All In God's Time

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (New American Standard Bible)

We live in a day when everything is ’instant’ and we so often want that to apply to God’s transforming work in us. We see God’s work in another believer’s life and want the same thing done in us. What we forget is that it took time for it to be evident in them and it will take time for it to be evident in us. Each of us have areas in our life that we long to see changed and transformed.

As a believer, God’s Spirit is at work in me. Time spent in the Word, praying, attending worship services, talking with other believers, listening to Christian music, reading rich books of faith, sitting under speakers, taking my thoughts captive, and speaking truth out loud all become the tools He uses to change me. I hold on to the hope that change is taking place. When I first started on this journey in the spring of 2004 I did not see a lot of change all at once. But over time I know the change has taken place and there is more to come. So I keep doing what I have been doing and trust God to use it to transform me from the inside out. I have the assurance that He will continue to renovate me in countless ways. There are times I would like Him to use some ‘Miracle Grow’ on me but in His wisdom He chooses not to do that. He wants the change to be deep and lasting.

Some of the things God is working on presently differ from what He was working on a year or so ago and some of the things are the same. From day to day, the lessons and learning vary and it is imperative that I take note of what the present day holds. It will entail heart choices, attacks from the enemy, circumstances that are out of my control, and any number of other things. This I know, though, God’s Spirit lives in me, God’s presence accompanies me, God’s hand holds me, God’s Word speaks to me, and God’s plans and purposes continue to be fulfilled for me.

Will I trust His ways? His heart? His timing? His hands? You bet! I spent three decades seeing what my ways, heart, timing, and hands could do. The results were pitiful. The growth was shallow. The change was minimal. Now I let Him be the Potter, the Builder, the Constructor of my soul. Is it ever painful? At times. Is it ever hard? Absolutely. Is it ever uncomfortable? Yes. But above all that it is worth it! Of that I am sure.

Father, growth without You is impossible. Daily mold me, make me, and shape me into the person You created me to be. It is all a matter of time…Your time! Amen.

In His Time - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo-rGzx2OZk&feature=related

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

Christmas Moments

For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” 2 Corinthians 6:16 (New American Standard Bible)

This verse is the summation of Christmas for me. God coming to us in the flesh and then choosing to walk with us on a daily basis. Proclaiming to be our God and claiming us as His children. Every moment of every day! His invitations are many and His gifts are abundant. How personal and precious He longs our relationship to be with Him.

It was my joy, in past Christmas seasons, to attend a Christmas eve communion service at a church close to our home. All year I would anticipate the moment when I would kneel at the altar and take communion in a solitary moment with God. It never failed to bring me to tears as God’s holiness and gracious acceptance of me were so profound. It was a “tradition” God established between the two of us and I reveled in the moment.

Even though that particular communion service is no longer held, God continues to awaken me to His voice and heart. As I read some familiar passages I find myself hearing the words being spoken to and for me. Actually, they are to and for any child of His. God intends for His Word to come alive to us . Not to remain messages only for the people He originally spoke them to. I invite you to read the following words and receive them for yourself as well. Allow them to become a special gift to you from the God of the universe!

The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall over-shadow thee. (Luke 1:35) I am empowered by the same Spirit that impregnated the virgin Mary!

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:4) Because of Christ, I am allowed to behold God’s glory on a daily basis! Grace and truth abound!

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child….and fell down, and worshipped him. (Matthew 2:11) When I truly see Jesus it always leads to worship!

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:78-79) God in His tender mercy continues to shine light on my places of darkness and faithfully guides my feet in His way!

I affirm these truths and embrace them for myself. May your daily moments be full of joy as well!

Father, with each truth-gift I unwrap, I adore You as the Giver! May I continue to be changed by Your presence. Amen.

Spirit Song - Maranatha Singers & Evie Karlsson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqkvIhs7Ijg

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

When a Thorn Exists

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 2 Corinthians 12:7 (New King James Version)

We are not told the nature of Paul’s thorn in the flesh. Some have suggested it may have been a problem with his eyes. I, for one, like the fact that God chose not to have it revealed to us in Scripture. For if He had specified what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, we would be quick to limit it to only that category. Nonetheless, we are given some aspects of Paul’s thorn. God allowed it, God used it, and God refused to remove it.

I have but one area in my life that I am coming to see as a thorn. Not a thorn in my flesh but rather a thorn in my life. It has been a source of frustration, aggravation, discomfort, and torment to me on countless occasions. It has brought an end to some relationships and turmoil to others. At times I have thought I knew how to keep it ineffective only to watch as it reared its ugly head once again. My thorn? My area of concern? Emotional dependency. In short, looking to people to give me what only God can give me. Looking to certain individuals to fill the ache, heal the wounds, and somehow take care of my emotional needs. I have lived enamored by them as well as obsessed with them. I have walked with shame and regret too many times to count and have feared this area of my life would never change.

I am now at a point whereby I want to begin seeing things differently. I want to see that, as in the case of Paul, this can be used to keep me from thinking too highly of myself as well as help me to minister to others without a sense of looking down on them. After all, how do you look down on someone who struggles in an area that you can still taste in your own life? Above that, I can accept the grace God offers each time the dependency over whelms me. I can also be thankful for an area in my life that keeps directing my attention toward the only Source capable of bringing me through each battle.

Am I giving up on the hope of complete deliverance? No. It could still happen or the day could come when my reliance upon God far out weighs my need for people. But until that happens, I am finding new strength to withstand the emotional onslaught that comes with this thorn of mine.

Father, I can hear You whisper the same words to me that You spoke to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you.” They comfort and strengthen me. In You, I sing a victor’s song. Amen.

His Strength Is Perfect - Steven Curtis Chapman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzKo25QKPsY&feature=related

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

The End of the Story

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14 (New King James Version)

I am not one to turn to the end of a book and read the conclusion before I have started the book. Although I may wonder how the story will end, I do not want to take away from the element of surprise that awaits me. In life though, there are times I need to see the end of the story for my own situations. Today’s verse is the “end of the story” I need to see, rejoice in, and embrace. It is my banner of truth to hold up and hold on to when I have walked in failure once again. When the thing I most detest in myself has reared its ugly head again. When my weakness has shown itself strong once again.

I came across this verse this morning after entertaining the thought that in a particular area of my life I will never see change, never see victory, and never see freedom. Why? Because I keep repeating the same scenario, results, and consequences. Worse yet, others are witnessing it! When it is all said and done, I walk away giving up on myself and wondering if they are giving up as well. Disappointment in myself includes the sense that I have disappointed others as well as God. The mental list of false “truths” I have come to believe is not only tragic but toxic as well. God’s intent is to counter that list with one of His own making and it has breathed life and hope into me.

For starters, He ALWAYS leads me in victory. Always! No exceptions. There is not an area in my life that stands outside the circumference of His promise. No matter what I think, no matter how I feel, no matter how long the trail of failure and sin, victory is promised me in Christ. God has not given up or conceded defeat. He is all about winning! While my sinful choices do not please Him, they are destined to become the backdrop to the display of His grace, mercy, strength, and power. Those who have seen me at my worst will be most aware of what God can do in the life of one who presently stumbles and struggles. What they see in me does not cause them to question God’s ability to work, hence they look to Him to do what they know I cannot do without Him. Who better to lift prayers on my behalf?

Discouraged? Not any more! God has once again used His Word to give this child some backbone! The head that recently hung in shame and regret is now raised in praise and thanksgiving to the One who is going to lead me in victory!

Father, I came so close to resigning myself to defeat. You, on the other hand, spoke the words I needed to hear. This morning, I receive Your forgiveness as well as Your promise. In the name of Jesus, my Victor, amen!

Set Me Free - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sio1WyIxGy4&feature=PlayList&p=479AE5E8ED0B9972&index=54

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.

Considered Clear

For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 2 Corinthians 7:11 (New King James Version)

From time to time, God will allow a phrase from Scripture to jump out at me to clarify a point. It will usually have to do with something I have struggled to grasp and see clearly. Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians was one of commendation for heeding his words in the first letter he sent. They took his rebuke to heart and sought change of their own heart and behavior. Hence, they proved themselves “clear in this matter.” THAT became God’s picture to me of forgiveness…..being made clear in a matter. To be considered innocent even though wrong doing and guilt had marked my path. To no longer live a life whereby I define myself by my past behavior.

Seeing my personal failure in an area often leaves me with shame and regret. Long after the issue has been “settled”, the voices in my head continue to scream accusations. There seems to be a persistent, “I am forgiven BUT….” feeling deep down inside my heart and mind. As a young Christian, this scenario played out over stuff I had done prior to salvation. It took years to gain a sense that I was clear. As an adult, I would look back at teaching experiences in the classroom and cringe at the way I handled situations. Once again, the sense of being clear took much time and God’s persistent work. Presently, the accusing voices still persist concerning a failed mentoring relationship. Each time I mentally kick myself it is evident I am not living with a sense of being clear in that matter.

God desires my freedom and acceptance of His truth about forgiveness even more than I desire them. He longs for me to embrace the reality of the clearing of a matter. As He said to Peter so He says to me, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean!” (Acts 11:9 NIV) and that includes the way I view myself. Freedom for me will come as I stop living under a sense of condemnation from myself or perceived condemnation from others, and start accepting the fact that God has cleared me in matters that have been confessed to Him. Each day becomes another opportunity to revel in His forgiveness rather than cower in old garments of regret that are no longer meant for me and never were meant for me.

May each of us take off the chains of past regret that Christ has already unlocked!

Father, help me to see what You see…..one who has been clear in a matter…. and to live like it! Amen.

Shackles (Praise You) - Mary Mary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ9XjqUaVZM&feature=related

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

Beyond Mere Endurance

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (New International Version)

David said in Psalm 119:161, “My heart trembles at Your Word.“ This morning I know what he means. God is showing me a truth that literally has me trembling like I have just taken in a huge amount of caffeine! My mind is racing, my heart rate is up, and I am trying to contain the joy because of something I am seeing for the first time.

I have often read 2 Corinthians 12:9 without fully realizing what God was saying to Paul, and in reality, what He was saying to me. Paul had asked God to remove a thorn of some sort from his life. Possibly this was in the area of a physical weakness…maybe poor eyesight or an actual disease of the eye. Whatever the case may be, the answer was “no” with the promise of God’s grace being sufficient for him. All that meant to me was God was going to give Paul the ability to endure. To be quite honest with you, that gave me little comfort. It felt more like a disappointment then an assurance because I could not see what God was really saying.

I am seeing the meaning of three very important words and it is causing this verse to come alive. In this verse, grace is referring to God’s loving-kindness, favor, and strength. Sufficient not only means to have enough to defend or ward off but to possess unfailing strength in a satisfying and sufficient amount. And rest means Christ’s power descending upon one, working within him, and giving him help. When I put all the puzzle pieces together I am seeing God’s promise to EMPOWER me with His strength in the midst of whatever has come into my life….especially those things that are not going to go away. It is in my weaknesses, infirmities, and inabilities that God’s strength and power will be evidenced and showcased in my life. It will come upon me, work in me, and help me physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.

In the midst of tremendous loss, earth shattering news, devastating medical diagnosis, financial crisis, weather related catastrophes, or any other life altering dilemma, I can tell myself and any other child of God, that His power will mightily infuse them. It is the same power that raised Christ from the dead! It is not simply endurance. It is victorious empowerment!

Father, I need these words this morning as I look ahead to the things I can’t face, handle, or survive on my own. I admit my weakness and embrace Your strength. May the manifestation of Your power in my life be magnified and multiplied! I stand in awe at the implications and importance of Your words to me. Amen.

Praise You in the Storm - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHdcyue0bSw&feature=related

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

Setting My Hope

Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us. 2 Corinthians 1:9, 10 (New International Version)

There are times when God brings us into situations and circumstances, allows things to happen, and directs our steps in such a way as to show us our need for Him to deliver us. These are not the times to muster up strength and courage on our own. These are not the times to rely upon our own ingenuities, abilities, or creativity. These are not the times to rely upon others to set us free. When all hope in ourselves and in others finally dies, we are then in a position to finally set our hope on the only One who can truly set us free.

For too many years in my Christian life I have attempted to either set myself free of habits, addictions, and mindsets, or I have looked to others to do it for me. I can tell you now THAT is a hard way to live your life. It leaves you depleted, discouraged, and dismayed. It attempts to make people the sources they were never intended to be. Until I see God as my hope and my deliverer I will continue to live in bondage to one thing or another. Bondage to my emotions, bondage to my addictions, bondage to my longings, bondage to my needs, bondage to my idols.

Last week I came to the bottom. I was spiritually and emotionally spent. I begged for assurance from those who loved and cared for me. I asked for prayer from those whom I knew would pray. I feared that things could and would never be different for me. I knew in myself I did not possess the hope to change myself. I quickly saw that others also did not. What happened? I became acutely aware that there was still hope in Christ. That anything that was holding me captive was no match for Him.

That hope sparked in me a readiness and willingness to finally set my sites and hope on the One who was waiting all along. The realization that He is my Deliverer, my Satisfier, my Security, my Source, and my Sustainer began to set things in motion. It took the responsibility for my freedom off my shoulders and off the shoulders of those I had been looking to and placed it squarely on the only shoulders capable of sustaining such responsibilities. Learning to be consumed and obsessed with God rather than with myself or others is new for me. The battles are not over but I enter the battlefield changed.

Father, I could weep for the joy of experiencing what it means to set my hope on You. Amen.

Knowing You, Jesus - Robin Mark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGbuz8QuhmE

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

Based on What?

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 2 Corinthians 5:9 (King James Version)

At first glance, this verse appears to be saying that God’s acceptance of me is based on my works for Him. I can look back to over 30 years of my Christian life whereby I thought that God’s acceptance of me was based on my performance and good deeds. If I did well, I felt acceptable to Him. If I failed, I felt unacceptable to Him. Understand, I did not base my salvation on my works. I knew Christ paid the penalty for my sin on Calvary and hence my salvation was not something I could earn. I knew I would spend eternity in Heaven with Him because of His grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Yet, I lived with an uneasiness as to how He viewed me as His child. Toleration at best and dislike at worst. It was the foundational lie upon which I built my legalistic faith walk. When that is the case, there is no peace, no joy, no rest.

It is imperative that we see the meaning of the words we read in the Bible. It helps to take key words and see what they mean in the original language. The Greek word for accepted is euarestos and it means well pleasing and acceptable. With that in mind, look at how this verse reads in the New Living Translation: “So our aim is to please him always, whether we are here in this body or away from this body.” When I see it worded that way, I am made aware of the fact that my actions are to please God, which is far removed from thinking I have to work for God’s acceptance and approval.

When it comes to God’s view of me, I must remember to separate His view of me and His view of my actions, motives, attitudes, thoughts, and words. I am accepted through Christ, my Savior (John 1:12). My behavior is either pleasing or displeasing to Him depending on whether or not it is aligned with His desire and will. Because of Christ, I will always be accepted by God. When my actions displease Him, it is necessary for me to confess and repent the wrong and move forward in obedience. It is for His pleasure not His acceptance.

This is a pivotal truth for me as it helps me to see that I really am accepted by God. His view of me is one of approval and affirmation. While He is not always pleased with what I do, He delights in me as His daughter and in that I am free to live life to the fullest!

Father, Your view of me is becoming clearer to me and is replacing the distortions of the faulty belief system I can easily embrace if I am not careful. I joy in what I am seeing! Amen.

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

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

Sufficient for Them as Well

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

When my youngest brother died of Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 9, God’s grace was sufficient. When my mom passed away in a car accident in February of 2000 and left me with the crushing pain of feeling orphaned, His grace was sufficient. When I was asked to resign from teaching and found myself on the outside of a group that once welcomed me, His grace was sufficient. When a mentor saw the necessity to sever a relationship with me and I was not sure I would ever recover from the heartbreak, His grace was sufficient. When my own weaknesses and failures have haunted and taunted me in overwhelming measures, His grace continues to be sufficient.

I need those reminders this morning. Not for myself per se, but for people I love and care for deeply who experience their own heartaches, disappointments, and grief. I want so badly to change the scenarios of their life. I want to take away the pain, make things right, and cause each day to be encouraging for them. I don’t want them to hurt or be sad. I don’t want anyone to mistreat them or be unsupportive of them. Basically, I want only good to come to them.

Yet, if what I wanted came to pass, what Paul is talking about in 2 Corinthians 12:9 would not be their reality. They would not be made strong in their weaknesses. The power of Christ would not rest on them in their infirmities. They would not grow as Christians or deepen their walk with God. They would not see their dependency upon Christ increase. They would not experience God birthing ministry out of their difficulties. They would not seek God’s face, heart, or hands in quite the same way as they do now. They would not have the compassion for others in need. They would be comfortable but no longer striving to be conformed to the image of Christ.

It is imperative that I desire for those I love the same things that God desires for them. To see that God is working all things out for their good and His glory. To see that God has a purpose for allowing the things in their life that I would so easily want removed. The difficulties of their life are truly the chisels He uses to shape and mold them into a masterpiece. Eternity will reveal all that He accomplished for and through them. Until that time, I must speak over their life, “Not my will but yours be done, O, Lord.”

Father, I hurt for others this morning. Thank you for reminding me that they are more precious to You than they are even to me. Thank you for what You are doing out of love. I love them as I entrust them to You. For them Your grace is sufficient! 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.

Making it My Goal

So we make it our goal to please Him… 2 Corinthians 5:9a (New International Version)

What would happen with my day and in my life if I allowed my goal to be “to please Him?” We live in a day when pleasure is a big commodity. Unfortunately, the one we seek to please is often ourselves. Even in the midst of trying to please people, we can ultimately strive to bring pleasure to ourselves. For instance, doing something nice for someone so they will think well of you makes you feel good. It does me! I cringe at the motives that lie within my heart and drive my actions.

Yet, today, I have the opportunity to make pleasing God my goal, my aim, my ambition. Pleasing Him with my words, actions, attitudes, and thoughts. Will I do it to perfection? No. But if I endeavor to make it my goal, I will do better than if it does not even enter my mind. It is not a matter of putting it on my to do list and then checking it off as I accomplish it. It is a daily, moment by moment necessity. It is a never ending pursuit. It is an on going process.

Will I fail? Absolutely! And failure can often cause me to think I should just give up. A lie! Rather, failure is my constant reminder of how much I need His help to please Him. It will not come out of sheer grit and determination on my part. It will come out of reliance upon Him, dependency in Him, obedience to Him, and honesty with Him. It will require letting go of my fleshly pursuits. It will necessitate a constant inspection and inventory of my heart. It will demand a releasing of ideas, desires, and wishes. It will involve reevaluating my relationships and the expectations I hold on to for those relationships. It will entail submission to that which God calls me to, purposes for me, and longs for me.

On a practical level, when a stray comment has rubbed me the wrong way, I must acknowledge it and then let it go. When my moods spiral down and I am tempted to withdraw into a world of silence, I must interact with others nonetheless. When I waste time on mindless activities, I must look around at what really needs to be done and start doing it. When perceptions cloud my thinking, I must state and stand on what is true. When negativity and feelings of resignation consume me, I must find my shelter and restoration in the arms of my loving, Heavenly Father. Impossible tasks? Not at all. Possible, necessary, and worth it!

Father, as You redirect my focus back on to Yourself, let me know the joy of pleasing You. Amen.

Knowing You, Jesus!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q_YQPa66kk

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


　

Taking Pleasure in What?

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (New King James Version)

I take pleasure in a lot of things. Spending time with special people, watching another person awaken to the truths of God, discovering new facets about my heavenly Father, reading emails that fill my heart with joy and my eyes with tears, listening to music that captures the essence of my spirit and my journey, experiencing the breaking of a stronghold, making spiritual progress, and being overwhelmed by God’s mercy, love, and grace, all bring me pleasure and great delight! But the hardships and heartbreaks of life (like the things Paul listed in today’s verse)? Pleasure in those? Prayed against, maybe. Avoided or delivered from, definitely. Unwanted, absolutely. But take pleasure in? Not without the help and revelation of God!

In and of themselves, these things cannot bring pleasure. But what Paul had learned and what each of us must learn is the richness of what can come of those things. For it is in the very center of difficulty that we turn to God. When we stand in our own strength and experience a comfortable day we tend to not see our need of God. But when life falls apart and our platform of security crumbles, we are left with no choice but to cry out to God for strength, comfort, and encouragement. It is in our loneliness that we most seek His company. It is in our deepest loss that we seek His comfort. It is in our sin and regret that we seek His forgiveness and restoration. It is in our weakness that we finally seek His strength.

Hardships and handicaps keep me in constant touch with my limitations and my need for God’s strength. Instead of cringing at them, God desires that I fully realize my limitations, weaknesses, and propensities to sin in order to drive me straight into His arms to receive His strength and power. What I lack is what God graciously makes available to me. THAT is what I can take pleasure in! It is in seeing where troubles, tragedies, and trials lead me that I can begin to take pleasure in them. I don’t have to wait until it is all over before I can dance in delight. I simply have to fix my eyes on the end of the story that I know is coming! No matter what life throws at me, I KNOW God will infuse me with the grace and strength to stand in it or walk through it. I am limited…..He is NOT!

Father, I choose to embrace all that You gift me with each day. That which causes me to run to You is what I treasure the most. With my tears come Your comfort. With my weaknesses come Your strength. With my losses come Your gains. Pleasure indeed!!!! 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.

Means for Encouragement

By all this we are encouraged. 2 Corinthians 7:13 (New International Version)

Have you ever known someone who never seemed to have a bad day? They seemed to walk in victory 24/7. They seemed to handle sin, sorrow, and difficulties with confidence and ease. I have naively believed that to be the case with a few people. I finally asked a woman whom I greatly admire if she ever struggled with the issues of life. I was profoundly struck by her answer. Knowing that I was under the assumption that she was above the struggles, she let me know that she faces many struggles and (like every one else) has to apply the truths and principles of God’s Word to her life on a DAILY basis. Her admittance to me served as an encouragement that struggles do not mean I am failing, they mean I am simply breathing and still living in a fallen world with a sin nature.

So knowing this, what is it that encourages me? God is reminding me of a number of things that He uses to help me when life gets hard and tears water the path I am on. I turn to them often out of necessity. My internal world will not see growth or change without them. Let me share them with you.

Music! In the early part of 2004 I asked God to give me the freedom to listen to music that ministers to me. What I didn’t realize at the time was how powerfully music would do just that. There are so many songs available today that were written out of difficult circumstances and they serve as balm for my soul on a continual basis.

Believers! I am encouraged by the walk of other Christians. When I hear their stories and see how far God has brought them, my faith is strengthened that He will work in me as well. I marvel that at one time they voiced the very things I voice today. The radical change I see in them causes me to cry out to God for the same to be done in my own life.

Honesty! When I come before God, stripped of all pretenses, pretending, and facades, I open myself up to His encouragement. As I have learned to pour out my heart to Him and admit what is really going on inside, He has comforted me and given me a fresh supply of joy for my sadness. The exchange is always refreshing!

Scripture! For too much of my Christian life I rarely opened Scripture on a daily basis and when I did I failed to apply it to my life. Speaking His Word over my circumstances and implementing it into my prayer life has been the catalyst for growth and change. There is no encouragement without it!

Father, I have not listed all the ways You encourage me but these have been profound. They are a part of my connection with You that keeps expanding. Amen.

Everlasting God - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgyokeWf54k

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

Seen in a Different Light

And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (New American Standard Bible)

God’s “No” to Paul’s request for deliverance from a thorn in his flesh led to the writing of this profound section of Scripture. The boasting and strength came from the realization that God’s grace was sufficient for him. Paul had not reached the place where he no longer had weaknesses and failures. He had not reached the place where troubles and disappointments no longer marked his path. Rather, he reached the place of knowing that none of those things defined him or were the end of the story for him. His confidence was not in his own strength or attempts at a perfect record. His confidence was in God’s grace, power, and presence.

I have often failed to understand that maturity and growth in Christ does not mean perfection! Weaknesses, failures, temptations, and troubles are going to be a part of my walk with Christ until I leave this world. The growth and maturity will be evidenced not by the absence of those things but rather by the change in how I handle them. What is that change? It will be seen in the times I ask God for forgiveness, help, and direction. It will be seen each time I turn my attention toward Him rather than toward myself or my circumstances. It will be seen in the small, seemingly, insignificant moments of the day when there is a shift in my attitude and actions.

God is not looking for me to live in perfection….He knows I am not capable of that as long as I possess a sin nature and live in a fallen world. What He is looking for is a heart that desires to know Him, follow Him, cooperate with Him, seek Him, and love Him. How precious of Him to let me know that faltering steps do not cancel out the steps of faith. They simply draw my attention back toward the One who is willing to stand me up straight again and nudge me in the right direction. The One who still leans over and whispers, “This is the way, walk in it.” The One who still infuses His strength and Spirit into every fiber of my being on a daily basis. So when I am confronted by my difficulties, disillusionments, disappointments, and disobedience I can stand in confidence rather than condemnation, because I stand in Christ.

Father, You see me for who You created me to be. It is not that the failures and weaknesses are not there it is that Your presence and power outshine them all. Praise You! Amen.

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

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

When I Don't See It

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (New American Standard Bible)

If I live out of only what I can see, feel, and experience, than I will lack the joy that comes from living with anticipation and expectation of what I believe God is able and willing to do in my life. Faith is as much a necessity for my spiritual life as eating and breathing is for my physical life. It propels me to move forward in the midst of difficulty. It comforts me in the midst of sadness and heartache. It cheers me on in the midst of failure and weakness. It sustains me in the midst of tiredness. It guides me in the midst of confusion and uncertainty. It brings forth the impossible in the midst of impossibility. Not faith for faith’s sake, but faith that is grounded and based upon God’s Word and in God Himself.

I have faith that God is going to complete the work He has started in me. I long for the completion of that work and stand in full awareness that there are areas of my life that are incomplete. One thing I do to nurture that faith is look at things God has fully worked out in me and take those as my guarantee that He will do the same else where. This is especially true for me in the area of addictions.

I have seen God work wonders with one addiction that use to control and bind me and what He has done helps me to see that freedom is possible in regards to other addictions. It paints for me a picture of what the freedom will look like and keeps me fully aware of when I am not experiencing it yet. When I am free of something it no longer has a pull on me. It no longer consumes my thoughts. It no longer becomes a requirement for me to have in order to feel satisfied, fulfilled, or significant. It no longer takes me on an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows. I can honestly take it or leave it. I am fully free of its power and meaning in my life even when it is in my presence.

I am experiencing that in one area of my life, but when I am not experiencing and seeing that in other areas that is when my faith in God’s ability is essential and life giving. That is when I have to stand on His Word and His promises to help me, uphold me, and guide me. That is when I have to see with my spirit eyes instead of with my physical eyes. The changes are coming. The freedom will be mine without a doubt. When that happens I will fully know it. I will fully embrace it. More importantly I will fully share it with others as a way of giving them hope for what they themselves long for.


Father, I still feel the pull of the addiction that only You can break. In the midst of it all, let me feel the pull of Your hand on me as well. Amen.

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

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.

Moving Away From the Mountain

You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north. Deuteronomy 2:3 (New American Standard Bible)

I have been trying to find a verse that epitomized the recent activity of God in my life and this morning I finally found it! The moment I read it I thought, “That’s it!!!!” It capsules the words of 2 Corinthians 10:5 which tell us to take every thought captive.

I once heard an illustration of what it means to take thoughts captive. It gave me a picture of cattle roping at a rodeo with the cowboy lassoing a cow and bringing him down to the ground bound. While that is an excellent illustration it was only part of the story for me. I was missing the other aspect. For me, it is more helpful and necessary to follow the pattern of Philippians 4:8 with its list of things on which to think and meditate.

I have had two areas of thought that have wreaked havoc on my life for the past year or so. One has been allowing my mind to remain focused on a former relationship and the other has been to habitually dwell on misperceptions. In both cases, God is calling me away from the mental mountains. He is saying, “You have circled and camped on this mountain long enough….turn north. Redirect your attention onto that which is uplifting and encouraging. Think on Me, other people, and other situations in your life that will keep you far from the emotional pits.”

Guess what? It WORKS….when I choose to do it! This morning God has given me a mental picture of this process. He helped me picture myself walking this journey but my ankles are shackled (because the issues are still a part of my life) and the shackles have a chain between them. As I “walk” through my day, the chain is lengthened as I take my thoughts captive by dwelling on good things and it is shortened when I dwell on wrong desires and misperceptions. My stride and progress is either hindered or helped by the mental choices I make.

Along with all of this, God has added one necessary step. Ask another person to keep my feet to the fire by frequently asking me how I am doing at applying this step of obedience. I already know who He would have me to be accountable to and I believe the accountability will be a powerful reinforcement for me. I marvel at God’s wisdom and direction. His commands are ALWAYS followed by the “how to” steps and His promise to help me take those steps is embraced!

Father, I long for the freedom You have desired for me all along. Now that You have shown me what to do, help me to daily do it! I follow You! Amen.

Painting Pictures of Egypt - Sara Groves
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZcIA4Cnj6j4


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

A Cheerful Giver

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7,8 (New International Version)

At one time, if you had quoted the first half of this passage to me, my mind would have instantly thought of tithing. How easy it is to limit Scripture to one small picture when God intends for it to be a mural of beauty. His Word is not only alive and powerful it has many dimensions and layers. Our joy comes when we begin to see the bigger picture of what God is saying.

Recently, an act of kindness shown to me led to God bringing this phrase to mind, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Then He graciously broadened the image to, “God loves ALL cheerful giving.” That which is done out of joyous, promptness rather than duty or a have to mentality. Instantly, my mind began to formulate the many things that can be given to others beyond material things. The giving includes giving others an encouraging word, the benefit of the doubt, a second chance, a listening ear, the right of way, priority, a kind gesture, a smile, a helping hand, friendship, a shoulder to cry on, prayer support, forgiveness, time, attention, and even a hug. It could also entail giving them entrance into your life or allowing them the freedom to walk away. The list is endless and God will help you to come up with fresh ideas all day long. Once the full scope hits, the passion and desire will arise in you to carry out the very thing that God loves……..ministry to others.

The second half of this passage tells us the “how to” of our giving. He promises to give us more than enough of what we need to abound in every good work. It is all about His influence upon us that strengthens and kindles within us the desire to give to others what God lays on our heart to give. His grace is what affords us the joy, pleasure, and delight to bestow acts of loving kindness on others. God’s favor through us to others! God supplies it and He loves it when we take what He supplies and lavish it on others.

In God’s eyes, no act or moment of giving is insignificant or invisible. After all, in the midst of pompous giving Jesus noticed and mentioned the woman who gave two small coins. Do it and He will see it! Say it and He will hear it! It will never be wasted or go unnoticed by Him. How He delights in seeing His Word and His wishes become a part of our daily life!

Father, You are the ultimate Giver! Jesus’ life is my example as well. My I be an imitator of Him and a giver for You. Amen.

HOW BEAUTIFUL -Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJfSp_rceFs&feature=related

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/

Every Thought

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (New American Standard Bible)

The picture has been clear in my mind for days. I see myself within a cave with numerous caverns. The biggest and darkest part reveals chains hanging from a portion of the wall. Although they are long and foreboding they have no lock. I have three choices. I can stay far away from them, return to a close proximity of them, or wrap myself up in them and allow them to hold me captive. What are the chains? Thought patterns that would easily spiral me down emotionally. The enemy of my soul wants nothing more than to lure me to them and his attempts at doing that are endless. He uses various thoughts, situations, memories, even music, as bait that has lines leading right to the chains. I must be aware of the connection he will make if given the chance. If I don’t resist and I just keep dwelling on the thoughts, I will find myself wrapped in the chains.

So how do I keep that from happening? How do I stay away from the chains? I must stay acutely aware of what he is doing and how he is doing it. I must look for where my thoughts will eventually lead me. Those that lead to the chains must not be allowed to play out in my mind. The moment I am aware of dangerous thinking I must do what today’s verse clearly says…destroy them and take each one captive. The choice is mine, the responsibility is mine, and through Christ, the ability is mine.

It helps me to acknowledge what it would mean if I don the chains. It would mean sadness, shame, discouragement, and darkness. To that I say “no thank you!” I don’t want it and don’t need it. Resisting, renouncing, and rejecting each thought works! I may not be able to stop the enemy from his attempts, but I can certainly stop him from being victorious. Today, I still see the cave and the chains. I know this will be another day of battle but I also know the outcome as I obey the instructions Christ has given me. I have tasted defeat as well as victory in this area of mindsets and imaginations. Today I choose victory!

I stand on the truth that I am a privileged participant in a battle that truly belongs to the Lord. He has supplied me with all I need to fight successfully. I am aware of my enemy and his tactics, but even more aware of my Lord and the armor He has supplied for me. Through His Word and His Spirit I will stand. Stand indeed!

Father, so often I have been intimidated by the attacks and attempts of the enemy. Today, I straighten my back, square my shoulders, and poise myself for the battles You will help me win! I praise You for the triumph of Your ways. Amen.

The Battle Belongs to The Lord - Spiritual Warfare
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DMZ8D6nTKhg

When Change Did Not Come

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (King James Version)

It’s true! When I accepted Christ as my Savior at the age of 14, many things changed for me. I became a child of God, I became aware of my sin and that each sin was against Him, I began reading the Bible, I desired to be with Christians, I attended church, my ideas and goals changed, and I basically started on a different road. Yet, over the years and even decades, I had to admit that many other things had not changed. I still housed attitudes, addictions, and mindsets that were far from new. They were STILL a part of me. I believe I missed something that many others are also missing.

I often read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and saw my “being in Christ” as merely my salvation experience and wondered why I had yet to see all the old things passing away and all the new things coming my way. It wasn’t a matter of just giving it enough time. It was a matter of there not being deep change beyond behavior modification and grit. Jesus’ words of “My yoke is easy and My burden is light seemed to be far removed from my experience. The changes I needed had to come from God and for some reason they weren’t coming…until recently!

What was the difference? I had to see 2 Corinthians 5:17 along side of John 15:1-11, where Jesus makes the statement, “Abide in Me.” To abide means to remain as one, not depart, be present, be held, to wait for and upon. Basically it has the idea of intimate connection. THAT is not the way I lived most of my Christian life and hence saw little internal change. As I have experienced connecting with God on a daily basis I have begun to see Him change me in some profound areas of my life. I have seen Him break addictions I had to food and people. I have seen Him revolutionize my family life and my marriage. I have seen Him redirect my focus.

I am daily becoming a different person and catching the first glimpses of the abundant life Jesus spoke of in John 15. What I found was that being in Christ for salvation is a one time decision. Being in Christ for a way of life is a daily, moment by moment decision and adventure. It is something I often heard others speak or write of, but failed to possess for myself. That has begun to change and actually started a couple weeks ago when I set a number of things aside for one week and turned my attention and my heart toward a God who continues to draw me to Himself.

Father, I have no doubt that the changes I am seeing are coming from You. I praise You for them and look for more because You are desirous to do more. Amen.

It is a Process

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 (New King James Version)

It is easy to become discouraged over the seemingly slow process of spiritual growth. I am learning (relearning) the truth that God’s work in me is NEVER at warp speed. It took years for me to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally, and it will take a life time for me to grow spiritually. The renewing of my internal world is a day by day process. Even though I am in a hurry, God is not. He wants it to last and to run deep.

He knows my tendency to just want to learn a lesson and move on. Many are the times I think, “Just give me the missing puzzle piece for this problem and I am good to go!” And my Father has to then take me aside and correct my faulty belief. He wants me to understand that each trial and difficult situation I face is not to be looked at as an individual puzzle that needs to be put together only to quickly move to the next one. The entire course of my life is a “puzzle” that God is masterfully putting together to bring about His portrait of beauty. Lessons learned from one experience will be carried over to the next. He does not waste time, material, or opportunities to teach me His tools for living.

While it is necessary for me to see this, it is also necessary for me to see things to avoid.

*Comparing my life with others. I must see that each portrait that God works on is unique and special. He makes no duplicates.
*Dishonesty. Hiding the truth or denying what is really going on inside my heart and head will not work. God requires truth in the inward parts and He will bring me to the point of honesty each and every time. This morning it was once again a matter of admitting to Him and myself my core beliefs about situations and individuals.
*Distrust. Nothing does more damage to my ability to follow and embrace Him with abandon than that of not trusting Him to do what He says He will do and be what He says He is.

May I, like Solomon, ask God to teach me the very things I am not skilled in.

Father, I so often come to You with an “all grown up” mentality but in reality I am still a child in many respects. Help me to learn and grow at the rate You know is best. Amen.