A Call to Remembrance

But you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and that the LORD your God redeemed you from there; therefore I am commanding you to do this thing. Deuteronomy 24:18 (New American Standard Bible)

God knew that the remembrance of enslavement and subsequent redemption could spur one on to right actions in regards to others. That which is part of our past can the connecting point to another person’s plight. Many today are aware of how God can use their past hurts and wounds to minister to others. God wants us to know the power of our stories and how effectively He can use them to affect others. What a joy it can be to allow God to take the most painful parts of our past and not only redeem them but use them in the life of another.

This morning, I am recalling things in my life that can be used to help me understand those with similar pasts. I am aware that each of those places can be a reference point from which to reach out to someone and say, “I know how you feel and I know what God can do.” My platform of remembrance includes things that filled me with shame as a young child, growing up in a home with alcoholic parents and their eventual divorce, living my Christian life out of performance and the duty of legalism, emotional dependency that led to idolatrous relationships, experiencing the disapproval and rejection when individuals could not see growth in my Christian life as anything but backsliding and liberalism, personal choices spanning my lifetime that led to regret and guilt, and realizing how far I am from being all that God created me to be.

Each of these were a form of slavery and each has been or is presently being redeemed in God’s time and in God’s way. By His grace, NONE of them will be the end of the story. They will serve purposes in the present and future. Purposes such as giving others hope in the midst of their own situations, directing people to the One who brought about freedom and change for me, and allowing God to get as much mileage out of His work as He wants. That is how He is able to give me beauty for ashes, strength for fear, gladness for sorrow, and peace for despair. Anything, anything at all, in my life is redeemable and usable by God.

Father, take every area of my life that spelled defeat, anguish, and hopelessness and out of the ash heaps bring forth beauty and ministry. May each memory result in praise to You. Amen.

Press On - Selah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POf__1yS4qY&feature=related

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

When It is Given to Another

Go up to the top of Pisgah, and lift your eyes toward the west, the north, the south, and the east; behold it with your eyes, for you shall not cross over this Jordan. But command Joshua, and encourage him and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you will see. Deuteronomy 3:27, 28 (New King James Version)

In today’s passage, not only do we witness God’s final answer to Moses’ desire to enter the Promised land with the nation of Israel, but we also hear His instructions as to how he is to interact with the one who is to take his place as the next leader of God’s people. He is given a view of the land but denied entry due to a disobedient act on his part. That had to have stung. Yet, I marvel at what God instructs him to do with regards to Joshua….command him, encourage him, strengthen him. Further reading reveals that Moses did just that! He whole heartedly supported the one who would be privileged to do what he would not be allowed to do.

I compare this scenario to that of King Saul when he knew that David was to be the next king of Israel. Jealousy and hate ruled Saul’s heart and actions. Rather than command, encourage, and strengthen, he sought to kill him! Both men lost their desired positions and opportunities due to their own actions and yet the way they responded to the consequences and their “replacements” were polar worlds apart.

Although Moses’ and Saul’s situation had to do with consequences, I am asking myself which scenario would more closely resemble my life if someone were given an opportunity I wanted for myself? In all honesty, without the grace and work of God in my life, I am more like Saul than Moses (minus the intent to murder). My flesh gets riled when what I want is withheld from me and “handed” to another person….even a friend. When disappointment marks my path, I don’t do well with “rejoicing with those who rejoice.”

Many have been the times I have had to take an honest look at my heart, admit the truth to God, and ask for His grace to overcome the dictates of my flesh. That is just the first step though. It takes additional grace from Him to then become the encourager and strengthener of the one who is chosen by Him to carry out that which I long to do. To partner with them rather than stand opposed to them or in competition with them. It is part of learning to walk on a solid foundation of trust in the heart of my Father, for He knows the plans He has for me and others ….plans to prosper rather than harm!

Father, when I am disappointed may it never be in You! Help me to come to the place of receiving “No” from You as easily as I receive “Yes.” Help me to interact with others in a way that pleases and honors You. Amen.

Do I Trust You - Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSopilUouw8

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

Walks in the Wilderness

For the Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hand. He knows your walking through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing. Deuteronomy 2:7 (Amplified Bible)

God’s words to Israel are His words to me as well. What He says He has done and is doing is exactly what He has done and is doing. I don’t like the times when my journey entails walks in the wilderness. Times when things are not exciting and all seems to be at a stand still. I grow uncomfortable with what seems like routine and sameness. Yet I find reassurance in knowing that at those times, God blesses my work, knows my walk, accompanies me, and supplies my every need. Of all those promises, the one that touches me most deeply this morning is His knowledge of my walk.

He knows what I am up against. He knows the battles that lie ahead as well as the ones in my head. He knows the self doubt, the questions, the uncertainties, the worries, and the insecurities. He also knows the growth, the victories, the aha moments, and the things that will move me to tears as well as laughter. He knows who will cross my path. He knows the losses and gains, the lessons learned and relearned, the disappointments and delights, as well as the length of stay. He knows what is needed to sustain and refresh me. Every aspect of the forty years the children of Israel spent in their great wilderness was known and attended to by God. In the same way, every aspect of my wilderness experience is known and attended to by God.

Lest I get the idea that wilderness times are dull and uneventful, I must think upon those times when the children of Israel witnessed miracles and took in important life lessons. There were battles fought and won IN the wilderness. There was the supplying of needs IN the wilderness. There was personal guidance by day and night IN the wilderness. There was confrontation for sin IN the wilderness. There was God’s voice and presence IN the wilderness. It was not just a time of wandering but rather a time of interaction with God and one another.

I don’t want to miss what God has for me at this time in my life. I don’t want to think of it as simply waiting on the shelf! I want to come out different than when I entered. In order for that to happen there will need to be changes in my perspective, my passion, my mindset, and my heart. Each day affords me the opportunities to learn and grow. May I take those opportunities with fervor and zeal!

Father, my view of being in the wilderness is changing. Help me to see it as a unique time rather than a time I at which I cringe. May today be filled with You! Amen.

With All I Am - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMrAafe7Mns&feature=PlayList&p=EAE85BEDB2E61503&index=0&playnext=1

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

The Place of God’s Choosing

But you shall seek the LORD at the place which the LORD your God will choose from all your tribes, to establish His name there for His dwelling, and there you shall come. Deuteronomy 12:5 (New American Standard Bible)

I am struck by the numerous times the phrase, “the place which the LORD your God chooses,” was used throughout the book of Deuteronomy. It showed purposeful direction and intent on God’s part for His people. On the surface it referenced the physical places of dwelling, but below the surface was God’s desired places for His people to be spiritually, emotionally, and relationally with Him. No matter what was taking place, God was after their heart which would be the driving force of their actions, attitudes, and words.

Scripture is meant to be a pattern and example to each of us. As we read it, we have the opportunity to learn from the lives of others. Their choices (good and bad) can become our tutors, instructors, and mentors, if we allow it. What God says to them can be messages to us as well.

This morning, I see “invitation” written all over Deuteronomy 12:5. The invitation is to see where God wants me to be in order to join Him. It will require two things…to leave the place I am at and to venture into what He has for me. I am not talking about a physical move, but rather a spiritual and emotional move away from the way I have always done things. God is whispering to me Deuteronomy 1:6-7, “You have dwelt long enough on this mountain. Turn and take up your journey.”

The mountain for me has been that of mindsets and strongholds. I have been living my life in the hold of wrong perceptions and enemy deceptions far too long and God is awakening in me a desire to move away from that. He is showing me what heart attitudes I have become comfortable with and where I have chosen to dwell. He is exposing the heart issues that feed my actions and attitudes. I am at a point of decision….stay where I am at or let God bring me to a new place. His Word and Spirit are my guide and honesty is my walking stick. My key to freedom lies in my willingness to be ruthlessly honest with God, myself, and a trusted friend. To admit what is going on in my head and heart and bring out in the light what I have become good at hiding, denying, and keeping in the dark. It will have to be a daily decision but it will be well worth it.

Father, there is power and freedom in obedience. You are calling me to a new place in my walk with You and this morning I choose to take the steps necessary to move off my mountain of self-pity, self-loathing, and self-destruction. Here is my hand and my heart. Lead on, O, King Eternal. Amen.

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

Under His Wings and In His Arms

The eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He drove the enemy before you and thrust them out, saying, Destroy! Deuteronomy 33:27 (Amplified Bible)

My last words to God last night just before falling asleep were, “Hold me.” His words that greeted me this morning were found in today’s verse. A reminder that He is my refuge and dwelling place. His everlasting arms are my safety net. “Hold me” is simply my way of asking Him to make me more aware of His presence, protection, and provision.

When Jesus told His disciples, “I will never leave you or forsake you,” the words were meant for me as well. When God told Joshua, “Fear not, for I am with you,” He meant those for my ears as well as Joshua’s ears. It is essential that each of us learns to appropriate God’s Word for ourselves and our situations. Do we need a refuge when life gets overwhelming? Absolutely. Do we need a place to resort to when we are warn and weary? Definitely. Do we need someone to help us drive out the enemies that would seek to hinder and block our way on the journey? Most assuredly. God is all of that and more.

For any who were left to fend for themselves through the mine fields of childhood, these words are life. They are pregnant with security and safety. They fill the empty and shaky places in us that need an anchor. If we are a child of God, then we have His invitation to come to Him at any time to rest in His arms. Not our own arms. Not the arms of flesh we might seek in a friend. His arms.

I need Him to be my refuge and dwelling place in times of weakness and failure. In times of feeling at odds with myself. In times when my steps become cumbersome or moving forward seems to cease. He knows I am but a vessel of clay and yet it is a vessel He wants to mold and shape for His glory. No need to cringe at the things I see in myself because He knows this lump of clay intimately. He remains limitless in my limitations. Strong in my weakness. Consistent in my inconsistencies. Never stepping away. Never unaware. Never absent. Never unavailable. Never distracted. Never not Himself.

Father, I am thoughtful of You this morning and appreciative of Who You are and what You are doing. Help me to sense your eyes and hands on me today. Let me hear all that You whisper to me. Amen.

Power of Your Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA4narr2wyE&feature=related

Fixing my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith!

A Place of Protection

In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste, He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye. Deuteronomy 32:10 (New Internation Version)

I have often seen the phrase “the apple of his eye” in scripture and assumed it simply referred to being precious to God. While that is certainly true that is not what this phrase is talking about. The apple of the eye is its pupil. A necessary part of the eye that requires protection at all costs. One Bible note says it is cared for and protected because of its great value. No wonder Deuteronomy 32:10 uses words like shielded, cared for, and guarded. The NASB uses the word encircled. The KJV uses the word kept. Some people would read this verse and mistakenly conclude God’s protection means the removal of trials, pain, disappointment, and heartache from their life. Although that will be the case when this life is over it certainly is not the case as we walk through this world. I would venture to say that most of us face a difficulty in one form or another EVERY day! It may be in the circumstances we face, the people we come into contact with, the unmet needs we live with, illness, loss, or any number of other things. No, God’s protection does not mean absence of these things.

What it does mean is protection from the effects they would have on us. While His protection is there all the time, the times we most need to sense it is when we are going through a difficulty. It is times like that when I try to picture God’s arms or wings enfolding me and holding me securely. To be sheltered by Him. I am learning the necessity and preciousness of running to Him during the times when my heart aches, my tears flow, and my strength fails.

It use to be I thought He expected me to withstand these things on my own. Like somehow, Christian maturity meant I could get to the place where the things of life no longer affected me. I was setting myself up for discouragement as I could never seem to master that ability. It has just been in the last number of months that I have learned in this life I will experience pain, sorrow, and disappointment but now I know where to go for the comfort, healing, and protection. I don't always get it right but I am learning to go straight into the arms of the One who longs to shelter me.

Father, once again I seek the shelter You provide. Hold me! Amen.

You Are My Hiding Place/As The Deer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWYtujZjoUA&feature=related

To See Real Change

You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. Deuteronomy 13:4 (New American Standard Bible)

There are a number of areas in my life wherein I want to experience change. God is awakening me to the truth that the change will NOT come through behavior modification, determination, or any attempt to muster it up on my own. Any “do it yourself” mentality must be put to death before there can be real and lasting change. My sites must be set on the God of change rather than my need and desire to change. It’s a change of focus for me and one that is filled with encouragement and hope. Change comes as I allow Him to do the external as well as internal molding and renovating. Doing His work on my body, mind, will, emotions, heart, and spirit!

Deuteronomy 13:4 is just one of a number of passages that gives me necessary pointers on my journey. If seen merely as “commands” I will miss the beauty of what is being said. It is actually an invitation to intimacy with God. It entails closeness, openness, and receptability to His ways and voice. Broken down it is rich with meaning.

*Follow means to walk in the direction He lays out for me….walking in His footsteps!

*Fear means reverence, honor, and respect. To be in awe of!

*Keeping His commandments means to obey, treasure, and observe the very things God says.

*Listening means to hear God’s voice with attention and interest. To understand, heed, agree with, and yield to what is being said.

*Serve means to work for as a servant. A bond servant by choice.

*Cling is so precious. It means to stay close, stick with, follow closely, join together, and cleave to. It is the same word used in verses that pertain to marriage! What a union we have with our heavenly Father!

Change comes, not as I try to keep this list, but rather as I allow God to instill and develop these qualities in me. It is not a legalistic life style but rather a pathway to freedom. It is His working in me the very life He has purposed for me. Will I still fail? Absolutely! But each failure can be a learning experience and one more opportunity to look to Him, grow in Him, and depend upon Him. Therefore, rather than being discouraged by failure I am encouraged to follow, fear, obey, listen, serve and cling to God by the power of Christ that works in me!

Father, thank you for the way You have designed the Christian life. Do the work in me that only You can do. I praise You! Amen.

Change My Heart Oh God by Eddie Espinosa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEtsHWFE6-w

Keys For Kingdom Living

You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. Deuteronomy 13:4 (New American Standard Bible)

Today’s verse is nestled among warnings to Israel to not allow anyone to seduce them away from God. His words to them are meant for our ears as well. I see them as a prescription for victorious living and ignoring them spells defeat for any of us. They are meant to be taken as a whole in order to prevent becoming obsessed or unbalanced with any one aspect. They are descriptive of a life lived in relationship with God and dependence upon God. To each of us who know Him as Savior, He whispers, “Follow Me, reverence Me, obey Me, listen to Me, serve Me, and cling to Me.” For if we reverence, listen to, and cling to God the result will be obedience and service. Not mustered up in our own strength but brought about by the Spirit who lives in us.

So I am asking God what it is that hinders this from happening on a consistent basis. His answers to me are numerous and have only begun to scratch the surface. For starters, it is identifying the tactics of the enemy and implementing warfare against him. I must realize that ANYTHING I harbor in my heart is fair game for him to use and abuse. Be it anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, self pity, fear, ingratitude, or pride, it is imperative that I confess it and release it to God. It requires a continual inventory on my part as well as aggressive “house-cleaning.”

It is also necessary to see the importance of my words. This entails calling the enemy on his attempts against me and proclaiming the truths of Scripture against him. He should never be allowed to have the last word! Each time he approaches the door of my mind with his banner of lies and distortions I have the authority to say “no” and turn him away. But that is only part of the story. I must also proclaim the truths and praises about my Heavenly Father! To do so is empowering!

Finally, I must see the difference between needing God’s healing and deliverance for areas that are out of my control, and walking in cooperation and obedience in areas for which I have a choice. Attitudes of my heart and mind (which drive my actions and words) must be aligned with God’s truth and I must follow His prescription for walking and standing in victory.

Father, I confess I have given ground to the enemy and walked in defeat when all the while You have invited me to join You! I take Your message to heart and ask that You continue to transform my life through Your Spirit and Word as well as the renewal of my mind. Amen.

The One Who Is Responsible

Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. Deuteronomy 20:3,4 (New International Version)

I am taking encouragement from this passage today. Each day will entail battles of one sort or another. Whether it is with the world, my flesh, or my greatest enemy, the devil, there will be battles. But my reason for not allowing that to put me in faintheartedness, fear, terror, or panic is because of God’s promise to be with me and to fight for me. He has already assured me of victory. So why do I lack victory in different areas of my life and how can I change future outcomes?

One of my greatest detriments to victorious living is a lack of awareness of Who is making this promise to me. The Lord God is speaking the words and has the ability and desire to carry them out. He wants me to notice how much responsibility He places on Himself to be with me, fight for me, and give me the victory. It is not a matter of me mustering the strength within myself or surrounding myself with the “right” people. It is a matter of taking Him at His word and allowing His word to take hold of me. My eyes are to be on Him, my feet are to be in step with Him, my dependence is to be in Him, and my pursuit is to be for Him. Trust, obey, cooperate, rely upon, and know Him! Those are the channels through which victory flows.

Last night, God helped me to see something that was blocking that channel. It was something I had not been fully aware of and when I saw it I was astounded! It had to do with placing a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of others. In essence He was telling me, “You are expecting people to make you happy, fill your emptiness, fix your problems, answer your questions, complete your life, nurture your soul, and basically take care of all your internal and emotional needs. The disappointment you keep experiencing when they “fail” you is evidence of misplaced expectations. You are trying to make them responsible for your life, feelings, and emotions. Transfer your expectations over to Me. I have already made Myself responsible for all of that and more!” It is the full scope of His promise to be with me, fight for me, and give me the victory. What a gracious God and One in whom I can fully rely!

Taking Him at His word brings me victory and allows people to be what God meant for them to be. It frees me to appreciate them in a way my neediness often wouldn’t allow.

Father, in this holy moment, I no longer hold others responsible for my life. That responsibility lies squarely on Your shoulders and I am in awe of You! Amen.

Awakened by the Pronouns

Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. Deuteronomy 13:4 (KJV)

The pronouns of this verse have jumped out at me this morning. I simply had to go back and underscore them for emphasis, because they are being emphasized to me by the Spirit in a powerful way even as I write this devotional. I am recalling the many individuals I have walked after, feared (trusted), listened to, obeyed, followed, served, and cleaved (clung) to in my life when all the while the Lord God Himself was yearning for me to turn to Him. I am not talking about my years BEFORE I knew Christ as my Savior. I am referring to the decades AFTER I accepted Him.

Until recently, I have found it easier to listen to, watch, and emulate the people God has brought into my life. Instead of seeing them as channels, tools, and object lessons that God was using to encourage, enlighten, and instruct me, I was clinging to them with all that I had in me. I was somehow convinced they were the ones who could fix me, nurture me, and sustain me. It was rare that I saw my journey as just between God and me. I somehow needed a third party with us.

God was not the one I ran to for advice, comfort, encouragement, assurance, or security. While I may not have ever thought of fashioning an idol out of wood or gold, I bowed before my idols of flesh and looked to them to meet my many internal needs. I longed for them to give me affirmation, attention, and love. I sought their wisdom, opinions, and leadership. The sad thing is, without His loving and steadfast intervention I would still be living that way. As a loving but jealous God, He simply will not allow me to replace Him with any individual or object.

He has had to patiently and persistently teach me that turning to Him was the best of all choices. What He had to offer me would far exceed what any person could give me or do for me. Oh the joy the I have found in finally embracing Him as my Counselor, Comforter, Companion, and Champion! He still uses people in my life but now I can hear His voice as they speak, feel His hands as they minister, and know His presence as we fellowship together. He is finally at the center of my life and worship!

Father, thank you for not giving up on me when I so often failed to look to You. I repent of my idolatry and whole heartedly prefer You! Amen.

The Entirety of Relationship

Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. Deuteronomy 6:5,6 (KJV)

With whom or what am I passionate about, obsessed with, or excited about today? Who or what has my undivided attention? In whom or what does my allegiance lie? Who or what has predominance, priority, and prominence in my heart and mind? God’s intent, desire, and longing is that I be completely, extremely, and enthusiastically consumed with Him and by Him. To not only seek Him diligently and obey Him completely but to love Him with all that I have in me!

It starts with an acknowledgement of Him. He is God! Creator of Heaven and Earth. He lays claim to all He created and has the power to sustain that creation. He loves me with His whole heart and soul and invites me to do the same in regards to Him. He is holy, righteous, and just. He alone is worthy of my worship, adoration, and praise!

All means all! Not partial, not divided, not lukewarm, not somewhat, not halfway…ALL. Loving Him with every part of my will, mind, emotions, spirit, soul, strength, thoughts, motives, and intentions. He is not only deserving of it but desirous of it as well.

I must do more than give mental assent and a nod of agreement to what He says. I must allow His Word to get into my heart. For that is from where my words, actions, and worship stem. To take what He says to me in Scripture and own it, digest it, and embrace it for the treasure of truth that it is. For it to become a part of my inner being.

This is what it means to live in relationship with God on a daily basis. But the key is to realize I cannot manufacture this on my own. If left to myself, I fail miserably. But because His Spirit lives in me I have the capability to flesh out the call of Deuteronomy 6. The ability to fall head or heals in love with God comes from Him! He will faithfully give me the desire, hunger, and longing for Himself. As it comes, I simply respond. Until I grasped this aspect of myself and God, I felt hopeless and helpless to live the Christian life outside of a mediocre and mundane mentality. When God opened my eyes to this truth my life in Him was revolutionized!

Father, You not only bid me to love You entirely, but You give me the desire and ability to do it. Love Yourself through me today. Amen.

In This Thing

Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 1:32 (KJV)

Our faith in God can be tenuous at times. How often have we been through trying circumstances, experienced God’s faithfulness, witnessed His powerful interventions in our life, and known without a doubt that God was on our side, only to turn around and be filled with unbelief at a new issue, problem, or situation? The children of Israel epitomized this so well. Even with their history with God and His continual assurances and reminders, they still acted out of fear rather than faith. Their fear lead them not only to disbelief but also to disobedience. They were so focused on what they saw, heard, and felt that they became deaf to God’s voice, forgetful of His past provisions, and blind to His presence. They caved in to the opinions of others and all the “what ifs” their minds could conceive.

As I read this verse I am instantly aware of the areas in my life where God is saying the same thing to me that He said to the children of Israel. While I may not have specified, laid out directions from Him, I do have a multitude of promises from His Word that should cause me to walk with confidence, determination, and courage. His Word is meant to be a sword that I wield at any thought that leads me to believe lies about God or His involvement in my life. He longs for me to hear Him whisper His assurances to me. A few come to mind right now…

I will never leave you or forsake you. I know the plans I have for you. My thoughts are higher than your thoughts. I have loved you with an everlasting love. I delight in you. I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands. I will supply all your needs. My grace is sufficient. I formed you in your mother’s womb and continue to carry you Myself. Trust Me. Seek My face. Obey My voice. I will lead you. I will protect you. I have My hand and eye on you. My banner over you is love. Come unto me for rest, direction, wisdom, and guidance. In Me you will mount up with wings as eagles. I am here. You are mine.


His words are meant to do more than make me feel good or help me to merely survive. They are meant to equip me to walk with boldness and unhindered faith, so that His words to me can become, “In this thing you DID believe Me!”

Make it so, Father. Make it so. Amen.

Under His Care

He found him in a desert land, and in the howling waste of a wilderness; He encircled him, He cared for him, He guarded him as the pupil of His eye. Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions. Deuteronomy 32:10-11

We live in a world that can leave us feeling unloved, uncared for, and neglected. In the midst of loss, pain, heartache, depravation, loneliness, rejection, and unmet needs, where or who do we turn to? This morning my mind reflects on friends who are presently experiencing the harsh realities of life. A dear friend buried a much loved cat last night. For some that would be a small thing but her loss brings an ache. Other friends face cancer, multiple sclerosis, infertility, divorce, death of loved ones, unemployment, depression, separation, and regret. They all need a safe place for their hearts.

In this passage I see a tender picture of God as He cares for each of us. The verbs alone speak volumes to me. It is in the storms of life that shelter is sought. And it is in the desert lands and howling waste of the wilderness that we need a refuge in which to hide. God is inviting each one of us to close our eyes and picture ourselves as the eaglet in this passage. He wants us to drink in the truth that He is the One who longs to encircle, care for, guard, hover over, catch, and carry us. He wants to protect, nourish, and sustain us much like a mother eagle with her young.

This passage spoke volumes to me last night. I needed to see it and have it minister to me specifically. For once again God was reminding me that running to the wrong sources to get my needs met will leave me with empty arms and an aching heart. If I look to anyone or anything besides Him to give me significance, affirmation, acceptance, approval, or unconditional, unlimited love then I am setting myself up for disappointment. It is in the midst of my disappointment or loss that He calls me to come to Him. For He longs to give me what others cannot.

May others learn to do what I am doing this morning. I am putting my name in this verse and reveling in the thought that God’s tenderness and care are directed toward me.

Father, I once again look to You as my life source. May I experience all the ramifications of being under Your care. Amen.

Chosen With Joy

For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 7:6

Each of us may well remember the selection of teams for a recess game. Selected among the first and you reveled in the glory! Selected last and it felt far from being chosen. It wasn’t that they wanted you as much as they HAD to pick you. At the start of the process the names were called with speed, excitement, and anticipation. As the choices progressed the calling out of names was slower with expressions of dread and a “have to” mentality. How sad that what should have been a simple playground game became a harsh lesson of acceptance and rejection. I cannot think of anyone who does not desire to be chosen, wanted, accepted, and valued.

Why do I choose, want, accept, and value the people in my life? It think of friends I want and it is usually initially based on how they make me feel when I am in their presence. It is out of a need that I have and that they can fulfill. Oh, the joy when the feelings are mutual and the heartache when they are not.

This morning, I am seeing God’s selections in Scripture. As His child, I can claim any verse that says He has chosen me. I am His object of choice and divine favor. I am selected for favor and special privilege. He sees me as a special treasure. A person of worth and value. One who is esteemed as rare and precious. There is joy in His voice as He calls me by name and says “you are Mine!”

Think of the people you highly treasure. They are on your mind and in your hearts often. You enjoy spending time with them. To think, the God of the universe feels that way about each of us. His thoughts toward us are beyond counting. They are too many! He delights when we just want to spend time with Him.

To be joyfully chosen, fully accepted, fully loved, fully valued, highly treasured, and wanted by the Creator is filling me with much emotion. I marvel at it and I accept it with joy! It is in His choosing of me that I am ready, willing, and able to choose Him.

Father, I will never fully understand Your choice of me but I take great pleasure in it. I choose You as well! Amen.