Review That Builds Confidence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not a One Time Event

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What He Whispers In My Ear

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seeing Where I Am At

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Staying Honest With Myself and God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Others Have Seen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breaking the Chains of Regret

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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