When It Finally Clicks

Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Isaiah 55:2 (New King James Version)

Over the past number of decades I have sought ways to lose weight. While I could get the pounds off initially, my problem was always that my poor eating habits and wrong relationship to food had never been permanently altered. At best, I would modify my behavior only to relapse into the very things that were detrimental to my physical well being. The bottom line was that the programs and plans never clicked and therefore the changes never lasted. The past few months have been a different story for me. I now take in food for the nutritional value rather than the filling of emotional voids. My choices are different as are the amounts. When I shared this with my weight loss instructor she looked at me and said, “It is finally clicking!” Those were profound words for me and had spiritual significance.

God quickly helped me to draw the parallel between what I was doing in the physical realm with what I needed to do in the spiritual realm. I can easily take in the truths of His Word and just as easily express those truths but a text message from a friend yesterday pinpointed the necessity for those truths to start clicking. When I confided to her that I was battling condemning thoughts she simply said, “Pam, in love I say to you, you can choose. You have all the head knowledge. Choose as an act of your will to believe.” She was urging me to apply the truths I have been taking in. Being a doer of the Word and not simply a hearer. We both could tell it was time for me to live out of the truths God has been graciously showing me.

This morning, God is reminding me to seek my satisfaction and delight in Him. My constant looking in all the wrong places keeps ending in empty results and God is inviting me to let what He is teaching me click! Taking my thoughts captive, setting my affections on Him, turning to Him for my needs of approval, significance, and direction, seeking Him, listening to Him. With each struggle I am seeing what has clicked and what has not.

I must allow what is in my head to extend to the farthest fiber of my being. His Spirit and His Word are in me to assist me in the process of application. The transformation will come from Him but the cooperation is my responsibility. He is calling me to trust, yield, and obey as I continue in the things I have learned and am learning.

Father, I want the change that only comes from living in connection with You and heeding what You tell me. Help it to finally click! Amen.

Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wutmEjdbedE&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

How He Works

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (New King James Version)

Victories are short lived and trouble abounds when we do not understand who our greatest enemy is and how he operates. Satan opposes God and thus opposes any who belong to God. It is his desire to keep individuals from coming into relationship with their Creator, but if he is unsuccessful at that, he goes to any lengths to keep them from walking intimately with Him. The Bible is clear that we are to be aware of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Many of us are alert to the things of the world and the pull of our flesh, but we give little attention to the way the enemy is seeking to devour or destroy us individually.

It has taken me decades to learn to detect his fingerprints on my day….and to be honest, I am still learning. It is usually after the facts that I realize he was active once again…..or at least his accomplices were! Any wounds, unresolved issues, weaknesses, propensities, and unrealized ambitions are ammunition he uses against me. Today it was feelings of regret over handling some relationships wrong. I found myself wondering why I tend to repeat the same mistakes. What is it that drives me to do the things I do? I should have realized that the forthcoming feelings of condemnation, self loathing, hopelessness, and despair were signs that he was prowling! But I didn’t.

Instead, my Father gave me needed direction. He helped me to see that my focus had once again turned from Him to my past and joy would return only as I did an about face. Instead of beating myself up over what can’t be changed, I needed to look at who He is and what He is doing in me. What I lacked in knowledge and wisdom at the time, I now have and am urged to act upon it. It doesn’t matter that I made wrong choices at one time. What matters is that I start making right choices NOW! My past does not define me or dictate the course of action I can now take. My past is simply experiences I can learn from and then proceed forward.

The signs of the enemy faded quickly as I saw what he was using against me. Hopefully, victory will come sooner next time. He is a defeated foe and I need to live out of the truth that “greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.” I cannot stop him from prowling or seeking to devour, but I can limit him greatly by the grace and power of almighty God!

Father, You are always closer than the enemy. Help me to remember that often! Amen.

God's Armor Glenville
http://youtube.com/watch?v=J6lok4sGMSQ

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. http://pathways2freedom.blogspot.com/

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

Facing the Disappointments

Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed. Isaiah 49:23 (New International Version)

I listened to a sermon via the internet and the question was asked, “Have you ever been disappointed with God?” I wrestled with that question because I couldn’t really think of a time when God was the One who disappointed me. I guess this is because God’s heart and character are so embedded in my thinking. I know He rules supreme, is in control, is always good, has my best interest at heart, never leaves, and never changes. While I may not understand or always enjoy His ways, I don’t feel my disappointment lies in Him, yet I know I have lived with a profound sense of disappointment.

The sources of disappointment have varied. Relationships have disappointed me. When people cannot or will not give me what I want or need from them I walk in disappointment. When those I have grown dependent upon walk away or cease to be involved in my life, I feel the disappointment. When someone’s opinion of me takes a nose dive and I am no longer looked at in the same light or with the same affection, I become cloaked in disappointment. When schedules, energy, and constraints become barriers and hindrances, I am left with disappointment.

I have experienced disappointment in myself. Disappointment in my need for people and my dependency upon them. Disappointment in my own weaknesses and failures. Disappointment in the inability to change circumstances in my life. Disappointment in my own habits and addictions. Disappointment in being disappointed.

The list is endless but hope is available when I live out the truths of Isaiah 49:23. Placing my trust, dependency, expectations, and hope in the eternal God is my only answer for disappointment. He is all I need Him to be and more. He is my Rock to stand upon and my Father to lean upon. As He listens to me acknowledge my disappointments to Him, He is the only One capable of soothing the ache. Disappointed in Him? Absolutely not! He is the very One I turn to each and every time disappointment finds its way into my life. He listens, comforts, and teaches me with each dissatisfaction, discontentment, disillusionment, and displeasure.

I may not be able to avoid being disappointed, but I don’t have to stay there. I have His daily invitation to come to Him, abide in Him, rest in Him, and look to Him.

Father, I have tasted disappointment and found You to be faithful when it hurt the most. Amen.

When the Tears Fall We are never alone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mnN-U1Lai8&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

In the Name of Jesus

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 (New International Version)

Read back through the book of Acts and you will see a phrase often used in times of miracles and healings by the apostles…. “In the name of Jesus.” Whenever I see it, I have no trouble realizing the miracles came through the authority and empowerment of Jesus’ name. But it was never meant to be a phrase limited merely to healings. Today’s verse is a reminder to me that it should be voiced over every thought, word, and deed of a believer’s life.

Once I understand the depth and meaning of a word it comes alive to me and affects my life profoundly. When Peter spoke to the lame man in Acts 3, the phrase, “In the name of Jesus,” came from the same Greek word as today’s verse…. Oànoma. It was used for everything His name covered…everything it stood for. It housed the rank, authority, interest, pleasure, power, command, and excellence of Jesus. So imagine the change that would be forthcoming if that phrase was spoken over everything we did! If every deed was performed in the power and authority of the name of Jesus with His pleasure in mind.

My mind is thinking ahead to the many times and places I can voice, “In the name of Jesus.” While doing housework, talking to others, working at my place of employment, answering the phone or emails, encouraging others, eating my meals, extending or seeking forgiveness, praying, taking my thoughts captive, I can and must begin doing them in the name of Jesus. To actually say it! Oh, the power of words! In God’s eyes, there is no such thing as an insignificant action. Am I aware of that?! Is shaping my day?! I pray so.

I use to think this truth was reserved for people in Bible times or today’s prominent Christian leaders and teachers. What I am coming to realize is that it is meant for me as well! It is meant for any who name the name of Jesus as Savior. God is definitely calling me out into a bolder, more verbal walk with Himself. He knows I have too often allowed His words to go unspoken. No more! Each day as I open Scripture I am bombarded by a verbal treasure cove and if I will but speak those gems of truth I will begin to see things happen that I never imagined possible. They are not simply positive words. They are empowering!


Father, I am a communicator by nature but am just now coming into a fuller awareness of words! Loosen my tongue to voice Your truth-phrases over every word and deed that takes place both privately and publicly. In the name of Jesus, amen!

In The Name of the Lord - Sandi Patty
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8FxlN0ImqM

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

Declaring What is Right

I have not spoken in secret, In a dark place of the earth; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, ‘ Seek Me in vain’; I, the LORD, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. Isaiah 45:19 (New King James Version)

I am presently relearning a necessary discipline of the Christian life and that is to consistently do what God does….speak and declare the things that are right! Words are powerful when spoken out loud. They have a way of changing the fiber and fabric of our life. They are not meant to be secretive and hidden away in the dark corners of our mind. They do us little good if they are never expressed. God has been persistently nudging me to declare what is right and to declare it with conviction, confidence, and boldness. This is especially beneficial when I don’t feel the least bit confident or bold. What I am learning is those are the exact results of speaking what is right.

Recently I have had two profound experiences of emotional deliverance. Both times my thoughts were negative, dark, and draining. As long as I remained silent and wrapped up in my thoughts, I walked in an emotional flatland. No joy. No strength. No peace. No comfort. But there came a point when I saw my need to push past the thoughts and proclaim the truth. Truth from God’s Word. Truth that I have been taking in for the past number of years. Truth I have learned from others. Truth I have read in books. It is all inside my head and now it is coming out of my mouth!

Many have been the times I have waited for others to tell me what I needed to be speaking myself. When I needed encouragement I would begin going through a list of people to call. I knew they would listen. I knew they would tell me necessary and truthful things. While there is nothing wrong with receiving encouragement from others, God is letting me know there is a danger in making that my only option. When I seek only THEIR words I walk in limitation. What He is letting me know is that I have it in me already to speak right things over my life, situations, and moods.

So what is it that I am saying out loud? I am declaring the truths of who I am in Christ, who God is and what He is able to do, and all the statements of faith I can express. It doesn’t take long for me to sense empowerment and encouragement. I am finding that what I use to wait for others to do for me does not begin to compare with what God is doing in these moments. This is the corner God has been waiting for me to turn on my journey with Him! I turn it with joy and volume!

Father, the stored up truth has finally found a voice! Help me to continue to speak everything I have taken in for this very purpose. Help me to take on Your verbal skills! Amen.

Destiny - Twila Paris
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Klt6Uedj6eA&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

Knowing What to Forgive

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 (New International Version)

Last month, a study group I am involved in, discussed the study we would like to do when we are finished with the one we are presently doing. We had a number of topics to choose from and the leading choice seemed to be in the area of forgiveness. At the time, I wasn’t sure why that topic stood out to me but I am beginning to see God’s hand in my leaning toward it.

I am presently pondering an area in my life that requires forgiveness on my part. What makes this step of obedience so difficult is that I am not exactly sure what I am forgiving the person for. While I know that I still harbor hurt and disappointment, I cannot seem to put my finger on what I am holding against this person. The fact that I can still be easily brought to tears over her decisions and actions reveals to me an internal need of releasing it all through forgiveness.

God knows the exact nature of my thoughts and feelings, and He also knows where I stand in confusion and uncertainty. This is not a time for easy words and general statements. I need to know what I am forgiving in order for it to bring about the freedom I crave. It is the key that will unlock the chains that still bind my spirit and limit my capacity to live life to the fullest.

It has taken me a while to even recognize the fact that I am walking in unforgiveness. Now that I recognize it I want to take care of it. Some would say, “Just do it.” But within the deepest aspects of my mind and heart I know there has to be a clearer picture of what I need to “just do.” I want to know what the forgiveness means and what it looks like. I want to forgive with knowledge and abandon. This has nothing to do with the other person as she is not even aware that this battle rages within me. This has to do with release and obedience on my part. It has to do with living my life in accord with the pattern Jesus set for me. His ways are higher than my own and He is calling me to come higher with Him.

Father, thank you for continually calling me to do the things that can only be done through You. I admit my need for understanding. Amen.

Mercy Said No - CECE WINANS
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z_SjhKJgqGg&feature=related

Pain is the raw material from which can be made a soul increasingly sensitive to the existence of God's love. ~ John Woolley