The Certainty of Scripture

That you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. Luke 1:4 (New King James Version)

From time to time, I receive a forwarded email with an interesting piece of information. I have learned over time the importance of checking on the accuracy of what I am reading. One helpful site that helps me do that is snopes.com. It lets me know through research what is true and what is false information. It has saved me many embarrassing moments of forwarding on something I thought was true only to find out later was not.

Luke, by the inspiration of God, wrote the book that bears his name to a person by the name of Theophilus. Although he did not have snopes.com for a reference tool, he had eye witnesses of the facts. After gathering his needed information he wrote out the historical events of the life of Christ, so that (as our verse states) one would know the certainty of what he had been taught. Luke knew information is only as solid and stable as the truth of that information.

Scripture is our starting point for truth. The Bible is not merely a book of history, stories, and events. Although it includes those things, it is God- inspired, infallible, and unchangeable. It is God’s message to us for the purpose of knowing Him and learning the truth about Him. It is also for the purpose of knowing the truth about ourselves….how we were created, why we were created, and where we go after this life. Someone once wisely said we need to learn the truth about God, learn the truth about ourselves, and allow the truth about God to impact the truth about ourselves. There is no better place to begin that search than within the pages of Scripture. In a world filled with uncertainties, it is the one stable place to be.

For most of my Christian life I struggled to be consistently in God’s Word. Although I had read it through as a teenager, my adult years found me reading sporadically at best and bored at worst. It was like reading an encyclopedia that condemned me. Not anymore! It’s pages are filled with applicable, life changing truth. Because God’s Spirit resides in me (and any others who have trusted Christ as their personal Savior) I possess the ability to discern the messages God has for me. I come away knowing what was personally meant for me and that is a precious gift from Him.

As we approach the ending of one year and beginning of another year, I want to encourage the readers of these devotionals to consider beginning some kind of consistent Bible reading schedule for themselves (if they don’t presently have one). I have ideas for any who are not sure where to begin and would love to share them with you. Just ask!

Father, thank you for opening my eyes to the truths of Your Word. It is my plumb line of truth, compass for direction, and source of wisdom. Amen.

Word of God Speak - MercyMe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74

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

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.

Still Spoken Today

Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the LORD; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the LORD, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the LORD of hosts. Haggai 2:4 (New King James Version)

Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people who lived at the time of Haggai no longer live in this world but the words that were spoken to them by God almighty are still being spoken to us today. That has been the most precious concept of Scripture for me during this decade of my life. My view of Scripture and approach to God’s Word forever changed the day I realized how much of what God said in the Old and New Testaments is meant for me as much as it was meant for the original recipients.

Every time God sent His people into battle or gave them instructions to follow He emphasized the truth that He was with them. He continually reminded them to take courage in the realization of His presence and help. He was not a mere “spectator” to the events of their life and daily happenings, He assisted, aided, and upheld them. It is no different for us today.

As I enter a new day, I am already aware of His words to me, “Be strong, Pam, and work, for I am with you!” Whether it is working at my place of employment, walking through issues, seeking change, resisting temptation, or dealing with the ordinary “stuff” of life, His instructions to me are the same. Be strong….not in my own strength but in His. Work….stay at it with purpose. For I am with you…..a reason as well as a promise. Think of it! Each step, each choice, each task, each moment, strengthened by Him and accompanied by Him.

I have known the preciousness of individuals coming along side me in time of need. How much more precious that the Creator of the universe does that. It settles my heart and straightens my back to know that truly I am never alone at any given moment of the day. With or without the company of others, the Author of Scripture is my personal Aid and Assistant. My Heavenly Father is my Faithful Companion. My Savior and Lord is my Counselor and Guide. I take comfort in those thoughts this morning, as I view today with a limited view and perspective. I take courage in knowing that at no time will I be out of His view or care.

Father, any feelings of loneliness, failure, or fear will be met with the truth You have shown me this morning. Amen.

Cry Out to Jesus - Jeremy Camp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuoK6Pkzq1E&feature=related

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.

Inseparable

You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your Word. Psalm 119:65 (New King James Version)

David’s relationship to God and His Word was incredible! Actually, they were inseparable to him and they should be the same for us. A right view of God will entail a right view of His Word. Struggle with one and you will struggle with the other. I speak from experience. When my view of God was that He was a harsh Judge, I viewed the Bible a harsh book! When I felt God was unapproachable, I rarely opened His Word. When I sensed that God merely tolerated me more than loved me, Scripture appeared to house more condemnation than encouragement. The two were so meshed together in my mind that I kept both God and His Word at arms length. I can attest to the fact that it was not a good way to live my Christian life! God offered me a better path to walk. He opened my eyes to the truth about Himself and the truth about His Word. It didn’t happen over night and I am still in the process of new discoveries DAILY, but with David I now proclaim, “You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD!”

As I read through Psalm 119:65-80 I couldn’t help but take in David’s delight of God and His Word. His view of God was such that he gushed with adoration. He proclaimed that God was good and did good, that He was his Creator, that He was right and faithful, that He was merciful and kind, and that He was full of tender mercies. These were statements made in the midst of affliction not merely reserved for when life was going well. David knew the necessity of defining God by the truth not by the events of his life. He saw the benefit of reviewing the truth about God especially when walking through difficult moments as a result of his own sinful choices or those of other people.

Hence, David’s relationship with God’s Word was one of belief in , obedience to, passion about, delight in , hunger for , learning from, hoping in, and meditation upon. He knew that Scripture was God-breathed and he wanted to be filled and influenced by that breath! This is astounding when I consider how little of the Bible was even written and available during David’s life time. Could it be he was speaking of both God’s written Word as well as the words God spoke to him individually? The words of comfort, encouragement, correction, and direction. I would like to think so, for David is my example of what it is like to house oneself between the Word of God and the God of the Word. What a precious place! If this is not you today, ask God to make it so. Tell Him the truth of where you are at in relation to Himself and His Word. Ask Him to show you His heart in Scripture and watch it come alive. It’s not too late for Him to bring about the necessary changes in you and in your view of Him. I pray so!

Father, You cannot be separated from Your Word and I cannot be separated from You. What a trio! Amen.

Word of God Speak - Mercy Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74

Living Words

Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. Genesis 1:3 (New American Standard Bible)

Three verses into the Bible and we see the first of many fulfillments of God’s Word. What He speaks, He does….every time! His Word never returns void or unfulfilled. A read-through of the Old Testament will disclose many instances whereby God spoke specific words to His prophets and those words always came to pass. They weren’t usually fulfilled that day or even that decade but they were fulfilled.

I have been reading through the Old Testament and I am struck by the times God tells a prophet something and years later it happens exactly as He said it would. Elijah was told to anoint Jehu as king of Israel and years later Elisha has a person do just that. Jehu is told to annihilate the descendents of Ahab for all the innocent blood that was shed at his hands, and Jehu is God’s instrument of judgment. The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ was foretold centuries before it all happened and yet it all happened as it was foretold.

These thoughts encourage me today. Because while God does not give me step by step specific instructions for my daily walk with Him, His Word is filled with precious promises I can count on! He has promised to never leave me, to finish what He has begun in me, to forgive my sin, to work everything out for good, to give me ways of escape from every temptation, to strengthen me in my inward person, to direct my steps, to give me sufficient grace at all times, to keep His eye and hand on me at all times, and to one day take me to Heaven to live with Him for all eternity. The list is endless! I don’t have to try and figure out if He meant what He said or if His words are applicable to me today. His words are sure and trustworthy.

As I come across situations today, I want to be able to recall His words that will fit every one of them. I want to anticipate the fulfillment of His spoken words to me. When I am tempted to give up on myself and assume desired change will never be realized, I want to hear Him say, “I am with you and I will complete my work in you.” When I am upset over something that is out of my control, I want to embrace His, “Peace I give you. Let not your heart be troubled.” When I desire to crawl under the security of another person, I want to be reminded that He is my shelter and refuge. I serve a risen Savior and His Word is alive as well!

Father, if left on my own I do not do well. If the only voices I hear are those of people, that will not be enough to carry me or transform me. Speak Your words to me through out today. For they are my life as well as my life line. Amen.

Word of God Speak - Mercy Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74

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

Spoken to Me as Well

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (New King James Version)

When I find myself reading Scripture and failing to see that the words are meant for me, today’s passage redirects and corrects my thinking. I lived too many years as a Christian seeing certain passages written only to the people in Bible times and felt left out of the promises and words of encouragement. Lately, that mindset found its way back into my thought life and began to shake me at my core.

This morning as I read from Haggai I found myself struggling to see God’s words through Haggai as not just meant for the people of Israel. The words of Haggai 2:19, “Is the seed still in the barn? Even including the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree, it has not borne fruit. Yet from this day on I will bless you” were seen as God’s promise to His people. How I longed for those words of blessing to be directed toward me as well! As I read Haggai 2:23 where God tells Zerubbabel, that He would make him like a signet ring, because He had chosen him, I once again could not imagine that I too would be made a signet ring. I somehow had lost the ability to hear God speaking His words to me.

Yet when I read passages from the New Testament or Psalms it was relatively easy to embrace the words. My first thought was, “Why even read the passages that seem to be only for Israel?” Why not just read the New Testament and a few books from the Old Testament? Today’s passage gave me my answer. All Scripture was inspired by God with profit and purpose for me! God’s words were not limited to just the present audience centuries ago. Practically speaking, this means when I read of His promised blessings on Israel I can delight that He has promised to bless me as well. When others are told they will be made a signet ring I can rest in the fact that God will also make me into a signet ring as well. What that looks like I don’t know but my lack of complete knowledge is no reason to doubt!

God’s dealings with me and workings in my life may vary from those who lived in Bible times but as His child, I am free to perk up my ears to the sound of His voice in His written word. The messages are not meant to feel like I am reading someone else’s mail….they are meant for me!

Father, may Your Word never fail to be personally directed toward me and accepted by me. Amen.

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

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

Fulfilling His Word

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord. Luke 1:45 (New American Standard Bible)

We have many promises made to us in Scripture. Our hope of salvation and spending eternity in Heaven is one such promise. Many are the moments in our life when we remember God’s promises to protect us, never forsake us, carry us, deliver us, work in us, glorify Himself in us, and direct our paths. We are assured that His will and purpose are definitely going to come about in our life. As nice as these are and as much as I rely on them to settle my heart, there is a part of me that envies the people in the Bible who got direct words spoken to them from angels. They were told specific things that would come about and they lived to see the fulfillment of those promises. What a blessing that would be!

While I have never had an angel interrupt my day or my life I did have an experience with God’s Word that I love to revisit from time to time. I went to a ladies’ event in the spring of 2005 which required an overnight stay in a motel room. I had been on my journey with God for about a year and was learning truths that astounded me! When I got to my room that night I knelt by my bed, opened my Bible at random, and without looking at the page I simply rested my head on my Bible and began praying over a number of things. I was hungry to hear something specific for me! I wasn’t in the practice of opening my Bible at random and I was so grateful for the many things God had already been doing in my life. When I did finally look at my Bible I was surprised to see that I had opened it to a part in 2 Chronicles.

My eyes fell on the last phrase of 2 Chronicles 25:9 which says, “The LORD has much more to give you than this.” Although I didn’t know the full ramifications of that phrase for me personally, I took it as a promise none the less. It was my assurance that God would continue to stretch my faith, teach me more about Himself, open up knew opportunities to serve Him, and keep me going on an incredible journey with Him that would only get better. This was over four years ago and I can’t wait to see what the “much more” is for me!

Father, You were so gracious to give me such a special verse. I follow You with abandon and anticipate Your good intentions toward me! Amen.

God Will Make a Way - Don Moen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zo3fJYtS-o

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

　

Taking it Personal

But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, And the Lord has forgotten me." "Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. "Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.” Isaiah 49:14-16 (New American Standard Bible)

Approaching Scripture as simply a book of historical facts can have little effect on my life. If I cannot see the Bible as anything but stories about people from the past and their relationship to God then I will fail to see how it applies to me. For too many years, I couldn’t read God’s Word with the ability to make what was being said personal to me. If God was speaking to Israel it seemed like the words were meant for them rather than me….unless they were words of condemnation and judgment. Words of affirmation, encouragement, and love weren’t accepted or owned by me. I would not have slipped my own name into the assurances of today‘s passage. I would not have heard God saying He had not forgotten me or that He had inscribed me on the palms of His hands. To do so would have felt wrong, like I was pretending. I had been taught to ask certain questions when reading the Bible. Who is talking? Who is being talked to? What is being said? What I failed to ask was, what is being said to me? Leaving myself out of the picture was tragic! How much I failed to see and experience because of a faulty view of God and His Word.

Once I could begin putting my name into passages of Scripture, Bible reading and study took on a whole new dimension for me. Now I cannot read passages without doing that and it all stems back to a prayer I voiced to God one morning in my kitchen. I simply asked Him to show me His heart in Scripture. I had no idea how much that would change my life. It was the start of me being able to receive God’s personal messages to me. To see that what He was saying to individuals and nations centuries ago was being said to me today. Today’s passage now touches me deeply rather than appearing foreign to me. It gives me assurance that I am loved and thought of by the One who created me. It is what I can meditate upon when I feel forgotten or forsaken by others. It is what strengthens me in my moments of weakness. It is what helps me to see God’s Word as a letter written and meant for me. Anymore, I take His words personal….very personal!

Father, showing me Your heart in Scripture opened up my heart to receive what You were saying. I can now see the treasures of truth You intended for me all along. Thank you! Amen.

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

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

Within Its Pages

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (New American Standard Bible)

Perseverance. That ability to continue on even in the midst of difficulties and mundane days. Encouragement. That which exhorts and comforts me in every situation I face. Hope. My expectation of good, joyful confidence, and a sense that all will work together for good. Where do these things come from? I have many sources I could rely upon to bring me encouragement and hope and help me to persevere, but none compare to the place and power of Scripture!

Within the pages of God’s Word are the recorded lives of people who walked before me and have set examples for me to follow. Sometimes the examples show me what NOT to do and other times the examples become billboards for right living and wise choices. How gracious of God to show me the ends of their stories for my continued benefit.

Within the pages of Scripture are principles for life that are filled with advantages for me if followed. The first three verses of Hebrews 12 give me truths that, if applied, will revolutionize ANY believer’s life. They are: lay aside that which hinders and entangles you, run the race of life with endurance, fix your eyes on Jesus who began and will complete your faith, and consider Him (which means to meditate on and ponder).

Within the pages of the Bible are promises made by God to us that will never change. Promises of His love, forgiveness, presence, power, provision, and protection. Promises that are made and kept with the same passion! They are often conditional upon our obedience but even that is something He will empower us to do. Among the promises are the truths about God’s character and heart as well as His profound wisdom and instruction that He lavishes on all who will learn from Him.

With all of that, Job reminds me in 26:14 that the things God reveals through His Word are merely fringes and slight views of all that He is! My brain cannot take in the whole of His ways or thoughts. They are beyond me and yet I revel in what He graciously helps me to understand. THAT is the reason I now open His Word each morning. There is too much within its pages that I no longer want to miss!

Father, I cannot begin to describe the wonder and magnitude of Your Word. May it go deep into my spirit and transform me from the inside out. You, Your Spirit, and Your Word are my ultimate sources for everything! Amen.

Thy Word - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SLHWFpSlq4&feature=related

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

The Basis for What We Share

For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11, 12 (New American Standard Bible)

The Gospel message of salvation through Christ alone is unique because as Paul stated, it does not originate with man and is a direct revelation of Jesus Christ. Many today do not want to see the truths of Scripture as God-breathed, God-ordained, God-given, or God-inspired. They feel it is one of many messages and that all messages are on equal footing. Nothing could be further from the truth. What Paul presented as the only way to Heaven was not his opinion alone nor was it simply passing on what he heard from others. It was revealed to him by Jesus Christ Himself. Because of that, he could speak with confidence and boldness.

When it comes to sharing our faith we must come back to this basic truth as well. It is not what we think that matters. It is what God thinks. It is what God says in His Word. It is what God has laid down in clear, undeniable ways. While others may think it is simply our opinion or the opinion of our church or the way we have been taught, we do not have to own those thoughts as our own. People either don’t realize or have forgotten that Jesus is the One who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me.” (John 14:6) He is not one of many ways to Heaven, He is the only way to Heaven. He left no room for variation. No one else can claim equal footing with Him or be put on the same level with Him. Jesus alone lived a sinless life, died as a sacrifice for each of us, and victoriously rose again the third day.

I spoke with a man at my place of work earlier this week and he told me about a book he had been reading. It suggested that numerous men had been born on December 25th and actually had 12 disciples. His conclusion was that all were the same. What a wonderful opportunity I had to share with him the truth about Jesus. Jesus did not have His beginning at Bethlehem. He is eternal and the Creator of this world. That can be said of no other person. What my friend had to realize was that truth has to be based on God’s Word and everything we read or hear needs to be filtered through the pages of Scripture.

As believers, this is what we need to realize. We hold the true message in our hands and are God’s means for getting that message out to others. We are sent by the authority of God with a message given by God Himself. It is a message that has been preserved down through the ages and we need to pass it on to others as the truth that it is. Paul was not swayed from knowing the truth and we need not be either.

Father, I stand on what You say is truth. Help me to freely and boldly share with others that which is revealed in Your Word. Amen.

In Christ Alone - Brian Littrell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7m5MU5qx7U&feature=related

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

Kept From Turning Away

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. Galatians 1:6-7 (New King James Version)

The truth of the Gospel is clear. Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection are the basis for salvation. There is no other way to Heaven. No other way to receive forgiveness of sin and become a child of God. Becoming a Christian is through faith alone, by grace alone, and in Christ alone. It was the foundational truth of Paul’s ministry and that which changed his life and the direction of his life profoundly. It is a doctrine that cannot be altered, added to, or substituted. Any distortion of that truth is presented with purposeful intent on the part of those who would seek to do nothing but lead others astray and God will hold them responsible.

Paul’s amazement is an appropriate response to what he has seen take place in the lives of fellow believers. He sees their turning away as desertion. Desertion of the very One who died for their sin and rose again. The very One who called them into His grace, into His family, and into His arms. The One who promised to never leave them or forsake them. It was a puzzlement to Paul for he knew what it was to be forgiven and to live in and by the grace of Christ. To step away from that into another realm of thinking and behavior was beyond words. They were exchanging the truth for a lie. What a tragic choice!

I am asking myself the question, “How does a person make such a decision?” I remember reading an article by a woman who had at one time been a member of Jim Jones’ church, The People‘s Temple. When asked how she could fall into such erroneous teaching she said any of us can be deceived and misled if we get away from what the Bible says. When we stop reading it for ourselves we are vulnerable to false teaching and distorted truth. Her words have stuck with me and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I need to stay in God’s Word for myself. It is not enough to attend church and hear the sermons and teachings of others. It is not enough to read numerous devotional books. It is not enough to attend women’s conferences and take in what others are saying. It is not enough to build a personal library full of great Christian material. All of those things are a blessing and advantageous but the bottom line is that there must be a searching of the Scriptures in the private moments each day. It is imperative that I regularly read God’s Word and see the truth for myself, holding to what it says without compromise. The Bible is infallible and must be my plum line for truth. All teaching must align with it…not the other way around.

Father, Your Word is the truth I hold in my hands and in my heart. Keep me focused on You and what You say to me each day. Amen.

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

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

A Necessary Change of View

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law. Psalm 119:18 (Amplified Bible)

How I approach God’s Word, interact with it, and allow it to impact my life can become defining moments for me. I have been guilty of seeing the Bible as merely documented, historical facts. Before I became a Christian it held no appeal to me. After I became a Christian it was one of the initial things I reached for. The first time I read it through from cover to cover the stories astounded me! I had never heard of the people I read about and taking in knowledge of them was exhilarating. That is a good thing but if I go no further in my view and relationship to Scripture, knowledge alone will have very little effect on me. When my present journey began, nearly five years ago, I asked God to show me His heart in Scripture. He has faithfully been doing that. My view of God has changed as has my relationship with Him. Again, that is a good thing but God desires more. His Word is meant to be more to me than a book of knowledge and truth about Himself. It is meant to be that which uncovers my eyes, heart, and mind. To be a well spring of teaching and instruction that takes me beyond my own power and ability to live the life God created me to live.

This morning, I desired once again to read through the Bible this year, but God had more in mind for me than simply reading His Word. Within the first few verses of Genesis He clearly nudged me to begin praying the words I was reading. Some of what I was reading would evoke praise and acknowledgement of Him. Some became actual requests. Reading of God’s assignments and tasks given to Adam, I prayed I would be faithful in the things He gives me to do. Reading of Adam and Eve hiding from God, caused me to pray I would take the route of confession rather than hiding. Reading that God gave Eve to Adam to be a helper who was suitable, adaptable, and complementary to him, led me to pray I would be that more fully to my own husband.

What has happened this morning is that I have finally begun to see the Bible as a prayer book! Not just when I am reading actual prayers in the Bible. Every circumstance and individual account can become a guide for me to pray over my life and the lives of those I know. To ask for qualities and characteristics to become part of me and to release those things that should no longer be a part of my life.

I can tell already, that this is not going to be a light reading. This is going to be God’s Word coming alive to me in ways I have not begun to know as of yet. I have no words to express fully my emotions and thoughts at the moment. All I can say is, “Thank You, Jesus.”

Father, open my physical eyes as well as my spiritual eyes to the many wondrous things Your Word possesses. As I get into Your Word, let it get into me and change me. Amen.

Open the Eyes of My Heart - Mercy Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wutmEjdbedE&feature=related

Fixing my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith!

Words from God

But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20 (New King James Version)

God knew Joseph’s thoughts. He knew they were based on false perceptions and fear. How gracious of Him to send an angel to speak truth to Joseph and give him needed instruction and direction. It is a scenario played out many times in Scripture via angels, dreams, and the voice of God.

While I have never experienced a visit from an angel or God speaking to me in a dream, I have known the wonder of having God interrupt my thoughts with His voice of truth. It may be a verse that comes to mind or simply a truth phrase that speaks directly to me but when it happens I have no trouble recognizing that God is behind it all.

Yesterday was a case in point. After sending the devotional out, God later brought to mind a phrase I had used. I wrote of disappointment when people cannot or will not give me what I want from them. God wasted no time in letting me know a third aspect needs to be added to that list. Sometimes it is that they should not give me what I am wanting from them. This is especially true when what I am seeking is not meant for me, is replacing God’s supply, or will do me harm. For me, that truth put the loss of a former mentor in a different light. While I desired nothing more than for her to remain my support and “leaning post” that was exactly what she shouldn’t have done! Why? Because it would have kept me from turning my attention and heart toward God. My eyes and my journey would have remained focused on her. It has been in her stepping away that I have slowly turned my face and ears toward my true Savior!

If I will take the time to quiet my heart and listen, God has many things to tell me. He will let me know when false perceptions and fears are driving my thoughts. He will let me know when I am drawing wrong conclusions and heading in dangerous directions. He will continually give me instructions and directions. That is the responsibility He has taken upon Himself and He delights in my seeing that and living out of it.

I am finding that as I seek people less, God’s words to me are becoming more frequent and clear. He is definitely a God of communication and I thrive when I take in His messages to me!

Father, for too long I sought the voices of others and failed to know when You were speaking to me. I joy in the times when that is no longer the case. Speak volumes to me, Lord, I am listening! Amen.

Word of God Speak ~ Mercy Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74&feature=related

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16

A Slight but Dangerous Shift

Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad. Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually. Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth. 1 Chronicles 16:10-12 (New American Standard Bible)

Shifts can be so slight that we often are not aware of a problem until it is bigger than life and affecting us profoundly. Such was the case for me during the past couple of weeks. I had been in the habit for several years of rising in the wee hours of the morning to spend time in the Word and send out email devotionals. It had become a special time for me and usually set the pace for the remainder of my day. Due to a change in my work hours, I found myself becoming physically drained and felt a change was needed-- i.e. more sleep! This decision resulted in a change to my morning routine. I went from purposeful meetings with the Lord to ‘chance’ meetings and found myself taking in less and less of His Word and presence.

What started out as a gradual thing, snowballed and I found myself sinking emotionally and spiritually. This evening I have taken some time to look back over the past week or so and see how my reactions and attitudes have been more out of my flesh than spirit, how my perceptions of others have once again become dark, how emptiness was beginning to mark my internal world, and how I no longer resembled one who walked in the joy and strength of the Lord. What happened? I had become lax in my seeking God, seeking His strength, and seeking His face! I had drifted away from remembering His wonders and marvels. While I managed to keep activities relatively the same, my spirit was showing signs of starvation and God was nudging me to start feeding it again.

I want to go back to my early morning meetings with my Father. I want His Word to be at the start of my day once again. I have tasted the consequences and results of not doing so and it has been uncomfortable to say the least. Once again, God has wisely allowed something painful to bring me back to Himself.

People have often commented on the authenticity of these devotionals. I believe that one of the reasons God leads me to be honest and open about my journey is so that others can begin to be honest and open about theirs. We can all learn together that it is a given that we will have good and bad days, victories and failures, tragedies and triumphs as we travel through life. After all, God does not look for perfection….just progress.

Father, I have missed You. Amen.

The Voice of Hope - Lara Martin
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qbk1TGe5k0Q

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.

God Will Make a Way

Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 (Amplified Bible)

God’s principles and concepts must be viewed in the way in which He meant them. Our interpretation of what He is saying must be in line with Scripture. If we are not careful, we can make a verse say what we want it to say and give it a meaning or promise God never intended. Then when what we are sure will happen doesn’t, we wonder why God didn’t keep His word. Truth be told, it was not His word, it was our word. Hence the warning in 2 Peter 1:20 which says that no prophecy of Scripture is of any personal or private or special interpretation. There is a danger to taking a verse and pulling it out of context just so it will fit our preconceived ideas and theology.

Sometimes we can draw conclusions and not even realize they are not accurate. Recently I saw this for myself in a song I have come to love. Don Moen sings the song, “God Will Make a Way” and it is derived from today’s verse. It speaks of God making a way where there seems to be no way. For the longest time I thought that meant God would figure out a way to give me what I want be it in relationships, career, opportunities, etc… I not only wanted His stamp of approval on MY plans but I enjoyed thinking He would carve out a path to bring those plans to fruition. God could see my wrong conclusion and has lovingly revealed His truth to me.

God does make a way but it is His way! That which He has designed and desired to carry out in my life will become possible as He opens and closes doors, makes provisions, guides, and clears obstacles. I don’t have to worry that there is no plan and I don’t have to worry that God will be unable to bring about that plan. I must simply rest in His Word, heart, and character, and walk in obedience to that which He shows me. Scripture is full of examples of God making a way for His people as they followed Him. The nation of Israel, Joseph, David, Ruth, Esther, and Moses are just a few of many.

My way? No, God loves me too much to allow that to be His goal. He knows who to cross my path with and what circumstances to use to glorify Himself and bring about the best. His timing is perfect, His tools are wise, and His ways are unquestionable. He is God. I am not.

Father, if allowed to have it my way, there would be no growth for me or glory for You. Thank you for showing me the truth in Your way. Amen.

God Will Make a Way - Don Moen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOjYR8UZT8&NR=1

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.

What To Do Next Time

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (New American Standard Bible)

Although this verse is underlined in my Bible, it has not been one that readily came to mind when I have walked through difficult, painful moments. It has not flowed from my mouth or been reviewed in my mind at times when it would have been beneficial and strengthening to do so. I wish it had! When I faced the darkest valley of my life, I wish I had started each day reading this verse and then reviewing it throughout the day. I believe it would have had a profound effect on me and that it would have weakened the effect of the darkness.

I cannot go back and change the past but I can definitely decide to make this verse a part of my future trials, testings, and tragedies. As I do that, several things will happen. My focus will be directed back toward my Father rather than remaining on my present circumstance. What I choose to look at and dwell on has huge ramifications for either good or bad. When I am consumed with pain, loss, and sorrow it drains me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Better to have my mind fixed and focused on the One who speaks these words to me. When I feel that the road I am on has become quick sand and my sense of security is gone, this verse will infuse me with strength, confidence, and hope. When I am tempted to think I am all alone and forgotten, this verse will reacquaint me with the truth that God is with me and passionately involved in every aspect of my life. When I want another person to come along side me for support, this verse will remind me that HE is my God and HE will strengthen, help, and uphold me! I need not look any further than at the face, hand, and heart of my Creator, Sustainer, and Abba Father.

I recoil at bumper-sticker phrases that are often given out so glibly. Isaiah 41:10 is the kind of truth I need for hard times. It is filled with promises and assurances. It is imperative that above the roar of approaching storms, the sound of broken hearts and subsequent tears, and the deafening effects of anguish that I keep my ears attentive to the sound of God’s voice as He speaks His Word to me. I am presently walking out of my “valley of tears” but have made up my mind this verse will be a part of my next one when it comes…..and it will come.

Father, may the sound of Your voice be heard loud and clear when I face my next over whelming circumstance. Amen.

The One Who Is Responsible

Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. Deuteronomy 20:3,4 (New International Version)

I am taking encouragement from this passage today. Each day will entail battles of one sort or another. Whether it is with the world, my flesh, or my greatest enemy, the devil, there will be battles. But my reason for not allowing that to put me in faintheartedness, fear, terror, or panic is because of God’s promise to be with me and to fight for me. He has already assured me of victory. So why do I lack victory in different areas of my life and how can I change future outcomes?

One of my greatest detriments to victorious living is a lack of awareness of Who is making this promise to me. The Lord God is speaking the words and has the ability and desire to carry them out. He wants me to notice how much responsibility He places on Himself to be with me, fight for me, and give me the victory. It is not a matter of me mustering the strength within myself or surrounding myself with the “right” people. It is a matter of taking Him at His word and allowing His word to take hold of me. My eyes are to be on Him, my feet are to be in step with Him, my dependence is to be in Him, and my pursuit is to be for Him. Trust, obey, cooperate, rely upon, and know Him! Those are the channels through which victory flows.

Last night, God helped me to see something that was blocking that channel. It was something I had not been fully aware of and when I saw it I was astounded! It had to do with placing a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of others. In essence He was telling me, “You are expecting people to make you happy, fill your emptiness, fix your problems, answer your questions, complete your life, nurture your soul, and basically take care of all your internal and emotional needs. The disappointment you keep experiencing when they “fail” you is evidence of misplaced expectations. You are trying to make them responsible for your life, feelings, and emotions. Transfer your expectations over to Me. I have already made Myself responsible for all of that and more!” It is the full scope of His promise to be with me, fight for me, and give me the victory. What a gracious God and One in whom I can fully rely!

Taking Him at His word brings me victory and allows people to be what God meant for them to be. It frees me to appreciate them in a way my neediness often wouldn’t allow.

Father, in this holy moment, I no longer hold others responsible for my life. That responsibility lies squarely on Your shoulders and I am in awe of You! Amen.

Knowing When God Is Speaking

And Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 1 Samuel 3:9 (New American Standard Bible)

How often I have felt like Samuel. God was speaking his name and desiring to tell him something and yet he had no idea God was the One speaking to him. Yet when he took the advice of Eli, the priest, and voiced the words, “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening,” he clearly heard and understood what God was saying to him. After that point, I believe he had no trouble discerning when God was speaking to him. His ears remained open and his heart remained receptive to each message.

Who was the Eli in your life who taught you essential principles about hearing God’s voice? For most of my Christian life I embraced the idea that I speak to God in prayer and God speaks to me through His Word. Prayer was like speaking into a tape recorder…much like a one sided conversation. Hearing God meant reading His Word and seeing what He said to people thousands of years ago. Many times I felt like I was listening in on someone else’s conversation. Like Samuel, I didn’t know when God was speaking directly to me, unless it was for the purposes of condemnation and disapproval. I praise God for the person who wisely let me know prayer is a dialogue not a monologue, whereby I speak to God and then listen as God speaks to me.

While God definitely speaks through His Word, whether I am reading it, meditating on it, or hearing it from another person, He is not limited to only speaking through His Word, but what He says will always be in agreement with His Word. I have come to recognize God’s voice within my thoughts, for they are too profound to be my own. As I have learned to listen, I know that I know He is speaking to me.

How does He speak to me? In times when I have shared with Him my own feelings of worthlessness and insignificance He has clearly spoken to my spirit and said, “You matter to me.” In times when I don’t know what to do, He brings pointed direction to mind. When I don’t understand the buried issues of my heart He reveals the roots that are nourishing and holding in place wrong attitudes. Many are the times He brings scripture to mind or the words of a precious song. It may be during the hours I am at work or simply taking a much needed walk through neighborhoods close to my home. It may be in the night hours when tears fall freely and I can’t even speak the words to Him. Conversations abound now that I recognize His voice. They will for any who learn to listen with interest and attention.

Father, You were speaking to me long before I knew it was You. Thank you for awakening my ear to the sound of Your voice. Speak, Lord, I am listening. Amen.

The Promise and Power of God's Word

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 (New American Standard Bible)

To think that every time I read my Bible, God has something He wants to accomplish in me. He did it several times this morning. Through different passages I saw heart issues that needed to be addressed, times where I have allowed the opinions of others to hold too much power over me, instances when I have allowed myself to be “rooted and grounded” in soil that is not of God, unwillingness to walk in love and forgiveness, and other things that remain between God and me. My point is this. As God’s word comes forth to me it has purpose and promise. He says it will not return to Him empty. It will accomplish what He wants it to accomplish and it will succeed in what He plans for it.

He compared it to the rain. The rain does not evaporate back into the air without first watering the ground and bringing forth the growth for our sustenance. It accomplishes what it was sent to accomplish! His word does so even more profoundly.

I am being challenged this morning to make this verse a prayer each time I open God’s word or sit under the teaching of God‘s word. A prayer of thanksgiving, promise, anticipation, and realization. To ask God to make me completely receptive to all that He desires to accomplish through what He speaks to me. Ultimately it will produce growth, change, and fruit. In other words, what God tells me should have a profound effect on how I think, speak, and act. It is the very thing that will transform me from the inside out.

Too often I have allowed circumstances and people to speak louder to me than God’s voice. But this morning, God is urging me to allow His voice to become clearer and louder than any others. As I begin to do that, some voices will become duller and others will be muted all together. May His words accomplish much today!

In addition to this, I am gaining fresh confidence in the power of praying Scripture over the life of individuals. This is done by finding verses that express what it is I would like to see God do in another person’s life and then praying those verses for them. It might be for salvation, deliverance, reconciliation, change, or any number of issues. Whatever it is, God’s Word and God’s Spirit are the most powerful means to accomplish it. May much be sent forth and accomplished today!

Father, I am trying to grasp the full implication of what You are saying to me this morning. You have awakened in me a desire to hear You. Amen.