In Need of What He Will Do

And Moses said to the people, Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. Exodus 14:13 (New King James Version)

Moses spoke these words to the children of Israel when they found themselves between the Red Sea and the advancement of their enemies. Their fear was born out of what seemed like limited options….to be drown in the waters or put to death by the hands of the Egyptians. Those were the only two scenarios that played out in their mind. God had led them out of Egypt and now the Red Sea stood between their future and their past. How they needed the instructions and hope. How we need it as well.

Each of us faces our own moments of feeling trapped between where we are going and where we have come from. We often feel fearful of failure or ruin. Unless we determine to stand in faith and believe to see the salvation of God for us, we too will see only the fragile scenarios that play out in our mind. Those scenarios are usually crafted from past experiences and we limit ourselves to the way things have always been. The very thing that the children of Israel feared was what at one time had them in bondage. Although they were actually free, their past experience still had a hold on them. It would continue to have a hold on them until they experienced God’s deliverance in profound ways. In like manner, our past will continue to have a hold on us until we experience God’s deliverance in a dramatic way.

I have never been in bondage to a person but I have been in bondage to my own emotions. God sees my fearful heart as I contemplate situations in my mind where I can all too easily do what I have always done. Those are my “Red Sea” moments. I have yet to pass through the waters and live in a new place in my life. The enemy of my soul is all too happy to remind me of past failures and stamp the words “impossible” over any thought that things can actually be different. I am not fearful of enemies over taking me but rather of my own emotions ruling me. It did not occur to the children of Israel that God could divide the Red Sea and lead them across on dry land and then destroy their enemies. At the present, I don’t know how God will get me past my own sea of emotions, but I am going to start by allowing the words Moses spoke to be spoken to me, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today.”

Father, I am out of options. Drained to the core. Show me the salvation You have for me. I stand in need of You today and I thank You for what You will accomplish. Amen.

I Need Thee Every Hour - Selah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIRJNgNSqok

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

Unnoticed but Undeniably True

Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth. Psalm 115:15 (King James Version)

I am being reminded of something I need to consistently stand guard against. For if I don’t, it will awaken many sleeping giants within me. That culprit is called “comparison.” The moment I make the mistake of comparing myself with someone else in any area I open the door to discontentment, envy, jealousy, unthankfulness, ingratitude, and dissatisfaction. It becomes ice water to my spirit and causes many problems in my relationship with people and with God.

God’s antidote? Acknowledge and embrace the truth that I am presently and abundantly blessed by Him. There is much truth to the song, “Count Your Blessings.” I am not referring to merely the physical, material blessings but the spiritual, emotional, and social blessings as well. God is extravagant to each one of us in countless ways and I so often go from day to day with little or no awareness of it. What I don’t notice I fail to appreciate, but God is pulling back the curtain of my mind and is showing me the very things He has lavished on me. I find myself asking numerous questions and each one is opening my eyes to His goodness and favor.

What if the many things I take for granted were suddenly lost in a house fire? What if God had never given me a means to communicate with Him through prayer? What if I lived in a place where there was absolutely no other believer in my life? What if the Bible was never translated into my language? What if the Holy Spirit was never given to me and I was left to muster up the changes and obedience on my own? What if music didn’t exist? What if every significant person I have ever known had never crossed my path? What if any or all of my senses (seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, and smelling) were never given to me? What if I had never heard the gospel? The questions are endless as are the blessings! God has placed these and many others into my life and He delighted in doing it. At the top of the list is the fact that He is so personally involved in my life. He knows me and is making Himself known to me.

This morning, I am acutely aware of the fact that someone besides me needs this reminder. May we no longer give the enemy the ability to distract, discourage, or dishearten us with what we don’t have and instead joy and dance in what is ours. May each one of us allow God to re-ignite within us a profound awareness of Who He is and what He does for us on a continual, daily basis. For we ARE blessed indeed!

Father, forgive me for the many times I have been blind and deaf to Your blessings and gifts to me. May praise be forthcoming from my lips and my heart! Amen.

Made Me Glad - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0Zc_VWJJoI

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

Receiving Their Words

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2 (New American Standard Bible)

I have often read this verse and walked away with two conclusions: I should not brag on myself but let others do the complimenting. Yet this morning the first word in Proverbs 27:2 grabs my attention. How many times have we NOT let someone say something affirming to us? Rather than receive their kind words we brush off what they say with, “Oh, it was nothing.” Or we dismiss what they are saying with a contradictory negative statement. Or we feel the need to quickly compliment them back which comes across as insincere and forced. Why are we finding it so difficult to accept and embrace the verbal or written praises of others?

Maybe our view of ourselves is so distorted that we feel undeserving of anything nice being said to us. Maybe we question the sincerity. Maybe we mistakenly think that a refreshment to our soul is somehow being prideful. Maybe we have a wrong picture of humility. Maybe we think the worst parts of us nullify anything good that might be found in us. Maybe we grew up with very little affirmation and encouragement, therefore the words are foreign to us and make us squirm. Maybe just maybe we fail to see God’s gift to us in those words.

Whatever the reason may be, the enemy accomplishes two things when we fail to let someone celebrate, commend, affirm, or compliment us with their words. He prevents us from receiving something that was intended to minister to our soul in a deep and satisfying way. And he causes the other person to feel somewhat foolish for giving out kind words and it could lead them to shut down the attempt in the future. Let’s not let him have such a victory!

For some of us, it will take time to begin seeing compliments as a good thing and learning to drink them in with thanksgiving. Maybe the next time someone pays us a compliment in any way we could start with just this simple phrase: “Thank you for your kind words!” Those words spoken with good eye contact, a smile, and a possible hug would do tremendous things for both the recipient and the giver of gracious words.

Father, help me to fully embrace generous words spoken to me and to also become extravagant in voicing affirming words to others. You are my role model in rich communication. May I follow Your example! Amen.

Amazing Love - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NeKnC4WXCs&feature=related

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.

Signs of Life

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3 (New American Standard Bible)

There are many conditional promises in the Word of God. Today’s verse is one of them. There are times when I seek solitude in a beautiful cemetery in our city of Indianapolis called Crown Hill. It is massive with rolling hills and numerous trees. At moments when everything in me seems like it has died, I find this place of burial so similar to how I feel on the inside. I go in hopes that God would once again resurrect in me hope and healing for the journey.

One visit to Crown Hill comes to my mind this morning. As the tears flowed I heard God say to my heart, “Speak to Me. Tell Me what you are thinking and feeling.” When the tears ceased and the lump in my throat diminished I spotted a large tree with absolutely no leaves on it. I felt like that tree; bare, vulnerable, and exposed. I looked around at some other trees. Pine trees that were still green. Large oaks and maples that displayed beautiful fall colors. But the bare tree was my mirror and Psalm 1:3 seemed far removed from my experience.

God quickly assured me the bare tree still had life sap flowing through it. The potential for foliage next spring was still there. Its outward appearance was not the total picture. One woman said it so clearly, “Like a bare tree you may be in the winter of life right now. But God is still working. The sap is still running even when we don’t see it and there is nothing on the limbs.” What I see and feel cannot be my measuring stick for reality. My view and emotions are often skewed and limited. My faith must be in a God who sees clearly and completely the entire sphere of my life.

And yet there are conditions for baring fruit and leaves. The previous verse states those conditions when it says, “His delight is in the law of the LORD and in His law he meditates day and night.” Whom I delight in and what I meditate on will make all the difference in the world. It made a difference in the way I left the cemetery and will continue to make a difference in how I live each day.

I have not been to Crown Hill for quite some time now and yet the lessons learned from that former visit is speaking to me once again this morning. God is still working. The “sap” is still running. Potential for growth and change lies within me by His grace.

Father, I no longer fear the times of sadness that come over me. They have become Your invitation for me to meet with You. Be my delight and meditation today. Amen.

You Never Let Go - Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIAdgLR1ZGw&feature=related

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

Available Guides

Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" And he said, "Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Acts 8:30-31 (New American Standard Bible)

An Ethiopian eunuch saw his need for help, asked for help, and received help. Philip, one of seven deacons mentioned in the early chapters of Acts, was available to be that help. The eunuch desired a guide and Philip became that guide. It was not a long encounter but it was God directed, God ordained, and God approved.

I rejoice in the truths that are pointed out from this passage of Scripture. Life is filled with moments when the help of others is not only needed but God purposed. I am a witness to that! I have had times in my life when human guides were sought and found. At just the right time, at just the right season they (like Philip with the eunuch) saw my need and became available to guide me. It was often only after the fact that I could look and see the full scope and value of their investment in my life. While many have been used of God to teach and guide me, three in particular are standing out in my mind this morning.

The first is a mentor who guided me as I transitioned from the entanglement of legalistic thinking to freedom in Christ. The second is an accountability partner walked me through the darkest season of my life and is still guiding me as I transition from looking to people to fixing my eyes on Jesus…the Author and Finisher of my faith. The third is just beginning the guiding process which I believe will help to transition me from a life of emotional bondage to finding emotional wholeness in Christ.

The common threads? All three have had a history with God. All three have walked through their own hurts, disappointments, and struggles. All three have accepted God’s call to guide others when prompted by Him to do so. I rejoice in being the recipient of their guidance but I also desire to be a guide to others. I want to be available (whether for a single conversation or an ongoing relationship) to be to individuals what others have been to me.

Father, You have always been faithful to send the right guides at the right times. I thank You for that and rejoice! I trust You to continue that pattern in and through me. Amen.

May I Be His Love - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B6ieQL_Q-k

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

Encouraging Yourself the Right Way

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. I Samuel 30:6 (King James Version)

This verse intrigues me. It comes at a time when David and his 600 men have returned to their city of Ziklag only to find that it had been burned with fire and their families taken captive. Their possessions and loved ones were gone and they spiraled into a pit of anger, confusion, grief, and revenge. Their first response was tears until they could cry no more. Their next response was to stone David. In their irrational thinking they felt, as leader, he was to blame for this horrific tragedy. They were not even able to digest the fact that David was experiencing the same loss as they were. They were blind to his personal pain and consumed with a wrong agenda. Fortunately, the story ended with this plot dissolving and the return of their families. Possible tragedy turned to victory!

It is in our nature when we are hurting deeply to find someone to blame and to go on the attack against them. Our minds tell us that making them pay for our pain will somehow bring relief or at the least make us feel better. Revenge can seem like a worthwhile and even healing answer. But as with so many other wrong conclusions, it is a lie and technique Satan masterminds and introduces, and it will not bring the result we are hoping for. He knows if he can get us to use our emotions to drive us to wrong actions then the destruction will be even greater. We must remember that he is still a roaring lion who seeks to devour us. Often he will even recruit believers to aid him in his plot! Oh the tragedy that awaits if we join him.

There is a better way. David encouraged himself in the Lord. This is where he received his strength and direction. He simply had to begin reviewing God’s faithfulness in the past as well as His covenant promise of protection, provision, and presence for the here and now. When all others turned on him, he turned to God. What a difference it would have made had each of his men reached for God’s hand instead of for a stone. David knew the dangers of having any other source of encouragement than almighty God Himself. No one, other than God, could deliver his people and redeem his story.

With that said, God now whispers to me the words of James 1:22, “Be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only.” He knows the necessity for me to apply this principle of encouragement the next time I am filled with sadness, loss, grief, and pain. How vital that I turn to Him rather than curl up with my emotions and do further damage.

Father, Bring me to the place where You are the only One I reach for, listen to, and follow. Amen.

Strong Tower
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqL_zcig9Is&feature=related

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

An Unending Quest

Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. Psalm 105:4 (New American Standard Bible)

If put in my own words, this verse might read, “Resort to the Lord’s presence and might without interruption.” To do so is both necessary and helpful. To seek His presence is to talk with Him and be aware of Him on an on going basis. It seems that every time I turn around I am asking God to help me, advise me, cheer me up, or over whelm me with Himself. This is what He has wanted all along and I am only recently coming to see and do that.

It has taken me quite a while to see how many places in me are there to help me see my need of Him. Every thing I hunger for is really a search for Him. Every need I have is really what He desires to use to draw me to Himself. He longs to see me look to Him when I start to falter or get shaky in my inward thoughts. It happens a lot and hence His usage of the word “continually.” That word holds the same meaning as eternal!

Our God who is ever lasting has instilled that quality and expectation in the relationship He has with each of His children. Whether out moods, circumstances, feelings, and dispositions are good, bad, pleasant, or in need of improvement, God wants us to have on going connection and communication with Himself. He wants to hear all about whatever is going on inside, outside, and around us.

What I have had to learn is to turn to Him as soon as I experience changes of any size or dynamic. No longer should I wait until things get out of hand or over whelming. The earlier I seek Him, the better! I stand amazed at how quickly I can begin to feel His peace, joy, and comfort. My down moments have become signals to me and I heed them. They are the neon lights of my soul pointing me in His direction. I no longer have to fear them, cower in their presence, or wonder what is wrong with me. I can simply see them as the very things God will minister to as I let Him.

It has become clear to me over the past few years that what I experience on a daily basis, others are experiencing. So I know without a doubt that the words I share in this devotional have meaning for others as well. I use to marvel when someone would let me know a particular devotional was what they needed at the moment. Any more I simply realize God did it again! What a joy to seek Him!

Father, help my seeking of You to be continual. May my attention and my heart be directed toward You at all times. Amen.

Open Our Eyes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XJu0mnn_b4&feature=related

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

Until It Passes

My soul cleaves to the dust; revive me according to Your word. My soul weeps because of grief; strengthen me according to Your word. Psalm 119:25, 28 (New American Standard Bible)

Do you ever feel what David is describing in these verses? Dust. The rubbish and debris of this world. The rubbish and debris of your life. Grief. That heaviness and sorrow that can often be more felt than explained. How we long for relief. Actually, we long for more than just relief. We long to be raised up, established, fulfilled, and empowered. To be sustained and living prosperously in our spirits. At least I long for that. There are times I get a taste of it. Times when the joy abounds and the sheer delight of living is evident to me as well as those I come in contact with. I soar and feel I will continue to soar for a very long time. But my flight patterns are inconsistent and unstable. Just as quickly as I take off, I come down, and it is in the times of being down that I struggle. Finding myself in that all too familiar place is not occurring presently, but when I do I ask God to show me what to do until it passes. He is quick to answer and instruct me. I offer some of those answers to you now.

Start praising Him. Praise Him for anything and everything that comes to mind. From the beauty of His creation to the perfection of His character and everything in between.

Limit your thoughts. There are certain things I cannot afford to dwell on because of skewed thinking and clouded views. This is not the time to make important decisions, dwell on lost relationships, try to figure out what others are thinking, plan ahead, sort through difficult issues, or assess my growth and progress. My mind needs to rest, just like my body would need to rest if I were physically ill.

Feed off of Scripture and music. Both are like life lines to my spirit and will instill truth in me when all seems hopeless and dark.

Stay connected to the body of Christ. Stepping away from studies and church is tempting at times but dangerous. I need the fellowship of believers. Even if I do little more than sit in silence and stare, I need to be with them. They will know something is amiss (even if they have no idea what it is) and they will pray.

Pray. As Joyce Meyer has said, “Run to the Throne instead of the phone.” This is a hard one for me. I am use to taking my problems and heartaches to people. Use to letting them see me through the hard times. I am thankful for the times they do just that but God often reminds me they are His tools…..He is ultimately the source!

Wait. Sometimes, many times, the release from the pull down is slow in coming but worth the work.

Father, You keep holding on to me. Your grip never slips. Your love never falters. Until reviving and strength come to me, I will stand all the closer to You. Amen.

But For Your Grace - Rita Baloche
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1InpFHRE1ko&p=B564999B82337D7C&playnext=1&index=10

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

My Help Comes From the Lord

My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2 (New King James Version)

The One who created the universe is my Helper! I am trying to wrap my mind around that thought. I can recall the many people who have helped me in one way or another during the course of my life but who compares to the One who made everything?! Whatever I face today, I can proclaim with David the fact that my help comes from the LORD. David faced giants, enemies, failures, fears, and betrayal and did so with God as his helper. The same help and Helper is available to me every moment of every day!

Wherever I stand in need…my help comes from the LORD. Whatever the task I am given….my help comes from the LORD. Whoever I am called upon to love….my help comes from the LORD. Whenever and whoever I need to forgive…my help comes from the LORD. When my strength fails me…my help comes from the LORD. When I grow weary with the journey…my help comes from the LORD. When the questions of my heart pile up….my help comes from the LORD. When I am spent…my help comes from the LORD. When life gets uncomfortable or messy…my help comes from the LORD. When circumstances overwhelm me…my help comes from the LORD. When loneliness, sorrow, or sickness mark my path…my help comes from the LORD. When I am in need of internal healing….my help comes from the LORD. When losses are experienced…my help comes from the LORD.

There is nothing I stand in need of that surpasses the creation of heaven and earth. I will never need help and find God unable to help. My Helper divided the Red Sea, defeated vast armies, and brought water from a rock. He gave sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf, healed lepers and lame ones, calmed the storms at sea, walked on water, drove out demons, and raised the dead. In light of that, is anything too hard for Him? Absolutely not!

I can think of individuals with whom I would be thrilled to have their help. Their counsel, assistance, and companionship would be invaluable. How much greater that the King of kings and Lord of lords comes to my aid and rescue. He is not distant, unavailable, unmoved, or unaware of my needs or deaf to my cries for help. May I go through every day fully realizing my help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth, and He will move heaven and earth to give me His help.

Father, I feel so cared for, safe, and protected. I stand in awe of You and in need of You. Because of You, I am never helpless! Amen.

I Will Lift My Eyes - Bebo Norman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtAjrNqEsoM&feature=related

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

Personal Preparations

Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah….And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah….But God prepared a worm….and it smote the gourd….God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah. Jonah 1:17; 4:6-8

I can imagine that Jonah had no trouble realizing life was not always under his control. Ever feel like him? God was constantly preparing the events, circumstances, and situations of his life in order to get his attention and redirect his steps. But Jonah kept missing the point. While there seemed to be a revival of sorts for Jonah in the belly of the fish, the end of the story finds him disgruntled, angry, and distant.

It is easy to come to the place where the happenings of our life can leave us feeling more like victims than victors. While Jonah was simply facing the consequences for wrong choices in his life, other Bible characters faced difficulties in spite of right choices. Joseph, from the Old Testament, always comes to mind when I think of someone who suffered at the hands of others. Hated, betrayed, and sold by his own brothers, he spent years in enslavement and prison. Were they wasted? Not at all. They were a time of preparation for God’s promotion in his life as he would one day be second only to Pharaoh in the land of Egypt. Much of his life was painful and did not make sense until the end was revealed. He could finally say with confidence to his brothers, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good!”

I learned a couple of years ago that Scripture is meant to be more than nice stories about people who lived long ago. God wants us to see that He is just as involved, just as loving, and just as present in our lives as He was in Bible times. At any given moment, He is preparing us for what is ahead. He has His hands on us, on our situations, and on our journey. If we keep this in mind it will help counter the wrong thinking of being a victim to others, being stuck in life, and living with no purpose. May we hear Him whisper the same words to us that He said to Jeremiah, “I know the plans that I have for you…plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”

Father, I may only be in the middle of the story right now. By faith I look forward to what You had planned for me all along. Amen.

My Life Is In Your Hands - Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir (This was filmed in Louisiana State Penitentiary, better known as "Angola").
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIc_cEH_EPU&feature=related

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

In Their Absence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Blended Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glorying in Our Weaknesses

And He said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I glory rather in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (21st Century King James Version)

Paul went from asking that something be removed from his life to rejoicing in it. How? He saw what God could do in and through that weakness. He saw that Christ’s strength was perfected in it and His power would descend upon him in that area. In other words, God’s ability and influence would be seen and experienced as well as His work accomplished in the places that would normally make Paul cringe.

I have often asked God to remove certain tendencies and weaknesses in me. Not so much the physical weaknesses (as was Paul’s case) but the emotional ones. I have asked Him to change me or at least deaden me to things that pull at me. I have read books. I have consulted others. I have attempted behavior modification. I have listened to speakers. One thing I have not done, though, is glory in it. Neither have I rejoiced or boasted in it. I have seen it as nothing but a despicable part of myself and tried in vain to distance myself from that part of me.

Paul is serving as my example today. In his weakness he served his Creator. In his weakness he pointed others to Jesus. In his weakness he displayed the work of God in his life. In his weakness he walked in victory. How? He was governed by God’s divine grace and power. God was able to work in and through Paul in his weakness and His working was all the more evident because of it. Rather than limit Paul, it unleashed the power of God in him.

Scripture attests to the fact that God chose weak vessels to accomplish His work. Most of the ones God worked through felt disqualified or unqualified. The truth of the matter was that they were the most usable. The same is true of us today. Why? So God will get the credit and not people. Even those who possess great abilities and talents must acknowledge those things come from God. While they may have worked hard to develop those gifts, God is the One who enabled them to do so.

If my weaknesses can be the backdrop for God’s grace and power to be displayed than I choose to embrace them and glory in them. Rather than something to be dreaded and grieved over, it is now something to joy in for God’s influence and strength rest on me!

Father, I invite You to do Your greatest and most powerful work in my area of weakness. I will give You the praise for all that means and looks like. Amen.

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

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

Staying Teachable and Focused

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. Genesis 50:20 (New American Standard Bible)

Sometimes we experience difficulties in our life as a consequence for wrong choices we have made. At other times, we live under what seems to be the results of another person’s actions. Joseph knew the latter all too well. Hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, imprisoned due to a false accusation, forgotten by one who could have helped, and unfair separation from a father who loved him dearly. Many would have understood if he had chosen to embrace unforgiveness, bitterness, and anger. But that response would have put him into a prison of his own making that would have been more harmful and confining than any man made prison. Instead, Joseph’s life was seen by others as one whose God was with him.

Throughout his years of unfair and unjust treatment Joseph was a server of others and God continually blessed him for it. Even in the midst of trials. Even in the midst of wondering if there was a light at the end of the tunnel for him. Even when he could see no tangible manifestation of his dreams ever coming true. His was a journey of coming to points of surrender and trust. Rather than spend his life desiring to one day enact revenge on the ones who hurt him, he poised himself for the day he could demonstrate love and forgiveness.

This tells me Joseph walked through the issues of his life with a teachable spirit which gave him an ability to see God’s involvement in every circumstance he faced. Was it always easy? I doubt it. Would there have been tears, frustration, and questions? I am sure of it! But with each event Joseph had to come to the point of bending the knee and heart to what God had for him and where God placed him. It required him to fix his eyes on God rather than on what was happening to him and the people responsible for those things. It always came down to choice, trust, and surrender.

It is no different for each one of us. Whether we are wading through the issues of our own life or watching a loved one wade through the issues of their life, we are on a journey to the heart of God. Nothing is escaping His notice and nothing is unusable for His purposes. His ultimate desire is that we would really KNOW Him and then point others to Him. It will be the outcome of trusting Him, embracing truth, and keeping our focus on Him. With God’s help, it is both possible and productive.

Father, in the midst of it all, I trust You for myself as well as for my loved ones. Our lives are not limited to only that which we can experience with our five senses. May our spirit eyes be ever fixed on You! Amen.

Knees to the Earth - Watermark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-FJzjmTbTs

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

Taking His Time

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1 (King James Version)

Waiting patiently. Once again I am reminded it means hopeful expectation not resignation! The waiting is on God not on opportunities, change in circumstances, or change in me. Any inner turmoil, frustration, worry, or straining reveals a lack of trust on my part. A trust in God’s will, God’s ways, God’s timing, and God’s character. God’s purposes, plans, and protection in times of waiting are always demonstrated even if I don’t clearly see them or understand them. Many times God has to help me see what is NOT meant in order to understand what IS meant when He requires that I go through a time of waiting.

I can recall two types of waiting that have skewed my thinking in regards to waiting on God. Both took place when I was young. I can remember being with my dad on certain days and inevitably stopping at a bar. More often than not, I was told to ‘sit tight’ while he went in for a drink. It could be a brief or extended time of waiting, but either way I was left alone, unattended, and unaware of when the waiting would end. I can also remember ‘waiting’ by an upstairs window watching for my parents to come home on Friday evenings with groceries. I knew instinctively if they had been drinking the groceries would wait until ‘tomorrow.’ There was a sense of expectant disappointment.

This morning, God is tenderly reminding me that neither of these scenarios are accurate representations of waiting patiently for Him. In the midst of waiting, He is present with me and He is NOT setting me up for a disappointment. He is using this time to prepare me and faithfully arrange the circumstances and people in my life to bring about His eventual purposes. He is attentive, involved, and caring as He operates according to His wisdom and His time. But I will fail to see that if I continue to view Him through a grid of distrust, distortions, and disappointments.

My journey to freedom is filled with moments when God takes me back to the root of distorted thinking. While He will not change the things that happened in my life, He will correct the interpretation of those things. As lies are exposed, He offers truth for me to embrace. He is helping me to take the faces of individuals off Himself and see Him for who He is and what He is really like. It is definitely worth the time He is taking to do it!

Father, thank you that You take the perfect amount of time to work with me and in me. Amen.

In His Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo-rGzx2OZk

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

If We But Ask

My God in His loving kindness will meet me; God will let me look triumphantly upon my foes. Psalm 59:10　(New American Standard Bible)

When emotions take a nose dive and our faith takes a blow, it seems that our quickest response is a desire for release and a helping hand out of the proverbial pit. Our prayers become pleas for a return to stronger moments. I have a number of “life preservers” that I attempt to grab hold of when storms come my way on the sea of life. A phone call to a trusted friend, a truth filled book, soul enriching music, solitude, Bible reading, or extra rest seem to be my first options for a return to spiritual strength and fortitude. They use to work so well…so why not recently?

I have spent the past 48 hours searching for some answers. Trying to find that one “thing” that would cast some light on the darkness that had settled over me. I wanted the cloud gone. I wanted the gloom to vanish. I wanted to regain a sense of well being. In the end, I couldn’t pick up the phone and books, music, and rest did very little to change my internal world. So my next recourse was to hunker down and wait it out, but that only filled me with additional fear and foreboding over how long the wait would be.

God’s answer? Invite Him into the place I was presently at. Ask Him to meet me in my abode of failure, weakness, turmoil, tears, discouragement, and restlessness. “Meet me, Lord, in this place I find myself,” became my prayer, and His response was to meet me with loving kindness. He was the One I needed to sit with me, hold me, and comfort me. It sounds so simple when I see it written out yet it was profound. What I could not discard on my own, simply left as He entered and met with me.

He did more than lift my mood. He handed me a key to use in the future whenever needed. Inviting Him into a place will expel what should not be there. Will friends, books, and music still minister to me? In many respects, yes, but I hope to come to the place more and more whereby I ask God to meet me.

Father, You came. I noticed Your presence and all it affected. Thank you! Amen.

He Knows My Name
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXsiWoyjw60

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

His Word to Me

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 (New International Version)

Battles leave me drained and in need of refreshment. They bring me to a point of desiring truth to once again make its way into my thoughts, life, and situation. Last night, I drifted off to sleep with one phrase running through my mind: “Is anything too hard for God?” Each time the question was asked, the resounding answer was “No!” It gave me assurance to know that my personal struggles, weaknesses, and failures are no match for God’s power and work in my life. How precious that today’s verse was waiting to great me when I woke this morning.

Although I have recently come off a bout with sinus infection, I don’t often suffer in the physical sense. Persecution by the government does not mark my path either. I have a job, a family, a roof over my head, food in my pantry, dependable automobiles in my driveway, clothes in my closet, a precious church family, and friends who stick with me through thick and thin. For each I am thankful! At the same time, I live in a fallen world, possess a sin nature, have an enemy of my soul who is intent on distracting, discouraging, and destroying me, and too often fall victim to spiraling moods, emotional over loads, and insecurities. Yet, by the grace of God, I am given many promises.

My Father, the Creator of the Universe and sustainer of His creation, will restore me and make me strong, firm, and steadfast….not just in eternity but in my everyday battles. He is fully aware and fully present in each hour of need and He wants me to know that each incident is NOT the end of my story. He promises that I will get up again after each stumble. I will regain my composure after each fall. Each doubt will be answered by truth. Each moment of weakness will be followed by His power and strength.

My journey with Him is a process of learning, growing, and gaining. Is it a task that is too hard for God? Am I a person that is too much for Him to work with? Absolutely not! Who better to rely upon and rest in than the One who sees it all, knows it all, and can handle it all?

Father, I long to walk in victory but when I don’t, You promise restoration, rejuvenation, and renewal. Make me strong, firm, and steadfast as I look to You. Amen.

Sing for Joy - Don Moen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jjb1wOUt4I

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

In the Midst of Present Life

The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph's charge because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper. Genesis 39:23 (New American Standard Bible)

I could write a book on the treasures found in Genesis 39. As I read it, my mind races from scene to scene trying to grasp all the nuances of truth that flow from each verse. Joseph, in the midst of captivity and imprisonment, experiences the presence of God, privilege, position, prosperity, favor, and trust (first as a slave then as a prisoner). Whether it was Potipher’s house or Pharoah’s prison, his captor’s saw that God was with him and caused whatever he did to prosper. They both put Joseph in charge of everything they owned. Who, but God, knew these places of imprisonment were training grounds for when Joseph would later be in charge of Egypt?

If I read this aspect of Joseph’s life and come away thinking how nice that was for Joseph, but fail to see personal application for myself, I have reduced my time in Scripture to mere reading and historical fact finding. God wants more for me and so do I! He wants me to embrace the truth that when life is hard or unfair, He is with me. When I am in the midst of my own places of bondage, He is with me. When my present circumstances are dark and the light of my future looks dim, He is with me. When the people in my life seem to hold control over my life, He is with me. When the freedom to be what I want, do what I want, and go where I want is limited for the time being, He is with me. When I am living with the painful consequences of choices made by me or others, He is with me. When I am separated from the ones I love, He is with me. When I don’t understand what is happening, He is with me. When I don’t experience change in my situation, He is with me. His presence rather than my problem or “prison” must be the ruling factor of my life!

I also want to begin living with an awareness of how God prospers the things I do. Asking Him to open my eyes to the moments of promotion, favor, and positions He affords to me now and the preparation being done in me for what lies ahead. Joseph’s time of preparation and training was approximately 13 years not counting his pre-Egypt days. Mine has been 6. When I stand in the place He is right now preparing me for, I want to exclaim with passion, “I KNEW You could do this, God!” rather than gasp with amazement, “I had no idea!”

Father, fill me with the wonder of Your presence in my life and the adventure of Your work in me! Lead me out of my own thoughts of mediocrity and insignificance into the very essence and preciousness of being Your cherished daughter! Amen.

My Life is in Your Hands - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlmYxZAgrGI&feature=related

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

When I Do Not Understand

Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” John 13:7 (New King James Version)

I like Peter. He asks the questions every one else is pondering. Today’s verse is in response to his questioning of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet just hours before He would be arrested and later die on the cross. Jesus’ actions made no sense to Peter or the other disciples. Many are the times we question what God is doing and Jesus’ answer to Peter becomes our answer as well. “You do not understand now what I am doing but you will later on.”

Often times our ability to perceive what God is doing and why God is doing it is limited. For one, we are unable to see the full picture and we misunderstand God’s time frame. We attempt to figure it all out but in the end we don’t have a clue and when we try to ‘force’ our own interpretation into the situation we become like a little child trying to force a puzzle piece into the wrong place. Frustration and even anger can mark our path when we strain at God‘s un-understandable ways.

I look back at Bible characters and take note that they rarely understood what God was doing in their life. Joseph in prison for years. Ruth gleaning in the fields. Moses tending sheep in the wilderness. Mary and Martha at the funeral of their brother, Lazarus. Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth enduring years of infertility. In each case, they were being prepared and poised for a miracle! Joseph to be Prime Minister of Egypt. Ruth to marry Boaz and be part of the lineage of Christ. Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Mary and Martha to see Lazarus’ resurrection. Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth to give birth to significant children….Abraham, Samuel, and John the Baptist. Their lack of understanding in no way rendered God powerless.

I have like the song by Twila Paris called “A Heart That Knows You.” A phrase stands out to me that references not understanding. "It may be for my sake just to help me grow. Maybe for Your kingdom, Lord. I don’t have to know." When I can voice those words back to Him it will evidence a heart that really does know Him even when I don’t understand.

Father, my understanding of what You are doing will not be complete until I see You face to face. Thank you for the grace to trust even when I don’t comprehend. I rest in the knowledge of You. Amen.

Warrior is a Child/ Do I Trust You - Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pzu-jWpcdw

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