the world can I view a task done for Him as mundane, unessential, or demeaning? When I see God as my supervisor, employer, and inspector it affects my performance and the quality of my work. If I limit my service to just what people see and expect I will settle for less than my best.

My relationship with God carries over into my work place. It affects the way I interact with my coworkers. It affects my productivity. It affects the seriousness with which I do my job. God will set the standard higher than ANY person I work for. Far from being a task master, God provides me with the ability, strength, and desire to do what I do. His approval and pleasure means more to me than what my coworkers or bosses think. His opinion is what counts!

We make a big mistake when we label some jobs as “Christian service” and other jobs as “secular work.” Within the kingdom of God it is all the same. If it is done according to His will in faithfulness and sincerity it is godly ministry. My work becomes a means whereby I acknowledge and worship God on a daily basis.

Do I plan to work at this same place for the rest of my life? Not really. I have dreams and desires that God and I talk about quite often. But for now, He has a purpose for me in the place He has me. During this time He is instilling character and growth in me and I do not want to miss out on any lesson of life! It is my job, my ministry, my calling, and my place…for now.

Father, You instituted work from the beginning. May I always realize the truth that it is not what I do but Who I do it for that matters most! Amen.

The Necessity of Zero Tolerance

Neither give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:27 KJV

The tears are flowing as I write this devotional this morning. I am so moved by God’s desire and ability to get us to understand truth. His truth. How tainted our life becomes when we allow the enemy of our soul to distort, malign, misinterpret, and sabotage any of God’s truth. Truth about Himself, about us, and about others. Everything that comes into our life is fair game for his spin as far as he is concerned. He will stop at nothing to get us to see life through his grid of lies rather than God’s grid of truth. He will use things from our past (be it wounds, hurts, losses, disappointments), things from our present, and even imagined things from our future. His intent is to destroy us and God’s work through us.

I called a friend last night and we talked about how easily and persistently the enemy can get to us through negative thinking. I shared with her how the entire day had been spent fighting off the messages that just kept coming. As long as I came against the thoughts with Scripture and prayer I was okay. But by mid afternoon I gave place to him. One unguarded thought and the whirlwind hit! Everything I thought I had so effectively fought off came back with a vengeance. For I had simply been holding it at bay instead of enacting spiritual warfare. There is such a difference between those two things. The phone conversation helped me to see that.

When I do not take authority over the enemy and thoroughly demolish the strongholds and attacks, his fingerprints are all over the place. My life becomes chaotic with confusion, discouragement, hopelessness, and darkness. I become uncertain about God’s direction in my life and my devotion to Him. I question the authenticity of my journey. This thinking sets me up for the enemy’s well thought out plan. He begins to introduce me to options I can take. How dangerous it would be to take them.

I say all of this to remind myself and others of the necessity to be on guard. We cannot afford to give him the tiniest spot of opportunity to move in and set up residence in our thoughts, actions, words, or relationships. And if we have already given him that “place” we must take the steps to remove him. I experienced his glee of “victory” over me yesterday but today I “stand strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

Father, I bear some bruises from the enemy and am in need of Your balm of healing! Continue teaching me how to fight the good fight! Amen.

Testing Our Words

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29

God’s standard for conversation is high! His desire is that each of us would qualify our words thru the grid of Ephesians 4:29. This verse entails much more than the avoidance of certain language. It goes beyond what we should not be saying and urges us to see our words as a means for encouraging others.

Corrupt communication is alive and well in many homes, businesses, and churches today. While some of us would avoid swearing and telling off color jokes, we might think nothing of gossip, crudeness, sarcasm, or telling someone off. We seem to think the only qualification for our words is whether or not what we are about to say is true. Lashing out at others is “justified” in our minds because of our own hurts, disappointments, rage, or frustration. But God has a better way.

We need to ask ourselves if our words are accomplishing the things God would desire. Anything within the hearing range of another person should be good, edifying, and gracious for them and us. They should walk away from the sound of our voice encouraged, built up, nurtured, and refreshed. Not troubled, disheartened, or spent.

The motive behind our words is as vital to check as the message of our words. Before we say something to or around another person we must see why we are about to say it as well as what we are about to say. If it is to make us feel betterand release our rage, it would be better to leave it unsaid. Confrontations and conversations should be full of grace, love, and mercy.

Here are some good measuring tools for us to use in regard to our words. Speak to others the way you want to be spoken to. Make sure that what you are about to say is true, kind, necessary, and helpful. Since the words we speak begin in our heart, it is imperative that we take the issues to God first and ask Him to help us over come any bitterness, anger, or hurt that will affect our conversations if left unchecked. He has our best interest at heart as well as the best interest of the ones who will hear us speak today.

Father, may the words of my mouth be pleasant to other’s ears as well as Your ears. Help me to be a conduit of wholesome speech. Amen.

Seeing the Real Me

Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children. Ephesians 5:1 (King James Version)

Relationships have always fulfilled two purposes for me. I looked for people to give me significance and for them to reshape the person I could not accept in myself. I did not like who I was, what I had become, or what I had to offer anyone. It was easier to look at something someone else had (be it personality, voice, talent, or taste) and imitate that in my own life. If I could be like them, sound like them, talk like them, or appear like them I believed I could replace myself with them. I believed if I could somehow possess what they had and it would bring me the satisfaction and peace.

It might be as simple as choosing something they would choose. I can remember in high school looking up to a young couple in our church. We went to the Dairy Queen one day. They ordered Slushies so I ordered one as well. Never mind the fact that I preferred shakes and ice cream sundaes. If I was having what they had, it made me more like them and I no longer had to settle for being me.

If I liked someone’s voice and expressions I would begin to replace mine with theirs. Writing styles, hand jesters, facial expressions, and body language were the things I could duplicate and hence avoid living my life as myself.

But it is all futile. It doesn’t work. Taking on another person’s character traits only covers up what is still there. It is like a poorly dressed, homeless person putting expensive clothes over his own. His clothes are still there. My true self is still the only one I have. I can deny it, cover it up, try to replace it, and even forget about it. But the truth is that it is and always will be who I am. And there is so much I lose in the process.

I lose the ability to enjoy the person God created me to be. I lose the gift of myself God desires me to be to others. I lose fellowship with God and others because I don’t come to them as myself. I wear the mask, parade the garments, and pretend to be someone else. I use the people in my life to form a cocoon to crawl into. It may feel safe but it is confining and it is a prison to hide in.

Father, peel back the layers I have encased myself in until all that is left is the real me. Convince me there will be joy, pleasure, excitement, and abundant life waiting for me when I allow You to reveal my true self. Amen.

Knowing What You Are Up Against

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11,12

It helps to go into a day knowing what I am up against. So often I mistakenly think my struggles entail feelings of deprivation, insignificance, and loneliness. But the truth of the matter is these are simply the tactics the enemy uses against me. He knows the right buttons to push, the right doors to try, and the right arrows to shoot at me to get me discouraged, downhearted, and distraught.

A person asked me if I ever get down and lose that spiritual ‘high’ that I live on. He seemed surprised to hear me say, “Yes, daily!” The reason being is that I am in the midst of a battle every day. It is the battle that is waged against me by the enemy. Each one of us are in the battle. The enemy will not use the same tactics against us but the battle is just as real and just as tenacious.

Ephesians 6:14-18 gives me a list of the armor I have available to me if I would but pick it up and put it to use. It is truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. These are my shield, breastplate, sword, and helmet. No soldier would think of going into battle without the offensive and defensive protection of his armor and neither should you or I!

May each one of us fight whispered lies with spoken truth. May we stand up against temptation and wrong with righteousness. May doubts be fought against with faith. May we cut the enemies tactics down to size with God’s Word. And may we implement the powerful weapon of prayer! Rather than take the blows let’s fight! Rather than allow ourselves to be wounded let’s come against the attacks. Let’s know our enemy and his tactics so well that we don’t allow him to be affective. His activity is evident with things such as discouragement, depression, and despair. Don’t be a sitting target! Stand firm and fight!

Father, too often I make the job of the enemy easy. Help me to be on the alert to each of his schemes today and to use the armor you have made available to me. May he feel the sting of defeat each time! Amen.

Out of Darkness Into the Light

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 NASB

I like what Paul is doing in this verse. He is adoring God for the favor He has bestowed upon us in giving to us all the benefits of being in Christ. The first chapter of Ephesians is an incredible list of God-given possessions and positions in Christ. It is our answer to any feelings of insignificance, deprivation, loneliness, distress, disappointment, depression, and self-condemnation we hang on to or accept from the enemy.

Last night a cloud of darkness hung over me that was so thick I could feel it. It enveloped me and threatened to strangle every part of me. Joy was gone, hope was elusive, acceptance was unfelt, and my inner world seemed shaky. I found myself drawing conclusions and making plans that were all headed in the wrong direction. No peace. No spirit of thankfulness. No walk of victory. It is not a place I enjoy being in.

God’s intent is that I see it for what it is (an attack) and I grab hold of the life line He extends to me. This morning that life line was the first chapter of Ephesians and the phrase “in Christ.” My hope, my strength, my forgiveness, my salvation, my growth, my fellowship, my wisdom, my joy, my direction, my fullness, my significance, my identity, my purpose, my life are ALL found in Christ. When people cannot be to me what I want them to be, when circumstances are not the way I want them to be, when dreams are not realized, when disappointments come, when tears flow, when darkness descends I must once again climb into the truth that I am in Christ and everything I want and need is found in Him!

God wants me to see that when I look outside of Him to get my needs met I will always come away disappointed. He has kind intentions toward me and lavishes me with grace, forgiveness, mercy, love, and attention. I am His treasured possession whom He chose before the foundations of the world. A nobody? Absolutely not! Insignificant? No way! Forgotten? Never! This morning He is reminding me that the greatness of His power is at work in me. All the change is coming from Him. I am His work of art and He is not finished yet!

Father, last night it was dark. Today I walk in the light which is so bright I am squinting! Thank you for pulling me up once again. Amen.

Selective Speech

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

For years I would look at this verse and see a good guard for my conversations. It was warning me about what to say and what not to say to the people in my life. In a nutshell, I was to build others up not tear them down. This morning God is nudging me to apply the same truths to myself. He is prompting me to examine my own speech toward myself. How gracious are my words that I speak to myself? How hard am I being on myself? How many put downs am I directing toward myself?

I spent this past weekend with a dear friend. We hadn’t seen each other for over 23 years! How amazing that our conversation could pick up right where we had left off. Much was discussed, savored, and taken in. Much was shared on a deep heart level. Issues abounded….answers were given. At moments, laughter erupted. At other moments we could be close to tears. But one thing that stands out in my mind as I review our conversation is how both of us could be so hard on ourselves. We both found ourselves telling the other to not speak negative words about ourselves. This morning God is letting me know I still need to take heed to that admonition. Even now I can hear my friend say, “Don’t talk like that!” I have determined it is time to test my words before they are voiced.

Here are the questions I need to ask myself before the words leave my mouth. Am I about to speak the truth? What are the thoughts that are feeding the words? Will the things I am about to say encourage me or discourage me? Will the words bring life or death to my spirit? Who would delight the most in what I am about to say….God or Satan? Which words need to be cleansed by the blood of Christ, given over to Him, and saturated with Scripture? When I finish saying what I am about to say will I proceed to dance with joy or live with a feeling of gloom? Will I be filled with a sense of delight or disgust? There are many more questions but my point is this, I have a choice! May I proceed to apply today’s verse to myself as well as others to whom I am speaking.

Father, sometimes I feel shaky in my ability to speak the right words. If nothing else escapes my mouth today may it be praise to You. Don’t let me waste any words. I yield my tongue to You. Amen.