Faith Redefined

But Naaman was furious and went away and said, Behold, I thought, he will surely come out to meet me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. 2 Kings 5:11 (New American Standard Bible)

Expectations, perceptions, and preconceived ideas can do more to wreak havoc with our walk of faith than anything I know. I can very easily relate with Naaman. He has come to Samaria with a scenario playing out in his mind of what his own healing would look like. But upon arriving at Elisha’s house his ego, thoughts, and agenda all take a massive blow. What should have been a ‘done deal’ has become as muddy in his mind as the Jordan River itself. He cannot conceive of the fact that neither God nor Elisha are acting the way he thought they would or should. As he erupts in anger and storms off, he fails to realize that he is risking his own healing because of his own mindset.

As I read through 2 Kings I am struck by the fact that God is not limited in power or variety. He refuses to be put into an understandable, easy to grasp box! His ways and thoughts are far above my own and that has caused me to rethink and redefine my beliefs about faith. It is not a matter of me bringing my petitions before God and believing He will give me what I want, in the way I want it, and when I want it. My one-dimensional thinking of who God is and how God acts is presently going through a metamorphosis of great proportion.

While God certainly encourages and invites me to bring my requests, wishes, and desires to Him, I must keep in mind that He is still God and He is free to be good, loving, and right in how He responds to my prayers. His Word, His character, and His heart of love are the basis for when and how He chooses to intervene. Why would I want to limit Him to only operate in the way I THINK He should? Faith now becomes an act whereby I bring my requests to Him and then with childlike trust and expectancy watch to see what HIS choice is. If I allow this to be my heart’s desire, I will find that more times than not He will go above and beyond what I could imagine.

Father, let me take away the box in which I have spent years trying to get You to fit. Thank you for helping me to see where I have been limiting You. I now let go of my preconceived notions and am ready to embrace the truth about You. Amen.

You're Still God - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvclzwpAMxg

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

He Takes Notice

But Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. 2 Kings 10:31 (New American Standard Bible)

Do you ever get discouraged with the way you are living your Christian life? Maybe you feel nothing is counting for good because you can’t seem to do it right ALL the time? I spent years beating myself up over failures, short comings, and unfinished tasks. I somehow developed a mindset that said, “If I slip up it will cancel out what I did manage to do .” It was the opposite of thinking my good will outweigh my bad in the end. Like the parent who won’t accept the A’s on a report card because of the one B that is standing out, I mistakenly thought God was entirely focused on my imperfections. But the story of Jehu reveals the truth about God to me in a special way.

While 2 Kings 10:31 is a sad commentary on his life God says an astounding thing in the preceding verse. He tells him his sons for the next four generations will sit on the throne of Israel because he had done well in executing what is right in God’s eyes and done according to all that was in God’s heart. God not only noticed what he did right but He acknowledged it and rewarded him for it!

I see the same graciousness extended when David was called a man after God’s own heart even though he had a trail of sin behind him. Abraham was called a friend of God even though he had some not so sterling moments in his life.

I envision Heaven being filled with surprises. So often people focus on the loss of rewards, but oh the joy we will experience when God rewards us for things we didn’t even realize He noticed! God is an expert at finding the rare diamonds in the caves of our lives. Those things we never dreamed amounted to anything stood out brilliantly to a God with perfect vision.

I am not saying our sin does not matter. And neither am I saying our salvation is based on works or our good out weighing our bad. What I am saying is that God does notice the times we get it right, yield to Him, and cooperate with His work in our life. In the midst of failure God sees the gold!

Father, for too many years I felt like such a disappointment to You. Now I am beginning to see delight in Your eyes. Amen.

Who Am I - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWeEYKqAdQ8&feature=related

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

Free to be Different

He did right in the sight of the LORD and walked in all the way of his father David, nor did he turn aside to the right or to the left. 2 Kings 22:2 (New American Standard Bible)

As I read through the books of Kings I am struck by the ones who do evil in the sight of the Lord and the ones who do right in the sight of the Lord. As soon as I come to the name of a new king my eyes skip ahead to see which it will be in each case. Very seldom do I notice two kings in a row doing right in the sight of the Lord. There will usually be a number of kings doing evil and then like a ray of sunshine a king comes on the scene with the distinction of doing right. What delight to see it!

Although Josiah’s father and grandfather did evil during their reigns, Josiah did not follow suite. At the young age of eight he not only took the throne, he lived his life distinctly different from those who came before him. His life was defined by three profound principles: he did right in the sight of the Lord, walked in all the ways of his ancestor King David, and stayed the course God had put him on. He had found that what really matters in life is to live within the parameters of what God desires of us, to follow the examples of the godly people who walked before us, and to stay focused on God’s path for our life.

For those of us who came from less than ideal home lives, Josiah becomes our older brother who reminds us that our families need not define us. There may be a long line of family traits that appear to not want to let go of us but God can rewrite ANY story. I did not grow up in a Christian home but God curtailed the direction of my life’s path when at the age of fourteen I accepted Christ and became God’s daughter. By the grace of God I was spared the very things that had come to mark my family: alcoholism, divorce, drug abuse, and immorality. There is no question in my mind that my life would look very different if God had not intervened. It not only benefited me but it broke the chain of generational bents for my children as well.

Father, thank you for forming me in my mother’s womb and then redirecting the steps of my life. In Your hands ANYTHING can be restored, renewed, and redeemed! Amen.

All Who Are Thirsty - Robin Mark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrnvSf2dX18&feature=related

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

Trustworthiness

However, there was no accounting required of them for the money delivered into their hands, because they dealt faithfully. 2 Kings 22:7 Amplified Bible

Money was given to carpenters, builders, and masons to repair the damages to the temple. No receipts were demanded, no doubts were felt, and no one had to double check to make sure the money was being properly used. Why? The workers had proven themselves trustworthy and the ones giving the money had trusting hearts. It is a picture of unity that God delights in!

The strength in any relationship lies in the ability to trust and be trusted. What is it that can be entrusted to us with abandon? What is it that we are able to entrust to others with abandon? How many people in your life hold such a place of trust for you? How many people unquestioningly hold that same trust in you? Nothing hurts more or wounds deeper than to experience betrayal at the hands of another. Be it in marriage, business, church, family, or friendship. Jesus knew what it was like to be betrayed by one of His disciples. Joseph knew what it was like to be betrayed by his own flesh and blood. Who we trust and who trusts us will be determined by track records.

As much as we may wish for all individuals to be trustworthy, we are neither wise nor discerning to live with a blind faith. Jesus warned of wolves in sheep’s clothing. He told us to test the spirits. He spoke of people being led astray. No matter the level of relationship His warning is clear that there will be the risk of an abuse of trust. How imperative then that we ask Him to help us stay alert to any warning signs. Not everyone we come into contact with is trustworthy. But as a child of God trustworthiness should mark our lives.

What are some areas of trust we may find ourselves in? Responsibilities at work. Our employers should not have to wonder whether or not we are giving them our best and the jobs are being done with high standards. Commitment to our wedding vows. Our spouses should never loose sleep or peace of mind over the thought that we would be unfaithful. Things shared in confidence. The deep things of another person’s life should be handled as treasure. Fulfilling our promises. Even when the commitment suddenly means we will be inconvenienced it should still be carried out. Advice we give to others. We need to give advice that lines up with Scripture and God’s principles for life. Reputations of another. We should be able to take the things we have learned and make them a matter of prayer rather than future topics of destruction.

Many things may cause us to mistrust others but NOTHING should hinder us from being a person others can trust.

Father, no one is as trustworthy as You! As Your Spirit lives in me, help me to become more like You. Amen.

He's Been Faithful - Damaris Carbaugh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNoLUVTtr98&feature=related

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

The Ingredients for a Different Life

And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father David had done.2 Kings 18:3 (New King James Version)

As I read through 2 Kings I am struck by how many kings are described as doing evil in the sight of the Lord. The few times that it states a king doing right in the sight of the Lord always grab my attention. The first six verses of 2 Kings gives an amazing list of what Hezekiah did that was right in God’s eyes. I like to think of it as God’s brag book on His servant. Since it is important enough to make its way into the pages of Scripture it is important enough to gaze upon. Look at what this king did!

He removed the high places, broke down the sacred pillars, cut down the Asherah, broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made (because the people were worshiping it), trusted in the LORD, clung to the LORD, and kept His commandments. The things he broke down and destroyed had to do with the idolatry of the nation of Israel. The breaking down of those things were the results of Hezekiah’s personal walk with the LORD. Though many kings before and after him did just the opposite, Hezekiah broke the generational bents and ruled his life and his kingdom with love, obedience, and dependence on the King of Kings. The result was that God was with him and wherever he went he prospered.

I see a principle here that God has established. My private relationship with God will have an effect on my public relationship with people. As I open His Word and allow it to take hold of me, it has a profound effect on the choices I make, the things I do, the things I say, the way I treat others, and the person I am in my home. As I trust the Lord, cling to Him, and obey Him, He is reshaping and remaking me from the inside out. While I can change outward behavior only God can change my heart. And with that change of heart comes a change of life style.

It is never too late to open God’s Word and say, “Father, speak to me. Show me who You are and what You are like. Make me hungry for You. Make me thirsty for You. Be the One to satisfy me in the deepest parts of my being. Help me to take hold of You with both hands and all of my heart.” The results will astound you as God answers the cries of your heart!

Father, my life changes when it was You I chose to trust, cling to, and obey. Continue to do Your work in me as I sit on the Potter’s wheel. Amen.

The Motions - Matthew West
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaHmiFaX_pk&feature=related

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

Seeing it the Way God Sees It

This is but a slight thing in the sight of the LORD. 2 Kings 3:18 (New American Standard Bible)

What can compare to God speaking the worlds into existence? Think of the majestic mountains, the vast oceans, the intricate details of a flower, the force of a waterfall, the wonder of the human body. All brought into existence by the words of God’s mouth. What He conceived in His mind He spoke into being.

I look at the miracles in the Bible and I marvel at the vast array. Water from a rock, dry paths through the Red Sea and Jordan River, 40 years of manna in the wilderness, barren wombs bringing forth life, blind eyes seeing, the lame walking (leaping and running), a boy’s lunch feeding thousands, the dead brought to life, storms at sea calmed with a word, numerous battles fought and won in creative ways. Not to mention the miracles of the heart. Atheists becoming Christians, persecutors of the church becoming preachers, lifestyles changing, God’s Word becoming understandable and alive.

The things I bring to God begin to shrink in comparison to these things. So often I think of the size and difficulty of my requests and yet God wants me to see that what seems so huge in my mind is a slight thing in His sight. Not that it isn’t important. For every detail and concern of my life is of utmost importance to Him. If it matters to me it matters to Him. Not only do my tears touch His heart but so do the reasons they fall. What is slight in the sight of the LORD is not my situation, my need, my desire, my request but rather what it will take for God to intervene, answer, and act.

God does not look at the difficulty of my situation in the same way I do. It took no more strength for Him to divide the Red Sea than to turn water into wine. I come to Him like a kindergartener approaching a college professor with a question about simple addition. It is like asking a marathon runner to jog around the block. Like asking a weight lifter to carry a small suitcase for me. If I compare my need to God’s strength, wisdom, and ability I begin to understand His question when He said, “Is anything to hard for Me?”

Father, let me fully comprehend Your vastness as I bring any situation or request to You! What is slight to You has me in awe! Amen.

Is Anything too Hard for God
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4O5Uvm7yqc&feature=related

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

Finding the Answer to the Question

Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah? 2 Kings 2:14 (New American Standard Bible)

These words were voiced by Elisha just after Elijah was taken to heaven by a chariot of fire and horses of fire. He had walked with Elijah long enough to see God’s mighty work and involvement in his life. He had no doubt God’s hand was on Elijah’s life and ministry. He knows he is to succeed him as the next prophet to Israel. This question is his request for God to be as powerful in his own life. I know how he feels!

I too have looked at the characters in the Bible and at the lives of Christians I have known and marveled at God’s work in their lives. There is no doubt of God’s calling on them. I enjoy looking at their life as a whole and seeing how God orchestrated the details of their life in a profound way. How He weaved the color schemes of their life into a magnificent portrait. But when it comes to my own life it is easy to miss God’s involvement unless I purposefully go back and see what has transpired so far.

Whenever I sing the song “Great is Thy Faithfulness” my mind immediately begins to play back the scenes of my life. I close my eyes and the “movie” begins to play out itself in vivid fashion. I marvel at the scenes that unfold: my salvation experience, graduating from high school and then Bible school, moving to Colorado to teach in a Christian school, meeting and marrying my husband, Tim, giving birth to our three children, making our move to Indianapolis, stepping back into teaching, finding freedom in Christ six years ago, resigning from teaching and seeing God provide full time employment, and daily learning to walk with Him in a whole new way. I also review the precious people He has brought into my life. This simple exercise never fails to bring me to tears as I become fully aware of God’s personal and powerful involvement in my life.

The same God who lived in the lives of Bible characters and demonstrates Himself in the lives of precious Christians I know today, is my God and heavenly Father! He is just as involved, just as personal, and just as interested in me as any of His other children. In that I rejoice and take great delight! Where is the God of Elijah? Living right in each of us who know Christ as Savior!

Father, You have once again over whelmed me with Your touch, favor, and presence. Today is another opportunity to see Your face, feel Your hands, and know Your heart. I love You! Amen.

He's Been Faithful - Damaris Carbaugh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNoLUVTtr98&feature=related

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

A Promise Keeper

Thus says the LORD: Do not be afraid of the words which you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Surely I will send a spirit upon him, and he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land. 2 Kings 19:6-7 (New King James Version)

I find delight and comfort in God’s words for Hezekiah. As king of Judah, he and his people were being threatened by the king of Assyria. They had a track record of defeating many nations and boasted of that track record to Hezekiah. Their desire was to intimidate, distract, and eventually defeat God’s people. Yet God gives specific promises to Hezekiah that come true by the end of the chapter. In essence He says the king of Assyria will leave and be killed by the sword in his own land. What transpired was on a certain night 180,000 Assyrians were killed by the angel of the Lord and the Assyrian king went back to his homeland. While worshiping his god, Nisroch, his own sons killed him with the sword. Promise given, promise kept!

So why my delight and comfort? For the simple fact, that while God does not give me specific details for my daily situations, He nonetheless gives me promises to cling to. When faced with fears, He says, “Do not be afraid, I will never leave you.” When faced with disappointment, He says, “Do not be afraid, I will work all things out for good.” When faced with needs, He says, “Do not be afraid, I will meet all your needs.” When faced with loss, He says, “Do not be afraid, I will restore the years the locus have eaten.” When faced with difficult tasks, He says, “Do not be afraid, I will strengthen you and uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

He does not give me the specifics but He does give me the promises. Just as His promises were fulfilled countless times in Scripture they will continued to be fulfilled to me. As I look back I can attest to promises already fulfilled. Those reviews give me added assurance of future fulfillments. Walking by faith and not by sight does not mean I won’t see, it simply means I won’t see it ahead of time. So in times of testing, trials and troubles it is imperative that I verbally proclaim His promises to me and passionately claim them as His precious words to me. His desire is that, like Hezekiah, I bring the situations to Him and then listen as He reminds me of what He has promised to do.

Seeing the promises, accepting the promises, and living under the certainty of His promises is how I want to live my Christian life. No one but God offers such a gift!

Father, thank you that I am not left on my own to battle or survive this life. You are the ultimate promise Giver and Keeper. In that I rest. Amen.

I Will Sing - Don Moen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lw9CcLGjouM&feature=related

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

Seeing it for Myself

Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see " And the LORD opened the servant's eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17 (New American Standard Bible)

Elisha’s servant is in a state of panic when he sees his city surrounded by the enemy. He looks to Elisha for assurance and advice. Elisha’s first response is to speak truth. But his servant needed more than Elisha’s perspective, he needed his own experience and that is what Elisha prayed that God would give him. I can only imagine the servant’s eyes opening wide with wonder as he saw for himself the mountain filled with God’s army of horses and chariots of fire!

I have been in this servant’s shoes before and for too many years. I have spent decades looking to others for assurance and advice. Let’s face it, Christians are great comforters, nurturers, and advisors. When I became a Christian it didn’t take me long to see them as the ones to run to when life got hard, hurts came, and heartaches persisted. It was easy to allow them to be my pain relievers. It never took the pain away but at least it eased it. Here’s the problem though, as long as I run to others I fail to experience God as my comforter. People become a type of panacea for what ails me. Then I wonder why seeing God as my refuge, strength, and stronghold are such foreign concepts for me. If I want to see God as the One who is passionately involved in my life I have to start allowing Him to be involved in my life and that includes the times I am afraid, hurting, and empty. When I have the experience of God soothing and calming me it strengthens my bond with Him.

I have also spent too many years listening to others describe the Christian life to me and longing for their description to be mine as well. God wants me to know that listening to others will never be as life changing as experiencing Him for myself. He knows how empowering it will be for me to see things for myself rather than just take other people’s word for it. While I can learn a lot from others, God wants me to find my own unique relationship with Him. Not patterned after another person’s experience but birthed out of a daily walk with Him. I am free to stop trying to duplicate other lives. God knows, and I am learning, that personal experience will always be my greatest time of learning. It is all about running to Him, listening to Him, learning from Him, and living for Him. God and me…what a thought!

Father, I willingly turn this new corner with You. I am finally ready to see what You have been longing to show me! Amen.

Through It All - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33aGaYAZvL4&feature=fvw

Thank you to those of you who held me up in prayer this week. Your prayers were needed, appreciated, and effective.

Not Seen But Still Here

And Elisha saw it and he cried, My father, my father! The chariot of Israel and its horsemen! And he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. 2 Kings 2:12 (Amplified Bible)

Several years ago, I wrote a devotional from the phrase, “And he saw him no more.” I listed individuals from the Bible who at one time lived under the eye and care of significant people in their life such as Joshua with Moses, Elisha with Elijah, David with Jonathan, Timothy with Paul, and so on. I noted when the time had come for each to be removed from their life and for them to continue on in the things they had learned from them. I pondered the things that might have gone through their mind when transition had taken place. The things I wrote were beneficial for me at a time when I was going through such a transition.

This morning I am aware of something I had missed at the time. In each of the examples I gave, the loss of the individual was through death. They were no longer here in the flesh. How the stories would have changed had they been. As a matter of fact, in Bible times, it was not unusual to never see or be in contact with another individual even if alive due to the lack of technology we have available to us. Cell phones, the internet, and transportation make staying connected more plausible today. I have numerous people from my past whom I may never see again in this life, but that does not mean we aren’t able to still communicate in one way or another. That is not the case with those who have died and are unreachable for me. Future communication awaits our reunion in Heaven.

So where does this leave me in relationship to individuals who at one time held significant places in my life but there is now no relationship? They still walk the earth. They still live and breathe. They are still here. If I desire to be in relationship with them, those truths can bring an ache. But if I acknowledge the fact that God has separate plans for us I can then direct my attention toward the plan He has for me. This I am doing with an awareness that the connection once held is gone. But I am also purposefully opening myself up to an area I at one time thought was over and done with. Does it mean the re-establishment of an ended relationship? Absolutely not. It simply means I am ready to allow my life to once again include some influence of a past influential person. It is an option my Bible ancestors never had and one I am taking. Is it the right thing to do at this time in my life? I hope so. Time will tell.

Father, if this is not of You, show me clearly, otherwise I embrace it afresh! Amen.

For Good
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzrGFQysfYU

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

What to do With My Perceptions

But consider now, and see how he is seeking a quarrel against me. 2 Kings 5:7 (New American Standard Bible)

The king of Israel voiced these words against the king of Syria upon receiving a letter requesting that he heal Naaman of leprosy. The letter was sent as a plea for help, not a declaration for war. Faced with an impossible task, the king of Israel feels his back is against the wall and he takes cover under a robe of suspicion and accusations. His perception has blinded him to the truth.

I know how he feels! For I too have misread another person’s intentions, actions, words, and expressions. I look back and am amazed at how quickly I have interpreted such things in a negative light toward myself and others. I assumed the worst, accepted the lie, and clothed myself in my own robe of suspicion and accusations. What I presumed to be an attack, a rejection, or abandonment became my reality and I pulled away in an attempt to not feel further hurt. It has caused me on numerous occasions to miss the blessings of relationships, the joy of living, and an internal world of peace. Until recently, I had no idea where this tendency came from. I knew it was there, I hated the effects, and I longed for freedom. God in His graciousness has begun to enlighten me on not only the root of my suspicions but the affective way to extinguish them.

First of all, He has helped me to see that into my relationships I carry wounds and negative messages about myself. I interpreted certain events in my life in ways that told me I was worthless, burdensome, and unlovable. Once the lies were embraced, I perceived that was what others thought of me as well. With each word, action, or event the old tapes would start to play in my head and I would embrace more lies. Although it was my own false perception, it was real to me. In most cases, this was always the scenario.

God’s solution? Admit I am not a mind reader. I am not God and therefore cannot possibly judge another person’s motives, intents, or thoughts. Know that the attacks are spiritual in nature. As with all attacks I must come against the spirit of accusation. I must renounce it and come against the effects it has on me. I must speak the truth about who I am in Christ instead of what I have come to believe about myself. Then instead of backing away from the person I must begin praying blessings and life over them. When these things take place the attack ends and I stand in a freedom and victory that has revolutionized the way I live my life. It works every time no matter the size of the incident. How I thank my heavenly Father for such insight into what has been such a predominant part of my life.

Father, You heard every negative word I voiced to myself when others never meant to hurt me. Forgive me for the judgments I made and the lies I embraced. I gladly trade the garments of suspicion and condemnation for robes of righteousness and freedom. Amen.

This is My Desire - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obi5ZGujiuU&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 Art Gallery of My Mind

But do not listen to Hezekiah when he misleads you, saying, "The LORD will deliver us." Has any one of the gods of the nations delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand? 'Who among all the gods of the lands have delivered their land from my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?'" 2 Kings 18:32-35 (New American Standard Bible)

Words can be used to paint factual or fictional pictures in our mind! The king of Assyria sent messengers to the children of Israel with a seemingly sure picture of defeat. Upon the walls of their imaginations they painted a scene with the use of Israel’s fears and Assyria’s past defeats of other nations. What they said sounded plausible but it never came about. Israel trusted God and the Assyrians mocked God and in the end their carefully crafted depiction dissolved.

The enemy of our soul uses the same strategy as the Assyrians. He loves nothing more than to paint distorted pictures of situations with hopes we will embrace his lies. For the past two days I found myself viewing his “art gallery” that he was more than happy to display. It started with an invitation by a friend to listen to the archives of a radio program she felt would be helpful for me. The subject was on relationships and after reading the excerpt of the program’s topic I was suddenly filled with a lot of negative emotions. What came to the surface was shame and condemnation over a past relationship issue wherein I still housed some wrong thoughts. Not only could I not listen to the program, I also couldn’t shake the feelings that enveloped me. Today, I began looking at the negative thoughts and feelings and realized they were sure signs of the enemy’s presence and tactics. With that realization came some truth I was ready to receive from God.

I had allowed the enemy to paint distorted pictures of a situation and what he was using for his paints was blood from my own internal wounds! But I knew it didn’t have to continue to be like that. What I needed to do was give my wounds to God and allow Him to paint a truthful picture for me. What a difference!

I have said it before and I will say it again, “I am a visual person and I need very visual examples to help me learn!” What God showed me today will stick with me and help me to walk in victory through His precious art galleries of my mind.

Father, the enemy has many tools and tactics, but only You have the truth! I now look to You for the interpretation and portrayal of all the events in my life. I praise You! Amen.

open the eyes of my heart lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wutmEjdbedE&feature=related

Receiving What is Given

Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him. 2 Kings 12:2 (New King James Version)

I love this verse! It not only shows God’s redeeming work but also reveals valuable tools for living a godly life. Jehoash came from a line of kings who knew nothing of right living in the sight of ANY one. They lived and reigned in evil ways. Even his grandmother had her own grandchildren killed so that she could reign as queen. But Jehoash was hidden in the house of God from infancy until the age of seven. When he became king, he displayed the wisdom of having a tender and teachable spirit. As a result, the instruction he was given by the priest, Jehoiada, was received and applied to his life.

Jehoash, whose name meant “given by the Lord” was instructed and mentored by Jehoiada, whose name meant, “Jehovah knows.” Truly God had given Jehoash much! His life, his kingship, his instructor, and his heart to do right in the sight of the Lord. What Jehoiada taught him came from the One who knows all. What a combination! Jehoiada was used of God to guide this young king just as an archer would shoot an arrow straight at a target. What he said did not fall on deaf ears, but rather poured into one who was completely receptive. Jehoiada invested much into the life of Jehoash and the result was a godly king.

I want to be like Jehoash….receptive to the direction, teaching, and instruction of the Jehoiadas God brings into my life. He has done it many times and is still doing it. I appreciate each person who has lovingly invested their life into mine. It doesn’t take me long to see when God has crossed my path with one who is sent by Him and I marvel at what comes of the relationship. May I be willing to be a Jehoiada to others as well. What I have been taught by others is meant to be poured into the lives of those God sends to me as learners.

At the same time, I am realizing that my ultimate instructor and mentor is Jesus. Listening to and following His instructions will not only send me in the right direction but it will mold me into the person God created me to be. I want my attention to be on Him and my ears to be open to Him in ways that far surpass how I interact with the best of human instructors. This One who gave His life for me also intercedes for me and has His hands on every aspect of my life. May it be said of me that I did right in the sight of the LORD all my days in which Jesus my High Priest instructed me.

Father, Your instruction comes to me in many different ways and through many different individuals. Keep me tender and teachable to You. Amen.

Seeing Them No More

And he saw him no more. 2 Kings 2:12 (Amplified Bible)

I often wonder what it was like for Elisha when Elijah was taken from him. What was it like for Joshua when he knew he would no longer be able to see and speak with Moses? What was it like for Timothy to go on without Paul? What was it like for David when Samuel was no longer a part of his life? Was there hesitation, fear, apprehension, dread, or sadness? Did they have moments of longing to relive the companionship and fellowship? Did they miss them? Or did they live so connected to God that they knew this was a transition God had brought about? Did they see that the preparatory work had been done in them and it was now time for them to walk out their own life of faith? Did their loss seem like a funeral or a graduation? Each had been the recipients of another person’s counsel, encouragement, leadership, and guidance. But it was not God’s intent for them to remain in another person’s classroom for the rest of their life.

God has spent the last number of months helping me to see His intentions for me as I have experienced the loss of my own “Elijah.” I cannot come up with a word to describe my first response to the change. Panic comes close. It entailed grief, depression, loneliness, and confusion. But through numerous resources I began to see the importance of focus and submission. If I focused on the problem and the person I was in trouble. If I focused on what it was God was doing in me I experienced growth. It is a daily walk that slowly develops the spiritual muscles I need to move forward.

Oswald Chambers’ classic, My Utmost for His Highest, confirmed this truth for me. He said, “It is not wrong to depend upon Elijah as long as God gives him to you, but remember the time will come when he will have to go; when he stands no more to you as your guide and leader, because God does not intend he should. You say, ‘I cannot go on without Elijah.’ God says you must.” I take his words and let them sink deep into my heart. These are the days when I am to take all that I have learned from my former guide and implement them into my own journey. The lessons did not fall on deaf ears or a closed heart. Her investment into my life was not in vane. God gifted me with rich instruction and now invites me to show the fruit of His and her labor. Sometimes with tears and sometimes with joy I move on.

I will one day have the joy of sitting down face to face with my ‘Elijah’ and reviewing all that God did during and since her involvement in my Christian life. That visit may not happen until Heaven but when it does the rejoicing will abound!

Father, You lovingly gave and lovingly took away. I am the richer for both! Amen.

What an Example!

Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.” 2 Kings 5:3 (NKJV)

There are so many things that stand out to me about this little slave girl. She was taken captive from Israel by Syrian soldiers and brought to Naaman’s home to be a personal servant to his wife. Given just that much information one would imagine an embittered person. How easy it would be to rejoice at the thought of her master having leprosy and chalk it up to God’s judgment. But that was the farthest thing from the truth with her.

Although her own life had taken a blow with loss of freedom and family, she was aware of the needs of another person and sympathetic about those needs. She actually WANTED Naaman healed! Her “if only” statement expressed a longing and desire to see God intervene on this person’s behalf. Her compassion for Naaman was matched by her unwavering faith in the God of miracles. Having lived her formative years in Israel, she was aware of the miracles God had performed through Elisha. I am sure they were the bedtime stories many Israelite children heard. Her childlike faith was as huge as her presentation of hope.

The story of this little girl has challenged me this morning. I want to be like her and see the answer to any need as being found in Christ. Can you imagine the impact it would have on a person if we witnessed to them with “if only” statements full of compassion and faith? Faces of individuals are coming to mind who live each day without the Lord. Am I as desirous as she to introduce them to the One who can forgive them, change them, and set them free? Will I dare to take their hand, look them in the eye, and speak such words as, “If only you knew Jesus. He would completely change your life!” This will not happen if I see witnessing as simply introducing someone to my religion. But oh how it changes if I decide to introduce them the Person of Christ. Not a doctrine, not a denomination, not set of standards, but a Person! How convinced am I that He really is the only way, truth, and life for them? My speaking up or remaining silent answers that question.

Father, today’s topic makes me squirm because I have remained silent far too often. My hesitancy to say, “If only you knew Jesus,” to a person in need of Him reveals so much to me. Change me! Amen.

What Music Does for God

But now bring me a minstrel, and it came about, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him. 2 Kings 3:15

Music is so multi-faceted in its effects. When King Saul had an evil spirit, David’s music sent it packing. When the children of Israel went to war, music led the way to victory. Music was a part of Old and New Testament worship. In today’s verse as music is played, God’s hand is present. Paul and Silas sang and an earthquake followed.

In the past I have always viewed music in two aspects ~ what it does for me personally and how it can be used to praise the Lord. But today I am seeing another benefit. Throughout Scripture I see a pattern whereby music actually attracts God. He is drawn to it and moved to action by it. The music before a message, music before our quiet time, or music at any time is like putting a welcome mat out for the King of Kings. It is an invitation for God to be present and to display His power.

I had to stop a moment just now and listen to a praise song called “Shout to the Lord.” As I listened I could see how that song would attract God. How it would draw Him into the where I am at. Songs that are sung from our hearts cause God to take notice. We were created in God’s image. Our attraction to music and how it affects us is a mere shadow of what it does for God as well.

Think of what it would be like if someone wrote music with you in mind. The words talked about you and presented all the positive aspects of your life and accomplishments. Many songs written today are stories put to music. I have always loved music but when I became a Christian the music took on a whole new meaning for me. As I listen it draws my attention to the One the music is about. Whether it is a song of praise, a song about God’s character or work, or a testimonial type song about God’s intervention in a person’s life, I am affected by it. God is bigger in my mind after the music plays. But this morning I am hit with the realization that music affects God as well.

I think back to church services and I want to envision the music drawing God into the worship service. I want to see Him pleased and touched by the songs that are about Him and for Him.

Father, music touches You, doesn’t it? May I be more drawn to that aspect. Amen.

The Simplicity of Prayer

Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” 2 Kings 6:17

I love this story of Elisha and his servant. The king of Aram has sent an entire army to take Elisha captive. He is angry because Elisha is thwarting his military plans. Elisha’s servant is fearful as he sees his city being surrounded by this marauding band of Arameans. When he asks Elisha what they are going to do Elisha assures him there are more with them then with their enemy. Comforting words but not enough. Elisha then prays for a specific need his servant has. He simply asks God to open his eyes so he can see the truth of the situation. What the servant then sees changes his entire outlook for he sees the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire! What he could not accept by faith God allowed him to see with his physical eyes.

What strikes me this morning is the simplicity of Elisha’s prayer. Jesus said we must come to Him as a child. So often I have read those words and limited it to salvation. But the same is true as we approach God in prayer. When my children were small and they came to me for something they usually got right to the point. The request was simple as they pinpointed exactly what it was they wanted. As long as it was good for them and within my power to give them what they asked for, I usually did so. Imagine the things they would have missed out on had they never bothered to ask me! James 4:2 reminds me of this truth when God says, “You do not have because you do not ask.”

Elisha did not petition God with a fancy prayer or use a complicated prayer formula. His prayer was a mere eleven words in length but the ramifications were profound. I am not saying we should not persevere in prayer or never use a prayer formula. What I am saying is when we come before God with a request we can feel free to get right to the point. Some of the most profound answers to prayer for me have come from the simplest of prayers.

Father, may I not be intimidated by the thought of prayer. You never meant for it to be complicated or beyond my reach. I like that! Amen.

The Power to Turn the Words Away

Perhaps the LORD your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the LORD your God has heard. Therefore, offer a prayer for the remnant that is left. 2 Kings 19:4

We can so easily accept the things that are said about us. Some adults still carry the words spoken to them or over them from their childhood. Words that were spoken in anger, words that were spoken to hurt, words that were not true. I would venture to say that most of the negative thoughts we have about ourselves can be traced back to something that was said about us by our family, classmates, neighbors, or even church members. For some reason, we too easily dismiss what is true for what another person says or thinks. And worse yet, we accept what another person says over what God says in His Word about us.

I am learning more and more how important it is to know what God says about me. To find my value and worth in His Word. He has heard every negative accusation that has been leveled against me. His ears have been witness to the lies, misperceptions, and unreliable words spoken to, over, and against me. Each one of us have a trail of such sentences flung at us that stick like darts in our souls. God is the only One who can truly define me and place the appropriate labels over my life. For He is the only One who knows me thoroughly and can read my thoughts, motives, and intentions. Others are limited by what they see, perceive, and understand. But they are limited to the external view. Only God can look on the heart.

I love the reminder in this verse that God can rebuke what He has heard. One definition of rebuke is to turn back or keep down. I like to imagine the negative words like arrows being turned back by my Father.

Whether it is something presently being said or something that was said years ago I can rebuke it. I can stand up and say it is not true! Spoken out loud, my rebuke carries the power to turn back the words. It grounds me once again in the reality of who God says I am. While God says I am a sinner, He also says I am cherished, loved, the apple of His eye, delighted in, rejoiced over, engraved on the palms of His hands, and made in His image. He not only loves me unconditionally, He loves me completely!

Father, keep reminding me of what You know to be true. I turn my ears to hear Your whispers. Amen.

Telling Your Story

And Gehazi said, ‘My lord, O king, this is the woman and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life.’ When the king asked the woman, she related it to him. 2 Kings 8:5,6

The Shunammite woman has sought an audience with the king. She has just returned from a seven year absence due to a famine in her home land about which Elisha had warned her. She plans to make a request of the king for the return of her property. But she has entered his presence at a time when Elisha’s servant is actually telling the king about God raising her son from the dead! Upon learning this is the woman, the king asks her to share her story and she does. I am sure it is a story she has already told countless times and has never tired of sharing it. Her story was one of God allowing her barren womb to conceive a son, that son dieing later on, and then that son being brought back to life. Not only must she have enjoyed sharing it but so did God as He had it recorded in Scripture for future generations to read.

Each of us have stories living in us. Many of us will never stand before audiences to tell of God’s intervention, provision, and power in our own lives but there will be opportunities to share our stories with individuals. What God has done in us can restore hope to another person’s situation. As we share, we are saying in essence, “The God of the universe is personally involved in not only my life but in yours as well.” God does not mean for us to keep the stories to ourselves. Each time we tell them they come alive and infuse truth into another person’s life. I cannot tell you the number of times I have listened to a person’s story only to walk away and say to myself, “If God can do that for that person, He can work in my life as well!”

The stories recorded in Scripture are meant to reveal truth to us about God. They show us who He is, what He is like, what He can do, and how He works. Today, God wants to use each of us who know Him to continue to reveal Him to others by telling our stories of His involvement in our life. May we do so with gratitude and passion!

Father, I love to tell the stories of my salvation and finding freedom in Christ. Right now You are writing a new story that I don’t know the ending of yet. As people come across my path may those stories live with power as I share them. Amen.

Taking a Hard Look at My Prayer Life

It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard; wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left. 2 Kings 19:4

Does prayer really make a difference? Look at this verse and see the challenge that lies before us to lift up our prayers on behalf of others! I compare this verse to Ezekiel 22:30 & 31 where God says He looked for someone to intercede in prayer on behalf of His nation so He would not destroy them but He found no one. The result was destruction instead of deliverance. How different the story would have been had someone stood in that gap and lifted up their prayers for God’s mercy.

Hezekiah took the challenge and the results were incredible! He went to God with acknowledgement of who God is and what He had done, acknowledgement of who his enemy was and what he had done, and then got very specific as to what he wanted God to do on their behalf. The result was that God sent an angel to kill 185,000 Assyrian soldiers and thwarted their plans to attack His people! Did prayer make a difference? You bet it did!

My own prayer life is being challenged this morning. I am asking myself some questions that are uncomfortable but necessary to answer. Do I pray for myself and others believing it will make a difference? Does the idea that God is sovereign cause me to think it is useless to pray because God is going to do what He wants anyway? Do I come to God with expectancy, boldness, and confidence? Do I take the challenge to pray seriously? Do I spend more time thinking about the need to pray instead of actually praying? Has my prayer life been reduced to such general phrases that are so hazy that I am not only unsure of what it is I really want God to do but can’t begin to know how they have been answered?

None of these questions are coming to my mind as condemnation but rather as a realization that God wants me to have an effective prayer life. He wants me to interact with Him and see how my prayers can move Him to act in mighty ways on behalf of myself and others. It is time for a change!

Father, my prayer life needs a radical over haul! I see the problem and I turn to You for help in this area of my life. Amen.