The Power of Our Stories

And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:36,37 (New American Standard Bible)

I love the “she who was _______ is now _______” stories in the Bible! There were so many of them you know. Here are a few: He who was blind now sees. He who was lame now walks. He was deaf now hears. He who was mute now speaks. He who had leprosy is now clean. He who was demon possessed is now free. He who was lost is now found. He who was dead now lives. After a list like that we can truly proclaim with joy, “NOTHING is impossible with God!!!!

The stories of God’s redemptive touch are meant to re-ignite our faith. When I know someone has walked the road I presently travel and I see how God worked in their situation, my view of God is enlarged and my confidence in His ability to work in my situation is increased. That is one reason it is so necessary for us to share our stories! There is power in our stories that can impact lives far more than we ever thought possible.

There is a woman I know whose story continually encourages me in my walk with God. She doesn’t even resemble the person she use to be. What attracted me most to her story was that so much of what she use to be was what I was at the moment. It was like looking in a mirror. I could relate with everything she said about being empty, legalistic, needy, and frustrated. Her former view of God was a mirror of mine. To her, He use to seem harsh, unloving, tolerant, distant, and uninvolved. She too thought she had to somehow earn God’s love for her and acceptance of her. But her story did not end there. Now she is a woman who revels in God’s love, dances in her freedom, and lives her life passionately connected to His heart. So when I look at where I am in my Christian life and where I want to be, she becomes my personal reminder that this too is possible with God.

I want to encourage two different groups today. Some of you have stories that other people need to hear. You will be the one God uses to give them hope in their “hopeless” situation. They will see themselves in you and regain a belief that God can rewrite their story. Others of you need to hear some stories. Ask God to intersect you with just the right person.

Father, may we learn the value of sharing each other’s stories. They possess power far beyond our wildest imaginations. Amen.

With All I Am - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMrAafe7Mns

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

A Necessary Exercise

Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” Luke 1:18 (New American Standard Bible)

I am coming back to this verse today because I see an exercise Zacharias could have used to answer his own question. It is an exercise I am learning to incorporate into my own life and it is making a big impact on the way I face situations and difficulties that come my way.

I find it interesting how the stories of Zacharias and Abraham are so similar. Back in Genesis 17, the Lord appeared to Abraham and told him that his wife would bare a son. His response? He falls on his face, laughs, and says to himself, “Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah , who is ninety years old, bear a child?” God’s response was an emphatic, “it WILL happen” and it did. As a matter of fact, Genesis 17 is a chapter that is full of the “I WILLs” of God. His Word was fulfilled even though Abraham and Zacharias stood in more unbelief than belief.

So here is the exercise Zacharias could have implemented. He could have gone back and reviewed this story of his ancestor, Abraham. It would have reminded him of how nothing is too hard, impossible, or out of reach for God. The exact thing God is promising to do for Zacharias was already done for Abraham.

Scripture is full of countless stories of ordinary people whose lives were forever changed by an extraordinary God. No matter what my own situation is, I can always ask God to bring back to my mind a similar story in Scripture that will help flame the fires of hope in me once again. As I review the stories of my ancestors I am also reviewing the character, ability, power, presence, and involvement of God. These stories come to life for me, empower me to step out on faith, and remind me that God is who He says He is and God can do what He says He can do!

Some of my favorite individuals I look to for encouragement are Joseph, Ruth, Esther, David, Moses, Paul, Isaiah, and Jesus. Their stories serve as reminders to me that God graciously forgives, abundantly provides, faithfully protects, consistently leads, has His hands and eye on me, and is without a doubt IN CONTROL of my life!

Father, You have not changed since the time that You interacted with people in Bible times. I rest in the fact that You are involved in my life as well. Amen.

I Am - Mark Shultz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hILaSh78yHQ

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

Is It Really True?

So that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. Luke 1:4 (New American Standard Bible)

There are many ideas and beliefs people hold to. In order to believe something you had to be told about it first. The "telling" is brought about in many ways. We hear it, see it, read about it, or experience it. Whether it has to do with people, places, things, or ideas they are all introduced to us in one way or another.

If something is believed it is only as real as the truth upon which it is based. Many people seem to start their belief in God on the premise that their belief is true because they believe it. Yet believing in something does not necessarily make it true. Just ask anyone who has been betrayed or deceived if their belief in another's honesty made that person honest. Or think about the last time you believed your were headed the right direction but later discovered you were wrong.

When it comes to our belief in God it cannot be based entirely on what we believe or on what others have told us. We have to go back to Scripture and see what God says. For some people that in itself is a stretch because they do not see the Bible as the unique book that it is. Sadly, they do not draw their conclusions because they have read it. They are simply going by what they have been told. A friend of mine is presently studying with a religious group that is teaching error. I have told her that when it comes to studying the Bible it is important that you are being told the truth. Unfortunately, she does not know what the Bible says about Jesus, salvation, Heaven, etc…. so she is not able to discern what is true and what is untrue in the study. I keep encouraging her to read the Bible for herself and see what it says. My prayer is that God would open her eyes to the truth.

God is not a God who enjoys playing a type of spiritual "hide and go seek." Giving us His Word and sending His Son were both ways to reveal Himself to us. God offers to make Himself known to anyone who really wants to know Him. The journey begins as we lay aside our preconceived ideas and beliefs and in simple faith ask Him to tell us the truth. Be brave enough to shine the light of truth on what you believe . Better to allow God to show you the exact truth about what you have been taught rather than continue to embrace what may be a lie. When I asked God to show me the truth about my beliefs it resulted in many walls coming down…..denominational walls, Bible version walls, music preference walls, and any other walls that presumed to dictate spirituality in myself or others. No matter what, the truth is worth it!

Father, You are Truth and Your Word is absolutely true. I have experienced deception but it has never been from You. Amen.

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

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

Alike in Many Ways

Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months. And [then] he prayed again and the heavens supplied rain and the land produced its crops [as usual]. James 5:17-18 (Amplified Bible)

How easy it is to forget that those who are used of God to do incredible things are still human. They have their own set of weaknesses, areas to battle, issues to face, and hurdles to over come. How easy it is to think they aren’t like us…that they somehow are in a category all their own. To believe that pain doesn’t feel the same to them, that they never grow weary, warn, or weak. Yet Scripture is full of examples that show us how far from the truth that thinking really is.

I am thankful that God chose to include the humanness of people when Scripture was being written. Moses was a doubter, murderer, and given to anger. David was an adulterer and murderer. Jonah was a rebel on the run. Elijah was fearful and given to bouts of depression. Peter was a denier and boaster. Saul was a persecutor of Christians. Naomi was bitter. While many good qualities were seen in their lives and many things were accomplished through them, God knew we needed to see the whole picture. I am glad He did so!

There have been individuals in my life that seemed beyond the struggles. I mistakenly thought they walked in continual victory and their life was filled with only right decisions, good attitudes, and perfection. How easy it was to feel that if I could just be them I would be happier, more successful, and better off. The more I played the comparison game the more discontent and dissatisfied I became until the tears would fall and the thoughts would become clouded. What is interesting is that when this takes place I am mostly comparing my weaknesses with another person’s strengths!

Rather than allow such thinking to continue God wants me to change my focus. It is time to stop the comparison games and discover the similarities! I am God’s creation. I am His child. He has plans and purposes for my life. He is involved in my life. He is working all things out for good in my life. He is using unique circumstances, relationships, and challenges to develop my heart and character. He does not play favorites or have twins. What He allows me to do or not to do is not a sign of insignificance or unimportance but rather a display of His distinctive creativity for me. I am loved, wanted, and accepted just as much as any other child of His. May my mind grasp it, my heart embrace it, and my life demonstrate it fully!

Father, in the secret places of my heart where I stand most in doubt and turmoil, meet me! Amen.

I am a Friend of God - Phillips, Craig, and Dean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMnMN08sv4k

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you! Thank you for reading and sharing these daily devotionals!!!!

To the Fullest Measure

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. 1 Peter 1:1-2 (New American Standard Bible)

Written to Christians facing persecution and dispersed throughout many parts of the world, the Apostle Peter started this book of the Bible with some incredibly encouraging words. Right off the bat he wanted his readers to see and embrace the truth of who they were in Christ…..chosen, sanctified, and cleansed. Their true identity was not based on what they did, what they owned, or where they lived, but rather on who they were in Christ. Along with that, he desired for them to possess grace and peace in the fullest measure even though their circumstances were not the best. How encouraging to know that we can allow these verses to be a banner over our own lives.

When do I need grace and peace the most? When I am battling with personal issues. When I am irritated with myself or others. When I am fearful of outcomes that are yet to be seen. When I am over whelmed with a task at hand. When temptation seems stronger than my own resolve to resist. When I have failed. When my expectations are not met. When the doors of opportunity remain closed. When I take one step forward and several steps backward. When the things I most want to change are out of my control. When health fails. When patience wears thin. When others do not understand. When my feelings are hurt. When those I most want to please simply are not pleased. When problems remain unresolved. When I feel backed into a corner. When life happens.

Grace is God-given strength and peace is internal tranquility in the midst of storms and difficulties rather than the absence of them. It is the sense that you are being held together when you don’t feel you have it all together. It sustains you when all seems against you. It is not denial or mere positive thinking. It is available and abundant….ours for the asking. In times when I knew the internal or external storms were brewing I could simply ask God to fill me with His grace and peace. Within moments I was acutely aware of both. The early Christians needed them and so do we.

Father, thank you that You never skimp on the supply of Your grace and peace. Each time life gets difficult, You give me the fullest measure of both. I receive them with praise and thanksgiving. Amen.

It is Well With My Soul - Wintley Phipps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYFjikyp7mQ

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

Looking in the Right Direction

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 (New American Standard Bible)

Three times, in the first book of Timothy, I came across the phrase to fix my hope on God. To fix has the idea of waiting with joy and full confidence, hopeful trusting in, expectation, and being set. Who I trust in and place my expectation and confidence in is usually the one on whom I have my eyes fixed. Fixing my hope on God (and hence my eyes) is meant to be a continual occurrence. A daily decision. What I find though is how easily I can take my eyes off God as my Source and place them squarely on the individuals He so graciously brings across my path.

Put me in a relationship where I feel cared for and my attention is suddenly struggling to stay fixed on God. From the age of 14, when I trusted Christ as my Savior and experienced the love of the body of Christ, I began to seek to fill the “Swiss cheese holes of my soul” with the nurturing of others. Just as a drug addict looks for that next fix and an alcoholic looks for that next drink, I can often find myself looking for that “high” that comes from a sense that I am loved, welcomed, and wanted. It feels safe. It feels strengthening. It feels right. But if it is viewed as anything but a temporary gift of God, then it is a counterfeit and can leave me in the throws of emotional quick sand.

As much as I enjoy rich relationships, I have come to see that two fears usually crop up when things feel like they are changing. I fear I will lose my place in the relationship and I fear I will eventually lose the relationship. God’s answer? Allow love to cast out the fear…His love for me and His love flowing through me.

Along with that, He gave me a picture through a friend of how I can begin viewing those in my life who minister to me and encourage me so much. Picture each act of kindness as a bouquet of flowers being sent by Him through an individual who is simply His delivery person. When people have sent me flowers or plants, I had no trouble knowing who the true sender was and it wasn’t the delivery person! They played a vital and noticeable role but my attention stayed on the actual sender. May it be no different with the bouquets God lovingly sends. May my heart and eyes not become fixated on the delivery person, but rather on the true Giver of the gifts.

Father, tears have fallen as I have seen this aspect of myself and hope has risen in me as I begin to see Your truths for me to embrace. Help me to live life Your way! Amen.

JESUS,Lover of my soul (it's all about You)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD-ZdMOx_HY&feature=related

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

Seeing the Advantages

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. John 16:7(New American Standard Bible)

I marvel at Jesus’ compassion and graciousness. He not only told His disciples that He was going away but He gave the very reason His departure was necessary. Although they could not fully grasp either truth, He still gave it. Sometimes it is hard for us to see the advantages to the losses in our life, until long after the fact. With time and growth comes the realization of all that couldn’t or wouldn’t be possible if change had not been forthcoming and security blankets had not been removed.

I think back to many Bible characters who saw the removal of individuals from their life and also saw the necessity of those removals. God systematically brought people into their life to help prepare them for future ministry and work, and when the time was right, those individuals were removed. It was true of Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, Samuel and David, Barnabas and Paul, and even Jesus and His followers. Each had grown use to being under their teacher, mentor, and guide. I am sure when the time for departure came, each had to wade through the thoughts of not being ready for the change yet. At the end of their life though they could look back and see all that God intended for them beyond the circumference of their once enjoyed companionship.

These truths minister to me and cause me to meditate on the advantages that came with the removal of one who played a significant role in my Christian life and journey. I would have been content to be under her influence and teaching for the rest of my life and struggled to see any advantage come from the severing of our relationship. For a few years I saw no advantage! After time and growth, however, the advantages are coming into view and I am convinced none of them would be possible without the change. Those advantages? I finally saw the full scope of my emotional dependency, I reached out to God in a way that was not possible before, I began searching for answers to questions I never asked before, I began learning truths about God I never knew before, and I poised myself to connect with God in a way I failed to do when someone of significance was available.

For me, it was a person. For others it may be the removal of health, wealth, or jobs. Whatever the case may be, know that God has advantages to birth through the pain and discomfort that will come. He is not arbitrarily playing with your mind and emotions. He is passionately bringing you to a place intimacy with Himself and usability for His kingdom. He makes no mistakes.

Father, help me to trust You during the times of removal in my life. You give and You take away. Blessed be Your name! Amen.

In His Time - Maranatha Singers
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.